Document Document Title
US08563694B2 Fully human antibodies to BTLA
The present invention relates to binding compounds specific for BTLA and uses thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to fully human antibodies that recognize human BTLA and modulate its activity in cancer, inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders.
US08563693B2 Method of treating human immunodeficiency virus infection in a mammal comprising administering heparin-activated antithrombin III
The invention includes a heparin activated Antithrombin III encapsulated into a sterically stabilized anti-HLA-DR immunoliposome for the treatment of HIV infection in a human patient.
US08563692B2 Interferon-antibody fusion proteins demonstrating potent apoptotic and anti-tumor activities
Novel chimeric moieties that show significant efficacy against cancers are provided. In certain embodiments the chimeric moieties comprise a targeting moiety attached to an interferon. In certain embodiments, the chimeric moieties comprise fusion proteins where an antibody that specifically binds to a cancer marker is fused to interferon alpha (IFN-α) or interferon beta (IFN-β).
US08563690B2 Modulation of platelet aggregation
Methods and compositions for inhibition of platelet cell aggregation are described. In particular, compositions comprising cell permeant RGT peptides, such as RGT bound to a lipid moiety are provided. Compositions may be used in the treatment and prevention of clot related diseases such as stroke and myocardial infarction.
US08563688B2 Procoagulant peptides
A peptide or peptide derivative comprising: (i) WDLYFEIVW (SEQ ID NO: 1); or (ii) a variant amino acid sequence comprising one, two, three or four L-amino acid substitutions in WDLYFEIVW (SEQ ID NO: 1); or (iii) the retro-inverso variant of the peptide or peptide derivative of either one of parts (i) and (ii), wherein said peptide or peptide derivative has procoagulant activity. A peptide or peptide derivative comprising: (i) an amino acid sequence comprising imfwydcye; or (ii) a variant amino acid sequence comprising one, two, three, four, five or six amino acid substitutions in imfwydcye, wherein said peptide or peptide derivative has procoagulant activity.
US08563683B2 Synthetic lung surfactant and use thereof
The present invention relates to synthetic lung surfactant compositions that contain one or more of phospholipase-resistant phospho-glycerol derivatives, phospholipase-resistant phospho-choline derivatives, and surface active proteins or peptides, more preferably a combination of at least two or all three of these materials. Novel phospholipase-resistant phospho-glycerol derivatives, phospholipase-resistant phospho-choline derivatives, and surface active peptides are also disclosed herein. Uses of the surfactant compositions of the present invention to treat endogenous surfactant dysfunctional or deficient lung tissue, to prepare synthetic peptides for use in the surfactant compositions, and to deliver therapeutic agents are also disclosed.
US08563682B2 Guanylylcyclase C ligands
Guanylin cyclase C compound of the inventions are disclosed. Conjugated compounds comprising guanylin cyclase C compound of the inventions conjugated to detectable or therapeutic moieties are disclosed. Methods of detecting, imaging and treating cancer and treating diarrhea are disclosed.
US08563681B2 Process for producing fine polyphenylene sulfide resin particles, fine polyphenylene sulfide resin particles, and dispersion thereof
This invention provides a process for producing fine PPS resin particles and dispersion thereof by industrially applicable simple operation. This invention further provides very fine PPS resin particles, and furthermore provides fine PPS resin particles uniform in particle size. This invention is a process for producing fine polyphenylene sulfide resin particles comprising the following steps (a) and (b); (a) a step of heating a polyphenylene sulfide resin in an organic solvent, for obtaining a solution with the polyphenylene sulfide resin dissolved therein (dissolution step) (b) a step of flushing-cooling the aforementioned solution, for precipitating the fine particles of the polyphenylene sulfide resin (precipitation step).
US08563674B2 Polyethylene and catalyst composition for its preparation
Polyethylene which comprises ethylene homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene with α-olefins and has a molar mass distribution width Mw/Mn of from 6 to 100, a density of from 0.89 to 0.97 g/cm3, a weight average molar mass Mw of from 5000 g/mol to 700 000 g/mol and has from 0.01 to 20 branches/1000 carbon atoms and at least 0.5 vinyl groups/1000 carbon atoms, wherein the 5-50% by weight of the polyethylene having the lowest molar masses have a degree of branching of less than 10 branches/1000 carbon atoms and the 5-50% by weight of the polyethylene having the highest molar masses have a degree of branching of more than 2 branches/1000 carbon atoms, a process for its preparation, catalysts suitable for its preparation and also fibers, moldings, films or polymer blends in which this polyethylene is present.
US08563671B2 Supported metallocene catalysts
Method employing a supported metallocene catalyst composition in the production of an isotactic ethylene propylene co-polymer. The composition comprises a metallocene component supported on a particulate silica support having average particle size of 10-40 microns, a pore volume of 1.3-1.6 ml/g, a surface area of 200-400 m2/g. An alkylalumoxane cocatalyst component is incorporated on the support. The isospecific metallocene is characterized by the formula: B(CpRaRb)(FlR′2)MQn  (1) or by the formula: B′(Cp′R′aR′b)(Fl′)M′Q′n′  (2) In the formulas Cp and Cp′ are substituted cyclopentadienyl groups, Fl and Fl′ are fluorenyl groups, and B and B′ are structural bridges. R′ are substituents at the 2 and 7 positions, Ra and R′a are substituents distal to the bridge, and Rb and R′b are proximal to the bridge. M and M′ are transition metals, Q′ is a halogen or a C1-C4 alkyl group; and n′ is an integer of from 0-4.
US08563670B2 Nucleation in aqueous polymerization of fluoromonomer
A process is provided for polymerizing fluoromonomer in an aqueous medium, wherein a dispersion of essentially surfactant-free hydrocarbon-containing oleophilic nucleation sites is first formed in the aqueous medium, and then polymerization is commenced to form a dispersion of fluoropolymer particles at the oleophilic nucleation sites, wherein the nucleation sites can be derived from hydrocarbon-containing compound. The surfactant used to stabilize the fluoropolymer dispersion can also be hydrocarbon-containing.
US08563667B2 Composition for thermosetting silicone resin
The present invention relates to a composition for thermosetting silicone resin including: (1) a dual-end silanol type silicone resin represented by formula (I) in which R1 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group, and n is an integer of 20 to 10,000, provided that all R1 groups may be the same or different; (2) a trialkoxysilane; and (3) a condensation catalyst.
US08563666B2 Curable silicone composition and cured product thereof
A curable silicone composition comprising: (A) a liquid organopolysiloxane having in one molecule at least two epoxy groups; (B) a compound containing groups that react with the epoxy groups; (C) a thermally conductive filler; and (D) a silicone powder, preferably, an epoxy-containing silicone powder; possesses excellent handleability and workability in combination with low viscosity and that, when cured, forms a cured body of excellent elasticity, adhesiveness, and thermal conductivity.
US08563665B2 Modified naphthalene formaldehyde resin, tricyclodecane skeleton-containing naphthol compound and ester compound
A modified dimethylnaphthalene formaldehyde resin obtained by modifying a polyfunctional dimethylnaphthalene formaldehyde resin having a constituent unit represented by the following general formula [1] in a molecule thereof with at least one member selected from the group consisting of a phenol represented by the following general formula [2], a naphthol represented by the following general formula [3] and a naphthol represented by the following general formula [4], provided that at least any of the naphthol represented by the general formula [3] or the naphthol represented by the general formula [4] must be included This resin is excellent in heat resistance and useful for thermosetting resins.
US08563661B2 Phosphorus-containing compounds useful for making halogen-free, ignition-resistant polymers
Phosphorus-containing compounds useful for flame retardant epoxy resins are disclosed. The flame retardant epoxy resins may be used to make electrical laminates. This invention is particularly useful in end use applications in which a low bromine or low halogen content is required or desired.
US08563659B2 Nitrile rubbers
An improved polymerization and work-up process makes it possible to produce specific nitrile rubbers which have a particular ion index which is responsible for an excellent vulcanization rate and leads to vulcanizates having an advantageous property profile.
US08563658B2 Block composites in thermoplastic vulcanizate applications
Embodiments of the invention provide block composites and their use in thermoplastic vulcanizate compounds.
US08563657B2 Ionic liquids, functionalized particulates, and fluoropolymer composites
The present invention relates to (i) novel fluoroionic compounds capable of dispersing particulate filler compositions into a fluoropolymer; (ii) novel particulate compositions in which particulates are surface-functionalized with a fluoroionic compound; (iii) fluoropolymer composite materials containing the surface-functionalized particulates of (ii) incorporated into a fluoropolymer; (iv) crosslinked versions of (iii); v) methods for producing the crosslinked material of (iv); and (vi) articles of manufacture containing the compositions (iii) and (iv).
US08563656B1 Method to improve green strength in elastomers
The present invention is directed to a method of increasing the green strength of a rubber composition, comprising the step of combining in the rubber composition, a copolymer comprising: a polymeric backbone chain comprising a diene based elastomer selected from the group consisting of solution polymerized styrene butadiene rubber, emulsion polymerized styrene butadiene rubber, natural polyisoprene rubber, synthetic polyisoprene rubber, and polybutadiene; and polymeric sidechains bonded to the backbone chain, the sidechains comprising a polymer derived from an N-substituted monoalkyl acrylamide.
US08563653B2 Polyamide moulding compound for varnish-free, tough casings with a high-gloss surface
Polyamide moulding compounds for the production of unvarnished moulded articles with a high-gloss surface and outstandin toughness are provided. By means of moulded articles which are produced with very high surface quality from the moulding compounds, the complex, cost-intensive and frequently environmentally impacting varnishing processes can be avoided.
US08563652B2 Polymer material and method for the production thereof
A thermoplastic polymer material containing starch is shown and described, which can be obtained by homogenizing a mixture containing 40 to 85 wt.-% starch and/or starch derivative, 15 to 55 wt.-% softener, and 0.01 to 7 wt.-% of a polymer which contains an epoxy group, while supplying thermal and/or mechanical energy and setting the water content of the mixture to less than approximately 12 wt.-%. The polymer material according to the invention is characterized by outstanding mechanical properties.
US08563650B2 Method for producing resin dispersions and resin particles
The present invention concerns a method for producing an aqueous dispersion (X1), the method including a step that includes mixing an aqueous dispersion liquid (W) of resin particles (A) comprising a resin (a) with a precursor (b0) of a resin (b) or an oily liquid (OL) comprising the precursor (b0) and an organic solvent to disperse the precursor (b0) or the oily liquid (OL) in the aqueous dispersion liquid (W), followed by causing the precursor (b0) to react in the aqueous dispersion liquid (W) to form resin particles (B) comprising the resin (b), thereby obtaining the aqueous dispersion (X1) of resin particles (C) having a structure where resin particles (A) are adhered on the surface of the resin particles (B), wherein at least one of the resin (a) and the resin (b) contains a polyester resin (p1) formed in the presence of a specific titanium catalyst (t) or a resin (p2) having the polyester resin (p1) as a constituent unit.
US08563648B2 Coating composition comprising an alkoxysilane, a polysiloxane, and a plurality of particles
The present invention is directed to a coating composition, such as a substantially clear coating composition, which comprises (1) an alkoxysilane, (2) a polysiloxane, (3) a plurality of particles, and (4) curing agent that is reactive with the polysiloxane. The coating composition of the present invention can exhibit increased physical properties, such as scratch resistance, when compared to similar coating compositions that lack the components disclosed herein.
US08563646B2 Adhesive composition
An adhesive composition having good balance in tackiness properties such as tack strength and retentivity, low melt viscosity, high processability, and high stability in melt viscosity under high temperature heating is provided. An adhesive composition containing two hydrogenated block copolymers and a predetermined tackifier is provided, the two hydrogenated block copolymers each having a different structure obtained by controlling the degree of hydrogenation of a block copolymer of a conjugated diene compound and a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon in a particular range.
US08563641B2 Ionomer compositions and methods of making and using same
A method comprising contacting at least one metal salt of an organic acid with at least one aromatic compound in a reaction zone under conditions suitable for the formation of a polymer, wherein the metal salt of an organic acid comprises a metal and at least one unsaturated organic acid moiety. A composition comprising polystyrene and a metal salt of cinnamic acid. An article made from a composition comprising polystyrene and a metal salt of cinnamic acid. A composition comprising polystyrene and a salt of a fatty acid. An article made from a composition comprising polystyrene and a salt of a fatty acid.
US08563640B2 Method for deaerating liquids
Efficient deaeration of aqueous suspensions such as those obtained during textile treatment or pulp and paper production is achieved by use of a combination of a polyoxypropylene polyether polymer or copolymer and branched polyether-polysiloxane copolymers.
US08563639B2 Curing type polyurethane aqueous golf ball paint and painted golf ball using the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball which is excellent in the gloss and the evenness of the paint film and a golf ball aqueous paint therefor. The golf ball of the present invention has a paint film which is formed from a curing type polyurethane aqueous golf ball paint, comprising (A) an aqueous polyol composition and (B) an aqueous polyisocyanate, wherein (A) the aqueous polyol composition contains (a-1) an aqueous acrylic polyol, (a-2) an aqueous urethane polyol and (a-3) an aqueous polyurethane resin; a molar ratio (NCO/OH) of an isocyanate group of (B) the aqueous polyisocyanate to a hydroxyl group of (A) the aqueous polyol composition ranges from 1.25 to 2.50; and a content of a high boiling point solvent having a boiling point of 150° C. or more in the aqueous golf ball paint is more than 0 mass % and 10 mass % or less.
US08563636B2 Aqueous two-package type clear coating composition and process for the formation of multilayer finish coating film
The present invention provides an aqueous two-package type clear coating composition comprising: (A) an aqueous dispersion of a hydroxyl group- and acid group-containing acrylic resin having a hydroxyl value of 30 to 200 mg KOH/g, an acid value of 5 to 50 mg KOH/g, a weight average molecular weight of 3,000 to 30,000, and a glass transition temperature of −30 to +40° C. obtained by radical polymerization of 10 to 50 mass % of a secondary hydroxyl group-containing monomer (a) and 50 to 90 mass % of at least one other unsaturated monomer (b); and (B) a polyisocyanate curing agent obtained by mixing (c) a polyisocyanate compound and (d) a compound containing an anionic functional group, a polyoxyethylene group, and a hydrocarbon group, and a process for forming a multilayer topcoat film using the same.
US08563635B2 Resin composition and resin molded article
A resin composition contains (A) a polylactic acid, (B) a polyhydroxyalkanoate, (C) an ammonium polyphosphate, and (D) a phenol-modified epoxy compound. With respect to the total amount of the resin composition, the polylactic acid (A) and the polyhydroxyalkanoate (B) are contained from about 60% by mass to about 95% by mass; the ammonium polyphosphate (C) is contained from about 4% by mass to about 35% by mass; the phenol-modified epoxy compound (D) is contained from about 1% by mass to about 5% by mass; the polylactic acid (A) is contained from about 40% by mass to about 90% by mass; the polyhydroxyalkanoate (B) is contained from about 5% by mass to about 55% by mass; and the amount ratio of the polylactic acid (A) to the polyhydroxyalkanoate (B) is from about 0.7 to about 18.
US08563630B2 Dry adhesive and method of preparing the same
A dry adhesive consisting at least of component A and component B. Component A being red in color and consisting of at least an epoxy resin, a coupling agent, an active diluting agent, an inorganic filler, and a red organic paste. Component B being green in color and consisting of at least an organic compound-modified amine as a curing agent, the coupling agent, the inorganic filler, an accelerator, a thickener, the active diluting agent, and a green organic paste. Also provided is a preparation method for the dry adhesive. The dry adhesive has high strength, good weather resistance, and is easy to prepare.
US08563628B2 Preparation process of oil extended rubber for tire, oil extended rubber for tire, and rubber composition and tire using the same
The present invention provides an oil extended rubber for a tire, which is obtained by a process for preparing an oil extended rubber for a tire, comprising: (a) a step of preparing an oil-in-water type emulsion by emulsifying a vegetable oil having an iodine value of not less than 135 with a surfactant; (b) a step of mixing said emulsion of vegetable oil and a modified natural rubber latex, and then maturing the mixture; and (c) a step of coagulating the mixture obtained in the step (b) to obtain a lump of a rubber.
US08563624B2 Curable liquids and inks for toys and food packaging applications
A free radical curable liquid for inkjet printing of food packaging materials includes no initiator or otherwise one or more initiators selected from the group consisting of non-polymeric di- or multifunctional initiators, oligomeric initiators, polymeric initiators, and polymerizable initiators; wherein the polymerizable composition of the liquid consists essentially of: a) 25-100 wt % of one or more polymerizable compounds A having at least one acrylate group G1 and at least one second ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable functional group G2 different from the group G1; b) 0-55 wt % of one or more polymerizable compounds B selected from the group consisting of monofunctional acrylates and difunctional acrylates; and c) 0-55 wt % of one or more polymerizable compounds C selected from the group consisting of trifunctional acrylates, tetrafunctional acrylates, pentafunctional acrylates and hexafunctional acrylates. If the weight percentage of compounds B>24 wt %, then the weight percentage of compounds C>1 wt %; and wherein all weight percentages of A, B and C are based upon the total weight of the polymerizable composition. At least one polymerizable compound B or C is present in the polymerizable composition if the free radical curable liquid contains no initiator. The polymerizable compound A has a copolymerization ratio of 0.002
US08563623B2 Radiation melt treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene prosthetic devices
A medical prosthesis for use within the body which is formed of radiation treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having substantially no detectable free radicals, is described. Preferred prostheses exhibit reduced production of particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, and are substantially oxidation resistant. Methods of manufacture of such devices and material used therein are also provided.
US08563620B2 High purity silica monoliths and process for the synthesis thereof
The process for the synthesis of a silica monolith comprises the following steps: hydrolysis of a silicon alkoxide in order to form a hydrolysis precursor followed by a condensation of said hydrolysis precursor in the presence of an organic solvent, in the presence of water and of a basic catalyst in order to form oligomeric clusters containing several silicon atoms; dispersion of said oligomeric clusters in a solution in order to form a sol; polymerization of the sol in order to obtain a gel via a first heat treatment, at a temperature below the boiling point of the constituents of the sol; drying of the gel via a second heat treatment; conversion of the gel to a xerogel via a third heat treatment; dehydration and densification of the xerogel until the silica monolith is obtained via a fourth heat treatment.
US08563618B2 Skin external preparation having excellent stability
Disclosed is an agent for skin external preparation which is hardly reduced in viscosity even when stored for a long period under extreme high temperature storage conditions and is therefore stable. The preparation is in an emulsion form, and comprises (1) an alginic acid polyol ester having an esterification degree ranging from 75 to 95% (e.g., alginic acid propylene glycol ester) and/or a salt thereof; (2) a polyvalent metal ion (e.g., a calcium ion); and (3) a 4-alkylresolcinol (e.g., 4-n-butylresolcinol) and/or a salt thereof.
US08563616B2 Desensitizing drug product
Desensitizing drug products, methods of making desensitizing drug products, and methods of using desensitizing drug products including delivery of desensitizing drug products. In one embodiment, the desensitizing drug products are male genital desensitizers that comprise one or anesthetic agents and one or more melting point depressing agents.
US08563612B2 Antimicrobial agent comprising a cysteine component covalently bound to a substrate in particular by binding through an S-S bridge via a spacer molecule
The invention relates to an antimicrobial agent where a cysteine compound is covalently bound to a substrate, in particular by binding through an S—S bridge via a spacer molecule to the substrate. The spacer comprises a carbon chain, optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms, e.g. O, S, N, P and Si; the chain is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl groups, preferably lower alkyl groups with 1-5 carbon atoms, hydroxyl groups or alkoxy groups. Also, the invention refers to a substrate that is coated with the antimicrobial agent of the invention. The agent has excellent antimicrobial properties and can be used to coat surfaces and substrates of various devices, such as medical devices or devices used in food handling, in order to prevent or inhibit accumulation and/or growth and/or proliferation and/or the viability of microorganisms and/or formation of biofilm.
US08563611B2 Methods and compositions for promoting the respiratory development of an infant
The present invention relates to methods for promoting respiratory development, reducing the incidence of respiratory distress, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and/or hayfever in an infant by administration of fatty acids and compositions comprising same, wherein the fatty acids are enriched with respect to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content.
US08563599B2 Methods for synthesizing glycinols, glyceollins I and II, compositions of selected intermediates, and therapeutic uses thereof
Two distinct methods are disclosed and claimed for synthesizing glyceollin I plus glyceollin II as a mixture and as their pure forms. Stereochemical isomers and various synthetic intermediates are also synthesized and claimed for their novel compositions of matter. All compounds and their mixtures are claimed for use in formulations that are useful to treat or prevent cancer, or that have utility as selective estrogen receptor modulators, such formulations including enhanced or medical foods, dietary supplements and ethical pharmaceutical agents.
US08563592B2 Bladder cancer treatment and methods
Therapeutic compositions comprising an indoloquinone compound and various bladder cancer treatments and methods are disclosed. More specifically, the compositions comprise an indoloquinone compound and a formulation vehicle. The formulation vehicle improves the solubility and stability of the indoloquinone compound. Additionally, the coating compositions can include coating agents that provide better adhesion of the coating composition to the bladder wall during intravesical delivery of the coating composition.
US08563589B2 Methods of treating neuropathic pain with benzimidazole derivative agonists of PPARgamma
Embodiments of the invention relate to the treatment of neuropathic pain in mammals. Embodiments of the invention include methods for treating neuropathic pain with benzimidazole derivatives with PPARgamma agonist activity, as well as methods for preparing medicaments used in such treatments of mammalian pain.
US08563584B2 Substituted enaminothiocarbonyl compounds
The present application relates to novel substituted enaminothiocarbonyl compounds, to processes for their preparation and to their use for controlling animal pests, especially arthropods, in particular insects.
US08563583B2 Pyridone analogs useful as melanin concentrating hormone receptor-1 antagonists
MCHR1 antagonists are provided having the following Formula I: wherein all of the variables are defined herein. Such compounds are useful for the treatment of MCHR1 mediated diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, IBD, depression, and anxiety.
US08563582B2 3-aminocyclopentanecarboxamides as modulators of chemokine receptors
The present invention is directed to compounds of Formula I: which are modulators of chemokine receptors. The compounds of the invention, and compositions thereof, are useful in the treatment of diseases related to chemokine receptor expression and/or activity.
US08563581B2 Nitroxides for use in treating predisposed or at risk patients
Pharmaceutical compositions are provided that are useful in treating diabetes. The compositions comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and an effective therapeutic or prophylactic amount of a nitroxide antioxidant that alters the expression of genes related to diabetes. Methods are also provided for the use of the pharmaceutical compositions in the treatment or prevention of diabetes. In a preferred embodiment, the nitroxide antioxidant is Tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl).
US08563580B2 Flavivirus inhibitors and methods for their use
Methods of treating, preventing, and/or ameliorating a Flavivirus infection in a subject are disclosed. The methods comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a Flavivirus inhibitor, e.g., a Flavivirus serine protease inhibitor. These methods are useful in treating, preventing, and/or ameliorating Flavivurs infections such as, for example, West Nile Virus, Dengue Virus, and Japanese Encephalitis Virus.
US08563577B2 Alkaloid aminoester derivatives and medicinal composition thereof
The present invention relates to alkaloid aminoester compounds which act as muscarinic receptor antagonists, processes for the preparation of such a compound, compositions which contain such a compound, and therapeutic uses of such a compound.
US08563573B2 Azaindole derivatives as CFTR modulators
The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”), compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators.
US08563570B2 Lactam compounds and their use as pharmaceuticals
The present invention relates to inhibitors of 11-β hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase type 1, antagonists of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The compounds of the invention can be useful in the treatment of various diseases associated with expression or activity of 11-β hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase type 1 and/or diseases associated with aldosterone excess.
US08563565B2 Pyrazoloquinoline derivatives
A compound and/or pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof represented by the formula (I) has PDE9 inhibitory action, so that the intracerebral cGMP concentration is anticipated to be elevated. The PDE9 inhibitory action and the increase in cGMP lead to the improvement of learning and memory behaviors, and the compound (I) has a potential use of a therapeutic agent for cognitive dysfunctions in Alzheimer's disease. wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom; R2 is an aromatic ring group, etc.; R3 is a hydrogen atom, etc; R4 is a hydrogen atom; R5 is an oxepanyl group, etc.; R6 is a hydrogen atom.
US08563564B2 Composition for skin external application containing gallocatechin gallate for moisturizing effect on the skin
The present invention relates to a composition for external skin application having a skin-moisturizing effect, which comprises gallocatechin gallate as an active ingredient. More particularly, the composition for external skin application comprises gallocatechin gallate as an active ingredient to activate peroxisome proliferator activated receptor isoform alpha (PPAR-α), to stimulate expression of filaggrin and involucrin that are skin-moisturizing factors, and thus to provide excellent anti-drying and skin-moisturizing effects. More particularly, the composition for external skin application may further comprise theobromine and quercetin in addition to gallocatechin gallate to maximize such effects.
US08563562B2 Compounds having antiviral properties
The present invention provides a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative, salt or prodrug thereof. The present invention further provides a method of treatment or prophylaxis of a viral infection in a subject comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative, salt or prodrug thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) are also provided.
US08563559B2 Pinane-substituted pyrimidinediamine derivatives useful as Axl inhibitors
Pinane-substituted pyrimidinediamine derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions containing the derivatives are disclosed as being useful in inhibiting the activity of the receptor protein tyrosine kinase Axl. Methods of using the derivatives in treating diseases or conditions associated with Axl catalytic activity are also disclosed.
US08563557B2 Pyrimidine derivatives and their pharmaceutical use
The invention provides a compound according to formula (I): wherein: X is O or S; Y is O or S; each Ar and Ar′ is independently a mono-, bi- or tricyclic aryl or heteroaryl group optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halo, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, nitro, amino, alkoxy, alkylthio, cyano, thio, ester, acyl and amido; each R2 is independently hydrogen, halo, alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, nitro, amino, alkoxy, alkylthio, cyano and thio; and R1 is as defined herein, or a physiologically acceptable salt, solvate, ester, amide or other physiologically functional derivative thereof.
US08563556B2 Crystalline forms and two solvated forms of 4-amino-5-fluoro-3-[5-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]quinolin-2(1H)-one lactic acid salts
Crystalline forms or polymorphs of 4-amino-5-fluoro-3-[5-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl]quinolin-2(1H)-one lactic acid salts, as well as to methods of making the same, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same and methods of treatment using the same.
US08563555B2 Pharmaceutical compositions containing a crystalline form of posaconazole
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising crystalline form Y of posaconazole. The pharmaceutical composition can be used to treat or prevent fungal infections.
US08563554B2 Deuterated pyrazinoisoquinoline compounds
This invention relates to novel compounds that are pyrazinoisoquinoline derivatives, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. More specifically, this invention relates to novel pyrazinoisoquinoline derivatives that are derivatives of praziquantel, such as compounds of formula (I): or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. This invention also provides compositions comprising one or more compounds of this invention and a carrier and the use of the disclosed compounds and compositions in methods of treating diseases and conditions that are beneficially treated by administering an antihelminthic agent, such as praziquantel.
US08563551B2 Method for preventing or treating a disease related to the glucocorticoid receptor
A method for preventing or treating a disease related to the glucocorticoid receptor involving administering a pharmacologically effective amount of a 1,2-dihydroquinoline compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08563545B2 Compound useful for the treatment of degenerative and inflammatory diseases
A novel compound able to inhibit JAK is disclosed, that comprises a compound according to Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compound may be prepared as a pharmaceutical composition, and may be used for the treatment of a variety of conditions in mammals including humans, including by way of non-limiting example, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, proliferative diseases, transplantation rejection, diseases involving impairment of cartilage turnover, congenital cartilage malformations, and/or diseases associated with hypersecretion of IL6.
US08563542B2 Pyrimidine derivatives as protein kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (VII)I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein: X is NR7; Y is O or N—(CH2)nR19; n is 1, 2 or 3; m is 1 or 2; R1 and R2 are each independently H, alkyl or cycloalkyl; R4 and R4′ each independently H alkyl; or R4 and R4′ together form a spiro cycloalkyl group; R19 is H, alkyl, aryl or a cycloalkyl group; R6 is OR8 or halogen; and R7 and R8 are each independently H or alkyl. Further aspects relate to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds and use therefore in the treatment of proliferative disorders and the like.
US08563541B2 Azepine inhibitors of Janus kinases
The present invention provides compounds that modulate the activity of Janus kinases and are useful in the treatment of diseases related to activity of Janus kinases including, for example, immune-related diseases, skin disorders, myeloid proliferative disorders, cancer, and other diseases.
US08563537B2 Camptothecin derivatives as chemoradiosensitizing agents
Camptothecin-based compounds are useful for treating a neoplasm in mammalian subjects by administering such compound to the subjects in combination with radiotherapy, i.e., the treatment of tumors with radioactive substances or radiation from a source external to the subject. Camptothecin-based compounds are modified by positioning at least one electron-affinic group around the camptothecin structure to enhance their value in combination with radiotherapy. New Camptothecin-based compounds are disclosed that are useful for treating cancer by administering the novel compounds alone or in combination with radiotherapy.
US08563532B2 Cross-linking of low-molecular weight and high-molecular weight polysaccharides, preparation of injectable monophase hydrogels, polysaccharides and hydrogels obtained
A process for the crosslinking of at least one polymer selected from polysaccharides and derivatives thereof, which is carried out in an aqueous solvent by the action of an effective and non-excessive amount of at least one crosslinking agent, characterized in that it is carried out on a mixture containing at least one low-molecular weight polymer and at least one high-molecular weight polymer. A process for the preparation of an injectable monophase hydrogel of at least one crosslinked polymer selected from polysaccharides and derivatives thereof. Crosslinked polymers and injectable monophase hydrogels respectively obtainable by each of said processes.
US08563527B2 Oligonucleotide core carrier compositions for delivery of nucleic acid-containing therapeutic agents, methods of making and using the same
The present invention relates, in part, to an oligonucleotide-core carrier comprising a carrier, and oligonucleotide groups covalently linked to the carrier. The oligonucleotide groups are capable of dissociably linking load molecules such as therapeutic agents. The oligonucleotide-core carrier may also comprise protective side chains, and targeting molecules.
US08563524B2 Compositions comprising avermectin/azelaic acid compounds useful for treating e.g., rosacea
Pharmaceutical/dermatological compositions useful for the prevention/treatment of disorders of the skin, especially rosacea, contain thus effective amounts of at least one avermectin compound, e.g., ivermectin, and at least one azelaic acid compound or salt or derivative thereof, formulated into a physiologically acceptable medium therefor.
US08563522B2 Method of maintaining and/or attenuating a decline in quality of life
Methods of maintaining and/or attenuating a decline in the quality of life of a mammal comprising the step of administering to the mammal a composition comprising an effective amount of mannoheptulose wherein the effective amount of mannoheptulose provides a dosage to the mammal on a daily basis from about 0.001 gram per kilogram of body weight of the mammal to about 1 gram per kilogram of body weight of the mammal.
US08563519B2 Methods of activating or inhibiting G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)
The invention relates generally to G protein coupled receptors and in particular to agonists and antagonists of G protein receptors and methods of using the same.
US08563518B2 Cyclosporin compositions
A composition is disclosed herein comprising from about 0.001% to about 0.4% cyclosporin A, castor oil, and a surfactant selected from the group consisting of alcohol ethoxylates, alcohols, alkyl glycosides, alkyl polyglycosides, alkylphenol ethoxylates, amine oxides, block polymers, carboxylated alcohol or alkylphenol ethoxylates, carboxylic acids/fatty acids, cellulose derivatives, ethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated alkylphenols, ethoxylated aryl phenols, ethoxylated fatty acids, ethoxylated fatty acids, ethoxylated fatty esters and oils, fatty alcohols, fatty esters, glycol esters, lanolin-based derivatives, lecithin and lecithin derivatives, lignin and lignin derivatives, methyl esters, monoglycerides and derivatives, phosphalipids, polyacrylic acids, polyethylene glycols, polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide copolymers, polyethylene oxides, polymeric surfactants, polypropylene oxides, propoxylated alcohols, propoxylated alkyl phenols, propoxylated fatty acids, protein-based surfactants, sarcosine derivatives, silicone-based surfactants, sorbitan derivatives, stearates, sucrose and glucose esters and derivatives, and combinations thereof.
US08563515B2 Tight junction protein modulators and uses thereof
The invention provides tight junction protein modulators, compositions comprising the same, and uses thereof. In particular, the invention provides tight junction protein modulators that modulate the second extracellular loop of tight junction proteins, such as occludin or claudin.
US08563512B2 Neprilysin inhibitors
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: where R1-R6, a, b, and X are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US08563508B2 Method for preventing or reducing acute renal failure by administration of therapeutically active α-MSH analogues
The invention describes peptide analogues of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), which possess an increased efficacy compared to the native α-MSH peptide. The α-MSH analogues exhibit increased anti-inflammatory effects and increased capability to prevent ischemic conditions compared to α-MSH. The invention further discloses use of the peptides for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment or prophylaxis of a condition in the tissue of one or more organs of a mammal, and moreover pharmaceutical compositions.
