Document Document Title
US08642899B2 Terminal structure, electronic device, and manufacturing method thereof
A method for manufacturing an electronic device comprising a terminal provided with a conductor which penetrates a cured prepreg is provided. At least one opening is formed in the prepreg. The prepreg is attached to a substrate over which an electronic element is formed so that the conductor included in the terminal overlaps with the opening. A conductive paste is provided in a region of the prepreg where the opening is provided. Part of the conductive paste flows into the opening to be in contact with the conductor included in the terminal. Then, heat treatment is performed so that the conductive paste and the prepreg are cured. In the process for manufacturing the terminal, it is not necessary to perform a step of forming an opening with a laser beam after the prepreg is cured. Thus, an adverse effect of a laser beam on the electronic element can be eliminated.
US08642897B2 Wiring board and method for manufacturing the same
A wiring board including a core substrate having an accommodation portion, an electronic component in the accommodation portion having a substrate, a resin layer on a surface of the substrate and an electrode on the resin layer, a first interlayer resin insulation layer on a surface of the core substrate and a surface of the substrate of the component, and a second interlayer resin insulation layer on the opposite surface of the core substrate and a surface of the substrate having the resin layer and electrode. The first insulation layer has resin in the amount greater than the amount of resin in the second insulation layer such that the total amount of resin component including the resin in the first insulation layer is adjusted to be substantially the same as the total amount of resin component including the resin in the second insulation layer and resin in the resin layer.
US08642889B2 Wire construction for cables having insulation and functionality applying in case of fire
A wire for use in electric cables, has a fire-resistant insulation based on cross-linkable polymers including ceramic-forming additives. The insulation surrounds a conductor, wherein the insulation has a first layer of a first composition, and a second layer of a second composition surrounding the outside of the first layer, the first and the second compositions including different ceramic forms in the composition because the second outer layer is formed at a lower temperature range than the composition of the inner first layer.
US08642888B2 Cable protection device for an industrial robot and industrial robot with such a cable protection device
The invention relates to a conducting line protection device for an industrial robot having at least one power line, having a basic ring section, a hollow cylinder section whose diameter is matched to an inside diameter of a pipe component of the industrial robot that rotates relative to the conducting line protection device, an inner edge rounding section whose rounding radius is matched to a diameter of the power line, and a radial bearing section for rotatable support of the conducting line protection device relative to the pipe component of the industrial robot. The invention also relates to an industrial robot having such a conducting line protection device.
US08642886B2 Seal structure, electronic device, portable device, and seal method
In a seal structure sealing a housing for passing a signal line therethrough, the seal structure includes: a first case; a second case joined to the first case to define the housing, and provided with a recess portion through which the signal line passes at a joining surface joining the first case; a first seal member arranged on a bottom surface of the recess portion, and mounting the signal line; a second seal member including a gelatinous composition arranged to cover the signal line arranged on the first seal member; and a third seal member arranged between the first and second cases, and pushing the second case.
US08642882B2 Electron-jump chemical energy converter
A method and a device for converting energy uses chemical reactions in close proximity to or on a surface to convert a substantial fraction of the available chemical energy of the shorter lived energized products, such as vibrationally excited chemicals and hot electrons, directly into a useful form, such as longer lived charge carriers in a semiconductor. The carriers store the excitation energy in a form that may be converted into other useful forms, such as electricity, nearly monochromatic electromagnetic radiation or carriers for stimulating other surface reactions.
US08642881B2 Thin film solar cell and method of manufacturing the same
A thin film solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same are discussed. The method of manufacturing the thin film solar cell includes forming a masking jig in a first region of a substrate, forming a first electrode in a second region of the substrate, forming a photoelectric conversion unit on the first electrode formed in the second region of the substrate to produce electricity using light incident on the photoelectric conversion unit, and forming a second electrode on the photoelectric conversion unit formed in the second region of the substrate.
US08642876B2 Microprocessor controlled, accelerometer based guitar pickup switching system
An apparatus and method for selecting combinations of pickups on a guitar or other stringed instrument allows a performer to control the pickup selections without interrupting instrument play. Combinations of pickups are selected by a processor according to measurements of orientation, position, and/or rate of movement made by an accelerometer. The accelerometer measurements can be filtered. Any or all elements of the system can be contained in a hollow space within the instrument. A manual control can be included to override the processor. Pickup combinations and/or accelerometer measurement ranges can be specified by manual controls while in a training mode. In a sequential mode, pickup combinations are selected in a preset order and for preset time periods. The accelerometer sampling rate can be between 1000 and 100 samples per second, and the sampled data can be stored in an 11 by 11 array.
US08642875B2 MIDI re-mapping process for utilizing proper music theory when playing a keyboard
A process and a system are disclosed for some embodiments of the invention that map MIDI signals in a manner which always puts the harmony and melody octaves of an electronic MIDI keyboard in perfect pitch for a user of the keyboard. The process of some embodiments includes (i) receiving a selection of a key signature, (ii) receiving a selection of a scale, (iii) organizing the left side octave(s) (“chord” side) into a chord generator that places all scale tones on white keys and applies a chord effect to each white key, relative to the scale tone position, and (iv) organizing the right side octave(s) (“melody” side) into a melody lock that provides multiple settings for mapping the seven scale tones onto white keys.
US08642874B2 Drum and drum-set tuner
A resonance tuner receives and digitizes an analog signal in response to a resonance of a structure thereby creating a plurality of time samples. A series of the time samples are buffered upon burst detection. A power spectrum is estimated by computing a Time-To-Frequency-Transform of the series of time samples and a magnitude of each of the resulting frequency samples is squared. At least one subset associated with at least one spectral peak is selected from the frequency samples. Each spectral peak has at least one sample with a sufficient magnitude and being spectrally adjacent to any other sample in another spectral peak by less than a threshold. A fundamental spectral peak is determined in a fundamental subset including a spectral peak with a sample at the lowest frequency greater than zero. The fundamental spectral peak has the sample with the largest magnitude within the fundamental subset.
US08642873B2 Interactive electronic apparel incorporating a drum kit image
Embodiments are directed to a novel technique used to create electronic apparel that is powered by batteries and generates light, or sound in reaction to various sensors on the garment. The wearer through the use of various options or effects can further modify the output through the use of various options or effects. The electronic apparel includes an image of an instrument and a keypad that allows for user control of sounds generated by electronic circuits incorporated in the garment. Sound generation circuitry and speakers are coupled to the keypad in an electronic assembly that is detachably coupled to the garment in such a way as to allow regular washing of the garment without any damage to the electronic devices.
US08642869B2 Sound reduction enclosure for hi-hat cymbals
The invention provides a sound reduction enclosure for hi-hat cymbal assemblies, enclosure which can be fastened directly to the hi-hat stand to greatly reduce sound leakage and offer more precise control of sound emissions during recording sessions and live performances. The enclosure is made up of two (2) primary elements: 1—the main, funnel-shaped body that attaches to the hi-hat stand and surrounds the cymbal assembly, containing and allowing control of the sound; 2—the different lids that provide yet greater sound reduction and control. With or without its lid, the invention allows the user to both: 1—activate the hi-hat cymbals using the pedal; 2—strike the hi-hat cymbals using the drumsticks.
US08642867B1 Drumhead tuning rim apparatus and method of use
A drumhead tuning rim apparatus for securing and tuning a drumhead on a drum shell of a drum, the apparatus comprising a plurality of housing grooved bearing wheels rotatably installed spaced along a rim of the drum, the rim being configured for seating over the drumhead on the drum shell, a plurality of lug grooved bearing wheels configured to be rotatably installed spaced about the drum shell substantially between the respective housing grooved bearing wheels, a tensioning cable configured for alternately passing between and about respective housing grooved bearing wheels and lug grooved bearing wheels substantially about the perimeter of the drum shell, and a means for selectively adjusting the tension in the tensioning cable.
US08642866B1 Musical instrument head mounting device
A musical drum instrument with a hollow shell having one or more openings, each having the capability of forming a circumferential bearing edge, and a head member having a playing surface. Also provided is a single tapered coupling with the narrowest portion of the tapered coupling situated in near proximity to at least one of the hollow shell openings or mating tapered couplings integrated with the outside surface of the shell wall and inside surface of the wall of the head member, respectively. The head member with or without the integrated tapered coupling is mounted upon the end of the hollow shell its integrated tapered couple with the head member and the hollow shell converging in frictional engagement to establish an airtight fit sealing the juncture where the two are joined to enable the direct transfer of energy produced upon the striking of the playing surface to enhance the sound quality of the musical instrument.
US08642865B2 Musical wind instrument with inner waveguide reflector assembly
An attachment is provided, which is to be clipped to the bell of a contemporary wind instrument, hereinafter called a horn, such as a trumpet, trombone, euphonium, etc., permitting musical playing by lip control alone, eliminating the need for valves, or scale slides. An attachment bracket is designed to support one, or more, tubular waveguide reflectors. The waveguide reflectors each have a proximal end near the bell end of the horn and extend relative to the horn's mouthpiece, toward a distal end, at a calculated position, producing a fundamental pitch of one scale tone lower or higher, as may be required, from the fundamental pitch of the horn. A single port may be added to the horn calculated to produce a fundamental pitch, one tone higher than the fundamental pitch of the horn, providing the sharps and flats for a full chromatic scale.
US08642864B2 Multi-purpose plectrum
The plectrum includes a first lobe, a second lobe, a third lobe, a recessed edge, and a convex edge. Grasping the plectrum with the recessed edge resting against the web between the thumb and forefinger of a user's hand allows the user to strum or pluck a string of a string instrument with either the third lobe or the convex edge. The plectrum may also be grasped to allow a user to strum or pluck one or more strings of a string instrument with the first lobe and the second lobe.
US08642863B2 Capo
The invention relates to a capo for use with a stringed instrument. In one aspect, the capo can comprise at least one string compressor, a frame having a longitudinal axis, and a means for individually moving the at least one string compressor that is configured to allow for the individual movement of contact portions of the at least one string compressor from a raised position to a depressed position, which is at a predetermined depth from a bottom surface of the frame. This movement of the string compressor allows for the selective application of pressure to at least one string on the instrument so that, in the depressed position, the contact portion of the selected string compressor presses a selected string among the at least one strings against the fretboard of the stringed instrument.
US08642862B1 Mechanical pitch shifter
A mechanical pitch shifter for changing the pitch of a stringed musical instrument is disclosed. The mechanical pitch shifter engages the musical instrument string between the end of operational length and point of string termination. This device comprises a base clamp 1 and thumbscrew 2 to attach to the musical instrument. This devise comprises a top bar 6 and cam 8 to engage and disengage the musical instrument string. Reaction force of the string is opposed by the thumbscrew 2. Fine tuning of the string pitch is achieved by turning a thumbwheel 3 thus changing the displacement between top bar 6 and base clamp 1.
US08642861B2 Ultra-high tensile strength maraging steel music instrument string
A musical instrument string is made of maraging steel and has a tensile strength greater than 430 ksi.
US08642858B2 String instrument having a baseball bat body
A string musical instrument is provided such as a violin comprising a body in the shape of the baseball bat.
US08642857B2 Variety corn line NPID3719
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated NPID3719, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPID3719 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line NPID3719, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line NPID3719, and plants produced according to these methods.
US08642851B2 Variety corn line LC6108
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated LC6108, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line LC6108 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line LC6108, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line LC6108, and plants produced according to these methods.
US08642849B2 Variety corn line NPID7487
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated NPID7487, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPID7487 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line NPID7487, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line NPID7487, and plants produced according to these methods.
US08642844B2 Soybean variety D2011905
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated D2011905. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety D2011905. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety D2011905 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety D2011905 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08642843B2 Lettuce line RX17290001
The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated RX17290001. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line RX17290001, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line RX17290001 with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line RX17290001, including the gametes of such plants.
US08642842B2 Lettuce line RS 16891364
The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated RS 16891364. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line RS 16891364, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line RS 16891364 with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line RS 16891364, including the gametes of such plants.
US08642838B2 Plants having enhanced yield-related traits and a method for making the same
The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for enhancing yield-related traits in plants, in particular for increasing plant yield and/or early vigor, relative to control plants. More specifically, the present invention concerns a method for enhancing yield-related traits comprising modifying the expression of a nucleic acid encoding a HAL3 polypeptide, MADS15 polypeptide, PLT transcription factor polypeptide, basic/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, or SPL15 transcription factor. The invention also provides constructs useful in the methods of the invention.
US08642834B2 Methods for the identification of agents that inhibit mesenchymal-like tumor cells or their formation
The present invention provides tumor cell preparations for use as models of the EMT process for use in the identification of anti-cancer agents, wherein said tumor cell preparations comprise cells of the epithelial tumor cell line CFPAC-1, which are stimulated by receptor ligands to induce EMT, or which have been engineered to inducibly express a protein that stimulates EMT. The present invention also provides methods of identifying potential anti-cancer agents by using such tumor cell preparations to identify agents that inhibit EMT, stimulate MET, or inhibit the growth of mesenchymal-like cells. Such agents should be particularly useful when used in conjunction with other anti-cancer drugs such as EGFR and IGF-1R kinase inhibitors, which appear to be less effective at inhibiting tumor cells that have undergone an EMT.
US08642833B2 Absorbent article containing structured fibers
A reusable absorbent article includes a hydrophilic top layer, a soaking layer adjacent to and beneath the top layer, a substantially liquid impermeable layer adjacent to and beneath the soaking layer, and a backing layer adjacent to and beneath the substantially liquid impermeable layer. All of the layers are secured together to form a unitary structure. The soaking layer is a non-woven fabric having a plurality of hydrophobic fibers of a generally circular cross-sectional shape and a plurality of hydrophilic fibers of a non-circular cross-sectional shape.
US08642832B2 Apparatus and method for product and signaling device matching
The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.
US08642824B2 Chemical methods for treating a metathesis feedstock
Various methods are provided for metathesizing a feedstock. In one aspect, a method includes providing a feedstock comprising a natural oil, chemically treating the feedstock under conditions sufficient to diminish catalyst poisons in the feedstock, and, following the treating, combining a metathesis catalyst with the feedstock under conditions sufficient to metathesize the feedstock.
US08642820B2 Process for producing 1,1-dichloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
To provide a process to produce 1,1-dichloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (CFO-1214ya) simply and economically without requiring purification of 1,1-dichloro-2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HCFC-225ca) from the raw material component obtained as a mixture of isomers, i.e. dichloropentafluoropropane (HCFC-225) including HCFC-225ca and at the same time to produce simply and economically 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf) from 1-chloro-2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropane (HCFC-244eb).A raw material composition comprising HCFC-244eb and HCFC-225 including HCFC-225ca is contacted with an alkali aqueous solution in the presence of a phase-transfer catalyst to produce CFO-1214ya from HCFC-225ca and at the same time to produce HFO-1234yf from HCFC-244eb.
US08642819B2 Process for the manufacture of hydrochlorofluoroolefins
The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of trans 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (E-1233zd). The first step of the process comprises the fluorination of 1,1,3,3-tetrachlororopropene (1230za, CCh═CH—CHCh) and/or 1,1,1,3,3-pentaachloropropane (240fa) to a mixture of cis 1233zd (Z-1233zd) and trans 1233zd (E-1233zd). The second step of the process comprises a separation of the mixture formed in the first step to isolate cis 1233zd (Z-1233zd) from the mixture. The third step of the process comprises isomerization of cis 1233zd (Z-1233zd) to trans 1233zd (E-1233zd).
US08642817B1 Method of converting methane to methanol
The present invention includes a method for converting methane to methanol by providing a methane source to provide methane; contacting the methane with chlorine; exposing the methane to a light source to form methyl chloride; converting the methyl chloride with H20 to methanol and hydrochloric acid; converting the hydrochloric acid to chlorine; and purifying the methanol.The chemical cycle can be applied to the synthesis of alkane alcohols higher than methanol where appropriate.
US08642811B2 Preparation of primary diamines having a linear main chain for polyamide syntheses
The invention provides a method to produce primary diamines by catalytic conversion of diols having a linear main chain of from 4 to 31 carbon atoms into the corresponding diamines. The reaction is conducted in a liquid or supercritical phase and is catalyzed by a homogeneous ruthenium-containing complex. The primary diamines obtained may be suitable for polyamide syntheses.
US08642806B2 Squarylium compound, method for producing the same and infrared absorbent
Provide is a compound having absorbability in an infrared region, excellent invisibility and robustness. The compound is a squarylium compound represented Formula (1): wherein, R1 and R2 represent an alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, or heteroaryl group, which may be substituted by a substituent; R3 and R4 represent a hydrogen atom or alkyl group; X1 and X2 represent an oxygen atom or —NR5—, in which R5 represents a hydrogen atom or alkyl group; Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4 represent a halogen atom, alkyl group, cycloalkyl group, aryl group, heteroaryl group, arylcarbonyloxy group, or alkylcarbonyloxy group; a plurality of Y1's, Y2's, Y3's, or Y4's may be bonded to form a ring structure, respectively; Y1 and Y2, or Y3 and Y4 may be bonded to form a ring structure; n1 and n4 represent an integer of 0 to 3; and n2 and n3 represent an integer of 0 to 2.
US08642804B2 Method of adsorbing and method of recovering fluorine-containing compound
An adsorption process in which high adsorption of C2-C6 fluorine-containing compound can be attained without any morphological change thereof by the use of active carbon; and a desorption process in which active carbon and adsorbed substances can be recycled by desorption from active carbon. A liquid containing the C2-C6 fluorine-containing compound is brought into contact with active carbon to thereby cause the active carbon to adsorb the fluorine-containing compound and thus obtain a liquid of low fluorine-containing compound content. The active carbon having the adsorbed fluorine-containing compound is heated so as to desorb the fluorine-containing compound from the active carbon.
US08642799B2 Cysteine protease inhibitors for the treatment of parasitic diseases
Several parasites responsible for mammalian diseases are dependent on cysteine protease for various life-cycle functions. Inhibition or decreasing function of these proteases can be useful in the treatment and/or prevention of these parasitic diseases including; toxoplasmosis, malaria, African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, amebiasis, giardiasis, clonorchiasis, opisthorchiasis, paragonimiasis, fasciolopsiasis, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, dracunculiasis, ascariasis, trichuriasis, stronglyoidiasis, trichostrongyliasis, trichomoniasis or cestodiasis.
US08642798B2 Silacycle compounds and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to a diastereomeric mixture of Silacycle Compounds and methods for using the diastereomeric mixture of Silacycle Compounds for stereoselective synthesis.
US08642797B2 Amidate precursors for depositing metal containing films
Volatile metal amidate metal complexes are exemplified by bis(N-(tert-butyl)ethylamidate)bis(ethylmethylamido) titanium; (N-(tert-butyl)(tert-butyl)amidate)tris(ethylmethylamido) titanium; bis(N-(tert-butyl)(tert-butyl)amidate)bis(dimethylamido) titanium and (N-(tert-butyl)(tert-butyl)amidate)tris(dimethylamido) titanium. The term “volatile” refers to any precursor of this invention having vapor pressure above 0.5 torr at temperature less than 200° C. Metal-containing film depositions using these metal amidate ligands are also described.
US08642795B2 Process for producing a conjugated unsaturated fatty acid
A process for producing a conjugated di- or poly-unsaturated fatty acid having from 12 to 24 carbon atoms, or a salt or ester thereof, comprises: reacting a non-conjugated free fatty acid, or a salt or ester thereof, with a base in the presence of an alcoholic solvent comprising ethanol; and separating the conjugated fatty acid from the reaction mixture, wherein the separation of the conjugated fatty acid from the reaction mixture comprises contacting the reaction mixture with an aqueous salt solution and removing a liquid phase which comprises the salt solution and at least a part of the solvent from a solid phase which comprises a salt of the conjugated fatty acid.
US08642784B2 Biologically active compound N-[3-(4-nitrophenylamino)-indole-2-ilmethylene]aminoguanidine hydrochloride with anti-inflammatory activity
The present invention relates to chemical-pharmaceutical industry and medicine. The present invention relates to N-[3-(4-nitrophenylamino)-indole-2-ilmethylene]aminoguanidine hydrochloride of formula (2) having anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective activity. The compound does not exhibit adverse effects.
US08642781B2 Process for the nitration of O-xylene and related compounds
Aromatic compounds such as o-xylene are selectively nitrated by nitric acid in the presence of polyphosphoric acid and a large pore, acidic zeolite or a large pore, hydrophobic molecular sieve. This is an environmentally friendly, commercially viable, high conversion process for the selective nitration of aromatic compounds in the para position.
US08642780B2 N-carbomethoxy-N-methoxy-(2-chloromethyl)-anilines, their preparation and their use as precursors for preparing 2-(pyrazol-3′-yloxymethylene)-anilides
The present invention relates to N-carbomethoxy-N-methoxy-(2-chloromethyl)-aniline compounds of the formula I, wherein: n is 0, 1, 2 or 3, each R1 is independently selected from halogen, C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-haloalkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy or C1-C4-haloalkoxy. The invention also relates to processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds of formula I. The invention furthermore relates to processes for preparing 2-(pyrazol-3′-yloxymethylene)-anilides in which compounds of formula I are applied as precursors.
US08642779B2 Compositions useful as inhibitors of protein kinases
The present invention provides compounds of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, wherein A, B, Q, R1, and R2 are as described in the specification. These compounds are inhibitors of protein kinase, particularly inhibitors of AKT or PDK1 kinase, mammalian protein kinases involved in proliferative and neurodegenerative disorders. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, processes for preparing the compounds, and methods of utilizing those compositions in the treatment of various disorders.
US08642775B2 Vanilloid receptor ligands, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, process for making them, and use thereof for treating pain and other conditions
Vanilloid receptor ligand compounds corresponding to formula I: a process for producing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and the use of such compounds to treat pain and various other vanilloid receptor mediated conditions.
US08642774B2 Compounds
This invention relates to compounds of formula I their use as positive allosteric modulators of mGlu5 receptor activity, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and methods of using the same as agents for treatment and/or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction such as schizophrenia or cognitive decline such as dementia or cognitive impairment. A, B, X, R1, R2, R3 have meanings given in the description.
US08642772B2 Piperidine compounds, pharmaceutical composition comprising the same and its use
Piperidine compounds and pharmaceutically useful salts thereof, a pharmaceutical composition including an effective amount of the racemic or enantiomerically enriched piperidine compounds to treat gastrointestinal diseases, and a method of treating gastrointestinal diseases in a mammal are provided.
US08642761B2 Method for producing 3-amidinophenylalanine derivatives
The present invention describes a method for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure 3-amidinophenylalanine derivatives, which are used as pharmaceutically effective urokinase inhibitors, by starting from 3-cyanophenylalanine derivatives. The methods of manufacture comprising only one synthesis step lead to new intermediates, namely 3-hydroxyamidino- and 3-amidrazonophenylalanine derivatives. These intermediates or their acetyl derivatives can be reduced into the desired 3-amidino-phenylalanine derivatives under gentle conditions (H2 or ammonium formiate, Pd/C (approx. 10%), ethanol/water, room temperature, normal pressure or also H2, Pd/C, AcOH or HCl/ethanol, 1-3 bar) in excellent yields and in an enantiomeric excess of up to 99.9%.
US08642757B2 High titer production of highly linear poly (α 1,3 glucan)
A process for enzymatic preparation of a highly linear poly(α1,3 glucan) from sucrose is disclosed. The glucosyltransferase enzyme (gtfJ) from Streptococcus salivarius is used to convert sucrose to a highly linear poly(α1,3 glucan) in high titers. Hydrolyzed poly(α1,3 glucan) is used as the primer for the gtfJ enzyme reaction resulting in the formation of highly linear poly(α1,3 glucan).
US08642756B2 Nucleoside phosphoramidates
Disclosed herein are nucleoside phosphoramidates and their use as agents for treating viral diseases. These compounds are inhibitors of RNA-dependent 5 RNA viral replication and are useful as inhibitors of HCV NS5B polymerase, as inhibitors of HCV replication and for treatment of hepatitis C infection in mammals.
US08642753B2 Modulation of glucagon receptor expression
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of glucagon receptor. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding glucagon receptor. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of glucagon receptor expression and for diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with expression of glucagon receptor are provided.
US08642749B2 Regulatory region preferentially expressing to seed embryo and method of using same
A Zea mays regulatory region is shown, which provides improved seed preferred, and particularly embryo preferred expression in plants. Methods of use are also shown in preferentially expressing a heterologous protein to the embryo tissue of a plant. The sequence is particularly useful in expression of heterologous proteins to the embryo of monocotyledonous plants, particularly cereals, and maize.
US08642747B2 Genetic modification of targeted regions of the cardiac conduction system
Disclosed are methods and systems for preventing or treating cardiac dysfunction, particularly cardiac pacing dysfunction by genetic modification of the conduction system of the heart. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of genetically modifying the cells by delivering to the cells one or more coding sequence in a genetic construct capable of modifying the expression of ion channels of the cells.
US08642746B2 Unique calibrator polynucleotides and methods of using in quantitative nucleic acid assays
Disclosed herein are polynucleotides which may be used to calibrate or standardize quantitative nucleic acid assays. As disclosed, the polynucleotides comprise a sequence derived from a plant viroid polynucleotide or a bacterial or chloroplast Type II intron polynucleotide. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the polynucleotides.
US08642743B2 Method for reducing the immune response to a biologically active protein
A new use of a molecule comprising at least one moiety which is a biologically active protein and at least one moiety capable of binding to a serum albumin of a mammal is provided, for preparation of a medicament which elicits no or a reduced immune response upon administration to the mammal, as compared to the immune response elicited upon administration to the mammal of the biologically active protein per se. Also provided is a method of reducing or eliminating the immune response elicited upon administration of a biologically active protein to a human or non-human mammal, which comprises coupling the polypeptide to at least one moiety capable of binding to a serum albumin of the mammal.
US08642742B2 Anti-CEA antibodies
The present invention provides antigen binding molecules (ABMs) which bind membrane-bound CEA, including ABMs with improved therapeutic properties, and methods of using the same.
US08642741B2 Human antibodies to human TNF-like ligand 1A (TL1A)
A fully human antibody or antigen-binding fragment of a human antibody that specifically binds and inhibits human TNF-like ligand 1A (hTL1A) is provided. The human anti-hTL1A antibodies are useful in treating diseases or disorders associated with TL1A, such as inflammatory diseases or disorders, e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and the like; autoimmune diseases or disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and the like; and allergic reactions, such as asthma and allergic lung inflammation.
US08642739B2 Nuclear factor κB inducing factor
The present invention is directed to nuclear factor κB (NFκB)-inducing factor polypeptides (NFIF polypeptides) which are capable of inducing NFκB. The present invention includes within its scope NFIF polypeptides, including NFIF-14b and NFIF-7a, DNA, including cDNA, encoding these polypeptides, and expression vectors capable of expressing NFIF polypeptides. Also included are methods and compositions for increasing NFκB induction in a patient, methods and compositions for lowering NFκB induction in a patient, methods for inhibiting inflammation, and methods for manufacture of a medicament intended for the treatment and/or prevention of an NFκB-regulated inflammatory response. In addition, methods for determining whether a test compound inhibits or enhances the activity of NFIF polypeptides are provided.
US08642731B2 Porphyromonas gingivalis polypeptides and nucleotides
The present invention relates to isolated Porphyromonas gingivalis polypeptides and nucleotides. The polypeptides include an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ. ID. NO. 110; SEQ. ID. NO. 111; SEQ. ID. NO. 112; SEQ. ID. NO. 113; SEQ ID NO: 120; SEQ. ID. NO. 123; SEQ. ID. NO. 124; SEQ. ID. NO. 125; SEQ. ID. NO. 130; SEQ. ID. NO. 131; SEQ. ID. NO. 132; SEQ. ID. NO. 133; SEQ. ID. NO. 135; SEQ. ID. NO. 136; SEQ. ID. NO. 137; SEQ. ID. NO. 138; SEQ. ID. NO. 143; SEQ. ID. NO. 144; SEQ. ID. NO. 145; SEQ. ID. NO. 146; SEQ. ID. NO. 147; SEQ. ID. NO. 148; and amino acid sequences at least 95% identical thereto.
US08642727B2 Selective glucagon-like-peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogues
GLP-2 analogues are disclosed which comprise one of more substitutions as compared to h[Gly2]GLP-2 and which may have the property of an increased small intestine/colon and stomach/colon selectivity. More particularly, preferred GLP-2 analogues disclosed herein comprise substitutions at one or more of positions 11, 16, 20, 24 and/or 28 of the wild-type GLP-2 sequence, optionally in combination with further substitutions at position 2 and one or more of positions 3, 5, 7, and 10, and/or a deletion of one or more of amino acids 31 to 33 and/or the addition of a N-terminal or C-terminal stabilizing peptide sequence. The analogues are particularly useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of stomach and bowel-related disorders and for ameliorating side effects of chemotherapy.
US08642724B2 Colon cancer related gene TOM34
Objective methods for detecting and diagnosing colon cancer are described herein. In one embodiment, the diagnostic method involves determining the expression level of TOM34 that discriminates between colon cancer cells and normal cells. Finally, the present invention provides methods of screening for therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of colon cancer, methods of treating colon cancer and method for vaccinating a subject against colon cancer.
US08642723B2 Angular extrusion for polymer consolidation
Angular extrusion (AE) methods for creating monolithic polymers with high crystallinity, but small crystallite size, are disclosed. The methods involve consolidating granular polymer in an extrusion channel having at least one strain-imposing feature.
US08642721B2 Coordination complexes and process of producing polycarbonate by copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxide using the same catalyst
Provided are a complex prepared from ammonium salt-containing ligands and having such an equilibrium structural formula that the metal center takes a negative charge of 2 or higher, and a method for preparing polycarbonate via copolymerization of an epoxide compound and carbon dioxide using the complex as a catalyst. When the complex is used as a catalyst for copolymerizing an epoxide compound and carbon dioxide, it shows high activity and high selectivity and provides high-molecular weight polycarbonate, and thus easily applicable to commercial processes. In addition, after forming polycarbonate via carbon dioxide/epoxide copolymerization using the complex as a catalyst, the catalyst may be separately recovered from the copolymer.
US08642719B2 Solvent mixture for molecular weight control
A method of making a polymer, including: heating, for a sufficient time and temperature, to polymerize a homogenous mixture including of at least one polymerizable monomer, and a solvent mixture comprised of at least a first liquid and a second liquid, the first liquid being a stronger solvent for the product polymer than the weaker second liquid, and the polymer product precipitates from the homogenous mixture during the heating, as defined herein. Also disclosed are semiconducting articles and printable inks prepared with the resulting narrow polydispersity polymers, as defined herein.
US08642714B2 Phenol resin and resin composition
The present invention provides a phenol resin having, as a unit in its main-chain skeleton, a structure represented by the following general formula (I), as well as a resin composition using the same. According to the phenol resin of the invention, epoxylation thereof, chemical modification thereof, reaction thereof with an epoxy resin, and the like are facilitated. Phenol resins ranging from low-molecular-weight resins rich in fluidity to high-melting resins can be synthesized, and these phenol resins are industrially useful. When the phenol resin of the present invention is used as a hardening agent for epoxy resin etc., its resin composition can give a cured product of high Tg without deteriorating adhesiveness.
US08642713B2 Poly(aryletherketone)s and process for making them
Improved poly(aryletherketone)s with superior melt stability, lower gel content and lower color and a new process for their manufacture.
US08642711B2 Living radical polymerization method
Provided is a low-cost, highly active, environmentally friendly living radical polymerization method which does not require a radical initiator. Even if a catalyst is not used, a living radical polymerization method can be conducted by controlling the amount of the oxygen in the gaseous phase in the reaction vessel within a suitable range. A monomer having a radical-reactive unsaturated bond can be subjected to a radical polymerization reaction to obtain a polymer having narrow molecular weight distribution. The cost of the living radical polymerization can be remarkably reduced. The present invention eliminates the disadvantages of the conventional catalysts such as toxicity, low solubility, coloring/odor and the like, and is significantly more environmentally friendly and economically efficient than conventional living radical polymerization methods.
