Document Document Title
US08686448B2 Light emitting device, electronic apparatus, and manufacturing method of light emitting device
D={(2πm+φL+φU)/4π}λ is satisfied when an optical path length between a reflecting layer and pixel electrode and a counter electrode is D, a phase shift in reflection in the reflecting layer and pixel electrode is φL, a phase shift in reflection in the counter electrode is φU, a peak wavelength of a standing wave generated between the reflecting layer and pixel electrode, and the counter electrode is λ, and an integer of 2 or less is m. Here, among red, green, and blue pixel reflecting layer and pixel electrode, at least one reflecting layer and pixel electrode may be made of a different metal material from that of the other reflecting layer and pixel electrodes.
US08686447B2 Light emitting unit and display device
A light emitting unit including plural kinds of light emitting elements with different light emitting wavelengths, wherein, among the light emitting elements, at least one kind of light emitting element includes a semiconductor layer configured by laminating a first conductive layer, an active layer and a second conductive layer and having a side surface exposed by the first conductive layer, the active layer and the second conductive layer; a first electrode electrically connected to the first conductive layer; a second electrode electrically connected to the second conductive layer; a first insulation layer contacting at least an exposed surface of the active layer in the surface of the semiconductor layer; and a metal layer contacting at least a surface, which is opposite to the exposed surface of the active layer, in the surface of the first insulation layer, and electrically separated from the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08686446B2 Capacitor device and display apparatus having the same
A capacitor device prevents capacitor failure and pixel failure by preventing the capacitor from experiencing a short circuit caused by disconnection of a bridge formed between electrodes of the capacitor and a display apparatus having the capacitor device. A display device comprises a thin film transistor, a light emitting device, and the capacitor device described above.
US08686444B2 Organic light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting device including a substrate on which an organic light emitting unit is formed, wherein the organic light emitting unit sequentially includes a first electrode, an organic layer, and a second electrode; and a passivation layer covering the substrate and the second electrode, and a method of manufacturing the organic light emitting device.
US08686442B2 Nitride semiconductor light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a nitride semiconductor light emitting device having an n-electrode that has an Au face excellent in ohmic contacts to an n-type nitride semiconductor and excellent in mounting properties, and a method of manufacturing the same. The nitride semiconductor light emitting device uses an n-electrode having a three-layer laminate structure that is composed of a first layer containing aluminum nitride and having a thickness not less than 1 nm or less than 5 nm, a second layer containing one or more metals selected from Ti, Zr, Hf, Mo, and Pt, and a third layer made of Au, from the near side of the n-type nitride semiconductor in order of mention. The n-electrode thus formed is then annealed to obtain ohmic contacts to the n-type nitride semiconductor.
US08686440B2 Organic light emitting component and illumination means comprising a component of this type
In at least one embodiment of the organic light-emitting component (10), the latter comprises a unipolar charge carrier balder layer (3), a first layer (1) and a second layer (2) which are applied to opposing sides of the charge carrier barrier layer (3) and are in each case formed of at least one organic material, and two ambipolar injection layers (4), which are applied to the sides of the first (1) and second layers (2) remote from the charge carrier barrier layer (3). Such an organic, light-emitting component (10) may be operated efficiently with alternating current.
US08686439B2 Silicon carbide semiconductor element
This silicon carbide semiconductor element includes: a body region of a second conductivity type which is located on a drift layer of a first conductivity type; an impurity region of the first conductivity type which is located on the body region; a trench which runs through the body region and the impurity region to reach the drift layer; a gate insulating film which is arranged on surfaces of the trench; and a gate electrode which is arranged on the gate insulating film. The surfaces of the trench include a first side surface and a second side surface which is opposed to the first side surface. The concentration of a dopant of the second conductivity type is higher at least locally in a portion of the body region which is located beside the first side surface than in another portion of the body region which is located beside the second side surface.
US08686438B2 Silicon carbide semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
When viewed in a plan view, a termination region (TM) surrounds an element region (CL). A first side of a silicon carbide substrate (SB) is thermally etched to form a side wall (ST) and a bottom surface (BT) in the silicon carbide substrate (SB) at the termination region (TM). The side wall (ST) has a plane orientation of one of {0-33-8} and {0-11-4}. The bottom surface (BT) has a plane orientation of {000-1}. On the side wall (ST) and the bottom surface (BT), an insulating film (8T) is formed. A first electrode (12) is formed on the first side of the silicon carbide substrate (SB) at the element region (CL). A second electrode (14) is formed on a second side of the silicon carbide substrate (SB).
US08686436B2 Silicon carbide semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor region, a second semiconductor region, a third semiconductor region, a fourth semiconductor region, an insulating film, a control electrode, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first semiconductor region includes silicon carbide, and has a first portion. The second semiconductor region is provided on the first semiconductor region, and includes silicon carbide. The third semiconductor region and the fourth semiconductor region are provided on the second semiconductor region, and includes silicon carbide. The electrode is provided on the film. The second semiconductor region has a first region and a second region. The first region contacts with the third semiconductor region and the fourth semiconductor region. The second region contacts with the first portion. The impurity concentration of the first region is higher than an impurity concentration of the second region.
US08686435B2 Silicon carbide semiconductor device
A silicon carbide layer is epitaxially formed on a main surface of a substrate. The silicon carbide layer is provided with a trench having a side wall inclined relative to the main surface. The side wall has an off angle of not less than 50° and not more than 65° relative to a {0001} plane. A gate insulating film is provided on the side wall of the silicon carbide layer. The silicon carbide layer includes: a body region having a first conductivity type and facing a gate electrode with the gate insulating film being interposed therebetween; and a pair of regions separated from each other by the body region and having a second conductivity type. The body region has an impurity density of 5×1016 cm−3 or greater. This allows for an increased degree of freedom in setting a threshold voltage while suppressing decrease of channel mobility.
US08686431B2 Gallium and nitrogen containing trilateral configuration for optical devices
Techniques for manufacturing optical devices, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) using a separation process of thick gallium and nitrogen containing substrate members, are described.
US08686429B2 LED structure with enhanced mirror reflectivity
Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to LED chips having improved overall emission by reducing the light-absorbing effects of barrier layers adjacent mirror contacts. In one embodiment, a LED chip comprises one or more LEDs, with each LED having an active region, a first contact under the active region having a highly reflective mirror, and a barrier layer adjacent the mirror. The barrier layer is smaller than the mirror such that it does not extend beyond the periphery of the mirror. In another possible embodiment, an insulator is further provided, with the insulator adjacent the barrier layer and adjacent portions of the mirror not contacted by the active region or by the barrier layer. In yet another embodiment, a second contact is provided on the active region. In a further embodiment, the barrier layer is smaller than the mirror such that the periphery of the mirror is at least 40% free of the barrier layer, and the second contact is below the first contact and accessible from the bottom of the chip.
US08686426B2 Thin film transistor having plural semiconductive oxides, thin film transistor array panel and display device including the same, and manufacturing method of thin film transistor
A plural semiconductive oxides TFT (sos-TFT) provides improved electrical functionality in terms of charge-carrier mobility and/or threshold voltage variability. The sos-TFT may be used to form a thin film transistor array panel for display devices. An example sos-TFT includes: an insulated gate electrode; a first semiconductive oxide layer having a composition including a first semiconductive oxide; and a second semiconductive oxide layer having a different composition that also includes a semiconductive oxide. The first and second semiconductive oxide layers have respective channel regions that are capacitively influenced by a control voltage applied to the gate electrode. In one embodiment, the second semiconductive oxide layer includes at least one additional element that is not included in the first semiconductive oxide layer where the additional element is one of gallium (Ga), silicon (Si), niobium (Nb), hafnium (Hf), and germanium (Ge).
US08686422B2 Active matrix substrate and active matrix display device
A stem wiring (13a) having a broad line width is formed above branch wirings (13b) having a narrow line width. In a region where the stem wiring (13a) is connected to the branch wiring (13b), the stem wiring (13a) overlaps with the branch wiring (13b) via a gate insulating film when seen in a plan view, a contact hole is provided in the gate insulating film so as to uncover the branch wiring (13b), and the stem wiring (13a) is electrically connected to the branch wiring (13b) via a connecting conductor formed in the contact hole. Consequently, a TFT array substrate can be achieved, in which a disconnection failure or an abnormal line width is reduced without enlarging the dimension of a driving circuit region.
US08686415B2 Semiconductor device
An object is to provide a semiconductor memory device capable of shortening writing operation by concurrently determining potentials of memory cells on one word line. A plurality of transistors having switching characteristics are connected to one potential control circuit, whereby writing potentials are determined concurrently. A potential continues to be changed (raised or decreased) stepwise, a desired potential is determined while changing the potential, and whether data resulted from reading with respect to written data is correct or not is continuously checked, so that high-precision writing operation and high-precision reading operation can be achieved. In addition, favorable switching characteristics and holding characteristics of a transistor including an oxide semiconductor are utilized.
US08686413B2 Semiconductor device having oxide semiconductor transistor
It is an object to provide a semiconductor device having a new productive semiconductor material and a new structure. The semiconductor device includes a first conductive layer over a substrate, a first insulating layer which covers the first conductive layer, an oxide semiconductor layer over the first insulating layer that overlaps with part of the first conductive layer and has a crystal region in a surface part, second and third conductive layers formed in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer, an insulating layer which covers the oxide semiconductor layer and the second and third conductive layers, and a fourth conductive layer over the insulating layer that overlaps with part of the oxide semiconductor layer.
US08686412B2 Microelectronic device
A microelectronic device includes a thin film transistor having an oxide semiconductor channel and an organic polymer passivation layer formed on the oxide semiconductor channel.
US08686410B2 Organic electroluminescence generating devices
An electroluminescence generating device comprising a channel of organic semiconductor material, said channel being able to carry both types of charge carriers, said charge carriers being electrons and holes; an electron electrode, said electron electrode being in contact with said channel and positioned on top of a first side of said channel layer or within said channel layer, said electron electrode being able to inject electrons in said channel layer; a hole electrode, said hole electrode being spaced apart from said electron electrode, said hole channel and positioned on top of within said channel layer, said hole electrode being able to inject holes into said channel; a control electrode positioned on said first side or on a second side of said channel; whereby light emission of said electroluminescence generating device can be acquired by applying an electrical potential difference between said electron electrode and said hole electrode.
US08686408B2 Photoelectric conversion device, imaging device and production methods thereof
A photoelectric conversion device is provided and includes: a first electrode, a second electrode, and a photoelectric conversion layer between the first and second electrodes, the photoelectric conversion layer containing a mixture of an organic photoelectric conversion dye, a fullerene or a fullerene derivative, and a fullerene polymer; various embodiments of the device, a photosensor, an imaging device, and production methods for these devices.
US08686405B2 Minute structure, micromachine, organic transistor, electric appliance, and manufacturing method thereof
A micromachine is generally formed using a semiconductor substrate such as a silicon wafer. One of the objects of the present invention is to realize further reduction in cost by integrating a minute structure and a semiconductor element controlling the minute structure over one insulating surface in one step. A minute structure has a structure in which a first layer formed into a frame-shape are provided over an insulating surface, a space is formed inside the frame, and a second layer is formed to cross over the first layer. Such a minute structure and a thin film transistor can be integrated over one insulating surface in one step.
US08686404B2 Organic semiconductors capable of ambipolar transport
Electrodes in an organic thin film transistor based on single component organic semiconductors may be chemically modified to realize ambipolar transport. Electronic circuits may be assembled which include at least two such organic thin film transistors wherein at least one transistor is configured as a pmos transistor and at least on other transistor is configured as a nmos transistor.
US08686399B2 Growth substrate and light emitting device
Disclosed are a growth substrate and a light emitting device. The light emitting device includes a silicon substrate, a first buffer layer disposed on the silicon substrate and having an exposing portions of the silicon substrate, a second buffer layer covering the first buffer layer and the exposed portions of the silicon substrate, wherein the second buffer layer is formed of a material causing a eutectic reaction with the silicon substrate, a third buffer layer disposed on the second buffer layer, and a light emitting structure disposed on the third buffer layer, and the second buffer layer includes voids.
US08686397B2 Low droop light emitting diode structure on gallium nitride semipolar substrates
A light emitting diode structure of (Al,Ga,In)N thin films grown on a gallium nitride (GaN) semipolar substrate by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) that exhibits reduced droop. The device structure includes a quantum well (QW) active region of two or more periods, n-type superlattice layers (n-SLs) located below the QW active region, and p-type superlattice layers (p-SLs) above the QW active region. The present invention also encompasses a method of fabricating such a device.
US08686388B2 Non-volatile resistive sense memory with improved switching
A resistive sense memory cell includes a layer of crystalline praseodymium calcium manganese oxide and a layer of amorphous praseodymium calcium manganese oxide disposed on the layer of crystalline praseodymium calcium manganese oxide forming a resistive sense memory stack. A first and second electrode are separated by the resistive sense memory stack. The resistive sense memory cell can further include an oxygen diffusion barrier layer separating the layer of crystalline praseodymium calcium manganese oxide from the layer of amorphous praseodymium calcium manganese oxide a layer. Methods include depositing an amorphous praseodymium calcium manganese oxide disposed on the layer of crystalline praseodymium calcium manganese oxide forming a resistive sense memory stack.
US08686387B2 Semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor memory device includes a cell array layer having a memory cell. The memory cell has a current control device, a variable resistance device and a metal layer for silicide. A method for manufacturing the semiconductor memory device includes: forming the metal layer for silicide on a semiconductor layer for forming the current control device and a variable resistance device layer; selectively removing the variable resistance device layer and the metal layer through first etching; forming a first protective layer to cover at least a side surface of the metal layer exposed by the first etching; selectively removing a part of the semiconductor layer, through second etching; and forming a second protective layer to cover the variable resistance device layer, the metal layer for silicide, and the semiconductor layer.
US08686384B2 Memory device and method for manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, a memory device includes a nanomaterial assembly layer, a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer. The nanomaterial assembly layer is formed of an assembly of a plurality of micro conductors via gaps between the micro conductors. The first electrode layer is provided on the nanomaterial assembly layer. The second electrode layer is provided on the first electrode layer.
US08686380B2 Charged particle beam apparatus
The present invention provides a charged particle beam apparatus that keeps the degree of vacuum in the vicinity of the electron source to ultra-high vacuum such as 10−8 to 10−9 Pa even in the state where electron beams are emitted using a non-evaporable getter pump and is not affected by dropout foreign particles.The present invention includes a vacuum vessel in which a charged particle source (electron source, ion source, etc.) is disposed and a non-evaporable getter pump disposed at a position that does not directly face electron beams and includes a structure that makes the non-evaporable getter pump upward with respect to a horizontal direction to drop out foreign particles into a bottom in a groove, so that the foreign particles dropped out from the non-evaporable getter pump do not face an electron optical system. Or, the present invention includes a structure that is covered by a shield means, or a means that is disposed immediately on a surface of the non-evaporable getter pump but at a position where the electron beams are not seen and has a concave structure capable of trapping the dropout foreign particles on a lower portion of the non-evaporable getter pump.
US08686376B2 Microarray characterization system and method
A system for detecting a plurality of analytes in a sample includes an aperture array and a lens array for generating and focusing a plurality of excitation sub-beams on different sub-regions of a substrate. These sub-regions can be provided with different binding sites for binding different analytes in the sample. By detecting the different luminescent responses in a detector, the presence or amount of different analytes can be determined simultaneously. Alternatively or in addition, collection of the luminescence radiation can be performed using the lens array for directly collecting the luminescence response and for guiding the collected luminescence response to corresponding apertures. The excitation sub-beams may be focused at the side of the substrate opposite of the lens array, and an immersion fluid is provided between the lens array and the substrate to increase the collection efficiency of the luminescence radiation.
US08686374B2 Drawing apparatus, and method of manufacturing article
The present invention provides a drawing apparatus including a generation device configured to generate drawing data, a blanking device configured to blank a beam, and a blanking controller includes a first storage device, a second storage device, and a third storage device configured to respectively store the drawing data generated by the generation device, and being configured to control operations of the first storage device, the second storage device, and the third storage device so that an operation of storing the drawing data generated by the generation device in a selected one of the first storage device and the second storage device, and an operation of reading out the drawing data stored in the other of the first storage device and the second storage device, and storing the readout drawing data in the third storage device are executed in parallel.
US08686373B2 Interactive display device
An interactive display device is disclosed. The interactive display device comprises: a housing, a user interface surface which is coupled with the housing, a display panel which is disposed under the user interface surface, an area light detector which is disposed under the display panel and configured to detect invisible light reflected by an object which is on or adjacent to the user interface surface, a plane light guide plate which is disposed under the area light detector, and an invisible light source which is disposed at the side of the plane light guide plate. The interactive display device has small size and better appearance, and thus is easy to be transported and more competitive.
US08686367B2 Circuit configuration and method for time of flight sensor
An apparatus includes a photodiode, a first and second storage transistor, a first and second transfer transistor, and a first and second output transistor. The first transfer transistor selectively transfers a first portion of the image charge from the photodiode to the first storage transistor for storing over multiple accumulation periods. The first output transistor selectively transfers a first sum of the first portion of the image charge to a readout node. The second transfer transistor selectively transfers a second portion of the image charge from the photodiode to the second storage transistor for storing over the multiple accumulation periods. The second output transistor selectively transfers a second sum of the second portion of the image charge to the readout node.
US08686366B2 Stimulated emission and enhanced detection of chemicals and chemical compounds
A method and apparatus for remotely detecting, locating, and identifying chemicals and chemical compounds through optically opaque materials. Electromagnetic radiation in the Terahertz range emitted from an antenna array is modulated to excite target molecules. The apparatus then stops the excitation energy and the molecules emit an electromagnetic signature detectable by the device at standoff distances.
US08686365B2 Imaging apparatus and methods
Optical imaging structures and methods are disclosed. One structure may be implemented as an imaging pixel having multiple photodetectors. The photodetectors may detect different wavelengths of incident radiation, and may be operated simultaneously or at separate times. An imager may include an imaging array of pixels of the type described. Methods of operating such structures are also described.
US08686364B1 Method and system for determining energy content and detecting contaminants in a fluid stream
Methods and systems for real time, in situ monitoring of fluids, and particularly the determination of both the energy content and contaminants in a gas or oil transmission facility, are provided. The system may include two separate scanning sources to scan two different, but overlapping, NIR ranges, or may involve two separate scans from a single scanning spectroscopy source. The first scan ranges from approximately 1550 nm up through 1800 nm and a second scan concurrently scans at a high resolution across a band from approximately 1560-1610 nm, the wavelength of interest for hydrogen sulfide (though similar scans are contemplated in alternative wavelength ranges for alternative contaminants). The second scan may provide very narrow (0.005 nm) step resolution over just the wavelength of interest for the contaminant and may scan at a substantially higher power level. The spectroscopic optical data from the two scans, however obtained, must then be combined into an analytical processing module containing models that analyze the multi-scan data and yield both energy content and contaminant quantitative data.
US08686361B2 Radiation detection apparatus and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a radiation detection apparatus is provided. The method comprising: forming a set of columnar crystals capable of converting radiation into visible light on a base; forming a supporting layer that supports the set of columnar crystals; separating the set of columnar crystals supported by the supporting layer from the base; preparing a sensor panel having a photoelectric conversion unit; and adhering a surface of the set of columnar crystals, that surface having been in contact with the base, to the sensor panel using an adhesive material, such that the set of columnar crystals covers the photoelectric conversion unit.
US08686356B2 Fragmentation methods for mass spectrometry
Apparatus and methods are provided that enable the interaction of low energy electrons and positrons with sample ions to facilitate electron capture dissociation (EGO) and positron capture dissociation (PGO), respectively, within multipole ion guide structures. The apparatus and methods described herein allow EGO (and PCO) to be performed within multipole ion guides, either alone, or in combination with conventional ion fragmentation methods.
US08686353B2 Apparatus system and method for mass analysis of a sample
A mass spectrometer comprised of a mass analyzer, ion source and detector has the capability of analyzing samples in both positive and negative ionization modes. The mass spectrometer used in conjunction with a liquid chromatograph, fluid splitters and a plurality fluid pathways so that a large volume of analysis may be performed quickly and with high precision and accuracy. The apparatus is also capable of analyzing complex mixtures such as coeluting samples.
US08686351B2 Systems and methods for transfer of ions for analysis
The invention generally relates to systems and methods for transferring ions for analysis. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system for analyzing a sample including an ionizing source for converting molecules of a sample into gas phase ions in a region at about atmospheric pressure, an ion analysis device, and an ion transfer member operably coupled to a gas flow generating device, in which the gas flow generating device produces a laminar gas flow that transfers the gas phase ions through the ion transfer member to an inlet of the ion analysis device.
US08686347B2 Device for use in normalizing readings on a testing machine
Example apparatus and methods for use in normalization of testing machines used to test samples in vessels are disclosed. An example apparatus includes verification source and a photon emitter positioned in the verification source. The example photon emitter includes a C14 source, a scintillator adjacent to the C14 source, and a filter adjacent to the scintillator. The example photon emitter is to emit photons through the filter for detection by a photon counter.
US08686346B2 Frequency selective imaging system
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a frequency selective imager. In particular, the frequency selective imager includes an array of pixels arranged in a focal plane array. Each pixel includes at least one nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction that is formed between nanowires of different compositions. When a nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction senses a photon, the nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction emits an electrical pulse voltage that is proportional to an energy level of the sensed photon. In one or more embodiments, the frequency selective imager is a frequency selective optical imager that is used to sense photons having optical frequencies. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the nanowires in the frequency selective imager is manufactured from a compound material including Bismuth (Bi) and Tellurium (Te).
US08686344B2 Processing method and apparatus for energy saving of an active infrared induction instrument powered by a dry battery
An active infrared induction instrument powered by a dry battery capable of reducing power consumption through the adjustment of the emitter pulse width. The infrared emitted LED emits infrared signals, which, after being reflected by an object, are received by the infrared photodiode. The infrared signals received the infrared signals received by the infrared photodiode then enter an integrated circuit chip through a comparator. The pulse widths of the infrared emission pulse signals are dynamically adjusted after the width of the pulse series is received by the discrimination chip, thus reducing the emission power consumption to save energy.
US08686342B2 Double-sided image sensor formed on a single semiconductor wafer die
An example double-sided image sensor includes a semiconductor die, a photodetector, a charge-to-voltage converter, and support circuitry. The semiconductor die has a first side and a second side that is opposite the first side. The photodetector is disposed within the semiconductor die on the first side for accumulating an image charge in response to light incident on the first side. The charge-to-voltage converter is disposed within the semiconductor die on the first side. The transfer gate is also disposed on the first side of the semiconductor die between the photodetector and the charge-to-voltage converter to transfer the image charge from the photodetector to the charge-to-voltage converter. Support circuitry of the image sensor is disposed within the semiconductor die on the second side and is electrically coupled to the charge-to-voltage converter.
US08686340B2 Solid imaging device and portable information terminal device having plural pixels being shielded and not shielded from light
According to one embodiment, a solid imaging device includes an imaging substrate, a light-shielding member and a AD conversion circuits. The imaging substrate is two-dimensionally arranged with a plurality of pixels. The plurality of pixels have a top face formed with an optoelectronic conversion element for converting incident light into an electric charge and storing it and a back face opposite to the top faces. The imaging substrate is formed with a top face by the top face of the plurality of pixels and formed with a back face by the back face of the plurality of pixels. The light-shielding member is provided on the top face side of the imaging substrate. The AD conversion circuits is formed on the back face of the pixels shielded from the light.
US08686338B2 Method and apparatus for controlling output of the solid-state imager in a barcode reader
A method and apparatus for imaging targets with an imaging reader. The method includes: (1) capturing return light from a target over a field of view of the solid-state imager and generating image data corresponding to the target; (2) transmitting the image data from the solid-state imager to the host when the gate circuit is set to the transmitting mode; and (3) preventing the image data from transmitting to the host when the gate circuit is set to the blocking mode.
US08686336B2 Measuring and compensating for light intensity in an optical scanner
Disclosed is a device for optical scanning, comprising: a plurality of photo sensors, where the photo sensors are arranged to detect light incident on the photo sensors, emitted from a light source and reflected from an object subject to optical scanning; wherein the amount of light received at least one of the photo sensors is to a larger extent light transmitted from the light source; and to a smaller extent light reflected from the object.
US08686335B2 System and method for adjusting the light output of an optoacoustic imaging system
A system and method for adjusting the light output of an optoacoustic imaging system. An optoacoustic imaging system includes a light source having a light output control, a probe for delivering light to a volume, the probe being associated with one or more sensors, a light path operatively connected to the first light source, the light path providing light from the first light source to the probe. To avoid unsafe fluence levels incident upon the volume of interest in a clinical setting, the light output control may be set to an initial, relatively low value. After the light source is pulsed, the light output may be measured at or near the probe at the distal end of the light path. The measured light output can used to determine whether, and how much, to change the setting of the light output control.
US08686333B2 System and method for local string management unit
Apparatuses and methods include a solar array having one or more strings of series-connected local management units (LMUs). Each LMU is parallel-connected to one of a plurality of solar modules. The strings are connected in parallel via a parallel bus. Local string management units (LSMUs) can increase or decrease an output voltage of the solar array by upconverting or downconverting string output voltages from each string. LSMUs can also operate in a bypass mode to increase overall power output.
US08686330B2 Shell arranged with extensible wings and guiding device
The invention relates to a shell (1) arranged with extensible wings (3) having improved guidance characteristics during the gliding and final phase of the shell (1). The invention is characterized in that the extensible wings (3), via threaded wing fixtures (8), are movably arranged on rotatable axial guide shafts (6) on the shell body (2) for separate or simultaneous displacement of the wings (3) in the longitudinal direction A of the shell (1), for guidance of the shell (1) in the vertical and lateral directions during the trajectory phase of the shell, and in that the wings (3) are also rotatably arranged on radial guide shafts for controlling the angle of incidence of the wings (3) during the final phase of the shell (1).
US08686329B2 Torsion spring wing deployment initiator
A compact, purely mechanical wing deployment assisting mechanism uses torsion springs and lever arms to apply a deploying force to a guidance wing during its initial deployment through a wing slot in a rocket or missile, thereby assisting the wing to burst through a cover seal protecting the wing slot. The wings are then fully deployed by centrifugal force. Various embodiments include two “extreme duty” springs and two lever arms per wing, working in parallel. Embodiments provide a total of at least 24 pounds of force per wing at the end of a spring travel of 0.30 inches. In some embodiments, the entire mechanism weighs less than 0.5 pounds and/or occupies less than 2.5 cubic inches per wing. In embodiments, an assembled group, including two springs and two lever arms, is located between each pair of wings, whereby each assembled group applies one lever arm to each adjoining wing.
US08686328B2 Resettable missile control fin lock assembly
A fin lock assembly 12 for locking and unlocking missile fins 20 includes a piston 34 movable along a piston axis 44 between a locked position for preventing a fin from rotating and an unlocked position for allowing the fin to rotate. The fin lock assembly includes a camshaft 46 rotatable between a locked position and a relatively-rotated unlocked position about a cam axis 50 that is transverse the piston axis. The camshaft has an eccentric portion 66 connected to the piston such that rotation of the camshaft between the locked position and the unlocked position moves the piston between its corresponding locked and unlocked positions. The fin lock assembly includes a torsion spring 72 connected to the camshaft to bias the camshaft toward its unlocked position. A latch mechanism 100 holds a plurality of camshafts in their locked positions and simultaneously releases the camshafts to release their fins.
US08686327B2 Missile nose fairing system
A missile nose fairing system includes sections attached at an aft end thereof to a missile body, a restraint for normally preventing aftward displacement of the plurality of sections, and a drive unit for releasing the restraint in response to a received signal. Each of the sections has an outer surface that converges to a common forward pointed tip for enclosing and protecting a guidance head when in an extended position and is retractable into a corresponding recessed region formed within a missile nose when the drive unit is activated releasing the restraint.
US08686324B2 Hermetic packages with laser scored vent systems
A hermetically sealed package, for example a freezable, microwavable package containing a food product, having a sealing film that includes a vent system that is scored by a laser into the package. The vent system includes at least one linear or non-linear vent pattern scored into a portion of the outer surface of the sealing film so as to form at least one weakened wall pattern. According to certain embodiments, the vent pattern may be scored by a laser to a depth that does not perforate the sealing film. The inner surface of the sealing film that is adjacent to the weakened wall pattern is directly exposed to pressure that is generated in the inner region of the package during heating. According to some embodiments, the vent pattern may have a vent pattern span that is approximately 1% to 50% of the size of the inner region span.
US08686320B2 Heat treatment apparatus emitting flash of light
Flash lamps connected to short-pulse circuits and flash lamps connected to long-pulse circuits are alternately arranged in a line. The duration of light emission from the flash lamps connected to the long-pulse circuits is longer than the duration of light emission from the flash lamps connected to the short-pulse circuits. A superimposing of a flash of light with a high peak intensity from the flash lamps that emit light for a short time and a flash of light with a gentle peak from the flash lamps that emit light for a long time can increase the temperature of even a deep portion of a substrate to an activation temperature or more without heating a shallow portion near the substrate surface more than necessary. This achieves the activation of deep junctions without causing substrate warpage or cracking.
US08686318B2 Wireless tracking and inventory monitoring for welding-type devices
A welding-type device has a wireless communication unit to transmit wireless signals comprising at least identification information or location information. The information may be transmitted either automatically or in response to request signals. Such a welding-type device may be configured to communicate with other welding-type devices, a monitoring device, or both. A wireless communication system has at least one welding-type device, at least one wireless communication assembly, and at least one monitoring device and is capable of assisting a user in locating particular welding-type devices, monitoring inventory, preventing theft of welding-type devices, and scheduling preventive maintenance.
US08686311B2 Breaking device with arc breaking shield
A breaking device with an arc breaking shield comprising at least one stationary contact collaborating with a movable contact supported by a contact-holder arm and an actuating device of the movable contact in a casing.A movable arc breaking shield is commanded in movement to occupy a rest position and a laminating position. The movable breaking shield is connected to the contact-holder arm by an actuating rod in such a way that movement of the contact-holder arm results in movement of the movable breaking shield, the actuating rod being respectively connected to the movable breaking shield and to the contact-holder arm by a second and third pivot-pin.
US08686309B2 Touch panel having conductive zone for avoiding false operation
A touch panel includes an insulating substrate, a transparent conductive layer, a number of electrodes, a number of conductive wires, and at least one conductive zone. The transparent conductive layer corresponding to a touch area of the touch panel is fixed on the insulating substrate. The electrodes are electrically connected to the transparent conductive layer. The conductive wires are electrically connected to a controller and are respectively electrically connected to the electrodes. The at least one conductive zone has two ends. One of the two ends of the at least one conductive zone is electrically connected to the controller. The at least one conductive zone and the conductive wires are disposed in a trace area of the touch panel at a distance.
