最新美国发明专利第2013-09-03期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08524794B2	Hydrophilic membranes A method of coating a polymer comprising the step of treating the polymer with an activating agent to produce a reactive polymer, for example treating a polymer bearing at least one X (halogen) group and at least one H with base to eliminate HX. The reactive polymer is then reacted with a reactive coating, for example PVP, preferably in the presence of an initiator like persulfate anions, to produce a coated polymer, which may be hydrophilic in nature.
US08524793B2	Interpolymer compositions of ethylene, α-olefin and nonconjugated polyene, methods of making the same, and foam and articles prepared from the same A composition comprising at least the following: A) an interpolymer comprising, in polymerized form, ethylene, an α-olefin and a nonconjugated polyene, and wherein the interpolymer comprises less than, or equal to, 5 weight percent of the polyene, based on the total amount of polymerized monomers, and wherein the interpolymer has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) less than 3; B) an interpolymer comprising, in polymerized form, ethylene, an α-olefin and a nonconjugated polyene, and wherein the interpolymer comprises greater than, or equal to, 5 weight percent of the polyene, based on the total amount of polymerized monomer; and wherein the total polyene content is less than 7 weight percent.
US08524789B1	Processing and use of waste latex materials A process for recovering waste latex material from a manufacturing plant, treating the recovered waste latex material, and subsequently utilizing the recovered and treated waste latex material in a manufacturing plant. Waste latex material is recovered and treated to provide a fine, sand-like material that is suitable for reintroduction into a latex adhesive manufacturing process.
US08524788B2	Catalyst for producing hydrocarbon from syngas and producing method of catalyst An exemplary method for producing a catalyst is provided where the catalyst includes a catalyst support on which a metallic compound is loaded. An impurity content of the catalyst can be in a range of approximately 0.01 mass % to 0.15 mass %. In particular, the exemplary method can include pre-treating the catalyst support to lower an impurity concentration of the catalyst support, and loading the metallic compound on the catalyst support after the pretreatment procedure.
US08524783B2	Polymer micelles containing anthracylines for the treatment of cancer The present invention provides micelles having an anthracycline encapsulated therein, the micelles comprising a multiblock copolymer. The invention further provides methods of preparing and using said micelles, and compositions thereof.
US08524779B2	Emulsion compositions containing quaternary ammonium compounds Composition containing quaternary ammonium compounds in which the nitrogen atom is substituted by at least one alkyl group having at least 12 carbon atoms, the composition including at least 20% in weight by weight of the total composition, of ammonium halides in which the nitrogen atom is substituted by at least one alkyl group having at least 14 carbon atoms and more than 5%, preferably more than 7% in weight by weight of the total composition, of ammonium halides in which the nitrogen atom is substituted by at least one alkyl group having at least 16 carbon atoms. Ophthalmic oil-in-water emulsions containing such compositions, the ophthalmic emulsions being useful for eye care or for the treatment of eye conditions are also disclosed.
US08524777B2	Enhanced bimatoprost ophthalmic solution A composition comprising from 0.005% to 0.02% bimatoprost by weight and from 100 ppm to 250 ppm benzalkonium chloride, wherein said composition is an aqueous liquid which is formulated for ophthalmic administration is disclosed herein. A method which is useful in treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension related thereto is also disclosed herein.
US08524776B2	Use of polyunsaturated ketones for the treatment of psoriasis Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory skin disorder. This invention provides the use of a compound of formula (I) R—CO—X) (Wherein R is a C16-24 unsaturated hydrocarbon group optionally interrupted by α, β, γ, or δ to the carbonyl group by a heteroatom or group of heteroatoms selected from S, O, N, SO, SO2 said hydrocarbon group comprising at least 5 non-conjugated double bonds; and X is an electron withdrawing group) in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of psoriasis.
US08524774B1	Topical two step polytherapy for treatment of psoriasis and other skin disorders A process for treating psoriasis and similar skin disorders whereby two formulations are used. The first formulation in a cream, gel, lotion, foam or ointment base is used two or more times daily, and contains effective amounts of (but not limited to) methylcobalamin, niacinamide, select cetylated fatty esters, and antioxidants. This formulation is used to suppress immunoproliferative and inflammatory mediated activities that play significant roles in hyperproliferation and erythema. The second formulation, used selectively to reduce plaque thickening and to reduce irritation, contains effective amounts of (but not limited to) salicylic acid and select cetylated fatty esters in a cream, gel, lotion or ointment base, with pH optimized for exfoliation properties. The unique combination of salicylic acid (or other β- or α-hydroxy acid) and cetylated fatty esters provides keratolytic activity while suppressing irritation and inflammation. The invention for this novel two-step polytherapy, are disclosed including the mode of sequential administration.
US08524773B2	Utilization of dialkylfumarates The present invention relates to the use of certain dialkyl fumarates for the preparation of pharmaceutical preparations for use in transplantation medicine or for the therapy of autoimmune diseases and said compositions in the form of micro-tablets or pellets. For this purpose, the dialkyl fumarates may also be used in combination with conventional preparations used in transplantation medicine and immunosuppressive agents, especially cyclosporines.
US08524772B2	Controlled release of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for reduction of systemic and/or vascular inflammation The present invention provides a controlled-release composition which provides a therapeutically effective plasma concentration of N-acetylcysteine over prolonged period of time. The present invention also includes the use of the controlled-release composition, either alone or in combination with at least one additional active agent, for reduction of vascular inflammation marker and treatment of diseases, conditions, and/or symptoms associated with systemic and/or vascular inflammation in a patient. Furthermore, the present invention provides a process of making granules comprising N-acetylcysteine, or a salt, solvate, prodrug, and/or analog thereof.
US08524771B2	Wound and skin care compositions The invention provides compositions and methods that employ compounds that can stimulate proliferation of fibroblasts or keratinocytes and/or stimulate production of collagen by fibroblasts. These compositions and methods are useful for treating gum- and skin-related conditions.
US08524767B2	Modulators of ATP binding cassette transporters Compounds of the present invention and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”). The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using compounds of the present invention.
US08524766B2	Modulators of dopamine neurotransmission The present invention relates to novel 1-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-2-yl)-methanamine derivatives, useful as modulators of dopamine neurotransmission, and more specifically as dopaminergic stabilizers. In other aspects the invention relates to the use of these compounds in a method for therapy and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention.
US08524763B2	Inhibitors of store operated calcium release Described herein are compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, which modulate the activity of store-operated calcium (SOC) channels. Also described herein are methods of using such SOC channel modulators, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating diseases, disorders or conditions that would benefit from inhibition of SOC channel activity.
US08524762B2	Thioxanthone-based autophagy inhibitor therapies to treat cancer The present specification provides compositions comprising a thioxanthone-based autophagy inhibitor and/or a cancer therapeutic autophagy inducing compound, pharmaceutical kits comprising these compositions, and methods of treating cancer using such compounds, compositions and kits. Additionally, the present specification provides methods of treating cancer using a thioxanthone-based autophagy inhibitor and a radiotherapy.
US08524758B2	Ophthalmic compositions of parasympathetic stimulants and anti-inflammatories for use in the treatment of presbyopia Ophthalmic compositions for the treatment of presbyopia, including combinations of parasympathomimetics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
US08524756B2	Compounds for inflammation and immune-related uses The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, clathrate, or prodrug thereof wherein X, Y, A, Z, L and n are defined herein. These compounds are useful as immunosuppressive agents and for treating and preventing inflammatory conditions and immune disorders.
US08524749B2	Controlled release compositions of tizanidine The present invention relates to a novel controlled release formulations of tizanidine. The invention also provides methods of using novel controlled release formulations of tizanidine to treat a patient.
US08524748B2	Heteroalkyl biphenyl antagonists of prostaglandin D2 receptors Described herein are antagonists of PGD2 receptors. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include the compounds described herein, as well as methods of using such antagonists of PGD2 receptors, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating respiratory, cardiovascular, and other PGD2-dependent or PGD2-mediated conditions or diseases.
US08524747B2	Pharmaceutical compositions The object of the present invention is to provide a pharmaceutical composition that inhibits expression of iNOS and COX-2 without inhibiting NF-κB. The pharmaceutical composition that inhibits expression of iNOS and COX-2 without inhibiting NF-κB contains DTCM glutarimide of the Formula (I) as an effective ingredient, thereby being able to inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production and prostaglandin production.
US08524745B2	Benzisothiazol-3(1H)-one-5-sulfonyl derivatives as chemokine receptor modulators The present invention relates to novel benzisothiazol-3(1H)-one-5-sulfonyl derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of chemokine receptors.
US08524744B2	Arylamine ketones, their preparation methods, the pharmaceutical composition containing them and their use Disclosed Arylamine ketones of formula (I), their preparation methods, the pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in preventing and/or treating the diseases related to the plaque-activating factors, especially in anti-inflammation and immunization, more especially in the treatment of the acute or chronic inflammation, such as, osteoarthritis, oarthritis deformans, etc.
US08524743B2	Bis(difluoromethyl)pyrazoles as fungicides Bis(difluoromethyl)pyrazole derivatives of the formula (I) in which the symbols R1, X and G are each as defined in the description, and agrochemically active salts, metal complexes and N-oxides thereof, and use thereof for controlling phytopathogenic harmful fungi, and also processes for preparing compounds of the formula (I).
US08524739B2	Quinoline derivatives and uses thereof This disclosure provides a new class of compounds referred to as “reversed chloroquines” (RCQs), which are highly effective against CQR and CQS malaria parasites. RCQs are hybrid molecules, which include an antimalarial quinoline analog (such as chloroquine) moiety and a CQR reversal moiety. Exemplary RCQ chemical structures are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions including the disclosed RCQ compounds, and methods of using such compounds and compositions for the treatment of malaria and inhibition of CQR or CQS Plasmodium sp. (such as P. falciparum).
US08524738B2	Quinolinones and quinoxalinones as antibacterial composition A nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof represented by the general formula: which have a potent antibacterial activity and a high safety. Thus, the compounds are useful as antibacterial agents against gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria and drug resistant bacteria.
US08524731B2	Use of opioid antagonists to attenuate endothelial cell proliferation and migration The invention provides methods of attenuating, e.g., inhibiting or reducing, cellular proliferation and migration, particularly endothelial cell proliferation and migration, including that associated with angiogenesis, using opioid antagonists, including, but not limited to, those that are peripherally restricted antagonists.
US08524725B2	Methods of using diaminopyrimidine as P2X3 and P2X⅔ receptor modulators for treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases Methods for treating respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases mediated by a P2X3 and/or a P2X2/3 receptor antagonist, the methods comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein D, X, Y, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are as defined herein.
US08524724B2	Alkynylpyrimidines and salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, methods of preparing same and uses of same The invention relates to alkynylpyrimidines according to the general formula (I): in which A, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are as defined in the claims, and salts, N-oxides, metabolites, solvates, tautomers and prodrugs thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said alkynylpyrimidines, to methods of preparing said alkynylpyrimidines, as well as to uses thereof for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of diseases of dysregulated vascular growth or of diseases which are accompanied with dysregulated vascular growth, wherein the compounds effectively interfere with Tie2 and VEGFR2 signalling.
US08524723B2	Polymorphs of methyl 3-(E)-2-{2-[6-(2-cyanophenoxy) pyrimidin-4-yloxy] phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate The present invention relates to novel crystalline polymorphic and amorphous forms of the compound methyl (E)-2-{2-[6-(2-cyanophenoxy)pyrimidin-4-yloxy]phenyl}-3-methoxy-acrylate (azoxystrobin). Infrared Raman spectra, X-ray powder diffraction pattern and differential scanning calorimetry thermogram of two polymorphs “A” and “B” are provided. Further, the present invention also provides methods for preparing the novel polymorphic forms “A” and “B”, as well as processes for producing mixtures of the polymorphs, and a process for preparing amorphous azoxystrobin. Yet further, the present invention provides anti-fungal compositions comprising the novel crystalline polymorphs “A” and “B” or amorphous azoxystrobin, which are useful for controlling and combating fungi grown on agricultural and horticultural crops and up-land, and methods of using the same as pesticidal agents for combating fungi on agricultural and horticultural crops.
US08524722B2	Substituted tricyclic compounds and methods of use thereof This invention relates to novel compounds and processes for their preparation, methods of treating diseases, particularly cancer, comprising administering said compounds, and methods of making pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prevention of disorders, particularly cancer.
US08524719B2	Therapeutic compounds for blocking DNA synthesis of pox viruses This invention provides methods of inhibiting replication of a poxvirus by contacting a poxvirus with a compound having formula I, formula XXI, formula XXXII, or formula XLI which in turn reduce, inhibit, or abrogate poxvirus DNA polymerase activity and/or its interaction with its processivity factor. Formula I, formula XXI, formula XXXII, or formula XLI can be utilized to treat humans and animals suffering from a poxvirus infection. Pharmaceutical compositions for treating poxvirus infected subjects are also provided.
US08524716B2	Macrocyclic indoles as hepatitis C virus inhibitors The present invention relates to inhibitors of HCV replication of formula (I), the N-oxide forms, the pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts, the quaternary amines and the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, wherein R1; R3; and R4 have the meaning defined in the claims. The present invention also relates to processes for preparing said compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in HCV therapy.
US08524713B2	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.
US08524712B2	Triazinone and diazinone derivatives useful as HSP90 inhibitors The present invention relates to compounds according to formulae (IA) to (ID) and compositions that inhibit the activity of Hsp90. The invention further relates to methods of inhibiting the activity of Hsp90 in a subject in need thereof and methods for preventing or treating hyperproliferative disorders, such as cancer, in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a compound of the invention, or a composition comprising such a compound.
US08524711B2	Amino-derivatives as novel inhibitors of histone deacetylase This invention comprises the novel compounds of formula (I) wherein n, m, t, R1, R2, 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.
US08524709B2	Kinase inhibitor compounds The invention relates to compounds, compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of using the compounds and compound compositions. The compounds, compositions, and methods described herein can be used for the therapeutic modulation of kinase-mediated processes, and treatment of disease and disease symptoms, particularly those mediated by certain kinase enzymes.
US08524705B2	2-oxo-2-(2-phenyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-indolizin-3-yl)-acetamide derivatives and related compounds as antifungal agents The invention provides compounds of formula (I), and pharmaceutically and agriculturally acceptable salts thereof: wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, A1, L1 and n are as defined herein. These compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are useful in the manufacture of medicaments for use in the prevention or treatment of a fungal disease. Compounds of formula (I), and agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, may also be used as agricultural fungicides.
US08524702B2	Substituted benzoazepines as toll-like receptor modulators Provided are compositions and methods useful for modulation of signaling through the Toll-like receptors TLR7 and/or TLR8. The compositions and methods have use in treating or preventing disease, including cancer, autoimmune disease, infectious disease, inflammatory disorder, graft rejection, and graft-verses-host disease.
US08524700B2	Tetrahydroisoquinoline sulfonamide derivatives, the preparation thereof, and the use of the same in therapeutics The disclosure relates to tetrahydroisoquinoline sulfonamide compounds of formula I: wherein R1, R2, n and B are as defined in the disclosure, their preparation and their use in therapies for the treatment of central nervous system diseases such as vigilance and sleep disorders, narcolepsy, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, Parkinson's disease, attention disorders in hyperkinetic children, memory and learning disorders, epilepsy, schizophrenia, moderate cognitive disorders, depression, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, dizziness and travel sickness.
US08524696B2	Water-soluble compositions of bioactive lipophilic compounds Water-soluble compositions comprising a lipophilic compound and a solubilizing agent of the general formula: {X—OOC—[(CH2)n—COO]m}p—Y (I) wherein: X is a residue of a hydrophobic moiety, Y is a residue of a hydrophilic moiety, p is 1 or 2, m is 0 or 1, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 0 are disclosed. The lipophilic compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of water-insoluble ubiquinones, ubiquinols, vitamins, provitamins, polyene macrolide antibiotics, and mixtures thereof. The hydrophobic moiety is preferably a sterol or a tocopherol and the hydrophilic moiety is preferably a polyalkylene glycol. In some embodiments, the sterol is cholesterol or sitosterol, the tocopherol is α-(+)-tocopherol, the polyalkylene glycol is a polyethylene glycol or its methyl monoether having an average molecular weight between 400 and 1000, p is equal to 1 or 2, m is equal to 0 or 1 and n is an integer between 2 and 18.
US08524695B2	Modified release formulations of (6R)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-N6-propyl-2,6-benzothiazole-diamine and methods of using the same Modified release pharmaceutical compositions (controlled release, sustained release, and/or extended release) of the R-(+) enantiomer of pramipexole (RPPX) and methods of using such compositions for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, or those related to mitochondrial dysfunction or increased oxidative stress are disclosed.
US08524694B2	Aminoalkylsterol compounds with antitumoral and neuroprotective activity Sterol derivatives of formula (I) and a method for the production of the compounds, a medicament using one of the compounds and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the medicament.
US08524690B2	DNA polymerase inhibitors composition and methods A topical composition containing a DNA polymerase inhibitor for removing hair as well as methods of inducing hair loss is described.
US08524689B2	Antibacterial aminoglycoside analogs Compounds having antibacterial activity are disclosed. The compounds have the following structure (I) or (II): including stereoisomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein Q1, Q2, Q3, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of such compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, are also disclosed.
US08524685B1	Anti-angiogenic therapeutics efficacy enhanced by nanoformulation Preparation of nano-conjugated Tunicamycin enhances the efficacy of the drug Tunicamycin. The invention provides several nanoformulations such as Tunicamycin encapsulated in peptide nanotubes, nanotubes bound to gold nanoparticles conjugated with Tunicamycin, Tunicamycin conjugated with nanotubes, gold nanoparticles bound to tubes and conjugated with Tunicamycin, and gold nanoparticles conjugated with Tunicamycin.
US08524684B2	Antisense antiviral compounds and methods for treating a filovirus infection The present invention provides antisense antiviral compounds, compositions, and methods of their use and production, mainly for inhibiting the replication of viruses of the Filoviridae family, including Ebola and Marburg viruses. The compounds, compositions, and methods also relate to the treatment of viral infections in mammals including primates by Ebola and Marburg viruses. The antisense antiviral compounds include phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligonucleotides (PMOplus) having a nuclease resistant backbone, about 15-40 nucleotide bases, at least two but typically no more than half piperazine-containing intersubunit linkages, and a targeting sequence that is targeted against the AUG start site region of Ebola virus VP35, Ebola virus VP24, Marburg virus VP24, or Marburg virus NP, including combinations and mixtures thereof.
US08524682B2	Compositions and methods for inhibiting EZH2 The present invention relates to therapeutic targets for cancer. In particular, the present invention relates to small molecules and nucleic acids that target EZH2 expression in prostate cancer.
US08524681B2	siRNA sequence-independent modification formats for reducing off-target phenotypic effects in RNAi, and stabilized forms thereof Modification formats having modified nucleotides are provided for siRNA. Short interfering RNA having modification formats and modified nucleotides provided herein reduce off-target effects in RNA interference of endogenous genes. Further modification formatted siRNAs are demonstrated to be stabilized to nuclease-rich environments. Unexpectedly, increasing or maintaining strand bias, while necessary to maintain potency for endogenous RNA interference, is not sufficient for reducing off-target effects in cell biology assays.
US08524680B2	High potency siRNAS for reducing the expression of target genes The present invention provides improved methods of attenuating gene expression through the phenomenon of RNA interference. The invention provides methods of synthesis of double stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) of increased potency for use as small interfering RNA (siRNA). Surprisingly and unexpectedly, siRNAs made by the methods of the invention are significantly more potent than previously available siRNAs.
US08524679B2	In vivo delivery of double stranded RNA to a target cell The invention encompasses methods of delivering nucleic acids, including dsRNA, to mammalian target cells in vivo via intercellular transfer, wherein the dsRNA is delivered to or expressed in a first cell different from the target cell, wherein the first cell facilitates delivery of the dsRNA to the target cell.
US08524673B2	Pharmaceutical formulation A pharmaceutical formulation for a PKC modulatory peptide and a transport moiety comprising the aforementioned components and an anti-aggregant.
US08524671B2	Cyclosporin derivatives for treating inflammatory diseases and conditions The present invention provides a method for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and/or conditions, e.g. allergic conjunctivitis, uveitis or phacoanaphylactic endophthalmitis in an eye of a mammal, said method comprising administering to said mammal in need of treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a novel cyclosporin A derivative selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the formula: wherein R1 is S-Alk-R wherein Alk is an alkylene linkage, preferably a methylene or poly methylene linkage, or a polyalkenylene linkage, e.g. a C3 to C6 alkenylenyl linkage and R is a hydrogen or a unsubstituted or substituted hydrocarbyl group.
US08524670B2	Engineered CXCL12 alpha locked dimer polypeptide The present invention provides a novel CXCL12-α2 locked dimer polypeptide, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of using said dimer in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory disorders, autoimmune disease, and HIV/AIDS.
US08524669B2	MUC-1 cytoplasmic domain peptides as inhibitors of cancer The invention provides for peptides from the Mucin 1 (MUC1) cytoplasmic domain and methods of use therefor. These peptides can inhibit MUC1 oligomerization, thereby preventing tumor cell growth, inducing tumor cell apoptosis and necrosis of tumor tissue in vivo.
US08524667B2	Methods of treating gout using IL-1BETA antibodies This invention relates to a novel use of IL-1β-ligand/IL-1 receptor disrupting compounds (herein referred to as “IL-1beta Compounds”); such as small molecular compounds disrupting IL-1β ligand-IL-1 receptor interaction, IL-1β antibodies or IL-1 receptor antibodies, e.g. IL-1β binding molecules described herein, e.g. antibodies disclosed herein, e.g. IL-1β binding compounds or IL-1 receptor binding compounds, and/or RNA compounds decreasing either IL-1β ligands or IL-1 receptor protein levels, in the treatment and/or prevention of auto-inflammatory syndromes, e.g. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or adult rheumatoid arthritis syndrome and to methods of treating and/or preventing auto-inflammatory syndromes, e.g. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or adult rheumatoid arthritis syndrome, in mammals, particularly humans.
US08524663B2	Method for site-specific polyvalent display on polymers The present invention relates to novel complex peptidomimetic products comprising multiple homogeneous or heterogeneous pendant groups that are site-specifically positioned along a linear oligomer or polymer scaffold and methods of making thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to N-substituted glycine peptoid oligomers or peptoids and their use as substrates for azide-alkyne [3+2]-cycloaddition conjugation reactions and subsequent additional rounds of oligomerization and cycloaddition. The methods of the invention may also be used to generate peptoid-peptide hybrid or peptide products comprising multiple homogeneous or heterogeneous pendant groups, which are positioned precisely along the linear oligomer or polymer scaffold.
US08524660B2	Polyalkylene polymer compounds and uses thereof The invention relates to novel polyalkylene glycol compounds and methods of using them. In particular, compounds comprising a novel polyethylene glycol conjugate are used alone, or in combination with antiviral agents to treat a viral infection, such as chronic hepatitis C.
US08524659B2	RNA virus-derived peptides with modified side chains The present invention provides a RNA virus-derived peptides with modified side chains, wherein the side chains of the RNA virus-derived peptide are modified by altering the side-chain length or charges thereof such that the RNA virus-derived peptide has a high binding affinity for viral RNA and an high cellular uptake capability. The present invention also provides a composition for inhibiting RNA virus wherein the RNA virus-derived peptide can effectively inhibit viral self-replication and treat related diseases by its high affinity for viral RNA. A drug delivery carrier is also provided, wherein the RNA virus-derived peptides can carry desired drugs to the intracellular target due to its cellular uptake capability and thereby enhances the drug-delivery and treating efficiency.
US08524654B2	Prolyl endopeptidase inhibitors for reducing or preventing neutrophilic inflammation Provided herein are methods for reducing or preventing neutrophilic inflammation in a subject comprising selecting a subject with or at risk for neutrophilic inflammation and administering to the subject an agent that inhibits the expression or activity of prolyl endopeptidase. Provided herein are also methods for treatment or prevention of diseases associated with neutrophilic inflammation.
US08524652B2	Chimeric polypeptide comprising the fragment B of shiga toxin and peptides of therapeutic interest The invention pertains to methods for using chimeric polypeptides of the formula: B-X wherein B represents the B fragment of Shiga toxin or a functional equivalent thereof, and X represents one or more polypeptides of therapeutic significance. Compositions for therapeutic use comprising the polypeptide B-X are also included.
US08524651B2	Method of therapy Numerous diseases have been linked to the production of regulator cells. The present invention relates to the observation that the immune system is cycling in these diseases. Based on these observations, the present invention provides methods for treating diseases such as cancer and a HIV infection. The present invention also relates to methods of determining when a therapy to treat a disease characterized by the production of regulator cells should be administered to a patient.
US08524649B2	Associative thickener dispersion An aqueous dispersion of a copolymer with copolymerized units a) of at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, b) of at least one nonionic ethylenically unsaturated surfactant monomer, c) of at least one C1-C2-alkyl methacrylate, d) of at least one C2-C4-alkyl acrylate, where the alkyl chain length averaged over the number of alkyl groups of the alkyl acrylate is 2.1 to 4.0, is described. Following neutralization with alkali, the dispersion serves as associative thickener, in particular for liquid detergent and cleaner formulations. The thickeners are characterized by high transparency and high thickening effect coupled with high shear dilution.
US08524648B2	Color-protecting detergents or cleaning agents The invention provides improvements in the color protection properties of detergents and cleaning agents during their utilization for washing or cleaning colored textile fabrics. Specific polycarbonate-, polyurethane- and/or polyurea-polyorganosiloxane compounds or a precursor compound thereof containing specific reactive groups, which can be used for the production of the polycarbonate-, polyurethane- and/or polyurea-polyorganosiloxane compounds, are utilized.
US08524646B2	Multi-compartment pouch A multi-compartment pouch comprising a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein, the first compartment comprises a solid composition, wherein the solid composition comprises; an oxygen bleach source; a bleach activator; a polycarboxylate polymer; and the second compartment comprises a liquid composition, wherein the liquid composition comprises; a low molecular weight solvent.
US08524644B2	Composition and method for forming coating film A composition is disclosed comprising an oily medium and at least one compound represented by the following formula (Z) A-L-[D1-(E)q-D2-(B)m—Z1—R]p (Z) wherein A represents a p-valent chain or cyclic residue; L represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; p represents a carbonyl group or a sulfonyl group; D2 represents a carbonyl group, a sulfonyl group, a carboxyl group, a sulfonyloxyl group, a carbamoyl group, or a sulfamoyl group; E represents a divalent group; R represents a hydrogen atom, a substituted or non-substituted C8 or longer alkyl group, a perfluoroalkyl group or a trialkylsilyl group; B represents an oxyethylene group or the like; and Z1 represents a single bond or a divalent group.
US08524643B2	Surfactant mixtures for tertiary oil recovery Use of a mixture comprising a surfactant and a cosurfactant in the form of an aqueous solution for flooding underground deposits of hydrocarbons for mobilizing and recovering the hydrocarbons from the underground deposits, the cosurfactant being a substance or a group of substances selected from the following list: an amphiphilic comb polymer having a backbone with two or more side chains attached to the backbone, the side chains differing from one another and/or the side chains differing from the backbone in their amphiphilic character, an amphiphilic polymer having one or more hydrophobic subunits [A2] based on a polyisobutene block, at least 50 mol % of whose polyisobutene macromolecules have terminally arranged double bonds, and one or more hydrophilic subunits [B2], or an amphiphilic polymer having the general structural formula
US08524642B2	Multicomponent viscoelastic surfactant fluid and method of using as a fracturing fluid There is a viscoelastic fluid. The fluid has one or more cationic surfactants selected from the group consisting of certain quaternary salts, certain amines, and combinations thereof; one or more anionic polymers/anionic surfactants; one or more of certain zwitterionic/amphoteric surfactants; and water. There is also a method of fracturing a subterranean formation. The viscoelastic fluid is pumped through a wellbore and into a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to fracture the formation. There is also a method for gravel packing a subterranean formation.
US08524640B2	Fluid loss additive for oil-based muds A composition that includes a product resulting from a condensation reaction of quebracho with at least one organophilic species that includes a reactive amine is disclosed.
US08524638B2	Method to characterize fracture plugging efficiency for drilling fluids A method for determining a Plug Normal Stress Difference (ΔN1(P)) may include providing a test base drilling fluid that is characterized by N1(TB); adding a first concentration of a test particulate to the test base drilling fluid; adjusting the concentration of the test particulate in the test base drilling fluid to achieve a minimum concentration of the test particulate in the test base drilling fluid that will substantially plug a tapered slot, wherein the test base drilling fluid with the minimum concentration of the test particulate is characterized by N1(TA); and calculating ΔN1(P)=\|N1(TA)\|−\|N1(TB)\| wherein each First Normal Stress Difference is measured by the same procedure.
US08524637B2	Composition for controlling pests and method for controlling pests A pest controlling composition comprising clothianidin and metconazole as active ingredients.
US08524633B2	Security feature for recording materials The invention relates to a novel security feature in the form of a luminescent marking for integration in a recording material. The security feature comprises a radiation layer (21) with luminescent components and a masking layer (2) with cavity pigments at least partly masking the radiation layer. The pigments in the masking layer (2) are fused by locally defined heal treatment into the form of a marking. The invention particularly relates to a heat-sensitive recording material comprising, in a preferred embodiment, at least one substrate (10), a heat-sensitive recording layer (30), an intermediate layer (21), between the substrate and the heat-sensitive recording layer in the form of a radiation layer with luminescent components and a masking layer with cavity pigments (2), the pigments of the masking layer (2) being fused in the form of a marking by locally defined fusion.
US08524632B2	High-capacitance and low-oxygen porous carbon for EDLCs A method for producing a low oxygen content activated carbon material includes heating a natural, non-lignocellulosic carbon precursor in an inert or reducing atmosphere to form a first carbon material, mixing the first carbon material with an inorganic compound to form an aqueous mixture, heating the aqueous mixture in an inert or reducing atmosphere to incorporate the inorganic compound into the first carbon material, removing the inorganic compound from the first carbon material to produce a second carbon material, and heating the second carbon material in an inert or reducing atmosphere to form the low oxygen content activated carbon material. The activated carbon material is suitable to form improved carbon-based electrodes for use in high energy density devices.
US08524626B2	Nano-linked metallocene catalyst compositions and their polymer products The present invention provides polymerization catalyst compositions employing novel dinuclear metallocene compounds. Methods for making these new dinuclear metallocene compounds and for using such compounds in catalyst compositions for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins are also provided.
US08524625B2	Compositions and methods for improving the hydrothermal stability of mesostructured zeolites by rare earth ion exchange Compositions and methods for preparing mesostructured zeolites having improved hydrothermal stability. Such mesostructured zeolites can be prepared by subjecting a zeolite to rare earth ion exchange prior to and/or subsequent to introducing mesoporosity into the zeolite.
US08524623B2	Electrochemical removal of conjunct polymers from chloroaluminate ionic liquids A process for regenerating a spent ionic liquid catalyst including (a) applying a voltage across one or more pairs of electrodes immersed in a spent ionic liquid catalyst comprising conjunct polymer-metal halide complexes to provide freed conjunct polymers and a regenerated ionic liquid catalyst; and (b) separating the freed conjunct polymers from the regenerated ionic liquid catalyst is described. An alkylation process incorporating the regeneration process is also described.
US08524622B2	Skin material of vehicle interior equipment and manufacturing method for the same In a skin material of vehicle interior equipment, which includes a first fabric material that is formed of a first conductive wire material and a main fiber material weaker than the first conductive wire material, and a manufacturing method for the skin material, part of the main fiber material is removed from the first fabric material, and a conductive member, which is used to supply electric power to the conductive wire material, is electrically connected to the exposed first conductive wire material.
US08524621B2	Metallized flexible laminate material for lighter-than-air vehicles A laminate material for lighter-than-air vehicles includes at least one monofilament yarn layer, a polymeric film layer adjacent to the at least one monofilament layer, and a metallized coating adjacent to said polymeric film layer. A clear film cover layer may be adhered to the metallized coating, and one or more fluorescent dyes may be incorporated into the clear film layer.
US08524614B2	III-V compound semiconductor material passivation with crystalline interlayer The present disclosure reduces and, in some instances, eliminates the density of interface states in III-V compound semiconductor materials by providing a thin crystalline interlayer onto an upper surface of a single crystal III-V compound semiconductor material layer to protect the crystallinity of the single crystal III-V compound semiconductor material layer's surface atoms prior to further processing of the structure.