US08642710B2 Process for preparing polyolefin
The invention relates to a process for preparing polyolefin in a loop reactor. The polymer is prepared by polymerizing olefin monomers in the presence of a catalyst to produce a polyolefin slurry while pumping said slurry through said loop reactor by means of a pump. The present process is characterized in that the catalyst is fed in the loop reactor at a distance to the pump. The invention allows production of the polymer with advantageous properties while leading to fewer blockages of the reactor.
US08642709B2 Epoxy resin composition with reduced toxicity
The subject matter of the present Application is two-component compositions whose first component is a mixture of reactive epoxy resins and optionally further formulation constituents which contains, based on the mass of all epoxy resins, a) at least 10 wt % of an epoxy group-containing reaction product of epichlorohydrin with polypropylene glycol which has an epoxy equivalent weight of at least 250 g/eq, and b) at least 10 wt % of an epoxy group-containing reaction product of epichlorohydrin with a novolac resin which has an epoxy equivalent weight of at least 175 g/eq, and whose second component contains at least one thiol group-containing hardener for epoxy resins.
US08642707B2 Bioabsorbable polymeric composition for a medical device
A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.
US08642696B2 Copolymers including biobased monomers and methods of making and using same
Copolymer compositions and methods for making these compositions are described. The copolymers include a vinyl aromatic monomer; a second monomer, and a biobased monomer. The second monomer is selected from the group consisting of butadiene, alkyl acrylates, alkyl methacrylates, and mixtures thereof. Examples of biobased monomers useful in the compositions include isobornyl acrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, lauryl acrylate, lauryl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof. The compositions described herein can be used for binder or coating compositions and can include coating pigments, mineral fillers, and other additives.
US08642692B1 Compositions and methods for selective deposition modeling
There is provided compositions and methods for producing three-dimensional objects by selective deposition modeling with a polar build material and a non-polar support material. The build material comprises a hydrocarbon wax material and a viscosity modifier, and the support material comprises a hydrocarbon alcohol wax material and a viscosity modifier. After the selective deposition modeling process has been completed, the of can be placed in a bath of polar solvent to remove the support material. The particular materials provided herein, and the post-processing methods associated therewith, provide for improved part quality of the three-dimensional object and for improved post-processing techniques. The three-dimensional objects can subsequently be used in a number of applications, such as patterns for investment casting.
US08642691B2 Amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane adhesives for improved metal adhesion and metal adhesion retention to cured rubber
Amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxanes (amino AMS), and/or amino co-AMS compounds that also comprise a mercaptosilane or a blocked mercaptosilane, are excellent adhesives for coating plated or unplated metal wire for adherence of the wire to a rubber stock. The amino AMS and/or the amino/mercaptan co-AMS adhesives can be used with all types of rubber and there is no requirement for the use of special adhesive additives to the rubber vulcanizates, such as, but not limited to, cobalt, resins and high sulfur levels. In particular, the use of amino AMS and/or amino/mercaptan co-AMS compounds as adhesives for bonding wire to rubber also improves the adherence performance of the reinforcements to obtain sufficient bonding that is resistant to degradation over the course of time, especially resistance to thermal aging and/or thermo-oxidizing aging, in particular corrosion in the presence of water. Vulcanized rubber compositions that contain an amino AMS and/or amino/mercaptan co-AMS compound also have improved adhesion to embedded uncoated steel after humidity aging compared with vulcanized rubber compositions not containing the amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane.
US08642687B2 Fine-particle, stable suspensions of functionalized, completely or partially hydrogenated nitrile rubbers
Novel stable aqueous suspensions of a functionalized, completely or partially hydrogenated nitrite rubber are provided with very low emulsifier content and small particle diameter, furtheron a process for production thereof and the use thereof for producing composite materials via coating of substrate materials with the suspension.
US08642676B2 Polymerizable composition and acrylic resin film
A polymerizable composition comprising a syrup composition (α) and a polymerization initiator (β), wherein the syrup composition (α) contains a copolymer (C) and at least one (meth)acrylate selected from a di(meth)acrylate (A) represented by the general formula (1) and a mono(meth)acrylate (B), wherein the copolymer (C) is obtained by polymerization of a monomer mixture containing 1 to 60 wt % of the di(meth)acrylate (A) represented by the following general formula (1): CH2═CR1—COO—(X)—COCR1═CH2 (1) (wherein, (X) represents at least one residue selected from a polyalkylene glycol, a polyester diol and a polycarbonate diol having a number-average molecular weight of 500 or more, and R1 represents H or CH3) and 40 to 99 wt % of the mono(meth)acrylate (B); and an acrylic resin film 1 having flexibility and high transparency obtained by polymerizing and curing the polymerizable composition.
US08642675B2 Actinic ray curable composition, actinic ray curable ink-jet ink, image forming method and ink-jet recording apparatus utilizing said actinic ray curable ink-jet ink
An actinic ray curable composition comprising a photo-polymerizable compound and a photo-polymerization initiator, wherein the photo-polymerizable compound is a cationic polymerizable compound and a terminal polyether-modified silicone surfactant is further incorporated in the actinic ray curable composition.
US08642672B2 Coating composition
A coating composition is provided which contains (A) a co-hydrolytic condensate of a UV-absorbing alkoxysilane, a UV-curable alkoxysilane, and a tetraalkoxysilane, (B) a polyfunctional poly(meth)acrylate, and (C) a photobleachable photopolymerization initiator. Upon exposure to UV, the composition cures briefly at low temperature to form a cured film having durability, adhesion and transparency.
US08642670B2 Coarse-cell polyurethane elastomers
The present invention relates to an open-cell polyurethane foam comprising polyester and polyether structures and having a density of 70 to 300 g/L, 1 to 20 cells/cm, a rebound intensity greater than 30%, an elongation at break of greater than 200%, a tear propagation resistance of greater than 1.2 N/mm and a tensile strength of greater than 200 kPa. The present invention further relates to a process for producing inventive open-cell polyurethane sponges and to the use thereof as a pipe cleaning sponge.
US08642665B2 Environmentally friendly, low whitening compositions
Environmentally friendly, low whitening compositions are described. The compositions have aromatic alcohols and esters with a melting point from about 20° C. to about 40° C. The compositions are substantially free of silicones and suitable to impart excellent sensory characteristics in the absence of whitening and when topically applied to the skin of a consumer.
US08642662B2 Methods of using derivatives of (−)-venlafaxine
Methods of preparing, and compositions comprising, derivatives of (−)-venlafaxine are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of treating and preventing diseases and disorders including, but not limited to, affective disorders such as depression, bipolar and manic disorders, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, cerebral function disorders, obesity and weight gain, incontinence, dementia and related disorders.
US08642657B2 4-(methyl sulfonyl amino) phenyl analogues as vanilloid antagonist showing excellent analgesic activity and the pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same
4-(methylsulfonylamino)phenyl analogues as potent vanilloid receptor antagonists and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same. The compounds are useful as analgesics to prevent, alleviate or treat pain diseases or inflammatory disease including pain, acute pain, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, post-operative pain, migraine, arthralgia, neuropathies, nerve injury, diabetic neuropathy, neurodegeneration, neurotic skin disorder, stroke, urinary bladder hypersensitiveness, irritable bowel syndrome, a respiratory disorder such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, irritation of skin, eye or mucous membrane, fervescence, stomach-duodenal ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, inflammatory disease and urgent urinary incontinence.
US08642656B2 Calixarene-based peptide conformation mimetics, methods of use, and methods of making
A class of topomimetic calixarene-based peptide mimetics is described. Calixarene-based peptide mimetics have various biological activities such as, for example, bactericidal activity, antiangiogenic activity, and/or antitumor activity. Methods of use and methods of designing calixarene-based peptide mimetics are described.
US08642648B2 Orally dispersible tablet
The present invention provides a preparation with improved disintegration property, a preparation showing improved bioavailability of a medicament, production methods thereof and the like. A rapidly disintegrating preparation comprising granules comprising a medicament coated with a coating layer containing sugar or sugar alcohol; and a disintegrant. A production method of a rapidly disintegrating preparation including a step of producing granules comprising a medicament, a step of forming a coating layer containing sugar or sugar alcohol on the obtained granules and a step of mixing the coated granules with a disintegrant and molding the mixture.
US08642645B2 Pharmaceutical composition comprising Cannabinoids
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising Δ9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD), and at least one small molecule selected from Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Citrus Essential Oil(s), Lecithin, one or more sugar(s), Resvertrol, and combinations thereof, wherein the composition exhibits an increased but negated psychoactivity with concurrent enhancement in therapeutic potency of THC and/or CBD. The present invention is further directed to methods of treating one or more disease(s) or disorder(s) modulated by the activation of the Cannabinoid CB1 and/or CB2 receptors, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of the composition of the present invention to a subject in need thereof.
US08642644B2 Ophthamological drugs
The present invention relates generally to ophthamological drugs. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of modifying (derivatizing) ophthamological drugs so as to increase their penetration through the cornea. The invention also relates to drugs modified (derivatized) in accordance with the instant method and to the use of same in treating conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, particularly, glaucoma.
US08642643B2 CXCR2 antagonists
The invention relates to compounds of the formula I in which R1, R2, A, B, X and Y have the meanings indicated in the claims, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or a prodrug thereof. Because of their properties as inhibitors of chemokine receptors, especially as CXCR2 inhibitors, the compounds of the formula I and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof are suitable for the prevention and treatment of chemokine mediated diseases.
US08642642B2 Heterocyclic arylsulphones suitable for treating disorders that respond to modulation of the serotonin 5HT6 receptor
The invention relates to compounds of the formula (I) wherein the variables have meanings given in the claims and the description. The invention also relates to the use of a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for preparing a medicament for the treatment of a medical disorder susceptible to the treatment with a 5HT6 receptor ligand.
US08642640B2 1-phenylpyrrole derivatives
The present invention comprises a compound for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular diseases, nephropathy, fibrosis, primary aldosteronism or edema. The compound is of the following general formula (I): wherein R1 represents a C1-C3 alkyl group; R2 represents a hydroxy-C1-C4 alkyl group and the like; R3 represents a halogeno group, a halogeno-C1-C3 alkyl group and the like; R4 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogeno group and the like, —R5 represents a sulfamoyl group or a C1-C3 alkylsulfonyl group; R6 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogeno group and the like] or an N-oxide, atropisomer of the foregoing, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the foregoing.
US08642634B2 Fungicidal azocyclic amides
Disclosed are compounds of Formulae 1, 1A, 1B and 1C including all geometric and stereoisomers, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R4a1, R4a2, A, Aa, G, M, W, Z1, Z3, X, J, J1 and n are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling plant disease caused by a fungal pathogen comprising applying an effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.
US08642628B2 Pyrrole inhibitors of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase
The present invention is directed to inhibitors of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), pharmaceutical compositions comprising such GSNOR inhibitors, and methods of making and using the same.
US08642617B2 Pyridopyrazinones derivatives insulin secretion stimulators, methods for obtaining them and use thereof for the treatment of diabetes
The present invention relates to pyridopyrazinone derivatives of formula (I), wherein X, Y, Z1 W, A and R1 are as defined in claim 1, as insulin secretion stimulators. The invention also relates to the preparation and use of these pyridopyrazinone derivatives for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diabetes and pathologies associated.
US08642615B2 Methods of using 8-carboxamido-2,6-methano-3-benzazocines
8-Substituted-2,6-methano-3-benzazocines of general structure I in which A is —CH2—OH, —CH2NH2, —NHSO2CH3, and Y is O, S or NOH are useful as analgesics, anti-diarrheal agents, anticonvulsants, antitussives and anti-addiction medications. 8-Carboxamides, thiocarboxamides, hydroxyamidines and formamides are preferred.
US08642614B2 Toll-like receptor modulators and uses thereof
The present invention provides a compound of the formula: where n, m, X1, X2, X3, X4, R1, R2 and R3 are those defined herein. Some aspects of the invention also provides methods for using these compounds and compositions comprising the same.
US08642613B2 Treatment for leukemia and idiopathic aplastic anemia
A process for treating a patient with leukemia or an aplastic anemia having cells with inclusions that stain with anti-E. canis antibodies or antibodies to other Ehrlichia or Anaplasma is disclosed. That process comprises administering to the patient (i) an antibacterial amount of a rifamycin, (ii) an antibacterial amount of a quinolone, or a mixture of (i) and (ii).
US08642612B2 Nicotinic desensitizers and methods of selecting, testing, and using them
The present invention discloses nicotinic desensitizers and methods of selecting, testing, and using them. The present invention provides methods for selecting nicotinic desensitizers from one or more compounds by using receptor, cell, and tissue models; and methods for testing one or more nicotinic desensitizers for their therapeutic utility by using animal models. The present invention also provides compounds of formula (I) and (II) as nicotinic desensitizers. Nicotinic desensitizers of the present invention are useful for the treatment of a wide range of conditions, diseases, and disorders.
US08642611B2 Alkynylpyrimidines and salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, methods of preparing same and uses of same
The invention relates to alkynylpyrimidines according to the general formula (I): in which A, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are as defined in the claims, and salts, N-oxides, metabolites, solvates, tautomers and prodrugs thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said alkynylpyrimidines, to methods of preparing said alkynylpyrimidines, as well as to uses thereof for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of diseases of dysregulated vascular growth or of diseases which are accompanied with dysregulated vascular growth, wherein the compounds effectively interfere with Tie2 and VEGFR2 signalling.
US08642602B2 Method of inhibiting fibrogenesis and treating fibrotic disease
The present invention relates to the discovery of an epigenetic relay pathway that controls hepatic stellate cell activation and the wound-healing response in fibrogenesis, including fibrogenesis of the injured liver. Methods of inhibiting fibrogenesis, including liver fibrogenesis and secondary disease states and conditions thereof, and in treating liver damage, including cirrhosis of the liver (which may be caused by viruses or chemicals, including alcohol), are aspects of the present invention. The methods utilize certain nucleoside compounds and/or antibodies which are optionally conjugated. Pharmaceutical compositions represent additional aspects of the invention.
US08642600B2 Method of treating autism
The present invention relates to a method of treating a patient suffering from a disorder of the central nervous system associated with 5-HT1A receptor subtype, comprising as an active ingredient a carbostyril derivative or a salt thereof represented by the formula (1): wherein the carbon-carbon bond between 3- and 4-positions in the carbostyril skeleton is a single or a double bond.
US08642599B2 Method of treating Parkinson's Disease with diarylmethylpiperazine compounds exhibiting delta receptor agonist activity
Compositions and methods for treatment of Parkinson's disease to reduce the negative side effects of the disease by administering a therapeutically effective diarylmethylpiperazine compound which exhibits delta opioid receptor agonist activity, and optionally, mu receptor antagonist activity.
US08642594B2 Substituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines as HSP90 inhibitors
Compounds of formula (1) are inhibitors of HSP90 activity in vitro or in vivo, and of use in the treatment of inter alia, cancer: wherein R2 is a group of formula —(Ar1)m-(Alk1)P-(Z)r-(Alk2)S-Q wherein Ar1 is an optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl radical, Alk′ and Alk 2 are optionally substituted divalent C1-C3 alkylene or C2-C3 alkenylene radicals, m, p, r and s are independently 0 or 1, Z is —O—, —S—, —(C═O)—, —(C═S)—, —SO2—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)NRA—, —C(═S)NRA—, —SO2NRA—, —NRAC(═O)—, —NRASO2— or —NRA— wherein RA is hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl, and Q is hydrogen or an optionally substituted carbocyclic or heterocyclic radical; R3 is hydrogen, an optional substituent, or an optionally substituted (C1-C6)alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl radical; and R4 is a carboxylic ester, carboxamide or sulfonamide group.
US08642593B2 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds and prodrugs and their uses
The present disclosure provides biologically active 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds of formulae (I)-(III): and salts thereof, compositions comprising these compounds, and methods of using these compounds in a variety of applications.
US08642591B2 Composition containing amidine derivatives or carboxamide derivatives and steroids, as a medicament
The present invention relates to a composition containing at least one amidine derivative or carboxamide derivative of general formula (I) or (A) in combination with at least one compound chosen from steroids, corticoids or corticosteroids, wherein said composition is suitable for the preparation of a medicament.
US08642590B2 Alkylcyclohexylethers of dihydrotetraazabenzoazulenes
The present invention is concerned with alkylcyclohexylethers of dihydro-tetraazabenzoazulenes, i.e. alkylcyclohexylethers of 5,6-dihydro-4H-2,3,5,10b-tetraaza-benzo[e]azulene s of formula I wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as described herein, their manufacture, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. The compounds according to the invention act as V1a receptor modulators, and in particular as V1a receptor antagonists. The compounds are useful as therapeutics acting peripherally and centrally in the conditions of dysmenorrhea, male or female sexual dysfunction, hypertension, chronic heart failure, inappropriate secretion of vasopressin, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, anxiety, depressive disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, autistic spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and aggressive behavior.
US08642588B2 Short-acting benzodiazepine salts and their polymorphic forms
The invention relates to esylate salts of the compound of formula (I): Methods of preparing the salts, and their use as medicaments, in particular for sedative or hypnotic, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, or anticonvulsant purposes is also described.
US08642587B2 Heterocyclic compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use in therapy
The present invention relates to heterocyclic compounds of the formula (I) or a physiologically tolerated salt thereof. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such heterocyclic compounds, and the use of such heterocyclic compounds for therapeutic purposes.
US08642584B2 Method of using PI3K and MEK modulators
The invention provides methods of treating cancer with a combination of compounds which inhibit kinases, more specifically MEK and PI3K.
US08642581B1 Compositions and methods for the production of S-adenosylmethionine within the body
Described herein is a method for increasing levels of S-adenosylmethionine within the human body without administering S-adenosylmethionine directly. The method of the invention may be achieved by administering one or more of L-methionine, methylcobalamin, 5-Methyl tetrahydrofolate, betaine, and malic acid, together with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of folic acid, vitamin B12, magnesium, calcium, and other cofactors.
US08642580B2 Combined therapy against tumors comprising substituted acryloyl distamycin derivatives and platinum derivatives
Compounds which are α-halogenoacryloyl distamycin derivatives of formula (I) wherein R1 is a bromine or chlorine atom; R2 is a distamycin or distamycin-like framework as set forth in the specification; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; are cytotoxic agents particularly effective in the treatment of tumors over expressing GSH/GSTs system and which are poorly responsive or even resistant to conventional antitumor therapies.
US08642574B2 Surgical compositions for reducing the incidence of adhesions
A method of preventing or reducing the incidence of post-operative adhesions in or associated with a body cavity, which comprises introducing into the body cavity a composition containing an aqueous solution or suspension or gel formulation containing the polysaccharide dextrin.
US08642569B2 Methods for expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Described herein are methods and compositions for expanding hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) ex vivo and in vivo, and methods and compositions for transplanting HSPCs and treatment of anemia in a human subject. HSPCs are expanded in the presence of an inhibitor of serine threonine kinase 38 (STK38), wherein said inhibitor is preferably an RNAi agent.
US08642567B2 Receptor modulators exhibiting neuroprotective and memory enhancing activities
The present invention provides therapeutically active compounds and compositions as NMDA and MC receptor antagonists, which are useful in treating central nervous system disorders by over-activation of NMDA and/or MC receptors. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of enhancing brain's cognitive function and reducing neuronal cell death in mammals and humans.
US08642559B2 C-terminal domain truncation of mGluR1α by calpain and uses thereof
A composition comprising a peptide or a peptidomimetic thereof that inhibits the C-terminal domain truncation of mGluR1α by calpain, wherein the peptide is 10-30 amino acids in length and contains a sequence that is at least 70% homologous to VIKPLTKSYQGSGK. Also disclosed are methods of detecting the C-terminal domain truncation of mGluR1α by calpain, methods of inhibiting the C-terminal domain truncation of mGluR1α in a neuron, and methods of identifying a compound that inhibits the C-terminal domain truncation of mGluR1α.
US08642556B2 Methods of providing therapeutic effects using cyclosporin components
Methods of treating an eye of a human or animal include administering to an eye of a human or animal a composition in the form of an emulsion including water, a hydrophobic component and a cyclosporin component in a therapeutically effective amount of less than 0.1% by weight of the composition. The weight ratio of the cyclosporin component to the hydrophobic component is less than 0.8.
US08642553B2 Acacia macrostachya seed extract and compositions containing same
The invention relates to a composition containing an extract of seeds of Acacia macrostachya. Advantageously the composition is cosmetic, pharmaceutical, dermatological or nutraceutical. The invention also relates to a method for extracting a Acacia macrostachya seed extract, as well as to the resulting extract. The invention further relates to one such composition or one such extract for use in the prevention or treatment of disorders and diseases affecting the skin, mucosae or appendages, for use in the prevention or treatment of vascular disorders and for use in the prevention or treatment of adipose tissue alterations. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for cosmetic care of the Skin, appendages and mucosae in order to improve the condition or appearance thereof, comprising the administration of one such composition or one such extract.
US08642551B2 Use of liver growth factor (LGF) as a neural tissue regenerator
The invention comprises the use of LGF in the production of medicinal products that can be used in the pleiotropic tissue regeneration of one or more damaged tissues, in which at least one of the damaged tissues forms part of the central nervous system and the medicinal product is intended to be administered systemically. The invention is based on the fact that intraperitoneal administration of LGF can promote a positive effect on a Parkinson's disease model. As such, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the medicinal product is intended for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, particularly when the medicinal product is intended for humans.
US08642549B2 OCL-2A3 compositions and uses thereof
This invention relates to osteoclast-specific genes and proteins. Specifically, the invention relates to OCL-2A3 or Atp6v0d2, the gene encoding it and uses thereof in methods and treatment of bone disorders.
US08642548B2 Val (8) GLP-1 composition and method for treating functional dyspepsia and/or irritable bowel syndrome
A method of treating functional dyspepsia and/or irritable bowel syndrome in mammals in need of treatment is disclosed herein. The method comprises administering to the mammal a formulation by inhalation, wherein the formulation avoids first pass metabolism of the active ingredient. The method comprises administering a formulation by pulmonary inhalation comprising a diketopiperazine and a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), analog, ROSE-010.
US08642547B2 Methods for accelerating the healing of connective tissue injuries and disorders
The invention is directed to methods for accelerating the healing of connective tissue injuries and disorders. In particular, the invention is directed to accelerating the healing of injuries and disorders of tendons and ligaments. Such methods utilize novel compositions including, but not limited to, extraembryonic cytokine-secreting cells (herein referred to as ECS cells), including, but not limited to, Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells) and conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution or ACCS), including pooled ACCS, and Physiologic Cytokine Solution (PCS).
US08642545B2 Erythropoietin mimetic peptide derivative and its pharmaceutical salts, the preparation and uses thereof
What is provided is EPO mimetic peptide derivatives defined as formula (I) and their pharmaceutical salts, the preparation thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, n1, n2 are defined as described in description. A composition comprising of an EPO mimetic peptide derivative defined as formula (I) and its pharmaceutical salt. The uses of the derivatives and their pharmaceutical salts, as well as the uses of the compositions described above in treatment of diseases characterized by a deficiency of EPO or a low or defective red blood cell population. R1—R2—(CH2)n1—R3—(CH2)n2—R4—R5  (I)
US08642543B2 Methods for treating progressive cognitive disorders related to neurofibrillary tangles
The described invention provides methods for treating or preventing progression of a progressive cognitive disease, disorder or condition, and methods for improving resilience of cognitive function in a subject in need thereof.
US08642542B2 Recombinant fusion proteins to growth hormone and serum albumin
The invention describes albumin fusion proteins comprising growth hormone and serum albumin. The invention also describes nucleic acid molecules encoding the albumin fusion proteins of the invention, as well as vectors containing these nucleic acid molecules, host cells transformed with these vectors, and methods of making the albumin fusion proteins of the invention and using these nucleic acids, vectors, and/or host cells. Additionally, the invention describes compositions comprising the albumin fusion proteins, and methods of treating patients in need of growth hormone, comprising administering the albumin fusion proteins of the invention.
US08642541B2 Glucagon analogues
The invention provides materials and methods for promoting weight loss or preventing weight gain, and in the treatment of diabetes, metabolic syndrome and associated disorders. In particular, the invention provides novel glucagon analogue peptides effective in such methods. The peptides may mediate their effect by having increased selectivity for the GLP-1 receptor as compared to human glucagon.
US08642540B2 Glucagon analogues
The invention provides materials and methods for promoting weight loss or preventing weight gain, and in the treatment of diabetes, metablic syndrome and associated disorders. In particular, the invention provides novel glucagon analogue peptides effective in such methods. The peptides may mediate their effect by having increased selectivity for the GLP-1 receptor as compared to human glucagon.
US08642539B2 Method for treating a disease characterized by reduced appetite
Insl5 has been found to be orexigenic, i.e. it increases appetite. Insl5, or a derivative or fragment thereof that retains the ability to bind to the GPR100 receptor, or an Insl5 antibody, are useful in therapy, in particular to treat anorexia nervosa, bulimia, cachexia or wasting disease.
US08642537B2 Hepatitis B virus-binding polypeptides and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides non-naturally occurring polypeptides that specifically bind hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA; and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The present invention further provides methods of detecting HBV DNA; methods of detecting a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) form of HBV; and methods for treating HBV infection.
US08642536B2 Method of making biologically active alpha-beta peptides
Described is a method of fabricating biologically active, unnatural polypeptides. The method includes the steps of selecting a biologically active polypeptide or biologically active fragment thereof having an amino acid sequence comprising α-amino acid residues, and fabricating a synthetic polypeptide that has an amino acid sequence that corresponds to the sequence of the biologically active polypeptide, but wherein about 14% to about 50% of the α-amino acid residues found in the biologically active polypeptide or fragment of step (a) are replaced with β-amino acid residues, and the α-amino acid residues are distributed in a repeating pattern.
US08642535B2 Short fatty acid tail polymyxin derivatives and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a polymyxin derivative wherein the derivative has a total of three positive charges at physiological pH and wherein the terminal moiety (D) of the derivative comprises a total of 1 to 5 carbon atoms. The invention also relates to a method of treating a subject for a gram-negative bacterial infection by administering a polymyxin derivative of the invention in combination with a second antibacterial agent. Finally, the invention relates to a process for preparing such polymyxin derivatives.
US08642530B2 Fast drying and fast draining rinse aid
The present invention is directed to rinse aid compositions and methods for making and using the rinse aid compositions. The compositions of the invention include a sheeting agent, a defoaming agent, and an association disruption agent. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention result in a faster draining/drying time on most substrates compared to conventional rinse aids. The rinse aid compositions of the present invention are especially suitable for use on plastic substrates.
US08642527B2 Oxidizing bleach composition
The invention provides an aqueous bleaching solution for substrate treatment. The aqueous bleaching solution features a source of oxidant and a plurality of optically functional nanoparticles. The optically functional nanoparticles are nanoparticles in the range of about 0.1 nanometers to about 400 nanometers in size. The aqueous bleaching solution may optionally include one or more an oxidant-stable surfactants and optionally, one or more oxidant-stable polymers, and adjuncts. The optically functional nanoparticles are extremely stable in the aqueous bleaching solution and remain substantially suspended in the aqueous bleaching solution due to their extremely small size despite having an average density greater than that of the bleaching solution. The optically functional nanoparticles provide at least one optical functional benefit to the bleaching solution owing to their uniform and stable suspension throughout the solution, including such benefits as uniform light absorption, light and radiation scattering, fluorescent emission, phosphorescent emission, coloration, and visual aesthetic benefits and the like. Further, optically functional benefits include those benefits provided to a substrate or surface treated with the aqueous bleaching solutions whereby the optically functional property is transferred either temporarily or permanently to the substrate or surface following contact with bleaching solutions containing the optically functional nanoparticles.
US08642520B2 Silicone based lubricant compositions
Compositions comprising silicone fluids are formulated to provide improved metal-to-metal lubrication. Such Lubricating compositions comprise a major amount of (1) one or more siloxane polymer (“silicone fluids”) selected from dimethyl siloxane polymers (also known as dimethyl silicone) and/or phenylmethyl dimethyl siloxane copolymers (also known as phenyl silicone), and lesser amounts of (2) synthetic and/or bio-based ester co-fluid, and (3) an alkoxylated aliphatic polyamine derivative. Unexpectedly, the compositions show a significant improvement in metal-to-metal lubrication, performing better than either the silicone fluids alone or and a combination of silicone with-ester and or silicone with-alkoxylated aliphatic polyamine combinations.
US08642518B2 Recovery of lubricants from used cooling lubricants
In a method for recovering lubricant or lubricant concentrate from a used mixture containing lubricant, the mixture containing lubricant and which is substantially dewatered is subjected to short path distillation at a temperature of at least 150° C. and a pressure of less than 1.5 mbar, in order to obtain a lubricant concentrate which can be recycled into cooling lubricants and which is free of very finely wear debris, metal soaps and polymers.
US08642516B2 Chemically-defined arrays for screening cell-substrate interactions
Patterned SAM arrays and methods of preparing patterned SAM arrays are disclosed. Advantageously, the methods used to prepare the patterned SAM arrays allow for controlling SAM spot-to-spot conditions such as ligand identity and ligand density, which allows for preparing a wide range of SAM spots in a single array format. Additionally, the patterned SAM arrays of the present disclosure support the culture of a range of cell types. The patterned SAM arrays offer the ability to rapidly screen substrate components for influencing cell attachment, spreading, proliferation, migration, and differentiation.
US08642515B2 Genetic determinants of prostate cancer risk
Described are methods of determining if a subject has a genetic predisposition to developing prostate cancer (PCa).
US08642514B2 Encoded self-assembling chemical libraries (ESACHEL)
The invention provides a chemical compound comprising a chemical moiety (p) capable of performing a binding interaction with a target molecule, and an oligonucleotide (b) or functional analogue thereof. The oligonucleotide (b) or functional analogue comprises at least one self-assembly sequence (b1) capable of performing a combination reaction with at least one self-assembly sequence (b1′) of a complementary oligonucleotide or functional analogue bound to another chemical compound comprising a chemical moiety (q). In a some embodiments, the chemical compound comprises a coding sequence (b1) coding for the identification of the chemical moiety (p) and further comprises at least one self-assembly moiety (m) capable of performing a combination reaction with at least one self-assembly moiety (m′) of a similar chemical compound comprising a chemical moiety (q). The invention also provides corresponding libraries of chemical compounds as well as methods of biopanning for target molecules and of identifying such targets.
US08642512B2 Method of detecting early immune activation
Provided are methods of diagnosing an early immune activation by detecting T-cell immune response cDNA 7 (TIRC7); in particular, TIRC7 as an early biomarker for the detection of transplant rejection in a non-invasive diagnostic methods is described that replaces biopsy intervention with a simple diagnostic method for monitoring after transplantation and furthermore, kits for uses in such methods of diagnosis are provided.
US08642511B2 Method for depositing oxide thin films on textured and curved metal surfaces
Method of depositing a layer of oxide of at least one metal element on a curved surface of a textured metal substrate, said method comprising the following steps: (1) a layer of a precursor of at least one oxide of a metal is deposited using an organic solution of at least one precursor of said metal, this solution preferably having a viscosity, measured at the temperature of the method, of between 1 mPa s and 20 mPa s, and even more preferentially between 2 mPa s and 10 mPa s. (2) said layer of oxide precursor is left to dry, (3) heat treatment is carried out in order to pyrolyse said oxide precursor and to form the oxide, at least part of said heat treatment being carried out under a flow of reducing gas, said reducing gas preferably having a flow rate greater than 0.005 cm/s, preferentially between 0.012 cm/s and 0.1 cm/s, and even more preferentially between 0.04 cm/s and 0.08 cm/s.
US08642509B2 Herbicidal compositions
The present invention provides a method of reducing phytotoxicity to crops (especially maize) caused by a herbicidal benzoylisoxazole and/or dione derivative of formula (I) or an agriculturally acceptable salt or metal complex thereof; which method comprises applying to the locus of the crop an antidotally effective amount of an antidote compound, optionally with a partner herbicide.
