最新美国发明专利第2014-04-08期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08692011B2	Coatings for ink jet print head face A novel composition for use as a print head face plate coating. In particular, the coating comprises siloxyfluorocarbon (SFC), which is composed of networked precursors containing reactive siloxane groups attached to fluorocarbon chains. The present SFC coatings can be used to produce a surface whereby solid ink and ultraviolet (UV) curable inks do not adhere when applied at elevated temperatures and over an extended period of time. The advantages of the present coating are fewer print head related defects, and longer front face life.
US08692009B2	Metallocene compound, catalyst composition comprising the same, and an olefinic polymer produced using the same The present invention relates to a novel metallocene compound, a catalyst composition comprising the same, and to olefinic polymers produced using the same. The metallocene compound according to the present invention and the catalyst composition comprising the same can be used when producing olefinic polymers, have outstanding copolymerization properties, and can produce olefinic polymers of high molecular weight. In particular, when the metallocene compound according to the present invention is employed, highly heat resistant block copolymers can be produced, and olefinic polymers can be produced which have a high melting point (Tm) even if the comonomer content is increased when producing the olefinic polymer.
US08692000B2	Phase transfer catalysts Compounds of formula (I): wherein R1 to R8, and X− are defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of making and using these compounds.
US08691991B2	2-oxonaphthyridine-3-carboxamides HIV integrase inhibitors The present invention features compounds that are HIV integrase inhibitors and therefore are useful in the inhibition of HIV replication, the prevention and/or treatment of infection by HIV, and in the treatment of AIDS and/or ARC.
US08691989B2	Methods of synthesis of morphinans The disclosure describes morphinan compounds and methods for their synthesis. Preferred methods according to the disclosure allow for large-scale preparation of diastereomerically enriched morphinans. Preferred methods according to the disclosure may also allow for the preparation of diastereomerically enriched morphinans using less time, and/or using fewer reaction steps, and/or providing better yield than previously used methods for preparing morphinans. The methods disclosed herein find utility in synthetic organic chemistry as well as medicinal chemistry.
US08691982B2	Pyrazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazine derivatives, preparation thereof, and therapeutic use thereof A compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where R1 is a (C1-C6)alkyl or (C3-C6)cycloalkyl group; R2 is a (C1-C6)alkyl, (C3-C6)cycloalkyl, (C1-C6)alkenyl, (C1-C6)fluoroalkyl, (C1-C3)fluoroalkoxy, or (C1-C6)alkoxy(C1-C6)alkyl group, substituted: (i) with one to three hydroxyl groups, or (ii) with an NRaRb group, where Ra and Rb are independently a hydrogen atom or a (C1-C3)alkyl group; or a pyrrolidinylmethyl group substituted with one to three hydroxyl groups; R9 is the same as R2 or hydrogen; the R2 and R9 groups independently being substitutable with an —OCOR3 group, where R3 is a natural or unnatural amino acid derivative or a piperidyl group; alternatively, R2 and R9 together form a heterocyclic compound; X and Y are independently a substitutable phenyl or heteroaryl group, the heteroaryl group being a thienyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, thiazolyl, pyrrolyl, or furanyl group; and R6 is a hydrogen or a (C1-C3)alkyl group.
US08691981B2	Crystalline forms of (S)-1-(4-(5-cyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-3-ylamino)pyrrolo[1,2-f][1,2,4]triazin-2-yl)-N-(6-fluoropyridin-3-yl)-2-methylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide Crystalline forms of (S)-1-(4-(5-cyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-3-ylamino)pyrrolo[1,2-f][1,2,4]triazin-2-yl)-N-(6-fluoropyridin-3-yl)-2-methylpyrrolidine-2-carboxamide of the formula (I) are provided. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more crystalline forms of (3R,4R)-4-amino-1-[[4-[(3-methoxyphenyl)amino]pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-5-yl]methyl]piperidin-3-ol, as well as a method of using one or more crystalline forms of (3R,4R)-4-amino-1-[[4-[(3-methoxyphenyl)amino]pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-5-yl]methyl]piperidin-3-ol in the treatment of cancer and other proliferative diseases.
US08691980B2	Salicylic acid derivatives with fluorophores and method of making and using the same A latent fluorophore is derived from salicylic acid, and containing a fluorogenic group and a moiety represented by formula I wherein the fluorogenic group is directly linked to the moiety of formula I or indirectly linked thereto via a linkage structure. In addition, a method of preparing a latent fluorophore, a method of using the same and a kit containing the same are also introduced.
US08691978B2	Copper phthalocyanine compounds and near-infrared absorption filter using the same A novel copper phthalocyanine compound with low absorptivity in the visible light region and high absorptivity in the near-infrared light region, and a near-infrared absorption filter using the same are disclosed. The near-infrared absorption copper phthalocyanine compound is represented by the following Formula 1, wherein, A2, A3, A6, A7, A10, A11, A14 and A15 are independently OR1, SR2 or a halogen atom, wherein at least four thereof are OR1; A1, A4, A5, A8, A9, A12, A13 and A16 are independently OR1, SR2, NR3R4 or a halogen atom, wherein at least two thereof are NR3R4, and at least four thereof are OR1; R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently an alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryl group of 6 to 10 carbon atoms, or an aralkyl group of 7 to 15 carbon atoms.
US08691970B2	Phosphoramidite compound and method for producing oligo-RNA An object of the present invention is to provide a useful and novel phosphoramidite compound for the synthesis of oligo-RNA.A phosphoramidite compound represented by general formula (1), wherein: BX represents a nucleobase optionally having a protecting group; and R1 is a substituent represented by general formula (2), wherein: R11, R12 and R13 are the same or different and each represents hydrogen or alkoxy; R2a and R2b are the same or different and each represents alkyl, or R2a and R2b taken together with the adjacent nitrogen atom may form a 5- to 6-membered saturated amino cyclic group, the amino cyclic group optionally having an oxygen or sulfur atom as a ring-composing member in addition to the adjacent nitrogen atom; and WG1 and WG2 are the same or different and each represents an electron-withdrawing group.
US08691968B2	Compositions and methods for the protection of nucleophilic groups The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits relating to the protection and deprotection of molecules comprising nucleophilic groups, such as the protection and deprotection of thermostable polymerases. Also provided are methods of performing nucleic acid amplification using polymerases protected according to the invention.
US08691959B2	Plasmids with immunological action Recombinant plasmids usable for the transfection of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells are described; such plasmids have a length comprised between 7 and 12 kbases and comprise a sequence encoding the heavy chain of an immunoglobulin; in particular, they may be used: in a process of transfection of prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells (ex vivo) which can be inoculated into higher organisms in order to induce a prophylactic or therapeutic immune response; in a protocol of direct inoculation (in vivo) in higher organisms in genic immunization methodologies with the aim of evoking prophylactic or therapeutic immune responses.
US08691958B2	Methods and compositions for enhanced protein expression and purification Methods for enhancing expression levels, secretion, and purification of heterologous fusion proteins in a host cell are disclosed.
US08691954B2	Antibody to placental protein having a regulating action on proteolytic activity The present invention is intended to provide a specific antibody to a protein that does not have a known protein motif structure but has proteolytic activity and regulating action on the activity of other proteases, cell invasiveness and smooth muscle contraction and relaxation, and is capable of treating, preventing and diagnosing various diseases. The protein is for the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of a disease selected from the group consisting of perinatal diseases, infertility, cancer, nervous system diseases, inflammatory diseases, immune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, endocrine diseases, viral infections, bacterial infections and prion diseases, and is shown in Sequence listing 1.
US08691952B2	Anti-CD19 antibodies with reduced immunogenicity Anti-CD19 B4 antibodies with modified variable regions are disclosed. The modified anti-CD19 variable region polypeptides have alterations to one or more framework regions or complementarity determining regions of the heavy chain variable region or light chain variable region, thereby to reduce a T-cell response.
US08691949B2	Peptide having anti-diabetic activity and use thereof The present invention provides a composition (a blood glucose increase inhibitor) that has an effect of lowering blood glucose level in a hyperglycemic patient and that is therefore used to reduce blood glucose level in the patient. The present invention further provides a composition that is used to prevent or treat diseases caused by hyperglycemia, in particular, diabetes and diabetic complications (a composition for preventing or treating diseases caused by hyperglycemia, an antidiabetic), based on the above-mentioned effect. A feature of the present invention is using a peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of Leu-Ser-Glu-Leu as an active ingredient.
US08691948B2	Methods and compositions for treating brain diseases The present disclosure provides targeting peptides and vectors containing a sequence that encodes targeting peptides that deliver agents to the brain.
US08691947B2	Materials related to sodium/potassium adenosine triphosphatase and Src This invention is based in part on the elucidation of new structural conformations and functions of the sodium/potassium adenosine triphosphate synthase (Na/K ATPase), and especially elucidation of new binding sites and interactions. The present invention provides practical applications of several surprising structural and functional relationships between Na/K ATPase and compounds which interact with Na/K ATPase. Disclosure of these structures and relationships provides insight and practical solutions to chemically affecting not only the Na/K ATPase interactions, but also regulators known to be upstream and downstream.
US08691946B2	Methods and compositions for soft tissue repair Compositions and methods for tissue repair are provided including cell binding peptides and growth factor binding peptides. The cell binding peptides bind to one or more of stem cells, fibroblasts, or endothelial cells. The growth factor binding peptides include platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) binding peptides and growth differentiation factor (GDF) binding peptides. The tissue for repair includes tendon, muscle, connective tissue, ligament, cardiac tissue, vascular tissue, or dermis. Implantable devices for tissue repair are provided to which the cell and growth factor binding peptides are attached, such as acellular extracellular matrix having attached binding peptide.
US08691945B2	Antimicrobial peptides There is provided at least one isolated antimicrobial peptide, wherein the peptide is a linear analog of hBD3 or a fragment thereof. In particular, there is provided a linear analog of hBD3 wherein the peptide has a reduced cytotoxicity to at least one cell compared to the wild type hBD3.
US08691943B2	Antimicrobial activity of chicken NK-2 peptide against apicomplexan protozoa NK-2 synthetic peptide derived from cationic core region of porcine NK-lysin has an antimicrobial and antitumor polypeptide that is considered to play a pivotal role in innate defense immunity. To evaluate the antimicrobial properties of synthetic chicken NK-lysin peptides, we investigated cytolytic activity against apicomplexan parasites like Eimeria sporozoites, Neospora tachyzoites and Cryptosporidum sporozoites. The chicken NK-2 (cNK-2) lytic peptide which corresponds to amino acid residues of porcine NK-2 peptide significantly disrupted Eimeria and Cryptosporidum sporozoites and Neospora tachyzoites. In contrast, no bactericidal activity was observed on E. coli BMH71-18. The cNK-2 lytic peptide is novel antimicrobial agent which can be used to intervene and treat economically costly infections in the animal industry.
US08691936B2	Initiator An initiator for cationic polymerization comprises a salt of a protic acid as well as a protic add. The molar ratio of protic acid to salt is in the range from 1:0.01 to 1:2000. The initiator is used for example for cationic homo- or copolymerization of trioxane, and permits stable and flexible operation of the polymerization.
US08691935B2	Methods and manufactures related to encapsulation of silica aerogel powder Encapsulation of silica aerogel powder. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are directed to methods including encapsulating silica aerogel powder. The encapsulating may include: providing the silica aerogel powder in a reaction chamber; supplying a monomer to the reaction chamber; creating an activated form of the monomer; and associating at least a portion the activated monomer with the silica aerogel powder.
US08691933B2	Stabilized polyolefin compositions Disclosed are compositions comprising antioxidants and stabilizers, such as, acid scavengers or organic phosphorus stabilizers, and optionally further comprising co-stabilizers. The disclosed compositions are useful as stabilizers for polyolefins and other polymeric materials. The disclosed compositions and methods generally provide longer shelf lives and better oxidative resistance to materials than currently available antioxidants.
US08691929B2	Curable compositions that form a polyurea demonstrating elongation properties over a large temperature range Curable compositions are provided comprising: (a) an isocyanate-functional prepolymer having a weight average molecular weight of 4000 to 15,000; and (b) a curing agent comprising a mixture of polyamines, wherein at least one polyamine has an amine equivalent weight of 125 to 250. The isocyanate-functional prepolymer is a reaction product of a polyisocyanate and either (i) a polyether having primary and/or secondary amino groups or (ii) a mixture of a polyether having primary and/or secondary amino groups and a polyether having hydroxyl groups. Upon curing, the compositions demonstrate a Young's Modulus less than 500 MPa at −40° C., a percent elongation greater than 200% at −40° C., and/or a glass transition temperature less than −20° C., making them ideally suited for use at extreme temperatures.
US08691928B2	Polymer electrolyte materials based on block copolymers The present invention relates generally to electrolyte materials. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides for a solid polymer electrolyte material that has high ionic conductivity and is mechanically robust. An exemplary material can be characterized by a copolymer that includes at least one structural block, such as a vinyl polymer, and at least one ionically conductive block with a siloxane backbone. In various embodiments, the electrolyte can be a diblock copolymer or a triblock copolymer. Many uses are contemplated for the solid polymer electrolyte materials. For example, the novel electrolyte material can be used in Li-based batteries to enable higher energy density, better thermal and environmental stability, lower rates of self-discharge, enhanced safety, lower manufacturing costs, and novel form factors.
US08691926B2	Polymerization curable composition A polymerization curable composition prepared by blending specific amounts of a photochromic compound and a specific light stabilizer such as bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate with monomer components including a specific bifunctional monomer having a structure that two phenylene groups are bonded together by a specific group, such as 2,2-bis(4-methacryloyloxypolyethoxyphenyl)propane, a polyfunctional polymerizable monomer having a functionality of 3 or more such as trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, and a monomer other than these in a specific ratio.The polymerization curable composition provides a cured product having excellent photochromic properties such as fast fading rate and sufficiently high drilling strength that allows for its use in rimless spectacles and has high long-term storage stability.
