最新美国发明专利第2013-10-08期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08552440B2	Lighting device For integration of light-emitting elements and for suppression of a voltage drop, plural stages of light-emitting element units provided over a substrate having an insulating surface and each including a plurality of light-emitting elements which is connected in parallel are connected in series. Further, besides a lead wiring with a large thickness, a plurality of auxiliary wirings with different widths and different thicknesses is used, and the arrangement of the wirings, electrodes of the light-emitting elements, and the like is optimized. Note that in the lighting device, light emitted from the light-emitting element passes through the substrate having an insulating surface and then is extracted.
US08552439B2	Light-emitting diode package A light-emitting diode (LED) package including a substrate, an LED chip, a polarizer, and a supporter is provided. The LED chip is disposed on the substrate. The polarizer is disposed above the LED chip. The supporter is disposed on the substrate for supporting the polarizer.
US08552438B2	Multi-lens solid state lighting devices Solid state lighting (SSL) devices including a plurality of SSL emitters and methods for manufacturing SSL devices are disclosed. Several embodiments of SSL devices in accordance with the technology include a support having a first lead and a second lead, a plurality of individual SSL emitters attached to the support, and a plurality of lenses. Each SSL emitter has a first contact electrically coupled to the first lead of the support and a second contact electrically coupled to the second lead of the support such that the SSL emitters are commonly connected. Each lens has a curved surface and is aligned with a single corresponding SSL emitter.
US08552437B2	Fluorescent substance, process for production of fluorescent substance, light-emitting device and light-emitting module The embodiment provides a process for production of an oxynitride fluorescent substance. An compound containing In or Ga is adopted in the process as a material thereof. The red fluorescent substance produced by the process can be combined with a semiconductor light-emitting element, so as to be used in a light-emitting device or a light-emitting module.
US08552434B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same An object is, in a thin film transistor in which an oxide semiconductor is used as an active layer, to prevent change in composition, film quality, an interface, or the like of an oxide semiconductor region serving as an active layer, and to stabilize electrical characteristics of the thin film transistor. In a thin film transistor in which a first oxide semiconductor region is used as an active layer, a second oxide semiconductor region having lower electrical conductivity than the first oxide semiconductor region is formed between the first oxide semiconductor region and a protective insulating layer for the thin film transistor, whereby the second oxide semiconductor region serves as a protective layer for the first oxide semiconductor region; thus, change in composition or deterioration in film quality of the first oxide semiconductor region can be prevented, and electrical characteristics of the thin film transistor can be stabilized.
US08552433B2	Display device A display device which can suppress waveform distortion and lowered transmission coefficient of pixels, and suppress display irregularity is provided. In a display device having pixels arranged in a delta arrangement, a pixel includes a pixel portion which comprises a TFT including a source electrode, a drain electrode and a gate electrode, a common electrode and a pixel electrode, an organic passivation film has asymmetrical opening portions above a contact portion of the source electrode, and the orientations of the asymmetrical opening portions in the organic passivation films of pixels adjacent to each other are the same.
US08552432B2	Display substrate and method of manufacturing the same A display substrate having a low resistance signal line and a method of manufacturing the display substrate are provided. The display substrate includes an insulation substrate, a gate line, a data line and a pixel electrode. The gate line gate line is formed through a sub-trench and an opening portion. The sub-trench is formed in the insulation substrate and the opening portion is formed through a planarization layer on the insulation substrate at a position corresponding to the position of the sub-trench. The data line crosses the gate line. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the gate line and the data line through a switching element. Thus, a signal line is formed through a trench formed by using a planarization layer and an insulation substrate, so that a resistance of the signal line may be reduced.
US08552430B2	Thin-film transistor array substrate, organic light-emitting display including the same and method of manufacturing the same A thin-film transistor array substrate is disclosed. In one embodiment, the transistor includes a capacitor including a lower electrode disposed on the same layer as an active layer and an upper electrode disposed on the same layer as a gate electrode. The transistor may also include a first insulating layer disposed between the active layer and the gate electrode and between the lower and upper electrodes, the first insulating layer not being disposed on a perimeter of the lower electrode. The transistor may further include a second insulating layer between the first insulating layer and the source and drain electrodes, the second insulating layer not being disposed on perimeters of the upper and lower electrodes.
US08552426B2	Composite dielectric material doped with rare earth metal oxide and manufacturing method thereof A composite dielectric material doped with rare earth metal oxide and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The composite dielectric material is doped with nano-crystalline rare metal oxide which is embedded in silicon dioxide glass matrix, and the composite dielectric material of the nano-crystalline rare metal oxide and the silicon dioxide glass matrix is synthesized by the manufacturing method using sol-gel route. The dielectric value of the glass composite dielectric material is greater than that of pure rare metal oxide or that of silicon dioxide. In presence of magnetic field, the dielectric value of the composite dielectric material is substantially enhanced compared with that of the composite dielectric material at zero field.
US08552425B2	Semiconductor device An object is to provide a semiconductor device having good electrical characteristics. A gate insulating layer having a hydrogen concentration less than 6×1020 atoms/cm3 and a fluorine concentration greater than or equal to 1×1020 atoms/cm3 is used as a gate insulating layer in contact with an oxide semiconductor layer forming a channel region, so that the amount of hydrogen released from the gate insulating layer can be reduced and diffusion of hydrogen into the oxide semiconductor layer can be prevented. Further, hydrogen present in the oxide semiconductor layer can be eliminated with the use of fluorine; thus, the hydrogen content in the oxide semiconductor layer can be reduced. Consequently, the semiconductor device having good electrical characteristics can be provided.
US08552420B2	OLED light panel with controlled brightness variation Embodiments may provide a light source with a controlled brightness variation. A first device is provided that includes a substrate and a plurality of OLEDs disposed on the substrate. Each of the OLEDs includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an organic electroluminescent (EL) material disposed between the first and the second electrodes. The plurality of OLEDs comprise a first group and a second group where a first current density is supplied to the first group of the plurality of OLEDs and a second current density that is different from the first current density is supplied to the second group of the plurality of OLEDs. Each of the plurality of OLEDs is commonly addressable and at least one of the OLEDs in the first group of OLEDs has substantially the same device structure as at least one of the OLEDs in the second group of OLEDs.
US08552419B2	Cross-conjugated polymers for organic electronic devices and related methods Cross-conjugated donor-acceptor polymers, methods for their preparation, devices that include polymers, and methods for the preparation and use of the devices.
US08552412B2	Variable resistance memory device and method of forming the same Provided are a variable resistance memory device and a method of forming the same. The variable resistance memory device may include a substrate, a plurality of bottom electrodes on the substrate, and a first interlayer insulating layer including a trench formed therein. The trench exposes the bottom electrodes and extends in a first direction. The variable resistance memory device further includes a top electrode provided on the first interlayer insulating layer and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction and a plurality of variable resistance patterns provided in the trench and having sidewalls aligned with a sidewall of the top electrode.
US08552411B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor device According to one embodiment, a manufacturing method of semiconductor device includes forming plural elements on a substrate, forming a silicon compound film so as to bury between a plurality of elements, and modifying the silicon compound film to a silicon dioxide film by radiating microwaves.
US08552407B2	Ion milling device Disclosed is a shield (8, 10) disposed between an ion source (1) of an ion milling device and a sample (7) so as to be in contact with the sample. The shield is characterized by having a circular shape having an opening at the center, and by being capable of rotating about an axis (11) extending through the opening. Further, a groove is provided in the ion source-side surface of an end portion of the shield, and an inclined surface is provided on an end portion of the shield. Thus, an ion milling device having a shield, wherein the maximum number of machining operations can be increased, and the position of the shield can be accurately adjusted.
US08552405B2	Charged particle beam writing apparatus and charged particle beam writing method A charged particle beam writing apparatus includes a unit to calculate a gradient of a convolution amount that is calculated from a convolution operation between an area density and a distribution function, a unit to calculate a small influence radius phenomenon dose correction coefficient that corrects for dimension variation due to a phenomenon whose influence radius is on an order of microns or less, by using the convolution amount and the gradient, a unit to calculate a proximity effect dose correction coefficient that corrects for dimension variation due to a proximity effect, by using a first function depending on the small influence radius phenomenon dose correction coefficient, a unit to calculate a dose by using the proximity effect dose correction coefficient and the small influence radius phenomenon dose correction coefficient, and a unit to write a figure pattern concerned on a target object, based on the dose.
US08552401B2	Optical chemical sensor feedback control system An optical chemical sensor feedback control system is provided comprised of a luminescent sensing film, an optical processor adjacent the sensing film capable of sinusoidally photoexciting the luminescent sensing film and detecting the luminescent emission resulting therefrom, and a computer control means executing a computer program, in communication with the optical processor. The computer control means is operable to control the magnitude of the photoexcitation of the luminescent sensing film, wherein the computer control means receives data regarding the luminescent emission resulting therefrom, analyzes same, and determines the magnitude and phase shift of the luminescence relative to the photoexcitation. Further, the system herein is operable to determine the status of the sensing film, and adjust the magnitude of photoexcitation thereof based on same. In addition, the system, via the optical processor positioning means, is operable to adjust the physical position of the optical processor and/or light source in relation to the sensing film, based on data received from the computer control means.
US08552400B2	Electron beam sterilizer for cap An electron beam cap-sterilizer radiates an electron beam onto caps while the caps are continuously conveyed. The caps are conveyed in the restricting conveying section while the movements of the caps are restricted, so that the caps roll down freely and separately from each other in the free conveying section. The electron beam radiating device emits electron beams onto the inside of the caps in the lateral direction while the caps are conveyed in the free conveying section. A deflecting device is provided in the free conveying section. The deflecting device is located at the opposite side of the electron beam radiating device to deflect the electron beams emitted by the electron beam radiating device onto the outside of the caps.
US08552396B2	Distributive, non-destructive real-time system and method for snowpack monitoring A ground-based system that provides quasi real-time measurement and collection of snow-water equivalent (SWE) data in remote settings is provided. The disclosed invention is significantly less expensive and easier to deploy than current methods and less susceptible to terrain and snow bridging effects. Embodiments of the invention include remote data recovery solutions. Compared to current infrastructure using existing SWE technology, the disclosed invention allows more SWE sites to be installed for similar cost and effort, in a greater variety of terrain; thus, enabling data collection at improved spatial resolutions. The invention integrates a novel computational architecture with new sensor technologies. The invention's computational architecture is based on wireless sensor networks, comprised of programmable, low-cost, low-powered nodes capable of sophisticated sensor control and remote data communication. The invention also includes measuring attenuation of electromagnetic radiation, an approach that is immune to snow bridging and significantly reduces sensor footprints.
US08552393B2	Radiation image conversion panel and radiation image detector using same Disclosed is a radiation image conversion panel wherein luminance is improved by preventing the disorder of the structure of phosphor columnar crystals, thereby eliminating the scattering and refraction of optical elements which is emitted by an X-ray-irradiated phosphor and propagated in the direction of a photoelectric conversion element. Moreover disclosed is a radiation image detector using the same. The radiation image conversion panel is characterized in that the radiation image conversion panel comprises a phosphor layer on the substrate, that the phosphor layer is configured of the phosphor columnar crystals formed from a phosphor matrix compound and an activator by vapor deposition, and that the degree of the orientation of the surface of the phosphor columnar crystals, the degree of the orientation being based on X-ray diffraction spectrum and the surface having a fixed mirror index, is in the range of 80 to 100% without regard to the position in the direction of the thickness of the layer from the root near the substrate to the tip of the phosphor columnar crystals of the phosphor layer.
US08552392B2	Cassette and radiation image capturing system A radiation detecting cassette houses therein a detector for detecting a load applied to the radiation detecting cassette when a patient has moved. It is determined whether or not the patient has moved in an image capturing process based on the load detected by the detector. If it is judged that the patient has moved, then a warning is displayed, and a radiation image of the subject is inhibited from being captured.
US08552391B2	Methods and devices for in situ determination of a vitamin-D synthesizing amount of natural and artificial UV irradiation A matrix with a biologically active substance is exposed to UV radiation. The biologically active substance is selected to initiate photoconversions originating vitamin D synthesis. An optical parameter of the biologically active substance is being changed under UV irradiation. Change of the optical parameter is measured, thus measuring the amount of UV radiation that has caused the vitamin D synthesis occurred through photoconversion. Measuring occurs by way of a dosimeter.
US08552384B2	Mirror reflection processing method for position sensitive detector device A mirror reflection processing method for a position sensitive detector device in intelligent bathroom products. The infrared emitter in the position sensitive detector device is provided with two infrared emitting intensity modes. The position sensitive detector device determines whether to consider that no signal is collected in current collection according to the result of comparison between the reflected infrared signal intensity received by the infrared receiver and the preset value therein, thereby overcoming the mis-operation of the position sensitive detector device when being opposite to objects with relatively high reflectivity, and making the position sensitive detector device even more widely applied.
US08552376B2	Pyroelectric motion detection circuit A pyroelectric infrared body sensing switch circuit comprises an amplification circuit, a delay unit, an execution unit, and an infrared detection circuit comprising one or more pyroelectric infrared detection elements. A power unit comprises first and second power circuits. Each of the first and second power circuits receives AC power and supplies DC power through RC voltage reduction, full-wave rectification, filtration, and voltage stabilization. The first power circuit supplies power to the execution unit and the second power circuit supplies power to the infrared detection circuit, the amplification circuit, and the delay unit. A signal outputted from the infrared detection circuit is inputted to the amplification circuit. A signal outputted from the amplification circuit controls the activation of the delay unit. A signal output from the delay unit controls the execution unit. The signal outputted from the infrared detection circuit comprises superposed output signals from the pyroelectric infrared detection elements.
US08552375B1	Switched capacitor filter systems and methods Techniques are disclosed to provide a reference signal via a switched capacitor filter for image detector arrays in accordance with one or more embodiments. For an example embodiment, a method of providing a sampled and filtered reference signal to an image detector array includes receiving a reference signal; sampling the reference signal with a first capacitor to store a sampled reference signal based on the reference signal; coupling a second capacitor to the first capacitor to share charge stored on the first and second capacitors to generate the sampled and filtered reference signal to store on the second capacitor; and decoupling the second capacitor from the first capacitor, wherein the sampled and filtered reference signal is stored on the second capacitor to provide for one or more image detectors within the image detector array.
US08552374B2	Spectral detector The invention relates to a spectral detector for measuring properties of light over portions of the electromagnetic spectrum including cholesteric liquid crystal material and switching means capable of varying the pitch of the helix of the cholesteric liquid crystal material, so that the position of the transmission wavelength band is adjusted in response to the switching means. The spectral detector may further include at least one light direction selecting structure for selecting light incident on the spectral detector having a certain angle of incidence. This invention also relates to a lighting system including the spectral detector of the invention.
US08552365B2	Ion population control in a mass spectrometer having mass-selective transfer optics Methods for operating a mass spectrometer having at least one component having mass-dependent transmission, comprising: injecting a first sample of ions having a first mass range into an ion accumulator for a first injection time under first operating conditions suitable for optimizing transmission of ions of the first range; acquiring a full-scan mass spectrum of the first sample of ions; selecting ion species having a second mass range different than the first range; calculating a second injection time, the second injection time suitable for injecting a population of the selected ion species into the ion accumulator under second operating conditions suitable for optimizing transmission of ions of the second range; injecting a second sample of ions having the selected ion species into the ion accumulator for the second injection time under the second operating conditions; and acquiring a mass spectrum of ions derived from the selected ion species.
US08552364B2	Serum proteomics system and associated methods Methods for proteomic analysis are provided. For example, in one aspect a method for identifying and sequencing a peptide may include fractionating a biological sample containing a peptide of interest to at least partially isolate the peptide, obtaining mass spectra of the peptide, and accelerating the peptide into a collision chamber at a plurality of discrete collision energies for a discrete period of time to form a plurality of peptide fragments for each of the plurality of discrete collision energies. The method may further include obtaining a plurality of fragmentation mass spectra from the plurality of peptide fragments for each of the plurality of discrete collision energies, summing the plurality of fragmentation mass spectra from each of the plurality of discrete collision energies to form a plurality of discrete collision energy mass spectra, one discrete collision energy mass spectra from each discrete collision energy, summing the plurality of discrete collision energy mass spectra to form a final mass spectrum for the peptide fragments, and identifying a sequence of amino acids corresponding to the peptide from the final mass spectrum.
US08552362B2	System and method for linear and angular measurements of a moving object A system and method for measuring linear and angular displacement of a moving object, such as an autonomous moving object. In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one optical mouse sensor mounted adjacent to and at a predetermined distance from a surface of the autonomous moving object or a working surface. A processor on the autonomous moving object is operatively coupled to the optical mouse sensor. The optical mouse sensor outputs linear and angular displacement values to the processor during movement of the autonomous moving object to determine a direction and distance traveled by the autonomous moving object.
US08552358B2	Quantum tunneling photodetector array including electrode nano wires A quantum tunneling photodetector array and a method of generating an image. The photodetector array comprises an array of pairs of opposing first and second electrodes; a photo-sensitive insulating material disposed between the opposing first and second electrodes of the respective pairs; an electrical circuit for detecting photo-assisted quantum tunneling currents between the opposing first and second electrode of the respective pairs.
US08552356B2	Optical power converter An optical voltage converter has an emitter array and a receiver array. Each of the emitter array and the receiver array have at least one LED. The LEDs are arranged such that light from the emitter LED directly strikes the receiver LED.
US08552355B2	Smoke sensor including a current to voltage circuit having a low frequency correction means to produce a correction current A current-voltage converting circuit (2) is provided with a first feedback circuit (5) and a correcting transistor (Q1). The first feedback circuit (5) outputs, of an output voltage (V10), a voltage according to a magnitude of a low-frequency component that is not greater than or equal to a predefined first cut-off frequency. The correcting transistor (Q1) extracts a correction current (I21) according to a magnitude of an output of the first feedback circuit (5) from a sensor current (I10). The first feedback circuit (5) has a first integrating circuit (9) and a sample-and-hold circuit (10). The first integrating circuit (9) integrates the output voltage (V10) of a conversion section (3). The sample-and-hold circuit (10) samples and holds an output of the first integrating circuit (9) during a sensing period at which a pulsed detection signal is inputted. Means for preventing an incidence of ambient light onto a light-receiving section can be simplified or omitted as a result.
US08552351B2	Projectile with deployable control surfaces A projectile has a fuze kit that includes deployable canards. The canards are ends of a strip of material. The strip of material is initially in an angled recess of a collar of the fuze kit, with the angled recess angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the projectile, defining a plane that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. At some point in flight of the projectile, for example during mid-course of the projectile flight after a ballistic phase of the projectile flight, the canards are deployed by releasing the ends of the strip. This causes the ends of the strip to pull away from the longitudinal axis of the projectile, out of the recess, into the airstream around the projectile. Resilient forces in the strip may cause the ends to be moved out of the recess when the ends are released.
US08552346B2	Methods and apparatus for controlling temperature of a multi-zone heater in an process chamber Methods and apparatus for controlling the temperature of multi-zone heater in a process chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method is provided to control a multi-zone heater disposed in a substrate support, wherein the multi-zone heater has a first zone and a second zone. In some embodiments, the method may include measuring a current drawn by the first zone at a first time; measuring a voltage drawn by the first zone at the first time; calculating the resistance of the first zone based upon the measured current and voltage drawn by the first zone at the first time; determining a temperature of the first zone based upon a predetermined relationship between the resistance and the temperature of the first zone; and adjusting the temperature of the first zone in response to the temperature determination.
US08552342B2	Heater and image heating apparatus including the same To provide a heater that can reduce fixing failure in a paper passing area while suppressing a temperature rise in a sheet non-passing area, and a fixing apparatus including the heater.Resistors are connected in parallel between two conductive patterns that are provided on a heater substrate along the longitudinal direction of the substrate, and resistors are arranged so that the shortest current path of each of the resistors can overlap the shortest current path of an adjacent resistor in the longitudinal direction of the substrate.
US08552339B2	Power cord system for welding-type devices A system and method for powering a welding-type device from a plurality of distinct outlet configurations is disclosed. The power cord system includes a power cord having a plurality of conductors extending therethrough. An end of the power cord is constructed to engage an individual adapter of a plurality of adapters. Each of the plurality of adapters has a prong configuration that is different than a prong configuration of the other adapters such that each of the plurality of adapters is constructed to electrically connect the power cord to a uniquely configured outlet. A welding-type device according to the present invention is quickly and efficiently adaptable to operate at a plurality of different input power signals.
US08552337B2	Weld defect detection systems and methods for laser hybrid welding Laser hybrid welding systems adapted to identify and/or fix a weld defect occurring during a laser hybrid welding process are provided. Embodiments of the laser hybrid welding system may include one or more devices that provide feedback to a controller regarding one or more weld parameters. One embodiment of the laser hybrid welding system includes sensors that are adapted to measure the weld voltage and/or amperage during the welding process and transmit the acquired data to the controller for processing. Another embodiment of the laser hybrid welding system includes a lead camera and a lag camera that film an area directly in front of the weld location and directly behind the weld location.
US08552334B2	Adjustable gap capacitively coupled RF plasma reactor including lateral bellows and non-contact particle seal A plasma processing chamber includes a cantilever assembly and at least one vacuum isolation member configured to neutralize atmospheric load. The chamber includes a wall surrounding an interior region and having an opening formed therein. A cantilever assembly includes a substrate support for supporting a substrate within the chamber. The cantilever assembly extends through the opening such that a portion is located outside the chamber. The chamber includes an actuation mechanism operative to move the cantilever assembly relative to the wall.
US08552333B2	Systems, methods, and apparatus for preventing electromigration between plasma gun electrodes A circuit protection device includes a plasma gun configured to generate a plasma plume, at least one capacitor configured to store electrical energy, and a trigger circuit communicatively coupled to the plasma gun and the capacitor. The trigger circuit is configured to transmit a first signal to the capacitor to cause the capacitor to transmit a first portion of the electrical energy to the plasma gun. The trigger circuit is also configured to transmit a second signal to the plasma gun to cause the plasma gun to generate the plasma plume using the first portion of the electrical energy.
US08552332B2	Bolt for projection welding and method of welding the same Provided are a bolt for projection welding and a method of welding the same in which a portion of large fusion depth is formed in a small region and in which junction to a steel sheet part is secured in other regions, thereby realizing high weld strength and stable junction state. A bolt includes a shaft part, an enlarged diameter part, and a fusion bonding projection, the fusion bonding projection including an initial fusion part having at an end surface thereof a tapered portion and a main fusion part continuous with the initial fusion part. Energization with welding current for fusing the fusion bonding projection only is effected on the fusion bonding projection, and in which through pressurization of the fusion bonding projection against a steel sheet part and subsequent energization thereof, a region of the fusion bonding projection is fusion-bonded to the steel sheet part, and an end surface of the enlarged diameter part on the outer peripheral side thereof is brought into junction with a surface of the steel sheet part. With this structure, it is possible to realize a satisfactory welding in an appropriate fused state.
US08552331B2	Method and system for producing contact material being employed in electric/electronic circuit A method for producing contact materials being employed in electric/electronic circuits consists of a step 1-1 for supplying a spring base strip 1, a step 2-1 for supplying a noble metal wire 2, a seam welding step 3-1 for welding the metal wire 2 to the spring base strip after the spring base strip 1 and the noble metal wire 2 are held together, and a step 4-1 for winding a welded product. The method further includes a testing step 8-1 for determining a preciseness of a welded position and for determining a welded strength to peel the noble metal wire 2 from the spring base strip 1, which are performed between the seam welding step 3-1 and the winding step 4-1. Specimens for the testing step 8-1 are sampled at the beginning of and at the end of a production lot of the contact material.
US08552327B2	Single pass mail sorting system A method of mail sorting according to the invention includes the steps of sorting a batch of mail addressed to recipients in a common postal delivery zone with an automated single pass mail sorting machine into groups wherein the mail pieces in each group have a common delivery destination, transporting the groups of sorted mail using an automated conveying system to a delivery point packaging machine, and then packaging the groups of mail pieces with the delivery point packaging machine. Such a method is preferably part of a single pass sorting process wherein a batch of starting mail destined to a common zone is sorted into groups of mail for each destination that are then brought to the delivery point packaging machine in carrier delivery order.
US08552323B2	Push switch A push switch includes a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact disposed apart from the first fixed contact. Furthermore, the push switch includes a dome-shaped metallic movable contact facing the first fixed contact with a space therebetween, and a protrusion disposed above a center of the movable contact. When the protrusion is pressed, the movable contact is elastically reversed, and the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact become electrically conductive with each other via the movable contact.
US08552322B2	Switch device A switch device includes a base board having a face on which a fixed contact is provided and an elastic sheet that covers the face of the base board. The elastic sheet includes a contact dome part that covers the fixed contact to form a contact chamber, a movable contact that is provided on the contact dome part, a first recessed part that forms an air accumulating chamber, a second recessed part that forms a foreign material accumulating chamber, a guide groove that has a straight part and a circular arc part to form a guide passage for communicating the air accumulating chamber with the foreign material accumulating chamber, a nonreturn part provided inside the circular arc part, and a vent groove connected to the contact dome part and the guide groove to form a vent passage for communicating the contact chamber with the guide passage.
US08552317B2	Metal-encapsulated, polyphase, gas-insulated busbar switch disconnector and earthing switch Exemplary embodiments are directed to a metal-encapsulated, polyphase busbar switch disconnector and earthing switch, including a housing which, on each of opposite sides has three flanges that lie on a plane. Each flange being connected to one busbar and, on a third side, a flange is connected to a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker having conductor elements arranged in an interior of the housing. First conductor elements are connected to the busbars, and second conductor elements are connected to circuit breaker poles. The second conductor elements are aligned at right angles to the first conductor elements, which connect the busbars to one another, such that the first conductor elements are substantially U-shaped and are passed around the second conductor elements. A switch disconnector and earthing switch contact arrangement is provided between an inner housing wall and the first and second conductor elements.
US08552316B2	Sensor measurement system using pulsed current signals The disclosed invention provides a structure and method for easily measuring capacitive and/or resistive components of a sensor system. In one embodiment, the structure comprises a signal generator configured to output a load current to a measurement element containing measurement sensor elements and a parasitic capacitance. A controllable excitation voltage is generated, via integration of the load current on the parasitic capacitance, and output to the measurement sensor elements having capacitive and resistive components. The controlled voltage through the measurement device may be manipulated to cause the capacitive and resistive components to exhibit a transient effect. The resulting output current, provided from the measurement device therefore has transient response characteristics (e.g., the settling time, amplitude) that can be selectively measured by a measurement circuit to easily determine values of the capacitive and resistive measurement elements. Furthermore, dedicated demodulation techniques may be used to measure the capacitive and resistive components.
US08552315B2	Two-dimensional position sensor A capacitive position sensor is provided having a touch-sensitive area defined by a single-layer of electrodes arranged in a pattern along two axes. The electrode pattern includes a plurality of units each occupying a portion of the touch sensitive area along one axis. Each unit has at least three lines of elongate electrodes spaced apart in the one axis and extending for a length parallel to the other axis. The three lines of elongate electrodes in each unit comprise at least one line of drive electrodes and two lines of sense electrodes or at least one line of sense electrodes and two lines of drive electrodes. Selected electrodes of each unit are arranged in interconnected groups, each group having electrodes from more than one line which have partially overlapping extents along their length.
US08552310B2	Mounting structure of electronic component A mounting structure of an electronic component includes: a bump electrode included in the electronic component, the bump electrode having an internal resin as a core and a conductive film covering a surface of the internal resin, and elastically deforming so as to follow a shape of at least one corner of a terminal so that the conductive film makes direct conductive contact with at least part of a top surface of the terminal and at least part of a surface along a thickness direction of the terminal; a substrate having the terminal and the electronic component that is mounted on the substrate; and a holding unit provided to the substrate and the electronic component so as to hold a state in which the bump electrode electrically deformed makes conductive contact with the terminal.
US08552306B2	Assembly and production of an assembly An assembly having a substrate and at least one component fastened thereon by sintering using a sintering agent, in particular sintering paste. The sintering agent is situated in a recess of the substrate that accommodates at least some areas of the component. A method for producing an assembly having a substrate and at least one component fastened thereon by sintering using a sintering agent, in particular sintering paste. The sintering agent is brought into a recess of the substrate that accommodates at least some areas of the component.
US08552304B2	High-frequency circuit package and high-frequency circuit device A high-frequency circuit package including a dielectric substrate; a signal line, a first ground conductor layer, a second ground conductor layer, and a frame-shaped dielectric layer formed on the dielectric substrate; a third ground conductor layer formed on the frame-shaped dielectric layer; a first recess formed in the frame-shaped dielectric layer and including a first surface and a second surface that are located above the first ground conductor layer and the second ground conductor layer and extend laterally at an oblique angle with respect to the length direction of the signal line; a first ground line formed on the first surface and electrically connecting the first ground conductor layer with the third ground conductor layer; and a second ground line formed on the second surface and electrically connecting the second ground conductor layer with the third ground conductor layer.
US08552301B2	Contact equipment and circuit package A contact device including a contact array, in which contacts are arranged in a grid, and a plurality of differential wire pairs electrically connected to the contact array, wherein each differential wire pair is connected to a contact pair formed by two adjacent contacts in the contact array, and each contact pair is arranged such that a direction of a straight line connecting the two contacts therein is different from a direction of a straight line connecting the two contacts in a contact pair adjacent thereto.
US08552299B2	Stretchable and foldable electronic devices Disclosed herein are stretchable, foldable and optionally printable, processes for making devices and devices such as semiconductors, electronic circuits and components thereof that are capable of providing good performance when stretched, compressed, flexed or otherwise deformed. Strain isolation layers provide good strain isolation to functional device layers. Multilayer devices are constructed to position a neutral mechanical surface coincident or proximate to a functional layer having a material that is susceptible to strain-induced failure. Neutral mechanical surfaces are positioned by one or more layers having a property that is spatially inhomogeneous, such as by patterning any of the layers of the multilayer device.
US08552298B2	Chassis with fixing apparatus for mounting motherboards A chassis includes a number of fixing apparatuses, which enables various motherboards with different mounting holes layouts to be selectively mounted in the chassis. Each of the fixing apparatuses includes a base member secured to the chassis, and a fastening member rotatably connected to the base. The fastening member defines a fastening hole extending through an end of the fastening member. Each of the fixing apparatuses is rotatable between a fastening position and an interference avoiding position. To mount one of the motherboards, some of the fastening members are rotated to the fastening-ready positions to align the fastening holes of the fastening members with the corresponding mounting holes of the motherboard, and other fastening members are rotated to the interference-avoiding position to avoid interfering with the motherboard.
US08552295B2	Cable assembly A cable assembly has a clamp provided at an end of a multi-core cable. The clamp, which is formed such that the inner diameter thereof increases as it is closer to the rear end, is fixed by caulking to the outer circumference of a sheath. An inner spring and an outer spring are arranged around the outer circumference of a sheath. The inner spring is fixed to the clamp in such a manner as the end thereof on the cable tip side is sandwiched between the sheath and the inner surface of the clamp. The outer spring is shorter than the inner spring in the cable axial direction, and the end thereof on the cable tip side is fixed to the outer circumference of the clamp. The outer circumference of the inner spring and the outer spring is covered with a rubber boot.
US08552291B2	Cable for high speed data communications A cable for high speed data communications that includes a first inner conductor enclosed by a first dielectric layer and a second inner conductor enclosed by a second dielectric layer. The inner conductors and the dielectric layers are disposed within the cable in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the cable. The cable also includes drain conductors disposed within the cable laterally to the inner conductors adjacent to the dielectric layers along the longitudinal axis of the cable and within thirty degrees of a horizontal axis through the inner conductors. The cable also includes a conductive shield composed of a strip of conductive shield material wrapped in a rotational direction along and about the longitudinal axis around the inner conductors, the dielectric layers, and the drain conductors.