US08563507B2 Method of treating a disease or condition characterized by aberrant epithelial cell proliferation
An isolated protein complex is provided which includes a growth factor, growth factor binding protein and vitronectin. Preferably, the isolated protein complex includes an insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 or insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 and vitronectin. Also provided are methods of modulating cell proliferation and/or migration by administering said protein complex for the purposes of wound healing, skin repair and tissue replacement therapy. Conversely, by using agents that disrupt growth factor protein complexes formed in vivo, growth factor-driven cell proliferation and/or migration may be suppressed such as for the purposes of treating cancers, psoriasis, atherosclerosis and wounds prone to hypertrophic scarring.
US08563506B2 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.
US08563505B2 Hepatitis C virus inhibitors
Hepatitis C virus inhibitors having the general formula are disclosed. Compositions comprising the compounds and methods for using the compounds to inhibit HCV are also disclosed.
US08563504B2 Antibacterial phage peptides and methods of use thereof
The present invention is directed to isolated and chimeric polypeptides of bacteriophage origin having antibiotic activity and use thereof in the treatment and control of bacterial infections. Specifically, the present invention is directed to the use of a novel antibacterial polypeptide derived from bacteriophage F87s/06 and chimeric constructs thereof, and their use for the treatment and control of infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus.
US08563500B2 Methods and compounds for treating diseases caused by reactive oxygen species
Provided is a method of treating a patient having an inflammatory disease by using a compound which inhibits the complex I-mediated ROS production, a medicament containing such compound and methods for screening for such compounds.
US08563497B2 Process for making a detergent based composition
A process for making an anhydrous laundry liquid detergent base composition comprising detersive surfactant, the process comprising the steps of: a) providing a pre-neutralized sulphate detersive surfactant syrup wherein at least 50% of the sulphate detersive surfactant is pre-neutralized with an organic neutralizing agent; b) adding a neutralizing agent to the sulphate detersive surfactant syrup; and c) adding a sulphonic detersive surfactant in acid form to the mixture resulting from step b).
US08563496B2 Liquid acidic hard surface cleaning composition
The present invention relates to a liquid acidic hard surface cleaning composition having a pH of above 2.0 and comprising formic acid, citric acid and an alkaline material.
US08563493B2 Oil composition for cosmetics
Provided are: an oil composition for cosmetics which is readily miscible with a makeup stain and can rinse out freshly through washing with water without leaving oily feeling, regardless of whether the skin is wet or not, and excels in safety and temporal stability; and a cleansing cosmetic containing the oil composition for cosmetics. The oil composition for cosmetics contains 1 to 30 percent by weight of a medium-chain polyglycerol monoalkyl ether; 1 to 30 percent by weight of a long-chain polyglycerol monoalkyl ether; and 40 to 98 percent by weight of at least one oily ingredient selected from the group consisting of silicone oils, ester oils, and triglycerols.
US08563490B2 Mild to the skin, foaming detergent composition
A mild to the skin, foaming detergent composition comprising: a) 1 to 20 wt % sophorolipid biosurfactant, b) 1 to 20 wt % of anionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of glycinate, sulphosuccinate, and mixtures thereof, c) 0 to 10 wt % foam boosting surfactant, d) 0 to 2 wt % additional electrolyte, e) 0 to 10 wt % additional additives, f) 40 to 98 wt % water. The anionic surfactant is preferably disodium laureth-3-sulphosuccinate. The electrolyte may be sodium chloride, the foam boosting surfactant may be olivamidopropyl betaine and the additional additives may be silicones, polymers, structurants, thickeners or pH adjusters. A preferred additive is a dispersed modified cellulose biopolymer as structurant. The composition is suitable for personal wash, shower gel and shampoo formulations.
US08563485B2 Tribo-system and method for reducing particle conglomeration therein
A tribo-system includes a metal substrate having a surfactant layer chemisorbed to a side thereof, a lubricant established on the metal substrate, and a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed in the lubricant. Each of the nanoparticles includes i) an inorganic core having a predetermined size and shape, and ii) a surfactant shell chemisorbed to a surface of the inorganic core, where the surfactant shell has a predetermined thickness. The adhesive force and energy between the metal substrate surface and the nanoparticles is higher than the adhesive force and energy between individual particles of the nanoparticles.
US08563484B2 Hydraulic fluid compositions
An aqueous hydraulic fluid composition comprising a first lubricant comprising at least one phospholipid and a second lubricant comprising an alkoxylate salt. The aqueous hydraulic fluid composition contains less than about 20% by weight (preferably none or substantially none) of an oil selected from the group consisting of mineral oils, synthetic hydrocarbon oils, and mixtures thereof. The use of alkoxylate salts provides increased lubricity and also acts as an emulsion stabilizer for the composition.
US08563482B2 Environment friendly base fluid to replace the toxic mineral oil-based base fluids
Processes for producing alkyl esters useful as base fluids in oil-based mud compositions. The alkyl esters are produced from raw material waste oil that include vegetable oil. The raw material waste oil can be obtained from the food industry, such as from food chains. The raw material waste oil is purified by removing impurities from it. The raw material waste oil is then esterified with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. The resulting alkyl ester products are then separated from triglycerides. The alkyl ester products are then washed and dried.
US08563480B2 Subterranean bridging agents
The present invention relates to bridging agents for use in subterranean formations, to well drill-in and servicing fluids comprising such bridging agents, and to methods of using such bridging agents and well drill-in and servicing fluids in subterranean drilling operations. An example of a well drill-in and servicing fluid of the present invention comprises a viscosified fluid, a fluid loss control additive, and a bridging agent comprising a degradable material.
US08563479B2 Volcanic ash-based drilling mud to overcome drilling challenges
Drilling mud compositions and related methods are provided as embodiments of the present invention. The drilling mud compositions are water-based and contain volcanic ash. The compositions and methods of the present invention provide improved properties relative to tolerance of high salt content, cement, lime, and temperatures.
US08563478B2 Method of preparing libraries of template polynucleotides
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a library of template polynucleotides and use thereof in methods of solid-phase nucleic acid amplification. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for preparing a library of template polynucleotides that have common sequences at their 5′ ends and at their 3′ ends.
US08563477B2 Modified molecular arrays
A composition including (a) a solid support having a surface; (b) a first plurality of nucleic acids immobilized on the surface, wherein the nucleic acids in the first plurality each include the P7 primer sequence (5′-CAAGCAGAAGACGGCATACGA-3′; SEQ ID NO: 3); and (c) a second plurality of nucleic acids immobilized on the surface, wherein the nucleic acids in the second plurality each include the P5 primer sequence (5′-AATGATACGGCGACCACCGA-3′; SEQ ID NO: 4).
US08563472B2 Synergistic fungicidal and algicidal compositions including 2-hydroxyphenylaldehyde and 2-hydroxyphenylketone heterocycloyhydrazones and copper
The present invention relates to the use of mixtures containing 2-hydroxyphenylaldehyde and 2-hydroxyphenylketone heterocycloylhydrazone compounds and copper for controlling the growth of fungi and algae.
US08563471B2 Submicron mesotrione compositions
The present invention relates to novel suspension concentrate and suspoemulsion formulations comprising a herbicidally active amount of 2-(2′-nitro-4′-methylsulphonylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione(mesotrione), as well as agrochemically acceptable salts thereof, having a particle size, as defined herein, of less than 1 micron and to the use of thereof in controlling weeds in crops of useful plants.
US08563470B2 Anthranilic diamide and cyclodextrin compositions for propagule coating
Disclosed is an insecticidal composition comprising by weight based on the total weight of the composition: a) from about 9 to about 91% of one or more anthranilic diamide insecticides; and (b) from about 9 to about 91% of a cyclodextrin; wherein the ratio of component (b) to component (a) is about 1:10 to about 10:1 by weight. Also disclosed are inclusion complexes of the anthranilic diamide insecticides with the cyclodextrin.Also disclosed is a geotropic propagule coated with an insecticidally effective amount of the aforedescribed composition. Further disclosed is a liquid composition comprising the insecticidal composition, and a method for protecting a geotropic propagule and plant derived therefrom from a phytophagous insect pest.
US08563464B2 Use of porous metal-organic framework materials for color marking of filters
The present invention relates to the use of a porous metal-organic framework material comprising at least one, at least bidentate, organic compound bound to at least one metal ion by coordination, the at least one metal ion, the at least one, at least bidentate, organic compound, or if appropriate a further component, being a coloring component, as sorbent and for permanent color marking of a filter.
US08563463B1 Rapid synthesis of fuel cell catalyst using controlled microwave heating
Methods for the rapid synthesis of catalyst are disclosed herein, as well as catalyst formed from such methods. One method of the rapid synthesis of catalyst comprises first forming a solution that comprises a solvent, a precious metal precursor, a catalyst substrate, a reducing agent and a stabilizer. The solution is homogenized. The precious metal precursor is reduced to nanoparticles of the precious metal and the nanoparticles are deposited onto the catalyst substrate to form catalyst particles. Reducing and depositing comprise increasing a temperature of the solution with microwave irradiation at a controlled rate to a predetermined temperature and holding the solution at the predetermined temperature with microwave irradiation until the reduction and depositing are detected to be complete.
US08563459B2 Fixed-bed hydrosilylation catalyst complexes and related methods
The invention includes a fixed-bed catalyst complex that includes (i) a metal carbene catalyst, wherein the metal is platinum, and (ii) a catalyst support that includes one or more of silica, alumina and/or glass. The invention provides a fixed-bed catalyst complex that includes a catalyst complex including a carbene chosen from those represented by at least one of Formulae (I), (II), (III), and (IV): Where the vales of X and R1 to R7 are specifically defined. The complex also includes a catalyst support that comprises silica, related reaction products, and related reaction systems.
US08563457B2 Polymerization catalyst composition for polymerization of isoprene compound
3,4-isoprene-based polymer having high isotacticity can be produced by polymerizing an isoprene compound using a complex represented by the general formula (A) and a catalyst activator: wherein R1 and R2 independently represent an alkyl group, a cyclohexyl group, an aryl group or an aralkyl group; R3 represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an aliphatic, aromatic or cyclic amino group, a phosphino group, a boryl group, an alkylthio or arylthio group, or an alkoxy or aryloxy group; M represents a rare earth element selected from Sc, Y, and La to Lu with promethium (Pm) excluded; Q1 and Q2 independently represent a monoanionic ligand; L represents a neutral Lewis base.
US08563453B2 High zirconia fused cast refractory
To provide a high zirconia fused cast refractory which hardly has cracks, and has excellent durability and reusability, at the time of production of the refractory and during use for a glass melting furnace. A high zirconia fused cast refractory which has a chemical composition comprising from 85 to 95 mass % of ZrO2, at least 2.5 mass % of SiO2, at most 0.04 mass % of Na2O, at most 0.04 mass % of B2O3, and at most 0.04 mass % of P2O5, containing SrO as an essential component, and containing at least one of K2O and Cs2O, wherein contents of SrO, K2O and Cs2O satisfy the relations of the following formula (1) and (2) at the same time: 0.20≦[0.638×CK2O+0.213×CCs2O+0.580×CSrO]/CSiO2≦0.40  (1) 0.10≦0.580×CSrO/CSiO2  (2)
US08563451B2 Optical glass
The invention provides a novel optical glass which has a refractive index (nd) of 1.78 to 2.2 and an Abbe value (νd) of 16 to less than 40 and is suitable for precision mold press molding by virtue of its having a low glass transition temperature, namely, an optical glass which contains by mole in terms of oxides 25 to 60% B2O3, 2 to 45% (in total) TiO2 and Nb2O5 and 1 to 25% WO3 and has a refractive index (nd) of 1.78 to 2.2 and an Abbe value (νd) of 16 to less than 40. Further, the glass contains 5 to 35% La2O3 and 1 to 40% ZnO and has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 700° C. or below. The optical glass is excellent in meltability, stability and devitrification resistance and has a high refractive index, high light-dispersive power and excellent precision press moldability.
US08563450B2 Composition for high performance glass high performance glass fibers and articles therefrom
Glass batch compositions for the formation of high-modulus, and high-strength glass fibers as well as fibers suitable for use as textile and reinforcements are disclosed. Fibers formed of the composition are especially suitable for use in high-strength, low-weight applications such as windmill blades and high strength and modulus applications where strength and stiffness are required in the composite. The glass composition is up to about 70.5 weight % SiO2, about 24.5 weight % Al2O3, about 22 weight % alkaline earth oxides and may include small amounts of alkali metal oxides and ZrO2. Fiberglass-reinforced composite articles such as windmill blades are also disclosed.
US08563449B2 Non-woven material and method of making such material
A non-woven material and method of formation thereof is provided to form a substantially flat or planar self supporting core of an inorganic base fiber and an organic binding fiber preferably using an air-laid forming head. In certain preferred embodiments, the organic base fiber has a fiber strength with a break load of about 10 grams or less and an elongation of about 20 percent or less. Preferably, the organic binding fiber has a binding component and a structural component within unitary fiber filaments. In one aspect, the structural component of the organic binding fiber has a composition effective to provide a strength thereof so that the non-woven material can be manually cut with minimal effort. In such form, the non-woven material is suitable to function as an acoustic ceiling tile.
US08563444B2 ALD of metal silicate films
Methods for forming metal silicate films are provided. The methods comprise contacting a substrate with alternating and sequential vapor phase pulses of a silicon source chemical, metal source chemical, and an oxidizing agent, wherein the metal source chemical is the next reactant provided after the silicon source chemical. Methods according to some embodiments can be used to form silicon-rich hafnium silicate and zirconium silicate films with substantially uniform film coverages on substrate surface.
US08563443B2 Method of depositing dielectric film by ALD using precursor containing silicon, hydrocarbon, and halogen
A method of forming a dielectric film having at least Si—N, Si—C, or Si—B bonds on a semiconductor substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD), includes: supplying a precursor in a pulse to adsorb the precursor on a surface of a substrate; supplying a reactant gas in a pulse over the surface without overlapping the supply of the precursor; reacting the precursor and the reactant gas on the surface; and repeating the above steps to form a dielectric film having at least Si—N, Si—C, or Si—B bonds on the substrate. The precursor has at least one Si—C or Si—N bond, at least one hydrocarbon, and at least two halogens attached to silicon in its molecule.
US08563442B2 Method for manufacturing nitrogen compound semiconductor substrate and nitrogen compound semiconductor substrate, and method for manufacturing single crystal SiC substrate and single crystal SiC substrate
In order to provide a method for manufacturing a single crystal SiC substrate that can obtain an SiC layer with good crystallinity, an Si substrate 1 having a surface Si layer 3 of a predetermined thickness and an embedded insulating layer 4 is prepared, and when the Si substrate 1 is heated in a carbon-series gas atmosphere to convert the surface Si layer 3 into a single crystal SiC layer 6, the Si layer in the vicinity of an interface 8 with the embedded insulating layer 4 is left as a residual Si layer 5.
US08563435B2 Method of reducing damage to an electron beam inspected semiconductor substrate, and methods of inspecting a semiconductor substrate
Methods for reducing electron beam induced damage on semiconductor substrates employ compositions such as small chain organic solvents and non-neutral pH solutions to reduce or eliminate charge imbalances on semiconductor substrates caused by electron beam inspection of the semiconductor substrates. Damage to semiconductor substrates by electron beam inspection processes may also be reduced by generating or otherwise forming passivation films on a semiconductor substrate following electron beam inspection.
US08563433B2 Process to form via hole in semiconductor wafer
A process to form a via hole in a semiconductor wafer is disclosed. The process includes steps of, preparing a metal mask and etching the wafer by the metal mask as the etching mask. The preparation of the metal mask includes steps of: coating a nega-resist on the back surface of the wafer, carrying out the photolithography for the coated nega-resist, plating a metal selectively by the patterned photoresist, and removing the patterned photoresist.
US08563428B2 Methods for depositing metal in high aspect ratio features
Methods of depositing metal in high aspect ratio features are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of processing a substrate includes applying RF power at VHF frequency to a target comprising metal disposed in the PVD chamber above the substrate to form a plasma from a plasma-forming gas, sputtering metal atoms from the target using the plasma while maintaining a first pressure in the PVD chamber sufficient to ionize a predominant portion of the sputtered metal atoms, depositing the ionized metal atoms on a bottom surface of the opening and on a first surface of the substrate, applying a first RF power to redistribute at least some of the deposited metal atoms from the bottom surface and upper surface to sidewalls of the opening, and repeating the deposition the redistribution processes until a first layer of metal is deposited on substantially all surfaces of the opening.
US08563427B2 Semiconductor chip with conductive diffusion regions, method for manufacturing the same, and stack package using the same
A semiconductor chip includes a substrate with a barrier region and a conductive diffusion region formed in the substrate and is surrounded by the barrier region. The conductive diffusion region may provide a conductive oath from top of the substrate to bottom of the substrate.
US08563426B2 Shrinkage of contact elements and vias in a semiconductor device by incorporating additional tapering material
Vertical contact structures, such as contact elements connected to semiconductor-based contact regions in device areas comprising densely-spaced gate electrode structures, are formed for given lithography and patterning capabilities by incorporating at least one additional dielectric layer of superior tapering behavior into the dielectric material system.
US08563424B2 Process for forming cobalt and cobalt silicide materials in tungsten contact applications
Methods for forming cobalt silicide are provided. One method for forming a cobalt silicide material includes exposing a substrate having a silicon-containing material to either a wet etch solution or a pre-clean plasma during a first step and then to a hydrogen plasma during a second step of a pre-clean process. The method further includes depositing a cobalt metal layer on the silicon-containing material by a CVD process, heating the substrate to form a first cobalt silicide layer comprising CoSi at the interface of the cobalt metal layer and the silicon-containing material during a first annealing process, removing any unreacted cobalt metal from the substrate during an etch process, and heating the substrate to form a second cobalt silicide layer comprising CoSi2 during a second annealing process.
US08563420B2 Multilayer printed wiring board
A method for manufacturing a printed wiring board includes forming an uncalcined layer containing a raw ceramic material on a first metal layer, firing the uncalcined layer formed on the first metal layer such that a high dielectric constant layer having a ceramic body calcined in a sheet form is formed on the first metal layer, forming a second metal layer on the high dielectric constant layer on the opposite side of the high dielectric constant layer with respect to the first metal layer such that a layered capacitor having the high dielectric constant layer and first and second layer electrodes sandwiching the high dielectric constant layer is formed, and disposing the layered capacitor in a main body.
US08563417B2 Method for packaging ultra-thin chip with solder ball thermo-compression in wafer level packaging process
The invention generally relates to a packaging method of an ultra-thin chip, more specifically, the invention relates to a method for packaging the ultra-thin chip with solder ball thermo-compression in wafer level packaging process. The method starts with disposing solder balls on metal pads arranged on the front surface of semiconductor chips that are formed at the front surface of a semiconductor wafer. The solder balls are soften by heating the wafer, a compression plate is applied with a pressure on the top ends of the solder balls thus forming a co-planar top surface at the top ends of the solder balls. A molding compound is deposited on the front surface of the wafer with the top ends of the solder balls exposed. The wafer is then ground from its back surface to reduce its thickness to achieve ultra-thin chip.
US08563416B2 Coaxial solder bump support structure
A solder bump support structure and method of manufacturing thereof is provided. The solder bump support structure includes an inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer formed over a silicon substrate. The ILD layer has a plurality of conductive vias. The structure further includes a first insulation layer formed on the ILD layer. The solder bump support structure further includes a pedestal member formed on the ILD layer which includes a conductive material formed above the plurality of conductive vias in the ILD layer coaxially surrounded by a second insulation layer. The second insulation layer is thicker than the first insulation layer. The structure further includes a capping under bump metal (UBM) layer formed over, and in electrical contact with, the conductive material and formed over at least a portion of the second insulation layer of the pedestal member.
US08563414B1 Methods for forming conductive carbon films by PECVD
Conductive carbon films having a resistivity of less than about 0.2 Ohm-cm, preferably less than about 0.05 Ohm-cm, are deposited by PECVD. Conductive carbon films are essentially free of sp3-hybridized carbon and contain predominantly sp2 carbon, based on IR spectral features. Carbon content of the films is at least about 75% atomic C. Conductive carbon films may contain hydrogen, but are typically hydrogen-poor, containing less than about 20% H. In some embodiments, conductive carbon films further contain nitrogen (N). For example, conductive films having a CxHyNz composition, where nitrogen is present at between about 5-10% atomic, have both high conductivity and low roughness, because introduction of nitrogen delays formation of crystallites in the film. The films are deposited at a process temperature of at least about 620° C., and at a pressure of less than about 20 Torr in a dual-frequency plasma process dominated by low frequency (LF) plasma.
US08563413B2 Semiconductor device with buried gate and method for fabricating the same
A Semiconductor device includes a substrate having an active region defined by a device isolation layer, a trench formed by etching the active region and the device isolation layer, a buried gate filling a portion of the trench, an interlayer insulation layer formed over the buried gate and filling a remainder of the trench, and an oxidation protecting layer formed between the buried gate and the device isolation layer.
US08563411B2 Semiconductor devices having a diffusion barrier layer and methods of manufacturing the same
Methods of manufacturing a semiconductor device include forming a gate insulation layer including a high-k dielectric material on a substrate that is divided into a first region and a second region; forming a diffusion barrier layer including a first metal on a second portion of the gate insulation layer in the second region; forming a diffusion layer on the gate insulation layer and the diffusion barrier layer; and diffusing an element of the diffusion layer into a first portion of the gate insulation layer in the first region.
US08563409B2 Film-forming composition
A film-forming composition for use in a coating diffusion method, capable of diffusing a dopant at a higher concentration, and further capable of concomitantly forming a silica-based coating film is provided. A film-forming composition for constituting a diffusion film provided for diffusing a dopant element into a silicon wafer, the film-forming composition including: (A) a polymeric silicon compound; (B) an oxide of the dopant element, or a salt including the dopant element; and (C) porogene.
US08563408B2 Spin-on formulation and method for stripping an ion implanted photoresist
A spin-on formulation that is useful in stripping an ion implanted photoresist is provided that includes an aqueous solution of a water soluble polymer containing at least one acidic functional group, and at least one lanthanide metal-containing oxidant. The spin-on formulation is applied to an ion implanted photoresist and baked to form a modified photoresist. The modified photoresist is soluble in aqueous, acid or organic solvents. As such one of the aforementioned solvents can be used to completely strip the ion implanted photoresist as well as any photoresist residue that may be present. A rinse step can follow the stripping of the modified photoresist.
US08563402B2 Method and structure for fabricating solar cells using a thick layer transfer process
A method includes providing a donor substrate comprising single crystal silicon and having a surface region, a cleave region, and a thickness of material to be removed between the surface region and the cleave region. The method also includes introducing through the surface region a plurality of hydrogen particles within a vicinity of the cleave region using a high energy implantation process. The method further includes applying compressional energy to cleave the semiconductor substrate and remove the thickness of material from the donor substrate.
US08563400B2 Laser bonding for stacking semiconductor substrates
Methods and structures using laser bonding for stacking semiconductor substrates are described. In one embodiment, a method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a trench in a first substrate, and a bond pad on a second substrate comprising active circuitry. A top surface of the bond pad includes a first material. The first substrate is aligned over the second substrate to align the trench over the bond pad. An electromagnetic beam is directed into the trench to form a bond between the first material on the bond pad and a second material at a bottom surface of the first substrate.
US08563399B2 Detachable substrate and processes for fabricating and detaching such a substrate
The invention relates to a detachable substrate for the electronics, optics or optoelectronics industry, that includes a detachable layer resting on a buried weakened region. This substrate is remarkable in that this buried weakened region consists of a semiconductor material that is denser in the liquid state than in the solid state and that contains in places precipitates of naturally volatile impurities. The invention also relates to a process for fabricating and detaching a detachable substrate.
US08563398B2 Electrically conductive path forming below barrier oxide layer and integrated circuit
Methods of forming an electrically conductive path under a barrier oxide layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate and an integrated circuit including the path are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes forming an electrically conductive path below a barrier oxide layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, the method comprising: forming a first barrier oxide layer on a semiconductor substrate; forming the electrically conductive path within the first barrier oxide layer; and forming a second barrier oxide layer on the first barrier oxide layer. The electrically conductive path allows reduction of SRAM area by forming a wiring path underneath the barrier oxide layer on the SOI substrate.
US08563395B2 Method of growing uniform semiconductor nanowires without foreign metal catalyst and devices thereof
Amongst the candidates for very high efficiency solid state lights sources and full solar spectrum solar cells are devices based upon InGaN nanowires. Additionally these nanowires typically require heterostructures, quantum dots, etc which all place requirements for these structures to be grown with relatively few defects. Further manufacturing requirements demand reproducible nanowire diameter, length etc to allow these nanowires to be embedded within device structures. Additionally flexibility according to the device design requires that the nanowire at the substrate may be either InN or GaN. According to the invention a method of growing relatively defect free nanowires and associated structures for group III—nitrides is presented without the requirement for foreign metal catalysts and overcoming the non-uniform growth of prior art non-catalyst growth techniques. The technique also allows for unique dot-within-a-dot nanowire structures.
US08563394B2 Integrated circuit structure having substantially planar N-P step height and methods of forming
Solutions for forming an integrated circuit structure having a substantially planar N-P step height are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes: providing a structure having an n-type field effect transistor (NFET) region and a p-type field effect transistor (PFET) region; forming a mask over the PFET region to leave the NFET region exposed; performing dilute hydrogen-flouride (DHF) cleaning on the exposed NFET region to substantially lower an STI profile of the NFET region; and forming a silicon germanium (SiGE) channel in the PFET region after the performing of the DHF.
US08563393B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device which prevents damage to alignment marks used for alignment between a superjunction structure and process layers at subsequent steps. In the related art, recesses are made in a semiconductor substrate before the formation of the superjunction structure and used as alignment marks and in order to prevent damage to the alignment marks, the alignment marks are covered by an insulating film such as a silicon oxide film during the subsequent process of forming the superjunction structure, but the inventors have found that damage may penetrate the cover film, reach the semiconductor substrate and destroy the marks. In the method according to the invention, alignment marks for alignment between the superjunction structure and process layers at subsequent steps are formed after the formation of the superjunction structure.
US08563392B2 Method of forming an ALD material
In some embodiments of the present invention, methods are developed wherein a gas flow of an electron donating compound (EDC) is introduced in sequence with a precursor pulse and alters the deposition of the precursor material. In some embodiments, the EDC pulse is introduced sequentially with the precursor pulse with a purge step used to remove the non-adsorbed EDC from the process chamber before the precursor is introduced. In some embodiments, the EDC pulse is introduced using a vapor draw technique or a bubbler technique. In some embodiments, the EDC pulse is introduced in the same gas distribution manifold as the precursor pulse. In some embodiments, the EDC pulse is introduced in a separate gas distribution manifold from the precursor pulse.
US08563390B2 Semiconductor devices and methods of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes capacitors connected in parallel. Electrode active portions and a discharge active portion are defined on a semiconductor substrate, and capping electrodes are disposed respectively on the electrode active portions. A capacitor-dielectric layer is disposed between each of the capping electrodes and each of the electrode active portions that overlap each other. A counter doped region is disposed in the discharge active portion. A lower interlayer dielectric covers the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate. Electrode contact plugs respectively contact the capping electrodes through the lower interlayer dielectric, and a discharge contact plug contacts the counter doped region through the lower interlayer dielectric. A lower interconnection is disposed on the lower interlayer dielectric and contacts the electrode contact plugs and the discharge contact plug.
US08563380B2 Electric nanodevice and method of manufacturing same
A nanodevice is disclosed. The nanodevice comprises: a drain region, a source region opposite to the drain region and being separated therefrom at least with a trench, and a gate region, isolated from the drain and the source regions and from the trench. The trench has a height which is between 1 nm and 30 nm.
US08563377B2 Trench-based power semiconductor devices with increased breakdown voltage characteristics
Exemplary power semiconductor devices with features providing increased breakdown voltage and other benefits are disclosed.
US08563376B2 Hybrid CMOS nanowire mesh device and bulk CMOS device
A method of forming a hybrid semiconductor structure on an SOI substrate. The method includes an integrated process flow to form a nanowire mesh device and a bulk CMOS device on the same SOI substrate. Also included is a semiconductor structure which includes the nanowire mesh device and the bulk CMOS device on the same SOI substrate.
US08563372B2 Methods of forming contact structures including alternating metal and silicon layers and related devices
A method of forming a semiconductor device, the method comprising providing a semiconductor layer, and providing a first layer of a first metal on the semiconductor layer. A second layer may be provided on the first layer of the first metal. The second layer may include a layer of silicon and a layer of a second metal, and the first and second metals may be different. The first metal may be titanium and the second metal may be nickel. Related devices, structures, and other methods are also discussed.
US08563367B2 Method of fabricating array substrate for in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device
A method of fabricating an array substrate for an in-plane switching (IPS)-mode liquid crystal display (LCD) device, which includes a common electrode and a pixel electrode with a fine line width, are provided. The formation of the pixel electrode and the common electrode of the array substrate includes depositing two different metal layers and patterning the two different metal layers using a selective etching process. Thus, the pixel electrode and a central common electrode may be formed to have a fine line width so that the IPS-mode LCD device can have an improved aperture ratio.
US08563365B2 Air-gap C4 fluidic I/O interconnects and methods of fabricating same
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a chip for use in fabricating a three-dimensional integrated circuit, the chip comprising a wafer, one or more metallic-filled, electrical vias, and one or more hollow, fluidic vias. The wafer can comprise a first surface and a second surface. The one or more metallic-filled, electrical vias can extend through the wafer. Each electrical via can be in electrical communication with an electrical interconnect proximate the first surface, providing electrical communication between chips in the integrated circuit. The one or more hollow, fluidic vias can extend through the wafer. Each fluidic via can be in fluid communication with a fluidic interconnect, providing fluid communication between adjacent chips in the integrated circuit. Each fluidic interconnect can comprise a first end proximate the first surface, a second end, and a cap proximate the second end, defining an air-filled space within the fluidic interconnect.
US08563363B2 Fabricating method of semiconductor package structure
A fabricating method of a semiconductor package structure is provided. A dielectric layer having a first surface and a second surface is provided. A patterned metal layer has been formed on the first surface of the dielectric layer. An opening going through the first and the second surfaces is formed. A carrier having a third surface and a fourth surface is formed at the second surface. A portion of the third surface is exposed by the opening of the dielectric layer. A semiconductor die having a joining surface and a side-surface is joined in the opening. At least a through hole going through the third and the fourth surfaces is formed. A metal layer having at least a heat conductive post extending from the fourth surface of the carrier to the through hole and disposed in the through hole and a containing cavity is formed on the fourth surface.
US08563362B2 Method of producing semiconductor chip laminate comprising an adhesive that comprises a curing compound, curing agent and spacer particles
A method for producing a semiconductor chip laminate, which comprises applying an adhesive to a substrate or other semiconductor chip; laminating the semiconductor chip on the substrate or other semiconductor chip via the adhesive; uniformly wetting and spreading the adhesive on an entire region for bonding the semiconductor chip on the substrate or other semiconductor chip; and curing the adhesive. In the application step, an area for applying adhesive is 40% to 90% of the region for bonding the semiconductor chip located on the substrate or other semiconductor chip, immediately after laminating, an area with the adhesive thereon is 60% to less than 100% of the region for bonding the semiconductor chip on the substrate or other semiconductor chip, and in wetting and spreading the adhesive, a viscosity of adhesive between the substrate or other semiconductor chips and the semiconductor chip at 0.5 rpm is 1 Pas to 30 Pas.
US08563361B2 Packaging method of molded wafer level chip scale package (WLCSP)
A WLCSP method comprises: depositing a metal bump on bonding pads of chips; forming a first packaging layer at front surface of wafer to cover metal bumps while forming an un-covered ring at the edge of wafer to expose the ends of each scribe line located between two adjacent chips; thinning first packaging layer to expose metal bumps; forming a groove on front surface of first packaging layer along each scribe line by cutting along a straight line extended by two ends of scribe line exposed on front surface of un-covered ring; grinding back surface of wafer to form a recessed space and a support ring at the edge of the wafer; depositing a metal layer at bottom surface of wafer in recessed space; cutting off the edge portion of wafer; and separating individual chips from wafer by cutting through first packaging layer, the wafer and metal layer along groove.
US08563360B2 Power semiconductor device package and fabrication method
A power semiconductor device package includes a conductive assembly including a connecting structure and a semiconductor die having an aperture formed therethrough, the aperture being sized and configured to spacedly receive the connecting structure. In an alternative embodiment, a power semiconductor device package includes a conductive assembly including a connecting structure and a pair of semiconductor die disposed on either side of the connecting structure in spaced relationship thereto.
US08563358B2 Method of producing a chip package, and chip package
A method of producing a chip package includes providing a substrate comprising a first recess having a recess bottom and recess side walls. A chip comprising a chip backside is introduced into the recess such that the chip does not protrude from the recess and such that a gap remains between the recess side walls and the chip, the chip backside being attached to the recess bottom. The gap is filled with a filler material.