US08691925B2	Compositions of neutral layer for directed self assembly block copolymers and processes thereof The present invention relates to novel neutral layer compositions and methods for using the compositions. The neutral layer composition comprises at least one random copolymer having at least one unit of structure (1), at least one unit of structure (2) and at least one unit of structure (3) where R1 is selected from the group consisting of a C1-C8 alkyl, C1-C8 fluoroalkyl moiety, C1-C8 partially fluorinated alkyl, C4-C8 cycloalkyl, C4-C8 cyclofluoroalkyl, C4-C8 partially fluorinated cycloalkyl, and a C2-C8 hydroxyalkyl; R2, R3 and R5 are independently selected from a group consisting of H, C1-C4 alkyl, CF3 and F; R4 is selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C8 alkyl, C1-C8 partially fluorinated alkyl and C1-C8 fluoroalkyl, n ranges from 1 to 5, R6 is selected from the group consisting of H, F, C1-C8 alkyl and a C1-C8 fluoroalkyl and m ranges from 1 to 3.
US08691923B2	Interconnected copolymers of ethylene in combination with at least one polysiloxane The invention provides a polymer comprising units derived from ethylene and siloxane, polymer having at least 0.15 units of amyl groups per 1000 carbon atoms as determined by 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).
US08691920B2	Thermosettable composition containing a half ester of a cycloaliphatic diol and a thermoset product therefrom A half ester of an organic polyol made by reacting polyols with anhydrides; a thermosettable composition including (i) the half ester of an organic polyol, (ii) an anhydride, (iii) an epoxide, and (iv) a catalyst; and a thermoset product made from such thermosettable composition. The thermosettable compositions of the present invention are useful in various applications such as casting, potting, and encapsulation, such as electrical and electronics applications, and composites. The thermoset products made from the thermosettable compositions of the present invention have improved mechanical performances, especially toughness and mechanical strength, while maintaining high thermal resistance.
US08691919B2	Poly(ethylene oxide) functionalization A simple procedure is provided by which the hydroxyl termini of poly(ethylene oxide) can be appended with functional groups to a useful extent by reaction and precipitation. The polymer is dissolved in warmed toluene, treated with an excess of organic base and somewhat less of an excess of a reactive acylating reagent, reacted for several hours, then precipitated in isopropanol so that the product can be isolated as a solid, and salt byproducts are washed away. This procedure enables functionalization of the polymer while not requiring laborious purification steps such as solvent-solvent extraction or dialysis to remove undesirable side products.
US08691918B2	Stimulus responsive polymers for the purification of biomolecules The present invention provides novel and improved stimulus responsive polymers and methods of using the same for the purification of biomolecules.
US08691914B2	High impact polystyrene with high gloss and high impact strength A high impact polystyrene (HIPS) is made from styrene monomer and 3 to 20 wt % of an elastomeric component phase including polybutadiene rubber and styrene butadiene copolymer. The HIPS has a 60 degree gloss of 90 or more, a Gardner drop of at least 10 in-lb, and an Izod impact strength of 1.8 ft-lb/in or more. The HIPS can have salami morphology with rubber particle size between 1 and 1.3 microns.
US08691908B2	Carbon nanomaterial-supported catalyst and application thereof in cyclic carbonate synthesis The present disclosure is related to a carbon-nanomaterial-supported catalyst, including: a carbon nanomaterial, and a polymer grafted onto the carbon nanomaterial, wherein the polymer has a repeat unit containing a phosphonium salt and its molecular weight is 1,000-200,000. The disclosure is also related to a method of preparing carbonate, which includes using the carbon nanomaterial-supported catalyst for the cycloaddition reaction of carbon dioxide into the epoxy group.
US08691904B2	Thiobis phenolic antioxidant/polyethylene glycol blends Thiobis phenolic antioxidants are efficiently dry or melt blended with a tree-resistant, crosslinkable polyethylene by first forming a blend, preferably a dry blend, of the antioxidant with a polyalkylene glycol (PAG), and then mixing the blend with the polyethylene. The incorporation of thiobis phenolic antioxidant and PAG blend into polyethylene provides the PE with high oxidative induction time (OIT) which is a measure of the oxidative stability of the PE.
US08691900B2	Aqueous-based composition suitable for use in threadlocking applications The present invention relates to aqueous-based compositions suitable for use in threadlocking applications comprising: a) at least one carboxyl group containing (co)polymer; b) at least one polymerizable monomer A containing one acryloyl group; c) at least one polymerizable compound B containing at least two acryloyl groups; d) at least one encapsulated free radical initiator; and e) water. The inventive aqueous-based compositions are preferably substantially free of volatile organic solvents.
US08691898B2	Resin composition It is an object to provide a resin composition in which fluidity is conferred while maintaining the high heat resistance of a highly heat-resistant non-crystalline resin, an amount of foreign matter is greatly reduced, there is no mold deposit, the metering stability is excellent, and the transparency is also good, and a resin composition in which good heat resistance and fluidity are both achieved, the amount of foreign matter is reduced, generation of fines is reduced, and there is no bleeding out. According to the present invention, there is provided a resin composition comprising; (A) a resin component comprising 70 to 100% by weight of at least one resin selected from the group consisting of a polyphenylene ether resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polysulfone resin, a polyethersulfone resin, a polyarylate resin, a polyamide-imide resin, a polyetherimide resin, and a thermoplastic polyimide resin; and (B) an organic compound having a melting point of not less than 200° C., the organic compound being from 0.1 to 40 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the resin component (A).
US08691891B2	Cement mixture with significantly improved physicochemical and bacteriological properties that contains dopamelanin, precursors thereof, analogues thereof or derivatives thereof, as an additive The present invention refers to a cement composition that contains dopamelanin, its precursors and/or its analogues as an additive in a maximum percentage of 30% of the cement. This additive substitutes water of the capillary nets. The mentioned cement mixture posses a water/cement relation of 0.2 to 0.4, optionally it can contain different sand and gravel proportions. This cement mixture generates strong chemical bonds, and increased scouring resistance, of at least 28% and a higher elastic resistance of the concrete, of at least 50%. Its cracking in early stages is very low or practically null. The present request also refers to the use of dopamelanin and/or its precursors and/or its analogues as an additive of the cement mixture that substitutes the capillary water proportion in the cementant mixture. Just as well the use of dopamelanin and/or its precursors and/or its analogues, in an aqueous solution, in less that 3%, as a concrete setting and curing agent, thus it significantly increases the ductility and scouring resistance of the cement mixture. This is, the novelty cement mixture improves the physicochemical and bacteriological properties of the usual concrete, being of special interest the notable increment related with compression resistance and ductility or relative displacements, suffering less damage in comparison with the mixture containing water. In a meaningful way, it also increases since early stages, the volumetric stability of the concrete, thus it intensifies its scouring resistance, which is inclusive transmitter to the metallic elements immersed in its interior, since certainly it significantly protects them from deterioration.
US08691885B2	Active energy ray-curable inkjet ink composition Specifically provided is a single pass-curable ink having high color reproducibility and high curing properties at the same time and having high dischargeability when used in printing at high frequency and high jetting speed, as compared with conventional ones. An active energy ray-curable inkjet ink composition contains a metal lake pigment of a rhodamine dye as a pigment, and the active energy ray-curable inkjet ink composition may contain 0.5 to 10% by weight of Pigment Violet 1, Pigment Violet 1:1, Pigment Violet 2, Pigment Violet 2:2, Pigment Red 81, Pigment Red 81:1, Pigment Red 81:2, Pigment Red 81:3, Pigment Red 81:4, Pigment Red 81:5, Pigment Red 169, or Pigment Red 173 as the metal lake pigment of the rhodamine dye based on the total weight of the ink.
US08691883B2	Aerogel-foam composites An aerogel-foam composite includes an open cell foam and an aerogel matrix polymer disposed in the open cell foam. The aerogel-foam composite has compression strength of about 15 megaPascals (MPa) or more. The open cell foam may be a polyurethane foam including a carbonate group (—OC(O)O—).
US08691882B2	Organic-inorganic hybrid scaffolds with surface-immobilized nano-hydroxyapatite and preparation method thereof Provided are an organic-inorganic hybrid scaffold with surface-immobilized nano-hydroxyapatite, and a method for the fabrication thereof. The scaffold is fabricated by reacting an acid group present on a surface of nano-hydroxyapatite with a primary amine present on a surface of a polymer support in the presence of EDC (1-ethyl-3-dimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide) to immobilize nano-hydroxyapatite onto the surface of the polymer support. The surface of nano-hydroxyapatite is previously grafted with poly(ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate) (PolyEGMP) having phosphonic acid functionality or with a polymer having carboxylic acid functionality.
US08691881B2	Conversion of carbon containing feedstock This invention relates to a process for the conversion of carbon containing feedstock to a liquid chemical product, particularly a liquid fuel product, wherein carbon dioxide emissions are minimized.
US08691879B2	Methods for using rebaudioside C as a flavor enhancer The present invention is directed to the use of one or more rebaudioside C polymorphs, or stereoisomers thereof, to enhance the sweet taste of a flavoring, such as glucosylated steviol glycoside, rebaudioside A, ammoniated glycyrrhizin, neohespherdin dihydrochalcone or thaumatin.
US08691877B2	Methods and compositions for treating a disease condition in a subject Methods for treating a disease condition in a subject are provided. The subject methods are characterizing by enhancing at least one symptom of the disease condition in a manner effective to cause the subject to mount a compensatory response effective to treat the disease condition. Also provided are compositions, kits and systems for practicing the subject methods.
US08691875B2	Solid forms of tacedinaline Novel solid forms of tacedinaline (4-(acetylamino)-N-(2-aminophenyl)benzamide), including crystalline tacedinaline Forms A, B, and D, a novel crystalline tacedinaline TFA salt, and amorphous tacedinaline, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising crystalline tacedinaline Forms A, B, and D, the novel crystalline tacedinaline TFA salt, and/or amorphous tacedinaline, and methods of treating various conditions by administering those novel solid forms, are also disclosed.
US08691874B2	Treatment of ophthalmic disorders using urea Methods for treating disorders of the eye and/or disorders of a nerve in a human or veterinary patient by delivering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from the group of; urea, urea derivatives, thiourea, thiourea derivatives, guanidine, guanidine derivatives and compounds having General Formula I as set forth herein. For ophthalmic applications, the compound may be delivered by intravitreal injection such that the compound causes vitreal liquefaction, posterior vitreoretinal detachment and other affects.
US08691873B2	Pharmaceutical formulations containing lipoic acid derivatives The invention provides a method of treating leukemia using a pharmaceutical composition containing bis-benzyl lipoate, triethanolamine, and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, where the bis-benzyl lipoate and triethanolamine form an ion pair.
US08691872B2	Dispersions of rasagiline citrate The subject invention provides a solid dispersion of rasagiline citrate, a composition and a process for the manufacture thereof.
US08691863B2	Use of active substance combinations having insecticidal properties for controlling animal pests from the stink bug family The present invention relates to the use of active substance combinations which consist firstly of known cyclic ketoenols and secondly of further known insecticidal active substances, for controlling animal pests from the stink bug family (Pentatomidae).
US08691862B2	Polymorphs and amorphous forms of 5-amino-1-[2,6-dichloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-[(trifluoromethyl)sulfinyl]-1H-pyrazole-3-carbonitrile The present invention relates to novel crystalline polymorphs, solvate pseudomorphs and amorphous form of 5-amino-1-[2,6-dichloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-4-[(trifluoromethyl)sulfinyl]-1H-pyrazole-3-carbonitrile (fipronil). The present invention also provides methods for preparing the novel polymorphs, pseudomorphs and amorphous form, as well as insecticidal or pesticidal compositions comprising same, and methods of use thereof as pesticidal agents.
US08691857B2	EP4 agonist Provided is a compound represented by the formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a straight chain alkyl group having a carbon number of 1-3, R3 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1-4, an alkoxyalkyl group, an aryl group, a halogen atom or a haloalkyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which has, unlike known PGI2 analogs, a selective EP4 agonist action, and a medicament containing the compound, which is useful for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of immune diseases, diseases of the digestive tract, cardiovascular diseases, cardiac diseases, respiratory diseases, neurological diseases, ophthalmic diseases, renal diseases, hepatic diseases, bone diseases, skin diseases and the like.
US08691854B2	Chemical compounds and the uses thereof as a medicine The present invention relates to the field of pharmacy, especially the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The invention specifically relates to a family of chemical compounds for which a neuroprotective activity has been demonstrated.Given that certain members of said family are novel compounds which have never been described, the invention relates to said novel products, the synthesis method thereof and certain novel intermediate synthesis products.The present invention further relates to compositions comprising the compounds of said family, and the use of said compounds as medicaments, especially for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
US08691853B2	Method of using dopamine reuptake inhibitors and their analogs for treating autoimmune conditions and delaying or preventing autoimmune related pathologic progressions Dopamine reuptake inhibitors, and their analogs, are disclosed for treating and delaying the progression of autoimmune diseases.
US08691850B2	Substituted phenylaminothiazoles and use thereof The present application relates to novel phenylaminothiazole derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and to their use for preparing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, preferably for the treatment and/or prevention of hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders.
US08691846B2	Piperidine sulphonamide derivatives The present invention relates to piperidine sulphonamide derivatives of formula wherein Ar1, Ar2, R1, R2, m and n are as defined in the description and claims, or pharmaceutically suitable acid addition salts thereof. The compounds of formula I are orexin receptor antagonists and the related compounds can be useful in the treatment of sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, parasomnia, jet lag syndrome, circadian rhythms disorder or sleep disorders associated with neurological diseases.
US08691843B2	Antioxidant combinations for use in ruminant feed rations The present invention provides a combination of antioxidants that effectively stabilize different types of fats utilized in a ruminant diet. When included in a ruminant feed ration or water source, the antioxidant combination typically increases nutrient digestion, such as fiber and protein, improves rumen fermentation, improves microbial growth, improves microbial efficiency, increases milk production and/or milk fat, improves antioxidant status of the ruminant, and attenuates the negative effects of some fats in the ruminant animal.
US08691841B2	Indazoles, benzothiazoles, benzoisothiazoles, benzisoxazoles, and preparation and use thereof The present invention relates generally to the field of ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nACh receptors), activation of nACh receptors, and the treatment of disease conditions associated with defective or malfunctioning nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, especially of the brain. Further, this invention relates to novel compounds (e.g., indazoles and benzothiazoles), which act as ligands for the α7 nACh receptor subtype, methods of preparing such compounds, compositions containing such compounds, and methods of use thereof.
US08691836B2	D2 antagonists, methods of synthesis and methods of use Provided are D2 or D3 antagonist compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or isomers thereof, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. The invention further comprises methods for making the compounds of the invention and methods for the treatment of conditions mediated by the dopamine D2 or D3 receptor from the compounds of the invention.