US08552290B2	Strand having a limited spring effect A strand of section of no more than 0.35 mm2 is provided having one or more electrical conductor wires, where each electrical conductor wire is constituted by an alloy of copper and tin. The tin content is not less than 1500 ppm and not more than 2500 ppm the oxygen content is not more than 400 ppm the inevitable impurities content is not more than 100 ppm and the balance of the content of the alloy is copper with the electrical conductor wire(s) being exempt from heat treatment during fabrication of the strand.
US08552287B2	Stacked-layered thin film solar cell and manufacturing method thereof A stacked-layered thin film solar cell has a plurality of independent unit cells comprising a substrate, a first electrode layer, a first photoconductive layer, an interlayer, a second photoconductive layer, and a second electrode layer in a series stacked structure, wherein at least one first separation groove is formed within the first electrode layer and the stacked-layered thin film solar cell is characterized in: at least one second separation groove formed on the interlayer, at least one connection groove passing through the first photoconductive layer and the second photoconductive layer, and at least one third separation groove extending downward at a periphery of each of the unit cells so that the connection grooves and the third separation groove are concurrently located inside a projection zone of the second separation groove.
US08552285B2	Device and method for solar-tracking according to sensor The invention discloses a device and method for solar-tracking according to sensor. The device calculates the angle of incidence and azimuth of the sunray through the illuminance sensed by the sensors in different positions. The device rotates the solar panel to the direction with the maximal solar irradiation. Then the solar panel can sense the maximum illuminance to have the maximal energy gain.
US08552282B1	Propulsion defeating system A system for reducing the operational efficiency of a watercraft's propulsion system includes a self-propelled and variable-speed unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) that has at least one homing device adapted to direct the UUV towards an origin of a targeted watercraft's propulsion wake. At least one rod is coupled to a forward end of the UUV and extends forward therefrom at least when the UUV is in proximity to the origin of the targeted watercraft's propulsion wake. At this point, the UUV is directed and accelerated to drive the rod into the targeted watercraft's propulsor.
US08552281B1	Digital sheet music distribution system and method A computer-implemented method and system of distributing digital sheet music via a network. In one embodiment, the method comprises offering to a user via a server operated by a distributing party, digital sheet music representative of a song, the digital sheet music being offered with at least one set of predetermined notation data; receiving, from the user over a network, a request for supplemental notation data associated with the song that differs from the at least one set of predetermined notation data; and providing the supplemental notation data to the user.
US08552280B2	Keyboard device for electronic keyboard instrument and mounting structure of let-off imparting member for electronic keyboard instrument A keyboard device for an electronic keyboard instrument, which enables facilitation of work for mounting and dismounting a key switch and install hammers and the key switch with high accuracy, and provision of a touch feeling similar to one provided by an acoustic grand piano while keeping the device compact in depth. The device comprises swingable keys, a hammer support formed by a synthetic resin molded article, hammers pivotally supported by the hammer support, and a key switch including switch bodies provided in association with the hammers and a switch board. The hammer support has a switch mounting part formed with an opening vertically extending therethrough. The key switch is removably mounted to the switch mounting part, with the switch bodies facing the hammers from above via the opening and the switch board placed on the upper surface of the switch mounting part.
US08552277B1	Maize variety hybrid X13B632 A novel maize variety designated X13B632 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X13B632 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13B632 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13B632, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13B632. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13B632.
US08552271B1	Soybean cultivar 08194832 A soybean cultivar designated 08194832 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 08194832, to the plants of soybean cultivar 08194832, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 08194832, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 08194832. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 08194832. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 08194832, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 08194832 with another soybean cultivar.
US08552267B1	Soybean variety XB36X11 A novel soybean variety, designated XB36X11 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB36X11, cells from soybean variety XB36X11, plants of soybean XB36X11, and plant parts of soybean variety XB36X11. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB36X11 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB36X11, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB36X11, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB36X11. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB36X11 are further provided.
US08552266B1	Soybean variety XBP32004 A novel soybean variety, designated XBP32004 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP32004, cells from soybean variety XBP32004, plants of soybean XBP32004, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP32004. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP32004 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP32004, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP32004, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP32004. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP32004 are further provided.
US08552264B2	Soybean variety XB10D11 A novel soybean variety, designated XB10D11 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB10D11, cells from soybean variety XB10D11, plants of soybean XB10D11, and plant parts of soybean variety XB10D11. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB10D11 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB10D11, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB10D11, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB10D11. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB10D11 are further provided.
US08552263B2	Soybean variety XB04Q11 A novel soybean variety, designated XB04Q11 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB04Q11, cells from soybean variety XB04Q11, plants of soybean XB04Q11, and plant parts of soybean variety XB04Q11. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB04Q11 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB04Q11, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB04Q11, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB04Q11. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB04Q11 are further provided.
US08552262B2	Soybean cultivar S090069 A soybean cultivar designated S090069 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S090069, to the plants of soybean S090069, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S090069, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S090069 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S090069, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S090069, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S090069 with another soybean cultivar.
US08552261B2	Soybean cultivar S090057 A soybean cultivar designated S090057 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S090057, to the plants of soybean S090057, to plant parts of soybean cultivar S090057, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar S090057 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety S090057, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S090057, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar S090057 with another soybean cultivar.
US08552255B2	Nucleic acid sequences encoding proteins associated with abiotic stress response The present invention pertains transgenic plant cells and mature plants comprising Oxidoreductase Stress Related Proteins (ORSRP) resulting in increased tolerance and/or resistance to environmental stress as compared to non-transformed wild type cells and methods of producing such plant cells or plants. Further object of the present invention are isolated ORSRPs or ORSRP encoding nucleic acids from plants.
US08552248B2	Method for conversion of materials including asbestos A method for conversion of a material including asbestos includes: crumbling a fibrous structure of the material such that the material is crumbled into smaller particles; transporting the crumbled material into a microwave reactor and mixing with an agent facilitating heating of the material; heating the crumbled material by beams of focused polarized electromagnetic radiation in a microwave band and maintaining the smaller particles at a temperature for a period of time for structural transformation; removing the heated crumbled material from the microwave reactor and cooling the material; and subjecting the cooled crumbled material to a process of final crumbling.
US08552246B2	Removal of carbon dioxide from paraffins ETS-10 titanosilicate materials selectively adsorb carbon dioxide from gaseous mixtures containing carbon dioxide and light paraffins such as methane and ethane.
US08552245B2	Method for treating a cracked gas stream from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis installation and installation associated therewith This method includes the separation of an upstream partly condensed cracked gas stream in an intermediate separator (44B) in order to recover an intermediate liquid (136), and an intermediate cracked gas stream (138) and the introduction of the intermediate liquid (140) into an intermediate demethanization column (68). The method comprises the sampling of a portion of the intermediate liquid (136) and the expansion of at least one first fraction (194) obtained from the sampled portion (190). It comprises the putting of the first expanded fraction in a heat exchange relationship with the intermediate head stream (146) from the column (68) for at least partly condensing the intermediate head stream (146). The method includes the separation of the intermediate partly condensed head stream in a first reflux separator (76) in order to form a liquid stream (148) introduced into the intermediate column (68) and a combustible gas stream (150).
US08552241B2	Method of converting ethanol to base stock for diesel fuel A method of converting ethanol to a diesel fuel base stock comprises: a reaction stage (a) of contacting the ethanol with an acid catalyst, amorphous or structured, predominantly mesoporous, for example at a temperature of 300° C. to 500° C., at a pressure of 2 to 10 MPa and at a WHSV of 0.2 to 4 h−1, producing a gas phase, an organic liquid phase and an aqueous liquid phase, and a stage (b) of separating said gas phase, said organic liquid phase and said aqueous liquid phase at a pressure close to the reaction pressure. The method can involve recycling at least part of the gas phase separated in stage (b) to stage (a), and hydrogenating at least part of the organic liquid phase separated in stage (b).
US08552237B2	Catalyst, its preparation and use A dehydrogenation catalyst is described that comprises an iron oxide, an alkali metal or compound thereof, and rhenium or a compound thereof. A process for preparing a dehydrogenation catalyst comprising preparing a mixture of iron oxide, an alkali metal or compound thereof, and rhenium or a compound thereof is also described. Additionally, a dehydrogenation process using the catalyst and a process for preparing polymers are described.
US08552236B2	Production of aromatics from methane A catalyst for the conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons including aromatic hydrocarbons comprises particles of a porous refractory material, crystals of a zeolite material grown within the pores of the refractory material, and at least one catalytically active metal or metal compound associated with the zeolite crystals.
US08552235B2	Process for hydrodeoxygenation of feeds derived from renewable sources with limited decarboxylation conversion using a catalyst based on nickel and molybdenum A process for hydrodeoxygenation of feeds derived from renewable sources with conversion by decarboxylation/decarbonylation limited to at most 10%, using a bulk or supported catalyst comprising an active phase constituted by at least one element from group VIB and at least one element from group VIII, said elements being in the sulphide form, and the atomic ratio of the metal (or metals) from group VIII to the metal (or metals) from group VIB being strictly more than 0 and less than 0.095, said process being carried out at a temperature in the range 120° C. to 450° C., at a pressure in the range 1 MPa to 10 MPa, at an hourly space velocity in the range 0.1 h−1 to 10 h−1, and in the presence of a total quantity of hydrogen mixed with the feed such that the hydrogen/feed ratio is in the range 50 to 3000 Nm3 of hydrogen/m3 of feed.
US08552234B2	Hydrogenation process Process for producing hydrocarbons from a carboxylic acid by feeding hydrogen and a reaction composition containing a carboxylic acid to a reactor, maintaining reaction conditions such that the hydrogen reacts with the carboxylic acid to produce a C1 compound including CO, CO2 and CH4, and one or more product hydrocarbons derived from the carboxylic acid. The reaction between hydrogen and the carboxylic acid is catalysed. A product stream is removed from the reactor including unreacted hydrogen, at least one C1 compound, and at least one product hydrocarbon. One or more parameters of the reaction are controlled such that the molar ratio of C1 compounds produced by the reaction to the carboxylate groups present in the carboxylic acid in the reaction composition is maintained above a value of 0.37:1, and the mole ratio of carbon dioxide to the sum of carbon monoxide and methane is maintained above a value of 0.58:1.
US08552230B2	Conversion of carbohydrates to hydrocarbons Materials and processes for the conversion of carbohydrates and polyols to gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons. Carbohydrates and polyols are reacted in the presence of modified zeolite catalysts to form a reaction product containing non-aromatic and aromatic gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons.
US08552225B2	Process for vaporizing acetic acid for hydrogenation processes to produce ethanol Vaporizing acetic acid in the presence of hydrogen to provide a vapor feed stream for a hydrogenation process that produces ethanol. The vaporizer forms a vapor feed stream and a blowdown stream having a weight ratio of the vapor feed stream to the blowdown stream of at least 2:1. The acetic acid may vaporized at a temperature below acetic acid's boiling point at the operating pressure of the reactor. The hydrogenation process produces a crude ethanol product and ethanol is separated from the crude product. In addition, at least one recycle stream comprising acetic acid and less than 1.0 wt. % compounds having a boiling point higher than acetic acid, may also be separated. The recycle streams may be introduced to the vaporizer along with acetic acid to form the vapor feed stream.
US08552224B2	Processes for maximizing ethanol formation in the hydrogenation of acetic acid In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for purifying a crude ethanol product. The process comprises the step of hydrogenating acetic acid in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst to form the crude ethanol product. The process further comprises the step of separating at least a portion of the crude ethanol product in a purification zone. The purification zone preferably comprises a first column, which yields a first distillate comprising ethanol, water and ethyl acetate, and a first residue comprising acetic acid. The at least a portion of the crude ethanol product has a residence time from the reactor to the purification zone from 5 minutes to 5 days.
US08552223B2	Method for making heterogenous catalysts A method of making a heterogeneous catalyst, the catalyst produced therefrom, and the use of the catalyst, comprising mixing a dried ion exchange resin with a solution of a ketone and a metal, swelling the ion exchange resin, distributing the metal in the resin, and transforming without reducing agents the metal to zero valent at a temperature below 120° C.
US08552222B2	Chemical process for the production of haloalkenone ethers The present invention relates to a continuous process for producing a haloalkenone ether of the Formula (I) wherein R1 is C1-C6 haloalkyl, R2 is a C1-C6 alkyl or phenyl, the process comprising:—(i) reacting, in a first continuous stirred tank reactor comprising a solvent, a halide of Formula (II) wherein R1 is as previously defined and R3 is halogen, with a vinyl ether of Formula (III) wherein R2 is as previously defined, to form an intermediate compound of Formula (IV), wherein the concentration of the vinyl ether of Formula (III) in the reaction mass is 15% or less w/w; and (ii) transferring the reaction mass from the first continuous stirred tank reactor into a subsequent continuous stirred tank reactor, wherein the conditions within the subsequent reactor permit the elimination of hydrogen halide (HR3) from the intermediate compound of Formula (IV) to provide the haloalkenone ether of Formula (I).
US08552218B2	Isoxazolines for controlling invertebrate pests Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, including all geometric and stereoisomers, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6 are independently selected from the group consisting of CR3 and N; provided that at most 3 of A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and A6 is N; B1, B2 and B3 are independently selected from the group consisting of CR2 and N; each R3 is independently H, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 haloalkyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 halocycloalkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, C1-C6 haloalkoxy, C1-C6 alkylthio, C1-C6 haloalkylthio, C1-C6 alkylsulfinyl, C1-C6 haloalkylsulfinyl, C1-C6 alkylsulfonyl, C1-C6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C1-C6 alkylamino, C2-C6 dialkylamino, —CN or —NO2; and R1, R2, R4, R5, W and n are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling an invertebrate pest comprising contacting the invertebrate pest or its environment with a biologically effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.
US08552215B2	Method for producing optically active 2-hydroxy ester and novel intermediate compound Disclosed is a method for producing an optically active 2-hydroxy ester, comprising selectively esterifying one enantiomer of a racemic 2-hydroxy ester in a solvent containing a catalyst such as tetramisole or benzotetramisole, and a carboxylic acid anhydride, or a carboxylic acid anhydride and a carboxylic acid. In particular, in the case where the solvent contains a carboxylic acid anhydride, but does not contain a carboxylic acid, as the carboxylic acid anhydride, a carboxylic acid anhydride containing a tertiary or quaternary carbon atom in the a-position is used. On the other hand, in the case where the solvent contains a carboxylic acid anhydride and a carboxylic acid, as the carboxylic acid, a carboxylic acid containing a tertiary or quaternary carbon atom in the a-position is used.
US08552211B2	Dry oil-and-fat separation method Disclosed is a dry oil-and-fat separation method of high yield and high separation accuracy, which uses agitation and crystallization in order to prevent problems with thickening of the crystal slurry and decreased solid/liquid separation efficiency in the crystallization/press-filtering process of dry separation of oil-and-fat containing highly crystalline SUS. In dry separation, the crystallization/press-filtering process is divided into multiple steps and repeated, to concentrate the SUS in each crystal fraction and yield SUS-rich oil and fat. Subdivision into multiple steps makes it possible to keep the crystallinity of the crystal slurry in the crystallization/press-filtering process within a range so that the crystal slurry can be transported by pump, and to increase solid/liquid separation efficiency.
US08552210B2	Hydrogenation of catmint oil Disclosed are methods for treating catmint oil. The treated catmint oil can be used for the production of hydrogenated catmint oil, which is enriched in the insect repellent, dihydronepetalactone.
US08552208B2	Analogs of tetramic acid Tetramic acid analogues of Formula I and Formula II have antibacterial activity, primarily against gram-positive bacteria, and are iron chelators.
US08552203B2	Indane acetic acid derivatives and their use as pharmaceutical agents, intermediates, and method of preparation This invention relates to novel indane acetic acid derivatives which are useful in the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerotic diseases. The invention also relates to intermediates useful in preparation of indane acetic derivatives and to methods of preparation.
US08552197B2	Sorafenib ethylsulfonate salt, process for preparation and use The present invention provides sorafenib ethane sulphonate, process for its preparation, pharmaceutical composition comprising sorafenib ethane sulphonate and its use for the treatment of cancer. Formula (III).
US08552195B2	Method for making donepezil The method in accordance with the present invention has: mixing E2M, an organic solvent, a weak base, sodium dithionite, and a phase transfer catalyst to obtain an E2M mixture solution; heating the E2M mixture solution and adding water to obtain a heated E2M aqueous solution having an organic layer; and extracting the organic layer from the heated E2M aqueous solution, and condensing and drying the organic layer to obtain donepezil. Employing sodium dithionite as a reducing agent improves safety over hydrogen gas used in conventional methods and lowers the cost in contrast to the conventional noble metal catalysts that are extremely expensive. Furthermore, the method of the present invention requires only 60 minutes of reaction time to synthesize donepezil with a promising yield more than 85%, which greatly raises the efficiency and economic value of the manufacture of donepezil.
US08552194B2	Process for preparing quinoline-3-carboxamide derivatives Disclosed herein is an improved, commercially viable and industrially advantageous process for the preparation of quinoline-3-carboxamide derivatives such as laquinimod, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in high yield and purity.
US08552189B2	Hybrid porous material and methods of preparing the same A hybrid porous material including at least a first and a second porous material portion which are chemically bonded to each other and are each a different type of material.
US08552185B2	Preparation of azoxystrobin The present invention relates, inter alia, to a process for preparing a compound of formula (I): using, as a catalyst 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane.
US08552182B2	Method for producing a 3-(substituted-oxy)-4-pyridazinol derivative A method for producing a 3-(substituted oxy)-4-pyridazinol compound represented by the following general formula (I): comprising reacting a compound represented by the following general formula (III): with a compound represented by the following general formula (IV): MO—R2 (IV). The compound represented by the general formula (I) can be reacted with a compound represented by the following general formula (VI): to provide a compound of general formula (V): Each of the groups in the formulas is defined. The compounds of general formulas (I) and (V) can be obtained in a high yield and with high selectivity at a low cost, and therefore various functional and active substances can be advantageously synthesized using the compounds as a medicine, an agricultural chemical, a functional material, or an intermediate thereof.
US08552174B2	Solutions, methods, and processes for deprotection of polynucleotides Methods of deprotecting polynucleotides are disclosed. One aspect of the method of deprotecting polynucleotides, among others, includes: providing a polynucleotide, wherein the polynucleotide includes at least one nucleotide monomer that has at least one protecting group selected from the following: a base having a protecting group, a 2′-hydroxyl protecting group, and a combination thereof, and deprotecting at least one of the protecting groups of the polynucleotide by introducing the polynucleotide to a solution including an α-effect nucleophile.
US08552169B2	Transcription factor-based biosensor The present invention provides for a system comprising a BmoR transcription factor, a σ54-RNA polymerase, and a pBMO promoter operatively linked to a reporter gene, wherein the pBMO promoter is capable of expression of the reporter gene with an activated form of the BmoR and the σ54-RNA polymerase.
US08552167B2	Multifunctional aptamer-nucleic acid nanostructures for tumor-targeted killing The present invention provides compositions comprising a ligand-nucleic acid nanostructure that promote tumor cell-specific killing and methods of using the compositions. Specially, the invention provides aptamer-nucleic acid nanostructures for treating tumors in a mammal. The methods of making the compositions are also provided.
US08552166B2	High-affinity nucleic acid aptamers against sclerostin protein Described are nucleic acid aptamers that are able to bind to and inhibit the function of sclerostin, which is an important negative regulator of bone growth. The aptamers have application as therapeutics for diseases of bone including osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteoarthritis and other osteoporosis-related conditions and complications.
US08552161B2	Saponin compounds, methods of preparation thereof, use thereof and pharmaceutical compositions This invention relates to novel saponin compounds of formula II wherein MBz denotes p-methoxybenzoyl, and R is selected from the group comprising C6-10 aryl, C6-10 aryl-C1-4 alkyl-, C1-18 alkanoyl, C3-18 alkenyl, C6-10 aryl-C(O)—, C6-10 aryl-C1-4 alkyl-C(O)—, wherein each of the groups can optionally be substituted. These compounds possess a selective cytostatic activity, useful, e.g., in the treatment of proliferative diseases. The invention further relates to methods of preparation of the novel compounds and to a pharmaceutical composition containing these compounds.
US08552159B2	Bifunctional glycoproteins having a modified carbohydrate complement and their use in tumor-selective therapy Provided herein are carbohydrate complement-modified bifunctional glycoproteins, and their use in tumor-selective therapy. The bifunctional glycoproteins comprise a first component that specifically binds to a tumor-specific antigen and a second component having enzymatic activity by means of which a non-toxic prodrug is cleaved into a cytotoxic drug. The carbohydrate complement comprises at least one exposed carbohydrate residue selected from the group consisting of mannose, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetyllactose, glucose and fucose. The modified carbohydrate complement contributes to increased relative concentration of the glycoproteins at the site of the tumor, and enhanced clearance from the general circulation and non-tumor sites.
US08552156B2	Anti-TIM-3 antibody The present invention provides an anti-human TIM-3 antibody having high ADCC activity or antibody fragment thereof by screening a monoclonal antibody or antibody fragment thereof which binds to the amino acid sequence of the extracellular region of TIM-3 or its three-dimensional structure and exhibits ADCC activity; a hybridoma which produces the antibody; a DNA encoding the antibody; a vector comprising the DNA; a transformant which is obtainable by introducing the vector; a method for producing the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof which comprises using the hybridoma or the transformant; a therapeutic agent and a diagnostic agent comprising the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof as an active ingredient.
US08552152B2	Compositions and methods for modulating dopamine neurotransmission The present invention provides for diagnosis or treatment of neurological or neuropsychiatric disorders involving abnormal dopamine neurotransmission. Methods and agents are provided for modulating dopamine transporter activity and modulating dopaminergic neurotransmission. Agents of the present invention include fragments of D2 receptor or dopamine transporter (DAT) that can disrupt D2-DAT coupling.
US08552151B2	Mutant blue fluorescent protein and method of using the same for fluorescence energy transfer and blue fluorescent fish The present invention discloses a mutant blue fluorescent protein (BFP), mutated by an error-prone PCR method or a DNA shuffling method with using a BFPvv D7 of SEQ ID NO:2 as parents, obtained from a wild type blue fluorescent protein BfgV of SEQ ID NO:1, obtained from Vibrio vulnificus, wherein a set of mutation positions of the mutant BFP corresponding to SEQ ID NO:2 comprises position 176 and position 178. In a preferred embodiment, the set of mutation positions of the mutant BFP corresponding to SEQ ID NO:2 comprises a S176R mutation or a V178I mutation. Moreover, methods of using the blue fluorescent proteins from Vibrio vulnificus for fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and a blue fluorescent fish are also provided.
US08552149B2	Polypeptides and use thereof The present invention provides a polypeptide having a biological activity of the Chemotaxis Inhibitory Protein of Staphylococcus aureus (‘CHIPS’), the polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, or a fragment or variant thereof having a biological activity of CHIPS, wherein the fragment or variant retains amino acid substitutions K40E, D42V, N77H, K100R, K105R, N111 K and/or G112A relative to the wildtype CHIPS protein of SEQ ID NO:1. In one embodiment, polypeptide consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. Related aspects of the invention provide pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polypeptide of the invention, together with methods or making and using the same.
US08552145B2	Vaccine for modulating between T1 and T2 immune responses The present invention provides liposomal vaccines containing immunogenic lipopeptides that are capable of modulating the humoral and cellular immune responses in vivo.
US08552142B2	Copolymers of E-caprolactone and glycolide for melt blown nonwoven applications Copolymers exhibiting the following combinations of properties, including without limitation, ε-caprolactone in an amount ranging from about 12 to about 70 mole percent, glycolide in an amount ranging from about 30 to about 88 mole percent, crystallinity ranging from about 10 to about 50% as measured by WAXD or about 10 to about 50 J/g as measured by DSC, and an inherent viscosity ranging from about 0.5 to about 1.45 dL/g as measured in a 0.1 g/dl solution of HFIP at 25° C.; a method for melt blowing such copolymers and nonwoven constructs produced therefrom are described herein.
US08552140B2	Composite maillard-resole binders Composite Maillard-resole binders to produce or promote cohesion in non-assembled or loosely assembled matter.
US08552139B2	Controlled release of biologically active compounds The present invention relates to biodegradable polymers (e.g., polyesters and polyester amides) derived from functionalized biologically active compounds that can provide site specific delivery of bioactive compounds upon biodegradation in a controlled manner.
US08552134B2	Method of producing polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbent resin A method of producing a water-absorbent resin of the present invention reduces amounts of a residual cross-linking agent and a residual surfactant, achieves high productivity, and improves physical properties of the resultant water-absorbent, such as absorption capacity, extractable polymer content, powder friction, and gel crushability. The method includes the steps of: polymerizing an aqueous monomer solution containing as a major component an acrylic acid monomer in the presence of a cross-linking agent; and drying the resultant polymer by heating, in which the cross-linking agent is a multifunctional (meth)acrylate cross-linking agent having polyethylene glycol structural units including a total of 6 to 200 ethylene oxide repeating units, and the aqueous monomer solution includes a mono(meth)acrylate compound having polyethylene glycol structural units in an amount of 0.1 to 30% by weight relative to an amount of the multifunctional (meth)acrylate cross-linking agent.
US08552133B2	Controlled polymerisation process The present invention relates to a controlled metathesis-driven polymerization process which is particularly useful for the synthesis of biological polymers such as peptides and polymers. The invention also provides metathesisable supports, groups and linkers for use in the process.
US08552131B1	Hard, impermeable, flexible and conformal organic coatings Disclosed is a substantially alternating copolymer that is conformal, hard, flexible, and has low oxygen permeability. Also disclosed is an iCVD-based method of coating a substrate with the substantially alternating copolymer.
US08552125B2	Process for the preparation of a particulate polyethylene product The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a particulate polyethylene product in a loop reactor, wherein the polymerization catalyst applied in the polymerization process comprises a particulate metallocene-alumoxane catalyst immobilized on a porous silica support; and whereby said metallocene-alumoxane catalyst is heterogeneously distributed on said porous silica support.
US08552122B2	Amine-terminated telechelic polymers and precursors thereto and methods for their preparation Disclosed is a method of preparing terminally functionalized telechelic polymers using a cationic living polymer product or a terminal tert-chloride chain end of a carbocationic quasiliving polymer product, which comprises quenching the polymer product with a functionalized N-substituted pyrrole to thereby introduce the functionalized N-substituted pyrrole at the terminal reactive polymer chain end(s). A method is also disclosed whereby the N-substituent may be derivatized to a basic amine containing functional group. Also disclosed are the terminal functionalized polyisobuyl N-substituted pyrrole compounds where the polyisobutyl group is substituted at the 2 and 3 position of the N-substituted pyrrole.
US08552119B2	Low temperature curable adhesive compositions The present invention is concerned with curable adhesive compositions for anchoring elements in a structural body that exhibit low temperature versus standard temperature degree of cures that are at least 50% or higher. The compositions include, in a first component, a reactive resin, an acetoacetoxy functional monomer and a silane monomer. By using phthalate-free constituents in the formulation, a further 10% increase in strength and durability of the resins at standard temperatures may be realized after curing at low temperatures.
US08552115B2	Powder coating material and fluorine-containing laminate The present invention provides a powder coating composition free from hexavalent chromium to serve as a binder component but having an adhesion comparable to that of the primer based on chromium phosphate even if baked at elevated temperature for a long time. The present invention is a powder coating composition which contains a macromolecule compound (A) having amide group and/or imide group, an anti-oxidizing material (B) and a fluororesin (C), wherein an average particle size of the macromolecule compound (A) is smaller than 50 μm.
US08552114B2	Miktopolymer compositions The present invention provides a block copolymer composition and method of making the same having the structures (A2-B)n-X-(A1) or (A2-B2)n-X-(B1A1), where A1 and A2 are each a polymer block of a monoalkenyl arene and B, B1, and B2 are each a polymer block of one or more conjugated dienes or a hydrogenated diene polymer, n is an integer from 2 to 30 and X is the residue of a coupling agent.
US08552113B2	Rubber material of a wiper blade for windshield wipers and process for production thereof A rubber material of a wiper blade for windshield wipers is described, which comprises a first rubber component of a first polarity and a second rubber component of a second greater polarity. To equalize the first and second polarities, the first rubber component is at least partially replaced by a chemically functionalized derivative.
US08552110B2	Polymerization process for preparing monodispersal organic/inorganic composite nano-microsphere Polymerization process for preparing mono-disperse organic/inorganic nanocomposite microspheres in the field of nano technology is disclosed. The process comprises preparing of two different miniemulsion systems of A with inorganic nanoparticles and B with polymeric monomers in advance; adding water-soluble initiator into miniemulsion A, stirring till complete dissolution finally, heating the mixed system to a given temperature for isothermal reaction. The grain size of the as-prepared superparamagnetic Fe3O4/polystyrene using to present invention is homogeneous and controllable, and the magnetic particles content is controllable.
US08552107B2	Fumed silanized silica Fumed silanized silica with the following physico-chemical data: Grindometer value less than 20 .mu.m Tamped density 25 to 85 g/l is prepared by grinding fumed silica which has been silanized. It can be used in silicone rubber.
US08552101B2	Thermally conductive and electrically insulative polymer compositions containing a low thermally conductive filler and uses thereof Disclosed herein are compositions comprising a. from 35 to 80 vol % of a thermoplastic polymer; b. from 5 to 45 vol % of a low thermally conductive, electrically insulative filler with an intrinsic thermal conductivity of from 10 to 30 W/mK; c. from 5 to 15 vol % of a high thermally conductive, electrically insulative filler with an intrinsic thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 50 W/mK; and d. from 5 to 15 vol % of a high thermally conductive, electrically conductive filler with an intrinsic thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 50 W/mK, wherein the composition is characterized by: i. a thermal conductivity of at least 1.0 W/mK; and ii. a volume resistivity of at least 107 Ohm.cm. Also disclosed are articles and methods of use therefor.
US08552100B2	Flexible hydrogel-based functional composite materials A composite having a flexible hydrogel polymer formed by mixing an organic phase with an inorganic composition, the organic phase selected from the group consisting of a hydrogel monomer, a crosslinker, a radical initiator, and/or a solvent. A polymerization mixture is formed and polymerized into a desired shape and size.
US08552099B2	Polymeric materials and additives therefor A polymer additive for improving the reheat characteristics of a polymer or polymeric composition comprises an inorganic material which is such that a 2.5 mm thick polyethylene terephthalate plaque incorporating the inorganic material has, when tested, an absorption ratio of less than 0.9, wherein the absorption ratio is either the ratio of A1/A2 or the ratio A1/A3, wherein: A1 is the maximum absorption between 400 nm and 550 nm; A2 is the maximum absorption between 700 to 1100 nm; A3 is the maximum absorption between 700 to 1600 nm. Preferred inorganic materials are titanium nitride, indium tin oxide and lanthanum hexaboride.
US08552098B2	Purified acetylated derivatives of castor oil and compositions including same The present disclosure is directed to a single phase acetylated castor component (SP-ACC). An acetylated castor component is purified to produce the SP-ACC which contains a reduced amount of, or no, insoluble component(s) therein. The SP-ACC enhances the performance and properties of plasticizers of which it is a component.
US08552093B2	Admixture for a hydraulic binder A method of using an admixture in hydraulic binders, in particular in plaster-based or anhydrous calcium sulphate-based compounds, the admixture being an acrylic polymer with controlled end chains.
US08552092B2	Self-repairing concrete used urea-formaldehyde resin polymer micro-capsules and method for fabricating same A self-repairing concrete includes urea-formaldehyde resin polymer micro-capsules, in which the urea-formaldehyde resin polymer micro-capsules are mixed for a fixed function of micro-cracks. The quality mixture ratio is: concrete/micro capsules/water=100:1-15:15-50. The manufacturing method is weighing a full amount of water in a container, adding urea-formaldehyde resin polymer micro-capsules, stirring, until fully dispersed microcapsules; pouring the water into the mixing container, adding the corresponding quality of cement; stirring; adding sand and gravel filling materials, conducting worksite watering, ⅓ volume for each time, vibrating, and air exhausting; until the paste filling mold.