US08563356B2 Thin film transistor and method of fabricating the same
Provided are a thin film transistor in which an oxide semiconductor combined with a nitride containing boron or aluminum is applied to a channel layer and a method of fabricating the same. The thin film transistor in which an oxide semiconductor combined with a nitride containing boron or aluminum is applied to a channel layer exhibits significantly improved mobility and increased stability at a high temperature.
US08563355B2 Method of making a phase change memory cell having a silicide heater in conjunction with a FinFET
A phase change memory (PCM) cell includes a transistor, a PCM structure, and a heater. The transistor has a first current electrode and a second current electrode in a structure, and a channel region having a first portion along a first sidewall of the structure and having a second portion along a second sidewall of the structure. The second sidewall is opposite the first sidewall. The transistor has a control electrode that has a first portion adjacent to the first sidewall and a second portion adjacent to the second sidewall. The PCM structure exhibits first and second resistive values when in first and second phase states, respectively. The heater is on the structure and produces heat when current flows through the heater for changing the phase state of the phase change structure.
US08563348B2 Fabrication of electrically active films based on multiple layers
A continuous film of desired electrical characteristics is obtained by successively printing and annealing two or more dispersions of prefabricated nanoparticles.
US08563341B2 Thin film transistor array substrate and manufacturing method for the same
The present invention discloses a thin film transistor array substrate and a manufacturing method for the same. A transparent conductive layer and a first metal layer are deposited on a substrate, and a multi-tone mask is utilized to form a gate electrode and a common electrode. A gate insulative layer and a semi-conductive layer are deposited on the substrate with the gate electrode and the common electrode, and the semi-conductive layer is patterned by a second mask to retain a region of the semi-conductive layer that is there-above the gate electrode. A second metal layer is deposited on the substrate with the gate insulative layer along with the retained semi-conductive layer, and the second metal layer is patterned by a third mask to form a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a pixel electrode. The present invention provides a simple manufacturing method.
US08563339B2 System for and method for closed loop electrophoretic deposition of phosphor materials on semiconductor devices
One close loop system and method for electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of phosphor material on light emitting diodes (LEDs). The system comprises a deposition chamber sealed from ambient air. A mixture of phosphor material and solution is provided to the chamber with the mixture also being sealed from ambient air. A carrier holds a batch of LEDs in the chamber with the mixture contacting the areas of the LEDs for phosphor deposition. A voltage supply applies a voltage to the LEDs and the mixture to cause the phosphor material to deposit on the LEDs at the mixture contacting areas.
US08563338B2 Light emitting diode package having an LED chip mounted on a phosphor substrate
Provided is a light emitting diode (LED) package including a phosphor substrate; an LED chip mounted on the phosphor substrate; a circuit board mounted on the other region of the phosphor substrate excluding the region where the LED chip is mounted; an electrode connection portion for electrically connecting the LED chip and the circuit board; and a sealing member that covers the LED chip, the circuit board, and the phosphor substrate.
US08563337B2 Simultaneous silicone dispension on coupler
A semiconductor device and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. Specifically, methods and devices for manufacturing optocouplers are disclosed. Even more specifically, methods and devices that deposit one or more encapsulant materials on optocouplers are disclosed. The encapsulant material may include silicone and the devices used to deposit the silicone may be configured to simultaneously deposit the silicone on different sides of the optocoupler, thereby reducing manufacturing steps and time.
US08563335B1 Method of controlling polishing using in-situ optical monitoring and fourier transform
A method of controlling a polishing operation includes polishing a substrate, during polishing obtaining a sequence over time of measured spectra from the substrate with an in-situ optical monitoring system, for each measured spectrum from the sequence of measured spectra applying a Fourier transform to the measured spectrum to generate a transformed spectrum thus generating a sequence of transformed spectra, for each transformed spectrum identifying a peak of interest from a plurality of peaks in the transformed spectrum, for each transformed spectrum determining a position value for the peak of interest in the transformed spectrum thus generating a sequence of position values, and determining at least one of a polishing endpoint or an adjustment of a pressure to the substrate from the sequence of position values.
US08563333B2 Film formation apparatus and film formation method
There is provided a film formation apparatus which is capable of forming an EL layer using an EL material with high purity. The EL material is purified by sublimation immediately before film formation in the film formation apparatus, to thereby remove oxygen, water, and another impurity, which are included in the EL material. Also, when film formation is performed using the EL material (high purity EL material) obtained by purifying with sublimation as an evaporation source, a high purity EL layer can be formed.
US08563330B2 Process of screening for alpha-thalassemia carrier using immunochromatographic strip test
The invention provides a device and method for the rapid identification of patients suspected of having thalassemia. The invention provides a test strip for the aqueous detection of thalassemia related proteins in whole blood. The test strip includes antibodies specific to the gamma 4, (γ4) protein and provides easy visual discrimination between a positive result and a negative result. The invention can be used in remote or clinical settings.
US08563327B2 Diagnostic marker for type 1 diabetes mellitus
The present invention provides, as a novel diagnosis marker for type 1 diabetes mellitus, a type 1 diabetes mellitus diagnostic composition comprising alanyl-tRNA synthetase, glycyl-tRNA synthetase, asparaginyl-tRNA synthetase, or tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase, a diagnostic kit comprising the same, and a diagnostic method using the same. The composition, the kit, and the method, according to the present invention, may be used for early diagnosis and confirmed diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus because type 1 diabetes mellitus can be easily diagnosed from a patient sample.
US08563326B2 Sample holder and method of using the same
A sample holder, such as a microscope slide, is provided in the form of a card-shaped substrate or plate, preferably for use in an analytical reader. The sample holder comprises at least one hole, preferably a plurality of holes, for receiving a sample to be analyzed. The at least one hole extends completely through the substrate and is sized such that the sample is held within the at least one hole by means of the surface tension of the sample against the force of gravity. Optionally the substrate comprises a first upper substrate and a second lower substrate that together embed a porous membrane. As a further option the sample holder comprises a first cover attached to the top side of the first upper substrate and/or a second cover attached to the bottom side of the second lower substrate. Moreover a method for using such a sample holder in an analytical reader is provided, comprising the steps of: filling the at least one hole of the sample holder with a sample and reagent mixture; inserting the sample holder in the analytical reader; and analyzing the sample and reagent mixture in the at least one hole of the sample holder with the analytical reader.
US08563324B2 Device and method for irradiating a sample with focused acoustic energy including a fully solid coupler
A device for receiving a sample carrier is provided. The device includes an opening for receiving part of the sample carrier and a cutter for removing a part of the sample carrier. The cutter is coupled to a lid, which is movable to allow the cutter to make an incision in the sample carrier and, at the same time, to close at least part of the opening left open after receipt of the sample carrier. The disclosure further relates to a system comprising such a device and a method for operating such a device.
US08563321B2 Chemiluminescent compositions, enhancing reagents for chemiluminescence and methods for the preparation and use thereof
A enhancing reagent for enhancing chemiluminescence of 1,2-dioxetane compounds and a method for using the enhancing reagent to enhance the chemiluminescence are provided, in which the enhancing reagent contains an alkyl bis-quaternary ammonium salt of Formula I. A chemiluminescent composition with a 1,2-dioxetane compound as a substrate and a kit thereof are further provided, which contain a 1,2-dioxetane compound and an alkyl bis-quaternary ammonium salt of Formula I.
US08563316B2 Inert and non-toxic explosive simulants and method of production
The present disclosure describes simulants and methods of production thereof that imitate characteristics of known explosives, including characteristics at the microscopic and macroscopic level. For instance, the present disclosure includes a simulant with the same texture, granularity, bulk density, particle density, and porosity of a known explosive. The simulants described herein provide the macroscopic bulk physical properties and the microscopic scale properties of actual explosives.
US08563311B2 Methods of culturing cells in a medium comprising transforming growth factor beta 1 and basic fibroblast growth factor
The present invention is of methods of establishing and propagating human embryonic stem cell lines using feeder cells-free, xeno-free culture systems and stem cells which are capable of being maintained in an undifferentiated, pluripotent and proliferative state in culture which is free of xeno contaminants and feeder cells.
US08563309B2 Primitive organ-like structure comprising keratinocytes and hair papilla cells
The present invention provides a method of producing a cell mass capable of serving as a primitive organ-like structure comprised of a plurality of somatic cell types of somatic origin, comprising: preparing cultures containing the plurality of types of somatic cells; mixing the plurality of types of somatic cell cultures followed by adding a Wnt signal activator to the mixed cell culture; subjecting the culture containing the Wnt signal activator to non-plate contact culturing over a predetermined time period; and replacing the medium of the culture cultured by the non-plate contact culturing with medium not containing Wnt signal activator and further culturing for a predetermined time period; wherein, at least one type of the plurality of somatic cells is maintained in an undifferentiated state.
US08563307B2 Treatment of immunosuppression-related disorders
Disclosed are methods of using blastomere-like stem cells to (1) decrease the level of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, (2) modulate immune response, (3) overcome a myeloid-derived suppressor cell-mediated immunosuppression, and (4) treat a cellular proliferative disorder. The blastomere-like stem cells, positive for CD66e, can be isolated from blood, bone marrow, or skeletal muscle.
US08563306B2 Tumor model system useful to study multistage cancer
The present invention relates to a method of developing a Tumor Model System. The invention deals with a tumor model system with adhesion deprived cells. This observation provides a new method for primary detection of transformation of adhesion-deprived cells and tumorigenicity. The adhesion-deprived cells are capable of metastasizing at distant sites and the model system includes both the tumor formation and metastasis.
US08563304B2 Low oxygen culture conditions for maintaining retinal progenitor cell multipotency
The present invention relates to methods for culturing human retinal progenitor cells under low oxygen conditions to allow the cells to retain the ability to differentiate into photoreceptors following transplantation. The described methods provide cells that can treat a number of ocular diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.
US08563303B2 Method for increasing recloning efficiency
The present invention relates to the field of cell culture technology and relates to methods of replicating/cloning cells, preferably cell lines which are important for the production of biopharmaceuticals. The invention also relates to methods of preparing proteins using cells that have been obtained and replicated by single cell deposition and compositions which make it possible to replicate individual cells.By using IGF particularly in conjunction with HSA in the culture medium after recloning, the recloning efficiency and hence the quantity of clones obtained can be increased significantly.
US08563291B2 Method of constructing recombinant proteoliposome for diagnostic use
[PROBLEMS] To provide a method for preparation of recombinant proteoliposomes suitable for diagnostic applications, a detection plate coated with the recombinant proteoliposomes, a detection kit and so on.[PROBLEM-SOLVING MEANS] Recombinant proteoliposomes are prepared by fusion of budded virus particles of a recombinant baculovirus, expressing a target membrane receptor (such as human thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor, acetylcholine receptor, insulin receptor, β1 adrenergic receptor, asialoglycoprotein receptor, etc., each participating in an autoantibody-related disease), with liposomes. Compared with the recombinant baculoviruses, these proteoliposomes have an improved ability to bind to an autoantibody and makes it possible to produce easily a kit for its detection.
US08563286B2 Polypeptides having lipase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having lipase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
US08563282B2 Materials and methods for converting biomass to biofuel
This disclosure provides for materials and methods for converting biomass to biofuels. The materials include a colloid mill with or without cellulase enzymes, and the methods include the use of a colloid mill and optionally cellulose enzymes to pretreat biomass for use in a biomass to biofuel production process.
US08563275B2 Method and device for detecting the presence of a single target nucleic acid in a sample
A method comprising subjecting one or more sample portion(s) to a single amplification step, thereby amplifying a single molecule in the sample portion to a detectable level, and, in some embodiments, then determining whether the sample portion contains at least one molecule of the target nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the sample portion is in a porous sample structure, or in a sample chamber which comprises means for minimizing diffusion of the sample portion, or in a sample chamber which is inside a microcapillary device, or in a sample retaining means.
US08563272B2 Cellulosic protein expression in yeast
The present invention provides for combinations of enzymes and other proteins that result in improved saccharification of plant material. The invention provides for saccharification in the presence of and optional fermentation by, yeast cells expressing the enzymes and other proteins.
US08563270B2 Calcium-binding photoprotein, gene encoding the same, and use thereof
A protein according to the invention can be used to detect or measure calcium ions is provided. Further the protein is useful as a reporter protein or a luminescence marker. A polynucleotide according to the invention is also useful as a reporter gene.
US08563267B2 Lycogen extract, composition thereof and method for the treatment using the same
A lycogen extract comprising active ingredient of ζ-carotene, neurosporene, spheroidenone and/or methoxyneurosporene is described. A composition comprising the lycogen extract of the present invention and food scientific or pharmaceutical acceptable carrier is also presented. A method for the treatment of disease in need of the lycogen extract which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of lycogen extract of the present invention is further described.
US08563266B2 A-87774 compounds or salts thereof, production method thereof and agrochemicals containing the same as active ingredient
There are provided novel A-87774 compounds or salts thereof having a herbicidal activity or a plant growth regulating activity, a microorganism producing the same, a production method thereof, an agrochemical (in particular, herbicide or plant growth regulator) containing the same as an active ingredient, a method for using the same, and a culture of the microorganism.
US08563264B2 Sample preparation for environmental sampling
A system and method for preparing samples to test an environmental surface for an analyte of interest. The system can include a deformable self-supporting receptacle comprising a reservoir, and a loaded substrate positioned in the reservoir of the deformable self-supporting receptacle. The loaded substrate can include a substrate and a source collected from the surface. The method can include combining the loaded substrate and a diluent in the reservoir, and agitating the loaded substrate and the diluent to form a liquid composition comprising the source and the diluent.
US08563261B2 Method of diagnosing and treating interstitial cystitis
A method for diagnosing, or differentially diagnosing, interstitial cystitis (IC) involves detecting or measuring increased expression of a biomarker Endothelin 1 (ET-1) in a biological sample from a mammalian subject, particularly in the urine or urothelial tissue. An increased level of expression of ET-1 above the level of expression in the same sample of a healthy mammalian subject is an indication of a diagnosis of IC. Such diagnosis may further involve identify other clinical symptoms of IC. Additionally the method may use additional biomarkers, such as Hb-EFG, EGF, APF, IL-8, IL-6, and cGMP. Assay methods and diagnostic reagents and kits for such diagnosis are provided. Methods and compositions for treating IC by reducing the action, production or synthesis of ET-1 in the urine or urothelium and/or inhibiting its binding to its ETA and/or ETB receptors are also provided.
US08563258B2 Allergy test based on flow cytometric analysis
The invention pertains to a method for the determination of basophil activation induced by a test substance by flow cytometric measurement of the changes of the mean or median fluorescence intensities (MFI) of the basophilic FcεRI receptor present on the cell surface of basophils (MFI-FcεRI) and/or the IgE antibodies bound to the FcεRI receptor (MFI-IgE), and the CD63 antigen exposed on the cell surface of basophils after their activation (MFI-CD63), by means of a mixture of anti-CD63, anti-FcεRI or anti-IgE, and anti-CCR3 antibodies each labelled with a distinct fluorophore, of which at least one antibody acts as a basophil selection marker and at least two antibodies act as basophil activation markers, and bringing the mean fluorescence intensities of the activation markers in correlation to obtain an Activation Index. These methods combining the measurement of an early (such as IgE, FcεRI or CD203c) and a late basophil activation marker (such as CD63), respectively, provide a markedly improved clinical sensitivity in allergy diagnosis over existing methods which consider only one activation marker, such as CD203c or CD63, expressed in percentage of basophil activation. It is also an aspect of the present invention to provide an ex-vivo allergy provocation test comprising the above-mentioned flow cytometric measurement and analysis of the results as well as a test kit for carrying out the test in-vitro.
US08563257B2 Sensitive and rapid methods of using chimeric receptors to identify autoimmune disease and assess disease severity
The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases. In particular, the present invention provides improved methods and compositions for the diagnosis and management of Graves' disease. The methods of the present invention not only avoids the need for radioactivity and are much simpler, economical, and rapid than methods traditionally used for the diagnosis of Graves' disease, but also improve upon the sensitivity and detection abilities of previous luciferase-based autoantibody detection assays. Such improvements are based upon the superior performance of assays comprising a chimeric TSH receptor in the presence of a glucocorticoid including, but not limited to, dexamethasone.
US08563256B2 Process for measuring antigen content
A process for measuring the amount of an antigen in a sample comprising the steps of binding the antigen to a solid phase, forming an antigen-antibody immunocomplex on the solid phase by applying a detection antibody that is specific for the antigen, liberating the detection antibody from the immunocomplex by applying a polypeptide that disrupts the immunocomplex by competing against the antigen for binding to the detection antibody, collecting the liberated detection antibody; and quantifying the liberated detection antibody to measure the amount of the antigen in the sample.
US08563254B2 Biomarkers of tumor pharmacodynamic response
The present invention provides novel biomarkers, and methods of using said biomarkers, for assessing the efficacy of a treatment regimen for treating cancer in a subject, particularly for treating cancer via Hsp90 inhibition. The present invention also provides methods of identifying test agents capable of treating cancer, particularly in the case of cancers characterized by high levels of IL-8.
US08563253B2 Means and method for diagnosing hemolytic anemia
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing hemolytic anemia or a predisposition thereof. It also relates to a method of determining whether a compound is capable of inducing hemolytic anemia in a subject and to a method of identifying a drug for treating hemolytic anemia. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a data collection comprising characteristic values of metabolites, a data storage medium comprising said data collection, and a system and a device for diagnosing hemolytic anemia. Finally, the present invention pertains to the use of a group of metabolites or means for the determination thereof for the manufacture of a diagnostic device or composition for diagnosing hemolytic anemia in a subject.
US08563240B2 Nucleic acid sequencing and electronic detection
Embodiments of the present invention provide devices methods for sequencing DNA using arrays of reaction regions containing sensors to monitor changes in solutions or bound molecules contained in the reaction regions. Additional embodiments provide devices and methods for sequencing DNA using arrays of reaction regions that allow for optical monitoring of solutions in the reaction regions. Chemical amplification schemes that allow DNA to be sequenced in which multiple nucleotide addition reactions are performed to detect the incorporation of a base are disclosed. By sequencing DNA using parallel reactions contained in large arrays, DNA can be rapidly sequenced.
US08563239B2 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.
US08563238B2 Method for quantitative measurement of gene expression for identifying individuals at risk for bronchogenic carcinoma
A method measure expression of multiple target genes in a progenitor cell for bronchogenic carcinoma comprising the use of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to allow simultaneous expression measurement of the multiple target genes is disclosed.
US08563235B2 Biomarkers of biliary tract cancer
A method of detecting an abnormal amount of a biomarker associated with biliary tract cancer in a subject can comprise: a) quantitating an amount of a fragment of prothrombin having an m/z value of about 4204 m/z in a biological sample from the subject; and b) comparing the quantitated value obtained in (a) with a threshold value.
US08563234B2 Critical point drying systems and methods for in situ tissue preservation
Methods and systems for preserving tissues in situ using critical point drying are disclosed. Such methods and systems are particularly applicable to the preservation of a deceased body, such as a deceased person or animal, with or without removal of internal tissues or organs. A fixative can be perfused through the vascular system of the body while blood is removed from the body. The exterior of the body can also be immersed in a bath of fixative. The fixative in the vascular system and the bath can be replaced by subsequent washes of buffer, de-ionized water, and/or alcohol. The alcohol-infused and fixated body can be disposed in a pressure chamber and subjected to a critical point drying process using carbon dioxide. After the critical point drying process, the body is in a preserved state.
US08563232B2 Process for devitalizing soft-tissue engineered medical implants, and devitalized soft-tissue medical implants produced
The invention provides methodologies and apparatus for producing devitalized soft-tissue implants where the implant retains metabolically non-viable and/or reproductively non-viable cells, and preferably retains large molecular weight cytoplasmic proteins, such implants produced both in small quantities and in commercializable quantities. Such soft-tissue implants include vascular graft substitutes. A devitalized graft is produced by subjecting the tissue sample to an induced pressure mediated flow of an extracting solution, optionally followed by inducing a pressure mediated flow of a salt solution, then washing the tissue to produce the devitalized graft. The devitalized grafts produced are uniform and non-immunogenic. The inventive method allows for the production of multiple devitalized soft tissue implants, where processing time is significantly less than prior art processes and the number of implants produced per day is increased over prior art processes. In clinical use, the devitalized grafts produced exhibit significantly improved in long-term durability and function, and enhanced recellularization post-implantation.
US08563229B2 Process of semiconductor fabrication with mask overlay on pitch multiplied features and associated structures
Spacers are formed by pitch multiplication and a layer of negative photoresist is deposited on and over the spacers to form additional mask features. The deposited negative photoresist layer is patterned, thereby removing photoresist from between the spacers in some areas. During patterning, it is not necessary to direct light to the areas where negative photoresist removal is desired, and the clean removal of the negative photoresist from between the spacers is facilitated. The pattern defined by the spacers and the patterned negative photoresist is transferred to one or more underlying masking layers before being transferred to a substrate.
US08563226B2 Mould for galvanoplasty and method of fabricating the same
The invention relates to a method (3) of fabricating a mold (39, 39′) including the following steps: (a) depositing (9) an electrically conductive layer on the top (20) and bottom (22) of a wafer (21) made of silicon-based material; (b) securing (13) the wafer to a substrate (23) using an adhesive layer; (c) removing (15) one part (26) of the conductive layer from the top of the wafer (21); and (d) etching (17) the wafer as far as the bottom conductive layer (22) thereof in the shape (26) of the one part removed from the top conductive layer (22) to form at least one cavity (25) in the mold. The invention concerns the field of micromechanical parts, particularly, for timepiece movements.
US08563225B2 Forming a self-aligned hard mask for contact to a tunnel junction
A method of forming a hard mask in a semiconductor device which is self-aligned with a MTJ formed in the device is provided. The method includes the steps of: forming a hard mask material layer on an upper surface of a magnetic stack in the MTJ; forming an anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer on at least a portion of an upper surface of the hard mask material layer, the ARC layer being selected to be removable by a wet etch; forming a photoresist layer on at least a portion of an upper surface of the ARC layer; removing at least a portion of the photoresist layer and the ARC layer to thereby expose at least a portion of the hard mask material layer; etching the hard mask material layer to remove the exposed portion of the hard mask material layer; and performing a wet strip to remove remaining portions of the ARC layer and photoresist layer in a same processing step without interference to the magnetic stack.
US08563224B1 Data process for E-beam lithography
The present disclosure provides a dithering method of increasing wafer throughput by an electron beam lithography system. The dithering method generates an edge map from a vertex map. The vertex map is generated from an integrated circuit design layout (such as an original pattern bitmap). A gray map (also referred to as a pattern gray map) is also generated from the integrated circuit design layout. By combining the edge map with the gray map, a modified integrated circuit design layout (modified pattern bitmap) is generated for use by the electron beam lithography system.
US08563223B2 Photosensitive resin composition and laminate
A photosensitive resin composition which has satisfactory compatibility in dry-film formation, has sensitivity equally to two lights of i-line and h-line, is excellent in resolution and adhesion, and can be developed with an alkaline aqueous solution. Also provided are: a layered photosensitive-resin product including the photosensitive resin composition; a method of forming a resist pattern on a substrate with the layered photosensitive-resin product; and a use of the resist pattern. The photosensitive resin composition comprises: (a) 20-90 mass % thermoplastic copolymer which includes comonomer units derived from an α,β-unsaturated monomer having a carboxy group and which has an acid equivalent of 100-600 and a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000-500,000; (b) 5-75 mass % addition-polymerizable monomer having at least one ethylenically unsaturated terminal group; (c) 0.01-30 mass % photopolymerization initiator comprising a triarylimidazolyl dimer; and (d) 0.001-10 mass % pyrazoline compound represented by a specific general formula.
US08563219B2 Resist composition and method for producing resist pattern
A resist composition containing; (A1) a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (I), (A2) a resin being insoluble or poorly soluble in alkali aqueous solution, but becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid, (B) an acid generator, and (D) a salt having an anion represented by the formula (IA), wherein R1, A1, R2, R1A and R2A are defined in the specification.
US08563218B2 Resist composition and method for producing resist pattern
A resist composition of the present invention has (A1) a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (I), (A2) a resin being insoluble or poorly soluble in alkali aqueous solution, but becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid, (B) an acid generator and (D) a compound represented by the formula (II). wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; A1 represents a C1 to C6 alkanediyl group; R2 represents a C1 to C10 hydrocarbon group having a fluorine atom, R3 and R4 in each occurrence independently represent a C1 to C12 hydrocarbon group, a C1 to C6 alkoxyl group, a C2 to C7 acyl group, a C2 to C7 acyloxy group, a C2 to C7 alkoxycarbonyl group, a nitro group or a halogen atom; m′ and n′ independently represent an integer of 0 to 4.
US08563217B2 Resist composition and method for producing resist pattern
A resist composition having; (A1) a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (I), (A2) a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (II) and being insoluble or poorly soluble in alkali aqueous solution, but becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid and (B) an acid generator, wherein R1, A1, R2, R3, and ring X1 are defined in the specification.
US08563216B2 Substrate to be processed having laminated thereon resist film for electron beam and organic conductive film, method for manufacturing the same, and resist patterning process
There is disclosed a substrate to be processed having laminated thereon a resist film for electron beam and an organic conductive film, in which at least a resist film for electron beam and an organic conductive film are laminated in order on a substrate to be processed having a conductive inorganic thin film as its surface layer, wherein a surface to be processed of the substrate to be processed has an area of direct contact between the organic conductive film and the conductive inorganic thin film in part thereof. There can be a substrate to be processed capable of forming a resist pattern stably and accurately with efficient removal of electricity even when an electron beam with high current density is irradiated.
US08563214B2 Radiation sensitive resin composition and method of forming an interlayer insulating film
The present invention relates to a radiation sensitive resin composition comprising [A] an alkali-soluble resin, [B] a 1,2-quinonediazide compound and [C] a radical trapping agent.The radiation sensitive resin composition can provide an interlayer insulating film which satisfies general requirements for an interlayer insulating film such as high light transmittance and has excellent heat-resistant dimensional stability, heat discoloration resistance and adhesion to a substrate along with the improvement of process efficiency for improving product yield at a high resolution and has excellent storage stability.
US08563209B2 Liquid developer, developer cartridge, image forming method, and image forming apparatus
A liquid developer includes: a carrier liquid and toner particles dispersed in the carrier liquid, including a binder resin which contains a thermoplastic resin having repeating units derived from a monomer having a styrene skeleton and repeating units derived from a monomer having an acrylic ester structure, and a thermoplastic elastomer resin that is a block copolymer, the block copolymer having a first block portion including repeating units derived from a monomer having a styrene skeleton, a second block portion including repeating units derived from an alkene having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and a third block portion including repeating units derived from a monomer having a styrene skeleton and these block portions being bonded in this order.
US08563206B2 Developer, development device, image forming device and method of forming developer
A negatively chargeable developer includes: negatively chargeable toner mother particles including at least binding resin and colorant; and an external additive that is externally added to a surface of the toner mother particles, wherein the external additive includes polymethyl methacrylate that is within a range from approximately 0.4 parts by weight to approximately 0.8 parts by weight inclusive per 100 parts by weight of the toner mother particles and that has positive chargeability.
US08563202B2 Single field zero mask for increased alignment accuracy in field stitching
A method for stitching a first field mask to a second field mask on a wafer includes providing a photomask with a first set of targets and a second set of targets, printing images of the first set of targets and the second set of targets onto the wafer where the photomask is applied to the wafer having no previous alignment marks formed thereon for the photomask to align to. A first set of alignment marks is formed from the first set of targets and a second set of alignment marks is formed from the second set of targets. The method includes aligning a first field mask to the first set of alignment marks and aligning a second field mask to the second set of alignment marks. The images of the first field mask and the second field mask are thereby stitched together on the wafer.
US08563201B2 Mask, manufacturing method thereof and mask haze monitoring method
A mask and methods for making the mask and monitoring mask haze using the mask are provided. The mask includes chip areas that are separated by scribe lanes. A scribe lane includes a monitoring area that contains a primary pattern and an associated assist feature. The assist feature includes two parallel scattering bars. Regions in the monitoring area other than the primary pattern and the associated assist feature are covered with a phase shift layer having a transmittance smaller than that of the primary pattern and the assist feature. When the mask is exposed to a light source, the assist feature is not transferred onto a wafer but cooperates with the primary pattern to generate a primary transferred pattern on the wafer. When a region between the two scattering bars has mask haze thereon, a defect identification pattern is generated on the wafer near the primary transferred pattern following exposure.
US08563200B2 Manufacturing method of photomask, method for optical proximity correction, and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A manufacturing method of a photomask by which a resist pattern corresponding to a pattern with designed values can be formed, a method for optical proximity correction, and a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device are provided. Proximity design features that are close to each other and estimated to violate a mask rule check are extracted. In the proximity design features, correction prohibited regions where optical proximity correction is not carried out are set based on the distance between the features obtained from the extracted proximity design features and the resolution of an exposure device. Optical proximity correction is carried out on the proximity design features with the correction prohibited regions excluded to obtain corrected proximity patterns. A predetermined mask material is patterned by carrying out electron beam lithography based on the corrected proximity pattern data.
US08563198B2 Device and method for providing wavelength reduction with a photomask
Disclosed is a photomask having a wavelength-reducing material that may be used during photolithographic processing. In one example, the photomask includes a transparent substrate, an absorption layer having at least one opening, and a layer of wavelength-reducing material (WRM) placed into the opening. The thickness of the WRM may range from approximately a thickness of the absorption layer to approximately ten times the wavelength of light used during the photolithographic processing. In another example, the photomask includes at least one antireflection coating (ARC) layer.
US08563195B2 Fuel cell power module frame assembly
A frame assembly for a fuel cell power module, particularly but not exclusively for use in lift trucks, has at least one frame element. The frame element is provided with an internal cavity that is filled with a fill material to provide a desired mass of the frame assembly. The frame assembly is configured to receive a fuel cell stack and other balance of plant components of a fuel cell power module and may also be configured to receive a fuel storage vessel. The frame assembly can be configured so that it can replace a battery pack of a lift truck and still provide adequate counterweight.
US08563191B2 Fuel cell system and gas leakage detection device
A fuel cell system according to one aspect of the invention is operated in an ordinary mode and in a gas leakage detection mode. The fuel cell system includes fuel cells, a fuel gas supplier configured to supply a fuel gas to the fuel cells, a shutoff valve provided in a flow path for leading a flow of the fuel gas supply from the fuel gas supplier to the fuel cells and configured to shut off the fuel gas supply, and a variable pressure regulator provided in the flow path between the shutoff valve and the fuel cells to regulate a pressure of the fuel gas in a downstream in a flow direction of the fuel gas supply to a variable pressure value. In the ordinary mode, the fuel cell system sets the pressure value of the variable pressure regulator to an ordinary power generation pressure value for ordinary power generation. In the gas leakage detection mode, on the other hand, the fuel cell system closes the shutoff valve, sets the pressure value of the variable pressure regulator to a higher value than the ordinary power generation pressure value, and performs leakage detection of the fuel gas from the shutoff valve. Such setting of the pressure value in the variable pressure regulator desirably enables high-speed reduction of the fuel gas pressure in the flow path between the shutoff valve and the variable pressure regulator.
US08563190B2 Fuel cell system including coolant de-airing passage
A fuel cell comprises: multiple unit cells stacked upright in a vertical direction or stacked in a vertically inclined orientation; an insulating plate arranged on a vertically upper-side end of the stacked multiple unit cells; a cooling medium supply manifold arranged to distribute a supply flow of a cooling medium into the multiple unit cells and a cooling medium discharge manifold arranged to join together discharged flows of the cooling medium from the multiple unit cells; and a de-airing passage formed to release a gas accumulated in either the cooling medium supply manifold or the cooling medium discharge manifold, wherein the cooling medium supply discharge manifold and the cooling medium discharge manifold are respectively connected to a cooling medium supply piping and a cooling medium discharge piping on a vertically lower-side end of the fuel cell, and the de-airing passage is formed such that a portion of the de-airing passage is made in the insulating plate wherein the portion of the de-airing passage extends in a direction perpendicular to a stacking direction of the unit cells, and the de-airing passage is connected to either the cooling medium discharge manifold or the cooling medium supply manifold on a vertically upper end side of the cooling medium discharge manifold or the cooling medium supply manifold.
US08563189B2 Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system including a plurality of single-cell units, each of which include an electrolyte membrane disposed between an anode and a cathode and which generate electric power by a reaction of a fuel gas in the anode and an oxidizer gas in the cathode, and a fuel cell in-which the plurality of single-cell units are stacked. A plurality of voltage measurement devices measure the voltages of the single-cell units, respectively. A control unit determines the humidification state of the fuel cell based on the voltage of a second single-cell unit wherein when the voltage of the second single-cell is equal to or lower than an insufficient-humidification-determining voltage which is higher than the predetermined voltage the control unit determines that humidification of the fuel cell is insufficient, disposed in the vicinity of a first single-cell unit, the first single-cell unit having a voltage that is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage.
US08563188B2 Fuel cell system controller
A fuel cell system that includes a control system for regulating the power produced by the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack adapted to produce electrical power from a feed. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system includes a fuel processing assembly adapted to produce the feed for the fuel cell stack from one or more feedstocks. The control system regulates the power produced by the fuel cell system to prevent damage to, and/or failure of, the system.