US08524610B2	Process for enhancing solubility and reaction rates in supercritical fluids Processes for enhancing solubility and the reaction rates in supercritical fluids are provided. In preferred embodiments, such processes provide for the uniform and precise deposition of metal-containing films on semiconductor substrates as well as the uniform and precise removal of materials from such substrates. In one embodiment, the process includes, providing a supercritical fluid containing at least one reactant, the supercritical fluid being maintained at above its critical point, exposing at least a portion of the surface of the semiconductor substrate to the supercritical fluid, applying acoustic energy, and reacting the at least one reactant to cause a change in at least a portion of the surface of the semiconductor substrate.
US08524609B2	Method of fabricating semiconductor device An aspect of the present embodiment, there is provided a method of fabricating a semiconductor device including providing a film to be processed above a semiconductor substrate, providing a negative-type resist and a photo-curable resist in order, pressing a main surface of a template onto the photo-curable resist, the main surface of the template having a concavo-convex pattern with a light shield portion provided on at least a part of a convex portion, irradiating the template with light from a back surface of the template, developing the negative-type resist and the photo-curable resist so as to print the concavo-convex pattern of the template on the negative-type resist and the photo-curable resist, and etching the film to be processed by using the concavo-convex pattern printed on the negative-type resist and the photo-curable resist as a mask.
US08524606B2	Chemical mechanical planarization with overburden mask Planarization methods include depositing a mask material on top of an overburden layer on a semiconductor wafer. The mask material is planarized to remove the mask material from up areas of the overburden layer to expose the overburden layer without removing the mask material from down areas. The exposed overburden layer is wet etched and leaves a thickness remaining over an underlying layer. Remaining portions of the mask layer and the exposed portions of the overburden layer are planarized to expose the underlying layer.
US08524603B1	Fabricating method for semiconductor device A fabricating method of a semiconductor device is provided. First, a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other is provided. A shallow trench is formed on the first surface, and a first nitride layer is formed on the second surface. A dielectric layer is formed on the first surface of the substrate to cover the shallow trench. Then, the first nitride layer is removed, and a first protective layer is formed on the second surface of the substrate. After that, a planarization process is performed to remove a portion of the dielectric layer outside the shallow trench. The fabricating method is capable of improving the fabricating yield of semiconductor device.
US08524601B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device using Resolution Enhanced Lithography Assisted Chemical Shrinkage (RELACS) A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an insulating film on a surface of a semiconductor layer, forming a resist on a surface of the insulating film, the resist having an opening, forming a hardened layer on an inner circumference of the resist by attaching a pattern shrinking agent to the resist, the pattern shrinking agent undergoing a cross-linking reaction with the resist, etching the insulating film using the resist and the hardened layer as masks, removing the hardened layer, and forming a metal layer on a surface of the semiconductor layer, on a surface of the insulating film, and on a surface of the resist. The method further includes removing the resist and the portion of the metal layer on the surface of the resist by lift-off.
US08524600B2	Post deposition treatments for CVD cobalt films Embodiments of the invention provide methods for forming materials on a substrate used for metal gate and other applications. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a cobalt stack over a barrier layer disposed on a substrate by depositing a cobalt layer during a deposition process, exposing the cobalt layer to a plasma to form a plasma-treated cobalt layer during a plasma process, and repeating the cobalt deposition process and the plasma process to form the cobalt stack containing a plurality of plasma-treated cobalt layers. The method further includes exposing the cobalt stack to an oxygen source gas to form a cobalt oxide layer from an upper portion of the cobalt stack during a surface oxidation process and heating the remaining portion of the cobalt stack to a temperature within a range from about 300° C. to about 500° C. to form a crystalline cobalt film during a thermal annealing crystallization process.
US08524591B2	Maintaining integrity of a high-K gate stack by passivation using an oxygen plasma In semiconductor devices, integrity of a titanium nitride material may be increased by exposing the material to an oxygen plasma after forming a thin silicon nitride-based material. The oxygen plasma may result in an additional passivation of any minute surface portions which may not be appropriately covered by the silicon nitride-based material. Consequently, efficient cleaning recipes, such as cleaning processes based on SPM, may be performed after the additional passivation without undue material loss of the titanium nitride material. In this manner, sophisticated high-k metal gate stacks may be formed with a very thin protective liner material on the basis of efficient cleaning processes without unduly contributing to a pronounced yield loss in an early manufacturing stage.
US08524586B2	Semiconductor overlapped PN structure and manufacturing method thereof The present invention discloses a semiconductor overlapped PN structure and manufacturing method thereof. The method includes: providing a substrate; providing a first mask to define a P (or N) type well and at least one overlapped region in the substrate; implanting P (or N) type impurities into the P (or N) type well and the at least one overlapped region; providing a second mask having at least one opening to define an N (or P) type well in the substrate, and to define at least one dual-implanted region in the at least one overlapped region; implanting N (or P) type impurities into the N (or P) type well and the at least one dual-implanted region such that the at least one dual-implanted region has P type and N type impurities.
US08524584B2	Carbon implantation process and carbon ion precursor composition Methods and carbon ion precursor compositions for implanting carbon ions generally includes vaporizing and ionizing a gas mixture including carbon oxide and methane gases in an ion source to create a plasma and produce carbon ions. The ionized carbon within the plasma is then extracted to form an ion beam. The ion beam is mass analyzed with a mass analyzer magnet to permit the ionized carbon to pass therethrough and implant into a workpiece.
US08524578B1	Method and surface morphology of non-polar gallium nitride containing substrates An optical device, e.g., LED, laser. The device includes a non-polar gallium nitride substrate member having a slightly off-axis non-polar oriented crystalline surface plane. In a specific embodiment, the slightly off-axis non-polar oriented crystalline surface plane is up to about −0.6 degrees in a c-plane direction, but can be others. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a gallium nitride containing epitaxial layer formed overlying the slightly off-axis non-polar oriented crystalline surface plane. In a specific embodiment, the device includes a surface region overlying the gallium nitride epitaxial layer that is substantially free of hillocks.
US08524577B2	Semiconductor device and method of forming reconstituted wafer with larger carrier to achieve more eWLB packages per wafer with encapsulant deposited under temperature and pressure A semiconductor wafer has a plurality of semiconductor die distributed over a surface area. The semiconductor die are singulated from the semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor die are mounted to a carrier to form a reconstituted semiconductor wafer. The carrier has a surface area 10-50% larger than the surface area of the semiconductor wafer. The number of semiconductor die mounted to the carrier is greater than a number of semiconductor die singulated from the semiconductor wafer. The reconstituted wafer is mounted within a chase mold. The chase mold is closed with the semiconductor die disposed within a cavity of the chase mold. An encapsulant is dispersed around the semiconductor die within the cavity under temperature and pressure. The encapsulant can be injected into the cavity of the chase mold. The reconstituted wafer is removed from the chase mold. An interconnect structure is formed over the reconstituted wafer.
US08524576B2	Wafer processing method In a wafer processing method, the back side of a wafer having a plurality of devices on the front side thereof is ground, thereby reducing the thickness of the wafer to a predetermined thickness. The back side of the wafer is polished after performing the back grinding step, thereby removing a grinding strain, and a silicon nitride film is formed on the back side of the wafer. The thickness of the silicon nitride film to be formed in the silicon nitride film forming step is set to 6 to 100 nm. Thus, the silicon nitride film having a thickness of 6 to 100 nm is formed on the polished back side of the wafer from which a grinding strain has been removed. Accordingly, each device constituting the wafer can ensure a sufficient die strength and a sufficient gettering effect.
US08524575B2	Group III nitride crystal and method for producing the same A method for producing a group III nitride crystal in the present invention includes the steps of cutting a plurality of group III nitride crystal substrates 10p and 10q having a main plane from a group III nitride bulk crystal 1, the main planes 10pm and 10qm having a plane orientation with an off-angle of five degrees or less with respect to a crystal-geometrically equivalent plane orientation selected from the group consisting of {20-21}, {20-2-1}, {22-41}, and {22-4-1}, transversely arranging the substrates 10p and 10q adjacent to each other such that the main planes 10pm and 10qm of the substrates 10p and 10q are parallel to each other and each [0001] direction of the substrates 10p and 10q coincides with each other, and growing a group III nitride crystal 20 on the main planes 10pm and 10qm of the substrates 10p and 10q.
US08524571B2	Vacuum wafer level packaging method for micro electro mechanical system device Disclosed is a vacuum wafer level packaging method for a micro electro mechanical system device, including: forming a plurality of via holes on an upper wafer for protecting a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) wafer; forming at least one metal layer on inner walls of the plurality of via holes and regions extended from the plurality of via holes; arranging and bonding the upper wafer and the MEMS wafer at atmospheric pressure; applying solder paste to the regions extended from the plurality of via holes; filling a solder in the plurality of via holes by increasing the temperature of a high-vacuum chamber to melt the solder paste; and changing the solder in the plurality of via holes to a solid state by lowering the temperature of the high-vacuum chamber.
US08524570B2	Method and apparatus for improving gate contact A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate having a first surface, forming an isolation structure disposed partly in the substrate and having an second surface higher than the first surface by a step height, removing a portion of the isolation structure to form a recess therein having a bottom surface disposed below the first surface, and forming a contact engaging the gate structure over the recess. A different aspect involves an apparatus that includes a substrate having a first surface, an isolation structure disposed partly in the substrate and having a second surface higher than the first surface by a step height, a recess extending downwardly from the second surface, the recess having a bottom surface disposed below the first surface, a gate structure, and a contact engaging the gate structure over the recess.
US08524563B2	Semiconductor device with strain-inducing regions and method thereof Improved MOSFET devices are obtained by incorporating strain inducing source-drain regions whose closest facing “nose” portions underlying the gate are located at different depths from the device surface. In a preferred embodiment, the spaced-apart source-drain regions may laterally overlap. This close proximity increases the favorable impact of the strain inducing source-drain regions on the carrier mobility in an induced channel region between the source and drain. The source-drain regions are formed by epitaxially refilling asymmetric cavities etched from both sides of the gate. Cavity asymmetry is obtained by forming an initial cavity proximate only one sidewall of the gate and then etching the final spaced-apart source-drain cavities proximate both sidewalls of the gate along predetermined crystallographic directions. The finished cavities having different depths and nose regions at different heights extending toward each other under the gate, are epitaxially refilled with the strain inducing semiconductor material for the source-drain regions.
US08524560B2	Method of fabricating semiconductor device with vertical channel transistor A semiconductor memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor pillar extending from the semiconductor substrate, the semiconductor pillar comprising a first region, a second region, and a third region, the second region positioned between the first region and the third region, the third region positioned between the second region and the semiconductor substrate, immediately adjacent regions having different conductivity types, a first gate pattern disposed on the second region with a first insulating layer therebetween, and a second gate pattern disposed on the third region, wherein the second region is ohmically connected to the substrate by the second gate pattern.
US08524558B2	Split gate with different gate materials and work functions to reduce gate resistance of ultra high density MOSFET This invention discloses a trenched metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) cell. The trenched MOSFET cell includes a trenched gate opened from a top surface of the semiconductor substrate surrounded by a source region encompassed in a body region above a drain region disposed on a bottom surface of a substrate. The trenched gate further includes at least two mutually insulated trench-filling segments each filled with materials of different work functions. In an exemplary embodiment, the trenched gate includes a polysilicon segment at a bottom portion of the trenched gate and a metal segment at a top portion of the trenched gate.
US08524549B2	Method of fabricating thin-film transistor substrate A method of fabricating a thin-film transistor (TFT) substrate includes forming a gate electrode on a substrate; forming an insulating film on the gate electrode; forming an amorphous semiconductor pattern on the insulating film; and forming a source electrode separated from a drain electrode on the amorphous semiconductor pattern; forming a light-concentrating layer, which includes a protrusion, on the amorphous semiconductor pattern, the source electrode, and the drain electrode; and crystallizing at least part of the amorphous semiconductor pattern by irradiating light to the protrusion of the light-concentrating layer.
US08524545B2	Simultaneous formation of FinFET and MUGFET A method and structure comprise a field effect transistor structure that includes a first rectangular fin structure position on a substrate. The first rectangular fin structure has a bottom contacting the substrate, a top opposite the bottom, and sides between the top and the bottom. The structure additionally includes a second rectangular fin structure position on the substrate. Similarly, the second rectangular fin structure also has a bottom contacting the substrate, a top opposite the bottom, and sides between the top and the bottom. The sides of the second rectangular fin structure are parallel to the sides of the first rectangular fin structure. Further, a trench insulator is positioned on the substrate and is positioned between a side of the first rectangular fin structure and a side of the second rectangular fin structure. Additionally, a gate conductor is positioned on the trench insulator, positioned over the sides and the top of the first rectangular fin structure, and positioned over the sides and the top of the second rectangular fin structure. The gate conductor runs perpendicular to the sides of the first rectangular fin structure and the sides of the second rectangular fin structure. Also, a gate insulator is positioned between the gate conductor and the first rectangular fin structure and between the gate conductor and the second rectangular fin structure. The structure further includes a first cap on the top of the first rectangular fin structure. The first cap separates the gate conductor from the first rectangular fin structure.
US08524542B2	Blank including a composite panel with semiconductor chips and plastic package molding compound and method and mold for producing the same A blank and a semiconductor device include a composite panel with semiconductor chips embedded in a plastic package molding compound. The blank includes a composite panel with semiconductor chips arranged in rows and columns in a plastic package molding compound with active upper sides of the semiconductor chips forming a coplanar surface area with the upper side of the composite panel. The blank further includes an orientation indicator impressed into the plastic package molding compound when the semiconductor chips are embedded within the molding compound.
US08524540B2	Adhesion promoting composition for metal leadframes A process for increasing the adhesion of a polymeric material to a metal surface, the process comprising contacting the metal surface with an adhesion promoting composition comprising: 1) an oxidizer; 2) an inorganic acid; 3) a corrosion inhibitor; and 4) an organic phosphonate; and thereafter b) bonding the polymeric material to the metal surface. The organic phosphonate aids in stabilizing the oxidizer and organic components present in the bath and prevents decomposition of the components, thereby increasing the working life of the bath, especially when used with copper alloys having a high iron content.
US08524539B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor package Provided are a semiconductor package of a semiconductor chip, a semiconductor module, an electronic system, and methods of manufacturing the same. The method includes mounting a semiconductor chip on a package substrate, forming a molding member on the semiconductor chip, forming via holes penetrating the molding member to expose a portion of a top surface of the semiconductor chip, the via holes being arranged in a lattice shape in a plan view, and forming thermally conductive via plugs in the via holes.
US08524535B2	Semiconductor element, method of manufacturing semiconductor element, multi-layer printed circuit board, and method of manufacturing multi-layer printed circuit board A transition layer 38 is provided on a die pad 22 of an IC chip 20 and integrated into a multilayer printed circuit board 10. Due to this, it is possible to electrically connect the IC chip 20 to the multilayer printed circuit board 10 without using lead members and a sealing resin. Also, by providing the transition layer 38 made of copper on an aluminum pad 24, it is possible to prevent a resin residue on the pad 24 and to improve connection characteristics between the die pad 24 and a via hole 60 and reliability.
US08524533B2	Room temperature metal direct bonding A bonded device structure including a first substrate having a first set of metallic bonding pads, preferably connected to a device or circuit, and having a first non-metallic region adjacent to the metallic bonding pads on the first substrate, a second substrate having a second set of metallic bonding pads aligned with the first set of metallic bonding pads, preferably connected to a device or circuit, and having a second non-metallic region adjacent to the metallic bonding pads on the second substrate, and a contact-bonded interface between the first and second set of metallic bonding pads formed by contact bonding of the first non-metallic region to the second non-metallic region. At least one of the first and second substrates may be elastically deformed.
US08524530B2	Flexible semiconductor package and method for fabricating the same A flexible semiconductor package includes a flexible substrate. A data chip is disposed over the flexible substrate. The data chip includes a data storage unit for storing data and first bonding pads that are electrically connected to the data storage unit. A control chip is disposed over the flexible substrate. The control chip includes a data processing unit for processing the data in the data chip and second bonding pads that are electrically connected to the data processing unit. Wirings are formed in order to electrically connect the first bonding pads to the second bonding pads.
US08524528B2	Methods for forming resistive-switching metal oxides for nonvolatile memory elements Nonvolatile memory elements are provided that have resistive switching metal oxides. The nonvolatile memory elements may be formed from resistive-switching metal oxide layers. Metal oxide layers may be formed using sputter deposition at relatively low sputtering powers, relatively low duty cycles, and relatively high sputtering gas pressures. Dopants may be incorporated into a base oxide layer at an atomic concentration that is less than the solubility limit of the dopant in the base oxide. At least one oxidation state of the metal in the base oxide is preferably different than at least one oxidation sate of the dopant. The ionic radius of the dopant and the ionic radius of the metal may be selected to be close to each other. Annealing and oxidation operations may be performed on the resistive switching metal oxides. Bistable metal oxides with relatively large resistivities and large high-state-to-low state resistivity ratios may be produced.
US08524527B2	High-performance single-crystalline N-type dopant-doped metal oxide nanowires for transparent thin film transistors and active matrix organic light-emitting diode displays Methods, materials, apparatus and systems are described for implementing high-performance arsenic (As)-doped indium oxide (In2O3) nanowires for transparent electronics, including their implementation in transparent thin-film transistors (TTFTs) and transparent active-matrix organic light-emitting diodes (AMOLED) displays. In one implementation, a method of fabricating n-type dopant-doped metal oxide nanowires includes dispersing nanoparticle catalysts on a Si/SiO2 substrate. n-type dopant-doped metal oxide nanowires are grown on the Si/SiO2 substrate using a laser ablation process. The laser ablation process can include: placing n-type dopant at an upper stream of a furnace; placing the Si/SiO2 substrate at a down stream end of the furnace; heating the furnace; adding hydrogen to a carrier gas comprising argon and oxygen; flowing the hydrogen added carrier gas over the Si/SiO2 substrate to suppress oxidation processes and incorporate the n-type dopant into the metal oxide nanowires; and cooling the n-type dopant-doped metal oxide nanowires grown on the Si/SiO2 substrate.
US08524519B2	MEMS microphone device and method for making same The present invention discloses a MEMS microphone device and its manufacturing method. The MEMS microphone device includes: a substrate including a first cavity; a MEMS device region above the substrate, wherein the MEMS device region includes a metal layer, a via layer, an insulating material region and a second cavity; a mask layer above the MEMS device region; a first lid having at least one opening communicating with the second cavity, the first lid being fixed above the mask layer; and a second lid fixed under the substrate.
US08524509B2	Method for forming polarization reversal A method for forming a ferroelectric spontaneous polarization reversal, including the steps of forming a concave portion on a top face of a ferroelectric substrate or a bottom face of a ferroelectric substrate, and applying an electric field into the substrate, wherein a ferroelectric spontaneous polarization reversal is formed at least in one portion of a region of the substrate with the concave portion, and wherein the shape of the concave portion is configured such that the width of the concave portion gets narrower gradually toward the inside of the substrate. The method may further include the steps of, after the reversal, making into almost a flat-plane the top or bottom face having the concave portion, and then, forming a new concave portion in another region and applying an electric field to form another reversal in one portion of the region of the substrate having the new concave portion.
US08524502B2	Apparatus and methods for performing photoreactions and analytical methods and devices to detect photo-reacting compounds The present invention is directed to devices and methods for performing photoreactions of photo-reacting compounds in solution. The invention features a vessel defining a chamber and a light source. The chamber has a chamber volume, a first window, an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is placed in fluid communication with a source of photo-reacting compounds in solution. The first window is transparent to light transmission and is placed in optical communication with a light source to receive photons. The chamber receives a solution of one or more photo-reactive compounds over time to define a dwell time. The device further includes a light source, in optical communication with the first window, for emitting photons which photons are received by the first window and transmitted into the chamber.
US08524501B2	Self-sensing array of microcantilevers for chemical detection The invention provides a chemical detection system for detecting at least one target chemical species, including a self-sensed cantilevered probe array having a plurality of self-sensed cantilevered probes, at least one chemical-sensitive coating material applied to at least one cantilevered probe in the cantilevered probe array, and an interface circuit that is coupled to the cantilevered probe array. At least one cantilevered probe in the cantilevered probe array exhibits a shifted cantilevered probe response when the cantilevered probe array is exposed to the target chemical species and the interface circuit actuates the cantilevered probe. A handheld chemical detection system and a method of operation are also disclosed.
US08524498B2	Methods and compositions for homologous recombination in human cells The methods and compositions described herein are based, in part, on the discovery of a stem cell state in human cells that resembles the morphology observed in murine-derived stem cells. Induction of such a state in human stem cells permits an increase in the efficiency of homologous recombination. Thus, the methods and compositions described herein relate to cells and methods for increasing the efficiency of homologous recombination in human stem cells.
US08524497B2	Animal protein free media for cultivation of cells The present invention relates to animal protein free cell culture media comprising a combination of non-animal derived peptides derived from soy hydrolysate and yeast hydrolysate. The invention also provides an animal protein free culture process, wherein cells are cultivated, propagated and passaged without animal-derived components. This process is useful for cultivating cells, such as recombinant cells or cells infected with a virus, and for production biological products by cell culture processes under conditions devoid of animal protein components.
US08524494B2	Low oxygen tension and BFGF generates a multipotent stem cell from a fibroblast in vitro The present invention is directed to a method of producing compositions including embryonic proteins. The method includes culturing cells under hypoxic conditions on a biocompatible surface in vitro. The culturing method produces both soluble and non-soluble fractions, which may be used separately or in combination to obtain physiologically acceptable compositions useful in a variety of medical and therapeutic applications.
US08524489B2	Particle or cell analyzer and method A particle analyzer in which tagged particles to be analyzed are drawn through a suspended capillary tube where a predetermined volume in the capillary tube is illuminated. The illumination scattered by said particles is detected by a detector to count all particles. The fluorescent illumination emitted by tagged particles is detected and the output signals from the fluorescent detectors and scatter detector are processed to provide an analysis of the particles.
US08524488B2	Methods and devices for determining a cell characteristic, and applications employing the same The present invention provides methods of determining a characteristic of a cell, such as cell type, cellular response to a biochemical event, and biological state. The method generally involves detecting membrane movement in a cell to determine a characteristic of a cell. The methods of the invention are useful for applications such as drug screening and diagnostics. The invention further provides databases of cell characteristics, as determined by the instant methods. The invention further provides systems for determining the characteristic of a cell.
US08524485B2	Long chain omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis by expression of acyl-CoA lysophospholipid acyltransferases Methods for increasing C18 to C20 elongation conversion efficiency and/or Δ4 desaturation conversion efficiency in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid [“LC-PUFA”]-producing recombinant oleaginous microbial host cells are provided herein, based on over-expression of acyl-CoA:lysophospholipid acyltransferases [“LPLATs”] (e.g., Ale1, LPAAT, LPCAT). Production host cells and oils produced by the methods of the invention are also claimed.
US08524483B2	Gene involved in quorum-sensing system of acetic acid bacterium, acetic acid bacterium bred by modification of the gene and method for production of vinegar by using the acetic acid bacterium The object of the present invention is to provide a method for efficiently producing vinegar that contains a higher concentration of acetic acid, wherein a gene involved in the acetic acid fermentation ability is obtained, the acetic acid fermentation ability of an acetic acid bacterium is improved by reducing or deleting the function of the protein encoded by the gene. An acetic acid bacterium with a remarkably improved acetic acid fermentation ability was obtained by obtaining genes encoding an acyl homoserine lactone synthase and an acyl homoserine lactone receptor-type transcription factor that are involved in the quorum-sensing system in the acetic acid bacterium, and modifying the genes so as to reduce or delete the function of the quorum-sensing system. Further provided is a method for more efficiently producing vinegar containing a higher concentration of acetic acid by using the acetic acid bacterium.
US08524482B1	Method and system for sampling and separating submicron-sized particles based on density and or size to detect the presence of a particular agent A system for sampling and separating submicron-sized particles to detect the presence of an agent such as viruses in an environmental sample, which includes collecting means for collecting a sample suspected of containing submicron-sized particles from the environment, size separation means receiving the submicron-sized particles from the collecting means for separating the submicron-sized particles based on size into at least one size range, and a microscale particle counter adapted for counting the size separated submicron-sized particles received from the size separation means. The particle counter includes at least one cantilever each corresponding to submicron-sized particles of a particular size range, wherein the cantilever is deflectable from a first to a second position to permit passage of the submicron-sized particle therethrough, and wherein the corresponding deflection of the cantilever generates a count signal.
US08524481B2	Hide processing methods and compositions Provided in part herein are compositions that include isolated microbial enzymes, such as proteases, lipases, useful in dehairing leather. Also provided are methods for isolating proteases, lipases, from microbes, as well as methods of reusing these enzymes effectively for several cycles in an environment friendly process.
US08524478B2	Mutant of propionyl-CoA transferase from Clostridium propionicum and preparing method for PLA or PLA copolymer using the same Provided is a mutant of propionyl-CoA transferase from Clostridium propionicum that can convert lactate into lactyl-CoA with high efficiency in a method of preparing a polylactate (PLA) or PLA copolymer using microorganisms. Unlike conventional propionyl-CoA transferase which is weakly expressed in E. coli, when a mutant of propiony-CoA transferase from Clostridium propionicum is introduced into recombinant E. coli, lactyl-CoA can be supplied very smoothly, thereby enabling highly efficient preparation of polylactate (PLA) and PLA copolymer.
US08524473B2	Ethanol production process using cold traps An improved ethanol production process providing novel stillage treatment is disclosed wherein the stillage is separated into four value added product streams that are subjected to drying conditions reducing or eliminating volatization of any VOC's in the product streams.
US08524471B2	Generation of chemical building blocks from plant biomass by selective depolymerization The invention concerns a method for the enzymatic treatment of raw polymeric feedstock comprising the following steps: (a) preferably separation of soluble components from the raw polymeric feedstock, (b) treating the raw polymeric feedstock with an enzyme system in order to liberate defined soluble monomeric or oligomeric building blocks from the insoluble raw polymeric feedstock; and (c) separating the defined monomeric or oligomeric building blocks produced in step b) from the remainder of the raw polymeric feedstock. Preferably, the enzyme system used in step b) contains not more than 50%, preferably not more than 20%, more preferably not more than 10%, more preferably not more than 5%, more preferably not more than 2%, more preferably not more than 1% of other enzyme activities apart from the enzyme activity resulting in liberation of said defined monomeric or oligomeric building blocks from the raw polymeric feedstock according to step b). Further aspects of the invention concern the use of “less pure” and thus less costly enzyme systems in subsequent enzymatic treatment steps and methods for determining the optimum sequence of enzymatic treatment steps by analysis of the raw polymeric feedstock used.
US08524470B2	Enzymatic antibody processing The current invention comprises a method for producing an immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin fragment with defined glycostructure comprising the following steps: a) providing an affinity chromatography column eluate containing the immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin fragment, b) incubating the affinity chromatography column eluate with (α1,3)galactosidase of plant origin, e.g. from green coffee beans (EC 3.2.1.22), c) applying the incubated affinity chromatography column eluate to a protein A chromatography material and recovering the immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin fragment from the protein A chromatography material and thereby producing an immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin fragment with defined glycostructure.
US08524469B2	Two-step gram staining method The present invention provides a two-step Gram staining method. The method is conducted by using a clean slide, followed by adding 10˜30 μl primary stain from a reagent kit, adding an equivalent amount of specimens uniformly on said slide, then immediately adding 30˜60 μl counter-stain on said slide for incubating 15 seconds, rinsing with water, and finally examining under a microscope, the result appears color contrast on the center of the slide between the Gram-negative bacteria performing light red color and the Gram-positive bacteria performing deep purple color.
US08524468B2	Method for detecting the presence or absence of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a test sample A dry mixture, a liquid menstrum, and a method, are described for use in detecting the presence or absence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (“MRSA”) in a first generation biological or environmental specimen sample. First generation specimen samples that can be analyzed include nasal swabs, lesion swabs, skin swabs, throat swabs, food swabs, tanning salon swabs, gym swabs, restaurant swabs, hotel swabs, and the like. The menstrum and method include an anti-ribosomal antibiotic component that will selectively prevent Methicillin Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (“MSSA”) from growing in the menstrum, while allowing MRSA to grow in the menstrum. The menstrum also includes components which will stimulate growth of MRSA, plus coagulase reacting factors which will cause the menstrum to clot in the event that MRSA is present in the sample. The menstrum also includes components which will produce a detectable signal in the clot, which signal indicates the presence of MRSA in the sample.
US08524464B2	Identification of bitter ligands that specifically activate human T2R receptors and related assays for identifying human bitter taste modulators The present invention relates to the discovery that specific human taste receptors in the T2R taste receptor family respond to particular bitter compounds. The invention further relates to the use of these receptors in assays for identifying ligands that modulate the activation of these taste receptors by these bitter ligands and related compounds and which may be used as additives and/or removed from foods, beverages, cosmetics and medicinals in order to modify (block) T2R-associated bitter taste.
US08524461B2	Multiple antigenic peptide assay for detection of HIV or SIV type retroviruses A method for detecting at least one antibody directed against at least one primate immunodeficiency virus in a biological sample that includes contacting a biological sample with (i) at least one detection multiple antigenic peptide comprising a portion of an immunodominant region of a transmembrane protein of a primate immunodeficiency virus and (ii) at least one differentiation multiple antigenic peptide comprising a portion of a V3-loop of an envelope protein of a primate immunodeficiency virus. Also disclosed is an enzyme immunoassay that includes a first substrate to which are bound at least one of the detection multiple antigenic peptides and a second substrate to which are bound at least one of the differentiation multiple antigenic peptides.
US08524457B2	Method for the selection of specific affinity binders by homogeneous noncompetitive assay The invention generally relates to the field of immunochemistry including antibody therapy, diagnostics, and basic research and specifically relates to the area of selecting affinity molecules such as natural antibodies, including artificial antibodies, antibody mimics, and aptamers. The invention relates particularly to a method of selecting affinity molecules using a homogeneous noncompetitive assay in a high throughput process.
US08524445B2	Detect and identify virus by the microwave absorption spectroscopy The present invention discloses microwave resonant absorption (MRA) of viruses through dipolar coupling to viral confined acoustic modes. The unique geometrical and mechanical properties of viruses can be reflected by the MRA frequencies, MRA linewidth, and the absorption selection rules of high-order acoustic modes. Combined these spectral characteristics with the mature microwave technology, this invention provides a novel physical mechanism to develop non-affinity-based rapid detection and identification of viruses. It can be applied in preliminary characterization on unknown or mutant viruses.
US08524441B2	Silicon-based antireflective coating compositions A polymer comprising a siloxane polymer having at least one Si—OH group and at least one Si—OR group, where R is condensation stabilizing group optionally having a reactive functional group, wherein the siloxane polymer, when placed into a solvent, has a weight average molecular weight increase of less than or equal to 50% after aging for one week at 40° C. as measured by GPC is provided.
US08524437B2	Particle producing method, particle, toner, developer, process cartridge, image forming method, image forming apparatus, and particle producing method A particle producing method is provided including bringing a material into contact with a compressible fluid to prepare a melt of the material, and discharging the melt from a vibrated through hole to form particles of the melt. A particle producing apparatus is also provided including a discharger to discharge the melt. The discharger includes a storage to store the melt, at least one through hole disposed on the storage, and a vibrator to vibrate the through hole. The particle producing apparatus further includes a particle forming member defining a space within which the discharged melt is formed into particles and a pressure controller controlling a pressure difference between the space and an inside of the storage so that the discharged melt is formed into a columnar melt and the columnar melt is constricted and separated into particles.
US08524436B2	Developing device, image forming method and apparatus, and process cartridge In the image forming method, a color toner image and a transparent toner image are formed using a first developing device containing a first developer including color toner and carrier, and a second developing device containing a second developer including transparent toner and carrier. At least the second developing device includes a developer bearing member bearing the second developer for developing an electrostatic image; a developer supplying passage supplying the developer to the developer bearing member while feeding the developer in a first direction; and a developer feeding passage separated from the developer supplying passage at a central portion thereof and feeding the developer used for development in a direction parallel to the first direction. The transparent toner includes a resin and a lubricant and has viscoelastic property such that loss tangent has a peak with height of not less than 3 at a temperature of from 80° C. to 160° C.