US08686308B2 Conductive sheet and capacitive touch panel
First conductive patterns, which each contain two or more first large lattices electrically connected by a first connection in series in a first direction, are formed on a first transparent substrate, and second conductive patterns, which each contain two or more second large lattices electrically connected by a second connection in series in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, are formed on a second transparent substrate. As viewed from above, the first conductive patterns and the second conductive patterns are arranged adjacent to each other, and the first connection and the second connection are arranged facing each other. The first large lattices are electrically connected via three or more connection paths in the first connection, and the second large lattices are electrically connected via three or more connection paths in the second connection.
US08686306B2 Rotary knob assembly
A rotary knob assembly and methods for forming and controlling friction effecting features of the knob assembly are disclosed. The knob assembly includes a mounting structure and a knob. The knob is rotatably coupled to a bezel of the mounting structure. The knob includes a stabilizer, a guide member, and a retainer having a patterned surface. At least a portion of the stabilizer is disposed between the bezel and the retainer to maintain an axial position and a radial position of the knob. A detent formed on the guide member cooperates with a patterned surface of the retainer to provide a haptic feedback to a user.
US08686298B2 Wiring board and electronic component device
A wiring board includes a wiring forming region in which a plurality of wiring layers are stacked while sandwiching insulating layers, an outer periphery region which is arranged around the wiring forming region and in which a reinforcing pattern is formed in the same layer as each of the wiring layers. An area ratio of the reinforcing pattern to the outer periphery region and an area ratio of the wiring layer to the wiring forming region are substantially the same in each of the layers, and the reinforcing patterns exist without a gap in the outer periphery region when the wiring board is viewed in planar perspective.
US08686297B2 Laminated flex circuit layers for electronic device components
An electronic device may have a housing in which an antenna and a proximity sensor formed from flex circuit structures are mounted. The flex circuit structures may include first and second flex circuit layers. The first and second flex circuit layers may include metal antenna structures and metal proximity sensor electrode structures. Solder may be used to attach electrical components to the flex circuit layers and may be used to electrically connect metal structures on the first and second flex circuit layers to each other. The first and second flex circuit layers may be laminated together using a compressive fixture. The compressive fixture may have a first fixture with a convex surface and a second fixture with a concave surface so that the laminated flex circuit layers are provided with a bend.
US08686294B2 Electrical insulating cap formation
An electrical insulating cap formation is disclosed. The electrical insulating cap formation includes a strip of material and a plurality of electrical insulating caps carried thereon in a row, in which intervals are provided between each, or groups of two or more, of the electrical insulating caps.
US08686291B2 Insulating varnish and insulated wire formed by using the same
An insulating varnish usable for an insulating coat of an insulated wire on a conductor with a quadrangular cross section contains polyamide-imide resin varnish and organosilica sol mixed with the polyamide-imide resin varnish. The polyamide-imide resin varnish contains solvent and polyamide-imide resin. The organosilica sol contains dispersion medium and silica particles dispersed in the dispersion medium. Cyclic ketones having boiling point in a range of 130 to 180° C. make up 70 to 100 wt % or more of the dispersion medium.
US08686286B2 Electrical wire routing device
An electrical wire routing device for routing an electric wire between a floor in an automobile and a seat includes a case following parallel to a support rail to which a support body supporting the seat is slidably attached. The case includes a tubular movement section attaching the electric wire thereto, guiding the electric wire to the seat, to which a slider sliding in association with the movement of the seat is slidably attached, and a housing section accommodating the extra length of the electric wire. The movement section and the housing section are provided as separated parts and placed parallel to each other. The extra length of the electric wire extracted from one end portion of the movement section and drawn into the housing section is accommodated in the housing section with the electric wire bent in a U-shape. The electric wire is accommodated in the corrugated tube.
US08686285B2 Eutectic melts
The present invention refers to using the principal of a room temperature molten ionic liquid, to an electrolyte, to devices comprising the ionic liquid co-melting, and to the preparation of a room temperature ionic liquid via various physical and chemical methods. The room temperature molten ionic liquid comprises at least two component salts, at least one of which is not molten at room temperature, but, if combined with another salt, is in the molten state at room temperature.
US08686284B2 Photovoltaic device with increased light trapping
Methods and apparatus are provided for converting electromagnetic radiation, such as solar energy, into electric energy with increased efficiency when compared to conventional solar cells. A photovoltaic (PV) device may incorporate front side and/or back side light trapping techniques in an effort to absorb as many of the photons incident on the front side of the PV device as possible in the absorber layer. The light trapping techniques may include a front side antireflective coating, multiple window layers, roughening or texturing on the front and/or the back sides, a back side diffuser for scattering the light, and/or a back side reflector for redirecting the light into the interior of the PV device. With such light trapping techniques, more light may be absorbed by the absorber layer for a given amount of incident light, thereby increasing the efficiency of the PV device.
US08686283B2 Solar cell with oxide tunneling junctions
One embodiment of the present invention provides a tunneling junction based solar cell. The solar cell includes a base layer; a quantum-tunneling-barrier (QTB) layer situated adjacent to the base layer; an emitter; a surface field layer; a front-side electrode; and a back-side electrode.
US08686280B2 See-through type solar battery module
A see-through type solar battery module includes optically transparent first and second substrates and a plurality of annular clusters. Each cluster includes: a plurality of spherical solar cells; a conductive layer to which first electrodes of the plurality of solar cells are electrically connected in parallel; a conductive member to which second electrodes of the plurality of solar cells are electrically connected in parallel; a bypass diode connected to the conductive layer and the conductive member; and a conductive connection member that electrically connects the conductive layer to conductive member of the cluster that is adjacent in a predetermined direction. By providing the clusters in a snowflake configuration, or in a single rectilinear pattern, the scope is enlarged for selecting the ratio between sunlight transmission ratio and electrical generation capability, so that enhanced freedom of design for use as a window material is obtained.
US08686279B2 Concentrating solar energy collector
A concentrating solar energy collector comprises a linearly extending receiver comprising solar cells, a plurality of linearly extending reflective elements arranged in side-by-side rows, oriented parallel to a long axis of the receiver, and fixed in position with respect to each other and with respect to the receiver to form a linearly extending reflector, and a linearly extending support structure supporting the receiver and the reflector and pivotally mounted to accommodate rotation of the support structure, the reflector, and the receiver about a rotation axis parallel to the long axis of the receiver.
US08686276B1 System and method for capture and rendering of performance on synthetic musical instrument
Techniques have been developed for capturing and rendering musical performances on handheld or other portable devices. The developed techniques facilitate the capture, encoding and use of gesture streams for rendering of a musical performance. In some embodiments, a gesture stream encoding facilitates audible rendering of the musical performance locally on the portable device on which the musical performance is captured, typically in real time. In some embodiments, a gesture stream efficiently codes the musical performance for transmission from the portable device on which the musical performance is captured to (or toward) a remote device on which the musical performance is (or can be) rendered. Indeed, is some embodiments, a gesture stream so captured and encoded may be rendered both locally and on remote devices using substantially identical or equivalent instances of a digital synthesis of the musical instrument executing on the local and remote devices.
US08686274B2 Pitch shift device and process
A pitch shift device provides pitch-shifted sounds based on performance sounds generated by an electronic string musical instrument. The pitch shift device has a device that detects vibrato. When vibrato is detected, an interpolation device of a pitch shift control device performs a control of interpolating for a pitch shift change in the musical sound signal accompanying a change in pitch shift information stored in a pitch information storage device and read out by a pitch shift readout device from a group of pitch shift information. Therefore, unnatural pitch changes in pitch-shifted sound can be suppressed.
US08686271B2 Methods and systems for synchronizing media
Systems and methods of synchronizing media are provided. A client device may be used to capture a sample of a media stream being rendered by a media rendering source. The client device sends the sample to a position identification module to determine a time offset indicating a position in the media stream corresponding to the sampling time of the sample, and optionally a timescale ratio indicating a speed at which the media stream is being rendered by the media rendering source based on a reference speed of the media stream. The client device calculates a real-time offset using a present time, a timestamp of the media sample, the time offset, and optionally the timescale ratio. The client device then renders a second media stream at a position corresponding to the real-time offset to be in synchrony to the media stream being rendered by the media rendering source.
US08686270B2 Apparatus and method for classifying, displaying and selecting music files
At an apparatus (200), which may be a consumer electronic device, the user may select a predetermined number of different music attributes (Attr) descriptive of a mood delivered by music represented by music content of a music file. From parameters of a music file available in the apparatus (200), the apparatus (200) determines a first vector (m1(Dat)) descriptive of a relationship between the music content and all selected music attributes (Attr) and a second vector (m2(Dat)) and outputs a classification information related to the music file and containing the first and second vectors (m1(Dat), m2(Dat)). The classification information may be used to assign a colour to a displayed object assigned to the music file. Perceptually similar music files may be displayed in similar colours.
US08686266B2 Keyboard device
The present invention includes a keyboard chassis 1; keys 2 which are arranged on the keyboard chassis 1 and rotate in an up and down direction by bending a bendable section 22 positioned in the rear; and a key rotation holding section 30 for holding the rotation fulcrum of a key 2 stable when it rotates in the up and down direction. Accordingly, the rotation fulcrum of the key 2 is kept stable by a first supporting section 31 and a second supporting section 32 of the key rotation holding section 30 when the key 2 is depressed and the bendable section 22 bends in the up and down direction, whereby the key 2 is stably rotated. Therefore, regardless of whether the front portion of the key 2 is being depressed or the rear portion thereof is being depressed, the rotation movement of the key 2 will always remain stable.
US08686265B2 Topside spring tension adjuster for bass drum pedals with variable pivot point spring rotor
Described is a drum foot pedal with a tension adjuster for adjusting the tension of the spring and corresponding return action of a beater. The device includes a foot pedal and a beater bracket operably connected with the foot pedal such that the beater bracket is actuated in response to force applied to the foot pedal. A rocker component is attached with the beater bracket such that rotational motion of the beater bracket causes a rotational motion of the rocker component. A swivel component is connected with the rocker component. Further, a spring is attached with the swivel component for biasing the beater bracket to force a return action of a beater when force is removed from the foot pedal. Finally, a spring tension adjuster connected with and between the swivel component and spring, the spring tension adjuster operable for allowing a user to selectively adjust tension of the spring.
US08686262B1 Maize inbred PH1MBT
A novel maize variety designated PH1MBT and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1MBT with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1MBT through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1MBT or a locus conversion of PH1MBT with another maize variety.
US08686259B1 Maize inbred PH1KWM
A novel maize variety designated PH1KWM and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1KWM with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1KWM through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1KWM or a locus conversion of PH1KWM with another maize variety.
US08686254B1 Maize inbred PH1M3S
A novel maize variety designated PH1M3S and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1M3S with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1M3S through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1M3S or a locus conversion of PH1M3S with another maize variety.
US08686253B1 Maize hybrid X08C909
A novel maize variety designated X08C909 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08C909 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08C909 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08C909, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08C909. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08C909.
US08686251B1 Maize inbred PH1K8C
A novel maize variety designated PH1K8C and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1K8C with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1K8C through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1K8C or a locus conversion of PH1K8C with another maize variety.
US08686246B1 Maize variety hybrid X08B703
A novel maize variety designated X08B703 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08B703 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08B703 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08B703, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08B703. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08B703.
US08686240B2 Soybean variety XB19D12
A novel soybean variety, designated XB19D12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB19D12, cells from soybean variety XB19D12, plants of soybean XB19D12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB19D12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB19D12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB19D12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB19D12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB19D12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB19D12 are further provided.
US08686238B1 Soybean variety XBP27007
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP27007 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP27007, cells from soybean variety XBP27007, plants of soybean XBP27007, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP27007. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP27007 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP27007, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP27007, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP27007. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP27007 are further provided.
US08686234B1 Soybean variety XB45J12
A novel soybean variety, designated XB45J12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB45J12, cells from soybean variety XB45J12, plants of soybean XB45J12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB45J12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB45J12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB45J12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB45J12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB45J12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB45J12 are further provided.
US08686232B2 Vip3 toxins and methods of use
Nucleic acid molecules encoding novel Vip3 toxins that are highly active against a wide range of lepidopteran insect pests are disclosed. The nucleic acid molecules can be used to transform various prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms to express the Vip3 toxins. These recombinant organisms can be used to control lepidopteran insects in various environments.
US08686230B2 Corn plant MON88017 and compositions and methods for detection thereof
The present invention provides a corn plant designated MON88017 and DNA compositions contained therein. Also provided are assays for detecting the presence of the corn plant MON88017 based on a DNA sequence and the use of this DNA sequence as a molecular marker in a DNA detection method.
US08686229B2 Spinach hybrid RX 06681651 and parents thereof
The invention provides seed and plants of spinach hybrid RX 06681651 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of spinach hybrid RX 06681651 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a spinach plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another spinach plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the leaf and gametes of such plants.
US08686228B2 Spinach hybrid RX 06672115 and parents thereof
The invention provides seed and plants of spinach hybrid RX 06672115 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of spinach hybrid RX 06672115 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a spinach plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another spinach plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the leaf and gametes of such plants.
US08686226B2 MYB-related transcriptional regulators that confer altered root hare, trichome morphology, and increased tolerance to abiotic stress in plants
The invention relates to plant transcription factor polypeptides, polynucleotides that encode them, homologs from a variety of plant species, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides to produce transgenic plants having improved tolerance to drought, shade, and low nitrogen conditions, as compared to wild-type or reference plants.
US08686217B2 Absorbent product
An absorbent product has a top sheet, an absorbent core and a back sheet. The absorbent core includes 40% by weight or more of high absorbent resin powder and it is possible to slim down the absorbent core while keeping a sufficient amount of absorption to thereby achieve slimming down of the absorbent product. A top sheet lower part contacting the high absorbent resin powder in the absorbent core includes hydrophilic fibers having water retention characteristics, and moisture is temporarily retained in the top sheet lower part before reaching the absorbent core and rapidly disperses in a range facing the absorbent core of the top sheet lower part. As a result, it is possible to reliably absorb the moisture of excrement in the absorbent core and to simplify a structure of the absorbent product.
US08686213B2 Disposal and decontamination of radioactive polyvinyl alcohol products
Methods and apparatus for decontaminating disposable protective products prepared from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), used in a nuclear power plant, to less than minimum detectable activity (MDA) are disclosed. In the disclosed methods and apparatus, solid protective products made of PVA, generated from a nuclear power plant, are dissolved into a liquid, and then are decontaminated to less than MDA. The PVA solution decontaminated in this way is concentrated to an appropriate concentration or dried, and finally is subjected to self-disposal. This can fundamentally block the generation amount of combustible waste amounting to 50% or more of low and intermediate level waste of nuclear power plants, thereby considerably contributing to a reduction of the operating expenses of the nuclear power plants. The present invention further relates to methods and apparatus for self-disposing disposable protective products manufactured by conventional polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) through pyrolysis/catalytic oxidation of a PVA solution generated by concentration, and treating the decontaminated PVA solution within a plant. The PVA protective products are dissolved/concentrated/oxidized in water to remove firstly organic matter, and then PVA materials in the PVA solution are completely oxidized into CO2 and H2O by using a small-sized pyrolysis/catalytic oxidation reactor.
US08686211B2 Process for preparing ethylene and/or propylene and a butadiene-enriched product
The present invention provides a process for preparing ethylene and propylene and a butadiene-enriched product, comprising the steps of: a) providing a C4 hydrocarbon stream, comprising iso-olefins and butadiene. b) subjecting the C4 hydrocarbon stream to an etherification process, wherein the iso-olefins are converted with methanol and/or ethanol to an tert-alkyl ether in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the molar ratio of alcohol to iso-olefin is maintained above 1, and retrieving an etherification product stream; c) separating the etherification product stream into an ether-enriched stream and a butadiene-enriched product; d) converting the tert-alkyl ether in the ether-enriched stream to ethylene and/or propylene by contacting least part of the ether-enriched stream with a molecular sieve-comprising catalyst at a temperature in the range of from 350 to 1000° C. and retrieving an olefinic product comprising ethylene and/or propylene.
US08686210B2 Method for extracting gaseous hydrocarbons from biogenic raw materials
A process for obtaining gaseous hydrocarbons from a starting material which contains oxygen-containing hydrocarbons. The process includes providing the starting material and contacting the starting material with a porous catalyst at a temperature of 300-850° C. in the absence of oxygen in a converting reactor so as to form a hydrocarbon-containing product gas mixture in which a proportion by weight of gaseous hydrocarbons is greater than a proportion by weight of liquid hydrocarbons in the gas mixture. Additionally, the process includes collecting a hydrocarbon-containing product gas stream of the hydrocarbon-containing product gas mixture and introducing the product gas stream into a separation apparatus in which product fractionation is carried out.
US08686203B2 Process for preparing diesel fuels using vegetable oils or fatty acid derivatives
A process for preparing fuels, such as diesel fuels or jet fuels, by hydrotreating vegetable oils or fatty acid derivatives that may be applied to existing equipment for treating fossil fuels. The process comprises feeding hydrotreating a combined oxygenate feed stream, such as FAME, and a hydrocarbon feed stream until not more than 86 wt % of the esters in the oxygenate feed stream are converted to hydrocarbons, and optionally further hydrotreating the product stream within at least a second hydrotreatment reaction zone until at least 90 wt % of the esters in the oxygenate feed stream are converted to hydrocarbons, before removing and separating a hydrocarbon stream suitable for use as fuel.
US08686198B2 Integrated hydrolysis/hydroprocessing process for converting feedstocks containing renewable glycerides to paraffins and polyols
An integrated process for producing paraffins and polyols from renewable feedstocks has been developed in which a hydrolysis process is integrated with the hydroprocessing step, producing products suitable for use as transportation fuels. Integration allows the use of common equipment which minimizes cost, raw material consumption, and energy requirements.
US08686197B2 Method for improving the color number of trimethylolpropane
The present invention relates to a method for producing trimethylolpropane having a low color number by processing a raw reaction solution obtained according to the inorganic Cannizarro process while adhering to precisely defined pH values.
US08686194B2 Mo-, Bi- and Fe-comprising multimetal oxide compositions
Mo-, Bi- and Fe-comprising multimetal oxide compositions of the general stoichiometry I, Mo12BiaCobFecKdSieOx  (I), where a=0.5 to 1, b=7 to 8.5, c=1.5 to 3.0, d=0 to 0.15, e=0 to 2.5 and x=the stoichiometric coefficient of O2− which guarantees the electric neutrality of the multimetal oxide, and 12−b−1.5·c=A and 0.5≦A≦1.5, 0.2≦a/A≦1.3, and 2.5≦b/c≦9, and the use thereof.
US08686191B2 Environmentally-friendly new oxidation process for converting aryl-1,2-diol to ketone
The present invention relates to the technical field of radiation curing photopolymerization initiator, and particularly to an environmentally-friendly new oxidation process for converting several specific aryl-1,2-diol compounds to corresponding arylhydroxyketones.
US08686180B2 Process for preparing aminobenzofuran derivatives
This disclosure relates to a process for preparing 5-aminobenzofuran derivatives of general formula (I): in which R1 and R2 are as defined in the description, by treating a 5-N-alkylamidobenzofuran derivative of general formula (II): in which R1, R2, and R3 are as defined in the description, with a strong acid, so as to form an acid addition salt of the compound of formula (I), which salt is itself treated, if necessary, with a basic agent so as to form this compound of formula (I) in free base form.
US08686178B2 Derivative of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid apt to suppress cancer cells
The present invention is correlated with a derivative of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid apt to suppressing cancer cells, which is selected from a group comprising of structure I and structure II: wherein residue R1 is selected from one of CH3 and CH2C6H5, residue R2 is selected from one of COOCH3, COOCH2CH3, COOCH(CH3)2, CONHCH2CH3, CONHCH2CH2CH3, and CONHCH2(CH3)2, and residue R3 is selected from one of COOCH2CH3, COOCH(CH3)2, CONHCH2CH3, CONHCH2CH2CH3, and CONHCH2(CH3)2.
US08686177B2 LPA receptor agonists and antagonists
Disclosed are compounds according to formula (I) as well as pharmaceutical compositions which include those compounds. Also disclosed are methods of using such compounds, which have activity as agonists or as antagonists of LPA receptors; such methods including treating cancer, producing radioprotection and/or radiomitigation, enhancing cell proliferation, treating a wound, treating apoptosis or preserving or restoring function in a cell, tissue, or organ, culturing cells, preserving organ or tissue function, and treating a dermato logical condition.
US08686172B2 Activation of porous MOF materials
A method for the treatment of solvent-containing MOF material to increase its internal surface area involves introducing a liquid into the MOF in which liquid the solvent is miscible, subjecting the MOF to supercritical conditions for a time to form supercritical fluid, and releasing the supercritical conditions to remove the supercritcal fluid from the MOF. Prior to introducing the liquid into the MOF, occluded reaction solvent, such as DEF or DMF, in the MOF can be exchanged for the miscible solvent.
US08686168B2 Process for the hydrogenation of fatty acids using a promoted supported nickel catalyst
The invention is directed to a process for the hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids to produce saturated fatty acids, said process comprising hydrogenating the unsaturated fatty acid in the presence of hydrogen and a supported nickel catalyst, said supported nickel catalyst comprising an oxidic support, 5 to 80 wt. % of nickel, calculated as metallic nickel on the weight of the catalyst, and 0.1 to 10 wt. % of a manganese promoter, calculated as MnO2 on the weight of the catalyst.
US08686167B2 Heteroatom containing substituted fatty acids
Activated fatty acids, pharmaceutical compositions including activated fatty acids, methods for using activated fatty acids to treat a variety of diseases, and methods for preparing activated fatty acids are provided herein.
US08686163B2 Process for forming amorphous atorvastatin
A process for forming amorphous atorvastatin comprising the steps of dissolving atorvastatin in a non-hydroxylic solvent and removing the solvent by freeze-drying, as well as processes of dissolving atorvastatin in a hydroxylic solvent with a solubilizing agent or an alkalizing agent or an antioxidant and removing the solvent by freeze-drying to afford amorphous atorvastatin.
US08686161B2 Polymorphic forms of perindopril (L)-arginine and process for the preparation thereof
The present invention relates to novel and stable polymorphic forms of Perindopril (L)-Arginine designated as Form γ and amorphous form and processes for their preparation. The present invention also provides the novel polymorph Form γ with greater stability to heat and humidity and can be prepared on large scale by an efficient, economic and reproducible process.
US08686158B2 High-valent palladium fluoride complexes and uses thereof
The present invention provides novel high-valent palladium fluoride complexes. The complexes typically include multi-dentate ligands that stabilize the octahedral coordination sphere of the palladium(IV) atom. These complexes are useful in fluorinating organic compounds, in particular aryl-containing compounds. The invention is particularly useful for fluorinating compounds with 19F for PET imaging.
US08686157B2 Processes for the facile synthesis of diaryl amines and analogues thereof
The present invention relates to processes for the facile synthesis of diaryl amines and analogues thereof. The processes of the present invention produce diaryl amines in high yield and purity. The present invention also relates to intermediates useful in the process of the present invention.
US08686151B2 Montelukast 4-halobenzylamine salt and method for preparing montelukast sodium salt by using the same
Disclosed are a novel montelukast 4-halobenzylamine salt, and a method for preparing a montelukast sodium salt by using the same. In the disclosed method, a montelukast 4-halobenzylamine salt represented by Formula 2 or a montelukast sodium salt represented by Formula 1 is prepared by obtaining a compound represented by Formula 3 from a compound represented by Formula 5, in the same reactor, without an additional obtaining process. In Formula 2, X represents F, Cl, Br or I.
US08686149B2 Aryl- and heteroarylcarbonyl derivatives of hexahydroindenopyridine and octahydrobenzoquinoline
The present invention relates to compounds defined by formula I wherein the variables R1, R2, R3, R4, and m are defined as in claim 1, possessing valuable pharmacological activity. Particularly, the compounds are inhibitors of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) 1 and thus are suitable for treatment and prevention of diseases which can be influenced by inhibition of this enzyme, such as metabolic diseases, in particular diabetes type 2, obesity, and dyslipidemia.
US08686148B2 Process for preparing new tiotropium salts, new tiotropium salts as such and pharmaceutical compositions thereof
The invention relates to a process for preparing new tiotropium salts, these new tiotropium salts as such, pharmaceutical formulations containing them and their use for preparing a medicament for the treatment of respiratory complaints, particularly for the treatment of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and asthma.
US08686146B2 Azaindenoisoquinoline topoisomerase I inhibitors
The invention described herein pertains to substituted azaindenoisoquinoline compounds, in particular 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-azaindenoisoquinoline compounds, which are inhibitors of topoisomerase I, processes and intermediates for their syntheses, pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds, and methods of using them in the treatment of cancer.
US08686145B2 Process for the preparation of α-acyloxy β-formamido amides
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of the general Formula (I), comprising: a) reacting a compound of the general Formula (II) with a compound of the Formula III R2COOH and a compound of the general Formula IV R3NC under such conditions that compound I is formed, wherein R1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aromatic or non-aromatic, mono-, di- or tricyclic, or heterocyclic structure, and R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aromatic or non-aromatic, mono-, di- or tricyclic, or heterocyclic structure, and R3 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl structure. In further aspect the subject invention relates to the use of the obtained products as intermediates for various peptidomimetics, and preferably as a building block in a convergent synthesis of prolyl dipeptide structures.
US08686143B2 Compounds useful as inhibitors of Janus kinases
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinases, particularly of JAK family kinases. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders.
US08686142B2 2-aminopyrimidine modulators of the histamine H4 receptor
2-Aminopyrimidine compounds are described, which are useful as H4 receptor modulators. Such compounds may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by H4 receptor activity, such as allergy, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and pruritis.
US08686141B2 Process for preparing N-substituted hydroxypyrimidinone carboxamides
Processes for preparing certain N-arylalkyl-1-(alkyl or aralkyl)-2-acylaminoalkyl-5-hydroxy-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyrimidine-4-carboxamides are disclosed. In one embodiment, the process comprises acylating the free amine in the corresponding N-arylalkyl-1-(alkyl or aralkyl)-2-aminoalkyl-5-ester protected hydroxy-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyrimidine-4-carboxamide and then deprotecting the 5-hydroxy by base hydrolysis. The hydroxypyrimidinone carboxamide products of the process are HTV integrase inhibitors which are useful for treating HTV infection, treating AIDS, or delaying the onset or progression of AIDS. Certain esterified N-arylalkyl hydroxypyrimidinone carboxamides that can be employed as process intermediates are also disclosed.
US08686133B2 Oxo-titanylphthalocyanine crystal, method for producing the same and electrophotographic photoreceptor
The invention provides an oxo-titanylphthalocyanine crystal which is stable, is superior in dispersibility in a photoreceptive layer and efficiently contributes to improvements in sensitivity and charge retention rate of an electrophotographic photoreceptor when it is used as a charge generating agent, a method for producing the oxo-titanylphthalocyanine crystal, and an electrophotographic photoreceptor. The oxo-titanylphthalocyanine crystal has predetermined optical characteristics and thermal properties and is produced by a production method including the following steps (a) to (d): (a) a step of dissolving a crude oxo-titanylphthalocyanine crystal in an acid to obtain an oxo-titanylphthalocyanine solution; (b) a step of adding the oxo-titanylphthalocyanine solution dropwise in a poor solvent to obtain a wet cake; (c) a step of washing the wet cake with an alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and (d) a step of stirring the washed wet cake under heating in a nonaqueous solvent to obtain an oxo-titanylphthalocyanine crystal.
US08686131B2 Synthetic heparin trisaccharides
Preparation and use of synthetic trisaccharides useful for the preparation of synthetic heparinoids.
US08686124B2 AXMI223z delta-endotoxin gene and methods for use
Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity, including against lepidopteran pests, to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a toxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated toxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:27 and 28, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3, 8, 13, and 18, as well as variants and fragments thereof.
US08686123B2 Use of manganese peroxidase for enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic material
Improved manganese peroxidases, polynucleotides encoding improved manganese peroxidase and vectors and cells thereof are provided, as well as methods for converting a cellulose-containing biomass feedstock to ethanol using improved manganese peroxidases and cells expressing a heterologous manganese peroxidase as disclosed herein.
US08686120B2 DRG11-responsive (DRAGON) gene family
This invention features methods and compositions useful for treating and diagnosing diseases of the nervous system, retina, skin, muscle, joint, and cartilage using a Dragon family protein. Protein and nucleic acid sequences of human, murine, zebrafish, and C. elegans Dragon family members are also disclosed.
US08686115B2 Compositions and methods for quantitatively monitoring lipids
Provided herein are fluorescent lipid binding proteins (FLBPs). The FLBPs comprise a lipid binding domain linked to a fluorophore, whrereby the fluorophore's fluorescence emission undergoes a spectral change upon lipid binding. the fluorophore is selected from the group consisting of 2-dimethylamino-6-acyl-naphthalene (DAN) and RED fluorophore and the lipid binding protein is selected from the group consisting of ENTH domain of epsin 1, C2 domain of bovine lactadherin, C 1B domain of protein kinase C-gamma, C2 domain of cytosolic phospholipase A2-beta, and PH domain of Bruton's tyrosine kinase PH.
US08686114B2 Variant sucrose transporter polypeptides
Variant sucrose transporter polypeptides that enable bacterial growth over a wide range of gene expression levels and sucrose concentrations are described. Additionally, recombinant bacteria comprising these variant sucrose transporter polypeptides, and methods of utilizing the bacteria to produce products such as glycerol and glycerol-derived products are provided.
US08686112B2 Methods and compositions for the detection of cancer
A molecular probe for use in detection of cancer cells expressing an Ig superfamily cell adhesion molecule that binds in a homophilic fashion in a subject includes a targeting agent that specifically binds to and/or complexes with a proteolytically cleaved extracellular fragment of the Ig superfamily cell adhesion molecule.
US08686109B2 Methods and materials for removing metals in block copolymers
The present invention relates to a method for treating a block copolymer solution, wherein the method comprises: providing a solution comprising a block copolymer in a non aqueous solvent; and, treating the solution to remove metals using an ion exchange resin. The invention also relates to a method of forming patterns using the treated block copolymer.
US08686105B2 Adhesive systems using imines and salts thereof, precursors to electron deficient olefins and coreactants therefor
This invention relates to adhesive systems using imines and salts thereof, precursors to electron deficient olefins and coreactants therefor.