US08563185B2 Process and reactor for the production of hydrogen and carbon dioxide and a fuel cell system
The invention relates to a process for the production of hydrogen and carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock, comprising: a) supplying a gaseous hydrocarbonaceous feedstock and steam to a reaction zone comprising a steam reforming catalyst and catalytically reforming the hydrocarbonaceous feedstock to produce a reformed gas comprising hydrogen and carbon dioxide; b) supplying a molecular oxygen-comprising gas to the permeate side of a first hydrogen separation membrane; c) contacting a part of the hydrogen with a first hydrogen separation membrane, allowing the hydrogen to permeate through the first hydrogen separation membrane and combusting the hydrogen with the molecular oxygen at a permeate side of the first hydrogen separation membrane to produce all heat necessary for catalytic reforming the hydrocarbonaceous feedstock; d) contacting the remainder of the hydrogen with a second hydrogen separation membrane, which is separate from the first hydrogen separation membrane, and allowing the hydrogen to permeate through the second hydrogen separation membrane to obtain a first effluent comprising a substantially pure stream of hydrogen; and e) removing a stream rich in carbon dioxide from the reaction zone as a second effluent. The invention further related to a reactor for such process and to a fuel cell system comprising in series such reactor and a fuel cell.
US08563184B2 Fuel cell system and operating process
A fuel cell system (1), especially in a motor vehicle, is provided with a fuel cell (2), which generates electric current during the operation from anode gas and cathode gas, with a residual gas burner (3), which reacts anode waste gas with cathode waste gas into burner waste gas during the operation; with an air delivery device (17), which feeds air as cathode gas to the fuel cell (2) via a fuel cell air line (12) during the operation; and with a first heat exchanger (14), which couples a waste gas line (13) removing burner waste gas from the residual gas burner (3) with the fuel cell air line (12) in a heat-transmitting operation. The start-up process of the system (1) is improved with an auxiliary burner (20), which reacts air with a fuel into an auxiliary burner waste gas during the operation; with a bypass air line (24), which is connected on the inlet side to the fuel cell air line (12) between the air delivery device (17) and the first heat exchanger (14) and which is connected to the fuel cell air line (12) on the outlet side between the first heat exchanger (14) and the fuel cell (2). A second heat exchanger (23) couples an auxiliary waste gas line (21) removing auxiliary burner waste gas from the auxiliary burner (20) with the bypass air line (24) in a heat-transmitting manner.
US08563179B2 Nonaqueous secondary battery
A positive electrode active material has an average particle diameter of 4.5 to 15.5 μm and a specific surface area of 0.13 to 0.80 m2/g. A positive electrode mixture layer contains at least one of a silane coupling agent and/or at least one of aluminum, titanium, or zirconium based coupling agent having an alkyl or an alkoxy groups having 1 to 18 carbon atoms at a content of 0.003% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less with respect to the mass of the positive electrode active material. The nonaqueous electrolyte contains a 1,3-dioxane derivative at a content of 0.05% by mass or more with respect to the total mass of the nonaqueous electrolyte. Thus a nonaqueous secondary battery that has good high-temperature cycle characteristics and suppresses an increase in self-discharge after repetition of charge and discharge cycles at high temperature is provided.
US08563178B2 Negative electrode for lithium secondary battery including a multilayer film on a tin based current collector and manufacturing method thereof
A negative electrode for a lithium (Li) secondary battery, a method of forming the same, and a secondary battery, the negative electrode including a tin (Sn) based current collector layer; and a multilayer film on the Sn based current collector, the multilayer film having two or more layers, wherein the multilayer film includes at least one porous layer.
US08563176B2 Lithium primary battery and method for producing the same
The invention provides a lithium primary battery including a negative electrode 12 comprising metal lithium or a lithium alloy, a positive electrode 11 including a positive electrode active material, a separator 13 interposed between the negative electrode 12 and the positive electrode 11, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode 12 includes a coating layer 17 on a surface thereof facing the positive electrode 11, the coating layer containing carbon particles each having fluorine-containing fine particles on the surface thereof, for the purpose of improving both the discharge performance and the high temperature storage characteristics.
US08563168B2 High elastic modulus polymer electrolytes
A polymer that combines high ionic conductivity with the structural properties required for Li electrode stability is useful as a solid phase electrolyte for high energy density, high cycle life batteries that do not suffer from failures due to side reactions and dendrite growth on the Li electrodes, and other potential applications. The polymer electrolyte includes a linear block copolymer having a conductive linear polymer block with a molecular weight of at least 5000 Daltons, a structural linear polymer block with an elastic modulus in excess of 1×107 Pa and an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10−5 Scm−1. The electrolyte is made under dry conditions to achieve the noted characteristics.
US08563167B2 Battery device and electronic apparatus
A battery apparatus including a case, a battery cell, a battery-side terminal, and an engaging piece. The case has a width, a thickness, and a length. The battery cell is housed in an inside of the case. The battery-side terminal is disposed on a side surface at one end of the case in a length direction and electrically connected to the battery cell. The engaging piece is disposed at the one end of the case at which the battery-side terminal is positioned such that the engaging piece extends in a length direction a same distance as the case at the one end portion. The engaging piece is at an edge of the case in a width direction.
US08563161B2 Power supply system
A power supply system including a plurality of batteries includes a busbar, a terminal and a busbar module. The busbar connects a first electrode of one of the batteries with a second electrode of another one of the batteries. The terminal is mounted on the busbar and is contacted with the first electrode. The busbar module has a bulkhead defining a space accommodating the busbar. A locking member is extended from the bulkhead into the space and restricts the busbar. An abutment portion is provided at an edge part of the terminal. The abutment portion abuts the locking member when the terminal is rotated about the first electrode.
US08563160B2 Interconnect member for a battery module
An interconnect member for use in a vibration welded battery module having a battery tab includes a portion weldable to the battery tab, and an inlay. The inlay is positioned with respect to the portion. The inlay may be the same material as the portion, with an insulating or heat-deterring outer ring, or may be the same material as the battery tab with or without the outer ring. Voids or openings may be provided in the interconnect member to reduce the thermal mass of the interconnect member. The voids may be defined by laminated or clad layers of the portion, and may be filled with an insulating material. A battery module is also disclosed having the battery tabs and the interconnect member noted above.
US08563157B2 Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery and method for manufacturing the same
A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to the present invention includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode which are capable of reversibly occluding and releasing lithium; a resin layer provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; a battery case accommodating the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the resin layer; a nonaqueous electrolyte solution filling the battery case; and an insulating layer interposed, at least partially, between the positive electrode and the resin layer, the insulating layer containing aluminum fluoride.
US08563154B2 Battery assembly with immersed cell temperature regulating
A battery assembly includes a casing with a casing wall having inner and outer surfaces and an opening therethrough and being shaped such that a coolant chamber is formed within the casing adjacent to the opening. A sleeve including a compressible material is inserted through the opening. The sleeve is shaped such that a sealing portion thereof is positioned over the outer surface of the casing wall. A battery cell is inserted into the sleeve such that at least a portion of the battery cell is positioned within the coolant chamber. A sealing member is coupled to the casing such that a force is applied onto the sealing portion of the sleeve causing the sealing portion of the sleeve to at least partially compress and seal the coolant chamber.
US08563148B2 Process for producing magnetic recording medium
Subject: A process for producing a magnetic recording medium, having a magnetic recording layer and a protective layer on a substrate which is a non-magnetic support, wherein the medium is able to greatly inhibit migration of a lubricant from the protective layer to the surface of the metal pressing plate having a mirrored finish in a hot pressing step during production of the magnetic recording medium, while maintaining satisfactory scratch resistance, suitable adhesion with the magnetic recording layer and the protective layer, and excellent read and write properties of the magnetic recording medium.Means to Achieve the Subject: A process for producing a magnetic recording medium, comprising: forming a laminate on a substrate which is a non-magnetic support, wherein the laminate has an adhesive layer, a magnetic recording layer and a protective layer in this order from the side near the substrate, and embedding the laminate into the substrate by carrying out hot pressing on the protective layer to provide a level smooth plane formed by the surface of the substrate and the uppermost surface of the laminate; wherein the protective layer contains a binder resin and particles composed of a mixture including polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene.
US08563145B2 Material containing two or three dibenzofuran groups, dibenzothiophene groups, or a combination thereof, which is operable for organic electroluminescence elements, and organic electroluminescence elements using the material
An organic electroluminescence device comprising a compound having a specific structure having a heteroatom and an organic electroluminescence device which comprises a cathode, an anode and an organic thin film layer which comprises at least one layer comprising at least a light emitting layer and is disposed between the cathode and the anode, wherein at least one layer in the organic thin film layer comprises the above compound. The device provides excellent efficiency of light emission, forms no defects in pixels, exhibits excellent heat resistance and has a long life.
US08563142B2 Dual brazing alloy element, process for producing it and uses thereof
A dual brazing alloy element for a materially integral connection of a ceramic surface to a metallic surface includes a first layer having a Ni-based brazing alloy with a Ni content of at least 50% by weight and having at least one component configured to lower a melting point of the Ni-based brazing alloy selected from the group consisting of Si, B, Mn, Sn and Ge. A second layer includes an active brazing alloy material having a total content of 1-15% by weight of at least one active element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Hf, Zr and V.
US08563128B2 Preparation for and method of applying corrosion control coats
Preparation for and a method of applying corrosion control coats to metallic surfaces, particularly the surfaces of metallic structures or metal constructions, the preparation comprising at least one binder system curable under atmospheric conditions, a dicarboxylic acid-olefin copolymer, and a finely divided filler, pigment or dye. Coated metallic surface obtainable by means of the method, especially the surface of metallic structures or metal constructions.
US08563125B2 Phyllosilicate composites containing MICA
Disclosed is a mica paper composite and a process for making the mica paper composite. Articles comprising the mica paper composite are also disclosed.
US08563122B1 Thermoplastic architectural composite laminate materials and associated methods of manufacture
A thermoplastic architectural composite laminate material can include a light transmissive skin, a thermoplastic backing, an adhesive layer and an ink image. The adhesive layer can be between the light transmissive skin and the thermoplastic backing. The ink image can be printed between the light transmissive skin and the thermoplastic backing such that the ink image is visible through the outer surface. The composite laminate materials can be designed with improved temperature fluctuation tolerance, long-term moisture resistance, and tensile and peel strength. Further, the ink image in conjunction with certain adhesives can be highly durable. Such ink images can have a convincing appearance of natural materials such as marble, granite, wood, and the like, including wet-out and depth appearance which can be tailored in appearance and colors.
US08563119B2 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.
US08563117B2 Biomimetic modular adhesive complex: materials, methods and applications therefore
Nano-scale or micro-scale adhesive structures comprising an array of nano-fabricated, pillars, the pillars having coated upon, or having disposed on a working surface thereof, a protein-mimetic, marine-adhesive coating. Methods of fabricating the nano-scale pillars, synthesis of the protein-mimetic coating or wet adhesive and application of the adhesive to the pillars are described.
US08563116B2 Fuser manufacture and apparatus
There is described a method for producing a fuser member. The method includes obtaining a substrate and positioning a fluoroplastic sleeve around the substrate. The outer surface of the fluoroplastic sleeve is roughened to a surface roughness of between about 0.03 μm Ra and about 3 μm Ra. The outer surface is coated with a functional silicone oil.
US08563109B2 Pressureless polymer pipe, a compositon therefore, and a process for preparing it
A pressureless polymer pipe, a composition therefore, and a process of preparing the composition are described. The pipe is characterized in that the polymer comprises a propylene polymer composition where the propylene base polymer is a heterophasic propylene copolymer having a matrix of a propylene homopolymer and a dispersed phase of an elastomeric copolymer of propylene and at least one olefin comonomer; has a comonomer content of 2-7% by weight, based on the weight of the heterophasic propylene copolymer; has a melt flow rate MFR (2/230), determined according to ISO 1133 C4, of 0.1-2.0 g/10 min; has a broad molecular weight distribution as defined by its rheology shear thinning index, SHI0/50, measured at 200° C. of 9-30; has a tensile modulus, determined according to ISO 527-2/1B at 1 mm/min and 23° C. of at least 1800 MPa; has an impact strength, determined according to ISO 179/1 eA of at least 6 kJ/m2 at 0° C. and at least 2 kJ/m2 at −20° C. The composition is a polymer composition as defined above. The process is characterized by polymerizing in the presence of a stereospecific Ziegler-Natta catalyst including an electron donor:(i) a propylene homopolymer matrix in at least one loop reactor at a temperature of at least 80° C. and a pressure of 4600-10000 kPa; and (ii) an elastomeric copolymer of propylene and at least one olefin comonomer in at least one gas-phase reactor at a lower temperature than in stage (i); to obtain a base polymer of heterophasic propylene copolymer as defined above.
US08563108B2 Saponified ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer resin composition and multilayer structure using the composition
Disclosed is an EVOH resin composition which exhibits coloration resistance and thermal resistance even at high temperature, and which has excellent adhesiveness to a thermoplastic resin composition. Such EVOH resin composition can provide a multilayer structure having excellent appearance. The EVOH resin composition comprises (A) an EVOH resin, (B) an alkaline earth metal, (C) an alkali metal, and (D) a carboxylic acid having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, wherein the contents of the components (B), (C) and (D) are adjusted to the specific range.
US08563106B2 Thermoplastic resin composition and resin molding
The present invention provides a thermoplastic resin composition producing an extremely small amount of outgas and providing a molded article having excellent antistaticity. The present thermoplastic resin composition comprises a thermoplastic resin and is characterized in that the amount of outgas is 1500 μg/g or less. The composition may comprise a surface resistivity reducing substance in an amount of 0.1 to 70 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic resin. The present invention is suitable to a composition comprising a styrenic resin as the thermoplastic resin. The surface resistivity reducing substrate is preferably a polyamide elastomer comprising a hard segment formed of polyamide 12 and a soft segment formed of poly(alkylene oxide)glycol. The polyamide elastomer preferably has a refractive index of 1.5 to 1.53, a melting point of 130 to 160° C., a solution viscosity of 1.35 to 1.70 and a surface resistivity of 1×108 to 1×1011Ω.
US08563105B2 Water-soluble film with resistance to solubility prior to being immersed in water
A water-soluble film that is resistant to contact with small amounts of water and methods of making the same from water-soluble film-forming compositions, such as polyvinyl alcohols having a salt applied to a surface of the film and a method of making articles made therefrom.
US08563104B1 Laminated roll of sealed graphite pouches and methods for making the same
Laminated rolls of sealed graphite pouches and methods for making the same are provided. The laminated roll can include a first substrate having a length and a plurality of sealed pouches disposed on the substrate at predetermined intervals along its length. Each sealed pouch can include a graphite sheet having first and second sides, the first side affixed to the substrate, and a second substrate affixed to at least the second side of the graphite sheet and to a portion of the substrate to fully seal the graphite sheet within an enclosed space. In one embodiment, the roll of sealed graphite sheet pouches can be fixed to a roll of another substrate in a roll-to-roll fashion and the combined rolls can be cut into discrete portions for use in a particular application. For example, the roll of the other substrate can be a roll of enhanced spectral reflector (ESR).
US08563101B2 Pharmaceutical blister
The present invention relates to a new pharmaceutical blister with reduced permeability to water vapor and gas. It is proposed according to the invention to coat conventional blisters with a silicon oxide-containing functional layer to protect against gases, water vapor and organic molecules.
US08563099B2 Artificial turf structure and production method therefore
An artificial turf structure, in particular for sports fields, consists of a synthetic mat, having a substrate from which grass-resembling filaments project, and a filling layer formed by an infill material arranged between the filaments; the infill material forming the filling layer comprises a coconut-based vegetable material, in particular coco fiber and/or coco peat or other similar vegetable material in fibrous, ground and/or shredded form.
US08563093B2 Method for production of electroless plating material
A production method of an electroless plating material of the present invention is a method for the production of an electroless plating material that has a surface to be plated by electroless plating, and includes an ozone treatment step in which a material body that is made of a resin is brought into contact with a solution that contains ozone to form a modified layer in a surface of the material body, and a superficial layer removal step in which, after the ozone treatment step, the surface of the material body is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to remove a superficial layer of the modified layer.
US08563091B2 Film formation method, film formation device, piezoelectric film, piezoelectric device and liquid discharge device
When a film containing constituent elements of a target is formed on a substrate through a vapor deposition process using plasma with placing the substrate and the target to face to each other, the film is formed with surrounding the substrate with a wall surface having the constituent elements of the target adhering thereto, and applying a physical treatment to the wall surface to cause the components adhering to the wall surface to be released into the film formation atmosphere.
US08563089B2 Functional reinforcing fillers modified with alkenylalkoxysilane and preparing method of the same
Disclosed are a functional reinforcing filler including inorganic particles surface-modified with an alkenylsilanol obtained by hydrolyzing an alkenylalkoxysilane compound, and a method for preparing the same.Since the disclosed functional reinforcing filler has a functional group having a double bond, it has good reactivity for styrene-butadiene rubber and sulfur. Thus, when used as a functional reinforcing filler in the manufacture of rubber, it allows improvement of physical properties through adjustment of the addition amount of sulfur without additional use of the coupling agent. In addition, because of superior hydrolysis reactivity, the problem of alcohol can be solved and a rubber mixture with long scorch time can be prepared. In particular, when the functional reinforcing filler of the present invention is used in the manufacture of tires, improvement in modulus, tensile strength, rotational resistance and wet traction performance can be expected.
US08563088B2 Selenium/group 1B ink and methods of making and using same
A method for preparing a Group 1a-1b-3a-6a material using a selenium/Group 1b ink comprising, as initial components: a selenium component comprising selenium, an organic chalcogenide component having a formula selected from RZ—Z′R′ and R2—SH, a Group 1b component and a liquid carrier; wherein Z and Z′ are each independently selected from sulfur, selenium and tellurium; wherein R is selected from H, C1-20 alkyl group, a C6-20 aryl group, a C1-20 alkylhydroxy group, an arylether group and an alkylether group; wherein R′ and R2 are selected from a C1-20 alkyl group, a C6-20 aryl group, a C1-20 alkylhydroxy group, an arylether group and an alkylether group; and wherein the selenium/Group 1b ink is a stable dispersion.
US08563087B2 Method of making laser-engraveable flexographic printing precursors
Flexographic printing precursors are prepared by providing an elastomeric mixture of one or more elastomeric resins and non-metallic fibers having an average length of at least 0.1 mm and an average diameter of at least 1 μm, and adding a vulcanizing composition and optional other components to the elastomeric mixture. The elastomeric mixture is then mechanically treated to orient the non-metallic fibers predominantly in the same dimension in the elastomeric mixture. It is then vulcanized and formed into a laser-engraveable layer having two orthogonal dimensions. The non-metallic fibers are predominantly oriented in one of the two orthogonal dimensions.
US08563084B2 Method and device for producing stoichiometry gradients and layer systems
A process and a device for coating substrates with a stoichiometric gradient in an in-line coating system include at least two evaporation devices, each with an evaporator tube. The evaporator tubes are implemented so as to be tiltable independently of one another, whereby the transition area of the two vapor lobes can be adapted to the requirements of the gradient profile. Furthermore, the spacing of the evaporator tubes from the substrate and each other can be set.
US08563081B2 Nanoparticle chains by direct bonding of functional groups and preparation thereof
Fabrication and arrangement of nanoparticles into one-dimensional linear chains is achieved by successive chemical reactions, each reaction adding one or more nanoparticles by building onto exposed, unprotected linker functionalities. Optionally, protecting groups may be used to control and organize growth. Nanoparticle spheres are functionalized in a controlled manner in order to enable covalent linkages. Functionalization of nanoparticles is accomplished by either ligand exchange or chemical modification of the terminal functional groups of the capping ligand. Nanoparticle chains are obtained by a variety of connectivity modes such as direct coupling, use of linker molecules, and use of linear polymeric templates. In particular, a versatile building block system is obtained through controlled monofunctionalization of nanoparticles.
US08563080B2 Method of repairing a damaged abradable coating
A method of repairing a damaged abradable coating (48) on a surface (46) of a shroud (44) in an assembled gas turbine engine (10) comprises inserting a boroscope (60) through an aperture (52) in the casing (50) of the compressor (26) of the gas turbine engine (10). The boroscope (60) is arranged to carry a conduit (62). The boroscope (60) and hence the conduit (62) are directed to the damaged abradable coating (48) on the surface (46) of the shroud (44). A liquid abradable glue (64) is supplied through the conduit (62) and the liquid abradable glue (64) is directed onto the surface (46) of the shroud (44) in the compressor (26) of the gas turbine engine (10) to repair the damaged abradable coating (48).
US08563077B2 Method of manufacturing a glass substrate for a magnetic disk and method of manufacturing a magnetic disk
A method of manufacturing a magnetic disk glass substrate has a cleaning step of cleaning the glass substrate. In the cleaning step, the cleaning is performed under an acidic condition using a cleaning liquid containing oxalate ions and bivalent iron ions. In parallel with the cleaning step or before or after the cleaning step, trivalent iron ions generated by oxidation of the bivalent iron ions contained in the cleaning liquid are reduced by ultraviolet irradiation.
US08563076B2 Substrate structure and method of forming the same
Provided are a substrate structure and method of forming the same. The method of forming the substrate structure may include etching a substrate to form an etched portion having a vertical surface, forming a diffusion material layer on the whole substrate or in part of the substrate; annealing the diffusion material layer to form a seed layer diffused downward toward the surface of the etched portion, and forming a metal layer on the seed layer. Accordingly, surface characteristics of the etched portion of the substrate may be enhanced by the seed layer, and therefore, a metal layer with improved adhesion and a uniform thickness may be formed on the vertical surface of the etched portion.
US08563070B2 Method of manufacturing citrus snack using reduced pressure drying
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing citrus snacks. In this method, citrus fruits are sliced in a natural state and dried under reduced pressure so that the citrus fruits may be dried while containing the same nutrients as when fresh, thereby avoiding nutritional damage due to high temperature drying. Further, the citrus fruits containing various nutrients are provided to users in a snack form that allows more convenient ingestion, so that the citrus fruits may be easily ingested by children and the elderly to whom the supply of nutrition is essential.
US08563068B2 Antispattering agent
The invention relates to an agent comprising vegetable oil, a hydrophilic colloidal metal oxide, a hydrophobic treated metal oxide and a mixture of polypropylene glycols, which, when added to pure edible fats or oils, provides same with a low spatter property when said oils and fats are used for the surface or deep frying of foods. Said antispattering agent does not alter the organoleptic properties or appearance of the oil or fat, such as smell, taste, color, transparency and stability at low temperatures, or produce any negative effects, such as the formation of scum during frying or the presence of particles.
US08563067B2 Extended shelf life and bulk transport of perishable organic liquids with low pressure carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is dissolved in liquid dairy products loaded and transported in bulk containers so as to improve product shelf life, thereby providing options for more economical shipment, as by rail and ocean vessels and for extended transport by truck and to facilitate extended storage of perishable products and to avoid the necessity of multiple treatments for pathogen reduction.
US08563065B2 Production of low calorie, extruded, expanded foods having a high fiber content
Extruded, directly expanded, high fiber reduced calorie food products, such as a ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal or sweet or savory snack, are produced at high production rates without substantial loss of extrusion functionality and extrudability by replacing a substantial portion of at least one flour with a gelatinized, enzyme-resistant starch type III ingredient or bulking agent as a reduced-calorie, high fiber flour replacer. The resistant starch type III ingredient or bulking agent contains an enzyme-resistant starch type III having a melting point with an endothermic peak temperature of at least about 140° C., and may have a water-holding capacity of less than 3 grams water per gram of the starch-based bulking agent. The total dietary fiber retention of the gelatinized, starch-based bulking agent may be at least about 90% by weight after extrusion using a die temperature of least about 100° C., and a die pressure of at least about 150 psig.
US08563060B2 Method for the conservation of a plant material
The invention relates to a plant food material comprising at least one cryoprotective agent present in the intracellular space of the cells of said plant. The invention also relates to a freezing method for a plant food product comprising the steps of; providing a plant food material comprising at least 70% water, applying a pulsed electrical field to said plant food material, adding a cryoprotective agent to said plant food material, applying a pressure to said plant food material followed by, a resting period of at least 30 minutes and freezing said plant food material. Thereby it is for the first time possible to conserve a plant food material and maintaining the texture as well as the taste of the plant food material.
US08563059B2 Oven and method of operating the same
The invention in particular relates to an oven (1) for baking food products (3). In order to improve automated heating procedures, the oven (1) comprises a camera (7) and a distance sensor (8), for example, which are used in concert to enable precise extraction of product-features that are relevant and used with automated heating procedures.
US08563057B2 Smokeable planar or tubular-shaped food covering or film for food packagings, and method for the production thereof
The present invention proposes a smokable planar or hose-type food casing or food casing film for food packagings, such as, e.g., sausage casings, shrink bags or the like on polymer basis, which is for the first time manufactured in the jet-blasting process from a homogeneous molten plastic material consisting of a plastic mixture consisting of at least of PA (polyamide) with PVAL (polyvinyl alcohol) and PEBAX (polyether block amide). The food casing or food casing film has a water vapor permeability that is at least 1 kg/m2 within 24 h. Its oxygen permeability at a film thickness of 30 μm is less than 2.1 cm3/m2 within 24 h. Moreover the present invention for the first time proposes a method for manufacturing it.
US08563054B2 Anti-inflammatory agent
An anti-inflammatory agent which includes an oil-soluble licorice extract, prepared by subjecting at least one of a leguminous plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza and a water extraction residue of a leguminous plant of the genus Glycyrrhiza to an extraction treatment with an organic solvent and which has at least one effect selected from an inhibitory effect on hyaluronidase activity, an inhibitory effect on hexosaminidase release (i.e., inhibitory effect on histamine release), an inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation, and an inhibitory effect on phospholipase A2 activity.
US08563050B2 Pharmaceutical composition containing a fermented, dehydrated material with amorphous crystalline structure
The invention concerns a high water soluble product, containing a dehydrated material, obtained by fermenting wheat germ in aqueous medium in the presence of microorganisms of the Saccharomyces genus, forming amorphous crystal structure with inert auxiliary materials), commonly used in preparation of drugs. The invention also relates to the production process of said products, to immunostimulatory, immunomodulatory, antitumor and cardiovaskular pharmaceutical preparations containing them, and to the therapeutic methods for their use.
US08563048B2 Botanical butter stick lip balm
A stick lip balm with efficacious amounts of natural moisturizer and organoleptic/sensory attributes of lip feel associated with moisturizers and emollients is provided. The lip balm of the invention comprises at least 90% botanically derived materials and can be formed into a stick sufficiently robust to substantially retain the stick shape under normal conditions of shipping, storage and usage. A method of making the stick lip balm is also provided.
US08563045B2 Hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate based hydrolyzed collagen type II and method of making same
Hydrolyzed collagen type II powder compositions for inducing cartilage formation in an individual, method of preparing the compositions and use of the compositions in treating connective tissue disorder, replenishing skin viscoelasticity. The compositions are administered through an orally ingestible delivery medium for absorption into the gastrointestinal tract. The compositions are administered through a topical delivery medium for absorption into a dermis of the individual.
US08563044B2 Microparticle dispersion liquid manufacturing method and microparticle dispersion liquid manufacturing apparatus
In a dissolving step, a poorly soluble drug and a dispersion stabilizer are dissolved in a volatile organic solvent. In a fixing step, the organic solvent, contained in a solution obtained in the dissolving step, is removed by evaporation, pellet-form residues 1 are obtained by the organic solvent removal, and the residues 1 are fixed on respective bottom surfaces of a plurality of locations of a container 30. In a water injecting step, water 2 is injected into each of a plurality of recesses 31 of the container 30. In an irradiating step, laser light L, emitted from a light irradiating unit 20, is irradiated simultaneously or successively on the residues 1 fixed on the respective bottom surfaces of the recesses 31 of the container 30, and the residues 1 are thereby pulverized and made into microparticles and a microparticle dispersion liquid, constituted of the microparticles being dispersed in the water 2, is manufactured.
US08563041B2 Therapeutic particles suitable for parenteral administration and methods of making and using same
Disclosed herein are therapeutic compositions for treating and preventing diseases such as neointimal hyperplasia (NIH), where the compositions comprise a therapeutic particle that has a localized association with a blood vessel and a therapeutic agent, such as an anti-NIH agent. Methods of use of the therapeutic compositions are also disclosed.
US08563040B2 Compositions and methods for forming and strengthening bone
Compositions are provided which stimulate bone growth. Also provided are methods for utilizing the compositions for filling in bone defects, promoting rapid fusion of bone fractures, grafts, and bone-prostheses, and promoting strengthening of osteoporotic bones.
US08563036B2 Pharmaceutical compositions comprising Brivaracetam
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising brivaracetam as active ingredient, the invention relates specifically to a prolonged release formulation.
US08563030B1 Singultus-stopping article and composition
A singultus-arresting candy article includes a lozenge positionable to stimulate a user's phrenic nerve by sucking and by flavoring. The lozenge is flavored with effective amounts of sugar and of acid.
US08563029B2 Exopolysaccharide containing food
Compositions (including pharmaceutical compositions, foods, supplements, toys and treats) comprising a microbial exopolysaccharide are provided as well as methods for preventing or reducing diarrhea in a mammal wherein the method comprises administering a therapeutically amount of a microbial exopolysaccharide to a mammal in need thereof.
US08563028B2 Ophthalmic device, and method of use thereof, for increasing ocular boundary lubrication
The present invention provides an ophthalmic device, and method of use thereof, for an individual wearing an ophthalmic lens to increase ocular surface boundary lubrication. The invention device comprises an ophthalmic lens and a sacrificial mechanism disposed on the ophthalmic lens, wherein the sacrificial mechanism comprises a plurality of surface bound receptors, such as PRG4, hyaluronic acid, and DNA aptamers, that reversibly bound to a lubricating composition comprising a gel forming agent, a surfactant, or a combination thereof, effectively inhibiting or preventing protein and lipid adsorption on the surface of the lens, and mitigate shear stress and reduce the friction between the lens and the ocular surface of the individual in need.
US08563026B2 Protein-based artificial retinas
Multilayer protein films are provided, which comprise native bacteriorhodopsin and/or specialized bacteriorhodopsin mutants as the photoactive element. Also provided are artificial subretinal and epiretinal implants carrying such bacteriorhodopsin films, as well as methods for making and using the same, for example, to treat retinal diseases and conditions.
US08563023B2 Local delivery of water-soluble or water-insoluble therapeutic agents to the surface of body lumens
A method and device for local delivery of water-soluble or water-insoluble therapeutic agents to the tissue of a normal or diseased body lumen is disclosed. An expandable structure of a medical disposable device, such as a balloon of a balloon catheter, is coated with a non-durable coating which is complexed with iodine and has a substantially water-insoluble therapeutic agent dispersed therein. The medical disposable device is inserted into a body lumen, and expanded to contact the non-durable coating against the body lumen and deliver the substantially water-insoluble therapeutic agent to the body lumen tissue.
US08563022B2 Particles for cell targeting
Provided is a composition that includes oblate spheroidal particles comprising an active agent, such as a therapeutic or imaging agent, and a method for treating or monitoring a physiological condition, such as a disease, by administering the composition to a subject in need thereof. Also provided are methods for making particles that have a volume that can enhance the particles' adhesion to a target site in a subject's body for a pre-selected shape of the particles and methods for making particles that have a shape that can enhance particles' adhesion to a target site in a subject's body for a pre-selected volume of the particles.
US08563015B2 Cosmetic composition combining an ethylenic ester of trans configuration and a hydrocarbon wax
A cosmetic composition for caring for and/or making up the skin, lips and/or keratinous substances combines at least one ester of a C16 to C24 ethylenic acid and of a C16 to C24 ethylenic alcohol, said acid and/or said alcohol being of trans configuration, with at least one hydrocarbon wax with a melting point of greater than 70° C.
US08563006B2 Immunogenic compositions for the prevention and treatment of meningococcal disease
The present invention relates to Neisseria ORF2086 proteins, crossreactive immunogenic proteins which can be isolated from nesserial strains or prepared recombinantly, including immunogenic portions thereof, biological equivalents thereof, antibodies that immunospecifically bind to the foregoing and nucleic acid sequences encoding each of the foregoing, as well as the use of same in immunogenic compositions that are effective against infection by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.
US08563005B2 Actinobacillus suis antigens
The invention provides immunogenic compositions useful for inhibiting, treating, protecting, or preventing infection by Actinobacillus suis. These immunogenic compositions are demonstrated to usefully stimulate immunogenic responses in treated pigs. Some vaccines stimulated reactions sufficient to be protective against A. suis. In addition, the invention provides kits comprising the immunogenic compositions; as well as, methods of using the compositions and kits.
US08563002B2 Recombinant RSV antigens
This disclosure provides recombinant respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigens and methods for making and using them, including immunogenic compositions (e.g., vaccines) for the treatment and/or prevention of RSV infection.