US08524430B2	Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained by providing, on a conductive support, a conductive layer containing conductive particles having a volume-average particle diameter of 0.1 μm or more, an intermediate layer, and a photosensitive layer in the stated order in which the conductive layer contains a polyolefin resin containing a specific repeating structural unit at a specific ratio, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus each having the electrophotographic photosensitive member.
US08524422B2	Low expansion glass substrate for reflection type mask and method for processing same The present invention relates to a low expansion glass substrate which serves as a substrate of a reflective mask used in a lithography step of semiconductor production steps, wherein two side surfaces positioned to face each other among side surfaces formed along a periphery of the low expansion glass substrate, each have a flatness of 25 μm or less.
US08524417B2	Electricity-generation device An electricity generation device (1) using a fuel cell (2) having a fuel electrode (5) and an air electrode (6) to which a fuel gas and air are supplied, respectively, includes: a fuel gas conduit (3) through which the fuel gas flows; a cover (9) configured to cover an outside of the fuel gas conduit (3) and cooperating with a peripheral wall (8a) of the fuel gas conduit (3) to form an air passage (4) therebetween, the air passage extending along the fuel gas conduit (3); an air inlet hole (10) formed through the cover (9) to allow air to flow into the air passage (4); and an air outlet hole (11) provided downstream of the air electrode exposed to the air passage (4), to cause the fuel gas conduit (3) and the air passage (4) to communicate with each other.
US08524415B2	Carbon-titanium oxide electrocatalyst supports for oxygen reduction in PEM fuel cells A high surface area support material is formed of an intimate mixture of carbon clusters and titanium oxide clusters. A catalytic metal, such as platinum, is deposited on the support particles and the catalyzed material used as an electrocatalyst in an electrochemical cell such as a PEM fuel cell. The composite material is prepared by thermal decomposition and oxidation of an intimate mixture of a precursor carbon polymer, a titanium alkoxide and a surfactant that serves as a molecular template for the mixed precursors.
US08524414B2	Membrane with optimized dimensions for a fuel cell A UEA for a fuel cell having an active region and a feed region is provided. The UEA includes an electrolyte membrane disposed between a pair of electrodes. The electrolyte membrane and the pair of electrodes is further disposed between a pair of DM. The electrolyte membrane, the pair of electrodes, and the DM are configured to be disposed at the active region of the fuel cell. A barrier film coupled to the electrolyte membrane is configured to be disposed at the feed region of the fuel cell. The dimensions of the electrolyte membrane are thereby optimized. A fuel cell having the UEA, and a fuel cell stack formed from a plurality of the fuel cells, is also provided.
US08524413B2	Manifold and solid oxide fuel cell module having the same A manifold for distributing and supplying a fluid to solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cells. The manifold may include at least one opening disposed at one side surface of a housing to allow the fluid to flow into the housing therethrough. A plurality of second openings are disposed at another side surface of the housing to allow the fluid to be discharged out from the housing therethrough. A porous member is disposed to partition an internal space of the housing between the first opening and the plurality of second openings. In the manifold, the porous member is formed so that the first opening ratio per unit area at a first portion positioned adjacent to the first opening varies with increasing distance toward a second portion positioned distant from the first opening.
US08524411B2	Nonaqueous-electrolyte battery and battery assembly A nonaqueous-electrolyte battery has a positive electrode 3 including a positive active material, a negative electrode 4 including a negative active material having a lithium insertion/release potential higher than 1.0 V (vs. Li/Li+), and a nonaqueous electrolyte, wherein the nonaqueous electrolyte contains a compound having pyridine groups and a compound having one or more silyl groups.
US08524409B2	Flow regulator for fuel cell A fuel-cell flow regulator is placed in a fuel cell having two entrances, each of which is formed at one of two sides of the fuel cell. The fuel cell is composed of a plurality of single cells, each of which includes a fuel inlet and a fuel passage in communication with the fuel inlet. The fuel passages jointly define a fuel tunnel in communication with all of the entrances. The flow regulator is located at the fuel tunnel and movable back and forth along the fuel tunnel.
US08524407B2	Gas supply device A gas supply device for use in a fuel cell system, comprises: a first injector configured to have a first maximum valve-openable pressure; a second injector arranged in parallel with the first injector and configured to have a lower flow rate than the first injector and a greater second maximum valve-openable pressure than the first maximum valve-openable pressure; a first pressure sensor located upstream of the first and second injectors; and a controller configured to control open/close operation of the first and second injectors, wherein at a start of the fuel cell system, (i) when pressure in the upstream of the first and second injectors is greater than the first maximum valve-openable pressure but is less than or equal to the second maximum valve-openable pressure, the controller opens the second injector, and (ii) when the pressure in the upstream of the first and second injectors is less than or equal to the first maximum valve-openable pressure, the controller opens the first injector or the second injector.
US08524405B2	Detection of small anode leaks in fuel cell systems A system and method for detecting small hydrogen leaks in an anode of a fuel cell system. The method includes determining that a shut-down sequence has begun, and if so, deplete the cathode side of a fuel cell stack of oxygen. The method then increases the pressure of the anode side of the fuel cell stack to a predetermined set-point, and monitors the pressure decay of the anode side of the stack. The method compares the rate of pressure decay to an expected pressure decay rate, and if the measured pressure decay rate exceeds the expected pressure decay rate by a certain threshold, determines that a potential leak exists.
US08524402B2	Electricity generation using microbial fuel cells A microbial fuel cell for generating electricity. The microbial fuel cell includes an anode and a cathode electrically coupled to the anode. The anode is in contact with a first fluid including microorganisms capable of catalyzing the oxidation of ammonium. The anode is in contact with a second fluid including microorganisms capable of catalyzing the reduction of nitrite. The anode and the cathode may be housed in a single compartment, and the cathode may rotate with respect to the anode. The microbial fuel cell can be used to remove ammonium from wastewater, to generate electricity, or both.
US08524396B2	Method of manufacturing active material, active material, electrode using the same, and lithium-ion secondary battery equipped therewith A method of manufacturing an active material having a sufficient discharge capacity at a high discharge current density, an active material obtained thereby, an electrode using the same, and a lithium-ion secondary battery equipped therewith are provided. The method of manufacturing an active material comprises a step of polymerizing a mixture containing an Fe ion, an Li ion, a PO4 ion, a hydroxy acid, and a polyol, the mixture containing the polyol by a molar ratio 1.3 to 16 times that of the hydroxy acid, so as to yield a polymer; and a step of heating the polymer, so as to yield an active material containing an active material particle and carbon. The active material particle is mainly composed of LiFePO4.
US08524386B2	Portable pneumatic controller with replaceable battery A pneumatic controller assembly including a controller having a housing and an air pump in the housing. The housing has a recess and an annular input terminal in the recess. A battery for powering the air pump has a central axis and an annular output terminal extending around the central axis. The battery is adapted for receipt in the recess of the controller in a multiplicity of orientations of the battery about its central axis. The output terminal of the battery is shaped and positioned to make electrical contact with the input terminal of the controller to energize the controller without regard to the orientation of the battery about its central axis.
US08524382B2	Oxide substrate and manufacturing method therefor Some aspects of the invention provide an oxide substrate having a flat surface at the atomic layer level, and suited to forming a thin film of a perovskite manganese oxide. One aspect of the invention provides a single-crystal oxide substrate 10 having a single-crystal supporting substrate 1 of (210)-oriented SrTiO3 and a single-crystal underlayer 2 of (LaAlO3)0.3-(SrAl0.5Ta0.5O3)0.7, which is LSAT, formed on the (210) plane surface of the supporting substrate. In another aspect of the present invention, the LSAT underlayer 2A is formed in an amorphous state. Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.
US08524377B2	Aluminum alloy clad sheet for heat exchanger An aluminum alloy clad sheet for heat exchangers includes a core layer, a sacrificial layer disposed on one side of the core layer, and a brazing layer of an Al—Si alloy disposed on the other side of the core layer, wherein the core layer contains Si: 0.15% to 1.6% by mass, Mn: 0.3% to 2.0% by mass, Cu: 0.1% to 1.0% by mass, Ti: 0.02% to 0.30% by mass, and the remainder of Al and incidental impurities, and the sacrificial layer contains Zn: 4.0% to 10.0% by mass, Cr: 0.01% to 0.5% by mass, and the remainder of Al and incidental impurities.
US08524373B2	Gypsum plasterboard with a coating slip and method of manufacturing A gypsum plasterboard with a covering paper forming the outside of the plasterboard and a coating slip deposited on the covering paper. The coating slip has plastic pigments as whitening agent.
US08524371B2	Fluoropolyimide intermediate transfer members An intermediate transfer media, such as a belt, that includes a first optional polyimide substrate layer, and a second layer of a fluoropolyimide polymer.
US08524369B2	Method for lamination of decorative metal film on resin base material, and resin base material having decorative metal film thereon The present invention provides a method for laminating a decorative metal film on a resin base material with excellent adhesion to the resin base material and with a sufficient gloss imparted to the decorative metal film, and a resin base material having a decorative metal film. The method laminates a polymeric planarizing film on the resin base material using a vapor deposition polymerization method, and then laminates the decorative metal film on the planarizing film.
US08524367B2	Organometallic films, methods for applying organometallic films to substrates and substrates coated with such films Organometallic coatings or films, substrates coated with such films and methods for applying the films to the substrates are disclosed. The organometallic film or coating is derived from a transition metal compound containing both halide ligands and alkoxide ligands. Coated articles comprising polymer substrates and adhered to the substrate surface an organometallic film in which the metal comprises halide and alkoxide ligands are also disclosed.
US08524361B2	Heat-peelable pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for cutting laminated ceramic sheet and method for cut-processing laminated ceramic sheet The invention relates to a heat-peelable pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for cutting a laminated ceramic sheet, which is used for temporary fixing at cutting of the laminated ceramic sheet, the heat-peelable pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet including a base material and, formed on at least one surface of the base material, a heat-expandable pressure-sensitive adhesive layer containing a pressure-sensitive adhesive and a foaming agent, in which the heat-expandable pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has a gel fraction of 50% by weight or more, and the heat-expandable pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has a glass transition temperature of −40° C. to 30° C.
US08524359B2	Exterior heat insulation panel An exterior heat insulation panel is disclosed which uses vaporization heat of water. The exterior heat insulation panel is installed on the surface of a roof or walls of a structure and is used for cooling and air-conditioning of structures, particularly, to an exterior heat insulation panel which can achieve high efficiency and energy-saving. The exterior heat insulation panel includes a surface layer having a continuous capillary tube structure and a non-capillary tube void structure made of porous aggregate combined by a hydrophilic binding component, and a foamed organic resin type of heat-retaining board having closed pores. The heat-retaining board and the surface layer are integrated by compression molding.
US08524352B2	Self-stabilised stiffener enabling element recovery A stiffener for a structure submitted to tensile and/or compression and/or shear stresses, that includes a shaped section including: a contact area with an element to be stiffened having a closed cross-section and providing stability, the aforementioned area including first and second legs; and a core normal to the element to be stiffened that provides a support surface capable of element recovery, the aforementioned core being formed by one of the two legs. Application in aircraft structures.
US08524350B2	Threshold mat and floor protector A mat is described which is suitable for placement over the threshold of an opening for protecting the threshold and nearby floor or other surface from excessive wear caused by pets or foot traffic. The perimeter edge of the mat in one embodiment includes a cutout or contour that is sized and shaped to at least partially engage the side post or jamb near the opening. One or both ends of the mat may include a contour that is shaped to engage the side jamb. The contour in another embodiment includes a slot that at least partially engages the wall near the opening. Engagement between the contoured edge of the mat and the side post or wall helps resist unintended movement of the mat when in place. The mat may also include downward protrusions for engaging with the floor or floor covering.
US08524349B2	Bottom of hollow ware obtained by the blow moulding or stretch-blow moulding of a thermoplastic hollow ware preform having such a bottom Bottom of hollow ware obtained by the blow molding or stretch-blow molding of a thermoplastic preform, this bottom having a transverse bearing surface and, on either side of this transverse bearing surface, a transverse external edge (7) and a concave internal wall with a transverse central portion (11) containing a disc (12) of material having a low crystallinity, this bottom including reinforcing ribs (1) having an outer edge (13) coming close to the transverse external edge (7) but without reaching this transverse external edge (7), these reinforcing ribs (1) hang an inner edge (14) coming close to the transverse central portion (11), but without reaching this transverse central portion (11), the transverse bearing surface being formed from segments (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e) interrupted by the reinforcing ribs (1), this hollow ware bottom (4) further including notches (2), the distal end portion (24) of which comes close to but does not reach the external edge (7) of the bottom, the proximal end portion (25) of the notches (2) being tangential with the transverse bearing surface but not opening into this transverse bearing surface.
US08524347B2	Optical information recording medium and method of manufacturing the same Provided is a manufacturing method of an optical information storage medium irradiated with laser beams to optically record or reproduce information. A method of manufacturing an optical information storage medium according to the present invention includes forming asperity patterns for guiding laser beams on both sides of a second substrate 12, forming information recording layers 41 and 42 in the asperity patterns, bonding a first substrate 11 to a surface where one information storage layer 41 is formed in the second substrate 12 with an ultraviolet curable resin 22 formed therebetween, and bonding a third substrate 13 to a surface where another information storage layer 42 is formed in the second substrate 12 with an ultraviolet curable resin 22 formed therebetween.
US08524343B2	Polyester resins for high-efficiency injection molding The present invention relates to titanium-catalyzed polyethylene terephthalate resins that are capable of being formed into articles (e.g., carbonated soft drink and water bottle preforms) at reduced injection-molding cycle times. In particular, the titanium-catalyzed polyethylene terephthalate resins of the present invention can be formed into carbonated soft drink bottle preforms at reduced injection-molding cycle times to yield high-clarity, carbonated soft drink bottles that possess satisfactory resistance to stress cracking and thermal creep.
US08524339B2	Container-enclosed fullerene, method of manufacturing the same, and method of storing fullerene A container-enclosed fullerene, a method of manufacturing the same, and a method of storing fullerene are provided, that make it possible to inhibit alteration of fullerene, especially that make it possible to prevent degradation of the solubility to solvent. A container-enclosed fullerene includes fullerene hermetically enclosed in a container with a high degree of vacuum. The internal pressure of the container is preferably 10 Pa or lower. The fullerene is preferably a metal encapsulated fullerene. The container-enclosed fullerene is manufactured by filling fullerene in a container, evacuating the container, and thereafter sealing the container.
US08524334B2	Optical film, retardation plate, elliptica polarizing plate, liquid crystal display device and compound An optical film comprising at least one compound represented by formula (1) is disclosed. In the formula, Y11, Y12 and Y13 each independently represent methine or a nitrogen atom; R11, R12 and R13 each independently represent formula (A), (B) or (C) or a hydrogen atom, provided that at least two of R11, R12 and R13 each independently represent formula (A), (B) or (C). In the formulae, L12, L22, and L32 each represent a 5-membered heterocyclic group.
US08524332B2	Process for preparing thin layers of nanoporous dielectric materials A process for preparing a thin layer of a nanoporous dielectric material with homogeneous porosity is provided. The method includes depositing a first thin layer of an oxygen-free material onto a substrate. A second thin layer of a second material is deposited onto the first layer. The first layer and second layer assembly are treated under conditions so that a gas is generated in the first layer by foaming, leading to the creation of nanopores in the first layer. The second thin layer will not form a gas during this treatment and will have a sufficient density to limit or prevent the spread and/or diffusion of the gas generated in the first layer. The second thin layer may be removed.
US08524326B2	Process for the treatment of cellulosic molded bodies The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of a cellulosic molded body which is characterized in that the molded body is contacted with an alkaline dispersion containing undissolved chitosan particles. The chitosan particles are present in the dispersion preferably in a particle size of from 0.1 to 1500 μm, preferably from 1 to 800 μm.
US08524325B2	Method for producing photocatalytic coating material A method of producing a photocatalytic coating material which includes: the steps of coating the surface of a base material having hydrophobic substances on its surface with a photocatalytic coating material including at least (a) photocatalytic oxide particles, (b) a hydrophobic-resin emulsion, (c) water, and (d) silica particles, and hardening the coated material. The average sizes of the ingredient (a) and the ingredient (d) are smaller than that of the emulsified particles of the hydrophobic resin dispersed in the ingredient (b), ingredient (a) constitutes 1 to <5% by weight of the total solid matter of the coating material, ingredient (d) constitutes 1 to 90% by weight of a total solid matter of the coating material, and once the coating material is applied onto a base material, the photocatalytic oxide particles and the silica particles move upward and a coating film 1 μm to 1 mm thick is formed.
US08524323B2	Surface treatment liquid for zinc-based metal material and method for surface-treating zinc-based metal material Disclosed is a surface treatment liquid containing no chromium compound, which is capable of imparting a zinc-based material with adequate corrosion resistance without coating, namely adequate bare corrosion resistance. Specifically disclosed is a surface treatment liquid for zinc-based metal materials, which contains the following component (A) and component (B): (A) at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr and Hf; and (B) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of allylamino compounds, imino compounds, amino polysaccharides, amino-modified phenols and derivatives of them. The total concentration of the metal elements of the component (A) is 500-2000 mg/L, and the total concentration of the compounds of the component (B) is 300-3000 mg/L.
US08524317B2	Composite article and method therefor A composite article includes a substrate and a multilayer coating on the substrate. The multilayer coating includes an inner layer near the substrate, and outermost layer on the inner layer, and an intermediate layer between the inner layer and the outermost layer. The inner layer and outermost layer are boron-containing materials, and the intermediate layer is a silicon-containing ceramic material.
US08524316B1	Method of making golf ball with sintered layer A method of manufacturing a golf ball with a deposited layer is disclosed. The deposited layer is not produced by a molding process, such as injection molding or compression molding. Instead, the deposition process is produced by another process, such as sintering. The deposited layer may include partially fused particulate material. The deposited layer may be added to a golf ball design as one or more supplemental layers. The deposited layer may also be provided in a golf ball design as a substitute for one or more layers. A golf ball may further include a combination of one or more supplemental deposited layers and one or more substituted deposited layers.
US08524315B2	Method for manufacturing tubular body According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for manufacturing a tubular body is provided. The method includes maintaining at about 15° C. or lower a heat-curable solution containing a polyimide precursor solution in which a conductive agent having an acidic group is dispersed; coating the heat-curable solution maintained at about 15° C. or lower on a core body to form a coating film of the heat-curable solution, and curing the coating film by heating to obtain a tubular body.
US08524314B2	Touch screen with bacteria inhibition layer and manufacturing method thereof The present invention is to provide a touch screen having a bacteria inhibition layer for prohibiting bacteria from growing thereon and a method for manufacturing the same comprising uniformly dispersing particles of nano metal material in a solution to be applied to a surface treatment so that the solution can have a concentration of 20 ppm to 500 ppm; evenly spray coating the solution on a screen of the touch screen; and subjecting the solution coated on the screen of the touch screen to a heat treatment until solvent in the solution is completely evaporated so that the particles of the nano metal material are densely adhered to the screen of the touch screen to form a bacteria inhibition layer thereon.
US08524313B2	Method for manufacturing a device A method for manufacturing a device, including evaporating a material at a first position, and moving a container that includes the material to a second position, so that an opening of the container is heated at a second temperature higher than a first temperature, the first temperature being a temperature of the opening at the first position, is provided.
US08524306B2	Beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.
US08524305B2	Instant sauces for food use The present invention relates to an instant sauce comprising 1 to 20% by weight of a basic mixture, 8 to 60% by weight of potato products and 20 to 91% by weight of a mixture of high granulometry ingredients, characterised in that said basic mixture comprises a mixture of at least one oily antioxidant compound in quantities ranging between 1 to 15% by weight, and salt in quantities ranging between 99 and 85% by weight.
US08524303B2	High-potency sweetener composition with phytosterol 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 phytosterols, phytostanols, esters thereof, or combinations thereof. 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.
US08524300B1	Covered retracted confectionery A covered retracted confectionery including a housing with covers hinged adjacent the top for movement between closed and open positions. The lower part of each of the covers being contacted by a part of a shaft moveable in the housing between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the housing to keep the covers closed against the force of gravity. A confectionery carried adjacent the top of the shaft is enclosed by the covers until they are manually moved to the open position by operation of an actuator slideably mounted on the exterior of the housing against a bias. Upon release of the actuator, the bias will automatically retract the shaft and confectionery as well as close the covers.
US08524296B2	Method for fermenting natural materials with salt and fermented extracts prepared therefrom The present invention relates to a method for fermenting natural products with salt and fermented extracts prepared thereby. The method comprises: adding a predetermined amount of salt to at least one of natural products, including medicinal herbs and cereals; naturally fermenting the salted material; and extracting the fermented salted material with a solvent. Accordingly, the method can prevent the growth of various bacteria, including putrefactive bacteria, E. coli and anaerobic bacteria, which are harmful to the human body, in the natural product, and it also can prevent the generation of bed smells in the natural product. The fermented extract prepared by the method has fewer side effects and is safer than fermented extracts prepared by conventional fermentation methods.
US08524293B1	Method for producing a red grape tea-like composition A method for producing a dry composition from red grapes by natural fermentation that is, once brewed, steeped within hot water, tasteful to ingest as herb tea, and that complementary contains antioxidants, Catechin, Resveratrol, Tannin, Quercetin bearing anti-inflammatory and blood glucose lowering capacities; as well as a human skin rejuvenating natural product derived there from. The method is used to prepare dry composition containing phenolic antioxidants such as catechin, resveratrol, and quercetin, and comprises small parcels made from the grape berry, stalks, skins and seeds of the red grape Vitis labrusca. The method uses the sequential steps of crushing, two successive natural fermentation periods, and drying by utilizing simplified operations.
US08524292B2	Cosmeceutical formulation containing palm oils A cosmeceutical formulation is provided that includes a mixture of a refined, bleached, deodorized (RBD) palm oils and red palm olein. The resulting formulation is a homogeneous blend with a considerable shelf life. The formulation may be a cream, lotion, sunscreen, or a soap and may be formulated to include additional beneficial oils and EFAs. If a cream formulation is desired, RBD palm stearin is the preferred palm oil for producing a creamy texture. If a lotion is desired, RBD palm oil may be used and chemically modified to produce a tailored oil with a desired melting point and consistency. The formulation may be used to treat a variety of skin conditions including adverse and age-related skin conditions or as an effective moisturizer for the prolonged maintenance of ordinary skin.
US08524290B2	Non-occluding nasal moisturizer and methods of use Compositions are provided that provide improved nasal moisture, clarity, and lubrication. Compositions are oil-in-glycerin emulsions that include a surfactant promoting emulsification of a hydrophobic or otherwise water insoluble bioactive agent. The compositions are used in methods of promoting improved nasal moisture and reduction in nasal congestion.
US08524286B2	Plant extraction method and compositions The present invention pertains to methods of extracting cardiac glycosides from cardiac glycoside containing plant material, such as Nerium oleander, through use of aloe. It further provides for compositions resulting from such extractions, pharmaceutical compositions, cosmetic compositions, and methods of treating skin conditions.
US08524285B2	Nutraceutical mangosteen composition Nutraceutical compositions derived from the fruit of the Garcinia mangostana L. or mangosteen plant and methods to make the same are provided. The nutraceutical mangosteen compositions employ novel combinations of mangosteen fruit pulp and pericarp, and can be additionally complemented by selected juice concentrates to yield a composition for improving general health and wellness in humans. The methods to make the nutraceutical compositions involve the use of a mixture comprising pericarp and inner pulp from whoe fruit of a Garcinia mangostana L. plant.
US08524282B2	Method for production of highly pure phospholipid, and highly pure sphingomyelin and plasmalogen-type glycerophospholipid produced by the method This invention provides a process for producing a high-purity sphingomyelin and a high-purity plasmalogen-form glycerophospholipid from a biological material by simple procedures at high yields. The process comprises the steps of: (A) subjecting dried total lipids extracted from a biological material to extraction treatment with a specific mixture solution to separate an insoluble portion composed mainly of sphingomyelin and a soluble portion; (B) subjecting the insoluble portion, obtained in said Step (A), to washing treatment with a specific mixture solution to obtain crude sphingomyelin; (C) subjecting the soluble portion, obtained in said Step (A), to washing treatment with a water-soluble ketone solvent to obtain crude plasmalogen-form glycerophospholipid; (D) causing an enzyme to act on the crude sphingomyelin, obtained in said Step (B), to obtain sphingomyelin having a purity of 90% or more; and (E) causing an enzyme to act on the crude plasmalogen-form glycerophospholipid, obtained in said Step (C), to obtain plasmalogen-form glycerophospholipid having a purity of 40% or more.
US08524281B2	Coated drug spheroids and uses thereof for eliminating or reducing conditions such as emesis and diarrhea The present invention provides an oral pharmaceutical formulation comprising coated spheroids of a kinase inhibitor such as neratinib, which formulation is designed to reduce or eliminate side effects associated with existing oral formulations of kinase inhibitors.
US08524276B2	Oral formulations and lipophilic salts of methylnaltrexone The present invention provides compositions comprising methylnaltrexone or a salt thereof, and compositions and formulations thereof, for oral administration.
US08524273B2	Transdermal absorption preparation A transdermal absorption preparation having a support and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer consisting of multiple layers, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprises a drug-retaining layer containing a drug and an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive and a skin adhesion layer containing a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer. This preparation can continuously release bisoprolol at a constant concentration. Moreover, it can be easily produced.
US08524272B2	Transdermal patch incorporating active agent migration barrier layer Devices for administration of one or more active agents to the skin or mucosa of a host are formed in the nature of a double-disk patch. One outer layer functions as the primary adhesive layer for adhering the patch to the host. The other inner layer contains at least one active agent to be administered to the host. The inner layer is bonded to the outer layer through an opening provided in an interposed active agent impermeable release layer. The release layer separates a circumferential portion of the active agent containing inner layer from the outer adhesive layer to inhibit migration of the active agent therebetween.
US08524270B2	Cross-linked gelatin composition coated with a wetting agent Disclosed is a biocompatible, hemostatic, cross-linked gelatin composition comprising a biocompatible material comprising cross-linked gelatin and a sufficient amount of wetting agent to permit uniform wetting of the sponge in the presence of an aqueous solution.
US08524268B2	Cadaveric allogenic human juvenile cartilage implant The present invention is directed to compositions having at least one neocartilage particle, juvenile cartilage particle or a combination thereof and a matrix, and methods and devices that include the compositions.
US08524262B2	Amphiphilic high refractive index organopolysiloxanes Amphiphilic silicons which are dispersible or self-dispersing in water, have a high refractive index, and are prepared by a hydrosilylation reaction, resulting in products which are free of cyclic organopolysiloxanes. The high refractive index and dispersibility make the amphiphilic silicones useful in personal care and cosmetics where high shine or gloss is desired.
US08524260B2	Method for encapsulating oils in an aqueous medium with hase polymer emulsions, products obtained, and uses thereof The invention consists of a method for manufacturing an aqueous formulation containing at least one oil, and comprising the steps of mixing at least one associative polymer, one oil, and water, encapsulating the oil by increasing the pH to a value greater than 8, potentially precipitating the mixture by reducing the pH to a value less than 6, and potentially isolating the resulting particles by removing the water. The aqueous formulations, as with the aqueous dispersions, and the resulting solid particles constitute other objects of the invention.
US08524258B2	Structured lotions Provided are structured compositions comprising a quaternary ammonium salt, at least one branched fatty alcohol, and a vehicle.
US08524251B2	Neisseria meningitidis antigens and compositions The invention provides proteins from Neisseria meningitidis, including the amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. The proteins are predicted to be useful antigens for vaccines and/or diagnostics.
US08524248B2	Methods to diagnose and immunize against the virus causing human Merkel cell carcinoma The present invention provides isolated or substantially purified polypeptides, nucleic acids, and virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from a Merkel cell carcinoma virus (MCV), which is a newly-discovered virus. The invention further provides monoclonal antibody molecules that bind to MCV polypeptides. The invention further provides diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic methods relating to the identification, prevention, and treatment of MCV-related diseases.
US08524245B2	Use of antrodia camphorata for treating gout The present invention relates to the use of antrodia camphorata in the treatment of skin conditions, such as acne vulgaris, urticaria and eczema, allergic rhinitis, diabetes mellitus and its complications, cancer cachexia, hypercholesterolemia, gout in a subject in need of such treatment. The present invention is also directed to the use of antrodia camphorata in the prevention and treatment of oral cancer and arterial restenosis, in a subject in need of such prevention. The methods comprise the steps of: identifying a subject in need thereof, and administering to the subject a formulation comprising an effective amount of antrodia camphorata, whereby the symptoms in the subject are reduced or prevented. The composition can be a pharmaceutical composition or a nutraceutical composition.
US08524237B2	Antibodies with immune effector activity and that internalize in endosialin-positive cells This invention relates to the use of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies that specifically bind to and have the ability in the alternative to become internalized by cells expressing endosialin and to induce an immune effector activity such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The antibodies are useful in specific delivery of pharmacologic agents to endosialin-expressing cells as well as in eliciting an immune-effector activity particularly on tumor and neovascular cells and precursors. The invention is also related to nucleotides encoding the antibodies of the invention, cells expressing the antibodies; methods of detecting cancer and neovascular cells; and methods of treating cancer and neovascular disease using the antibodies, derivatives and fragments.
US08524235B2	Method for treating coronary artery disease using antibody binding human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta(HPTPbeta) Antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that bind to human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (HPTPβ), and uses thereof.
US08524232B2	Methods of treatment using taci-immunoglobulin fusion proteins Molecules that interfere with the binding of a tumor necrosis factor receptor with its ligand, such as a soluble receptor, have proven usefulness in both basic research and as therapeutics. The present invention provides improved soluble transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand-interactor (TACI) receptors.
US08524230B2	Use of IL-23 and IL-17 antagonists to treat autoimmune ocular inflammatory disease Novel methods and drug products for treating autoimmune ocular inflammatory disease are disclosed, which involve administration of agents that antagonize one or both of IL-17 and IL-23 activity.
US08524227B2	Anti-IL-TIF antibodies The present invention relates to blocking the activity of IL-TIF polypeptide molecules. IL-TIF is a cytokine involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. The present invention includes anti-IL-TIF antibodies and binding partners, as well as methods for antagonizing IL-TIF using such antibodies and binding partners in IL-TIF-related human inflammatory diseases, amongst other uses disclosed.
US08524224B2	Methods of using Curvularia strains to confer stress tolerance and/or growth enhancement in plants The present invention is directed to methods and compositions of endophytic fungi that confer stress tolerance in inoculated plants, including both monocots and dicots. In particular, Curvularia species, isolated from a host grass Dichanthelium languinosum growing in the geothermal zones of Lassen Volcanic and Yellowstone National Parks, confers such stress tolerance. Upon inoculating a target plant or plant part with endophytic fungi, the resulting plant shows stress tolerance, particularly drought and thermal tolerance.
US08524223B2	Bacillus subtilis KS1 as a plant disease control agent A microorganism inhibits the growth of various plant pathogens, and is not reduced in its efficacy even when the microorganism is used in combination with a chemical pesticide. The microorganism is Bacillus subtilis KS1 strain (NITE BP-569). The plant disease control agent comprises a culture of the microorganism as an active ingredient.
US08524222B2	Bacillus isolates and methods of their use to protect against plant pathogens and virus transmission Methods of inducing systemic acquired resistance to infection in a plant are provided. The methods comprise applying a composition comprising a Bacillus control agent to said plant wherein said plant is capable of producing defense proteins. Also provided are, methods for controlling one or more plant diseases, methods for preventing plant virus transmission, methods for preventing and/or treating soil-borne plant pathogens using the Bacillus control agent of the present invention, and methods of generating bacterial spores. In addition, synergistic biocontrol combinations and methods of using the same are provided.