US08642506B2 Plant disease damage control composition and plant disease damage prevention and control method
The invention provides a plant disease control composition including active ingredients of (RS)-N-[2-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)thiophene-3-yl]-1-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide (common name: penthiopyrad) and at least one fungicidal compound other than penthiopyrad, and a plant disease prevention method wherein such a compound is applied to plant seeds or soil. According to the invention, a composition and a prevention method are provided which demonstrate a prevention effect against plural types of disease pathogenic microbes, and also demonstrate a preventing effect to currently emerging resistant pathogenic microbes, when applied to plant seed or soil.
US08642504B2 Aqueous and transparent coatings for marking substrates
The present invention provides a composition, which comprises an aqueous solvent and forms a transparent colorless coating, which yields markings of high contrast on exposure to energy. It also provides a process for the preparation of these compositions, substrates coated with these compositions and a process for their preparation, a process for preparing marked substrates using these compositions and marked substrates obtainable by the latter process.
US08642503B1 Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic composite
A superhydrophobic and superoleophilic composite comprises a porous material and a surface layer. The porous material includes a framework and a plurality of interconnecting pores formed inside the framework and interconnecting with each other. The framework has a plurality of skeletons connected with each other. The surface layer is coated on the surfaces of the skeletons and includes an adhesion medium and a plurality of graphene sheets stuck to the surfaces of the skeletons by the adhesion medium. The graphene sheets form a rough surface conforming to the skeletons. The superhydrophobic and superoleophilic composite can absorb oil or organic pollutants in water and can be reused.
US08642502B2 Reversible gel-forming compositions for controlled delivery of bioactive substances
The present invention relates biomedically useful compositions containing bioactive agents and biodegradable carbohydrate polyethers that exhibit reverse thermogelation properties in aqueous media. The microstructure structure and properties of the carbohydrate polyethers can be conveniently controlled with respect to functionality, molecular weight, polydispersity index, microstructure and tertiary structure, they can be customized for use in a variety of biomedical applications including drug delivery, cell delivery, surgical procedures and the like.
US08642497B2 Processes for the preparation of tetrakis(Faryl)borate salts
A process for the preparation of organic cation tetrakis(Faryl) borate salts. The process includes preparation of intermediate, mono-hydrazine substituted (Faryl) compound, from (Faryl) compound using hydrazine at temperatures below 78° C. A stoichiometric excess of hydrazine to the (Faryl) compound to the (Faryl) compound is used. The process further includes the preparation of the organic cation tetrakis(Faryl) borate in ethereal medium.
US08642492B2 High zirconia fused cast refractory
To provide a high zirconia fused cast refractory having high durability, which hardly has cracks during the heating, by temperature changes during use and during the cooling at the time of suspension of operation. A high zirconia fused cast refractory which has a chemical composition comprising from 86 to 96 mass % of ZrO2, from 2.5 to 8.5 mass % of SiO2, from 0.4 to 3 mass % of Al2O3, from 0.4 to 1.8 mass % of K2O, at most 0.04 mass % of B2O3, at most 0.04 mass % of P2O5 and at most 3.8 mass % of Cs2O and containing substantially no Na2O.
US08642487B2 Film deposition method and film deposition apparatus
A film deposition method including: a step of carrying a substrate into a vacuum chamber, and placing the substrate on a turntable; a step of rotating the turntable; and an adsorption-formation-irradiation step of supplying a first reaction gas to the substrate from a first reaction gas supply part to adsorb the first reaction gas on the substrate; supplying a second reaction gas from a second reaction gas supply part so that the first reaction gas adsorbed on the substrate reacts with the second reaction gas so as to form a reaction product on the substrate; and supplying a hydrogen containing gas to a plasma generation part that is separated from the first reaction gas supply part and the second reaction gas supply part in a circumferential direction of the turntable so as to generate plasma above the turntable and to irradiate the plasma to the reaction product.
US08642485B2 Method for fabricating patterned polyimide film and applications thereof
A method for fabricating a patterned polyimide film, wherein the method comprises steps as follows: Firstly, a polyimide film is provided on a substrate. A wet planarization process is then performed to remove a portion of the polyimide film. Subsequently the planarized polyimide film is patterned.
US08642482B2 Plasma etching method, control program and computer storage medium
A plasma etching method, for plasma-etching a target substrate including at least a film to be etched, an organic film to become a mask of the to-be-etched film, and a Si-containing film which are stacked in order from bottom, includes the first organic film etching step, the treatment step and the second organic film etching step when the organic film is etched to form a mask pattern of the to-be-etched film. In the first organic film etching step, a portion of the organic film is etched. In the treatment step, the Si-containing film and the organic film are exposed to plasma of a rare gas after the first organic film etching step. In the second organic film etching step, the remaining portion of the organic film is etched after the treatment step.
US08642480B2 Adjusting substrate temperature to improve CD uniformity
A plasma etching system having a substrate support assembly with multiple independently controllable heater zones. The plasma etching system is configured to control etching temperature of predetermined locations so that pre-etch and/or post-etch non-uniformity of critical device parameters can be compensated for.
US08642476B2 Method for manufacturing silicon carbide semiconductor device
There is provided a method for manufacturing a SiC semiconductor device achieving improved performance. The method for manufacturing the SiC semiconductor device includes the following steps. That is, a SiC semiconductor is prepared which has a first surface having at least a portion into which impurities are implanted. By cleaning the first surface of the SiC semiconductor, a second surface is formed. On the second surface, a Si-containing film is formed. By oxidizing the Si-containing film, an oxide film constituting the SiC semiconductor device is formed.
US08642474B2 Spacer lithography
Ultrafine dimensions are accurately and efficiently formed in a target layer using a spacer lithographic technique comprising forming a first mask pattern, forming a cross-linkable layer over the first mask pattern, forming a cross-linked spacer between the first mask pattern and cross-linkable layer, removing the cross-linkable layer, cross-linked spacer from the upper surface of the first mask pattern and the first mask pattern to form a second mask pattern comprising remaining portions of the cross-linked spacer, and etching using the second mask pattern to form an ultrafine pattern in the underlying target layer. Embodiments include forming the first mask pattern from a photoresist material capable of generating an acid, depositing a cross-linkable material comprising a material capable of undergoing a cross-linking reaction in the presence of an acid, and removing portions of the non-cross-linked layer and cross-linked spacer from the upper surface of the first mask pattern before removing the remaining portions of the first mask pattern and remaining noncross-linked layer.
US08642473B2 Methods for contact clean
Methods and apparatus for removing oxide from a surface, the surface comprising at least one of silicon and germanium, are provided. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for removing native oxide from a metal silicide layer of a contact structure. The method and apparatus advantageously integrate both the etch stop layer etching process and the native oxide removal process in a single chamber, thereby eliminating native oxide growth or other contaminates redeposit during the substrate transfer processes. Furthermore, the method and the apparatus also provides the improved three-step chemical reaction process to efficiently remove native oxide from the metal silicide layer without adversely altering the geometry of the contact structure and the critical dimension of the trenches or vias formed in the contact structure.
US08642472B2 Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device
A generation of a void in a recessed section is inhibited. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: an operation of forming recessed sections in an insulating film, which is formed on a semiconductor substrate; an operation of forming a seed film in the recessed section; an operation of forming a cover metal film in the recessed section; an operation of selectively removing the cover metal film to expose the seed film over the bottom section of the recessed section; and an operation to carrying out a growth of a plated film to fill the recessed section by utilizing the seed film exposed in the bottom section of the recessed section as a seed.
US08642471B2 Semiconductor structure and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure. The method can effectively reduce the contact resistance between source/drain regions and a contact layer by forming two contact layers of different thickness on the surfaces of the source/drain regions. Further, the present invention provides a semiconductor structure, which has reduced the contact resistance.
US08642470B2 Semiconductor device manufacturing method
The present invention provides a semiconductor device manufacturing method. This method comprises: etching a first dielectric layer to form a recess; depositing a second dielectric layer over said first dielectric layer and said recess, such that said recess is enclosed by said first dielectric layer and said second dielectric layer to form an air gap; and performing etching, such that a first trench is formed in said first dielectric layer and said second dielectric layer, adjacent to said air gap. The first trench can be filled with a conductive material to form wiring.
US08642466B2 Semiconductor device with air gap and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a plurality of bit line structures over a substrate, forming multiple layers of spacer layers with a capping layer interposed therebetween over the bit line structures, exposing a surface of the substrate by selectively etching the spacer layers, forming air gaps and capping spacers for covering upper portions of the air gaps by selectively etching the capping layer, and forming storage node contact plugs between the bit line structures.
US08642463B2 Routing layer for mitigating stress in a semiconductor die
A routing layer for a semiconductor die is disclosed. The routing layer includes pads for attaching solder bumps; bond-pads bonded to bump-pads of a die having an integrated circuit, and traces interconnecting bond-pads to pads. The routing layer is formed on a layer of dielectric material. The routing layer includes conductive traces at least partially surrounding some pads so as to absorb stress from solder bumps attached to the pads. Parts of the traces that surround pads protect parts of the underlying dielectric material proximate the solder bumps, from the stress.
US08642461B2 Side wettable plating for semiconductor chip package
A method for providing a semiconductor chip package with side wettable plating includes singulating a semiconductor chip package from an array of packages formed in a block format, immersing the semiconductor chip package in a bath of plating solution, contacting a lead land of the semiconductor chip package with conductive contact material within the bath of plating solution, connecting the conductive contact material to a cathode electrical potential, connecting an anode within the bath of plating solution to an anode electrical potential, and plating the lead land of the semiconductor chip package.
US08642459B2 Method for forming a semiconductor device with an isolation region on a gate electrode
A method for forming a semiconductor device. One embodiment provides a semiconductor substrate having a trench with a sidewall isolation. The sidewall isolation is removed in a portion of the trench. A gate dielectric is formed on the laid open sidewall. A gate electrode is formed adjacent to the date dielectric. The upper surface of the gate electrode is located at a depth d1 below the surface of the semiconductor substrate. The gate oxide is removed above the gate electrode. An isolation is formed simultaneously on the gate electrode and the semiconductor substrate such that the absolute value of height difference d2 between the isolation over the gate electrode and the isolation over the semiconductor substrate is smaller than the depth d1.
US08642458B2 Method of fabricating nonvolatile memory device
A method of fabricating a nonvolatile memory device includes providing an intermediate structure in which a floating gate and an isolation film are disposed adjacent to each other on a semiconductor substrate and a gate insulating film is disposed on the floating gate and the isolation film, forming a conductive film on the gate insulating film, and annealing the conductive film so that part of the conductive film on an upper portion of the floating gate flows down onto a lower portion of the floating gate and an upper portion of the isolation film.
US08642457B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor device
The present invention provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. A substrate is provided. A first region and a second region are defined on the substrate. A first interfacial layer, a sacrifice layer and a sacrifice gate layer are disposed on the first region. The sacrifice layer and the sacrifice gate layer are disposed on the second region of the substrate. Next, a first etching step is performed to remove the sacrifice gate layer in the first region and the second region. Then, a second etching step is performed to remove the sacrifice layer in the first region and the second region to expose the substrate of the second region. Lastly, a second interfacial layer is formed on the substrate of the second region.
US08642456B2 Implementing semiconductor signal-capable capacitors with deep trench and TSV technologies
A method and structures are provided for implementing semiconductor signal-capable capacitors with deep trench and Through-Silicon-Via (TSV) technologies. A deep trench N-well structure is formed and an implant is provided in the deep trench N-well structure with a TSV formed in a semiconductor chip. At least one angled implant is created around the TSV in a semiconductor chip. The TSV is surrounded with a dielectric layer and filled with a conducting material which forms one electrode of the capacitor. A connection is made to one implant forming a second electrode to the capacitor.
US08642455B2 High-throughput printing of semiconductor precursor layer from nanoflake particles
Methods and devices are provided for transforming non-planar or planar precursor materials in an appropriate vehicle under the appropriate conditions to create dispersions of planar particles with stoichiometric ratios of elements equal to that of the feedstock or precursor materials, even after selective forces settling. In particular, planar particles disperse more easily, form much denser coatings (or form coatings with more interparticle contact area), and anneal into fused, dense films at a lower temperature and/or time than their counterparts made from spherical nanoparticles. These planar particles may be nanoflakes that have a high aspect ratio. The resulting dense films formed from nanoflakes are particularly useful in forming photovoltaic devices.
US08642451B2 Active region patterning in double patterning processes
A method includes forming an SRAM cell including a first and a second pull-up transistor and a first and a second pull-down transistor. The step of forming the SRAM cell includes forming a first and a second active region of the first and the second pull-up transistors using a first lithography mask, and forming a third and a fourth active region of the first and the second pull-down transistors using a second lithography mask.
US08642450B2 Low temperature junction growth using hot-wire chemical vapor deposition
A system and a process for forming a semi-conductor device, and solar cells (10) formed thereby. The process includes preparing a substrate (12) for deposition of a junction layer (14); forming the junction layer (14) on the substrate (12) using hot wire chemical vapor deposition; and, finishing the semi-conductor device.
US08642448B2 Wafer dicing using femtosecond-based laser and plasma etch
Methods of dicing semiconductor wafers, each wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits, are described. A method includes forming a mask above the semiconductor wafer. The mask is composed of a layer covering and protecting the integrated circuits. The mask is patterned with a femtosecond-based laser scribing process to provide a patterned mask with gaps. The patterning exposes regions of the semiconductor wafer between the integrated circuits. The semiconductor wafer is then etched through the gaps in the patterned mask to singulate the integrated circuits.
US08642447B2 Semiconductor wafer and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes preparing a semiconductor wafer including a silicon substrate and a laminate having a compound semiconductor layer; etching and removing a part of the laminate in a thickness direction to form trench regions in a grid, each trench region including a plurality of stripe grooves extending in parallel to each other; filling the groove with a material having a lower hardness than the compound semiconductor layer to form a buried region; and dividing the semiconductor wafer into a plurality of chips by dicing using a blade at a dicing line which is defined within the trench region and includes a plurality of the buried regions.
US08642446B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming protective structure around semiconductor die for localized planarization of insulating layer
A semiconductor wafer contains a plurality of semiconductor die separated by a saw street. A contact pad is formed over an active surface of the semiconductor die. A protective pattern is formed over the active surface of the semiconductor die between the contact pad and saw street of the semiconductor die. The protective pattern includes a segmented metal layer or plurality of parallel segmented metal layers. An insulating layer is formed over the active surface, contact pad, and protective pattern. A portion of the insulating layer is removed to expose the contact pad. The protective pattern reduces erosion of the insulating layer between the contact pad and saw street of the semiconductor die. The protective pattern can be angled at corners of the semiconductor die or follow a contour of the contact pad. The protective pattern can be formed at corners of the semiconductor die.
US08642445B2 Method and apparatus for reducing package warpage
Embodiments of mechanisms for flattening a packaged structure are provided. The mechanisms involve a flattening apparatus and the utilization of protection layer(s) between the packaged structure and the surface(s) of the flattening apparatus. The protection layer(s) is made of a soft and non-sticking material to allow protecting exposed fragile elements of the packaged structure and easy separation after processing. The embodiments of flattening process involve flattening the warped packaged structure by pressure under elevated processing temperature. Processing under elevated temperature allows the package structure to be flattened within a reasonable processing time.
US08642443B2 Process for the realization of islands of at least partially relaxed strained material
The present invention relates to the field of semiconductor manufacturing. More specifically, it relates to a method of forming islands of at least partially relaxed strained material on a target substrate including the steps of forming islands of the strained material over a side of a first substrate; bonding the first substrate, on the side including the islands of the strained material, to the target substrate; and after the step of bonding splitting the first substrate from the target substrate and at least partially relaxing the islands of the strained material by a first heat treatment.
US08642441B1 Self-aligned STI with single poly for manufacturing a flash memory device
A method for fabricating a memory device with a self-aligned trap layer and rounded active region corners is disclosed. In the present invention, an STI process is performed before any of the charge-trapping and top-level layers are formed. Immediately after the STI process, the sharp corners of the active regions are exposed. Because these sharp corners are exposed at this time, they are available to be rounded through any number of known rounding techniques. Rounding the corners improves the performance characteristics of the memory device. Subsequent to the rounding process, the charge-trapping structure and other layers can be formed by a self-aligned process.
US08642438B2 Method of manufacturing an integrated circuit device
In an integrated circuit device and method of manufacturing the same, a resistor pattern is positioned on a device isolation layer of a substrate. The resistor pattern includes a resistor body positioned in a recess portion of the device isolation layer and a connector making contact with the resistor body and positioned on the device isolation layer around the recess portion. The connector has a metal silicide pattern having electric resistance lower than that of the resistor body at an upper portion. A gate pattern is positioned on the active region of the substrate and includes the metal silicide pattern at an upper portion. A resistor interconnection is provided to make contact with the connector of the resistor pattern. A contact resistance between the connector and the resistor interconnection is reduced.
US08642431B2 N-type carrier enhancement in semiconductors
A field effect transistor (FET) has a channel hosted in Ge. The FET has silicon-germanium (SiGe) source and drain formed by selective epitaxy. The SiGe source and drain exert a tensile stress onto the Ge channel. During forming of the SiGe source and drain, an n-type dopant species and a compensating species are being incorporated into the SiGe source and drain. The n-type dopant species and the compensating species are so selected that the size of the SiGe atomic radius is inbetween the dopant atomic radius and the compensating species atomic radius.
US08642429B2 Wide and deep oxide trench in a semiconductor substrate with interspersed vertical oxide ribs
A semiconductor device structure with an oxide-filled large deep trench (OFLDT) portion having trench size TCS and trench depth TCD is disclosed. A bulk semiconductor layer (BSL) is provided with a thickness BSLT>TCD. A large trench top area (LTTA) is mapped out atop BSL with its geometry equal to OFLDT. The LTTA is partitioned into interspersed, complementary interim areas ITA-A and ITA-B. Numerous interim vertical trenches of depth TCD are created into the top BSL surface by removing bulk semiconductor materials corresponding to ITA-B. The remaining bulk semiconductor materials corresponding to ITA-A are converted into oxide. If any residual space is still left between the so-converted ITA-A, the residual space is filled up with oxide deposition. Importantly, the geometry of all ITA-A and ITA-B should be configured simple and small enough to facilitate fast and efficient processes of oxide conversion and oxide filling.
US08642428B2 Semiconductor device including line-type active region and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device having a line-type active region and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes an active region configured in a successive line type, at least one active gate having a first width and crossing the active region, and an isolation gate having a second width different from the first width and being formed between the active gates. The isolation gate's width and the active gate's width are different from each other to guarantee a large storage node contact region, resulting in increased device operation characteristics (write characteristics).
US08642424B2 Replacement metal gate structure and methods of manufacture
A replacement metal gate structure and methods of manufacturing the same is provided. The method includes forming at least one trench structure and forming a liner of high-k dielectric material in the at least one trench structure. The method further includes adjusting a height of the liner of high-k dielectric material. The method further includes forming at least one workfunction metal over the liner, and forming a metal gate structure in the at least one trench structure, over the at least one workfunction metal and the liner of high-k dielectric material.
US08642423B2 Polysilicon/metal contact resistance in deep trench
A method of forming a trench structure that includes forming a metal containing layer on at least the sidewalls of a trench, and forming an undoped semiconductor fill material within the trench. The undoped semiconductor fill material and the metal containing layer are recessed to a first depth within the trench with a first etch. The undoped semiconductor fill material is then recessed to a second depth within the trench that is greater than a first depth with a second etch. The second etch exposes at least a sidewall portion of the metal containing layer. The trench is filled with a doped semiconductor containing material fill, wherein the doped semiconductor material fill is in direct contact with the at least the sidewall portion of the metal containing layer.
US08642412B2 Method for manufacturing an oxide-based semiconductor thin film transistor (TFT) including out diffusing hydrogen or moisture from the oxide semiconductor layer into an adjacent insulating layer which contains a halogen element
An object is to provide a semiconductor device with stable electric characteristics in which an oxide semiconductor is used. An impurity such as hydrogen or moisture (e.g., a hydrogen atom or a compound containing a hydrogen atom such as H2O) is eliminated from an oxide semiconductor layer with use of a halogen element typified by fluorine or chlorine, so that the impurity concentration in the oxide semiconductor layer is reduced. A gate insulating layer and/or an insulating layer provided in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer can be formed to contain a halogen element. In addition, a halogen element may be attached to the oxide semiconductor layer through plasma treatment under an atmosphere of a gas containing a halogen element.
US08642410B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device and method for growing graphene
A catalyst film (2) is formed over a substrate (1). A graphene (3) is grown on the catalyst film (2). A gap through which a lower surface of the catalyst film (2) is exposed is formed. The catalyst film (2) is removed through the gap.
US08642409B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, there is provided a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. In the method, a substrate portion and a fin portion on the substrate portion are formed. A first silicon oxide film is formed on each side surface of the fin portion. A polysilazane film having an upper surface lower than the upper surface of the first silicon oxide film is formed on each side surface of the first silicon oxide film. The polysilazane film is converted into a silicon oxynitride film. The first silicon oxide film is etched to make the upper surface of the first silicon oxide film not higher than the upper surface of the silicon oxynitride film. A heavily doped semiconductor layer is formed in the fin portion.
US08642406B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
An object of the present invention is to increase adhesiveness between thin films, particularly a high molecular film formed on an insulating surface, and the present invention provides a semiconductor device with high reliability and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device with high yield. A semiconductor device of the present invention comprises a laminate structure formed in close contact with an organic insulating film on a hydrophobic surface of an inorganic insulating film including silicon and nitrogen. A film having the hydrophobic surface is an insulating film having a contact angle of water of equal to or more than 30°, preferably of equal to or more than 40°.
US08642399B2 Fuse of semiconductor device and method of forming the same
A fuse of a semiconductor device includes first fuse metals formed over an underlying structure and a second fuse metal formed between the first fuse metals. Accordingly, upon blowing, the fuse metals are not migrated under conditions, such as specific temperature and specific humidity. Thus, reliability of a semiconductor device can be improved.
US08642398B2 Resistive random access memory and method for manufacturing the same
A resistive random access memory including, an insulating layer, a hard mask layer, a bottom electrode, a memory cell and a top electrode is provided. The insulating layer is disposed on the bottom electrode. The insulating layer has a contact hole having a first width. The hard mask layer has an opening. A portion of the memory cell is exposed from the opening and has a second width smaller than the first width. The top electrode is disposed on the insulating layer and is coupled with the memory cell.
US08642397B1 Semiconductor wafer level package (WLP) and method of manufacture thereof
A wafer-level semiconductor package method comprising the step of providing a first wafer comprising a plurality of first dies each having a first, a second and a third electrodes formed on its front surface; attaching a second die having a fourth and a fifth electrodes formed on its front surface and a sixth electrode formed at its back surface onto each of the first die of the first wafer with the sixth electrode at the back surface of the second die attached and electrically connected to the second electrode at the front surface of the first die; and cutting the first wafer to singulate individual semiconductor packages.
US08642396B2 Ultra-thin quad flat no-lead (QFN) package
An ultra-thin Quad Flat No-Lead (QFN) semiconductor chip package having a leadframe with lead terminals formed by recesses from both the top and bottom surfaces and substantially aligned contact areas formed on either the top or bottom surfaces. A die is electrically connected to the plurality of lead terminals and a molding compound encapsulates the leadframe and die together so as to form the ultra-thin QFN package. Accordingly, the substantially aligned contact areas are exposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the package. The present disclosure also provides an ultra-thin Optical Quad Flat No-Lead (OQFN) semiconductor chip package, a stacked semiconductor module comprising at least two QFN semiconductor chip packages, and a method for manufacturing an ultra-thin Quad Flat No-Lead (QFN) semiconductor packages.
US08642393B1 Package on package devices and methods of forming same
An embodiment is a package-on-package (PoP) device comprising a first package on a first substrate and a second package over the first package. A plurality of wire sticks disposed between the first package and the second package and the plurality of wire sticks couple the first package to the second package. Each of the plurality of wire sticks comprise a conductive wire of a first height affixed to a bond pad on the first substrate and each of the plurality of wire sticks is embedded in a solder joint.
US08642392B2 Semiconductor device and production method therefor
An object of the invention is to provide a method for producing a conductive member having low electrical resistance, and the conductive member is obtained using a low-cost stable conductive material composition that does not contain an adhesive. A method for producing a semiconductor device in which silver or silver oxide provided on a surface of a base and silver or silver oxide provided on a surface of a semiconductor element are bonded, includes the steps of arranging a semiconductor element on a base such that silver or silver oxide provided on a surface of the semiconductor element is in contact with silver or silver oxide provided on a surface of the base, temporarily bonding the semiconductor element and the base by applying a pressure or an ultrasonic vibration to the semiconductor element or the base, and permanently bonding the semiconductor element and the base by applying heat having a temperature of 150 to 900° C. to the semiconductor device and the base.
US08642390B2 Tape residue-free bump area after wafer back grinding
Organic-adhesive tapes are often used to secure and protect the bumps during wafer processing after bump formation. While residual organic-adhesive tape may remain on the wafer after tape de-lamination, applying a bump template layer on the bumps before laminating the tape allows any residue to be removed afterwards and results in a residue-free wafer.
US08642387B2 Method of fabricating stacked packages using laser direct structuring
Described herein is a stacked package using laser direct structuring. The stacked package includes a die attached to a substrate. The die is encapsulated with a laser direct structuring mold material. The laser direct structuring mold material is laser activated to form circuit traces on the top and side surfaces of the laser direct structuring mold material. The circuit traces then undergo metallization. A package is then attached to the metalized circuit traces and is electrically connected to the substrate via the metalized circuit traces.
US08642384B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming non-linear interconnect layer with extended length for joint reliability
A semiconductor device has a substrate and first conductive layer formed over the substrate. An insulating layer is formed over the first substrate with an opening over the first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is formed within the opening of the insulating layer. A portion of the second conductive layer is removed to expose a horizontal surface and side surfaces of the second conductive layer below a surface of the insulating layer. The second conductive layer has non-linear surfaces to extend a contact area of the second conductive layer. The horizontal surface and side surfaces can be stepped surfaces or formed as a ring. A third conductive layer is formed over the second conductive layer. A plurality of bumps is formed over the horizontal surface and side surfaces of the second conductive layer. A semiconductor die is mounted to the substrate.
US08642382B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with support structure and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: forming a mountable assembly includes: forming an integrated circuit device having a non-horizontal device side, an active device side, and a passive device side, providing a first integrated circuit die having an active side, a passive side, and an internal interconnect on the active side, applying a die attach adhesive on the passive side, attaching the passive side to the passive device side with the die attach adhesive, and applying an underfill on the passive device side and the internal interconnect, the underfill having a non-horizontal underfill side coplanar with the non-horizontal device side; and mounting on a substrate the mountable assembly.
US08642380B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
An object is to provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device having a high field effect mobility and including an oxide semiconductor layer in a semiconductor device including an oxide semiconductor. Another object is to provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device capable of high speed operation. An oxide semiconductor layer is terminated by a halogen element, and thus an increase in the contact resistance between the oxide semiconductor layer and a conductive layer in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer is suppressed. Therefore, the contact resistance between the oxide semiconductor layer and the conductive layer becomes favorable and a transistor having a high field effect mobility can be manufactured.
US08642378B1 Field-effect inter-digitated back contact photovoltaic device
A method for forming a photovoltaic device includes patterning a dielectric layer on a substrate to form a patterned dielectric having local spacings between shapes and remote spacings between groups of shapes, and depositing a doped epitaxial layer over the patterned dielectric such that selective crystalline growth occurs in portions of the epitaxial layer in contact with the substrate and noncrystalline growth occurs in portions of the epitaxial layer in contact with the patterned dielectric. First metal contacts are formed over the local spacings of the patterned dielectric, and second metal contacts are formed over the remote spacings. Exposed portions of the noncrystalline growth are etched using the first and second metal contacts as an etch mask to form alternating interdigitated emitter and back contact stacks.
US08642377B2 Method of producing conductive thin film
An embodiment of this invention provides a method to produce a conductive thin film, which comprises: providing a substrate; forming a first metal oxide layer on the substrate; forming an indium-free metal layer on the first metal oxide layer; and forming a second metal oxide layer on the indium-free layer, wherein the first metal oxide layer, the indium-free metal layer, and the second oxide layer are all solution processed.
US08642376B2 Methods for depositing a material atop a substrate
Methods for depositing a material atop a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of depositing a material atop a substrate may include exposing a substrate to a silicon containing gas and a reducing gas; increasing a flow rate of the silicon containing gas while decreasing a flow rate of the reducing gas to form a first layer; and depositing a second layer atop the first layer.
US08642374B2 Image sensor with reduced noise by blocking nitridation using photoresist
An image sensor is described in which the imaging pixels have reduced noise by blocking nitridation in selected areas. In one example, a method includes forming a first and second gate oxide layer over a substrate, forming a layer of photoresist over the first gate oxide layer, applying nitridation to the photoresist and the second gate oxide layer such that the first gate oxide layer is protected from the nitridation by the photoresist, and forming a polysilicon gate over the first and second gate oxide layers.
US08642372B2 Solar cell and method for manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a solar cell includes forming jagged portions non-uniformly on a surface of a substrate, forming a first type semiconductor and a second type semiconductor in the substrate, forming a first electrode to contact the first type semiconductor, and forming a second electrode to contact the second type semiconductor. An etchant used in a wet etching process in manufacturing the solar cell includes about 0.5 wt % to 10 wt % of HF, about 30 wt % to 60 wt % of HNO3, and up to about 30 wt % of acetic acid based on total weight of the etchant.
US08642369B2 Vertically structured LED by integrating nitride semiconductors with Zn(Mg,Cd,Be)O(S,Se) and method for making same
A light emitting diode (LED) with a vertical structure, including electrical contacts on opposing sides, provides increased brightness. In some embodiments an LED includes a nitride semiconductor light emitting component grown on a sapphire substrate, a Zn(Mg,Cd,Be)O(S,Se) assembly formed on the nitride semiconductor component, and a further Zn(Mg Cd,Be)O(S,Se) assembly bonded on an opposing side of the light emitting component, which is exposed by removing the sapphire substrate. Electrical contacts may be connected to the Zn(Mg,Cd,Be)O(S,Se) assembly and the further Zn(Mg,Cd,Be)O(S,Se) assembly. Herein Zn(Mg,Cd,Be)O(S,Se) is a II-VI semiconductor satisfying a formula Zn1−a−b−cMgaCdbBecO1−p−qSpSeq, wherein a=0˜1, b=0˜1, c=0˜1, p=0˜1, and q=0˜1.
US08642368B2 Enhancement of LED light extraction with in-situ surface roughening
The embodiments of the present invention generally relates to methods for enhancing the light extraction by surface roughening of the bottom n-GaN layer and/or top p-GaN layer so that the internal light from the active region is scattered outwardly to result in a higher external quantum efficiency. In one embodiment, a surface roughening process is performed on the n-GaN layer to form etching pits in a top surface of the n-GaN layer. Once the etching pits are formed, growth of the n-GaN material may be resumed on the roughened n-GaN layer to partially fill the etching pits, thereby forming air voids at the interface of the n-GaN layer and the subsequent, re-growth n-GaN layer. These air voids provide one or more localized regions with indices of reflection different from that of the n-GaN layer, such that the internal light generated by the active layers (e.g., the InGaN MQW layer), when passing through the n-GaN layer, is scattered by voids or bubbles. The surface roughening process may be further performed on a top surface of a p-GaN layer to scatter the light emitted from the active layers outwardly rather than being reflected back to the active layers.