US08563000B2 Melanocortin receptor ligands modified with hydantoin
The present invention relates to peptide ligands of the melanocortin receptors, in particular the melancortin-4 receptor, and as such, are useful in the treatment of disorders responsive to the activation of this receptor, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus and sexual dysfunction.
US08562994B2 Human-murine chimeric antibodies against respiratory syncytial virus
This invention relates to a human antibody which contains the one CDR from each variable heavy and variable light chain of at least one murine monoclonal antibody, against respiratory syncytial virus which is MAb1129 and the use thereof for the prevention and/or treatment of RSV infection.
US08562992B2 Immunoglobulin variants and uses thereof
The invention provides humanized and chimeric anti-CD20 antibodies for treatment of CD20 positive malignancies and autoimmune diseases.
US08562991B2 Antibody molecules that bind to IL-6 receptor
The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising second-generation molecules that are superior than TOCILIZUMAB, by altering the amino acid sequences of the variable and constant regions of TOCILIZUMAB, which is a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor IgG1 antibody, to enhance the antigen-neutralizing ability and increase the pharmacokinetics, so that the therapeutic effect is exerted with a less frequency of administration, and the immunogenicity, safety and physicochemical properties (stability and homogeneity) are improved. The present invention also provides methods for producing these pharmaceutical compositions. The present inventors have successfully generated second-generation molecules that are superior to TOCILIZUMAB by appropriately combining amino acid sequence alterations in the CDR domains, variable regions, and constant regions.
US08562990B2 Method of treating psoriatic arthritis with an IL-6 receptor antibody
A method for treating psoriatic arthritis comprising an interleukin-6 (IL-6) antagonist such as, for example, an antibody against IL-6 receptor.
US08562985B2 Antibodies to c-Met
The present invention relates to antibodies including human antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that specifically bind to c-Met, preferably human c-Met, and that function to inhibit c-Met. The invention also relates to human anti-c-Met antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof. The invention also relates to antibodies that are chimeric, bispecific, derivatized, single chain antibodies or portions of fusion proteins. The invention also relates to isolated heavy and light chain immunoglobulins derived from human anti-c-Met antibodies and nucleic acid molecules encoding such immunoglobulins. The present invention also relates to methods of making human anti-c-Met antibodies, compositions comprising these antibodies and methods of using the antibodies and compositions for diagnosis and treatment. The invention also provides gene therapy methods using nucleic acid molecules encoding the heavy and/or light immunoglobulin molecules that comprise the human anti-c-Met antibodies. The invention also relates to transgenic animals or plants comprising nucleic acid molecules of the present invention.
US08562984B2 Methods of treatment using anti-IL-20 antibodies
A method for treating IL-20 induced inflammation. An antagonist to IL-20 is administered to treat inflammation and associated diseases. The antagonist can be an antibody that binds to IL-20 or its receptor or a soluble receptor that binds to IL-20. Examples of such diseases are adult respiratory disease, psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, septic shock, multiple organ failure, inflammatory lung injury, bacterial pneumonia, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
US08562983B2 System comprising elastase
The invention provides systems for treating an obstructed biological conduit that include administering to the conduit an agent that can degrade extracellular matrix of obstructing tissue. Particular methods include delivery of an enzyme or a mixture of several enzymes to the area or region of obstruction wherein the enzyme(s) have the capability to degrade extracellular matrix components within the obstruction thereby restoring the normal flow of transported fluid through the conduit. The invention also includes prophylactically dilating a section of conduit to minimize the risk of obstruction formation.
US08562982B2 Use of platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase as a biomarker for anaphylaxis
The invention provides a use of platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) activity as a biomarker for severe or fatal anaphylaxis in a subject. The level of PAF-AH activity inversely correlates with the susceptibility to severe or fatal anaphylaxis. The use comprises assaying PAF-AH activity in a sample from the subject and comparing the measured activity to a reference value, wherein a lower level of measured PAF-AH activity relative to said reference level of PAF-AH activity indicates a presence of or susceptibility to severe or fatal anaphylaxis in the subject. A method for treating or preventing severe or fatal anaphylaxis in a subject is also provided. The method comprises increasing serum platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) concentration in the subject by administering to the subject, PAF-AH and/or a PAF receptor antagonist. A composition for treating severe or fatal anaphylaxis is also provided.
US08562976B2 Co-enzyme Q10 formulations and methods of use
Topical formulations of CoQ10 reduce the rate of tumor growth in an animal subject. In the experiments described herein, CoQ10 was shown to increase the rate of apoptosis in a culture of skin cancer cells but not normal cells. Moreover, treatment of tumor-bearing animals with a topical formulation of CoQ10 was shown to dramatically reduce the rate of tumor growth in the animals.
US08562970B2 Modified CEA/B7 vector
The present invention relates to a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide and the use of the nucleic acid or polypeptide in preventing and/or treating cancer. In particular, the invention relates to improved vectors for the insertion and expression of foreign genes encoding tumor antigens for use in immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer.
US08562966B2 End-modified poly(beta-amino esters) and uses thereof
Poly(beta-amino esters) are end-modified to form materials useful in the medical as well as non-medical field. An amine-terminated poly(beta-amino ester) is reacted with an electrophile, or an acrylate-terminated poly(beta-amino ester) is reacted with a nucleophile. The inventive end-modified polymers may be used in any field where polymers have been found useful including the drug delivery arts. The end-modified polymers are particularly useful in delivery nucleic acids such as DNA or RNA. The invention also provides compositions including the inventive end-modified polymers, methods of preparing the inventive polymers, and method of using the inventive polymers.
US08562963B2 Ophthalmic compositions comprising povidone-iodine
A topical ophthalmic composition comprised of povidone-iodine 0.01% to 10.0% combined with a steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This solution is useful in the treatment of active infections of at least one tissue of the eye (e.g., conjunctiva and cornea) from bacterial, mycobacterial, viral, fungal, or amoebic causes, as well as treatment to prevent such infections in appropriate clinical settings (e.g. corneal abrasion, postoperative prophylaxis, post-LASIK/LASEK prophylaxis). Additionally the solution is effective in the prevention of infection and inflammation in the post-operative ophthalmic patient.
US08562961B2 Refreshing cream foundation in gel form
The present invention is directed to a cosmetic composition includes (a) at least one sugar silicone surfactant; (b) at least one polyamine; (c) at least one oil-soluble polar modified polymer; (d) at least one gelling agent; (e) at least one hyperbranched polyol; and (f) water.
US08562958B2 Hair cosmetic composition
A hair cosmetic composition, containing the following Components (A) to (E): (A) benzyl alcohol, from 0.1 to 2% by mass; (B) dipropylene glycol, from 0.5 to 20% by mass; (C) malic acid or a salt thereof, from 0.2 to 10% by mass, in terms of the malic acid; and (D) lactic acid or a salt thereof, from 0.2 to 10% by mass, in terms of the lactic acid; and (E) a nonionic surfactant at 2% by mass or less, wherein a Component (E)/Component (A) mass ratio is from 0 to 5, and wherein a Component (B)/Component (A) mass ratio is from 1 to 50.
US08562951B2 Methods for classifying and treating physiologic brain imbalances using quantitative EEG
Neurophysiologic information such as quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) is used in a method for classifying, diagnosing, and treating physiologic brain imbalances. Neurophysiologic information is also used to guide sample selection in clinical tests for psychopharmacologic drug candidates. Finally, neurophysiologic information is used for remotely assessing and treating patients with physiologic brain imbalances.
US08562946B2 Miniaturized 62Zn/62Cu generator for high concentration clinical delivery of 62Cu kit formulation for the facile preparation of radiolabeled Cu-bis(thiosemicarbazone) compounds
A new system accomplishes easy, interchangeable production of multiple PET radiopharmaceuticals through the use of a simplified eluant-only generator and a kit based synthesis technique employing lyophilized or freeze dried ligand. Thus, by simply switching the lyophilized ligand vial kit, any number of 62Cu-labeled radiopharmaceuticals (62Cu-ligand) can be interchangeably synthesized with only one 62Zn/62Cu generator.
US08562945B2 Technetium- and rhenium-bis(heteroaryl) complexes and methods of use thereof
Complexes of heterocyclic radionuclides are prepared based upon ligands having substituted pyridyl and imidazolyl groups. The ligands are bifunctional, having amino acid residues that may act as a linker to a bioactive molecule, and a tridentate chelator that may complex the radionuclide. The bioactive molecule may be a peptide or somatostatin.
US08562941B2 Perturbed synthesis of materials
The present invention is a method that perturbs the initial crystallization of a material from a less desired phase into a more desired phase. More specifically, the present invention is a method to form a different crystallization of a zeolite, mesoporous material, SAPO4, AlPO4 or porous inorganic oxide after the hydrothermal synthesis has started and a precursor crystalline phase has formed.
US08562939B2 Semiconductor nanocrystal synthesis using a catalyst assisted two-phase reaction
A method for producing a high yield of high quality, low size distribution, and size tunable semiconductor nanocrystals. The method produces III-V, II-VI, II-V, IV-VI, IV, ternary, quarternary, and quinary semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots) using a catalyst assisted two-phase reaction.
US08562938B2 Composite sintering materials using carbon nanotube and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention relates to a composite sintering materials using a carbon nanotube (including carbide nano particles, hereinafter the same) and a manufacturing method thereof, the method comprises the steps of: combining or generating carbon nanotubes in metal powders, a compacted product, or a sintered product; growing and alloying the carbon nanotubes by compacting or sintering the metal powders, the compacted product, or the sintered product; and strengthening the mechanical characteristics by repeatedly performing the sintering process and the combining process or the generating process of the carbon nanotubes. The composite sintering materials using carbon nanotubes of the present invention have excellent mechanical, thermal, and electric and electronic characteristics as well as have effects of material cost reduction and manufacturing cost reduction due to reduced sintering temperature so that they are useful as materials for automotive parts, electric and electronic arts, space and aircraft parts, and molding and cutting tools, all of which include the composite sintering materials using carbon nanotubes.
US08562934B2 Method for forming porous material in microcavity or micropassage by mechanicochemical polishing
A surface of a substrate comprising microcavities leading out of the substrate is placed in contact with an aqueous solution comprising a plurality of suspended particles and a fabric. Perpendicular pressure is applied the expanse of the substrate between the fabric and the surface of the substrate, and relative movement of the fabric and the surface is applied to the expanse of the substrate. At least one particle is thus fed into each microcavity, therein forming a porous material that is a catalyst material for nanothread or nanotube growth.
US08562933B2 Hot solids process selectively operable based on its primary purpose
A hot solids process selectively operable for purposes of generating at least one predetermined output based on what the specific nature of the primary purpose of the hot solids process is for which the at least one predetermined output that is selected from a multiplicity of predetermined outputs, such as H2 and CO2, is being produced, and wherein such primary purpose of the hot solids process is designed to be pre-selected from a group of primary purposes of the hot solids process that includes at least two of the generation of H2 for electric power purposes, the generation of SynGas for electric power production as well as for other industrial uses, the production of steam for electric power generation as well as for other uses, the production of process heat, the production of CO2 for agricultural purposes, and the generation of a feedstock such as H2 for use for the production of liquid hydrocarbons.
US08562931B2 Method for cyclically preparing monomer boron and coproducing potassium cryolite using potassium fluoborate as intermediate material
A method for cyclically preparing monomer boron and coproducing potassium cryolite using potassium fluoborate as an intermediate material, which includes following steps: A) adding hydrofluoric acid to boric acid or boron oxide to enable a reaction to form fluoboric acid; B) adding a potassium sulphate aqueous solution to the fluoboric acid to enable a reaction to form the potassium fluoborate; C) putting the potassium fluoborate into a reactor, adding aluminium to react with the potassium fluoborate to form the monomer boron and potassium cryolite; D) extracting the potassium cryolite, sending the potassium cryolite to a rotary reaction kettle together with concentrated sulphuric acid to enable a reaction to form hydrogen fluoride gas and aluminium potassium sulphate, potassium sulphate, collecting the hydrogen fluoride gas and dissolving it into water to obtain the hydrofluoric acid; E) recycling the obtained hydrofluoric acid to Step A to leach the boric acid or boron oxide.
US08562916B2 Medical wastes disposal apparatus and medical wastes disposal method
When a polyethylene bag with medical wastes received therein is supplied to a cylindrical-shaped housing and a compression device is used to lower a piston to compress the medical wastes, the piston is repeatedly caused to go up and down to accomplish stepwise compression whereby the polyethylene bag with medical wastes received therein is prevented from entering into a clearance between an inner wall of the cylindrical-shaped housing and the piston and from bursting due to rapid compression, and when cake obtained by melt sterilization and volume reduction with heating compression is discharged, a gate is fully opened to lower a lower surface of a heating device of the piston to a point distant several millimeters from an upper surface of a heating device of the gate to enable forcedly scraping off the cake adhering to the heating device tightly joined to the piston upon closing of the gate.
US08562908B2 Devices, systems, and methods for cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing, and priming blood separation devices and associated fluid lines
Systems and methods for providing for the automatic instrument-based rapid reprocessing of an intact extracorporeal circuit for use in hemodialysis. The system includes a manifold with connectors for engaging a dialyzer as well as venous and arterial blood lines. The manifold is adapted to be moved from a dialysis machine to a reuse instrument without removing the dialyzer and associated blood lines. The system allows for reprocessing of the extracorporeal circuit wherein prior to the next treatment, there is no residual chemical disinfectant requiring testing, the extracorporeal circuit is pre-primed, the levels in the bubble traps are set, and all of the required quality assurance tests are performed and recorded.
US08562906B2 Lead-free solder alloy, solder ball and electronic member, and lead-free solder alloy, solder ball and electronic member for automobile-mounted electronic member
A lead-free solder alloy exhibiting good performance in impact resistance and vibration resistance. Also provided are a solder ball using such a lead-free solder alloy, and an electronic member having a solder bump using such a lead-free alloy. Specifically, the lead-free solder alloy consists of 1.0 to 2.0% by mass of Ag, 0.3 to 1.0% by mass of Cu, 0.005 to 0.1% by mass of Ni and the balance including Sn and unavoidable impurities. In an Sn—Ag—Cu based solder joint portion on a Cu electrode, a Cu3Sn intermetallic compound layer is formed directly on the Cu electrode, and then a Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound layer is formed thereon. A Cu atomic site in the Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound layer is replaced by Ni having a smaller atomic radius than Cu to thereby reduce strain in the Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound layer, thus enabling impact resistance and vibration resistance to be improved therein.
US08562904B2 Method for the powder-metallurgical production of metal foamed material and of parts made of metal foamed material
A method for a powder-metallurgical production of metal foamed material and of parts made of metal foamed material includes mixing a pulverulent metallic material including at least one of a metal and a metal alloy; pressing, under mechanical pressure, the mixed pulverulent metallic material so as to form a dimensionally stable semi-finished product; placing the semi-finished product into a chamber that is configured to be sealed pressure-tight; sealing the chamber; heating the semi-finished product to a melting or solidus temperature of the pulverulent metallic material; once the melting or solidus temperature has been reached, reducing the pressure in the chamber from an initial pressure to a final pressure so that the semi-finished product foams so as to form a metal foam; and lowering the temperature of the metal foam so as to solidify the metal foam.
US08562903B2 Direct smelting plant
A direct smelting plant for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material using a molten bath based direct smelting process is disclosed. The plant includes a gas delivery duct assembly extending from a gas supply location away from the vessel to deliver oxygen-containing gas to gas injection lances extending into a direct smelting vessel. The gas delivery duct assembly includes a single gas delivery main connected to the gas injection lances to supply oxygen-containing gas to the gas injection lances. The gas delivery main is located at a height above a lower half of the vessel.
US08562901B1 Method of making crack-free ceramic matrix composites
The current invention provides a method to fabricate a crack-free continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite by eliminating shrinkage stresses through a unique combination of freeze forming and a non-shrinking matrix composition. Cracks related to drying shrinkage are eliminated through freeze forming and cracks related to sintering shrinkage are eliminated by using a matrix that does not shrink at the given sintering temperature. After sintering, a crack-free ceramic composite is obtained.
US08562899B2 Electronically tunable, low-loss ceramic materials including a tunable dielectric phase and multiple metal oxide phases
Electronically tunable dielectric materials having favorable properties are disclosed. The electronically tunable materials include an electronically tunable dielectric phase such as barium strontium titanate in combination with at least two additional metal oxide phases. The additional metal oxide phases may include, for example, oxides of Mg, Si, Ca, Zr, Ti and Al. The electronically tunable materials may be provided in bulk, thin film and thick film forms for use in devices such as phased array antennas, tunable filters and the like. The materials are useful in many applications, including the area of radio frequency engineering and design.
US08562895B2 Process of manufacturing inorganic nanofibers
A process of manufacturing inorganic nanofibers, without using an organic polymer, using a highly reactive metal alkoxide such as titanium alkoxide or zirconium alkoxide, in particular, a process in which inorganic nanofibers can be stably produced over a long period, is provided. It is a process of manufacturing inorganic nanofibers by electrospinning using a sol solution containing an inorganic component as a main component, characterized in that the sol solution contains a metal alkoxide having a high reactivity and a salt catalyst, and that the salt catalyst is an amine compound having an N—N bond, an N—O bond, an N—C═N bond, or an N—C═S bond.
US08562894B2 Synthetic resin process and article useful for plating applications
A method for processing reinforcing filler-filled synthetic resins and applications made therefrom wherein the resulting articles have the ability to be plated to form a structurally aesthetic product substantially free of visual defects. The process utilizes an accelerated heat and cool process to form a resin-rich surface that is substantially free of any reinforcing fillers, such as fiber strands and/or bundles, on the external surface of the article. As such, the resulting article is capable of being plated to form an article that is substantially free of visual defects caused by these fillers on the surface of the article.
US08562886B2 Composite laminate having an improved cosmetic surface and method of making same
A composite laminate includes a plurality of sheets of prepreg stacked one over another, and a scrim layer provided on an exterior surface of the sheets of prepreg. Each prepreg sheet is formed of fibers preimpregnated with resin. The scrim layer and the sheets of prepreg form a composite laminate whereby the scrim layer constitutes an outer, exposed surface of the composite laminate. The scrim layer may be a nonwoven carbon or glass fiber scrim that has absorbed resin from the sheets of prepreg. A method of making a composite laminate includes placing into a mold a scrim and a plurality of sheets of prepreg, with the scrim extending between an exterior surface of the sheets of prepreg and an inner surface of the mold; forming a composite laminate whereby the scrim is adhered to the sheets of prepreg; and removing the composite laminate from the mold. An outer layer of the composite laminate includes the scrim.
US08562882B2 Method for producing homogeneously crystallized polycondensate pellets
The invention relates to a method for the continuous production of semicrystalline polycondensate pellets. Said method comprises the following steps: producing a polycondensate material; shaping polycondensate pellets and solidifying the polycondensate melt in a liquid cooling medium, wherein the shaping of the pellets can be carried out prior to or after solidification; separating the pellets from the liquid cooling medium once the polycondensate pellets have cooled down to an average temperature that lies within the crystallization temperature range of the polycondensate; and crystallizing the pellets in a treatment chamber, the treatment gas being led in said treatment chamber in a countercurrent to the polycondensate pellets, the flow rate of the treatment gas being above the incipient fluidization point of the polycondensate pellets and the polycondensate pellets having a narrow dwell time spectrum in the treatment chamber.
US08562880B2 Thermal insulation and method of producing the same
Provided is a thermal insulation having both excellent thermal insulating performance and excellent strength, and a method of producing the same. A method of producing a thermal insulation according to the present invention includes curing (S2) a dry-pressed compact including silica fine particles each having an average particle diameter of 50 nm or less and an alkaline-earth silicate fiber at a relative humidity of 70% or more.
US08562879B2 Inorganic fiber webs and methods of making and using
Methods are disclosed in which two or more forming chambers are used to process inorganic fibers by gravity-laying methods. The methods may comprise using a first forming chamber to open inorganic fibers and using a second forming chamber to process the opened inorganic fibers, optionally to blend the opened inorganic fibers with additional inorganic fibers and/or with particulate additives, and to collect the inorganic fibers as a mat. The methods may comprise using a first forming chamber to form a first inorganic fiber layer and a second forming chamber to form a second inorganic fiber layer, and consolidating the first and second inorganic fiber layers so as to provide a multilayer gravity-laid inorganic fiber web.
US08562876B2 Multizone polymer membrane and dialyzer
Membranes are made from polymers and heat treated so that they have at least two zones with pores of different sizes. Pores with a smaller size have a lower molecular weight cut off than pores with a larger size. Zones with pores of different sizes may also be made by coating portions of membranes with polymer coatings. Membranes with pores of different sizes may be used in dialyzers for hemofiltration, hemodiafiltration, and other hemodialysis procedures. The membranes may also be used in other separation processes.
US08562864B2 Asphalt mixture
A phosphorescent asphalt mixture comprising a binder, aggregate and a phosphorescent compound is disclosed. The phosphorescent compound has formula MAl2O4, wherein M is chosen from Sr, Ba and Ca, and wherein the phosphorescent compound has been doped with at least one rare earth element.
US08562863B2 Cholesteric glassy liquid crystals with hybrid chiral-nematic mesogens
A glassy cholesteric liquid crystalline composition comprising compounds with a volume-expanding core bound to one or more hybrid chiral-nematic (or Ch) pendant moieties and a method of producing oriented films of such compounds. The Ch pendant moieties are comprised of chiral spacer groups connected to the core via linker groups and nematic groups linked to the chiral spacer groups. Thin-films of the composition are morphologically stable for extended periods of time. Also, the thin-films are able to selectively interact with light from the visible to near-IR wavelength range.
US08562862B2 Water absorbing material
The present invention relates to a water-absorbing material obtainable by a process comprising the steps of A) treating a particulate, non-surface-crosslinked, water-absorbing polymer with a mixture comprising an aqueous solvent and at least one salt of a transition metal and B) irradiating the polymer treated according to A) with UV radiation, to a process for its production and to articles comprising the water-absorbing material.
US08562861B2 Oxygen scavenging composition and article formed therefrom
The present invention provides an oxygen-scavenging composition and articles formed therefrom. The oxygen-scavenging composition preferably includes an oxygen-scavenging polymer having an unsaturated bicyclic group, a based polymer, and an optional oxidation catalyst. The base polymer preferably includes a substituted or unsubstituted addition backbone, which may include heteratoms.
US08562859B2 Voltage nonlinear resistor, lightning arrester equipped with voltage nonlinear resistor, and process for producing voltage nonlinear resistor
A voltage nonlinear resistor is made of a sintered body that mainly includes zinc oxide grains, spinel grains including zinc and antimony as main ingredients, and a bismuth oxide phase, in which the bismuth oxide phase includes at least one of alkali metals selected from the group of potassium and sodium at a ratio in the range of 0.036 at % or higher and 0.176 at % or lower. The voltage nonlinear resistor has good voltage nonlinearity and loading service life characteristics, and can be used for a lightning arrester.
US08562858B2 Process for the polymerization of vinyl chloride
In a process for the aqueous suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride, alone or in mixture with other monomers, in the presence of at least one of dialkylperoxydicarbonate, peroxyester and diacyl peroxide, the polymerization composition according to the invention comprises at least one dialkylhydroxylamine as a shortstopping agent along with a totally or partially hindered phenolic antioxidant.
US08562853B2 Tracer-containing compositions
The present invention relates to the field of compression refrigeration and air conditioning. Specifically, the present invention relates to a tracer-containing compositions comprising refrigeration/heating fluid and tracer compound(s). Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for detecting tracer compounds to identify gases after leaving the custody of the original manufacturer or prior source, and the verification of authenticity. The aforementioned method provides for the detection of tracer compounds, which in turn, may alert the refrigeration industry to when dilution, adulteration, contamination or other unauthorized practices have occurred with refrigeration products.
US08562850B2 Emulsion for vibration damping materials
The present invention relates to an emulsion for vibration damping materials, including an emulsion obtainable by emulsion polymerization of a monomer component, wherein the emulsion is obtainable by emulsion polymerization using an anionic emulsifier and/or a reactive emulsifier, and emulsion particles have an average particle diameter of 100 to 450 nm, and an emulsion for vibration damping materials, comprising acrylic emulsion particles each having a core part and a shell part, wherein the acrylic emulsion particles are obtainable by polymerizing a monomer component including a monomer having a Q value of 0.6 to 1.4 and an e value of −0.4 to −1.2.
US08562849B2 Methods and apparatus for edge chamfering of semiconductor wafers using chemical mechanical polishing
Methods and apparatus for processing edge portions of a donor semiconductor wafer include controlling chemical mechanical polishing parameters to achieve chamfering of the edges of the donor semiconductor wafer; and alternatively or additionally flexing the donor semiconductor wafer to present a concave configuration, where edge portions thereof are pronounced as compared to a central surface area thereof, such that the pronounced edge portions of the donor semiconductor wafer are preferentially polished against a polishing surface in order to achieve the chamfering.
US08562847B2 Thin film support substrate for use in hydrogen production filter and production method of hydrogen production filter
In a through hole closing process, a metal plate is attached to one surface of a conductive base member having a plurality of through holes by the use of a magnet, in a copper plating process, a copper plating layer is formed on the conductive base member and the metal plate exposed within the through holes, from the side of the conductive base member where the metal plate is not attached, thereby to fill up the through holes, in a film forming process, a Pd alloy film is formed by plating on the surface of the conductive base member after removal of the metal plate, and in a removal process, the copper plating layer is removed by selective etching, thereby to produce a hydrogen production filter that is used in a reformer a fuel cell so as to be capable of stably producing high purity hydrogen gas.
US08562846B2 Process for producing a chip using a mold
A mold capable of a highly accurate alignment with a member to be processed in such a state that a photocurable resin material is disposed between the mold and the member to be processed, and is constituted by a substrate 2010 formed of a first material and an alignment mark 2102 formed of a second material different from the first material. The first material and the second material have transmissivities to light in a part of an ultraviolet wavelength range. The second material has a refractive index of not less than 1.7.
US08562841B1 Glycerine-biodiesel continuous flow separator and methodology of use
One possible embodiment of the invention could be a continuous flow separator for biodiesel formation and a method of operating same. The separator could comprise tank with hollow interior forming a main compartment, a weir-formed compartment, and a sump, the weir being formed at one end of the tank, the sump being formed in the tank bottom, the main compartment being located over the sump; a set of horizontally stacked plates received within the main compartment over the sump, each plate features a series of conical structures, cone apertures, and trough apertures; wherein the plates are so configured and stacked that the cone apertures align to form series of cone aperture columns while the trough apertures align to form series of trough aperture columns. The biodiesel moves up the cone aperture columns over a weir into the separate compartment while glycerine descends the trough aperture columns to the sump.
US08562834B2 Modular assembly for a portable hemodialysis system
A modular assembly for a portable hemodialysis system may include a dialysis unit, e.g., that contains suitable components for performing hemodialysis, such as a dialyzer, one or more pumps to circulate blood through the dialyzer, a source of dialysate, and one or more pumps to circulate the dialysate through the dialyzer, and a power unit having a housing that contains suitable components for providing operating power to the pumps of the dialysis unit. The power unit may be selectively connected to the dialysis unit and provide power (e.g., pneumatic power in the form of pressure and/or vacuum) to the dialysis unit for the pumps when connected to the dialysis unit, but may be incapable of providing power to the dialysis unit when disconnected from the dialysis unit. The dialysis unit and the power unit are sized and weighted to each be carried by hand by a human.
US08562827B2 Chromatography column assembly comprising a fixture for a plastic mesh
In a chromatography column, at least one plastic retaining mesh is attached to a distributor plate using a fixture element comprising an elongated edge that penetrates into the plastic mesh to ensure sealing and to prevent radial movement of the plastic mesh.
US08562826B2 Supporting structures for preparative chromatography columns
The plunger used as the upper enclosure in a preparative chromatography column is suspended by one or more rods that are supported by a frame through coupling connections on the frame that can fix the position of the rod(s) relative to the frame, while the position of the rod(s) is controlled by a motorized drive system that is suspended above the column. The drive system is mounted either to the column lid or to a functional plate positioned a short distance above the column lid. These constructions allow the plunger to be raised and lowered so that the column and its parts can be exchanged, all without the need for a hoist or crane.
US08562825B2 Device for separating fuel components
A device for separating fuel components comprises a separating membrane for separating high-octane fuel components from un-separated fuel, a heater for heating the un-separated fuel and a pressure apparatus for pressurizing the un-separated fuel. In the device, un-separated fuel is heated by the heater and is pressurized by the pressure apparatus such that the state of the un-separated fuel is changed to a mixed gas phase and liquid phase state of a gas weight ratio from 50% to 95% before coming into contact with the separating membrane.
US08562824B2 Contaminant prevention
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for water purification. Embodiments can generally be applied to demister cyclones (6). Some embodiments allow for more of the pressure change which occurs in demister cyclones to occur in the separating chamber (19) of the demister cyclone. Some embodiments include a demister cyclone having an internal perforated wall (52). Some embodiments include a groove (103) or a baffle (102) on the underside of a boiler cover.
US08562822B2 Dynamic weight balancing of flow in kidney failure treatment systems
A kidney failure treatment system includes: (i) a dialysate supply; (ii) a weighing device; a control container coupled operably to the weighing device; (iii) a diffusion membrane; (iv) a drain; first and second pumps; (v) a first fluid conduit coupled fluidly to the dialysate supply and the diffusion membrane, the first fluid conduit coupled operably to the first pump; (vi) a second fluid conduit coupled fluidly to the control container and the drain, the second fluid conduit coupled operably to the first pump; and (vii) a third fluid conduit coupled fluidly to the diffusion membrane and the control conduit, the third fluid conduit coupled operably to the second pump.
US08562814B2 Measurement device and sensor ejection method
A measurement device includes a sensor holding part (10) which detachably holds a sensor having an electrode terminal at its one end, a connection terminal (14) which elastically contacts the electrode terminal of the sensor to take out a signal required for analysis, an ejection mechanism having a pushing member (11) which is extrudably attached to the device body, and pushes the sensor that is held by the sensor holding part (10) with the electrode terminal thereof elastically contacting the connection terminal (14) while releasing the contact between the sensor electrode terminal and the connection terminal (14), thereby to eject the sensor from the sensor holding part (10), and a first brake part (13) which elastically contacts the sensor to brake the movement of the sensor in the ejection direction while performing the extrusion operation of pushing out the sensor by the ejection mechanism.
US08562813B2 System and method for performing a polarization scan in situ
A system for performing an in-situ polarization scan of a component surface includes a sensor connected to the component surface at a sensor connection, and the sensor generates a signal reflective of a current flow at the sensor connection. A power supply connected to the component surface at an electrical connection produces a voltage potential at the electrical connection. An electrolyte coats the sensor connection and the electrical connection. A method for performing an in-situ polarization scan of a component surface includes sensing a current flow on the component surface, generating a voltage potential on the component surface, and placing an electrolyte over at least a portion of the component surface.
US08562812B2 Sulphuration method of ferrous alloy parts in an aqueous solution
The invention relates to a superficial treatment method by electrolysis of ferrous surfaces to enhance friction or tread and seizing resistance features, wherein the surfaces provide the electrolysis anode, the electrolysis bath includes a sulphur species, primarily contains water and also contains a chloride salt and a nitrogen species in quantities which facilitates the sulphuration reaction of the surfaces.
US08562811B2 Process for making formic acid
Methods for electrochemical production of formic acid are disclosed. A method may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (D). Step (A) may introduce water to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. The first compartment may include an anode. Step (B) may introduce carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell. The second compartment may include a solution of an electrolyte and a cathode. The cathode is selected from the group consisting of indium, lead, tin, cadmium, and bismuth. The second compartment may include a pH of between approximately 4 and 7. Step (C) may apply an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode in the electrochemical cell sufficient to reduce the carbon dioxide to formic acid. Step (D) may maintain a concentration of formic acid in the second compartment at or below approximately 500 ppm.
US08562805B2 Method of actuating and an actuator
A method of actuating, comprising: filling at least a portion of a tube (21) with a liquid (19) containing electrolytes, the tube (21) having an inner surface that is electrically chargeable when in contact with the liquid (19); positioning an object (28) in fluid communication with the liquid in the tube; and applying an electrical field (46) along a lengthwise axis across the tube at said portion for producing a pressure in the liquid. The pressure in the liquid exerts a force on the object so as to actuate the object (28, 30). An actuator (20) is also disclosed.
US08562804B2 Fluorescent finger prints for indirect detection in isotachophoresis
Indirect detection and/or identification of analytes by ITP can be enhanced by adding a mixture of labeled carrier ampholytes (CAs) to the sample to provide a continuous range of mobility markers. Each analyte can be detected and quantified by corresponding gaps in the CA signal. This approach does not require a priori choice of fluorophores and can be readily applied (without extensive and specific design) to a wide range of analytes. Analyte identification can be expedited by computing a normalized signal integral (NSI) from the CA signals. Empirical calibrations can relate the NSI to effective mobility. Effective mobility results under two or more different pH conditions can be used to determine analyte pKa and fully ionized mobility, which are analyte properties that can facilitate analyte identification.