US08524220B1	Protease inhibitor: protease sensitivity expression system composition and methods improving the therapeutic activity and specificity of proteins delivered by bacteria Bacteria which co-express protease inhibitors and protease sensitive therapeutic agents, which are surface displayed, secreted and/or released and result in their localized production and maintenance within a target tissue and inactivation outside of the target tissue, thereby increasing therapeutic activity and reducing the systemic toxicity. The bacteria may be attenuated, non-pathogenic, low pathogenic or a probiotic. Protease sensitivity may be further accomplished by engineering protease degradation sites within the therapeutic agents, further enhancing the inactivation outside of the target tissue while retaining activity within the target tissue through co-expression of a protease inhibitor. Novel chimeric proteins secreted by bacteria, including chimeric toxins targeted to neoplastic cells, tumor matrix cells and cells of the immune system, and combination therapies of these protease inhibitor:chimeric toxin-expressing bacteria together with small-molecule and biologic agents are also described. Non-conjugative bacteria limiting exchange of genetic material, and antibody resistant bacteria are also provided.
US08524219B2	Simian subfamily B adenoviruses SAdV-28, -27, -29, -32, -33, and -35 and uses thereof A recombinant vector comprises simian adenovirus 28, simian adenovirus 27, simian adenovirus 32, simian adenovirus 33, and/or simian adenovirus 35 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses one or more simian adenovirus-28, -27, -32, -33, or -35 genes is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.
US08524210B2	Plant-derived elastin binding protein ligands and methods of using the same The present invention describes novel plant derived elastin-like peptides and peptidomimetics that may serve as functional ligands for elastin receptors and stimulate elastogenesis. The novel plant derived peptides provide an alternative (non-animal derived) source of GXXPG (SEQ ID NO. 2) containing peptides. The present invention also describes therapeutic compositions containing novel plant derived peptides or peptidomimetics useful in stimulating elastogenensis and capillary dilatation. The therapeutic compositions of the present invention that comprise novel plant derived peptides or peptidomimetics may be combined with other therapeutic agents.
US08524208B2	Composition for the permanent shaping of human hair The present innovation concerns a composition for the permanent shaping of human hair comprising at least one reducing agent at a concentration of above 2% by weight an aminated silicone compound at a concentration in the range of 0.1 to 2.5% by weight calculated to total composition and a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized vinylimidazole at a concentration in the range of 0.1 to 2.5% by weight calculated to total composition and process for permanent shaping human hair with the said compositions.
US08524205B2	Hair cosmetic composition A hair cosmetic composition containing a polyether polycarbonate having a structural unit represented by the following formula (1): [wherein A represents a C2 to C6 alkylene group; n represents an average number of 5 to 1,000; p represents an average number of 5 to 100; and (n×p) units of AO may be the same or not].
US08524204B2	Cosmetic compositions and methods for inhibiting or reducing trypsin activity A cosmetic composition formulated for topical application to skin is provided. The composition includes a safe and effective amount of cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexol; a safe and effective amount of an N-acyl amino acid compound; and a dermatologically acceptable vehicle.
US08524201B2	Non-cytotoxic chlorine dioxide fluids Disclosed are compositions related to a substantially non-cytotoxic chlorine dioxide solution. The solution may be a thickened fluid composition. Also disclosed are methods of making and using a substantially non-cytotoxic thickened fluid compositions or solutions comprising chlorine dioxide solution. An oxidizing composition of reduced irritation is also disclosed.
US08524199B2	Toothpaste composition The present invention is directed to a toothpaste composition comprising a binder, an abrasive, a foaming agent, water, and polyethylene glycol, wherein the binder comprises semi-refined carrageenan. The toothpaste composition has improved shelf life.
US08524196B2	Method of providing fast relief to a user of a nicotine chewing gum The invention relates to a method of relieving nicotine craving comprising the steps of providing at least one chewing gum comprising tobacco alkaloid to a user, providing relief of nicotine craving to said user by transferring of tobacco alkaloid from the chewing gum to the human body of said user by chewing of said chewing gum, said chewing of said chewing gum comprising a chewing process involving a transfer of tobacco alkaloid from said chewing gum above a threshold transfer rate in the period of about ½ minute to about 2½ minutes from initiation of said chewing process.
US08524195B2	Iron oxide nanoparticles as MRI contrast agents and their preparing method Iron oxide nano contrast agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging which have superior T2 contrast effect, and also can be used as a storage or a carrier for drugs and so on, are disclosed. The iron oxide nano contrast agents can be prepared by the steps of: coating surfaces of hydrophobic FeO nanoparticles with a coating material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol-phospholipid conjugate, dextran, chitosan, dimercaptosuccinic acid and mixtures thereof in an organic solvent to form hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles having hydrophilic surfaces and dispersibility in water; dispersing the hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles in water to oxidize FeO; and exposing the oxidized hydrophilic FeO nanoparticles to an acidic buffer to dissolve and remove interior unoxidized FeO portions, and thereby to form Fe3O4 nanoparticles having an interior space.
US08524194B2	Radiolabelled MMP selective compounds The invention is directed to radiolabelled MMP selective compounds, a processes for the preparation thereof, and uses thereof. The derivatives of the invention have formula (I) wherein Y represents O, CH2, (CH2)2, S, NH, or C(═O)NH; X represents 1-5 substituents, wherein said substituents can be the same or different and wherein at least one of said substituents comprises a radioisotope suitable for PET and/or SPECT and/or a β-emitter; Z is S; Q is chosen from the group consisting of 3-pyridyl and carboxyl; and R is chosen from the group consisting of C(═O)—NH—OH, (II), (III, (IV). The MMP selective compounds of the invention are selective for MMPs and can be used for the identification and treatment of unstable atherosclerotic plaques.
US08524192B2	Aluminum hydroxide gel particle and production method thereof An aluminum hydroxide gel particle having high purity and extremely high acid reactivity and a production method thereof.The aluminum hydroxide gel particle has an iron (Fe) content of 1 to 10 ppm.
US08524190B2	Enhanced hexagonal ferrite material and methods of preparation and use thereof Embodiments and aspects of the present invention relate to an enhanced hexagonal ferrite magnetic material doped with an alkali metal. The material retains substantial magnetic permeability up to frequencies in the GHz range with low losses. The material may be used in high frequency applications in devices such as transformers, inductors, circulators, and absorbers.
US08524189B2	Process for the selective oxidation of hydrogen sulphide The present invention provides a process for the selective oxidation of hydrogen sulphide contained in a hydrogen sulphide-containing hydrocarbon feed gas to elemental sulphur. The hydrogen sulphide-containing hydrocarbon feed gas and a sulphur dioxide-containing gas are supplied to a reaction zone containing a TiO2-comprising catalyst, wherein elemental sulphur and a gaseous stream depleted in hydrogen sulphide are formed. The gas feeds are contacted with the TiO2 containing catalyst at elevated pressure and at a temperature in the range of from 120 and below 160 ° C., under such conditions that the elemental sulphur formed is essentially in liquid form. At least part of the sulphur dioxide-containing gas is obtained by combusting elemental sulphur to obtain a gaseous mixture of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen and then concentrating the gaseous mixture to provide the sulphur dioxide-containing gas.
US08524188B2	Method for purifying metallurgical silicon for solar cells A method includes transferring a raw silicon material in a crucible and subjecting the raw silicon material in the crucible to thermal energy to form a melted silicon material at a temperature of less than 1400 Degrees Celsius, the melted silicon material having an exposed region bounded by an interior region of the crucible, subjecting an exposed inner region of the melted silicon material to an energy source to include an arc heater configured above the exposed region and to be spaced by a gap between the exposed region and a muzzle region of the arc heater to form a determined temperature profile within a vicinity of an inner region of the exposed melted silicon material while maintaining outer regions of the melted silicon material at a temperature below a melting point of the crucible, and removing impurities from the melted silicon material to form higher purity silicon.
US08524183B2	Composition containing oxides of zirconium, cerium and another rare earth having reduced maximum reducibility temperature, a process for preparation and use thereof in the field of catalysis A composition is described that includes oxides of zirconium, cerium and another rare earth different from cerium, having a cerium oxide content not exceeding 50 wt % and, after calcination at 1000° C. for 6 hours, a maximal reducibility temperature not exceeding 500° C. and a specific surface of at least 45 m2/g. The composition can be prepared according to a method that includes continuously reacting a mixture that includes compounds of zirconium, cerium and another rare earth having a basic compound for a residence time not exceeding 100 milliseconds, wherein the precipitate is heated and contacted with a surfactant before calcination.
US08524175B2	Tandem reactor system having an injectively-mixed backmixing reaction chamber, tubular-reactor, and axially movable interface A reactor system for gas phase reacting of at least two fluid feed streams, where the reactor system has an injectively-mixed backmixing reaction chamber in fluid communication with a tubular-flow reactor. The injectively-mixed backmixing reaction chamber has a bulkhead that slides during real-time operation to either diminish or expand the internal volume of the backmixing reaction chamber. In one embodiment, the effective passageway space through the bulkhead is also variably adjustable. In another embodiment, the tubular-flow reactor shares the bulkhead so that axial bulkhead movement commensurately expands one reaction space while diminishing the other reaction space. Input gas streams enter the backmixing reaction chamber with sufficient velocity to turbulently agitate the contents of the injectively-mixed backmixing reaction chamber by injective intermixing of the alkane-containing gas feed stream and the oxygen-containing gas feed stream. A focal application is for direct (partial) oxidative conversion of natural gas to alkyl oxygenates.
US08524173B2	Microchannel structure and fine-particle production method using the same A microchannel structure including a dispersed-phase introduction channel which communicates with a dispersed-phase introduction inlet; a continuous-phase introduction channel which communicates with a continuous-phase introduction inlet; a discharge channel which communicates with a discharge outlet; a fine-particle formation channel; and a plurality of branch channels for dispersed-phase introduction which are microchannels; wherein one end of the fine-particle formation channel in a fluid traveling direction communicates with the continuous-phase introduction channel whereas the other end thereof communicates with the discharge channel; and wherein a side part of the dispersed-phase introduction channel and side part of the fine-particle formation channel communicate via the plurality of branch channel for dispersed-phase introduction.
US08524171B2	Device for separating components of a fluid sample A device for separating heavier and lighter fractions of a fluid sample is provided, the device including a container and a unitary separator located therein, the separator having an overall density between the heavier and light fractions. The separator is capable of moving between the fractions upon centrifugation, and sealing the fractions from one another when centrifugation ends.
US08524169B2	Disk-based fluid sample collection device A fluid sample collection device for a disk-based fluid separation system is disclosed. The disk-based separation system includes a compact microfluidic disk with at least one flow channel pattern formed on a side surface of the disk. At least one orifice is formed on an outflow boundary of the disk and is designed in fluid communication with the flow channel pattern through a communication channel. The fluid sample collection device includes at least one collection tube having an open end serving as a fluid receiving end and corresponding to the orifice of the disk with a distance. When the disk is rotated, at least a portion of fluid sample in a sample processing reservoir formed on the disk is delivered by centripetal force through the communication channel and the orifice, and finally the expelling fluid sample is collected in the collection tube.
US08524164B2	Filtration, flow distribution and catalytic method for process streams A method for removing contaminants from an process stream that includes the use of reticulated material to filter the process stream. The reticulated material also facilitate process stream flow distribution in process units. The reticulated material can be packed with a void space between a substantial number of the reticulated material that can be varied to enhance filtration and flow distribution. The method of filtering also provides a method of removing contaminants leaving process equipment. The methods can be used on a variety of process streams and process equipment. The reticulated material can include ceramics, metallic materials, and chemical vapor deposition elements. The reticulated material can be of various shapes and sizes, and can also be catalytically active.
US08524151B2	Method for radiation sterilization of medical devices Methods and systems for selection radiation exposure in sterilization of medical devices are disclosed.
US08524147B2	Powder green compact, sintered compact and processes for producing them A process for producing powder green compacts includes centrifugally compacting a slip containing a material powder, a binder resin and a dispersion medium in a mold, into a compact containing the material powder and the binder resin. A process for producing sintered compacts includes sintering the green compact. A powder green compact contains a material powder and a binder resin, the binder resin being present between particles of the material powder and binding the material particles. A sintered compact is obtained by sintering the green compact.
US08524146B2	Rotary degassers and components therefor Disclosed are degassers, couplings, impeller shafts and impellers for use in molten metal. One such coupling transfers gas into an impeller shaft, the coupling having a smooth, tapered internal surface to align with a corresponding surface on the impeller shaft and help prevent gas leakage and to assist in preventing damage to the impeller shaft. Improved impellers for shearing and mixing gas are also disclosed, as is a degasser including one or more of these components.
US08524143B2	Method for forming a container from bi-axially orientable plastics material and having an integral handle A method of forming a container from bi-axially orientable plastics material and having an integral handle with the steps of forming a preform having a neck portion and an expandable portion below the neck portion, with the neck portion including a locating ring above the expandable portion and a handle molded to the non expandable at one end and molded to the expandle portion at the other end. Where the molded-in handle is the approximate length of the handle of the finished container. The unblown preform of orientable plastics is inserted into a blow molder and thereafter stretched by a stretch rod. During the stretch process the handle on the preform unbends rather than stretching to form the approximate shape of the handle in the finished container. The blow mold then closes on the stretched preform thus capturing the handle. Blow gas is then injected into the interior.
US08524142B2	Apparatus and process for continuous generative production The invention concerns a process for producing products of individual geometry, in particular dental prostheses or dental auxiliary parts, comprising the steps of producing a plurality of products on the surface of a substrate plate by means of selective hardening, in particular by means of selective sintering or melting, in which the material is applied in successive layers, after each layer application one or more predetermined regions of the applied layer is selectively hardened by means of an energy-rich radiation and connected to one or more regions of the subjacent layer, wherein the predetermined regions are predetermined on the basis of a cross-sectional geometry of the product in the respective layer. According to the invention the successive layers are applied in layer planes oriented inclinedly relative to the surface of the substrate plate. The invention further concerns an apparatus for carrying out such a process.
US08524131B2	Laminate and method for making laminate A method of insert molding comprises placing in a first mold a curable rubber composition comprising a reactive species; placing on a surface of the rubber composition a first thermoplastic material in a film or layer comprising a group reactive with the reactive species of the rubber composition; curing the rubber composition in the mold to form a first molded article of cured rubber having a first thermoplastic material layer covalently bonded through reactive of the reactive species and the group; placing the first molded article as an insert into a second mold, the cured rubber contacting an inside surface of the second mold and the thermoplastic layer facing into the second mold cavity; closing the second mold and injecting into the second mold a second thermoplastic material that to form a second molded article comprising the first molded article thermally welded and/or covalently bonded to the second thermoplastic material.
US08524130B2	Biodegradable disposable tableware and methods for making same Biodegradable disposable flatware and utensils manufactured from wood-based or plant-based raw materials, including materials that may be traditionally discarded such as sawdust, plant stalks, seed or grain hulls or the like. The process includes the use of a resin made from the discarded materials to form disposable utensils and flatware.
US08524129B2	Method for producing a fuel cell separator A method of producing a fuel cell separator includes pressing a compact part-forming material that includes a carbonaceous powder and a thermosetting resin binder at a temperature equal to or higher than the softening temperature of the thermosetting resin binder and less than the curing temperature of the thermosetting resin binder to obtain a compact part-forming preformed sheet, preparing a porous part-forming powder that includes a carbonaceous powder and a thermosetting resin binder, placing the compact part-forming preformed sheet and the porous part-forming powder in a forming die that has a concave-convex forming surface corresponding to the shape of a gas passage so that the concave-convex forming surface faces the porous part-forming powder, and hot-pressing the compact part-forming preformed sheet and the porous part-forming powder using the forming die at a temperature equal to or higher than the curing temperature of the thermosetting resin binder included in the compact part-forming material or the curing temperature of the thermosetting resin binder included in the porous part-forming powder, whichever is the higher.
US08524126B2	Method for forming optical film A method for manufacturing an optical film includes providing a molding machine. The molding machine includes a hopper, a first cylindrical roller, a second cylindrical roller, and a UV light source. The first and second cylindrical rollers are located at two opposite sides of a narrow outlet of the hopper and positioned at substantially a same height just below the narrow outlet. Thereafter, a UV-curable material is provided into the hopper, and flows out from the narrow outlet of the hopper. The UV light source is turned on toward the UV-curable material. Furthermore, the first and second cylindrical rollers are rotated to directly press the UV-curable material when the UV-curable material is cured.
US08524123B2	Sputtering target, transparent conductive film and transparent electrode A sputtering target which is composed of a sintered body of an oxide which contains at least indium, tin, and zinc and includes a spinel structure compound of Zn2SnO4 and a bixbyite structure compound of In2O3. A sputtering target includes indium, tin, zinc, and oxygen with only a peak ascribed to a bixbyite structure compound being substantially observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD).
US08524121B2	Bi-indoline-dithione polymers A polymer of Formula (I) wherein Ar, R1, R2, R3, R4, Y, x, k, m, and n are as described herein. The polymer may be used in a semiconducting layer of an electronic device.
US08524112B2	Process for the production of microelectromechanical systems Elemental fluorine and carbonyl fluoride are suitable etchants for producing microelectromechanical devices (“MEMS”). They are preferably applied as mixtures with nitrogen and argon. If applied in Bosch-type process, C4F6 is a highly suitable passivating gas.
US08524109B2	High curie temperature ternary piezoelectric ceramics A preferred piezoelectric ceramic material is a BiFeO3—PbZrO3—PbTiO3 ternary solid solution wherein proportions of the constituent perovskite metal oxides are selected so that the material exhibits relatively high Curie temperatures above 380° C. and useful piezoelectric properties.
US08524108B2	Magnetic particle and method of preparing the same, and magnetic recording medium An aspect of the present invention relates to a magnetic particle obtained by heat-treating a hexagonal ferrite magnetic material in reducing atmosphere containing hydrocarbon gas.
US08524106B2	P-type thermoelectric materials, a process for their manufacture and uses thereof A thermoelectric material of the p-type having the stoichiometric formula Zn4Sb3, wherein part of the Zn atoms optionally being substituted by one or more elements selected from the group comprising Sn, Mg, Pb and the transition metals in a total amount of 20 mol % or less in relation to the Zn atoms is provided by a process involving zone-melting of a an arrangement comprising an interphase between a “stoichiometric” material having the desired composition and a “non-stoichiometric” material having a composition deviating from the desired composition. The thermoelectric materials obtained exhibit excellent figure of merits.
US08524100B2	Process and system for fabrication of patterns on a surface The invention provides a system and process of patterning structures on a carbon based surface comprising exposing part of the surface to an ion flux, such that material properties of the exposed surface are modified to provide a hard mask effect on the surface. A further step of etching unexposed parts of the surface forms the structures on the surface. The inventors have discovered that by controlling the ion exposure, alteration of the surface structure at the top surface provides a mask pattern, without substantially removing any material from the exposed surface. The mask allows for subsequent ion etching of unexposed areas of the surface leaving the exposed areas raised relative to the unexposed areas thus manufacturing patterns onto the surface. For example, a Ga+ focussed ion beam exposes a pattern onto a diamond surface which produces such a pattern after its exposure to a plasma etch. The invention is particularly suitable for patterning of clear well-defined structures down to nano-scale dimensions.
US08524095B2	Process to make PMR writer with leading edge shield (LES) and leading edge taper (LET) Methods for fabrication of leading edge shields and tapered magnetic poles with a tapered leading edge are provided. The leading edge shield may be formed by utilizing a CMP stop layer. The CMP stop layer may aid in preventing over polishing of the magnetic material. For the tapered magnetic poles with a tapered leading edge, a magnetic material is deposited on a planarized surface, a patterned resist material is formed, and exposed magnetic material is etched to form at least one tapered surface of the magnetic material.
US08524080B1	Purification apparatus for contaminated water employing high-voltage DC pulse and subsequent low-voltage DC field An apparatus for removing cyanotoxins and excess ions from contaminated water. Contaminated water passes from a storage tank (200), through a sand filter (210), through a reaction chamber (230), and finally through a carbon filter (270). The sand filter removes particulates and some bacteria. Treatment of the water in the reaction chamber first destroys cyanotoxins, algae, and bacteria through the use of high voltage shocks applied between two groups of electrodes (285, 285′), then the voltage on the electrodes is lowered and electrolysis is used to sequester free ions in the water in the region near the electrodes. Partially treated water is removed from the upper portion of the reaction chamber and passed through a carbon filter (270) to remove radiation, and to improve taste and smell. After passage through the carbon filter, the water is potable. The water remaining in the reaction chamber is discarded into a reservoir (265).
US08524078B2	Water tank and separately formed filter cartridge connection element which can be connected to said water tank The present invention relates to a water tank and to a filter cartridge connection element which can be connected to said water tank, and also to fixing means for fixing said filter cartridge connection element to the tank. In this case, the fixing means are distinguished in that they are formed such that the filter cartridge connection element can no longer be detached from the tank without being destroyed.
US08524077B2	Shower tube cleaning device for filter for water tank A shower tube cleaning device for a filter for a water tank in which clean water from the filter is returned to the interior of the water tank through the shower tube, which is provided with a plurality of nozzles, wherein an operating rod (11) passing through the interior of the shower tube (5) is linked to a cleaner (10) slidably provided within the shower tube (5), a knob (12) is fixed to the free end of the operating rod (11), and pushing and pulling the knob (12) makes the cleaner (10) reciprocatingly slide to thus scrape off foreign matter within the shower tube (5). This enables an inner face of the shower tube to be cleaned while the shower tube is linked to the filter.
US08524076B2	Fluid purification unit and fluid purification assembly including the same A fluid purification unit includes a case including a hollow and a plurality of openings communicating with the hollow to flow a fluid inside into the hollow and outside from the hollow, the case including combining protrusions formed on a first face and concave portions formed on a second face opposite to the first face, each of the combining protrusions having a first cross sectional area and being regularly arranged in a first direction and at a first interval and each of the concave portions having a second area corresponding to the first cross sectional area and being arranged at a second interval corresponding to the first interval.
US08524069B2	Production of high viscosity index lube base oils The invention below shows a preferred method to make high quality base oil at unexpectedly high yields using a combination of hydrotreatment of high waxy feedstocks accompanied by hydroisomerization of the resulting wax to produce an extra high VI lube of greater than 140VI and at least −18 deg C. pour point or less. The preferred combinations of conditions identified below can surprisingly lead to unexpectedly high yields. This allows the use of higher oil content (or lower wax content) feedstocks.
US08524066B2	Electrochemical production of urea from NOx and carbon dioxide Methods and systems for electrochemical production of urea are disclosed. A method may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (B). Step (A) may introduce carbon dioxide and NOx to a solution of an electrolyte and a heterocyclic catalyst in an electrochemical cell. The divided electrochemical cell may include an anode in a first cell compartment and a cathode in a second cell compartment. The cathode may reduce the carbon dioxide and the NOx into a first sub-product and a second sub-product, respectively. Step (B) may combine the first sub-product and the second sub-product to produce urea.
US08524063B2	Micro-electrode device for dielectrophoretic characterisation of particles A device for dielectrophoretic manipulation of suspended particulate matter comprises an analysis electrode and a separate cover electrode wherein the analysis electrode comprises an electrically conductive layer of material provided on a substrate support and apertures are defined through the electrically conductive layer. The device can be used for detection, analysis, fractionation, concentration or separation of particulate matter.
US08524060B1	Microchannel gel electrophoretic separation systems and methods for preparing and using A micro-analytical platform for performing electrophoresis-based immunoassays was developed by integrating photopolymerized cross-linked polyacrylamide gels within a microfluidic device. The microfluidic immunoassays are performed by gel electrophoretic separation and quantifying analyte concentration based upon conventional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). To retain biological activity of proteins and maintain intact immune complexes, native PAGE conditions were employed. Both direct (non-competitive) and competitive immunoassay formats are demonstrated in microchips for detecting toxins and biomarkers (cytokines, c-reactive protein) in bodily fluids (serum, saliva, oral fluids). Further, a description of gradient gels fabrication is included, in an effort to describe methods we have developed for further optimization of on-chip PAGE immunoassays. The described chip-based PAGE immunoassay method enables immunoassays that are fast (minutes) and require very small amounts of sample (less than a few microliters). Use of microfabricated chips as a platform enables integration, parallel assays, automation and development of portable devices.
US08524057B2	Methods and apparatus for measuring analytes using large scale FET arrays Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in the concentration of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), hydrogen ions, and nucleotide triphosphates.
US08524048B2	Processes for recovering silane from heavy-ends separation operations Processes and systems for purifying silane-containing streams are disclosed with relatively less silane being lost in impurity streams by use of distillation and/or condensation operations.
US08524046B2	Distillation column pressure control Methods and systems for controlling the pressure of distillation columns, for example those operating under vacuum pressure and conventionally equipped with a steam ejector system, are described. Representative distillation columns are used in the separation of thermally unstable components, such as the physical solvent sulfolane, having relatively low volatility. Such columns are employed in aromatic hydrocarbon extraction processes for the recovery of purified C6-C8 aromatic hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon feed stream (e.g., obtained from the catalytic reforming of naphtha).
US08524044B2	Systems for recovering silane from heavy-ends separation operations Processes and systems for purifying silane-containing streams are disclosed with relatively less silane being lost in impurity streams by use of distillation and/or condensation operations.
US08524036B2	Polyester surfactants for deinking The present invention relates to cost-effective and environmentally friendly polyester surfactants for use in flotation deinking. The improved ink collection of the present invention can result in deinked pulp of high quality and/or yields that has excellent brightness and effective residual ink concentration values.
US08524027B2	Label dispensing device and method A label dispensing device is disclosed for dispensing labels from a web that has a web path extending through the label dispensing device. The label dispensing device includes a dispensing member and a transition member. The dispensing member is shaped to effectuate a flexure of the web and includes a peel edge disposed along a portion of the web path. The transition member has a web control surface disposed along a portion of the web path. The web control surface is downstream of the peel edge and is configured to engage the first side of the web, thereby reducing the flexure of the web effectuated by the dispensing member.
US08524024B2	Method and apparatus for producing green tires An unvulcanized rubber member passed from the transfer terminal end of a liner to the outer peripheral surface of a winding roller is transferred and press-fitted to a winding body by rotating the winding roller. By this, the unvulcanized rubber member is transferred from the transfer terminal end of the liner to the winding body while being restrained by an outer peripheral surface of the winding roller. Thus, even if vibration is applied to a transfer means due to a diagonal waving, the winding position and the wound shape of the rubber member can be maintained substantially unchanged.
US08524023B2	Methods and systems for fabrication of composite armor laminates by preform stitching Methods and systems for an armor system are provided. The system includes a first face sheet and a shaped preform extending from the first face sheet. The preform includes a first edge proximate the first face sheet, a sidewall extending from the first edge to a flange extending substantially perpendicularly from the sidewall. The preform circumscribes an area of the first face sheet. The system also includes a tile of armor material complementarily-shaped to fit within the area circumscribed by the preform. The tile is positioned within the preform such that at least a portion of the tile is between the first face sheet and the flange. The system includes a second face sheet covering the preform and the tile on a side opposite from the first face sheet.
US08524019B2	Alternative to tetrazene Embodiments of materials suitable for use as a replacement for Tetrazene and methods of preparing such materials are described. In one embodiment, the material comprises MTX-1, as well as simple salts or complexes derived therefrom. The methods of preparing such materials include combining Tetrazene and an acid to form a suspension, where the acid is nitric acid, sulfuric acid, perchloric acid, or hydrochloric acid. A nitrite salt may be added to the suspension, where the nitrite salt is sodium nitrite, lithium nitrite, potassium nitrite, an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite, an aqueous solution of lithium nitrite, or an aqueous solution of potassium nitrite. In some embodiments, the suspension is stirred until the suspension has a white appearance.
US08524017B2	Process or manufacturing components obtained by sintering of Co-Cr-Mo alloys having improved ductility at high temperatures A process for manufacturing a component with a base of Co—Cr—Mo alloys having values of average ultimate elongation at 800° C. greater than 10% and of average yielding load at 800° C. greater than 400 MPa, comprising: obtaining a sintered component by additive sintering of powders of Co—Cr—Mo alloys containing carbides irregularly dispersed in the molten matrix; Conducting a first heat treatment on the sintered component for solubilization of the carbides at a temperature of between 1100° C. and 1300° C. for at least 2 hours to form a solubilization intermediate; and cooling the solubilization intermediate at a cooling rate at least equal to that of cooling in air to form a cooled intermediate; and conducting a second heat treatment on the cooled intermediate at a temperature of between 700° C. and 1000° C.
US08524015B2	Aluminum alloy sheet excellent in resistance to softening by baking An aluminum-magnesium alloy sheet having a high strength prior to baking treatment, and having a high bake softening resistance. Contains, as a percentage of mass, 2-5% magnesium, more than 0.05% and 1.5% or less iron, 0.05-1.5% manganese, and crystal grain refiner, the remainder comprising aluminum and inevitable impurities, and among the inevitable impurities, less than 0.20% silicon being contained, the total amount of iron and manganese being greater than 0.3%, the amount of iron dissolved in solid solution being 50 ppm or greater, 5000 or more intermetallic compounds with a circle-equivalent diameter of 1-6 μm existing per square millimeter, and the average diameter of the recrystallized grains being 20 μm or smaller.
US08524014B2	Aluminum alloy products having improved property combinations and method for artificially aging same Aluminum alloy products, such as plate, forgings and extrusions, suitable for use in making aerospace structural components like integral wing spars, ribs and webs, comprises about: 6 to 10 wt. % Zn; 1.2 to 1.9 wt. % Mg; 1.2 to 2.2 wt. % Cu, with Mg≦(Cu+0.3); and 0.05 to 0.4 wt. % Zr, the balance Al, incidental elements and impurities. Preferably, the alloy contains about 6.9 to 8.5 wt. % Zn; 1.2 to 1.7 wt. % Mg; 1.3 to 2 wt. % Cu. This alloy provides improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness in thick gauges. When artificially aged per the 3-stage method of preferred embodiments, this alloy also achieves superior SCC performance, including under seacoast conditions.
US08524011B2	Automated heat exchanger tube cleaning assembly and system An automated heat exchanger tube cleaning assembly and system are provided. The present system can automatically (without ongoing human intervention) survey the tube sheet of a heat exchanger in three-dimensions, convert and record the survey results as a digital file in three-dimensions, and then, according to sequential parameters input via custom software, automatically coordinate via computer one or more cleaning devices to effect the cleaning of each desired tube of the heat exchanger.
US08524002B2	Silicon wafer and method for producing the same Silicon wafers doped with nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon, have a plurality of voids, wherein 50% or more of the total number of voids are bubble-like shaped aggregates of voids; a V1 region having a void density of over 2×104/cm3 and below 1×105/cm3 which occupies 20% or less of the total area of the silicon wafer; a V2 region having a void density of 5×102 to 2×104/cm3 which occupies 80% or more of the total area of said silicon wafer; and a bulk micro defect density which is 5×108/cm3 or more, have excellent GOI characteristics and a high C-mode pass rate. The wafers are cut from a single crystal pulled by a method in which carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen dopants are controlled, and the crystal is subjected to rapid cooling.
US08524001B2	Silicon wafer and method for producing the same Silicon wafers having excellent voltage resistance characteristics of an oxide film and high C-mode characteristics are derived from single crystal silicon ingots doped with nitrogen and hydrogen, characterized in that a plurality of voids constituting a bubble-like void aggregates are present ≧50% relative to total voids; a V1 region having a void density of over 2×104/cm3 and below 1×105/cm3 is ≦20% of the total area of wafer; a V2 region having a void density of 5×102 to 2×104/cm3 occupies ≧80% of the total area of the wafer; and bulk microdefect density is ≧5×108/cm3.
US08523999B2	Material for absorption and attenuation of neutrons Masses for obtaining poured concrete, concrete for bricks, concrete for tiles or mortar are known, in which Portland cement and Colemanite, water and additives to regulate the process are involved as aggregate.The invention achieves a remarkable increase in the capacity of neutron radiation protection of the material. For this, Portland cement is replaced by Alumina cement and a new component is inserted into the mass, specifically anhydrous calcium sulfate, the Colemanite staying as aggregate.
US08523998B2	Process for producing geopolymers A process for producing a geopolymer includes combusting at least one of oil shale and mineral residues originating from a production of oil using the oil shale so as to produce a combustion product. The combustion product is ground. An alkaline activator is added to the combustion product to form a geopolymer mixture. Water is added to the geopolymer mixture. The geopolymer mixture is adjusted so as to obtain a mol ratio of Si:Al of 2 to 5, a mol ratio of K:Al of 0.6 to 0.7, a mol ratio of Si:K of 3 to 10, a mol ratio of Ca:Al of 0.1 to 0.4, and a mol ratio of Si:CA of 4.9 to 41. The geopolymer mixture is hardened.