US08552087B2	Dental materials with a high flexural modulus Low viscosity composites, with a flexural modulus of at least 18 GPa and a flexural strength of at least 90 MPa for filling dental root canals for fixing post or as a build-up material on post, are composed of aluminum oxide with a mean particle size of 1 to 50 μm in combination with at least one additional filler with a mean particle size of 0.5 to 5 μm and a monomer mixture. Also disclosed is a method for the preparation of tooth restorations.
US08552085B2	Wettable silicone hydrogel contact lenses and related compositions and methods Silicone hydrogel contact lenses having ophthalmically acceptable surface wettabilities are obtained from pre-extracted polymerized silicone hydrogel contact lens products having relatively large amounts of removable or extractable materials. The silicone hydrogel contact lenses can be obtained from non-polar resin based contact lens molds and without surface treatments or an interpenetrating polymeric network of a polymeric wetting agent. Related lens products, polymerizable compositions, and methods are also described.
US08552078B2	Crosslinkers for improving stability of polyurethane foams A composition for making a polyurethane foam includes a non-fugitive tertiary amine urethane catalyst and an alkylated polyamine crosslinking additives. Foams prepared from the reaction of a polyol and an organic isocyanate in the presence of these ingredients show improved resistance to deterioration of physical properties upon humid ageing.
US08552075B2	Low permeability composite proton exchange membrane including organic-inorganic hybrid A composite proton exchange membrane is made up of dispersed organized graphene in ion conducting polymer as a fuel barrier material. The composite proton exchange membrane includes an inorganic material of 0.001-10 wt % and an organic material of 99.999-90 wt %. The inorganic material is a graphene derivative with two-dimensional structure. The organic material includes a polymer material with sulfonic acid group.
US08552074B2	Process for preparing methanol, dimethyl ether, and low carbon olefins from syngas The present invention provides a process for preparing methanol, dimethyl ether, and low carbon olefins from syngas, wherein the process comprises the step of contacting syngas with a catalyst under the conditions for converting the syngas into methanol, dimethyl ether, and low carbon olefins, characterized in that, the catalyst contains an amorphous alloy consisting of components M and X wherein the component X represents an element B and/or P, the component M represents two or more elements selected from Group IIIA, IVA, VA, IB, IIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIII and Lanthanide series of the Periodic Table of Elements. According to the present process, the syngas can be converted into methanol, dimethyl ether, and low carbon olefins in a high CO conversion, a high selectivity of the target product, and high carbon availability.
US08552073B2	Co-production of power and hydrocarbons A process (10) for co-producing power and hydrocarbons includes gasifying (16, 70) coal to produce a synthesis gas (36) and a combustion gas (86) both comprising at least CO1H2 and CO2 and being at elevated pressure, separating CO2 (18, 48) from the synthesis gas, and synthesizing (20, 22) hydrocarbons from the synthesis gas. Power (1 14) is generated from the combustion gas, including by combusting (78) the combustion gas in the presence of oxygen and in the presence of at least a portion of the separated CO2 as moderating agent to produce a hot combusted gas (106) which includes CO2. The CO2 is recycled (1 12) or recovered from the combusted gas. In certain embodiments, the process (10) produces a CO2 exhaust stream (134) for sequestration or capturing for further use.
US08552072B2	Diamino-alcohol compounds, their manufacture and use in high solids mineral slurries A new class of compounds, namely diamino alcohols, is described, along with a process for their production and their use as rheology modifiers in high solids mineral slurries, such as, kaolin clay slurries.
US08552071B1	Hydrogels absorbing aqueous fluids The invention relates to hydrogels capable of absorbing aqueous fluids, which hydrogels are produced by polymerization of olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids or their derivatives. The hydrogels are characterized in that before, during or after the polymerization reaction and before drying a silicic acid alkali salt of the general formula (I) M2O×nSiO2 is added to the polymerization reaction mixture. In said formula M is an alkali metal and n is a number between 0.5 and 4. The hydrogel obtained in this way is then dried at an elevated temperature. The invention also relates to a method for producing said hydrogels and to their use for absorbing aqueous fluids.
US08552069B2	Method for treatment of obesity, dyslipidemia, fatty liver or insulin resistance syndrome comprising camphene as active ingredient Disclosed is a composition including camphene as an active ingredient for preventing or treating obesity, dyslipidemia, fatty liver or insulin resistance syndrome. The composition of the present disclosure including camphene as an active ingredient suppresses differentiation of adipocytes, reduces body fat, reduces visceral fat, reduces total cholesterol level, reduces serum triglyceride level and reduces liver tissue triglyceride level, and thus exhibits preventive or therapeutic activity for obesity, hyperlipidemia or fatty liver. Furthermore, the composition of the present disclosure exhibits the effect of improving type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance and related metabolic disease by significantly reducing fasting blood sugar level and blood insulin level. Also, the composition of the present disclosure exhibits the effect of reducing visceral fat by significantly reducing the expression of nuclear transcription factors (C/EBPα and PPARγ2) playing key roles in adipogenesis or their target gene (aP2), the effect of improving chronically activated inflammation in the visceral fat tissue induced by obesity by significantly reducing the expression of cytokines (TNF-α or IL-6) activating inflammation, and the effect of improving suppressed heat generation in the visceral fat tissue induced by obesity by significantly increasing the expression of UCP (UCP1 or UCP3) genes regulating body heat production.
US08552063B2	Composition for accelerated production of collagen Here the inventors provide a composition for topical application to the skin of animal comprising stearidonic acid in combination with one or octadecatrienoic acids (CODTAs). Preferably the composition comprises echium oil as a source of the stearidonic acid, and a plant lipid as a source of octadecatrienoic acid, such as borage oil (Borago officinalis), wheat germ oil (Triticum vulgare) rosehip oil (refined; Rosa mosqueta), jacaranda oil (Jacandra mimosi folia), and/or calendula oil (Calendula officinalis). The composition of the invention increases collagen I secretion and thus has particular utility for promoting collagen production in skin.
US08552062B2	Methods for the treatment of metabolic disorders such as diabetes Compounds useful for the treatment of various metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance syndrome, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver disease, cachexia, obesity, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, are disclosed.
US08552059B2	Treatment of ischemic episodes and cerebroprotection through misoprostol The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating an ischemic episode using misoprostol alone or in combination with anti-thrombotic agents.
US08552055B2	Dietary and pharmaceutical compositions containing tricyclic diterpenes and their derivates and their uses The present invention refers to tricyclic diterpenes and their derivatives of the formulae (I) and (II), wherein R1 is hydrogen or C1-6-alkyl; R2 is hydroxy, C3-5-acyloxy, hydroxymethyl, 1,3-dihydroxypropyl or C1-6-alkyl; R3 and R4 independently from each other are hydrogen, hydroxy, hydroxymethyl, C1-5-acyloxy or C1-6-alkoxy; R5 is C1-6-alkyl, hydroxymethyl carboxy or methoxycarbonyl; R9 is hydrogen, hydroxymethyl, methoxy, oxo or C1-5-acyloxy; R10 is hydrogen, or R5 and R9 taken together are —CH2—O— or —O—CH2—; or R5 and R10 taken together are —CO—O—, —O—CO—, —CH2—O— or —O—CH2—; R6 is hydrogen, or R5 and R6 together form a bond; R7 and R8 independently from each other are C1-6-alkyl, carboxy, x-hydroxy-Cx-alkyl (with x being an integer from 1 to 6), or C1-6-alkoxycarbonyl with the proviso that at least one of R7 and R8 is C1-6-alkyl; R11 and R12 are both hydrogen or R11 and R12 together are oxo, with the further proviso for formula (I) that if R2 is hydroxy R1 is C1-6-alkyl, for use as medicaments for the treatment of a disorder connected to impaired neurotransmission, as well as to dietary and pharmaceutical compositions and their uses.
US08552054B2	Fatty amine drug conjugates The invention provides conjugates of fatty amines and pharmaceutical agents useful in treating cancer, viruses, psychiatric disorders. Compositions, pharmaceutical preparations, and methods of preparations of the fatty amine-pharmaceutical agent conjugates are provided.
US08552053B2	7-substituted indirubin-3′oximes and their applications The invention relates to new 3′-, 7-substituted-indirubins of formula (I) wherein R represents N—OH, N—O-alkyl or N—O—CO-alkyl, NO—(Ra)n1-Het, N—O—(Y)n1—N Ra Rb, N—O—CO—N(Rb Rc), radical with Het representing an aliphatic nitrogeneous heterocycle, Y being an optionally substituted —CH2— radical, n1 being 1 to 3, and X is an halogen atom selected in the group comprising F, Cl, Br, I, and Z is H or CH3 and the salts thereof.
US08552034B2	Pharmaceutical compositions of 3-(6-(1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl) cyclopropanecarboxamido)-3-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzoic acid and administration thereof A pharmaceutical composition comprising Compound 1, (3-(6-(1-(2,2-difluorobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)cyclopropanecarboxamido)-3-methylpyridin-2-yl)benzoic acid), and at least one excipient selected from: a filler, a diluent, a disintegrant, a surfactant, a binder, a glidant and a lubricant, the composition being suitable for oral administration to a patient in need thereof to treat a CFTR mediated disease such as Cystic Fibrosis. Methods for treating a patient in need thereof include administering an oral pharmaceutical formulation of Compound 1 to the patient.
US08552030B2	Process for the preparation of d-threo-ritalinic acid hydrochloride by resolution of dl-threo-ritalinic acid using chiral carboxylic acid The invention disclosed in this application relates to an improved process for the manufacture of d-threo-ritalinic acid hydrochloride and l-threo-ritalinic acid hydrochloride in an optically pure form by the resolution of dl-threo-ritalinic acid using a chiral carboxylic acid The d-threo-ritalinic acid hydrochloride prepared by the process of the present invention on esterification gives d-threo-methylphenidate, a very well known CNS stimulant.
US08552023B2	Non-amidic linkers with branched termini as CGRP receptor antagonists The present invention is directed to novel non-amidic linkers with branched termini derivatives which are antagonists of CGRP receptors and useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which CGRP is involved, such as migraine. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which CGRP is involved.
US08552021B2	Phosphoramidate derivatives of nucleosides Compounds of formula I: including any possible stereoisomers thereof, wherein: R1 is hydrogen, —C(═O)R6 or —C(═O)CHR7—NH2; R2 is hydrogen; or C1-C6alkyl or phenyl, either of which is optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents each independently selected from halo, C1-C6alkyl, C2-C6-alkenyl and C1-C6alkoxy, hydroxy or amino, or R2 is naphtyl; or R2 is indolyl, R3 is hydrogen, C1-C6alkyl, benzyl; R4 is hydrogen, C1-C6alkyl, benzyl; or R3 and R4 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form C3-C7cycloalkyl; R5 is C1-C10alkyl, C3-C7-cycloalkyl, benzyl, or phenyl, any of which being optionally substituted with 1, 2 or 3 substituents each independently selected from hydroxy, C1-C6alkoxy, amino, mono- and diC1-C6alkylamino; R6 is C1-C6 alkyl; R7 is C1-C6 alkyl; R8 is hydrogen or halogen; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof are useful in the prophylaxis or treatment of HCV infections.
US08552020B2	N1-substituted-5-fluoro-2-oxopyrimidinone-1(2H)-carboxamide derivatives This present disclosure is related to the field of N1-substituted-5-fluoro-2-oxopyrimidinone-1-(2H)-carboxamides and their derivatives and to the use of these compounds as fungicides.
US08552018B2	Substituted tricyclic compounds as protein kinase inhibitors Protein kinase inhibitors are disclosed having utility in the treatment of protein kinase-mediated diseases and conditions, such as cancer. The compounds of this invention have the following structure: including steroisomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein A is a ring moiety selected from: and wherein R1, R2, R3, X, Z, L1, Cycl1, L2 and Cycl2 are as defined herein. Also disclosed are compositions containing a compound of this invention, as well as methods relating to the use thereof.
US08552009B2	Substituted pyrimido 4.5-d pyrimidin-4-one compounds for modulating TRPV3 function The present application relates to compounds of Formula I as defined herein, and methods for treating pain and other conditions related to TRPV3.
US08552008B2	Deuterated 3-(dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-D]pyrimidin-5-yl)-4-propoxybenzenesulfonamide derivatives and methods of use This invention relates to novel 3-(dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)-4-propoxybenzenesulfonamide compounds of Formula I: wherein each Y is independently selected from hydrogen and deuterium and at least one Y is deuterium, as well as to pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. This invention also provides compositions comprising a compound of this invention and the use of such compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by administering inhibitors of cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate specific phosphodiesterase (cGMP-specific PDE), in particular PDE5.
US08552006B2	Modulators of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator The present invention relates to compounds of formula IVA, formula IVB, or formula IVC, useful as modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator, compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating diseases using such CFTR modulators.
US08551995B2	Kinase inhibitor compounds Pyridine and pyridazine derivatives have unexpected drug properties as inhibitors of protein kinases and are useful in treating disorders related to abnormal protein kinase activities such as cancer.
US08551993B2	Phenoxy acetic acids as PPAR delta activators Novel compounds of the general formula (I), the use of these compounds as pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and methods of treatment employing these compounds and compositions. The present compounds are activators of PPARδ and should be useful for treating conditions mediated by the same.
US08551989B2	Substituted 4-(indazolyl)-1,4-dihydropyridines and methods of use thereof This invention relates to novel 4-(indazolyl)-1,4-dihydropyridine of the following formula (I) derivatives having protein tyrosine kinase inhibitory activity, to a process for the manufacture thereof and to the use thereof for the treatment of c-Met-mediated diseases or c-Met-mediated conditions, particularly cancer and other proliferative disorders.
US08551988B2	Benzimidazole derivatives: preparation and pharmaceutical applications The present invention relates to hydroxamate compounds which are inhibitors of histone deacetylase. More particularly, the present invention relates to benzimidazole containing compounds and methods for their preparation. These compounds may be useful as medicaments for the treatment of proliferative disorders as well as other diseases involving, relating to or associated with dysregulation of histone deacetylase (HDAC).
US08551987B2	Crystalline ethyl 4-[4-[(2R)-3-[4-amino-3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1-oxo-2-[[[4-(1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-2-oxo-3H-1,3-benzodiazepin-3-yl)-1-piperidinyl]carbonyl]oxy]propyl]-1-piperazinyl]-piperidine-1-acetate difumarate The invention relates to the novel salts AB of the base A with a physiologically acceptable acid B which is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, fumaric acid and salicylic acid and the polymorphic compounds, the corresponding solvates and hydrates thereof.
US08551981B2	Furo[3,2-d]pyrimidine compounds The present invention is directed to novel compounds of Formula (I) pharmaceutically acceptable salts, biologically active metabolites, pro-drugs, racemates, enantiomers, diastereomers, solvates and hydrates thereof wherein the variables are defined as herein. The compounds of Formula (I) are useful as kinase inhibitors and as such would be useful in treating certain conditions and diseases, especially inflammatory conditions and diseases and proliferative disorders and conditions, for example, cancers.
US08551976B2	Prochelators for inhibiting metal-promoted oxidative stress The present invention provides compounds of Formula I along with compositions containing the same and methods of use thereof in treating oxidative stress.
US08551972B2	Agonists of A2A adenosine receptors for treating recurrent tumor growth The present invention relates to a method for treating recurrent tumor metastases following liver resection that includes administration of an effective amount of an agonist of A2A adenosine receptors (ARs).
US08551970B2	Genetic suppression and replacement Methods and agents for suppressing expression of a mutant allele of a gene and providing a replacement nucleic acid are provided. The methods of the invention provide suppression effectors such as, for example, antisense nucleic acids, ribozymes, or RNAi, that bind to the gene or its RNA. The invention further provides for the introduction of a replacement nucleic acid with modified sequences such that the replacement nucleic acid is protected from suppression by the suppression effector. The replacement nucleic acid is modified at degenerate wobble positions in the target region of the suppression effector and thereby is not suppressed by the suppression effector. In addition, by altering wobble positions, the replacement nucleic acid can still encode a wild type gene product. The invention has the advantage that the same suppression strategy could be used to suppress, in principle, many mutations in a gene. Also disclosed is a transgenic mouse that expresses human rhodopsin (modified replacement gene) and a transgenic mouse that expresses a suppression effector targeting rhodopsin. Also disclosed in intraocular administration of siRNA.
US08551966B2	Chemical compounds 3-(2′,3′-dideoxy-ribo-β-L-furanosyl)[2,3-d]pyrimidin-2(3H)-one derivatives comprising 6-substitutents on the base moiety are shown to have anti-viral properties, particularly with respect to vaccinia and measles. The compounds have unnatural L ribose stereochemistry.
US08551965B2	Anti-viral pyrimidine nucleoside analogues A compound of formula (I) wherein Ar can be one six-membered or two fused six-membered aromatic rings; R8 and R9 can be hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, halogens, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, nitro, cyano, alkyoxy, aryloxy, thiol, alkylthiol, arythiol, or aryl; Q can be O, S or CY2, where Y may be H, alkyl or halogens; X can be O, NH, S, N-alkyl, (CHR2)m where m is 1 to 10, and CY2; Z can be O, S, NH, or N-alkyl; U″ is H and U′ can be H or CH2; wherein: T can be OH, H, halogens, O-alkyl, O-acyl, O-aryl, CN, NH2. or N3; T′ and T″ can be H or halogen; and W can be H or a phosphate group. Compounds show anti-viral activity, for example with respect to varicella zoster virus.
US08551964B2	Hsp90 inhibitors with modified toxicity The invention provides 19-substituted geldanamycin derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and prodrugs thereof that are potent Hsp90 binding agents useful for the treatment of, and/or the amelioration of symptoms of, cancer and other proliferative tissue disorders.
US08551962B2	High dosage doramectin formulation Veterinary compositions which provide a high-dose of doramectin or a high-dose veterinary combination composition which comprises doramectin and one or more other antiparasitic agents is disclosed. The compositions provide both antiparasitic efficacy and a significantly reduced withhold time.
US08551961B2	Localized delivery of cardiac inotropic agents The present invention provides novel methods for the localized delivery of inotropic agents to the heart, including specific regions of the heart, such as the ventricles, for example in a subject undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, with the aim of supporting the myocardial contractile function of the heart.
US08551955B2	Dimeric Smac mimetics The invention provides small molecule mimics of the Smac peptide that are dimers or dimer-like compounds having two binding domains connected by a linker. These compounds are useful to promote apoptosis. The invention includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods to use them to treat conditions including cancer and autoimmune disorders.
US08551945B2	Methods and compositions for treating neuropathies Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for treating neuropathies by modulating endogenous NT-3 of GDNF gene expression.
US08551944B2	Methods of treating glucose metabolism disorders Methods of treating individuals with a glucose metabolism disorder, and compositions thereof, are provided.
US08551943B2	Compositions and methods for treating aids or cancer by inhibiting the secretion of microparticles Novel peptides that inhibit the release of microparticles from cells are disclosed. The peptide contains at least one VGFPV motif at the N-terminal and has a length of 10-100 amino acids. Also disclosed is polynucleotide encoding the peptide, expression vectors carrying the polynucleotide, and methods for treating AIDS and tumors using the novel peptides.
US08551940B2	Diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disorders characterized by undesirable cell proliferation The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the reduction of atherosclerotic plaques and the decrease in the level of total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, serum LDL cholesterol, and serum HDL cholesterol. The present invention also relates to methods for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and mycoplasma associated diseases, cardiotoxicity related to cancer treatment, and Chagas disease related cardiomyopathies.
US08551939B2	Peptide analogues, particularly for the treatment of chronic pain The use is claimed of opioid peptides with a novel structure, which in addition to the pharmacophore contain structural elements that interact with neurotensisn receptors. Due to the synergistic interaction with the additional element, an augmented analgesic activity is obtained, capable of being used for an extended period due to decreased drug tolerance induction. These compounds may be of particular use in the treatment of chronic pain as effective analgesics during inflammation caused by rheumatoid, gout, neurodegeneration, post-operative or post-accidental lesions, or oncogenic lesions.
US08551934B2	Cleaning compound for cleaning surfaces in a food processing environment A cleaning compound for cleaning surfaces in a food processing environment includes at least one container, with each container including a peroxide and/or an alkaline reactant therein. The alkaline reactant is selected to raise the pH of the cleaning compound into the alkaline range when the peroxide and the alkaline reactant are mixed together. The cleaning compound may be a liquid or dry compound, which is applied to the surface to be cleaned.
US08551933B2	Concentrated film delivery systems A water soluble strip that includes a carrier film that include water soluble polymer, one or more actives and one or more agents such as heat forming agent and/or degrading accelerator. The water soluble strip can optionally include other additives. The actives includes antimicrobial agent, cleaning agent and/or surfactant. The water soluble strip can include other materials. The heat forming agent and/or degrading accelerator, when used, are designed facilitate in degrading or dissolving the water soluble strip and/or increase the activity of the one or more actives. The water soluble film can be used for a variety of applications such as a hard surface cleaning strip, dishwashing strip, laundry cleaning strip, stop removing strip, drain unclogging strip, toilet bowl cleaning strip and the like. The water soluble strip eliminates the need to purchase and store numerous containers and/or heavy containers of cleaner that take up large amounts of shelf space.
US08551932B2	Liquid hard surface cleaning composition A liquid hard surface cleaning composition includes melamine foam fibers. In one embodiment the composition has a pH of from about 7 to about 12. In another embodiment, the composition comprises less than about 200 ppm of formaldehyde in solution, per about 1% by weight of melamine foam fibers present in the composition, after 7 days of storage at 50 C.
US08551930B2	Dishwasher detergent The present invention is a phosphate-free automatic dishwashing agent containing a builder, said agent comprising: a) a copolymer A comprising i) at least one mono- or polyunsaturated carboxylic acid monomer, ii) at least one mono- or polyunsaturated sulfonic acid monomer, and iii) at least one additional nonionic monomer; and b) an acrylic acid homopolymer B, wherein the weight ratio of copolymer A to homopolymer B is between 10:1 and 1:3. The present agent is characterized by excellent residue inhibition, good cleaning, and clear rinsing performance in automatic dishwashing.
US08551927B2	Lubricating composition The invention relates to a lubricating composition containing (a) an oil of lubricating viscosity, and (b) an oil soluble compound with a >N—R—N< group, wherein R may be a hydrocarbylene group. The invention further provides for the use of the lubricating composition for lubricating a limited slip differential.
US08551923B1	Foamed spacer fluids containing cement kiln dust and methods of use Disclosed are foamed spacer fluids comprising kiln dust for use in subterranean formations. An embodiment discloses a foamed spacer fluid comprising a partially calcined kiln feed removed from a gas stream comprising SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na2O, and K2O; a foaming agent; a gas; and water.
US08551920B2	Libraries and methods for isolating antibodies The disclosure features methods for identifying antibodies that bind to a carbohydrate moiety. Libraries coding for antibodies that bind to a carbohydrate moiety are provided. The libraries can be provided by modifying a pre-existing nucleic acid library. Antibodies that bind to a carbohydrate moiety are described.
US08551915B2	Method for production of vinasses-derived product The present invention provides a product for agricultural use in the form of granules or pellets, characterized by comprising at least 30% (w/w) of vinasses and/or sludge measured as a dry extract of vinasses and/or sludge, and an organic or inorganic solid support. In addition, the present invention provides a procedure for producing said product, its use in agriculture, stockbreeding or as biodiesel.
US08551913B2	Methods and compositions for reducing seed bridging The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and compositions for reducing the bridging of treated seeds, including some that also enhance the survivability of any beneficial microorganisms included in the composition or mixed therewith and/or enhance the yield of the plants that grow from the seed to which the treatment is applied. The various compositions can include sugar and oil, while other embodiments include sugar, oil, and an emulsifying agent, and certain embodiments include sugar, oil, and at least one microorganism. In various embodiments, the oil can be, for example, a heavy lubricating oil such as mineral oil or silicone oil, and the sugar can be, for example, a non-reducing sugar.
US08551912B2	Fungicidal compositions A composition suitable for control of diseases caused by phytopathogens comprising (A) a compound of Formula (I) wherein R1 is difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl and X is chloro, fluoro or bromo; and (B) at least one compound selected from compounds known for their fungicidal activity; and a method of controlling diseases on useful plants, especially rust diseases on soybean plants.
US08551909B2	Visible light activatable photocatalyst A visible light activatable mesoporous titanium dioxide photocatalyst having a surface area of from 100 m2/g to 400 m2/g. The photocatalyst may have a rate of decomposition greater than 0.005 min−1. The photocatalyst may have a band gap width less than 2.95 eV. The photocatalyst may comprise undoped titanium dioxide or doped titanium dioxide. A hydrothermal process for synthesising a photocatalyst is also described.
US08551902B2	Method for manufacturing catalyst layer and method for manufacturing membrane electrode assembly A method for manufacturing a catalyst layer that has good long-term water resistance and a method for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly. The method for manufacturing a catalyst layer includes the processes of: (1) attaching an Si compound comprising Si, —OH bound to the Si or a group that is bound to the Si and becomes —OH upon hydrolysis, and a hydrophobic group to a surface of a catalyst precursor layer comprising at least platinum oxide; (2) attaching a mixture comprising a metal compound having a metal atom and —OH bound to the metal atom or a group that is bound to the metal atom and becomes —OH upon hydrolysis and a proton conductive polymer electrolyte to the surface of the catalyst precursor layer to which the Si compound has been attached; and (3) reducing the catalyst precursor layer to which the mixture has been attached.
US08551898B2	Glass compositions with improved chemical and mechanical durability The embodiments described herein relate to chemically and mechanically durable glass compositions and glass articles formed from the same. In another embodiment, a glass composition may include from about 70 mol. % to about 80 mol. % SiO2; from about 3 mol. % to about 13 mol. % alkaline earth oxide; X mol. % Al2O3; and Y mol. % alkali oxide. The alkali oxide may include Na2O in an amount greater than about 8 mol. %. A ratio of Y:X may be greater than 1 and the glass composition may be free of boron and compounds of boron. In some embodiments, the glass composition may also be free of phosphorous and compounds of phosphorous. Glass articles formed from the glass composition may have at least a class S3 acid resistance according to DIN 12116, at least a class A2 base resistance according to ISO 695, and a type HGA1 hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 720.
US08551885B2	Method for reducing tungsten roughness and improving reflectivity Methods of producing low resistivity tungsten bulk layers having lower roughness and higher reflectivity are provided. The smooth and highly reflective tungsten layers are easier to photopattern than conventional low resistivity tungsten films. The methods involve CVD deposition of tungsten in the presence of alternating nitrogen gas pulses, such that alternating portions of the film are deposited by CVD in the absence of nitrogen and in the presence of nitrogen. According to various embodiments, between 20-90% of the total film thickness is deposited by CVD in the presence of nitrogen.
US08551884B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises forming a contact hole within an interlayer insulating film of a substrate and forming a contact plug while the substrate is heated. In forming the contact plug, the substrate is held on a stage within the chamber of a sputtering apparatus through a chuck, and an ESC voltage applied to the chuck is increased stepwise in a plurality of steps. First target power is applied to a target within the chamber to form a first Al film in the contact hole. Next, second target power higher than the first target power is applied to the target within the chamber to form a second Al film on the first Al film.
US08551881B2	Method of bevel trimming three dimensional semiconductor device A method of bevel trimming a three dimensional (3D) semiconductor device is disclosed, comprising providing a substrate with stack layers thereon and through substrate vias (TSV) therein, wherein an edge of the substrate is curved, performing a bevel trimming step to the curved edge of the substrate for obtaining a planar edge, and thinning the substrate to expose the through substrate vias.
US08551877B2	Sidewall and chamfer protection during hard mask removal for interconnect patterning A method for method for removing a hard mask is described. The method includes forming at least a portion of a trench-via structure in a low-k insulation layer on a substrate using one or more etching processes and a hard mask layer overlying the low-k insulation layer. Thereafter, the method includes depositing a SiOCl-containing layer on exposed surfaces of the trench-via structure to form an insulation protection layer, performing one or more etching processes to anisotropically remove at least a portion of the SiOCl-containing layer from at least one surface on the trench-via structure, and removing the hard mask layer using a mask removal etching process.
US08551875B2	Pattern forming method According to one embodiment, an opening pattern is formed in the core film above a processing target, and a mask film is conformably formed above the processing target. Next, etch-back of the mask film is performed so that the mask film remains on a side surface of the core film. After that, line-and-space shaped core patterns, made of the core film, is formed in an area other than an area forming the opening pattern. Next, sidewall patterns are formed around the core patterns, and the core patterns are removed. Next, the processing target is patterned by using the mask film and the sidewall patterns.
US08551874B2	MOSFET gate and source/drain contact metallization A MOSFET is described incorporating a common metal process to make contact to the source, drain and the metal gate respectively which may be formed concurrently with the same metal or metals.
US08551867B2	Mesa edge shielding trench Schottky rectifier and method of manufacture thereof A mesa edge shielding trench Schottky rectifier includes a semiconductor substrate; an epitaxial layer grown on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate; a plurality of trenches spaced from each other and extended into the epitaxial layer, wherein an epitaxial region between two adjacent trenches forms the silicon mesa; a polysilicon region, having a T-shape, is separated from an inner wall of each of the trenches and a top surface of the epitaxial layer by an oxide layer, wherein a width of the top surface of the polysilicon region is bigger than an open size of each of the trenches; an anode electrode, deposited on an entire structure, forming an ohmic contact on the top surface of the polysilicon region and a Schottky contact on an exposed surface of the epitaxial layer; and a cathode electrode, deposited on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate, forming an ohmic contact thereon.
US08551866B2	Three-dimensional thin-film semiconductor substrate with through-holes and methods of manufacturing A method for the fabrication of a three-dimensional thin-film semiconductor substrate with selective through-holes is provided. A porous semiconductor layer is conformally formed on a semiconductor template comprising a plurality of three-dimensional inverted pyramidal surface features defined by top surface areas aligned along a (100) crystallographic orientation plane of the semiconductor template and a plurality of inverted pyramidal cavities defined by sidewalls aligned along the (111) crystallographic orientation plane of the semiconductor template. An epitaxial semiconductor layer is conformally formed on the porous semiconductor layer. The epitaxial semiconductor layer is released from the semiconductor template. Through-holes are selectively formed in the epitaxial semiconductor layer with openings between the front and back lateral surface planes of the epitaxial semiconductor layer to form a partially transparent three-dimensional thin-film semiconductor substrate.
US08551862B2	Method of manufacturing laminated wafer by high temperature laminating method To provide a method of manufacturing a laminated wafer by which a strong coupling is achieved between wafers made of different materials having a large difference in thermal expansion coefficient without lowering a maximum heat treatment temperature as well as in which cracks or chips of the wafer does not occur. A method of manufacturing a laminated wafer 7 by forming a silicon film layer on a surface 4 of an insulating substrate 3 comprising the steps in the following order of: applying a surface activation treatment to both a surface 2 of a silicon wafer 1 or a silicon wafer 1 to which an oxide film is layered and a surface 4 of the insulating substrate 3 followed by laminating in an atmosphere of temperature exceeding 50° C. and lower than 300° C., applying a heat treatment to a laminated wafer 5 at a temperature of 200° C. to 350° C., and thinning the silicon wafer 1 by a combination of grinding, etching and polishing to form a silicon film layer.