US08562801B2 Electrode with integrated optical sensor
Glass pH electrode with integrated optical sensor, characterized in that said electrode can be sterilized without substantial alteration of its optical characteristics, in particular in respect to gamma ray irradiation sterilization.
US08562789B2 Wet-end manufacturing process for bitumen-impregnated fiberboard
A process for manufacturing fiberboard by preparing a fiber slurry mixture including containing cellulose fibers and water then atomizing a liquid bituminous material, such as asphalt. The liquid bituminous material is atomized by mixing it with a pressurized gas, such as compressed air, forming a mist comprising droplets of bituminous material having a diameter between 20 microns and 50 microns. A water spray solidifies the bituminous material droplets thereby forming bituminous particles which fall into the fiber slurry within the spray chamber. From there the slurry is sheared, dewatered, and dried, forming a finished fiberboard.
US08562787B2 Method for producing paper
In a method for manufacturing paper or the like, in which cationic polymer microparticles comprised of polyacrylamide and a fine-particle inorganic component are added to the paper pulp following the final shearing step and prior to the headbox, whereupon the paper pulp is subjected to dehydration while forming sheets, followed by sheet drying, a polymer mixture comprising a linear cationic polymer and a linear anionic copolymer, whose overall ionicity is anionic, is additionally added immediately prior to the headbox.
US08562786B2 Method of making a fabric-creped absorbent cellulosic sheet
A method of making a fabric-creped absorbent cellulosic sheet. A papermaking furnish is compactively dewatered to form a nascent web. The nascent web is applied to a translating transfer surface and is fabric-creped from the transfer surface at a consistency of from about 30 to about 60 percent utilizing a creping fabric. The creping fabric travels at a fabric speed that is slower than the speed of the transfer surface. The nascent web is creped from the transfer surface and redistributed on the creping fabric to form a creped web with a drawable reticulum having a plurality of interconnected regions of different local basis weights. The creped web is dried to form a dried web, and the dried web is drawn. The drawing step includes drawing the dried web between a first draw roll and a second draw roll.
US08562785B2 Gas distribution showerhead for inductively coupled plasma etch reactor
A two piece ceramic showerhead includes upper and lower plates which deliver process gas to an inductively coupled plasma processing chamber. The upper plate overlies the lower plate and includes radially extending gas passages which extend inwardly from an outer periphery of the upper plate, axially extending gas passages in fluid communication with the radially extending gas passages and an annular recess forming a plenum between the upper and lower plates. The lower plate includes axially extending gas holes in fluid communication with the plenum. The upper plate can include eight radially extending gas passages evenly spaced around the periphery of the upper plate and the lower plate can include inner and outer rows of gas holes. The two piece ceramic showerhead forms a dielectric window of the chamber through which radiofrequency energy generated by an antenna is coupled into the chamber. A gas delivery system delivers process gas to a plenum between the upper and lower plates having a gas volume of no greater than 500 cm3. The gas holes in the lower plate extend between the plenum and a plasma exposed yttria coated surface of the lower plate. The gas delivery system is operable to supply an etching gas and a deposition gas into the processing chamber such that the etching gas in the plenum can be replaced with the deposition gas within about 200 milliseconds and vice versa.
US08562784B2 Automatic spacers mounting system for field emission display and method of automatically mounting spacers
An automatic spacers mounting system is provided which comprises a horizontal arraying device; a vertical arraying device comprising a vertical arraying pallet and a reversing device; a mounting base which fixes the vertical arraying pallet and a panel; a vacuum absorbing device to absorb a plurality of spacers vertically arrayed in the vertical arraying pallet; a guiding and pressing device which guides a plurality of spacers from the vacuum absorbing device to the panel and a pressing plate that presses the plurality of spacers. A first loader allows the vacuum absorbing device to move from the vertical arraying pallet to above the panel, and a second loader allows the guiding and pressing device to move above the panel. A controller controls the vertical arraying device, the vacuum absorbing device, the guiding and pressing device, and the first and second loaders to mount the plurality of spacers on the panel.
US08562780B2 Method for manufacturing a stiffened panel of composite material
A process for the production of a stiffened panel made of composite material includes the stages of depositing the fibers that constitute the panel on a rigid device, depositing at least one stiffener, covering the unit with a sealed wall, and then polymerizing, and providing—for each stiffener—a rigid counter-mold in contact with the convex surface of the stiffener, covering the zone(s) of the panel that is/are not covered by the stiffener with at least one band sufficiently rigid to transmit compression forces by allowing play between the band and the stiffener, and then depositing a seal such that the seal, the band, and the rigid counter-mold form the sealed wall, whereby the seal is able to have two states, a first malleable state during application so that it adapts to the profile of the lateral edges of the stiffeners, and a hardened state to ensure transmission of compression forces in a manner essentially identical to the rigid counter-molds or to the bands arranged on either side of the seal so as not to generate a pressure gradient.
US08562779B2 Method for manufacturing a moulded article
Methods and apparatus provide for laminating a plastics molding with spatial surface contours, in particular for interior trims of motor vehicles, using a backing layer and a decorative layer, where an edge region of the decorative layer, which edge region is provided as a bent-around region, extends beyond the nearby corresponding edge of the backing layer with an exposed rear-side region, including: heating a strip-shaped mold part and placing the heated mold part on the bent-around region of the decorative layer and melting part of the bent-around region; turning the bent-around region over the nearby edge of the backing layer and placing the rear-side region of the bent-around region on the second side, which is positioned opposite the first side, of the backing layer, and pressing the bent-around region onto the backing layer with a second mold part, situated opposite the first mold part.
US08562775B2 Coatings derived from polyesters crosslinked with melamine formaldehyde
A coating composition is based on a polyester mixed with an alkyl-etherified melamine formaldehyde. The coating composition is partially cured in a first stage to provide a thermoformable partially cured, tack-free, non-blocking, coating layer, followed by application to generally a contoured substrate and thermoforming to conform thereto. The contoured partially cured coating layer is then heat cured to form a cured coating. A hydroxyl-terminated polyoxetane containing repeat units derived from oxetane monomers having one or two pendent —CH2—O—(CH2)n—Rf groups, wherein Rf is partially or fully fluorinated, can be esterified with polyester-forming reactants to form a fluorinated polyoxetane-modified polyester.
US08562774B2 Method of forming a nonwoven fabric and fastening system that include an auto-adhesive material
In some embodiments, a nonwoven fabric includes a first web that is at least partially formed of extruded strands which include an auto-adhesive material. The nonwoven fabric is adapted to be bonded to another item that includes a similar auto-adhesive material. In other embodiments, a method of forming a nonwoven fabric includes extruding a plurality of strands that are formed of an auto-adhesive material. The method further includes routing the plurality of strands toward a moving support, depositing the plurality of strands onto the moving support, and then stabilizing the plurality of strands to form a web. In other embodiments, a fastening system includes a nonwoven fabric that has a web which is formed of a plurality of extruded strands that include an auto-adhesive material. The fastening system further includes a foam layer that has a surface with a plurality of free-standing struts that include a similar auto-adhesive material.
US08562769B2 Forming construction underlayment
A foam roofing underlayment is provided with a reinforcement membrane having an array of fastener elements for engaging fastener elements on a flexible roof membrane. The underlayment is formed by molding foam between the reinforcement membrane and a carrier membrane. The underlayment in secured to the roof using washers having fastener elements for engaging the fastener elements of the flexible roof membrane. An anti-peel flap with fastener elements is provided around the periphery of the washers. A slip sheet is used between the underlayment and the flexible roof membrane to permit accurate positioning of the flexible roof membrane prior to engagement of the fastener elements. The interstices between the fastener elements provide lateral moisture paths to vents in the flexible roof membrane.
US08562767B2 Method of heat treating a steel bearing component
A bearing component formed from a bearing steel, wherein the component has an outer surface and comprises through-hardened bainite and/or martensite and has a substantially homogeneous chemical composition, at least a part of the bearing component having a compressive residual stress profile comprising −25 to −1000 MPa at the near surface, wherein the near surface is defined as a region 500 microns or less below the outer surface.
US08562765B2 Process for heat treating metal powder and products made from the same
A method of heat treating metal powder and/or metal oxide powder by microwave energy is described. Furthermore, products made by the various processes of the present invention are further described.
US08562760B2 Compositions and methods for determining alloys for thermal spray, weld overlay, thermal spray post processing applications, and castings
Disclosed herein are iron-based alloys having a microstructure comprising a fine-grained ferritic matrix and having a 60+ Rockwell C surface, wherein the ferritic matrix comprises <10 μm Nb and W carbide precipitates. Also disclosed are methods of welding comprising forming a crack free hardbanding weld overlay coating with such an iron-based alloy. Also disclosed are methods of designing an alloy capable of forming a crack free hardbanding weld overlay, the methods comprising the steps of determining an amorphous forming epicenter composition, determining a variant composition having a predetermined change in constituent elements from the amorphous forming epicenter composition, and forming and analyzing an alloy having the variant composition.
US08562759B2 Compositions and methods for determining alloys for thermal spray, weld overlay, thermal spray post processing applications, and castings
Disclosed herein are iron-based alloys having a structure comprising fine-grained ferritic matrix and having a 60+ Rockwell C surface, wherein the ferritic matrix comprises <10 μm Nb and W carbide precipitates. Also disclosed are methods of welding comprising forming a crack free hardbanding weld overlay coating with such an iron-based alloy. Also disclosed are methods of designing an alloy capable of forming a crack free hardbanding weld overlay, the methods comprising the step determining an amorphous forming epicenter composition, determining a variant composition having a predetermined change in constituent elements from the amorphous forming epicenter composition, and forming and analyzing an alloy having the variant composition.
US08562757B2 Mg-based alloy plated steel material
An Mg-based alloy plated steel material superior in adhesion and corrosion resistance characterized by being provided with a hot dip Mg-based alloy plating layer (preferably containing Zn: 15 atm % to less than 45 atm %).
US08562756B2 NdFeB sintered magnet and method for producing the same
The present invention is aimed at providing a method for producing an NdFeB sintered magnet having a higher coercivity and higher squareness of the magnetization curve than ever before. A method for producing an NdFeB sintered magnet according to the present invention includes the steps of forming a layer containing Dy and/or Tb on the surface of an NdFeB sintered magnet base material and then performing a grain boundary diffusion process for diffusing Dy and/or Tb from the aforementioned layer through the crystal grain boundaries of the magnet base material into the magnet base material by heating the magnet base material to a temperature equal to or lower than the sintering temperature thereof, and this method is characterized in that a) the content of a rare earth in a metallic state in the magnet base material is equal to or higher than 12.7 at %; b) the aforementioned layer is a powder layer formed by depositing a powder; and c) the powder layer contains Dy and/or Tb in a metallic state by an amount equal to or higher than 50 mass %.
US08562750B2 Method and apparatus for processing bevel edge
A method and apparatus for processing a bevel edge is provided. A substrate is placed in a bevel processing chamber and a passivation layer is formed on the substrate only around a bevel region of the substrate using a passivation plasma confined in a peripheral region of the bevel processing chamber. The substrate may undergo a subsequent semiconductor process, during which the bevel edge region of the substrate is protected by the passivation layer. Alternatively, the passivation layer may be patterned using a patterning plasma formed in an outer peripheral region of the processing chamber, the patterning plasma being confined by increasing plasma confinement. The passivation layer on outer edge portion of the bevel region is removed, while the passivation layer on an inner portion of the bevel region is maintained. The bevel edge of the substrate may be cleaned using the patterned passivation layer as a protective mask.
US08562747B2 Method and system for hydrolytic saccharification of a cellulosic biomass
A method and system for hydrolyzing cellulose and/or hemicellulose contained in a biomass into monosaccharides and oligosaccharides by using high-temperature and high-pressure water in a subcritical condition is provided. In hydrolyzing cellulose or hemicellulose into saccharides by using high-temperature and high-pressure water in a subcritical condition, a large amount of slurry is cooled into a condition below the subcritical condition by subjecting the slurry contained in a pressure vessel under a high-temperature and high-pressure condition to flash evaporation in a pressure vessel charged with a slurry of a cellulosic biomass and heated halfway. It is possible to prevent saccharides from degrading into organic acids and to save energy by recovery of thermal energy. The cellulosic biomass is charged into a water-permeable vessel and then the water-permeable vessel is encapsulated into the pressure vessel together with water.
US08562746B2 Sectional wafer carrier
A structure for a chemical vapor deposition reactor includes a support element defining oppositely-facing substantially planar upper and lower surfaces and a vertical rotational axis substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces, and a plurality of carrier sections releasably engaged with the support element. Each carrier section can include oppositely-facing substantially planar top and bottom surfaces and at least one aperture extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The carrier sections can be disposed on the support element with the bottom surfaces of the carrier sections facing toward the upper surface of the support element, so that wafers can be held in the apertures of the carrier sections with one surface of each wafer confronting the support element and an opposite surface exposed at the top surface of the carrier sections.
US08562744B2 Coating device
A coating device includes two workspaces, two first slide rails, two second slide rails, two transporting loops, a number of rotating platforms, and a number of loading poles. The first slide rails are respectively fixed on the bottoms of the workspaces. The second slide rails are respectively fixed on the tops of the workspaces. The transporting loops are movably positioned on the first slide rails respectively. The rotating platforms are rotatably positioned on the transporting loops and capable of being driven by the transporting loops to rotate and slide along the first slide rails. The loading poles are positioned between the rotating platforms and the second slide rails, and are used for holding substrates. The loading poles are capable of being transported from one workspace to another workspace.
US08562737B2 Crystal growth method, crystal growth apparatus, group-III nitride crystal and group III nitride semiconductor device
A crystal growth method, comprising the steps of: a) bringing a nitrogen material into a reaction vessel in which a mixed molten liquid comprising an alkaline metal and a group-III metal; and b) growing a crystal of a group-III nitride using the mixed molten liquid and the nitrogen material brought in by the step a) in the reaction vessel, wherein a provision is made such as to prevent a vapor of the alkaline metal from dispersing out of the reaction vessel.
US08562732B2 Method for manufacturing ceramic honeycomb structure and coating material for the ceramic honeycomb structure
There is provided a method for manufacturing a ceramic honeycomb structure comprising: a coating material adjustment step for obtaining a coating material by mixing at least water with a ceramic powder aggregate having only one peak in a particle size distribution, an average particle size of 23 to 39 μm, and a particle size distribution width of 15 to 33, a coating material application step for applying the coating material to cover the outer periphery of a honeycomb structure having a plurality of cells separated by porous ceramic partition walls, and a coating material heat-drying step for forming an outer wall by heat-drying the coating material after the coating material application step. By the method, the outer periphery is covered with a coating material to form an outer wall to hardly generate, for example, crack generation and peeling upon drying the outer wall, and the coating material is provided.
US08562731B2 Fungal modified chitosan adhesives and wood composites made from the adhesives
The present invention describes a fungal modified chitosan adhesive for binding a fibrous material and the method of producing the adhesive. The adhesive is produced by providing a chitosan containing raw material; a fungal growing medium; a fungal culture; mixing the raw material, the growing medium and the fungal culture together to produce a suspension; incubating the suspension to produce a broth comprising a modified chitosan solid, an at least partially-consumed medium liquid and a fungal residue; separating the modified chitosan solid from the liquid and the fungal residue, and dissolving the modified chitosan solid to produce the adhesive resin.
US08562720B2 Method of reducing silicosis caused by inhalation of silica-containing proppant, such as silica sand and resin-coated sand, and apparatus therefor
A method of reducing silicosis caused by inhalation of silica-containing proppant, such as silica sand and resin-coated silica sand, and apparatus therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US08562717B2 Metal hydrazide materials
The present invention provides the following new polymers which are useful for hydrogen storage: (i) a polymer comprising -[MN2]— as a repeating unit, wherein M is selected from the group consisting Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zr, Nb, Mo, and mixtures thereof; and (ii) a polymer comprising -[M2N3]— as a repeating unit, wherein M is selected from the group consisting Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zr, Nb, Mo, and mixtures thereof.
US08562708B2 Three-dimensional filter
A three-dimensional filter includes a filter frame having a three-dimensional skeletal structure with a filter media connected to the skeletal structure. The filters are nestable. The skeletal structure may be trimmed and provided with walls to create standard sized filters. Methods for making the three-dimensional filter include injection molding of the skeletal structure onto the filter media, injection molding the filter media and the filter frame together in a single molding process, thermoforming a molded or extruded skeletal structure and the filter media, and needle punching a molded or extruded skeletal structure to create filter media within the skeletal structure.
US08562707B2 Air filter having fluted filter media
An air cleaner includes a housing and an access cover. The internal volume of the housing can be reached through an opening in a side wall of the housing. A filter element having fluted filter media is removable and replaceable from the air cleaner. The housing is constructed and arranged to cam the element into sealing engagement with the housing. The access cover includes structure to help support and ensure proper seating of the filter element within the housing. A method of installing the filter element in the air cleaner includes sliding a portion of the filter element against a slide surface in the housing. A method of servicing an air cleaner includes tilting the filter element against a tilt surface in the housing to release a seal between the filter element and the housing. The filter element can have a handle to assist in servicing of the air cleaner.
US08562706B2 Air filter having an air filter housing, use of an air filter, method for designing an air filter, and method for operating an air filter
An air filter is provided that includes, but is not limited to an air filter housing, which encloses an air filter chamber having an ambient air volume and a filtered air volume separated from the ambient air volume by a filter device. At least one interior side of the air filter housing enclosing the ambient air volume has ribs. The ambient air volume has air flowing through it in a flow direction operation of the air filter and sections of the ribs are situated parallel to this flow direction of the air and curved.
US08562704B2 Integral vacuum fan housing
A filter box for a surface maintenance machine incorporating aspects of a fan housing. In one example, a filter box for a sweeping machine is provided with an impeller fan housing beneath a cylindrical filter. Operation of the impeller fan draws air from a debris hopper, through the cylindrical filter, and through an expansion chamber defined by a scroll conduit prior to outlet to atmosphere.
US08562702B2 Abrasive compact
The invention relates to an abrasive compact comprising a mass of diamond particles and a silicon containing binder phase wherein the diamond particles are present in an amount less than 75 volume % and the binder phase contains less than 2 volume % unreacted (elemental) silicon. The invention further relates to a method of producing an abrasive compact including the steps of forming a feed diamond powder into a diamond preform, interposing a separating mechanism between the diamond preform and a silicon infiltrant source, heating the diamond preform and silicon infiltrant source until the infiltrant is molten and the preform and infiltrant are isothermal and allowing infiltration from the molten silicon infiltrant source to occur into the diamond preform.
US08562701B2 Gasification apparatus and method for generating syngas from gasifiable feedstock material
The present invention relates to a gasification apparatus for generating syngas from gasifiable feedstock material, said apparatus comprising a vessel having a feedstock inlet, an inlet for a gaseous gasifying medium, an outlet for exhausted feedstock material and a syngas outlet; a gasifying reactor accommodated in said vessel and in fluid communication with said feedstock inlet, said outlet for exhausted feedstock material and said inlet for said gasifying medium of said vessel; and a filtering unit accommodated in said vessel and having an upstream side and a downstream side, said upstream side of said filtering unit being in fluid communication with said reactor and said downstream side thereof being in fluid communication with said syngas outlet.
US08562691B2 Training device
A training device capable of converting kinetic energy of an agent into electric energy while applying to the agent a resistance force of a variation behavior appropriate to a motion behavior of the agent. According to the training device, a strength and a direction of a resistance force applied to the agent can be varied via a regenerative braking on a motor according to at least one of a variation behavior of a relative posture between an upper body and a leg of the agent and a temporal variation behavior of the relative posture therebetween.
US08562689B2 Wrist prosthesis
A carpal plate for use in a wrist replacement prosthesis includes at least three non-linearly aligned, internally threaded openings, each opening defining a thread-screw axis with at least one thread-screw axis divergent from the other two thread-screw axes; and further including hollow core screws for the injection of a cement compound to aid in anchoring the screws into the cancellous portion of the carpal bones.
US08562686B2 Joint prosthesis with infinitely positionable head
A joint prosthesis includes a bone engaging portion having a first recess portion, and an internal wall defining a second recess portion, an articulating component, an insert component having (i) a first insert portion configured to snugly fit within said second recess portion in contact with the internal wall, and (ii) a projecting portion that fixedly projects from said first insert portion and is configured to snugly fit with the first recess portion so as to rotationally fix the first insert portion within the second recess portion, said insert component also having a first coupling portion, and a mating component configured to mate with said articulating component and having a second coupling portion configured to mate with the first coupling portion to form a fixed male/female couple at variable version and inclination angular orientations with respect to the insert component.
US08562685B2 Spinal implant and integration plate for optimizing vertebral endplate contact load-bearing edges
An interbody spinal implant including a body and an integration plate 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. The body is recessed in a way that portions of the integration plate protrude above the top and/or bottom surface of the body to enhance the resistance of the implant to expulsion from the intervertebral space.
US08562682B2 Artificial intervertebral joint permitting translational and rotational motion
An intervertebral joint prosthesis having a ball component (22) for engagement with a first vertebra (26) and a trough component (24) for engagement with a second vertebra (27) adjacent to the first vertebra is disclosed. The trough component (24) includes a generally concave surface (50) having a substantially flat portion (52). When the ball component (22) and the trough component (24) are engaged to their respective vertebrae, the ball component (72) and the trough component (24) engage each other, permitting rotation and translation of the vertebrae with respect to each other. Both components include a flange (34, 56) for engaging a vertebra. The invention also contemplates a method for and a tool for use in implanting a two-piece intervertebral joint prosthesis.
US08562680B2 Graft ligament anchor and method for attaching a graft ligament to a bone
A graft ligament anchor comprises a graft ligament engagement member disposed in an opening in a bone, the graft ligament engagement member being arranged to receive a graft ligament alongside the engagement member, and a locking member for disposition in the opening, and at least in part engageable with the graft ligament engagement member. Movement of the locking member in the opening causes the locking member to urge the engagement member, and the graft ligament therewith, toward a wall of the opening, to secure the graft ligament to the wall of the opening. A method for attaching a graft ligament to a bone is also provided.
US08562677B2 Spray method for forming shells for prostheses
Shells for mammary prostheses and other devices are created by spraying a silicone dispersion onto a mandrel. Several coats of dispersion are applied with an interval for evaporation of solvent from the dispersion between application of coats. The shells created are uniform in thickness and have a desirably defect-free surface.
US08562676B2 Replica eye
A replica eye includes a dome-shaped eyeball, a back simulating member, a front simulating member, a container, at least one tube, and a driving member. The eyeball includes a light-transmitting area for transmitting light. The back simulating member has a simulating surface being a first color. The front simulating member has a resilient capsule being a second color other than the first color. The resilient capsule is attached to the simulating surface, and arranged between the simulating surface and the light-transmitting area. The container is used for accommodating fillers. The at least one tube is capable of passing through the simulating surface to connect between the resilient capsule and the container. The driving member is coupled to the container for driving the fillers received in the container move towards and away from resilient capsule via the tube.
US08562674B2 Front loading IOL insertion apparatus and method of using
An insertion system is provided for delivering an intraocular lens into an eye. The insertion system has an inserter for delivering the lens and a lens case for holding the lens prior to delivery. The inserter has a handpiece having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The inserter also has a nosepiece disposed at the distal end of the inserter, the nosepiece having a rotational axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a load chamber with a transfer interface for receiving the lens. The case has a transfer port for transferring the lens from the case into the load chamber. Once the lens is transferred into the load chamber, the nosepiece is adapted to rotate approximately 180 degrees about the rotational axis between a first position for loading the lens and a second position for delivering the lens into the eye.
US08562666B2 Intraluminal medical device with nested interlocking segments
The invention is a medical device having nested interlocking axially adjacent segments that remain interlocked during delivery. The medical device is a stent in which the nested interlocked axially adjacent segments provide increased control and stability of the stent during delivery and increased vessel support when deployed. A series of repeating cells comprise a segment. Each cell comprises a protrusion and a radially and circumferentially adjacent receptacle. The protrusion from at least one cell in a segment interlocks with the receptacle of an axially adjacent segment to form the stent. The protrusions remain coupled with a corresponding receptacle during delivery of the stent to the intended treatment site, and can remain engaged thereafter, or can disengage from the corresponding receptacle after full deployment of the stent.
US08562664B2 Manufacture of fine-grained material for use in medical devices
Medical devices are manufactured from fine grained materials, processed from of a variety of metals and alloys, such as stainless steel, cobalt-chromium and nickel-titanium alloys. A fine grained metal or alloy is formed from a specimen rapidly heated to its recrystallization temperature, and then subjected to high temperature, multi-axial deformation, for example, by heavy cross-forging or swaging. The deformed specimen may be cooled and reheated to a second recrystallization temperature. The metal or alloy in the specimen is then allowed to recrystallize, such that the grain size is controlled by quenching the specimen to room temperature. A desired medical device is then configured from the fine grained material. Decreasing the average grain size of a substrate material and increasing the number of grains across a thickness of a strut or similar component of the medical device increases the strength of the device and imparts other beneficial properties into the device.
US08562661B2 High blood pressure symptom relief through a laser based medical instrument
Disclosed are several methods, apparatus, and a system for providing hypertension/high blood pressure symptom relief through a laser based medical instrument. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a radiation of a laser-light created by a laser diode of a medical instrument. In addition, the method includes applying a treatment of the radiation to a portion of a body. The method further includes regulating of a blood pressure and an advanced glycation end product (AGE) in the blood caused by one of a disease associated with hypertension and blood pressure. Additionally, the method includes providing a relief from high blood pressure when the treatment is complete.
US08562658B2 Method and system for optical stimulation of neurons
A method of stimulating neurons present in a living body is disclosed. The method comprises directing light to an artificial light absorbing medium implanted extracellularly at a target location having the neurons therein, wherein wavelengths and intensities of the light are selected so as to heat the light absorbing medium by light absorption. The heating is sufficient to stimulate neurons nearby the light absorbing medium. In some embodiments, the light is spatially modulating so as to encode a stimulation pattern therein.
US08562657B2 Photopatterning of skin
Methods and systems for treating skin for aesthetic or health purposes are described. According to various embodiments, photoresponsive materials and light are delivered in a controlled fashion to produce a patterned distribution of a material in the skin.
US08562655B2 Bone plate assembly
A lumbar plate assembly for use between at least two vertebral bodies is disclosed. The assembly includes a lumbar plate having at least one opening for each vertebral body, a screw configured to secure the lumbar plate to a vertebra through the at least one opening, and a rotatable locking mechanism proximate the least one opening configured to rotate from a first configuration to a second configuration, the first configuration allowing the screw to pass into the opening and the second configuration engaging the screw to prevent withdrawal of the screw from the opening.
US08562652B2 Dynamic anchoring device and dynamic stabilization device for vertebrae
A dynamic anchoring device is described. An element with a shank for anchoring in a bone or a vertebra and with a head connected to the shank is provided with a receiving part for the head and with an elastomeric pressure element acting on the head. The pressure element is formed and located in such a way that, upon a movement of the element from a first angular position of the shank relative to the receiving part into a second angular position, it exerts a return force on the head. Further, a dynamic stabilization device, in particular for vertebrae, is provided. In such a stabilization device, a rod is connected two anchoring devices. At least one of the anchoring devices is constructed as dynamic anchoring element.
US08562651B2 Sacroiliac terminal anchor device and method
A spinal stabilization apparatus and method according to which an anchor element is engaged with a bone structure of a spinal system. The anchor element defines a reservoir adapted to contain a bone-growth promoting material and the reservoir is in fluid communication with the bone structure via at least one aperture defined in the anchor element. A rod-connecting element extend from the anchor element and is adapted to extend outward from the bone structure to engage at least a portion of a rod when the rod extends within a vicinity of the spinal system and the bone structure.
US08562644B2 Barbed suture with non-symmetric barbs
A suture including a shaft extending longitudinally along a length of the suture, and a plurality of barbs extending outwardly from said shaft. At least one of the barbs is non-symmetrical about a primary plane extending along the longitudinal length of the suture, and bisecting a distal tip of the barb and a center of the shaft.
US08562643B2 Self closing occulsion device with a twist
An occlusion device and a method for occluding an opening in a body tissue with the occlusion device are provided. The occlusion device comprises a middle portion, a distal portion, and a proximal portion. The middle portion may be formed of non-woven wires and twisted about the longitudinal axis. The distal portion and the proximal portion may be comprised of a shape memory material. The occlusion device may be shape set to establish a preset configuration, and thus may be deformable to fit in and occlude the opening in the body tissue.
US08562640B2 Tool with multi-state ratcheted end effector
The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. The tool may also include other features. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. A rotation lock provides for enablement and disablement of rotatability of the end effector.
US08562638B2 Embolus blood clot filter with floating filter basket
A blood filter device for placement in a blood vessel including a plurality of anchor members disposed radially and extending angularly about a first hub. A filter basket is preferably positioned upstream from the anchor members. The anchor members each include a hook configured to penetrate the vessel wall to prevent longitudinal movement due to blood flow. The filter basket is made up of a number of filter members configured to retain blood clots within the basket without completely blocking blood flow or applying additional force to vessel walls. Portions of the filter members may project radially outward to position the basket near the vessel centerline, but the filter basket preferably does not include hooks or anchors for anchoring the filter basket to the blood vessel.
US08562634B2 Instruments and methods for reducing and stabilizing bone fractures
Instruments and methods for reducing and stabilizing bone fractures are presented, which include providing a cavity in bone, such as a vertebra, wherein the cavity is proximate to an endplate of the bone, such as a vertebra endplate, and wherein the cavity extends radially from a passage into the cavity. The methods further include providing a device, such as an inflatable device, into the cavity and manipulating the device for expansion. The cavity may be expanded thereby reducing and/or stabilizing the fracture. The fracture may be further reduced and/or stabilized by adding a material into the cavity.
US08562633B2 Tissue repair device with a bioabsorbable support member
The present invention is a composite medical device having a non-bioabsorbable implantable tissue repair or reconstruction component and a resilient bioabsorbable support member component that aids in deployment and placement of the implantable component at a surgical site. Following deployment, the support member component is readily bioabsorbed and removed from the implantable component. The invention is particularly useful in laproscopic, endoluminal, and other surgical procedures.
US08562630B2 Suture instrument and method
A method for inserting a stitch through tissue around a hole in an abdominal muscle or a hollow organ includes: inserting into the hole a body assembly having penetration members that move from an in-line position to a deployed position, and a suture cartridge assembly secured to a forward end of the body assembly, the suture cartridge assembly having opposing arm members that move from an in-line position to a deployed position and each holding a capture sleeve to which an end of a suture cord is secured; simultaneously deploying the penetration members through the tissue around the hole and into the arm members such that the penetration members capture the capture sleeves; and simultaneously retracting the penetration members and the arm members such that the ends of the suture are retracted with the penetration members through the tissue around the hole and into the body assembly.
US08562628B2 Linear motion delivery system for female sterilization device
A delivery system for deploying an occlusion device comprises a piston having a threaded proximal end, an elongated delivery catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends of the delivery catheter, and a drive mechanism comprising an internally threaded nut member and a spring member. The piston is moveable between a first axial position and a second axial position. The internally threaded nut member receives the threaded proximal end of the piston. The spring member, which is coupled to the internally threaded nut member, rotates the nut member to drive the piston from the first axial position toward the nut member to the second axial position. Driving the piston toward the nut member retracts the attached delivery catheter and deploys an occlusion device from within the inner lumen and through the distal end of the delivery catheter.
US08562625B2 Method and apparatus for breaking up calculi in urinary intracavity by milling
The present invention discloses calculi breakup method and apparatus. The method comprises: inserting a combination of an endoscope with a driving assembly and a milling assembly, or a combination of an endoscope and a sleeve with a driving assembly and a milling assembly into the urinary intracavity; starting up a driving unit to drive the milling assembly so as to mill the calculi in the intracavity into powder; and, discharging the milled calculi powder out of the body. Compared to the other calculi breakup method, the calculi breakup apparatus according to the present invention has the advantages of high calculi breakup speed, high efficiency, no heat during the calculi breakup, no hurt to the urinary mucous membrane, painless, short time for the treatment, low calculi residual rate, simple operation, and easy maintenance.
US08562624B2 Stone catching basket instrument and method for producing the same
A stone catching instrument for use, for example, as a stone catching basket and a wire filter unit for medical instruments, and method for producing the same, are provided. The stone catching basket instrument has a multiwire basket unit with several wire sections connected with one another as a cohesive wire complex, the wire complex cut in one piece out of a planar material in a rosette-shape and bent to form the wire basket unit. The wire sections extend essentially radially and are cohesive with one another at their inner radial ends at a wire linkage area. The wire basket unit when in a widened condition is arranged to catch particles caught through spaces between the wire sections, and when moved to a drawn-together condition, holds particles in the wire basket unit.
US08562616B2 Knee joint prosthesis system and method for implantation
A method for preparing at least a first bone for receiving a prosthesis can include positioning an IM member in a bone. A scaffold, skeleton or frame can be located onto the bone at a desired location. An alignment assembly can be coupled to the frame. The alignment assembly can be moved relative to the IM member to position the frame at a desired location relative to the bone. The frame can be fixed to the bone at the desired location. A cavity can be reamed into the bone using at least a portion of the alignment assembly as a guide. The alignment assembly can be removed from the frame. A cutting block can be coupled to the first attachment portion. Cuts can be prepared in the bone using the cutting block as a guide.