US08691830B2	CDK inhibitors Compounds of formulae I, II or III, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are useful as CDK inhibitors.
US08691829B2	Treatment of liver disorders with PI3K inhibitors The invention provides methods to treat certain liver disorders by administering a compound that inhibits PD K isoforms, particularly the delta isoform. It further provides specific compounds useful for these methods and ways to identify subjects who are particularly suitable for receiving these treatments.
US08691824B2	Certain kynurenine-3-monooxygenase inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use thereof Certain chemical entities are provided herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one chemical entity and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Methods of treating patients suffering from certain diseases and disorders responsive to the inhibition of KMO activity are described, which comprise administering to such patients an amount of at least one chemical entity effective to reduce signs or symptoms of the disease or disorder are disclosed. These diseases include neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. Also described are methods of treatment include administering at least one chemical entity as a single active agent or administering at least one chemical entity in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods for screening compounds capable of inhibiting KMO activity.
US08691820B2	CDK inhibitors The present invention relates to CDK inhibitors and their use in the treatment of cell proliferative diseases such as cancer.
US08691819B2	Alpha helix mimetic compositions for treating cancer and other CBP/catenin-mediated diseases and conditions Alpha-helix mimetic structures and compounds represented by the formula (I) wherein the general formula and the definition of each symbol are as defined in the specification, a compound relating thereto, and methods relating thereto, are disclosed. Applications of these compounds in the treatment of medical conditions, e.g., cancer diseases, fibrotic diseases, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the mimetics are further disclosed.
US08691817B2	Sulfonic amide and sulfoximine-substituted diaryl-dihydropyrimidinones and usage thereof The present application relates to novel sulfonamide- or sulfoximine-substituted 1,4-diaryldihydropyrimidin-2-one derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to their use alone or in combination for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and also to their use for preparing medicaments for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, in particular for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders of the lung and the cardiovascular system.
US08691816B2	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.
US08691812B2	Pesticidal composition and its use A composition comprising a carboxamide compound represented by following formula (I), wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R2 represents a methyl group, a difluoromethyl group or a trifiuoromethyl group, and one or more neonicotinoid compound selected from group (A) consisting of acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram thiacloprid and thiamethoxam possesses an excellent pesticidal effect.
US08691811B2	Quinazolinone linked pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine hybrids as potential anticancer agents and process for the preparation thereof The present invention provides a compound of general formulae 5a-r, 9a-i to 13a-i and 17a-i to 22a-i, useful as potential antitumour agents against human cancer cell lines. The present invention further provides a process for the preparation of pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine hybrids of general formulae 5a-r, 9a-i to 13a-i and 17a-i to 22a-i.
US08691805B2	Azetidinyl diamides as monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating various diseases, syndromes, conditions and disorders, including pain. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) as follows: wherein Y, Z, R1, and s are defined herein.
US08691799B2	Materials and methods for treatment of cancer and identification of anti-cancer compounds The subject invention pertains to the treatment of tumors and cancerous tissues and the prevention of tumorigenesis and malignant transformation through the modulation of JAK/STAT3 intracellular signaling. The subject invention concerns pharmaceutical compositions containing cucurbitacin I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or analog thereof. Another aspect of the invention concerns methods of inhibiting the growth of a tumor by administering a cucurbitacin I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or analog thereof, to a patient, wherein the tumor is characterized by the constitutive activation of the JAK/STAT3 intracellular signaling pathway. The present invention further pertains to methods of moderating the JAK and/or STAT3 signaling pathways in vitro or in vivo using cucurbitacin I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or analog thereof. Another aspect of the present invention concerns a method for screening candidate compounds for JAK and/or STAT3 inhibition and anti-tumor activity.
US08691797B2	Chlorination of carbohydrates and carbohydrate derivatives Disclosed is a method for chlorinating a carbohydrate or a derivative thereof to produce a polychlorinated carbohydrate or a derivative thereof, such as sucralose, the method involves (i) reacting the carbohydrate or derivative thereof with a chlorinating agent to obtain a reaction mixture comprising said polychlorinated carbohydrate or derivative thereof and at least one under-chlorinated carbohydrate or derivative thereof, (ii) returning the at least one under-chlorinated carbohydrate or derivative thereof to a chlorinating step and further chlorinating the at least one under-chlorinated carbohydrate or derivative thereof to obtain the desired polychlorinated carbohydrate or derivative thereof; and (iii) optionally repeating steps (i) and (ii) “n” times where n≧1. The polychlorinated carbohydrate or a derivative thereof is obtained in high yields.
US08691796B2	Pharmaceutical composition and method for inhibiting inflammation A pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting inflammation, comprising (a) hyaluronic acid, (b) a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, and (c) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, is provided. Also provided is a method for inhibiting inflammation in a mammal, comprising administrating to the mammal an effective amount of a composition comprising (a) hyaluronic acid and (b) an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.
US08691790B2	Therapy of neurological inflammatory diseases with (5'-deoxy-5'-adenosyl) cobamamide, recombinant human growth hormone, interleukins IL-1, IL-6, IL-11, epidermal growth factor, and physiotherapy A novel etiological hypothesis for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is proposed describing autoimmune attack of ATP: Cob(I)alamin adenosyltransferase (ATR) thereby inhibiting synthesis of (5′-deoxy-5′-adenosyl)cobamide (referred to as 5′-deoxyadenosylcobalmin or AdoCbl) from Vitamin B 12 providing a basis for therapeutic design and diagnostic methods. Pharmaceutical compositions for therapy of MS, inflammatory neurological diseases and neurodegenerative diseases utilizing AdoCbl, growth hormones, immunomodulators, interleukins, other therapeutic agents, and physiotherapy are also described.
US08691788B2	Compounds and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of viral infections Provided herein are compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of liver disorder, including HCV and/or HBV infections. Specifically, compound and compositions of nucleoside derivatives are disclosed, which can be administered either alone or in combination with other anti-viral agents.
US08691787B2	Nucleotide and oligonucleotide prodrugs The present invention discloses compounds of formula (I): which exhibit antiviral properties. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject in need of anti-HBV treatment. The invention also relates to methods of treating a HBV infection in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention.
US08691782B2	Single-stranded nucleic acid molecule having nitrogen-containing alicyclic skeleton Provided is a novel nucleic acid molecule that can be produced easily and efficiently and can inhibit the expression of a gene. The nucleic acid molecule is a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule including an expression inhibitory sequence that inhibits expression of a target gene. The single-stranded nucleic acid molecule includes: a region (X); a linker region (Lx); and a region (Xc). The linker region (Lx) is linked between the regions (Xc) and (Xc). The region (Xc) is complementary to the region (X). At least one of the regions (X) and (Xc) includes the expression inhibitory sequence. The linker region (Lx) has a non-nucleotide structure including at least one of a pyrrolidine skeleton and a piperidine skeleton. According to this single-stranded nucleic acid molecule, it is possible to inhibit the expression of the target gene.
US08691773B2	Peptide compound with biological activity, its preparation and its applications The invention relates to a peptide compound with biological activity, which in particular possesses antimicrobial properties, its preparation and its applications.
US08691772B2	HSP60, HSP60 peptides and T cell vaccines for immunomodulation The present invention provides novel uses for peptide p277—positions 437-460 of human heat shock protein 60 (HSP60)—in modulation of immune responses and inflammatory diseases. The invention further provides novel uses for HSP60 and p277 in the treatment or prevention of hepatic disorders. The invention discloses methods for treating, preventing or ameliorating the symptoms of T cell mediated inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, including hepatic disorders, which comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising as an active ingredient an effective quantity of a molecule selected from: HSP60, p277, fragments, analogs, homologs and derivatives thereof, and nucleic acids encoding same. Also disclosed are T cell vaccination methods for treating or preventing T cell mediated disorders.
US08691770B2	Method for processing microbiologically produced cyclic oligopeptides The present invention relates to a method for processing microbiologically produced, non-polar, cyclic oligopeptides comprising the step of a) extracting the entire fermentation broth incident to the microbiological production process using a liquid extractant that contains ether and is immiscible with water, wherein the amount of extractant is sufficient to form a two-phase system together with the total fermentation broth, and novel solvates of cyclosporin A and methyl-t-butyl ether.
US08691769B2	Treatment of sinusitis related chronic facial pain and headache with botulinum toxin injections The present invention provides methods for treating sinus-evoked headaches using botulinum toxin injected or applied in multiple subcutaneous locations over divisions of the trigeminal nerve in soft tissues and dermatomes overlying the corresponding effected sinuses implicated in the etiology of the pain.
US08691768B2	Methods of determining delta opioid receptor subtypes The present invention provides methods of treating or preventing a substance-related disorder using selective delta opioid receptor-1 (DOP-R1) agonists, delta opioid receptor-2 (DOP-R2) antagonists, and/or mu opioid receptor (MOP-R) antagonists, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, hydrate, or prodrug thereof. The methods provided herein further comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a DOP-R1 agonist and a DOP-R2 antagonist. The methods also comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a DOP-R1 agonist and an MOP-R antagonist. The methods provided herein further comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a DOP-R1 agonist and a DOP-R2 antagonist and a MOP-R antagonist. The invention also relates to compositions containing the same. The invention also relates to methods of determining delta opioid receptor specificity of candidate agents.
US08691762B2	Methods and assays for treating subjects with SHANK3 deletion, mutation or reduced expression Methods and assays are disclosed for treating subjects with 22q13 deletion syndrome or SHANK3 deletion or duplication, mutation or reduced expression, where the methods comprise administering to the subject insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF-1-derived peptide or analog, growth hormone, an AMPAkine, a compound that directly or indirectly enhances glutamate neurotransmission, including by inhibiting inhibitory (most typically GABA) transmission, or an agent that activates the growth hormone receptor or the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor, or a downstream signaling pathway thereof.
US08691759B2	Protease stabilized, acylated insulin analogues Novel acylated insulin analogues exhibiting resistance towards proteases can, effectively, be administered pulmonary or orally. The insulin analogues contain B25H and A14E or A14H.
US08691755B2	Pegylated C-peptide The present invention relates to modified forms of C-peptide, and methods for their use. In one aspect, the modified forms of C-peptide comprise PEGylated C-peptide derivatives comprising at least one PEG group attached to the N-terminus, which exhibit superior pharmacokinetic and biological activity in vivo.
US08691752B2	Protein product for treatment of infectious diseases and related inflammatory processes The inventors have found that CD6, a member of the Scavenger Receptor Cysteine-Rich (SRSR) superfamily expressed on human lymphocytes binds to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as to other microbial structures. Thus, a CD6 product is useful for the manufacture of a medicament for therapeutic and/or preventive treatment of an infectious disease or of an inflammatory condition related to an infectious disease or to the presence of a product derived from an infectious agent in a mammal including a human. Examples of such inflammatory conditions are systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock.
US08691749B2	Peptide and use thereof The present invention provides a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof effective for treating degenerative disc diseases, treating body organ fibrosis, treating cancer and/or treating glomerulosclerosis, and effective for the inhibition of TGF-beta 1 signaling.
US08691745B2	Fabric conditioners containing bleach and olefinic pro-fragrance A fabric conditioner composition comprising a) a photo-bleach; b) a quaternary ammonium fabric conditioner; and c) an olefinic pro-fragrance.
US08691744B2	Siloxane copolymers and methods for production thereof Siloxane copolymers producible by (a) reacting organopolysiloxanes (1) having a Si-bound hydrogen atom with linear oligomeric or polymeric compounds (2) of the general formula R1-(A-CnH2n)m-A1-H (I), (b) reacting the resultant H-A1 group-bearing intermediates (4) with organic compounds (5) having at least two isocyanate groups in the presence of further organic compounds (6) and (7) which are reactive toward isocyanate groups, wherein the compounds (6) contain at least one tertiary amine group and the compounds (7) can be eliminated from the siloxane copolymer in a temperature range from 50° C. to 250° C., wherein free isocyanate groups are formed in the siloxane copolymer, and (c) partially or completely quaternizing the amine-containing intermediates (8) from step (b) with an alkylating agent (9).
US08691742B2	Liquid detergent compositions exhibiting two or multicolor effect Treatment composition, preferably liquid detergent compositions exhibiting a two, or multicolor effect, comprising an aesthetic system including a colored interference pigment and a dye system.
US08691741B2	Liquid detergent composition The present invention provides a liquid detergent composition containing the following components (a) to (c), wherein the total content of components (a) to (c), (a)+(b)+(c), is 40 to 90% by mass; a mass ratio of components (a) to (b), (a)/(b), is 25/75 to 90/10; and a mass ratio [(a)+(b)]/(c), is 95/5 to 70/30: component (a): 15 to 75% by mass of a nonionic surfactant produced by adding p1 mol of ethylene oxide to a compound represented by R—OH (wherein, R represents a hydrocarbon group having 8 to 18 carbon atoms), then adding q1 mol of an alkylene oxide having 3 to 5 carbon atoms, and then adding p2 mol of ethylene oxide, wherein p1 is the number of 3 to 30, q1 is the number of 1 to 5, and p1+p2 is 14 to 50, component (b): anionic surfactant, component (c): cationic surfactant, component (d): 5 to 40% by mass of water-miscible organic solvent.
US08691740B2	Oxalic acid bis-amides or amide-ester as friction modifiers in lubricants A composition is provided suitable for use as a friction modifier for an automatic transmission, comprising an N-substituted oxalic acid bisamide or amide-ester containing at least two hydrocarbyl groups of 12 to 22 carbon atoms.
US08691737B2	Consolidating spacer fluids and methods of use Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.
US08691735B2	Method of fracturing using boron crosslinkers Fracturing fluid compositions and methods of fracturing subterranean formations using polyboronic compounds as crosslinking agents are provided. The compositions and methods of the present invention allow for lower polymer loadings because achieving higher fracturing fluid viscosities can be achieved using less polymer than in traditional crosslinked systems.
US08691733B2	Suspension characteristics in invert emulsions Among the methods provided is a method of drilling a subterranean well with an invert emulsion fluid comprising: providing an invert emulsion fluid formed by combining components that comprise: an oil-based continuous phase; an aqueous discontinuous phase; and a polar hydrophobic additive that comprises a polar hydrophobe, wherein the polar hydrophobic additive may substantially increases the yield point, the low-shear yield point, or both of the invert emulsion fluid relative to a fluid without a polar hydrophobic additive while limiting the change in the plastic viscosity to no more than about 35% of the change in the property with the largest increase; and placing the invert emulsion fluid in a subterranean formation.