US08551857B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same The technique for manufacturing a high-capacitance and high-accuracy MIM electrostatic capacitor by a small number of steps is provided. After a lower electrode of the electrostatic capacitor and second wiring are formed at the same time on a first interlayer insulating film, an opening part is formed in a second interlayer insulating film deposited on the first interlayer insulating film. Next, a capacitance insulating film, a second metal film and a protective metal film are sequentially deposited on the second interlayer insulating film including the interior of the opening part, and the protective metal film, the second metal film and the capacitance insulating film on the second interlayer insulating film are polished and removed by a CMP method, thereby causing the capacitance insulating film, an upper electrode made of the second metal film and the protective metal film to remain in the opening part.
US08551854B2	Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a barrier metal film and an aluminum metal film are formed on an insulating film on a semiconductor substrate. Two aluminum electrodes are formed in parallel with each other by patterning the barrier metal film and the aluminum metal film. The aluminum metal film in a region of part of each of the two aluminum electrodes are selectively removed to form two single-layer barrier metal electrodes separated from each other. A resistor is formed between the two single-layer barrier metal electrodes so as to electrically connect the two single-layer barrier metal electrodes to each other.
US08551849B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same Aimed at providing a highly reliable semiconductor device appropriately increased in stress at the channel region so as to improve carrier injection rate, thereby dramatically improved in transistor characteristics, and made adaptable also to recent narrower channel width, and a method of manufacturing the same, and a method of manufacturing the same, a first sidewall composed of a stress film having expandability is formed on the side faces of a gate electrode, a second sidewall composed of a film having smaller stress is formed on the first sidewall, and a semiconductor, which is a SiC layer for example, is formed as being positioned apart from the first sidewall while placing the second sidewall in between.
US08551848B2	Field effect transistor with asymmetric abrupt junction implant Embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to fabricate devices having similar physical dimensions, yet with different operating characteristics due to the different effective channel lengths. The effective channel length is controlled by forming an abrupt junction at the boundary of the gate and at least one source or drain. The abrupt junction impacts the diffusion during an anneal process, which in turn controls the effective channel length, allowing physically similar devices on the same chip to have different operating characteristics.
US08551843B1	Methods of forming CMOS semiconductor devices One method disclosed herein includes forming first, second and third gate stacks, wherein one of the gate stacks is an isolation stack positioned above an isolation structure and each of the gate stacks is comprised of three layers of hard mask material positioned above a layer of gate electrode material. The method also involves forming sidewall spacers proximate the second gate stack while the first and isolation gate stacks are masked, forming sidewall spacers proximate the first gate stack while the second and isolation gate stacks are masked, forming a polish stop layer between the plurality of gate stacks, performing another etching process on an etch stop layer, a layer of spacer material, and the second layer of hard mask material positioned above or proximate the isolation gate stack and performing a chemical mechanical polishing process to remove material positioned above an upper surface of the polish stop layer.
US08551842B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes performing heat treatment for activating impurities of a transistor having a gate electrode over a gate insulating film with a higher relative permittivity than a silicon oxynitride film or a silicon oxide film. In the heat treatment, a first heat treatment, in which a wafer surface is heated at a temperature of 800 to 1000° C. in 5 to 50 milliseconds by low-output flash lamp annealing or laser annealing, and a second heat treatment, in which the wafer surface is heated at a temperature equal to or more than of 1100° C. in 0.1 to 10 milliseconds by flash lamp annealing or laser annealing with a higher output than in the first heat treatment, are performed in this order.
US08551839B2	Non-volatile storage with substrate cut-out and process of fabricating Shallow trench isolation regions are positioned between NAND strings (or other types of non-volatile storage). These isolation regions include sections that form concave cut-out shapes in the substrate for the NAND string (or other types of non-volatile storage). The floating gates (or other charge storage devices) of the NAND strings hang over the sections of the isolation region that form the concave cut-out shape in the substrate. To manufacture such a structure, a two step etching process is used to form the isolation regions. In the first step, isotropic etching is used to remove substrate material in multiple directions, including removing substrate material underneath the floating gates. In the second step, anisotropic etching is used to create the lower part of the isolation region.
US08551837B2	Methods of fabricating high-K metal gate devices Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices with high-k/metal gate features are disclosed. In some instances, methods of fabricating semiconductor devices with high-k/metal gate features are disclosed that prevent or reduce high-k/metal gate contamination of non-high-k/metal gate wafers and production tools. In some embodiments, the method comprises forming an interfacial layer over a semiconductor substrate on a front side of the substrate; forming a high-k dielectric layer and a capping layer over the interfacial layer; forming a metal layer over the high-k and capping layers; forming a polysilicon layer over the metal layer; and forming a dielectric layer over the semiconductor substrate on a back side of the substrate.
US08551836B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an insulating film over a semiconductor substrate, forming a capacitor including a lower electrode, a capacitor dielectric film including a ferroelectric material, and an upper electrode over the insulating film, forming a first protective insulating film over a side surface and upper surface of the capacitor by a sputtering method, and forming a second protective insulating film over the first protective insulating film by an atomic layer deposition method.
US08551823B2	Methods of forming lines of capacitorless one transistor DRAM cells, methods of patterning substrates, and methods of forming two conductive lines This invention includes a capacitorless one transistor DRAM cell that includes a pair of spaced source/drain regions received within semiconductive material. An electrically floating body region is disposed between the source/drain regions within the semiconductive material. A first gate spaced is apart from and capacitively coupled to the body region between the source/drain regions. A pair of opposing conductively interconnected second gates are spaced from and received laterally outward of the first gate. The second gates are spaced from and capacitively coupled to the body region laterally outward of the first gate and between the pair of source/drain regions. Methods of forming lines of capacitorless one transistor DRAM cells are disclosed.
US08551818B2	Method of manufacturing electronic device and display A method of manufacturing an electronic device includes the steps of: forming a sacrifice layer made of at least one of an alkali metal oxide and an alkali earth metal oxide in a part of a first substrate; forming a supporting layer covering the sacrifice layer; forming an electronic device on the sacrifice layer with the supporting layer in between; exposing at least a part of a side face of the sacrifice layer by removing a part of the supporting layer; forming a support body between the electronic device and the supporting layer, and a surface of the first substrate; removing the sacrifice layer; breaking the support body and transferring the electronic device onto a second substrate by bringing the electronic device into close contact with an adhesion layer provided on a surface of the second substrate; removing a fragment of the support body belonging to the electronic device; removing at least an exposed region in the adhesion layer not covered with the electronic device; and forming a fixing layer on a surface of the electronic device and the surface of the second substrate.
US08551817B2	Semiconductor substrate cutting method A wafer having a front face formed with a functional device is irradiated with laser light while positioning a light-converging point within the wafer with the rear face of the wafer acting as a laser light incident face, so as to generate multiphoton absorption, thereby forming a starting point region for cutting due to a molten processed region within the wafer along a line. Consequently, a fracture can be generated from the starting point region for cutting naturally or with a relatively small force, so as to reach the front face and rear face. Therefore, when an expansion film is attached to the rear face of the wafer by way of a die bonding resin layer after forming the starting point region for cutting and then expanded, the wafer and die bonding resin layer can be cut along the line.
US08551809B2	Reduction of forming voltage in semiconductor devices A nonvolatile memory device and methods of manufacturing the same has one electrode with a higher work function and a second electrode with a lower work function. The nonvolatile memory device further comprises one or more resistive random access memory (RRAM) cells. The RRAM cells comprise a semiconductor layer with a bandgap of at least four electron volts and a barrier layer between the semiconductor layer and one of the electrodes.
US08551806B2	Methods for passivating a carbonic nanolayer Methods for passivating a carbonic nanolayer (that is, material layers comprised of low dimensional carbon structures with delocalized electrons such as carbon nanotubes and nano-scopic graphene flecks) to prevent or otherwise limit the encroachment of another material layer are disclosed. In some embodiments, a sacrificial material is implanted within a porous carbonic nanolayer to fill in the voids within the porous carbonic nanolayer while one or more other material layers are applied over or alongside the carbonic nanolayer. Once the other material layers are in place, the sacrificial material is removed. In other embodiments, a non-sacrificial filler material (selected and deposited in such a way as to not impair the switching function of the carbonic nanolayer) is used to form a barrier layer within a carbonic nanolayer. In other embodiments, carbon structures are combined with and nanoscopic particles to limit the porosity of a carbonic nanolayer.
US08551801B2	Method for manufacturing solid-state image pickup device A method for manufacturing a solid-state image pickup device that includes a pixel portion and a peripheral circuit portion, includes: forming a first insulating film in the pixel portion and the peripheral circuit portion, forming a second insulating film above the first insulating film, etching the second insulating film in photoelectric conversion elements, forming a metal film on the etched second insulating film in the photoelectric conversion elements and on the second insulating film in the peripheral circuit portion, and removing the metal film in the peripheral circuit portion and forming light-shielding films from the metal film in the photoelectric conversion elements.
US08551799B2	Encapsulated micro-electro-mechanical device, in particular a MEMS acoustic transducer An encapsulated micro-electro-mechanical device, wherein a MEMS chip is encapsulated by a package formed by a first, a second, and a third substrates that are bonded together. The first substrate has a main surface bearing the MEMS chip, the second substrate is bonded to the first substrate and defines a chamber surrounding the MEMS chip, and the third substrate is bonded to the second substrate and upwardly closes the chamber. A grid or mesh structure of electrically conductive material is formed in or on the third substrate and overlies the MEMS chip; the second substrate has a conductive connection structure coating the walls of the chamber, and the first substrate incorporates an electrically conductive region, which forms, together with the conductive layer and the grid or mesh structure, a Faraday cage.
US08551798B2	Microstructure with an enhanced anchor The present disclosure provides a microstructure device with an enhanced anchor and a narrow air gap. One embodiment of a microstructure device provided herein includes a layered wafer. The layered wafer includes a silicon handle layer, a buried oxide layer formed on the handle layer, and a silicon device layer formed on the buried oxide layer. A top oxide layer is formed on the device layer. The top oxide layer, the device layer, and the buried oxide layer are etched, thereby forming trenches to create an anchor and a microstructure device in the device layer. In process of fabricating the device, a thermal oxide layer is formed along sides of the microstructure device to enclose the microstructure device in the buried oxide layer, the top oxide layer and the thermal oxide layer. Then, a poly layer if formed to fill in the trenches and enclose the anchor. After the poly layer fills in the trenches, the oxide layers enclosing the microstructure device are etched away, releasing the microstructure device.
US08551796B2	Semiconductor device and its manufacturing method A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device includes forming a pixel portion and a driving circuit including a semiconductor layer. A scan line in a pixel portion and a first wiring in a driving circuit are formed by patterning a first conductive layer, and a data line in the pixel portion and a second wiring in the driving circuit are formed by patterning a second conductive layer. The first wiring, a channel formation region of the semiconductor layer, and the second wiring are overlapped with each other.
US08551794B2	LED package and mold of manufacturing the same A light emitting diode package includes a base having a first surface, an electrode portion attached to the base, a pair of inner electrodes disposed on the first surface, a pair of outer electrodes, a pair of conductive pillars, a light emitting diode die, and a cap layer. Each outer electrode includes an end surface section and a side surface section. The end surface sections are disposed, corresponding to the inner electrodes, on the second surface. Each side surface section extends onto the side surface of the electrode portion. The conductive pillar penetrates between the inner electrode and the outer electrode. The light emitting diode die is on the first surface, electrically connecting the inner electrode. The cap layer covers the light emitting diode die.
US08551790B2	MASP 2, a complement-fixing enzyme, and uses for it The invention relates to the discovery and characterization of mannan binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2), a new serine protease that acts in the MBLectin complement fixation pathway.
US08551784B2	Cis di-ahl modified controls for glycated hemoglobin S-A1c derived from healthy blood cells The invention is composition comprising red blood cells in an aqueous suspension medium and one or more cis di-ahls; wherein more than 6 percent by weight of the hemoglobin in the red blood cells is S-Alc glycated hemoglobin. In another embodiment, the invention is a method comprising contacting red blood cells in a suspension medium having a concentration of S-Alc glycated hemoglobin of greater than 6 percent by weight of the hemoglobin in the red blood cells with a sufficient amount of one or more cis di-ahls such that the concentration of S-Alc glycated hemoglobin in resulting composition as measured by high pressure liquid chromatography, immunoassay and boronate affinity methods is consistent.
US08551783B2	Efficient and universal method for neural differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells The present invention relates to a method for inducing neural differentiation of stem cells. In more detail, the present invention relates to a method for inducing neural differentiation of stem cells by inhibiting both BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) and Activin/Nodal signaling pathways in the stem cells. The present invention allows all types of stem cells to effectively differentiate into neural precursor cells regardless of conventional methods for stem cell differentiation including floating culture and attachment culture. In addition, since the neural precursor cells induced by the present invention may be differentiated into specific cells (e.g., dopaminergic neurons) or oligodendrocytes in higher efficient manner, they may be applied to treatment of incurable nerve diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease or spinal cordinjury) and further provide fundamental data on new drug development.
US08551781B2	Vault complexes for facilitating biomolecule delivery The invention relates to compositions of vault complexes containing recombinant membrane lytic proteins, such as an adenovirus protein VI lytic domain, and methods of using the vault complexes to facilitate delivery and entry of a biomolecule into a cell or subject.
US08551780B2	Electroporation buffer composition and method of use The subject invention concerns an electroporation buffer that allows for enhanced transfection efficiency and cell viability of cells during application of an electric current. Buffers of the invention provide for maximum transfer of target particles into cells while maintaining the health and growth potential of the cell population. Compositions of the invention comprise electroporation buffers of approximately physiological ionic strength and pH, and having serum or purified proteins, such as serum albumin, added thereto. The subject invention is suitable for use with any cell type. The subject invention also concerns methods of electroporation using an electroporation buffer of the invention.
US08551773B2	Methods and compositions relating to improved lentiviral vectors and their applications The present invention provides HIV-derived lentivectors which are safe, highly efficient, and very potent for expressing transgenes for human gene therapy, especially, in human hematopoietic progenitor cells as well as in all other blood cell derivatives. The lentiviral vectors comprise a self-inactivating configuration for biosafety and promoters such as the EF1α promoter as one example. Additional promoters are also described. The vectors can also comprise additional transcription enhancing elements such as the wood chuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element. These vectors therefore provide useful tools for genetic treatments such as inherited and acquired lympho-hematological disorders, gene-therapies for cancers especially the hematological cancers, as well as for the study of hematopoiesis via lentivector-mediated modification of human HSCs.
US08551771B2	Apparatuses and methods for gel molding and culture A gel molding apparatus is adapted to be used in combination with a vessel that has a plurality of solution chambers, and includes a lid plate and a plurality of columns that project from a top surface of the lid plate. Each of the columns has a bottom side connected to the top surface of the lid plate, a top side opposite to the bottom side, and a well recessed from the top side for receiving a gel suspension and having a depth from the top side. A method for gel molding is conducted via the gel molding apparatus. A culture apparatus includes the vessel and the gel molding apparatus. A method for culture is performed through the culture apparatus.
US08551770B2	Enhanced oxygen cell culture platforms Provided is a cell culture apparatus for culturing cells, that provides enhanced oxygen delivery and supply to cells without the need for stirring or sparging. Oxygen diffusion occurs on both sides of the culture vessel, top and bottom. A gas-permeable membrane that includes perfluorocarbons in its composition allows for the rapid, enhanced and uniform transfer of oxygen between the environment of cells or tissues contained in the cell culture container apparatus and the atmosphere of the incubator in which the cell culture apparatus is incubated.
US08551767B2	Sensor for detection of nucleic acid A sensor for detection of target nucleic acid comprising (a) a semiconductor nanostructure; and (b) a nucleic acid detection probe immobilized on the semiconductor nanostructure capable of hybridizing with the target nucleic acid, the detection probe comprising a polymer with a substantially non-ionic backbone.
US08551765B2	Solid support having electrostatic layer and use thereof It is intended to provide a solid support capable of immobilizing nucleic acid molecules in a high proportion, and with a high bond strength to nucleic acid molecules. The solid support comprises a substrate and, provided thereon, an electrostatic layer for electrostatically attracting nucleic acid molecules and functional groups capable of covalently binding to nucleic acid molecules.
US08551761B2	Cartridge and device for analyzing biological samples using temperature-controlled biological reactions The cartridge according to the invention for analysing biological samples comprises: a reaction chamber and a biochip mounted in the reaction chamber, a filling nozzle connected so as to communicate with the reaction chamber, and a compensation chamber connected so as to communicate with the reaction chamber, wherein the reaction chamber, the compensation chamber and all lines connected thereto form a chamber sealed as far as the filling nozzle, wherein the filling nozzle forms a free passage to the reaction chamber from outside the cartridge, and a stopper is provided which fits positively and tightly in the filling nozzle in such a way that, when pressed in over a certain distance, fluid is displaced from the filling nozzle towards the reaction chamber.
US08551760B2	Substrate for immobilizing biopolymer and method of immobilizing biopolymer by using the same [Problems] To immobilize a chain-type biopolymer in an elongated state at a predetermined position on a substrate. [Means for Solving Problems] A substrate (1) for immobilizing a biopolymer, which has a mask layer (2) provided with multiple through-holes at predetermined positions on a flat active face, is brought into contact with a solution containing a chain-type biopolymer (7). After thus immobilizing the nucleic acid molecule (7) on the active face within a through-hole (3) via physical adsorption or chemical binding, the mask layer (2) is dissolved in a solvent and thus removed while leaving the nucleic acid molecule (7a) alone having been immobilized on the active face within the through-hole (3). Subsequently, the nucleic acid molecule (7a) having been immobilized on the active face is elongated.
US08551758B2	Substrate-selective co-fermentation process Biological method for conversion of a lignocellulosic hydrolysate into a desired biochemical product. Use of a plurality of substrate-selective cells allows different sugars in a complex mixture to be consumed concurrently and independently. The method can be readily extended to remove inhibitory compounds from hydrolysate.
US08551757B2	Bacillus thuringiensis isolate A novel bacterial strain of Bacillus thuringiensis, VBTS 2528, is described. This strain comprises genes encoding Cry1Ac, Cry 1Ca, and Cry2Aa endotoxin proteins. The invention further relates to an insecticidal composition comprising a mixture of VBTS 2528 and to methods for controlling insect pests utilizing VBTS 2528.
US08551754B2	Amylases, nucleic acids encoding them and methods for making and using them In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars.
US08551752B2	RNA polymerase mutant with improved functions Disclosed is a T7 RNA polymerase mutant having improved thermal stability and/or specific activity in comparison with wild-type T7-like bacteriophage RNA polymerase, wherein at least one amino acid residue corresponding to at least one of the amino acid residues selected from the group at least consisting of glutamine at position 768, lysine at position 179 and valine at position 685 of the amino acid sequence that composes wild-type T7 RNA polymerase shown in SEQ ID NO: 6, is substituted with another amino acid.
US08551747B2	Process for producing bioethanol from lignocellulosic plant raw material A process for pretreating a lignocellulosic plant raw material in order to obtain a pretreated material that is capable of being hydrolyzed and fermented for the production of bioethanol, includes the following successive steps: (i) destructuring the lignocellulosic plant raw material by placing it in the presence of a mixture containing formic acid and water, at a reaction temperature between 95° C. and 110° C.; (ii) then, at atmospheric pressure and prior to any hydrolysis then fermentation action, separating: on the one hand, the solid phase, mainly composed of the cellulose, constituting a first co-substrate, capable of then being hydrolyzed and fermented for the production of bioethanol; and on the other hand, the liquid phase, containing, in particular in aqueous solution, the formic acid, the lignins, and the hemicelluloses, constituting a second co-substrate, capable of then being hydrolyzed and fermented for the production of bioethanol.
US08551746B2	Method for controlling undesirable byproducts formation caused by contaminating organisms in the production of ethanol from syngas A method of operating a fermentation zone for the production of ethanol from syngas uses a crotonate derivative to prevent or reverse the effects of butyrigen contamination. The crotonate compound works in continuous fermentation processes to reduce or eliminate contamination from butyrate and butanol in the syngas derived ethanol product.
US08551743B2	Immobilized interfacial enzymes of improved and stabilized activity Disclosed is a process for the preparation of an interfacial enzyme immobilized on an insoluble support, by providing a bi-phase system comprised of an aqueous buffer solution and at least one first organic solvent; mixing said interfacial enzyme with the bi-phase system provided; adding the support to the obtained mixture and mixing; and isolating from the mixture obtained in the last step the interfacial enzyme immobilized on said support. The produced enzyme is locked in its catalytically active confirmation, and thus exhibits improved activity and stability. Also disclosed are uses of the produced enzymes, particularly in the preparation of biodiesel.
US08551742B2	Compositions and methods of producing methionine Described herein are microorganisms that produce methionine and related products from endogenous genes in a transsulfuration pathway, as well as from exogenous genes providing a direct sulfhydrylation pathway. Novel genes that are useful for methionine and SAMe production are disclosed.
US08551739B2	Method for molecular cloning and polynucleotide synthesis using vaccinia DNA topoisomerase This invention provides a modified vaccinia topoisomerase enzyme containing an affinity tag which is capable of facilitating purification of protein-DNA complexes away from unbound DNA. This invention further provides a modified sequence specific topoisomerase enzyme.This invention provides a method of ligating duplex DNAs, a method of molecular cloning of DNA, a method of synthesizing polynucleotides, and a method of gene targeting.Lastly, this invention provides a recombinant DNA molecule composed of segments of DNA which have been joined ex vivo by the use of a sequence specific topoisomerase and which has the capacity to transform a suitable host cell comprising a DNA sequence encoding polypeptide activity.
US08551736B2	Inosine producing microorganism belonging to the genus Corynebacterium and process of producing inosine using the same A microorganism of the genus Corynebacterium having the ability to produce inosine in which the inosine catabolic pathway is blocked and that has a leaky adenine auxotrophic phenotype and further has a leaky guanine auxotrophic phenotype and a method of producing inosine, the method including culturing the microorganism of the genus Corynebacterium are disclosed.
US08551732B2	Increased production of a target product via stabilization of mRNA The present invention relates to newly identified mRNA stabilizing elements useful for the production of a target fermentation product, such as e.g. vitamins or enzymes, in particular riboflavin (vitamin B2), biotin, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), folic acid, thiamin, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), vitamin B12, xylanase, amylase, protease, glucanase, amylomaltase or maltogenic amylase.
US08551731B2	Stabilized hematoxylin A stabilized hematoxylin composition is disclosed that includes one or both of a host compound and an antioxidant. The disclosed composition exhibits sufficient stability to be utilized in an automated staining process without undue degradation prior to use of the composition to stain a biological sample. Methods of using and making the stabilized composition also are disclosed.
US08551726B2	Method of modulating HSF-1 The present invention is directed to methods of modulating HSF1 activity comprising modifying the acetylation of the DNA binding domain of the HSF1.
US08551723B2	Tyrosine kinase-inducible domains The present invention relates to a tyrosine kinase-inducible domain (pKID) and uses thereof. An isolated polypeptide comprising the pKID, and an isolated polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the pKID are provided. Also provided are methods for determining tyrosine kinase and/or phosphatase activity in a sample and for identifying an agent that inhibits a tyrosine kinase or phosphatase using a polypeptide comprising the pKID.
US08551721B2	Bioluminescent detection of cyanohydroxy benzothiazole compounds The invention provides methods that employ derivatives of 2-cyano-6-hydroxy- or 2-cyano-6-amino-benzothiazole, for example, in a bioluminogenic reaction. Also provided are novel compounds that can be used in the methods. The invention further provides methods for detecting or determining the presence of molecules and/or enzymes, the modulator activity of such molecules, and/or the activity of such enzymes. The methods are adaptable to high-throughput format.
US08551720B2	Methods for diagnosing bowel disease Provided herein are methods and materials for diagnosing a bowel disease in a subject by detecting the presence or absence of a bowel disease marker. A bowel disease marker has been identified as AKR1B10 and may be useful in identifying subjects at risk for bowel disease, predicting bowel disease progression, and assessing a subject's response to therapy.
US08551719B1	Endotoxin detection method The invention relates to a method for detecting endotoxins in a sample.
US08551717B2	Method for determining sumoylation The present invention relates to a method for determining SUMOylation and utilizing said SUMOylation patterns for identifying specific interaction between different binding partners. In another aspect, the present invention relates to systems allowing the determination of SUMOylation and for determining specific interaction between binding partners. Furthermore, the present invention relates to vectors and proteins relating to SUMOylation.
US08551713B1	Method for quantitative assessment of thymus integrity The present invention relates to a series of markers and a method of determining cause of death post-mortem by quantifying thymus integrity. An examination of thymuses from human infants suffering mortal head trauma revealed a disruption of the cortical-medullary organization of the thymus, particularly involving dissolution of the cortical-medullary border. A similar result was obtained for related mouse and rat models. The human thymuses from head trauma cases also displayed a higher percentage of Ki67-positive thymocytes.
US08551712B2	Diagnostic biomolecule(s) The present invention relates to methods for the identification and/or quantification of biomolecule(s). There is also provided a novel method of identifying and/or quantitating biomolecule(s) in a proliferative cell disorder by providing at least one cyst fluid sample and determining the expression of haptoglobin protein, derivative, mutant and/or fragment thereof.
US08551710B2	Methods for localized in situ detection of mRNA The present invention relates to the detection of RNA in a sample of cells. More particularly, the present invention relates to the localized detection of RNA in situ. The method relies on the conversion of RNA to complementary DNA prior to the targeting of the cDNA with a padlock probe(s). The hybridization of the padlock probe(s) relies on the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA which is derived from the corresponding nucleotide sequence of the target RNA. Rolling circle amplification of the subsequently circularized padlock probe produces a rolling circle product which may be detected. Advantageously, this allows the RNA to be detected in situ.
US08551708B2	Methods for localized in situ detection of mRNA The present invention relates to the detection of RNA in a sample of cells. More particularly, the present invention relates to the localized detection of RNA in situ. The method relies on the conversion of RNA to complementary DNA prior to the targeting of the cDNA with a padlock probe(s). The hybridization of the padlock probe(s) relies on the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA which is derived from the corresponding nucleotide sequence of the target RNA. Rolling circle amplification of the subsequently circularized padlock probe produces a rolling circle product which may be detected. Advantageously, this allows the RNA to be detected in situ.
US08551704B2	Controllable strand scission of mini circle DNA The invention provides methods and compositions for the controlled termination of polymerase mediated primer extension reactions. The methods and compositions of the invention are broadly useful, and in a preferred aspect can be used in identifying sequence elements of template nucleic acids. Control of termination not only provides temporal control over termination, but, when used in conjunction with optically confined reaction regions, also spatially controls such termination.
US08551703B2	SNPs associated with fatty acid composition of bovine meat and milk The present invention provides compositions and methods for genotyping bovines including dairy cows and beef cattle More particularly, the invention is directed to single nucleotide polymorphisms in Stearoyl-CoA-Desaturase 5 (SCD5) Sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP1). SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP), Insulin induced protein 1 (INS1G1). Insulin induced protein 2 (INS1G2) and Signal recognition particle receptor (SRPR) associated with fatty acid composition of bovine meat and milk.
US08551702B2	Efficient base determination in sequencing reactions The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for nucleic acid identification and detection. Compositions and methods of the present invention include extracting and fragmenting target nucleic acids from a sample, using the fragmented target nucleic acids to produce target nucleic acid templates and subjecting those target nucleic acid templates to amplification methods to form nucleic acid nanoballs. The invention also includes methods of detecting and identifying sequences using various sequencing applications, including sequencing by ligation methods.
US08551699B2	PCA3, PCA3 genes, and methods of use The present invention relates, in general, to a prostate-specific antigen, PCA3. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules coding for the PCA3 protein; purified PCA3 proteins and polypeptides; recombinant nucleic acid molecules; cells containing the recombinant nucleic acid molecules; antibodies having binding affinity specifically to PCA3 proteins and polypeptides; hybridomas containing the antibodies; nucleic acid probes for the detection of nucleic acids encoding PCA3 proteins; a method of detecting nucleic acids encoding PCA3 proteins or polypeptides in a sample; kits containing nucleic acid probes or antibodies; bioassays using the nucleic acid sequence, protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess, or prognose a mammal afflicted with prostate cancer; therapeutic uses; and methods of preventing prostate cancer in an animal.
US08551698B2	Method of loading sample into a microfluidic device A method comprising loading a sample into a microfluidic device which comprises plural sample chambers, subdividing the sample into a plurality of sample portions, such that respective sample portions are positioned in each of a plurality of the sample chambers, and subjecting the sample portions loaded into the respective sample chambers to at least a first amplification step. Each of the sample chambers has a respective volume such that if a sample portion positioned in the sample chamber comprises at least one molecule of a target nucleic acid, the target nucleic acid would attain a detectable concentration in the sample chamber after a single round of amplification.
US08551696B2	Rubella E1 envelope protein variants and their use in detection of anti-rubella antibodies The invention relates to soluble rubella E1 antigens and variants of these antigens. The antigens contain amino acids 201 to 432 or 169 to 432 and are lacking amino acids 453 to 481 as well as at least the amino acids 143 to 164. They further contain a region spanning two disulfide-bridges. The invention also relates to a recombinant DNA molecule encoding the rubella E1 antigens, the expression of rubella E1 antigens as chaperone fusion proteins and their use in a method of detecting antibodies against rubella in a sample.
US08551693B2	Mutated voltage-gated sodium channel Nav alpha subunit for identification of modulators Reagents, methods and kits for screening for compounds that modulate the activity of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV), such as human NaV1.5/SC-N5A/hH1 are described. The reagents, methods and kits are based on mutated NaV alpha subunit polyptides of SEQ ID NO:5 with mutations at positions 372, 898, 1419 and 1711 (the DEKA motif) and at positions 11485, 1486 and 1487 (the IFM motif) resulting in increased permeability for a group IIA divalent cation (Ca++) and decreased inactivation rate. The mutant polypeptide is used in a method and kit for determining whether a test compound modulates the channel activity, preferably using a chimeric polypeptide (chameleon polypeptide) comprising calmodulin, a calmodulin binding protein (M13), and two fluorescent agents.
US08551689B2	Methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices using photolithography A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device using a photolithography process may include forming an anti-reflective layer and a first photoresist film on a lower surface. The first photoresist film may be exposed to light and a first photoresist pattern having a first opening may be formed by developing the first photoresist film. A plasma treatment can be performed on the first photoresist pattern and a second photoresist film may be formed on the first photoresist pattern, which may be exposed to light. A second photoresist pattern may be formed to have a second opening by developing the second photoresist film. Here, the second opening may be substantially narrower than the first opening.
US08551687B2	Alkali developable photosensitive resin composition and dry film manufactured by the same The present invention relates to a polyimide photosensitive resin composition that is capable of being developed by an alkali aqueous solution, and a dry film that is produced by the same, and more particularly to a photosensitive resin composition which comprises a) a polyamic acid, b) two or more (meth)acrylate—based compounds that include one or more double bonds between carbons, c) a photopolymerization initiator, d) a phosphorus—based flame retardant, and e) an organic solvent, and a dry film that is produced by the same.
US08551682B2	Metal conservation with stripper solutions containing resorcinol Resist stripping agents useful for fabricating circuits and/or forming electrodes on semiconductor devices for semiconductor integrated circuits and/or liquid crystals with reduced metal and metal alloy etch rates (particularly copper etch rates and TiW etch rates), are provided with methods for their use. The preferred stripping agents contain low concentrations of resorcinol or a resorcinol derivative, with or without an added copper salt, and with or without an added amine to improve solubility of the copper salt. Further provided are integrated circuit devices and electronic interconnect structures prepared according to these methods.
US08551665B2	Supply system and warning device for a fuel cell stack and method for controlling the supply system In a fuel cell stack, fuel, such as often hydrogen, electrochemically reacts with an oxidant, such as ambient air, and electric energy is generated from chemical energy. During the reaction, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) separates the fuel from the oxidant during the electrochemical process. A supply system for the fuel cell stack comprises an adjustable humidifying device for humidifying a supply gas which is supplied to the fuel cell stack, as a function of a control signal; and a dehumidifying device, which is configured to dehumidify an exhaust gas that is formed from the supply gas conducted through the fuel cell stack, and to discharge the same as a dehumidified exhaust gas. A controller, which generates the control signal, is configured from a programming and/or switching point of view to generate the control signal based on the gas temperature of the dehumidified exhaust gas.