US08686104B2 Ladder polymers with instrinsic microporosity and process for production thereof
A polymer of formula (I): where: n is an integer from 10 to 5,000; m is an integer from 10 to 5,000; Ar1 and Ar3 are the same or different and are residues derived from a tetra-hydroxy aromatic monomer, the tetra-hydroxy aromatic monomer being wherein R is the same or different and is H or a C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl or C3-C8 cycloalkyl group; and, Ar2 and Ar4 are the same or different and are residues derived from a tetra-halogenated aromatic monomer, the tetra-halogenated aromatic monomer being wherein X is F, Cl or Br, and R1 and R2 are the same or different and are wherein y is an integer from 1 to 8; with the proviso that when Ar1 is the same as Ar3 and Ar2 is the same as Ar4, R1 and R2 are not both —CN is useful as a material for gas separation, vapor separation, adsorbents or catalysis.
US08686102B2 Textiles treated with copolymers of epoxy compounds and amino silanes having enhanced wet-strength
The present invention provides for textiles treated with a composition comprising the reaction product of e) an oxirane or oxetane compound comprising at least two oxirane or oxetane groups; and f) an amino silane having the formula: N(H)(R1)R2Si(OR3)3-a-b-c(OR4)a(R5Si(OR6)d(R7)e)bR8c with R1 is chosen from the group consisting of H or a monovalent hydrocarbon radical containing one to 20 carbon atoms; R2 and R5 are independently selected from a group consisting of oxygen or a divalent linear or branched hydrocarbon radical consisting of 1-60 carbons; R4 is a hydrocarbon radical that contains 3 to 200 carbon atoms; 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, and c are zero or positive and have a value ranging from 0 to 3 subject to the limitation that (a+b+c)≦3; and 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 the treated textile has enhanced wet strength.
US08686100B2 Regiospecific silicone glycerin polyesters
The present invention is directed to a series of silicone containing polymeric glyceryl esters that have two different molecular weight ester chains, one solid and one liquid, which when combined into a single molecule make a polymer that is solid, but has very unique flow properties. These materials find applications as additives to formulations in personal care products where there is a desire to have a structured film (provided by the solid fatty group) and flow properties, (provided by the liquid fatty group). These compounds by virtue of their unique structure provide outstanding skin feel.
US08686098B2 Fluorine-containing compound, fluorine-containing polymer compound, resist composition, top coat composition and pattern formation method
A fluorine-containing polymer of the present invention contains a repeating unit (a) of the general formula (2) and has a mass-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 1,000,000. This polymer is suitably used in a resist composition for pattern formation by high energy ray radiation of 300 nm or less wavelength or electron beam radiation or a top coat composition for liquid immersion lithography and is characterized as having high water repellency, notably high receding contact angle. In the formula, R1 represents a polymerizable double bond-containing group; R2 represents a fluorine atom or a fluorine-containing alkyl group; R8 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group or the like; and W1 represents a single bond, a substituted or unsubstituted methylene group or the like.
US08686094B2 Storage-stable two-component silicone adhesives and sealants with extended mixer open time
A two-component silicone composition that includes a component A that includes i) at least one hydroxyl-group-terminated polydiorganosiloxane P; ii) at least one catalyst K for the cross-linking of polydiorganosiloxanes; and a component B that includes i′) at least one cross-linking agent for polydiorganosiloxanes. Compositions can be used as adhesives, sealants, coatings or as casting compounds and can be distinguished by a very long shelf life.
US08686091B2 Ambient cure water-based coatings for writable-erasable surfaces
Water-based coatings having writable-erasable surfaces are provided. The coatings have many desirable attributes. For example, the coatings cure under ambient conditions, have low or no VOC emissions during and upon curing, and have reduced tendency to form ghost images, even after prolonged normal use.
US08686086B2 Method for obtaining a rubber composition including a thermoplastic filler
A process for the preparation of a rubber composition for the manufacture of tires is presented. The composition is based on one or more diene elastomers, one or more reinforcing fillers, and a crosslinking system. The composition includes particles of one or more thermoplastic materials chosen from amorphous thermoplastic materials and semicrystalline thermoplastic materials, with the glass transition temperature of the amorphous thermoplastic material or materials and the melting point of the semicrystalline thermoplastic material or materials varying from 80° C. to 300° C. The particles exhibit a volume-average diameter of less than or equal to 200 μm.
US08686084B2 Zinc ionomer rubber activator
Curable rubber compositions and cured articles are based on the use of zinc activator compositions for the sulfur cure. Activator compositions contain zinc and a polymeric component having a plurality of COOH groups, at least some of which are neutralized with the zinc. With polymeric zinc activators, sulfur cure can be activated at levels of zinc below those used in conventional systems.
US08686077B2 Molding composition with reduced coefficient of friction and improved release properties
This invention relates to a composition and method of modifying the surface of a polymeric to produce a film or article with a reduced coefficient of friction (COF) and improved release properties. The reduced coefficient of friction improves both the slip and anti-blocking properties of the material as well aiding in processing of the polymeric material. Additionally, the invention improves demolding and release of the polymeric material from other polymeric surfaces or adhesives as well as metal molding surfaces.
US08686070B2 Nanocrystallinecellulose (NCC) in tape joint compound (JC)
A joint compound with improved crack resistance is formed by combining water, a filler such as calcium carbonate, a latex emulsion binder, a thickening system such as methylhydroxyethyl cellulose, and nanocrystalline cellulose. The nanocrystalline cellulose is provided in an amount effective to reduce the crack formation during drying.
US08686067B2 Method of making a dispersion of polymer binder-encapsulated silica pigments and coated media including such dispersion
The instant disclosure relates to a method of making a dispersion of polymer binder-encapsulated silica pigments for coating an ink-jet recording substrate. The method includes mixing first components of the dispersion to form a mixture, the first components including binder polymer, treating agents and a vehicle selected from the group consisting of water, a water-miscible organic solvent, and combinations thereof; shear mixing silica pigment into the mixture; and after the silica pigment is added to the mixture, shear mixing the mixture at a higher temperature and an increased grinding rate compared to a temperature and grinding rate of the shear mixing of the silica pigment into the mixture.
US08686061B2 Multicomponent system for producing a dental material
The invention relates to a two-component or multicomponent system for producing a dental material, to the use of the system for producing a dental material.
US08686049B2 Agent for increasing testosterone level
Provided is a substance which is a safer and more commonly-consumed food ingredient that increase the testosterone level. The testosterone enhancer of the invention comprises vitamin K as an active ingredient. The vitamin is preferably menaquinone-4 and/or menaquinone-7. This enhancer is useful as pharmaceutical agents, supplements, health foods or functional foods for the prevention, amelioration and/or treatment of a condition or disease induced by the decreased testosterone level.
US08686045B2 Methods of facilitating neural cell survival using non-peptide and peptide BDNF neurotrophin mimetics
Methods and compounds for treating neurological and other disorders are provided. Included is the administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound having binding and/or modulation specificity for a TrkB receptor molecule.
US08686044B2 Amide derivative, pest control agent containing the amide derivative, and use of the amide derivative
An amide derivative represented by the following Formula (1) is provided as an amide derivative showing a significantly excellent effect for a pest control action.In the following Formula (1), A represents a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, or the like, and K represents a non-metal atomic group necessary for forming a cyclic linking group derived from benzene or a heterocyclie. X represents a halogen atom or the like; n represents an integer of from 0 to 4. R1 and R2 represent hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, or the like. T represents —C(=G1)-Q1 or —C(=G1)-G2Q2, and G1 to G3 each represent oxygen atoms or the like. Q1 and Q2 each represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or the like. Y1 and Y5 each represent a halogen atom or the like, Y2 and Y4 each represent a hydrogen atom or the like, and Y3 represents a C2-C5 haloalkyl group.
US08686038B2 Use of nitrated lipids for treatment of side effects of toxic medical therapies
The present invention relates to methods of treating the side effects of a toxic medical therapy using nitrated lipids. In particular, the methods comprise the use of nitrated fatty acids or esters thereof to treat side effects, including organ system damage, caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and the administration of other toxic agents.
US08686034B2 Crystalline form of γ-aminobutyric acid analog
A crystalline form of a γ-aminobutyric acid analog, and methods of preparing same, are provided.
US08686030B2 Anti-cancer extract and compounds
The preset invention relates to a new approach for treating a cancer or fibrosis, such as Hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver fibrosis using an extract from a plant of Graptopetalum sp., Rhodiola sp. or Echeveria sp., and prepared by extracting the plant with Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), its fraction or the compound isolated from the extract.
US08686028B2 Substituted benzfurochromenes and related compounds for the prevention and treatment of bone related disorders
The present invention relates to novel substituted benzfurochromenes and related compounds having the general formula (I), salts and chiral, achiral derivatives thereof; wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 are independently selected from the groups consisting of hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkoxyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted alkylthio, optionally substituted amino, optionally substituted acylamino, optionally substituted arylamino, optionally substituted acylthio, optionally substituted acyl, optionally substituted aroyl, optionally substituted acyloxy, optionally substituted thioamido, halogens, nitriles, esters, hydroxy, mercapto, carbontrifluoride, nitro but not limited to this; wherein R1R2 or R2R3 or R6R7 may be connected and form either a five membered ring or a six membered ring such as optionally substituted furan, optionally substituted dihydrofuran, optionally substituted pyran; or may be connected through a methylenedeoxy moiety; wherein X is selected from the units consisting of optionally a ketone group, optionally a methylene group, optionally substituted methylene group, optionally substituted alkene; wherein Y and Z is selected from the units consisting of CH, C—OH, C-Me, C—OMe with the proviso that bond between Y and Z is a single bond; Wherein Y and Z may be a carbon atom with the proviso that bond between Y and Z is a double bond. The compounds of the general formula is useful for the prevention and treatment of bone related disorders.
US08686024B2 Indoline derivatives
The present invention provides a novel indoline derivative or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate of the derivative or a salt thereof represented by the following formula (1) that has an excellent butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. In the formula, R1 represents an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a heterocycloalkyl group, an aryl group, a heteroaryl group, an arylalkyl group, a heteroarylalkyl group, a cycloalkylalkyl group, a heterocycloalkylalkyl group, a dihydrofurylalkyl group, an alkenyl group, a tetrahydronaphthyl group, or an indanyl group; R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an arylalkyl group, a cycloalkylalkyl group, a heteroarylalkyl group, a heterocycloalkylalkyl group, an aryl group, or an acyl group; R3 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a dialkylaminocarbonyl group; R4 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; and R5 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. Each functional group may have a substituent.
US08686022B2 7-(piperazine-1-ymethyl)-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid (phenyl)-amide derivatives and allied compounds as p38 MAP kinase inhibitors for the treatment of respiratory diseases
The present invention provides compounds according to general formula (I) which are proposed for the treatment of respiratory complaints, particularly asthma and COPD.
US08686015B2 Pyrrole inhibitors of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase as therapeutic agents
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.
US08686014B2 Insecticidal compounds
A compound of Formula (I): where A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, G1, L, R1, R2, R3, R4, Y1, Y2 and Y3 are as defined in claim 1; or a sail or N-oxide thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to processes and intermediates for preparing compounds of formula (I), to insecticidal, acaricidal, molluscicidal and nematicidal compositions comprising compounds of formula (I) and to methods of using compounds of formula (I) to combat and control insect, acarine, mollusc and nematode pests.
US08686013B2 Cosmetic use of substituted amino heterocylic carbamoyl analogs and related compounds
Cosmetic compositions comprising substituted amino heterocyclic carbamoyl analogs and methods of using such compositions to impart anti-aging benefits to the skin are disclosed. The substituted amino heterocyclic carbamoyl analogs are believed to have modulatory activity against one or more biochemical pathways implicated in skin aging.
US08686011B2 Inhibitors of 11-β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase type 1
The present invention relates to compounds with the formula (I), (II), (III) or (IV): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, X and Z are as defined herein, and also to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, as well as methods of use of the compounds for treatment of disorders associated with human 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme and for the preparation of a medicament which acts on the human 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme.
US08686004B2 Heterocyclic compounds as pesticides
The present application relates to novel heterocyclic compounds, to the use thereof for controlling animal pests, which include arthropods and especially insects, and to processes for preparing the novel compounds.
US08686003B2 Tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase inhibitors and uses thereof for treating vascular calcification
Disclosed herein are compounds that are tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase inhibitors. The disclosed compounds are used to treat, prevent, or abate vascular calcification, arterial calcification and other cardiovascular diseases.
US08686001B2 Medicament for treating glaucoma comprising as an active ingredient cyclodextrin-clathrate compound of cilostazol
The invention relates to an ophthalmic medicament for treating glaucoma which comprises a clathrate compound prepared by dissolving cilostazol or a salt thereof in a cyclodextrin.
US08685995B2 Treatment with opioid antagonists and mTOR inhibitors
Embodiments of the invention provide methods of treating a disorder or disease characterized by cellular proliferation and migration by co-administering a synergistically effective amount of an mTOR inhibitor and a μ-opioid receptor antagonist.
US08685994B2 Analgesic combination of oxycodone and celecoxib
Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition, comprising two analgesic compounds and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof consisting of celecoxib and/or at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and oxycodone and/or at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, said two analgesic compounds in an amount sufficient to provide an analgesic effect in a human patient. Also disclosed is a method of effectively treating pain in humans or other mammals, comprising orally administering to the patient an oral dosage form comprising two analgesic compounds consisting of celecoxib and/or at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and oxycodone and/or at least one pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, said two analgesic compounds in an amount sufficient to provide an analgesic effect in a human patient.
US08685992B2 Histone deacetylase inhibitors based simultaneously on trisubstituted 1H-pyrroles and aromatic and heteroaromatic spacers
The present invention refers to compounds derived from trisubstituted 1H-pyrrole rings and aromatic rings, which have the following formula (I): wherein: R1 and R2 represent, independently, an optionally substituted C6-C10 aryl radical or an optionally substituted heteroaryl radical; A and M represent, independently, a methylene group or a single bond, in which case the adjacent aromatic ring would be attached directly to the amide group; the Y═Z group represents together and indistinctly an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a cis-vinylidene group, an imino group, or a methine group with a sp2-hybridized carbon atom; X represents indistinctly a methine group, a cis-vinylidene group or a nitrogen atom; and W represents a hydroxyl group, an optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl group, an optionally substituted heteroaryl group or an optionally substituted C6-C10 aryl group; or a salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, as well as to the process for their preparation and the use thereof for the treatment of cancer.
US08685991B2 Anti-infective agents and uses thereof
This invention relates to: (a) compounds and salts thereof that, inter alia, inhibit HCV; (b) intermediates useful for the preparation of such compounds and salts; (c) compositions comprising such compounds and salts; (d) methods for preparing such intermediates, compounds, salts, and compositions; (e) methods of use of such compounds, salts, and compositions; and (f) kits comprising such compounds, salts, and compositions.
US08685988B2 EGFR modulators and uses thereof
The present invention relates to certain pyrrolopyrimidine derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods of using them, including methods for the treatment of tumors and related diseases related to the dysregulation of kinase (such as EGFR (including HER), Alk, PDGFR, but not limited to) pathways.
US08685987B2 Substituted [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines and their use as potassium channel modulators
This invention relates to novel substituted [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines and their use as modulators of potassium channels. In other aspects the invention relates to the use of these compounds, in a method for therapy and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention.
US08685982B2 Thioamide, amidoxime and amidrazone derivatives as HIV attachment inhibitors
A compound of Formula I, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: wherein A is selected from the group of:
US08685978B2 Spectinamides as anti-tuberculosis agents
Novel 3′-deoxy-3′-acylaminospectinomycin compounds are described. Also described are methods of using the 3′-deoxy-3-acylaminospectinomycin compounds and other spectinomycin analogs in treating tuberculosis and in treating microbial infections.
US08685977B2 Chemical compounds
The invention relates to sulfonamide derivatives, to their use in medicine, to compositions containing them, to processes for their preparation and to intermediates used in such processes.More particularly the invention relates to a new sulfonamide Nav1.7 inhibitors of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Ar1, X, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined in the description. Nav 1.7 inhibitors are potentially useful in the treatment of a wide range of disorders, particularly pain.
US08685975B2 PDE10 inhibitors and related compositions and methods
Compounds that inhibit PDE10 are disclosed that have utility in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including (but not limited to) psychotic, anxiety, movement disorders and/or neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, encephalitis, phobias, epilepsy, aphasia, Bell's palsy, cerebral palsy, sleep disorders, pain, Tourette's syndrome, schizophrenia, delusional disorders, drug-induced psychosis and panic and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, solvates and prodrugs of the compounds are also provided. Also disclosed are compositions containing a compound in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as methods relating to the use thereof for inhibiting PDE10 in a warm-blooded animal in need of the same.
US08685974B2 Thienylpyri(mi)dinylazole
Thienylpyri(mi)dinylazole of the formula (I) in which R1 to R8 and X1 have the meanings given in the description, and agrochemically active salts, to their use and to methods and compositions for controlling phytopathogenic harmful fungi in and/or on plants or in and/or on seed of plants and for reducing mycotoxins in plants and parts of the plants, to processes for preparing such compounds and compositions and treated seed and also to their use for controlling phytopathogenic harmful fungi in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, in animal husbandry, in the protection of materials, in the domestic and hygiene field and for the reduction of mycotoxins in plants and parts of the plants.
US08685973B2 Pyrimidine cyclohexyl glucocorticoid receptor modulators
The present invention provides a class of pyrimidinedione cyclohexyl compounds and methods of using these compounds as glucocorticoid receptor modulators.
US08685970B2 Quinolines and related analogs as sirtuin modulators
Provided herein are novel sirtuin-modulating compounds and methods of use thereof. The sirtuin-modulating compounds may be used for increasing the lifespan of a cell, and treating and/or preventing a wide variety of diseases and disorders including, for example, diseases or disorders related to aging or stress, diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, blood clotting disorders, inflammation, cancer, and/or flushing as well as diseases or disorders that would benefit from increased mitochondrial activity. Also provided are compositions comprising a sirtuin-modulating compound in combination with another therapeutic agent.
US08685964B2 Heterocyclic compounds as pesticides
The present application relates to the use of heterocyclic compounds, some of which are known, for controlling animal pests including arthropods and in particular insects, furthermore to novel heterocyclic compounds and to processes for their preparation.
US08685951B2 Compositions and methods for cytoprotection
The present invention provides compositions and methods for cytoprotection. In particular, it provides zinc chelate compositions comprising at least one zinc ion and at least one aminothiol ligand.
US08685946B2 Sequence-specific inhibition of small RNA function
The present invention relates to the discovery of a method for inhibiting RNA silencing in a target sequence-specific manner. RNA silencing requires a set of conserved cellular factors to suppress expression of gene-encoded polypeptide. The invention provides compositions for sequence-specific inactivation of the RISC component of the RNA silencing pathway, and methods of use thereof. The RISC inactivators of the present invention enable a variety of methods for identifying and characterizing miRNAs and siRNAs, RISC-associated factors, and agents capable of modulating RNA silencing. Therapeutic methods and compositions incorporating RISC inactivators and therapeutic agents identified through use of RISC inactivators are also featured.
US08685945B2 Polymeric artificial tear system
The present invention relates to artificial tear formulations and ophthalmic formulations suitable for drug delivery. The formulations comprise galactomannans such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar and a borate source such as boric acid. The formulations further comprise a cis-diol such as sorbitol that interferes with the cross-linking of galactomannan and borate. Optionally, the formulations are substantially free of divalent cations.
US08685943B2 Methods for reducing diarrhea in a companion animal
Compositions (including pharmaceutical compositions, foods, supplements, toys and treats) comprising a microbial exopolysaccharide are provided as well as methods for preventing or reducing diarrhea in a mammal wherein the method comprises administering a therapeutically amount of a microbial exopolysaccharide to a mammal in need thereof.
US08685942B2 Sophorolipid analog compositions
A composition of matter comprising sophorolipids as antimicrobial agents, antifungal agents, biopesticides, for uses as drugs to treat HIV, septic shock, cancer, asthma, dermatological conditions, as spermicidal agents, as anti-inflammatory drugs, as ingredients in cosmetics and building blocks for monomers and polymers and self-assembled templates for further chemical elaboration.
US08685938B2 Methods to enhance T-cell mediated immune response
The present invention provides methods for restoring or enhancing T cell mediated immune response in individuals of middle and advanced age.
US08685933B2 Casein-derived peptides having anxiolytic activity
The invention relates to peptides and, in particular, heptapeptides derived from milk casein αs1 and having anxiolytic activity. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical and food compositions containing said peptides and to the preparation methods thereof.
US08685932B2 Targeted transforming growth factor-beta-bound IgG for Treatment of Diseases
Provided are proteins and polynucleotides, complexes and compositions containing the proteins, and methods for their use in administration to subjects and for disease treatment. Among the provided proteins and complexes are complexes containing a TGF-beta associated with immunoglobulins (such as IgGs) or functional portions thereof including Fc portions, such as by non-covalent bonds. The provided complexes include those in which the immunoglobulin portion binds to inhibitory Fcγ receptors to a greater degree than to activating Fcγ receptors. The provided complexes further include those in which the immunoglobulin portion bind to activating Fcγ receptors to a greater degree than to inhibitory Fcγ receptors. The complexes and compositions can be used for administration to subjects, such as for increasing immunity or decreasing inflammation, such as for treating diseases including autoimmune diseases and cancer.
US08685931B2 Hair growth methods using FGFR3 extracellular domains
The present invention relates to a method of promoting hair growth comprising administering a fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) extracellular domain (ECD), including native FGFR3 ECDs, variants, fragments, and fusion molecules, to a subject in an amount sufficient to promote hair growth.
US08685930B2 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.
US08685926B2 Compositions and method for CaMKII inhibitors and uses thereof
Embodiments herein generally relate to methods, compositions and uses of CaMKII inhibitors. Other embodiments relate to methods, compositions and uses of agents that target CaMKII. Yet further embodiments relate to compositions, methods and uses of CaMKIIN-derived molecules and other CaMKII inhibitor molecules that inhibit autonomous CaMKII activity. In accordance with these embodiments, compositions that inhibit autonomous CaMKII activity may be used for treating conditions causing neuronal cell death, for treating cancer or for treating neurodegenerative disorders.
US08685925B2 Method and compositions for treating stroke with fever
The invention provides methods of treating stroke and related conditions exacerbated by fever and/or hyperglycemia by administering peptides or peptidomimetics that inhibit binding of NMDAR 2B to PSD-95 to a patient.
US08685923B2 Fibrillar albumin for use in inhibiting cancer growth
A method for inhibiting survival of cancer cells in a subject is disclosed. The method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of fibrillar albumin. The preparation of the fibrillar albumin comprises: (i) forming a solution comprising an isolated and/or purified globular albumin; (ii) adding a detergent to the solution containing the isolated and/or purified globular albumin, wherein the detergent is one selected from the group consisting of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and n-tetradecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate; (iii) applying the solution to a molecular sizing column with a pore size that permits separation of a protein with a molecular weight of at least about 70 kDa so as to promote column-induced formation of the fibrillar albumin from the isolated and/or purified globular albumin; and (iv) eluting the fibrillar albumin from the column, wherein the eluted albumin has a fibrillar structure.
US08685918B1 Weight loss regimen comprising enteral and oral feeding segments effective for the treatment of obesity
A method of losing weight which is effective for, but not limited to, the treatment of obesity in an individual includes administering nutrients high in protein by a combination of enteral feeding and oral feeding over a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period is preferably defined by three consecutive time segments, wherein the conducting of the enteral feeding occurs during the first time segment, preferably by nasogastric intubation and the infusion of a high protein solution. Subsequently and consecutively the oral feeding proceeds over a second time segment and a third time segment, where the nutrients in the second time segment are a combination of a drinkable solution and solid food and the nutrients administered during the third time segment comprise a balanced, low-calorie diet.
US08685917B2 Cyclosporin analogues
The present invention provides novel cyclosporin analogue compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and methods of using these compounds for the treatment of disorders and diseases, including immune disorders, inflammatory disorders and viral infections.
US08685913B2 Detergent having an active ingredient that improves the primary detergency
The invention provides improvements in the primary detergency of detergents for washing textiles, particularly against oily stains and/or stains containing fat. These improvements are realized through the use of certain polycarbonate-, polyurethane-, and/or polyurea-polyorganosiloxane compounds or precursor compounds usable in the production thereof having certain reactive groups.
US08685908B2 Bar soap comprising pyrithione sources
A bar soap comprising a pyrithione source, a soap surfactant, and a pH adjusting agent selected from a group consisting of ammonia solution, triethanolamine, diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, soluble carbonate salts, and combinations thereof, wherein the bar soap attains a pH of greater than or equal to 10.7. A process of inhibiting the formation of a discoloration in a bar soap comprising pyrithione sources by adding pH adjusting agent to attain a pH of greater than or equal to 10.7. A process of inhibiting the formation of a discoloration in a bar soap caused by dissolved ferric ions and/or cupric ions and pyrithione sources in the bar, comprising the step of adding from about 0.3% to about 20% soluble carbonate salt during manufacturing of the bar soap.
US08685902B2 Proppant, proppant production method and use of proppant
The invention relates to the area of oil and gas production (especially, to the production in which the propping technique is used for the stimulation of a well) and can be used in the development of a composition and a method of production of propping agents (proppant), as well as a method of application of these propping agents. A new type of proppant, proppant production method and use of the proppant are based on allowing the production of proppant having an apparent density of 2.5 to 4.0 g/cm3, as well as a high mechanical strength and a high chemical durability. A proppant contains granules made of the sintered feedstock, wherein the charge mixture containing at least one of the following materials—silicon carbide, boron carbide, titanium carbide, silicon nitride, titanium nitride, boron nitride, silicon oxynitrides, SIALON-type compounds, was used as the feedstock.
US08685900B2 Methods of using fluid loss additives comprising micro gels
Methods and fluids are provided that include, but are not limited to, a drilling fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a fluid loss control additive that comprises at least one polymeric micro gel and a method comprising: providing an aqueous based treatment fluid comprising a fluid loss control additive that comprises at least one polymeric micro gel; placing the aqueous based treatment fluid in a subterranean formation via a well bore penetrating the subterranean formation; allowing the fluid loss control additive to become incorporated into a filter cake located on a surface within the subterranean formation; allowing the filter cake to be degraded; and producing hydrocarbons from the formation. Additional methods are also provided.
US08685899B2 Methods, reagents and kits for detection of nucleic acid molecules
Methods, reagents and kits are provided for the production and use in detection assays of labeled nucleic acid molecules wherein a labeling molecule is attached directly to the 3′ end of the nucleic acid molecules.
US08685896B2 Collection and methods for its use
The present disclosure enables methods of identifying the VH and VL class pairs in the human immune repertoire, determining the VH and VL class pairs that are most prevalent and those having favorable biophysical properties. More specifically, the collections of the present disclosure comprise the most prevalent and/or preferred VH and VL class pairings with highly diversified CDRs.
US08685894B2 Modified nucleic acid nanoarrays and uses therefor
The present invention provides finite, addressable, and self-assembling nucleic acid tiling arrays, and methods for their use.
US08685891B2 Method and assay for determining FAS expression
Methods and immunoassays for the determination of fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression in patients having or suspected of having a proliferative disorder, especially prostate cancer, are disclosed. The sensitive method and assay detect the level of expression of FAS in a biological sample using antibodies that are highly specific for FAS. The method and assay can be used to monitor the progression of cancer, and/or to predict the efficacy of certain treatments or the likelihood of recurrence of the cancer.
US08685888B2 Method and agent for the remediation of algal blooms
In one embodiment, a remediation agent and method of remediation of an algae bloom are disclosed. The remediation agent contains light absorbing compounds in a buoyant water semi-insoluble and biodegradable casein product. The remediation agent may be distributed by boat or seeded by airplane to remediate or prevent algae blooms.
US08685885B2 Honeycomb structure
A honeycomb structure includes a ceramic block including honeycomb fired bodies. The honeycomb fired bodies include an assembly including a plurality of substantially quadrangular-cross-section units which are combined with one another with an adhesive layer interposed between the plurality of substantially quadrangular-cross-section units. A peripheral face of the assembly of substantially quadrangular-cross-section units has a concave portion and a convex portion formed in a substantially step-shaped pattern. At least one substantially triangular-cross-section unit has an outer wall on a periphery portion of the at least one substantially triangular-cross-section unit. The at least one substantially triangular-cross-section unit is fit in the concave portion with the adhesive layer interposed between the at least one substantially triangular-cross-section unit and the concave portion. A sealing material layer is provided on a peripheral face of the ceramic block. The sealing material layer has partially different thickness.
US08685881B2 Catalyst for transesterification process
The present invention relates to a method for producing esters from triglycerides by using solid heterogeneous catalysts comprised of calcined calcium carbonate, particularly for obtaining biodiesel.
US08685878B2 Highly durable nanoscale electrocatalyst based on core shell particles
A multimetallic nanoscale catalyst having a core portion enveloped by a shell portion and exhibiting high catalytic activity and improved catalytic durability. In various embodiments, the core/shell nanoparticles comprise a gold particle coated with a catalytically active platinum bimetallic material. The shape of the nanoparticles is substantially defined by the particle shape of the core portion. The nanoparticles may be dispersed on a high surface area substrate for use as a catalyst and is characterized by no significant loss in surface area and specific activity following extended potential cycling.
US08685871B2 Multifunctional additives in engineering thermoplastics
A toughening agent for use in making composites comprises an epoxy curing agent and a thermoplastic. Compositions, composites that comprise the toughening agent and associated methods of making and using the toughening agent are also disclosed.
US08685869B2 Flame-resistant high visibility textile fabric for use in safety apparel
A knitted textile fabric for use in safety apparel, comprising a first yarn containing modacrylic fibers and a second yarn containing apparel, preferably cellulosic, fibers. The first and second yarns are interknitted with one another, e.g., in plated or bi-ply, relationship with the modacrylic yarn disposed predominantly at an outer face of the fabric for imparting flame resistant properties and an affinity for high visibility dyes and with the cellulosic yarn disposed predominantly at the opposite face of the fabric for imparting a hand suitable for comfortable body contact with a user's skin.
US08685865B2 Method of forming patterns of semiconductor device
A method of forming patterns of a semiconductor device may include forming a photoresist layer that includes a photo acid generator (PAG) and a photo base generator (PBG), generating an acid from the PAG in a first exposed portion of the photoresist layer by first-exposing the photoresist layer, and generating a base from the PBG in a second exposed portion of the photoresist layer by second-exposing a part of the first exposed portion and neutralizing the acid. The method may also include baking the photoresist layer after the first and second-exposing and deblocking the photoresist layer of the first exposed portion in which the acid is generated to form a deblocked photoresist layer, and forming a photoresist pattern by removing the deblocked photoresist layer by using a developer.