US08691723B2	Method for the sequential production of a heterogeneous catalyst library The sequential production of a library of N different solids, in particular heterogeneous catalysts, where N within a day is an integer of at least 2, is performed by a) producing at least two different sprayable solutions, emulsions and/or dispersions of elements and/or element compounds of the chemical elements present in the catalyst and optionally of dispersions of inorganic support materials, b) continuously metering the at least two different solutions, emulsions and/or dispersions in a predefined ratio into a mixing apparatus in which the solutions, emulsions and/or dispersions are homogeneously mixed, c) continuously drying the mixture removed from the mixing apparatus and recovering the dried mixture, d) changing the ratios in step b) and repeating steps b), c) and d) (N−1) times until N different dried mixtures are obtained, e) optionally shaping and optionally calcining the mixtures to give the solids.
US08691720B2	Process for dehydrochlorinating 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoro-2-chloropropane to 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene in the presence of an alkali metal-doped magnesium oxyfluoride catalyst and methods for making the catalyst A process for making a fluorinated olefin and/or catalyst composition. The process has the step of dehydrochlorinating a hydrochlorofluorocarbon having at least one hydrogen atom and at least one chlorine atom on adjacent carbon atoms in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst composition. The catalyst composition is represented by the following: n wt. % MX/M′OyFz, wherein 0
US08691718B2	Diphosphine ligand and transition metal complex using the same The present invention provides a novel ligand represented by the following formula and a novel transition metal complex having the ligand, which shows superior enantioselectivity and catalytic efficiency, particularly high catalyst activity, in various asymmetric synthesis reactions.A transition metal complex having, as a ligand, a compound represented by the formula wherein R4 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-6 alkyl group optionally having substituent(s), and R5 and R6 are each a C1-6 alkyl group optionally having substituent(s), or the formula is a group represented by the formula wherein ring B is a 3- to 8-membered ring optionally having substituent(s).
US08691716B2	Electrocatalysts based on mono/plurimetallic carbon nitrides for fuel cells fueled with hydrogen The invention describes the preparation of electrocatalysts, both anodic (aimed at the oxidation of the fuel) and cathodic (aimed at the reduction of the oxygen), based on mono- and plurimetallic carbon nitrides to be used in PEFC (Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells), DMFC (Direct methanol fuel cells) and H2 electrogenerators. The target of the invention is to obtain materials featuring a controlled metal composition based on carbon nitride clusters or on carbon nitride clusters supported on oxide-based ceramic materials. The preparation protocol consists of three steps. In the first the precursor is obtained through reactions of the type: a) sol-gel; b) gel-plastic; c) coagulation-flocculation-precipitation.
US08691715B2	Catalyst compositions for producing high Mz/Mw polyolefins The present invention provides a polymerization process utilizing a dual ansa-metallocene catalyst system. Polymers produced from the polymerization process are also provided, and these polymers have a reverse comonomer distribution, a non-bimodal molecular weight distribution, a ratio of Mw/Mn from about 3 to about 8, and a ratio of Mz/Mw from about 3 to about 6.
US08691713B2	Molecular sieve catalyst treatment Treatment at elevated temperature and advantageously superatmospheric pressure with an inert gas, especially nitrogen, rejuvenates molecular sieve catalysts deactivated by use in liquid-phase or supercritical or dense-phase olefin oligomerization, or by use in aromatic alkylation.
US08691712B2	Optical glass There is provided an optical glass with a high refractive index and a low dispersion having a refractive index (nd) of not less than 1.75 and an Abbe's number (νd) of not less than 35 where the image formation characteristic is hardly affected by changes in temperature of the using environment. SiO2, B2O3 and La2O3 are contained as essential components and the ratio of the constituting components are adjusted whereby an optical glass in which a product of α and β where α is an average linear expansion coefficient at −30 to +70° C. and β is an optical elasticity constant at the wavelength of 546.1 nm is not more than 130×10−12° C.−1×nm×cm−1×Pa−1 is able to be achieved.
US08691710B2	Group IV metal complexes for metal-containing film deposition Metal-containing complexes with general formula (1) (R1nPyr)(R2nPyr)ML1L2; or (2) [(R8XR9)(R1nPyr)(R2nPyr)]ML1L2 are disclosed; wherein M is a Group IV metal, Pyr is pyrrolyl ligand, n=1, 2 and 3, L1 and L2 are independently selected from alkoxide, amide or alkyl, L1 and L2 can be linked together, R1 and R2 can be same or different organic groups substituted at 2,3,4-positions of the pyrrole ring and are selected from the group consisting of linear and branched C1-6 alkyls, R8 and R9 are independently selected from the linear or branched chain alkylene group having 2-6 carbon atoms, and X is CH2 or oxygen. Methods of using the metal complexes as precursors to deposit metal or metal oxide films used for various devices in semi-conductor industries are also discussed.
US08691706B2	Reducing substrate warpage in semiconductor processing System and method for reducing substrate warpage in a thermal process. An embodiment comprises pre-heating a substrate in a loadlock chamber before performing the thermal process of the substrate. After the thermal process, the substrate is cooled down in a loadlock chamber. The pre-heat and cool-down process reduces the warpage of the substrate caused by the differences in coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of the materials that make up the substrate.
US08691700B2	Gas cluster ion beam etch profile control using beam divergence A method of etching a substrate is described. In one embodiment, the method includes preparing a mask layer having a pattern formed therein on or above at least a portion of a substrate, etching a feature pattern into the substrate from the pattern in the mask layer using a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB), and controlling a sidewall profile of the feature pattern etched into the substrate by adjusting a beam divergence of the GCIB.
US08691697B2	Self-aligned devices and methods of manufacture A method includes forming patterned lines on a substrate having a predetermined pitch. The method further includes forming spacer sidewalls on sidewalls of the patterned lines. The method further includes forming material in a space between the spacer sidewalls of adjacent patterned lines. The method further includes forming another patterned line from the material by protecting the material in the space between the spacer sidewalls of adjacent patterned lines while removing the spacer sidewalls. The method further includes transferring a pattern of the patterned lines and the another patterned line to the substrate.
US08691693B2	Methods of manufacturing semiconductor device In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first etching mask and a second etching mask are formed sequentially on a metal gate structure on a substrate and a first insulating interlayer covering a sidewall of the metal gate structure respectively. An opening is formed to expose a top surface of the substrate by removing a portion of the first insulating interlayer not overlapped with the first etching mask or the second etching mask. A metal silicide pattern is formed on the exposed top surface of the substrate. A plug on the metal silicide pattern is formed to fill a remaining portion of the opening. Further, a planarization layer may be used as the second etching mask.
US08691691B2	TSV pillar as an interconnecting structure The present invention includes embodiments of a processing method, and resulting structure, for building a chip having a TSV pillar which can be used as an interconnecting structure. The process includes the deposition of a dual diffusion barrier between the TSV and the substrate the TSV is embedded within. The TSV is then exposed from the back side of the substrate so that at least a portion of the TSV protrudes from the substrate and can be used as a contact for connecting the chip to another surface. The resulting TSV is rigid, highly conductive, can be placed in a tightly pitched grid of contacts, and reduces effects of CTE mismatch.
US08691690B2	Contact formation method incorporating preventative etch step reducing interlayer dielectric material flake defects Disclosed are embodiments of a contact formation technique that incorporates a preventative etch step to reduce interlayer dielectric material flaking (e.g., borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) flaking) and, thereby to reduce surface defects. Specifically, contact openings, which extend through a dielectric layer to semiconductor devices in and/or on a center portion of a substrate, can be filled with a conductor layer deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of the conductor layer can be performed to complete the contact structures. However, before the CMP process is performed (e.g., either before the contact openings are ever formed or before the contact openings are filled), a preventative etch process can be performed to remove any dielectric material from above the edge portion of the substrate. Removing the dielectric material from above the edge portion of the substrate prior to CMP reduces the occurrence of surface defects caused by dielectric material flaking.
US08691689B1	Methods for fabricating integrated circuits having low resistance device contacts Methods for fabricating integrated circuits having low resistance device contacts are provided. One method includes depositing an ILD layer of insulating material overlying a device region that includes a metal silicide region. The ILD layer is etched to form a sidewall that defines a contact opening formed through the ILD layer exposing the metal silicide region. A liner is formed overlying the sidewall and the metal silicide region and defines an inner cavity in the contact opening. A copper layer is formed overlying the liner and at least partially filling the inner cavity. The copper layer is etched to expose an upper portion of the liner while leaving a copper portion disposed in a bottom portion of the inner cavity. Copper is electrolessly deposited on the copper portion to fill a remaining portion of the inner cavity.
US08691686B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, semiconductor device, and electronic apparatus A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes: forming a first circuit substrate having a first interconnection; forming a second circuit substrate having a second interconnection; bonding the first circuit substrate to the top surface of the second circuit substrate so as to be stacked facing each other; and performing an etching process of simultaneously removing parts formed on the first interconnection and the second interconnection in a stacked body of the first circuit substrate and the second circuit substrate so as to form a first opening in the top surface of the first interconnection and to form a second opening in the top surface of the second interconnection. The forming of the first circuit substrate includes forming an etching stopper layer on the surface of the first interconnection out of a material having an etching rate lower than that of the first interconnection in the etching process.
US08691685B2	Prevention and control of intermetallic alloy inclusions that form during reflow of Pb free, Sn rich, solders in contacts in microelectronic packaging in integrated circuit contact structures where electroless Ni(P) metallization is present In using Ni(P) and Sn-rich solders in Pb free interconnections, the prevention and control of the formation of intermetallic compound inclusions can be achieved through a reaction-preventative or control layer that is positioned on top of an electroless Ni(P) metallization, such as by application of a thin layer of Sn on the Ni(P) or through the application of a thin layer of Cu on the Ni(P).
US08691678B2	Composition and method for alloy having improved stress relaxation resistance A nickel based alloy coating and a method for applying the nickel based alloy as a coating to a substrate. The nickel based alloy comprises about 0.1-15% rhenium, about 5-55% of an element selected from the group consisting of cobalt, iron and combinations thereof, sulfur included as a microalloying addition in amounts from about 100 parts per million (ppm) to about 300 ppm, the balance nickel and incidental impurities. The nickel-based alloy of the present invention is applied to a substrate, usually an electro-mechanical device such as a MEMS, by well-known plating techniques. However, the plating bath must include sufficient sulfur to result in deposition of 100-300 ppm sulfur as a microalloyed element. The coated substrate is heat treated to develop a two phase microstructure in the coating. The microalloyed sulfur-containing nickel-based alloy of the present invention includes a second phase of sulfide precipitates across the grain (intragranular) that improves the stress-relaxation resistance of the alloy.
US08691672B2	Method for the selective oxidation of silicon nanoparticle semiconductor films in the presence of titanium A method is provided for consuming oxides in a silicon (Si) nanoparticle film. The method forms a colloidal solution film of Si nanoparticles overlying a substrate. The Si nanoparticle colloidal solution film is annealed at a high temperature in the presence of titanium (Ti). In response to the annealing, Si oxide is consumed in a resultant Si nanoparticle film. In one aspect, the consuming the Si oxide in the Si nanoparticle film includes forming Ti oxide in the Si nanoparticle film. Also in response to a low temperature annealing, solvents are evaporated in the colloidal solution film of Si nanoparticles. Si and Ti oxide molecules are sintered in the Si nanoparticle film in response to the high temperature annealing.
US08691669B2	Vapor deposition reactor for forming thin film A vapor deposition reactor includes a chamber filled with a first material, and at least one reaction module in the chamber. The reaction module may be configured to make a substrate pass the reaction module through a relative motion between the substrate and the reaction module. The reaction module may include an injection unit for injecting a second material to the substrate. A method for forming thin film includes positioning a substrate in a chamber, filling a first material in the chamber, moving the substrate relative to a reaction module in the chamber, and injecting a second material to the substrate while the substrate passes the reaction module.
US08691666B2	Method for producing chip with adhesive applied A method for producing a chip (13) in which a die bonding adhesive layer (24) and a wafer (1) are laminated on a close-contact layer (31) of a fixing jig (3), the chip is formed by completely cutting the wafer and the die bonding adhesive layer and then the chip is picked up together with the die bonding adhesive layer from the fixing jig by deforming the close-contact layer of the fixing jig. In the method the fixing jig is provided with the close-contact layer and a jig base (30) that is provided with a plurality of protrusions (36) on one side and a sidewall (35) at the outer circumference section of the one side. The close-contact layer is laminated on the surface of the jig base provided with the protrusions and is bonded on the upper surface of the sidewall. On the surface of the jig base provided with the protrusions, a partitioned space is formed by the close-contact layer, the protrusions, and the sidewall. The jig base is provided with at least one through hole (38) penetrating the outside and the partitioned space, and the close-contact layer can be deformed by sucking air from the partitioned space via the through hole of the fixing jig.
US08691659B2	Method for forming void-free dielectric layer A method for forming a dielectric layer free of voids is disclosed. First, a substrate, a first stressed layer including a recess, a second stressed layer disposed on the first stressed layer and covering the recess and a patterned photoresist embedded in the recess are provided. Second, a first etching step is performed to totally remove the photoresist so that the remaining second stressed layer forms at least one protrusion adjacent to the recess. Then, a trimming photoresist is formed without exposure to fill the recess and to cover the protrusion. Later, a trimming etching step is performed to eliminate the protrusion and to collaterally remove the trimming photoresist.
US08691658B2	Orientation of an electronic CMOS structure with respect to a buried structure in the case of a bonded and thinned-back stack of semiconductor wafers A method for aligning an electronic CMOS structure with respect to a buried structure in the case of a bonded and thinned back stack of semiconductor wafers. The method for aligning the electronic CMOS structure may include forming alignment marks in the process of fabricating the structure to be buried on a front side, which is used for bonding of the semiconductor wafer, which includes the structure to be buried. The alignment marks may be formed on the edge of the semiconductor wafer. The method for aligning the electronic CMOS structure may include providing a cover wafer with first thinned portions of the wafer thickness provided from the bonding side at positions corresponding to positions of the alignment marks. After the thinning of the cover wafer a plan view of the alignment mark is obtained after the wafer bonding that initially results in a burying of the structures, wherein subsequently the resulting wafer stack is thinned to a certain degree with respect to the cover wafer, thereby making visible the at least one alignment mark, and by means of the alignment mark masks of method steps for fabricating the electronic structure on the surface of the thinned cover wafer are aligned.