US08642367B2 Thin film transistor having improved manufacturability and method for manufacturing a display panel containing same
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a thin film transistor and a manufacturing method of a display panel, and include forming a gate line including a gate electrode on a substrate, forming a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode, forming an intrinsic semiconductor on the gate insulating layer, forming an extrinsic semiconductor on the intrinsic semiconductor, forming a data line including a source electrode and a drain electrode on the extrinsic semiconductor, and plasma-treating a portion of the extrinsic semiconductor between the source electrode and the drain electrode to form a protection member and ohmic contacts on respective sides of the protection member. Accordingly, the process for etching the extrinsic semiconductor and forming an inorganic insulating layer for protecting the intrinsic semiconductor may be omitted such that the manufacturing process of the display panel may be simplified, manufacturing cost may be reduced, and productivity may be improved.
US08642365B2 Method of manufacturing ridge-type semiconductor laser
A method of manufacturing a ridge-type semiconductor laser includes the steps of forming a stacked semiconductor layer including an active layer and an etch stop layer on first and second surfaces of a substrate, etching the stacked semiconductor layer on the second surface, forming a semiconductor portion on the second surface, forming a ridge waveguide portion by etching the stacked semiconductor layer on the first surface to a first depth, forming semiconductor diffraction grating portions by etching the semiconductor portion to a second depth, and forming a diffraction grating section by providing resin diffraction grating portions between the semiconductor diffraction grating portions. The etching of the stacked semiconductor layer on the first surface and the etching of the semiconductor portion are performed simultaneously by using first and second mask portions.
US08642362B2 Method for producing light-emitting diode device
A method for producing a light-emitting diode device includes the steps of: preparing a light-emitting laminate including an optical semiconductor layer, and an electrode unit formed on the optical semiconductor layer; forming an encapsulating resin layer on the optical semiconductor layer so as to cover the electrode unit, the encapsulating resin layer containing a light reflection component; partially removing the encapsulating resin layer so as to expose the top face of the electrode unit, thereby producing a light-emitting diode element; and disposing the light-emitting diode element and a base substrate provided with terminals so that the light-emitting diode element and the base substrate face each other, and that the electrode unit and the terminals are electrically connected, thereby flip chip mounting the light-emitting diode element on the base substrate.
US08642360B2 Method for manufacturing light-emitter, organic display panel using light-emitter, organic light-emitting device and organic display device
A resin material layer including photosensitive resin material is formed on an interlayer on an underlayer. By partially exposing and developing the resin material layer using developer in which the resin material layer and the interlayer are soluble, an uncured portion of the resin material layer is removed to form an opening penetrating to the interlayer, and the developer infiltrates into the interlayer via the opening to remove at least surfaces of first and second portions of the interlayer. The first portion corresponds to the opening. The second portion surrounds the first portion. Each bank is formed by heating a remaining portion of the resin material layer to soften an overhanging portion above a space formed by the surface of the second portion being removed, so that the overhanging portion flows downward to fill the space, cover an exposed portion of the interlayer, and contact the underlayer or the interlayer.
US08642359B2 Electromagnetic coupling device of an electromagnetic radiation detector
An integrated circuit intended to be assembled with an electromagnetic radiation detector, the integrated circuit comprising a device for processing signals stemming from the detector, the processing device being covered with at least one conductive plate for protection against electromagnetic radiation, intended to be placed between said detector and said integrated circuit, said conductive plate including one or more apertures letting through conductive elements providing an electrical connection between the processing device and the detector.
US08642358B2 Method for fabricating magnetic tunnel junction device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a plurality of layers which are stacked as a bottom layer, an MTJ layer, and a top layer, patterning the top layer and the MTJ layer using an etch mask pattern to form a top layer pattern and an MTJ pattern, forming a carbon spacer on the sidewalls of the MTJ pattern and the top layer pattern to protect the MTJ pattern and the top layer pattern, and patterning the bottom layer using the carbon spacer and the etch mask pattern as an etch mask to form a bottom layer pattern.
US08642356B2 Cascade enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
The present invention relates to a cascade enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, more precisely a cascade enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using magnetic microparticles (MMPs) immobilized with the target antigen specific primary antibody and silica nanoparticles (SPs) immobilized with a cascade reaction initiator and the antigen-specific secondary antibody. When the method of the present invention is applied in the detection of an antigen in biosamples, the detection sensitivity can be significantly increased.
US08642355B2 Versatile drug testing device
A versatile drug testing device (a lateral flow diagnostic testing device) includes a flat transparent carrier with a top and a bottom with the carrier having a series of independent parallel grooves formed therein running from adjacent to the top to adjacent to the bottom of the carrier, each groove having a first opening and a second opening above the first opening therein adjacent to the bottom of the carrier, at least one drug test strip installed in one of said grooves with its absorbent pad contiguous to the openings and a cover layer attached to the carrier operable to sealing close each of said grooves whereby the bottom of the device can be immersed in a specimen of urine, body fluid, or other biological specimen to wet the pad of the at least one test strip though the ingress of the specimen though the associated openings and the test results on the test strip can be easily viewed through the transparent carrier. Because of the unique construction the device will give accurate reading if temporarily immersed in the specimen or left in the specimen for an extended period of time, making it very user friendly.
US08642352B2 Methods and systems for detection of stoichiometry by Förster resonance energy transfer
Methods to detect stoichiometries of protein complexes and/or interactions between proteins based on detection and quantification of FRET and related systems and compositions.
US08642350B2 Sensor material and uses thereof to simultaneously sense two analytes: oxygen and pH or acidic/basic gaseous ions
A sensor material of the type comprising a long-decay photoluminescent, protonable dye embedded in a suitable polymeric matrix, is used for generating a specific optical response to two different analytes present in a sample, thus allowing selective determination of the two analytes in the sample. Also described is a method for the simultaneous sensing of a first and second analyte in a sample. The method comprises the steps of irradiating a sensor material of the type comprising a long-decay photoluminescent protonable dye embedded in a suitable polymeric matrix with light of one or two wavelengths, determining photoluminescence intensity and lifetime signals originating from the sensor, and correlating the photoluminescence intensity signal with a concentration of the first analyte and the photoluminescence lifetime signal(s) with the concentration of the second analyte.
US08642345B2 Method of measuring a chemical vapor concentration
A method of measuring a chemical vapor concentration is provided. A chemical vapor sensor measures a chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity. In an aspect, an ethanol vapor sensor is provided, sized for being inconspicuous and on-board a vehicle, having a passive measurement mode and an active breathalyzer mode, for detecting a motor vehicle driver that exceeds a legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), for use with vehicle safety systems. For the passive mode, a vapor concentrator is utilized to amplify a sampled vapor concentration to a detectable level for use with an infrared (IR) detector. In an aspect, ethanol vapor in a vehicle cabin is passively measured and if a predetermined ethanol level is measured, a countermeasure is invoked to improve safety. In an aspect, an active breathalyzer is used as a countermeasure. The active breathalyzer can be imposed for a number of vehicle trips or for a predetermined time period.
US08642342B2 Methods for regulating neural differentiation
Methods of producing populations of predominantly astrocytes, neurons or oligodendrocytes are provided. In addition, methods of treating mammals having astroglial tumors, oligodendrocyte tumors, or neuronal tumors are provided.
US08642337B2 Defined surfaces of self-assembled monolayers and stem cells
A method for the construction of arrays from self-assembling monolayers is described. The arrays have particular utility for the screening of peptides ligands that can foster the growth of cells in culture. This technique has been used to identify peptide ligands that foster the growth of human stem cells, which otherwise require an extracellular matrix in order to grow in an undifferentiated state. This also makes possible an assay to identify other such peptides.
US08642336B2 Fabrication of vascularized tissue using microfabricated two-dimensional molds
Methods and materials for making complex, living, vascularized tissues for organ and tissue replacement, especially complex and/or thick structures, such as liver tissue is provided. Tissue lamina is made in a system comprising an apparatus having (a) a first mold or polymer scaffold, a semi-permeable membrane, and a second mold or polymer scaffold, wherein the semi-permeable membrane is disposed between the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds have means defining microchannels positioned toward the semi-permeable membrane, wherein the first and second molds or polymer scaffolds are fastened together; and (b) animal cells. Methods for producing complex, three-dimensional tissues or organs from tissue lamina are also provided.
US08642335B2 Compositions of active Wnt protein
Compositions of purified biologically active Wnt proteins are provided. Wnt proteins are found to be hydrophobic and post-translationally modified by addition of a lipid moiety at a conserved cysteine residue. Methods for isolation of Wnt utilize detergents that maintain the solubility of the modified protein.
US08642334B2 Methods of neural conversion of human embryonic stem cells
The present invention relates generally to the field of cell biology of stem cells, more specifically the directed differentiation of pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells (hESC), somatic stem cells, and induced human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) using novel culture conditions. Specifically, methods are provided for obtaining neural tissue, floor plate cells, and placode including induction of neural plate development in hESCs for obtaining midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons, motorneurons, and sensory neurons. Further, neural plate tissue obtained using methods of the present inventions are contemplated for use in co-cultures with other tissues as inducers for shifting differentiation pathways, i.e. patterning.
US08642333B2 Particulate delivery vehicles for embryoid bodies
The present invention provides a vehicle for delivering various chemicals, compositions and proteins to stem cells and embryoid bodies. The vehicle may be biocompatible and biodegradable polymer microparticles. Typically the particles will contain at least a growth factor for delivery to the embryoid bodies, and generally the growth factor induces differentiation of the cells in the embryoid body along a specific lineage. The present invention also provides methods for directing differentiation of the cells in the embryoid body.
US08642331B2 Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells as a source of neural progenitors
Methods are provided for treating and/or reducing the severity of multiple sclerosis in a human, by administering autologous mesenchymal stem cell-derived neural precursors. Also described is an in vitro method for differentiating mesenchymal stem-cell derived neural precursor oligodengroglial and neuronal cell types.
US08642330B2 Antibody compositions, methods for treating neoplastic disease and methods for regulating fertility
Antibody compositions and methods for inhibition of the effects of gonadotropin hormones are provided. Methods for treating cancer and methods for regulating fertility are provided by administration of the antibody compositions to a mammalian subject in need thereof.
US08642324B2 Continuous flow worm farm
An apparatus for the treatment of organic matter with worms, includes a receptacle with a side wall at least a portion of which is downwardly tapering to facilitate compression of organic matter as organic matter is processed, an upper entry aperture for loading the receptacle with the organic matter and worms, a lower discharge aperture for discharging compressed material including castings and organic matter, and a base lid adapted to releasably close the discharge aperture and to permit removal of the compressed material from the receptacle.
US08642323B2 Container for testing for micro-organisms
A multi-compartment resealable container for testing for the presence of micro-organisms is provided with or adapted to receive a sample in a first substantially rigid transparent compartment, a growth medium in a second compartment, and a sanitizer in a third compartment, the compartments being separated by foil seals, the second and third compartments have an associated plunger which when depressed causes serrated cutters to puncture the foil seal and allow the contents to be added to the liquid containing or comprising the sample.
US08642321B2 Microbiological analysis assembly and method
The assembly comprises a filtration unit and a gel growth medium cassette, the unit and the cassette being adapted to cooperate in order to occupy a nested position in which a membrane covers the gel growth medium, the unit and the cassette each being equipped with an intermediate stop, it being possible for at least one of the two stops to move clear so as to allow the unit to move from an intermediate position, in which the membrane is spaced away from the gel growth medium, into the nested position. The method comprises selecting such an assembly, of engaging the unit on the cassette until the intermediate stop of the unit comes into contact with the intermediate stop of the cassette, and the step of moving clear the stop able to move clear so as to allow the unit to move from the intermediate position into the nested position.
US08642318B2 Anti-fatty liver agent
Disclosed is an anti-fatty liver agent comprising a cell and/or a culture obtained by culturing a lactic acid bacterium belonging to Lactobacillus gasseri as an active ingredient. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical agent having an anti-fatty liver activity or an anti-fatty liver beverage/food comprising a cell and/or a culture obtained by culturing a lactic acid bacterium belonging to Lactobacillus gasseri as an active ingredient.
US08642315B2 Process for preserving insulin-secreting cells intended to be transplanted in a patient
Process for preserving insulin secreting cells intended to be transplanted, including the following steps: introducing an initial volume of culture medium and insulin-secreting cells into a culture container, providing a culture medium source, and replacing, at time intervals below 8 hours, the culture medium in the culture container with culture medium from the source so as to renew the culture medium contained in the container.
US08642312B2 Polypeptide having esterase activity and recombinant esterase and use thereof
Polypeptide and recombinant protein having esterase activity which exhibit the amino acid sequence SEQ. ID. No. 1 and the use thereof.
US08642308B1 Biofuel cell electrocatalysts utilizing enzyme-carbon nanotube adducts
The present disclosure provides multi-walled carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) displaying catalytic enzymes bound to the nanotube sidewalls and devices, such as electrodes, incorporating these catalytic enzyme-bound CNTs (cebCNTs).
US08642306B2 Flow cytometer having cell-sorting function and method of separating living cells
A liquid sample flow containing living cells is irradiated with measurement laser light and the photo data of at least either scattering light or fluorescence that is generated by each of the living cells in the liquid sample flow due to the irradiation with the measurement laser light is acquired. Based on the photo data thus acquired, it is determined whether each of the cells assignable to the respective photo data is an unnecessary living cell or a target living cell. Based on the determination results, a pulse voltage is then applied exclusively to the living cells having been determined as unnecessary living cells so that the unnecessary living cells are damaged and killed.
US08642305B2 Bile resistant bacillus composition secreting high levels of phytase
A bacillus composition characterized by fast germination and outgrowth in bile salts (simulated gut environment) and by high-level secretion of phytase. The bacillus composition may be used as supplement in animal feed where it has a probiotic (health promoting) effect and increases the digestion and availability of nutrients from animal feeds.
US08642303B2 Process for alcoholic fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass
A process for the production of ethanol wherein a hydrolyzed lignocellulosic biomass is fermented in the presence of a stillage residue. The fermentation of cellulosic hydrolysates is improved by adding prior to and/or during fermentation a stillage residue side stream from a corn starch-to-ethanol process as a nutrient source for the yeast organisms used in the fermentation. Stillage residues from the grain dry mill ethanol producing process, including the whole stillage, wet cake, thin stillage, and/or syrup are added to assist as a nitrogen and nutrient source for the fermentive processes. The stillage residue is produced by any grain-to-ethanol process.
US08642292B2 Process for producing molecules containing specialized glycan structures
The present invention relates to cells for producing a molecule lacking fucose, having a reduced amount of fucose, or having other atypical sugars on its glycomoieties. It also relates to methods for producing a molecule lacking fucose, having a reduced amount of fucose, or having other atypical sugars on its glycomoieties using said cells and to molecules obtainable by said methods. The present invention further relates to molecules having an artificial glycosylation pattern.
US08642290B2 Fungal transcriptional activators useful in methods for producing a polypeptide
The present invention relates to functional cDNA and genomic sequences encoding PrtT proteins, which are transcriptional activity on a protease promoter, to PrtT proteins and their uses. The invention further relates to two distinct types of filamentous fungal cells. Filamentous fungal cells are transformed to over-express these PrtT proteins: this type of filamentous fungus will be highly suited as protease producer. Alternatively, the endogenous prtT genes of filamentous fungal cells are inactivated: this type of filamentious fungus is highly suited for the production of any polypeptide native or not which is highly sensitive for protease degradation. The PrtT proteins of the invention provide means for identification of functional homologues in other species.
US08642286B2 Methods for identifying neuripotent cells
The invention is a method for using an avian embryo to identify the neuripotency of a cell population. The invention may be used for applications such as screening for candidate neuripotent cell lines for masterbanking, validation of working cell banks, and identifying agents and conditions capable of inducing neural differentiation in a cell population.
US08642285B2 Assessment of consumption or release of a gaseous analyte from biological or chemical samples
A method for monitoring consumption or release of a gaseous analyte such as oxygen by a liquid sample under investigation includes providing a cuvette (1) having an elongate narrow tube (12) of a material which is substantially gas impermeable and which is at least partly transparent to measurement excitation radiation and emission radiation along some of the length of the tube. The tube (12) has a cross-sectional area of under 1 mm2. The sample (15) is loaded into the cuvette (1), the sample being in contact with a probe in the tube (12), the probe being sensitive to the gaseous analyte, and the liquid having at least one surface and an associated headspace (16). The cuvette, the sample, and the probe are equilibrated at a target measurement temperature. Excitation radiation is directed at a sampling zone of the tube (12) and which is distal from the headspace (16), while maintaining the cuvette at the measurement temperature. The emitted radiation is measured and analysed to determine consumption or release by the sample of the gaseous analyte.
US08642284B1 Methods for identifying agents that alter NAD-dependent deacetylation activity of a SIR2 protein
Methods of identifying agents which alter the NAD-dependent deacetylation activity of a Sir2 protein or a fragment of a Sir2 protein are disclosed. The acetylated protein can be a nuclear protein, such as a histone protein, or a cytoplasmic protein. The Sir2 protein employed in the methods can include at least a core domain of a Sir2 protein, such as a human Sir2 protein.
US08642283B2 Screening assay for agents that alter target of rapamycin activity
The present invention provides an assay for the identification of agents which can modulate TOR-mediated phosphorylation of substrate proteins. The assays of the invention utilize substrate proteins whose amino acid sequence contains the Ser/Thr motif recognized by TOR. Naturally occurring TOR which may be used in the methods of the invention include TOR isolated from a variety of species, particularly mammalian tissues.
US08642281B2 Coelenterazine analogues and coelenteramide analogues
Coelenterazine analogues with different luminescence properties from conventional ones and coelenteramide analogues with different fluorescence properties from conventional ones have been desired. The invention provides coelenterazine analogues modified at the 8-position of coelenterazine and coelenteramide analogues modified at the 2- or 3-position of coelenteramide.
US08642279B2 Method for predicting risk of metastasis
The invention encompasses methods and compositions for predicting the risk of metastasis. In particular, the invention encompasses a method for correlating the the level of expression of one or more nucleic acid sequences with a risk of metastasis.
US08642278B2 Inhibition of cell proliferation
The disclosed modulators of Rb:Raf-1 interactions are potent, selective disruptors of Rb:Raf-1 binding, with IC50 values ranging from 80 nM to 500 nM. Further, these compounds are surprisingly effective in inhibiting a wide variety of cancer cells, including osteosarcoma, epithelial lung carcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, three different pancreatic cancer cell lines, two different glioblastoma cell lines, metastatic breast cancer, melanoma, and prostate cancer. Moreover, the disclosed compounds effectively disrupt angiogenesis and significantly inhibited tumors in nude mice derived from human epithelial lung carcinoma tumors. Accordingly, the disclosed compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, methods of inhibiting cell proliferation, methods of treating subjects with cancer, and methods of preparing the disclosed compounds are provided.
US08642277B2 Tumor microenvironment of metastasis (TMEM) and uses thereof in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of tumors
Disclosed are methods for determining the risk of tumor cells undergoing metastasis, for assessing the prognosis of a subject undergoing treatment for a localized tumor, and for determining a course of treatment for a localized tumor comprising detecting the presence of an endothelial cell, a macrophage, and an invasive tumor cell in direct apposition in a tumor sample from a subject.
US08642274B2 Immunotherapeutic method
The present invention provides a method of monitoring the efficacy of an immunotherapy in a mammalian subject, wherein the subject has been administered an immunotherapy, wherein the immunotherapy comprises a viral vector containing a polynucleotide encoding an antigen, wherein the viral vector is capable of transducing cells in the mammalian subject to cause the cells to express the antigen; the method comprising: (b) measuring, from a biological sample isolated from the subject, an immune response of the subject to the antigen and comparing the immune response of the subject to the antigen to a reference measurement of immune response to the antigen; (c) measuring, from a biological sample isolated from the subject, an immune response of the subject to the viral vector and comparing the immune response of the subject to the viral vector to a reference measurement of immune response to the viral vector; and (d) determining efficacy based on the comparisons of (b) and (c), wherein an elevated immune response to the antigen and a reduced immune response to the viral vector are indicative of an effective immunotherapy.
US08642269B2 Detection of nucleic acid sequence differences using coupled polymerase chain reactions
The present invention relates to a method for identifying a target nucleotide sequence. This method involves forming a ligation product on a target nucleotide sequence in a ligation detection reaction mixture, amplifying the ligation product to form an amplified ligation product in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) mixture, detecting the amplified ligation product, and identifying the target nucleotide sequence. Such coupling of the ligase detection reaction and the polymerase chain reaction permits multiplex detection of nucleic acid sequence difference.
US08642267B2 Biomarker for diagnosis of canine cancer
The present invention is related to a biomarker for diagnosis of canine cancer, wherein the biomarker is KMO (kynureinie 3-monooxygenase) gene, and the canine cancers including CTVT (canine transmissible venereal tumor) and MGT (mammary gland tumor). The expression level of KMO gene in canine malignant tumor tissues is up-regulated as compared with benign tissues. Furthermore, the expression level of KMO gene in malignant tumor tissue is higher than in the non-metastasis tumor tissue. By detection of the expression level of the present invention biomarker in suspecting tissue specimen, malignancy of tumor tissues can be determined correctly and rapidly.
US08642265B2 Compositions and methods for the detection of topoisomerase II complexes with DNA
Compositions, methods, and kits for detecting DNA topoisomerase II-DNA complexes are disclosed.
US08642263B2 High throughput methods comprising analysis of repetitive element DNA methylation
Preferred aspects provide novel high-throughput, sensitive methods (e.g., real-time PCR-based (MethyLight™) reactions) for detection and/or measurement of global genomic 5-methylcytosine content, based on measurement of DNA methylation of Alu, LINE-1 repetitive sequences, and the chromosome 1 centromeric satellite alpha and juxtacentromeric satellite 2 repeat sequences. Additional aspects provide sensitive methods for determining the amount of a DNA (e.g., in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues). Combined (mean) use of Alu and Sat2 repeat methylation measurements provides for a surprisingly close correlation with global genomic 5-methylcytosine content measurements obtained by HPLC. Methylation of Alu repeats was determined to be closely associated with HPLC-based global methylation levels, as was methylation of satellite 2 and LINE-1 global genomic 5-methylcytosine content. The assays provide surrogate markers for global genomic 5-methylcytosine content analyzes, and have substantial utility for high-throughput and population-based studies (e.g., genetic and dietary influences on global DNA methylation, folate deficiency, MTHFR gene polymorphisms, etc).
US08642261B2 Genetic marker for detection of human papillomavirus
The invention provides compositions and methods for the differential detection of high risk forms of HPV from a urine sample provided by a patient. Specifically, the invention provides primers and probes that specifically recognize and bind sequences within the E1 gene of HPV. Detection of high risk forms of HPV identify individuals at risk of developing or in the early stages of cervical carcinoma.
US08642260B2 Single quantum-dot based aptameric nanosensors
A signal-off-quantum-dot-based sensor for detecting the presence of a target molecule comprising: an aptamer probe having a nucleotide sequence which specifically interacts with the target molecule by sequence-dependent interaction, wherein the aptamer probe is sandwiched between (a) an oligonucleotide which is immobilized on the surface of a quantum dot (QD), and (b) a fluorophore-labeled oligonucleotide, wherein when the sensor is excited by an energy source: (i) in the absence of specific interaction between the target molecule and the aptamer probe, a baseline signal is emitted, and (ii) in the presence of specific interaction between the target molecule and the aptamer probe, a detection signal is emitted, wherein the baseline signal is greater than the detection signal, whereby the presence of the target molecule is detected.
US08642258B2 Immunogenical complex formed by vaccinal antigens encapsulated by nanostructured mesoporous silica
The present invention relates to a product named “immunogenical complex”, which comprises an adjuvant characterized by solid particles of highly ordinated nanostructured mesoporous silica, preferably, SBA-15 Silica, and vaccinal antigens of several natures, encapsulated in the referred to adjuvants. The immunogenical complex of the present invention allows the presentation of the antigens that compose it to lymphocytes, in a safe, gradual and extended way, which leads to a more efficient immunological memory, increases the immunogenicity of the antigen and improves the production of antibodies. This ensures an efficient immunological protection with fewer amounts of antigens and/or less repetitions of vaccinal doses. In addition, the characteristics of the immunogenical complex of the present invention promotes effective immunity induction, homogeneous in “god and bad respondent” individuals.
US08642257B2 Vaccinia virus for diagnosis and therapy of tumors
Described are diagnostic and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a microorganism or cell containing a DNA sequence encoding a detectable protein or a protein capable of inducing a detectable signal, e.g. a luminescent or fluorescent protein, and, in a particular embodiment, furthermore (a) DNA sequence(s) encoding (a) protein(s) suitable for tumor therapy and/or elimination of metastatic tumors, e.g. a cytotoxic or cytostatic protein.
US08642246B2 Compositions, coatings and films for tri-layer patterning applications and methods of preparation thereof
Compositions for use in tri-layer applications are described herein, wherein the composition has a matrix and includes: a formulated polymer comprising at least one type of silicon-based moiety forming the matrix of the polymer, a plurality of vinyl groups coupled to the matrix of the polymer, and a plurality of phenyl groups coupled to the matrix of the polymer, at least one condensation catalyst, and at least one solvent. Tri-layer structures are also contemplated herein that comprise an organic underlayer (first layer), antireflective compositions and/or films contemplated herein (second layer) and a photoresist material (third layer) that are coupled to one another. Methods of producing a composition for tri-layer patterning applications includes: providing a formulated polymer comprising at least one type of silicon-based moiety forming the matrix of the polymer, a plurality of vinyl groups coupled to the matrix of the polymer, and a plurality of phenyl groups coupled to the matrix of the polymer, providing at least one condensation catalyst, providing at least one solvent, providing at least one pH modifier, blending the formulated polymer and part of the at least one solvent in a reaction vessel to form a reactive mixture; and incorporating the at least one pH modifier, the at least one condensation catalyst and the remaining at least one solvent into the reactive mixture to form the composition.
US08642243B2 Polymerizable composition, and lithographic printing plate precursor, antifouling member and antifogging member each using the same
A polymerizable composition contains: (A) a polymer compound having (a1) a repeating unit having a structure represented by the following formula (a1-1) in a side chain thereof; and (B) a polymerization initiator, and in the formula (a1-1), R11 and R12 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, a sulfo group, an alkylsulfonyl group, a arylsulfonyl group, an acyl group, an aryloxycarbonyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group or a carbamoyl group, R13, R14 and R15 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an aryl group, L1 represents a divalent connecting group, Y1 represents a single bond or a divalent connecting group selected from the group consisting of —CO—, —O—, —HN—, a divalent aliphatic group, a divalent aromatic group and a combination of these groups, and * indicates a site connecting to a main chain of the polymer compound.
US08642242B2 Electrostatic charge image developing toner and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a method of manufacturing toner by which the toner capable of forming high quality images and reproducing high density gradation, which exhibits an excellent high-temperature offsetting property together with excellent low-temperature fixability, and provides appropriate gloss with respect to images to be formed, can be stably prepared; and also provided is the toner. After conducting a step in which particles made of at least a crystalline polyester resin are coagulated to form core coagulated particles, and an unsaturated amorphous polyester resin particle is attached onto the surface of each of the core coagulated particles to form core-shell type coagulated particles, radical polymerization reaction is conducted by acting a radical polymerization initiator on the foregoing core-shell type coagulated particles to conduct a step in which a layer made of a crosslinking amorphous polyester resin is formed on the surface of each of the core coagulated particles.
US08642238B2 Toner, developer and method for producing toner
A toner including: a core particle; and fine resin particles, the core particle containing at least a binder resin, a releasing agent and a colorant, wherein the toner is in shape of particles, and each toner particle has a sea-island structure having the core particle and island portions, which are convex portions formed from the fine resin particles on surface of the core particle, wherein the binder resin contains first and second resins, and the fine resin particles are made of third resin, wherein the first resin is crystalline resin, and the second and third resins are non-crystalline resin, wherein the second resin has glass transition temperature (Tg2) and the crystalline resin has melting point (Tc1) where Tg2 is higher than Tc1, and wherein the third resin has glass transition temperature (Tg3) and the toner has glass transition temperature (Tgt) wherein Tg3 is higher than Tgt.
US08642236B2 Electro photographic photoconductor and color image forming apparatus
Provided are an electrophotographic photoconductor which shows a small variation in sensitivity and exhibits a high sensitivity even at a small amount of light exposure and a tandem-system color image forming device provided with the electrophotographic photoconductor. A positive charging type electrophotographic photoconductor for use in a tandem-system color image forming device including a drum type electrophotographic photoconductor, a rotation speed of which is (70) rpm or more, and a color image forming device provided with the electrophotographic photoconductor, wherein, when Vb (V) denotes a sensitivity in the case where an amount of light exposure per unit area is 0.6 μJ/cm2 and Va (V) denotes a sensitivity in the case where an amount of light exposure per unit area is 1.5 μJ/cm2, a sensitivity ratio represented by Vb/Va is adjusted to a value of below (2).
US08642230B2 Electrode-membrane-frame assembly for fuel cell, polyelectrolyte fuel cell and manufacturing method therefor
An electrode-membrane-frame assembly for a polyelectrolyte fuel cell including of a membrane electrode assembly, a first frame body which has a separator-side surface on which a sealing member for sealing between the member and one separator and a membrane-side surface located on one surface of the peripheral edge portion of the membrane electrode assembly and is formed of a thermoplastic resin material, and a second frame body that has a separator-side surface on which a sealing member for sealing between the member and the other separator and a membrane-side surface located on the other surface of the peripheral edge portion of the membrane electrode assembly and is formed of a thermoplastic resin material and fitted to the first frame body holding the peripheral edge portion of the membrane electrode assembly between the second frame body and the first frame body.
US08642229B2 Electrochemical reactor units and modules and systems composed of them
The present invention is an electrochemical reactor unit in which a plurality of electrochemical reactor cells constituted by a tube are housed in a porous material body having a heat releasing function and a current collecting function, these are electrically connected in series, and a fuel manifold is mounted to the connected electrochemical reactor cells; an electrochemical reactor module that comprises a plurality of the units which are arranged in fuel supply holes, and a structure supplying air directly to the entire electrochemical reactor module; and an electrochemical reaction system in which such an electrochemical reactor module is utilized.
US08642228B2 Polymer electrolyte membrane and fuel cell using the polymer electrolyte membrane
A polymer electrolyte membrane, a method of preparing the polymer electrolyte membrane, and a fuel cell including the polymer electrolyte membrane are disclosed in which the polymer electrolyte membrane includes a porous polymer matrix, and an ionic conductive polymer layer coated on the external surfaces of single fibers and inside pores of the porous polymer matrix.
US08642226B2 Separator for fuel cell and fuel cell
A separator includes a first flow path-forming portion and second flow path-forming portions. The first portion has a corrugated shape including a first groove to form a flow path for a first fluid on a first surface and a second groove to form a flow path for a second fluid on a second surface, which are arranged alternately. The first portion includes at least three linear areas, and plural turned areas, each including a plurality of the first and the second grooves to connect between corresponding grooves in adjacent linear areas, and thereby forms serpentine flow paths for the second fluid. Each of the second portions forms a connection flow path to connect between the flow paths for the first fluid on the first surface and forms a connection flow path to connect between the flow paths for the second fluid on the second surface.
US08642224B2 Fuel cell system with a learning capability to readjust the driving characteristic of a gas supply device and vehicle
The present invention relates to a fuel cell system including a fuel cell, a hydrogen gas piping system for supplying a hydrogen gas to the fuel cell, an injector which adjusts a gas state on an upstream side of the hydrogen gas piping system to supply the gas to a downstream side, and a control device which drives and controls the injector in a predetermined driving period, wherein a driving characteristic of the injector is learnt, and a driving parameter of the injector can be set based on a result of the learning. In the present invention, during an operation of the fuel cell, a supply pressure of the hydrogen gas can appropriately be changed in accordance with an operation state. In addition, even when the pressure is broadly varied, a satisfactory pressure response property can be secured regardless of fluctuations due to aging and individual difference of the injector.