US08685864B2 Method and device for treating a substrate surface of a substrate
In a method for the treatment of a substrate surface of a flat substrate with a process medium at the substrate underside, the process medium has a removing or etching effect on the substrate surface. The substrates are wetted with the process medium from below in a manner lying horizontally. The upwardly facing substrate top side is wetted or covered with water or a corresponding protective liquid over a large area or over the whole area as protection against the process medium acting on the substrate top side.
US08685863B2 Semiconductor process, semiconductor element and package having semiconductor element
The present invention relates to a semiconductor process, a semiconductor element and a package having a semiconductor element. The semiconductor element includes a base material and at least one through via structure. The base material has a first surface, a second surface, at least one groove and at least one foundation. The groove opens at the first surface, and the foundation is disposed on the first surface. The through via structure is disposed in the groove of the base material, and protrudes from the first surface of the base material. The foundation surrounds the through via structure. Whereby, the foundation increases the strength of the through via structure, and prevents the through via structure from cracking.
US08685861B2 Integrated circuit system with contact distribution film
A integrated circuit system including providing an integrated circuit device, forming an undoped insulating layer over the integrated circuit device, forming a thin insulating layer over the undoped insulating layer, forming a doped insulating layer over the thin insulating layer, and forming a contact in the undoped insulating layer, thin insulating layer and the doped insulating layer.
US08685857B2 Chemical mechanical polishing method of organic film and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
There is disclosed a chemical mechanical polishing method of an organic film comprising forming the organic film above a semiconductor substrate, contacting the organic film formed above the semiconductor substrate with a polishing pad attached to a turntable, and dropping a slurry onto the polishing pad to polish the organic film, the slurry being selected from the group consisting of a first slurry and a second slurry, the first slurry comprising a resin particle having a functional group selected from the group consisting of an anionic functional group, a cationic functional group, an amphoteric functional group and a nonionic functional group, and having a primary particle diameter ranging from 0.05 to 5 μm, the first slurry having a pH ranging from 2 to 8, and the second slurry comprising a resin particle having a primary particle diameter ranging from 0.05 to 5 μm, and a surfactant having a hydrophilic moiety.
US08685854B2 Method of forming a via in a semiconductor device
A process for burying a tungsten member into a blind hole formed in a wafer, in which blind hole a through via is to be made. Film-formation (for forming the tungsten member) is carried out to position, at the periphery of the wafer, the outer circumference of the tungsten member inside the outer circumference of a barrier metal beneath the tungsten film. This process makes it possible to bury the tungsten member, which may be relatively thin, into the blind hole, which may be relatively large, so as to decrease a warp of the wafer and further prevent an underlying layer beneath the tungsten member from being peeled at the periphery of the wafer.
US08685853B2 Dual damascene copper process using a selected mask
A method for creating a dual damascene structure while using only one lithography and masking step. Conventional dual damascene structures utilize two lithography steps: one to mask and expose the via, and a second step to mask and expose the trench interconnection. The novel method for creating a dual damascene structure allows for a smaller number of processing steps, thus reducing the processing time needed to complete the dual damascene structure. In addition, a lower number of masks may be needed. The exemplary mask or reticle used within the process incorporates different regions possessing different transmission rates. During the exposing step, light from an exposing source passes through the mask to expose a portion of the photoresist layer on top of the wafer. Depending on the transmission rate of the different regions, different thickness of the photoresist layer are exposed and later removed by a developing solution, which allows a subsequent etch process to remove portions of both the dielectric layer and photoresist layer to create a dual damascene structure.
US08685851B2 MOS device with memory function and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method of a MOS device with memory function is provided, which includes: providing a semiconductor substrate, a surface of the semiconductor substrate being covered by a first dielectric layer, a metal interconnect structure being formed in the first dielectric layer; forming a second dielectric layer overlying a surface of the first dielectric layer and the metal interconnect structure; forming an opening in the second dielectric layer, a bottom of the opening revealing the metal interconnect structure; forming an alloy layer at the bottom of the opening, material of the alloy layer containing copper and other metal; and performing a thermal treatment to the alloy layer and the metal interconnect structure to form, on the surface of the metal interconnect structure, a compound layer containing oxygen element. The compound layer containing oxygen element and the MOS device formed in the semiconductor substrate constitute a MOS device with memory function. The method provides a processing which has high controllability and improves the performance of devices.
US08685847B2 Semiconductor device having localized extremely thin silicon on insulator channel region
A method of forming a transistor device includes forming a dummy gate stack structure over an SOI starting substrate, comprising a bulk layer, a global BOX layer over the bulk layer, and an SOI layer over the global BOX layer. Self-aligned trenches are formed completely through portions of the SOI layer and the global BOX layer at source and drain regions. Silicon is epitaxially regrown in the source and drain regions, with a local BOX layer re-established in the epitaxially regrown silicon, adjacent to the global BOX layer. A top surface of the local BOX layer is below a top surface of the global BOX layer. Embedded source and drain stressors are formed in the source and drain regions, adjacent a channel region. Silicide contacts are formed on the source and drain regions. The dummy gate stack structure is removed, and a final gate stack structure is formed.
US08685845B2 Epitaxial growth of silicon doped with carbon and phosphorus using hydrogen carrier gas
A method for depositing epitaxial films of silicon carbon (Si:C). In one embodiment, the method includes depositing an n-type doped silicon carbon (Si:C) semiconductor material on a semiconductor deposition surface using a deposition gas precursor composed of a silane containing gas precursor, a carbon containing gas precursor, and an n-type gas dopant source. The deposition gas precursor is introduced to the semiconductor deposition surface with a hydrogen (H2) carrier gas. The method for depositing epitaxial films may include an etch reaction provided by hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas etchant and a hydrogen (H2) carrier gas.
US08685842B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including forming a first SiGe layer on an insulating film, processing the first SiGe layer to have an island shape which includes a first region and a second region, the first region having a width larger than a width of the second region in a direction perpendicular to a connecting direction of the second region, subjecting the first SiGe layer having the island shape to thermal oxidation, thereby increasing Ge composition of the first and second region, and setting the Ge composition of the second region to be higher than the Ge composition of the first region, melting the second region having the increased Ge composition by heat treatment, and recrystallizing the melted second region from an interface between the first and second region.
US08685841B2 Methods for the production of nanoscale heterostructures
The present invention is directed to a novel synthetic method for producing nanoscale heterostructures, and particularly nanoscale heterostructure particles, rods and sheets, that comprise a metal core and a monocrystalline semiconductor shell with substantial lattice mismatches between them. More specifically, the invention concerns the use of controlled soft acid-base coordination reactions between molecular complexes and colloidal nanostructures to drive the nanoscale monocrystalline growth of the semiconductor shell with a lattice structure incommensurate with that of the core. The invention also relates to more complex hybrid core-shell structures that exhibit azimuthal and radial nano-tailoring of structures. The invention is additionally directed to the use of such compositions in semiconductor devices.
US08685840B2 In-situ gettering method for removing metal impurities from the surface and interior of a upgraded metallurgical grade silicon wafer
An in-situ gettering method for removing impurities from the surface and interior of a upgraded metallurgical grade silicon wafer is continuously conducted in a reaction chamber. Chloride gas is mixed with carrier gas. The gaseous mixture is used to clean the surface of the silicon wafer. Then, the gaseous mixture is used to form a porous structure on the surface of the silicon wafer before hot annealing is executed. Finally, the gaseous mixture is used to execute hot etching on the surface of the silicon wafer and remove the porous structure from the surface of the silicon wafer. As the chloride gas is used to clean the surface of the silicon wafer and form the porous structure on the surface of the silicon wafer, external gettering is improved. Moreover, interstitial-type metal impurities are effectively removed from the interior of the silicon wafer.
US08685834B2 Fabrication method of package structure with simplified encapsulation structure and simplified wiring
A package structure and fabrication method thereof. The structure includes a substrate having a terminal, a chip overlying the substrate, the chip having an active surface, having a center region and periphery region, the periphery region having an electrode thereon, a patterned cover plate overlying the chip and exposing the electrode, a conductive material electrically connecting the electrode and terminal, and an encapsulant covering the terminal, conductive material, and electrode, but exposing the cover plate overlying the center region of the chip.
US08685833B2 Stress reduction means for warp control of substrates through clamping
A method is provided for bonding a semiconductor chip to a packaging substrate while minimizing the variation in the solder ball heights and controlling the stress in the solder balls and the stress in the packaging substrate. During the solder reflow, the warp of the packaging substrate, including the absolute warp, thermal warp, and substrate to substrate variations of the warp, is constrained at a minimal level by providing a clamping constraint to the packaging substrate. During cool down of the solder balls, the stresses and strains of the solder joints are maintained at levels that do not cause tear of the solder joints or breakage of the packaging substrate by removing the clamping constraint. Thus, the bonding process provides both uniform solder height with minimized solder non-wets and stress minimization of the solder balls and the packaging substrate.
US08685832B2 Trench filling method and method of manufacturing semiconductor integrated circuit device
Provided is a trench filling method, which includes: forming a silicon oxide liner on a semiconductor substrate with trenches formed therein, the trenches including narrow-width portions having a first minimum isolation width and wide-width portions having a second minimum isolation width being wider than the first minimum isolation width; forming an oxidation-barrier film on the silicon oxide liner; forming a silicon liner on the oxidation-barrier film; filling the narrow-width portions with a first filling material; filling the wide-width portions with a second filling material; and oxidizing the silicon liner.
US08685829B1 Method for forming MOS capacitor
A method of processing a substrate is provided. The method includes forming a first oxide layer on the substrate and patterning the first oxide layer utilizing a lithography process, the patterning defining a plurality of active areas on the substrate. The method includes forming a second oxide layer in each active area and forming a plurality of metal electrodes over the second oxide layer through a shadow mask technique, wherein the shadow mask technique is performed without alignment to an active area.
US08685827B2 Method of forming polysilicon resistor during replacement metal gate process and semiconductor device having same
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising forming a first gate stack portion on a substrate, the first gate stack portion including a first gate oxide layer and a first polysilicon layer on the first gate oxide layer, forming a second gate stack portion on the substrate, the second gate stack portion including a second gate oxide layer and a second polysilicon layer on the second gate oxide layer, forming a resistor portion on the substrate, the resistor portion including a third gate oxide layer and a third polysilicon layer on the third gate oxide layer, covering the resistor portion with a photoresist, removing respective first portions of the first and second polysilicon layers from the first and second gate stack portions, removing the photoresist from the resistor portion, and after removing the photoresist from the resistor portion, removing respective remaining portions of the first and second polysilicon layers from the first and second gate stack portions.
US08685818B2 Method of forming a shallow trench isolation embedded polysilicon resistor
Forming a polysilicon embedded resistor within the shallow trench isolations separating the active area of two adjacent devices, minimizing the electrical interaction between two devices and reducing the capacitive coupling or leakage therebetween. The precision polysilicon resistor is formed independently from the formation of gate electrodes by creating a recess region within the STI region when the polysilicon resistor is embedded within the STI recess region. The polysilicon resistor is decoupled from the gate electrode, making it immune to gate electrode related processes. The method forms the polysilicon resistor following the formation of STIs but before the formation of the p-well and n-well implants. In another embodiment the resistor is formed following the formation of the STIs but after the formation of the well implants.
US08685817B1 Metal gate structures for CMOS transistor devices having reduced parasitic capacitance
A method of forming a field effect transistor (FET) device includes forming a gate structure over a substrate, the gate structure including a wide bottom portion and a narrow portion formed on top of the bottom portion; the wide bottom portion comprising a metal material and having a first width that corresponds substantially to a transistor channel length, and the narrow portion also including a metal material having a second width smaller than the first width.
US08685816B2 Methods of forming semiconductor devices by forming semiconductor channel region materials prior to forming isolation structures
One example of a method disclosed herein for forming a transistor surrounded by an isolation structure includes the steps of, prior to forming the isolation structure, forming a semiconductor material on a region of a semiconducting substrate, after forming the semiconductor material, forming the isolation structure in the substrate around the semiconductor material, and forming a gate structure above the semiconductor material.
US08685815B2 Hafnium tantalum titanium oxide films
Embodiments of a dielectric layer containing a hafnium tantalum titanium oxide film structured as one or more monolayers include the dielectric layer disposed in a transistor. An embodiment may include forming a hafnium tantalum titanium oxide film using a monolayer or partial monolayer sequencing process such as reaction sequence atomic layer deposition.
US08685808B2 Semiconductor device fabrication method
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. A dummy gate feature is formed between two active gate features over a substrate. An isolation structure is in the substrate and the dummy gate feature is over the isolation structure. In at least one embodiment, a non-conductive material is used for forming the dummy gate feature to replace a sacrificial gate electrode.
US08685801B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Mirror-polished CZ wafer and FZ wafer are prepared. A first impurity region which will be a first isolation region is formed in a surface layer of a first main surface of the CZ wafer. The first main surface of the CZ wafer and a first main surface of the FZ wafer are bonded to each other by an inter-molecular bond. A second impurity region which will be a second isolation region is formed in a surface layer of a second main surface of the FZ wafer. A heat treatment is performed to diffuse the first impurity region and the second impurity region such that the first impurity region and the second impurity region are continuous, thereby forming a through silicon isolation region.
US08685798B2 Methods for forming through vias
Methods for forming through vias in an integrated circuit package are disclosed. A substrate having a first surface is covered with an encapsulation layer of uncured material; the method includes inserting an upper mold tool having a first plurality of pillars into the encapsulation layer to imprint through vias extending to the first surface of the substrate; curing the encapsulation layer and the through vias; removing the upper mold tool from the encapsulation layer; and disposing conductor material within the through vias to make electrical connectors within the through vias. In additional methods, a method for forming an encapsulation layer using an upper and lower mold tool to form through vias and a mold cavity is disclosed.
US08685796B2 Electronic device and method of manufacturing the same
The electronic device includes a first interconnect layer and a second interconnect layer. The second interconnect layer is provided on the lower surface of the first interconnect layer. The first interconnect layer includes a via plug (first conductive plug). An end face of the via plug on the side of the second interconnect layer is smaller in area than the opposite end face. The via plug is exposed on the surface of the first interconnect layer facing the second interconnect layer. An insulating resin forming the first interconnect layer is higher in thermal decomposition temperature than an insulating resin forming the second interconnect layer.
US08685795B2 Flank wettable semiconductor device
A flank wettable semiconductor device is assembled from a lead frame or substrate panel by at least partially undercutting the lead frame or substrate panel with a first cutting tool to expose a flank of the lead frame and applying a coating of tin or tin alloy to the exposed flank prior to singulating the lead frame or substrate panel into individual semiconductor devices. The method includes electrically interconnecting lead frame flanks associated with adjacent semiconductor devices before applying the coating of tin or tin alloy. The lead frame flanks may be electrically interconnected during wire bonding.
US08685794B2 Lead frame land grid array with routing connector trace under unit
A package includes a first plated area, a second plated area, a die attached to the first plated area, and a bond coupling the die to the second plated area. The package further includes a molding encapsulating the die, the bond, and the top surfaces of the first and second plated areas, such that the bottom surfaces of the first and second plated areas are exposed exterior to the package. Additional embodiments include a method of making the package.
US08685792B2 Integrated circuit package system with interposer
An integrated circuit package system includes: providing a mountable integrated circuit system having an encapsulation with a cavity therein and a first interposer exposed by the cavity; mounting a second interposer over the first interposer for only stacking a discrete device thereover, and with the second interposer over the encapsulation and the cavity; and mounting an electrical component over the second interposer.
US08685786B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor memory device having a resistance change memory layer
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor memory device, including: a first electrode formed on a substrate; an ion source layer formed on an upper layer of the first electrode; and a second electrode formed on an upper layer of the ion source layer. Resistance change type memory cells in each of which either a surface of the first electrode or a surface of the ion source layer is oxidized to form a resistance change type memory layer in an interface between the first electrode and the ion source interface are arranged in a array.
US08685783B2 Phase change memory cell
On a first structure having a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and a third dielectric layer a crown is formed through the third dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer. A fourth dielectric layer is deposited over the first structure and thereby is over the crown. A portion of the fourth dielectric layer is removed to form a first spacer having a remaining portion of the fourth dielectric layer. A portion of the third electric layer is also removed during the removal of the portion the fourth dielectric layer, resulting in a second spacer having a remaining portion of the third dielectric layer. A second structure is thereby formed. A phase change material layer is deposited over the second structure. An electrode layer is deposited over the phase change layer. Portions of the electrode layer and the phase change layer are removed by a chemical-mechanical-polishing process to form a phase change region having a remaining portion of the phase change layer and to form an electrode region having a remaining portion of the electrode layer.
US08685778B2 Planar cavity MEMS and related structures, methods of manufacture and design structures
A method of forming at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) cavity includes forming a first sacrificial cavity layer over a lower wiring layer. The method further includes forming a layer. The method further includes forming a second sacrificial cavity layer over the first sacrificial layer and in contact with the layer. The method further includes forming a lid on the second sacrificial cavity layer. The method further includes forming at least one vent hole in the lid, exposing a portion of the second sacrificial cavity layer. The method further includes venting or stripping the second sacrificial cavity layer such that a top surface of the second sacrificial cavity layer is no longer touching a bottom surface of the lid, before venting or stripping the first sacrificial cavity layer thereby forming a first cavity and second cavity, respectively.
US08685776B2 Wafer level packaged MEMS device
An apparatus and method for sensor architecture based on bulk machining of silicon wafers and fusion bond joining which provides a nearly all-silicon, hermetically sealed, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device. An example device includes a device sensor mechanism formed in an active semiconductor layer and separated from a handle layer by a dielectric layer, and a silicon cover plate having a handle layer with a dielectric layer being bonded to portions of the active layer. Pit are included in one of the handle layers and corresponding dielectric layers to access electrical leads on the active layer. Another example includes set backs from the active components formed by anisotropically etching the handle layer while the active layer has been protectively doped.
US08685770B2 Thin film transistor array panel and method for manufacturing the same
A manufacturing method of a thin film transistor array panel includes forming a gate line on a substrate and a gate insulating layer on the gate line, forming a semiconductor on the gate insulating layer, forming a first data line and a first drain electrode on the semiconductor, forming a lower passivation layer on the first data line and the first drain electrode, forming an upper passivation layer on the lower passivation layer and a metal layer on the upper passivation layer, etching the metal layer by using a photosensitive film as a mask to form a reflecting electrode and to expose the lower passivation layer, etching the exposed lower passivation layer to form a first contact hole exposing the first drain electrode, and forming a connection assistance member connecting the first drain electrode and the reflecting electrode through the first contact hole after removing the photosensitive film.
US08685769B1 Microchip charge patterning
A method of forming a charge pattern on a microchip includes depositing a material on the surface of the microchip, and using an external device to develop charge in the material.
US08685768B2 Organic light emitting diodes and methods of manufacturing the same
The inventive concept provides organic light emitting diodes and methods of manufacturing an organic light emitting diode. The organic light emitting diode includes a substrate, a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer formed on the substrate, an organic light emitting layer disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and generating light, and a scattering layer between the first electrode layer and the substrate or between the first electrode layer and the organic light emitting layer. The scattering layer scatters the light.
US08685767B2 Surface plasmon dispersion engineering via double-metallic AU/AG layers for nitride light-emitting diodes
A double-metallic deposition process is used whereby adjacent layers of different metals are deposited on a substrate. The surface plasmon frequency of a base layer of a first metal is tuned by the surface plasmon frequency of a second layer of a second metal formed thereon. The amount of tuning is dependent upon the thickness of the metallic layers, and thus tuning can be achieved by varying the thicknesses of one or both of the metallic layers. In a preferred embodiment directed to enhanced LED technology in the green spectrum regime, a double-metallic Au/Ag layer comprising a base layer of gold (Au) followed by a second layer of silver (Ag) formed thereon is deposited on top of InGaN/GaN quantum wells (QWs) on a sapphire/GaN substrate.
US08685766B2 Solid element device and method for manufacturing the same
A method of making a solid element device that includes a solid element, an element mount part on which the solid element is mounted and which has a thermal conductivity of not less than 100 W/mK, an external terminal provided separately from the element mount part and electrically connected to the solid element, and a glass sealing part directly contacting and covering the solid element for sealing the solid element, includes pressing a glass material at a temperature higher than a yield point of the glass material for forming the glass sealing part.
US08685761B2 Method for making a redistributed electronic device using a transferrable redistribution layer
A method of making an electronic device with a redistribution layer includes providing an electronic device having a first pattern of contact areas, and forming a redistribution layer on a temporary substrate. The temporary substrate has a second pattern of contact areas matching the first pattern of contact areas, and a third pattern of contact areas different than the second pattern of contact areas. The second pattern of contact areas is coupled to the third pattern of contact areas through a plurality of stacked conductive and insulating layers. The first pattern of contact areas is coupled to the second pattern of contact areas on the transferrable redistribution layer. The temporary substrate is then removed to thereby form a redistributed electronic device.
US08685759B2 E-chuck with automated clamped force adjustment and calibration
The present disclosure describes a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. The apparatus includes a processing chamber designed to perform a process to a wafer; an electrostatic chuck (E-chuck) configured in the processing chamber and designed to secure the wafer, wherein the E-chuck includes an electrode and a dielectric feature formed on the electrode; a tuning structure designed to hold the E-chuck to the processing chamber by clamping forces, wherein the tuning structure is operable to dynamically adjust the clamping forces; a sensor integrated with the E-chuck and sensitive to the clamping forces; and a process control module for controlling the tuning structure to adjust the clamping forces based on pre-measurement data from the wafer and sensor data from the sensor.
US08685756B2 Method for manufacturing and magnetic devices having double tunnel barriers
A dual tunnel barrier magnetic element has a free magnetic layer positioned between first and second tunnel barriers and an electrode over the second tunnel barrier. A two step etch process allows for forming an encapsulation material on a side wall of the electrode and the second tunnel barrier subsequent to the first etch for preventing damage to the first tunnel barrier when performing the second etch to remove a portion of the free layer.
US08685754B2 Droplet actuator devices and methods for immunoassays and washing
Droplet actuator devices and methods for immunoassays and washing are provided. According to one embodiment, a method of providing a droplet in contact with a surface of a super paramagnetic bead with a reduced concentration of a substance is provided and includes: (a) providing a super paramagnetic bead in contact with a droplet comprising a starting concentration and starting quantity of the substance and having a starting volume; (b) conducting one or more droplet operations to merge a wash droplet with the droplet provided in step (a) to yield a combined droplet; and (c) conducting one or more droplet operations to divide the combined droplet to yield a set of droplets. The set of droplets includes: (i) a droplet in contact with the super paramagnetic bead having a decreased concentration of the substance relative to the starting concentration; and (ii) a droplet which is separated from the super paramagnetic bead.
US08685752B2 Ex vivo flow cytometry method and device
The invention relates to a method for diagnosing a disease state mediated by pathogenic cells. The method comprises the steps of combining with an ex vivo patient sample a composition comprising a conjugate or complex of the general formula Ab-X, wherein the group Ab comprises a ligand that binds to the pathogenic cells and the group X comprises an imaging agent, and detecting the pathogenic cells that express a receptor for the ligand using flow cytometry.
US08685741B1 Methods for diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome
The present invention provides methods for accurately classifying whether a sample from an individual is associated with an intestinal disorder. In particular, the present invention is useful for associating a sample from an individual as an IBS sample or as a non-IBS sample. The present invention is also useful for ruling out one or more diseases or disorders that present with IBS-like symptoms and ruling in IBS using statistical algorithms and/or empirical data. Thus, the present invention provides an accurate diagnostic prediction of an intestinal disorder and prognostic information useful for guiding treatment decisions.
US08685732B2 Biomaterial based on Wharton's jelly from the human umbilical cord
The present invention relates to a biomaterial, specifically a hydrogel, formed from the extracellular matrix of the umbilical cord for its application in regenerative medicine. The invention particularly relates to a biomaterial made up of glycosaminoglycans isolated exclusively from the Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord which can optionally contain cells, and also to the methods for the production and use thereof.
US08685729B2 Heterologous expression of extremophile heat shock proteins and chaperones in microorganisms to increase tolerance to toxic compounds
The invention provides methods and compositions for increasing tolerance of microorganisms to toxic agents, such as solvents; and for increasing production of solvents from solvent-generating microorganisms. The methods comprise engineering a microorganism of interest to express a heterologous heat-shock protein/chaperone, e.g., Group II chaperonin or a prefoldin such as γ-prefoldin, where the heterologous protein is from an extremophile, such as an archaean.
US08685725B2 Monoclonal antibodies with enhanced ADCC function
The invention concerns a method for obtaining and selecting monoclonal antibodies by an ADDC-type test, said antibodies capable of activating type III Fcy receptors and having a particular glycan structure. The inventive anti-D antibodies can be used for preventing Rhesus isoimmunization in Rh negative persons, in particular for haemolytic disease in a new-born baby of for uses such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic pupura 9ITP.
US08685724B2 In vitro techniques for use with stem cells
A method is provided for use with extracted blood, including (a) applying blood to a first gradient suitable for selecting first-pass cells having a density less than 1.077 g/ml; (b) applying the first-pass cells to a second gradient suitable for selecting second-pass cells having a density between 1.055 and 1.074 g/ml; (c) increasing the number of cells having a density between 1.055 and 1.074 g/ml, by culturing the second-pass cells for a period lasting between 3 and 30 days; and (d) identifying endothelial progenitor cells in the cultured cells. Other embodiments are also described.
US08685722B2 Bovine adeno-associated viral (BAAV) vector and uses thereof
The present invention provides a bovine adeno-associated virus (BAAV) virus and vectors and particles derived therefrom. In addition, the present invention provides methods of delivering a nucleic acid to a cell using the BAAV vectors and particles.
US08685720B2 Engineered cellular pathways for programmed autoregulation of differentiation
The present invention provides compositions and methods for programming mammalian cells to perform desired functions. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for programming stem cells to differentiate into a desired cell type. A quorum sensing systems that regulates the expression of cell fate regulators is introduced into mammalian host cells, such as stem cells. The quorum sensing systems generally comprises vectors that express the components of a bacterial quorum sensing pathway, including proteins which catalyze the synthesis of an autoinducer and a gene encoding a regulatory partner of the autoinducer, and vectors in which genes encoding cell fate regulators are operably linked to a promoter induced by the autoinducer/regulatory partner complex. The system can also comprise vectors in which genes encoding additional cell fate regulators are operably linked to a promoter that is induced by a factor synthesized in response to a first stage of differentiation, so that a second stage of differentiation is triggered.
US08685714B2 Immunosensor
This invention describes a quantitative, inexpensive, disposable immunosensor that requires no wash steps and thus generates no liquid waste. Moreover, in preferred embodiments of the sensor no timing steps are required of the user, and the sensor can be readily adapted to antigen-antibody interactions over a wide kinetic range.
US08685712B2 Apparatus for performing biochemical processing using a container with a plurality of wells and the container for the apparatus
A biochemical processing apparatus for performing biochemical processing in a container having a plurality of wells capable of holding liquid includes an opening/closing mechanism configured to open or close a lid capable of hermetically and selectively sealing the plurality of wells.
US08685709B2 Fluidics based pulsatile perfusion preservation device and method
In one embodiment, a preservation apparatus is described that includes a storage compartment. The storage compartment is configured to hold an organ or tissue and a preservation fluid. A cover assembly is configured to engage the storage compartment. The cover assembly includes a support element, wherein the support element together with the storage compartment define a storage chamber. The cover assembly also includes a lid and a gas permeable membrane disposed between the lid and the support element. The gas permeable membrane and the support element together define a perfusion chamber configured to hold preservation fluid and an organ or tissue during use.
US08685708B2 Device for preparing a sample
The invention provides a device for preparing a fluid sample, including but not limited to a sample comprising genomic DNA.
US08685707B2 Construction material made of algae, method for cultivating algae, and algae cultivation plant
The present disclosure describes use of filamentous algae to form insulating construction materials which provide thermal and noise insulation. Algae from the order Zygnematales, the Cladophorales, or the Ulotrichales can be dried and formed for use as insulating material. Algae mass can be combined into several layers, using a binder to attach the layers to each other. A composite material of algae mass and an additive can be used and form the body of insulation panels having honeycomb-shaped chambers, which are sealed by a foil that is laminated onto the body.Various plants for cultivating algae for use in construction material are disclosed. Plants utilizing gravity harvest comprise cultivation ponds located at a slope, wherein the ponds can be opened to allow algae and water to flow downhill through a collector grill. Plants utilizing net harvest, overflow harvest or rake harvest are described. Carbon dioxide injection concepts utilizing direct and indirect injection of carbon dioxide into algae cultivation ponds are disclosed. An algae harvesting machine is disclosed. Control concepts for controlling the growth of algae in an algae cultivation plant are described.
US08685705B2 Desmosterol-producing yeast strains and uses thereof
The invention concerns the production of cholesterol of the Fungi kingdom. More particularly, the invention concerns genetically modified Fungus independently producing cholesterol from a simple carbon source. The invention also concerns the use of the inventive Fungus for producing non-marked and marked cholesterol.
US08685704B2 Microorganism for the production of succinic acid
The invention relates to an isolated genetically modified microorganism in which the gene IDH1 and at least one of the genes SDH2 and DIC1 are under the control of a first promoter that is repressed to a growth culture medium by means of a cultivation additive and is active in the absence of the cultivation additive. The genes that are part of the group comprising “PYC1, ACS1, CIT1, ACO1, ICL1, MSL1, and CIT2, optionally also MDH3” are constitutively active. The invention further relates to uses of such a microorganism, especially for producing succinic acid.
US08685702B2 Compositions and methods for improved isoprene production using two types of ISPG enzymes
The invention provides for compositions and methods for producing isoprene by using recombinantly engineered cells that utilize a system of dual IspG enzymes in addition to isoprene synthase.
US08685694B2 Methods and compositions comprising bacteriophage nanoparticles
Compositions and methods comprising bacteriophages are provided. In particular, the present invention includes novel and customized T4 bacteriophages uniquely designed for effective antigen and foreign particle presentation. The present invention also provides in vitro methods for the making of customized T4 bacteriophages. The compositions and methods of the present invention may be used for effective vaccine delivery systems.
US08685692B2 Degradable clostridial toxins
The specification discloses Clostridial toxins or Clostridial toxin chimeras comprising an inactivation cleavage site, polynucleotide molecules encoding such toxins or chimeras, compositions comprising such toxins or chimeras, and method of producing such toxins or chimeras.
US08685691B2 Method for producing aminopeptidase
Disclosed is an efficient method for production of aminopeptidase. The method comprises either transforming host bacteria with an aminopeptidase gene and with a neutral protease gene, or transforming some part of host bacteria with an aminopeptidase gene while transforming the other part of the host bacteria with a neutral protease gene, culturing in a medium the hose bacteria transformed with the aminopeptidase gene and with the neutral protease gene, or culturing a mixture of the host bacteria transformed with the aminopeptidase gene and the host bacteria transformed with the neutral protease gene, to let both the aminopeptidase and the neutral protease be expressed, and collecting the aminopeptidase thus produced from the culture mixture.