US08562615B2 Apparatus for introducing portals in bone having transversely movable bone probe
An apparatus for introducing a bone portal into a bone is described herein. An example apparatus for introducing portals into bone includes a stylet and a handle. The stylet is configured to support an infusion tube assembly. The infusion tube assembly comprises a bone portal. The handle is drivingly coupled to the stylet by a release mechanism. The release mechanism comprises a bone probe that, in a first configuration, extends generally parallel to the stylet. The release mechanism is operative to uncouple the driving coupling between the handle and the stylet upon axial motion of the bone probe relative to the handle. The stylet and bone probe are movable apart from one another to a second configuration.
US08562612B2 Surgical technique and instrumentation for minimal incision hip arthroplasty surgery
Improved instruments for modifying a shape of a proximal femur of a patient for installation of a stem of a femoral component of a prosthetic hip during hip replacement surgery, comprising a handle including an elongated shaft extending downward approximately in a z-direction, a first offset extending from a bottom of the elongated shaft approximately in a y-direction, a second offset extending from the second offset approximately in an x-direction, and a shaping member elongated downward from the second offset approximately in the z-direction. Provided is an improved femoral broach and an improved osteotome. Also provided is a method of improving a patient's positioning during hip replacement surgery by using a variable configuration mattress for positioning the patient.
US08562606B2 Ankle fusion device, instrumentation and methods
An ankle fusion device has a proximal portion generally aligned with a first longitudinal axis. The proximal portion includes a proximal end and a first fastener hole. The proximal portion has an arcuate curve such that the proximal end is spaced a distance from the first longitudinal axis in a first direction. The first fastener hole is configured to receive a first fastener along a first fastener axis. A distal portion of the ankle fusion device extends to a distal end from the proximal portion along a second longitudinal axis. The second longitudinal axis is angled in second and third directions relative to the first longitudinal axis. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the third direction being opposite the first direction. The distal portion includes a second fastener hole configured to receive a second fastener along a second fastener axis.
US08562601B2 Medical instrument for endoscope and treatment method
A medical instrument for an endoscope according to the invention is the medical instrument to be used in the endoscope by being inserted therein, and the medical instrument includes: a flexible elongated sheath having a first lumen and a second lumen; a conductive wire which is inserted into the first lumen and of which a portion of a distal side is exposed to the outside of the sheath as an instrument unit; and a balloon which is attached to the sheath and is expandable with the supply of fluid from the second lumen. The balloon is configured such that an axial dimension thereof is larger than a radial dimension upon expansion and a distal end of the balloon upon expansion is located closer to a proximal side than the treatment unit exposed from the sheath.
US08562600B2 Integration of control software with a medical device and system
A medical device for diagnosis or treatment of tissue is disclosed. The device includes an electronically-controlled tool configured for diagnosis or treatment, an electrical connector, and a computer readable memory. The electrical connector is configured for connection with an electronic control unit and configured to receive control signals, including signals concerning the operation of the tool, from the electronic control unit. The computer readable memory is accessible through the connector. The memory can include a set of programming instructions for control of the tool, and the programming instructions can be configured to be downloadable from the memory upon connection of the electrical connector with the electronic control unit. A system is also disclosed in which the electronic control unit is configured to transmit a data log from memory in the electronic control unit to the memory in the medical device upon the occurrence or detection of a predetermined event.
US08562597B2 Device, assembly and method for cold treating a tissue
The invention relates to a device for cold treating a tissue. The invention also relates to an assembly of such a device and a container comprising a cryogenic liquid, such as a spray can. The invention further relates to a method for cold treating a tissue.
US08562593B2 Variable cryosurgical probe planning system
A cryosurgical system for assisting an operator in placing and operating cryosurgical probes in the prostate of a human patient. The cryosurgical system includes a computer system being programmed with software capable of performing the following steps: a) capturing a plurality of transverse views of the prostate; b) capturing a sagittal view of the prostate; c) outlining the capsule of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall of the patient with the assistance of the operator, utilizing the captured plurality of transverse views and the captured sagittal view; d) constructing a 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall utilizing the outlines of step c), above; and, e) utilizing the 3-dimensional model of the prostate, the urethra and the rectal wall to determine i) the number of cryosurgical probes to be utilized; ii) probe settings; and, iii) probe placement positions. The resultant ice thus produced by the cryosurgical probes is optimized for a specific patient.
US08562590B2 Systems and methods for sustained medical infusion and devices related thereto
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and devices for sustained medical infusion with controlled rate injection of a fluid into a body. Such a system may include a first separate reusable unit, a second separate depletable unit a third separate disposable unit having a cannula, and may include a fourth separate remote control unit. Emission of appropriate instructions from the fourth unit, when the first unit, the second unit, and the third unit are coupled together in associative operation and disposed on the skin, power is supplied to an engine for generating motion to a fluid transfer system, and when the cannula is inserted in the body, fluid is transferred from the reservoir to the body, via the tube and the cannula.
US08562584B2 Drug delivery devices and related systems and methods
This disclosure relates to drug delivery devices and related systems and methods. In some aspects, a drug delivery device includes a drug vial holder and a mechanism configured to compress a drug vial between upper and lower members of the drug vial holder.
US08562582B2 Reconstitution device
A reconstitution device for storing a first component of a pharmaceutical preparation includes a receptacle, a cap having a first end secured to the receptacle, a second end, and an inner bore having a central aperture. The device further includes a stopper located between the receptacle and the cap, the stopper including a portion capable of being perforated. The device also includes a plunger secured to the second end of the cap, a locking mechanism located in the cap, and an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism may prevent the device from inadvertent activation.
US08562574B2 Callus-tissue-debridement apparatus
A system and method for debriding callus foot tissue is disclosed. The method may include applying a chemical peel to callus foot tissue and using a debriding tool to remove the chemically treated callus foot tissue. In certain embodiment, the method may include preparing the chemical peel, including customizing at least one attribute of the chemical peel based on at least one attribute of the callus foot tissue. The system may include a debriding tool having a cutting head that may be easily removed for cleaning or replacement.
US08562573B1 Guiding catheter for accessing the renal arteries
An elongated hollow tube guiding catheter forming a portion of a guiding catheter includes a proximal end, distal end, and distal section. The distal section includes a curved section and a straight section. The curved and straight sections are shaped for facilitating introduction and retention of the catheter into the ostium of a renal artery. The system includes a dilator inserted into the catheter hollow tube with a curved distal section of the dilator opposingly extending opposite the curved distal section of the guiding catheter hollow tube. The guiding catheter includes a side arm positioned near the guiding catheter's proximal end with a multi-way stop cock fixedly attached onto a proximal end of the side arm tube.
US08562570B2 Lock applied to setting and priming function after dispensing the last dose
An injection device having a safeguard for preventing a filling or adjusting motion of the injection device when a prescribed dispensing motion has been performed, the injection device including an adjusting element and/or a filling element, a blocking mechanism including a first blocking element and a second blocking element, the blocking mechanism allowing a motion of the adjusting and/or filling element in a release position and preventing the motion in a blocking position, and a piston rod including a block trigger element that can bring one of the blocking elements into interaction with the other blocking element thereby creating a blocking position at a prescribed insertion position to cause a blocking of at least one of the adjusting element and/or the filling element.
US08562559B2 Expandable iliac sheath and method of use
Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, collapsed cross-sectional configuration, subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration, and subsequent removal in a third, collapsed cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the introduction and removal of implant delivery catheters. The access route is through the femoral arteries and the iliac arteries into the aorta. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, collapsed cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the arteries into the aorta. The distal end of the sheath is then expanded using a radial dilatation device, which is removed prior to the introduction of implant delivery catheters. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently reduced to a diametrically small size for removal.
US08562549B2 Compression device having an inflatable member including a frame member
A compression device includes an inflatable member and a frame member extending along substantially an entirety of the perimeter edge margin of the inflatable member. The frame member imparts rigidity to the inflatable member so that rigidity of the inflatable member at the perimeter edge margin is greater than the rigidity of the inflatable member inside the perimeter edge margin.
US08562548B2 Rehabilitation device and controlling method thereof
The present invention provides a rehabilitation device using a walking assistance device (1) having an actuator which generates and provides torque to a lower limb joint of a wearer wearing the walking assistance device (1), comprising a floor reaction force pattern storing unit (330) configured to store a reference floor reaction force pattern; a control target floor reaction force setting unit (340) for determining a control target floor reaction force based on the floor reaction force pattern stored in the floor reaction force pattern storing unit (330); a target torque calculating unit (350) for calculating a target torque of the actuator to achieve the control target floor reaction force determined by the control target floor reaction force setting unit (340); and an actuator output controller (150) for controlling output of the actuator such that the actuator generates a torque matching the target torque calculated by the target torque calculating unit (350); wherein the floor reaction force that the wearer receives is increased and decreased by the application of torque generated by the actuator.
US08562542B2 Tissue collection device and methods
A biological tissue collection device is provided having a housing with a fluid-retaining inner chamber adapted to retain a bioimplantable, fluid permeable tissue scaffold. The scaffold is preferably retained in the housing in such a way that the scaffold separates the fluid-retaining inner chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. The collection device further includes a driver mechanism coupled to the housing and effective to create a force within the housing to displace fluid disposed within the second chamber to the first chamber. As the fluid is displaced, any biological tissue deposited on the tissue scaffold is dispersed within the fluid. Removal of the force enables the fluid to return to the second chamber and thereby deposit the tissue onto the tissue scaffold. In an exemplary embodiment, the tissue is deposited evenly onto the tissue scaffold.
US08562541B2 Method and system for quantitative assessment of visual motion discrimination
A method is presented to address quantitative assessment of visual motion discrimination in a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting a scene, comprising a plurality of elements and a background, to a subject on a display; (2) moving a plurality of elements relative to the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject; (4) quantitatively refining the feedback; (5) modulating the movement relative to accuracy of the received feedback; (6) monitoring the response error; (7) calculating a critical threshold parameter for the subject; and (8) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium. An apparatus for quantitative assessment of visual motion discrimination of a subject comprising a display device, an input device, a control device, and a tangible computer readable medium. In its simplest sense, a quantitative assessment profile of visual motion discrimination by psychophysical responses is generated on a tangible computer readable medium.
US08562539B2 Electromyography system
A system and methods that can be used to monitor and detect nerve status and/or proximity by determining relative neuro-muscular response onset value thresholds for a nerve. The nerve status and/or proximity may be determined by delivering and increasing a stimulation signal to depolarize the nerve and measuring the current intensity level at which a neuro-muscular response to the depolarization of the nerve is detected.
US08562537B2 Multipurpose host system for invasive cardiovascular diagnostic measurement acquisition and display
A multifunctional invasive cardiovascular diagnostic measurement host is disclosed that interfaces a variety of sensor devices, such as guide wire-mounted pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, etc, and provides a multi-mode graphical user interface providing a plurality of displays in accordance with the various types of sensors and measurements rendered by the sensors.
US08562534B2 Ultrasonic probe
Provided is an ultrasonic probe, which can be improved in quality, which can acquire characteristics of a high sensitivity and a wide band and which can acquire an ultrasonic image of a high resolution. In this ultrasonic probe, grooves (160) are formed and utilized to form piezoelectric elements (110) and first acoustic matching layers (121) in a curved shape thereby to converge ultrasonic waves without any acoustic lens. Moreover, signal conductors (150) are disposed on the signal electrode faces of the piezoelectric elements (110).
US08562533B2 Ultrasound observation apparatus
An ultrasound observation apparatus to which an ultrasound probe is connectable, the ultrasound probe including a capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer whose sensitivity can be controlled according to an applied bias voltage, the ultrasound observation apparatus including a transmit section that outputs a transmit signal for causing ultrasound to be transmitted; a receive section that performs signal processing on a received receive signal; a bias voltage outputting section that varies the applied bias voltage, an image mode setting section that designates and sets an image mode for displaying an ultrasound image corresponding to ultrasound scanning; a parameter setting section that designates and sets a parameter for signal processing performed by the transmit section or the receive section, and a control section that controls the bias voltage based on a designation signal corresponding to the designation and setting of the image mode and the parameter.
US08562532B2 Method and apparatus for quantification of cardiac wall motion asynchrony
A phase analysis technique provides for quantification of regional wall motion asynchrony from endocardial border contours generated from two-dimensional echocardiographic ventricular images. The technique produces results including a degree of radial ventricular asynchrony in heart failure patients with ventricular conduction delay to predict a magnitude of contractile function improvement with pacing therapy. Quantification of change in ventricular regional wall motion asynchrony in response to a therapy provides for a means to identify candidates to receive the therapy and quantitatively predict the benefit of the therapy. Quantification of changes in ventricular regional wall motion asynchrony in response to a sequence of therapies provides for a means to determine an approximately optimal therapy for an intended patient response.
US08562528B2 Analyte sensor
Systems and methods of use for continuous analyte measurement of a host's vascular system are provided. In some embodiments, a continuous glucose measurement system includes a vascular access device, a sensor and sensor electronics, the system being configured for insertion into communication with a host's circulatory system.
US08562526B2 Apparatus, system, and method for monitoring physiological signs
An apparatus, system, and method monitors the motion, breathing, heart rate and sleep state of subjects, e.g., humans, in a convenient, non-invasive/non-contact, and low-cost fashion. More particularly, the motion, breathing, and heart rate signals are obtained through processing applied to a raw signal obtained in a non-contact fashion, typically using a radio-frequency sensor. Periods of sleep disturbed respiration, or central apnea can be detected through analysis of the respiratory signal. The mean heart rate, and derived information, such as the presence of cardiac arrhythmias can be determined from the cardiac signal. Motion estimates can be used to recognize disturbed sleep and periodic limb movements. The sleep state may be determined by applying a classifier model to the resulting streams of respiratory, cardiac and motion data. A means for display of the sleep state, respiratory, cardiac, and movement status may also be provided.
US08562523B2 Detecting, assessing and managing extreme epileptic events
Methods and apparatus for identifying an extreme epileptic state/event in a patient are provided. One method includes determining at least one of an autonomic index, a neurologic index, a metabolic index, an endocrine index, or a tissue stress index, where at least one determined index is based upon body data. The method also includes identifying a seizure event based upon the at least one determined index and determining at least one seizure severity index (SSI) value indicative of the severity of the seizure event. The method further includes comparing the determined at least one SSI value to at least one reference value and identifying an occurrence of an extreme seizure event, based upon the comparison of the determined SSI value to the at least one reference value.
US08562518B2 Flexible endoscope part
A flexible endoscope part including an operation member pulling operated to curve a flexible part, a plurality of joint rings connected substantially coaxially to be pivot-able in relation to each other, each the joint rings have an opening part and an engagement part, and an operation-member receiving unit which is inserted into the opening part from outside to inside in the radial direction of the joint ring, is formed by performing bending process on an elastic wire material, is protruded into inside of the joint ring, wherein the operation-member insertion part forms a coil shape which extends in an insertion direction of the operation member.
US08562517B2 Medico-Technical device for at least partially introducing into a body passage
The invention relates to a medico-technical device for at least partially introducing into a body passage. Said device comprises an elongate, tubular, flexible internal body (2), an elongate exterior enveloping body (3) which surrounds, at least partially, said internal body (2) on the periphery thereof, and a device (4) for transferring the device (1) from a flexible state to a rigid state and vice-versa. The invention is characterized in that the internal body (2), which is in the form of a double tube (5), comprises an inner tube (6) which forms an inner wall (8) of the internal body (2) and an external tube (7) which forms an external wall (9) of the internal body (2), said external tube (7) surrounding the inner tube (6) in a concentric manner on the periphery thereof. The invention is characterized in that the device (4) for transferring the device (1) from a flexible state into a rigid state and vice-versa is embodied in such a manner that the external tube (7) lengthens in a radial manner by increasing the pressure in an annular shaped intermediate chamber (10) and exerts pressure on the enveloping body (3).
US08562514B2 Medical apparatus and endoscope system with memory function
A medical apparatus having a medical device that is utilized to perform a predetermined medical action, includes an energy supply source including an attachment/detachment portion to/from which the medical device is attached/detached, and supplies energy when the medical device is utilized to perform the predetermined medical action, an energy output adjustment unit which adjusts the energy supplied from the energy supply source to medical action energy suitable for performing the predetermined medical action by using the medical device when the medical device is connected to the attachment/detachment portion, and an energy supply detecting mechanism for detecting a state that the energy supply source has supplied the medical action energy. When the determination mechanism detects a state that the energy supply source has supplied the medical action energy, the energy output from the energy supply source is prevented from being supplied to the medical device.
US08562512B2 Endoscopic tool assembly
A surgical tool assembly is provided having a surgical tool, a scope; and a detachable clip which couples the tool and scope. The clip includes a first grip which engages a peripheral surface of the tool and a second grip which engages a peripheral surface of the scope. Additionally, the first and second grips may be formed continuously with one another.
US08562502B2 Centrifugal apparatus having cooling device
A centrifugal separator includes: a rotor configured to hold a sample to be separated; a driving device configured to rotate the rotor and including a driving shaft; a chamber configured to contain the rotor and including a through hole through which the driving shaft is passed; a seal member configured to fitted over the through hole of the chamber and the driving shaft; a drain hole configured to discharge liquid in the chamber to an exterior; and an undulated part configured to guide a flow of the liquid and is provided on an upper surface of the seal member.
US08562500B2 Machine and method for producing cardboard tubes
Method for producing cardboard tubes by winding a plurality of ribbons (U, L) onto a spindle (1), a preset number of the ribbons (U, L) being glued in correspondence of the lower or radial inner surface thereof, characterized in that a predetermined amount of supplementary quick setting glue is applied on the lower surface of the last ribbon (U) destined to be wound on the spindle (1), in proximity to at least a longitudinal edge (BU) of the ribbon (U) forming a corresponding stripe of quick setting glue (G) astride of a section (ST) of the same ribbon interested or intersected by a subsequent cutting action executed downstream of the spindle (1).
US08562498B2 Press roll for washing and/or dewatering pulp, and a method for manufacturing or repairing such a press roll
Press rolls for washing or dewatering pulp are disclosed including a core, a mantle section attached around the core, at least one perforated roll plate extending around the circumference of the press roll, and including a plurality of mounting openings disposed between the end edges of the perforated roll plate and distributed around the entire circumference of the press roll, and a plurality of fixing pins corresponding to the mounting openings, each being anchored to the mantle section and surrounded by the corresponding plurality of mounting openings whereby movement of the perforated roll plate relative to the mantle section in a circumferential direction of the press roll is prevented.
US08562497B2 Machine tool
A machine tool including a base frame, a workpiece table, a machining unit, and a connection portion is disclosed. The base frame has a machining area. The base frame includes two left and right side frames and a connection frame connecting the two side frames. The workpiece table is arranged on the base frame in the machining area. The machining unit is arranged on an upper portion of the base frame and includes a spindle device. A connection portion connects the machining unit and the base frame in a detachable manner.
US08562496B2 Thigh exercise machine with rocking user support
A thigh exercise machine has a stationary main frame, a pivotally mounted user support seat, and a pair of exercise arms mounted for rotation between inner and outer positions, each arm having a pad positioned to engage part of a user's leg such as a user's inner or outer thigh. A connecting linkage translates movement of the exercise arms into rocking movement of the user support seat. The connecting linkage is arranged so that user is positioned in an upright or slightly reclined posture when their legs are together and a more reclined posture when their legs are spread apart.
US08562495B2 Upper body exercise apparatus for stationary bike
An upper body exercise apparatus includes a spring positioned in a housing interior area. First and second cables have respective first ends operatively coupled to the spring and respective second ends extending away from the housing. Respective movements of the first and second cables away from the housing cause the spring to move toward a biased configuration. The exercise apparatus includes a transmission configured such that an outward movement of the first cable in the absence of an outward movement of the second cable causes all of the springs resistance to be transmitted to the first cable, an outward movement of the second cable in the absence of movement of the first cable causes all of the spring's resistance to be transmitted to the second cable, and an outward movement by both cables causes the spring's resistance to be distributed equally between the first and second cables.
US08562493B2 Exercise and training apparatus
The exercise and training apparatus includes: A base disposed on a supporting surface for the apparatus. An upper body support arrangement secured to the base frame in a manner that allows several positions from generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position. A lower body support arrangement secured to the base frame adjacent to the upper body support having a generally horizontal position. A head support secured to the upper body support arrangement. A pair of hand levers attached to the upper body support one on each side in a manner that allows the user's hands to move the levers in plural directions. A lever secured to the lower body support arrangement capable of receiving the user's legs in a manner that allows the user to move the lever in plural directions. An adjustable resistance device secured to each lever in order to provide resistance to movement of the lever.
US08562490B2 Portable fitness monitoring systems, and applications thereof
Portable fitness monitoring systems, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, a portable fitness monitoring system includes a portable fitness monitoring device, a sensor in communication with the portable fitness monitoring device for sensing performance parameters during a physical activity conducted by the user and communicating performance parameter data to said portable fitness monitoring device, a portable music device coupled to the portable fitness monitoring device, and an audio output device coupled to the portable fitness monitoring device, wherein music is transmitted from the portable music device to the audio output device through the portable fitness monitoring device.
US08562488B2 Systems and methods for improving motor function with assisted exercise
One embodiment of the present invention includes a system and method for alleviating symptoms of a medical disorder of a patient by forced exercise. The system includes an exercise machine having movable portions that move in response to a first contribution by a patient and in response a second contribution by a motor. The system further includes at least one mechanical sensor and a control system programmed to alter the second contribution by the motor in response to the sensed data.
US08562487B2 Athletic performance monitoring systems and methods in a team sports environment
Systems, apparatuses, and methods estimate the distance between a player and a ball by transmitting a chirp (sweep signal) to a radio tag located on the ball. During the chirp, the frequency of the transmitted signal is changed in a predetermined fashion. The radio tag doubles the transmitted frequency and returns the processed signal to a transceiver typically located on the player. The currently transmitted frequency is then compared with the received frequency to obtain a difference frequency from which an apparatus may estimate the distance. The apparatus may simultaneously receive the processed signal from the radio tag while transmitting the sweep signal.
US08562486B1 Automatic transmission with dual offgoing clutches
A vehicle includes an engine and transmission. A first rotating clutch engages as an oncoming clutch during a predetermined shift maneuver having a total required clutch energy. A second rotating clutch acts as a holding clutch. A third rotating clutch engages as an additional oncoming clutch during the shift maneuver to share clutch energy with the first rotating clutch. The third rotating clutch, when not engaged, has a zero slip speed relative to the input member. A method includes building a shift table for a transmission design, including identifying slip speed ratios, with respect to the input member, for each clutch, and selecting, from the shift table, a direct drive or other gear state in which three of the rotating clutches are simultaneously operating at a zero slip speed ratio with respect to the input member. The third rotating clutch engages during the shift maneuver.
US08562485B2 Method for monitoring the operation of a drive train
A method for monitoring the operation of a drive train of a motor vehicle, the drive train including a drive machine, a clutch and an automated transmission, and the drive train having an emergency program, which enables an emergency operation of the drive train even if important control signals such as engine torque, engine speed, transmission speed are missing, where the emergency operation is initiated as soon as one of the following signals is no longer present: engine torque or a substitute value for the engine torque, torque requested by a driver or a substitute for the torque requested by the driver, engine speed, transmission input speed.
US08562481B2 Gearing with cylindrical tooth forms
Embodiments provide for planetary gearing systems with sun, planetary and ring gears, wherein the ring gears have generally cylindrical or elliptical tooth forms with a common shape and geometric parameters. The ring gear and a sun gear each engage one or more of planetary gears in respective mesh engagements, wherein the gear forms on each may be independently formed as a function of their respective geometries (sun or ring gear pitches, and sun or ring radii from a common central axis of the planetary gearing system), and as a function of the planetary gear tooth form shape and geometric parameters, planetary gear radius from the common central axis, and the planetary gear tooth pitch.
US08562477B2 Differential gear and vehicle provided with differential gear
A differential gear is structured such that a first differential case and a second differential case overlap one another in the radial direction such that a first joining portion of the first differential case, i.e., a portion of an outward flange that is on the outer peripheral side of a through-hole, is positioned on the outer peripheral side of a second joining portion of the second differential case, i.e., a joining protrusion that is inserted in the through-hole. In addition, the ring gear is arranged facing those joining portions in the direction of the axis, and laser beam welded from the outer peripheral side at the portion where the ring gear faces both of those joining portions. Accordingly, the three members, i.e., the first differential case, the second differential case, and the ring gear, are all integrally joined together by a single welding operation, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.
US08562475B2 Eccentric rocking type reduction gear
A crankshaft has eccentric holes communicating with each other. The eccentric hole extends in the axial direction of the crankshaft from one end surface of the crankshaft and is disposed so as to be eccentric in the same direction as a cam section. The eccentric hole extends in the axial direction of the crankshaft from the other end surface of the crankshaft and is disposed so as to be eccentric in the direction of the eccentricity of a cam section. A centrifugal force due to the rotation of the crankshaft generates a force couple about an axis which is perpendicular to the axis of the crankshaft. The force couple is reduced by the eccentric holes. The cam sections are arranged around the axis of rotation with the phases shifted by 180 degrees from each other. As a result, a translational force acting in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the crankshaft is also reduced.
US08562474B2 Speed reducer, robot hand and robot
Through holes are formed in a revolving gear which revolves while being engaged with a ring gear, and penetration pins for extracting rotation of the revolving gear are inserted in the through holes. The inner circumference of each through hole has a shape which becomes narrow toward its one end. A sliding member having a shape which becomes thin toward its one end is engaged with each penetration pin. The sliding member is biased in a tapered direction thereof by a biasing member to be in contact with the inner circumference of the through hole.
US08562472B2 Travel drive device for dump truck
A rotational shaft is provided in a spindle, a wheel mounting cylinder is provided which is mounted through wheel support bearings on an outer peripheral side of the spindle, and a planetary gear reduction mechanism is provided for decelerating rotation of the rotational shaft, which is transmitted to the wheel mounting cylinder. A carrier forming a part of the planetary gear reduction mechanism is mounted in a non-rotating state on an open end side of the spindle. A cylindrical coupling member is provided between an open side of the spindle and the carrier. An oil guide path is formed between a one-side end surface of each of planetary gears and an opposing surface portion of a cylindrical coupling member for guiding lubricant oil ejected from a meshing part therebetween to a planetary gear bearing.
US08562470B2 Dual-drive electric machine installed with epicycle gear type clutch
The present invention is structured by a dual-drive electric machine being combined with an epicycle gear set (EG101) installed in the inner rotation part of electric machine (EM101), and a controllable brake device being installed at an output/input end shaft, through controlling the controllable brake device to perform brake locking or releasing, the operations of transmission function of connecting transmission or releasing between a rotation shaft (S101) at an output/input end, a rotation shaft (S102) at an output/input end and a sleeve type rotation shaft (AS101) at an output/input end of the epicycle gear set (EG101) are enabled to be controlled, thereby to control the interactive operations between the dual-drive electric machine (EM100) and the output/input ends.
US08562466B2 Belt tensioner with wear compensation
A novel tensioner for use with flexible drives, such as serpentine accessory belts on automobiles includes a tensioner arm to spindle pivot design which employs a frustoconical bushing between an inner pivot surface of the tensioner arm and a spindle shaft. The frustoconical design of the bushing resists off axis movement of the tensioner arm and a wear take up mechanism biases the bushing into contact with the inner pivot surface to compensate for normal wear of the bushing and/or pivot surface. A thrust plate is mounted to the end of the spindle shaft and rides in a thrust washer, the thrust plate and thrust washer being held captive in the tensioner arm such that the tensioner arm can pivot about the bushing and the spindle and the thrust plate and thrust washer assist in inhibiting off-axis movement of the tensioner arm. In one embodiment, the biasing force which biases the bushing against the inner pivot surface of the tensioner arm can be varied to change the amount of dampening of the tensioner.
US08562461B2 Multi-layer core golf ball having opposing hardness gradient with steep gradient outer core layer
A golf ball comprising an inner core formed from a substantially homogenous composition such that the geometric center hardness is 56-80 Shore C and the outer surface hardness is 50-75 Shore C. An outer core layer has an outer surface having hardness of 85-98 Shore C and an inner surface hardness of 68-78 Shore C and being formed from a second homogenous rubber composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the second outer surface is greater than the hardness of the inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient of +7 to +30 Shore C, and the hardness of the first outer surface is lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of −1 to −15 Shore C.
US08562460B2 Multi-layer golf ball
Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least one intermediate core layer formed from a metallic, composite, or inorganic/organic hybrid composition.
US08562456B2 Golf club head
A golf club head 2 includes a face line 8 having a depth of D1 (mm) and a land area LA. When a boundary point between the land area LA and the face line 8 in a section line of a surface of the face line 8 is defined as Pa; a point of which a depth is T1 (mm) is defined as Pb; and a curvature radius of the section line between the point Pa and the point Pb is defined as R1 (mm), the golf club head 2 satisfies the following formulae (1) and (2): R1>T1  (1) 0.10≦T1≦0.5  (2) Preferably, a ratio (R1/T1) is greater than 1.0 and is equal to or less than 3.0.
US08562455B2 Method of forming a golf club head with improved aerodynamic characteristics
A driver type golf club head comprising a body having a face, a crown and a sole, wherein the highest point of the crown surface is located within a crown apex zone, and a portion of the crown contour exists above a radius arc of approximately 5.25 inches.
US08562452B2 Golf club or golf club head having an adjustable ball striking face
This invention relates generally to golf clubs or golf club heads, having an adjustable ball striking face. The golf club head includes a club head body, a ball striking face, and a brace extending from a sole of the club head body to an inner surface of the ball striking face. The brace may further include an end portion engaged with the inner surface of the ball striking face, a fixed rod located between the end portion and an inner surface of the club head at the sole, a biasing member attached to the fixed rod. The biasing member may provide a biasing force to the ball striking face such that the ball striking face is adjustable between a first direction thereby adjusting a face angle of the club head and a second direction thereby adjusting a loft angle of the club head.
US08562451B2 Golf swing trainer
A golf swing trainer which gives a golfer immediate feedback as to whether the relative timing of the hip movement to the club movement is correct. The trainer comprises a lightweight swing arm which is pivotally connected to the user's belt. For a right handed user, the swing arm on the trainer is initially placed to the right of a right-handed user and is pushed around by the movement of the user's left forearm during a correct golf swing. On the other hand, if the golfer's arms pass in front of the swing arm without swinging it around with the arms, the timing of hip movement was incorrect. In the case of a left handed golfer, the trainer swing arm is initially moved to its far left position and, as before, during the downswing, the user's arms should come in behind and push the trainer swing arm around ahead of the user's arm.
US08562449B2 Breathing mode damper
A shaft assembly is provided to reduce breathing mode vibrations and resulting noises. The shaft assembly includes a shaft member having an outer surface and a damping member constructed at least in part from a damping material and including a substantially annular body and generally opposing ends. The opposing ends are biased such that at least a portion of the damping member engages with the shaft member.
US08562444B2 Sharing items between multiple game participants
Items may be transferred between participants in a multi-participant gaming application through an item sharing object. The item sharing object may be activated by a participant during game play. After activating the item sharing object, a state of the item sharing object may be determined. If the state indicates that a prior participant has left behind an item that is available, then the left behind item may be presented to the current participant activating the object. Alternatively, if no items are available, the processing device may present the current participant with a quest, the completion of which may result in the current participant leaving behind an item for a subsequent participant activating the item sharing object.
US08562443B2 Semi-synchronous multi-participant application updates
Individual participants in a multi-participant collaborative computing application may be sent intermittent updates of actions taken by other participants. These updates need not be sent to a participant's device until the participant has interacted with a specified object in the application. The participant's device may then be sent an update including object interactions of the other participants occurring since the participant's previous object interaction. The update may be used to periodically inform the participant of the actions taken by the other participants during the period between the participant's interactions.
US08562440B2 Method, apparatus, and program product for modeling presence in a persistent virtual environment
Apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that accumulate a presence history of an entity within a persistent virtual environment by repeated gathering of virtual presence information. The virtual presence information includes an entity identification value and a sampling time value. Once the virtual presence information is collected, the technology performs a general least-squares-fit to a set of basis functions on a portion of the presence history to create a coefficient vector. The coefficient vector represents a temporal profile consistent with the presence history and includes coefficients responsive to the general least-squares-fit. Once the coefficient vector is created, the technology characterizes the entity responsive to its coefficient vector and presents the characterization of the entity.
US08562438B2 System and method for television-based services
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for executing an interactive game in a television distribution system. In one aspect, a method includes receiving input over the television distribution system from a game client indicating an action associated with a game instance, wherein the game client is hosted on a set-top box; determining an updated status of the game instance based on the action; generating a game status message identifying the updated status of the game instance; and transmitting the game status message to the game client. Further, the game status message can be transmitted to a plurality of game clients participating in the game instance. Additionally, input can be received over the television distribution system from another game client indicating a second action associated with the game instance and an updated status of the game instance can be determined based on the second action.