US08642222B2 Fuel cell power request control strategy
A power request controller that prevents a power request signal to a fuel cell stack controller from providing more compressor air and hydrogen gas than is necessary to meet the current power demands of the vehicle. The stack controller generates a signal of the available current from the fuel cell stack. This signal and the measured current actually being drawn from the stack are received by a proportional-integral (P-I) controller in the power request controller. If the available stack current is significantly greater than the stack current being used, the P-I controller will provide an output signal that reduces the power request signal to the stack controller so that the current produced by the stack and the current being drawn from the stack are substantially the same. A transient detector turns off the P-I controller so that it does not reduce the power request signal during an up-power transient.
US08642218B2 Coating including silica based material with pendent functional groups
A coating including a silica-based material having pendent functional groups.
US08642217B2 Lithium secondary battery
A lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode which can occlude and discharge lithium ion, a negative electrode which can occlude and discharge lithium ion, a separator which is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolyte. In order to suppress a deterioration for a period of high temperature storage at 50° C. or more, the electrolyte includes a compound within whose molecule a plurality of polymerizable functional groups are included.The electrolyte can include a compound represented by the formula 3: wherein each of Z1 and Z2 represents a polymerizable functional group including any one selected from the group consisting of allyl group, methallyl group, vinyl group, acryl group and methacryl group.
US08642216B2 Composite anode active material, with intermetallic compound, method of preparing the same, and anode and lithium battery containing the material
A composite anode active material includes a metal that may be alloyed with lithium, an intermetallic compound incapable of alloying with lithium, and a carbonaceous material, wherein the intermetallic compound exists in a phase structurally separated from the metal capable of alloying with lithium. Since the composite active material contains an intermetallic compound that does not form any alloy phase with lithium nor the metal capable of alloying with lithium but rather exists in a structurally separated phase, the composite active material exhibits excellent coulombic efficiency. Further, anode electrodes and lithium batteries including the composite anode active material exhibit improved charge and discharge characteristics.
US08642215B2 Negative active material for rechargeable lithium battery, method of preparing the same and rechargeable lithium battery including the same
A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a SiOx (0.5≦x≦1.5) compound including crystalline Si, and a SiCy, (0.5≦y≦1.5) compound including crystalline carbon. The negative active material may be used in a rechargeable lithium battery to achieve high capacity and good cycle-life characteristics.
US08642214B2 Silicon-carbonaceous encapsulated materials
A process includes preparing a solution including a silicon precursor or mixture of silicon precursors and a monomer or mixture of monomers; polymerizing the monomer to form a polymer-silicon precursor matrix; and pyrolyzing the polymer-silicon precursor matrix to form an electrochemically active carbon-coated silicon material.
US08642213B2 Lithium-ion secondary battery
A lithium-ion secondary battery comprises a negative electrode active material, a positive electrode active material, and an electrolytic solution. The negative electrode active material contains elemental silicon or a silicon-containing alloy. The electrolytic solution has a lithium salt and a solvent. The solvent contains a cyclic carbonate, a chain carbonate, fluoroethylene carbonate represented by the formula (1), and 1,3-propane sultone. In the electrolytic solution, fluoroethylene carbonate has a mass concentration Cf of 0.1 to 3 mass %, 1,3-propane sultone has a mass concentration Cp of 0.1 to 3 mass %, and Cf>Cp.
US08642211B2 Electrode including silicon-comprising fibres and electrochemical cells including the same
A pre-charged material including silicon-comprising fibers characterized in that two or more of the fibers are bonded together to create both a bonded felt anode structure, with or without a current collector, and a composite anode structure with a current collector and an electrode structure. The structure overcomes problems associated with charge/discharge capacity loss.
US08642209B2 Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, electrode used for secondary battery, and method of manufacturing electrode
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes an electrode body including a positive electrode and a negative electrode superimposed upon each other with a separator interposed therebetween. The negative electrode is superimposed upon the positive electrode in a state where a negative electrode active material layer, except the part on a proximal end part of a negative electrode tab, is positioned inside an outer edge of a positive electrode active material layer of the positive electrode. A width H1 of the negative electrode active material layer including the part on the proximal end part of the negative electrode tab, width H2 of the negative electrode active material layer or negative electrode current collector at a part other than the negative electrode tab, and width H3 of the positive electrode active material layer are formed to satisfy the relationships of H2
US08642206B2 Battery module
A battery module includes a battery array and an end plate. The battery array includes at least two battery cells that are stacked, the battery cells including a terminal surface where an electrode and a vent are exposed and an opposite bottom side. The end plate is disposed at the terminal surface of the stacked battery cells and includes an electrode hole through which the electrode is exposed. a first coupling unit including an alignment protrusion is disposed on one side of the end plate, and a second coupling unit including an accommodation unit is disposed on an opposite side of the end plate. The accommodation unit of the second coupling unit is configured to be coupled with an alignment protrusion of a first coupling unit of an end plate of an adjacent battery module.
US08642204B2 Battery pack with covering member and vehicle with the battery pack
A high-reliability battery pack is described. A battery pack has a battery module unit that is formed from a plurality of arranged battery modules, each of which has a plurality of cells in a case, a cooling air flow passage where a cooling air flow flows, and a gas exhaust duct which forms a gas exhaust passage. The gas exhaust duct extends in an arrangement direction S of the plurality of the battery modules while being contiguous to the battery module unit, and takes in the gas released in the case from the cell, then exhausts the gas from the battery module. The gas exhaust duct is provided with a gas inlet for taking in the gas, which communicates with a gas emission hole formed on a surface of the case, and an air intake that serves to take in the cooling air flow.
US08642200B2 Adaptive compressor surge control in a fuel cell system
A fuel cell system having an adaptable compressor map and method for optimizing the adaptable compressor map is provided. The method includes the steps of establishing an initial operating setpoint for an air compressor based on the adaptable compressor map; monitoring a surge indicator; adjusting the adaptable compressor map based on the monitored surge indicator; determining a desired operating setpoint based on the adjusted adaptable compressor map; and establishing an adapted operating setpoint for the air compressor based on the adaptable compressor map following the adjustment thereof. The steps are repeated until the adaptable compressor map for the air compressor is optimized.
US08642198B2 Battery system with temperature sensors
A battery system includes a platform having an aperture formed therethrough, a flexible member having a generally planar configuration and extending across the aperture, wherein a portion of the flexible member is coextensive with the aperture, a cell provided adjacent the platform, and a sensor coupled to the flexible member and positioned proximate the cell. The sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the cell.
US08642190B2 Fluorene derivative, light-emitting element, light-emitting device, electronic device, and lighting device
An object is to provide a new fluorene derivative as a good light-emitting material for organic EL elements. A fluorene derivative represented by General Formula (G1) is provided. In the formula, R1 to R8 separately represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted biphenyl group. Further, α1 to α4 separately represent a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group. Ar1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted condensed aromatic hydrocarbon having 14 to 18 carbon atoms forming a ring. Ar2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 13 carbon atoms forming a ring. Ar3 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Further, j, m, and n separately represent 0 or 1, and p represents 1 or 2.
US08642189B2 Substituted bipyridyl compound and organic electroluminescent device
The invention provides an organic compound which shows an excellent electron-injecting/transporting performance, has a hole-blocking ability and shows a high stability as a film, that is, having excellent characteristics as a material for organic electroluminescent device having high efficiency and high durability; and provides an organic EL device comprising the compound and having high efficiency and high durability. The organic compound being a substituted bipyridyl compound represented by the general formula (1);
US08642185B2 Leather production and aqueous formulations suitable therefor
A process for producing leather comprises treating part-processed hides, crust leathers or pelts with at least one aqueous float comprising (A) at least one amphiphilic organic copolymer, (B) at least one silicone compound having at least one carboxylic acid group or at least one carboxylic anhydride group per molecule, (C) at least one surface-active compound selected from emulsifiers having at least one phosphorus atom per molecule, (D) at least one surface-active compound selected from N-acylated amino acids, (E) at least one surface-active compound comprising at least one C10-C30-alkyl radical, branched or unbranched, or at least one polyisobutene moiety, and at least one ionic or aqueous-ionizable group, other than amphiphilic copolymer (A) and surface-active compound (C), and which is free of waxes and oils.
US08642176B2 Plastic laminates and methods for making the same
In one embodiment, a multilayer structure comprises: an initial terpolymer layer, a second layer comprising plastic and/or glass, a polycarbonate layer, and an adhesive layer. The initial terpolymer layer comprises a polycarbonate terpolymer derived from a first dihydroxy compound, a second dihydroxy compound, and a third dihydroxy compound, the first dihydroxy compound has Structure (A) wherein Rf is a hydrogen or CH3; the second dihydroxy compound has Structure (A) and is different from the first dihydroxy compound; and the third dihydroxy compound does not have Structure (A), and wherein a sum of mole percent of all of the first dihydroxy compound and the second dihydroxy compound is greater than or equal to 45% relative to a sum of mole percent of all of the first dihydroxy compound, the second dihydroxy compound, and the third dihydroxy compound in the polycarbonate terpolymer.
US08642173B2 Screen protector film
A multi-layer screen protector for digital display screens, such as LCD's, cell phones, tablets, laptops, and pad computer devices, that may be readily applied without the need for special tools and in dusty environments, the screen protector being designed and die-cut to match the shape of the digital display screen, including cut-outs for cameras, microphones and device buttons, where the top surface is a layer of polycaprolactone aliphatic urethane that is connected to a bottom layer made from plastic such as polystyrene, acrylic and/or polyethylene terephthalate, and a self-wetting adhesive layer provided on the bottom surface of the bottom polystyrene, acrylic and/or polyethylene terephthalate layer. The screen protector provides an optically clear view of the device and is constructed with the abrasion resistant layer being provided and supported on a plastic layer and may be removed and reinstalled.
US08642172B2 Nanofiber sheet
A nanofiber sheet including a nanofiber layer containing a polymeric nanofiber, a surface of nanofiber sheet being adhesive. The nanofiber preferably contains an adhesive component and a water insoluble polymer. The nanofiber sheet preferably has a water soluble layer containing a nanofiber containing a water soluble adhesive component and a water insoluble layer containing a nanofiber containing a water insoluble polymer laminated to each other. The nanofiber sheet preferably further includes a base layer located on one side of the nanofiber layer and an adhesive layer located on the other side of the nanofiber layer.
US08642170B2 Low thermal and radiation conductivity coating
A coating system that includes a plurality of portions, each portion comprising one or more layers. The coating system includes an outer portion, which is an infrared radiation (IR) interaction portion, that dissipates incident (IR). Underlying this outer portion is a performance portion. The performance portion comprises at least one layer that includes microspheres. Between the substrate and performance portion is a compliance portion. The compliance portion comprises at least one layer of high temperature material that has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) intermediate the performance layer and the substrate. The compliance portion thus reduces any high temperature thermal mismatch between the substrate and the performance portion.
US08642169B2 Decorative layered panel device and process
The present invention is directed to a new and improved method and process for manufacturing a layered laminate device. Said device including a decorative surface between a carrier and visual surface as well as a backing surface positioned along the carrier surface. Optionally, the method and process may include creating channels associated with at least one of the carrier or visual surfaces, protective coatings associated with one or more of the carrier or visual surfaces, or barriers for receiving the decorative surface.
US08642167B2 Continuous carbon-nanotube-reinforced polymer precursors and carbon fibers
The present invention relates to a continuous, carbon fiber with nanoscale features comprising carbon and carbon nanotubes, wherein the nanotubes are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the fiber. Also provided is a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor including about 50% to about 99.9% by weight of a melt-spinnable PAN and about 0.01% to about 10% of carbon nanotubes. Other precursor materials such as polyphenylene sulfide, pitch and solution-spinnable PAN are also provided. The precursor can also include a fugitive polymer which is dissociable from the precursor polymer.
US08642164B2 Composite substrates with predetermined porosities
A porous composite substrate that includes reinforcement material disposed within a resin matrix. The resin matrix includes a first matrix region with a first density, and a second matrix region with a second density that is different than the first density. The first matrix region includes a plurality of pores that are formed by pore forming material.
US08642163B2 Ultraviolet-curable inkjet ink set and colored board for outdoor use printed by using the ink set
Disclosed is an ultraviolet-curable inkjet ink set composed of a yellow ink, a magenta ink and a cyan ink, respectively containing a pigment, a reactive monomer and/or a reactive oligomer and a photopolymerization initiator. This ultraviolet-curable inkjet ink set is characterized in that the yellow ink contains at least a bismuth vanadate compound or iron oxide, the magenta ink contains at least iron oxide or a condensed polycyclic compound and the cyan ink contains at least a phthalocyanine compound, as their respective pigments. Also disclosed is a colored board for outdoor use, which is printed by using the ink set. The inkjet ink set realizes high-concentration printing, and enables to obtain a brilliant printed matter excellent in color presentation and weather resistance.
US08642161B2 Optically variable security element
The present invention relates to an optically variable security element for protecting articles against counterfeiting, to a process for the production of a security element of this type, and to the use thereof.
US08642153B2 Single crystal silicon carbide substrate and method of manufacturing the same
A single crystal silicon carbide substrate has a 4H-polytype crystal structure, has with nitrogen atoms doped as a conduction impurity with an atomic concentration of more than 1×1016/cm3, and has a main surface containing a circle having a diameter of 5 cm. The single crystal silicon carbide substrate includes only one of a facet region and a non-facet region. Thus, variation in nitrogen atom concentration in the single crystal silicon carbide substrate can be suppressed.
US08642148B2 Electrifying roller
Provided is an electrifying roller which is manufactured more easily, and has a good electrical conduction property with a small amount of electrically conductive material.Provided are electrifying rollers (10, 20) comprising a shaft 1, an elastic layer 2 formed on the periphery of the shaft 1, and a surface layer 3 formed on the periphery surface of the elastic layer 2, wherein the elastic layer 2 is formed by an ultraviolet curing resin having a phosphoester group. It is preferred that the ultraviolet curing resin be made of a compound represented by the following Formula (1): (wherein R1 is represented by the following Formula (2): (CH2)m  (2) (where m is an integer from 1 to 10), R2 is represented by any one of the following Formulae (3) to (9): R3 is represented by any one of the following Formulae (10) to (12): (where r, s and t are an integer from 10 to 150), and n is an integer from 1 to 10).
US08642147B2 Tubular film, device and method for producing the same
A process that is faster than conventional processes for manufacturing a film tube from a polymer and/or metal film material includes moving the film tube in relation to the joining tools during the joining process. Before the joining process of the film tube, the metal film material exists in the form of at least one film web. The edges of this film web are joined to one another in a joining process forming at least one longitudinal joint seam. During the joining process the film tube is moved in relation to the joining tools.
US08642144B2 Innerliner with nylon skin layer
A multilayer film is provided that comprises a nylon skin layer, a buried high density polyethylene layer, and a sealant layer, for use, for example, to form a package for dry food products. The multilayer film has a thickness of less than about 2.0 mils, such as between 0.8-1.7 mils, a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than about 0.30 g/100 in2/day, and a tear strength in the machine direction of greater than 40 grams, for instance at least about 120 grams. The multilayer film may further include a buried nylon layer and exhibit a tear strength in the machine direction of greater 190 grams.
US08642143B2 Transparent ink-jet recording films, compositions, and methods
Transparent ink-jet recording films, compositions, and methods are disclosed. Such films exhibit superior resistance to ink-transfer when printed to high optical densities, which is desirable for medical imaging applications.
US08642142B2 Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
Provided is an AM device containing a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large positive dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to and heat, or having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics, and the AM device having a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth; wherein a liquid crystal display device contains a liquid crystal composition having a positive dielectric anisotropy and containing a specific compound having a large positive dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a specific compound having a small viscosity as a second component.
US08642139B2 Process to make structured particles
Disclosed is a process for making a composite material that contains structured particles. The process includes providing a first precursor in the form of a dry precursor powder, a precursor liquid, a precursor vapor of a liquid and/or a precursor gas. The process also includes providing a plasma that has a high field zone and passing the first precursor through the high field zone of the plasma. As the first precursor passes through the high field zone of the plasma, at least part of the first precursor is decomposed. An aerosol having a second precursor is provided downstream of the high field zone of the plasma and the decomposed first material is allowed to condense onto the second precursor to from structured particles.
US08642138B2 Processing method for cleaning sulfur entities of contact regions
A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region and forming a first electrode layer overlying the surface region of the transparent substrate. The first electrode layer has an electrode surface region. In a specific embodiment, the method includes masking one or more portions of the electrode surface region using a masking layer to form an exposed region and a blocked region. The method includes forming an absorber layer comprising a sulfur entity overlying the exposed region and removing the mask layer. In a specific embodiment, the method causing formation of a plurality of metal disulfide species overlying the blocked region. In a specific embodiment, the metal disulfide species has a semiconductor characteristic. The method includes subjecting the plurality of metal disulfide species to electromagnetic radiation from a laser beam to substantially remove the metal disulfide species. The method includes exposing the blocked region free and clear from the metal disulfide.
US08642137B2 Ceramic honeycomb structure and its production method
A method for producing a ceramic honeycomb structure comprising a ceramic honeycomb body comprising large numbers of axially extending cells defined by cell walls, and an outer peripheral wall formed on an outer peripheral surface of the ceramic honeycomb body, comprising the steps of applying a coating material comprising elongated colloidal silica particles to the outer peripheral surface, and drying the coating material to form the outer peripheral wall.
US08642136B2 Substrate processing method and substrate processing apparatus for performing a deposition process and calculating a termination time of the deposition process
A substrate processing method includes performing a deposition process of depositing a thin film on the substrate while depressurizing the inside of the processing chamber and introducing the gas thereinto; and, while the deposition process is being performed, irradiating light, which is transmitted through a monitoring window installed at the processing chamber, toward the inside of the processing chamber through the monitoring window, and monitoring a reflection light intensity of reflection light by receiving the reflection light through the monitoring window. The substrate processing method further includes measuring a temporal variation in the reflection light intensity during the deposition process and calculating a termination time of the deposition process based on a measurement value of the temporal variation; and terminating the deposition process by setting the termination time as an end point of the deposition process.
US08642125B2 System and method for depositing a material on a substrate
A method and apparatus for depositing a film on a substrate includes introducing a material and a carrier gas into a heated chamber. The material may be a semiconductor material, such as a cadmium chalcogenide. A resulting mixture of vapor and carrier gas containing no unvaporized material is provided. The mixture of vapor and carrier gas are remixed to achieve a uniform vapor/carrier gas composition, which is directed toward a surface of a substrate, such as a glass substrate, where the vapor is deposited as a uniform film.
US08642122B2 Formation of thin uniform coatings on blade edges using isostatic press
The invention discloses utilizing isostatic-press (IP) processes apply a polymeric material (e.g, a PTFE foil) to uncoated razor blade edges forming thin, dense, and uniform coatings on blade edges which in turn exhibit low initial cutting forces correlating with more comfortable shaves. The isostatic press may be a hot isostatic press (HIP) or a cold isostatic press (CIP) or any other isostatic press process. The HIP conditions may include an environment of elevated temperatures and pressures in an inert atmosphere. The CIP conditions may include room temperature and elevated pressure. The polymeric material may be a fluoropolymer or non-fluoropolymeric material or any composite thereof. The lower surface of the polymeric material may be modified (e.g., chemical etching) to enhance adhesion to the blade edge. Two or more layers of polymeric material of similar or different properties may be isostatically pressed onto the uncoated blades.
US08642121B2 Thermal interface material having a patterned carbon nanotube array and method for making the same
A method for making a thermal interface material includes following steps. A substrate having a plurality of CNT arrays arranged thereon and a number of first interspaces defined between the CNT arrays is provided. A container is provided and the substrate with the CNT arrays is disposed into the container. A number of low melting point metallic nanoparticles is provided and filled in the first interspaces. The low melting point metallic nanoparticles in the container is heated into a liquid state, and the low melting point metal nanoparticles in liquid state is combined with the CNT arrays to form a composite material on the substrate. The composite material is peeled off from the substrate, and a thermal interface material is obtained.
US08642120B2 Method and apparatus for coating glass substrate
A coating process for coating a surface of a glass substrate in normal air pressure, in which coating process at least one liquid starting material is atomized into droplets and the formed droplets are guided towards the surface to be coated. The formed droplets are vaporized substantially close to the surface to be coated before the droplets contact the surface to be coated by bringing to the coating process the thermal energy needed for vaporizing the droplets with the glass substrate.
US08642119B2 Method and system for shielding semiconductor devices from light
The present disclosure is directed to a camera module that includes at least a semiconducting die, an image-sensing circuit, a lens, a lens aperture, and a coating that adheres to an exterior surface of the camera module. The coating is opaque to light and prevents light from accessing the camera other than through the lens aperture. The opaque coating is applied as a fluid and is cured. In one embodiment, a mask material is selectively applied to exterior surfaces of the semiconducting die, electrical interconnect layers, glass layers, the lens body, or the lens aperture. After applying the opaque coating, the selectively applied mask material is removed. Methods of selectively applying a mask material include applying a conformable and peelably releasable dope-like material, placing an array of joined, selectively shaped rigid masks over an array of assemblies, and applying a conformable mask material that is heat-expandable.
US08642117B2 Formation of layers on substrates
A liquid composition for forming an activator-containing layer on a substrate, for activating a chemical reaction to produce a solid layer on the substrate, comprises activator, surfactant and solvent and/or binder. The liquid composition is deposited on a surface of a substrate, desirably by inkjet printing. The layer is used to activate a chemical reaction to produce a solid layer on the substrate surface, e.g. a layer of conductive metal. The surfactant in the liquid composition has beneficial effects on the behavior of the liquid composition when applied to certain substrates.
US08642113B2 Methods of modifying stent coating thicknesses
A method of manufacturing a stent includes applying a coating to the stent and changing an amount of the coating being applied to the stent by modifying the diameter of the stent.
US08642110B2 Process for producing slowly digestible starch
A sterilized food product containing starch, the starch having: (a) an amylose content of at least 60 wt. %; (b) a median particle size of between 1 and 15 &mgr; m, at least 90 wt. % of the starch particles having a particle diameter of less than 50 &mgr; m; and (c) a non-digestible starch content of less than 50 wt. %; and (d) a slowly digestible starch content of 15-75 wt. %. The product is obtained by heating and rapidly cooling the starch product and has a high slowly digestible starch content. It is suitable for use in the treatment of diabetes, obesitas, insulin resistance, or for postprandial glucose response.
US08642106B2 Blended cheeses and methods for making such cheeses
Methods for preparing cheese blends of analog cheese and soft or firm/semi-hard, ripened or unripended, cheese are provided. The methods generally involve combining a slurry that contains the basic ingredients for an analog cheese and optionally one or more other ingredients with a mass of heated soft or firm/semi-hard cheese. Slurries that are used in the methods and cheeses produced by the methods are also provided.
US08642104B2 Method for producing a confectionery product
A method of producing a confectionery product includes the steps of: a) depositing at least one confectionery mass by allowing it to flow into a mold, b) depositing at least one particulate material in and/or on the confectionery mass; and c) repeating at least step a) at least once.
US08642101B2 Polymer-coated liquid packaging board, a package formed from it and the use of the polymer
The object of the invention is a liquid packaging board (1), wherein the base board (3) is provided with at least one polymeric coating layer on both sides thereof to decrease the flavor scalping from a packaged liquid, such as citrus fruit juice. Inside the baseboard, there is a layer (6) of ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer either in a direct contact with the packaged liquid or coated with a thin layer of polyolefin. The invention also relates to a closed package for liquid food that is formed from the liquid packaging board (1) by folding and seaming, wherein the side that comes in contact with the food product, correspondingly, comprises an EMA layer and, possibly, a thin polyolefin layer on top of the same. The invention further comprises the use of EMA in decreasing the flavor scalping from the packaged liquid by the packaging material.
US08642100B2 Method to evaluate the quantity of methane produced by a dairy ruminant and method to reduce and control this quantity
The present invention relates in particular to a method to evaluate the quantity of methane produced by a dairy ruminant.It is notably characterized by the fact that it comprises determination of the ratio between the quantity of fatty acids with 16 carbon atoms or less, called FA
US08642094B2 Synergistic pharmaceutical composition, method of making same and use of same
A medicinal combination of herbs, herbal extracts, and their chemical constituents that is synergistically effective for promoting human and veterinary health. The combination is a blood lipid level lowering synergistic composition comprising Ku ding cha, berberine or a berberine-containing plant extract, and other optional active ingredients. Methods of extraction and combination in synergistic amounts are also disclosed. The compositions according to the present invention may be used to treat or reduce the chance of contracting or the progression of a number of diseases or conditions in a subject, particularly cardiovascular diseases.
US08642092B2 Placental tissue grafts
Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placenta. The grafts are composed of at least one layer of amnion tissue where the epithelium layer has been substantially removed in order to expose the basement layer to host cells. By removing the epithelium layer, cells from the host can more readily interact with the cell-adhesion bio-active factors located onto top and within of the basement membrane. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts. The laminin structure of amnion tissue is nearly identical to that of native human tissue such as, for example, oral mucosa tissue. This includes high level of laminin-5, a cell adhesion bio-active factor show to bind gingival epithelia-cells, found throughout upper portions of the basement membrane.
US08642089B2 Melt extrusion of salts of active ingredients
The invention relates to a method for producing active ingredient-containing granules or powders involving the following steps: a) melting a mixture consisting of a pharmaceutical active ingredient and of a (meth)acrylate copolymer, which is comprised of 40 to 75 wt. % of radically polymerized C1 to C4 alkyl esters of acrylic acid or of methacrylic acid and can be comprised of 25 to 60 wt. % (meth)acrylate monomers having an anionic group in the alkyl radial; b) extruding the mixture, and; c) comminuting the extrudate to form a granule or powder. The inventive method is characterized in that the active ingredient is the salt of an alkaline substance, and in that the pH value, which can be measured on the obtained powder or granule, is equal to or less than pH 7.0. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical dosage forms or precursors thereof, which can be produced using the inventive method.
US08642088B2 Tannin-chitosan composites
The invention provides a composition comprising a matrix of chitosan and a tannin wherein the chitosan is electrostatically bonded to the tannin to form a chitosan-tannin composite material. The chitosan can be partially or fully deacetylated, and the tannin can be a monomeric or an oligomeric proanthocyanidin or a hydrolysable tannin. The chitosan-tannin composite material can be a nanoparticle, a hydrogel film, a bio-foam, or a biogel, or the chitosan-tannin composite material can coat a liposome. The composite materials can be used for drug delivery, for antibacterial and/or antifungal applications, for tissue engineering applications, for wound healing applications, or they can be used as adjuvants for vaccination, including oral vaccinations. The invention also provides methods of preparing the composite materials and their various forms.
US08642087B1 Compounds and methods for reducing oxidative stress
Antioxidant polymeric compounds are provided that comprise a plurality of monomeric portions, where each monomeric portion includes an antioxidant molecule interposed between at least two acrylate molecules, and where at least one acrylate molecule of each monomeric portion is linked by a diamine molecule to an acrylate molecule of an adjacent monomeric portion to thereby form the polymer. Methods of synthesizing polymeric compounds and methods of using the antioxidant polymeric compounds to reduce oxidative stress are also provided.
US08642085B2 Systems, methods, and compositions for prevention of tissue adhesion
A blended electrophilic material with a first component having a functionality of at least three and a second component having a functionality of two is mixed with a nucleophilic material. The blended electrophilic material cross-links with the nucleophilic material to form a non-liquid, three dimensional structure which can applied, e.g., as an adhesion barrier.
US08642078B2 Coated formulations for tolterodine
A sustained release pharmaceutical composition comprising coating comprising at least one water-insoluble permeable polymer and at least one water soluble polymer and homogenous cores containing only tolterodine or a salt thereof and microcrystalline cellulose is described.
US08642077B2 Stable pharmaceutical composition and methods of using same
The present invention relates to, inter alia, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a polyunsaturated fatty acid and to methods of using the same to treat or prevent cardiovascular-related diseases.
US08642076B2 Lipid containing formulations
Compositions and methods useful in administering nucleic acid based therapies, for example association complexes such as liposomes and lipoplexes are described.
US08642074B2 Thermosensitive liposomes containing therapeutic agents
A thermosensitive liposome for the delivery of active agents and a composition thereof are disclosed, wherein the liposome comprises at least one phosphatidylcholine, at least one phosphatidylglycerol and at least one lysolipid, and the gel to liquid phase transition temperature of said liposome is from 39 0° C. to 45° C.
US08642073B2 Encochleation methods, cochleates and methods of use
Disclosed are novel methods for making cochleates and cochleate compositions that include introducing a cargo moiety to a liposome in the presence of a solvent. Also disclosed are cochleates and cochleate compositions that include an aggregation inhibitor, and optionally, a cargo moiety. Additionally, anhydrous cochleates that include a protonized cargo moiety, a divalent metal cation and a negatively charge lipid are disclosed. Methods of using the cochleate compositions of the invention, including methods of administration, are also disclosed.
US08642070B2 Feed additive composition for ruminants, and feed containing the same, and method of fabricating such feed additive composition for ruminants
The coating composition which coats the biologically active substance includes at least one protective material selected from the group consisting of a hardened animal fat, a hardened vegetable oil, a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having 12 to 22 carbon atoms, a fatty acid ester, and a wax group; lecithin; and at least one preservative selected from a propionic acid or its salt, a sorbic acid or its salt, a benzoic acid or its salt, a dehydroacetic acid or its salt, parahydroxybenzoic acid esters, an imazalil, a thiabendazole, an orthophenyl phenol, an orthophenyl phenol natrium, and a diphenyl.
US08642068B2 Bioabsorbable medical device with coating
A biodegradable, bioabsorbable medical device with a coating for capturing progenitor endothelial cells in vivo and delivering a therapeutic agent at the site of implantation. The coating on the medical device is provided with a biabsorbable polymer composition such as a bioabsorbable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive for controlling the rate of delivery of the therapeutic agent.
US08642067B2 Methods and compositions for intraocular administration to treat ocular conditions
Anti-angiogenesis compositions, and methods of using such compositions, useful for injection into the vitreous of human eyes are provided. Such compositions can include TKI component solutions or particles present in a therapeutically effective amount, a viscosity inducing component, and an aqueous carrier component. The compositions have viscosities at about 25° C. of at least about 10 cps or about 100 cps at a shear rate of 0.1/second. In a preferred embodiment, the viscosity at 25° C. is in the range of from about 80,000 cps to about 300,000 cps.
US08642065B2 Osteogenic promoting implants and methods of inducing bone growth
The present disclosure describes an implant for improving bone growth including an osteoconductive scaffold and an osteoinductive small molecule. The osteoconductive scaffold can further include a polymeric binder. The implant can also include an osteogenic material to provide a viable cell population to assist the bone repair and remodeling. Also disclosed is a system for forming an implant for improving bone growth, as well as methods for forming the implant according to the disclosure, in addition to methods of therapeutic use of the implant.
US08642063B2 Implantable medical device coatings with biodegradable elastomer and releasable taxane agent
A coated medical device, such as a stent, that elutes a taxane agent in a controlled manner is provided. In one embodiment, the taxane agent is paclitaxel and at least a portion of the paclitaxel is present in a dihydrate solid form. The medical device may be coated with a layer including a taxane agent and a layer of bioabsorbable elastomer over the layer including the taxane agent. Methods of manufacturing and using the coated medical device are also provided.
US08642061B2 Method of treating bone tissue
In one embodiment, the method comprises providing tissue, preparing the tissue, and treating the tissue to improve remodeling characteristics of the tissue. The tissue may be, for example, cortical bone. Treating the tissue to improve remodeling characteristics may comprise heating the tissue, treating the tissue with a chemical, or other. Heating the tissue may be done in the absence of oxygen and may comprise heating the tissue in a vacuum, heating the tissue in an inert atmosphere, heating the tissue in a reducing atmosphere, coating the tissue with a protective coating and heating the tissue, or other. Further embodiments comprise treating the tissue in supercritical fluids, for example, to dry or virally inactivate the tissue.