US08685690B2 Recombinant β-glucosidase variants for production of soluble sugars from cellulosic biomass
The invention relates to recombinant expression of a variant form of a fungal C1 strain β-glucosidase. The invention also relates to the generation of fermentable sugars from biomass and the production of biofuels by fermentation of the sugars using genetically modified organisms expressing the β-glucosidase variant. The invention provides methods for producing a fermentable sugar, such as glucose, from cellobiose by contacting cellobiose with a recombinant β-glucosidase variant protein, such as a variant protein secreted by a recombinant host cell into culture medium. Methods of the invention may be used for conversion of a biomass substrate to a fermentable sugar, and ultimately to ethanol or other biofuel.
US08685688B2 Isolation of a protein responsible for uranium (VI) reduction
The present invention relates to the isolation and characterization of a protein responsible for the reduction of uranium (VI) to uranium (IV). The present invention extends to the use of the isolated protein in the reduction of uranium (VI) to uranium (IV) and further extends to a process for the bioremediation, or at least partial remediation, of a site contaminated with a source of U (VI). According to a first aspect thereof, the present invention provides an isolated polypeptide derived from Thermus scotoductus strain SA-01 that is responsible for the reduction of uranium (VI), in a source of uranium (VI), to uranium (IV), wherein the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 1.
US08685684B2 Process for the production of bio-fuels and/or bio-chemicals from biomass fermentation
Disclosed is a preparation method for bio-fuel materials and bio-chemicals comprising the following steps: preparing a medium comprising fermentation waste generated in an alcohol production process; inoculating a first microorganism into the medium; and culturing the medium wherein the first microorganism was inoculated. More specifically, the preparation method for bio-fuel materials and bio-chemicals comprises the following steps: fermenting hexoses from a mixture of pentoses and hexoses to produce an ethanol fermentation broth; separating and purifying the ethanol fermentation broth; preparing a medium comprising the fermentation waste produced in the separation and purification step; inoculating a first microorganism into the medium; and culturing the medium wherein the first microorganism was inoculated.
US08685681B2 Diacylglycerol acyltransferases for alteration of polyunsaturated fatty acids and oil content in oleaginous organisms
Acyltransferases are provided, suitable for use in the manufacture of microbial oils enriched in omega fatty acids in oleaginous yeast (e.g., Yarrowia lipolytica). Specifically, genes encoding diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT1) have been isolated from Y. lipolytica and Mortierella alpina. These genes encode enzymes that participate in the terminal step in oil biosynthesis in yeast. Each is expected to play a key role in altering the quantity of polyunsaturated fatty acids produced in oils of oleaginous yeasts.
US08685674B2 Chondroitin synthase, method for producing the same and method for producing saccharide chain-extended chondroitin
A vector of the present invention has DNA encoding a protein or a product having the same effect as the protein, the protein containing an amino acid sequence from amino acid numbers 47 to 802 in SEQ. ID. NO:2. Expression of the DNA gives human chondroitin synthase. By using human chondroitin synthase, it is possible to produce a saccharide chain having a repeating disaccharide unit of chondroitin. The DNA or part thereof may be used as a probe for hybridization for the human chondroitin synthase.
US08685671B2 Process for producing recombinant glycoproteins by culturing a Hansenula polymorpha mutant strain
The present invention relates to a process for producing a human-type glycoprotein having reduced glycosylation by genetically manipulating an enzyme involved in glycosylation using a Hansenula polymorpha system. In detail, the present invention relates to a process for producing a human-type glycoprotein by identifying a dolichyl-phosphate-mannose dependent α-1,3-mannosyltransferase gene from H. polymorpha, constructing a H. polymorpha mutant strain producing a glycoprotein exhibiting reduced glycosylation by disrupting the identified gene, and subjecting the mutant strain to various genetic manipulations for the synthesis of human-type glycan.
US08685668B2 Method of expressing proteins with disulfide bridges
This invention relates to methods of expressing eukaryotic proteins in prokaryotic hosts, particularly eukaryotic proteins that require formation of disulfide bridges for biological activity. Various approaches are used including fusion to thioredoxin, cytoplasmic expression of disulfide isomerases, deficiencies in thioredoxin and/or glutathione reductases, deficiencies in proteases, and the like. The method is applicable to express monomeric and dimeric forms of the eukaryotic protein with biological activity such as monomeric and dimeric forms of a disintegrin or a disintegrin domain. Included are the vectors, host cells expressing the proteins, the expressed proteins and methods of using the proteins.
US08685662B2 Use of the α chain of brain spectrin and fragments thereof, for diagnosing cerebral diseases
The present invention pertains to a method for in vitro prognosticating and/or diagnosing cerebral cerebral malaria, wherein said method comprises a step of detecting non-erythroid spectrin or fragments thereof, and/or antibodies directed against non-erythroid spectrin, in a biological sample. Reagents and kits for performing this method are also disclosed.
US08685660B2 Genetic alterations in isocitrate dehydrogenase and other genes in malignant glioma
We found mutations of the R132 residue of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) in the majority of grade II and III astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas as well as in glioblastomas that develop from these lower grade lesions. Those tumors without mutations in IDH1 often had mutations at the analogous R172 residue of the closely related IDH2 gene. These findings have important implications for the pathogenesis and diagnosis of malignant gliomas.
US08685653B2 Method for stable gene-amplification in a bacterial host cell
A bacterial host cell is disclosed including at least two copies of an amplification unit in its genome, the amplification unit including: i) at least one copy of a gene of interest, and ii) an expressible conditionally essential gene, wherein the conditionally essential gene is either promoterless or transcribed from a heterologous promoter having an activity substantially lower than the endogenous promoter of the conditionally essential gene, and wherein the conditionally essential gene if not functional would render the cell auxotrophic for at least one specific substance or unable to utilize one or more specific sole carbon source; methods for producing a protein using the cell of the invention, and methods for constructing the cell of the invention.
US08685651B2 Method for screening for an anti-CD4 antibody suitable for use in immunotherapy
A humanized antibody derived from mouse monoclonal anti-CD4 antibody B-F5 is able to activate CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cells and is useful for preparing immunosuppressive compositions.
US08685648B2 Endonuclease-enhanced helicase-dependent amplification
The invention provides methods and compositions for enhancing the speed and sensitivity of helicase-dependent amplification through the use of an endonuclease.
US08685647B2 SNP markers associated with polycystic ovary syndrome
The present invention discloses SNP markers associated with PCOS and provides probes, chips, primers, kits and methods for detecting the SNP markers. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of SNPs in predicting or diagnosing the risk of PCOS.
US08685645B2 Screening method and vector, vector library, and assay kit used therefor
According to one embodiment, a method of screening an enhancer and/or a promoter, includes culturing a host cell into which an amplifiable vector is introduced, extracting the vector from the host cell and obtaining the DNA fragment from the extracted vector, wherein the vector includes a DNA fragment to be determined, a gene that is functionally linked downstream of the DNA fragment and encodes a protein to initiate self-replication, and a gene that encodes a replication origin sequence.
US08685639B2 Diagnosis and prognosis of wound infection by measurement of a phospholipase A2 in wound fluid
The present invention relates to the diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment of wound infection by testing wound fluid for the presence of a marker which is present in an amount which is indicative of infection. The marker may be high molecular weight phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) or a marker which is correlated with cPLA2.
US08685637B2 Kit for sperm cryoprotection
Described herein are kits for use in cryopreserving mammalian sperm including a composition that comprises a cryoprotectant; a membrane protectant that stabilizes or assists in stabilization of membranes of sperm; and monothioglycerol.
US08685635B2 Dermal micro-organs, methods and apparatuses for producing and using the same
Embodiments of the present invention provide Dermal Micro-organs (DMOs), methods and apparatuses for producing the same. Some embodiments of the invention provide a DMO including a plurality of dermal components, which substantially retain the micro-architecture and three dimensional structure of the dermal tissue from which they are derived, having dimensions selected so as to allow passive diffusion of adequate nutrients and gases to cells of the DMO and diffusion of cellular waste out of the cells so as to minimize cellular toxicity and concomitant death due to insufficient nutrition and accumulation of waste in the DMO. Some embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for harvesting the DMO. An apparatus for harvesting the DMO may include, according to some exemplary embodiments, a support configuration to support a skin-related tissue structure from which the DMO is to be harvested, and a cutting tool able to separate the DMO from the skin-related tissue structure. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08685633B2 Method for optimizing wafer edge patterning
A method of printing an image on a wafer. The method includes the steps of printing a main image, wherein the main image includes fields which are fully on the wafer, and printing an alternate image, wherein the alternate image includes fields which are only partially on the wafer. The alternate image could be placed on a separate mask which is loaded onto the exposure tool after the mask with the main image has completed printing. Alternatively, it could be an extra image specially inserted on the mask with the main image for that layer.
US08685632B2 Radiation source, lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus includes a source configured to generate a radiation beam comprising desired radiation and undesired radiation using a plasma, an illumination system configured to condition the radiation beam and to receive hydrogen gas during operation of the lithographic apparatus, and a support structure constructed to hold a patterning device. The patterning device is capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam. A substrate table is constructed to hold a substrate, and a projection system is configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate. The lithographic apparatus is configured such that the radiation beam on entering the projection system includes at least 50% of the undesired radiation that is generated by the plasma and includes wavelengths of radiation that interact with the hydrogen gas to generate hydrogen radicals.
US08685631B2 Inspection method for patterning of photoresist
A nozzle is moved while supplying a photoresist liquid from a slit. A photoresist layer is formed on a film. A resist pattern which covers a portion of the film is formed from the photoresist layer by photolithography. Inspection of the resist pattern is performed. The photolithography includes an exposure which is performed so as to transfer a latent image to the photoresist layer, and a development of the photoresist layer which is performed so as to leave the latent image. The latent image contains a dummy latent image which extends in an unbroken manner parallel to the longitudinal direction of the slit. The resist pattern contains a dummy resist formed correspondingly to the dummy latent image. The inspection of the resist pattern includes the detection of the presence or non-presence of a cut in the dummy resist in the longitudinal direction.
US08685629B2 Resist pattern forming process
A resist pattern is formed by coating a chemically amplified positive resist composition onto a substrate and prebaking to form a resist film, exposing to high-energy radiation, baking and developing with a developer to form a resist pattern, and heating the pattern for profile correction to such an extent that the line width may not undergo a change of at least 10%. An amount of a softening accelerator having a molecular weight of up to 800 is added to the resist composition comprising (A) a base resin, (B) an acid generator, (C) a nitrogen-containing compound, and (D) an organic solvent.
US08685624B2 Photopolymerizable flexographic printing elements for printing with UV inks
Photopolymerizable flexographic printing elements which contain cyclohexanepolycarboxylic esters as plasticizers and also their use for producing flexographic printing forms for printing with UV inks, in particular for UV narrow web printing.
US08685623B2 Lithographic imaging and printing without defects of electrostatic origin
Embodiments of the present invention involve three-layer printing members having a central layer that is non-conductive yet abalatable at commercially realistic fluence levels. In various embodiments, the central layer is polymeric with a dispersion of nonconductive carbon black particles therein at a loading level sufficient to provide at least partial layer ablatability and water compatibility of the resulting ablation debris.
US08685621B2 First-side dual-layer optical data storage disk and method of manufacturing the same
An optical data storage disk includes a central substrate and on each side of the substrate a pair of metal/alloy recording layers separated by a transparent layer.
US08685617B2 Salt, photoresist composition and process for producing photoresist pattern
A salt represented by the formula (I): wherein Q1, Q2, L1, L2, ring W, s, t, R1, R2 and Z+ are defined in the specification.
US08685614B2 Positive photosensitive composition
A positive photosensitive composition comprises a compound capable of generating a specified sulfonic acid upon irradiation with one of an actinic ray and radiation and (B) a resin capable of decomposing under the action of an acid to increase the solubility in an alkali developer.
US08685613B2 Electrostatic latent image developing toner, method of producing electrostatic latent image developing toner, and electrostatic latent image developer
A method of producing an electrostatic latent image developing toner that includes the steps of producing a resin particle dispersion by polymerizing, in a water-based solvent, a polymerizable monomer that includes a polymerizable monomer having a vinyl-based double bond, and washing the resin particle dispersion through contact with an organic solvent, wherein the washed resin particle dispersion, a colorant particle dispersion produced by dispersing a colorant, and a release agent particle dispersion produced by dispersing a release agent are mixed together, and following formation of aggregate particles by aggregation of the resin particles, the colorant particles and the release agent particles, heating is conducted to fuse the aggregate particles and produce the electrostatic latent image developing toner.
US08685611B2 Electrophotographic photosensitive member and electrophotographic apparatus
In an electrophotographic photosensitive member having a photoconductive layer and, provided on the photoconductive layer, a surface layer constituted of a hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide, the ratio of the number of atoms of carbon atoms (C) to the sum of the number of atoms of silicon atoms (Si) and number of atoms of carbon atoms (C), C/(Si+C), in the surface layer is from 0.61 or more to 0.75 or less, and the sum of atom density of the silicon atoms and atom density of the carbon atoms in the surface layer is 6.60×1022atom/cm3 or more.
US08685606B2 Toner for electrostatic image development
Disclosed is a toner for electrostatic image development that satisfies both low-temperature fixing ability and excellent high-temperature storage stability, achieves excellent charge property and shatter resistance, and consequently can form a high-quality image even by a high-performance machine such as a high-speed machine.The toner is composed of toner particles obtained by forming a shell layer containing a styrene-acryl-modified polyester resin on the surface of each of core particles comprising a binder resin containing at least a styrene-acrylic resin. The styrene-acryl-modified polyester resin is obtained bonding a styrene-acrylic polymer segment to a terminal of a polyester segment, and the content of the styrene-acrylic polymer segment in the styrene-acryl-modified polyester resin is 5% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less.
US08685605B2 Low melt toner
Toners containing encapsulated crystalline resin have lower minimum fix temperatures without charge degradation.
US08685604B2 Toner, developer, and image forming apparatus
A toner including a colorant and a first binder resin is provided. The first binder resin has first and second glass transition points at a temperature Tg1 of −20 to 20° C. and a temperature Tg2 of 35 to 65° C., respectively, measured by a differential scanning calorimeter at a heating rate of 5° C./min. A ratio h1/h2 of a baseline displacement h1 observed in the first glass transition point to a baseline displacement h2 observed in the second glass transition point is less than 1.0. The first binder resin has a structure in which a first phase is dispersed in a second phase. The first and second phases consist of portions having larger and smaller phase difference values, respectively, than an intermediate value between maximum and minimum phase difference values in a binarized phase image obtained by an atomic force microscope with a tapping mode method.
US08685602B2 Toner for electrophotography, developer for electrophotography, toner cartridge, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
There is provided a toner for electrophotography containing at least a binder resin, a colorant and a barium compound, and having a relaxation modulus G(t) of from about 2.0×102 Pa to about 3.0×103 Pa in a relaxation time of t=10×Dt (wherein Dt is the heating time taken during fixing) as determined by the measurement of dynamic viscoelasticity, and a barium content of from about 0.1% to about 0.5% with respect to the total amount of constituent atoms in the toner as determined by X-ray fluorescence.
US08685601B2 Electrophotographic member, method for producing the same, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus
An electrophotographic member including an electrically conductive substrate and an electrically conductive resin layer corresponding to a surface layer. The resin layer includes electrically conductive particles and a binder resin. The binder resin is a polymer in which a polymer chain having at least one unit selected from the group consisting of units represented by the following formulas (1) and (2) and at least one unit selected from the group consisting of units represented by the following formulas (3) and (4) is crosslinked by at least one organopolysiloxane chain selected from the group consisting of structures represented by the following formulas (5) and (6):
US08685600B2 Electrophotographic photoreceptor, image forming apparatus and process cartridge
There is provided an electrophotographic photoreceptor including a conductive substrate; an intermediate layer; a photosensitive layer; and a surface layer, in this order, the surface layer including two or more charge transporting materials each including a reactive substituent and respectively having mutually different ionization potentials, in an amount of 90% by weight or more relative to the total solid content of the surface layer, and the content ratio X of each of the two or more charge transporting materials satisfying the following Formula (1). X(n) represents a content ratio (weight %) of a charge transporting material that has the nth highest ionization potential among the two or more charge transporting materials; X(n−1) represents a content ratio (weight %) of a charge transporting material that has the (n−1)th highest ionization potential among the two or more charge transporting materials; and n is an integer of two or more and represents a variable equal to or lower than the number of charge transporting materials contained in the surface layer. X(n−1)≧X(n)  Formula (1).
US08685594B2 Catalyst for cathode of fuel cell, and membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cell
A cathode catalyst for a fuel cell includes a carrier, and an active material including M selected from the group consisting of Ru, Pt, Rh, and combinations thereof, and Ch selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and combinations thereof, with the proviso that the active material is not RuSe when the carrier is C.
US08685593B2 Carbon based bipolar plate coatings for effective water management
A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The carbon layer is overcoated with a silicon oxide layer to form a silicon oxide/carbon bilayer. The silicon oxide/carbon bilayer may be activated to increase hydrophilicity. The flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.
US08685592B2 Inorganic proton conductor for an electrochemical device and method of preparing the inorganic proton conductor
An inorganic proton conductor for an electrochemical device and an electrochemical device using the inorganic proton conductor, the inorganic proton conductor including a tetravalent metallic element and an alkali metal.
US08685591B2 Dispersion composition having fluorine-containing ion exchange resin with adjusted particle size abundance ratio
A dispersion composition including a fluorine-containing ion exchange resin having a repeating unit represented by the formulae (1) and a repeating unit represented by the formulae (2), and having an equivalent weight of 400 to 1000 g/eq; and a solvent comprising water, wherein Z represents H, Cl, F, or a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; m represents an integer of 0 to 12; and n represents an integer of 0 to 2, and wherein an abundance ratio of a resin having a particle size of 10 μm or more in the fluorine-containing ion exchange resin is 0.1% to 80% by volume.
US08685590B2 System for pre-activation of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC)
An apparatus for pre-activation of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes a first plate and a second plate hot pressing the unit cell stack, each having a flow channel supplying water vapor to opposing inner surfaces with the unit cell stack therebetween and including a resistor producing heat, a compressor, a temperature controller and a water vapor supplier connected to the flow channels of the plates. The apparatus for pre-activating a polymer electrolyte fuel cell may be used to prepare a prep-activated integrated body of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell membrane electrode assembly and gas diffusion layers by performing hot pressing while supplying water vapor to the unit cell stack to hydrate the polymer electrolyte membrane. And the apparatus for pre-activating a polymer electrolyte fuel cell is used to monitor physical damage of the membrane electrode assembly based on the change of degree of vacuum at a fuel electrode side and an air electrode side using, thereby detecting the leaking membrane electrode assembly in advance.
US08685588B2 Membrane electrode assembly, method for producing the same, and solid polymer fuel cell using the same
The present invention provides a membrane electrode assembly that enhances the reliability, mechanical strength, and handling characteristics of a seal in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The membrane electrode assembly of the present invention comprises a membrane-electrode structure having electrode layers and gas diffusion layers on both sides of a polymer electrolyte membrane, and a resin frame provided in such a manner as to fully enclose the outer periphery of the electrolyte membrane and to enclose at least portions of the outer peripheries of the gas diffusion layers, the resin frame being provided so as to enclose the electrolyte membrane side. The gas diffusion layer and electrode layer on one side are stacked on a surface of the electrolyte membrane so that a surface region of the electrolyte membrane is left exposed. The gas diffusion layer on the opposite side extends all around the outer periphery of the electrolyte membrane. The resin frame is attached fixedly to at least a portion to the surface region.
US08685586B2 Fuel cell separator
The separator of which the region facing the MEA is a flat includes the first electrode facing plate and the second electrode facing plate. The separator includes the reaction gas supply manifold to which the reaction gas is supplied. The first electrode facing plate includes a plurality of reaction gas supply holes formed at the end of the cell-reaction region. The intermediate plate includes a plurality of reaction gas supply path slits that forms the reaction gas supply paths, wherein each of the reaction gas supply paths has one end connected to the reaction gas supply manifold and other end connected to at least one of the plurality of reaction gas supply holes.
US08685584B2 Method for removing residual water from fuel cell
The present invention provides a method for removing residual water in a fuel cell, which controls the humidity of purge gases to effectively remove residual water in the fuel cell and to maintain the humidity in a membrane at a constant level, thus ensuring the durability of the membrane.For this purpose, the present invention provides a method for removing residual water in a fuel cell, characterized in that the relative humidities of purge gases supplied to an anode and a cathode are controlled to selectively reduce water content in the fuel cell and water content in a membrane.
US08685580B2 Fuel cell with an electrolyte stabilizing agent and process of making the same
One exemplary embodiment may include a fuel cell comprising an electrolyte layer and an electrolyte stabilizing agent. The electrolyte stabilizing agent is disposed in an electrochemically non-active layer and configured to migrate from the non-active layer to the electrolyte layer. Another exemplary embodiment may include a microporous layer comprising an electrolyte stabilizing agent.
US08685577B2 Fuel cell system and method of controlling the fuel cell system
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module and a condenser apparatus. The condenser apparatus includes a first condenser using an oxygen-containing as a coolant, and a second condenser using hot water stored in a hot water tank as the coolant. Further, the fuel cell system includes a control device for controlling at least one of a flow rate of the exhaust gas supplied to the first condenser and a flow rate of the exhaust gas supplied to the second condenser based on at least any of a water level of the hot water in the hot water tank, a temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank, and a water level of the condensed water in the condenser apparatus.
US08685572B2 Organic electrolyte and lithium battery including the same
An organic electrolyte including a lithium salt; an organic solvent; and a flavone-based or flavanon-based compound, and a lithium battery including the organic electrolyte.
US08685569B2 Electrode for power storage device and power storage device
An electrode for a power storage device with good cycle characteristics and high charge/discharge capacity is provided. In addition, a power storage device including the electrode is provided. The electrode for the power storage device includes a conductive layer and an active material layer provided over the conductive layer, the active material layer includes graphene and an active material including a plurality of whiskers, and the graphene is provided to be attached to a surface portion of the active material including a plurality of whiskers and to have holes in part of the active material layer. Further, in the electrode for the power storage device, the graphene is provided to be attached to a surface portion of the active material including a plurality of whiskers and to cover the active material including a plurality of whiskers. Further, the power storage device including the electrode is manufactured.
US08685565B2 Cathode compositions for lithium-ion batteries
A lithium-ion battery has (a) an anode; (b) a cathode having a cathode composition of the formula Li[M4yM51-2yMny]O2, wherein 0.083
US08685564B2 Active material for rechargeable battery
A magnesium battery includes a first electrode including an active material and a second electrode. An electrolyte is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrolyte includes a magnesium compound. The active material includes an inter-metallic compound of magnesium and antimony. The active material also includes antimony or an alloy of bismuth and antimony.
US08685562B2 Nonaqueous electrolytic solution and nonaqueous electrolyte battery
A nonaqueous electrolytic solution that can provide a battery that is low in gas generation, has a large capacity, and is excellent in storage characteristics and cycle characteristics. The solution contains an electrolyte, a nonaqueous solvent dissolving the electrolyte, 0.001 vol % to 5 vol % of a compound represented by Formula (1), and further contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cyclic carbonate compounds having carbon-carbon unsaturated bonds, cyclic carbonate compounds having fluorine atoms, monofluorophosphates, and difluorophosphates. In Formula (1), R1 to R3 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by a halogen atom; and n is an integer of 0 to 6.
US08685561B2 Rechargeable battery
The present invention relates to a rechargeable battery and, more particularly, to a rechargeable battery for preventing detachment due to deformation of a resin member by strengthening the fixing force of the resin member connecting a bare cell with a protection circuit module.The rechargeable battery according to the present invention includes a bare cell provided with a cap plate; a protection circuit module; and a resin member, wherein the rechargeable battery further includes a reinforcing member composed of a support plate part connected to one side of the cap plate and provided with a rivet through-hole; a resin fixing part integrally formed with one end of the support plate part, and bent at a certain angle in the direction of the protection circuit module and protruded therefrom; and a rivet connecting part fixing the support plate part to the cap plate by perforating the rivet through-hole.According to the present invention, the present invention prevents the resin member from being deformed by the external force as the fixing force is increased by the fixing reinforcing member, and further prevents the resin member from being detached out of the bare cell.
US08685560B2 Battery
The battery comprises a can, a cap, and a seal. The cap fits into the can to build a housing with a closed interior volume, and the seal sealing cap and can in relation to one another. A porous membrane spills the interior volume into two subcells with each subcell containing one or multiple layers of electrolyte and one or multiple layer structures. The latter comprise a conducting film at least partially coated with active material and contain one or more through-holes. The layer structure is parallel to the porous membrane and the conducting film is connected to either can or cap. This construction allows for a large area of contact between active material and electrolyte and as between electrolyte and porous membrane which result in a high performance of the battery.
US08685555B2 Thermo-mechanically activated current interrupter
A safety current interrupter device for a rechargeable cell is provided comprising a deformable material (2) adapted to deform when the temperature reaches a threshold value, a deformable membrane (3) adapted to deform under the effect of pressure and/or deformation of the deformable material (2), and an electrically conductive link member (4), adapted to break as a result of the deformation of the deformable membrane (3).
US08685554B2 Battery system
A battery system includes a battery module that has a plurality of batteries which are provided with release portions each for releasing internal gas when an internal pressure is increased, and an exhaust portion which is provided with an opening portion and guides gas released from the release portions to the opening portion, a non-resettable switch element which is provided at a position where the guided gas passes in a vicinity of the opening portion, and is changed from a first state preset as one of an opened state and a closed state into a second state as the other one of the opened state and the closed state when a preset reference temperature or higher is reached, and a high-temperature abnormality determination unit which determines that the battery module has an abnormality when the switch element is in the second state.
US08685552B2 Secondary battery including protection circuit module
Disclosed is a secondary battery that enhances the coupling strength between a protection circuit module and a bare cell. The secondary battery includes: a bare cell; and a protection circuit module including a circuit board and at least one coupling member coupling the circuit board to the bare cell by welding, the coupling member including a first coupling portion having a substantially plate-like shape coupled to the bare cell by welding and at least a through-hole formed inside the edge of the first coupling portion.
US08685551B2 Battery pack
Disclosed is a battery pack that can secure the mounting space of a circuit device in a circuit module, can simplify the assembling process of a bare cell and a circuit module, and can miniaturize the battery by lowering the height between the bare cell and the circuit module. The battery pack includes: a bare cell having a protruding electrode terminal insulated from the top surface thereof; a circuit module disposed on the bare cell and electrically connected to the bare cell, the circuit module having an insert hole or an insert recess formed in a region corresponding to the electrode terminal; a first lead plate coupled to the electrode terminal and inserted into the insert hole or the insert recess; and a second lead plate coupled to one side of the circuit module and extending to be connected to the top surface of the bare cell.
US08685548B2 Lubricant compositions
Compositions including one or more a central cores having a cyclic group, and a plurality of arms extending from the central cores, wherein the arms comprise perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs) or its derivatives. Methods of preparing the compositions are also provided. Methods of preparing storage media that incorporate the compositions therein are further provided.
US08685546B2 Recording device
Provided is a recording medium suitable for use in magnetic transfer of a servo pattern onto a magnetic recording medium. The recording medium includes a substrate including a plurality of servo regions and a plurality of data regions, and a magnetic layer formed on each of the servo regions and patterned in the shape of a servo pattern to be patterned on a magnetic recording medium, wherein the servo regions protrude relative to the data regions.
US08685543B2 Material for organic electroluminescent devices and organic electroluminescent devices made by using the same
A material for electroluminescent devices which comprises a compound in which a heterocyclic group having nitrogen is bonded to carbazolyl group and an organic electroluminescent device having at least one organic thin film layer which is sandwiched between the cathode and the anode and contains the above material in at least one layer, are provided. The material can provide organic electroluminescent devices emitting bluish light with a high purity of color. The organic electroluminescence device uses the material.
US08685538B2 Stable polyelectrolyte coated nanoparticles
Stable nanoparticles comprising poorly soluble drugs are disclosed, as well as methods of making and methods of using such nanoparticles, e.g., as therapeutics and diagnostics.
US08685537B2 Fiber reinforced resin composition, molding material, and method for producing fiber reinforced resin composition
The invention provides a fiber reinforced resin composition comprising a melt-kneaded product (A) prepared by melt-kneading a first resin (A1) and a second resin (A2) that has a reactive functional group as well as a third resin (B) and a fibrous filler (C), wherein, with respect to the contents of the components, the first resin (A1), the second resin with a reactive functional group (A2), and the third resin (B) account for 0.1 to 75 wt %, 0.1 to 15 wt %, and 10 to 99.8 wt %, respectively, to form a resin composition while said fibrous filler (C) accounts for 0.1 to 300 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of said resin composition, said first resin (A1) and said third resin (B) forming a matrix resin, said second resin (A2) being dispersed as particles in said matrix resin, and said particles having a number average particle diameter of 10 to 1,000 nm. The invention relates to a fiber reinforced resin composition having rigidity and impact resistance in a good balance, a molding material, and a production method thereof.
US08685529B1 Surface coating for electronic systems
A method for coating for a substrate, comprising applying an underlayer of a self assembling monolayer well ordered array of long chain molecules on the substrate; and applying a top layer, over the underlayer, wherein the self-assembling monolayer well ordered array serves as a molecular template organizing formation of said top layer, comprising at least one of a thermally-resistant polymer layer over said self assembling monolayer selected from the group consisting of epoxies, and phosphorus-based polyimides; and a metal oxide, metal nitride, or a ceramic. The self assembling monolayer may be selectively applied to a portion of the substrate, leaving an uncoated region, and the top layer formed only over the areas of the substrate coated with the self-assembling monolayer, resulting in at least one region of the substrate which is not coated with the top layer.
US08685525B2 Surface for controlling liquids
A liquid controlling surface, comprising a formation comprising a plurality of individual open topped, closed bottomed cells for containing liquid with each of the cells having a cell wall integral with the closed bottom and defining a well. Each of the cell walls have a top edge. The surface also includes a plurality of distribution channels extending between adjacent cells and being positioned on the cell wall at a height to permit liquid to drain to the adjacent cell when a cell liquid level exceeds a predetermined limit and to permit liquid to be retained in the well up to the limit. At least some of the cell walls are sized and shaped to define contact areas at the top edges to support an object above the limit.