US08691656B2	Methods of forming an interconnect between a substrate bit line contact and a bit line in DRAM The invention includes methods of electrically interconnecting different elevation conductive structures, methods of forming capacitors, methods of forming an interconnect between a substrate bit line contact and a bit line in DRAM, and methods of forming DRAM memory cells. In one implementation, a method of electrically interconnecting different elevation conductive structures includes forming a first conductive structure comprising a first electrically conductive surface at a first elevation of a substrate. A nanowhisker is grown from the first electrically conductive surface, and is provided to be electrically conductive. Electrically insulative material is provided about the nanowhisker. An electrically conductive material is deposited over the electrically insulative material in electrical contact with the nanowhisker at a second elevation which is elevationally outward of the first elevation, and the electrically conductive material is provided into a second conductive structure. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
US08691654B2	Semiconductor device having stressor film and method of manufacturing semiconductor device A first insulating film is formed above a semiconductor substrate with a device isolation insulating film defining a device region, a gate electrode and source/drain region formed. The first insulating film is etched, leaving the first insulating film in a recess formed in an edge of the device isolation insulating film. A second insulating film applying a stress to the semiconductor substrate is formed after etching the first insulating film.
US08691651B2	Method of forming non-planar FET A method of forming a Non-planar FET is provided. A substrate is provided. An active region and a peripheral region are defined on the substrate. A plurality of VSTI is formed in the active region of the substrate. A part of each VSTI is removed to expose a part of sidewall of the substrate. Then, a conductor layer is formed on the substrate which is then patterned to form a planar FET gate in the peripheral region and a Non-planar FET gate in the active region simultaneously. Last, a source/drain region is formed on two sides of the Non-planar FET gate.
US08691647B1	Memory devices containing a high-K dielectric layer In one embodiment, a semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device is formed on a semiconductor substrate having an active region, the semiconductor device comprising: a gate dielectric layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate, the gate dielectric layer having at least two sub-layers with at least one sub-layer having a dielectric constant greater than SiO2; a floating gate formed on the gate dielectric layer defining a channel interposed between a source and a drain formed within the active region of the semiconductor substrate; a control gate formed above the floating gate; and an intergate dielectric layer interposed between the floating gate and the control gate, the intergate dielectric layer comprising: a first layer formed on the floating gate; a second layer formed on the first layer; and a third layer formed on the second layer, wherein each of the first, second and third layers has a dielectric constant greater than SiO2.
US08691645B2	Method of manufacturing convex shaped thin-film transistor device The present invention provides a semiconductor device that has a shorter distance between the bit lines and easily achieves higher storage capacity and density, and a method of manufacturing such a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes: first bit lines formed on a substrate; an insulating layer that is provided between the first bit lines on the substrate, and has a higher upper face than the first bit lines; channel layers that are provided on both side faces of the insulating layer, and are coupled to the respective first bit lines; and charge storage layers that are provided on the opposite side faces of the channel layers from the side faces on which the insulating layers are formed.
US08691641B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided, in which after forming a gate stack and a first spacer thereof, a second spacer and a third spacer are formed; and then an opening is formed between the first spacer and the third spacer by removing the second spacer. The range of the formation for the raised active area 220 is limited by forming an opening 214 between the first spacer 208 and the third spacer 212. The raised active area 220 is formed in the opening 214 in a self-aligned manner, so that a better profile of the raised active area 220 may be achieved and the possible shorts between adjacent devices caused by an unlimited manner may be avoided. Moreover, based on such a manufacturing method, it is easy to make the gate electrode 204 to be flushed with the raised active area 220, and is also easy to implement the dual stress nitride process so as to increase the mobility of the device.
US08691640B1	Methods of forming dielectrically isolated fins for a FinFET semiconductor by performing an etching process wherein the etch rate is modified via inclusion of a dopant material One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming a plurality of trenches in a semiconductor substrate to thereby define an initial fin structure, forming sidewall spacers adjacent the initial fin structure, wherein the spacers cover a first portion of the initial fin structure and expose a second a portion of the initial fin structure, performing a doping process to form N-type doped regions in at least the exposed portion of the initial fin structure, and performing an etching process to remove at least a portion of the doped regions and thereby define a final fin structure that is vertically spaced apart from the substrate.
US08691632B1	Wafer level package and fabrication method A method of forming an electronic component package includes coupling a first surface of an electronic component to a first surface of a first dielectric strip, the electronic component comprising bond pads on the first surface; forming first via apertures through the first dielectric strip to expose the bond pads; and filling the first via apertures with an electrically conductive material to form first vias electrically coupled to the bond pads. The bond pads are directly connected to the corresponding first vias without the use of a solder and without the need to form a solder wetting layer on the bond pads.
US08691629B2	Packaging jig and process for semiconductor packaging An embodiment is a method for semiconductor packaging. The method comprises attaching a chip to a carrier substrate through a first side of a jig, the chip being attached by bumps; applying balls to bond pads on the carrier substrate through a second side of the jig; and simultaneously reflowing the bumps and the balls. According to a further embodiment, a packaging jig comprises a cover, a base, and a connector. The cover has a first window through the cover. The base has a second window through the base. The first window exposes a first surface of a volume intermediate the cover and the base, and the second window exposes a second surface of the volume. The first surface is opposite the volume from the second surface. The connector aligns and couples the cover to the base.
US08691628B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, manufacturing program, and manufacturing apparatus According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a bonding layer is formed on a first surface of a chip region of a semiconductor wafer. Semiconductor chips are singulated along a dicing region. The semiconductor chips are stacked stepwise via the bonding layer. In formation of the bonding layer of the semiconductor chip, in at least a part of a first region of the first surface not in contact with the other semiconductor chip in a stacked state, a projected section where the bonding layer is formed thicker than the bonding layer in a second region that is in contact with the other semiconductor chip is provided.
US08691624B2	Die fixing method and apparatus A die fixing method is disclosed which includes providing a substrate having a metallized surface, forming a joining material on the metallized surface and placing a die alignment member with a plurality of openings on the substrate so that portions of the joining material are exposed through the openings. The method further includes placing a plurality of dies in the openings of the die alignment member with a bottom side of each die in contact with part of the joining material and attaching the plurality of dies to the metallized surface of the substrate at an elevated temperature and pressure, the die alignment member withstanding the elevated temperature and pressure. The die alignment member is removed from the substrate after the plurality of dies are attached to the metallized surface of the substrate.
US08691622B2	Memory cells and methods of forming memory cells A method of forming a memory cell includes forming programmable material within an opening in dielectric material over an elevationally inner conductive electrode of the memory cell. Conductive electrode material is formed over the dielectric material and within the opening. The programmable material within the opening has an elevationally outer edge surface angling elevationally and laterally inward relative to a sidewall of the opening. The conductive electrode material is formed to cover over the angling surface of the programmable material within the opening. The conductive electrode material is removed back at least to an elevationally outermost surface of the dielectric material and to leave the conductive electrode material covering over the angling surface of the programmable material within the opening. The conductive electrode material constitutes at least part of an elevationally outer conductive electrode of the memory cell. Memory cells independent of method of manufacture are also disclosed.
US08691619B2	Laminated structure for CIS based solar cell, and integrated structure and manufacturing method for CIS based thin-film solar cell This invention aims to provide a laminated structure and an integrated structure of a high production efficiency for a CIS based thin-film solar cell, which can produce a high-resistance buffer layer of the CIS based thin-film solar cell efficiently on a series of production lines and which needs no treatment of wastes or the like, and a manufacturing method for the structures. The CIS based thin-film solar cell includes a back electrode, a p-type CIS based light absorbing layer, a high-resistance buffer layer and an n-type transparent conductive film laminated in this order. The high-resistance buffer layer and the n-type transparent conductive film are formed of thin films of a zinc oxide group. The buffer layer contacts the p-type CIS based light absorbing layer directly, and has a resistivity of 500Ω·cm or higher.
US08691618B2	Metal species surface treatment of thin film photovoltaic cell and manufacturing method A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate including a surface region. A first electrode layer is formed overlying the surface region. A copper layer is formed overlying the first electrode layer and an indium layer overlying the copper layer to form a multi-layered structure. The method subjects at least the multi-layered structure to a thermal treatment process in an environment containing a sulfur bearing species and form a copper indium disulfide material. The copper indium disulfide material includes a thickness of substantially copper sulfide material. The thickness of the copper sulfide material is removed to expose a surface region having a copper poor surface characterized by a copper to indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1. The method subjects the copper poor surface to a metal cation species to convert the copper poor surface from an n-type semiconductor characteristic to a p-type semiconductor characteristic. A window layer is formed overlying the copper indium disulfide material.
US08691617B2	Method of manufacturing image sensor having backside illumination structure A method of manufacturing an image sensor having a backside illumination (BSI) structure includes forming a wiring unit on a front side of a semiconductor substrate, forming an anti-reflective layer in an active pixel sensor (APS) region on a back side of the semiconductor substrate, a photodiode being between the back and front sides of the semiconductor substrate, forming an etch stopping layer on the anti-reflective layer, forming an interlayer insulating layer on the etch stopping layer, the interlayer insulating layer having an etch selectivity with respect to the etch stopping layer, and etching the interlayer insulating layer in the APS region using the etch stopping layer as an etch stopping point.
US08691614B2	Direct readout focal plane array An image detector comprises a plurality of photosensitive detector unit cells interconnected to a plurality of integrated circuits by a plurality of direct bond interconnects. Each unit cell includes an absorber layer and a separation layer. The absorber layer absorbs incident photons such that the absorbed photons excite photocurrent comprising first charged carriers and second charged carriers having opposite polarities. The separation layer separates the first charged carriers for collection at one or more first contacts and the second charged carriers for collection at one or more second contacts. The first and second contacts include the direct bond interconnects to conduct the first charged carriers and the second charged carriers from the unit cells in order to facilitate image processing.
US08691612B2	Method of creating micro-scale silver telluride grains covered with bismuth nanoparticles Provided is a method of enhancing thermoelectric performance by surrounding crystalline semiconductors with nanoparticles by contacting a bismuth telluride material with a silver salt under a substantially inert atmosphere and a temperature approximately near the silver salt decomposition temperature; and recovering a metallic bismuth decorated material comprising silver telluride crystal grains.
US08691608B2	Semiconductor devices having nanochannels confined by nanometer-spaced electrodes Semiconductor devices having integrated nanochannels confined by nanometer spaced electrodes, and VLSI (very large scale integration) planar fabrication methods for making the devices. A semiconductor device includes a bulk substrate and a first metal layer formed on the bulk substrate, wherein the first metal layer comprises a first electrode. A nanochannel is formed over the first metal layer, and extends in a longitudinal direction in parallel with a plane of the bulk substrate. A second metal layer is formed over the nanochannel, wherein the second metal layer comprises a second electrode. A top wall of the nanochannel is defined at least in part by a surface of the second electrode and a bottom wall of the nanochannel is defined by a surface of the first electrode.
US08691607B2	Hermetically sealed MEMS device and method of fabrication A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device is fabricated from a wafer having a plurality of die regions with grooves and MEMS components formed on a wafer surface at each die region. A first metal having a relatively high melting temperature is formed on sidewalls of each groove, and a cap is attached at each die region to provide a closed cavity which encloses the grooves and MEMS components. Bottoms of the grooves are opened by thinning the wafer thereby establishing through-hole vias extending through the wafer at each die region, for accessing the cavity for inserting or removing material. The vias are sealed by interacting a second metal having a relatively low melting temperature with the first metal layer to form intermetallic compounds with higher melting temperature that maintain the seal during subsequent lower temperature operations.
US08691605B2	Crystallization processing for semiconductor applications A method and apparatus for forming a crystalline semiconductor layer on a substrate are provided. A semiconductor layer is formed by vapor deposition. A pulsed laser melt/recrystallization process is performed to convert the semiconductor layer to a crystalline layer. Laser, or other electromagnetic radiation, pulses are formed into a pulse train and uniformly distributed over a treatment zone, and successive neighboring treatment zones are exposed to the pulse train to progressively convert the deposited material to crystalline material.
US08691604B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof, delamination method, and transferring method A substrate and a delamination film are separated by a physical means, or a mechanical means in a state where a metal film formed over a substrate, and a delamination layer comprising an oxide film including the metal and a film comprising silicon, which is formed over the metal film, are provided. Specifically, a TFT obtained by forming an oxide layer including the metal over a metal film; crystallizing the oxide layer by heat treatment; and performing delamination in a layer of the oxide layer or at both of the interface of the oxide layer is formed.
US08691602B2	Method for producing semiconductor light-emitting chip In producing a semiconductor light-emitting chip whose substrate is composed of a sapphire single crystal, cracking in semiconductor light-emitting elements in the obtained semiconductor light-emitting chip is suppressed. A semiconductor light-emitting chip is obtained by forming, on an element-group formation substrate on a front surface of which semiconductor light-emitting elements are formed, the front surface being composed of a C-plane of a sapphire single crystal, dividing grooves extending toward a first direction along an M-plane of the sapphire single crystal and the front surface of the substrate from a substrate front surface side (step 103), forming first modified regions extending toward the first direction and second modified regions extending along the substrate front surface and toward a second direction different from the first direction in the substrate (step 104 and step 105), and dividing the element-group formation substrate using the first modified regions and the second modified regions (step 106).
US08691600B2	Method for testing through-silicon-via (TSV) structures A method for testing TSV structures includes providing a wafer having a front side and a back side, the wafer further comprising a plurality of TSV structures formed therein; thinning the wafer from the back side of the wafer; forming a first under bump metallization layer on the back side of the wafer blanketly; providing a probing card to the front side of the wafer to test the TSV structures; and patterning the first UBM layer.
US08691596B2	Magnetoresistive element and method of manufacturing the same According to one embodiment, a magnetoresistive element manufacturing method is provided. In this magnetoresistive element manufacturing method, a first ferromagnetic layer, tunnel barrier layer, and second ferromagnetic layer are sequentially formed on a substrate. A conductive hard mask is formed on the second ferromagnetic layer. The hard mask is patterned. A hard layer is formed on the side surface of the hard mask. The second ferromagnetic layer, tunnel barrier layer, and first ferromagnetic layer are processed by IBE in an oblique direction by using the hard mask and hard layer as masks. The IBE etching rate of the hard layer is lower than that of the hard mask.