US08642059B2 Controlled release systems and methods for intervertebral discs
A device includes a sensor configured to determine a condition associated with a nucleus pulposus, a reservoir configured to include a first agent capable of affecting the condition associated with the nucleus pulposus, a control element configured to provide access to the reservoir, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the control element. The controller is configured to manipulate the control element to provide access to the reservoir in response to the condition determined by the sensor.
US08642056B2 Method for thickening a cosmetic formulation using an alkali swellable emulsion of a polymer with AMPS and which is rich in acrylic acid
Process for thickening a composition, through the use of a direct emulsion in water, which is alkali-swellable, of a polymer of the ASE or HASE type, which is both rich in acrylic acid and which has a certain quantity of AMPS. The use of such emulsions simultaneously allows there to be no obligation to use surfactants and organic solvents other than water, and allows the thickening phenomenon to be activated for pHs of less than 7: this latter characteristic is particularly advantageous for formulations intended to be used in contact with skin.
US08642051B2 Method of hydration; infusion packet system(s), support member(s), delivery system(s), and method(s); with business model(s) and Method(s)
Liquid activated infusion packet(s)/system, promoting hydration, containing active and/or inactive ingredients and/or a support member(s). Infusion Packet(s)/System is one or more individual compartments, and/or group(s), whereby the enveloping material(s) may be totally or partially dissolvable, edible, transparent, opaque, decorated, etc. Further, including of one or more: color(s), flavor(s), aroma(s), pharmaceutical(s), nutraceutical(s), dietary supplement(s), enzyme(s), pre/pro-biotic(s), amino-acid(s), soluble-fiber(s), diagnostic agent(s) etc. regardless of form, +/−effervescence, +/−uniform/controlled-release encapsulations into liquid for humans and/or animals. Enveloping material may be in whole and/or in combination; non-synthetic/porous, and/or synthetic porous/non-porous with deliberate perforations. Infusion Packet(s)/System+/−tag, support member for assistance, consumer compliance: promotion, advertising: education, entertainment, (toy/game), etc. Manual and/or power operated parts, lights, noise, etc. Additionally incorporated; unique business modalities with test market opportunities and/or the ability to provide income and/or esteem for the health challenged.
US08642049B2 Vaccine against group A beta hemolytic streptococcus and respective process for obtaining thereof
VACCIN AGAINST GROUP A BETA HEMOLYTIC STREPTOCOCCUS AND RESPECTIVE PROCESS FOR OBTAINING THEREOF, which predicts the production of recombinant protein cloned from the gene emm5, which contains a sequence of oligonucleotides corresponding to 52 and/or 87 amino acid residues capable of protection, isolated after the sequential molecular identification of the epitopes from the M protein carboxy-terminal region, differing in 01 amino acid residue, identified by antibodies and T lymphocytes of health human beings and of patients carriers of rheumatic fever, capable of generating a protective response by antibodies depending on the T lymphocytes; prevention of the development of the autoimmune disease by the selected epitope was evaluated in vitro with T lymphocytes from the cardiac tissue of patients with lesions arising out of rheumatic fever.
US08642047B2 Non-protein stabilized Clostridial toxin pharmaceutical compositions
A Clostridial toxin pharmaceutical composition comprising a Clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum toxin, wherein the Clostridial toxin present in the pharmaceutical composition is stabilized by a non-protein excipient such as a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a disaccharides, a trisaccharide, a polysaccharide, an alcohol, a metal, an amino acid, a surfactant and/or a polyethylene glycol.
US08642046B2 Cholera vaccines
The methods and compositions of the present invention are directed to a vaccine against Vibrio cholerae comprised of V. cholerae outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Such vaccines are relatively stable, facilitating distribution. Inventive methods generally include administration of a vaccine against Vibrio cholerae by intranasal, intraperitoneal, oral or intragastric routes. Such vaccines confer immunity to the individual, and when administered to pregnant subjects, can be conferred to the offspring of individuals.
US08642044B2 Prevention and treatment of amyloidogenic disease
The invention provides improved agents and methods for treatment of diseases associated with amyloid deposits of Aβ in the brain of a patient. Such methods entail administering agents that induce a beneficial immunogenic response against the amyloid deposit. The methods are useful for prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Preferred agents including N-terminal fragments of Aβ and antibodies binding to the same.
US08642042B2 Protein matrix vaccines and methods of making and administering such vaccines
The invention relates to vaccine compositions having a carrier protein and an antigen of interest entrapped in a complex, methods of making such vaccines, and methods of vaccine administration.
US08642040B2 Methods for promoting myelination, neuronal survival and oligodendrocyte differentiation via administration of Sp35 or TrkA antagonists
This invention relates to methods for promoting myelination, neuronal survival, and oligodendrocyte differentiation and treating demyelination and dysmyelination disease by the administration of a TrkA antagonist. The invention also relates to methods of inhibiting or decreasing Sp35 expression by the use of a TrkA antagonist. Additionally, the invention relates generally to methods for blocking Sp35 and TrkA interaction and inhibiting or decreasing TrkA phosphorylation by the administration of a Sp35 antagonist.
US08642033B2 Methods for inducing in vivo tolerance
The present invention encompasses methods for inducing in vivo tolerance to a foreign tissue.
US08642029B2 Transiently buffered Lactobacillus preparations and use thereof
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for Lactobacillus Replacement Therapy (LRT). Methods for improved stability and recovery of dried bacterial preparations are also provided.
US08642028B2 Recombinant adenoviruses encoding the specific iodine transporter (NIS)
The present invention relates to the field of gene therapy and the treatment of tumors.
US08642027B2 Compositions and methods for modulating ischemic injury
The invention is directed to methods of modulating ischemic injury in tissues and organs. The invention is further directed to methods of increasing time to ischemic injury in tissues and organs. Such methods utilize compositions comprising cells capable of modulating inflammatory responses, referred to herein as Inflammatory Response Modulating Cells (IRMCs). The IRMCs any be used directly or cell membranes derived from them may be used in practicing the methods of the invention. In addition, the IRMCs and IRMC membranes may be used alone or in combination with each other and/or in combination with various suitable active agents.
US08642022B2 Copolymers of epoxy compounds and amino silanes
The present invention provides for a personal care composition suitable for treating hair comprising a composition comprising the reaction product of a) an oxirane or oxetane compound comprising at least two oxirane or oxetane groups; and b) an amino silane having the formula: N(H)(R1)R2Si(OR3)3-a-b-c(OR4)a(R5Si(OR6)d(R7)c)bR8c with R1 is chosen from the group consisting of H or a monovalent hydrocarbon radical containing one to 20 carbon atoms; R2 is selected from a group consisting of a divalent linear or branched hydrocarbon radical consisting of 1-60 carbons; R4 is a hydrocarbon radical that contains 3 to 200 carbon atoms; R5 is selected from a group consisting of oxygen or a divalent linear or branched hydrocarbon radical consisting of 1-60 carbons; R3, R6, R7, and R8 and are each independently selected from the group of monovalent linear or branched hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 200 carbon atoms; the subscript b is zero or a positive number and has a value ranging from 0 to 3; the subscripts a is zero or appositive number less than 3, the subscripts b and c are zero or positive and have a value ranging from 0 to 3 subject to the limitation that (a+b+c)<3; the subscripts d and e are zero or positive and have a value ranging from 0 to 3 subject to the limitation that (d+e)=3, wherein when hair is treated with said personal care composition said hair has a hydrophobic response to water.
US08642018B2 Sun-block cosmetic
The invention is a sunscreen cosmetic containing (a) a specific hydrophobic zinc oxide powder, (b) decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, and (c) an alkyl trimethicone having 6 to 12 carbons.Hydrophobic powder that has the noticeable effects of low oil absorption and a low apparent specific volume is stably blended into a sunscreen cosmetic as a UV radiation dispersing agent to produce a sunscreen cosmetic that has remarkably improved ease of washability after use.
US08642017B2 Method of using and composition for a foaming oral cleaner
Compositions for a foaming oral cleaner and related methods and products are disclosed. In one such method, a foaming oral cleaner may be dispensed onto a cleaning surface of a tongue cleaning device in a manner to foam the foaming oral cleaner. A surface of the tongue may be brushed using a tongue brush of the tongue cleaning device, thereby applying the foaming oral cleaner to the surface of the tongue. The brushing of the surface of the tongue can dislodge and loosen material on the surface of the tongue. The surface of the tongue can be scraped using a tongue scraper of the tongue cleaning device to scrape dislodged and loosened material from the surface of the tongue. The foaming oral cleaner may be a composition comprising water, a foaming agent, a sweetener, a flavoring agent, an antimicrobial agent comprising a biologically active enzyme, a preservative, and a coloring agent.
US08642012B2 Methods of treatment using ammonia-scavenging drugs
The invention provides a method for determining a dose and schedule and making dose adjustments of PBA prodrugs used to treat nitrogen retention states, or ammonia accumulation disorders, by measuring urinary excretion of phenylacetylglutamine and/or total urinary nitrogen. The invention provides methods to select an appropriate dosage of a PBA prodrug based on the patient's dietary protein intake, or based on previous treatments administered to the patient. The methods are applicable to selecting or modifying a dosing regimen for a subject receiving an orally administered ammonia scavenging drug.
US08642011B2 Tuberculosis vaccine
The present invention relates to an isolated microorganism belonging to the genus Mycobacterium, characterized in that it comprises inactivating the gene Rv0757 that confers a PhoP− phenotype and inactivating a second gene that prevents the production of DIM (DIM-phenotype). Additionally, the present invention comprises the use of said microorganism for producing a vaccine for immunizing against or preventing tuberculosis.
US08642009B2 Diagnostic system for the detection of skin cancer
Methods and compositions are provided for the analysis of skin surfaces to determine the presence of neoplastic tissue. In the methods of the invention, a composition comprising a florescent probe that binds to a specific neoplasia associated marker is applied topically to the area of interest. After topical administration, the probe preferentially binds to markers associated in neoplastic lesions in situ, which binding is detected with a compact illumination unit that provides illumination at a wavelength appropriate for image acquisition. The illumination unit comprises a light source and fiber optic bundle to direct the light towards the area of examination. A detection unit is used to capture and record an image of the area of investigation. The detection unit may be a digital camera, film camera, etc. A mapping module may also be provided to catalogue the site of examination.
US08642008B2 Molecular probe for imaging of pancreatic islets and use of the same
To provide a molecular probe for imaging of pancreatic islets. A molecular probe for use in imaging of pancreatic islets is provided. The molecular probe includes any one of the following polypeptides: polypeptides represented by the following formulae (1), (5), and (9); and polypeptides having homology with the foregoing polypeptides: Z-DLSXQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2 (1) Z-DLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLXNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2 (5) B-DLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2 (9) where X in the formulae (1) and (5) and B- in the formula (9) indicate that an amino group is labeled with a group represented by the formula (I) below having an aromatic ring, wherein A represents either an aromatic hydrocarbon group or an aromatic heterocyclic group, R1 represents a substituent that contains radioactive iodine, R2 represents either a hydrogen atom or a substituent different from that represented by R1, and R3 represents any one of a bond, a methylene group, and an oxymethylene group.
US08642003B2 Phosphine-oxide catalyzed process of production of hydrogen from silylated derivatives as hydrogen carrier
The invention relates to a method for producing hydrogen comprising the steps of: i) contacting a compound (C) comprising one or more groups Si—H with a phosphorous based catalyst in the presence of a base in water as solvent, thereby forming hydrogen and a by-product (C1); wherein said phosphorous based catalyst is as defined in claim 1; and ii) recovering the obtained hydrogen.
US08642002B2 Hydrogen gas production system utilizing silicon wastewater and method for production of hydrogen energy using the same
Disclosed are a hydrogen energy production system utilizing silicon wastewater and a method for production of hydrogen energy using the same. More particularly, the disclosed system includes: a UF treatment bath wherein the silicon wastewater is treated through UF film filtration to separate UF treated water and a concentrated silicon waste solution therefrom; a line mixer connected to the UF treatment bath in order to admix the separated silicon waste solution with an alkaline material fed from the outside; and a hydrogen production bath connected to the line mixer, wherein the concentrated silicon waste solution in the mixture reacts with the alkaline material, in order to produce hydrogen gas. Additionally, a hydrogen energy production method using the foregoing system is also disclosed.
US08641999B2 Carbon grit
Plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition is used to form single crystal diamond from a seed and methane. A susceptor is used to support the seed. Under certain conditions, crystalline grit is formed in addition to the diamond. The crystalline grit in one embodiment comprises mono crystals or twin crystals of carbon, each having its own nucleus. The crystals form in columns or tendrils to the side of the monocrystalline diamond or off a side of the susceptor. The crystals may have bonding imperfections which simulate doping, providing conductivity. They may also be directly doped. Many tools may be coated with the grit.
US08641996B2 Cyclic preparation method for producing titanium boride from intermediate feedstock potassium-based titanium-boron-fluorine salt mixture and producing potassium cryolite as byproduct
A cyclic preparation method including the following steps: a) boric acid or boric anhydride is added with hydrofluoric acid and then with potassium sulfate for reaction to generate potassium fluoborate; titanium-iron concentrate is added with hydrofluoric acid and then with potassium sulfate for reaction to generate potassium fluotitanate; B) the potassium fluoborate is mixed with the potassium fluotitanate, and the mixture reacts with aluminum to generate titanium boride and potassium cryolite; C) the potassium cryolite is sucked out and then fed into a rotary reaction kettle together with concentrated sulfuric acid, hydrogen fluoride gas as well as potassium sulfate and potassium aluminum sulfate are generated by reaction in the rotary reaction kettle, and the hydrogen fluoride gas is collected and then dissolved in water to obtain hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution; and D) the obtained hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution and potassium sulfate aqueous solution are recycled.
US08641994B2 Method and plant for CO2 capturing
A method and a plant for capturing CO2 from an exhaust gas from combustion of carbonaceous material are described. At least a part of the combustion gas is introduced into a biol fuel boiler as an oxygen containing gas, to increase the concentration of CO2 and decrease the oxygen concentration in the gas before introduction into an absorption column for separation of CO2.
US08641993B2 NOx absorber catalysts
A NOx absorber catalyst comprising an extruded solid body comprises either: (A) 10-95% by weight of at least one binder/matrix component; and 5-90% by weight of a zeolitic molecular sieve, a non-zeolitic molecular sieve or a mixture of any two or more thereof, which catalyst comprising at least one metal comprising (a) at least one precious metal; and (b) at least one alkali metal or at least one alkaline earth metal, wherein (a) and (b) are carried in one or more coating layer(s) on a surface of the extruded solid body; or (B) 10-95% by weight of at least one binder/matrix component; and 5-80% by weight optionally stabilized ceria, which catalyst comprising at least one metal comprising (a) at least one precious metal; and (b) at least one alkali metal or at least one alkaline earth metal.
US08641992B2 Process for recovering lithium from a brine
There is disclosed herein a process for recovering lithium from an impure natural or industrial brine, the process comprising adjusting the pH of a feed brine containing lithium to a value of no less than 11.3 and separating the waste solids and a solution containing lithium values. The solution may be further concentrated and treated to obtain lithium carbonate and a lithium chloride solution suitable for obtaining electrolytic grade lithium chloride.
US08641987B2 Sample chamber array and method for processing a biological sample
A sample chamber array is provided. The sample chamber array may comprise at least one reservoir in fluid communication with at least one sample chamber, and a movable portion defining the sample chamber. The reservoir is fillable with a liquid biological sample. The movable portion may be movable with respect to the remainder of the sample chamber from a first position to a second position. In the first position the movable portion is concave and the sample chamber is without biological sample. In the second position the movable portion is convex and the sample chamber comprises biological sample. The movement of the movable portion to the second position causes a pressure drop to transport the biological sample into the sample chamber from the at least one reservoir. Methods for processing a biological sample and methods of making a sample chamber array are also provided.
US08641986B2 Assay cartridges and methods of using the same
Assay modules, preferably assay cartridges, are described as are reader apparatuses which may be used to control aspects of module operation. The modules preferably comprise a detection chamber with integrated electrodes that may be used for carrying out electrode induced luminescence measurements. Methods are described for immobilizing assay reagents in a controlled fashion on these electrodes and other surfaces. Assay modules and cartridges are also described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain preferred embodiments, these modules are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick.
US08641984B2 Surgical instrument tray system
The teachings herein provide a surgical instrument tray system comprising at least a stringer tray having an advantageous cradle configured to hold ring-handle instruments in a spaced-apart array. In particular, the cradle includes an array of compartments, with each compartment cradling and supporting the lower ring of a respective one of the ring-handle instruments loaded in the tray. Further, a removable, elongated locking member locks the lower rings within the cradle. These features allow the stringer tray to be used for neatly organizing and holding a potentially large quantity of ring-handle instruments, for presentation and use within an operating room environment, for stowage as part of a tracked tray system within a sterilization container, as well as to position and hold the ring-handle instruments in a fully open position for disinfecting and washing.
US08641979B2 Reaction device and electronic equipment
Disclosed is a reaction device including: a reactor to cause a reaction of a reactant; a first container to house the reactor; and a second container to house the first container, wherein a gas is injected to a space between the reactor and the first container and the first container is sealed, and an atmospheric pressure in a space between the first container and the second container is lower than a normal atmospheric pressure.
US08641977B2 Disinfection of packaged articles
An apparatus for generating ozone inside packaged articles comprises an electrode assembly in which coplanar electrodes are supported along a contact surface. The electrodes are solid state conductive electrodes. These electrodes may be interdigitated and/or arranged with uniform spacing therebetween along a portion of their length. Where the electrodes are straight they may be parallel, but other shapes can also be evenly spaced. In some examples the electrodes are partially insulated and partially exposed. In some examples the electrodes are embedded/potted in an insulator to exclude air spaces from around the electrodes.
US08641973B2 Micro-fluidic test apparatus and method
An apparatus, system, and method for determining the osmolarity of a fluid. The apparatus includes at least one micro-fluidic circuit and at least one electrical circuit disposed in communication with the micro-fluidic circuit for determining a property of a fluid contained within the at least one micro-fluidic circuit.
US08641971B2 HIFU induced cavitation with reduced power threshold
An apparatus for irradiating a liquid sample with acoustic energy to generate cavitation in the liquid sample is provided. The apparatus includes a source and is adapted to receive a cartridge in such a way, that the apparatus focuses the HIFU waves emitted from the source onto a liquid air interface that is present within the cartridge. This focusing is performed when the cartridge is inserted into a receiving section of the apparatus.
US08641970B2 Mobile robot and clinical test apparatus using the same
A clinical test apparatus employing a mobile robot is provided. The clinical test apparatus includes a stage unit, a test station provided in the stage unit and configured to perform a clinical test, a mobile robot configured to move on a top surface of the stage unit and to transfer a plate on which samples and reagents are loaded to the test station, and a docking unit disposed in the stage unit and configured to reset a position of the mobile robot. A variety of test stations for a clinical test can be integrated, and multiple tests can be performed at the same time through a plurality of mobile robots.
US08641966B2 Method for removing moisture from a container
A system for microbially deactivating articles, such as medical, dental, veterinary and mortuary instruments and devices. The system includes vibration means for producing ultrasonic waves to facilitate drying after the completion of a liquid microbial deactivation process.
US08641964B2 Solder alloy
An alloy suitable for use in a ball grid array or chip scale package comprising from 0.05-1.5 wt. % copper, from 0.1-2 wt. % silver, from 0.005-0.3 wt % nickel, from 0.003-0.3 wt % chromium, from 0-0.1 wt. % phosphorus, from 0-0.1 wt. % germanium, from 0-0.1 wt. % gallium, from 0-0.3 wt. % of one or more rare earth elements, from 0-0.3 wt. % indium, from 0-0.3 wt. % magnesium, from 0-0.3 wt. % calcium, from 0-0.3 wt. % silicon, from 0-0.3 wt. % aluminum, from 0-0.3 wt. % zinc, from 0-2 wt. % bismuth, from 0-1 wt. % antimony, from 0-0.2 wt % manganese, from 0-0.3 wt % cobalt, from 0-0.3 wt % iron, and from 0-0.1 wt % zirconium, and the balance tin, together with unavoidable impurities.
US08641956B1 Gasket for a molded part and method of manufacture and use
A gasket apparatus is disclosed for forming an undercut on an inner surface of a molded part, along with corresponding methods for molding and positioning the apparatus within the undercut. The apparatus provides, in an exemplary embodiment, a gasket removably molded about a circumferential perimeter portion of a substantially disk-shaped insert. The perimeter portion is configured for forming a gasket groove in the gasket, the gasket groove itself configured for subsequently accepting and retaining an object therewithin when the insert is removed. The apparatus is configured for extending a distance into the inner surface of the molded part during the molding process, thereby forming the undercut therewithin. Upon cooling of the molded part, the insert is able to be disengaged and removed from gasket, leaving the gasket within the undercut and allowing the object to be positioned and retained within the gasket groove.
US08641950B2 Manufacturing method of a piece in a tire mold for molding
The manufactured pieces are the ones both end surfaces thereof in the tire circumferential direction are cut from the pieces before cutting 1 and the pieces before cutting 1 have the cutting regions whose cross-sectional shapes in the tire width direction are the same at both ends of its circumferential direction. And in the cutting process of cutting the pieces for modifying the lengths in the circumferential direction from each of the pieces before cutting 1, in order that the length in the tire circumferential direction of each piece after cutting and that both of the end surfaces in the circumferential direction of the piece after cutting are included in the cutting regions, the cutting lines of each piece are set at different not less than two positions (a, a′ and b, b′) in the tire circumferential direction and the pieces are cut by either one of the set cutting lines.
US08641937B2 Method of manufacturing lens casting mold and method of manufacturing eyeglass lens
A method for producing a mold for molding a lens wherein the upper surface of a glass material to be molded is molded by a thermal sag method using a continuous heating furnace. A mold having a curvature distribution on the molding surface is used, the highest temperature direction from the geometric center of the molding surface to the highest temperature point in the furnace is determined in one or more regions by measuring the temperature at a plurality of measuring points on the molding surface and the mold is rotated during the forming of the mold in which an eyeglass lens is subsequently molded.
US08641935B2 Apparatus and method of manufacturing light guide plate
An apparatus for manufacturing light guide plate includes a coater containing UV curable glue, a first pressing roller and a second pressing roller. The first pressing roller and the second pressing roller are located nearby each other and space a predetermined distance from each other. The coater distributes UV curable glue on the surface of the first pressing roller or the second pressing roller. The first pressing roller and the second pressing roller cooperatively press the distributed UV curable glue. At least one of the first pressing roller and the second pressing roller includes a transparent shell and a UV lamp in the transparent shell. The UV lamp emits UV light to the other pressing roller. The UV lamp solidifies the UV curable glue pressed between the first pressing roller and the second pressing roller.
US08641932B2 Sintered complex oxide and sputtering target comprising same
A composite oxide sintered body includes In2Ga2ZnO7 having a homologous crystal structure, and has a relative density of 90% or more, and an average crystal grain size of 10 μm or less.
US08641930B2 In—Ga—Zn type oxide sputtering target
A sputtering target including oxide A shown below and indium oxide (In2O3) having a bixbyite crystal structure:Oxide A: an oxide which includes an indium element (In), a gallium element (Ga) and a zinc element (Zn) in which diffraction peaks are observed at positions corresponding to incident angles (2θ) of 7.0° to 8.4°, 30.6° to 32.0°, 33.8° to 35.8°, 53.5° to 56.5° and 56.5° to 59.5° in an X-ray diffraction measurement (CuKα rays).
US08641929B2 Low-temperature-sinterable bonding material, and bonding method using the bonding material
Provided is a bonding material which enables formation of a bonded article in nitrogen, and can exhibit bonding strength to withstand practical use while having reduced bonding fluctuations between samples without a heat treatment procedure under pressurized or high temperature conditions. The bonding material comprises: silver nanoparticles having an average primary particle diameter of 1 to 200 nm and coated with an organic substance having 8 carbon atoms or less; a dispersion medium having a boiling point of 230° C. or higher; and a flux component including an organic matter having at least two carboxyl groups. Particularly, it is preferable to use the silver nanoparticles and submicron silver particles in combination.
US08641927B2 Conductive paste, and electronic device and solar cell including an electrode formed using the conductive paste
A conductive paste including a combination of: a conductive powder, a metallic glass, and a dispersing agent represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 R1-L1-(OR2)n—(OR3)m—O-L2-COOH.  Chemical Formula 1 In Chemical Formula 1, R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted C5 to C30 branched alkyl group, R2 and R3 are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted C2 to C5 alkylene group, L1 is a substituted or unsubstituted C6 to C30 arylene group, L2 is a single bond or a C1 to C4 alkylene group, n and m are each independently integers ranging from 0 to about 30, and 3≦n+m≦30.
US08641923B2 Liquid crystal composition, liquid crystal display using the liquid crystal composition, and method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display
Disclosed is a liquid crystal mixture that includes an isotropic mixture of liquid crystal molecules and a photo-polymerizable monomer. In addition, disclosed are a liquid crystal display (LCD) including a first display panel and a second display panel facing each other, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first display panel and the second display panel and including a plurality of liquid crystal regions and a plurality of polymer structures positioned among the plurality of liquid crystal regions, and a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal display (LCD). The liquid crystal layer is formed of a liquid crystal mixture in which liquid crystal molecules and a photo-polymerizable monomer exist isotropically.
US08641922B2 Regenerable and non-regenerable sorbents for acid gas removal
A sorbent for removal of acid gas from hydrocarbon gas includes a mixture of dewatered residue obtained from the distillation of ethanol, and an amine.
US08641921B2 Room temperature single phase Li insertion/extraction material for use in Li-based battery
The invention relates to active materials for the manufacture of Li-based batteries. A crystalline nanometric powdered material with formula Lix(M, M′)PO4, in particular LixFePO4 (O≦x≦1), is disclosed, exhibiting single phase Li insertion/extraction mechanism at room temperature when used as positive electrode material in Li-based batteries. Compared to current LiFePO4, the novel material results in smooth, sloping charge/discharge voltage curve greatly simplifying the monitoring of the state of charge of the batteries. The coexistence of mixed valence states for Fe (i.e. FeIIIVFeII) is believed to increase the electronic conductivity in the room temperature single phase LixFePO4 material, compared to state of the art two-phase materials. This, together with the nanometric size of the particles and their sharp monomodal size distribution, contributes to the exceptional high-rate capability demonstrated in batteries.
US08641911B2 Liquid extractor with vanes
A centrifugal bowl (105) comprises a base (3) that can rotate about an axis of rotation. A filter sieve in the shape of a perforated peripheral side sieve wall (151) extends from an open end to the base, and a plurality of vanes (155a . . . 155f) is disposed in a predominantly radial direction on the inner surface of the perforated peripheral side sieve wall (151).
US08641902B2 Method for wastewater treatment and wastewater treatment system
The invention relates to a method for wastewater treatment utilizing an anaerobic treatment of primary sludge (PS) in a septic tank (5), and a separate treatment of excess sludge (ÜS). The excess sludge (ÜS) is separated from the primary sludge (PS) before the anaerobic treatment, solubilized in a hydrolysis treatment and liquefied, and subjected to a separate anaerobic treatment independently of the primary sludge (PS).
US08641900B2 Method and device for continuously preparing microspheres, and collection unit thereof
A method and a device for continuously preparing microspheres, and a collection unit thereof are provided. The collection unit for collecting microspheres in the solution comprises a tank and a first plate. The first plate is removably disposed in the tank. The first plate, when lay across the tank, has its two ends came in contact with the sidewall of the tank so as to divide the tank into a first chamber and a second chamber. The tank has an outlet located in the second chamber. After the solution with microspheres are input to the first chamber of the tank, the microspheres are deposited around the first plate, and the solution is caused to pass through or over the first plate to the second chamber and output from the outlet.
US08641899B2 Method and apparatus for removing metal cuttings from an oil well drilling mud stream
An improved method and apparatus for removing metal cuttings from an oil well drilling mud stream provides a magnetic body or “ditch magnet” having end plates that extend radially and circumferentially from the magnetic body, the plates being positioned at end portions of the magnetic body. A third plate in the form of a wiper is used to dislodge metal cuttings and other metallic material from the magnetic body after the magnetic body has accumulated such metallic parts. One of the end plates can be removable to facilitate a complete scraping or wiping of the metallic parts from the metallic body by the wiper plate.
US08641898B2 Apparatus for treating liquids with wave energy from an electrical arc
An apparatus for treating a liquid includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and a throat having an outlet and a central axis, (b) a tank connected to the outlet of the throat, wherein the tank has a maximum inner diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the outlet of the throat, and (c) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet of the throat along the central axis, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode along the central axis. The liquid is supplied to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.
US08641892B2 Barrel-type fish/particle screen with adjustable flow distribution and debris removal
Debris adhering to the outer surface of a barrel-type fish screen is cleared by air bursts from a series of perforated air pipes positioned inside the outer foraminous shell of the screen, the perforations being holes with axes at an acute angle to the screen radius for efficient use of the air. Separately, the conical water collection manifold mounted inside the shell is open at its narrow end, with a valve mounted to that open end to control the opening. The opening prevents reduced water inflow at that end of the manifold, and the valve adjusts the access of the surrounding water to the opening, thereby allowing the manifold to be tuned to more closely approach a uniform distribution of axial water flow along the length of the collection manifold for different ambient conditions. Webs joining the air pipes to the collection manifold are also included in certain embodiments of the invention to support increased lengths of the entire apparatus without loss of structural integrity, including support for the foraminous shell.
US08641889B2 Hydrocracking process using a zeolite modified by basic treatment
Described herein is a hydrocracking and/or hydrotreatment process which uses a catalyst comprising an active phase containing at least one hydrogenating/dehydrogenating component, and a support comprising at least one dealuminated zeolite Y having an overall initial atomic ratio of silicon to aluminum between 2.5 and 20, an initial weight fraction of extra-lattice aluminum atoms greater than 10%, an initial mesopore volume greater than 0.07 ml.g−1, and an initial crystal lattice parameter a0 between 24.38 Å and 24.30 Å. The zeolite Y is modified by a basic treatment stage, and at least one thermal treatment stage.
US08641886B2 Method, system and device for treatment of water
An electrolytic method for treatment of water to increase the dissolved oxygen content, the method including: (a) contacting the water with at least one first electrode device; (b) providing at least one second electrode device in non-physical, electrical contact with the water; (c) introducing an oxidant to the water, and (d) passing an electric current between the second electrode device and the first electrode device, so as to establish an electric field in the water of sufficient strength and duration to effect the electrolytic dissociation of the water to produce dissolved oxygen and/or hydrogen species.
US08641885B2 Multiphase electrochemical reduction of CO2
Disclosed is a system and method for reducing carbon dioxide into a carbon based product. The system includes an electrochemical cell having a cathode region which includes a cathode and a non-aqueous catholyte; an anode region having an anode and an aqueous or gaseous anolyte; and an ion permeable zone disposed between the anode region and the cathode region. The ion permeable zone is at least one of (i) the interface between the anolyte and the catholyte, (ii) an ion selective membrane; (iii) at least one liquid layer formed of an emulsion or (iv) a hydrophobic or glass fiber separator. The system and method includes a source of energy, whereby applying the source of energy across the anode and cathode reduces the carbon dioxide and produces an oxidation product.
US08641880B2 Method and apparatus for the manipulation and/or the detection of particles
Method and apparatus for the manipulation and/or control of the position of particles using time-variable fields of force; the fields of force can be of dielectrophoresis (positive or negative), electrophoresis, electrohydrodynamic or electrowetting on dielectric, possessing a set of stable points of equilibrium for the particles.
US08641877B2 Nanopore based device for cutting long DNA molecules into fragments
Apparatus, system, and method are provided for cutting a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore. A first voltage is applied to create an electric field in a first direction. A second voltage is applied to create an electric field in a second direction, and the first direction is opposite to the second direction. When the electric field in the first direction and the electric field in the second direction are applied to a linear charged polymer inside a nanopore, the linear charged polymer is cut at a location with predetermined accuracy.