US08523993B2	Method for improving viscosity of thickeners for aqueous systems A composition for a reduced viscosity hydrophobic thickener system for thickening a polymer-containing aqueous system, a method for providing a reduced viscosity thickener system for a polymer-containing aqueous system, and a method for increasing the viscosity of a polymer-containing aqueous system are disclosed.
US08523983B2	Device in connection with a circular precipitator for a two-stage electrostatic filter A device in connection with a circular precipitator (1) for a two-stage electrostatic filter, wherein the precipitator (1) is formed of at least two strip-like electrode elements wound around a centrally arranged bobbin and the electrode elements are arranged at a distance “d” from one another so that gaps are formed between the electrode elements, wherein the device includes elements for rotating the precipitator (1) about its center axis and wherein a vacuum cleaner nozzle (27) is arranged on one side of the precipitator (1), the vacuum cleaner nozzle (27) being situated in the immediate vicinity of the precipitator (1). It is significant for the device that the vacuum cleaner nozzle (27) is provided with at least two elements (35/36) designed to penetrate into the gaps between adjacent electrode elements of the precipitator (1).
US08523978B2	Method of deacidizing a gas by means of an absorbent solution with fractionated regeneration through heating A method of deacidizing a gaseous effluent comprising acid compounds where the gaseous effluent is contacted in C1 with an adsorbent solution so as to obtain a gaseous effluent depleted in acid compounds and an absorbent solution laden with acid compounds, the absorbent solution being selected for its property of forming two separable phases when it has absorbed an amount of acid compounds and when it is heated. The absorbent solution laden with acid compounds is then heated in E1 and E3 so as to separate two fractions: a first absorbent solution fraction depleted in acid compounds and a second absorbent solution fraction enriched in acid compounds. These two fractions are then separated in BS1. The second fraction is regenerated in C2 so as to release part of the acid compounds, and the first absorbent solution fraction and the regenerated absorbent solution are recycled as absorbent solution.
US08523972B2	Atmospheric air filtration unit, air pre-filtration unit, and associated air filtration system for removeable attachment thereof An air filtration system including a pre-filtration unit having a filter section and a spacer section attached to the filter section and extending downstream from the filter section, a pre-filter attachment device having a pre-filter securing section and a first plurality of coupling members, and a filtration unit. The filter section includes a pre-filter. The spacer section includes an at least partially open end located on a downstream side of the spacer section to expose a downstream face of the pre-filter. The filtration unit includes a filter frame, an upper section thereof including an upstream-facing surface having a plurality of openings, a filter secured inside the lower section of filter frame, and a second plurality of coupling members located on the filter frame and coupleable with the first plurality of coupling members of the pre-filter attachment device to removeably secure the pre-filtration unit to the filtration unit.
US08523970B2	Portable air filter A portable air filter having a cylindrical, perforated shell with an end wall at one end closing the shell and an end wall at the other end having an opening. A hepa filter is removably mounted within the shell adjacent the perforations. The air filter has a blower unit with a through duct and a fan and a motor in the duct. The blower unit is detachably mountable on the shell adjacent the end wall at the other end with one open end of the duct extending through the opening in the end wall. Air is drawn through the perforated shell and hepa filter into the duct and out of the duct through its other open end away from the air filter.
US08523966B2	Method for applying a powdered-diamond coating to the surface of cutters for dentistry excluding slot surfaces The surface of cutters for dentistry is rendered passive to electroplating by immersion in a concentrated aqueous solution of nitric acid for a certain period of time. This is followed by painting a length including the surface marked out by the slots, the surface inside the slots and the surface at the tip, using an electrically insulating paint resistant to acids. Each cutter is then ground using a grinding wheel with rotating disk having an abrasive edge shaped like the continuous profile of the painted surface. Grinding removes the paint together with a micrometric layer of metal from the surface except for that inside the slots. The shank is ground and painted for a length adjacent to the slots. Further processes are then carried out in the following order: activation of the exposed metal surface by electrolysis of reversed polarity in a Wood bath; initial electrolytic nickel-plating in a Wood bath; application of a powdered diamond coating in a Watts bath by a second process of electrolytic nickel-plating containing powdered diamond in contact with the cutters; stabilization of the diamond coating by a third process of electrolytic nickel-plating in a Watts bath containing no powdered diamond; removal of the residual insulating paint by immersing the cutters coated with powdered diamond in a non-halogenous solvent treated with ultrasounds.
US08523965B2	Treating waste streams with organic content Methods, systems and devices for treating and remediating or abating carbon containing wastes to produce clean water, non-toxic, non-hazardous ash has been taught and described, the method, systems and devices are particularly suited to treating aqueous hydrocarbon containing waste streams generated in the oil and gas drilling and hydrofracking industry including electrocoagulating which removes flocculent, the flocculent is removed and then the aqueous stream is separated into light fractions and heavy fractions. The heavy fraction and flocculent are recombined and then gasified to produce syngas and ash, the syngas can then be used in generating power.
US08523963B2	Apparatus for heat treatment of particulate materials The present invention constitutes a heat treatment apparatus like a fluidized-bed dryer for heat treating a particulate material in a low temperature, open-air process. Preferably, available waste heat sources within the surrounding industrial plan operation are used to provide heat to the dryer. Moreover, conveyor means contained within the dryer can remove larger, denser particles that could otherwise impede the continuous flow of the particulate material through the dryer or plug the fluidizing dryer. This invention is especially useful for drying coal for an electricity generation plant.
US08523961B2	Method for manufacturing briquetted solid fuel using porous coal as starting material Provided is a manufacturing method for a briquetted solid fuel that can reduce the briquetting cost while maintaining the strength of the briquetted product. A mixed oil that includes a heavy oil and a solvent oil, and a porous coal are mixed to obtain a slurry. The slurry is dewatered by heating to obtain a dewatered slurry. Solvent oil is separated from the dewatered slurry to obtain a cake, the cake is heated, and solvent oil is further separated from the cake to obtain a modified coal. Moisture is added to the modified coal to obtain a moist modified coal with a moisture content of 3 wt % to 10 wt %, and then the moist modified coal is briquetted under pressure.
US08523957B2	Process for introducing vat dyes and chemicals into textiles A process for using reduced vat dyes in a continuous dyeing process for production of dyed yarns and fabrics of different colors. In the process, dye composition is introduced to a treatment unit for reduction to desired dye composition. The dye concentration in the treatment unit is lower than feeding dye concentration so that dye precipitation does not occur, but significantly higher than the circulating dye concentration so that the dye is reduced efficiently. Although the preferred location for the treatment unit is before the circulation line, it may be at any location before the dip-dye tank.
US08523955B2	Emulsion dyeing composition containing at least one fatty quaternary amine, at least one nonionic surfactant and at least one silicone, and method of using same The present invention is drawn to a composition and method for coloring keratinous substrates containing: (a) at least one fatty quaternary amine; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least anionic silicone; (d) at least one dye chosen from oxidation dye precursors and direct dyes; (e) optionally, at least one thickening agent; (f) optionally, at least one alkaline agent; (g) optionally, at least one fatty substance other than a fatty acid; (h) optionally, at least one salt; and (i) optionally, at least one oxidizing agent.
US08523954B2	Emulsion dyeing composition containing at least one polyamine, at least one nonionic surfactant and at least one silicone, and method of using same The present invention is drawn to a composition and method for dyeing keratinous substrates containing: (a) at least one polyamine compound comprising at least three amino groups; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least anionic silicone; (d) at least one dye chosen from oxidation dye precursors and direct dyes. The compositions of the present invention may optionally contain at least one thickening agent, at least one alkaline agent, at least one fatty substance, at least one salt, and at least one oxidizing agent.
US08523953B2	Use of an amine and/or a quaternary ammonium compound for protecting colour of artificially coloured hair with respect to the washing and process therefore The present invention relates to the use of amine and quaternary ammonium compounds for protecting hair color of artificially colored hair with respect to the washing, according to general structure R1-A-R2—B Wherein R1, A, R2 and B are defined in the claims and in the specification or —R2-A-R1 Wherein R1, A, R2 have the above meaning.
US08523952B2	Protection method for use in portable communication device A protection method is used in a portable communication device. The protection method comprises the steps of generating a specific command, and storing the specific command into the portable communication device; the portable communication device waiting and receiving a message; determining whether the message received by the portable communication device comprises the specific command; and performing a protection mechanism for protecting the important information contained in the portable communication device when the message comprises the specific command.
US08523951B2	Prosthetic socket interface and assembly A tube-sock shaped polymeric covering for wearing over an amputation stump. The covering has an open end for receiving the amputation stump and a closed end opposite the open end. The covering includes a docking means for attachment of an external device to the covering. The covering may also include one or more areas of reinforcing material that can be present in the form of a strip or rod, for example. The reinforcing material is comprised of a material that is less stretchable than the polymeric material forming the covering, and acts to reduce stretching and/or movement of the covering.
US08523949B2	Extracapsular surgical procedure and surgical referencing instrument therefor A method and device for finding isometric points in the joints of mammals for use in surgical repair of a joint. Isometric points are first identified in radiographic or other two dimensional images and then located in the actual joint. A method for repairing a cruciate ligament-deficient canine stifle employing the method and device for finding isometric points is described. A method and apparatus for locating the axis of rotation of a joint is also described.
US08523948B2	Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing assemblies having a tension member, and methods Implantable assemblies/devices and methods are provided for manipulating energy transferred by members defining an articulating anatomical joint, wherein the members collectively define a path of motion. Assemblies/devices are provided with a first component configured to be attached to a first anatomical member of the anatomical joint, a second component configured to be attached to a second anatomical member of the anatomical joint; and a tension member joining the first and second components. The tension member is placed under tension to absorb energy transferred by the anatomical members when the first component is attached to the first anatomical member and the second component is attached to the second anatomical member and a distance between locations of attachment of the first and second components becomes smaller then an implant-defined distance between the locations.
US08523945B1	Method and apparatus for affixing a fusion member to vertebral bodies An apparatus that, in some embodiments, (1) delivers a fusion member between two vertebral bodies after at least a portion of the fibrocartilaginous disc between the vertebral bodies has been removed, and (2) affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes (1) a fusion member that is delivered and positioned between the vertebral bodies, (2) a delivery mechanism that delivers and positions the fusion member between the vertebral bodies, and (3) an anchoring member that affixes the fusion member to the vertebral bodies.
US08523939B1	Method and apparatus for heart valve surgery A method for heart valve surgery may include providing a cardiac valve ring and suture loops connected to the cardiac valve ring, accessing a valve annulus of the heart of the patient, stapling at least one of the sutures loop to the valve annulus, and parachuting the cardiac valve ring down the suture to the valve annulus after the stapling. The cardiac valve ring may be an annuloplasty ring, a replacement heart valve, or other medical device.
US08523933B2	Rotation operated delivery device An endovascular introducer which has a handle assembly, a stent graft deployment device and a stent graft retained on the stent graft deployment device. The handle assembly has a first part and a second part, the second part to be moved relative to the first part. The first part has a fixed portion to be gripped and held by a user and a rotating portion to be rotated. A one way clutch arrangement transfer rotation to co-acting first screw threads so that relative longitudinal motion between the first part and the second part occurs. The deployment device has a pusher assembly and a sheath to cover the stent graft on the pusher assembly. The sheath is connected to the second part so that rotation of the rotating portion causes retraction of the sheath.
US08523932B2	Variable diameter trigger wire A self-expanding medical device delivery system includes a plurality of trigger wires. The trigger wires retain a self-expanding medical device by forming a bend about structural members located on the proximal portion of the medical device. The proximal portions of the trigger wires have a greater diameter than the distal portions of the trigger wires to provide increased bending strength. An operator releases the self-expanding medical device by withdrawing the trigger wires in the distal direction. In some embodiments, a small portion at the proximal end of each trigger wire has a smaller diameter than the rest of the proximal portion. In other embodiments, the proximal and distal portions of each trigger wire each have a greater diameter than the center of the trigger wire.
US08523924B2	Colored and white light generating lighting device A lighting device for generating colored and white light. According to the invention the lighting device comprises at least one light source (1, 4) emitting blue or ultraviolet light and a color conversion unit (2, 5) for converting said blue or ultraviolet light into visible light comprising at least two sections (2a, 2b, 2c, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d), at least one section (2c, 6d) of which being a transparent or translucent color converting section, said color conversion unit (2, 5) being arranged for alternately illuminating said at least two sections (2a, 2b, 2c, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) with said blue or ultraviolet light, said at least one color converting section containing luminescent material, wherein said luminescent material is a luminescent organic dye in a polymer matrix or a crystalline inorganic luminescent material.
US08523922B2	Dynamic multi-axial fastener A device for attaching an elongated member to a vertebral member and provide for dampened movement of the elongated member. The device may include a receiver that receives an elongated member. The receiver may be movably attached to an anchor that may be attached to a vertebral member. A dampener may be positioned within the receiver. Further, one or more slots may be positioned in the receiver. The dampener and/or slots dampen the translational movement of the receiver and attached elongated member relative to the anchor in first and second directions, and may also buffer forces applied into the spine.
US08523920B2	System for stabilizing a portion of the spine A system for stabilizing a portion of the spine comprising an elongate plate attached to one or more vertebrae by a number of bone anchors, with the system including one or more features that provide visualization of an implant disposed within a vertebral space and/or the interface between the implant and the adjacent vertebral tissue. A holding instrument is included that is engageable to the plate for positioning the plate adjacent the spinal column.
US08523917B2	Anterior cervical instrumentation systems, methods and devices Anterior cervical instrumentation systems, methods, and devices are disclosed. Systems may facilitate immobilizing or providing support for the cervical portion of the vertebral column of a patient. A device may comprise a plate having two channels located in a proximal to distal direction, and may further comprise at least one aperture. The device may further comprise attachment elements such as attachment cross-links and spacer cross-links, and fasteners. The plate and the attachment elements may be secured to the vertebrae by passing fasteners through apertures and channels. The length of the plate, position and number of the attachment cross-links, position and number of spacer cross-links and degree of movement may be intraoperatively selected by the surgeon to provide an optimal application and procedural outcome. Uniform components of the devices and systems allow for a more streamlined and simplified method of treating spinal conditions.
US08523914B2	Bone anchor with predetermined break point and removal features A bone anchor including a bone engaging portion, a tool engaging portion configured for engagement with an anchor removal tool, a head portion having a transverse base portion and two arm portions that together define a U-shaped channel, and a reduced strength portion extending between the tool engaging portion and the head portion and defining a region of reduced strength to provide a pre-defined fracture initiator or break zone. In another embodiment, the bone anchor includes a proximal head and a threaded shank having a plurality of thread turns adapted for anchoring to bone and extending along a threaded length that is at least twice the overall height of the proximal head, and a plurality of grooves circumferentially interrupting at least one of the thread turns along a proximal region of the threaded shank and sized and shaped for engagement with an anchor removal instrument.
US08523912B2	Posterior stabilization systems with shared, dual dampener systems Dynamic posterior stabilization systems and methods of stabilizing vertebrae are described. A dynamic posterior stabilization system may include a first bone fastener configured to couple to a first vertebra, a second bone fastener configured to couple to a second vertebra, and a dampener system attached to the first bone fastener and the second bone fastener. The dampener system may include a first dampener set and a second dampener set. Compression of the first dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener towards the second bone fastener. Compression of the first dampener set and the second dampener set provides resistance to movement of the first bone fastener away from the second bone fastener.
US08523911B2	Transverse connector including locking cap with bearing surface The present invention provides a spine stabilization system having a first bone anchor having a first receiving portion and a second bone anchor having a second receiving portion. The first and second elongated rods are positioned within the first and second receiving portions. The first and second locking caps are configured to retain and capture the first and second elongated rods within the first and second bone anchors. The top connector is configured with a first and a second end, which are provided with elongated openings. The first and second locking caps have a threaded portion for coupling to a first and second locking nut. The locking caps are also provided with at least one flange for coupling to the bone anchor, and a bearing surface spaced apart from the bone anchor, the bearing surface configured to contact the top connector.
US08523908B2	Devices and methods for facilitating controlled bone growth or repair Bone implantable devices and methodologies permit careful application of biologically active substances and management of bone growth processes. The device includes a body defining a carrier receiving area for locating adjacent bone. Carrier material is located in the carrier receiving area. Substance is delivered onto carrier material through a port. A pathway delivers substance from the carrier receiving area to the bone surface. The body may be in the form of a spinal fusion cage, facet fusion screw, artificial joint, bone fixation plate, interbody graft, IM nail, hip stem, or other bone-to-bone appliances or bone-to-device appliances. In use, carrier is installed in the carrier receiving area of the device. The device is then implanted adjacent a bone. The substance is applied to the carrier for subsequent delivery to the bone. By doping carrier material after device implantation, inadvertent contact of the substance with non-target bone is more easily eliminated.
US08523904B2	Methods and systems for constraint of spinous processes with attachment Spinal implants for limiting flexion of the spine are implanted between a superior spinous process and an inferior spinous process or sacrum. The implants include upper straps which are placed over the upper spinous process, while the lower portions of the implant are attached to the adjacent vertebra or sacrum. The attachments may be fixed, for example using screws or other anchors, or may be non-fixed, for example by placing a loop strap through a hole in the spinous process or sacrum.
US08523903B2	Partial thickness rotator cuff repair system and method A method and system is provided for of attaching a rotator cuff tendon to its associated humeral head. The method includes the steps of passing a positional guide through the tendon toward the humeral head at a target site and positioning a suture anchor between the humeral head and the tendon at the target site by passing the suture anchor under the tendon. The suture anchor is driven into the humeral head and suture is passed from the suture anchor and through the tendon to attach the tendon to the humeral head at the target site.
US08523899B2	Treatment device for endoscope Disclosed is a treatment device for an endoscope including a treatment part that is adapted to treat tissue within a body cavity, a manipulating part that is adapted to manipulate the treatment part, a manipulation shaft member that connects the treatment part and the manipulating part, a multi-wire coil sheath that is formed by spirally winding a wire bundle having a plurality of element wires arranged in a longitudinal direction, and a plurality of fixing portions that is arranged between a distal end and a proximal end of the multi-wire coil sheath and restricts a first relative movement between the plurality of element wires and a second relative movement between parts of the wire bundle that are adjacent to each other as being spirally wound. The manipulation shaft member is inserted into the multi-wire coil sheath so that the manipulation shaft member is capable of being advanced and retracted.
US08523898B2	Endoscopic electrosurgical jaws with offset knife A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each jaw member includes a proximal flange having an inwardly-facing surface. The proximal flanges are coupled to one another for moving the jaw members relative to one another between a first position and a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. The inwardly-facing surfaces of the proximal flanges are disposed in abutting relation relative to one another. A knife is configured to move along a knife path defined along an outwardly-facing surface of one of the proximal flanges. The knife is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the knife extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween.
US08523897B2	Device for left atrial appendage occlusion An implantable device for containing emboli within an atrial appendage may include an expandable frame having a plurality of supports projecting distally from a proximal hub, a mesh barrier provided on proximal sections of the supports, and a plurality of tissue anchors provided on the supports for engaging tissue when the device is positioned in an atrial appendage.
US08523893B2	Laparoscopic scissors A laparoscopic scissor instrument can include a scissor assembly pivotally coupled to an elongate shaft. The scissor assembly can be formed of scissor blades having apertures. A rivet or pivot pin can couple the scissor blades to the elongate shaft. The scissor blades can also include actuation posts thereon. An actuation mechanism slidable within the elongate shaft can include a slot to engage the actuation posts and open or close the blades of the scissor assembly. The elongate shaft can include a longitudinal guide to stabilize the motion of the actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism can have a forked end including projections to flexibly maintain the spacing of the forked end.
US08523887B2	Stiffened balloon apparatus with increased flexibility The present invention pertains to a stiffened balloon which can be used in angioplasty, endovascular, and valvuloplasty procedures or as a delivery balloon to deliver a stent or a stent-graft. Longitudinally discontinuous stiffening members connected to the expandable balloon stiffen the balloon but allow it to be navigated through curved passages. Projections on the stiffening members may engage, incise, crush, fracture, or pierce occlusions or retain a stent or stent-graft. Radio-opaque portions may be referenced to determine orientation. Longitudinally continuous stiffening members bearing projections and connected to the balloon perform in a similar manner.
US08523884B2	Closing means for hollow organs In a closing means for longitudinally extending hollow organs having a flexible wall and a passage, comprising at least one balloon-like chamber with a chamber volume, the chamber volume being variable by the supply of a fluid, and the passage of the hollow organ being partly or completely closable depending on the chamber volume, it is provided that a fastening device is arranged at the chamber, by which the chamber may be fastened to an outer part of the wall, parts of the wall of the hollow organ being adapted to be folded around the rectilinear chamber and to be fastened to the chamber or to each other such that the chamber, when in the fastened condition, is arranged in a fold in the wall of the hollow organ.
US08523882B2	Clip advancer mechanism with alignment features A surgical clip applier and methods for applying surgical clips to a vessel, duct, shunt, etc., during a surgical procedure are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical clip applier is provided having a housing with a trigger movably coupled thereto and a shaft extending therefrom with opposed jaws formed on a distal end thereof. The trigger is adapted to advance a clip to position the clip between the jaws, and to move the jaws from an open position to a closed position to crimp the clip positioned therebetween. The surgical clip applier can include a variety of features to facilitate use of the device, including features to align a clip with the jaws, features to prevent unintentional migration of a clip, and features to prevent clip fallout during formation.
US08523874B2	Instruments and techniques for separating bony structures Instruments and techniques separate or spread adjacent bony structures by inserting a distal spreader assembly into the space between the adjacent bony structures and actuating the spreading members with a proximal actuator assembly.
US08523869B2	Patello-femoral joint implant and instrumentation A system for preparing a trochlear region of a resected femur is disclosed. The system includes a reamer guide and a reamer. The reamer guide has a first arcuate portion, a second arcuate portion, a wall, a protrusion connected to the wall, a leg connected to one of the first or second arcuate portion, and a distal tip portion connected to the leg. The reamer is adapted to rotatably connect to the distal tip portion, and the reamer has a first end portion, a second end portion, and one or more flutes.
US08523867B2	Orthopaedic reamer An orthopaedic reamer is provided for preparing a bone socket, such as the glenoid of the scapula, to receive a prosthetic glenoid component. The orthopaedic reamer includes an elongate shaft and an oblong cutting head, such as a cutting head having an oval or elliptical shape.
US08523866B2	Modular tapered hollow reamer for medical applications A reamer for medical applications comprising a shaft portion, a disposable tapered hollow reamer sleeve and a modular pilot. The shaft portion has a proximal end for attachment to a drill, a central cone element with one or more slots and a distal threaded end. The reamer sleeve has attached one or more torque transmitting tabs at the larger end and a collet taper at the smaller end and slides over the shaft engaging tabs with the slots. The modular pilot has a threaded central aperture engaging shaft thread and a collet taper mating with the collet taper of the reamer sleeve substantially coinciding their centerlines. The disposable hollow cutter sleeve has a plurality of cutting elements and apertures that discharge bone and bone cement debris into the space between the reamer and the shaft. With this construction, the reamer transmits reliable reaming torque in an efficient manner.
US08523865B2	Tissue splitter A tissue splitter for creating a subcutaneous cut is disclosed. The tissue splitter includes a retractable blade located at the distal end. The tissue splitter is configured to be insertable into a slotted cannula that is placed via an incision to a location proximate a patient's spine. An actuator at the proximal end of the instrument projects the blade located at the distal end from its retracted state through the slot of the cannula to an extracted state to subcutaneously cut tissue at a location outside the cannula. The instrument is configured such that the blade is movable inside the slot of the cannula by a distance such that the cut created by the blade remains subcutaneous and does not puncture the skin of the patient. The distance is adjustable for the size and depth of the cut and is limited by an adjustment collar. The tissue splitter is ideally suited for creating a pathway for the subcutaneous insertion and implantation of a spinal stabilization rod between two bone anchors placed in vertebral bodies.
US08523860B2	Sternum reinforcing device to be used after a sternotomy or a sternal fracture A sternum reinforcing device to be used after a sternotomy or a sternal fracture, made of a biocompatible material, comprises an elongated modular member (10) with a pair of legs (20, 30), that are joined each other by a body portion (4), and a pair of arms (6, 7). The legs (20, 30) can be fitted in an intercostal space of the thorax of a patient, laterally to the sternum, and can be bent in a mutually opposite direction, on the internal side of the thorax, after being fitted therein. The arms (6, 7), extending from one side to the other of the body portion (4) and orthogonally to the pair of legs (20, 30), constitute a male part and a female part, respectively, of a prismatic type coupling for consecutive modular members.
US08523859B2	Vacuum-assisted wound healing around a pin-site A vacuum-assisted wound healing device is provided comprising an airtight hollow conical member surrounding a skin-breaching bone stabilization device, and a port for attaching a suction tube. The conical member has an opening at one end conforming to the circumference of the shaft of a bone stabilization device, and a opening at the other end to enclose a wound in a patient's skin surrounding the bone stabilization device. The device may be used to provide controlled reduced pressure to the wound site, reducing healing time and risk of infection.
US08523856B2	Hemostasis device A method and system for achieving hemostasis (the stoppage of bleeding) is described. RF (radio frequency) energy is used to ablate the surface of tissue to stop bleeding. The depth of destruction of the tissue can be controlled so as to desiccate and coagulate the tissue. In one implementation, an electrode carrier including bipolar electrodes is applied to the tissue, and RF energy transmitted through the bipolar electrodes to ablate the tissue. A layer of desiccated tissue can be created as well as coagulation of the tissue to achieve hemostasis.
US08523854B2	Microwave antenna According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating portion including a dipole antenna having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The antenna assembly also comprises a sheath disposed over the feedline and the radiating portion defining a chamber around the feedline and the radiating portion. The chamber is adapted to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. The antenna assembly further includes a connection hub having cable connector coupled to the feedline, an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The connection hub includes a bypass tube configured to provide for flow of the coolant fluid from the cable connector directly to the outlet fluid port.
US08523847B2	Reconnectable handpieces for optical energy based devices and methods for adjusting device components Handpieces which comprise characteristic data storage systems electronically storing characteristic data, devices comprising these handpieces, methods of characterizing the device components, and methods of adjusting the device components based on stored characteristic data are described. The handpieces can be repeatedly connected to, disconnected from, and reconnected to an optical energy system comprising at least one optical energy source and at least one controller by a treatment provider. When the handpieces are connected to an optical energy source and a controller, the component characteristic data is accessed and used to adjust one or more of the components in order for the components to function together within a pre-determined tolerance. Once the components are connected and adjusted, the device can be used to provide an optical energy based medical and/or cosmetic treatment to a tissue such as, for example, human skin.
US08523832B2	Reduced-pressure, linear wound closing bolsters and systems A reduced-pressure, linear-wound closing bolster has a pivotable frame that moves from an extended position to a compressed position under the influence of reduced pressure. The closing bolster may have a first closing member, a second closing member, and an interior space. A manifold member is disposed within the interior space and may be coupled to the pivotable frame. When a reduced pressure is applied, the pivotable frame is urged from the extended position to the compressed position. A first gripping member for transmitting a closing force from the first closing member to a first edge of a linear wound may be attached. Likewise, a second gripping member for transmitting a closing force from the second closing member to a second edge of the linear wound may be attached. Systems and methods are also presented.
US08523831B2	Disinfecting caps having sealing features and related systems and methods Caps can be used to cover and disinfect medical connectors. Some caps can create a seal with the medical connectors to prevent antiseptic from entering a fluid paths defined by a connector. Support members can aid in creating or maintaining the seal.
US08523828B2	Clamping assembly for use with a catheter A clamping assembly includes a body having a base and an arcuate body portion secured to the base. The arcuate body portion defining at least one opening dimensioned to receive a tubular member having a lumen. The clamping assembly further includes a slide member adapted to slide along the arcuate portion between an open position and a closed position. The slide member is movable along the arcuate body portion to compress the tubular member received within the body against the base to obstruct the lumen of the tubular member when the slide member is in the closed position.
US08523827B2	Medicament injection apparatus A medicament injection apparatus that permits injection of a fluid medicament into a patient through a needle. The medicament injection apparatus includes a timer and a display, the timer being actuated upon commencement of an injection operation, in which the timer runs to a predetermined time until completion of the injection operation and the display is operated while the timer runs. Thus, informing a user of when a required period for dispersal of an injected medicament has lapsed so that the user knows when to withdraw a needle from the body after the injection.
US08523826B2	Luer-type needle-free valve fitting with bypass Embodiments of luer-type needle-free valve devices are disclosed. One of the novel aspects of the invention is its ability to transform from an open state to a closed state. The open position eliminates the potential for a differential pressure to exist between the volume connected to the inlet and outlet of the valve fitting. The closed position enables the device to maintain a differential pressure between the volume connected to the inlet and outlet of the valve fitting. The invention is useful in manufacturing sterile medical devices by allowing all surfaces to communicate with the sterilizing agent when the valve is in an open configuration when it is in a closed position.
US08523823B2	Indwelling device A medical device for insertion into a body having a surface covered by a detachable cover. The cover may be detached from the surface and removed from the body while the device is inserted in the body. The device may be, for example, a catheter, cannula, drain, stent, pacemaker, or electrode.
US08523820B2	Method for treatment or evacuation of intervertebral disc A method of positioning an S-shaped tool against inner annular walls of the disc that particularly facilitates reaching posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc by arthroscopy. An elongated, arcuate and S-shaped tool such as a catheter is positioned against the inner annular wall of the disc, and particularly on the posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc, which are portions of the disc to be treated. The deformable, arcuate and S-shaped tool retains its predetermined arcuate, S-shape when no pressure or force is applied to the tool.
US08523819B2	Internal needle An indwelling needle is provided which has a simple structure and is capable of securely mounting a needle tip protective tool on the tip portion of an internal needle. The indwelling needle A includes an external needle including a cannula and a housing, an internal needle including a metal needle and a hub and a needle tip protective tool. The needle tip protective tool is mounted on the housing with the metal needle inserted into an inner section so that the metal needle can be removed together with the internal needle from the external needle.
US08523818B2	Enteral feeding assembly with obturator An enteral feeding assembly is described which includes a base and a catheter positioned through the base. A portion of the catheter extends distally away from the base, and has a retainer provided on a distal end of the catheter. The retainer includes a plurality of struts having a flexible, preformed configuration which cooperate to form at least a portion of a spherical shape with openings between the struts. A shroud is positioned over at least a proximal portion of the struts to prevent the struts from causing irritation or embedding in a body lumen. The retainer is movable between an insertion configuration and a deployed configuration. An obturator and actuator are used to move the retainer between positions. A method for inserting and removing an enteral feeding assembly is also provided.
US08523816B2	Automatic release of IV pump cassette An intravenous (IV) pump is disclosed. The IV pump includes a housing, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and a switch configured to selectably energize or de-energize the electromagnet. The permanent magnet generates a magnetic field and the electromagnet, when energized, generates a magnetic field that approximately cancels the magnetic field of the permanent magnet.
US08523815B2	Sliding core fluid delivery device A pump for the delivery of a fluid includes a core, a restrictor, and an expandable bladder. The core is configured to extend longitudinally along an axis of the pump. The restrictor is configured to limit the longitudinal extension of the core to a predetermined maximum length. The expandable bladder is attached to the support core in at least one position and configured to receive a fluid.
US08523808B2	Medical device control handle with independent self holding puller wire actuators A medical device control handle has a first actuation member for actuating at least one puller wire in one manipulation of a medical device, including uni-directional deflection, if not a pair of puller wires for bi-directional deflection of a catheter, and a second actuation member for actuating an additional puller wire in another manipulation of the medical device, wherein the first and second actuation members have a common rotational axis without being rotationally coupled. In one embodiment, a first actuation assembly has a first actuator, an arm rotatable about an axis, and a first shaft. The first deflection actuator and the arm are rotationally coupled by the rotation shaft, and the arm has at least one pulley that is engaged with a puller wire. The second wire actuation assembly has a second actuator and a second shaft having a spool portion. Each actuation assembly has a friction-inducing element that provides friction torque between components of each assembly such that the actuators are self-holding.