US08685521B2 Stitchbonded fabric
The invention provides a stitchbonded nonwoven fabric comprising a nonwoven web, stitches of a first yarn, and stitches of a second yarn wherein the first yarn comprises polyester bicomponent fibers exhibiting latent crimp and comprising poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate). The invention further provides a process for making such stitch-bonded nonwoven fabric.
US08685519B2 High strength ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene tape articles
Processes for the production of high strength polyethylene tape articles from high strength ultra-high molecular weight multi-filament yarns, and to the tape articles, fabrics, laminates and impact resistant materials made therefrom.
US08685517B2 Optical recording medium
[Object] To provide an optical recording medium that can be applied to a write-once optical recording medium having a high capacity of about 25 GB per one layer, and has good recording properties when a multilayered recording layer configuration is provided.[Solving Means] It includes a substrate 21 and two to four recording layers 221 and 222. At least one or more of these recording layers 221 and 222 are specific recording layers with a composition containing PdO and PdO2 as well as at least one of completely oxidized In, Zn, Al and Sn (in other words, In2O3, ZnO, Al2O3 and SnO2). Adjacent to the specific recording layers, dielectric layers 232a and 232b of In/Al oxide layers containing at least either of In or Al as a main component are disposed.
US08685516B2 All vehicle mats
A cut-to-fit universal vehicle floor mat has arrays of peripheral cells separated from each other and from a central area of the mat body by indented trim lines. The arrays of cells can include an array for a transmission tunnel bulge.
US08685515B2 Refrigerant-transporting hose
A refrigerant-transporting hose having excellent low-refrigerant permeability, acid resistance, and flexibility includes a tubular resin layer for contacting with a refrigerant, in which the resin layer is formed of a resin composition containing (A) an aliphatic polyamide; (B) a semi-aromatic polyamide; and (C) an elastomer, in which a weight mixing ratio “component (A)/component (B)” between the component (A) and the component (B) is 95/5 to 60/40, and the component (A) and the component (B) are in a compatible state.
US08685508B2 Plastics pipe
A plastics pipe which comprises an inner core and an outer removable skin layer bonded thereto, the outer removable skin layer comprising a polymeric material, chosen for its physical and mechanical properties, and an adhesion-modifying additive, the adhesion-modifying additive being present in the skin layer in an amount such that the adhesion of the skin layer to the inner core is sufficient to prevent substantial undesired relative movement between the skin layer and the core during installation, but insufficient to prevent the outer skin layer from being cleanly removed by peeling, at least at the ends of the pipe, and insufficient to cause a substantial reduction in the impact strength of the inner core.
US08685502B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display including a first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a first field generating electrode disposed on the first substrate; a second field generating electrode disposed on the second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, the liquid crystal layer including a liquid crystal and an alignment assistant, wherein the alignment assistant includes a mesogen and two or more photo-polymerizable groups.
US08685499B2 Process for combating the appearance of haze during the coating of flexible supports with a crosslinkable liquid silicone composition, in a roll device
Coating of flexible materials with liquid compositions is disclosed. The compositions advantageously comprise one or more polyorganosiloxanes crosslinkable by polyaddition, by dehydrocondensation, by polycondensation, cationically or free-radically to form a protective coating or film having, in particular, release and/or water-repellency properties.
US08685497B2 Liquid coating composition
A liquid coating composition which contains (i) a resin system crosslinkable under catalysis of a catalyst D and comprising a binder A and, as an optional component, a crosslinker B for the binder A, and (ii) solid particles CD consisting of a physical mixture of 70 to 99 wt.-% of a polyurethane resin C and 1 to 30 wt.-% of a catalyst D immobilized in said polyurethane resin C, wherein the sum of the wt.-% totals 100 wt.-%, and wherein the polyurethane resin C has a melting temperature of 40 to 180° C., measured by DSC at a heating rate of 10 K/min.
US08685494B2 ALD method of forming thin film comprising a metal
A method of forming a metal thin film can reduce leakage current while improving electric properties by improving step coverage of a device. The method of forming a metal thin film includes supplying a metal precursor including chlorine, purging byproducts produced after the supplying of the metal precursor by injecting a purge gas, supplying a reactant to allow the reactant and the metal precursor to react with each other to form a thin film layer, and purging the byproducts produced after the reaction by injecting a purge gas, wherein before the supplying of the metal precursor, the method further includes supplying a reactant to be adsorbed on a treated product.
US08685490B2 Undercoating layers providing improved photoactive topcoat functionality
A coated article includes a substrate and a first coating formed over at least a portion of the substrate. The first coating includes a mixture of oxides including oxides of at least two of P, Si, Ti, Al and Zr. A photoactive functional coating is formed over at least a portion of the first coating. In one embodiment, the functional coating includes titania.
US08685475B2 Method for manufacturing fermented tea using Bacillus SP. strains
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing fermented tea having superior flavor using Bacillus sp. strains isolated from Korean traditional fermented foods.
US08685471B2 Compositions and methods for controlling insects
Pest control compositions, blends, and formulations are disclosed. The blends contain, in a synergistic combinations, at least two ingredients such as Lilac Flower Oil, D-Limonene, Thyme Oil, Lime Oil, Black Seed Oil, Wintergreen Oil, Linalool, Tetrahydrolinalool, Vanillin, Isopropyl myristate, Piperonal (aldehyde), Geraniol, Geraniol 60, Triethyl Citrate, and Methyl Salicylate.
US08685469B2 In vitro anti-sickling activity of betulinic acid, oleanolic acid and their derivatives
The invention provides triterpenoid compounds selected from betulinic acid, maslinic acid, oleanolic acid, esters thereof and mixtures of any two or more thereof for the treatment of sickle-cell anaemia.
US08685468B2 Surgical adjuvant composition and associated methods of use
Disclosed herein are surgical adjuvant compositions for ameliorating tissue and cellular necrosis and/or apoptosis. In addition, surgical methods are described which include the use of the adjuvant of the composition to reduce tissue and cellular necrosis and/or apoptosis.
US08685466B2 Combination of an oxidant, a photosensitizer and a wound healing agent for oral disinfection and treatment of oral disease
The present document describes methods of use of photo activated compositions for oral disinfection and/or treatments which comprise at least one oxidant, at least one photoactivator capable of activating the oxidant, and at least one healing factor chosen from hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and allantoin, in association with a pharmacologically acceptable carrier.
US08685462B1 Whole, leech saliva product and applications thereof
Methods are provided for isolating and using a whole-saliva leech extract. The methods can include feeding a phagostimulatory agent to a leech; inducing a regurgitation in the leech, the inducing including placing the leech in an environment having a temperature of less than about 0° C.; and, collecting an unrefined, whole saliva in the regurgitation of the cooled leech. The methods can include revitalizing the leech by warming it at a temperature ranging from about 5° C. to about 40° C. Stable, lyophilized, whole-saliva extracts of a leech are also provided, the extract having a stable activity when stored for use at a temperature below about −20° C., the extract maintaining at least 70% of the activity for at least 6 months. The extracts can be used to treat solid tumors, treat liquid tumors, treat diabetes, treat a viral disease, treat a parasitic disease, treat an antibacterial disease, or serve as an anti-oxidant.
US08685449B2 Pharmaceutical composition with anti-obesity activity comprising a premixture of pure orlistat and preparation process
Pharmaceutical compositions with anti-obesity activity that act peripherally are provided, which comprise a premixture made up of pure orlistat as the active ingredient and other components that afford the premixture stability and suitable physical properties for simply preparing compositions for oral use with convenient dosage flexibility; and optionally necessary thickening, flavouring and colouring agents. A method for preparing said compositions is also provided. The orlistat content in the premixture is less than 20% of the total weight of the mass, preferably between 12 and 17%.The pharmaceutical composition can be formulated indistinctively from the premixture both as grooved tablets and powder for suspension.
US08685446B2 Continuous multi-microencapsulation process for improving the stability and storage life of biologically active ingredients
The invention relates to microcapsules, and a continuous micro-encapsulation water-in-oil-in-water microencapsulation process through in situ and interfacial polymerization of the emulsion. The formulation comprises a continuous water phase having a dispersion of microcapsules which contain oil drops and wherein the inside of each oil phase drop—containing optionally oil-soluble materials—there is a dispersion of water, or aqueous extract or water dispersible material or water soluble material. The oil drops are encapsulated with a polymerisable material of natural origin. Such microcapsules are appropriated for spray-dry processes, to be used as dry powder, lyophilised, self-emulsifiable powder, gel, cream and any liquid form. The active compounds included in the microcapsules are beneficial to the health and other biological purposes. Such formulations are appropriate to be incorporated in any class of food, especially for the production of nutraceuticals, as well as cosmetic products (such as rejuvenescence creams, anti-wrinkle creams, gels, bath and shower consumable products and sprays). The preparations are adequate to stabilise compounds added to the food, media for cultivating microbes and nutraceuticals, especially those which are easily degradable or oxidizable.
US08685443B2 Sequestering subunit and related compositions and methods
A sequestering subunit comprising an aversive agent and a blocking agent, wherein the blocking agent substantially prevents release of the aversive agent from the sequestering subunit in the gastrointestinal tract for a time period that is greater than 24 hours; a composition comprising a sequestering subunit in releasable form, wherein, optionally, the mechanical fragility of the sequestering subunit is the same as the mechanical fragility of the therapeutic agent in releasable form; a capsule or tablet comprising a sequestering subunit and a therapeutic agent; and a method of preventing abuse of a therapeutic agent.
US08685441B2 Preparation of a lipid blend and a phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend
The present invention describes processes for the preparation of a lipid blend and a uniform filterable phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend, such suspension being useful as an ultrasound contrast agent.
US08685439B2 Method for the treatment and prevention of eyelid swelling
The invention features novel topical ophthalmic formulations comprising an osmotically active agent and a vasoconstrictor. Suitable osmotically active agents for use in the ophthalmic formulations of the invention include, without limitation, sodium chloride, dextrose, glycerine, sucrose, mannitol, and sorbitol; suitable vasoconstritors include, without limitation, naphazoline and oxymetazoline. Also provided are methods of using the ophthalmic formulations of the invention for the treatment and prevention of eyelid swelling by administering the ophthalmic formulations of the invention to the eye surface of a subject in need thereof.
US08685437B2 Thin film with non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneity and drug delivery systems made therefrom
The invention relates to the film products and methods of their preparation that demonstrate a non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneity. Desirably the films disintegrate in water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or other process that maintains the required uniformity of the film.
US08685434B2 Methods and compositions for the treatment of open and closed wound spinal cord injuries
Devices and methods for the treatment of open and closed wound spinal cord injuries are disclosed. For example, described herein are devices and methods for mitigating secondary injury to, and promoting recovery of, spinal cord primary injuries. More particularly, certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to polymeric mini-tubes that may be used for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. In addition, other embodiments are directed to polymeric “fill-in” bandages that may be used for the treatment of spinal cord injuries. For example, an erodible, or biodegradable, form of biocompatible polymer of the present invention is fabricated for surgical implantation into the site of the spinal cord injury.
US08685433B2 Absorbable coating for implantable device
The present invention provides an absorbable coating for an implantable device and the methods of making and using the same.
US08685429B2 Shaped bodies and methods for their production and use
Shaped, composite bodies are provided. One portion of the shaped bodies comprises an RPR-derived porous inorganic material, preferably a calcium phosphate. Another portion of the composite bodies is a different solid material, preferably metal, glass, ceramic or polymeric. The shaped bodies are especially suitable for orthopaedic and other surgical use.
US08685427B2 Controlled drug delivery
A medical device for placement in a body of a mammal is provided. The medical device comprises (1) a polymeric matrix forming the device and defining a lumen through the device, the matrix comprising polymer macromolecules and defining spaces between the polymer macromolecules; (2) a drug contained within at least some of the spaces of the matrix; and (3) a material contained within at least some of the spaces of the matrix to affect diffusion of the drug out of the polymeric matrix when the medical device is placed in the body of the mammal.
US08685426B2 Methods for making biocompatible, implantable, substantially sericin free silk fabric
Silk is purified to eliminate immunogenic components (particularly sericin) and is used to form fabric that is used to form tissue-supporting prosthetic devices for implantation. The fabrics can carry functional groups, drugs, and other biological reagents. Applications include hernia repair, tissue wall reconstruction, and organ support, such as bladder slings. The silk fibers are arranged in parallel and, optionally, intertwined (e.g., twisted) to form a construct; sericin may be extracted at any point during the formation of the fabric, leaving a construct of silk fibroin fibers having excellent tensile strength and other mechanical properties.
US08685423B2 Controlling mealybugs
The invention disclosed in this document concerns controlling mealybugs.
US08685414B2 Method for the treatment of infraorbital dark circles using botulinum toxins
Infraorbital dark circles can be treated by administration of a botulinum toxin to a patient. The botulinum toxin can be botulinum toxin type A and the botulinum toxin can be administered to or to the vicinity of an eye of a patient with infraorbital dark circles.
US08685412B2 Hemorrhagic feline calicivirus, calicivirus vaccine and method for preventing development of calicivirus disease
The present invention relates to a novel, isolated and purified hemorrhagic feline calicivirus FCV-DD1. The invention further embraces monovalent and multivalent vaccines containing the new FCV-DD1 strain. In addition, the invention encompasses methods of protecting felines against infection or preventing disease caused by feline calicivirus alone or in addition to other pathogens that comprises administering to the felines an immunologically effective amount of the monovalent and multivalent vaccines described herein. Also, the invention concerns methods for diagnosing or detecting the hemorrhagic feline calicivirus in a susceptible host, asymptomatic carrier and the like by detecting the presence of feline calicivirus FCV-DD1 or antibodies raised or produced against feline calicivirus FCV-DD1 antigen.
US08685410B2 Influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants
Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.
US08685408B2 Compositions comprising a B subunit of Shiga toxin and a means stimulating NKT cells
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) a B subunit of Shiga toxin or a functional equivalent thereof which is able to bind the Gb3 receptor, complexed with an antigen and b) at least one ligand of CDI capable of stimulating NK T cells; and to a pharmaceutical composition and a medicament comprising said composition.
US08685407B2 Genetic constructs and compositions comprising RRE and CTE and uses thereof
Genetic constructs that comprise a coding sequence for HIV-1 Rev, and a coding sequence for a desired protein are disclosed. Compositions that comprise at least two nucleic acid molecules in which at least one nucleic acid molecule comprises a coding sequence for HIV-1 Rev, and at least one nucleic acid molecule comprises a coding sequence for a desired protein are disclosed. In such genetic constructs and compositions comprising nucleic acid molecules, the coding sequence for the desired protein comprises at least a portion of coding sequence for an HIV structural protein that includes an RRE and at least one CTE. Methods of inducing an immune response against an immunogen in an individual, methods of delivering proteins to an individual and methods of producing proteins are also disclosed.
US08685404B2 Recombinant T-cell receptor ligand for the treatment of cognitive and neuropsychiatric impairment induced by substance addiction
Methods are provided for the treatment of subjects with cognitive or neuropsychiatric impairment induced by substance addiction and for increasing cognitive function in a subject with substance addiction. In some embodiments, the methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule including covalently linked first, second, and third domains; wherein the first domain is an MHC class II β1 domain and the second domain is an MHC class II α1 domain; or wherein the first domain is an MHC class I α1 domain and the second domain is an MHC class I α2 domain; and wherein the third domain is covalently linked to the first domain and comprises an antigen of the central or peripheral nervous system.
US08685400B2 Modulating inflammasome activity and inflammation in the central nervous system
Compositions and methods for reducing inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) of a mammal that has been subjected to a stroke, traumatic injury to the CNS such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), or having an autoimmune or CNS disease have been developed. The compositions and methods described herein include antibodies that specifically bind to at least one component (e.g., ASC, NALP1) in a mammalian inflammasome (e.g., the NALP1 inflammasome) and have use as treatments for SCI, TBI, stroke, and autoimmune and CNS diseases in a mammal. In a rodent model of SCI, therapeutic neutralization of ASC using a polyclonal antibody that specifically binds to ASC inhibited the inflammasome, reduced caspase-1 activation, XIAP cleavage, and interleukin processing, resulting in significant tissue sparing and functional improvement. Additionally, in a rodent model of TBI, neutralization of ASC after TBI reduced caspase-1 activation and XIAP cleavage. Further, in a rodent thromboembolic stroke model, neutralization of NLRP1 resulted in reduced histopathological damage in mice and reduced cytokine activation, suggesting that the inflammasome complex forms in the brain after stroke and is a therapeutic target for reducing the detrimental consequences of post-stroke inflammation.
US08685397B2 Combination therapy for the treatment of ocular neovascular disorders
The invention features methods for treating a patient diagnosed with, or at risk of developing, a neovascular disorder by administering a PDGF antagonist and a VEGF antagonist to the patient. The invention also features a pharmaceutical composition containing a PDGF antagonist and a VEGF antagonist for the treatment or prevention of a neovascular disorder.
US08685396B2 Monoclonal antibodies that neutralize anthrax protective antigen (PA) toxin
The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind or neutralize anthrax protective antigen (PA) toxin. The invention provides such antibodies, fragments of such antibodies retaining anthrax PA toxin-binding ability, fully human or humanized antibodies retaining anthrax PA toxin-binding ability, and pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies. The invention further provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the invention and host cells transformed therewith. Additionally, the invention provides for prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods employing the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention.
US08685389B2 Agent for the anti-adhesion of skin pathogenic flora
Bacterial agents for preparing compositions which are for cosmetic, pharmaceutical or veterinary use and which are intended to stabilize and/or regulate the cutaneous ecosystem of mammals. These bacterial agents are extracts of a bacterium, or a bacterium and are selected for their adhesion to skin cells and anti-adhesion to pathogens of the cutaneous system. The invention also relates to compositions containing such agents.
US08685385B2 Soft tissue and bone augmentation and bulking utilizing muscle-derived progenitor cells, compositions and treatments thereof
The present invention provides muscle-derived progenitor cells that show long-term survival following transplantation into body tissues and which can augment soft tissue following introduction (e.g. via injection, transplantation, or implantation) into a site of soft tissue. Also provided are methods of isolating muscle-derived progenitor cells, and methods of genetically modifying the cells for gene transfer therapy. The invention further provides methods of using compositions comprising muscle-derived progenitor cells for the augmentation and bulking of mammalian, including human, soft tissues in the treatment of various cosmetic or functional conditions, including malformation, injury, weakness, disease, or dysfunction. In particular, the present invention provides treatments and amelioration for dermatological conditions, gastroesophageal reflux, vesico-ureteral reflux, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, heart failure, and myocardial infarction.
US08685384B2 Recombinant cancer cell secreting modified heat shock protein-antigenic peptide complex
The present invention relates to methods for purifying immunogenic, prophylactically and therapeutically effective complexes of modified heat shock proteins noncovalently associated with antigenic peptides of cancer or infected cells. The claimed methods comprise the constructing of a nucleotide sequence encoding a secretable modified heat shock protein, expressing the sequence in an appropriate host cell, recovering the immunogenic complexes from the cell culture and the cells, and purifying the immunogenic complexes by affinity chromatography. Large amounts of such immunogenic complexes can be obtained by large-scale culturing of host cells containing the genetic sequence. The complexes can be used as a vaccine to elicit specific immune responses against cancer or infected cells, and to treat or prevent cancer or infectious diseases.
US08685378B2 Composition for tissue preservation
The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol for tissue preservation and more particularly for the preservation of bodies and anatomical parts or for carrying out embalming procedures.
US08685373B2 Mucosal or cutaneous medicinal or hygiene system
A mucosal or cutaneous medicinal or hygiene system, comprising (a) a gas-driven foam dispenser; and (b) a fluid composition comprising (i) as the only foaming agent one or more polysaccharides, gelatins, synthetic polymers selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide homo- and copolymers having a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000, and homo and copolymers comprising in polymerized form acrylic acid, an acrylic acid salt, acrylamide, vinylalcohol, vinylacetate, vinylpyrrolidone or vinylpyridine, or a combination thereof; (ii) a liquid diluent, and (iii) an active ingredient for mucosal or cutaneous medicinal treatment or hygiene.
US08685371B2 Agents for detecting and imaging cell death
This invention relates to molecular imaging agents comprising an S78C mutant synaptotagmin I C2A domain. These agents may be useful in detecting or assessing cell death in vitro and in vivo, for example in tumors following cancer treatment.
US08685370B2 Integrin targeting agents and in-vivo and in-vitro imaging methods using the same
The invention provides a family of agents that target integrins, which can be used as imaging agents and/or therapeutic agents. The agents can be used to image angiogenesis, inflammation or other physiological processes in a subject.
US08685364B2 Liquid composition having ammonia borane and decomposing to form hydrogen and liquid reaction product
Liquid compositions of ammonia borane and a suitably chosen amine borane material were prepared and subjected to conditions suitable for their thermal decomposition in a closed system that resulted in hydrogen and a liquid reaction product.
US08685362B2 Method for producing anode for lithium secondary battery and anode composition, and lithium secondary battery
The invention relates to an anode for lithium secondary battery comprising vapor grown carbon fiber uniformly dispersed without forming an agglomerate of 10 μm or larger in an anode active material using natural graphite or artificial graphite, which anode is excellent in long cycle life and large current characteristics. Composition used for production for the anode can be produced, for example, by mixing a thickening agent solution containing an anode active material, a thickening agent aqueous solution and styrene butadiene rubber as binder with a composition containing carbon fiber dispersed in a thickening agent with a predetermined viscosity or by mixing an anode active material with vapor grown carbon fiber in dry state and then adding polyvinylidene difluoride thereto.
US08685359B2 Atomic carbon material and method for preparation thereof
An atomic carbon material and a preparation method thereof having ion adsorption ability superior to fullerenes and nano-tubes are provided. This atomic carbon material is in a state existing as an organic compound and in a state close to an atom with a diameter of 1 nm or less (theoretically about 1.66 angstrom), and is a bulk where they are congregated with each other with an interatomic force or a particle with a particle size of 1 nm or less. This atomic carbon material is manufactured by heating a raw material composed of an organic material which does not include carbon units in an inactive atmosphere at a predetermined temperature while sequentially increasing the temperature and by individually separating expected elements except for carbon in the aforementioned atmosphere and the organic material from being bonded with carbon by thermally decomposing in order from an element having a lower decomposition temperature at a temperature of 450 C or lower.
US08685358B2 Producing ammonia using ultrapure, high pressure hydrogen
In various implementations, feed streams that include ultrapure, high-pressure hydrogen streams and ultrapure, high-pressure nitrogen streams are reacted to produce ultrapure, high-pressure feed gas in a stoichiometric ratio to an ammonia synthesis reactor loop without or independent of including a methanol loop purge gas.
US08685354B2 Heteropoly acid promoted catalyst for SCR of NOx with ammonia
The present invention concerns the selective removal of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from gases. In particular, the invention concerns a process, a highly alkali metal resistant heteropoly acid promoted catalyst and the use of said catalyst for removal of NOx from exhaust or flue gases, said gases comprising alkali or earth alkali metals. Such gases comprise for example flue gases arising from the burning of biomass, combined biomass and fossil fuel, and from waste incineration units. The process comprises the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen oxide (NO) with ammonia (NH3) or a nitrogen containing compound selected from ammonium salts, urea or a urea derivative or a solution thereof as reductant.
US08685349B2 Extraction of uranium from wet-process phosphoric acid
A process for the extraction of uranium compounds from wet-process phosphoric acid includes lowering the iron concentration of the wet-process phosphoric acid and reducing the valency of any remaining ferric iron in the wet-process phosphoric acid to ferrous iron, and then extracting uranium compounds from the wet-process phosphoric acid. The process can include separating a side stream from a feed stream of wet-process phosphoric acid, wherein the side stream has a greater concentration of the uranium compounds than the feed stream by filtration. Extracting uranium compounds from the wet-process phosphoric acid can be by ion exchange process or by solvent extraction.
US08685348B2 Nanowire structural element
The invention concerns a nanowire structural element which is suited for implementation in, for example, a microreactor system or microcatalyzer system. For the production of the nanowire structural element, a template based process is used wherein the electrochemical deposition of the nanowires in nanopores is ideally carried out at least until caps are formed and said caps ideally are at least partially merged together. After reinforcing the two cover layers the structured hollow chamber between the two cover layers is cleared by dissolving the template foil and removing the dissolved template material, wherein the two cover layers remain intact. In this manner, a stable sandwich-like nanostructure is constructed with a two-dimensional hollow chamber-like structure in the plane parallel to the cover layers contained on both sides by the cover layers and permeated in a column-like manner with nanowires.
US08685341B2 Microfluidic devices having a reduced number of input and output connections
Provided herein are systems and methods for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. For example, provided herein is a device with three groups of independently controllable components, where the first group includes a first lead and a first heater configured to heat a valve; where the second group includes a second lead and a second heater configured to heat a reaction chamber; where the third group includes a third lead and the first and second heaters; and where the first heater is independently controllable via a combination of the first lead and the third lead, and the second heater is independently controllable via a combination of the second lead and the third lead.
US08685340B2 Microfluidic transfer pin
A liquid dispenser for a microfluidic assay system is described. The dispenser includes at least one transfer pin for transferring a microfluidic sample of liquid to a target receptacle. A pin tip at one end of the transfer pin is structured to cooperate with an opening in the target receptacle. The tip uses capillary action to transfer the sample from the pin to the receptacle.
US08685338B2 Open-and-close controllable odor compound release device and method of manufacture
An odor compound release device includes a support that is deformed when an external stimulus is applied, and when the external stimulus is not applied, restored to its original state. A plurality of spaces are located in the support, have upper portions closed by the support, and are to be filled with odor compounds, wherein the upper portions are opened or closed by deformation or restoration of the support due to the application of the external stimulus. A member that is located in the support or on a surface of the support and applies the external stimulus to the support.
US08685334B2 Optimized liquid-phase oxidation
Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.
US08685331B2 Honeycomb structural body and exhaust gas conversion apparatus
A honeycomb structural body includes at least one honeycomb unit including a β type zeolite, a phosphate group zeolite, and an inorganic binder and having a plurality of through holes divided by partition walls and arranged in a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb unit. The β type zeolite includes secondary particles having an average particle diameter of approximately 0.5 μm or more and approximately 5 μm or less. The phosphate group zeolite includes primary particles having an average particle diameter of approximately 0.5 μm or more and approximately 5 μm or less. A ratio of a mass of the phosphate group zeolite with respect to a total mass of the β type zeolite and the phosphate group zeolite is approximately 5% or more and approximately 35% or less.
US08685329B2 Purified hydrogen peroxide gas microbial control methods and devices
The present invention relates to methods and devices for providing microbial control and/or disinfection/remediation of an environment. The methods generally comprise: generating a Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantially free of, e.g., hydration, ozone, plasma species, and/or organic species; and directing the gas comprising primarily PHPG into the environment such that the PHPG acts to provide microbial control and/or disinfection/remediation in the environment, preferably both on surfaces and in the air.
US08685326B2 Optical lens system and method for microfluidic devices
An apparatus for imaging one or more selected fluorescence indications from a microfluidic device. The apparatus includes an imaging path coupled to least one chamber in at least one microfluidic device. The imaging path provides for transmission of one or more fluorescent emission signals derived from one or more samples in the at least one chamber of the at least one microfluidic device. The chamber has a chamber size, the chamber size being characterized by an actual spatial dimension normal to the imaging path. The apparatus also includes an optical lens system coupled to the imaging path. The optical lens system is adapted to transmit the one or more fluorescent signals associated with the chamber.
US08685325B2 Field-programmable lab-on-a-chip based on microelectrode array architecture
The system relates to filed-programmable lab-on-chip (FPLOC) microfluidic operations, fabrications, and programming based on Microelectrode Array Architecture are disclosed herein. The FPLOC device by employing the microelectrode array architecture may include the following: (a) a bottom plate comprising an array of multiple microelectrodes disposed on a top surface of a substrate covered by a dielectric layer; wherein each of the microelectrode is coupled to at least one grounding elements of a grounding mechanism, wherein a hydrophobic layer is disposed on the top of the dielectric layer and the grounding elements to make hydrophobic surfaces with the droplets; (b) a field programmability mechanism for programming a group of configured-electrodes to generate microfluidic components and layouts with selected shapes and sizes; and, (c) a FPLOC functional block, comprising: (i) I/O ports; (ii) a sample preparation unit; (iii) a droplet manipulation unit; (iv) a detection unit; and (iv) a system control unit.
US08685319B2 Combination oxygenator and arterial filter device with a fiber bundle of continuously wound hollow fibers for treating blood in an extracorporeal blood circuit
A combination oxygenator and arterial filter device for treating blood in an extracorporeal blood circuit. The device includes a housing maintaining a core and a fiber bundle. The fiber bundle is formed by a plurality of hollow fibers continuously helically wound about the core to form layers of level wound fibers. The layers combine to define an oxygenator region and a radially outward depth filter region. A minimum gap spacing between fibers of the oxygenator region layers is greater than a minimum gap spacing of the depth filter region layers. The fiber bundle can function as a blood oxygenator and exhibits a filtration efficiency of not less than 92% in filtering particles having a particle size of about 45 microns. An oxygenator with integrated arterial filtering capability is provided that minimally impacts the extracorporeal blood circuit prime volume.
US08685317B2 Methods and devices for cleaning and sterilization with shock waves
Shock waves are applied to clean and sterilize fluids in containers and conveyances. Shock waves destroy pathogens and pollutants in blood, water, food liquids and other fluids.
US08685316B2 Ni-based heat resistant alloy, gas turbine component and gas turbine
A Ni-based heat resistant alloy has a composition of, by mass percent, carbon: 0.001 to 0.1%, chromium: 16 to 22%, aluminum: 0.5 to 1.5%, molybdenum: 0.1 to 2.0%, tungsten: 0.1 to 6.0%, niobium: 3.5 to 5.5%, titanium: 0.8 to 3.0%, iron: 16 to 20%, and the balance being nickel and inevitable impurities. A parameter Ps indicating a segregation tendency is in a range of Ps≧−3.5. The parameter Ps is represented by Formula (1). Ps=1.05×Al content+0.6×Ti content−0.8×Nb content−0.3×Mo content  (1)
US08685314B2 Method of joining components
First and second components, which may be metallic components, are joined together in a process including introducing a sinterable powder between the components, the powder being retained within a receptacle, displacing the second component towards the first component to compress the powder, and subsequently applying heat and pressure to the powder to form a sintered bond.