US08641876B2 Nanopore array structured devices for biosensing and energy storage
The present invention provides a novel device for biosensing and energy storage. The present invented device comprises an electrode having a nanopore structured and bio-communicationally active cyclodextrin attached thereto. The device has demonstrated robust analytical performances for direct single subtype breast cancer measurements without mediators, or native enzyme, and without antibodies labeling; the device is capable to store energy by direct bio-communication with the living cancer cells at real time is demonstrated. It is beneficial in the health care diagnostic applications.
US08641875B2 Apparatus and method for controlling nucleation during electrolysis
In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising: a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the first electrode is configured to control the location of nucleation of the gas by substantially separating the location of electron transfer and nucleation.
US08641865B2 Method and system for thin chip digester cooking
A method to cook thin chips in a continuous digester vessel including: introducing thin chips having a thickness of no more than 6 mm, into a chip bin; adding white (cooking) liquor to the chip bin or to a chip transport passage extending from the chip bin to an upper inlet of the continuous digester vessel; injecting medium pressure steam or another heated fluid to an upper region of the digester vessel to elevate a cooking temperature of the chips in the vessel to at least 130 degrees Celsius; cooking the chips in the vessel as the chips flow downward through the vessel without substantial extraction or introduction of liquor in the cooking section of the vessel; injecting wash liquid to a lower region of the vessel; extracting at least wash liquid through a wash liquid extraction screen in the lower region of the vessel and above the injection of the wash liquid, and discharging the cooked thin chips from the lower region of the vessel.
US08641863B2 Catalytic carboxylation of cellulose fibers in a continuous process with multiple additions of catalyst, secondary oxidant and base to a moving slurry of cellulose fibers
Manufacturing carboxylated fiber by catalytically carboxylating cellulose fiber in at least two catalytic carboxylation stages in series in which a primary catalyst and secondary oxidizing agent and, if necessary, pH adjustment agent is added at the beginning of each stage.
US08641862B2 High dose implantation strip (HDIS) in H2 base chemistry
Plasma is generated using elemental hydrogen, a weak oxidizing agent, and a fluorine containing gas. An inert gas is introduced to the plasma downstream of the plasma source and upstream of a showerhead that directs gas mixture into the reaction chamber where the mixture reacts with the high-dose implant resist. The process removes both the crust and bulk resist layers at a high strip rate, and leaves the work piece surface substantially residue free with low silicon loss.
US08641859B2 Bonding method
The invention relates to a method for bonding a first surface (1a) and a second surface (7a) by means of an interlayer (3), comprising the steps: a) providing a first item (1) which has the first surface (1a), b) providing flowable, solidifiable material for the interlayer (3), c) providing a second item (7) which has the second surface (7a), d) applying the material for the interlayer onto the first surface (1a) so that a bulge (3a) encircling the surface is produced, e) applying a vacuum around the first item (1) and the second item (2), f) bringing the second surface (7a) of the second item (7) into contact with the circumferential bulge so that a sealed-off cavity (5) is produced, g) increasing the ambient pressure so that the cavity (5) is eliminated without resulting in a stream of gas flowing into the cavity and h) increasing the viscosity of the material for the interlayer.
US08641858B2 Airtight container manufacturing method, and image displaying apparatus manufacturing method using airtight container manufacturing method
A manufacturing method provides an airtight container having a first plate structure, a second plate structure having a wiring formed on a surface facing the first plate structure, a frame arranged between the first plate structure and the second plate structure, a first bonding material arranged between the first plate structure and the frame, and a second bonding material arranged between the second plate structure and the frame. The method includes the steps of bonding the first plate structure and the frame by irradiating a first energy beam to the first bonding material by transmitting the first energy beam through the first plate structure, and bonding the second plate structure and the frame by irradiating a second energy beam to the second bonding material by transmitting the second energy beam through the first plate structure and the frame. The first energy beam and the second energy beam are scanned in close proximity to each other and at the same speed.
US08641856B2 Method and solder for form-fitted joining of two surfaces
A method for adhesive bond joining of two surfaces, where a metallic or non-metallic solder is applied to at least one of the two surfaces, where the solder has a temperature-dependent optical property. The solder is radiated with electromagnetic radiation with a predetermined spectrum, such that the solder reaches a predetermined temperature above its melting temperature and moistens the surfaces, such that the temperature-dependent optical property is modified reversibly or irreversibly at the predetermined temperature of the solder. The solder is cooled to below its melting temperature, such that the solder solidifies and connects the surfaces in an adhesive bond.
US08641853B2 Method of transferring a portion of a functional film
A method of transferring a portion of a functional film (1) onto a substrate from a base plate (100) comprises the formation of a groove (S1) which passes through the said functional film and also a separating film (2) placed between the functional film and the base plate. A portion (2p) of the separating film is then detached from the base plate with the portion of the functional film. The portion of said separating film protects the portion of the functional film in the rest of the method. According to one improvement, the portion of the functional film which is detached from the base plate comprises a useful portion (1p) and a margin (1m) that are connected together by the portion (2p) of the separating film. The useful portion (1p) of the functional film may then be gripped and handled via the margin (1m).
US08641850B2 Polymer systems with multiple shape memory effect
A polymer material system that consists of multiple layers of polymers of different transition temperatures in a multilayer construction to achieve and tailor a multiple shape memory effect. Wherein two material layers of different transition temperatures are utilized, a triple shape memory effect is achieved. In alternative embodiments, a triple shape memory effect may be achieved wherein each of the two layers are transformable using different external stimulus such as heat, light, magnetism, or moisture.
US08641848B2 Method and apparatus for combining elongated strips
A method and apparatus for combining elongated strips is provided. The strips are wrapped with a flexible material that may include a reinforcement layer and other layers such as adhesives whereby the strips can be bonded to one another. Additionally, layers of e.g., a stabilizing material may be added to one or both sides of the intermediate formed by the elongated strips and flexible material. The stabilizing material can be e.g., layers of a scrim and/or one or more layers of material that are impregnated with a resin to add strength to the intermediate.
US08641844B2 Telecommunications wire having a channeled dielectric insulator and methods for manufacturing the same
The present disclosure relates generally to a telecommunications wire including an electrical conductor and a dielectric insulator surrounding the electrical conductor. The dielectric insulator defines a plurality of channels defining void space containing a material having a low dielectric constant such as air. The channels each run along a length of the electrical conductor. The channels are configured to lower an overall dielectric constant of the dielectric insulator while maintaining desirable mechanical properties such as crush resistance.
US08641842B2 Propellant compositions including stabilized red phosphorus, a method of forming same, and an ordnance element including the same
Propellant compositions include an energetic binder, such as nitrocellulose, and a stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorous as a ballistic modifier. The propellant composition may additionally include an energetic plasticizer, such as nitroglycerine. For example, the propellant composition may be formed by mixing a double or multi base propellant that includes nitrocellulose plasticized with nitroglycerine with the stabilized, encapsulated red phosphorus. The propellant compositions may be substantially lead-free and may exhibit improved ballistic properties. Methods of forming such propellant compositions and an ordnance device including such propellant compositions are also disclosed.
US08641841B2 Continuous heat treatment furnace and utilizing the same, metal tube and heat treatment method
A continuous heat treatment furnace is provided in which an atmosphere-control gas is introduced to a heating chamber having a heating zone, metal tubes are continuously charged along an axial direction from a furnace entrance, and the metal tube subjected to a heat treatment is taken out from a furnace. The continuous heat treatment furnace includes a front chamber which has a preheating zone on an entrance side of the heating chamber and seal curtains which are located on an entrance side and an exit side of the front chamber.
US08641839B2 Method for imprinting and erasing amorphous metal alloys
The present invention relates to materials, methods and apparatuses for performing imprint lithography using amorphous metallic materials. The amorphous metallic materials can be employed as imprint media and thermoplastic forming processes are applied during the pattern transfer procedure to produce micron scale and nanoscale patterns in the amorphous metallic layer. The pattern transfer is in the form of direct mask embossing or through a serial nano-indentation process. A rewriting process is also disclosed, which involves an erasing mechanism that is accomplished by means of a second thermoplastic forming process. The amorphous metallic materials may also be used directly as an embossing mold in imprint lithography to allow high volume imprint nano-manufacturing. This invention also comprises of a method of smoothening surfaces under the action of the surface tension alone.
US08641837B2 Copper alloy having excellent stress relaxation property
A Cu—Ni—Sn—P alloy is provided, which is excellent in stress relaxation property in a direction perpendicular to a rolling direction, and has any of high strength, high conductivity, and excellent bendability. A copper alloy contains 0.1 to 3.0% of Ni, 0.1 to 3.0% of Sn, and 0.01 to 0.3% of P in mass percent respectively, and includes copper and inevitable impurities as the remainder; wherein in a radial distribution function around a Ni atom according to a XAFS analysis method, a first peak position is within a range of 2.16 to 2.35 Å, the position indicating a distance between a Ni atom in Cu and an atom nearest to the Ni atom. Thus, distances to atoms around the Ni atom in Cu are comparatively increased, so that the stress relaxation property in a direction perpendicular to the rolling direction of the copper alloy is improved.
US08641834B2 Method for manufacturing electric contact material, electric contact material, and thermal fuse
A method for manufacturing an electric contact material in which a surface layer portion of an alloy containing 1 to 15 mass % of Cu, 0.01 to 0.7 mass % of Ni, and the remainder of Ag and unavoidable impurities is supplied with an amount of oxygen exceeding the amount of oxygen required for internal oxidation of Cu to form an oxygen concentrated layer.
US08641831B2 Non-chemical, non-optical edge bead removal process
A method for removing the edge bead from a substrate by applying an impinging stream of a medium that is not a solvent for the material to be removed. The medium is applied to the periphery of the substrate with sufficient force to remove the material. Also, an apparatus to perform the inventive method.
US08641822B2 Method and apparatus for controlling diameter of a silicon crystal ingot in a growth process
An improvement to a method and an apparatus for growing a monocrystalline silicon ingot from silicon melt according to the CZ process. The improvement performs defining an error between a target taper of a meniscus and a measured taper, and translating the taper error into a feedback adjustment to a pull-speed of the silicon ingot. The conventional control model for controlling the CZ process relies on linear control (PID) controlling a non-linear system of quadratic relationship defined in the time domain between the diameter and the pull-speed. The present invention transforms the quadratic relationship in the time domain between the diameter and the pull-speed into a simile, linear relationship in the length domain between a meniscus taper of the ingot and the pull-speed. The present invention applies a linear control (modified PID) which operates in the length domain, and controls a system that has a linear relationship between the ingot taper and the pull-speed in the length domain to control the diameter of a growing silicon ingot.
US08641816B2 Vinyl ether compounds and methods of their preparation and use
Provided are new functionalized surfactants and methods of their preparation and use. The surfactants are compounds of formula I: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are as defined herein.
US08641814B2 Natural oil based marking compositions and their methods of making
Natural oil based marking compositions and their methods of making are provided. The compositions comprise a lipid-based wax having approximately 0-90 percent by weight triacylglycerides and approximately 10-99 percent by weight monoacylglycerides and diacylglycerides combined. The compositions also comprise approximately 1-40 percent by weight of a structuring agent. The methods comprise blending the composition by heating the lipid-based wax and structuring agent at a sufficiently high temperature to destroy substantially all crystal structure within the lipid-based wax. The methods further comprise pouring the composition into a mold having a surface and a core, wherein the pouring is conducted at a temperature at least 5° C. greater than the congeal point of the lipid-based wax. The methods further comprise cooling the lipid-based wax under conditions sufficient to cool the core to at least 5° C. below the congeal point of the lipid-based wax in approximately 30-90 minutes.
US08641811B2 Ecologically sensitive mud-gas containment system
This invention relates to an ecologically and environmentally friendly mud-gas containment system. Specifically, this invention relates to a mobile device that is capable of receiving waste gas and, in emergency situations, a volume of a mud-gas mixture from a drilling operation. The waste gas is communicated to a removable flare stack through a vent line. The mud-gas is received at a containment vessel. The impact of the mud-gas within the containment vessel separates the mud-gas into mud and waste gas. The mud is collected for recycling and/or environmentally sensitive disposal. The waste gas from the vessel is communicated to the flare stack. Separate removal ports and conduits are used to remove any residual mud or mud-gas from the vent line and/or containment vessel. Excess mud or mud-gas is communicated to an overflow catch tank for removal. The entire assembly is mounted on a mobile skid sized for highway transportation.
US08641810B2 Apparatuses and methods for storing and/or filtering a substance
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for loading and/or unloading a substance into or from a sorption media. A substance is presented at an edge of the sorption media, which comprises parallel layers of a sorption material. To load (i.e., via absorption and/or adsorption) the substance into the sorption media, heat is transferred away from the sorption media, a loading voltage is applied to the sorption media, and/or a pressure is increased relative to the sorption media. To unload the substance from the sorption media, heat is transferred into the sorption media, a voltage of an opposite polarity from the loading voltage is applied to the sorption media, and/or a pressure is decreased relative to the sorption media. In some embodiments, the sorption media includes surface structures that may load molecules of the substance.
US08641807B2 Hollow-fiber membrane casting solution additive for rapid solvent removal
Hollow fiber membranes, such as those used in air separation modules, are generally made from solution spinning. Typically, solvent is present in the bore of the fiber for the spinning process. This solvent, in addition to the solvent already present in the polymer casting solution, may cause voids in the fiber material. By adding a polycarboxylic acid to the polymer casting material, these voids may be reduced or eliminated.
US08641806B2 Systems and methods for multi-stage air dehumidification and cooling
Systems and methods are provided for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial condensation into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently condensed and removed from the system at ambient conditions.
US08641800B2 Method of alloying various grades of steel with manganese oxides
A method of alloying an iron majority compound with an oxide is provided. The method may include: heating the iron majority compound to a molten state; adding an oxide containing manganese to the molten iron majority compound; adding slag forming materials and reducers to the molten iron majority compound; controlling the iron majority compound to achieve a desired temperature environment for a desired period of time; and removing slag from the iron majority compound.
US08641799B2 Process for producing agglomerates of finely particulate iron carriers
A process for producing agglomerates from fine-grained iron carriers and at least one binder as a charge material for a metallurgical process is shown. In at least one further agglomeration step, the agglomerates are coated with a layer, comprising iron carriers and at least one binder, and heated in such a way that the binder is cured in the region of the surface of the agglomerates. In a process for producing liquid pig iron or liquid primary steel products from charge materials and possibly additions and agglomerates, the agglomerates are preheated in a reducing zone, which has a preheating stage, in such a way that the agglomerates completely harden in the preheating stage.
US08641793B2 Devices, systems, and methods for separation of feedstock components
Separation systems can utilize a combination of forces to separate constituent components of a working fluid from each other. Some separation systems utilize one or more of centrifugal and gravitational forces in the purification of hydrogen gas. Some separation systems can utilize one or more of electromotive and magnetic forces in the purification of hydrogen gas.
US08641792B2 Air intake system
An air intake system (20) for a utility vehicle engine (16) is provided. The system comprises an air filter module (21) having a pre-filter (22) upstream of a main filter (24) wherein the pre-filter serves to extract dust from the air stream. The system further comprises a fan module (32) which is dedicated to deliver a scavenging vacuum which sucks said dust through a scavenger vent (28) in the pre-filter. The fan module (34) is secured to the air filter module (21). By providing a dedicated fan for extracting the dust from the system the reliance on the engine exhaust to provide the vacuum is removed. Furthermore, the securing of the fan module to the air filter module reduces the number of components on the vehicle assembly line.
US08641789B2 Reformer reactor and method for converting hydrocarbon fuels into hydrogen rich gas
A reformer reactor is provided for converting hydrocarbon fuel into hydrogen rich gas by auto-thermal reaction process. The reformer reactor has a preferably cylindrically shaped, double wall housing with an inner wall and an outer wall and two side faces, wherein the inner wall and the two side faces form a reaction chamber. Additionally, the inner wall is charged with a first electric charge which prevents the hydrocarbon fuel molecules injected into the reaction chamber by a fuel inlet from hitting the warm inside surfaces of the reaction chamber and burn to soot, subsequently.
US08641781B1 Socket for partial hand prosthesis
A socket is described for use with a partial prosthesis of the hand. The socket includes a base layer molded to encapsulate and conform to the contours of a natural hand. The base layer has a dorsal portion and a palmar portion. The palmar portion has a distal edge positioned, in use, proximal to the transverse metacarpal arch of a natural hand, and the dorsal portion having a distal edge positioned, in use, along a transverse span along a mid-portion of the dorsum of the natural hand in an area proximal to the area of the second through fifth metacarpals of a natural hand. The palmar portion of the base layer defines a first open area around the hypo-thenar eminence and a second open area surrounding on the palmar portion the thenar eminence and extending to the radial side of the second metacarpal on the dorsal portion.
US08641780B2 Adjustment device for a lower limb prosthesis
An hydraulic heel-height adjustment device for a lower limb prosthesis has a foot-mounting component (18) for detachably mounting a prosthetic foot and a shin component pivotally connected to the foot-mounting component allowing angular adjustment of the foot-mounting component relative to the shin component about a heel-height adjustment axis. The relative angular position is set by an hydraulic piston (42) and cylinder assembly which has a chamber (40) in the shin component containing a piston (42) arranged to execute a translational movement in the chamber when adjustment is required. A bypass passage interconnects parts of the chamber on opposite sides of the piston, this passage containing a manually operable valve which is spring-biased towards a closed position. The piston has a piston rod pivotally connected to the foot-mounting component by a pivot joint defining a medial-lateral axis parallel to and spaced from the heel-height adjustment axis.
US08641778B2 Prosthesis attachment method and apparatus with soft tissue integrating seal
A method and apparatus for reducing the incident of infection proximate to an exit site where a prosthesis fastener, e.g., a bone screw, percutaneously penetrates a patient's skin/soft tissue. Infection reduction is achieved in accordance with the invention by growing a tissue integrating seal around the fastener proximate to the exit site.
US08641777B2 Embolic implant and method of use
A parent artery occlusion (PAO) device which provides for immediate occlusion of a cerebral artery to isolate a defect. The PAO device includes a self-expanding wire-frame prolate structure which is partially covered with an ePTFE membrane.
US08641776B2 Methods for modifying vascular vessel walls
This invention relates in one aspect to the treatment of a vascular vessel with a biomaterial. The biomaterial can be a remodelable material that strengthens and/or supports the vessel walls. Additionally the biomaterial can include a variety of naturally occurring or added bioactive agents and/or viable cellular populations.
US08641771B2 Acetabular cup having a wireless communication device
A orthopaedic implant comprises an acetabular cup and a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device is coupled to a rim surface of the acetabular cup. In one embodiment, a recess is defined in the rim surface and the wireless communication device is positioned therein. In another embodiment, the wireless communication device is positioned in an annular ring formed of a biocompatible material. The annular ring is coupled to the rim surface of the acetabular cup. The wireless communication device may be, for example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or device.
US08641769B2 Plastically deformable inter-osseous device
Described here are deformable, monolithic, stabilization devices, or implants, suitable for use within bone and between bones, for instance, to fuse vertebral bodies, to repair herniated discs, or to repair spinal compression fractures. The implants are introduced into a chosen site at a first, smaller height and then plastically deformed to achieve a second, but unique, pre-selected, larger height. Variations of the device provide one or more specific larger heights. The devices are particularly suitable as intervertebral spinal fusion implants for the immobilization of adjacent vertebral bodies. Methods of deploying the implants are also described as are instruments for such deployment.Also described are variations of the device particularly suitable as sizing instruments. These versions are elastic, i.e., not plastically deformable, and may be restored to their original size. Many of the described variations include deformable regions serving as hinges. Other variations are non-monolithic or may have one or more classical hinges substituted for the deformable regions.
US08641768B2 Intervertebral fusion implant
The present invention provides an intervertebral implant for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine. The implant includes a spacer portion having an inferior and superior surface, wherein the inferior and superior surfaces each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area, and the inferior and superior surfaces define a through-hole extending through the spacer body. The present invention further provides screw holes extending from a side portion to the inferior and superior surfaces of the spacer portion and a plate portion rigidly coupled to the spacer portion through a coupling means, wherein the plate portion contains screws holes for receiving screws. A screw back out prevention mechanism adapted on the plate portion and prevents the back out of screws from the screw holes.
US08641767B2 Expandable interbody fusion device
An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior plates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of expansion members or wafers. The superior and inferior plates include features that at least initially interlock the two plates until the superior plate is dislodged by pressure from the growing wafer stack. The wafers include features on their top and bottom surfaces that interlock the wafers in multiple degrees of freedom so that the wafer stack is not disrupted when the fusion device is fully expanded. Each wafer also includes features that interlock with the inferior plate until the wafer is dislodged by sequential introduction of another wafer.
US08641766B2 Arcuate fixation member
Arcuate fixation members with varying configurations and/or features are provided, along with additional components for use therewith in provided intervertebral implants. The arcuate fixation members may be of different lengths, cross sectional geometries, and/or cross sectional areas. Applications of intervertebral implants utilizing arcuate fixation members are particularly suitable when a linear line-of-approach for delivering fixation members is undesirable.
US08641763B2 Spinal fusion devices and a method of performing spinal fusion
A spinal fusion apparatus includes a cage body configured to be inserted between two vertebral bodies and which has internal sidewalls that define a cavity which extends vertically through the cage body, and an internal compression member which includes a movable sidewall which defines at least one side of the cavity, and which is movable in a lateral direction from a first position located in the cavity to a second position located in the cavity such that a space within the cavity is reduced when the movable sidewall is at the second position. The internal compression member includes a compression mechanism coupled to the moveable sidewall, and moves the movable sidewall from the first position to the second position. Fusion material is disposed in the cavity is compressed and compacted by the movable sidewall as the moveable sidewall moves from the first position to the second position.
US08641761B2 Creation and implantation of an artificial nail for the treatment of deformed or missing nails
The creation and implantation of an artificial nail in the treatment of deformed or missing nails includes preparing the nail bed. A polypropylene mesh is applied and anchored to the nail bed. Nail restoration material is applied to the polypropylene mesh. The nail restoration material is secured by regenerated nail tissue growing through the openings of the mesh whereby the mesh acts as an interface for the nail bed and the nail restoration material.
US08641757B2 Systems for rapidly deploying surgical heart valves
A quick-connect heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve and a plastically-expandable frame, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. A small number of guide sutures may be provided for aortic valve orientation. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available valve with a sewing ring with the frame attached thereto. The frame may expand from a conical deployment shape to a conical expanded shape, and may include web-like struts connected between axially-extending posts. A system and method for deployment includes an integrated handle shaft and balloon catheter. A valve holder is stored with the heart valve and the handle shaft easily attaches thereto to improve valve preparation steps.
US08641754B2 Endoluminal stent, self-supporting endoluminal graft and methods of making same
An endoluminal stent composed of a plurality of first structural elements arrayed to form the circumference of the stent and extending along the longitudinal axis of the stent, and a plurality of second structural elements that interconnect adjacent pairs of first structural elements. The plurality of first structural elements have either a linear shape or a generally sinusoidal configuration with either a regular or irregular periodicity or regions of regular and regions of irregular periodicity between the peaks and troughs of the pattern, with the peaks and troughs projecting from the first structural elements in the circumferential axis. The plurality of second structural elements are generally linear or sinusoidal-shaped members which interconnect an apex of a peak of one of the plurality of first structural elements with an apex of a valley of a second and adjacent one of the plurality of first structural elements. Each of the plurality of second structural elements are generally oriented parallel to the circumferential axis of the stent.
US08641748B2 Guidewire loaded stent for delivery through a catheter
A guidewire loaded stent for delivery through a catheter is described herein. The stent delivery assembly can deliver and place a stent within tortuous regions of the body which are accessible to guidewires but inaccessible to stenting catheters. The assembly comprises a guidewire covered in part by a retractable sheath and a radially expandable stent near or at the distal end of the guidewire. The whole assembly is advanced through conventional catheters or it may be used alone. In either case, when the stent is adjacent to a treatment site within the body, the sheath is retracted proximally to expose the stent for radial expansion into contact with the vessel wall. Radio-opaque marker bands are optionally located on either side or both sides of the stent on the guidewire body to aid in visual placement. The assembly can optionally include an expandable balloon on the guidewire for different treatment modalities.
US08641745B2 Device and method for extracting heat from the palm of a hand
A device for extracting thermal energy from the core body of an individual via the palm thereof during or after physical exertion activity by that individual, wherein the device includes (a) an enclosure containing a cold-maintaining substance, wherein the enclosure is not larger than the palm; and (b) securing means attached to the enclosure for securing the enclosure against the palm.
US08641742B2 Methods for bone alignment
A method for correcting an angular deformity in a bone includes positioning a link across a physis of the bone, the link having a first portion with a first opening, a second portion with a second opening, and a central portion extending between the first portion and the second portion, the central portion being more flexible than the first portion or the second portion. A first bone engager and second bone engager are advanced through the first opening and the second opening, respectively, and into the bone on opposing sides of the physis. The physis is allowed to generate more physeal tissue on a side of the bone opposite the link so as to reduce the angular deformity.
US08641740B2 Bone anchoring device for the operative repair of fractures
The invention relates to a bone anchoring device for the operative repair of fractures, comprising a fracture fixation plate which has at least one opening and at least one anchoring element for the fastening of the fracture fixation plate on the bone, wherein the anchoring element has a shaft and a head, and wherein at least one part of the shaft can be guided through the opening while the head can be fixed in the opening, and wherein the shaft is produced in at least two parts with a first part on which the head is arranged and with a second part provided for the anchoring in the bone, wherein the first part and the second part of the shaft are guided such that they move toward each other along an axis when the bone anchoring device is in the state of being fixed to the bone.
US08641739B2 Methods for percutaneously extending an existing spinal construct
Methods and techniques for adding an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. In one arrangement the additional spinal construct extends an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an inline rod connector in a minimally invasive or preferably, percutaneous procedure. In another arrangement, the ipsilateral extension of an existing spinal construct uses an offset rod connector for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct.
US08641738B1 Method of treating scoliosis using a biological implant
The present invention is a bone growth stimulating and promoting cytokine type biological implant preferably comprising PTH coated with a controlled release biodegradable coating that is implanted preferably in the concave side of a scoliotically curved spine in combination with a bone growth inhibiting type biological implant preferably comprising methotrexate or like anti-metabolite coated with a controlled release biodegradable coating that is implanted preferably in the convex side of a scoliotically curved spine. The insertion of the biological implant is highly non-invasion, especially as compared to more conventional spine surgical methods, and the biological implant does not decrease spinal mobility or spinal range of motion.
US08641731B2 Emergency snake bite treatment devices, medical kits and related methods
First aid or emergency snake bite treatment devices include a belt or other securing member attached to a compression (bite isolation) member, the compression member having an outwardly projecting wall that is configured to surround the snake bite and compress the skin about the snake bite a distance inward to thereby isolate the venom from the bite to impede the venom from entering a victim's lymphatic system.
US08641725B2 Compressed air dissector (air jet scraper)
Compressed air dissector is a surgical dissector which is used in tumor dissection and excision phases in surgical branches and especially in neurosurgery and microsurgery. The problem at this point is removal of the tumoral tissue without damaging the adjacent normal tissue and the blood vessels feeding the normal tissue. Moreover, serious difficulties may be encounter in the dissection phase of the arachnoid matter in brain surgery. The occurring adhesions can easily be opened with the aid of the air dissector. This provides great convenience in aneurism surgery. The operation principle of the compressed air dissector is direction of the controlled, sterile compressed air (gas) to the brain parenchyma and removal of the dissected particles from the location with an aspirator system. In said system, the particles in the air are cleaned with a filter system. When the compressed air is directed to the tumor tissue it easily dissects and removes the tumor. In the meanwhile, as no liquids are present in the lacuna the operation site can be seen clearly. Furthermore, event the smallest vessels are protected. Thus, peroperative bleeding occurs less and the postoperative wound curing becomes more physiologic. Moreover, tissue damage due to thermal effect is out of the question during the use of compressed air dissector.
US08641722B2 Injectable fastener system and method
Methods and devices are shown for forming polymer fasteners into bone by expelling the polymer from a cannula. Devices and methods shown allow a user to form multiple fasteners of various sizes without re-loading a device. Devices and methods shown further provide temperature profiles during fastener formation that reduce or eliminate thermal necrosis. Devices and methods shown further provide fasteners with increased strength.
US08641713B2 Flexible endoscopic catheter with ligasure
An endoscopic forceps is disclosed including an end effector assembly having two jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another for grasping tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members is connectable to an electrosurgical energy source for conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. The jaw members are biased to the first position. The end effector assembly of the endoscopic forceps further includes a wire snare having a proximal end connectable to an electrosurgical energy source and a distal end translatably extending out of one of the jaw members and operatively associated with the other of the jaw members. In use, withdrawal of the proximal end of the wire snare results in movement of the jaw members from the first position to a second position and clamping of the tissue between the jaws.
US08641711B2 Method and apparatus for gastrointestinal tract ablation for treatment of obesity
Devices and methods for ablating tissue in the wall of various organs of the gastrointestinal tract of a patient in order to cure or ameliorate metabolic pathophysiological conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes mellitus are provided. Ablational treatment of target areas may be fractional or partial, rendering a post-treatment portion of target tissue ablated and another portion that is substantially intact. Fractional ablation is achieved by controlling the delivery of ablational energy across the surface area being treated, and controlling the depth of energy penetration into tissue. Surface area control of energy delivery may controlled by the spatial pattern of distributed ablation elements or by the selective activation of a subset of a dense pattern of ablation elements. Embodiments of the device include an ablational electrode array that spans 360 degrees and an array that spans an arc of less than 360 degrees.
US08641710B2 Magnetically coupling devices for mapping and/or ablating
Systems for ablating tissue can include a pair of electrode assemblies. The electrode assemblies can automatically align on opposing sides of operative tissue due to magnetic interaction. One assembly can move automatically in response to the other assembly due to the magnetic interaction. Some systems are capable of cooling the electrode assemblies during ablation procedures.
US08641702B2 System for treatment of skin conditions using at least one narrow band light source in a skin brush having an oscillating brushhead
An apparatus and corresponding method for treatment of skin conditions which includes a brushhead member which comprises a first portion which includes a plurality of rings of bristle tufts, the first portion oscillating in operation through a selected angle at a selected frequency and a second portion which also includes a plurality of rings of bristle tufts concentric with the first portion, the second portion remaining stationary in operation. At least one monochromatic light source is included, providing light directed from the brushhead in a direction substantially the same as the bristle tufts, such that the light impinges on the area of skin of the user acted on by the oscillating brushhead.
US08641698B2 Pivot point arm for robotic system used to perform a surgical procedure
A pivot port that can provide a pivot point for a surgical instrument. The pivot port may be held in a stationary position by a support arm assembly that is attached to a table. The pivot port may include either an adapter or a ball joint that can support the surgical instrument. The pivot port allows the instrument to pivot relative to a patient.
US08641697B2 Steerable catheter
A steering mechanism for a catheter includes a tubular member defining a passage. The tubular member has a longitudinally extending, bend-enhancing portion formed at a predetermined region of the tubular member. An actuator is received in the passage of the tubular member, with the distal part of the actuator being fastened to a distal part of the tubular member.
US08641692B2 Manually-actuated, reduced-pressure systems for treating wounds
A manually-actuated, constant reduced-pressure apparatus for use with a reduced-pressure system for treating tissue at a tissue site includes a flexible, collapsible member that is operable to move between a compressed position and an extended position. The collapsible member may be disposed between a carrier member and a slider member that move between a compressed position and an extended position. The carrier member and slider member are urged away from each other by a constant-force biasing member, e.g., a constant force coil spring. As the apparatus moves from the compressed position to the extended position, a constant reduced-pressure is generated and delivered to a reduced-pressure port. Systems, methods of manufacturing a manually-actuated, constant reduced-pressure apparatus, and methods of treating a tissue site are also provided.