US08523807B2	Airless mixing with a by-pass syringe A transfer and mixing device which utilizes a by-pass cartridge and a syringe. After mixing the dry component and the diluent in the by-pass cartridge, the mixture can be passed to a syringe which includes a syringe plunger having a fluid passageway therein with a hydrophobic membrane covering the passageway. The mixture can be transferred back and forth between the by-pass cartridge and the syringe through a small bore to achieve mixing, particularly in the case of microspheres held in suspension.
US08523805B2	Method and apparatus for containing, transporting, and providing a material A system for expressing two materials onto a selected site is disclosed. The system can include a syringe that is operable to maintain two separated materials substantially separate until a selected time. The system can further include a tip portion operable to direct the two materials, either mixed or unmixed, to a selected site. The materials can include tissue sealants, growth factors, or other appropriate materials to be directed to a selected site.
US08523800B2	Device and method for establishing an artificial arterio-venous fistula A shunt rivet for implantation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
US08523796B2	Inflatable splint The inflatable splint is formed of an inner shell of thin, semi-rigid material and at least one pneumatically inflated ply surrounding the inner shell. A second pneumatically inflated ply may be placed around the first pneumatically inflated layer. The inner shell may be lined with a soft fabric material, or a soft fabric sock or sleeve may be applied over the injured limb for comfort. The innermost semi-rigid ply of the splint may be formed in two halves that attach removably to one another to allow the assembly to be removed from the wearer from time to time for hygiene, therapy, and/or other reasons as required. The pneumatically inflatable outer plies are each formed as a single wrap. An inflation device may be provided with the assembly, for the convenience of the wearer to adjust the inflation pressure of the outer pneumatic ply or plies.
US08523794B2	Method and apparatus for treating lymphedema An apparatus and method for treatment of patients suffering from lymphedema. The apparatus includes a multiple chamber sleeve positioned in a wrap around fashion on a body extremity to be treated. The chambers are sequentially inflated and maintained so until all chambers are inflated and then all the chambers are simultaneously deflated except the proximal end chamber to move edema fluids out of the afflicted area. The apparatus includes the capability of applying interferential therapy either alone or in combination with compression therapy. Advantageously, the sleeve chambers capture pressurized air when applied thereto, at designated locations, so as to form air pockets that can selectively apply isolated points of pressure, and in combination with the application of electrical current to a patient's affected area, provide effective lymphedema therapy without disrupting normal vascular and lymphatic functioning.
US08523789B2	System for testing muscular power An apparatus and method evaluate the power of a muscle or a muscle group by initializing a resistance element to a first resistance level. An engagement assembly coupled to the resistance element is moved at a highest achievable velocity through an exercise stroke while a representative velocity at which the engagement assembly is moved through the exercise stroke is measured. At the completion of the exercise stroke, the resistance level of the resistance element is increased and the exercise stroke is repeated. The resistance level is increased until the resistance level is sufficient to preclude moving the engagement assembly through a complete exercise stroke. The power for each exercise stroke, the maximum power and the velocity and resistance at which the maximum power is produced are calculated based on the resistance level for each exercise stroke and the representative velocity for each exercise stroke.
US08523784B2	Analytical device with lancet and test element The invention concerns an analytical device containing a lancet comprising a lancet needle and a lancet body, the lancet needle being movable relative to the lancet body and the lancet body being composed, at least in the area of the tip of the lancet needle, of an elastic material in which the tip of the lancet needle is embedded, and an analytical test element which is permanently connected to the lancet body. In addition the invention concerns an analytical device containing a lancet comprising a lancet needle and a lancet body which is in the form of a hollow body in the area of the tip of the lancet needle and surrounds the tip of the lancet needle, the lancet needle being movable relative to the lancet body and the hollow body being composed at least partially of an elastic material, and an analytical test element which is permanently connected to the lancet body. Finally the invention concerns a process for manufacturing such an analytical device.
US08523783B2	Medical instrument A method includes actuating a lever to move a cannula of a medical instrument from a first extended position to second retracted position; and actuating the lever to move a stylet of the medical instrument from a third extended position to a fourth retracted position. Actuating the lever comprises moving the lever from a first lever position spaced apart from a housing of the medical instrument to a second lever position closer to the housing.
US08523779B2	Method and system for patient-specific modeling of blood flow Embodiments include a system for determining patient-specific cardiovascular information. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of an anatomical structure of the patient and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the anatomical structure of the patient based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to determine a total resistance associated with a total flow through the portion of the anatomical structure of the patient, and determine information regarding a blood flow characteristic within the anatomical structure of the patient based on the three-dimensional model, a physics-based model relating to the anatomical structure of the patient, and the determined total resistance.
US08523778B2	Systems and methods for flushing air from a catheter of an intravascular ultrasound imaging system A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes a hub disposed at a proximal end of a catheter. The hub includes a rotatable connector shaft disposed at least partially in a lumen that extends from the hub to a distal end of the catheter. A pumping apparatus is coupled to the connector shaft such that rotation of the connector shaft causes a corresponding rotation of the pumping apparatus. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the pumping apparatus. The reservoir is configured and arranged for inputting an acoustically-favorable medium to the pumping apparatus. An imaging core is configured and arranged for inserting into the lumen. The imaging core includes an imaging device coupled to a rotatable drive member. The rotatable connector shaft is coupled to a proximal end of the drive member such that rotation of the connector shaft causes a corresponding rotation of the imaging core.
US08523776B2	Ultrasonic doppler imaging apparatus and method with blood velocity waveform processing Transmitting and receiving ultrasound with repetition frequency that corresponds to velocity range indicating the measurable velocity to and from a diagnostic site that contains moving fluid within a body to be examined. Generating Doppler spectrum image showing velocity of moving fluid based on signals obtained from transmission and reception of ultrasound. Storing modeled value based on model correlating standard blood velocity waveform with an ECG waveform. Calculating measured blood velocity waveform based on spectrum image of a specified patient. Acquiring ECG waveform at timing corresponding to measured blood velocity waveform. Estimating blood velocity waveform excluding effects of valve signals of patient based on measured blood velocity waveform, ECG waveform, and modeled value. Comparing measured blood velocity waveform with estimated blood velocity waveform, to exclude excess parts of the difference over a threshold from measured blood velocity waveform, and to interpolate excluded parts of measured blood velocity waveform.
US08523775B2	Energy based hyperhidrosis treatment A method and system for energy-based (e.g., ultrasound treatment and/or other modalities) of sweat glands are provided. An exemplary method and system for targeted treatment of sweat glands can be configured in various manners, such as through use of therapy only, therapy and monitoring, imaging and therapy, or therapy, imaging, and monitoring, and/or through use of focused, unfocused, or defocused ultrasound (or other energy) through control of various spatial and temporal parameters. As a result, ablative energy can be deposited at the particular depth at which the aberrant sweat gland population is located below the skin surface.
US08523760B2	Partially erodable systems for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea The invention relates to devices and methods for reforming tissue surrounding the airway of a subject suffering from obstructive sleep apnea so as to open the airway and alleviate the occurrence of apneic events. Devices comprise a combination of resiliently deformable material and bioerodible material. The deformable portion of the device has a preferred shape that corresponds to the desired final shape of the device once placed in an airway. In making a transplant-ready device, however, the deformable portion is placed into a deformed shape and constrained in that shape by the bioerodible material. After implantation, the device gradually assumes the preferred shape as the constraining bioerodible material erodes. As the device gradually reforms toward the preferred shape, it reforms the tissue into the therapeutically desirable configuration. The gradual nature of the shape change generally stabilizes the device in the tissue, and supports tissue reforming into a stable configuration.
US08523756B2	Cardiac compression system The present direct cardiac compression (DCC) design, termed Cardiac Resynchronization Compression Sac System (CRCSS), combines the mechanical and electrical characteristics associated with DCC and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), respectively. The CRCSS comprises a shell, at least one opening on the shell, at least one inflatable balloon, and a pumping system. The shell is custom manufactured to substantially conform to the contour of a portion of a heart, the contour being obtained by an imaging system. The opening on the shell is designed for passing pericardial fluid so as not to impede the myocardial contraction. The inflatable balloon attaches to at least one predetermined location of the inner surface of the shell. Furthermore, the shell naturally positions in the pericardium space without resorting to any artificial force to prevent it from dislodging from the heart. When the inflatable balloon inflates at least one ventricular free wall of the heart is compressed.
US08523755B2	Ventricular function assisting devices and methods of use thereof Devices and methods are provided for assisting in the ventricular function of a treated heart, and tools for delivering and attaching elements of said devices to the wall of the heart. In general the devices are designed to assist in the ventricular function of the heart by utilizing elastic, and/or magnetic, elements designed to apply radially and/or tangentially directed forces over the wall of the heart, and/or alter the pressure conditions inside ventricle(s) of the heart. Embodiments may utilize restrictive elements which may optionally be attached over the heart during the implantation procedure, or at a later time, by changing the mode of operation of an implanted device.
US08523752B2	Bentonite clay mixture for disposing of pharmaceuticals Disposal of medications presents a multifaceted problem where medications disposed of via sewage systems can eventually affect water supplies. Meanwhile disposal via normal solid waste systems faces a similar problem and have the added dilemma of potential diversion of drugs of abuse. Combining those medications with an absorbent mixture containing bentonite clay with other absorptive materials allows those medications to be disposed of in a form that limits exposure to a water supply while simultaneously hedging diversion.
US08523750B2	Method and apparatus for extracting platelets with reduced plasma carryover A centrifugal blood processing apparatus comprising a centrifuge rotor, a separation chamber, a tubing set for conducting blood components and fluids and a method for controlling the blood processing apparatus comprising separating a blood component in a separation chamber; flowing the blood component out of the separation chamber and into a concentration chamber; concentrating the blood component in the concentration chamber; and flushing the blood component out of the concentration chamber. The method further comprising simultaneously flowing a solution, such as a wash solution or PAS, into the concentration chamber between the separation chamber and the concentration chamber.
US08523749B2	Three-phase solid bowl screw centrifuge and method of controlling the separating process A three-phase solid bowl screw centrifuge includes a rotatable drum, a screw arranged in the drum, a solid material discharge located at the fist axial end of the drum, and two liquid outlets are located at a second axial end of the drum. A first of the liquid is for a lighter liquid phase and a second of the liquid outlets is for a heavier liquid phase. One of the liquid outlets includes a skimmer disk arranged in a skimmer chamber and the other of the liquid outlets is formed as an overflow. Two regulating disks are located in the front of the skimmer disk. The regulating disks extend radially from an outside of the drum toward an inside of the drum. A siphon disk extends between the regulating disks and into the skimmer chamber from a interior circumference of the skimmer chamber to an exterior circumference of the skimmer chamber. An annular chamber is formed during an operation and is located between the siphon disk and the skimmer disk.
US08523747B2	Hollow roller which can be heated with steam A hollow roller, which is heatable with steam, has an inner wall. It is rotatably mounted and has a steam supply channel opening into the interior and a siphon pipe, which opens into the interior coaxially to a centre longitudinal axis, with a suction opening located adjacent to the inner wall. The siphon pipe is held in a rotary feed-through, which is pivotable relative to the centre longitudinal axis of the hollow roller about a pivot angle α in such a way that the spacing b of the suction opening from the inner wall is adjustable.
US08523745B1	Exercise methods and apparatus A person lies supine on a floor surface with her knees bent and her feet resting on a foot supporting portion of an exercise assembly. The person uses her hands to grasp respective left and right handles on the exercise assembly proximate her left and right hips. The person positions her abdomen beneath a strap secured in series with at least one resistance device. The person moves her pelvis off the support surface subject to resistance from the resistance devices. Parts of the assembly may be used apart from the overall assembly to perform other sorts of exercises.
US08523743B1	Stretching machine with dual cable drum The present invention includes a user-operated stretching machine for stretching limbs and other body parts of a user. The machine includes a cable system extending from a user operated double reel cable drum to pulleys located at the end of a pair of arms extending angularly from a carriage. The carriage is attached to a curved upright in such a way as to be movably attached to the upright enabling stretching to take place at various angles relative to the upright and user's body.
US08523740B2	Method and apparatus for providing communications with haptic cues A method and apparatus of generating haptic cues for pacing and monitoring are disclosed. After sensing an event via a component, a process for generating haptic cues generates an input in response to the event. The component, in one example, may be a sensor or a combination of a sensor and a haptic actuator. Upon receipt of the input, the process retrieves a haptic signal from a tactile library in response to the input. A haptic feedback in response to the haptic signal is subsequently generated.
US08523739B2	Multi-stroke variable displacement engine A vehicle propulsion system and method of operation are presented. As one example, cylinder deactivation and transitioning from four to two strokes is coordinated with transmission shifting to improve vehicle response. Additionally, it is possible to reduce transitions in operating modes to improve drive feel.
US08523735B1	Method and apparatus for executing a shift in a hybrid transmission A method for executing a transmission shift in a hybrid transmission including first and second electric machines includes executing a shift-through-neutral sequence from an initial transmission state to a target transmission state including executing an intermediate shift to neutral. Upon detecting a change in an output torque request while executing the shift-through-neutral sequence, possible recovery shift paths are identified. Available ones of the possible recovery shift paths are identified and a shift cost for each said available recovery shift path is evaluated. The available recovery shift path having a minimum shift cost is selected as a preferred recovery shift path and is executed to achieve a non-neutral transmission state.
US08523728B2	Multi-speed transmission The 8-speed transmission which comprises an input shaft (AN), an output shaft (AB), four planetary gearsets (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4), eight rotary shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), and five shifting elements (A, B, C, D, E). The input shaft is directly connected to the fourth planetary gear set while the output shaft is directly connected to the third planetary gear. A third shaft directly connects one element of the first planetary gear set with one element of the fourth planetary gear set. A fifth shaft directly connects one element of the second planetary gear set with one element of the third planetary gear set. A sixth shaft directly connects one element of the first planetary gear set with one element of the third planetary gear set. A seventh shaft directly connects one element of the fourth planetary gear set with one element of the fifth shifting element.
US08523725B2	Lubricating structure of speed change mechanism A lubricating structure for a speed change mechanism, which includes a planetary gear that supports a pinion gear, the pinion gear revolving around a sun gear while rotating, by a carrier via a pinion shaft. The lubricating structure configured with an oil receiver integrally attached to the carrier, and having a collecting portion for collecting oil, which is scattered from an inner diameter side, on a side opposite to the pinion gear with respect to a side plate of the carrier, and a guide portion for guiding the oil collected by the collecting portion. Furthermore, the guide portion extends through the side plate of the carrier, and has an opening on an inner diameter side of a center of the pinion shaft to supply the oil to a tooth surface of the pinion gear.
US08523717B1	Hunting arrow having a hole boring head The hunting arrow having a hole boring head includes an arrow shaft that attaches an arrowhead comprised of points that are notched into the head such that the arrowhead and at least a portion of the arrow shaft have an open hole in the center in order to cut a hole through the skin and flesh of game for unimpeded blood loss therefrom. The points constructed of notches are concentrically, arranged, and require at lease a portion of the arrow shaft to be hollowed such that the open hole extends rearwardly with respect to the shaft. The hunting arrow may include a plurality of external blades that extend radially from the exterior surface of the arrowhead, and may be centered about each of the points.
US08523706B2	Golf club head having a hollow rail member The examples provided describe a golf club having a hollow rail member constructed to provide improved strength while reducing weight. The weight removed by using the hollow rail member may be redistributed to change club performance. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08523705B2	Golf club head A hollow golf club head with a concave portion is disclosed and claimed. The club head includes a metallic portion and a light-weight portion, which may be formed of plastic, composite, or the like. The concave portion allows the club designer to make a club head having very thin portions while still maintaining the requisite structural integrity. Convex bulges may optionally be provided to house weight inserts to enhance the playing characteristics of the golf club. The metallic portion of the club head may take on the appearance of a frame, into which several light-weight inserts are positioned. These light-weight inserts may be positioned in the crown, skirt, and sole of the club head. The club head may be formed by co-molding, eliminating the need for welding or adhesives, freeing mass to be used in more beneficial ways. The club head may be large to increase playability and forgiveness.
US08523702B2	Golf clubs and golf club heads including structure to selectively control the sound of the club head The invention relates generally to golf clubs and golf club heads that enable users, club fitters, club manufacturers, and the like to selectively control, change, and customize aspects of the “sound” associated with the golf club and golf club head when it strikes a golf ball. Golf clubs and golf club heads according to this invention may include: a) a club head body; b) a ball striking face engaged with or integrally formed as part of the club head body; c) a hosel member engaged with or integrally formed as at least a portion of the club head; and d) means for changing a sound emanated by the club head when a golf ball contacts the ball striking face. A user may change the vibrational characteristics associated with the club head when a golf ball is struck, thereby changing the sound emanating from the club head when a golf ball is struck.
US08523698B2	Golf putter A golf putter head includes a metal back body adapted to be secured to a golf club shaft and a metal face body including a golf ball contact surface. The metal back body and the metal face body have non-planar, inter-fitting surfaces facing one another without contact across a gap defined by the inter-fitting surfaces. The golf putter head further includes a vibration dampening intermediate body filling the gap to isolate the metal face body from the metal back body. Other embodiments of golf putters and golf putter heads are further disclosed.
US08523697B2	Method and apparatus for measuring the swing velocity of golf club heads A tubular golf club shaft is formed with an area made of fiberglass through which you can see. A swing speed indicating device is fastened inside the shaft and visible through a fiberglass area so that you can read the speed indicated on the device. When the shaft is swung, an indicator moves inside the shaft to position an indicator along a scale on the shaft or the device so you can read various parameters derived from the velocity with which the club is swung. The shaft is formed by inserting a strip of translucent material such as fiberglass to overlap with adjacent strips of graphite material that form the shaft.
US08523694B2	Playing surface for a gaming table and method of producing same A playing surface for a gaming table includes a composite sheet including concrete and at least one fiber component. The composite sheet has a density of approximately one to two grams per cubic centimeter (1-2 g/cm3).
US08523690B2	Boot for constant velocity universal joint, and constant velocity universal joint A boot has a bellows section that includes three or more peak portions and three or more valley portions. A radially outer portion of each of the peak portions in vertical cross-section of the boot is formed into a round shape. A curvature radius of the radially outer portion of a peak portion being positioned at a central portion between a large diameter section and a small diameter section is set to be larger than curvature radii of the radially outer portions of the other peak portions.
US08523687B2	Constant velocity ball joint A joint, particularly a constant velocity ball joint, including an inner hub and an outer hub, which hubs exhibit respective inner and outer ball tracks which are associated with each other in pairs, and further including balls disposed in the pairs of associated inner and outer ball tracks, the tracks being configured such that at the contact points of the balls with the ball tracks the tangential planes form an angle of inclination, and the ball tracks exhibiting at any given time a continually changing curvature, as a result of which the angle of inclination is constant.
US08523686B2	Flexible coupling means A coupling means (10) extending along a longitudinal axis of symmetry (100) from a first plate (11) towards a second plate (12), which plates are connected together by a link member (20). Said link member (20) is provided with a first hub (21) secured to said first plate (11) and with a second hub (22) secured to said second plate (12), a first end section (21′) of the first hub (21) being connected to a second end section (22′) of the second hub (22) by link means (30), said link means (30) comprising a first web (31) connecting said first end section (21′) to a maximum section (33) of said link means (30), said link means (30) having a second web (32) connecting a second end section (22′) of said second hub (22) to said maximum section (33).
US08523684B2	Game apparatus for displaying information about a game Various embodiments may include an apparatus operable to determine a value of a statistic describing cards that have been dealt from a deck.
US08523682B2	Managed on-line poker tournaments A gaming system configured to provide on-line poker games for live participants. The gaming system may link gaming devices located in a casino or across a gaming enterprise. The gaming system may comprise a number of secure transaction terminals that are distributed throughout the gaming venue or gaming enterprise. The secure transaction terminals may include one or more of mobile devices that may be moved throughout the gaming venue or the gaming enterprise, thin-client gaming devices with fixed locations and wager-based video gaming machines with fixed locations. The gaming system may include one or more servers configured to provide head-to-head poker games, monitor the locations of the secure transaction terminals within the gaming venue or gaming enterprise and limit game participation based upon the locations of the secure transaction terminals being utilized in the gaming venue.
US08523681B2	Content server, content providing system, and content providing method There is provided a content server including a reception unit for receiving metadata described with an execution state of a content executed in a first device connected through a network and identification information for identifying the first device through the network, as necessary, a content storage unit for storing a content regarding content of the metadata described with the execution state of the content executed in the first device, a content extracting unit for extracting the content regarding the content of the metadata described with the execution state of the content executed in the first device received by the reception unit from the content storage unit, as necessary, according to the reception at the reception unit, and a transmission unit for transmitting, as necessary, the content extracted from the content storage unit by the content extracting unit, as necessary, to a second device associated with the first device by the identification information through the network.
US08523678B2	Game apparatus and game program First, operation data is acquired from an input device that is operated by a user. Next, a target is configured, by utilizing the operation data, within a predetermined range which is frontward in a forward direction of a course where a user object should move along and which is defined based on the course. Next, a moving direction of the user object is determined based on a position of the user object and a position of the target. Next, the user object is moved toward the moving direction determined by a moving direction determining means.
US08523677B2	Camera control for third-person console video game In a third-person shooter video game, the viewing perspective is smoothly transitioned between an “explorer” viewpoint and a “ready” viewpoint as game conditions change. In the “explorer” viewpoint, scenes are depicted from a camera positioned behind and removed from a character. The explorer viewpoint offers a wide angle of view of the surrounding combat area, enabling the game player to scout the terrain. In the “ready” viewpoint, scenes are depicted from the camera as it is repositioned close to the character. The ready viewpoint provides a narrower angle of view to facilitate better aiming when the character is engaged in armed combat. The transition between the explorer and ready viewpoints tracks a non-linear path.
US08523676B2	Game terminal device and game terminal device game environment setting method A game terminal device is provided with a game environment display controlling section for issuing a transmission request to at least one of other game terminal devices via a communication cable, receiving set contents of game environments stored in storage means of the other game terminal devices having received the transmission request and displaying the received set contents on a monitor when a change to an environment setting mode is instructed by an environment mode setting section; and a game environment setting section for updating the set contents of the game environment written in the storage means of the own game terminal device to the set contents of the game environment stored in the storage means of a specified one of the other game terminal devices displayed on the monitor. It is possible to cope with the game environments of the individual game terminal devices, easily perform a modification process as compared with the conventional system of the type in which a setting operation is performed in each individual game device and enable an autonomous modification instruction of the game terminal device side.
US08523675B2	Video game controller A game controller comprising: a hand-held base unit comprising one or more base unit actuators, each configured to generate a respective actuation signal in response to user input; and a module comprising two or more module actuators, each configured to generate a respective actuation signal in response to user input. The module is mounted to the base unit and can be rotated horizontally between two or more orientations to adjust the configuration of the module actuators relative to the base unit actuator(s).
US08523672B2	3-D reels and 3-D wheels in a gaming machine Techniques for presenting a plurality of game outcome presentations derived from one or more virtual 3-D gaming environments stored on the gaming machine are disclosed. While a game of chance is being played on a gaming machine, two-dimensional images derived from a 3-D object in the 3-D gaming environment may be rendered to a display screen on the gaming machine in real-time as part of a game outcome presentation. A sequence of symbols from a virtual reel strip in the 3-D gaming environment may be generated and displayed. The sequence of symbols may be mapped to one or more of flat reels, rounded reels or sequences of moving objects in the 3-D gaming environment, which may be moved in the 3-D gaming environment through a motion that allow the sequence of symbols from the virtual reel strip to be displayed as part of game outcome presentation.
US08523670B2	Systems and methods for determining a level of reward A gaming system and method which includes enabling a first player at a first gaming device to initiate at least one play of a first game, enabling a second player at a second gaming device to initiate at least one play of a second game, determining, based at least in part on at least one activity of the first player, a benefit, and providing the determined benefit to the second player.
US08523669B1	Method of establishing ownership of a lottery ticket A personal play system and process are used to establish the ownership of a lottery game ticket and provide additional security and game options for lottery players. An authorized player accesses their user account in the system and creates a personalized game document. The personalized game document is scanned by a retail terminal's electronic scanner. The information is communicated to the lottery system's host computer which logs the information and verifies that the transaction can be completed by printing a personalized lottery ticket at the retailer terminal.
US08523667B2	Parental control settings based on body dimensions In a motion capture system having a depth camera, access to an electronic media device such as personal computer or a game console with Internet connectivity is controlled. The age group of a person in a field of view of the camera can be determined based on metrics of a 3-D body model. The metrics can relate to, e.g., a relative size of a head of the body, a ratio of arm length to body height, a ratio of body height to head height, and/or a ratio of head width to shoulder width. The metrics are particularly indicative of age group. Based on the age group, a profile of the user is automatically updated with various parental control settings which control access to the electronic media device. Also, currently output content can be replaced by substitute content when a person in a lower age group enters the field of view.
US08523666B2	Programming framework for closed systems Mechanisms are disclosed that allow for execution of unsigned content and the securing of resources in a closed system when such unsigned content is executing on the system. For example, an application programming interface is used between an access layer implementing unsigned content and an operating system of the closed system. The application programming interface may have sub-interfaces that correspond to sub-layers of the access layer, including a graphics sub-interface, an audio sub-interface, an input sub-interface, and a storage sub-interface. These sub-interfaces present access calls made by the sub-layers to the protected resources of the closed system. By providing the application programming interface, unsigned content, e.g., video games can run on a closed system that is typically designed to run only signed content.
US08523661B2	Gaming machine, linked gaming system and method with variable eligibility for an award A method of awarding an award on a gaming machine is set forth. The method includes selecting an eligibility criterion or eligibility criteria from a plurality of possible eligibility criteria. The selected criterion is deemed to be an active award trigger event. Game play activity on the gaming machine is then monitored for occurrence of this trigger event. When the active award trigger event occurs, the award is awarded. Following award of the award, or following the occurrence of another event, the selected eligibility criterion are rendered inactive award trigger event, and another eligibility criterion is selected as the active award trigger event.
US08523659B2	Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading style matching game A gaming system selects and displays one of a plurality of symbol blocks in each of a plurality of block positions, wherein each of the selected blocks includes at least one partial symbol. Each partial symbol has at least one complementary partial symbol which, when arranged in a designated spatial relationship with one another, form a complete matching symbol. If any of the partial symbols on the selected blocks create a complete matching symbol, the gaming system provides at least one award to the player. Each matching block which includes any portion of a complete matching symbol is then removed, creating an empty block position. The gaming system then fills the empty block position by either shifting a displayed block into the empty block position or by selecting a new block. The gaming system repeats this process until no complete matching symbols are formed.
US08523658B2	Gaming device having alternate outcome presentations A gaming device and a method of playing a gaming device which includes a game having a plurality of presentations associated with outcomes or combinations in a game. Specifically, the each outcome or combination includes a default presentation and at least one of the outcomes includes one or more alternate presentations. The default and alternate presentations include probabilities of being selected by the processor. In a game, the processor predetermines the winning outcome or non-winning outcome to provide to the player and then selects one of the presentations associated with the determined outcome. The gaming device selects the presentation based on the probabilities of being selected associated with the presentations. The gaming device then provides any award associated with the determined combination to the player.
US08523657B2	Gaming system, gaming device and method for utilizing bitcoins The gaming system may enable a player to wager an amount of bitcoins on one or more plays of one or more primary or base games. If a player wagers an amount of bitcoins on a play of a game, the gaming system may determine and display an outcome for the play of the game. The gaming system then may determine if any award may be associated with the determined outcome. If an award having a value greater than zero is associated with the determined outcome, the gaming system may provide the determined award to the player, such as an amount of bitcoins.
US08523656B2	Gaming machine and gaming method thereof A gaming environment is described. If the predetermined condition is met and the free game is shifted, reels are changed to other reels to be used in the free game. Also, in the free game, reel display portion on which the WILD symbols are displayed on all of the symbol display portions, the reel display portion is held in following games. The WILD symbols are consecutively displayed with the predetermined number (which is greater or equal to the number of symbol display portions of one reel display portion) on the reels used in the free game. Therefore, the probability where WILD symbols fill on the all of the can be enhanced, one or more aspects of the invention can provide higher interest to the player.
US08523653B2	Method, apparatus, and program product for presenting results in a bingo-type game A result represented by a matched bingo card representation is displayed to a player in a bingo-type game through a result representation provided at a suitable player station. Each result representation includes a graphical representation unrelated to the bingo-type game. That is, although the game results are simply bingo game results defined by predetermined patterns of matches between the various card designations and the designation set produced or called for a particular bingo-type game, the game results are displayed to the players with a graphical display including a graphic that is not merely a graphical representation or reproduction of a bingo card.
US08523652B2	System, device and method for using time-sensitive tickets as player awards in gaming devices Gaming devices, gaming systems, and methods for awarding time-sensitive instruments in a gaming environment are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a gaming device includes a game display for presenting a game having one or more winning game outcomes. The gaming machine also includes one or more network interfaces that are in communication with an instrument database that includes data corresponding to values and terminations dates for the time-sensitive instruments. The gaming device also includes a game controller in communication with the game display and the network interfaces. The game controller awards one or more time-sensitive instruments in response to one or more game based event or non-game based event.
US08523643B1	Electronic equipment data center or co-location facility designs and methods of making and using the same Described herein is an integrated data center that provides for efficient cooling, as well as efficient wire routing.
US08523642B2	Gaseous constituent supply device A gaseous constituent supply device for supplying an air vortex ring containing a gaseous constituent includes a first chamber for holding the gaseous constituent, a compressing portion for compressing air in the first chamber, and a second chamber communicating with the first chamber through an opening. The second chamber holds the gaseous constituent therein. The air vortex ring is generated in the second chamber such that air blown from the first chamber into the second chamber through the opening takes in the gaseous constituent in the second chamber. The second chamber has an emitting outlet, through which the generated air vortex ring is emitted, and the emitting outlet is provided opposite to the opening.
US08523640B2	Guard hood torsion preventer The invention is based on a guard hood torsion preventer for a handheld power tool, in particular for a right-angle power sander. The invention is for preventing torsion of a guard hood on the handheld power tool, in particular in the event of damage to a tool. The guard hood torsion preventer includes at least one torsion-prevention unit which has a longitudinal axis, about which the torsion-prevention unit is rotatably supported.
US08523638B2	Edge tool and sharpener in combination A scraper in combination with a sharpener provides consistent sharpening of the scraper blade. The scraper has a scraper blade, blade holder, and bearing surface. The sharpener has a sharpening element and a guide generally parallel to the sharpening element. The bearing surface of the scraper fits the guide of the sharpener and the scraper blade contacts the sharpening element. The scraper can be drawn along the guide to draw the blade along the sharpening element. The bearing surface and guide keep the blade in consistent and correct relation to the sharpening element to provide proper sharpening of the scraper blade. Adaptors may be used to sharpen additional types of blades or tools on the sharpener and different types of sharpening elements may be used in the sharpener.
US08523632B2	Blasting method and apparatus having abrasive recovery system, processing method of thin-film solar cell panel, and thin-film solar cell panel processed by the method Particularly, a thin-film solar cell panel or the like is processed without necessity of attaching and detaching of mask and washing steps with respect to a workpiece in a fine blasting employing a fine abrasive. A negative pressure space (20) and an opposing negative pressure space (40) having openings (22, 42) are opposed by being spaced at a movement allowable interval of the workpiece such as a thin-film solar cell panel or the like and so as to face one side edge in the same direction as a moving direction of the workpiece. Then, a fine abrasive is injected from a blast gun (30) in which an injection hole (31) is disposed within the negative pressure space (20), the workpiece is relatively moved in a moving direction (T) with respect to the injection hole, and while the fine abrasive is injected, compressed gas generating a gas flow having a diffusing direction substantially parallel to the relative moving direction of the workpiece to carry out air blow, thereby the fine abrasive and a cut scrap injected from a space within each of negative pressure space through the intermediary of a suction device communicated with the negative pressure space (20) and/or the opposing negative pressure space (40).
US08523629B2	Variable compression hybrid design sports bra A variable compression hybrid design sports bra offers both compression and encapsulation to support the breasts of a user. The front member of the bra includes a rib band extending across the front, and left and right cups connected at bottom portions thereof to the rib band so as to extend above the rib band. The front member also includes a shaped compression panel or bust cup which receives the left and right cups therein. This compression panel is made of an elastic material, is connected to the rib band at a lower portion thereof, and has left and right upper front portions extending from a main portion thereof. An attachment system or mechanism adjustably attaches the compression panel with a strap system to adjustably stretch the compression panel over and thus compress the left and right cups. The cups are supported by crossing slings.