US08685313B2 Corrosion-resistant member for semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and method for manufacturing the same
A mixed powder was prepared by weighing Yb2O3 and SrCO3 in such a way that the molar ratio became 1:1. The resulting mixed powder was subjected to uniaxial pressure forming, so as to produce a disc-shaped compact. The compact was heat-treated in an air atmosphere, so that a complex oxide was synthesized. The resulting complex oxide was pulverized. After the pulverization, a slurry was taken out and was dried in a nitrogen gas stream, so as to produce a synthesized powder material. The resulting synthesized powder material was subjected to uniaxial pressure forming, so as to produce a disc-shaped compact. The resulting compact was fired by a hot-press method, so as to obtain a corrosion-resistant member for semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. The resulting corrosion-resistant member was made from a SrYb2O4.
US08685311B2 Melt spinning method
A melt spinning apparatus includes an apparatus body and a nozzle for extruding melted resin, a primary hot air passage formed around the nozzle, and a secondary hot air passage formed in a zone outside of the primary hot air passage, which are formed in the apparatus body. The primary hot air passage discharges primary hot air onto fibers of the melted resin extruded from the nozzle. The secondary hot air passage discharges secondary hot air to maintain the temperature of the primary hot air. The discharge angle of the secondary hot air from the secondary hot air passage is set in a range of 0° to 50° with respect to the direction of the melted resin extruded from the nozzle. The secondary hot air forms an air curtain that blocks the atmospheric air.
US08685309B2 Method for making a personal care product
A method of making a personal care product that is capable of dispensing a composition onto a surface in the form of a film without the use of an additional applicator. The method includes providing a collapsible bag at least partially surrounded by an elastically deformable member and, optionally, an outer container body. Potential energy is generated by stretching the elastically deformable member, which is used to dispense the composition in lieu of a propellant or pump. The personal care composition may be a skin care composition, an antifungal, or an enzyme inhibiting composition.
US08685305B2 Process for production of heat-shrinkable polyester film, heat-shrinkable polyester film and packages
The invention aims at providing a heat-shrinkable polyester film which is excellent in tearability along perforations and in break resistance after storage when used as labels of beverage bottles. The invention relates to a heat-shrinkable polyester film which is made of a polyester resin comprising ethylene terephthalate as the main constituent and containing at least 13 mol % of at least one monomer capable of forming an amorphous component in the whole polyester resin component and which has specific heat shrinkage characteristics and exhibits specific mechanical characteristics after heat shrinking treatment. The film can be produced by a sequential biaxial orientation process comprising longitudinal orientation step, intermediate heat treatment step, positive cooling step, transverse orientation step, and final heat treatment step.
US08685299B2 Blow molded energy absorber and systems and methods of making and using the same
In one embodiment, a vehicle energy absorber system, comprises: blow molded crush lobes that are open on one side, wherein the energy absorber comprises fillets having a fillet radius of less than 20 mm and a thickness of less than or equal to 1.5 mm; a bumper beam adjacent the open side; and a fascia, wherein the energy absorber is located between the fascia and the bumper beam. In one embodiment, a method for making a blow molded energy absorber comprises: introducing a molten plastic to a first mold cavity; introducing gas into the plastic to conform the plastic to the interior of the first mold cavity and form a first preform; and separating the first preform along a centerline thereof to form open, first preform portions having first crush lobes.
US08685296B2 Porogen compositions, method of making and uses
The present specification discloses porogen compositions comprising a core material and shell material, methods of making such porogen compositions, methods of forming such porous materials using such porogen compositions, biocompatible implantable devices comprising such porous materials, and methods of making such biocompatible implantable devices.
US08685295B2 Imprint lithography apparatus
An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an electromagnetic Lorentz actuator arrangement configured to move an imprint template arrangement, the electromagnetic Lorentz actuator arrangement comprising: an array of magnets; and an array of conductors, each conductor configured to carry an electric current, one of the array of magnets or the array of conductors being moveable and connected to the imprint template arrangement, and the other of the array of magnets or the array of conductors extending at least partially around or forming a part of a substrate holder; the array of magnets and the array of conductors together being in a configuration which facilitates moving of the moveable one of the array of magnets or the array of conductors in six degrees of freedom, such that the imprint template arrangement is also movable in six degrees of freedom.
US08685294B2 Method of producing a dental ceramic structure
Method of producing a dental ceramic structure by digitizing a model or partial model of the prosthesis to be produced and generating a CAD data set, cutting each section of the muffle based on the CAD data set to form the cavity, pressing the ceramic into the cavity by way of at least one sprue, removing the hardened ceramic from the cavity with the sprue or flash and removing the sprue or flash based on the CAD data set.
US08685293B1 Control of particle formation at the nanoscale
Our invention allows for control of particle formation at the nanoscale, providing a means to control nanoparticle and nanostructure formation using feedback on the fly from nanoparticle characteristic analysis and optimization/knowledge extraction control algorithms. A closed loop feedback controller causes the interaction of a shaped flaser pulse with a substrate. The substrate can be one or more solid, liquid or gas or any combination thereof. Nanoparticles are produced and their characteristics are measured. The measured characteristics are compared with the desired nanoparticle characteristics. If the measured and desired characteristics are not equivalent, the closed loop feedback controller modifies the shape of the laser pulse and the next cycle begins. With successive loop of the control process the difference between the desired and measured characteristics converges until they are equivalent. At the end of the process a relationship is developed between the desired nanoparticle characteristics and the laser pulse shape. A catalog of all pulse shapes generated and the resulting nanoparticle characteristics is generated each time the processor is cycled whether or not the nanoparticle characteristics are those desired.
US08685290B2 Glass-crystalline particle powders including a glass component and a crystalline component
Disclosed is a plurality of glass-crystalline particles, wherein at least a portion of the glass-crystalline particles comprise a glass component and a crystalline component, and wherein the crystalline component comprises one or more metal oxides wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of: Zn, Ca, Sr, Mg, Ba, and mixtures thereof.
US08685279B2 Sialon phosphor, process for producing the same, and illuminator and luminescent element employing the same
Phosphor that can provide white LED that uses a blue LED or an ultraviolet LED as a light source and that has superior luminous efficiency. This phosphor includes, as a main component, α-type sialon represented by a general expression: (M1)x(M2)y(Si,Al)12(O,N)16 (where M1 is one or more types of elements selected from a group consisting of Li, Mg, Ca, Y, and lanthanide element (except for La and Ce) and M2 is one or more types of elements selected from a group consisting of Ce, Pr, Eu, Tb, Yb, and Er, and 0.3≦X+Y≦1.5 and 0
US08685276B2 Secure document comprising luminescent chelates
Aqueous thermal inkjet ink composition for the printing of security documents comprising at least one luminescent water-soluble lanthanide complex.
US08685275B2 Liquid crystalline medium
The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds having negative dielectric anisotropy, which contains at least one compound of the formula I and at least one compound of the formula II in which R1, R2, R3, R4, ring A, Z1, Z2 and m are as defined in claim 1, and to the use thereof for an active-matrix display based on the ECB, VA, PS-VA, FFS, PALC or IPS effect.
US08685274B2 Compound having a five-membered ring, the liquid crystal composition and the liquid crystal display device
The invention provides a liquid crystal compound that has an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds and also has at least one of characteristics such as a high stability to heat, light or the like, a suitable refractive index anisotropy (Δn), a low threshold voltage and a suitable dielectric anisotropy (Δ∈). A compound represented by formula (1). For example, R1 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons, R2 is halogen or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbons; the ring A1, the ring A2 and the ring A3 are 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z1, Z2 and Z3 are a single bond or alkylene having 1 to 4 carbons; G is —CH2— or —O—; and m is 1, and n and p is 0 or 1.
US08685273B2 Etching agent for type II InAs/GaInSb superlattice epitaxial materials
This disclosure involves a formula, mixing procedure, etching technique and application of an etchant for revealing defects in T2SL's grown lattice matched to (100) GaSb. The etching agent comprises a (2.5:4.5:16.5:280) solution by volume or (1%:2%:9%:88%) by weight, of HF:H2O2:H2SO4:H2O. The etchant is made by mixing (49%) hydrofluoric aqueous solution with (30%) water-based peroxide, followed by sulfuric acid, and diluted with de-ionized H2O (DI-water).
US08685272B2 Composition for etching silicon oxide layer, method for etching semiconductor device using the same, and composition for etching semiconductor device
A composition for etching a silicon oxide layer, a method of etching a semiconductor device, and a composition for etching a semiconductor device including a silicon oxide layer and a nitride layer including hydrogen fluoride, an anionic polymer, and deionized water, wherein the anionic polymer is included in an amount of about 0.001 to about 2 wt % based on the total weight of the composition for etching a silicon oxide layer, and an etch selectivity of the silicon oxide layer with respect to a nitride layer is about 80 or greater.
US08685271B2 Refrigeration oil and compositions with hydrocarbon refrigerants
Polyol ester lubricant compositions comprising predominately straight chain C5-10 alkylcarboxlate esters of neopentyl alcohols, for example, straight chain C5-10 alkylcarboxlate esters of one or more of trimethylol propane, pentaerythritol, di-pentaerythritol, tri-pentaerythritol or pentaerythritol oligomers, and working fluids comprising said lubricant compositions and a hydrocarbon refrigerant, suitable for heat transfer devices including refrigeration and air conditioning systems are provided. The polyol ester lubricant compositions have a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 22-125 cSt and a viscosity index of greater than 140, and are characterized by having very high lubricity, excellent load carrying properties and excellent low temperature properties.
US08685268B1 Method of forming textured silicon substrate by maskless cryognic etching
Disclosed herein is a textured substrate comprising a base comprising silicon, the base having a plurality of needle like structures depending away from the base, wherein at least one of the needle like structures has a depth of greater than or equal to about 50 micrometers determined perpendicular to the base, and wherein at least one of the needle like structures has a width of less than or equal to about 50 micrometers determined parallel to the base. An anode and a lithium ion battery comprising the textured substrate, and a method of producing the textured substrate are also disclosed.
US08685263B2 Method of fabricating cliche
Disclosed herein is a method of fabricating a cliché capable of preventing a printing roller from touching a bottom surface of the cliché. The method of fabricating the cliché includes forming a mask thin film pattern having a multilayer structure and a photoresist pattern on a base substrate, forming a resistant reinforcement inducing layer to cover the photoresist pattern, thereby transforming the photoresist pattern into a resistant reinforced photoresist pattern, and forming groove patterns having different depths from each other by etching the base substrate using the resistant reinforced photoresist pattern and the mask thin film pattern having the multilayer structure as masks.
US08685262B2 Method for manufacturing a nozzle plate containing multiple micro-orifices for cascade impactor
A nozzle plate containing multiple micro-orifices for the cascade impactor and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The nozzle plate is formed by a series of semiconductor processes, including lithography, etching and electroplating. The nozzle plate comprises a plate body and a plurality of micro-orifices formed on the plate body. The orifice has a diameter which gradually expands in the direction away from the bottom of the plate body to achieve a smooth inner surface, allowing particles to pass therethrough smoothly without being clogged in the nozzle plate.
US08685259B2 Fluid distribution and collection system in a multistage column comprising a jet breaker
The present invention concerns a fluid distributor in a multistage column, each plate P of the column being divided into a certain number of panels Pa, and each panel Pa being equipped with a distributor of the invention, said distributor comprising: a) a solid jet breaker located substantially in the axis of the outlet opening of the collecting baffle of the panel Pa; b) an intermediate perforated plate extending laterally beyond the jet breaker, with a degree of opening in the range 10% to 40%; c) a distribution plate extending over the entire panel Pa, and with a degree of opening in the range 5% to 20%.
US08685256B2 Microdispersions of hydroxamated polymers and methods of making and using them
Methods of producing microdispersions containing hydroxamated polymers by reacting water-in-oil microdispersions having vinyl polymers containing one or more pendant functional groups that react with hydroxylamine, with a hydroxylamine-free base substantially free of inorganic salt and containing less than 500 ppm hydrazine are disclosed herein, along with the microdispersions thereby obtained.
US08685254B2 Water alteration structure applications and methods
A method is generally described which includes environmental alteration. The method includes determining a placement of at least one vessel capable of moving water to lower depths in the water via wave induced downwelling. The method also includes placing the at least one vessel in the determined placement. Further, the method includes generating movement of the water adjacent the surface of the water in response to the placing.
US08685253B2 Processes for removing color during production of runway deicer
A method of removing color bodies from a fermentation broth includes precipitating a color-forming impurity (color body) by adjusting the fermentation broth to a pH greater than about 13; filtering our precipitated color-forming impurities from the broth; and bleaching a second color impurity by treating the broth with an oxidizing agent.
US08685251B2 Ultra-pasteurization for dialysis machines
Disclosed herein are water purification and supply systems for medical devices and methods of using. In an embodiment, the system includes a dialysis system including a filtration system capable of filtering a water stream, a water purification system capable of purifying the water stream in a non-batch process, a mixing system capable of producing a stream of dialysate from mixing one or more dialysate components with the water stream in a non-batch process, and a dialyzer system. The dialyzer may be a microfluidic dialyzer capable of being fluidly coupled to the stream of dialysate and a blood stream. The water purification system includes an RO filter 6122, a proportioning valve 6165, a heater 6150, first and second heat exchangers, and a throttle valve 6160.
US08685248B2 Purification of immunoglobulins
The present invention relates to a separation matrix comprised of a porous support to which ligands have been immobilized, wherein said ligands comprise at least one aliphatic sulphonamide. The nitrogen of the sulphonamide may be a secondary or tertiary amine. The invention also relates to a chromatography column that contains the described separation matrix, as well as to a method of isolating immunoglobulin-like compounds by adsorption to a separation matrix that comprises aliphatic sulphonamide ligands.
US08685246B2 Simultaneous anoxic biological phosphorus and nitrogen removal with energy recovery
Methods and systems are provided for treating wastewater to simultaneously remove nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus, while recovering energy in the form of methane and carbon dioxide. An ammonia-containing stream is directed to a pretreatment tank that produces excess sludge, biogas, and a pretreated stream. The pretreated stream has at least 45% less carbon than the ammonia-containing stream. The pretreated stream is then directed to an anoxic tank, which promotes phosphorus release and fermentation of particulate and dissolved organic matter. The mixed liquor is transferred to an aerated tank having low dissolved oxygen concentrations to promote development of phosphorus-release bacteria that is eventually recycled to the anoxic tank by way of the return activated sludge. Simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorus release occur in the aerated tank. A membrane tank separates treated effluent from activated sludge in a membrane tank.
US08685243B2 Fluid filter
A fluid filter such as an oil filter for a vehicle is provided. The fluid filter includes a body. A plate is coupled to one end of the body, the plate having a first surface and a threaded portion having a thread pitch. A seal is disposed adjacent the plate, the plate having a second surface opposite the plate. A stop member is disposed adjacent the plate, the stop member having a third surface offset from the second surface.
US08685241B1 Axial and radial flow columns with inflatable seals to facilitate packing and unpacking
A method, apparatus, and system are described to pack and unpack resin in a chromatography-column. One or more inflatable seals are deflated to pack a resin slurry from a bottom outlet valve into a resin bed chamber located between an outer shell of the column and an inner frit of the chromatography-column. The resin slurry is pumped into and through an outlet packing-and-running port and passed one or more deflated inflatable seals to pack the resin bed to a designated pressure with resin slurry. The inflatable seals are inflated to seal the resin bed in place.
US08685239B2 Separation device with integral guard column
A separation device is formed of a first tube with a cylindrical wall enclosing a chamber having a first diameter, where the device has a first end for discharging a fluid and a second end for receiving a fluid. At least two stationary phase medias are packed into the chamber with separating frits between the medias. At least one end frit element, secured to an inner surface of the first tube contains the media in its section of the chamber and allows the beds formed of the media to be formed and packed. When the separation device so constructed forms a nanocolumn with a guard bed, the guard bed may be cleaved from the separation device extending the useful life of the nanocolumn. When the separation device so constructed comprises two analytical sections, and a plurality of guard beds, complex analysis may be performed on a column having an extended useful life.
US08685237B2 Waste water treatment apparatus and methods
An improved draft tube spout fluid bed (DTSFB) mixing, handling, conveying, and treating apparatus and systems, and methods for operating are provided. The apparatus and systems can accept particulate material and pneumatically or hydraulically conveying the material to mix and/or treat the material. In addition to conveying apparatus, a collection and separation apparatus adapted to receive the conveyed particulate material is also provided. The collection apparatus may include an impaction plate against which the conveyed material is directed to improve mixing and/or treatment. The improved apparatus are characterized by means of controlling the operation of the pneumatic or hydraulic transfer to enhance the mixing and/or reacting by controlling the flow of fluids, for example, air, into and out of the apparatus. The disclosed apparatus may be used to mix particulate material, for example, mortar; react fluids with particulate material; coat particulate material, or simply convey particulate material.
US08685236B2 Methods and systems for treating sour water
A method of removing contaminates from sour water is provided. The method includes producing raw sour water within a syngas production system, and removing the contaminates from the raw sour water using a chemical reaction within a treatment unit to produce treated sour water. The treatment unit is in flow communication with the syngas production system.
US08685235B2 Integrated sewage treatment plant
An integrated sewage biochemical treatment plant containing mechanical treatment devices, a sewage-and-sludge mixing chamber with a circulation pump and a combined biological treatment device, includes a plane feed biofilter, a spray line, collecting trays and drain collectors connected to water-jet aeratic columns sunk in the aeration zones, and aftertreatment devices. The combined biological treatment device whose capacity is 5 to 15,000 m3/day has a biofilters spray line that includes trays with emptying fittings and reflecting disks, the distance from the trays emptying fittings upper ends to the disk reflectors is 0.8 to 2 m, and the distance between the trays centers and the distance between the trays fittings axes is 0.6 to 1.8 m.
US08685227B2 Sample fluid testing device and method for analyzing a sample fluid
The invention refers to a sample fluid testing device for analyzing a sample fluid, comprising a test media tape (1) comprising a tape (2) and a plurality of test media portions (3), each test media portion (3) containing a sensor field (7) for producing electrical signals, when the sample fluid is applied and at least two electrodes (4), the at least two electrodes (4) being positioned in the sensor field (7) and being electrically connected to at least two contact fields (5). The sample fluid testing device contains at least one roller with a surface (17), which contains at least one contact zone (14), the at least one roller (12, 13) being in rolling engagement with the test media tape (1) with its surface (17) in order to successively electrically contact the test media portions (3) via at least one contact field (5) with the at least one contact zone (14), the at least one contact zone (14) on the at least one roller (12, 13) being electrically connected to a meter for measuring the electrical signals.
US08685224B2 Method and apparatus for hydrogen generation
A method and apparatus for generating hydrogen gas includes a reactor vessel in which electrolysis takes place in water, an electrical current source coupled to the reactor, and a chemical energy conversion device that converts chemical energy to electrical current by reacting hydrogen gas with oxygen gas. Conduits convey the gases from the reactor to the conversion device, and safety devices and controls maintain safe and efficient operation of the system. A backfire suppression apparatus may be used to prevent a backfire from propagating backward through the system and causing damage, while a buffer tank may ensure that the gases supplied to the chemical energy conversion device are substantially free of liquid water or other contaminants. One or more heat exchangers maintain an optimal temperature range for the water inside the reactor, and a programmable logic controller may be provided to monitor and control the operation of the apparatus.
US08685216B2 Apparatus and method for improved electrostatic drop merging and mixing
An apparatus for merging and mixing two droplets using electrostatic forces includes a substrate on which are disposed a first originating electrode, a center electrode, and a second originating electrode. The electrodes are disposed such that a first gap is formed between the first originating electrode and the center electrode and a second gap is formed between the second originating electrode and the center electrode. A dielectric material surrounds the electrodes on the substrate. A first droplet is deposited asymmetrically across the first gap, and a second droplet is deposited asymmetrically across the second gap. Voltage potentials are placed across the first gap and second gap, respectively, whereby each droplet is moved toward the other such that they collide together, causing the droplets to merge and mix, and causing oscillations within the collided droplet.
US08685211B2 Oil sands treatment system and process
Oil sands ore containing bitumen is treated in a reactor chamber by ultrasonic oscillations impact such that cavitation of ore molecules occurs. The disintegration of the pulsating bubbles in the cavitation results in the separation of the oil, water, sand and air fractions of the oil sands. The oil fraction may be continuously extracted for subsequent refining processes.
US08685204B2 Method for peeling pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film, and pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film
An object of the invention is to provide a pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film-peeling method capable of easily detaching the pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film from a glass substrate with no damage to the glass substrate or no adhesive deposit on the glass substrate, and to provide a pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film suitable for use in such a peeling method. The invention is directed to a method for peeling a pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film from an optical film-carrying glass substrate including a glass substrate and the pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film bonded thereto, which includes: exposing the optical film-carrying glass substrate to an environment at a temperature of 40 to 98° C. and a relative humidity of 60 to 99% for three minutes or more; and then peeling the pressure-sensitive adhesive optical film from the glass substrate under the environment.
US08685202B2 Etching device and method for manufacturing printed circuit board using same
In a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board, a substrate, including a number of plated through holes (PTHs) is provided. Each of the PTHs has an electrically conductive layer plated on its inner wall and includes an electrically connecting portion and a stub. A protective layer is formed on a surface of the substrate adjacent to the stub. An etching device, including an upper plate and a number of spray tubes corresponding to the PTHs, is provided. Each of the spray tubes includes a protruding portion beyond the upper plate. The substrate is arranged in such a manner that the protective layer is in contact with the upper plate and the protruding portions are received in the stubs. After that, the protruding portions spray an etchant to etch and remove the electrically conductive layer of the stubs, and the protective layer is removed.
US08685201B2 Assemblies and methods for reducing warp and bow of a flexible substrate during semiconductor processing
Methods are described for addressing the bowing and/or warping of flexible substrates, attached to a rigid carrier, which occurs as a result of the thermal challenges of semiconductor processing. In particular, viscoelastic adhesives are provided which can bond a flexible substrate to a rigid carrier and mediate the thermal mismatch which often is present due to the distinctly different materials properties of most flexible substrates, such as plastic films, with respect to rigid carriers, such as silicon wafers. Assemblies are also provided which are produced according to the methods described herein.
US08685199B2 Tire preparation ply manufacturing apparatus and method
An apparatus for forming a continuous preparation ply of the type used to make vehicle tires from preparation ply sections having nonmetallic cords. An infeed conveyor successively feeds the preparation ply sections to a butt splicing machine that joins the ends of the two preparation ply sections to form a butt joint. A gum strip applier receives the continuous preparation ply from an outfeed conveyor and applies a gum strip over the butt joint. A method is provided for forming a continuous preparation ply by first automatically forming a butt joint, and thereafter automatically placing a gum strip on the butt joint.
US08685198B2 Textile laminar structure for making acoustic components
A laminar textile construction, to be used in acoustic components, characterized in that said construction comprises a double layer arrangement made by coupling a technical synthetic single-thread fabric material to a polymeric film, for use as sub-component elements in acoustic and electronic products in general.
US08685195B2 Soft lithographic molding of surface relief output couplers for organic light emitting diodes
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for surface relief output coupling in organic light emitting diodes is provided. The method includes forming a pattern in a surface of an elastomer (310) and laminating at least a portion of the pattern to a surface of an organic light emitting diode (305).
US08685192B2 Method of, and arrangement for, producing a fixing means
A method of and an arrangement for producing a fixing part, for example in the form of a touch-and-close fastener part, includes the formation of a carrier structure (10) provided with stem-like fixing elements (12) connected to one another at least in pairs via intermediate elements (14) to form cramp-like, in particular U-shaped, fixing parts (16). The stem-like fixing elements (12) engage through the carrier structure (10) and project beyond it. Each intermediate element (14) extending between these fixing elements (12) is arranged on the carrier structure (10). The respective fixing part (16) is introduced as a whole into the carrier structure (10) which, for this purpose, is designed in the form of a cramp-like, in particular U-shaped, molding prior to introduction.
US08685191B2 Transfer method using thermal transfer film
A thermal transfer film at least including a substrate, a semi-cured protection layer, and an ink layer is provided. The semi-cured protection layer is coated on the substrate, and a material of the semi-cured protection layer includes thermal curing resin and radiation curing resin. Moreover, the resin of the semi-cured protection layer is at least partially cured. The ink layer is coated on the semi-cured protection layer.
US08685187B2 Perforating devices utilizing thermite charges in well perforation and downhole fracing
Disclosed are thermite charges for use in well perforation and downhole fracing. The thermite charges have a core, and optionally a case, where at least one of the core and the case includes thermite material.
US08685184B2 Shape setting a shape memory alloy dental arch
Described herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for shape-setting hyperelastic, single-crystal shape memory alloy (SMA) material while preserving the hyperelastic properties of the material. Also described are hyperelastic, single-crystal SMA devices that have been shape set by these methods. In particular, described herein are hyperelastic, single crystal SMA dental archwires and methods of forming them while preserving the hyperelastic properties, e.g., without significant grain boundaries in the crystal structure.
US08685183B1 Method of alloying reactive components
Metal ingots for forming single-crystal shape-memory alloys (SMAs) may be fabricated with high reliability and control by alloying thin layers of material together. In this method, a reactive layer (e.g., aluminum) is provided in thin flat layers between layers of other materials (e.g., copper and layers of nickel). When the stacked layers are vacuum heated in a crucible to the melting temperature of the reactive layer, it becomes reactive and chemically bonds to the other layers, and may form eutectics that, as the temperature is further increased, melt homogeneously and congruently at temperatures below the melting temperatures of copper and nickel. Oxidation and evaporation are greatly reduced compared to other methods of alloying, and loss of material from turbulence is minimized.
US08685176B2 System and method for optimized gas turbine compressor cleaning and performance measurement
The present invention is directed to a system and method for optimizing a wash procedure. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system for optimizing a wash procedure. In a first embodiment, a system comprises: means for collecting a sample of fouling, wherein the sample of fouling comprises one or more contaminates; means for identifying the one or more contaminates; and means for selecting one or more washing products for removing the one or more contaminates from a turbine. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for optimizing a wash procedure. The method comprises: collecting a sample of fouling, wherein the sample of fouling comprises one or more contaminates; identifying the one or more contaminates; and selecting one or more washing products for removing the one or more contaminates from a turbine.
US08685172B2 Integrated processing and critical point drying systems for semiconductor and MEMS devices
Processing and drying of a sample, such as a semiconductor or MEMS device, is performed in a single pressure chamber. The sample is sealed in the interior volume of the chamber, which has surfaces formed of a nickel-copper alloy. Hydroflouric acid (HF) is flowed into the sealed chamber to fill the interior volume and to contact the sample with HF. The HF is allowed to etch portions of the same for a desired time before removing the HF from the sealed chamber. After removal of the HF, the interior volume is cooled to a temperature less than 10° C. The sealed pressure chamber is filled with liquid carbon dioxide. The interior volume is then heated to a temperature greater than 31° C. and a pressure greater than 1072 psi (i.e., the critical point), after which gaseous carbon dioxide is exhausted from the sealed chamber to allow subsequent removal of the sample.
US08685171B2 Liquid detergent composition
A method of cleaning dishware with a liquid detergent composition having a hydrophobic emollient and a crystalline structurant to provide improved hand skin care benefits and superior grease cleaning and/or suds mileage.
US08685168B2 Method for removing micro-debris and device of the same
The present invention provides a method for removing micro-debris generated in a laser machining process operated on machined object and device of the same. The machined object is placed on a movable machining platform within a machining range and machined at a particular machining location. By disposing an acoustic wave generator and a reflector part, or by disposing a plurality of acoustic wave generators, at least two standing waves extending across the machining range and two standing wave nodes are generated. The micro-debris generated from the laser machining process is moved away by the standing waves to concentrate at the standing wave nodes, and subsequently removed from the standing wave nodes.
US08685166B2 Apparatus for continuous fabricating superconducting tapes
Provided is an apparatus for continuously fabricating superconducting tapes. An evaporation using drum in dual chamber (EDDC) method is suitable for mass production of high-temperature superconducting tapes. However, the EDDC method is limited to fabrication of high-temperature superconducting tapes having a limited length. In an attempt, high-temperature super-conducting tapes having a sufficiently large length can be fabricated using the EDDC method by releasing a long high-temperature superconducting tape from one reel and winding the long high-temperature superconducting tape around the other reel. In this case, it is important to stably move a high-temperature superconducting tape spirally wound around a drum from one reel to the other reel. Therefore, the provided apparatus uses endless tract belts separately disposed around a drum to stably and continuously move a high-temperature superconducting tape spirally wound around the drum along the centerline of the drum from one reel to the other reel.
US08685165B2 Metal oxide films
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) type processes for producing titanium containing oxide thin films comprise feeding into a reaction space vapor phase pulses of titanium alkoxide as a titanium source material and at least one oxygen source material, such as ozone, capable of forming an oxide with the titanium source material. In preferred embodiments the titanium alkoxide is titanium methoxide.
US08685163B2 Method for growing silicon carbide single crystal
A method for growing a silicon carbide single crystal on a single crystal substrate comprising the steps of heating silicon in a graphite crucible to form a melt, bringing a silicon carbide single crystal substrate into contact with the melt, and depositing and growing a silicon carbide single crystal from the melt, wherein the melt comprises 30 to 70 percent by atom, based on the total atoms of the melt, of chromium and 1 to 25 percent by atom, based on the total atoms of the melt, of X, where X is at least one selected from the group consisting of nickel and cobalt, and carbon. It is possible to improve morphology of a surface of the crystal growth layer obtained by a solution method.
US08685162B2 Removing a sheet from the surface of a melt using gas jets
In one embodiment, a sheet production apparatus comprises a vessel configured to hold a melt of a material. A cooling plate is disposed proximate the melt and is configured to form a sheet of the material on the melt. A first gas jet is configured to direct a gas toward an edge of the vessel. A sheet of a material is translated horizontally on a surface of the melt and the sheet is removed from the melt. The first gas jet may be directed at the meniscus and may stabilize this meniscus or increase local pressure within the meniscus.
US08685150B1 Temperature pump passive filters and automated devices
Embodiments of passive air pollution filters designed for providing efficient adsorption of fungal spores, airborne bacteria, small hydrocarbons, viruses, prions, insect parts, hyphal parts, pollens, other allergens, radon gas, and other small air pollutants, both gaseous and particulate, from cool air are disclosed. Each embodiment comprises a filter bag portion, attractant mineral, a filter container, and a means of supporting the filter assembly. Stationary filters must be replaced and reprocessed periodically. Permanent passive air filtration coatings for building materials, which prevent condensation and growth of mold from occurring in building walls and in other structures, are disclosed. Automated temperature pump passive filtration devices, which automatically remove excess humidity, odors, particulate air pollutants, both mineral and biological, gaseous air pollutants, and allergens from enclosed volumes of air at a temperature of less than 26-27° C., about 80° F., are also disclosed.