US08562436B2 User interface and method of user interaction
A method of user interaction with an entertainment device comprises generating an audio-visual output for use with audio-visual reproduction equipment, initiating an audio-visual event as part of the generated audio-visual output, receiving input data from one or more game control devices associated with the entertainment device, analyzing the received input data to evaluate an involuntary physical response by a user interacting with the or each game control device occurring within a predetermined period associated with the initiation of the audio-visual event, and adjusting subsequently generated audio-visual output responsive to the evaluation of the user's involuntary physical response.
US08562432B2 Mobile terminal and method for controlling motions using sound noise level
Provided is a device and method for controlling game motions in a mobile terminal, having an audio processing unit for converting an input sound into a digital sound, a noise level measurement unit for measuring the noise level of the digital sound, and a controller for calculating a motion control level on the motions object corresponding to the measured noise level, and controlling the corresponding motion of the motions object based on the calculated motion control level. Accordingly, the motion control for the motions object of a game can be differentially controlled according to the level of the sound noise such as wind or sound outputted through the mouth of a user without manipulating the key button with fingers.
US08562431B2 Gaming device and secure interface
An improved gaming device with a secure interface has been developed. The invention includes an electronic gaming device with internal components, software and data, an external communication interface in communication with the electronic gaming device and an output device of the electronic gaming device in communication with the external communication interface. The output device communicates with external communication interface through a secure interface that does not allow external communications to directly access the internal components, software and data of the electronic gaming device.
US08562429B2 Gaming device having independent reels in a circular arrangement
A gaming device having unisymbol display reels, wherein each symbol on a display of the gaming device represents or is included on a different reel. The present invention structures the paylines of the gaming device in such a way that the gaming device can include different reel strips having different winning symbols or different proportions of winning symbols, while still maintaining payout symbols and payout combinations that have uniform odds and uniform payouts.
US08562427B2 Gaming device and method having purchasable enhanced paytables
An apparatus and method for a game having a paytable selection feature which may be implemented with a primary or base game, a secondary or bonus game, or both. In one embodiment, the gaming device employs an initial paytable and enables a player pay a fee to purchase a different paytable for a plurality of plays of the game. If the player chooses to purchase a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for a plurality of plays of the game and provides any awards based on the different paytable. If the player does not choose to select a different paytable, the gaming device determines a game outcome for each of those plays and provides any awards based on the initial paytable. In one embodiment, the player has the opportunity to see the different paytable prior to paying the fee to purchase it.
US08562426B2 Charge payment system using virtual money
There is provided a system where usage charge of a facility can be paid by virtual money. A card ID and a consumption amount of virtual money are transmitted from a game terminal as charging-target terminal apparatus, the card ID being recorded in a card possessed by a user (step S31). The server apparatus replaces the card ID with a user ID unique to each user (step S32), and specifies a virtual money account managed by the server apparatus in association with the user ID. When the balance of the account is not less than the consumption amount, the consumption amount is subtracted from the balance of the account, and when the balance is less than the consumption amount, the subtraction of the consumption amount is stopped (stepS34). Transaction result information including information indicating whether the subtraction of consumption amount has succeeded is transmitted to the game terminal (3) as a response (steps S35, S36).
US08562420B2 Gaming system and a method of gaming
A method of gaming comprising: (a) selecting a plurality of symbols from a source symbol set to form a selected symbol set for display at a plurality of display positions, the source symbol set comprising at least one removable symbol and at least one designated symbol different to each removable symbol; and if a removal condition is met, the removal condition including at least that the selected symbol set includes at least one designated symbol within the display positions; (b) removing at least one removable symbol from the source symbol set from which it was selected to form a modified source symbol set; (c) selecting at least one symbol from the modified source symbol set to form a modified selected symbol set; and (d) determining whether to make an award based on the modified selected symbol set.
US08562415B2 Providing non-bingo outcomes for a bingo game
The present invention provides methods and devices for providing a first wagering game (such as a bingo game) that presents a changing pool of displayed game outcomes for a second wagering game (such as a Class III game), preferably on a network of gaming machines. Some implementations of the invention provide a bingo game that presents a changing pool of displayed game outcomes for a slot game or a poker game. In some preferred implementations, game outcomes are generated, e.g., by individual gaming machines, on an ongoing basis and stored in memory. Each of the game outcomes corresponds with a bingo outcome. Preferably, the game outcomes are sorted and stored according to payout amounts for various bingo outcomes. In some implementations, the game outcomes are stored in the form of random number generating (“RNG”) seeds, but in other implementations the game outcomes are stored in a variety of other forms.
US08562414B2 System and method for simulating the outcome of an electronic bingo game as a blackjack game
A game system and method plays an electronic game and simulates the outcome as a blackjack game. The game system allows a player to place a wager. The outcome of the electronic game includes a payout according to a first pay table if a set of predetermined winning conditions has been achieved. The outcome of the bingo game is simulated as a blackjack game. The outcome of the blackjack game is equivalent to the outcome of the electronic game.
US08562410B2 Gaming device having sequential activations of a game and replay of previous activations of the game
A gaming device including a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols on each of the reels. At least one of the symbols on the primary reels are designated as tracking or back symbols. A tracking symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to flag the outcome of the current and all tracking spins. A back symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to retrieve the flagged outcomes of each flagged spin and to re-display the outcomes in a sequential manner and to provide the awards associated with the outcomes to the player.
US08562406B2 Poker system and method for allocating pots prior to an end of the poker game based on true odds at the time of allocation
A method of allocating poker pots based on the true odds of winning the hand. The pot allocation is at the election of the two or more players involved in the hand after no more bets are possible (i.e., one or more players all in). Once no more bets are possible, the two or more players may elect to allocate the pot based on the true odds of each player winning the pot. The house or game operator may charge a fee in order for players to utilize the pot allocation option. In one version, players may allocate a percentage of the pot and play the hand out for the remaining percentage. In yet another version, if one player declines the pot allocation option, the house or operator may buy the player's hand and play it out. In yet another version, the pot allocation option may be offered to players multiple times during a poker game with the true odds changing based on newly displayed/dealt cards.
US08562404B2 Computer device for implementing a trading card game and control method therefor, program executed by computer device, controller, system, and game cards
A card game program is executed in a computer device for playing a game using a plurality of cards. The identification information of each card is used to generate a combination of the cards for a game player. The combination of the cards is changed in response to an instruction of the game player.
US08562403B2 Prompting a player of a dance game
Presented herein are methods, apparatuses, programs, and systems for prompting a player to perform a series of dance moves. A player is prompted to perform a series of dance moves by providing a timeline comprising at least a first time interval associated with a first dance move, and a second time interval associated with a second dance move; displaying an icon representing the first dance move at a first location on the display for the duration of the first time interval; and displaying an icon representing the second dance move at the first location on the display for the duration of the second time interval, wherein the icon representing the first dance move includes one or more representations of a body and indicates on the one or more representations of the body at least one body part whose position is important during the performance of the first dance move.
US08562401B2 Amusement devices and games involving head to head play
Various methods and apparatus related to gaming are described. Some embodiments relate to a multi-tiered game involving multiple participants. Some embodiments relate to players establishing gaming elements based on desired criteria. Other embodiments are described.
US08562395B2 Guard anti-rotation lock
A system for a hand-held power tool has a tool housing, a receiving unit fixed to the tool housing and a guard unit connected with the hand-held power tool. The guard unit includes a guard extending at least partially around a rotatable tool. A guard anti-rotation lock device includes a clamping band fixedly connected to the guard that establishes a frictional connection between the guard unit and the receiving unit. The receiving unit includes a receiving flange and a connecting element that are together surrounded by and clamped in a clamping region by the clamping band to effect the frictional connection. In a case where the rotatable tool bursts into pieces during operation, the connecting element counteracts rotational movement of the guard unit with respect to the receiving unit by changing a cross-sectional shape of the clamping region.
US08562394B2 Polishing head and tool change arm for a polishing head
A polishing head for use in a polishing machine for optical surfaces, having an axis of rotation and a base body having a holding structure intended to be arranged at a polishing spindle and having a transport element intended to be held at a tool change arm, the transport element being positionable against a holding element of the tool change arm in order to perform a tool change, wherein at least one locking element is provided which can be positioned against the tool change arm such that a positive and/or non-positive joint results.
US08562390B2 Double-disc grinding apparatus and method for producing wafer
A double-disc grinding apparatus having at least: a rotatable ring-shaped holder for supporting a sheet-like wafer having a notch for indicating a crystal orientation from an outer circumference side along a radial direction, the holder having a protruding portion to be engaged with the crystal-orientation-indicating notch; and a pair of grindstones for simultaneously grinding both surfaces of the wafer supported by the holder, in which the holder is provided with at least one protruding portion separately from the protruding portion to be engaged with the crystal-orientation-indicating notch, and the both surfaces of the wafer are simultaneously ground by the pair of the grindstones while the wafer is supported and rotated with the at least one protruding portion being engaged with a wafer-supporting notch formed on the wafer.
US08562388B2 Mastectomy prosthesis and bra
The present document describes a prosthesis for a mastectomy bra comprising: a lower portion comprising a manually malleable material having a first density; and an upper portion comprising a manually malleable material having a second density smaller than the first density, the lower portion being substantially located below the upper portion thereby insuring stability of the prosthesis when in use. There is also described a bra for receiving the prosthesis.
US08562387B1 Driving mechanism for remote control toy vehicle
A driving mechanism for a radio-controlled toy vehicle is disclosed comprising a radio controlled drive assembly with a frame, two (2) large central wheels, and two (2) small motor driven drive wheels. The large wheels are driven by two (2) independent motors with drive wheels attached which engage the outer perimeter of each large wheel. The drive train and power supply are positioned upon a platform of the frame. Front and rear midpoints of the frame are provided with a finger protrusion to support the vehicle when changing directions or when balance is lost. The wheels are driven independently enabling one (1) wheel to be driven forward while the other one (1) is driven backwards to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a center point. The motors can be driven in a simultaneous manner to propel the vehicle forward or backward. Proportional steering enables the vehicle to turn corners and produce movements that follow curves or arcs.
US08562385B2 Doll with water squirting feature
A figure includes a body with a first portion including an inlet and a second portion including an outlet. The first portion is submersible in a liquid. A conduit extends between the inlet and the outlet. A pump mechanism is coupled to the conduit. The pump mechanism is operable by a user to draw liquid into the inlet, move the liquid through the conduit, and discharge the liquid from the outlet.
US08562383B2 Towing equipment
The present disclosure relates to a towing equipment for towing a person by a vehicle. The towing equipment comprises a proximal portion intended to be associated with said person, a distal portion intended to be connected to said vehicle, and a junction region interposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The proximal portion includes a first flexible branch and a second flexible branch, which are connected to the distal portion at the junction region. A proximal end of said first flexible branch comprises a handle; a proximal end of said second flexible branch is configured to be associated with the waist of said person. The present disclosure further relates to an abdominal belt intended to be used in conjunction with a towing equipment. The present disclosure also relates to a method for towing a person by a vehicle or the like. In particular, the person is a water skier and the vehicle is a motor boat.
US08562381B2 Connector
A connector (10) having a plat-shaped terminal fitting (40) connected to a plate-shaped conductor (T) extended from equipment by tightening a bolt with the conductor (10) being overlapped on the terminal fitting (40) and a connector housing (11) holding the terminal fitting (40). A metal nut (45) into which a bolt (V1) is screwed is joined with the terminal fitting (40). The connector housing (11) has a supporting part (25) supporting both side edges of the terminal fitting (40) in a width direction thereof.
US08562376B2 Cable connector assembly having a capacitor connected with one connector and a metallic shell
A cable connector assembly (100) includes an insulative housing (10) defining a plurality cavities, a first connector (20) received in a cavity, a pair of second connector (30) received in other cavities, a cable electrically connected with the first connector and the second connectors, a metallic shell (40) shielding on the insulative housing and a capacitor (50) defined in the insulative housing. The capacitor is assembled behind the connectors, and includes two linking points (500, 501). The second connector has a plurality of grounding legs (300) electrically connected with each other, one linking point of the capacitor is connected with one of the grounding legs of the second connector, and the other linking point is connected with the metallic shell.
US08562375B2 Electrical connector assembly with LED display
An electrical connector assembly includes a bracket arranged along a longitudinal direction thereof with a plurality of connector ports and a LED port opening forwards, a plurality of electrical connectors retained in the connector ports, a shading board disposed with a plurality of cavities and a circuit board retained behind and parallel to the shading board and disposed with a plurality of LEDs on a front face thereof. The plurality of LEDs is received in corresponding cavities of the shading board. The shading board with the circuit board is retained in the LED port by the shading board in a height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
US08562374B2 Harness connector
A harness connector having a header assembly that includes a header housing that extends between a plug end and a mounting end. The header housing holds header contacts. Optionally, the header housing may be mounted to a printed circuit board at the mounting end with the header contacts being electrically connected to the printed circuit board. One or more plug assemblies are received in the plug end of the header housing along a plug axis. The plug assembly includes a plug housing holding receptacle terminals. The receptacle terminals extend along terminal axes parallel to the plug axis between mating ends and terminating ends. The mating ends are mated with corresponding header contacts. The terminating ends have insulation displacement contacts configured to receive, and be electrically connected to, corresponding wires. The wires extend from the insulation displacement contacts along wire axes that are generally perpendicular to the terminal axes.
US08562373B2 Electronic module with improved latch mechanism
An electronic module (100) for mating with a complementary connector, comprises: a housing, a printed circuit board (3) disposed in the housing, a slider member (6) movably received in the channel, and a cover member (9) mounted to the housing over the slider member. The slider member has a body portion (611) and a pair of curved arm portions (612) extending forwardly from the body portion. The cover member has a pair of curved contacting portions (92) overlaying the pair of curved arm portions of the slider member, the pair of curved contacting portions being moveable outward in response to a sliding movement of the pair of curved arm portions.
US08562370B2 Electrical connector, electrical connector unit, and electric vehicle charger
A power feeding side connector (electrical connector) has a locking lever adapted to lock together the power feeding side connector and a power receiving side connector at the time of engagement therebetween, a microswitch adapted to detect halfway fitting of the locking lever to interrupt electrical conduction, and a release lever adapted to release locking by the locking lever after charging. In the halfway fitting state, an intermediate portion of the locking lever is brought into contact with a spring piece of the microswitch to push it so that normally-closed contacts of the microswitch are opened to interrupt electrical conduction.
US08562368B2 Service disconnect assembly
A service disconnect assembly for a battery assembly includes a receiver configured to hold terminals of a power circuit of the battery assembly and a service disconnect removably coupled to the receiver. The service disconnect has a hub rotatably coupled to the receiver that holds a terminal interconnect configured to electrically connect the terminals together. The service disconnect is removable from the receiver to disconnect the terminals from one another. Rotating the hub in a first direction drives the terminal interconnect into engagement with the terminals and rotating the hub in a second direction opposite to the first direction releases the terminal interconnect from the terminals.
US08562367B2 Socket for electrical part
A socket for electrical part mounted on the wiring substrate to accommodate an electrical part. The present invention comprises a socket body, a floating plate and a holding structure. The socket body has a contact pin unit comprising a unit body in which the plural contact pins are mounted. The floating plate is mounted on upper side of the unit body to accommodate the electrical part, and comprises through holes into which the upper side contact portions of contact pins are inserted. The holding structure holds the floating plate in a descended state when the socket for the electrical part is not yet mounted on the wiring substrate, and releases the holding state of floating plate and makes the floating plate to be capable of moving vertically under the state of being urged upward when the socket for the electrical part is mounted on the wiring substrate.
US08562362B2 Supported slide safety member for a low voltage power connection device
A supported slide safety member. A slide block disposed on the inner side of an upper cover of a socket, includes two inclined surfaces in the same direction disposed on the outer side of the slide block with a slide block window respectively disposed on a lower side of each inclined surface, and a protruding supporting shaft disposed on the inner side of the slide block. A cover plate with two cover windows is disposed on the inner side of the slide block, and the outer side of the cover plate is in contact with the supporting shaft. An elastic component is connected between the slide block and the upper cover. A stop surface is disposed on both the inner side and the outer side of a tail end of the slide block, stopped by and upper stop rib and a lower stop rib.
US08562354B2 Method and system for supporting and enhancing time management skills
A method and system for supporting and enhancing time management skills. Through the use of an electronic time management device, such as a cell phone or other portable digital computer based device programmed to support this method, the user enters information about a task which is then verified and “banked points” are given for correct entry. The banked points can then be used toward a socially desirable reward, such as sending text messages or playing music or watching videos. This is particularly effective in teaching time management skills to young students who may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
US08562351B2 System and method to detect target hits
A device includes a first light source to be aligned along a path of a projectile. The first light source has a narrow divergence to simulate the path of the projectile. A second light source has a vertically wide divergence extending above the path of the projectile. The first and second light sources are encoded and aligned to facilitate distinguishing between head and body shots using only head sensors.
US08562349B2 Dental implant that increases bone support
A dental_implant that increases the amount of bone around the implant by increasing its length in order to place a longer implant without the need for a sinus elevation surgery in the posterior maxillary region where bone stock is not sufficient by employing the principles of displacement procedures in implantology which rely on regeneration of patient's own bone and have been used for years in the dentistry for orthodontic procedures. The dental implant has a pressure adaptor that protrudes and advances through the apical part of the implant body. Pressure adaptor is advanced within the bone until desired length of implant and bone is achieved. This procedure forms significant amount of bone around the implant within the floor of maxillary sinus. Floor of maxillary sinus is elevated. New bone is formed without the need for an additional surgery.
US08562343B2 Fluid driven dental handpiece with hydrostatic bearings
A dental handpiece uses a single airflow input to drive both a rotor and provide a hydrostatic bearing. The fluid flow in the form of compressed air is applied first to the hydrostatic bearings and then subsequently to the turbine blades of the rotor without the use of any moving mechanical parts by the design of the air passageway being more direct for the hydrostatic bearing. This passageway is the form of a manifold insert which may be mounted within the handpiece. The handpiece includes a pair of frusto-conical cages separated by a C-shaped spacer which enables precise fabrication. The frusto-conical ends of the rotor and the mating frusto-conical inner surfaces of the cages are provided with a diamond like carbon coating.
US08562342B2 Angles hose connection for dental handpiece
A dental handpiece having a distal end including an attachment for assembly of a removable workpiece and a handpiece body intermediate a proximal end and the distal end. The handpiece extends in a substantially axial direction. A coupler is included having a cylinder portion and a supply-end portion, the cylinder portion being assembled into the handpiece extending in the axial direction toward the distal end. The cylinder portion includes at least one seal that interfaces with an interior of the body so as to isolate a portion of the body interior into at least one distinct chamber. The supply-end portion of the coupler extends from the proximal end of the handpiece body at an angle from the axis. The supply-end portion also includes a plurality of outlets, the at least one distinct chamber in fluid communication with one of the outlets of the plurality of outlets.
US08562341B2 Dental and medical instruments comprising titanium
Endodontic instruments for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth are disclosed. In one form, the instruments include an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank comprises a titanium alloy, and the shank is prepared by heat-treating the shank at a temperature above 25° C. in an atmosphere consisting essentially of a gas unreactive with the shank. In another form, the endodontic instruments have an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank consists essentially of a titanium alloy selected from alpha-titanium alloys, beta-titanium alloys, and alpha-beta-titanium alloys. The instruments solve the problems encountered when cleaning and enlarging a curved root canal.
US08562338B2 Treatment progress tracking and recalibration
Systems and methods of developing and tracking delivery and patient progression through an orthodontic treatment plan. One method includes identifying deviations from an orthodontic treatment plan, including receiving a digital representation of an actual arrangement of a patient's teeth after an orthodontic treatment plan has begun for the patient and prior to completion of the orthodontic treatment plan. The method further includes comparing the actual arrangement to a pre-determined planned arrangement to determine if the actual arrangement substantially deviates from the planned arrangement, the comparing including matching teeth from a previously segmented model to a surface of an unsegmented representation of the actual arrangement; and calculating one or more positional differences between the actual and planned arrangements of at least some of the corresponding teeth.
US08562337B2 Active attachments for interacting with a polymeric shell dental appliance
An active dental attachment. Specifically, an attachment device for interacting with a polymeric shell dental appliance is described. The attachment device includes an anchoring attachment body. A bonding surface is coupled to the anchoring attachment body, wherein the bonding surface is configured for anchoring the anchoring attachment body to a dental feature of a patient's dentition. A force-applying active mechanism is coupled to the anchoring attachment body. A polymeric shell dental appliance contact region is coupled to the force-applying active mechanism. The polymeric shell dental appliance contact region is configured to contact the force-applying active mechanism and apply a force generated by the force-applying active mechanism between the dental feature and the polymeric shell dental appliance when the polymeric shell dental appliance engages the force-applying active mechanism.
US08562334B2 Injection blow molding system with enhanced parison neck mold configuration
An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for forming a plurality of parisons and molded articles. The IBM system includes an injection station having two die sets, two body mold halves, and two neck mold halves. Each of the neck mold halves is attached directly to one of the die sets. The neck mold halves are configured to cooperatively form the exterior shape of the necks of one or more parisons. This type of neck mold attachment configuration can allow for better temperature control of the neck portion of the parison being molded therein. Further, such a neck mold configuration can reduce the cost of fabricating, installing, and/or replacing the neck molds.
US08562333B2 Rotational molding machine and method
A molding machine apparatus and method for the production of thermoplastic skins or shells by means of what is generally known as rotational or slush molding. The tooling is heated uniformly, rapidly and efficiently by means of high velocity, hot air streams directed at the tooling which create turbulent flow on the surface of the tooling. The air stream is accelerated by means of adjustable nozzles and the air is circulated in the mold by means of a centrifugal fan.
US08562332B2 Device for manufacturing feedstuff molded into shells
The invention relates to a device for producing goods for consumption, consisting of a fat mass, in particular a fat mass containing cocoa or a chocolate-type fat mass, said goods contains a large number of hollow moulds (1a, 1b) that can be filled with the fat mass (M) when the latter has been heated and is in a free-flowing state, the moulds being configured as depressions in a mould block (1). The inner surface of each hollow mould (1a, 1b) shell-shaped goods for consumption that are to be produced. The device also comprises a plurality of die-type cooling bodies (3a, 3b), which are displaceably mounted on a suspension device (4), a respective cooling body (3a, 3b) being lowered into a respective hollow mould (1a or 1b) and the outer surface of the respective cooling body (3a, 3b) determining the inner surface of the shell-shaped goods for consumption (M) that are to be produced. According to the invention, the plurality of cooling bodies (3a, 3b) that is mounted on the suspension device (4) consists of individual cooling body groups (3), in which several cooling bodies (3a, 3b) are coupled together and mounted on the suspension device (4). The individual cooling body groups (3) are mounted independently of one another on the suspension device (4).
US08562331B2 Method and tool for expanding a pipe end
A pipe end is expanded with the aid of an expander tool (1). The expander tool (1) comprises a plurality of jaws (10) that are radially movable between a retracted and an expanded position. The jaws (10) have outer jaw surfaces which are intended for engagement with the inner surface of the pipe end and which lie adjacent to one another in the retracted position of the jaws (10) and have an at least generally circular arcuate shape in cross-section. The expander tool (1) further comprises a piston (2) or cone with a tapered end for moving the jaws (10) between the retracted and the outer expanded positions and the piston (2) is moved in a reciprocating manner in the axial direction before expanding the pipe end gradually in the stages. The axial reciprocating movement of the piston (2) is guided to rotate the jaws (10) to a certain extent in a circumferential direction after each expansion stage.
US08562330B2 Rim rolling screw having pneumatic cooling
A rim rolling apparatus is provided having a plurality of rim rolling screws, a motor and a pneumatic cooling circuit. Each screw has a hot section and a cool section provided downstream of the hot section. The motor is configured to drive the screws in rotation to feed thermoformed articles between the screws to roll lips of the articles. The pneumatic cooling circuit extends within the screw from an exit end towards an entrance end. The cooling circuit is provided in thermally conductive relation with the cool section and insulated from the hot section.
US08562328B2 Method and apparatus for producing figured veneer
A method and apparatus for making a piece of figured veneer comprise means for, and the steps of, softening lignin in a sheet of veneer, pressing the sheet of veneer between complementary corrugating press rollers having a pitch and a depth to press the sheet of veneer into a wavy or corrugated configuration, and surfacing the pressed sheet of veneer to remove crests of the corrugations, making the piece of figured veneer. Another method and apparatus for making a piece of figured veneer, comprise means for, and the steps of, softening lignin in a sheet of veneer, placing the sheet of veneer onto a wavy or corrugated surface of a plate, pressing the sheet of veneer using a press roller so that the roller presses the sheet of veneer against the surface to achieve a wavy or corrugated veneer, and surfacing the pressed sheet of veneer to remove peaks of the corrugations, making the piece of figured veneer. Yet another method and apparatus for making a piece of figured veneer, comprise means for, and the steps of, softening lignin in a sheet of veneer, placing the sheet of veneer onto a corrugated surface of a plate having such a wavy or corrugated surface, pressing the sheet of veneer onto the troughs and peaks of the surface using a flexible platen having a corrugated surface so that the corrugated surface of the platen presses the sheet of veneer against the corrugated surface of the plate to achieve a wavy or corrugated veneer, and surfacing the pressed sheet of veneer to remove peaks of the corrugations, making the piece of figured veneer.
US08562327B2 Floating cut-off bar and method of use thereof
A floating cut-off bar that follows a preselected path of travel over a mold box during a block production cycle. The floating cut-off bar may be coupled to a feed drawer whereby a mechanism allows the floating cut-off bar to engage the specified contour of a division plate in a mold box assembly and aid in material distribution by screeding excess material and delivering additional material to areas of the mold box as necessary and method of making wall blocks therefrom. The specified contour of the division plate is designed to optimally deliver material to achieve a specified uniform density of the block produced for greater structural integrity, strength and durability of the block.
US08562326B2 Electrospinning apparatus for producing nanofibres and capable of adjusting the temperature and humidity of a spinning zone
Provided is an electrospinning apparatus for producing nanofibers, including: a spinning solution supply unit (10); a spinning unit (30) that includes spinning nozzles (32) and a nozzle block (31) in which the spinning nozzles (32) are equidistantly arranged and supported; a nanofiber-collecting unit (40) which collects nanofibers spun from the spinning unit (30); a power supply (50) which forms an electric field in a spinning zone (Z); a process gas supply unit (20) which generates and supplies process gas to control the temperature and humidity of the spinning zone (Z) to a range appropriate for electrospinning conditions for nanofibers; and a process gas laminar flow distribution device (100) which fractionates the process gas supplied from the process gas supply unit (20), into laminar flows within the process gas laminar flow distribution device (100), and distributes the process gas from an upper portion of the spinning unit (30) to the spinning zone (Z).
US08562323B2 Imprint apparatus and method for producing article
An imprint apparatus is disclosed that forms, by pressing a resin applied onto a substrate and a mold against each other, a pattern on the substrate. The imprint apparatus includes a substrate stage that holds the substrate, and a control unit for controlling the position of the stage by outputting a manipulating variable on the basis of a position error between a position of the stage which has been measured by position measurement unit and a target position. The control unit reduces a ratio of the manipulating variable to the position error while the substrate and the mold are in contact with each other until mold release.
US08562321B2 Automatic grease supply device of injection molding machine
A lubricant such as grease is supplied by a grease supply device to a grease supply point of an injection molding machine. A workload of a movable portion forming the injection molding machine when the movable portion operates is calculated and a grease supply command is output to the grease supply device when the calculated workload exceeds a reference value. An operating state of the injection molding machine is evaluated by using the workload reflecting a load on the movable portion and, in this way, insufficiency of lubrication of the movable portion is anticipated.
US08562312B2 Linear motor and reciprocating compressor employing the same
A linear motor for generating a linear reciprocating motion force, and a reciprocating compressor for compressing a refrigerant by employing the linear motor. The linear motor and the reciprocating compressor employing the same can reduce the number of inverter switches by employing a coil unit whose winding method is improved and a power supply apparatus whose connection to the coil unit and other circuits are improved, and can make it easy to control and reduce production costs by simplifying the circuit configuration.
US08562309B2 Piston compressor
A compressor includes a rotary shaft, a cam, a cylinder block, pistons, a thrust bearing, a rotary valve, and an oil passage. The rotary shaft has an in-shaft passage formed therein. The cam rotates integrally with the rotary shaft. The pistons are coupled to the rotary shaft through the cam. The thrust bearing is provided between the cam and the cylinder block. The thrust bearing includes a first race in contact with the cam, a second race in contact with the cylinder block, and rolling elements retained between the first and second races to form a gap therebetween. The oil passage extends from the gap to the in-shaft passage and includes an oil retaining space formed in at least one of the cam and the cylinder block.
US08562307B2 Pump equipment
An electrical signal input type displacement control device capable of reducing pipes on hydraulic equipment, and hydraulic equipment including the same. The pump equipment includes two the pump units. Electrical regulators are disposed for the pump units. In each of the electrical regulators, a solenoid proportional valve changes a supply status of driving oil. A pilot piston activates a servo switching valve in accordance with a supply status of the supplied driving oil, and controls a supply status of mechanism driving oil supplied to a servo mechanism. Servo mechanisms change the capacities of the pump units in accordance with the supply status. In the electrical regulators, a driving oil passage connects the input port to an inter-pump passage.
US08562306B2 Compressor apparatus
A compressor apparatus notifies a user whether compressed-air reaches a specified pressure without requiring a pressure gauge or the costs associated therewith. The compressor apparatus includes a motor M, a rotational shaft 11, a compressor main body 10 comprising a cylinder chamber 15, and a detector 7 that notifies the user that the pressure of the compressed-air supplied from the above-mentioned cylinder chamber 15 exceeds a reference pressure P. The detector 7 includes a valve main body 30 having a valve flow channel 30A having an exhaust port 33 and a switch valve 34 releasing the valve flow channel 30A to exhaust the compressed-air supplied from the exhaust port 33 when the compressed-air pressure exceeds the reference pressure P; and a detective cap 31 pushed up by the exhaust air pressure from the exhaust port 33 from the normal position Y1 to the protruding position Y2.
US08562304B2 Electrical motor activation method having load torque adaptation
An electrical motor activation method for an electric motor including a rotor, connected to a motor shaft, and a stator having brushes. The stator comprises multiple commutator laminations for the commutation of windings disposed on the rotor and is activated by a pulsed or linearly controllable power source. The motor shaft is connected to a radially driven load, in particular a pump, which has a nonlinear torque curve via a motor revolution. A waviness signal is obtained from a voltage potential applied to the motor and/or from the motor current and rotor position information is obtained from the curve of said waviness signal.
US08562301B2 Turbine blade retention device
A turbine blade assembly has a turbine blade with a root section and an airfoil section. The root section has one of a radially extending groove or flange, and a retainer element has the other of the groove and the flange. The groove receives the flange to hold the retainer element and the blade together. The retainer element has axial ends extending radially inwardly to secure a turbine blade assembly within a disk slot in a turbine rotor disk. A method is also disclosed.
US08562297B2 Centrifugal fan
A curved portion is formed at a corner portion between a shroud and a positive pressure surface of each of a plurality of blades. The curved portion has a curvature that decreases from a suction port or the vicinity of the suction port toward a corresponding one of discharge ports. The curved portion includes a curved surface that is concave in a direction of rotation of the fan and forms a part of the positive pressure surface. The curved portion raised inwardly into an airflow path so that a shortest distance between the outer peripheral portion of a hub and a portion of the curved surface in the vicinity of the shroud may gradually decrease toward the corresponding one of the discharge ports.
US08562294B2 Sealing arrangement for use with gas turbine engine
A sealing member has a first portion. The first portion has a central axis, a first peripheral surface extending in a direction parallel to the central axis, and a central aperture. A first wall portion of a groove has a recess communicated with the first opening of the first channel. The recess has a second peripheral surface complementary to the first peripheral surface of the first portion of the sealing member. The first portion of the sealing member moves radially toward and away from the rotational axis as the first peripheral surface of the sealing member defines and maintains a first sealing contact with the second peripheral surface of the recess. The sealing member moves radially outwardly and thereby makes a second sealing contact surrounding the second opening of the second channel to establish a communication between the first and second openings.
US08562293B2 Multi-stage pump rotor for a turbomolecular pump
A multi-stage pump rotor (10) for a turbomolecular pump has at least two separate blade disk rings (17), each having a motor ring (12) and at least one blade disk (14). A cylindrical reinforcement pipe (18), which surrounds the rotor rings (12) of the blade disk rings (17) on the outside without clearance, is provided between the blade disks (14) of adjacent blade disk rings (17). The reinforcement pipe (18) absorbs a large part of the tangential forces occurring during operation such that the pump rotor (10) has improved stability at high rotor speeds.
US08562290B2 Blade outer air seal with improved efficiency
An air seal for use with rotating parts in a gas turbine engine has a matrix of agglomerated fine hBN (hexagonal boron nitride) powder, the particles of which having a first dimension, and of a fine metallic alloy powder, the particles of which having a second dimension. An hBN (hexagonal boron nitride) powder, the particles of which have a third dimension that is greater than the first dimension, is mixed with the matrix.