US08523627B2	Model helicopter with improved reduction gear mechanism A model helicopter includes a drive mechanism comprising a battery powered motor comprising a toothed motor shaft; a main rotor comprising a main shaft aligned with the motor shaft and including a main gear; and a reduction gear assembly comprising a lower section including four first gears arranged around the motor shaft, and four second gears smaller than the first gears, each second gear fixed to top of the first gear; an upper section including four third gears and four fourth gears each being smaller than the third gear and fixed to top of the third gear, the fourth gears being meshed with the main gear; and four shafts each axially passing through the fourth gear, the third gear, the second gear, and the first gear so that a revolution of the motor shaft rotates the main shaft via the first gears, the fourth gears, and the main gear.
US08523624B2	Spark plug for internal combustion engine and manufacturing method thereof A spark plug includes a tubular metal shell, an insulator, a cylindrical center electrode, and a ground electrode. The ground electrode has an inclined portion, a straight portion, and a bend between the inclined and straight portions. The inclined portion extends obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the center electrode from a base end of the ground electrode, which is joined to an end of the metal shell, to the bend that is positioned closer to the center electrode in the radial direction of the center electrode than the base end. The straight portion extends substantially parallel to the axial direction of the center electrode from the bend to a tip end of the ground electrode. The straight portion has an inner side surface facing the side surface of an end portion of the center electrode through a spark gap in the radial direction of the center electrode.
US08523620B2	Floating transom This invention is The Floating Transom. The floating transom comes with manual control, and two 12 volt hydraulic systems, and clamps on the back of a boat, extending a new transom eighteen inches behind the boats transom. When traveling in ten inches of water the floating transom allows the boat motor to be picked up, lifting up the boat motor until the lower unit is flush with the bottom of the boat. The adjustable trim on the floating transom allows the back plate, which the boat motor clamps on. To adjust the angle of the boat motor, making the boat move flat on the top of the water. The lower unit of the boat motor rides in the wake the boat forms, making the water pump work, cooling the boat motor. Allowing you to move up or down shallow water rivers.
US08523618B2	High frequency adapter A high frequency adapter electrically connecting a docking device to a circuit board. The high frequency adapter includes an insulating body, a high frequency signal terminal conductively connected to the circuit board, and two grounding terminals located at two sides of the high frequency signal terminal and conductively connected to the circuit board. Lateral projections of the high frequency signal terminal and the two grounding terminals are approximately the same and overlapping. Both the high frequency signal terminal and the two grounding terminals are pressed by the docking device.
US08523609B2	Photovoltaic connector assembly A photovoltaic connector assembly includes a housing that has a mating end and a cable end. The housing has a securing feature that is configured to secure the housing to another photovoltaic connector assembly. The housing has a cavity that extends between the mating end and the cable end. A terminal is received in the cavity. The terminal is configured to be mated to a corresponding terminal of the other photovoltaic connector assembly. The terminal is configured to be terminated to a cable. A cable locator is configured to be coupled to the cable rearward of the terminal. The cable locator has wings that extend from opposite sides of the cable locator. The cable locator is received in the cavity. The wings engage the housing to position the cable locator within the cavity.
US08523608B2	Electrical connector assembly A connector assembly includes a connector and a fixing plate. The connector includes a block, a connector body formed on a front side of the block, two protrusions at the top and two at the bottom of the block, a limiting member acting as a backplate, and a protruding and deformable latch extending from the block. The fixing plate defines an opening, two notches communicating with the opening, and a positioning hole. When the connector body is pushed through the opening with the two protrusions respectively aligning with and passing through the two notches, the latch is deformed to abut against a rear surface of the fixing plate. The connector may be slid along the opening, to allow the latch to engage in the positioning hole. The protrusions are caught and locked in place by a front surface of the fixing plate.
US08523606B2	Test socket A test socket is provided including a socket board, socket pins and a guiding member. The socket pins are exposed to an upper surface of the socket board and are configured to be electrically contacted by external terminals of an object. The guiding member is disposed on an upper surface of the socket board and is arranged to guide the external terminals as a single unit to contact the external terminals with the socket pins. The guiding member is also configured to a center of the socket board with a center of the object.
US08523600B2	Electronic device with a movable member that bends a wiring and prevents fitting of another connector in certain arrangements An electronic device includes an electronic control unit, a wire, and a wiring-side connector. When a movable member is arranged in a first arrangement relative to a wiring-side connector main body, the movable member is in a position where the movable member does not prevent the wire from projecting from the main body to extend straight in a counter-fitting direction. When the movable member rotates from the first arrangement to a second arrangement relative to the main body, a restricting member approaches a portion of the main body from which the wire projects, to press and bend the wire, so a direction in which the wire projects from the main body is limited to a direction crossing the counter-fitting direction. When the movable member is arranged in the second arrangement and the main body is fitted to an ECU-side connector, the second arrangement is maintained.
US08523596B2	Power plug locking device A power plug locking device used with a door lock drive source that locks a vehicle door includes a lock mechanism switched between a lock state, in which removal of a power plug from an inlet is prohibited, and an unlock state, in which the removal is permitted. A plug lock drive source performs an unlocking operation that switches the lock mechanism to the unlock state. A plug lock detector, which detects whether the lock mechanism is in the lock state, is connected between the plug lock drive source and an unlock terminal of the door lock drive source. A power supply circuit supplies the plug lock drive source with current and switches the lock mechanism to the unlock state when the door lock drive source is performing an unlocking operation while the plug lock detector is detecting that the lock mechanism is in the lock state.
US08523590B2	Cable system and methods of assembling a cable system A cable includes at least one conductor to transmit electrical signals and a shield layer positioned about the at least one conductor. The shield layer shields an environment external to the cable from electromagnetic radiation generated by the electrical signals. The cable also includes a first retention sleeve positioned about the shield layer and a second retention sleeve coupled with the first retention sleeve and to the shield layer.
US08523588B2	Implantable electric lead An implantable lead has a distal lead portion with at least one electrode electrically connected to a connector ring through a conductor running in a lumen of the lead. A proximal lead portion includes the connector ring, a connector pin and a connector coupling mechanically and coaxially connected to each other with the connector coupling as a bridging element. A rotational lock in the form of a circumferential element of an elastically deformable, flexible material is provided in the connector coupling in the interface between the coupling and the connector ring. This rotational lock prevents any rotation of the connector pin to be propagated into a rotation of the connector coupling and consequently reduces the risk of damages to internal lead components due to any such unintentional coupling rotation.
US08523580B2	Electrical connector An electrical connector includes a housing and a plurality of terminals disposed in the housing. The housing includes a bottom wall and a protruding wall. The terminal includes a held portion for being held in the housing, a base portion, a transition portion, an elastic arm portion and a contact portion. The protruding wall includes a plurality of vertical wall portions and a displacement receiving recess. The housing has an opening penetrating the bottom wall at least at a lower side of the displacement receiving recess. The displacement receiving recess communicates with the opening. Further, the base portion and the transition portion of the terminal are situated outside of the displacement receiving recess.
US08523579B2	Spring contact assembly A spring contact assembly having a first plunger with a tail portion having a flat contact surface and a second plunger having a tail portion with a flat contact surface wherein the flat contact surfaces are overlapping and are surrounded by an external compression spring such that the sliding engagement of the flat surfaces increases during compression of the spring.
US08523576B2	Connector for coupling an electric motor to a power source A connector is provided for coupling an electric motor of a vehicle to a power source. The connector comprises electrode and a connector housing receiving at least a portion of the electrode. The connector housing is configured to snap-fit into a powertrain housing of the vehicle via compliant flanges. In this way, the connector may be coupled to the vehicle powertrain housing without other fasteners.
US08523571B1	Family organization and communication tool A family organization and communication tool is preferably provided via a web site that enables internet access by both parents and their children. The tool provides features for the managing, scheduling and sharing of information among the parents and children of blended families. Specifically, the tool provides for an access schedule calendar to which can be posted specific events requiring the pick up and drop off responsibilities of a parent. Additionally, the tool provides a means for electronically requesting a swap or trade in days of responsibility for a child and the tool provides for an “ask and approve” expense log for the sharing of children's expenses among parents. The tool further provides for date and time stamping of access by the parents or children to each web page within the tool and for protected entries, entries that can only be edited or deleted by the original creator.
US08523569B2	Controlled release local anesthetic for post dental surgery and method of use The present invention relates to a method of delivering local anesthetic after dental extraction surgery. The present invention relates to packing the tooth socket with a tinned release local anesthetic which is coordinated with an initial local anesthetic and which lasts up to 5 days. The socket can be surgically sealed or the implant can act as the sealing means.
US08523568B2	Dental implant A dental implant of the invention allows an immediate masticatory function just after being implanted in a bone structure, does not need a secondary operation, and can be effectively applied even in thin and short alveolar bone. The dental implant comprises a body portion to be inserted in the bone structure and a mounting portion integrally formed on the body portion, the body portion including a thin and short core, screw blades formed along an outer peripheral surface of the core in the shape of a wide and deep screw, and a connecting portion formed in the shape of a plurality of vertical holes and grooves and capable of containing bone growth factors. The mounting portion has a gum adhering portion to protect bone tissues and a post to be mounted with an abutment or a prosthesis thereon.
US08523567B2	Dental implant bar system The present invention relates to an adjustable dental implant bar system. There is provided a dental implant bar which can be adjusted and which may have articulated and telescopic arms and which can be further secured to implant heads already installed in the patient's mouth or alternatively on a manufactured model made with computerized surgical simulation software or using a conventional dental printing system with transfers.
US08523566B2	Drill sleeve for a dental drill Drill sleeve (1) for a dental drill (70) having a hollow and cylindrical shape and a longitudinal axis A, a circular inner surface (10) for guiding the dental drill (70), and an outer surface (15) intended to be inserted into a template (50). The outer surface (15) of the drill sleeve (1) has at least one longitudinal flattened or concave area (20, 120), the circular inner surface (10) is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis A, and the drill sleeve (1) is thin-walled.
US08523564B2	Orthodontic tooth retention system An orthodontic retainer system including retainer modules that are applied to adjacent teeth in a patient's mouth. The retainer modules may be provided in the form of mutually attracted members, such as magnets, that are temporary coupled on opposites sides of a delivery member for positioning and bonding to an adjacent pair of teeth. In one exemplary embodiment, the retainer modules have rounded and/or chamfered edges and sloped and curved lingual surfaces, and may include a magnet that is received and sealed within an enclosure or cover that has the same shape or profile as the magnet and is made of a wear-resistant biocompatible material.
US08523563B1	Kiln brick protective collar A protective collar for a kiln that has a rigid body portion and a shape and size substantially corresponding to the shape and size of at least a portion of the peripheral edge surface of the kiln sidewall. Depending on the kiln, the protective collar can be round, oval, faceted, or otherwise shaped. The collar can be a complete ring or just a portion thereof. A plurality of stops, which can be fixed or pivoting, spaced along the body portion of the protective collar can prevent dislocation of the collar when applied to the kiln. The stops can be adjustable in location to avoid obstructions on the kiln. A properly selected protective collar can enable a method for protecting the firebrick in a kiln where the protective collar is applied with the shapes of the protective collar and the peripheral edge surface of the kiln sidewall substantially aligned.
US08523557B2	Blow needle for extrusion blow molding PET The present invention relates to a hollow blow needle for introducing a pressurized fluid into an extruded parison enclosed by two mold halves, the needle comprising: a body portion having an inner first diameter; a neck portion having an inner second diameter, wherein the inner second diameter is less than the inner first diameter; and a tip portion comprising a first angled portion, a second angled portion that is a different angle relative to the first angled portion, and an orifice.
US08523555B2	Apparatus comprising substrate and conductive layer A nano imprint master and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The method includes: implanting conductive metal ions into a substrate including quartz to form a conductive layer inside the quartz substrate; coating a resist on the quartz substrate in which the conductive layer is formed, to form a resist coating layer; exposing the resist coating layer to an electron beam to form micropatterns; etching the quartz substrate by using the resist coating layer, in which the micropatterns are formed, as a mask; and removing the resist coating layer to obtain a master in which micropatterns are formed.
US08523551B2	Unvulcanized rubber extruder and process for producing unvulcanized rubber An unvulcanized rubber extruder that realizes extrusion forming of an unvulcanized rubber extrudate ensuring manufacturing of a high-quality tire without any increase of tire manufacturing steps. In the vicinity of left side end portion, in the drawing, of unvulcanized rubber (A) (rubber chafer part), unvulcanized rubber (B) flows along parallel wall (56) on the downside of main rubber flow channel (34) and flows along second inclined surface (38) on the upside of the main rubber flow channel (34). Simultaneously, apart from the main flow of the unvulcanized rubber (B), portion of the unvulcanized rubber (B) is extruded out in the direction perpendicular to auxiliary rubber flow channel (44) (arrow B direction). Accordingly, in the left side end portion, in the drawing, of unvulcanized rubber (A) (rubber chafer part), it appears that the upside and downside are shut in by the flow of the unvulcanized rubber (B).
US08523549B2	System for in-situ making substantially vertical building works Scaffold systems (SMV) to make substantially vertical building works, with sensitive time and manpower savings. In an advantageous embodiment, a scaffold is formed by a couple of modular semi-scaffolds which face each other, a semi-scaffold being placed in a cis-position over the work under erection and the other semi-scaffold is set in the trans-position.
US08523545B2	Stator to housing lock in a progressing cavity pump A reinforcing interface between the stator and its housing in a progressing cavity pump is created from ribs extending inwardly into the stator from the housing inner wall that can be longitudinally oriented or spirally oriented. Alternatively, the housing wall can have grooves into the inner wall that are made more bulbous further into the housing wall from the groove inlets so that when filled with stator material a long and continuous grip is obtained with either the wall groove embodiment or the internal rib embodiment.
US08523540B2	Fluid pump system A fluid pump system comprises an electrical drive unit and a rotary pump comprising a rotatable shaft and a drive element formed from a number of impellers attached to the shaft for causing flow within a process fluid. The electrical drive unit comprises an electrical stator and an electrical rotor attached to the shaft via a coupling, the electrical stator being disposed adjacent to the electrical rotor. The electrical stator is disposed within a first casing and the rotary pump and the electrical rotor are disposed within a second casing. The first casing contains a first fluid and the second casing contains a second fluid.
US08523537B2	Integral plus proportional dual pump switching system A dual-pump fluid distribution system that includes a first pump having an inlet and an outlet, and configured to supply a first flow of fluid, and a second pump having an inlet and an outlet, and configured to supply a second flow of fluid. In an embodiment, a bypass flow valve with a four-way hydraulic bridge is configured to initiate the switch between single-pump mode and dual-pump mode based on fluid flow demand. The bypass flow valve is configured such that the position of the bypass flow valve member relative to the four-way hydraulic bridge operates a pump selector valve. In an embodiment, the pump selector valve has a valve member, a biasing element, and a pressure switching port, and is configured such that the position of the valve member determines whether the second flow of fluid is combined with the first flow of fluid.
US08523534B2	High-pressure pump for supplying fuel to an internal-combustion engine A high-pressure pump for supplying fuel to an internal-combustion engine has a pump body and an actuating shaft which extends along a longitudinal axis and which is supported rotatably about the longitudinal axis by the pump body. The shaft has an eccentric portion and a prismatic jacking end. A first pumping station has a gear engaged with the prismatic jacking end and a second pumping station has at least one piston. The piston is slidable relative to the pump body transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis and is actuated by the eccentric portion of the actuating shaft. The prismatic jacking end is made of a harder material than the material with which the remainder of the actuating shaft is made.
US08523533B1	Constant horsepower regenerative assist for a hydraulic rod pumping unit A hydraulic rod pumping unit (12) has a constant horsepower regenerative assist featuring downstroke energy recovery. The pumping unit (12) has a hydraulic ram (26) connected to a ram pump (18). The drive shaft (40) of the ram pump (18) is coupled to the drive shaft (38) of an accumulator pump (20) and to a rotor of a drive motor (16). A hydraulic accumulator (24) is connected to the output of the accumulator pump (20). The ram pump (18) and the accumulator pump (20) are preferably variable displacement piston pumps which are controlled by a microprocessor based controller (44), such that during the downstroke of the hydraulic ram (26) the ram pump (18) operates as an hydraulic motor powering the accumulator pump (20) and during the up stroke of the hydraulic ram (26) the accumulator pump (20) operates as a hydraulic motor to provide assist to the ram pump (18).
US08523532B1	Sewage handling system, cover, and controls A basin for use in liquid handling, such as sewage handling. The basin is comprised of a bottom wall, a side wall, and an open top, and a hanging feature formed in the body of the basin. A basin assembly for liquid handling may include the basin, and a hanging member suspended from the hanging feature within the basin. One or more level switches may be attached to the hanging member. A sewage handling system may include the basin assembly, a top cover fastenable to the open top of the basin, and a pump disposed in the basin.
US08523528B2	Locking device A locking device including a hoop, the hoop curling up to form an axial mounting hole in the middle. An upper convex block, a lower convex block, a middle aperture, a left aperture, a right aperture, an upper convex ear, a lower convex ear, an upper guiding inclined plane, and a lower guiding inclined plane are disposed in the device. The upper convex block and the lower convex block move axially to narrow the middle aperture, the upper guiding inclined plane and the lower guiding inclined plane contact with each other to make the upper convex block and the lower convex block to move circumferentially to narrow both the left aperture and the right aperture and enable the hoop to tightly hold objects inside the axial mounting hole.
US08523527B2	Apparatus for cooling a platform of a turbine component The present subject matter discloses a turbine component including a platform and an airfoil extending radially upward from the platform. A plurality of curved cooling passages may be defined in the platform. Each of the curved cooling passages may have at least one end disposed at an exterior surface of the platform. Additionally, each of the cooling passages may be configured to direct a cooling medium through the platform.
US08523523B2	Cooling arrangements Providing cooling within hollow blades such as high pressure turbine blades in a gas turbine engine is important to maintain these components within operational margins for the materials from which they are formed. Traditionally, coolant flows in hollow passages have been used along with impingement apertures towards a leading passage for cooling effectiveness. It is known that opposed undulations or ribs can create rotational vortices within the passage. By shaping shaped portions between the opposed undulations and possibly providing undulations upon these shaped portions themselves it is possible to generate stronger more powerful vortices within the passage. These vortices are coupled with the impingement orifices to create proportionally greater impingement jet flow and pressure and therefore cooling effectiveness within the leading passage.
US08523522B1	Vertical axis wind turbine rotating design elements A functional rotor, desirably but not necessarily a Savonius, helical, or other vertical axis wind turbine rotor, has other functions in addition to driving a useful driven mechanism (such as an electricity or hydrogen generator, pump, etc.). The rotor has exterior rotating surface areas and at least one of design, aesthetic, holographic, reflective, and informational elements on those areas that create the illusion of movement distinct from the rotation of the rotor itself. The elements may be substantially vertical holographic material or reflective material stripes alternating with non-holographic or non-reflective stripes, or at least one of design and aesthetic elements disposed to create a spiral movement illusion. The elements may be selected and positioned so that a message or design is completed in the viewer's eye only upon rotation of the surface areas. The rotor may simulate a praxinoscope, phenakistascope, or zoetrope. A Savonius VAWT may be provided having a rotor with vanes having relatively large, uninterrupted exterior surface areas, a covering for at least one of the exterior surface areas, and removable attachment elements which operatively removably connect the covering to at least one exterior surface area. The removable attachment elements may comprise cooperating hook and loop fasteners on the covering and the vane exterior surface area, or cooperating permanent magnets or magnetic material. A number of different messages may be provided on the surface areas, each primarily visible at a different speed of rotation of the vanes than the others.
US08523503B2	Threaded joint and method of sealing a threaded joint A threaded joint includes a flange, a nut and a flexible seal. The flange, the nut and the flexible seal have threads respective inner surfaces, the threads having shapes complementary to threads on an outer surface of a stem. The flange is configured to allow the stem to move by rotation through the flange. The nut and the flexible seal are configured to move by rotation relative to the stem. The flange has a counter bore and the nut has a groove. The flexible seal has a first portion configured to fill the counter bore in the flange, and a second portion configured to fill the groove of the nut.
US08523502B2	Transport wagon particularly for agricultural cargo The invention relates to a transport wagon for receiving cargo, particularly made of agricultural harvest products, such as bales pressed from straw or silage. Such wagons comprise a loading platform, which extends beneath the cargo and is delimited by longitudinal and lateral side parts, wherein the transport chamber is accessible, particularly when the longitudinal side walls are opened. According to the invention, at least one of the longitudinal side walls is provided with a support device, by means of which the longitudinal side wall can be displaced from an open position close to the ground into a closed position, in which it captures at least one upper layer of the stacked cargo and secures it laterally.
US08523501B2	Container auto-lock system A container according the present application includes a container auto-lock system. The container auto-lock system is integrated into the outboard apertures of the lower castings of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system includes a locking mechanism which is configured to recess when the container is lowered onto a surface lacking an acceptable receiving aperture. The locking mechanism is also configured to automatically lock when placed on top of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system is configured to be compatible with international sized container by allowing the inboard apertures on each lower casting to be available for attaching the domestic container on top of an international container with a conventional locking device.
US08523495B2	Bulkhead anchoring system for waterways The bulkhead anchoring system includes a plurality of concrete slabs which are sufficiently heavy to remain in place on a bottom surface of a waterway, due to high suction produced by the bottom of the waterway on the slabs. The slabs are positioned close to or adjacent the bulkhead. Risers extend vertically upwardly from the concrete slabs, at the rear corners thereof, positioned such that the risers are in contact with the bulkhead. The risers are concrete if the waterway is saltwater or can be galvanized steel if the waterway is fresh water.
US08523488B2	Pipe-joining method and system for producing underwater pipelines and underwater-pipeline-laying vessel comprising such a system A method of joining pipes to produce an underwater pipeline on a firing line includes supplying the firing line with pipes having previously roughened end portions; welding the end portions of adjacent pipes to form cutbacks, each of which is defined by two end portions, and by an annular weld bead between the two end portions; cleaning, by cryogenic blasting, the outer surface of each cutback; and forming a protective joint coating about each cutback.
US08523487B2	Co-disposal and co-storage of desalination concentrated brine waste product and carbon dioxide waste product A method for disposal of desalination concentrated brine waste product from a desalination process provides that the desalination concentrated brine waste product is injected, along with a carbon dioxide waste product, typically into an imperviously capped porous rock formation, typically including a saline aquifer. The desalination concentrated brine waste product and the carbon dioxide waste product (i.e., which may be injected as a supercritical liquid) may be injected simultaneously or sequentially. The method provides for environmentally acceptable disposal of the desalination concentrated brine waste product and the carbon dioxide waste product.
US08523484B2	Wave generating apparatus and method The teachings herein are directed to a wave forming apparatus and method including a channel directing a flow of water over modular forms in the bed of the channel, such as aerofoils, that can be changed, repositioned or removed to create various effects such as barrel waves for surfing. Also disclosed is a water smoothener system and method for reducing turbulence in water flowing through such an apparatus.
US08523481B2	Method and apparatus for recovering, transporting, and using methane gas Methods and systems for recovering, transporting, and using methane gas and conventional Natural Gas are disclosed. More particularly, such methods generally include the steps of (a) transferring gas from a source to a first subterranean capacitor and storing the gas in the capacitor and (b) transferring gas from the first subterranean capacitor to a second subterranean capacitor, a pipeline, an end user (such as an automobile), a gas processor, or a power plant.
US08523480B2	Soil compaction device having a disconnectable fuel line The present invention relates to a soil compaction device, in particular such as a tamper or a vibration plate device, having an internal combustion engine and a tank container for receiving fuel for the operation of said internal combustion engine. According to the present invention, there is at least one clamping device on the soil compaction device which has a mechanical effect on an elastically flexible section of a fuel line arranged between the tank container and the internal combustion engine in order to be able to disconnect the fuel flow, wherein the clamping device is mechanically coupled to a manually actuated gas actuation apparatus and/or start-stop apparatus for the internal combustion engine, or integrated therein, wherein at least one roll or roller is arranged on the extension which has an effect on the elastically flexible section of the fuel line in order to disconnect the fuel flow.
US08523473B2	Dual type cosmetics case A dual type cosmetics case includes a plurality of liquid containing parts and inlets partitioned from each other by a vertical partition wall. A plurality of stems immersed into the respective liquid containing parts are mounted in such a way as to be detachably coupled to the liquid containing parts. Each stem is selectively coupled to a cap and then used. The dual type cosmetics case is advantageous in that different kinds or colors of cosmetic liquids are held in one case, so that a user need not carry or keep several different cosmetics, and thus, especially while traveling, the volume of items which are to be carried by a person can be reduced. Further, costs for purchasing cosmetics can be reduced, so that the cosmetics case is very economical.
US08523467B2	Methods and apparatus for drywall tools The present invention is directed generally to building tools that are high quality, durable, and in some case lightweight. For example, various tools may made by forming multiple sections into a single integrated piece by, for example, casting the parts using a molding process so as to reduce manufacturing cost and increase the structural durability of the tool. Further, various tools may be made, at least in part, using a material including magnesium to reduce the weight of the tool. Still further, various tools may be made using one or more protective coatings for protecting various metals against corrosion, for example, using a high impact coating such as paint covered with a clear coat of lacquer.
US08523466B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus including: a housing configured to accommodating an image forming portion for forming an image on a sheet; and a conveying mechanism configured to at least partially define a conveying path for guiding the sheet to the image forming portion, wherein the conveying mechanism includes a first conveying element including an upstream end on which a feeding assembly for feeding the sheet is formed, and a second conveying element confronting the first conveying element to form the conveying path in cooperation with the first conveying element, and the housing includes a rail configured to guide displacement of the second conveying element from a first position where the second conveying element forms the conveying path along the first conveying element to a second position where the second conveying element is away from the first conveying element.
US08523465B2	Printer with multi-curved intermediate transportation path A printer enables setting fanfold paper inserted from a paper inlet to a horizontal transportation path that passes the printing position without paper jams occurring. The horizontal paper transportation path is positioned downstream of a first transportation path that extends from the paper inlet and a second transportation path that extends from a roll paper compartment, all of which are formed inside the printer. An attachment of an access cover to the roll paper compartment forms an intermediate paper path that renders the first and horizontal paper paths continuous at a junction near the convergence of the first and second paper transportation paths. The intermediate paper transportation path not only renders a continuous path for the fanfold paper from the paper inlet to the printing position, it smoothes the flow of the fanfold paper to the horizontal paper transportation path.
US08523463B2	Method and apparatus for producing printed products A method for producing at least one printed product, the method including conveying the printed product to a processing apparatus, wherein the printed product includes a detectable identification code. The method further includes supplying the printed product to at least one tool of the processing apparatus and processing the printed product with the at least one tool. The processing includes detecting data, with a reading device, from the detectable identification code on the printed product and transmitting the data to a control unit. The processing further includes controlling, by the control unit, the at least one tool to process the printed product in dependence of the transmitted data.
US08523461B2	Optical transceiver having inner metal cover An optical transceiver that provides an inner metal cover in addition to a metal cover and a frame is disclosed. The inner cover includes a ceiling, a front skirt bent downward at a front edge of the ceiling, sides bent downward at both side edges of the ceiling, and a pair of arms extending rearward from respective side ends of the ceiling. The ceiling makes an obtuse angle with respect to the front skirt when the arms are not assembled with the frame, and shapes in convex protruding outward when the metal cover is not assembled with frame and. Assembling the inner cover and the metal cover with the frame, the inner cover comes in securely contact with the metal cover.
US08523458B2	Fiber optic interface device with bent optical path A fiber optic interface device with a bent optical path has a ferrule with a body having front and rear ends and an internal cavity adjacent the front end and defined by a rear wall and a bottom wall. The bottom wall defines at least one lens. The device includes at least one optical waveguide that defines the bent optical path. The ferrule supports at least one optical waveguide so that the bent optical path resides within the cavity, with the fiber end being operably aligned with the at least one lens. A fiber optic interface assembly is formed by mating the device with a second fiber optic interface device.
US08523455B2	Ruggedized fiber optic connector assembly A ruggedized fiber optic connector assembly includes a substantially hollow plug housing; and a glue body disposed within the substantially hollow plug housing; wherein the glue body includes a first portion that is configured to engage and retain an optical cable comprising an optical fiber and one or more strength members; wherein the glue body includes a second portion that is configured to engage and retain a connector sub-assembly comprising an optical ferrule; wherein the second portion of the glue body includes a pair of opposed snap hooks that are configured to engage a corresponding pair of opposed recesses of the connector sub-assembly; and wherein the optical fiber and the optical ferrule are optically coupled.
US08523454B2	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.
US08523452B2	Bearing structure and manufacturing method thereof A bearing structure includes a housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion forming together with the first housing portion, a cross-sectionally generally-circular support hole, and a rolling bearing including a pair of outer rings mounted within the support hole of the housing in closely-contacted relation thereto, a plurality of rolling elements mounted to be able to roll on inner side surfaces of the pair of outer rings, and a pair of cages holding the rolling elements. The first housing portion and the second housing portion are mounted in an offset relation to each other in a radial direction so that at mating surfaces of circumferential end portions of the pair of outer rings, the outer ring end portions disposed at an upstream side with respect to a direction of rotation of the shaft form radially inwardly-projecting steps, respectively.
US08523450B2	Ball bearing and hybrid vehicle transmission A ball bearing includes an inner ring having a raceway surface, an outer ring having a raceway surface, a plurality of rolling elements rollably disposed between the raceway surface of the inner ring and the raceway surfaces of the outer ring, and a resin cage configured to retain the plurality of rolling elements between the inner ring and the outer ring. The cage is a crown type cage having an annular base portion and a plurality of pockets formed in an axial end face of the annular base portion, in which the pockets retain the rolling elements. An axial distance between an axial position of a center of gravity of the cage and a curvature center of a spherical or cylindrical inner surface of each of the pockets is 0.6 or more times a radius of curvature of the inner surface. A hybrid vehicle transmission has this ball bearing.
US08523448B1	X-ray tube bearing An X-ray tube bearing includes an outer housing having an axial bore, a shaft at least partially received within the axial bore, a first outer ring positioned within the axial bore and surrounding a first portion of the shaft, and a second outer ring at least partially received within the axial bore and surrounding a second portion of the shaft. The second outer ring includes a radially outwardly extending flange engaged with the outer housing to limit the extent to which the second outer ring is received within the axial bore. The X-ray tube bearing also includes a first biasing member biasing the flange into engagement with the outer housing, and a second biasing member positioned within the axial bore for exerting an axial preload force between the first and second outer rings.
US08523447B2	Wheel bearing arrangement having gasket A wheel bearing arrangement that has a wheel hub, which is operatively connected to an outer ring by way of rolling elements and a wheel flange. The wheel flange, together with a protective ring forms a first gasket. The protective ring surrounding the outer ring of the wheel hearing arrangement. This approach is of particular interest for non-driven wheel bearing arrangements in which the side of the wheel bearing facing the vehicle can be protected by a cover used on the vehicle side.
US08523446B2	Sensor equipped wheel support bearing assembly This wheel support bearing assembly includes an outer member, an inner member, and a plurality of rows of rolling elements between opposed rolling surfaces in both members. At least one sensor unit is provided on the outer diametric surface of the outer member, which is stationary. The sensor unit is made up of a strain generating member having two or more contact fixing segments adapted to be fixed to an outer diametric surface of the outer member in contact therewith and a sensor fitted to the strain generating member for detecting a strain induced in this strain generating member. A groove is provided in the outer diametric surface of the outer member at a location adjacent to the neighboring two contact fixing segments of the sensor unit.
US08523445B2	Active hydrostatic bearing, particularly for internal combustion reciprocating engines, and a fluid handling system associated therewith This invention relates to bearings, and more specifically is directed to active hydrostatic bearings destined for large heavily loaded reciprocating internal combustion engines, like ultra high compression ratio Diesel cycle engines, and homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) and detonation engines working on stoichiometric fuel/air mixture. A fluid handling system therefore, method and apparatus are also disclosed.