US08551660B2	Reserve power supply with electrode plates joined to auxiliary conductors The present invention relates to one or more electrode plates, which are installed with current collecting terminals at two or more sides thereof, and joined to an auxiliary conductor made of a material having a conductivity that is higher than that of the electrode plates. Current collecting terminals are installed at two or more sides of the auxiliary conductor, for linking with current collecting terminals installed at two or more sides of the electrode plates, and at least one of linked terminals is used as a general current collecting terminal to output current to an external part or to receive input current from the external part. Finally, insulators installed between the auxiliary conductor and the electrode plates to constitute an electrode unit.
US08551659B2	Active material for lithium secondary battery, lithium secondary battery, and method for producing the same The active material for a lithium secondary battery includes a solid solution of a lithium transition metal composite oxide having an α-NaFeO2 type crystal structure, in which the composition ratio of Li, Co, Ni, and Mn contained in the solid solution satisfies Li1+(1/3)xCo1−x−yNi(1/2)yMn(2/3)x+(1/2)y (x+y≦1, 0≦y and 1−x−y=z); in an Li[Li1/3Mn2/3]O2(x)-LiNi1/2Mn1/2O2(y)-LiCoO2(z) type ternary phase diagram, (x, y, z) is represented by values in a range present on or within a line of a heptagon (ABCDEFG) defined by the vertexes; point A(0.45, 0.55, 0), point B(0.63, 0.37, 0), point C(0.7, 0.25, 0.05), point D(0.67, 0.18, 0.15), point E(0.75, 0, 0.25), point F(0.55, 0, 0.45), and point G(0.45, 0.2, 0.35); and the intensity ratio between the diffraction peaks on (003) plane and (104) plane measured by X-ray diffractometry before charge-discharge is I(003)/I(104)≧1.56 and at the end of discharge is I(003)/I(104)>1.
US08551645B2	Can for cylindrical lithium rechargeable battery and cylindrical lithium rechargeable battery using the same A can for a cylindrical lithium rechargeable battery, and a cylindrical lithium rechargeable battery using the same is provided. The battery includes: an electrode assembly having cathode and anode plates facing to each other, a separator interposed between the cathode and anode plates, and cathode and anode taps formed on the cathode and anode plates, respectively; a can accommodating the electrode assembly; and a cap assembly to seal an opening of an upper end portion of the can. The can has surface plate and a lower plate, and a protrusion is formed on the lower plate so as to increase the contact resistance between the anode tap and the lower plate, when the anode tap is welded to the lower plate.
US08551641B2	Pouch type secondary battery with safety member A pouch type secondary battery including a safety member. The pouch type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including first and second electrode plates having opposite electrical polarities and a first separator between the first and second electrode plates; and a safety member including a first conductive plate located on an outside of the electrode assembly and electrically connected to the first electrode plate, a second conductive plate located on an outside of the first conductive plate and electrically connected to the second electrode plate, and an insulating plate between the first and second conductive plates for insulating the first and second conductive plates from each other, and the first conductive plate has a puncture strength that is greater than a puncture strength of the second conductive plate.
US08551640B2	Battery pack The invention relates to a battery pack (1) for electric vehicles or vehicles with an electric hybrid drive. The battery pack (1) according to the invention comprises a battery housing (2) and battery cells, which are arranged within the battery housing (2), are self-contained and are electrically connected to one another in order to achieve a desired terminal voltage. A plurality of battery cells are in each case arranged at a distance from one another in a fastening frame (6) and in each case form cell modules (4). The cell modules (4) are in each case arranged on fastening elements, which pass through the battery housing (2), the fastening elements, being in the form of spacers between the cell modules (4) and, with the battery housing (2), forming a bearing unit.
US08551635B2	Power supply device and vehicle including power supply device A power supply includes rectangular battery cells 1. Each cell 1 includes a rectangular container 11 covered with an electrically insulating film 2. The film 2 has a bottom cover 22, main covers 21, and side covers 23. The bottom cover 22 is arranged between the main covers 21. The side covers 23 protrude from the both sides of the main and bottom covers 21 and 22. Each side cover 23 has first and second side covers 23A and 23B. The first and second side covers 23A and 23B protrude from the side edges of the main and bottom covers 21 and 22. The first and second side covers 23A and 23B are continuously arranged in connection areas 24. When folded on side surfaces 11D of the container 11, the first and second side covers 23A and 23B are superposed on one another. The superposed parts 25 are welded.
US08551632B2	Battery cooling system A battery cooling system includes a battery and a plurality of battery cooler pipes disposed adjacent the battery. Each of the battery cooler pipes is spaced apart and substantially parallel to an adjacent one of the battery cooler pipes. A clamping element is disposed adjacent at least one of the battery cooler pipes. The clamping element configured to urge the battery cooler pipes against at least a portion of the battery. The clamping element includes a plurality of clamping wings extending outwardly from a center portion of the clamping element. Each of the clamping wings of the clamping element is disposed adjacent at least one of the battery cooler pipes. The battery cooling system may further include a carrier disposed adjacent the center portion of the clamping element to absorb spring forces of the clamping wings.
US08551630B2	Electric power storage system An electric power storage system 10 of the present invention includes a lithium secondary battery; a detection device to detect the temperature of the lithium secondary battery; and a control device to decrease a remaining capacity of the lithium secondary battery based on an increase of the detected temperature and a temperature Tbx of the lithium secondary battery. When a self-heating rate of the lithium secondary battery at a temperature T (K) and a remaining capacity x (%) is represented by Hs(x, T) (K/min), and a heat dissipation rate at a temperature T (K) of the lithium secondary battery is represented by Hd(T) (K/min), the temperature Tbx is a temperature at which Hs(x,Tbx)>Hd(Tbx) holds. That is, this temperature Tbx is a temperature at which the heat generating rate is higher than the heat dissipation rate and at which the battery temperature T starts to increase.
US08551624B2	Electroactive materials There is provided a compound having Formula I or Formula II: In the Formulae: Ar1 is an arylene having 6-30 carbons; Ar2 is an aryl group; Ar3 is an arylene; R1 is selected from H, D, aryl groups, alkyl groups, silyl groups, siloxane groups, fluoroalkyl groups, alkoxy groups, and fluoroalkoxy groups; R2 is selected from D, aryl groups, alkyl groups, silyl groups, siloxane groups, fluoroalkyl groups, alkoxy groups, or fluoroalkoxy groups; M is a conjugated moiety; a is an integer from 0 to 2; b is an integer from 0 to 3; n is an integer equal to or greater than 1; and x and y are mole fractions where x+y=1.0.
US08551623B2	Airtightly sealing cap, electronic component storing package and method for manufacturing electronic component storing package Provided is an airtightly sealing cap, by which a use quantity of Au is reduced in a soldering material for sealing a miniaturized electronic component storing package. An airtightly sealing cap (10) is used for an electronic component storing package (100) which includes an electronic component storing member (20) for storing an electronic component (40). The airtightly sealing cap is provided with a base material (1); a base layer (2) which is formed on the surface of the base material and contains Ni; and a soldering material layer (6), which is formed on the base layer, has a thickness of 10 μm or less and composed of Au and Sn. The content percentage of Au in the soldering material layer is 43 mass % or more but not more than 64 mass %.
US08551622B2	Addressable matrices/cluster blanks for dental CAD/CAM systems and optimization thereof A cluster mill blank includes a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of an existing CAD/CAM system, and a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the framework forming an addressable matrix or cluster blank. CAD/CAM systems including such a framework, as well as associated methods are described.
US08551619B2	Thin films with high near-infrared reflectivity deposited on building materials Disclosed are solar-reflective roofing and other building materials having high reflectance of near-infrared radiation and high transmission of radiation in the visible light range and a substantial emissivity so as to reduce the heat island effects experienced by the articles while also maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Also disclosed are related methods for fabrication of such materials.
US08551618B2	Growth of carbon nanotubes on carbon or metal substrates The invention relates to the growth of carbon nanotubes on a substrate, in particular a carbon or metal substrate on which the growth of such nanotubes is usually difficult. Accordingly, the invention includes a first phase that comprises depositing a ceramic sub-layer, followed by a second phase that comprises depositing carbon nanotubes on said sub-layer in a single step and in a single and same growth reactor. The growth can advantageously be carried out by chemical vapor deposition.
US08551617B2	Magnetic filtration process, magnetic filtering material, and methods of forming magnetic filtering material The present invention provides magnetically responsive activated carbon, and a method of forming magnetically responsive activated carbon. The method of forming magnetically responsive activated carbon typically includes providing activated carbon in a solution containing ions of ferrite forming elements, wherein at least one of the ferrite forming elements has an oxidation state of +3 and at least a second of the ferrite forming elements has an oxidation state of +2, and increasing pH of the solution to precipitate particles of ferrite that bond to the activated carbon, wherein the activated carbon having the ferrite particles bonded thereto have a positive magnetic susceptibility. The present invention also provides a method of filtering waste water using magnetic activated carbon.
US08551615B2	Pressure sensitive adhesive composition, product using the same, and display using the product Disclosed is a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition which contains an acrylic polymer and a crosslinking agent. The acrylic polymer has a weight-average molecular weight of 40×104 to 160×104 and contains at least an alkoxyalkyl acrylate (Component A) and an acrylic monomer having a crosslinkable functional group (Component B). The monomer components constituting the acrylic polymer contain 45 to 99.5 parts by weight of Component A and 0.5 to 4.5 parts by weight of Component B to 100 parts by weight of total monomer components constituting the acrylic polymer, and the monomer components constituting the acrylic polymer contain substantially no carboxyl-containing monomers. This relates to improvements to provide pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions that show excellent coatability, transparency, adhesion (typically low-temperature adhesion), and resistance to blistering/separation and concurrently have anticorrosive properties.
US08551614B2	Three-layer wrapping and a process for manufacturing a packaging using the same One embodiment provides a wrapping, comprising a first layer of synthetic polymeric material; a second layer of synthetic polymeric material; and a layer of natural material sandwiched between at least a portion of the first and second layers; wherein the first and second layers are wider than the layer of natural material and extend beyond opposing ends of the layer of natural material to form tabs, the tabs comprising said first and second layers sandwiched together without the layer of natural material therebetween. Methods of making and using are disclosed.
US08551613B2	Coated article and method for manufacturing same A coated article, includes a substrate, an anti-corrosion layer deposited on the substrate, the anti-corrosion layer being composed of ZrW2O8 and AlON. The disclosure also describes a method to make the coated article.
US08551611B2	Joint seal and method for the production thereof The present invention relates to a joint seal for sealing a component joint, which comprises an insulation material in an internal joint area and a sealing material in at least one front-side joint edge area. The insulation material comprises a single-component, moisture cross-linking, elastic polymer foam and the sealing material is a sealant which is vapor-diffusion tight, directly adjoins the insulation material, is single-component, moisture cross-linking, and sprayable before the curing, as well as having an elasticity which is essentially equal to or greater than that of the insulation material. Furthermore, a method for producing the joint seal is described.
US08551610B2	Single-layer polypropylene membrane film for batteries, having a shut-off function The invention relates to a biaxially oriented, single-layer microporous film which has a shut-off function and is made of propylene homopolymer, propylene block copolymer I and β-nucleation agent. The melting range of the propylene block copolymer I starts at a temperature ranging from 50 to 120° C. The invention also relates to using the film as a separator in primary or secondary battery.
US08551609B2	Method of depositing niobium doped titania film on a substrate and the coated substrate made thereby A coated article includes a pyrolytic applied transparent electrically conductive oxide film of niobium doped titanium oxide. The article can be made by using a coating mixture having a niobium precursor and a titanium precursor. The coating mixture is directed toward a heated substrate to decompose the coating mixture and to deposit a transparent electrically conductive niobium doped titanium oxide film on the surface of the heated substrate. In one embodiment of the invention, the method is practiced using a vaporized coating mixture including a vaporized niobium precursor; a vaporized titanium precursor, and a carrier gas to deposit a niobium doped titanium oxide film having a sheet resistance greater than 1.2 and an index of refraction of 2.3 or greater. The chemical formula for the niobium doped titanium oxide is Nb:TiOX where X is in the range of 1.8-2.1.
US08551608B2	Composite sheet and absorbent article using composite sheet It is intended to provide a composite sheet which is excellent in comfort to the skin face when used in an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper. A composite sheet (1) fabricated by bonding stretchable nonwoven fabric (2) to a non-stretchable sheet (3) using an adhesive (4). The stretchable nonwoven fabric (2) is bonded in the stretched state to the non-stretchable sheet. The composite sheet (1) has a contact area ratio of 65% or more and an air permeation resistance of 0.20 KPa·s/m or less. By satisfying these numerical requirements, the composite sheet shows excellent sweat absorption properties and air permeability when used as a constituting member of an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper.
US08551606B2	Printable coating A primer-less coating composition for facestock comprises: a binder being a water-dispersible polymer; an ethylenically unsaturated compound which is aqueous-dispersible and miscible with or bonded to said water-dispersible polymer, wherein said ethylenically unsaturated compound is able to form a covalent bond with an ink; and a crosslinker, wherein said crosslinker is suitable for binding the coating to the facestock. The coating composition may be applied to a substrate to form a printable film. A printed film in accordance with the invention may be used in a label, for example for use on a container such as a bottle.
US08551605B2	Printable coating A primer-less coating composition for facestock comprises: a binder being a water-dispersible polymer; an ethylenically unsaturated compound which is aqueous-dispersible and miscible with or bonded to said water-dispersible polymer, wherein said ethylenically unsaturated compound is able to form a covalent bond with an ink; and a crosslinker, wherein said crosslinker is suitable for binding the coating to the facestock. The coating composition may be applied to a substrate to form a printable film. A printed film in accordance with the invention may be used in a label, for example for use on a container such as a bottle.
US08551603B2	Sealed switchable glazing The invention discloses a functional film assembly comprising a functional film having at least one active layer laminated between first and second planar electrode layers. At least a portion of the edge region of the functional film is sealed by a sealing member. Preferably, the sealing member comprises a strip of polymer film material having on one surface a first strip-like region of adhesive material adjacent a first edge of the strip of polymer film material, and a second strip-like region of adhesive material adjacent a second edge of the strip of polymer film material. There is an adhesive-free region between the first and second strip-like regions of adhesive material, which is positioned coincident with the active layer of the functional film.
US08551595B2	Modularized assembling and shaping structure of bamboo frame A modularized assembling and shaping structure of bamboo frame includes providing previously machined and prepared bamboo strips of desired lengths and quantity and applying fixtures to bend the bamboos into a desired geometric shape, such as rectangle, circle, and ellipse. The opposite ends of each frame loop are then applied with adhesives for jointing and bonding to each other to form a closed frame loop so that each frame loop has only one jointing connection. A plurality of frame loops that is of similar shapes but has different cross-sectional dimensions is concentrically nested together, with the mating surfaces of adjacent frame loops bonded together with adhesives and the jointing connections of the frame loops being not in alignment with each other, to form a bamboo frame of improved overall frame strength.
US08551591B2	Conformable braid A tubular structure which includes a plurality of axial sites in circular relation to one another and a plurality of bias sites that interconnect the axial sites to form the tubular structure. The tubular structure's axial sites have a greater diameter than the structure's bias sites.
US08551585B2	Poultry box A repulpable moisture resistant poultry box having a composite structure with a fluted medium, a top backing board secured to one side of the fluted medium and a bottom backing board secured to the other side of the fluted medium. The backing boards and the fluted medium are impregnated with a hydrogenated triglyceride. The backing boards each have an outer surface coated with PET to provide moisture resistance repulpable and recyclable box.
US08551584B2	Transparent ink-jet recording films, compositions, and methods Transparent ink-jet recording films, compositions, and methods are disclosed. These films can exhibit high maximum optical densities, rapid ink drying, low curl, excellent adhesion between the coating layers and the substrate, and negligible ink transfer between stacked ink-jet recording films after imaging. Such films are useful in medical imaging applications.
US08551581B2	Liquid crystal display A liquid crystal display includes: a first substrate and an opposing second substrate; an alignment layer formed on the first substrate and the second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The alignment layer includes a copolymer including a dianhydride monomer and a diamine monomer.
US08551578B2	Patterning of magnetic thin film using energized ions and thermal excitation A method for patterning a magnetic thin film on a substrate includes: providing a pattern about the magnetic thin film, with selective regions of the pattern permitting penetration of energized ions of one or more elements. Energized ions are generated with sufficient energy to penetrate selective regions and a portion of the magnetic thin film adjacent the selective regions. The substrate is placed to receive the energized ions. The portion of the magnetic thin film is subjected to thermal excitation. The portions of the magnetic thin film are rendered to exhibit a magnetic property different than selective other portions. A method for patterning a magnetic media with a magnetic thin film on both sides of the media is also disclosed.
US08551577B2	Layered particle electrostatic deposition process for making a coated abrasive article Disclosed is a method of applying particles to a coated backing. A first layer of particles is created over a second layer of particles on a support surface and the first layer of particles is different in at least one property from the second layer of particles. A coated backing is positioned above the first and second layer of particles. An electrostatic field is applied simultaneously to the first and second layer of particles such that the first layer of particles closer to the coated backing are preferentially attracted to the coated backing first before the second layer of particles.
US08551576B2	Method for controlling a coefficient of friction A method for controlling a coefficient of friction involves applying a magnetic force, an electro-magnetic force, and/or an electrostatic force to nanoparticles disposed on a surface. The method further involves controlling a rolling-to-sliding ratio of the nanoparticles on the surface by i) adjusting a value of the force applied to the nanoparticles, and/or ii) adjusting an orientation of the nanoparticles by adjusting a direction of the force applied to the nanoparticles.
US08551573B2	Method for determining spraying parameters for controlling a paint-spraying apparatus using a spraying agent A method for determining spraying parameters for controlling a paint-spraying apparatus using a spraying agent is disclosed. A known spray pattern is provided which has been determined by means of known spraying parameters for the use of a first spraying agent. A provisional spray pattern is calculated using the known spraying parameters and the characteristics of a second spraying agent. The known spraying parameters are altered in order to acquire changed spraying parameters which yield a further spray pattern. The changed spraying parameters are altered to the point where the further spray pattern is similar to the known spray pattern within a similarity criterion. The changed spraying parameters corresponding to the further spray pattern are intended as spraying parameters for the second spraying agent and are provided to the paint-spraying apparatus whenever the second spraying agent is used. The spraying parameters comprise a plurality of air currents which influence the spraying behavior of the paint-spraying apparatus.
US08551569B2	Method for producing a metal base material provided with a sliding layer, and the use thereof The invention relates to a method for producing a metal base material that is provided with a sliding layer that has a thickness of more then 50 μm, said base material being used as a sliding element. According to the invention, the base material is coated with a paste of the sliding layer material that contains at least one high-temperature polymer in addition to a fluoropolymer, and the base material so coated is subjected to a thermal treatment. The past applied to the base material contains as the fluoropolymer between 40% by volume and 75% by volume polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) or polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) with other fluoropolymers added and between 60% by volume and 25% by volume of the at least one high-temperature polymer, each based on the entire composition of the finished sliding layer. The high-temperature polymer used is selected from those high-temperature polymers whose melting pint is not below 327° C., if they are mainly crystalline, or whose glass transition temperature is not below 327° C., if they are mainly amorphous.
US08551564B2	Chemical vaporizer for material deposition systems and associated methods Methods for operating a material deposition system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method can include periodically injecting a precursor into a vaporizer through an injector at the vaporizer, vaporizing the precursor in the vaporizer and supplying the vaporized precursor to a reaction chamber in fluid communication with the vaporizer, and shutting down the vaporizer and the reaction chamber after a period of time. The method can also include conducting maintenance of the injector at the vaporizer by using a vapor solvent rinse.
US08551560B2	Methods for improving selectivity of electroless deposition processes Methods for improving selective deposition of a capping layer on a patterned substrate are presented, the method including: receiving the patterned substrate, the patterned substrate including a conductive region and a dielectric region; forming a molecular masking layer (MML) on the dielectric region; preparing an electroless (ELESS) plating bath, where the ELESS plating bath includes: a cobalt (Co) ion source: a complexing agent: a buffer: a tungsten (W) ion source: and a reducing agent; and reacting the patterned substrate with the ELESS plating bath for an ELESS period at an ELESS temperature and an ELESS pH so that the capping layer is selectively formed on the conductive region. In some embodiments, methods further include a pH adjuster for adjusting the ELESS pH to a range of approximately 9.0 pH to 9.2 pH. In some embodiments, the pH adjuster is tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH). In some embodiments, the MML is hydrophilic.
US08551558B2	Techniques for enhancing efficiency of photovoltaic devices using high-aspect-ratio nanostructures Photovoltaic devices and techniques for enhancing efficiency thereof are provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic device is provided. The photovoltaic device comprises a photocell having a photoactive layer and a non-photoactive layer adjacent to the photoactive layer so as to form a heterojunction between the photoactive layer and the non-photoactive layer; and a plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures on one or more surfaces of the photoactive layer. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures are configured to act as a scattering media for incident light. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures can also be configured to create an optical resonance effect in the incident light.
US08551556B2	Method for obtaining controlled sidewall profile in print-patterned structures High aspect ratio structures can be obtained by print-patterning masking features in feature stacks such that each feature has a lateral edge which is aligned in a plane roughly perpendicular to the plane of the substrate on which the features are formed. Due to the differential lateral spreading between features formed on a substrate and formed atop other features, the print head is indexed less than the radius of a droplet to a position where a droplet ejected by the print head forms an upper feature atop a lower feature such that the lateral edges of the upper and lower features are aligned in the plane roughly perpendicular to the plane of the substrate. Feature stacks of two or more features may provide a vertical (or re-entrant) sidewall mask for formation of high aspect ratio structures, by e.g., electroplating, etc.
US08551554B2	Apple peel powder, methods of making, and uses thereof The present invention relates to a method of making a powder from apple peel by providing an apple peel, subjecting the apple peel to a phytochemical preservation treatment, drying the treated apple peel, and grinding the dried, treated apple peel to a powder. A powder from apple peel having a phenolic content and a flavonoid content similar to fresh apple peel on a fresh weight basis, where the powder has a water activity of less than 0.30 is also disclosed. The present invention also relates to a method of treating cancer in a patient by administering a powder from apple peel to a patient under conditions effective to treat cancer. Also disclosed is a method of inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells by contacting cancer cells with a powder from apple peel under conditions effective to inhibit proliferation of the cancer cells.
US08551551B2	Stabilization of omega-3 fatty acids in saturated fat microparticles having low linoleic acid content An omega-3 fatty acid supplementation fat blend includes one part by weight of an omega-3 enriching oil containing EPA and/or DHA fatty acids that has been combined and diluted with at least one-half part by weight of a low linoleic acid content oxidatively stabilizing saturated fat. The omega-3 supplementation fat blend is incorporated into stabilized aqueous suspensions including beverages and foods.
US08551547B2	Process for the preparation of angiogenin The invention provides a process for the preparation of an angiogenin-enriched fraction from a milk product, the process comprising contacting the milk product with a cation exchange resin and eluting the angiogenin-enriched fraction from the cation exchange resin with a mobile phase. The invention also provides angiogenin-enriched fractions produced by process and food products, nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical comprising such angiogenin.
US08551545B2	Food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product A food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product, such as the multiple components of a sandwich, the package comprising an outer container to house a first food component and at least one flexible envelope or barrier film layer that encloses at least one intermediate food component allowing for separation of the intermediate food component during extended periods of storage and prior to opening the product. A method for opening the package comprises applying a pulling force to an externally located protruding end portion of the envelope, such that the envelope peels apart and separates into ruptured layers that are pulled out of the food product and out of the outer container by the continual pulling force from the protruding end portion. Another method for opening comprises heating the container such that the barrier film layer ruptures upon heating, thus providing for components of the food product to combine.
US08551542B1	Methods and compositions for increasing growth hormones Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods and supplements for improving the health of human beings.
US08551536B2	Nitrite and nitrite-metheme therapy to detoxify stroma-free hemoglobin based blood substitutes This disclosure relates to methods of using nitrite to detoxify stroma-free hemoglobin based blood substitutes. In particular, methods are described for using a blood substitute comprised of about equimolar amounts of nitrite and hemoglobin (e.g., nitrite-metHb) to treat, prevent, or ameliorate diseases of the blood in a subject, or as a blood replacement in a subject.
US08551532B2	Method of making an anti-inflammatory composition In order to prepare an anti-inflammatory composition extracted from the skin of the Arabian Gulf catfish (Arius bilineatus (Valenciennes)), a gelatinous secretion is collected from the skin of the Arabian Gulf catfish. The gelatinous secretion is biologically active due to the presence of biologically active proteins and lipids. The lipids are extracted from the gelatinous secretion, and then are mixed into an inert dermatological cream. The inert dermatological cream serves as a carrier for the lipids. Preferably, the mixture includes approximately 0.2% to 0.8% of the lipids by weight. Either the total lipids may be used in the mixture, or the lipids, prior to mixing into the cream, may be fractionated into major lipid fractions.
US08551531B2	Pentablock polymers Novel pentablock polymers comprising PGA-PCL-PEG-PCL-PGA or PEG-PCL-PLA-PCL-PEG, wherein PEG is polyethylene glycol, PCL is poly(ε-caprolactone), PGA is poly(glycolic acid), and PLA is poly(lactic acid).
US08551528B2	Diketopiperazine microparticles with defined specific surface areas Disclosed herein are diketopiperazine microparticles having a specific surface area of less than about 67 m2/g. The diketopiperazine microparticle can be fumaryl diketopiperazine and can comprise a drug such as insulin.
US08551525B2	Bone graft materials and methods Compositions, materials, methods and kits for bone grafting are described. In some embodiments, a bone graft composition includes about 15% to about 20% by weight collagen, about 55% to about 70% by weight bioactive glass, and about 15% to about 30% by weight a calcium phosphate. The bioactive glass and the calcium phosphate together are about 80% to about 85% by weight of the bone graft composition. In some embodiments, a bone graft composition includes a collagen matrix and a plurality of bioactive glass particulates dispersed throughout the collagen matrix. The collagen matrix is about 20% to about 60% by weight of the bone graft composition, and the bioactive glass is about 40% to about 80% of the bone graft composition. In some embodiments, a majority of the bioactive glass particulates are about 53 μm to about 425 μm in size.
US08551516B2	Administration of non-oral androgenic steroids to women The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for improving health in a woman having elevated SHBG levels, or who is receiving oral estrogen supplementation, by non-orally administering an effective amount of an androgenic steroid. Further, the present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for coadministering an effective amount of an orally administered estrogen and an effective amount of a non-orally administered androgenic steroid for women in need of estrogen supplementation.
US08551514B2	Gel suitable for implantation and delivery system The invention concerns a dried form of a porous polymer gel material which may be rehydrated and placed under pressure or compression to induce salvation, thereby forming a high concentration gel, in the form of an injectable viscous putty or dough, which may be implantated in the body.
US08551509B2	Skin agent for external use and cosmetic agent including ubiquinone derivative or salt thereof and method using the same A skin agent for external use and a cosmetic agent are provided, by transdermal administration of which expected actions and effects of ubiquinone derivatives, salts thereof, ubiquinones and ubiquinols are effectively obtained.The skin agent for external use includes a ubiquinone derivative or a salt thereof as an active ingredient. The ubiquinone derivative is represented by the formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are each a hydrogen atom or a phosphoric group, at least one of R1 and R2 is a phosphoric group, and n is an integer in the range of 1 to 9.
US08551508B2	Cosmetic, personal care, cleaning agent, and nutritional supplement compositions and methods of making and using same The present invention involves new cosmetic, personal care, cleaning agent, biocidal agent, functional food, and nutritional supplement compositions. These new compositions incorporate bioactive glass into cosmetics, personal care items, cleaning agents, biocidal agents, functional foods, and nutritional supplements. The present invention also involves methods of making and methods of using such compositions.
US08551506B2	Compositions and methods for administering compartmentalized frozen particles Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.
US08551501B2	Chitin microparticles and their medical uses The present invention relates to chitin microparticles and their medical uses, in particular in the treatment of allergy, or the treatment of conditions that would benefit from an upregulation of the cell mediated immune system, or an up-regulation of natural killer (NK) cell activity and/or the secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ).
US08551500B2	Composition comprising the N-terminal region of histone H2B of leishmania—use thereof for inducing an immune response The invention concerns an immunogenic composition comprising: i) an antigenic polypeptide consisting of a fragment of the protein histone H2B of Leishmania, said fragment including the N-terminal region of said protein histone H2B, and ii) an adjuvant stimulating the immune response.
US08551491B2	Processes for the preparation of a batch of an active pharmaceutical ingredient, a container comprising cryogranules of an allergen product, and a cryogranule of an allergen product The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of a batch of an active pharmaceutical ingredient, e.g. an allergen product. The invention also relates to a container comprising cryogranules of a liquid composition of an allergen product, and to a cryogranule of an allergen product. The processes feature formation of cryogranules using a container having therein a cryogenic medium (e.g. liquid nitrogen) and storage of the cryogranules in the same container. The cryogranules obtained can be stored and handled without prior freeze-drying.
US08551488B2	Binding molecules for treatment and detection of cancer Provided are new tumor-associated antigens, binding molecules that specifically bind to the antigens, nucleic acid molecules encoding the binding molecules, compositions comprising the binding molecules, and methods of identifying or producing the binding molecules. The tumor-associated antigens are expressed on cancer cells and binding molecules capable of specifically binding to the antigens can be used in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of cancer.
US08551486B2	Monoclonal antibodies to human thymidine kinase to treat cancer A method of treatment of cancer, viral infections, and the like administers anti-TK1 antibody, constituted as the complete antibody or a fragment thereof. The antibody binds to the surface of cells expressing TK1 thereon. The antibody, with or without another agent bound thereto, may effect complement mediated lysis, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cell cytotoxicity, apoptosis, an immune response by the mammal, a reduction in cellular replication, a combination thereof, or the like for such cells. The antibody may be coupled to an immune response stimulator, a cytotoxin, an enzyme, a combination, or the like to effect the treatment desired.
US08551482B2	Compositions and methods for increasing muscle growth This disclosure is in the field of anti-Activin receptor IIB (ActRIIB) antibodies. In particular, it relates to the use of said antibodies for treating muscle disorders, such as muscle wasting due to disease or disuse.
US08551480B2	Compositions and methods of use of immunotoxins comprising ranpirnase (Rap) show potent cytotoxic activity The present invention concerns methods and compositions for forming immunotoxin complexes having a high efficacy and low systemic toxicity. In preferred embodiments, the toxin moiety is a ranpirnase (Rap), such as Rap(Q). In more preferred embodiments, the immunotoxin is made using dock-and-lock (DNL) technology. The immunotoxin exhibits improved pharmacokinetics, with a longer serum half-life and significantly greater efficacy compared to toxin alone, antibody alone, unconjugated toxin plus antibody or even other types of toxin-antibody constructs. In a most preferred embodiment the construct comprises an anti-Trop-2 antibody conjugated to Rap, although other combinations of antibodies, antibody fragments and toxins may be used to form the subject immunotoxins. The immunotoxins are of use to treat a variety of diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disease or immune dysfunction.
US08551475B2	Methods of reducing transplant rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy by implanting autologous stem cells The invention provides novel methods of reducing transplant rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy in humans by employing the implantation of autologous progenitor cells into the transplanted donor heart. The autologous progenitor cells can be vascular progenitor cells (VPCs) and/or myocyte progenitor cells (MPCs) isolated from the recipient's explanted heart. Alternatively, bone marrow progenitor cells (BMPCs) isolated from the recipient may also be used.