US08691592B2	Mechanically actuated diagnostic device Disclosed are mechanically-actuated devices for transporting fluids within a microfluidic circuit and performing diagnostic operations on a sample. Also disclosed are related methods for performing sample analysis effected by the motion of an actuator proximate to a microfluidic system.
US08691591B2	Self-encoding sensor with microspheres Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for combining the output obtained from redundant sensor elements in a sensor array.
US08691590B2	Method for evaluating extrinsic hydrogenation degradation of hydrogen storage material A hydrogen storage material analyzer along with its analysis and activation methods, the hydrogen storage material analyzer including a H2 absorption-desorption cycling tester, a temperature-programmed desorption spectrometer, a specimen holder and a temperature-controlled furnace.
US08691585B2	Methods for predicting pregnancy outcome in a subject by hCG assay The present invention provides a method of predicting pregnancy outcome in a subject by determining the amount of an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of hCG in a sample. The present invention further provides a method for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated molecular isoforms of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a sample. The present invention also provides a diagnostic kit for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated hCG in a sample. The present invention additionally provides an antibody which specifically binds to an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of human chorionic gonadotropin. Finally, the present invention provides methods for detecting trophoblast or non-trophoblast malignancy in a sample.
US08691583B2	Method and system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides A method and a system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of vessels (4) for receiving different liquids for treatment of the tissue specimens, a plurality of tanks (11) for treatment liquids, connecting lines (15) between the tanks and the vessels, a plurality of pumps (13) connected on the connecting lines, and a control unit for control of the apparatus and the liquid treatment by means of a data program, wherein the control unit is arranged for selective control of the relevant pumps (13), so that vessels (4) to be used in a staining process, are filled with liquid (14) at the start of the staining process, and so that the liquid-filled vessels (4) are emptied automatically when they are no longer to be used in the staining process.
US08691579B2	Methods of isolating bipotent hepatic progenitor cells A method of obtaining a mixture of cells enriched in hepatic progenitors is developed which comprises methods yielding suspensions of a mixture of cell types, and selecting those cells that are classical MHC class I antigen(s) negative and ICAM-1 antigen positive. The weak or dull expression of nonclassical MHC class I antigen(s) can be used for further enrichment of hepatic progenitors. Furthermore, the progenitors can be selected to have a level of side scatter, a measure of granularity or cytoplasmic droplets, that is higher than that in non-parenchymal cells, such as hemopoietic cells, and lower than that in mature parenchymal cells, such as hepatocytes. Furthermore, the progeny of the isolated progenitors can express alpha-fetoprotein and/or albumin and/or CK19. The hepatic progenitors, so isolated, can grow clonally, that is an entire population of progeny can be derived from one cell. The clones of progenitors have a growth pattern in culture of piled-up aggregates or clusters. These methods of isolating the hepatic progenitors are applicable to any vertebrates including human. The hepatic progenitor cell population is expected to be useful for cell therapies, for bioartificial livers, for gene therapies, for vaccine development, and for myriad toxicological, pharmacological, and pharmaceutical programs and investigations.
US08691575B2	General method of classifying plant embryos using a generalized Lorenz-Bayes classifier A method of classifying plant embryos according to their quality based on a general form of Lorenz-Bayes classifier is disclosed. First, image or spectral data of plant embryos of known quality are acquired, and the data are divided into two classes according to the embryos' known quality. Second, metrics are calculated from the acquired image or spectral data in each class. Third, multi-dimensional histograms of multiple metrics are prepared for both classes. Fourth, the difference or some other measure of comparison between the two multi-dimensional histograms is obtained. Fifth, image or spectral data of a plant embryo of unknown quality are obtained and metrics are calculated therefrom. Sixth, the embryo of unknown quality is assigned to a class based on its calculated metrics and the result of the comparison as calculated in the fourth step above.
US08691573B2	Stem cell cultures The present invention relates compounds for stabilizing cells and methods of their use.
US08691571B1	Extending tissue preservation A method of sustaining cells is provided. The method can include providing a non-perfluorocarbon cell storage medium, providing a pre-oxygenated liquid perfluorocarbon in contact with the storage medium, and placing the cells in contact with the storage medium but not in contact with the perfluorocarbon. Additionally, the method can result in increased corneal cell viability compared to corneal cells placed in a non-perfluorocarbon cell storage medium without being in contact with a pre-oxygenated liquid perfluorocarbon.
US08691570B2	Platform of dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccination The present invention discloses novel dendritic cell maturation-inducing cytokine cocktails, and methods for inducting type-1 polarized dendritic cells in serum-free conditions which enhance the desirable properties of DC1s generated in serum-supplemented cultures. The invention further discloses methods and systems using IFNγ and other ligands of the IFNγ receptor, in combination with IFNα (or other type I interferons), poly I:C, and other IFNα (and IFNβ) inducers to enhance the IL-12-producing properties of dendritic cells. More specifically, the present invention discloses type-1 polarized dendritic cells that have a unique combination of a fully-mature status and an elevated, instead of “exhausted”, ability to produce IL-12p70. allows for the generation of fully-mature DC1s in serum-free AIM-V medium. The invention discloses systems that use the foregoing products and methods to facilitate the clinical application of DC1-based vaccines and the identification of novel factors involved in the induction of Th1 and CTL responses by DC1.
US08691569B2	Microcarriers for stem cell culture We disclose a particle comprising a matrix coated thereon and having a positive charge, the particle being of a size to allow aggregation of primate or human stem cells attached thereto. The particle may comprise a substantially elongate, cylindrical or rod shaped particle having a longest dimension of between 50 μm and 400 μm, such as about 200 μm. It may have a cross sectional dimension of between 20 μm and 30 μm. The particle may comprise a substantially compact or spherical shaped particle having a size of between about 20 μm and about 120 μm, for example about 65 μm. We also disclose a method of propagating primate or human stem cells, the method comprising: providing first and second primate or human stem cells attached to first and second respective particles, allowing the first primate or human stem cell to contact the second primate or human stem cell to form an aggregate of cells and culturing the aggregate to propagate the primate or human stem cells for at least one passage. A method of propagating human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in long term suspension culture using microcarriers coated in Matrigel or hyaluronic acid is also disclosed. We also disclose a method for differentiating stem cells.
US08691568B2	Method for preparing cell populations with anti-tumor immune response activity The invention provides a method for preparing cell populations with anti-tumor immune response activity, which includes co-culturing tumor and mononuclear cell in a three-dimensional cell culture device, separating and amplifying the cell populations with anti-tumor immune response activity from the cultures. The present invention, at the same time, discloses the cell populations with anti-tumor immune response activity obtained by the method and the kit comprising the cell populations.
US08691563B2	IDNA vaccines and methods for using the same Described herein are iDNA vectors and vaccines and methods for using the same. The iDNA generates live attenuated vaccines in eukaryotic cells in vitro or in vivo for pathogenic RNA viruses, particularly yellow fever virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. When iDNA is injected into the vaccine recipient, RNA of live attenuated virus is generated by in vivo transcription in the recipient's tissues. This initiates production of progeny attenuated viruses in the tissues of the vaccine recipient, as well as elicitation of an effective immune response protecting against wild-type, non-attenuated virus.
US08691562B2	Sterilization indicator device measuring membrane potential of biological indicator A sterilization indicator including an electronically conductive material positioned on a substrate; a biological indicator positioned on part or all of the electronically conductive material, and electronic circuitry for determining whether the membrane potential of the biological indicator changes during incubation following exposure sterilization conditions.
US08691560B2	Biomolecule substrate, and test and diagnosis methods and apparatuses using the same An object of the present invention is to provide a test apparatus for testing a DNA substrate on which a plurality of DNA fragments for testing are arranged, wherein absolute precision is not required. The above-described problem was solved by providing a substrate on which a plurality of biomolecule spots containing a group of biomolecules (e.g., DNA, etc.) of a specific type are formed, where the pattern or position of the DNA spot is changed depending on specific data so that information of the specific data is recorded on the substrate.
US08691558B2	Method and apparatus for inoculating and streaking a medium in a plate An apparatus for inoculating and streaking a solid growth culture medium in a plate, the streaking using a streaking applicator having a line of resiliently and flexibly supported spaced apart contact surfaces, the apparatus including: (a) an inoculating and streaking station including: a plate work position having a notional action line fixed in two dimensions (x,y) in a predetermined position; and a plate rotation device for rotating a positioned plate to cause streaking; (b) a sensor capable of locating the surface of the medium in a positioned plate to thereby determine for that plate, prior to inoculation and streaking of that plate, the third dimension (z) of the action line; (c) an inoculating device capable of dispensing inoculum, along the action line, on the surface of the medium in the positioned plate; and (d) a streaking device capable of moving the streaking applicator such that its line of spaced apart contact surfaces contacts, along the action line, the surface of the medium in the positioned plate, prior to rotation of the positioned plate for streaking.
US08691554B2	Modified yeast consuming L-arabinose The present invention relates to a method for producing a L-arabinose utilizing yeast strain for the production of ethanol, whereby a yeast strain is modified by introducing and expressing araA gene (L-arabinose isomerase), araB gene (L-ribulokinase D121-N) and araD gene (L-ribulose-5-P 4-epimerase) and carrying additional mutations in its genome or overexpressing a TAL1 (transaldolase) gene, enabling it to consume L-arabinose, to use it as the only carbon source, and to produce ethanol, as well as a method for producing ethanol using such a modified strain.
US08691553B2	Methods and organisms for utilizing synthesis gas or other gaseous carbon sources and methanol The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an acetyl-CoA pathway and the capability of utilizing syngas or syngas and methanol. In one embodiment, the invention provides a non-naturally occurring microorganism, comprising one or more exogenous proteins conferring to the microorganism a pathway to convert CO, CO2 and/or H2 to acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), methyl tetrahydrofolate (methyl-THF) or other desired products, wherein the microorganism lacks the ability to convert CO or CO2 and H2 to acetyl-CoA or methyl-THF in the absence of the one or more exogenous proteins. For example, the microbial organism can contain at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme or protein in an acetyl-CoA pathway. The microbial organism is capable of utilizing synthesis gases comprising CO, CO2 and/or H2, alone or in combination with methanol, to produce acetyl-CoA. The invention additionally provides a method for producing acetyl-CoA, for example, by culturing an acetyl-CoA producing microbial organism, where the microbial organism expresses at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an acetyl-CoA pathway enzyme or protein in a sufficient amount to produce acetyl-CoA, under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce acetyl-CoA.
US08691548B2	Asymmetric hydrolase and gene thereof The present invention relates to, for example, an α-substituted β-amino acid ester derivative asymmetric hydrolase including an enzyme of the following (a) or (b):(a) an enzyme comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 at least from position 1 to position 362, wherein the tyrosine at position 277 of SEQ ID NO:1 is substituted with alanine, tryptophan, isoleucine, or histidine, and having the ability to hydrolyze a substrate; or (b) an enzyme comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 at least from position 1 to position 362, wherein the tyrosine at position 277 of SEQ ID NO:1 is substituted with an amino acid other than tyrosine, and having the ability to hydrolyze a substrate.
US08691547B2	Coenzyme-linked glucose dehydrogenase and polynucleotide encoding the same The present invention provides members that produce on a large scale a coenzyme-linked glucose dehydrogenase which has excellent substrate-recognizing ability toward glucose while providing low action on maltose. The present invention relates to a polynucleotide encoding a soluble coenzyme-linked glucose dehydrogenase that catalyzes the oxidation of glucose in the presence of an electron acceptor and has an activity toward maltose of 5% or lower; a polypeptide encoded by the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide; a recombinant vector carrying the polynucleotide; a transformed cell produced using the recombinant vector; a method for producing a polypeptide comprising culturing the transformed cell and collecting from the cultivated products a polypeptide that links to FAD to exert the glucose dehydration activity; a method for determination of glucose using the polypeptide; a reagent composition for determination of glucose; and a biosensor.
US08691541B2	Biological production of pentose sugars using recombinant cells The invention provides, inter alia, compositions and methods for the biological production of pentose sugars, such as 2-methylerythritol (2-ME), 1-deoxyxylulose (1-DX), and monoacetylated-2-C-methylerythritols, using recombinant cells.
US08691540B2	Butanol dehydrogenase enzyme from the bacterium Achromobacter xylosoxidans From a bacterial strain isolated from an environmental sample, after enrichment in medium containing 1-butanol as the carbon source, a new enzyme with butanol dehydrogenase activity was identified. The enzyme can convert butyraldehyde to 1-butanol, isobutyraldehyde to isobutanol, as well as 2-butanone to 2-butanol and thus is useful for biosynthesis of butanol in recombinant microbial hosts producing these substrates. The encoding gene, named sadB, was isolated from the strain identified as an isolate of Achromobacter xylosoxidans.
US08691534B2	Preparation of romidepsin The invention provides an improved process for preparing romidepsin. The process involves producing, purifying, or storing romidepsin under conditions that prevent the formation of undesired adducts. Purifying romidepsin at an apparent pH lower than approximately 6.0 (e.g., between an apparent pH of 4.0 and 6.0) has been discovered to prevent the reduction of the disulfide bond of romidepsin and the subsequent formation of dimerized, oligomerized, or polymerized adducts. The invention also provides compositions of monomeric romidepsin free of dimerized, oligomerized, or polymerized adducts.
US08691527B2	Substitution mutant receptors and their use in a nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to novel substitution mutant receptors and their use in a Group H nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating the expression of a gene in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms.
US08691526B2	Processing materials Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can convert feedstock materials to a sugar solution, which can then be fermented to produce ethanol. Biomass feedstock is saccharified in a vessel by operation of a jet mixer, the vessel also containing a liquid medium and a saccharifying agent.
US08691523B2	Primitive and proximal hepatic stem cells Hepatic progenitors comprise two populations of human hepatic stem cells, primitive and proximal hepatic stem cells, and two populations of committed progenitors, one for biliary cells and one for hepatocytes. Human primitive hepatic stem cells are a very small fraction of the liver cell population and give rise to proximal hepatic stem cells constituting a much larger fraction of the liver. Human proximal hepatic stem cells give rise to biliary and hepatocyte committed progenitors. Primitive and proximal stem cells are the primary stem cells for the human liver. Human primitive hepatic stem cells may be isolated by immunoselection from human livers or culturing human liver cells under conditions which select for a human primitive hepatic stem cell. Proximal hepatic stem cells may be isolated by immunoselection, or by culturing human liver cells under conditions which include a developmental factor. Proximal hepatic stem cells may also be isolated by culturing colonies comprising a primitive hepatic stem cell under conditions which include a developmental factor. Resulting compositions may be used for treating liver disorders and for producing bioartificial organs.