US08523440B2	Disposable seal and lock beverage pouch A fillable, sealable, disposable container for storing, transporting and consuming a liquid, such as an individual beverage serving, has opposed front and back walls joined along their opposed sides. Each wall has an upper portion, defining an opening for filling the container, and a lower portion, connecting the lower portions of the front and back walls, for stabilizing the container for filling. A sealable fluid-tight liquid retaining seal is provided at the opening, for sealing the container when filled. Means are provided for creating a hole in the front wall of the container to extract the liquid.
US08523433B2	Handheld X-ray system interface device and method In one embodiment, an X-ray system includes a handheld X-ray interface device. The handheld X-ray interface device includes a wireless interface for communicating with an imaging system and for receiving system operational data from the imaging system, wherein the handheld X-ray interface device is configured to provide a user detectable indication of the imaging system operational status based upon the received data.
US08523432B2	Thermally isolated temperature sensor A temperature sensor includes a polymer body for mounting the sensor to a mounting surface and positioning a temperature sensing element within a target fluid. The temperature sensing element may be positioned at the distal end of the polymer body and may be sealed from the fluid by a metal cap filled with a thermally conductive material. In this manner, the polymer body may thermally insulate the temperature sensing element and lead conductors within the polymer body from the mounting surface. The polymer body may also include a connector on the proximal end to facilitate an electrical connection with the temperature sensing element, a flange to install the sensor against the mounting surface, and a fixation surface configured to mate with the mounting surface. In some examples, the polymer body may be constructed in two stages to facilitate different configurations of the connector, flange, and/or fixation surface.
US08523429B2	Eddy current thermometer A remote, noncontact temperature determination method and apparatus is provided, which is operable to determine the temperature of a conducting member forming a part of or in operative thermal communication with an object of interest. The method comprises the steps of first inducing a closed vortex eddy current (28) in a conducting member (16, 38, 44) by subjecting the member (16, 38, 44) to a magnetic field, such that the corresponding eddy current magnitude changes exponentially over time. A characteristic time constant of the exponential current magnitude changes is then determined, and this is used to calculate the temperature of the object. The apparatus (24) includes a field transmitting coil (14) coupled with a waveform generator (12) for inducing the eddy current (28), and a field receiving coil assembly (18) which detects the corresponding magnetic field induced by the eddy current (28). Using the invention, temperature determinations can be made which are substantially independent of the relative distance and/or angular orientation between the conducting member (16, 38, 44) and the field receiving coil assembly (18).
US08523428B2	Component in processing chamber of substrate processing apparatus and method of measuring temperature of the component A component in a processing chamber of a substrate processing apparatus, where a temperature may be accurately measured by using a temperature measuring apparatus using an interference of a low-coherence light, even when a front surface and a rear surface are not parallel due to abrasion, or the like. A focus ring used in a vacuum atmosphere and of which a temperature is measured includes an abrasive surface exposed to an abrasive atmosphere according to plasma, a nonabrasive surface not exposed to the abrasive atmosphere, a thin-walled portion including a top surface and a bottom surface that are parallel to each other, and a coating member coating the top surface of the thin-walled portion, wherein a mirror-like finishing is performed on each of the top and bottom surfaces of the thin-walled portion.
US08523427B2	Sensor device with improved sensitivity to temperature variation in a semiconductor substrate A sensor device formed on a semiconductor substrate. The device comprises a thermal radiation sensor including a sensing cell and a referencing cell which are co-operable for providing a first output signal indicative of the temperature fluctuation resulting from incident radiation. A gradient sensor including a pair of cells spatially located on the semiconductor substrate is provided which are co-operable to provide a second output signal indicative of the temperature gradient across the semiconductor substrate for facilitating calibrating the first output signal. At least one of the cells of the gradient sensor is not common to the cells of the thermal radiation sensor.
US08523421B2	Liquid crystal display device To prevent, in a backlight where light emitting diodes are arranged on a side surface of a light guide plate, light leakage from a reflection sheet and reduce non-uniformity of emission light from the backlight. In a liquid crystal display device that includes a backlight that irradiates a liquid crystal panel with light, LEDs are disposed as light emitting elements on a light guide plate that is disposed in the backlight, a reflection sheet that comprises a multilayer film is disposed on a bottom surface of the light guide plate, projections are disposed by sandblasting on the bottom surface of the light guide plate in the vicinity of the LEDs, and tight adhesion between the reflection sheet and the light guide plate is prevented. In the vicinity of the LEDs, in order to counter light non-uniformity, reflecting grooves are not disposed and it is a mirror surface, but tight adhesion can be prevented by disposing the projections.
US08523420B2	Backlight units and display devices including the same A display device includes a display panel which displays an image, a backlight unit which supplies the display panel with light, an upper cover, and a lower cover. The upper and lower covers accommodate the display panel and the backlight unit. The backlight unit includes light guide plates spaced apart from each other, a light source part, an optical member and an optical diffusion member overlapping a space between the light guide plates. The optical diffusion member includes a diffusing part and a supporting part. The diffusing part faces the optical member, overlaps the space between the light guide plates, and diffuses light emitted from the light source part toward the optical member through the space between the light guide plates. The supporting part protrudes from a surface of the diffusing part which is opposite to the optical member, and is in a space between the light sources.
US08523419B2	Thin hollow backlights with beneficial design characteristics An edge-lit backlight comprises a front and back reflector forming a hollow light recycling cavity having a cavity depth H and an output region of area Aout, and one or more light sources disposed proximate a periphery of the backlight to emit light into the light recycling cavity. The light sources have an average plan view source separation of SEP collectively having an active emitting area Aemit, wherein a first parameter equals Aemit/Aout and a second parameter equals SEP/H. The first parameter is in a range from 0.0001 to 0.1, and by the second parameter is in a range from 3 to 10. The front reflector has a hemispherical reflectivity for unpolarized visible light of Rfhemi, and the back reflector has a hemispherical reflectivity for unpolarized visible light of Rbhemi, and Rfhemi*Rbhemi is at least 0.70.
US08523418B2	LED light bar and backlight module of liquid crystal display device The present invention provides an LED light bar and a backlight module of liquid crystal display device. The LED light bar of liquid crystal display device includes: a metal core printed circuit board and an LED chip mounted on the metal core printed circuit board. The metal core printed circuit board includes a metal substrate, an insulation layer formed on the metal substrate, and a circuit formed on the insulation layer. The LED chip has leads to electrically connect with the circuit. The insulation layer forms a hollow portion corresponding to the LED chip. The LED chip is received in the hollow portion and the LED chip has an undersurface engaging the metal substrate. The present invention has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and makes an LED light bar showing improved heat dissipation performance.
US08523413B2	LED collimator element for a vehicle headlight with a low-beam function The invention relates to a LED collimator element for a vehicle headlight with a low-beam function, which emits at least visible light of one color from at least one region of a light source. The LED collimator element (1) has at least one LED (2) as such a light source, whose predominant part of the light radiated in operation can be directly radiated in a radiation angular range of the LED collimator element (1), and comprises a collimator (3) deflecting the light which is not radiated in the radiation angular range of the LED collimator element (1) into the radiation angular range, wherein the LED collimator element (1) is asymmetrically structured at least regarding a collimator cutting plane (4) in such a way that a defined non-uniform brightness distribution is achievable in a radiation plane of the LED collimator element (1) defined orthogonally with respect to the collimator cutting plane (4) and with respect to a main direction of radiation of the LED collimator element (1), and at least one filter (12) is to be arranged at least in one region of the collimator (3) in such a way that, when realizing the low-beam function, the area of the traffic space, which lies below the bright-dark cut-off can be illuminated in defined areas with visible light of different colors.
US08523411B2	Light source device An aim is to provide a light source device that can be assembled more easily than conventional light source devices. A light source device 100 comprises a light emitting module 150, a mount 140, a lighting unit 110, and a case 120, wherein the lighting unit 110 has a pair of pin terminals 112a and 112b, each of the mount 140 and a substrate 151 of the light emitting module 150 has a pair of through-holes 154a and 154b, and a pair of feed terminals 153a and 153b are disposed at positions of the substrate 151 corresponding to the through-holes 154a and 154b, the pair of pin terminals 112a and 112b being electrically connected to the pair of feed terminals 153a and 153b by penetrating through the through-holes 154a and 154b of the mount 140 and the substrate 151.
US08523410B2	Light source device with thermal dissipating members An LED lamp 10 that is a light source device includes a light emitting module 14, a body 12 that is a first thermal dissipation member onto which the light emitting module 14 is attached, a circuit unit 22 for lighting the light emitting module 14, and a case 24 that is a second thermal dissipation member that has the circuit unit 22 housed therein, and a thermal insulation member 20 is inserted between the body 12 and the case 24.
US08523406B2	LED lighting assembly with detachable power module and lighting fixtures with same An LED light assembly has a heat sink and electrical conductors for electrical communication with a supply of electricity. A ceramic base with an LED chip attaches to the heat sink. Electricity communicating pads in the ceramic base each operatively connect with the LED chip and with the electrical connectors. A plate defines an aperture and overlies the ceramic base for passage of light from the LED chip. The LED light assembly attaches to a housing of a lighting fixture that may include a light shade.
US08523404B2	LED lighting device with homogeneous light intensity and reduced dazzle action An illumination device, comprising a basic body (1) having a cutout (5), a reflector (51), which is formed at least by parts of the cutout (5), and at least one optoelectronic semiconductor component (20) arranged in the cutout (5), wherein the semiconductor component (20) has an optical element (3) designed for directing at least part of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the semiconductor component (20) during operation onto the reflector (51), wherein a radiation exit area (61) of the illumination device is at least twice as large as the sum of the radiation exit areas (44) of the semiconductor components.
US08523403B2	LED white light luminaire with imaging capability A reflector spotlight luminaire includes a housing defining an optical axis. The light source is provided that includes one or more white light emitting LEDs, the lights being arranged to direct a beam of white light along the axis of the housing, such as being reflected from an ellipsoidal reflector. An image engine in the form of an LCD panel intercepts the beam of white light traveling along the axis to modify and enhance the beam of white light with image data, such as color, shape, animation, etc. Conventional projection optics accumulates the image emitted by the image engine, projects the optically enhanced light beam through the housing onto a projection surface.
US08523400B2	Light-emitting diode streetlight structure A light-emitting diode (LED) streetlight structure, which includes a light-emitting module, a power module, and a lamppost. The light-emitting module is disposed on side of the power module; the lamppost is disposed on the other side of the power module and corresponds to the light-emitting module. A heat-dissipating structure is disposed on the surface of a housing of the power module. The heat-dissipating structure corresponds to a power supply in the power module, and can dissipate the heat generated by the power supply and reduce the temperature thereof. Accordingly, heat dissipation of the power supply is enhanced, and hence increasing its lifetime.
US08523399B2	Illumination apparatus An illumination apparatus including a light source that emits illumination light, an optical member that transmits the illumination light to externally project the illumination light, and a reflector that reflects illumination light from the light source towards the optical member, the device comprising: a drive device to drive the reflector and the light source to advance and retract in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to a light projection surface of the optical member; and a relative movement device to cause the light source to relatively move relative to the reflector in a process of driving to advance and retract by way of the drive device, wherein the relative movement device includes a straight guide member that causes the light source to move straight ahead in the substantially perpendicular direction relative to the reflector.
US08523395B2	Light emitting diode lamp and method for manufacturing the same A light emitting diode (LED) lamp includes a plurality of LED chips and a heat dissipation member configured to dissipate heat generated from the LED chips. The heat dissipation member includes a tubular unit having a constant cross-section perpendicular to an axial direction, and a plurality of fins, each of which extends outwardly from the tubular unit and extends in the axial direction, having a constant thickness in the axial direction.
US08523391B2	Flat light source apparatus with separable unit boards A flat light source apparatus has a light source board which comprises unit boards, each unit board having a printed circuit board and a light source formed on the printed circuit board, wherein the unit boards are arranged adjacent to each other at least in one direction, and any pair of the unit boards adjacent to each other is integrated by a connecting portion provided therebetween. The apparatus also has a main wire which extends along a plane of the light source board, wherein the main wire extends between adjacent unit boards via the connecting portion such that all of the unit boards are electrically connected to each other by the main wire. The apparatus further has a branch wire for supplying electric power to the light source, the branch wire being provided in each unit board and branching from the main wire in each unit board.
US08523390B2	Fairy lights A string of lights is provided. The string of lights may include a plurality of light sources, wherein the light sources are integrated into the string of lights and are embedded in a support part of the string of lights.
US08523387B2	Collection optics for LED array with offset hemispherical or faceted surfaces An array of LEDs is provided having a lens array for collecting divergent light from each LED. Each lens in the array is associated with a respective LED and has a compound shape including a curved surface that may be spherical or may have an offset aspherical shape. The curved surfaces are centered about each side of its associated LED. The lens may alternatively include faceted surfaces that approximate the curved lens surface.
US08523383B1	Retrofitting recessed lighting fixtures A retrofit kit assembly for a recessed lighting fixture and methods for manufacturing and installing the same are described herein. The retrofit kit includes at least two mounting brackets, which can each include at least one lamp socket. The kit also includes at least one ballast, which may be pre-wired to the sockets. Each ballast may include a temporary adhesive on a mounting side thereof, for use during the installation process. For example, the installer may provisionally mount the ballast to an interior surface of an existing housing of the fixture and then permanently mount the ballast using one or more fasteners. The mounting brackets and ballast of the kit may include captive hardware which is held in place in the aperture for the fastener prior to fastening the particular object to the recessed housing, which reduces risk of dropping or losing fasteners during installation.
US08523382B1	Fluorescent lamp fixture and method of dissipating heat from same A fluorescent lamp fixture for mounting a ballast and at least one fluorescent lamp and a method of dissipating heat from the same is disclosed. The fixture comprises a molded housing defining a groove and a hat-shaped metal strip having an outer wall with at least two surfaces in contact with the sides of the groove and at least one flange in contact with the top of the housing. The metal strip also has a pair of inner walls positioned relative to the outer wall so as to define a chamber. At least one fastener is slidably held by the strip such that a portion of the fastener is retained within the chamber and slides along the inner walls. The fastener secures a ballast in direct contact with the flanges whereby heat from the ballast is transferred to the metal strip and dissipated from the housing during use.
US08523381B1	Systems, methods and devices for a turret-type socket for a fluorescent light fixture A light fixture includes first and second industrial socket housings and a wireway. The socket housings are coupled to each end of the wireway. Each socket housing can be constructed as a two-piece housing and includes turret-type fluorescent lamp sockets. The two-piece housing includes an end cap and a socket track coupled together. The end cap includes an end wall having at least one socket hole with a turret-type fluorescent lamp socket mounted thereon. At least one female turret-type socket is mounted in the first socket housing and at least one male turret-type socket is mounted in the second socket housing such that the male and female sockets are opposite each other. A fluorescent lamp having opposing ends is receivable at each end by one of the male and female turret-type sockets. The light fixture may also include one or more reflectors to reflect light emitted by the lamp.
US08523378B2	Combination ceiling fan and track light A combination ceiling fan and track light where a support mechanism couples to the ceiling and supports the ceiling fan and the ceiling fan supplies power to the track light.
US08523372B2	Lighting systems Assemblies compliant with night vision imaging system (NVIS) standards are described. Versions of the assemblies incorporate filtering material into an encapsulant for a light-emitting diode (LED) die, avoiding any necessity of using external filtering agents. Alternatively or additionally, filtering material may be incorporated into a housing of an encapsulated LED.
US08523371B2	Vehicle outside mirror device In a conventional vehicle outside mirror device, there has been a problem that a frictional wear occurs. According to the present invention, an interposing member 6 is provided between a shaft holder 9 and a gear case 11. An electrically rotation range restricting mechanism is a mechanism in which an electrically driven rotation range of a mirror assembly 4 is restricted, and is comprised of abutment faces 33, 34, 43, 44 which are provided at the interposing member 6 and the shaft holder 9. A buffering mechanism is a mechanism which causes the mirror assembly 4 to rotate for the sake of buffering, and is comprised of engagement portions 38, 45 which are provided at the interposing member 6 and the gear case 11. The electrically driven rotation range restricting mechanism and the buffering mechanism are separated from each other. As a result, the present invention can prevent a frictional wear from occurring between the interposing member 6 and the shaft holder 9 and between the interposing member 6 and the gear case 11.
US08523368B2	Projection display apparatus having stored information for authenticating light source A projection image display apparatus including a detachably attachable light source unit includes: a storage means provided to the light source unit and having previously stored therein information that the light source unit is a genuine product; a determination means making a comparison with the information in the storage means to determine whether the light source unit is the genuine product; and a light source control means controlling an output of the light source unit in accordance with a result from the determination means.
US08523367B2	Light source unit including a laser as a light source and a light emitting wheel with a diffusion layer opposite to the laser A projector includes a light source unit 63, a light guiding device 75, a display device, a projection side optical system and a projector control means, the light source unit 63 includes a light source 72 which emits laser light in the wavelength band of blue, a light emitting wheel 71 disposed on an optical axis of the light source 72 and a wheel motor 73 for driving to rotate the light emitting wheel 71, and the light emitting wheel 71 is formed of a circular substrate having a diffusion layer on a predetermined surface thereof, the diffusion layer being made up of minute irregularities which are formed directly on a surface of the circular substrate.
US08523365B2	Light source device and projector A light source device includes: an arc tube having a bulb portion and a sealing portion; a reflector which fixes the arc tube; and a holding portion which holds the reflector, wherein the holding portion includes an inlet port, a partition provided between the inlet port and the arc tube, a pair of passages to which diverges in the partition and can circulate the cooling air to the arc tube, a first opening provided in the partition, and a shutter which is provided on that side of the partition where the inlet port is located, rotates about a rotation axis, and blocks a lower passage of the pair of passages, and on that side of the shutter where the rotation axis is located, a second opening is provided so as to overlap the first opening as seen from the inlet port.
US08523363B2	Projector A projector includes: a light source that emits light having an asymmetric illuminance distribution; a light modulation device that modulates the light emitted from the light source; and an optical member disposed in an optical path between the light source and the light modulation device, the optical member changing the illuminance distribution of the light from the light source, wherein the optical member changes the illuminance distribution of the light passing therethrough in such a way that a highest illuminance area in the illuminance distribution of the light after passing through the optical member is shifted toward the center of the optical member as compared with the position of the highest illuminance area in the illuminance distribution of the light before incident on the optical member.
US08523360B2	Digital display cataract eye detection method An eye chart uses a series of graphics spaced at intervals selected to discriminate between normal vision and vision impaired by the presence of a cataract and displayed on a digital display device such as a computer, digital display device, smart phone, etc. Groups of graphics have progressively different distances between the series with one series representing normal vision with the space between the lines growing progressively further apart to indicate the advancement of the cataract. A user with normal vision will be able to count the number of lines, while a person with cataracts will require the space between the lines to be further apart. The digital device automatically stores input information using an input device such as a mouse or touch screen input. This digital storage information records a patient profile in time as each use is recorded. Different shapes and letters may be used.
US08523358B2	Information processing apparatus, method, and storage medium storing program A display unit 11 has a display area of a predetermined shape and displays an image on the display area. An image capturing unit 12 generates data of a captured image by capturing an image of an eye 2 of a user in which the display area is reflected. A reference detection unit 21 detects a moving reference point that moves along with the movement of user's eye-gaze and an unmoving reference point that can be assumed as approximately stationary regardless of the user's eye-gaze movement, and generates a vector drawn from the unmoving reference point to the moving reference point as a shift amount V(x,y). An eye-gaze detection unit 22 detects a movement vector ΔV(Δx,Δy) as the user's eye-gaze movement amount based on a reference shift amount Vo(xo,yo) generated in the past and the shift amount V(x,y) currently generated.
US08523357B2	Fundus optical image device A fundus optical image device includes a light source, a first optical element set and a second optical element set. The first optical element set includes a first diaphragm. The light emitted from the light source passes through the first diaphragm and reaches a fundus through the first optical element set. The second optical element set includes a second diaphragm. The light is reflected by the fundus and then passes through the second diaphragm to present an image of the fundus. At least one of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm is a microarray diaphragm.
US08523356B2	Fundus camera A fundus camera includes an irradiation unit including a plurality of LED elements and a fluorescent material that emits light by being excited by light emitted from the LED elements and configured to emit light that is generated by combining light emitted from the LED elements and excitation light from the fluorescent material, an illumination optical system configured to irradiate an eye fundus of a subject's eye with the light emitted by the illumination unit, an observation unit configured to form an eye fundus image by receiving light, which is emitted from the illumination unit and reflected from the eye fundus, and an imaging unit configured to pick up the eye fundus image formed by the observation unit.
US08523355B2	Method and device for measuring the curve of a spectacle frame The invention relates to a method for measuring the curve of a spectacle frame (4) comprising the following operations: determining the position of a first reference mark (18) defining the mid plane of the spectacle frame (4); determining the position of a second reference mark (20) defining the orientation of a spectacle lens holder relative to said mid plane; and measuring the angle between said first and second reference marks. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.
US08523349B2	Portable printer A portable printer includes an outer housing, a circuit board, a battery, an inner housing, at least one inkjet head, and a motor, all of which are housed in the outer housing. The outer housing defines a longitudinal receiving space and an opening communicating with the receiving space. The battery is electrically connected to the circuit board to provide power to the portable printer. The inner housing can rotate around an axis of the outer housing. The inkjet head can rotate with the inner housing, and emits ink when it rotates. The motor is electrically connected to the circuit board, and is controlled by the circuit board to drive the inner housing to rotate. The rotation of the inner housing drives the inkjet head to rotate. Ink from the inkjet head goes out of the outer housing through the opening.
US08523346B2	Transport device and recording device A transport device may include a transport mechanism including a supporting member configured to support a placed medium and transport the medium. The transport device may also include a first charging device configured to alternately charge the supporting member with one polarity and an opposite polarity. The transport device may further include a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the medium to the supporting member. The transport device may yet further include a second charging device configured to alternately charge the medium with one polarity and an opposite polarity for transferring the medium with the transfer mechanism before the transfer mechanism places the medium on the supporting member. The transport device may yet further include a control unit configured to control at least one of the transport mechanism, the transfer mechanism, the first charging device, and the second charging device.
US08523343B2	Aqueous ink composition, ink jet recording method, and recorded matter An ink jet recording method includes ejecting droplets of an aqueous ink composition from an ink jet recording apparatus onto a non-ink-absorbing or low-ink-absorbing recording medium, and heating the recording medium to 40° C. or more to dry the aqueous ink composition deposited on the recording medium, wherein the first solvent content (W1) is 3% by mass or more and 6% by mass or less of the mass of the aqueous ink composition, the ratio (W2/W1) of the second solvent content (W2) to the first solvent content (W1) is one or more, and the ratio [(W2+W3)/(W1)] of the total (W2+W3) of the second solvent content (W2) and the third solvent content (W3) to the first solvent content (W1) is three or more.
US08523341B2	Multi-channel gas vent apparatus for ink containers A multi-channel gas vent apparatus for venting gas at ink containers which supply inks to a multi-channel printhead is provided having a body having a sidewalls and an interior surface, discrete chambers defined on one side of the interior surface by internal sidewalls and being sealed within the body, and a compartments defined on the opposite side of the interior surface by internal sidewalls and being sealed within the body. Each chamber is for connection to a gas port of a corresponding one of the ink containers. Each ink container has an ink port connected to a corresponding one of the ink channels. Each compartment is in fluid communication with the external atmosphere. The interior surface in each chamber has a recess in which apertures connect the chambers with one of the compartments through the interior surface.
US08523339B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes a head tank, a main tank, a pump, and a first control unit, so that when pressure in the head tank is not restored to a predetermined pressure while liquid is supplied from the main tank to the head tank, it is determined that the state of the main tank is an empty state, causing a pump to reversely supply a predetermined amount of liquid from the head tank to the main tank, and stopping printing; and further includes a second control unit, so that when emergency printing is instructed, opening the head tank to air, supplying liquid to the head tank, closing the head tank from air, and supplying liquid from the head tank to the main tank to generate a negative pressure in the head tank are performed.
US08523338B2	Ink cartridge An ink cartridge has a case in which is disposed a flexible ink bag containing ink. The ink bag has two opposed major surfaces, one of which is fixed to the case. Two regulation members are adhered to the other major surface and are spaced apart in the lengthwise direction of the ink bag to define therebetween a deformable region which extends the full width of the ink bag and along which the ink bag deforms as the ink is consumed and the ink bag contracts. An ink end detection plate is adhered to the other major surface, adjacent one of the regulation members, and undergoes movement with the ink bag as it contracts to provide an indication of when the ink is nearly used up.
US08523331B2	Material jet system A material jet system, comprising a container for molten jet material (3) to be ejected, a heater (4) for melting and/or keeping molten said jet material, and a jetting unit (5, 6, 7) which is arranged to form and eject droplets (8) of said jet material. The system, moreover, comprises supply structures (2) which are arranged for providing an uninterrupted supply of said material, which comprises a metal in solid form (1), and which preferably have the shape of a wire, bar or tape. Furthermore the system comprises a structure for sealing the material in solid form and a pressure controller to control a heat insulating fluid pressure in the container.
US08523330B2	Recording apparatus, liquid droplet discharging head, and liquid droplet discharging head circuit board with improved wiring pattern A recording apparatus includes a liquid droplet discharging head and a tank. The liquid droplet discharging head discharges a liquid droplet. The tank supplies a liquid to the liquid droplet discharging head. The liquid droplet discharging head includes a liquid droplet discharging head circuit board including a board substrate and a writing pattern. The wiring pattern is located on the board substrate to supply power and includes a plurality of divided wiring patterns formed by dividing at least a part of the wiring pattern in a width direction of the wiring pattern.
US08523324B2	Liquid discharge head substrate and head unit A liquid discharge head substrate includes an external terminal, a diode, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and a third conductive layer. The external terminal is configured to connect to an external. The first conductive layer is connected to the external terminal for causing an input current to flow from the external terminal, and the diode includes an anode and a cathode. The second conductive layer is connected to the first conductive layer and one electrode of the anode and cathode, and causes a surge current generated when a surge voltage is applied from the external terminal, to flow from the first conductive layer to the one electrode. The third conductive layer is connected to the other electrode of the anode and the cathode and passes the surge current flowing from the one electrode to the other electrode. The first conductive layer includes a part laminating with the second conductive layer sandwiching an insulation layer, and does not include a part laminating with the third conductive layer.
US08523323B2	Method and apparatus for mounting a fluid ejection module A system and method for mounting a fluid droplet ejection module to a frame is disclosed, where the fluid ejection module includes a mounting component having a mounting surface. A connector is configured to detachably attach to the frame and is positioned between the frame and the mounting surface of the fluid ejection module. A portion of a mating surface of the connector is positioned adjacent the mounting surface of a corresponding fluid ejection module and is in direct contact with the mounting surface. One or more recesses are formed in at least one of either the mounting surface of the fluid ejection module or the mating surface of the connector. The one or more recesses have a substantially uniform thickness and are filled with an adhesive. The adhesive is cured after aligning the fluid ejection module to the frame.
US08523322B2	Non-wetting coating on a fluid ejector A fluid ejector having an inner surface, an outer surface, and an orifice that allows fluid in contact with the inner surface to be ejected. The fluid ejector has a non-wetting monolayer covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the fluid ejector and surrounding an orifice in the fluid ejector. Fabrication of the non-wetting monolayer can include removing a non-wetting monolayer from a second region of a fluid ejector while leaving the non-wetting monolayer on a first region surrounding an orifice in the fluid ejector, or protecting a second region of a fluid ejector from having a non-wetting monolayer formed thereon, wherein the second region does not include a first region surrounding the orifice in the fluid ejector.
US08523321B2	Liquid droplet jetting apparatus and recording apparatus A liquid droplet jetting apparatus includes a common liquid chamber to which the liquid is supplied, a plurality of pressure chambers which communicate with the common liquid chamber and which cause a pressure change in the liquid, a plurality of nozzles which jet the droplets of the liquid, a pressure attenuation chamber which has a throttled portion having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the common liquid chamber, and an attenuation portion having a cross-sectional area greater than that of the throttled portion, the attenuation portion being connected to one end portion of the common liquid chamber via the throttled portion, a discharge port formed in the pressure attenuation chamber, a discharge channel connected to the discharge port, and having a throttle in which a channel area of the discharge channel is decreased, and a dummy nozzle connected to the discharge port via the discharge channel.
US08523320B2	Inkjet recording apparatus and inkjet recording method The present invention provides a recording apparatus including recording heads each including a plurality of nozzle arrays that are arranged so as to overlap, wherein overlapping portions of the recording heads for two different colors are separated from each other with a distance therebetween in an array direction of nozzles.
US08523318B2	Support for carriage guide in printer A carriage printer includes a printhead; a carriage guide disposed along a carriage scan direction, the carriage guide including a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a carriage for transporting the printhead along the carriage scan direction across the print region, the carriage including a bearing surface that is configured to contact the carriage guide as the carriage transports the printhead; a plurality of carriage guide supports each including a support surface, the plurality of carriage guide supports including a first carriage guide support disposed proximate the first end; a second carriage guide support disposed proximate the second end; and a third carriage guide support disposed between the first carriage guide support and the second carriage guide support; a first biasing force applied in a bias direction proximate the first end; and a second biasing force applied in the bias direction proximate the second end.
US08523317B2	Pneumatic hole cleaner for vacuum belt A print system including a vacuum blower configured to create both a vacuum pressure and exhaust, a vacuum chamber configured to distribute the vacuum pressure created by the vacuum blower, a transport belt configured to pass in close proximity to the vacuum chamber, the transport belt having a plurality of holes, and a pneumatic cleaning device configured to direct the exhaust created by the vacuum blower through one or more holes of the transport belt in close proximity to the pneumatic cleaning device. The pneumatic cleaning device includes an upper cleaning head comprising a one or more vents configured to direct air through holes in a transport belt; and a lower cleaning body. The lower cleaning body includes a muffler, a removable collection area configured to collect debris in the exhaust, and a filter configured to collect in the exhaust.
US08523316B2	Maintenance system having modular sled A maintenance system for a printhead, the system having a sled slidably arranged with respect to the printhead a media platen module supported by the sled a capper module supported by the sled a wiper module supported by the sled; and a selection mechanism for selectively sliding the sled to align one of the platen, capper and wiper modules with the printhead, and for moving the aligned module to a position in proximity of the printhead.
US08523310B2	Printing apparatus and printing method In order to provide technique which reduce the positional shift of recording in the conveyance direction of a printing medium, a printing apparatus comprises: a conveyance unit for conveying the printing medium by rotating a roller; a detection unit for detecting a conveyance amount of a printing medium conveyed by rotating the roller in less than one rotation; an acquisition unit for acquiring a conveyance amount of the printing medium corresponding to a predetermined rotation amount of the roller by detecting the conveyance amount a plurality of times; and a setting unit for setting a rotation amount of the roller when forming an image on the printing medium based on a conveyance amount of a printing medium corresponding to the acquired predetermined rotation amount of the roller.
US08523308B2	Recording head adjustment method and image recording apparatus A recording head adjustment method includes: a dot row forming step of causing relative movement between a recording medium and a recording head in which a plurality of sub-heads each including a plurality of recording elements are joined together, and driving the plurality of recording elements at prescribed drive timing with respect to each of the plurality of sub-heads in such a manner that dot rows for the respective sub-heads are formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of the relative movement; a step-difference amount calculation step of measuring positions in the direction of the relative movement of the dot rows for the respective sub-heads in a situation where a range of a part of the dot rows formed by an overlapping portion between the mutually adjacent sub-heads where recording rates represented by number of dots per unit surface area are substantially same as each other is set as a measurement object, and obtaining an amount of step difference between the sub-heads represented by difference or ratio of the measured positions in the direction of the relative movement of the dot rows for the respective sub-heads; an adjustment value calculation step of calculating an adjustment value for the drive timing of the plurality of recording elements with respect to each of the plurality of sub-heads according to the obtained amount of step difference; and a drive timing adjustment step of adjusting relative drive timing with respect to each of the plurality of sub-heads according to the calculated adjustment value.
US08523306B2	Liquid supply device and printing apparatus including the same A liquid supply device includes a pressure unit configured to generate a pressure to supply liquid to a printing unit, the printing unit configured to discharge the liquid and perform printing on a printing medium; a pressure detecting unit configured to detect the pressure generated by the pressure unit; and a control unit configured to drive the pressure unit with a power corresponding to a liquid consuming speed of the printing unit if the pressure detecting unit detects a lower pressure than a predetermined pressure while the printing unit discharges the liquid.

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