US08551471B2	Therapeutic amoeba and uses thereof The present invention relates to amoebae (slime molds) and uses thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of amoebae or their environmentally stable spores to treat microbial infections and other uses.
US08551469B2	Treatment of tumors and viral diseases with recombinant interferon alpha This invention provides a recombinant interferon (rSIFN-co) and its equivalent with changed spatial configuration, high efficacy and low side effects. Therefore, high dose of rSIFN-co may be used. The cytotoxic effect of rSIFN-co is only one-eighth (⅛) of currently clinically available interferons but its anti-viral effect is approximately five to twenty (5-20) times higher, and when used in vivo it has a broader spectrum of clinical applications and longer biofeedback response. This invention further provides methods of using the recombinant interferon to treat proliferative disorders such as cancer or viral diseases.
US08551467B2	Replenishment and enrichment of ocular surface lubrication An ophthalmic composition, and methods of use thereof, including for treating ocular boundary deficiency, symptoms associated therewith, or undesired condition that is associated with or causes ocular boundary deficiency at the ocular surface or for the treatment or care of ophthalmic devices. The ophthalmic composition comprises a human PRG4 protein, a lubricant fragment, homolog, or isoform thereof, suspended in an ophthalmically acceptable balanced salt solution. The ophthalmic composition may also comprise one or more ophthalmically acceptable agents.
US08551459B2	Composition comprising a polyol and a oil-soluble high carbon polar modified polymer The invention relates to a composition comprising an oil-soluble high carbon polar modified polymer and a hyperbranched polyol.
US08551452B2	Uridine dietary supplementation compliance methods and use thereof This invention relates to determining the compliance of a subject receiving dietary supplementation with uridine or a uridine source. Specifically, the invention relates to the use of MRS for measuring an increase in brain compounds resulting from dietary supplementation with uridine or a uridine source.
US08551450B2	Targeting vector-phospholipid conjugates Peptide vectors having high KDR binding affinity and processes for making such vectors are provided. The peptide vectors may be conjugated to phospholipids and included in ultrasound contrast agent compositions. Such ultrasound contrast agents are particularly useful in therapeutic and diagnostic methods, such as in imaging KDR-containing tissue and in the evaluation and treatment of angiogenic processes associated with neoplastic conditions. The present invention also provides processes for the large scale production of highly pure dimeric and monomeric peptide phospholipid conjugates as well as precursor materials used to form the conjugates. The present invention further provides processes for the large scale production of highly pure peptide phospholipid conjugates which contain very low levels of TFA.
US08551447B2	Bifunctional compound with monosaccharide and N2S2 ligand, and preparation and use thereof A bifunctional compound with a monosaccharide and a N2S2 ligand, and more particularly, a bifunctional compound with a N2S2 ligand and aminohexylacetyl galactosamine (ah-GalNAc4) is provided. A method for preparing the bifunctional compound with a monosaccharide and a N2S2 ligand is also provided, including activating a carboxyl group in an organic ligand, reacting the activated carboxyl group with a galactopyranoside through amidation, and then hydrolyzing. The bifunctional compound of the present invention is widely useful in nuclear medicine for preparation of liver imaging agents for assisting in correct diagnosis of diseases.
US08551446B2	Poly(vinyl acetal) coatings for implantable medical devices A coating for a medical device, particularly for a drug eluting stent, is described. The coating includes a polyacetal-based polymer.
US08551442B2	Reactor for synthesizing hydrogen sulfide, apparatus for producing hydrogen sulfide, apparatus for producing sodium hydrogen sulfide, method for producing hydrogen sulfide, and method for producing sodium hydrogen sulfide A reactor for synthesizing hydrogen sulfide in which sulfur and hydrogen are subjected to gas-phase reaction in the absence of a catalyst to synthesize hydrogen sulfide, the reactor including: a reactor body that retains liquid sulfur in a bottom portion thereof; a heating unit that gasifies part of the liquid sulfur; a hydrogen gas supply unit that supplies hydrogen gas into the liquid sulfur; and a heat-exchanging portion provided in a gas-phase reaction region located above the liquid surface of the liquid sulfur in the reactor body, wherein heat-exchanging portion is configured such that the reaction temperature in the gas-phase reaction region is controlled to be within a predetermined temperature range by changing the heat exchange amount per unit volume in a gas-phase reaction region located farther from the liquid surface from the heat exchange amount per unit volume in a gas-phase reaction region located closer to the liquid surface.
US08551436B2	Method for purifying an input mixture comprising carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO), to eliminate the carbon monoxide contained in said mixture The invention concerns in particular a method for purifying an input mixture comprising carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO), to eliminate the carbon monoxide contained in said mixture, which consists in contacting, at a temperature higher than room temperature, the input mixture with a purifying material comprising at least one metal oxide, so as to bring about the reduction of the purifying material by the input mixture, leading to oxidization of at least part of the CO of the input mixture into CO₂. The invention also concerns a gaseous chilling method and installation integrating such a purifying operation.
US08551432B2	System and method for injecting ammonia into an exhaust gas stream A method for injecting ammonia into an exhaust gas stream downstream of a diesel engine includes providing an exhaust gas passageway (11) from the diesel engine to an ambient (14). The exhaust gas passageway (11) includes an NOx Slip Catalyst (NSC) 20 downstream of an NOx Particulate Filter (NPF) 18. The method includes emitting exhaust gas (EG) through the exhaust gas passageway (11), and selectively injecting ammonia (NH3) upstream of the NPF 18, upstream of the NSC (20), both upstream of the NPF and the NSC, or not injecting ammonia, depending on the temperature of the exhaust gas at the NPF and at the NSC.
US08551431B1	Mercury removal from flue gas streams using treated sorbents A method for modifying the properties of a sorbent comprising washing a sorbent with a washing solution so as to achieve an exchange of ions between the sorbent and the washing solution, and applying a halogen compound to the sorbent that has been washed with the washing solution to achieve a predetermined concentration of the halogen on the sorbent.
US08551428B2	Precipitated magnesium carbonate The present invention relates to a process for preparing hydromagnesite in an aqueous environment. The invention further relates to such hydromagnesite having a specific platy-like morphology in combination with a specific average particle size and to their use as minerals, fillers and pigments in the paper, paint, rubber and plastics industries and to the use as flame-retardant.
US08551427B2	Transport container The disclosure relates to a transport container for accommodating products during a high-pressure treatment of these products. By means of the transport container, the products can be transported into and out of a chamber in which they are high-pressure treated. The transport container comprises a lower component and an upper component which are adapted to be connected to one another, the lower component as well as the upper component being configured for accommodating at least one product.
US08551426B2	Compound for inhibiting activity of ribonuclease, and container for storing nucleic acid containing the same Provided are an RNase activity inhibitory compound to effectively control the activity of the RNase promoting degradation of extracted RNAs and, in addition, a sample storage container including the same. The RNase activity inhibitory compound and the sample storage container according to the present invention may be effectively used to store RNAs during RNA extraction or the extracted RNAs.
US08551425B2	Method for cancer detection, diagnosis and prognosis The present invention provides a method for diagnosing cancer, predicting a disease outcome or response to therapy in a patient sample. The method involves isolating a circulating tumor cell (CTC), for example, a viable CTC, from a sample using a parylene microfilter device comprising a membrane filter having or consisting of a parylene substrate, which has an array of holes with a predetermined shape and size; and detecting and quantifying telomerase activity in blood circulating tumor cells. The invention further provides methods of using cells live-captured in various applications.
US08551421B2	Laboratory instrument for the preparation of samples A laboratory instrument for the preparation of samples includes a base housing with a work compartment enclosed by protective walls, at least one multifunctional work head having the ability to turn about a rotary axis pivotally supported on the base housing. At least two defined functional positions that can be aligned with at least one container platform which is arranged in the work compartment. The first functional position contains a receiving device which serves to hold a dosage-dispensing device with free-flowing dosage material, and each of the other functional positions contains an additional device. At least one of the protective walls has a cutout opening, and the at least one multifunctional work head is arranged partially in the cutout, so that portions of the at least one multifunctional work head lies both inside and outside of the work compartment.
US08551416B2	System for recovering high-purity CO2 from gasification gas containing CO, CO2, COS and H2S A method and system for recovering CO2 from gasification gas, prevents the recovered CO2 from being contaminated with COS, without repeating cooling and heating operations and without increasing the steam consumption. Gasification gas being produced in a gasifier 10 and containing CO, CO2, COS and H2S is subjected to dust removal in a scrubber 20. Then, a part of the gas is subjected to a CO shift reaction, in which CO is converted into CO2, in a CO shift reactor 30. In one embodiment, part of the gasification gas is not subjected to the CO shift reaction by means of a bypass 34, and is mixed with the gas after the CO shift reaction. Thereby, the temperature of the mixture gas is set at 180° C. to 300° C., and COS in the mixture gas is converted into H2S in a COS converter 40. In another embodiment, the part of the gasification gas not subjected to the CO shift reaction by means of a bypass 38, is subjected to heat exchange 36d with the shifted gas stream and converted in a COS converter 44 prior to mixing with the shifted gas.
US08551414B2	High-voltage plasma producing apparatus A plasma generating apparatus includes a linear electrode for generating a high voltage by resonance caused when the linear electrode is supplied with an AC signal current, an grounded electrode for defining an internal space spaced from the linear electrode around the linear electrode, and a control device for controlling the power feed to the linear electrode. The control device has a field probe for measuring the electric field in the internal space, and a bandpass filter for filtering the measurement signal into a predetermined frequency band to output an AC signal, a variable phase shifter for shifting the phase of the AC signal so that the AC signal is synchronized with the resonance signal in the internal space when the AC signal is supplied to the linear electrode as a current, and an amplifier for amplifying the AC signal of which the phase is shifted.
US08551410B2	Photopolymerization device The present invention provides a photopolymerization device which allows a space irradiated with a light to have a high temperature while inhibiting a temperature rise of a light source used for the space. The photopolymerization device comprises: a housing; a polymerization space which is surrounded by a wall in the housing and in which polymerization is carried out; a light-emitting diode light source which irradiates a light for polymerization into the polymerization space; and a temperature control device which heats inside the polymerization space, wherein the light-emitting diode light source is arranged outside the polymerization space.
US08551409B2	Blower type chemical diffusing apparatus, and chemical cartridge and chemical impregnated body used therefor A blower type chemical diffusing apparatus is small in thickness, simple in structure, and reduced in cost. The apparatus allows the chemical and a battery to be exchanged readily and facilitates electrically connecting the battery to the motor in the blower. The apparatus casing includes a first and a second side casing counterpart hinged together to allow opening and closing. The apparatus further includes a blower with a motor and fan mounted in the first casing body. A chemical cartridge is disposed between the blower and the second casing body, and contains a chemical impregnated body which includes a carrier in the form of a sheet impregnated with the chemical. The first casing body has a battery accommodating recess in which dry cells are removably accepted to drive the motor and thereby to rotate the fan. Air is thus forced to flow through the chemical cartridge.
US08551407B2	Bacteriorhodopsin-based sensors A sensor comprising a membrane containing bacteriorhodopsin. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises a layer of purple membrane between a first and a second electrode, wherein the electrodes are connected to a circuit such that a signal is produced when a charge is transferred across the membrane. In another embodiment, the sensor comprises a field effect transistor with a layer of purple membrane deposited on the gate. The layer of purple membrane may be further functionalized by adding fluorophores to the layer of purple membrane. The fluorophores may be deposited adjacent to the layer of purple membrane, or the fluorophores may be attached to the layer of purple membrane with linkages. The fluorophores or linkages between the fluorophores and the purple membrane may be functionalized with receptors to produce sensors for targeted chemical or biological species.
US08551405B2	Electrophoretic interactive spectral methods and devices for the detection and/or characterization of biological particles Methods for identifying a biological particle in a sample medium include generating an Electrophoretic Quasi-elastic Light Scattering (EQELS) spectrum for the biological particle in the sample medium. The EQELS spectrum is compared to a reference database comprising a plurality of spectra, and each of the plurality of spectra correspond to an EQELS spectrum for one of a plurality of known biological particles. The biological particle in the sample medium is identified from the comparison.
US08551404B2	Sample analyzer and sample container supplying apparatus A sample analyzer for analyzing a sample comprising: a sample container receiver capable of receiving either one of a manually supplied sample container and an automatically supplied; a container holder receiver for receiving a container holder holding at least one sample container; a sample container supplier automatically for supplying, to the sample container receiver, a sample container held by the container holder received by the container holder receiver; an aspirator for aspirating a sample within a sample container received by the sample container receiver; and an analyzing part for analyzing the sample aspirated by the aspirator.
US08551399B2	Healthcare facility disinfecting system A system and process for disinfecting rooms such as health care facility rooms with an oxygen/ozone mixture is described, which is effective to combat “superbugs” such as Clostridium difficile (C. difficile); E. coli; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). In preferred embodiments, hydrogen peroxide is additionally used. The system and process is effective to destroy bacteria deposited on surfaces as biofilm, and, accompanied by physical agitation such as jet nozzle outlets, is effective to disinfect carpet, drapery and similar absorbent and porous surfaces.
US08551398B1	Disinfectant handle covering and method of applying An apparatus for reducing the spread of infection includes a covering that is placed over a handle. A quantity of disinfectant that is disposed in an interior portion of the apparatus is expelled from the interior portion to an exterior surface of the apparatus when a user grasps and squeezes the covering or by gravity or by the use of a pump. The pump is activated at regular intervals or when the approach of a user is detected. The disinfectant is replenished or the apparatus is periodically replaced if an interior reservoir is used. If an outer reservoir is used the disinfectant is replenished or the reservoir is periodically replaced. A method for applying a disinfectant to an exterior surface of a covering is provided. According to a modification, the disinfectant is conveyed from the outer reservoir to an exterior surface of the handle by activation of the pump or by gravity if the reservoir is elevated above the handle. A method for applying a disinfectant to an exterior surface of a handle is provided.
US08551396B2	Hydrogen storage material with intermediate bond strength and process for making the same Provided herein are materials that can achieve up to 14% hydrogen absorption by weight in ambient conditions, which is a marked improvement over the hydrogen absorption values found in the prior art. Further provided are experimental conditions necessary to produce these materials. In order to produce the hydrogen storage material, a transition metal (or Lithium) is vaporized in a pi bond gas in conditions that permit only a few bonding collisions to occur between the vaporized transition metal atoms and pi bond gas molecules before the resulting bonded material is collected.
US08551395B2	Slurry-based manufacture of thin wall metal components A method for preparing a metal-based part, the method comprising applying a slurry to a surface of a temporary substrate to thereby form a slurry-coated temporary substrate, wherein the slurry comprises a Co-, Ni-, or Fe-based metal-based material, a binder, and a solvent; drying the slurry-coated temporary substrate to remove the solvent and to thereby form a coating layer having green strength; heating the coating layer to remove the binder; heating the coating layer to sinter the metal-based material into a continuous metal alloy layer; and separating the substrate from the coating layer. A powder metallurgy preform comprising a powder metallurgy green coating on a preform substrate.
US08551394B2	Multi-modal ionomeric golf ball compositions Compositions for golf balls including multi-modal ionomers that can be used in any layer of a golf ball, e.g., an outer cover layer or inner cover layer. The compositions of the invention can be a blend of a multi-modal ionomer and a conventional ionomer, highly neutralized polymer, acid copolymer, or other suitable thermoplastic polymer.
US08551388B2	Process The present invention relates to a process for fabricating a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) component, to a monolithic quadrupole mass spectrometer or a component thereof, to a quadrupole mass filter (QMF) or quadrupole ion trap (QIT) capable of generating a hyperbolic electric field and to a modular quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) assembly.
US08551381B2	Fiber composite component and method for the production of a fiber composite component A fiber composite component comprising at least two, first and second partial elements bordering one another, each having a fiber structure and different matrix systems which respectively embed the fiber structure and cure differently from a liquid state is produced by liquifying the matrix system of the first partial element so that it either penetrates irregularly into the region of the bordering second partial element or leaves an unwetted region in the first partial element adjacent the second partial element, and subsequently liquifying the matrix system of the second partial element so that it can be cured abutting the irregular boundary surfaces of the matrix system of the first partial element. The intermeshing or interlocking of the matrix systems with one another and the fibers increase shear strength.
US08551373B2	Process for producing reclaimed casting sand The present invention relates to a process for producing reclaimed casting sand, which has step (I) of grinding recovered sand in the presence of an additive (A) containing a liquid having a surface tension of not higher than 35 mN/m at 25° C. and a boiling point of not lower than 150° C. at 1 atmospheric pressure.
US08551371B2	Method and composition A method of treating a material to improve flame retardancy, the method comprising applying to the material urea, phosphorous acid or a salt thereof, and a base comprising a monovalent metallic cation.
US08551370B2	Oxide sintered body, manufacturing method therefor, manufacturing method for transparent conductive film using the same, and resultant transparent conductive film An oxide sintered body substantially containing zinc, tin and oxygen; containing tin at an atomic number ratio, Sn/(Zn+Sn), of 0.23 to 0.50, and being composed mainly of a zinc oxide phase and at least one kind of zinc stannate compound phase, or being composed of at least one kind of zinc stannate compound phase; provided by a method for manufacturing the oxide sintered body by formulating an aqueous solvent to raw material powder containing powder of a zinc stannate compound, or mixed powder of tin oxide powder and zinc oxide powder, and after mixing the resulting slurry for equal to longer than 15 hours, by subjecting the slurry to solid-liquid separation, drying and granulation and subsequently compacting by charging the granule into a mold followed by sintering the resultant compact under sintering atmosphere at 1300 to 1500° C. for equal to or longer than 15 hours.
US08551362B2	Phosphor composition and method for producing the same, and light-emitting device using the same A light-emitting device is produced using a phosphor composition containing a phosphor host having as a main component a composition represented by a composition formula: aM3N2.bAlN.cSi3N4, where “M” is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Zn, and “a”, “b”, and “c” are numerical values satisfying 0.2≦a/(a+b)≦0.95, 0.05≦b/(b+c)≦0.8, and 0.4≦c/(c+a)≦0.95. This enables a light-emitting device emitting white light and satisfying both a high color rendering property and a high luminous flux to be provided.
US08551361B2	Oxycarbonitride phosphors and light emitting devices using the same Disclosed herein is a novel family of oxycarbidonitride phosphor compositions and light emitting devices incorporating the same. Within the sextant system of M—Al—Si—O—N—C—Ln and quintuplet system of M—Si—O—N—C—Ln (M=alkaline earth element, Ln=rare earth element), the phosphors are composed of either one single crystalline phase or two crystalline phases with high chemical and thermal stability. In certain embodiments, the disclosed phosphor of silicon oxycarbidonitrides emits green light at wavelength between 530-550 nm. In further embodiments, the disclosed phosphor compositions emit blue-green to yellow light in a wavelength range of 450-650 nm under near-UV and blue light excitation.
US08551359B2	Liquid-crystalline compounds and liquid-crystalline media The present invention relates to liquid-crystalline compounds having two fluorinated biphenyl units, a terminal trifluoromethyl or trifluoromethoxy group and a —CF2O— bridge between the two fluorinated biphenyl units. The invention also relates to liquid-crystalline media prepared therewith and to liquid-crystal display devices (LC displays) containing these media.
US08551355B2	Dedusting agents for fiberglass products and methods for making and using same Dedusting agents for fiberglass products and methods for making and using the same are provided. The composition can include a binder and a dedusting agent. The dedusting agent can include an emulsion comprising one or more pitches, one or more fatty acids, one or more rosins, or any combination thereof.
US08551345B2	Production fluid solid trap A convenient, cost effective and efficient solid separation apparatus and method of removing solid material from production fluid is disclosed. The solids separation apparatus includes a fluid inlet pipe; a fluid outlet pipe; a vessel that is a fluid velocity driven solid settlement inducement structure and/or a fluid vector driven solid settlement inducement structure; at least one solid discharge opening within the vessel longitudinally spaced between the fluid inlet pipe and the fluid outlet pipe; and, a tank disposed below the vessel with at least one solid entry opening communicated with the at least one solid discharge opening.
US08551343B2	Method and system for utilizing waste energy from a fluid purification system A method and system for managing heat energy in a fluid purification system is provided. Initially, air is compressed using one or more compressors to obtain a compressed hot air. Then one or more fluids are purified using the heat energy associated with the compressed hot air in one or more fluid purification units thereby releasing a compressed cooled air. One or more hot purified fluids are stored in one or more fluid storage tanks obtained in response to the purification of the one or more fluids. Thereafter, the compressed cooled air is heated using a heat energy associated with the one or more hot purified fluids to obtain a heated compressed air. Subsequently, one or more turbines are operated using heat energy associated with the heated compressed air to obtain an expanded cooled air. The expanded cooled air is utilized for cooling.
US08551339B2	Use of silica for the removal of organosilanes A method of removing organosilanes from a sample which involves contacting the sample with silica and allowing the organosilanes to couple to the surface of the silica. The silica can be provided as particles that are added to and mixed with the sample, or provided as a reactive filter media to which the sample is contacted.
US08551338B2	Wafer-shaped hollow fiber module for in-line use in a piping system A wafer-shaped hollow fiber module adapted for in-line use in a piping system. The piping system may include two standard bolted flange connections, and at least one wafer-shaped hollow fiber module sealed between the two standard bolted flange connections. The wafer shaped hollow fiber module includes: a cylindrical housing having an open end and a closed end having a first sealing surface and an inlet port; at least one side port through the cylindrical housing; an end cap united to the open end having a second sealing surface and an outlet port.
US08551337B2	Treatment equipment of organic waste and treatment method A method for treating an organic waste, in which the organic waste is pressurized and continuously supplied to a high temperature and pressure treatment apparatus to produce a slurried material by blowing steam into the organic waste to cause a reaction while heating, pressurizing and agitating. The slurried material is dehydrated to produce a separated liquid product and a separated solid product. The separated solid product includes sufficient combustible content to produce a fuel product. The separated liquid product is purified.
US08551330B2	Carbon retention screen with variable discharge head A carbon adsorption vessel for use in a CIP (carbon in pulp) or CIL (carbon in leach) process may be constructed. A slurry is obtained having dissolved (leached) precious metals. The slurry is brought into contact with carbon particles and is passed through a retention screen in the vessel. The dissolved precious metals adhere onto the carbon particles. An air lift pump provides the pressure differential necessary to drive the slurry through the retention screen, wherein the carbon particles are retained by the retention screen and the slurry passes through the retention screen. After passing through the retention screen, the slurry is received in to a receiving vessel that may be situated at, below or above the level of source vessel.
US08551326B2	Process for catalytic cracking with fine control of the residual coke content on the catalyst after regeneration This invention describes a two-stage regeneration zone that has a regenerated catalyst circuit such as the one that results from the mixing of a partially regenerated catalyst with a residual coke rate of between 0.3 and 0.7% and a totally regenerated catalyst with a coke rate that is less than 0.15%. All things being equal, this double-population regenerated catalyst enables the maximization of the LCO yield.
US08551324B2	Fluid catalytic cracking process adapted for the treatment of feeds with a low conradson carbon, comprising recycling a coking cut employing novel technology The present invention describes a process for the production of gasoline in a fluid catalytic cracking unit having at least one principal reactor operating using feeds with a low Conradson Carbon and a high hydrogen content, said process comprising recycling a coking cut either to a side chamber branching off the stripper or within the stripper itself by means of a tubular vessel within said stripper.
US08551321B2	Process for verifying an electrochemical substance in a gas sample A process is provided for verifying an electrochemical substance in a gas sample. The process generates in an electrochemical sensor a measured electric value changing over time with a characteristic rising from a reference line to a maximum and again declining to the reference line. The percentage of the electrochemical substance in the gas sample is determined in an analysis circuit by setting a first interval and a second interval in the range of the characteristic after the maximum has been exceeded. The first interval includes the range of the characteristic in the vicinity of the maximum and the second interval includes the range of the maximum in the vicinity of the reference line. The electrochemical substance is determined by determining the ratio of the slopes of the first and second intervals and by comparison with a reference value of the ratio of the slopes of the first and second intervals.
US08551317B2	Method and apparatus for forming oxide coating Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for forming an oxide coating film with excellent corrosion resistance and adhesiveness on a cathode made of a metal plate by a simple process at low cost. A direct current voltage is applied between an anode (12) and a cathode (13) in an electrolyte solution which cathode (13) is made of a metal plate to be coated with oxide and arranged opposite to the anode (12), while supplying oxygen or a gas containing oxygen into the electrolyte solution, so that the metal plate cathode (13) is coated with oxide, thereby being formed into a oxide-coated metal plate.
US08551313B2	Method and apparatus for electroplating on soi and bulk semiconductor wafers An electroplating apparatus and method for depositing a metallic layer on the surface of a wafer is provided wherein said apparatus and method do not require physical attachment of an electrode to the wafer. The surface of the wafer to be plated is positioned to face the anode and a plating fluid is provided between the wafer and the electrodes to create localized metallic plating. The wafer may be positioned to physically separate and lie between the anode and cathode so that one side of the wafer facing the anode contains a catholyte solution and the other side of the wafer facing the cathode contains an anolyte solution. Alternatively, the anode and cathode may exist on the same side of the wafer in the same plating fluid. In one example, the anode and cathode are separated by a semi permeable membrane.
US08551311B2	Ionic probe An ionic probe is provided according to the invention. The ionic probe includes an active electrode configured to generate a measurement signal for an external test fluid, a first reference electrode configured to generate a first reference signal, and an at least second reference electrode configured to generate at least a second reference signal. The measurement signal is compared to the first reference signal and the at least second reference signal in order to determine an ionic measurement of the external test fluid.
US08551304B2	Alkaline electrolyzer An Alkaline Electrolyzer Cell Configuration (AECC) has a hydrogen half cell; an oxygen half cell; a GSM (Gas Separation Membrane); two inner hydrogen half cell spacer screens; an outer hydrogen half cell spacer screen; a hydrogen electrode; two inner oxygen half cell spacer screens; an outer oxygen half cell spacer screen; and an oxygen electrode. The hydrogen half cell includes the hydrogen electrode which is located between said two inner hydrogen half cell spacer screens and said outer hydrogen half cell spacer screen. The oxygen half cell includes the oxygen electrode which is located between said two inner oxygen half cell spacer screens and said outer oxygen half cell spacer screen. The GSM is provided between said two inner hydrogen half cell spacer screens of the hydrogen half cell and said two inner oxygen half cell spacer screens of the oxygen half cell to from the electrolyzer.
US08551302B2	Hydrogen generating apparatus and fuel cell power generation system controlling amount of hydrogen generation Hydrogen generating apparatus that is capable of controlling the amount of hydrogen generation. The hydrogen generating apparatus has an electrolyzer, a first electrode, a second electrode, a switch, which is located between the first electrode and the second electrode, a flow rate meter, which measures an amount of hydrogen generation in the second electrode, and a switch controller, which receives a set value, compares the amount of hydrogen generation measured by the flow rate meter with the set value, and controls an on/off status of the switch. The amount of hydrogen generation can be controlled by use of on/off time and/or on/of frequency of the switch.
US08551300B2	Coated article with improved barrier layer structure and method of making the same A coated article, and a corresponding method of making the same are provided. The coated article includes a coating supported by a substrate, the coating including a thin metal or metal nitride contact layer (e.g., NiCr, Ni, Cr, CrNx or NiCrNx) located directly between and contacting an infrared (IR) reflecting layer (e.g., Ag) and an oxide barrier layer (e.g., NiCrOx).
US08551299B2	Methods of producing hydrochloric acid from hydrogen gas and chlorine gas A method of producing HCl from H2 and Cl2 is provided. In some embodiments, the method comprises at least one photochemical chamber placed in fluid communication with at least one source of H2 and at least one source of Cl2. In some embodiments, the photochemical chamber effects the formation of HCl through the use of at least one source of ultraviolet radiation contained therein. In some embodiments, the HCl product may be captured and used as a gas. In some embodiments, the HCl product may be absorbed into water to form an aqueous HCl solution.
US08551297B2	Process for extractive distillation A process for extractive distillation, including: feeding a solvent to an extractive distillation column via a solvent feeding inlet, wherein the solvent has a feeding temperature 3.5˜22.5° C. higher than a top temperature of the extractive distillation column; feeding a mixture comprising a light component and a heavy component to the extractive distillation column via a mixture feeding inlet, wherein the light and heavy components are according to the volatility after adding the solvent, wherein the mixture is liquid, and the mixture feeding inlet is lower than the solvent feeding inlet; condensing a vapor generated by the mixture in an upper portion of the extractive distillation column to obtain the light component; and separating the solvent in a lower portion of the extractive distillation column to obtain the heavy component.
US08551285B2	Method of making multilayer polyurethane protective film A method of making a multilayer protective film. The method comprises: (a) forming a PU layer comprising an at least partially crosslinked polyurethane, the at least partially crosslinked polyurethane comprising at least one of a polyester-based polyurethane or a polycarbonate-based polyurethane; (b) forming a TPU layer comprising a polycaprolactone-based thermoplastic polyurethane; (c) forming a PSA layer comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive; (d) bonding one major surface of the PU layer to one major surface of the TPU layer; and (e) bonding the PSA layer to an opposite major surface of the TPU layer; wherein the TPU layer is sandwiched between the PU layer and the PSA layer. The multilayer film may be used to protect painted surfaces of vehicle body parts.
US08551284B2	Polarizing film, laminated film and liquid crystal display The invention provides a polarizing film comprising: a long polymer film; and a dichroic substance, wherein the polarizing film has an absorption axis in the TD direction of the polarizing film.
US08551282B2	Heating system for hot coupling or laminating films or thin sheets A heating system for hot coupling or laminating at least two films or thin sheets, said heating system comprising at least a heater group comprising at least a burner, and an airtight chamber.
US08551275B2	Adhesive application method and terminal joining method Disclosed herein is an adhesive application method of applying adhesive to a protruding part formed on a substrate. The adhesive application method includes an adhesive preparing step of forming an adhesive layer on the surface of a plate member, an adhesive applying step of allowing the protruding part and the adhesive layer to be brought into contact with each other such that the surface of the substrate around the protruding part does not contact the adhesive layer, and a moving step of moving the substrate and the plate member relative to each other in the plane parallel with the surface of the plate member while the surface of the substrate around the protruding part is not in contact with the adhesive layer and the protruding part and the adhesive layer are in contact with each other.
US08551274B2	Permeable material compacting method A permeable material compacting method includes, feeding permeable material between at least one set of rollers, decreasing a thickness of the permeable material, and wrapping the permeable material around a mandrel in a helical fashion.
US08551270B2	Pressure sensitive shrink label A label for application to a surface having at least one compound curve is provided. The label comprises a heat shrinkable film having an inner surface and outer surface and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on the inner surface of the heat shrinkable film.
US08551267B2	Monolithic aluminum alloy target and method of manufacturing Aluminum or aluminum alloy sputter targets and methods of making same are provided. The pure aluminum or aluminum alloy is mechanically worked to produce a circular blank, and then the blank is given a recrystallization anneal to achieve desirable grain size and crystallographic texture. A 10-50% additional strain is provided to the blank step after the annealing to increase the mechanical strength. Further, in a flange area of the target, the strain is greater than in the other target areas with the strain in the flange area being imparted at a rate of about 20-60% strain. The blank is then finished to form a sputtering target with desirable crystallographic texture and adequate mechanical strength.
US08551266B2	Method, alloy and component A method for heat treating a nickel base alloy includes the steps of: a. heating a nickel base alloy to at least its delta (δ) phase solvus temperature, and lower than its incipient melting temperature for a predetermined time sufficient to dissolve substantially all of the nickel base alloy's delta (δ) phase, and b. cooling the nickel base alloy to a temperature below the gamma prime (υ) precipitation temperature at a rate sufficient to precipitate the alloy's chromium carbide and gamma prime (υ) in a serrated grain boundary.