US08691518B2	Systems and methods for predicting response to minoxidil for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia Methods, processes, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for predicting minoxidil response in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia based on colorimetric assay.
US08691517B2	Flexible carbohydrate-bearing polymer A sensor for the detection or measurement of a carbohydrate analyte in fluid comprises components of a competitive binding assay the readout of which is a detectable or measurable optical signal retained by a material that permits diffusion of the analyte but not the assay components, the assay components comprising: a carbohydrate binding molecule labelled with one of a proximity based signal generating/modulating moiety pair; and a carbohydrate analogue capable of competing with the analyte for binding to the carbohydrate binding molecule, the carbohydrate analogue being a flexible water-soluble polymer comprising: polymerized or co-polymerised residues of monomer units, the monomer unit residues bearing pendant carbohydrate or carbohydrate mimetic moieties and pendant moieties which are the other of the proximity based signal generating/modulating moiety pair.
US08691510B2	Sequence analysis of complex amplicons The invention is directed to methods of generating sequence profiles of populations of nucleic acids, whose member nucleic acids contain regions of high variability, such as populations of nucleic acids encoding T cell receptors or B cell receptors. In one aspect, the invention provides pluralities of sets of primers for generating nested sets of templates from nucleic acids in such populations, thereby insuring the production of at least one template from which sequence reads are generated, despite such variability, or dispite limited lengths or quality of sequence reads. In another aspect, members of such populations are bidirectionally sequenced so that further sequence information is obtained by analyzing overlapping sequence reads in the zones of highest variability.
US08691508B2	Concurrent analysis of multiple patient samples using solid phase addressable multiplex test with high signal-to-noise ratio Contemplated systems and methods allow analysis of multiple and distinct patient samples using a labeling scheme that entirely avoids carry-over of a label or reagent to the analytic platform, typically an addressable solid phase. In preferred aspects, a hybridization portion, a fluorophore, and/or a quencher are removed by a 5′-3′-exonuclease activity of a polymerase from a reporter oligonucleotide to so remove the oligonucleotide from the pool of molecules that bind to the solid phase and/or or to provide signal differentiation by removal of a fluorophore or quencher.
US08691507B2	Inhibitors of human EZH2 and methods of use thereof The invention relates to determining the presence of an EZH2 gene mutation in a sample from a subject and inhibition of wild-type and certain mutant forms of human histone methyltransferase EZH2, the catalytic subunit of the PRC2 complex which catalyzes the mono-through tri-methylation of lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3-K27). In one embodiment the inhibition is selective for the mutant form of the EZH2, such that trimethylation of H3-K27, which is associated with certain cancers, is inhibited. The methods can be used to treat cancers including follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Also provided are methods for identifying small molecule selective inhibitors of the mutant forms of EZH2 and also methods for determining responsiveness to an EZH2 inhibitor in a subject.
US08691506B2	Gene expression profiles being predictive for the response of tumors to pharmaceutically effective compounds The present invention relates to a method for providing a gene expression profile being predictive for the specific response of an individual tumor to a pharmaceutically effective compound, the use thereof, a microarray wherein the nucleotide sequences attached to the substrate consist of nucleotide sequences corresponding to the predictive genes of said gene expression profile, and a diagnostic kit containing said microarray.
US08691495B2	Photoresist pattern forming method, and microlens array forming method A photoresist pattern forming method, comprising a first step of forming on an underlayer a photoresist film which includes a convex portion and a concave portion having a thickness thinner than a thickness of the convex portion, and a second step of processing the photoresist film to form, in a portion which has been the convex portion, an opening having a width narrower than a width of the convex portion, wherein in the second step, the convex portion of the photoresist film is at least partially exposed, and the photoresist film is then developed, and exposure light is condensed by the convex portion in exposing the photoresist film.
US08691488B2	Toner process The present disclosure describes a toner produced using a coalescing temperature lower than the melting point of a wax in the toner, quench cooling or both. The resulting toners can exhibit reduced dielectric loss and improved tribo charging.
US08691476B2	EUV mask and method for forming the same An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask can be used in lithography, such as is used in the fabrication of a semiconductor wafer. The EUV mask includes a low thermal expansion material (LTEM) substrate and a reflective multilayer (ML) disposed thereon. A capping layer is disposed on the reflective ML and a patterned absorption layer disposed on the capping layer. The pattern includes an antireflection (ARC) type pattern.
US08691475B2	Method for forming fuel cell fluid flow field plate According to embodiments of the invention, a fuel cell fluid flow field plate is provided. The fuel cell fluid flow field plate includes a flexible substrate including a fluid distribution zone having at least one flow channel, a manifold penetrating the flexible substrate and next to the fluid distribution zone, an upward extending portion extending upward at a position near an interface between the manifold and the fluid distribution zone, wherein a bend angle is between the upward extending portion and the fluid distribution zone, and the upward extending portion has at least one through-hole penetrating through the flexible substrate to expose the manifold, and a cover extending portion linking with the upward extending portion and covering a portion of the fluid distribution zone.
US08691471B2	Polymer electrolyte fuel cell and fuel cell stack comprising the same A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention includes a membrane electrode assembly (5) having a pair of electrodes (4a, 4b) sandwiching a portion of a polymer electrolyte membrane (1) which is inward relative to a peripheral portion thereof, a first separator (6a), and a second separator (6b), the first separator (6a) is provided with a first reaction gas channel (8) on one main surface, the second separator (6b) is provided with a second reaction gas channel (9) on one main surface such that the second reaction gas channel (9) has a second rib portion (12), the first reaction gas channel (8) is formed such that a ratio of a first reaction gas channel width of an upstream portion (18b) to the second rib portion (12) is set larger than a ratio of a first reaction gas channel width of a downstream portion (18c) to the second rib portion (12), and the ratio of the first reaction gas channel width of the upstream portion (18b) to the second rib portion (12) is a predetermined ratio.
US08691467B2	Metallic structures for solid oxide fuel cells A method and resulting device for metallic structures including interconnects and sealed frames for solid oxide fuel cells, particularly those with multi-cell electrolyte sheets, includes providing a high-temperature aluminum-containing surface-alumina-forming steel, forming an interconnect structure from the steel, removing any alumina layer from a surface portion of the interconnect where an electrical contact is to be formed, providing a structure having a surface portion with which electrical contact is to be made by the surface portion of the interconnect, and brazing the surface portion of the interconnect to the surface portion of the structure, and sealing fuel cell frames by brazing.
US08691463B2	Thermally primed hydrogen-producing fuel cell system Thermally primed fuel processing assemblies and hydrogen-producing fuel cell systems that include the same. The thermally primed fuel processing assemblies include at least one hydrogen-producing region housed within an internal compartment of a heated containment structure. In some embodiments, the heated containment structure is an oven. In some embodiments, the compartment also contains a purification region and/or heating assembly. In some embodiments, the containment structure is adapted to heat and maintain the internal compartment at or above a threshold temperature, which may correspond to a suitable hydrogen-producing temperature. In some embodiments, the containment structure is adapted to maintain this temperature during periods in which the fuel cell system is not producing power and/or not producing power to satisfy an applied load to the system. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system is adapted to provide backup power to a power source, which may be adapted to power the containment structure.
US08691462B2	High temperature fuel cell system with integrated heat exchanger network A fuel cell system (1) is provided and includes a fuel cell stack (3), a cathode recuperator heat exchanger (33) adapted to heat an air inlet stream using heat from a fuel cell stack cathode exhaust stream, and an air preheater heat exchanger (39) which is adapted to heat the air inlet stream using heat from a fuel cell stack anode exhaust stream.
US08691461B2	Fuel cell system When starting operation of a fuel cell below the freezing point, a fuel cell system adjusts the open degree of a hydrogen pressure adjusting valve, introduces hydrogen to a hydrogen entrance of the fuel cell so as to make the total pressure of the hydrogen entrance a first pressure, and starts a hydrogen circulation pump. If at least one of the cell voltages acquired by a cell voltmeter is below a predetermined voltage, the system determines that clogging is caused in a hydrogen flow channel in the fuel cell. When it is determined that clogging is present, the open degree of the pressure adjusting valve is adjusted and hydrogen is introduced to the hydrogen entrance so that the total pressure of the hydrogen entrance is a second pressure which is higher than the first pressure. Then, the hydrogen circulation pump is stopped and the fuel cell is warmed up to dissolve the clogging of the hydrogen flow channel. Thus, it is possible to suppress degradation of the fuel cell upon an operation start below the freezing point.
US08691460B2	Method of stopping operation of fuel cell system A method includes an in-stop-mode power generating process of, if an instruction to stop an operation of a fuel cell is detected, stopping supply of a fuel gas, and supplying an oxide gas to the fuel cell to generate power from an oxide-gas supply apparatus, and then stopping power generation of the fuel cell, and a gas replacing process of, after the power generation of the fuel cell is stopped, activating the gas replacement apparatus at a predetermined timing to supply a replacement gas to the anode side of the fuel cell to replace the fuel gas on the anode side with the replacement gas.
US08691459B2	Fuel cell system and scavenging method therefor A fuel cell having an oxygen-containing gas flow field and a fuel gas flow field, an oxygen-containing gas supply apparatus for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the oxygen-containing gas flow field, a fuel gas supply apparatus for supplying a fuel gas to the fuel gas flow field, a scavenging gas supply apparatus for supplying air as a scavenging gas to the fuel gas flow field, and a controller are provided. The controller includes a voltage detection unit for detecting the voltage of the fuel cell after operation of the fuel cell is stopped and a scavenging control unit for starting scavenging in the fuel gas flow field by the scavenging gas supply apparatus after the detected voltage is decreased temporarily, increased, and decreased again to become a preset voltage or less.
US08691456B2	Air and coolant circuit configurations and control of fuel cell systems as power source in automotive, stationary, and portable applications An air and coolant control system comprising: a heat source configured to receive air, generate heat, receive coolant, conduct the received coolant to a coolant outlet, and transfer the generated heat to the received coolant, thereby removing the generated heat from the heat source as the coolant is conducted out of the heat source; an air supply source configured to supply the air to the heat source; an air supply control system configured to adjust the supply of air from the air supply source to the heat source based on a dynamic feedback temperature characteristic from the heat source; a coolant supply source configured to supply the coolant to the heat source; and a coolant control system configured to adjust the flow rate of the coolant based on an estimated feed-forward heat source characteristic and to adjust the temperature of the coolant based on the dynamic feedback temperature characteristic.
US08691455B2	Fuel cell system and method of operating the same A fuel cell system and a method of operating the same, the fuel cell system comprising: a fuel cell including at least one unit cell; an switch having first and second ends connected to different type electrodes of the fuel cell; and a circuit unit to detect whether a load is applied to the fuel cell, to control the operation of the switch according to the detection, cycle the switch open and closed to short circuit the fuel cell, in order to prevent the fuel cell from overheating and to consume a residual fuel in the fuel cell. The fuel cell system may further include a converter, a secondary cell, a battery charger, and a switching unit between the load and the fuel cell.
US08691453B2	Fuel cell system Even if a failure occurs in a bypass valve during low-efficiency power generation, the occurrence of an excessive stoichiometry ratio in a fuel cell can be prevented. An output from a pressure sensor or a current sensor is monitored by a control device, and when a failure associated with a closed-valve malfunction of the bypass valve occurs, the degree of opening of the pressure regulating valve is increased to increase an amount of cathode-off gas exhaust, and a revolution speed of an air compressor is reduced to an amount of air discharged by the air compressor, thereby preventing an excessive stoichiometry ratio in the fuel cell.
US08691447B2	Homogeneous, dual layer, solid state, thin film deposition for structural and/or electrochemical characteristics Solid state, thin film, electrochemical devices (10) and methods of making the same are disclosed. An exemplary device 10 includes at least one electrode (14) and an electrolyte (16) deposited on the electrode (14). The electrolyte (16) includes at least two homogenous layers of discrete physical properties. The two homogenous layers comprise a first dense layer (15) and a second porous layer (16).
US08691446B2	Nonaqueous secondary battery and method of using the same A nonaqueous secondary battery having a positive electrode having a positive electrode mixture layer, a negative electrode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte, in which the positive electrode contains, as an active material, a lithium-containing transition metal oxide containing a metal element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ti, Zr, Ge, Nb, Al and Sn, the positive electrode mixture layer has a density of 3.5 g/cm3 or larger, and the nonaqueous electrolyte contains a compound having two or more nitrile groups in the molecule.
US08691444B2	Lithium battery with hermetically sealed anode Protected anode architectures for active metal anodes have a polymer adhesive seal that provides a hermetic enclosure for the active metal of the protected anode inside an anode compartment. The compartment is substantially impervious to ambient moisture and battery components such as catholyte (electrolyte about the cathode), and prevents volatile components of the protected anode, such as anolyte (electrolyte about the anode), from escaping. The architecture is formed by joining the protected anode to an anode container. The polymer adhesive seals provide a hermetic seal at the joint between a surface of the protected anode and the container.
US08691442B2	Negative active material comprising carbon core particles coated with thin film covering for a rechargeable lithium battery, method of preparing the same, and rechargeable lithium battery including the same A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery, a method of preparing the same, and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same, the negative active material including carbon core particles; a metallic material on the carbon core particles; and a carbon thin film covering the carbon core particles and the metallic material, wherein the carbon core particles have an interplanar spacing (d002) of about 0.34 nm to about 0.40 nm at a (002) plane measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD) using a CuKα ray, and the carbon thin film has a thickness of about 1 nm to about 500 nm.
US08691439B2	Alkaline cell with performance enhancing additives Alkaline electrochemical cells having extended service life and acceptable gassing and corrosion properties are disclosed. An amphoteric surfactant can be incorporated into the gelled anode mixture of an alkaline electrochemical cell, optionally with an organic phosphate ester surfactant or a sulfonic acid type organic surfactant or both. Zinc particles having a defined distribution of particle sizes can also be incorporated into a zinc anode. The electrolyte included, in the anode mixture can have a reduced hydroxide concentration.