US08641690B2 Apparatus and methods for treatment of hemorrhaging
An apparatus for treatment of external hemorrhaging has a panel for applying pressure to an absorbent pad and a wound on a body part. The panel has a central portion located between first and second arms which extend outwardly and in transversely opposed directions from the central portion. The apparatus includes a strap which is attached to the first arm at or near a first strap end, and is releasably attachable to the second arm at an attachment region of the strap spaced apart from the first strap end. When the panel is strapped to the body part, the tension in the strap pulls on and elastically deforms the first and second arms of the panel inwardly toward the body part, and applies localized pressure to the pad and wound.
US08641689B2 Transdermal porator and patch system and method for using same
A transdermal permeant delivery system for delivery of at least one permeant composition into a tissue membrane of a subject including a disposable substrate having at least a portion of a bottom surface of a first release liner connected to an upper surface of the substrate and a patch having a backing layer and a reservoir that is selectively removable from the top surface of the first release liner. In a connected position, a first portion of the backing layer of the patch is releaseably mounted to a top surface of the first release liner in spaced registration with a poration area of the substrate.
US08641684B2 Closure for tubular access port
A closure for a tubular access port in a medical fluid flow line or other container comprises a removable cap for enclosing and sealing the tubular access port. The cap has a closed end wall. The end wall carries an extending poker to facilitate the pushing of an antiseptic-carrying material into a lumen of the access port. The poker has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the access port. A method of using the poker is also described.
US08641682B2 Applicator
An applicator, for example an injector (100), includes a flow control means including a first member (2) and a second member (6) for controlling flow from an inlet (4) to an outlet (5). A hinged linkage (17) is provided having a first end (18) rotatably engaged with the first member and a second end (19) rotatably engaged with the second member. The linkage (17) is moveable between a collapsed position and an over-center locked position which prevents relative movement of the first member (2) towards the second member (6). Linkage unlocking means (28) are provided which move the hinge (22) away from the over-center locked position so that the first and second members can be moved together.A similar linkage (10) prevents unwanted movement of a needle shroud (8).A needle shroud (8) which can be used to remove the needle (7) from the injector (100) is also described.
US08641676B2 Infusion apparatuses and methods of use
An exemplary infusion system for accessing an implanted device is disclosed comprising an insertion assembly, a hub comprising a sealable path configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion assembly, a flexible catheter attached to the hub and configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion assembly, and an extension tube attached to the hub. The hub may comprise a manifold element configured to provide fluid communication between the flexible catheter and the extension tube. The hub may also comprise a septum configured to seal the sealable path upon removal of the insertion assembly from the flexible catheter. The extension tube may also be configured to receive at least a portion of the insertion assembly. Exemplary methods of providing a fluid communication path to an implanted device are also disclosed.
US08641673B2 Removable controller for an infusion pump
Some embodiments of an infusion pump system include a controller device that is configured to removably attach to a pump device in a manner that provides a secure fitting, an overall compact size, and a reliable electrical connection. In particular embodiments, the controller device can be secured to the pump device in a generally side-by-side arrangement. The compact size can enhance discreteness and portability of the infusion pump system.
US08641672B2 Infusion and sensing device with battery charging and data transferring mechanisms
Disclosed is a portable ambulatory fluid delivery device. The device includes a dispensing unit to dispense therapeutic fluid, the dispensing unit including one or more rechargeable batteries, a housing to retain the one or more rechargeable batteries, a reservoir to contain the therapeutic fluid, a driving mechanism to cause delivery of the therapeutic fluid from the reservoir to a user's body, and at least one electrical connector to be coupled to a recharging unit to direct electrical power received from the recharging unit to recharge the one or more rechargeable batteries. At least a portion of the housing is securable to a skin of the user.
US08641669B2 Electromechanical injection apparatus
An injection apparatus (2) has a carrier housing (4), into which an injection device (8) having at least one injection fluid container (10) that can be pressed out can be inserted, and an actuating apparatus (12) which can be driven along an injection direction (R) in order to activate the injection device (8) and which can be acted on for performing at least one pricking stroke and one injection stroke by a mechanical energy storage unit (20) and an electrical transport unit (26). The invention provides for the actuating apparatus (12) to be driven in the injection direction (R) by the driving force of a mechanical energy storage unit (20) and for the electrical transport unit (26) to form a speed limiter which acts counter to the driving force during an injection, in order to limit a stroke speed attained via the energy storage unit.
US08641667B2 Perfusion device and method
A perfusion device and method is provided in various examples. In an example, the device includes a container having a first internal chamber configured to hold the material; a port for introducing the liquid into the chamber; a vent for releasing gas and liquid from the chamber; and a flow control device for sealing the vent to allow a vacuum to be drawn on the first chamber. In an example, the container includes a syringe that defines the internal material chamber and includes an end cap and a plunger. The vent may be formed by a venting passageway in the plunger and/or the cap. In various examples, the vacuum may be created by a medical syringe coupled to the container. In some examples, the medical syringe may also be used to deliver the liquid into the container.
US08641666B2 Catheter with laminar flow drug delivery properties
Catheters with laminar flow bioactive agent delivery properties and methods of using for treating or preventing vascular disease are disclosed.
US08641662B2 Systems, devices, methods for delivering hydrogel compositions with self-purging to prevent clogging
A hydrogel composition is formed by conveying separate first and second liquid components subject to a selectively applied application pressure P(A) into an outlet path for mixing and discharge. A liquid flushing agent is automatically conveyed into the outlet path subject to a substantially constantly applied purge pressure P(P) when the application of P(A) is interrupted, to continuously flush residual hydrogel composition from the outlet path.
US08641660B2 Methods and devices for controlling biologic microenvironments
A microenvironment of a biological body is controlled, and more particularly, is measured, changed, and monitored with respect to temperature, pH level, moisture and other tissue parameters of a region of the body while, optionally, administering a therapeutic agent to that region.
US08641659B2 Method and device to treat kidney disease
The invention relates to a method and device for dialysis and or bulk fluid removal by generating a fibrosis chamber within a body cavity and performing dialysis or bulk fluid removal. An implantable medical device is described having a fibrosis chamber and a pump. A dialysis chamber and an optional electrodialysis unit can further be provided. An additional controller uses sensory feedback to regulate the fluid levels by altering the extracellular fluid retention within the fibrosis chamber. This device can be used for the treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease who may also be suffering from cardiorenal syndrome and hypertension.
US08641654B2 Hinged ankle brace
A hinged ankle brace having a semi-rigid ankle cuff and a semi-rigid foot bed rotatably connected by a medial hinge and a lateral hinge provides enhanced stability and support to a wearer's ankle. The medial hinge of the ankle brace may be higher than the lateral hinge to accurately replicate the bending motion of an ankle. The ankle brace also includes ratchetably interconnected semi-rigid straps. These semi-rigid straps provide a semi-rigid structure encircling the ankle of a wearer for enhanced support. The ratchet mechanism may include a curved window that enables angular adjustment of the ratcheting straps. The ankle brace may also include a soft inner liner and a soft outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is configured to provide compression to the semi-rigid shell, which in turn provides additional compression to the ankle. The semi-rigid foot bed may include posterior extensions that cup and support the wearer's heel, and a posterior cut-out portion that receives the wearer's heel.
US08641651B2 Foot abduction apparatus
An improved foot abduction apparatus allowing movement in a horizontal and vertical plane. The embodiments allow a user to more easily manipulate the apparatus in one or both planes through the use of strategically placed pivot points. The device utilizes at least one rigid member attached to coupling devices which contain at least one pivot point. The specialized coupling devices may be selectively attached to shoe receiving member or plates which are well known in the art. Additionally the shoe receiving members are able to receive an improved shoe containing a sole member contained with a silicone boot.
US08641649B2 Pump for dental water jet
A pump for an oral irrigator includes a pump chassis, an eccentric end plate movably connected to the pump chassis, a first alignment shaft connected to the pump chassis, a second alignment shaft connected to the eccentric end plate, a first gear rotating around a longitudinal axis of the first alignment shaft, and a second gear engaging the first gear and rotating around a longitudinal axis of the second alignment shaft. By selectively moving the eccentric end plate relative to the pump chassis selectively moves the second gear relative to the first gear.
US08641645B2 Use of a support device
A method and system for determining a pose of a subject. The subject is placed onto a surface of a platform having a first radio-frequency transceiver and a second radio-frequency transceiver. A first radio-frequency transponder is placed onto an upper extremity of the subject. A second radio-frequency transponder is placed onto a lower extremity of the subject. A first signal is transmitted from the first transceiver to the first transponder, resulting in the first transponder sending a second signal. A third signal is transmitted from the second transceiver to the second transponder, resulting in the second transponder sending a fourth signal. The second signal is received by the first transceiver. The fourth signal is received by the second transceiver. A pose of the subject is determined based on receiving the second signal and the fourth signal.
US08641644B2 Blood testing apparatus having a rotatable cartridge with multiple lancing elements and testing means
A blood testing apparatus has a test member and a laser source configured to produce a wound from which blood flows. The laser source produces at least a cutting wavelength, and a coagulation wavelength. Electronics for analysis and a display are provided. The test member, laser source, electronics and display form a glucose monitoring system that is integrated in a single apparatus.
US08641640B2 Tissue cutting member for a biopsy device
The invention is directed to tissue cutting members and biopsy devices with such tissue cutting member for separating a tissue specimen from a patient's body at a target site. The tissue cutting member is slidably disposed within an inner lumen of an elongated probe member of the biopsy device to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of an outer cannula of the biopsy device through a tissue receiving aperture in the probe. The tissue cutting member has a tubular distal portion with a distal tip having an outer tissue cutting edge, an inner tissue receiving aperture, and a longitudinally oriented opening with a closed proximal end and open distal end which opens to the inner tissue receiving aperture to facilitate flaring of the distal tubular portion. The cutting member has at least one opening in a wall of the tubular portion to maintain a vacuum during use.
US08641639B2 Physiological sensor delivery device and method
An intravascular sensor delivery device for measuring a physiological parameter of a patient, such as blood pressure, within a vascular structure or passage. In some embodiments, the device can be used to measure the pressure gradient across a stenotic lesion or heart valve, such as a fractional flow reserve (FFR) across a stenotic lesion. The sensor delivery device has a distal sleeve configured to pass or slide over a standard medical guidewire. The sensor delivery device can be sized to pass over different sizes of guidewires to enable usage in coronary and peripheral arteries, for example. The sensing mechanism (sensor) can be a fiber optic pressure sensor, such as a MEMS-based FabryPerot fiber optic pressure sensor, for example, or could employ some other technology, e.g., MEMS capacitive or piezoresistive sensor.
US08641638B2 Electromyography system
Methods for determining structural integrity of a bone within the spine of a patient, the bone having a first aspect and a second aspect, wherein the second aspect separated from the first aspect by a width and located adjacent to a spinal nerve. The methods involve (a) applying an electrical stimulus to the first aspect of the bone; (b) electrically monitoring a muscle myotome associated with the spinal nerve to detect if an onset neuro-muscular response occurs in response to the application of the electrical stimulus to the first aspect of the bone; (c) automatically increasing the magnitude of the electrical stimulus to until the onset neuro-muscular response is detected; and (d) communicating to a user via at least one of visual and audible means information representing the magnitude of the electrical stimulus which caused the onset neuro-muscular response.
US08641636B2 Electronic vital-sign monitoring system
A electronic vital-sign monitoring system is provided here, which uses an external electronic device to compute a physiological value detected by an electronic vital-sign monitoring device and obtain a heart frequency spectrum; and provide power to the electronic vital-sign monitoring system; and further transfer the computed physiological value and the heart frequency spectrum to a database for data integration and incident reporting. In addition to the original function of detecting physiological values, the electronic vital-sign monitoring system further can detect heart frequency spectrum and offers telecare service to help patients, elders and general users according to different requirements.
US08641631B2 Non-invasive monitoring of respiratory rate, heart rate and apnea
A method and apparatus for estimating a respiratory rate of a patient. The method comprises the steps of recording respiratory sounds of the patient, deriving a plurality of respiratory rates from the recorded sounds using a plurality of respiratory rate estimating methods and applying a heuristic to the plurality of derived respiratory rates, the heuristic selecting one of the derived respiratory rates. The selected respiratory rate is the estimated respiratory rate. The apparatus comprises at least one sensor recording respiratory sounds of the patient, a plurality of respiratory rate processors, each of the processors comprising a respiratory rate calculating method, a heuristic means for selecting one of the calculated respiratory rates and a display means for displaying the selected respiratory as the estimated respiratory rate.
US08641629B2 Ultrasonic probe, charger, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic system
An ultrasonic probe, a charger and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and an ultrasonic diagnostic system that uses them are provided by the present invention, which comprises a detector for detecting whether or not an ultrasonic probe having a rechargeable battery or the charger for charging this is in charging state; and a controller for stopping transmitting and receiving operations of ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a transmitting and receiving circuit for executing the generation of a signal related to the transmission of the ultrasonic waves and the generation of the diagnostic information based on the signal related to the reception of the ultrasonic waves; a probe switching circuit for selecting one of a plurality of ultrasonic probes; and a controller for controlling the probe switching circuit in accordance with a detection signal from the detector. The ultrasonic diagnostic system comprises the above-mentioned probes, chargers and diagnostic apparatus.
US08641627B2 Transesophageal ultrasound using a narrow probe
Transesophageal echocardiography is implemented using a miniature transversely oriented transducer that is preferably small enough to fit in a 7.5 mm diameter probe, and most preferably small enough to fit in a 5 mm diameter probe. Signal processing techniques improve the depth of penetration to the point where the complete trans-gastric short axis view of the left ventricle can be obtained, despite the fact that the transducer is so small. The reduced diameter of the probe (as compared to prior art probes) reduces risks to patients, reduces or eliminates the need for anesthesia, and permits long term direct-visualization monitoring of patients' cardiac function.
US08641618B2 Method and structure for securing a monitoring device element
Structures and methods for attaching a device to a user's skin are provided. Embodiments include refreshing an adhesive attaching an element of an analyte monitoring device so that a first adhesive attaches the element of the analyte monitoring device during a first time period and a second adhesive attaches the element of the analyte monitoring device to the user's skin during a second time period. A sensor remains at least partially inserted into the user's while the refreshing of the adhesive from the first to the second adhesive occurs.
US08641613B2 Umbilical probe system
An umbilical probe sensing system is described which includes an automated system for accurately obtaining physiological information from an infant in real time. The system may also automatically guide a healthcare provider with a recommended course of treatment for infant resuscitation based on the detected and monitored physiological data. Moreover, the automated system may also provide a real time record of the infant's physiological parameters and resuscitation treatment performed by a healthcare team.
US08641608B2 Manifold for laparoscopic seal assembly
A laparoscopic seal assembly includes a seal cap having a seal with an access opening. The seal cap also includes a manifold connection for attachment of a functional apparatus. The seal assembly further includes a retractor. The functional apparatus may be a finger mounted tether or an insufflations passageway. The functional apparatus may be combined or provided separately.
US08641607B2 Light-guide, light source apparatus and endoscope system
When light enters a first small diameter fiber at an incident angle of 0°, exit light from the first small diameter fiber has a substantially convex light amount distribution in a diameter direction. When light enters a second small diameter fiber at an incident angle of 12°, exit light from the second small diameter fiber has a substantially concave light amount distribution in a diameter direction. The exit light from the first and second small diameter fibers enters a large diameter fiber and is combined therein, making the light amount distribution uniform in the large diameter fiber. The large diameter fiber has a tapered core and a tapered clad in a light exit section. The light in the large diameter fiber is output from a light exit surface thereof and also leaked from the tapered clad.
US08641605B2 Endoscope
An endoscope of the invention includes: an LED for supplying illumination light to illuminate a subject; an image pickup device for picking up an image of a region to be inspected of the subject; a video display device provided with a monitor portion on which an endoscope image of the region to be inspected picked up by the image pickup device is displayed and an exterior member for holding the monitor portion; a power supply control circuit for supplying electric power to drive the LED and cause the LED to emit illumination light; and a heat radiation portion for radiating heat generated by the power supply control circuit formed on a rear surface opposing to a disposition surface of the exterior member on which the monitor portion of the video display device is provided.
US08641599B2 Sexual aid device
A sexual aid device includes a sheath body and a sensor module. The sheath body has first and second sheath bodies capable of being assembled and separated mutually, and the first and the second sheath bodies construct a containing space. The sensor module is disposed on the first sheath body, and includes a printed circuit board, a controlling switch, a vibration switch and an outputting port. The controlling switch performs sensing and controls the vibration switch to be started. The vibration switch outputs vibration signals for controlling the output port to transmit the vibration signal out. An interactive media is used in cooperation so as to raise the practicability and sensory organ stimulation.
US08641598B2 Organ manipulator apparatus
Organ manipulation devices for atraumatically grasping the surface of an organ and repositioning the organ to allow access to a location on the organ that would otherwise be substantially inaccessible. Methods of accessing a beating heart, retracting the heart using an organ manipulation apparatus, and stabilizing a surgical target area with a stabilizer. Both the organ manipulator and stabilizer are fixed to a stationary object which may be a sternal retractor. A system for performing beating heart coronary artery bypass grafting includes a sternal retractor, organ manipulator and stabilizer.
US08641597B2 Surgical procedure for the treatment of female urinary incontinece: tension-free inside-out transobturator urethral suspension
A new, quick, simple, efficient, safe, and reproducible surgical technique for the treatment of female urinary incontinence, in which the posterior urethra is suspended using a tape passed through the obturator orifices from inside (underneath the urethra) to outside (thigh folds). A variety of specifically designed surgical instruments are utilized to perform this operative procedure.
US08641596B2 Wireless communication in a multimodal auditory prosthesis
A multimodal auditory prosthesis. The prosthesis comprises a sound processing unit configured to process sound and to generate electrical signals representing different frequency components of the processed sound and a stimulation module communicably coupled to the sound processing unit, configured to stimulate the recipient to evoke a hearing percept of a range of the frequency components. The prosthesis also comprises an external stimulation module, configured to be positioned within an externally accessible portion of the recipient's first ear, comprising: a receiver unit to wirelessly receive the electrical signals representing the different frequency components, and a transducer that delivers acoustic or mechanical energy to the recipient's ear to evoke a hearing percept of a range of the frequency components.
US08641589B2 Precision roll turning lathe and automatic tool changer therefor
There is provided an automatic tool changer which, in a precision roll turning lathe which feeds a tool post at a high speed, can automatically change a tool, such as a cutting tool, without stopping the machine, thereby enabling highly efficient ultra-Precision machining of a roll mold for molding of a large-sized plastic sheet. The automatic tool changer includes: a change device including a vertically movable pivot arm having a pivot axis and which pivots in a horizontal plane, a hand portion, mounted at the front end of the arm, for detachably gripping a tool holder, a pivot drive section for pivoting the pivot arm, and a lifting drive section for vertically moving the pivot arm; a tool holder stocker, having a plurality of circumferentially-arranged stages disposed at a predetermined distance from the pivot axis, each stage detachably holding a tool holder; a holder base, mounted to the tool post, for fixing and unfixing a tool holder through the rotation of a clamp shaft; and a clamp shaft operating device including an operating portion for clamping/unclamping the tool holder by rotating the clamp shaft.
US08641583B2 Boxing training device
The boxing training device of the present invention includes two hollow elastic elements which locate on two different positions. The boxing training device also includes two slidable and rigid sliders. The slider can be moved into the elastic element so that the elastic element can be limited by the slider. As such, the whole device does not sway when transporting without disassembling. Also, said device can provide a variety of way to use.
US08641582B2 Leg-stretching exercise apparatus
Disclosed is a leg-stretching exercise apparatus comprising a base, a handle connected to the base about a front vertical member assembly extending from the front thereof, a waist belt extending from a rear vertical member extending from the rear of the base, and a pair of generally horizontal track assemblies extending collinearly from either side of the base. Each track assembly comprises at least one rail pipe extending between a pair of proximal and distal blocks, a foot-supporting platform coupled to the at least one rail pipe such that the platform can slide along the length thereof, and a resilient member connecting the platform to the proximal block.
US08641581B2 Ergometric training device
A stationary, ergometric exercise apparatus including a hand/foot-operated drive with two drive elements that are operated alternately and a measuring device for measuring the drive force applied to the drive force includes a measuring device for measuring the angular position of the drive, having a pair of sensor devices which are arranged in positions opposite to each other relative to a wheel that is joined to the drive so as to be synchronous in motion with it, which positions each correspond to a position in motion of a load alternation between the two drive elements. A computer receives the signals from the force measuring device and calculates the temporal progress of the drive force, as well as variables that can be derived from it, and alternately output a dedicated right or left limb reading for a person in training depending on the load alternation notified by the measuring device.
US08641580B2 Swimming exercising device
Individual swimmers may routinely and easily perform exercise regiments to maintain or enhance their general health and fitness utilizing the present invention. A pole may be secured adjacent a body of water to retain a tether and a harness which retains the swimmer. Numerous pole mounting arrangements provide for deployment of the swimming exercise device with nearly any configuration of swimming pool without regard for whether the pool is of the in ground style or of the above ground style and without regard for size from the smallest available to Olympic size. A small but durable hand rail mount and a water filled anchor which merely sits adjacent the body of water provide for excellent securement of the pole without any structural modification to any existing structure.
US08641574B2 Transfer shaft support
A drive assembly for a vehicle includes a shaft supported on first and second components, a gear wheel for transmitting torque, and a bearing supporting the gear wheel on the shaft, transmitting axial force in a first axial direction between the gear wheel and the first component, and transmitting axial force in a second direction opposite the first direction between the gear wheel and the second component.
US08641572B2 Continuously variable transmission
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a carrier assembly to facilitate the support of components in a CVT. In another embodiment, a carrier includes a stator support member and a stator interfacial member. In some embodiments, the stator interfacial member is configured to interact with planet subassemblies of a CVT. Various inventive planet subassemblies and idler assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the planet subassemblies include legs configured to have a sliding interface with a carrier assembly. Embodiments of a hub shell, a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.
US08641567B2 Hybrid powertrain with manual transmission and off-latching clutch, and method of operating the same
A powertrain for a hybrid vehicle includes a clutch interconnecting an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is coupled to a manually operated gearbox operable in at least one electric only drive position and at least one hybrid drive position. A latch is coupled to the clutch and is moveable between a closed position inhibiting the clutch from interconnecting the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the electric only drive position, and an open position allowing the clutch to interconnect the internal combustion engine and the electric motor when the gearbox is disposed in the hybrid drive position.
US08641566B2 Toothed plate for a plate-link chain
A toothed plate for a toothed-plate plate-link chain, wherein the toothed plate includes two teeth, each having an inner flank, and an indentation between the teeth. The indentation includes a transition between a tooth flank and a curved innermost region. The transition has a convex curvature and is positioned at a junction of one of the inner flanks and the innermost region.
US08641565B2 Inverted tooth chain sprocket with frequency modulated meshing
An inverted tooth chain drive system includes an inverted tooth chain structured for inside flank engagement. The chain includes link rows each including leading inside flanks that project outwardly relative to trailing outside flanks of a preceding link row. The system further includes a sprocket with which said inverted tooth chain is drivingly engaged. The sprocket includes a plurality of teeth circumferentially spaced about an axis of rotation, each tooth comprising an engaging flank and a disengaging flank. Some of the teeth are defined with a first tooth form in which said engaging flank thereof is defined with a first pressure angle and others of said teeth are defined with a second tooth form in which the engaging flank thereof is defined with a second pressure angle that is different from the first pressure angle in order to stagger or modulate the initial meshing impacts between the leading inside flanks of the chain and engaging flanks of the sprocket teeth. The sprocket can be optimized for manufacture by a hobbing process, by arranging the different tooth forms in a specific “hob-compatible” pattern.
US08641564B2 Pulley tensioner for an oil wet belt drive
A tensioner (1) for a belt drive, comprises a base (2) defining an axis (A), a mobile eccentric element (3) hinged about axis (A) and loaded by a spring (5), a pulley (4) idly connected to the mobile element (3). Specifically, the pulley (4) defines a single body with the external ring of a rolling bearing (6) mounted on the mobile element (3) and the spring (5) is helical and presents a square or rectangular cross section.
US08641559B2 Golf ball with adjustable tackiness
A golf ball is provided that includes a coating. The coating is designed to allow a golfer to modify or increase the tackiness of the coating. The coating changes tackiness when exposed to a soaking material. A method of determining a desirable length of soak is also disclosed.
US08641556B2 Putter-type golf club head
A golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention may include a body comprising a front surface, having an opening therein for receiving a primary insert. One or more secondary inserts may be disposed in the primary insert and may include a leading surface and a trailing surface. The trailing surface may be physically exposed to the elements and the leading surface may be physically exposed and/or visually exposed.
US08641552B2 Grip for sporting equipment
A grip for sporting equipment includes a base defining a receiver for receiving a gripping end. The base includes a pair of opposed grip base ends and an intervening center portion. At least one sheet of material is provided for encircling at least the base center portion. The at least one sheet of material includes at least two opposed beveled edges which when abutting define a seam disposed within a groove. The opposed abutting beveled edges are secured one to the other by stitching disposed within the groove. An adhesive strip overlays the groove and stitching. A substantially transparent top protective layer may overlay at least a portion of the at least one sheet of material, the adhesive strip, and the base. In turn, items of sporting equipment and methods for providing grips for sporting equipment are described.
US08641551B2 Versatile vibration-damped golf swing-weight system
A highly versatile damper-weight system enables the installation of adjustable swing-weight in a vibration-damped manner inside a golf club shaft. A plug assembly of selectable weight is inserted through a circular opening in the golf grip cap with a special tool, moved to any desired location within the shaft and securely fastened in place in a vibration-damped manner by radial expandable of a cylindrical resilient expandable element. A weight rod, made available in different materials, lengths and weights, is spaced from the shaft by one or more resilient damper sleeves to minimize shaft vibration. The expandable element is secured by a machine screw threaded into the upper end of the weight rod, and is dimensioned (unexpanded) to enable easy insertion and location adjustment of said plug assembly. The tool provides dual functions: as a screw head driver to expand/contract the expandable element radially by axial pressure/release as required, and as a removable coupler capable of pulling the plug assembly (with the expandable element unexpanded) upwardly, as well as pressing it downwardly within the shaft for adjustment to any desired location.
US08641549B2 Putter heads and putters including polymeric material as part of the ball striking face
Putters include a putter body having a ball striking face member made of a material having a first hardness characteristic. A cavity is defined in the putter body behind the ball striking face member, and plural openings are defined in the ball striking face member extending rearward with respect to the ball striking face member and into the cavity. A polymeric material at least partially fills the openings and the cavity, wherein the polymeric material has a second hardness characteristic that is softer than the first hardness characteristic. The ball striking face member and the polymeric material exposed in at least some of the openings provide a ball striking surface of the putter. The ball striking surface may include grooves or scorelines to affect the launch angle, spin, and/or roll of the ball during a putt. Methods for making such putter devices also are described.
US08641548B2 Automatic club setting and ball flight optimization
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating holes to be played.
US08641547B2 Automatic club setting and ball flight optimization
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.
US08641546B2 Automatic club setting and ball flight optimization
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for changing and controlling settings for adjustable golf clubs are described. Such setting adjustment systems may alter one or more of: lie angle, loft angle, face angle, shaft stiffness, shaft kickpoint location, weighting, weight positioning, face flexibility, maximum face flex location, etc. These systems and methods may use various types of information to determine the appropriate settings, such as: ball launch monitor data, swing path data, weather input data, course condition input data for a location of play, course design input data for a location of play, daily course layout input data for a location and a time of play, golfer past performance data (e.g., recent past performance, past performances at the location of play, past performance during an ongoing round of golf (i.e., on earlier played holes), etc.), current adjustable club setting information, and information indicating specific holes to be played.
US08641545B2 Distributed scoring system
In one embodiment, a distributed bowling center system includes two or more computing devices associated with respective bowling center peripherals. The bowling center peripherals are any electronic or mechanical device in a bowling center capable of detecting a bowling event or receiving input. Example bowling center peripherals include a pinsetter, a monitor, a bumper, a keypad, or a touchscreen. The bowling center peripherals are configured to perform at least one bowler center function. The computing devices are configured to execute at least one process related to a bowler center function of the associated peripheral. Each computing device is located physically closer to the peripheral than the other computer device. The computing devices are in communication via a network. The computing devices are configured to access a process map defining the communication, which is responsive to the at least one bowler center function.
US08641542B2 Stationary track with gimbaled rider carriages amusement ride
A stationary track wheel ride is disclosed where a chain of rider carriages (gondolas) are driven around the stationary track. The rider carriages are rotationally mounted on axles on a support frame that allow the rider carriages to rotate around the axles so that the floor of the rider carriage remains approximately level with the ground while the rider carriage travels around the stationary track. A drive mechanism for the ride that simultaneously mounts the rider carriages to the track and provides the drive force is also include: a drive cable mechanism, motors attached to the track to drive the rider carriage train using drive wheels contacting some portion of the rider carriage. Motors attached to the rider carriage with drive wheels contacting the track. An emergency access assembly for fixed track rides and for Ferris wheel type rides is also disclosed.
US08641540B2 Inverted simulation attraction
A system for patron movement and entertainment comprising a track, and at least one vehicle engaged with and positioned below the track, capable of carrying at least one patron in a passenger portion and moving along the track. Each vehicle preferably includes a motion base between the track and the passenger portion, and a turntable between the track and the motion base for rotating the passenger portion in the yaw direction, and particularly for directing the patron's viewpoint toward desired show elements.
US08641539B2 Coupling device for transmitting torque
A coupling device for transmitting torque between an input shaft and an output shaft have respective opposing ends, includes a male element and a female element for engaging with one another. One of the input shaft and the output shaft includes, at the end, the male element, a cross-section of which has a generally polygonal outer shape. The other of the input shaft and the output shaft includes, at the end, the female element, a cross-section of which has a generally polygonal inner shape complementary to the polygonal outer shape of the male element. The male and female elements engage with one another by meshing with a first functional play between them, and the male element and the shaft on which the male element is mounted have a second functional play between them. The male element and the shaft engage each other by meshing with the second functional play.
US08641535B2 Gaming machine cabinet construction and method
A gaming machine includes a plurality of rails extending vertically along the front corners of the cabinet. The number of rails can be varied as required for gaming machines of different heights. Lighting units may be positioned between vertically adjacent rails. The number of rails utilized to form a gaming machine can be varied as required for gaming machines of different heights.
US08641532B2 Gaming device having two card readers
A gaming device includes a housing and a game display carried by the housing for displaying one or more games. The gaming device further includes two card readers carried by the housing: a first card reader to read information indicative of a player identity from a player club card issued by a casino, and a second card reader to read information indicative of a financial account from a financial card issued by a financial institution.
US08641530B1 System and method for real time trading computer game
A computer game for dynamic real time trading where the rates of the tradeable objects (such as securities prices) are presented/displayed by using changes in properties of game objects (such as position, speed, shape, size, color or texture, etc.). The system employs player computer(s), real time data feeds from the investment objects to be traded and a game application that dynamically renders the data feed onto a gamer's visual display. The game application renders the data feed via a Conversion Engine Price To Game Model that depicts the price changes of the tradeable objects as the behavior of the game objects by changing the displayed properties. The player interacts with the game visual display to actually execute “buy” or “sell” actions or a reverse action (e.g., “short sell” then “buy”).
US08641526B1 Using input from a mouse device to control a video game vehicle
Methods and systems for controlling vehicles within video games are described herein. A video game such as a vehicle-based combat game may have vehicles (such as airplanes) operating in a simulated three dimensional space. Users may partially control the direction of these vehicles using two-dimensional input devices by inputting a new direction for the vehicle to point and optionally a speed with which to pursue the new direction. Alternatively, a user may wish to engage in continuous banked turning of their vehicle to realistically simulate aspects of vehicle-to-vehicle combat. Rotation of the vehicle from its current direction to its new direction is controlled by an artificial intellect, which operates various control equipment of the vehicle to realistically simulate the path of the vehicle, based on whether a user has input a desired destination or a desired turn direction.