US08551262B2	Floor maintenance machine A method of maintaining a floor comprises discharging a diluting fluid from a first reservoir to a mixing apparatus, discharging a cleaner concentrate from a second reservoir to the mixing apparatus, continuously identifying changes in fluid level within the first reservoir with a level sensor, providing a first signal indicative of an identified change in fluid level, passing the cleaner concentrate and diluting fluid through a flow control device, and processing the first signal to generate an output signal and controlling operation of the pump and the flow control device in response to the output signal to provide a flow of fluid to a cleaning device at a substantially constant ratio of the diluting fluid from the first reservoir to the cleaner concentrate from the second reservoir for substantially all fluid levels of the first reservoir.
US08551261B2	Module for purifying a fluid containing a cleaning agent, and methods of fabricating and using this kind of module Described herein is a disposable module for purifying a fluid, in particular water, adapted to form part of a fluid purification system and method of cleaning at least a portion of a fluid purification system using such a disposable module, where the method includes the steps of: (a) providing a disposable module which includes a housing containing a cleaning agent from the outset: (b) connecting the module to a purification system which is downstream of the module and starting a system cleaning procedure, thereby to clean at least a portion of the purification system.
US08551257B2	Supercritical noble gases and cleaning methods A cleaning system can include a noble gas, and one or more vessels configured to convert the noble gas into a supercritical fluid, and/or receive and clean an article of manufacture with the noble gas in the supercritical fluid state. A cleaning process can include converting a noble gas into a supercritical fluid state; and cleaning an article of manufacture with the noble gas in the supercritical fluid state so as to remove one or more contaminates from the article of manufacture. A cleaning composition can include a noble gas in a supercritical fluid state, and a textile article of manufacture having one or more contaminates located in the supercritical noble gas.
US08551256B2	Washing machine and washing control method of the same A washing machine and a washing control method of the same that is capable of controlling laundry to be effectively washed with bubbles depending upon load of the washing machine and types of the laundry. The washing control method includes detecting the amount of load depending upon the weight of laundry, controlling the amount of wetting water according to the detected amount of load to wet the laundry, and generating bubbles to wash the laundry.
US08551254B2	Systems and methods for robotic gutter cleaning along an axis of rotation In embodiments of the present invention, a gutter-cleaning device comprises a housing containing an impeller drive facility, the housing configured to fit into a gutter, an impeller, disposed at an end of the housing and driven by the impeller drive facility, and a transport facility for transporting the housing along the gutter.
US08551251B2	Ultrasonic treatment method and apparatus Improved methods and apparatus for cleaning substrates and enhancing diffusion limited reaction at substrate surfaces use piezoelectric transducers operating in the gigasonic domain. The resonator assemblies include plural transducer stacks each including a thin film piezoelectric element coupled to a resonator plate that faces the substrate. At the disclosed frequencies and powers used, Eckart or Rayleigh streaming can be induced in a liquid treatment medium without substantial generation of cavitation.
US08551247B2	Generating a pumping force in a silicon melt by applying a time-varying magnetic field Controlling crystal growth in a crystal growing system is described. The crystal growing system includes a heated crucible including a semiconductor melt from which a monocrystalline ingot is grown according to a Czochralski and the ingot is grown on a seed crystal pulled from the melt. The method includes applying a cusped magnetic field to the melt by supplying an upper coil with a first direct current (IUDC) and supplying a lower coil with a second direct current (ILDC). The method also includes supplying the upper coil with a first alternating current (IUAC) and supplying the lower coil with a second alternating current (ILAC) to generate a time-varying magnetic field, wherein the time-varying magnetic field generates a pumping force in the semiconductor melt.
US08551246B2	Method for evaluating oxide dielectric breakdown voltage of a silicon single crystal wafer A method for manufacturing a silicon single crystal wafer, having at least: a step of preparing a silicon single crystal ingot; a step of slicing the silicon single crystal ingot to fabricate a plurality of sliced substrates; a processing step of processing the plurality of sliced substrates into a plurality of substrates by performing at least one of lapping, etching, and polishing; a step of sampling at least one from the plurality of substrates; a step of measuring surface roughness of the substrate sampled at the sampling step by an AFM and obtaining an amplitude (an intensity) of a frequency band corresponding to a wavelength of 20 nm to 50 nm to make a judgment of acceptance; and a step of sending the substrate to the next step if a judgment result is acceptance or performing reprocessing if the judgment result is rejection.
US08551245B2	Narrow PSD hydraulic cement, cement-SCM blends, and methods for making same Hydraulic cements, such as Portland cements and other cements that include substantial quantities of tricalcium silicate (C3S), dicalcium silicate (C2S), tricalcium aluminate (C3A), and/or tetracalcalcium alumino-ferrite (C4AF), are particle size optimized to have increased reactivity compared to cements of similar chemistry and/or decreased water demand compared to cements of similar fineness. Increasing hydraulic cement reactivity increases early strength development and release of reactive calcium hydroxide, both of which enhance SCM replacement and 1-28 day strengths compared to blends of conventional Portland cement and one or more SCMs, such as coal ash, slag or natural pozzolan. Decreasing the water demand can improve strength by decreasing the water-to-cement ratio for a given workability. The narrow PSD cements are well suited for making blended cements, including binary, ternary and quaternary blends.
US08551239B2	Composite materials using novel reinforcements The present invention relates to materials used for building products, construction projects, structural objects, mechanical devices and other materials applications. Specifically, the present invention concerns composite materials made with reinforcing elements in a binder matrix material. A method of strengthening materials is described that uses high volumes of reinforcing elements, which can be easily dispersed and uniformly distributed, consisting of large diameter fibers, miniature rods or other similar geometric shapes with a diameter or thickness between 0.05 mm and 20 mm where the reinforcements are incorporated either as short, randomly distributed elements or long, continuous aligned arrays.
US08551238B2	Anti-corrosive package The invention provides an anti-corrosive package which can be added to release agents used in preparing textiles and molded articles from lignocellulosic materials, concrete and polyurethane foam.
US08551234B2	Air cleaner An air cleaner having a manipulator is disclosed. The manipulator (200) includes a rotary manipulation unit (300), which is provided so as to be movable between a first position, at which the rotary manipulation unit is retracted into the air cleaner, and a second position, to which the rotary manipulation unit is extracted from the air cleaner to enable a user to manipulate the rotary manipulation unit. The manipulator further includes a lift unit (400), which is installed in the air cleaner to move the rotary manipulation unit between the first position and the second position. In the present invention, the manipulator can control several functions of the air cleaner obviating the need for having several control buttons, thus being more convenient for a user. Furthermore, the present invention can prevent water from permeating a PCB mounted in the rotary manipulation unit, thus preventing malfunction of the encoder unit.
US08551233B2	Dust scrubber A dust scrubber (30, 130) for a mining shearer machine (12) is adapted to be mounted behind the rear surface of the shearer arm (18), on the opposite side of the arm to the mine surface being cut, so as to extract airborne particulates. The scrubber may be mounted to the shearer via a compensation mechanism such as a double hinge (160, 162) and link (164) arrangement which maintains relatively static position and/or orientation of the scrubber despite the pivoting of the shearer arm in operation.
US08551226B2	Exhaust gas treating system using polymer membrane for carbon dioxide capture process Disclosed is an exhaust gas treating system having an exhaust gas treating apparatus for carbon dioxide capture process which additionally removes harmful substances remaining in the gas discharged from the existing flue-gas desulfurization process by using separation membrane so as to efficiently carry out the carbon dioxide capture process. The exhaust gas treating system using polymer membrane, comprises a carbon dioxide capture equipment for capturing carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas of a boiler, a flue-gas denitrification equipment placed between the boiler and the carbon dioxide capture equipment, a dust-collecting equipment and a flue-gas desulfurization equipment.
US08551224B2	Device and method for remediating and separating gas accumulations in waterways A pipe system comprising i) an exploratory pipe extracting a fluid containing gas from waterways, ii) an injection pipe returning fluid depleted of gas and iii) a plurality of gas traps, wherein I) the gas traps are connected to the exploratory pipe and to the injection pipe such that the fluid is transferred from the exploratory pipe through the gas traps to the injection pipe, II) the gas traps disposed at specific distances vertically one above the other and relative to the fluid deposits to be depleted and connected together such that rising fluid passes from the exploratory pipe to a first gas trap located at a first pressure level at which a first gas/gas mixture is separated, whereupon depleted fluid passes to a second gas trap at a predefined pressure level in which a second gas/gas mixture is separated, wherein the first pressure and the second pressure are different from one another, and III) the gas traps are connected to one or more gas extraction devices.
US08551222B2	Apparatus for combustion products utilization and heat generation A method and apparatus for heating a fluid and treating a combustion products waste stream includes two or more nozzles discharging into a mixing chamber, and an outlet of the mixing chamber discharging to a gas-liquid separator. A liquid output of the gas-liquid separator may be treated to remove carbonaceous or other impurities. The nozzles may include an annular nozzle, Fisenko nozzle, and/or Laval nozzle arranged in a transonic jet module. A heated input liquid may be accelerated to sonic velocity in a main nozzle, causing boiling due to pressure drop prior to mixing with a combustion product stream in the mixing chamber. Heat may be recovered from a mixture discharged from the mixing chamber. Carbonic, sulfuric, or other combustion impurities may be captured by dissolving in water or other solvent in the transonic jet module and then recovered or otherwise used in a liquid stream from the separator.
US08551219B2	Method for storing and delivering ammonia from solid storage materials using a vacuum pump In a method of storing and releasing gaseous ammonia from solid storage materials a first solid storage material (14) capable of releasing ammonia by desorption in a first container (10) and a second solid storage material (24) capable of ad- or absorbing ammonia reversibly and having a higher affinity for ammonia than the first storage material (14) in a second container (20) smaller than said first container (10) are in fluid communication. The pressure in at least the first container (10) is kept below the equilibrium pressure between ammonia and the storage material contained therein by means of a pump (28). When the pressure in the first container (10) is below a pressure threshold where the first storage material (14) does not release an amount of ammonia required by an ammonia consuming device connected with the containers via the vacuum pump (28), the second storage material (24) is heated such that the ammonia pressure of the second material (24) is higher than the ammonia pressure of the first material (14). The ammonia released by the second material (24) is continuously pumped off so as to deliver sufficient ammonia to said ammonia consuming unit. A device for carrying out the method is also described.
US08551207B2	Fluted filter with axial seal A filter element includes a filter media pack and an axial seal member configured to axially seal against a filter housing. The axial seal member may be supported by and attached to the filter media pack by a media pack seal member. Alternatively, the axial seal member may be carried by a frame, which is attached to the filter media pack by the media pack seal member provided.
US08551201B2	Polyurethane composition for CMP pads and method of manufacturing same Polyurethane composition based on a certain polyether and polyester prepolymer reaction mixture, wherein the composition is utilized in manufacturing chemical mechanical polishing/planarizing (CMP) pads. The CMP pads have low rebound and can dissipate irregular energy as well as stabilize polishing to yield improved uniformity and less dishing of the substrate.
US08551199B2	Method and apparatus to recycle tail gas A method of recycling a tail gas includes converting sulfur present in an acid gas stream into elemental sulfur to produce a tail gas and recycling the tail gas to at least one of a gasification reactor and a gas removal subsystem.
US08551193B2	Nickel alloy target including a secondary metal A target includes nickel and a secondary metal. The secondary metal has a volume percentage between about 1 percent and about 10 percent. The secondary metal has a density between about 5,000 kg/m3 and about 15,000 kg/m3.
US08551191B2	Dicationic 4-aza-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes and agents for colouring keratin-containing fibers Dicationic azo dyes of the formula (I), which are suitable for coloring keratin fibers, in particular human hair, and are in part themselves still not described in the prior art are provided. In colorations, particularly brilliant and luminous red shades are obtained. Agents for dyeing and optionally simultaneously lightening keratin fibers and methods for dyeing and optionally simultaneously lightening keratinic fibers also are provided.
US08551190B2	Process for producing a colorant for keratin fibers A method for manufacturing a coloring agent for keratin fibers is provided. The method includes directing a composition A from a container A by a filler apparatus through an inlet opening into a container B containing a composition B. A coloring agent for keratin fibers exits from the container B as a mixture of the composition A and the composition B. The composition A is flowable and encompasses a polymeric thickener and the composition B encompasses a fatty alcohol.
US08551184B1	Variable mechanical-impedance artificial legs In one aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus facilitating an adjustable-stiffness prosthesis or orthosis (including approximations to arbitrarily definable non-linear spring functions). Spring rates may be varied under no-load conditions during a walking gate cycle to minimize power consumption. In another aspect, the invention provides methods and apparatus for outputting positive power from a prosthesis or orthosis, facilitating high-performance artificial limbs. In one embodiment of the invention, the positive power is transferred from a functioning muscle to the prosthesis or orthosis, which mimics or assists a non-functioning or impaired muscle. In another embodiment of the invention, the positive power comes from an on-board power source in the prosthesis or orthosis.
US08551183B2	Repair of defect in inguinal canal and other muscular structures A space in a muscle wall such as the inguinal canal is dilated to break up fibrotic bands by divulsion. While the space is dilated a dynamic plug is advanced into it, with the plug expanding and contracting with the space. Shields may be placed against opposite sides of the wall surrounding the space.
US08551179B2	Femoral prosthesis system having provisional component with visual indicators A provisional femoral component, in one embodiment, including at least one first visual indicator and at least one second visual indicator, the first and second visual indicators providing indicating means for simultaneously visually representing a first profile of a first femoral prosthesis and a second profile of a second femoral prosthesis. In another embodiment, a provisional femoral component including a patellofemoral flange having two sulci and a central ridge between the two sulci. In this manner, the provisional femoral component can be positioned on a resected distal femur surface of both a right and left knee joint.
US08551178B2	Osteoarthritis treatment and device A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.
US08551177B2	Revision glenoid kit A method of implanting a revision glenoid component in one embodiment includes accessing a previously implanted glenoid component in a scapula, removing the previously implanted glenoid component, identifying an inferior glenoid circle center of the scapula, preparing a glenoid fossa of the scapula to receive a revision glenoid component, selecting a revision glenoid component, and implanting the selected revision glenoid component based upon the identified inferior glenoid circle center in the prepared glenoid fossa.
US08551176B2	Spinal implant having a passage for enhancing contact between bone graft material and cortical endplate bone An interbody spinal implant including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, opposing anterior and posterior portions, and a substantially hollow center in communication with a vertical aperture, which are filled with a bone graft material. The dimensions, shape, and position of the vertical aperture facilitate contact between the bone graft material and vertebral endplate bone to support and enhance bone growth.
US08551168B2	Valve device intended for being implanted in a dysfunctional larynx or a larynx prosthesis The present invention relates to a valve device designed to be implanted in a dysfunctional larynx or in a prosthetic larynx. The valve device has a distal portion forming an annular support structure and a central portion forming an obturator. The obturator includes i) a peripheral part forming a first valve integral with the annular support structure in a first hinge region, and ii) a central part forming a second valve integral with the first valve in a second hinge region.
US08551166B2	Methods and apparatus for delivering ocular implants into the eye A method of deploying an ocular implant into Schlemm's canal of a human eye including the following steps: inserting a distal tip of a delivery tool within an anterior chamber of the eye through trabecular meshwork of the eye into Schlemm's canal of the eye; and advancing an ocular implant through a curved portion and a distal opening of the delivery tool to place a body portion of the ocular implant in Schlemm's canal and an inlet portion of the ocular implant in the anterior chamber.
US08551163B2	Cardiac support systems and methods for chronic use A high efficiency cardiac support system is suitable for chronic use in treating heart failure, wherein the system includes an implantable rotary blood pump, an implantable power module, a wireless power transfer subsystem, a patient monitor, and a programmer. In a cardiac support system, the cumulative efficiencies of the components of the system are capable of providing therapeutically effective blood flow for a typical day of awake hours using the energy from a single wireless recharge of an implanted rechargeable energy source. Moreover, the implantable rechargeable energy source may be recharged during a normal sleep period of 8 hours or less. The system may provide full or partial cardiac support without the need for external wearable batteries, controllers, or cables.
US08551162B2	Biologically implantable prosthesis Biologically implantable prostheses and methods of using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a heart valve assembly includes a first annular prosthesis sized for introduction into a tissue annulus in a heart; a first magnet in the first prosthesis; a second valve prosthesis separate and disconnected from the first prosthesis and comprising a heart valve crown with leaflets, the second prosthesis configured for introduction into the tissue annulus after introducing the first prosthesis into the tissue annulus; and a second magnet in the second prosthesis, wherein an attraction between the first magnet and the second magnet engages the first prosthesis to the second prosthesis to attach the second prosthesis to the first prosthesis in the tissue annulus.
US08551156B2	Stent A radially expansible annular stent is disclosed. The stent comprises a plurality of stenting turns around a lumen centred on a longitudinal axis. Adjacent turns of the stent are joined by connector struts. The stent annulus has a wall thickness related to the material from which it is formed. The radial thickness of the connector struts is smaller than that of the stent annulus. A method of making such a stent is also disclosed. The method includes cutting the connector struts from a tubular workpiece with a laser beam. The laser beam is aimed so as to be offset from a longitudinal axis of the workpiece to provide the reduced radial thickness of the connector struts.
US08551155B2	Stent customization system and method Methods and systems are described for receiving a parameter relating to a specific patient, and for customizing one or more attributes of a stent ex situ as an at-least-roughly contemporaneous response to receiving the parameter relating to the specific patient or for customizing one or more junctions of a stent ex situ in response to the received parameter relating to the specific patient.
US08551153B2	Prosthesis comprising a coiled stent and method of use thereof The present invention is directed to a prosthesis and method for treating, repairing, and/or replacing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The prosthesis includes a coiled stent comprised of shape memory material having first and second anchoring zones and an intermediate zone. The prosthesis also includes graft material engaging at least a portion of the stent. During delivery of the prosthesis, the stent is in a substantially straight longitudinal configuration, and after delivery of the prosthesis the stent is returned to a coiled configuration. The diameter of the prosthesis may be adjusted by controlling the degree to which the stent is coiled.
US08551152B2	Drug-eluting stent and delivery system with tapered stent in shoulder region A drug-eluting stent delivery system for the treatment of edge restenosis in a blood vessel. The drug-eluting stent delivery system has a balloon disposed about at least a portion of a catheter, the balloon having a first end and a second end and a working length therebetween, the first end and the second end each including a tapered portion, each tapered portion being attached to the catheter, the balloon being inflatable from a collapsed configuration to an inflated configuration. A drug-eluting stent contacts a wall of the blood vessel to maintain the patency of the vessel. The drug-eluting stent has a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end each including a tapered portion, wherein the drug-eluting stent is disposed over the balloon such that at least a portion of the first end and the second end of the balloon are covered by the tapered drug-eluting stent. A method for making the same is also disclosed herein.
US08551151B2	Method and apparatus for regional and whole body temperature modification A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.
US08551149B2	Corrective method for fingernails or toenails The disclosure relates to a method for correcting a fingernail or toenail, comprising the application of at least one layer and the performance of at least one treatment step, wherein the at least one layer contracts or expands, as well as a fingernail or toenail that can be produced with the method.
US08551148B2	Light irradiating apparatus and light irradiating method Disclosed herein is a light irradiating apparatus including: a light source block configured to radiate a light to eyes of a user; a view line detection block configured to detect a view line direction of the user; and a light source control block configured to control the light radiated from the light source so as to restrict a light quantity in an area corresponding to a view line direction detected by the view line detection block.
US08551143B2	Low profile periarticular tension band plating system with soft tissue neutralization cable tunnel/channel A bone plating system comprising: a plate, where the plate is low-profile and capable of contouring to a bone; a variable number of screw holes, locking or non-locking; at least one channel or tunnel through the plate; and at least one flexible device passing through the channel or tunnel and passing through soft tissue attached to the bone. The low profile plate, in combination with the flexible device passing through the surrounding soft tissue, functions as a tension band and acts to neutralize the muscle forces tending to pull the bone apart at a fracture. The low profile tension band plating system is targeted for periarticular tensile fractures for repair of patella, olecranon, greater trochanter, greater tuberosity, radial styloid, lateral or medial malleoli, or lateral malleolus.
US08551142B2	Methods for stabilization of bone structures Methods, systems, devices and tools for placing bone stabilization components in a patient are provided. The systems and devices have a reduced number of discrete components that allow placement through small incisions and tubes. More particularly, the present invention is directed to screws for use in systems and methods of treating the spine, which eliminate pain and enable spinal motion, which effectively mimics that of a normally functioning spine. Methods are also provided for installation of the screw and other subject systems.
US08551139B2	Visceral anchors for purse-string closure of perforations Medical devices and related methods for closing a perforation in a bodily wall The medical device generally includes a suture having opposing first and second ends and a set of visceral anchors. Each visceral anchor includes a crossbar having opposing ends and a suture slidably attached thereto. Each visceral anchor is passed through the bodily wall adjacent the periphery of the perforation. The ends of the suture are tensioned to reduce the distance between the visceral anchors and compress the bodily wall around the perforation. The ends of the suture are secured to maintain the compression of the bodily wall and close the perforation.
US08551138B2	Annular support structures Reinforcing lumen rings are configured and adapted for use in conjunction with a circular endoscopic stapling instrument having a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The reinforcing lumen rings maintain anastomotic lumen, e.g. as formed by the circular endoscopic stapling apparatus, in an open condition. The reinforcing lumen rings can include an annular ring having an outer terminal edge and an inner terminal edge, the outer terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an outer diameter of the staple cartridge assembly and the inner terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the staple cartridge assembly.
US08551133B2	Balloon catheter An object of the present invention is to provide a balloon catheter integrated with a guidewire in which a stepped portion is prevented from being formed between a coil portion of the guidewire and a front end portion of the balloon catheter and thus crossability of the balloon catheter is improved. The balloon catheter includes a transition part made of resin that smoothly connects an external shape of an outer coil of a front end coil part and an external shape of a tip portion of a front side inner shaft.
US08551131B2	Method of performing Soojichim acupuncture using bodycopy The present invention disclosed a method of performing Soojichim acupuncture on oneself using a copy of the person's body. The method includes: making an instantaneous molding of any one of hand and foot of the person requiring Soojichim acupuncture; forming a copy of the body on the basis of the instantaneous molding; marking an acupoint location and a reference point on the body copy; drilling a hole into the marked acupoint location on the body copy; attaching the body copy based on the marked reference point closely onto the body of the person requiring Soojichim acupuncture; marking the acupoint location at a skin of the person requiring Soojichim acupuncture through the drilled hole of the body copy; baring the body copy from the person requiring Soojichim acupuncture that the acupoint location is marked at the skin thereon; and performing Soojichim acupuncture through the drilled hole at the marked acupoint location of the body copy by the person.
US08551130B2	Therapeutic agent delivery system, device and method for localized application of therapeutic substances to a biological conduit The invention provides a system, device and method for localized application of therapeutic substances within a biological conduit. One embodiment comprises a rotational atherectomy device having a flexible, elongated, rotatable, drive shaft having a lumen and with an eccentric enlarged abrading head having at least one application hole attached therethrough and in communication with a therapeutic agent delivery sheath and an operator-controlled actuator. The therapeutic substances may then spray radially outwardly from the application hole(s) on the eccentric abrading head during and/or after high-speed rotation of the head. Another embodiment comprises compartments in the abrading head that hold therapeutic agent(s) for release during high-speed rotation. In each case, the therapeutic substance(s) is delivered with radial forces resulting from high-speed orbital rotation of the eccentric abrading head, driving the therapeutic substance(s) into the conduit wall.
US08551128B2	Rotational atherectomy device with pre-curved drive shaft The invention provides a rotational atherectomy system, device and method comprising a flexible, elongated, rotatable drive shaft with an abrasive section within a pre-curved section of the drive shaft. The device may further comprise a concentric or eccentric enlarged diameter section that is at least partially covered with abrasive material to comprise the abrasive section. The abrasive section may further comprise an abrasive crown or burr mounted to the drive shaft. The pre-curved drive shaft allows smaller diameter and/or massive abrasive regions to be used while sweeping larger diameters during high-speed rotation. The pre-curved region is substantially straightened for insertion into vasculature and placement adjacent stenosis by insertion of the guide wire. Removal of guide wire proximally from the pre-curved region allows the drive shaft to return to its pre-curved form for ablation. Reinsertion of the guide wire beyond the pre-curved region straightens the drive shaft for ease of removal.
US08551126B2	Anastomosis device and related methods Described are methods and devices relating to reconnecting tissue of the urethra, e.g., connecting the urethra and bladder after a radical prostatectomy, wherein the devices incorporate tissue approximating structure such as tines to maintain contact between severed tissue, such as a severed bladder neck tissue and a severed urethral stump tissue, preferably without the use of sutures.
US08551124B2	Implantation pin, fixation device and method for implanting the implantation pin An implantation pin for implantation in a target structure has a pinhead and a shaft. The pinhead comprises a pinhead molding portion comprising a moldable material which can be liquefied by application of mechanical energy such as ultrasonic vibration energy. A channel extends through the pinhead and the shaft, the channel connecting the pinhead molding portion to a discharge opening located at the shaft. The moldable material can be liquefied by applying mechanical energy e.g. in the form of ultrasonic vibrations via e.g. a fixation device including an ultrasonic sonotrode and a vibrating tip. The pressure applied by the vibrating tip can be transmitted via the border of the pinhead to the target structure while the liquefied moldable material can be forced through the channel and the discharge opening into a gap between the implantation pin and a recess in a target structure thereby fixing the implantation pin in the target structure.
US08551120B2	Tissue capturing and suturing device and method A combination tissue apposition and suture capturing device (100) for performing endoscopic procedures typically in the gastro-esophageal tract. The device (100) is particularly adapted for forming multiple plications used in a gastroplasty procedure devised to cure or ameliorate gastro-esophageal reflux disease. The device include a tissue sewing capsule (102) attached to the distal end of an endoscope having a needle (120) that is deposited in a capsule (102) distal tip cavity following the suturing of a tissue fold and retrieved to enable the suturing of a subsequent tissue fold without the need for multiple intubations. A suture clip delivery device (200) is also disclosed that is adapted to fit within the capsule to enable suture capture without the need for multiple intubations. The combination device eliminates the need for an overtube and maximizes the speed efficiency of the gastroplasty procedure. A method for using the combination device is also disclosed.
US08551119B2	Ligation apparatus A ligation apparatus includes a clip having a clip claw member advanced and retreated relative to a pressing member to be opened and closed, a sheath configured to accommodate the clip such that the clip claw member is not exposed to the outside, an advance and retreat restricting mechanism restricting advance and retreat of the pressing member relative to the sheath at a distal end portion of the sheath allowing advance and retreat of the clip claw member relative to the pressing member according to advance and retreat of the operation wire relative to the sheath so as to allow the clip ligaturing living tissue, and a releasing mechanism releasing at least a portion of the clip so that the clip ligatures the living tissue.
US08551117B2	Handheld exfoliating device A skin removal device includes a housing having a handle portion, a drum assembly coupled to the handle portion and including a drum, the drum having an abrasive outer surface configured to abrade skin of a user during rotation of the drum, and an electromechanical drive system disposed at least partially within the housing and configured to rotate the drum. The drum assembly is moveable in a lateral direction relative to the handle portion to enable insertion and removal of the drum assembly.
US08551113B2	Method and apparatus for fixating an implantable medical device A fixation mechanism coupled to an implantable device body extends from a proximal portion of the body to a distal portion of the body and includes a fixation element and a push tube segment. A push tube segment of the mechanism extends proximally from the fixation mechanism to the proximal portion of the body and is adapted to deploy the mechanism.
US08551112B2	Direct access atherectomy devices and methods of use An atherectomy device has cannula systems having lumens adapted for insertion of a blood filter and an atherectomy catheter useful for performing atherectomy directly on a patient's cardiovascular tissue. Other embodiments include a lumen for arterial perfusion useful in providing oxygenated blood to the aorta during cardiopulmonary bypass. The distal end of the atherectomy catheter includes an assembly that has a pincer, a loop with or without a mesh, laser, hydraulics, or other suitable mechanism adapted for removing atheroma from a cardiac or vascular tissue. Methods of using the systems for vascular atherectomy are also disclosed herein.
US08551110B2	Endoprosthesis holder A stent delivery system comprising an elongate inner structure, a tubular endoprosthesis holder supported on said elongate inner structure and in coaxial relation therewith, said endoprosthesis holder comprising, the endoprosthesis holder fixed in a coaxial relationship to said elongate inner structure, the endoprosthesis holder comprising a proximal connector structure having an outer surface, a distal connector structure having an outer surface and an intermediate connector structure having an outer surface extending between the proximal and distal connector structure, the outer surface of the at least one of the proximal connector structure, the distal connector structure or the intermediate connector structure comprising at least one outward protrusion.
US08551101B2	Methods and apparatus for preparing a patient's femur for patellofemoral knee arthroplasty Methods and apparatus provide for modifying a patient's femur to receive a patellofemoral prosthesis, including: a distal punch, an anterior punch and a trochlear punch which are used in well defined orientations to remove material from the femur to accommodate complex geometries of a patellofemoral prosthesis; and optionally a guide operating to engage a distal end of the femur, the guide including a distal slot, an anterior slot and a transverse slot, which ensure that the punches achieve the desired orientations.
US08551099B2	Surgical tools for arthroplasty Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
US08551096B2	Directional delivery of energy and bioactives Systems and methods are disclosed for the treatment of a target tissue by directionally delivering energy and/or bioactive materials to achieve a therapeutic effect. A balloon catheter system having a balloon portion and a plurality of electrodes may be energized to selectively deliver energy, bioactive materials, or a combination thereof to target tissue including tissues disposed about a lumen. The tissue may be targeted by applying energy, making tissue impedance analysis, and further selectively energizing electrodes through the use of an energy source with a controller.
US08551093B2	Bone fixation system An implant for fixation of a bone includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a longitudinal axis defined between the proximal end and the distal end. A plurality of blades are disposed on the shaft, and are helically twisted about the longitudinal axis. At least one of the blades has a variable blade width that increases in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A mechanism for coupling the implant to a second fracture fixation implant may be provided separately or in combination.
US08551092B2	Orthopaedic implant with sensors A monitoring system includes: (1) an implant having at least one sensor and configured for at least partial insertion into a patient, a first one of sensors being in contact with a perimeter of a hole in a body portion of the implant for accepting a fastener; (2) a microchip associated with the implant and the sensor, the microchip configured to receive at least a first signal from the sensor; (3) a transmitter associated with the microchip for transmitting a second signal, representative of the first signal; (4) a receiver located outside of the patient, the receiver configured receive the transmitted second signal; and (5) a display device associated with the receiver, the display device configured to provide an audible or visual representation of the second signal to a user.
US08551091B2	Vessel sealing instrument with electrical cutting mechanism An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface connected to an electrosurgical energy source. At least one of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within an insulator defined in the jaw member. At least one channel is included in the insulator which is configured to deliver fluid between the jaw members.
US08551089B2	Tissue fusion/welder apparatus and method A tissue welding apparatus is adapted to fuse a first piece of tissue to a second piece of tissue which are disposed in a surface proximate relationship. An elongate shaft carries a first jaw, and a second opposing jaw moveable relative to the first jaw. At least one penetrating member is carried by the first jaw and moveable relative to the second jaw to create a channel through the first piece of material and the second piece of material. A source of heat is coupled to the penetrating member for denaturing the tissue defining the channel. This denatured tissue forms a column binding the first piece of tissue to the second piece of tissue. A chemical agent can be carried to the tissue with the penetrating member.