US08685147B2 Method of producing chlorine gas, aqueous sodium hypochlorite solution and liquid chlorine
It is intended to provide methods of producing a chlorine gas having a small bromine content, an aqueous sodium hypochlorite solution having a small bromic acid content, and liquid chlorine having a small bromine content. More specifically, a chlorine gas is produced by a method comprising the steps of: (A) washing a chlorine gas that contains bromine, in a gas washing unit composed of a packed column or a tray tower, wherein the chlorine gas introduced via a lower part of the gas washing unit is brought into counterflow gas/liquid contact with a liquid chlorine introduced via an upper part of the gas washing unit; and (B) taking out a purified chlorine gas thus washed, via the upper part of the gas washing unit, wherein a weight ratio of the chlorine gas and the liquid chlorine introduced in the step (A) is 1/1.0 to 1/0.3.
US08685141B2 Wet scrubber and a method of cleaning a process gas
A wet scrubber (1) and a method of using the wet scrubber to clean a process gas containing sulphur dioxide comprising at least one spray level system (20) with atomizing nozzles (38) to which an absorption liquid is supplied for atomization by the nozzles (38). The method comprises operating the spray level system (20) in at least a first operating mode with an active nozzle density of at least 0.7 nozzles/m2, an absorption liquid flow of at least 10 m3/hour per nozzle and a Total Flow of at least 30 m3/hour/m2.
US08685136B2 System and method for reducing iron oxide to metallic iron using coke oven gas and oxygen steelmaking furnace gas
A process for reducing iron oxide to metallic iron using coke oven gas (COG), including: a direct reduction shaft furnace for providing off gas; a COG source for injecting COG into a reducing gas stream including at least a portion of the off gas; and the direct reduction shaft furnace reducing iron oxide to metallic iron using the reducing gas stream and injected COG. The COG has a temperature of about 1,200 degrees C. or greater upon injection. The COG has a CH4 content of between about 2% and about 13%. Preferably, the COG is reformed COG. Optionally, the COG is fresh hot COG. The COG source includes a partial oxidation system. Optionally, the COG source includes a hot oxygen burner.
US08685133B2 Chelated compositions and methods of making and using the same
A composition includes a first chelating agent, a second chelating agent, and a plurality of metal ions. In one embodiment, the second chelating agent includes citric acid and is different than the first chelating agent. A method for forming a composition includes mixing a first chelating agent, a second chelating agent, and a metal salt together to form a mixture and processing the mixture to form at least one of a granulated composition and a powdered composition. In some embodiments, the second chelating agent includes citric acid and is different than the first chelating agent.
US08685128B2 Seal, arrangement for filter element; filter element assembly; and, methods
A filter element arrangement is provided which includes a media pack comprising Z-filter media, a preform and an overmold sealing a portion of the interface between the preform and the media pack, and also forming an air cleaner seal for the filter element. The overmold preferably comprises molded, foamed, polyurethane. A variety of media pack shapes can be used.
US08685123B2 Abrasive particulate material, and method of planarizing a workpiece using the abrasive particulate material
An abrasive particulate material is disclosed that includes alumina particles. The alumina particles include a transition alumina and at least 5.0 wt % of an amorphous phase. The transition alumina particles also have a density not greater than about 3.20 g/cm3.
US08685121B2 Combined gasification and vitrification system
An optimized gasification/vitrification processing system having a gasification unit which converts organic materials to a hydrogen rich gas and ash in communication with a joule heated vitrification unit which converts the ash formed in the gasification unit into glass, and a plasma which converts elemental carbon and products of incomplete combustion formed in the gasification unit into a hydrogen rich gas.
US08685113B2 Foam type hair dying agent composition
Disclosed is a first composition of an oxidative permanent hair dye product that includes a C1-C4 alcohol, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, an antioxidant, an oxidative dye, a C14-C22 fatty alcohol, a metal sequestering agent, an alkali agent, and purified water. According to the oxidative permanent hair dye product according to the present invention, foams generated by mixing a liquid first composition that includes a dye and a liquid second composition that includes an oxidant continuously retained on hair for more than 30 minutes, and thus hair, even close to the root, can be simply and conveniently colored in the same manner as shampooing without using a comb or brush.
US08685112B1 Amine salt activation of peroxycarboxylic acids
Treated peroxycarboxylic acid bleaching compositions and methods of using the same are provided to enhancing bleaching performance of various peroxycarboxylic acids. Peroxycarboxylic acid peroxycarboxylic acid compositions are combined with non-metal bleach activators, preferably polyethyleneimines. The invention further relates to methods employing the enhanced bleaching compositions.
US08685103B2 Transforaminal prosthetic spinal disc apparatus
An intervertebral prosthetic implant having a first endplate having a first surface configured to substantially engage with a first vertebral body and a second surface having an extension with a concave contact surface, the concave contact surface being spaced apart from the second surface. A second endplate is provided with a first surface configured to substantially engage with a second vertebral body and a second surface comprising a convex contact surface, and the second endplate having a securing element positioned along and above the second surface defining a first and second window on opposing sides of the second surface. The securing element extends along the width and length of the lower endplate and configured with an access hole. An extension portion extends from the first surface of the first endplate through the access hole of the securing element and contacts the second surface of the second endplate.
US08685101B2 Implant with compliant layer
An intervertebral spacer having an upper layer, a lower layer and at least one non-planer compliant layer. The non-planer compliant layer is disposed between the lower layer and the upper layer and includes a portion that extends outside a lateral plane in which the compliant layer resides. The non-planar compliant layer made of a material that is more yielding than the upper layer and the lower layers, and may have a cross-section that is z-shaped, u-shaped, sinusoidal-shaped, zigzag shaped, etc.
US08685099B2 Multiple component osteoimplant
The present invention is an osteoimplant that comprises two or more portions, wherein two or more of the portions are self-interlockable with one another to form the desired osteoimplant. The components of the osteoimplant may be of the same material or of different materials. Suitable materials may include cortical bone, cancellous bone, structural polymer, other biomaterial, or any combination thereof.
US08685098B2 Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.
US08685095B2 Expandable implant system and methods of use
A spinal implant includes a first component defining a surface. A second component is movable relative to the first component and defines a surface. An intermediate component is engageable with the first component and the second component. The intermediate component is configured for relative movement along the surface of the second component and is configured for relative movement along the surface of the first component in a first axial direction and a second, opposite axial direction such that movement of the intermediate component moves the second component relative to the first component between a first configuration and a second configuration. Methods of use are disclosed.
US08685094B2 Instruments for reorienting vertebral bones for the treatment of scoliosis
An orthopedic device set, including: a plurality of intervertebral spacer elements, each spacer element having a different axial thickness from each other element, the axial thicknesses being selected to increase by an increment from one element to another; and an instrument for holding ones of the intervertebral spacer elements, the instrument comprising a shaft having a distal end, a selectively grasping subassembly for alternatively rigidly holding each spacer element at the distal end so that the spacer element cannot move relative to the instrument, and releasing the spacer element.
US08685086B2 Apparatus and method for replacing a diseased cardiac valve
An apparatus for replacing a diseased cardiac valve is movable from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The apparatus comprises an expandable support member and a prosthetic valve secured therein. The main body portion extends between first and second end portions and includes an outer circumferential surface, a circumferential axis extending about the circumferential surface, and a plurality of wing members spaced apart from one another by an expandable region. Each of the wing members includes first and second end portions and a flexible middle portion extending between the end portions. The second end portion is integrally formed with the main body portion. The first end portion is adjacent the circumferential axis and substantially flush with the outer circumferential surface in the radially collapsed configuration. The first end portion extends substantially radial to the outer circumferential surface in the radially expanded configuration.
US08685083B2 Apparatus, system, and method for treatment of posterior leaflet prolapse
The invention is an apparatus, system, and method for repairing heart valves. A suture line is secured to a papillary muscle, and then passed through a portion of a heart valve leaflet. A reference element is provided at a desired distance from a plane defined by the heart valve annulus. The suture line is secured to the heart valve leaflet at a position adjacent the reference element. The reference element may part of a device configured for placement on or in a heart valve annulus. The reference element may be slidingly secured to the device so that the distance of the reference element from the main body of the device can be varied by a surgeon or other user. The reference element may be a line of suture, which may be pre-installed during manufacture of the device or may be installed by the surgeon or other user.
US08685082B2 Base material for forming valved lumen shape tissue, method for producing valved lumen shape tissue, and valved artificial blood vessel
The present invention provides a base material which can be formed into valved lumen shape tissue having an ampulla and a leaflet consisting of body tissue. Specifically, the base material includes a first column 5 that forms an upstream tubular section 4 of a blood vessel 3, a second column 7 that forms a downstream tubular section 6 of the blood vessel 3, a plurality of bulges 10 for forming an ampulla 8 and a leaflet 9 of the blood vessel 3, and engagement means 11 that causes the bulge 10 to engage the first column 5 and/or the second column 7. The engagement means 11 includes recesses 15a and 15b in axial end surfaces of one or both of the first column 5 and the second column 7, and an engagement section 18 that overhangs from a bulge body 17 and engages the recesses. An outer peripheral surface of the body 17 of the bulge 10 is an ampulla forming surface 20, and a gap provided between the bulge body 17 and the first column 5 and/or the second column 7 is a leaflet forming section 22.
US08685080B2 Repositionable endoluminal support structure and its applications
An endo luminal support structure (10) includes strut members (11) interconnected by swivel joints (15) to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve (100) within a body lumen.
US08685079B2 Expandable framework with overlapping connectors
A stent may comprise a plurality of serpentine bands and connectors. A first connector may overlap a second connector when the stent is unexpanded. The first connector may also overlap the second connector in an unexpanded state when the stent is subject to compressive forces in the local area of the connectors, such as when the connectors are located on the inside of a curve. The second connector may be shaped according to a rotation of the first connector about the centroid of the cell between the first connector and the second connector.
US08685075B2 Catheter with stent and method for the production of a catheter with stent
A method is provided for mounting a stent onto a catheter system. The method includes selecting a catheter having a first end where the first end includes an inflatable portion thereat. An adhesive bond is formed between the stent and the inflatable portion causing the stent to adhere to the inflatable portion. The formed adhesive bond is such that upon release of the stent from the inflatable portion upon inflation, the adhesive bond remains with the inflatable portion.
US08685074B2 Balloon catheter
A catheter system comprises a catheter, an inner shaft, an expandable balloon, and an elongate advancement member. The expandable balloon has an unwrapped state and rewrapped state and the advancement member has a first state and a second state. When the advancement member is in the first state the expandable balloon is in the unwrapped state, and when the advancement member is in the second state the expandable balloon is in the rewrapped state. The unwrapped state has a first length and a first diameter, the rewrapped state has a second length and a second diameter, the second length is equal to or greater than the first length, and the second diameter is less than first diameter. The advancement member in the second state extends through the interior region defined by the expandable balloon.
US08685071B2 Medical apparatus employing flexible light structures
A method of manufacture and medical apparatus that provides an apparatus useful in illuminating at least a portion of a lumen of a body. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible member and a polymer encasement portion encasing a plurality of light emitters. The light emitters may be electrically coupled to one another without the use of wire bonds, and in some embodiments may be coupled without intervening electrical paths or traces. A maximum cross-sectional dimension of the polymer encasement portion may be less than twice a dimension of one of the light emitters. In some embodiments the maximum cross-sectional dimension is less than or equal to the sum of the dimension of one of the light emitters and a marginal dimension by which an outer portion of the polymer encasement portion extends beyond the light emitter. Light emitters may be arranged linearly, helically or in partially overlapping back-to-back relation.
US08685070B2 Faceted bone screw
A faceted bone screw and a method for manufacturing the same includes a screw thread configuration having facets that are incorporated into one or more of the leading edge, trailing edge or root of the thread. The facets are generally made up of a plurality of transitioning peaks and valleys which vary the depth of the thread and are disposed in one or more locations throughout the threaded portion of the bone screw. The facets operate to reduce the torque required to drive the bone screw into bone, while at the same time operate to assist in anchoring the bone screw within the bone once inserted therein, and thereby reduce the possibility for the screw backing out after insertion.
US08685069B2 Bone plate and plating system for use of same
A bone plate and plating system are for use of the same are disclosed. The bone plate includes a body having a span sufficient to overlap a portion of a bone. A screw hole extends through the body in order to receive a bone screw to attach for engaging the plate to the bone. The screw hole includes a counterbore having a beveled surface that intersects at a pinch point a bore having a conical surface of revolution that transitions into the bone engaging surface of the body. The beveled surface includes a variable geometry defining interleaved and rotationally-spaced contact and non-contact bone screw regions.
US08685066B2 Devices and methods for positioning a spinal fixation element
Methods for delivering a spinal fixation element to a surgical site are provided herein. More specifically, the method includes delivering a plurality of percutaneous access devices to a corresponding number of spinal locations, inserting a spinal fixation element through tissue, and manipulating the element through opposed sidewall openings formed in each access device. In an exemplary embodiment, the method can be optimized for position of large-scale fixation elements (e.g., greater than about 95 mm in length). In addition, a manipulation instrument configured to position such spinal fixation elements is also provided herein.
US08685065B1 Tools for implantation of interspinous implants and methods thereof
The present disclosure provides a single insertion and compression instrument to facilitate the implantation of a spinous process implant, such as a spinous process fixation device, between and about adjacent spinous processes. The instrument has a first leg and a second leg, each with a handle and implant engaging portions. The implant engaging portions releasably couple to the spinous process implant and have compression pads to facilitate compression of fasteners on the plates into bone.
US08685060B2 Methods and devices for attaching connective tissues to bone using a knotless suture anchoring device
A device for attaching connective tissue to bone has a longitudinal axis and comprises an annular toggle member and a body member disposed distally of the toggle member, such that there is an axial space between the toggle member and the body member. The toggle member is movable between an undeployed position wherein the toggle member has a smaller profile in a direction transverse to the axis and a deployed position wherein the toggle member has a larger profile in the direction transverse to the axis. When installed in a desired procedural site, in suitable bone, suturing material extends axially through a center aperture in the annular toggle member, without being secured to or contacting the toggle member. This approach permits a suture attachment which lies entirely beneath the cortical bone surface, and which further permit the attachment of suture to the bone anchor without the necessity for tying knots, which is particularly arduous and technically demanding in the case of arthroscopic procedures.
US08685057B2 Disposable dental tweezers
A dental tweezers with plastic tweezers main body is disclosed. A weight cavity is disposed on both tweezers arms of the main body. Weight arms of a metal weight are inserted into the weight cavities. A weight seat holds the metal weight in place on the tweezers main body. The metal weight makes the dental tweezers feel heavier and more substantial. After the dental tweezers have been used the metal weight is removed from the main body. The plastic tweezers main body is disposed of and the metal weight is retained for future use in an new plastic tweezers main body. A use indicator of the tweezers main body indicates that the dental tweezers has been used. The use indicator provides easy determination of whether or not the dental tweezers has been previously used.
US08685056B2 Surgical forceps
A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One or both of the jaw members includes a jaw frame and a replaceable component engageable with the jaw frame. The replaceable component includes one or more engagement members configured to engage a corresponding engagement member(s) disposed on the jaw frame to secure the replaceable component to the jaw frame. The engagement member(s) is transitionable from a new state to a used state, wherein, in the used state, the engagement member(s) is incapable of reengaging the corresponding engagement member(s).
US08685038B2 Iontophoretic apparatus and method for marking of the skin
Embodiments provide apparatus and methods for producing markings in the skin. One embodiment provides an apparatus for marking the skin comprising a housing and reservoir for storing a skin colorant. An electrode is positioned within the housing so as to be electrically coupled to the colorant in the reservoir and is configured to be coupled to a current source and return electrode. A colorant applicator having at least one fluid pathway is coupled to a housing distal end. The applicator proximal end is positioned such that the fluid pathway is coupled with the reservoir. The applicator distal end applies colorant to the skin surface through the fluid pathway as the applicator is moved across the skin. The electrode delivers current from the current source to the skin to transport charged pigment elements of the colorant into the skin using an electromotive driving force to produce a marking in the skin.
US08685034B2 Distal targeting device
A targeting device for targeting a cross bore in a bone nail has an arm member coupled to an end portion of the bone nail and an aiming portion forming part of the arm member extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bone nail. An adjustable aiming device is mounted on the aiming portion, the adjustable device having a guide bore alignable with the cross bore in the nail. The adjustable device is moveable with respect to the aiming portion in a direction perpendicular to a plane containing both the nail longitudinal axis and central axis of the cross bore. A target indicator is mounted on the adjustable aiming device. The target indicator has a radiolucent body including first and second spaced parallel planar portions each having a spaced radiopaque element therein.
US08685027B2 Fixation device for the fixation of bone fragments
A fixation device for the fixation of bone fragments, applicable to the mutual fastening of bone fragments temporarily separated during a surgical operation or as a result of a trauma. The device is also suitable for the fixation of a bone flap in the replacement thereof in a corresponding aperture made in the cranium or cranial bone mass. The device is made of biocompatible material and comprises a flexible strip and fastening means, the strip having a length allowing the formation of a fastening loop tightly fastening the bone fragments to be joined together. The fastening means are provided with at least one opening provided with interlocking means allowing the passage of a free end of the strip and preventing its extraction in the direction opposite to the insertion.
US08685022B2 Device for externally fixing bone fractures
A device (1) according to the invention for externally fixing broken bones (62, 62′) of a patient, particularly the extremities, comprises a support (11) composed of a plurality of joint elements (2, 2) that are stringed together, wherein said support can be disposed outside the body of the patient. The proximal ends (41) of at least two percutaneously disposed pins (4) are anchored in the bone tissue (61) of the patient, and the distal ends (42) are fixed to the support (11). The joint elements (2) are stringed on a central tensile force element (3), and in each case two adjoining joint socket (22). The individual ball joints, and thus the support (11), can be fixed in a reversible frictionally engaged manner by applying a tensile force of the central tensile force element (3). The joint elements (2, 2′) in turn are designed such that a pin (4) can be fastened to the support (11) in a clamping and/or frictionally engaged manner by applying the tensile force of the central tensile force element (3).
US08685019B2 Endoscopic vessel sealer and divider having a flexible articulating shaft
An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing having a flexible shaft extending therefrom having an axis A-A defined therethrough. The flexible shaft has first and second jaw members attached at a distal end thereof and each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is disposed in the housing and has a first actuator operably coupled to a drive rod for reciprocation thereof and a second actuator operably coupled to the drive rod for rotation thereof. A knife is operably coupled to a distal end of the drive rod. Actuation of the first actuator moves the jaw members relative to one another for engaging tissue and actuation of the second actuator rotates the drive rod about the axis A-A to translate the knife to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members.
US08685013B2 Tunica ablation
In a method of ablating a tunica of a patient, a laser fiber is inserted into the tunica of the patient. Portions of the tunica are exposed to laser light discharged from the laser fiber. The portions of the tunica that are exposed to the laser light are ablated. In one embodiment, a device is used to control the exposure of the tunica to the laser light. In one embodiment, a penile prosthesis is implanted in the ablated tunica.
US08685011B2 Tunica ablation
In a method of ablating a tunica of a patient, a laser fiber is inserted into the tunica of the patient. Portions of the tunica are exposed to laser light discharged from the laser fiber. The portions of the tunica that are exposed to the laser light are ablated. In one embodiment, a device is used to control the exposure of the tunica to the laser light. In one embodiment, a penile prosthesis is implanted in the ablated tunica.
US08685010B2 Photothermal treatment of soft tissues
An apparatus and a method are provided for the treatment of soft tissue. The apparatus includes a light source and at least two optical assemblies. Each of the optical assemblies includes at least one optical element and a light-transmitting contact surface configured to transmit a substantially uniform distribution of light therethrough. The apparatus further includes at least two optical transmission devices each disposed between the light source and a corresponding one of the at least two optical assemblies. The apparatus also includes a handpiece to which the at least two optical assemblies are attached, and which is adapted to bring the light-transmitting contact surfaces of the at least two optical assemblies in contact with soft tissue disposed therebetween. The method includes compressing and substantially flattening portions of the tonsil tissue between light-transmitting contact surfaces of two opposed light emitting optical assemblies, introducing light into an optical element of each of the optical assemblies; and irradiating the tonsil tissue by directing the light from the optical element through the light-transmitting contact surfaces to the tonsil tissue in a substantially uniform light distribution.
US08685009B2 Thread-like knife for tissue cutting
An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to grasp tissue therebetween. The assembly also includes a thread-like member having a first end coupled to at least one jaw member and a drive member coupled to a second end of the thread-like member. The drive member is configured to position the thread-like member between a first position and a second position, wherein the thread-like member cuts tissue when positioned in the second position.
US08685008B2 Devices and methods for radiation-based dermatological treatments
A device for treating an area of skin by scanning radiation to form a pattern of treatment spots on the skin includes an automated scanning system configured to receive an input beam generated by a radiation source and scan the received input beam to provide a sequential series of output beams that form a pattern of treatment spots on the skin, the automated scanning system including a generally cup-shaped scanning element configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The generally cup-shaped scanning element may include a plurality of lenslets arranged around the rotational axis, each lenslet configured to provide one of the output beams, such that as the rotating scanning element rotates about the rotational axis, the input beam is sequentially reflected by different lenslets surfaces to provide the sequential series of output beams.
US08684999B2 Catheter shaft and method of manufacture
A method of manufacturing a catheter assembly generally includes providing a catheter shaft having an outer layer and an inner reinforcing layer; removing at least a portion of the outer layer from a length of the distal end of the catheter shaft in order to expose a distal segment thereof; providing an inner jacket segment; axially engaging the inner jacket segment with an interior surface of the distal segment of the catheter shaft; providing an outer jacket segment around at least the exposed exterior region of the distal segment of the catheter shaft; and bonding the distal segment of the catheter shaft to the inner jacket segment and the outer jacket segment.
US08684998B2 Methods for inhibiting renal nerve activity
Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.
US08684987B2 Self-orienting tampon having improved aspect ratio
A tampon having an improved aspect ratio is provided. The tampon includes a self-sustaining, fluid-expanding, compressed absorbent pledget having one or more absorbent materials. The tampon has a width, a thickness, and a length. The width can be greater than the thickness and an aspect ratio of the width to the thickness can be from greater than about 1.4:1 to less than about 2.0:1. Also provided is a method of positioning a tampon within a vagina of a woman.
US08684976B2 Universal catheter anchoring system
A method of securing a medical article to the body of a patient is disclosed in which an anchoring device comprising an anchor and a retainer is used. The retainer is attached to an upper surface of the anchor and comprises a base, a cover and a post. The base is disposed on the upper surface of the anchor and the cover is connected to the base so as to move between an open and a closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, it lies above at least part of the base. The post is attached movably to either the base or the cover and is arranged so as to lie at least partially between the cover and the base when the cover is in the closed position. When securing a medical article, the cover is placed in the open position and the medical article placed onto the retainer. The cover may then be closed over the medical article and the anchoring device attached to the patient.
US08684975B2 Instrument seal
A surgical access port comprises a valve or instrument seal that separates the instrument contact function from the instrument conforming function. Embodiments of the instrument seal comprise in instrument contact element that extends through an opening in a compression element, thereby defining an instrument orifice that seals with an instrument extending therethrough. Embodiments of the instrument contact element comprise a non-distensible membrane or film, for example, as a tube or cylinder.
US08684960B2 Endothelial scaffold graft and method therefor
An endothelial scaffold may used to form a graft with an endothelial lining or endothelium. The scaffold allows a natural vessel or other endothelial lumen to line a channel of the scaffold to provide an endothelial layer which enhances blood flow through the channel. The channel may have a narrowed section to provide a stenosis. One or more conduits may extend from an exterior portion of the scaffold to an inner surface of the channel. Air may be withdrawn from between the natural vessel and inner surface of the channel via the conduits to cause the endothelial lumen to conform to the inner surface of the channel. A valve may be used to prevent air from reentering the conduits. The graft, including the endothelial lumen, may be implanted into a patient.
US08684959B2 Extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus
An extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus comprises a sensor (10) for emitting a signal indicating a change of hematic volume of an individual (7) subjected to a treatment and a weight loss system for actuating the individual's weight loss. A control unit (20) receives an effective weight value of the individual and a desired weight loss value and from these values determines a desired value of a change in hematic volume at end of treatment. The weight loss system is controlled on a basis of the hematic volume change signal and the desired value of the hematic volume change. The apparatus enables automatic control of a dialysis operation while preventing some complications arising from hypotension.
US08684957B2 Apparatus and method for spinal distraction
A method of using and assembling a device configured to treat a spine of a patient is provided. The method of assembling includes providing a support member configured to be connected to a torso of a patient and coupling an actuator mechanism to the support member, the actuator mechanism configured to distract a spine of the patient relative to the torso by extending in a generally superior direction relative to the support member.
US08684953B2 Steering tool
A steering tool including an internal tube disposed inside an external tube, the internal and external tubes being arranged for longitudinal axial movement relative to one another, wherein a distal end of the internal tube is fixedly joined to a distal end of the external tube, and at least one of the internal and external tubes is slotted near the distal end thereof, and wherein the longitudinal axial movement causes bending of the distal ends of the tubes.
US08684944B2 Thermometer
A thermometer is described which is suitable as an indwelling thermometer to detect pyrexia or oestrus in a mammal. The thermometer provides a continued signal that a predetermined reference temperature has been exceeded, which temperature is selected to be indicative of pyrexia or oestrus in a given species and may change according to species.
US08684942B2 System for cardiac impairment detection based on signal regularity
A system for heart performance characterization and abnormality detection comprises an input processor and a signal processor. The input processor receives first sampled data representing a first signal portion of a heart activity related signal and second sampled data representing a second signal portion of a heart activity related signal. The signal processor determines distribution data associated with degree of similarity between the first and second signal portions by determining a difference between (a) values derived by applying a first function to mean adjusted sampled values of the first signal portion and (b) values derived by applying a second function to mean adjusted sampled values of the second signal portion. In response to the determined distribution data, the signal processor initiates generation of a message associated with the degree of similarity between the first and second signal portions.
US08684941B2 Electronic sphygmomanometer
An electronic sphygmomanometer determines whether a position of a measurement site falls within a proper range, and notifies whether the position of the measurement site falls within the proper range. When determination is made that a time in which the position of the measurement site falls within the proper range is not less than a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), measurement of a blood pressure is automatically started. When determination is made that a time in which the position of the measurement site is out of the proper range is not less than a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), the measurement of the blood pressure is started. Further, whether the position of the measurement site falls within the proper range is notified while correlated with the measurement result.
US08684936B2 Method and apparatus to produce ultrasonic images using multiple apertures
A combination of an ultrasonic scanner and an omnidirectional receive transducer for producing a two-dimensional image from received echoes is described. Two-dimensional images with different noise components can be constructed from the echoes received by additional transducers. These can be combined to produce images with better signal to noise ratios and lateral resolution. Also disclosed is a method based on information content to compensate for the different delays for different paths through intervening tissue is described. The disclosed techniques have broad application in medical imaging but are ideally suited to multi-aperture cardiac imaging using two or more intercostal spaces. Since lateral resolution is determined primarily by the aperture defined by the end elements, it is not necessary to fill the entire aperture with equally spaced elements. Multiple slices using these methods can be combined to form three-dimensional images.
US08684933B2 Handheld ultrasound color flow imaging system with mechanically scanned, mechanically focused multi-element transducers
A portable ultrasound imaging system employs a mechanically focused multi-element circular annular transducer that is mechanically scanned using a motor. Received echoes are processed to form two dimensional gray scale B mode images or two dimensional color tissue flow images which are displayed on a display unit. In case of color flow imaging, a high pulse repetition frequency imaging sequence is employed for a reasonable frame rate and special down-sampling techniques are applied to achieve an effective low pulse repetition frequency for flow estimation with enough signal to noise ratio. The system also includes a docking subsystem which charges a system battery and transfers patient and image data between a PACS system, workstation or other information system and the portable ultrasound imaging system.
US08684926B2 System and method for knowledge verification utilizing biopotentials and physiologic metrics
A system and method for knowledge verification utilizing biopotentials and physiologic metrics, which includes a computer-based device having stored thereon Probe, Relevant and Gallery image data, and a biopotential amplifier removably connected to a human subject via disposable Ag/Ag—Cl electrodes. Furthermore, the system comprises an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter to digitize said biopotential data for subsequent storage on said computer-based device, analysis software for discriminating said subject's event-related response to the exogenous stimuli, a visual display system comprising an LCD video monitor, and control software for presenting the Probe, Relevant and Gallery visual stimuli in a weighted, pseudo-random sequence which can be modulated by the outcome of said analysis software. Probe image data are not generally known to said human subjects but relevant to the knowledge to be verified; Relevant image data are generally known to said human subjects but not relevant to the knowledge to be verified; and Gallery image data are not generally known to said human subjects and not relevant to the knowledge to be verified. Said knowledge verification system can utilize parametric or non-parametric, e.g., artificial neural networks, analysis to provide an output of verification, or non-verification of knowledge of interest. Exemplary headband and electrode configurations optimized to produce the desired signals are disclosed.
US08684925B2 Injectable device for physiological monitoring
An injectable detecting device is provided for use in physiological monitoring. The device includes a plurality of sensors axially spaced along a body that provide an indication of at least one physiological event of a patient, a monitoring unit within the body coupled to the plurality of sensors configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors and create processed patient data, a power source within the body coupled to the monitoring unit, and a communication antenna external to the body coupled to the monitoring unit configured to transfer data to/from other devices.
US08684923B2 Methods systems, and computer program products for aggregating medical information
A method of aggregating medical information can include receiving, at a remote aggregation system, individual syndromes collected by mobile personal medical devices associated with respective bodies as the mobile personal medical devices move within an environment, aggregating the individual syndromes at the remote aggregation system, and determining whether an environmental syndrome exists for at least some of the individual syndromes. Related systems and computer program products are also disclosed.
US08684919B2 Mouthpiece and methods of use of same
Various embodiments of mouthpieces for use during endoscopic procedures are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, a mouthpiece may include a shield, a primary instrument channel, a bite block, an oxygen administration channel and a tongue depressor. The shield, bite block, oxygen administration channel and tongue depressor may be integrally formed.
US08684915B2 Endoscope optical system
An endoscope optical system includes a negative lens that focuses light entering along an incident optical axis, a first prism that deflects and emits the light from the negative lens along a first axis substantially orthogonal to the incident optical axis, a second prism having a first reflecting surface, which deflects the light from the first prism along a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis, and a second reflecting surface that deflects and emits the light substantially parallel to the first axis and that faces the first prism, a third prism that deflects the light from the second prism substantially parallel to the incident optical axis, and a positive lens that focuses the light from the second prism, in this order from an object side, the negative lens and the first prism being rotatable about the first axis relative to the second prism.
US08684914B2 Image capture unit and an imaging pipeline with enhanced color performance in a surgical instrument and method
In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.