US08551077B2	Handle for a surgical instrument and surgical instrument assembly A handle for a surgical instrument used in keyhole, endoscopic, and laparoscopic surgery, having a pivoting or articulated end portion and a mechanism for indexing the pivoting movement of the end portion. The indexing mechanism allows adjustment of the angle of the end portion for improved control and tactile feedback to the user. The handle also has a mechanism for locking and unlocking movement of the end portion whereby the end portion can be pivoted or articulated to a desired angle and the locking mechanism moved to a position to prevent movement of the end portion, thus holding it at the desired angle to achieve the improved control and tactile feedback to the user.
US08551073B2	Catheter device A catheter device (K, K1, K2 and K3) has a flexible hollow tube body (1) formed by a plurality of austenitic stainless steel wires (2) cylindrically stranded to provide a hollow structure. An inner surface of the flexible hollow tube body (1) has a convex-concave structure represented by the stainless steel wires (2) to provide helical grooves (30). A leading distal end of the flexible hollow tube body (1) is formed into a knife-edge circle configuration to provide a knife-edge circle front (3), thus imparting a perforative capability to improve its quality and performance.
US08551067B2	Needleless additive control valve A needleless additive control valve for use with a fluid container containing an infusion liquid and having an intravenous (IV) port for administrating the infusion liquid, and an additive transfer device containing a liquid additive and having a male connector for administrating the liquid additive. The needleless additive control valve includes a trifurcated connector body having an IV spike for sealing insertion into the IV port, an outlet port, and a needleless additive port with a female connector for sealingly receiving the additive transfer device's male connector wherein the IV spike, the outlet port and the needleless additive port are in 3 way direct and continuous fluid communication thereby enabling the additive transfer device's liquid additive to be either mixed with the infusion liquid or directly administered to a patient.
US08551063B2	Absorbent article The backsheet of an absorbent body is used as a wrapper. The backsheet includes a fastening device intended for use in an undergarment. The absorbent article is folded into a packet in such a way that the fastening device on the backsheet becomes hidden within the packet.
US08551057B2	Pinch clamp assembly A pinch clamp assembly for engaging a tube with an enteral feeding or infusion pump adapted to feed nutritionals or to infuse medical solutions to a patient, is provided comprising a base (1) comprising holding means (3) for holding a pumping section (10) of the tube in operative engagement with the base (1) and supporting means (5) for supporting a connector (6), a clamping element (7) having clamping surfaces engageable with the pumping section (10) and moveable between an open position allowing flow of fluid through the pumping section (10) and a closed position wherein the pumping section (10) is occluded by the clamping element (7), and locking means adapted to engage with each other in the closed position and adapted to interact with releasing means external to the pinch clamp assembly so as to bring the clamping element (7) from the closed to the open position, a connector (6) for connecting the tube with a port on a patient, the connector (6) being removable from the pinch clamp assembly, the clamping element (7) further comprising a retaining lever (16), wherein in the open position of the clamping element (7) the connector (6) is retained by the retaining lever (16), and wherein the clamping element (7) is adapted to engage with the releasing means (43) to release the clamping element (7) to the open position when the pinch clamp assembly is mounted to the enteral feeding or infusion pump and the connector (6) is removed.
US08551056B2	Pinch clamp assembly for an infusion cassette A pinch clamp assembly for engaging a tube (10) with an enteral feeding or infusion pump adapted to feed nutritionals or to infuse medical solutions to a patient, is provided comprising a base (1) comprising holding means (3) for holding a tube (10) in operative engagement with the base (1), a first clamping surface (4) and supporting means (5) for supporting a connector (6), a clamping element (7) having a second clamping surface (8) engageable with the tube (10) and moveable between an open position allowing flow of fluid through the tube (10) and a closed position wherein the tube (10) is occluded by the clamping element (7), a connector (6) for connecting the tube with a port on a patient, the connector (6) being removable from the pinch clamp assembly, and a spring (12), wherein the connector (6) is adapted to engage with the clamping element (7) so as to hold the clamping element (7) in the open position, wherein the clamping element (7) is forced from the open to the closed position by the force of the spring (12) as soon as the connector (6) is removed from the assembly, and wherein the clamping element (7) is adapted to be moved from the closed to the open position when the pinch clamp assembly is mounted to the enteral feeding or infusion pump and the connector (6) is removed.
US08551054B2	Device for a medicament delivery device The present invention relates to damper for a medicament delivery device, which device comprises a container containing medicament, a stopper arranged in said container and movable for expelling said medicament through a dose delivery means, a plunger rod having opposing proximal and distal ends and capable of acting on said stopper, and force means capable of exerting a force on said plunger rod, wherein said damper comprises a tubular sleeve having opposing proximal and distal ends; said sleeve comprises a compartment formed by a closed end wall at the proximal end of the sleeve and the proximal end of the plunger rod which is positioned in an open end at the distal end of the sleeve; and wherein said compartment comprises a sealable and resilient pad, a fluid, and at least one passage for expelling said fluid in an annular space between said sleeve and an inner wall of said container, thereby creating a dampening force, upon movement of said plunger rod.
US08551053B2	Double chamber ampoule A receptacle of an elastically flexible plastic includes a dosing chamber (10) with a medium to be discharged. One end of the dosing chamber (10) has a discharge opening (18). The opposite end is connected via a junction point (20) to a compressible receptacle part (22) with a gaseous propelling medium. When compressing the receptacle part (22), the propelling medium forces the medium to be discharged out of the dosing chamber (10) via the discharge opening (18). The junction point (20) between the dosing chamber (10) and the receptacle part (22) is a bottleneck creating a capillary effect independent of the spatial position of the receptacle preventing transfer of the medium of the dosing chamber (10) into the receptacle part (22).
US08551051B2	Safety shield for medical needles Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. The medical needle shield apparatus includes a first member, such as, for example, a syringe barrel having a needle mounted therewith. A second member, such as, for example, a shield is mounted with the first member. The shield is movable between a first position whereby the needle is exposed and a second position whereby the needle is covered. A lock is mounted with the barrel such that the shield is slidably movable along an outer surface of the lock. The lock includes a tang that is movable radially outward to fix the shield in the second position.
US08551047B2	Fluid delivery devices, systems and methods Fluid delivery devices, systems and methods. Some of the fluid delivery devices include a body, a cannula and a septum, and are suited for enabling the delivery of fluid to a user.
US08551046B2	Dispensing fluid from an infusion pump system Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device having a cap device that mates with a pump housing to retain a medicine cartridge therein. In addition to retaining the medicine cartridge in the pump housing, the cap device may perform a number of preparatory functions or safety functions. In addition or in the alternative, some embodiments of the pump device may include a drive system that advances a piston rod to dispense medicine to the patient in a safe and energy efficient manner.
US08551045B2	Fluid infusion system, a method of assembling such system and drug reservoir for use in the system The present invention relates to methods and devices for providing a reduced risk of free flow from medical devices such as an infusion pump. A medicament containing reservoir is provided with a piston having a sealing portion formed by a material of a first stiffness. The piston further comprises a frictional enhancing member having one or more reservoir wall engaging portions and being at least partly made of a material having a stiffness greater than the first stiffness. By arranging the frictional enhancing member to exert a radially outwards directed force component against the cylindrical wall an increased friction is provided between the piston and the reservoir wall.
US08551044B2	Multiple reservoir implantable drug infusion device and method Multiple reservoir implantable valve accumulator pump for the delivery of medication, and method of infusate delivery. The apparatus includes at least first and second infusate reservoirs in a common pressure chamber, each in fluid communication with a metering assembly. The metering assembly includes an accumulator that is preferably a fixed volume accumulator having an inlet and an outlet. A first valve is in fluid communication with the first infusate reservoir and an inlet of the accumulator, and a second valve is in fluid communication with the second infusate reservoir and an inlet of the accumulator. An outlet valve is in fluid communication with the outlet of the accumulator. The accumulator can be filled with infusate from the first and second infusate reservoirs sequentially, can be filled from the first infusate reservoir multiple times consecutively, the second infusate reservoir multiple times consecutively, or any combination or permutation thereof.
US08551043B2	Feeding device and bolster apparatus and method for making the same A medical device that can be used as a feeding tube to provide nutrition or medication to a patient comprises a catheter, a stiffening tip, and an internal bolster.
US08551041B2	Navigable system for catheter based endovascular neurosurgery A navigable system for catheter based endovascular neurosurgery including: a micro-motor (3) including a piezoelectric actuator (5) mounted to a free end of a guidewire or micro-catheter (2), the piezoelectric actuator (5) including a piezoelectric element (7), and an elongate transducer (9) mounted on the piezoelectric element (7) and extending therefrom, the transducer (9) being formed from an asymmetric hollow member, and an end member (15) located at a free end of the transducer (9); wherein electrical excitation of the piezoelectric element (7) induces one or both orthogonal flexural and axial vibration modes within the transducer (9), the coupling of the induced vibration modes thereby resulting in rotation of the end member (15) with three degrees of freedom (DOF).
US08551038B2	Pump infusion system In a pump infusion system comprising a pump adapted to be attached to a user and to cause infusion of pharmaceutical substances into the user's body, questions regarding the effects of administration of the pharmaceutical substances are provided, answers to said questions are transmitted to an attending staff, said answers are recorded, and said pump is controlled so as to adjust the dose of the pharmaceutical substances in accordance with said answers. Further, for a safe remote programming of such a pump infusion system, a predetermined program is assigned, a protocol to be programmed is compared with a protocol coming from the pump, possible errors of non-medically certified intervening devices and means are eliminated, and the programming is executed.
US08551035B2	Methods and devices to accelerate wound healing in thoracic anastomosis applications A minimally invasive lung reduction device which overcomes the disadvantages associated with treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by utilizing the phenomenon of collateral ventilation to increase the expiratory flow from a diseased lung. The device also provides a means for assisting in or facilitating pulmonary decompression to compress the diseased area or area of the lung or lungs to a smaller volume.
US08551034B2	Lubricious compositions and articles made therefrom The present disclosure provides a lubricious polymeric composition that includes polymer and one or more lubricants. Articles formed from the lubricious polymeric composition possess enhanced softness, flexibility and lubricity. The present disclosure also provides a method for making an article formed from a lubricious polymeric composition having polymer and one or more lubricants.
US08551032B2	Therapeutic method for treatment of hypertension A long-term implantable arterio-venous shunt device or creation of a fistula is provided that can be used as a therapeutic method for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The shunt device is implanted between an artery and a vein, preferably between a peripheral artery and the inferior vena cava. The shunt device and method of creating a fistula increases cardiac output and decreases the systemic vascular resistance and allows a blood flow rate through the shunt device of at least 5 ml/min after the implantation. Based on the effects of the method and device to the respiratory, cardiac and circulatory system, the method and device are beneficial as a therapy to patients with problems or conditions related to these systems.
US08551030B2	Dynamically reactive spinal support system A brace device for the spinal support of a wearer. The brace device comprises a plurality of component parts, with each component part being moveable relative to at least one other component part. Movement sensing means are provided, for monitoring the movement of the wearer and/or the movement of one component part relative to the at least one other component part with which it is moveable; the movement sensing means being able to generate output signals indicative of movement or in response to a change in movement. Movement resisting means are provided on component parts and these are operable to prohibit, restrict and/or resist movement of the component parts relative to other component parts. Control means in communication with the movement sensing means and the movement resisting means are programmed to interpret and/or analyze the output signals generated by the movement sensing means within predetermined parameters and/or criteria. Movement resisting means are activated, deactivated or dynamically controlled in response to signals received from the control means when it is determined that a movement or a change in movement requires partial or substantial immobilization of at least a portion of the spine of the wearer.
US08551025B2	Method and system to determine an optimal tissue compression time to implant a surgical element An apparatus for determining an optimal amount of tissue compression for applying a surgical element to tissue is disclosed. The apparatus includes a device for compressing tissue which supports a measuring device adapted to detect a tissue parameter upon the compression of tissue. The measuring device communicates with an indicator. Upon compressing tissue, when the measuring device determines that the compressed tissue parameter reaches a predetermined threshold, the measuring device sends a signal to the indicator such that the indicator provides an indication to a surgeon that the threshold has been reached. The measuring device may include a load cell and the tissue parameter may be a viscoelastic reactive force of the tissue per unit time.
US08551023B2	Device and method for determining force of a knee joint An orthopaedic surgical device for determining the joint force of a patient's knee joint includes a tibial paddle shaped to be positioned in the patient's knee joint and a handle extending from the tibial paddle. The tibial paddle includes a sensor array positioned therein and configured to generate sensor signals indicative of the joint force of the patient's knee joint. The orthopaedic surgical device also includes a control circuit configured to control a display located on the handle to provide a visual indication of the medial and lateral balance of the joint force.
US08551022B2	Sensor guide wire Sensor guide wire for intravascular measurements of a physiological variable in a living body, comprising a core wire running along at least a part of the sensor guide wire and a sensor element arranged in a jacket in a sensor region of the sensor guide wire. The jacket is tubular and is provided with a jacket wall and a portion of the core wire that extends longitudinally along the sensor region forms part of the wall of the jacket, in order to provide more space in the jacket.
US08551020B2	Crossing guidewire Medical devices and methods for manufacturing and using medical devices. An example medical device includes a core member, a tubular member coupled to the core member, and a tip member coupled to the tubular member. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein. The tip member may include a polymeric material. An intermediate member may be disposed between the tubular member and the core member that aids the bonding of the tip member thereto.
US08551014B2	Ophthalmological analysis method and analysis system The invention relates to an opthalmological analysis method for measuring an intraocular pressure in an eye with an analysis system consisting of an actuating device, wherein the actuating device causes a puff of air to be applied to the eye in such manner that the cornea is deformed, an observation system with which the deformation of the cornea is observed and recorded, wherein sectional images of the cornea when it is deformed and not deformed are created with the observation device, and an analysis device with which the intraocular pressure is derived from the sectional images of the cornea, wherein a material characteristic of the cornea is derived from the sectional images of the cornea in the analysis device, wherein a diameter d1 of a first applanation area of the cornea and a diameter dn of a deformation area of the cornea is derived as a material characteristic.
US08551012B2	Method for monitoring estrus and ovulation of animals, and for planning a useful fertilization time zone and a preferred fertilization time zone Estrus of animals and particularly sows is determined for planning of a preferred time period of insemination by a sensing system arranged to detect standing of the animal. Data from the sensing system is collected and analyzed using an algorithm and information that is displayed on an indicating system to provide an indication to a worker of the time period of estrus and ovulation and of a useful insemination time period and a preferred insemination time period of the animal. The indicating system includes a countdown clock to the preferred time period of insemination. In the event that the insemination fails, an indication is provided about whether the actual time of insemination occurred at the preferred time of insemination indicated to the worker. When estrus is completed, a confidence level is provided about the likelihood of success based on the position of the actual time of insemination relative to ovulation.
US08551010B2	Respiration monitoring for heart failure using implantable device An implantable respiration monitor can be used to detect disordered breathing or periodic breathing events that can be categorized, such as according to one or more of sleep, exercise, and resting awake states. The categorized frequency of such events can be compared to independently specifiable thresholds, such as to trigger an alert or responsive therapy, or to display one or more trends. The information can also be combined with detection of one or more other congestive heart failure (CHF) symptoms to generate a CHF status indicator or to trigger an alarm or responsive therapy or to display one or more trends. The alert can notify the patient or a caregiver, such as via remote monitoring. The sleep state information can be further categorized according to central sleep apnea (CSA) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) events.
US08551009B2	Method and system for determining dynamically respiratory features in spontaneously breathing patients receiving mechanical ventilatory assist A method for determining dynamically a respiratory feature in a spontaneously breathing patient receiving mechanical ventilatory assist comprises: modifying a level of mechanical ventilatory assist to the patient, measuring an airway pressure, detecting a change of gradient of the measured airway pressure and determining the respiratory feature based on the measured airway pressure upon detecting the change of gradient of the airway pressure. Furthermore, the method also comprises: measuring a respiratory neural drive of the patient and detecting a lowest level of the measured respiratory neural drive for determining the respiratory feature based on the detected lowest level of respiratory neural drive.
US08551008B2	Method and apparatus for determining vascular health conditions The present invention relates to assessing and measuring vascular and endothelial function. A vasostimulant is provided to a patient to stimulate hemodynamic activity in a selected extremity and vascular function is assessed by monitoring a change in a blood flow, skin temperature and/or blood oxygen content at the selected extremity and assessing the patient's vascular function based upon the monitoring.
US08551007B2	Pulse rate measuring apparatus From pulse wave data obtained from change in a blood flow, an average interval of a prescribed number of immediately preceding pulses or pulses in an immediately preceding prescribed time period is calculated. Next, an average-calculation range is determined on the basis of at least one of an amount of fluctuation and an evaluation result. The amount of fluctuation is a value calculated on the basis of a difference between the average interval and an interval of a pulse wave newly detected from the pulse wave data. The evaluation result is a result of evaluating the interval of the newly detected pulse wave by at least one evaluation factor. Thereafter, an average pulse wave interval value is calculated by averaging pulse wave intervals on the basis of the average-calculation range, and a pulse rate is calculated on the basis of the average pulse wave interval value.
US08551006B2	Method for determining hemodynamic effects The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to devices, systems, and/or methods for collecting, processing, and/or displaying stroke volume and/or cardiac output data. For example, a device for assessing changes in cardiac output and/or stroke volume of a subject receiving airway support may comprise a processor; an airway sensor in communication with the processor, wherein the airway sensor is configured and arranged to sense pressure in the subject's airway, lungs, and/or intrapleural space over time; a blood volume sensor in communication with the processor, wherein the blood volume sensor is configured and arranged to sense pulsatile volume of blood in a tissue of the subject over time; and a display configured and arranged to display a representative of an airway pressure, a pulsatile blood volume, a photoplethysmogram, a photoplethysmogram ratio, the determined cardiac output and/or stroke volume, or combinations thereof. A method of assessing changes in cardiac output or stroke volume of a subject receiving airway support from a breathing assistance system may comprise sensing pressure in the subject's airway as a function of time, sensing pulsatile volume of blood in a tissue of the subject as a function of time, producing a photoplethysmogram from the sensed pulsatile volume, determining the ratio of the amplitude of the photoplethysmogram during inhalation to the amplitude of the photoplethysmogram during exhalation, and determining the change in cardiac output or stroke volume of the subject using the determined ratio.
US08551005B2	Monitoring respiratory variation of pulse pressure A monitoring device may include a display, an input device to receive patient-related data, and logic. The logic may determine the pulse pressure of the patient based on the patient-related data, calculate a respiratory variation of the pulse pressure of the patient, and generate a first value based on the respiratory variation of the pulse pressure of the patient and a mean pulse pressure of the patient. The logic may also output the first value to the display. The logic may update the first value in a continuous, real-time or near real-time manner.
US08551002B2	Spatial array of sensors mounted on a tool Systems and methods described herein include an array of sensors positioned on a tool. In one embodiment, among others, a tool includes a handle configured to be manipulated by a user. The tool also includes an end portion arranged in mechanical communication with the handle. In addition, the tool includes an array of sensors mounted on the end portion, in which the array of sensors is configured to sense a property of an object. The tool also comprises a processing device configured to process the properties of the object sensed by the array of sensors and to obtain spatial information of the object. The processing device is further configured to communicate the spatial information to the handle.
US08550999B2	Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a transmitting section for generating first, second and third drive signals to drive an ultrasonic probe; a receiving section for getting echoes, produced by reflection of the ultrasonic waves responsive to those drive signals and generating first, second and third received echo signals; a storage section to store the first received echo signal; an adjusting section for defining intense and faint echo regions within a measuring range for the first received echo signal based on a stored feature quantity and for determining the second and third gains based on the feature quantities in the intense and faint echo regions; a displacement measuring section for measuring the magnitudes of displacement in the echo regions based on the second and third received echo signals; and a qualitative value calculating section for calculating the attribute property value of the subject based on the magnitudes of displacement.
US08550997B2	Sensor and monitor system A monitor system is disclosed. The monitor system includes a sensor with a sensor port. The monitor system further includes a recorder with a recorder port within a recording housing. The recorder port interfaces with the sensor port to receive signals from the sensor port. A recorder clock is defined within the recorder housing, with a recorder processor to store signals from the sensor. The recorder includes a data port to interface with a dock receiver. The monitor system includes a dock remotely located from the sensor and the recorder. The dock receiver couples the recorder to the dock. The monitor system further includes a data processor to analyze the sensor signals from the recorder. The data processor includes memory and a clock. Further included with the data processor are program instructions to assign the time and date of the sensor signals.
US08550995B2	Surgical access devices and methods of minimally invasive surgery A surgical access device includes a proximal frame of fixed construction and a plurality of tissue engaging blades connected to the frame. The plurality of tissue engaging blades may include a first blade that is rotatable, independent of other blades, about an axis that is oriented approximately parallel to a plane defined by the proximal frame.
US08550993B2	Minimally invasive surgical retractor with an expanded field of vision A surgical retractor includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first top structure and a conical outer wall. The first top structure has a first opening. The outer wall extends below the first top structure to form an ellipse-shaped second opening in communication with the first opening. The second component includes a second top structure and conical inner wall. The second top structure has a third. The inner wall extends below the second top structure to form an ellipse-shaped fourth opening in communication with the third opening. The second top structure of the second component is disposed at least partially inside the first top structure of the first component such that the second component is rotatably adjustable with respect to the first component.
US08550991B2	Touch panel sensor A touch panel sensor for sensing a contact position of part of body comprises a substrate, a resist electrode part including resist electrodes formed on the substrate to have a capacitance changeable according to approaching of the part of body, and a signal electrode part including signal electrodes formed on the resist electrode having resistance coefficient less than the resist electrode.
US08550990B2	Endoscope system The endoscope system includes an endoscope, a control unit, a beam source control unit and a type check unit. The endoscope has a radiation optical system for radiating a beam from a beam source onto a subject and an imaging optical system including an imaging device. The endoscope is removably connected to the control unit. The beam source control unit controls the emission beam intensity of the beam source according to a beam quantity specified value input from the control unit. The type check unit checks a type of the imaging device mounted on the endoscope. The beam source control unit has a plurality of control patterns representing a relationship between the beam quantity specified value and a control output value, switches to any one of the control patterns according to the check results, and controls the emission beam intensity according to the switched control pattern.
US08550989B2	Flexibility/rigidity adjustable apparatus There is provided a flexibility/rigidity adjustable apparatus which can change over its state between a flexible state in which such apparatus is freely bendable and a rigid state in which such bending is restricted when in use. A flexible closing cover 18 which can expand/shrink is provided on an outer circumference 2 of a flexible tube 1. A latching member 7 which moves together with the closing cover 18 is provided, and a latching-member receiving part 11 with which the latching member 7 can engage is provided at the outer circumference 2 of the tube 1. A closed space 21 formed between the closing cover 18 and the tube 1 is connected to an air inlet/outlet part 22. As the air is evacuated through the inlet/outlet part 22 to change the pressurized condition of the closed space 21 from an atmospheric pressure condition to a negative pressure condition, the closing cover 18 reduces its diameter around an axis 4, and the latching member 7 is caused to engage with the latching-member receiving part 11. As air is supplied in the closed space 21 to make the interior thereof in an atmospheric pressure condition, the closing cover 18 expands, and engagement of latching member 7 with the latching-member receiving part 11 is released, so that the tube 1 becomes a flexible state from a rigid state.
US08550988B2	Endoscopic cleaner A cleaning device for use with a percutaneous visualization device includes a cannula and a cleaning swab. The cannula has a first section pivotably connected to a second section. The cleaning swab is positioned at a distal end of the cannula and is configured to pivot into a position to clean at least a portion of a percutaneous visualization device upon insertion into the cannula. In an alternative embodiment, the cleaning device includes a cannula and a seal. The seal is disposed within the cannula and configured to clean at least a portion of a percutaneous visualization device upon insertion and retraction in the cannula. Further, the cannula has a cleaning surface on at least a portion of an inner surface thereof. The cleaning surface is also configured to clean at least a portion of said percutaneous visualization device upon insertion and retraction in the cannula.
US08550986B2	Propellable apparatus with active size changing ability A propellable apparatus comprises one or more rotatable membranes. The rotatable membranes include an inner surface at least partially defining an encircled region and a continuous outer surface that turns outward to engage a cavity or lumen wall, for example, and turns inward to at least partially encompass a central region defining a longitudinal path. The membranes are powerable to provide movement relative to the cavity or lumen wall. The apparatus further comprises an inflatable and deflatable support structure, configured to bias the outer surface of the membranes outward to engage the cavity or lumen wall at a first outer diameter, and be deformable inward in response to a compressive force or operator command to provide a second outer diameter that is less than the first outer diameter. In some examples, the rotatable membranes include belt-like membranes, and the inflatable and deflatable support structure includes at least one impermeable bladder.
US08550973B2	Percutaneous right ventricular assist apparatus and method A system for assisting the right heart of a patient includes a PA cannula adapted for insertion into a PA of a patient through the right internal jugular vein of the patient. The system includes a percutaneous RA cannula adapted for insertion into an RA of the patient. The system includes a blood pump disposed outside of the patient to which the RA cannula and the PA cannula are connected to provide right ventricular circulatory support to the patient without any left ventricular assist. A method for assisting the right heart of a patient includes the steps of inserting a PA cannula into a PA of a patient. There is the step of inserting an RA cannula into an RA of the patient. There is the step of connecting the RA cannula and the PA cannula to a blood pump disposed outside of the patient. There is the step of activating the blood pump to provide right ventricular circulatory support to assist the heart of the patient.
US08550971B2	Systems for producing cushioning material Methods, apparatus and systems for producing cushioning material from sheet material. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises horizontally aligned forming members having fins for use in pulling and processing sheet material. The sheet material can be perforated sheet material. A holder can be provided for holding sheet material in stock roll form, the holder having a cross-bar for producing resistance against the stock roll to dissipate momentum of the stock roll when the motor of the apparatus is stopped.
US08550968B2	Developing roller and imaging apparatus comprising the same There is a developing roller having a low compression permanent strain without contaminating a photosensitive drum and deteriorating toners. The developing roller 1 comprises a shaft 2, an elastic layer 3 formed on an outer periphery of the shaft 2 and a surface coating layer 4 formed on an outer peripheral face of the elastic layer 3, in which the surface coating layer 4 comprises a urethane resin formed by crosslinking a lactone-modified polyol with a polyisocyanate. The urethane resin is preferable to be formed by crosslinking the lactone-modified polyol with two or more kinds of polyisocyanates.
US08550966B2	Systems for simultaneously contracting body core muscles and a computerised instructional unit for facilitating same An exercise apparatus for exercising muscles of a user comprising a main body, an abdominal crunch exercise member pivotally attached to the main body, the abdominal crunch member configured to engage an upper body area of a user, an abdominal contact member attached to the main body, the abdominal contact member configured to engage an abdominal area of user; and an electronic vibration unit capable of causing a portion of the apparatus to vibrate.
US08550964B2	Resistance training apparatus and methods Resistance training apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes an exercise station having a support portion and at least one user interface operatively coupled to the support portion by an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a housing attached to the support portion, and a coupling device pivotably attached to the housing and moveable throughout an angular range, the coupling device being coupled to the at least one user interface and configured to move through at least a portion of the angular range during use of the at least one user interface.
US08550962B2	Dual deck exercise device An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.
US08550957B2	Gear system and method for using same A planetary gear system and a method. The planetary gear system includes a carrier body configured to receive planet gears, at least one pin received by the carrier body, and flex means positioned between the carrier body and the at least one pin. The method includes preparing the carrier, upon which a plurality of planet gears is mounted through planet pins, and providing flex means between the planet pins and the carrier, the flex means configured to enable movement of the planet pins in response to a force directed thereon.
US08550954B2	Clutch and gear arrangement for a front wheel drive vehicle A front wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing. Each of the clutches and the brakes are located within specific areas defined by the planetary gear sets and the housing walls.
US08550953B2	Multiple pump configuration for limited slip differential and torque transfer device A hydraulic system for a vehicle drivetrain includes a torque transfer device having a first actuator that actuates to selectively communicate rotatable motion from an input member to an output member. A limited slip differential selectively transfers drive torque from the output member to at least one of the first and second axle shafts. A motor drives a first and a second output shaft. A first pump is rotatably driven by the first output shaft. The first pump selectively supplies the hydraulic fluid to the first actuator. A second pump is rotatably driven by the second output shaft. The second pump selectively supplies the hydraulic fluid to the second actuator.
US08550949B2	Electromotive drives A transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The transmission provides multiple powerpaths and can be combined with electrical components to provide motor/generator functionality, which reduces the overall size and complexity of the motor and transmission compared to when they are constructed separately. In one embodiment, rotatable components of a continuously variable transmission are coupled separately to an electrical rotor and to an electrical stator so that the rotor and stator rotate simultaneously in opposite directions relative to one another. In other embodiments, an electrical rotor is configured to transfer torque to or from a disc that is in contact with a plurality of speed adjusters, while an electrical stator is configured to transfer torque to a shaft that is operationally coupled to the speed adjusters via an idler.
US08550947B2	Transmission apparatus and shift control apparatus A speed change device configured with an input member and an output member. The speed change device includes a speed change mechanism in which a plurality of shift speeds are established in accordance with respective engagement states of a plurality of friction engagement elements to transfer rotation of the input member to the output member. A slip travel mode is provided in which the vehicle is run while transferring torque from the input member to the output member with one of the friction engagement elements for establishment of each of the shift speeds caused to slip. A slip engagement element is the friction engagement element to be engaged commonly for establishment of at least a forward start shift speed and a reverse start shift speed.
US08550942B2	Bicycle shifting control apparatus A bicycle shifting control apparatus is provided with a gearshift operating part and an actuating unit. The gearshift operating part outputs a first chain moving operation and a second chain moving operation for moving a front derailleur via the actuating unit. The actuating unit includes a first actuating part and a second actuating part. The first actuating part performs a first action for moving the front derailleur from a first position corresponding to a small sprocket a second position corresponding to an adjacent larger sprocket in accordance with the first chain moving operation of the gearshift operating part. The second actuating part performs a second action for moving the front derailleur to a third position located past the second position corresponding to the larger sprocket in accordance with the second chain moving operation of the gearshift operating part.
US08550939B2	Method for evaluating hit feeling A valuation method of the present invention quantitatively estimates hit feeling of a sport hitting tool. The evaluation method includes: a first step of using a measuring means M1 capable of measuring forces F acting between a swing subject and the sport hitting tool or specific directional components F1 thereof to obtain values of the forces F or the components F1 at times after impact; and a second step of deciding the hit feeling based on the value of the force F or the component F1 at at least one of the times. Preferably, the values of the forces F or the components F1 in a specified period Z12 between a time T1 and a time T2 after the impact are obtained in time series in the first step. Preferably, the hit feeling is evaluated based on an integrated value Sf of the forces F or the components F1 in the specified period Z12 in the second step.
US08550936B1	High volume aerodynamic golf club head A high volume aerodynamic golf club head with a club head volume of at least 400 cc and a front-to-back dimension of at least 4.4 inches producing reduced aerodynamic drag forces. The club head has a crown section imparting beneficial aerodynamic and playability properties due in part to the location of a crown apex and proximity to a club head center of gravity, a height of the crown apex and a maximum face top edge height, and the curvature of the crown section. These attributes of the crown section contribute to desirable airflow reattachment close to the face and improve airflow attachment to the crown section.
US08550935B2	High moment of inertia wood-type golf clubs and golf club heads Wood-type golf club heads include: (a) a club head body including heel, toe, crown, sole, and weighted rear portions; and (b) a variable thickness ball striking face. The club head body parts and weighted portion(s) may be arranged such that the club head has a moment of inertia about a vertical axis passing through the club head center of gravity of at least 5000 g-cm2. Such club heads may include: (a) a cup face member including a ball striking face portion and a return portion; (b) sole and crown portions engaged with the return portion; (c) a rear body member engaged with the crown and/or sole portions; (d) a weight member at the club head rear; and/or (e) a hosel member engaged with the cup face member, the crown portion, and/or the sole portion. Methods of making such club heads also are described.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10