US08691437B2	Method for evaluating positive electrode active material Provided is a method for evaluating a positive electrode active material. The method evaluates the performance of a positive electrode active material comprising a lithium transition metal oxide that contains a manganese-containing transition metal oxide. In this method, the lithium penetration rate into a transition metal site in the lithium transition metal oxide is evaluated based on the intensity ratio P between a first-neighbor Mn—O peak intensity A and a second-neighbor Mn-M peak intensity B in a radial distribution function obtained from EXAFS at the K absorption edge of manganese (Mn). Moreover, the ratio of excess lithium present in the positive electrode active material may also be evaluated based on the excess amount of added lithium Q contained in excess of the stoichiometric ratio of the lithium transition metal oxide and the intensity ratio P.
US08691436B2	Battery module and its method of manufacture A rechargeable battery that prevents a concentration of stress on a coupling portion of a lead tab and a cap assembly at a time of bending the lead tab so as to not damage the coupling portion includes: an electrode assembly having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator interposed between the first and second electrodes; a case to receive the electrode assembly and having an open top portion; a cap assembly arranged on the top portion of the case; a lead tab having one end affixed to the cap assembly to electrically connect the cap assembly to the first electrode; and a stopper fixed to the cap assembly and having one end arranged on the lead tab, the stopper allowing a portion of the lead tab contacting the one end of the stopper to be bent when the lead tab is bent.
US08691434B2	Magnesium ion-containing non-aqueous electrolyte and a production process thereof, as well as electrochemical device A magnesium ion containing non-aqueous electrolyte in which magnesium ions and aluminum ions are dissolved in an organic etheric solvent, and which is formed by: adding metal magnesium, a halogenated hydrocarbon RX, an aluminum halide AlY3, and a quaternary ammonium salt R1R2R3R4N+Z− to an organic etheric solvent; and applying a heating treatment while stirring them (in the general formula RX representing the halogenated hydrocarbon, R is an alkyl group or an aryl group, X is chlorine, bromine, or iodine, in the general formula AlY3 representing the aluminum halide, Y is chlorine, bromine, or iodine, in the general formula R1R2R3R4N+Z− representing the quaternary ammonium salt, R1, R2, R3, and R4 represent each an alkyl group or an aryl group, and Z− represents chloride ion, bromide ion, iodide ion, acetate ion, perchlorate ion, tetrafluoro borate ion, hexafluoro phosphate ion, hexafluoro arsenate ion, perfluoroalkyl sulfonate ion, or perfluoroalkyl sulfonylimide ion.
US08691433B2	Battery The invention relates to a battery comprising a casing having at least one handle, which is formed integrally with the casing and is at least partially recessed into the upper surface of the casing.
US08691432B2	Flexible envelope type battery and electrically conductible sealing structure thereof and assembling method thereof A flexible-envelope type battery and an electrically conductible sealing structure thereof and an assembling method thereof are provided. The battery includes an electrode pair, a flexible envelope and a pair of electrically conductible sealing structures. Each sealing structure includes a conductive terminal and a fixed member. The conductive terminal includes a bottom board and a protruding block, for conducting an electric current from the electrode pair to the outside. The bottom board is disposed within the flexible envelope and combined with the electrode pair. The protruding block is disposed on the bottom board for passing through and protruding from an upper surface of the flexible envelope. The fixed member is for tightly fixing the flexible envelope and the conductive terminal.
US08691431B2	Method of producing sealing structure of bipolar battery, method of manufacturing bipolar battery, sealing structure of bipolar battery, and bipolar battery The present invention is intended to provide a method of producing a sealing structure of a bipolar battery capable of improving the sealing capability by means of solidifying the joint between a resin collector comprising a thermosetting resin before the setting reaction and a sealing layer, a method of producing the bipolar battery, and the sealing structure of the bipolar battery and the bipolar battery. The method of producing the sealing structure of the bipolar battery comprises s step of producing the sealing assembly 80 by joining the first sealing layer 81 consisting of thermosetting resin before the thermosetting reaction with the second sealing layer 82 consisting of the thermoplastic resin, and a step of producing the collector assembly 90 formed by sealing the contact area of the sealing assembly and the resin collector 60 by joining the sealing assembly with the thermosetting resin after the thermosetting reaction.
US08691423B2	Rebuilt rechargeable battery with welded grip A rechargeable power tool battery is rebuilt by replacing its spent cells with an array of replacement cells in which connections are made by conductive connectors, ends of which are clamped by bent-over arms of star-shaped malleable metal grips, the hubs of which are spot welded to cell terminals by the replacement cell supplier. Replacement cells can be supplied in pairs with the positive terminal of one cell of the pair permanently connected to the negative terminal of the other cell of the pair and with the other positive and negative terminals each provided with a spot-welded star-shaped grip.
US08691422B2	Modular interconnection system A modular interconnection system in the form of a releasable modular interconnect is provided. The releasable modular interconnect may include a substrate with a plurality of releasable contact regions, where each releasable contact region may be positioned to overlay a respective terminal of a power cell. The releasable modular interconnect may also include at least one conductive interconnect member affixed to the substrate, where the conductive interconnect member includes at least a one conductive releasable contact disposed within a releasable contact region of the substrate. The conductive releasable contact may be positioned to form a releasable electrical connection with a terminal of a power cell when a force is applied to the first releasable contact region in a direction toward the terminal of the power cell. Additional and related methods and apparatuses are also provided.
US08691420B2	Battery pack A battery pack that allows easy application of injection molding in the formation of a battery case and is capable of improving fastening strength of the case components. For this purpose, the battery pack comprises a plurality of battery cells; a circuit module electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells; and a case accommodating the plurality of battery cells and the circuit module, wherein the case includes a first case shaped in the form of an open box and having a plurality of coupling protrusions formed thereon and a second case shaped in the form of an open box and having a plurality of coupling holes engaging with the plurality of coupling protrusions in order to couple the second case with the first case.
US08691418B2	Insulative member on battery cathode This document discusses, among other things, an insulative member that is configured around a cathode, and methods and assemblies incorporation the insulative member. In an example, the insulative members protect the edge of the cathode material from damage, prevents the migration of cathode material into contact with an anode, or prevents a metal substrate in the cathode from shorting against an adjacent anode.
US08691415B2	Power storage apparatus A power storage apparatus includes a plurality of power storage elements aligned in one direction; and a pair of restraint members placed at both ends of the plurality of power storage elements in an alignment direction in which the elements are aligned, the restraint members configured to give a restraint force to the plurality of power storage elements. At least one restraint member of the pair of restraint members includes, a protruding portion protruding toward the power storage element adjacent to the restraint member, an end of the protruding portion being in contact with the adjacent power storage element to form a space between the restraint member and the adjacent power storage element; and a shield portion protruding in the alignment direction and preventing a heat exchange medium for use in temperature adjustment of the power storage element from entering into the space.
US08691414B2	Battery module having coolant passage and gas exhaust passage The present invention relates to a battery module including a plurality of unit batteries. The battery module includes the plurality of unit batteries electrically connected to each other, a housing having a plurality of penetration holes in which the unit batteries are provided to respective correspond to the unit batteries, and a duct member combined with the housing to cover electrode terminals of the unit batteries. The duct member includes a coolant passage through which a coolant is provided to the penetration hole and a gas exhaust passage for exhausting gas generated from the unit batteries in a predetermined direction.
US08691411B2	Battery pack and wiring substrate A battery pack includes a pack body that includes a battery cell and that has an external shape substantially symmetric with respect to the horizontal and vertical axes, viewed from a front face on which terminals are arranged, and a terminal unit on the front face. The terminal unit includes a positive terminal, a negative terminal, a control terminal, and a temperature detection terminal for outputting temperature data. The positive terminal and the negative terminal are arranged on one side with respect to a center line in the width direction of the pack body. The control terminal is arranged symmetrically to the temperature detection terminal with respect to the center line in the width direction of the pack body.
US08691410B2	Battery pack A battery pack is disclosed which can inhibit unwanted electric short-circuits between a secondary battery and a thermal safety device. The battery pack may be further configured such that the number of welding points is reduced, simplifying a manufacturing process for the battery pack. The battery pack may include a secondary battery including a case having a first polarity, a terminal protruding from the case having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity, a safety member including an insulating holder mounted in the case around the terminal, a thermal safety device, and a conductive plate. The thermal safety device may be mounted in the insulating holder and electrically connected to the terminal. The conductive plate may be electrically connected to the thermal safety device and mounted in the insulating holder around the thermal safety device.
US08691408B2	Secondary battery including protective circuit module to protect battery when swelling occurs A secondary battery includes a case having positive and negative electrodes, a safety device attached to a surface of the case and having a resistance value which changes during swelling of the case, and a protective circuit module attached to a side of the case while being electrically connected to the safety device. The resistance value of the safety device changes as the case swells, and the protective circuit module reduces or interrupts charging/discharging currents in response thereto. The safety device can be used for all secondary batteries regardless of capacity, can quickly react against abruptly rising internal temperature and rapid swelling, and can stably prevent swelling which occurs above an allowable temperature.
US08691407B2	Battery pack A battery pack includes at least one bare cell, a protection circuit module (PCM) external to the at least one bare cell, and at least one conductive tab connecting the bare cell to the PCM, the conductive tabs including a non-magnetic portion and a magnetic portion on a region of the non-magnetic portion.
US08691402B2	Perpendicular magnetic recording medium A perpendicular magnetic recording medium according to which both the thermal stability of the magnetization is good and writing with a magnetic head is easy, and moreover the SNR is improved. In the case of a perpendicular magnetic recording medium comprising a nonmagnetic substrate (1), and at least a nonmagnetic underlayer (2), a magnetic recording layer (3), and a protective layer (4) formed in this order on the nonmagnetic substrate (1), the magnetic recording layer (3) comprises a low Ku region (31) layer having a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy constant (Ku value) of not more than 1×105 erg/cm3, and a high Ku region (32) layer having a Ku value of at least 1×106 erg/cm3. Moreover, the magnetic recording layer (3) is made to have therein nonmagnetic grain boundaries that contain a nonmagnetic oxide and magnetically isolate crystal grains, which are made of a ferromagnetic metal, from one another.
US08691401B2	Bridged benzimidazole-carbene complexes and use thereof in OLEDS The present invention concerns a metal-carbene complex of the general formula (I) in which R5 and R6 together, or R6 and R7 together, a unit of the formula: in which * denotes the connection to the carbon atoms of the benzene ring bearing the R5 and R6 radicals or R6 and R7 radicals, and the oxygen atom is connected to the carbon atom bearing the R5, R6 or R7 radical, and A is oxygen or sulfur. The present invention further concerns light-emitting layer comprising at least one metal-carbene complex according to the present invention and an organic light-emitting diode comprising a light-emitting layer according to the present invention, a device selected from the group consisting of stationary visual display units, mobile visual display units and illumination means and the use of a metal-carbene complex according to the present invention in organic light-emitting diodes, especially as emitter, matrix material, charge carrier material and charge blocker material.
US08691395B2	Composite material for brazing and a brazed product manufactured using the same A composite material for brazing having features of: forming a homogenous distribution of components in the brazing filler material even after brazing; having an excellent workability; offering low manufacturing costs; and having satisfactory corrosion resistivity as desired. The composite material for brazing has a lamination of a brazing filler material layer thereon, wherein the brazing filler material layer is a layer of alloy that includes copper, aluminum, and nickel.
US08691393B2	EMI shielding heat shrinkable tapes Disclosed herein are various exemplary embodiments of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding heat shrinkable materials and articles (e.g., tapes, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, an EMI shielding heat shrinkable tape includes a heat shrinkable layer and an EMI shielding layer. When heated to a shrink temperature of the heat shrinkable layer, the tape may shrink lengthwise.
US08691392B2	Junctions comprising molecular bilayers for the use in electronic devices The present invention relates to asymmetric molecular bilayers for the use in the junctions of electronic devices, such as crossbar junctions, comprising the general structure ET-MT( )MB-EB, wherein ET and EB denote a top and a bottom electrode, MT and MB represent functional molecules both forming a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on said top or bottom electrode, and the symbol ( ) denotes a non-covalent interaction between the two monolayers, resulting in a molecular bilayer, sandwiched between the two electrodes. The electrodes are solid state electrodes and stationary with respect to each other. The present invention also relates to a method of producing such assemblies.
US08691391B2	Adhesive compositions Polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide, linear, block copolymers and methods of making the copolymers are provided. The method of making the copolymers involves reacting a diamine with a polydiorganosiloxane precursor having oxalylamino groups. The polydioroganosiloxane polyoxamide block copolymers are of the (AB)n type.
US08691390B2	Single-use flammable vapor sensor films A single-use replaceable (one-shot) conductometric sensor film for use with a conductometric sensor, such as flammable vapor sensors, is provided that detects one or more volatile organic compound chemical analytes. Such sensor films exhibit a sustained change in resistance after exposure to the target analytes. The sensor film compositions undergo substantially inelastic deformation after a detection event and thus exhibit a sustained resistance change, ensuring only one-time use for certain applications. Methods of sensing analytes using the single-use sensor film compositions are also provided.
US08691389B2	Method of nanopatterning, a cured resist film use therein, and an article including the resist film A method of nanopatterning includes the steps of providing the resist film (12) and forming the pattern in the resist film (12). The resist film (12) includes an organosilicone compound having at least two vinyl groups, an organosilicone crosslinker different from the organosilicone compound, a catalyst, and a catalyst inhibitor. The cured resist film (12) includes the reaction product of the organosilicone compound having at least two vinyl groups and the organosilicone crosslinker different from the organosilicone compound, in the presence of the catalyst and the catalyst inhibitor. The article (10) includes a substrate (14), and the cured resist film (12) is disposed on the substrate (14). Due to the presence of the catalyst inhibitor in the resist film (12), the resist film (12) may be manipulated for hours at room temperature without curing. At the same time, the resist film (12) cures in a sufficiently short period of time to be commercially valuable.
US08691386B2	Bonded body of a carbon thin film covered article and a rubber A bonded body 10 of a carbon film covered article and a rubber is formed by bonding a carbon film covered article 13 having a carbon film 12 formed on a surface of an article 11 to an unvulcanized rubber 14 by affixing and vulcanizing. Thereby, a bonded body of rubber and, for example, metal can be provided without the need for an adhesive.
US08691385B2	Coated aerogel beads Methods and apparatus for coating particulate material are provided. The apparatus includes a vessel having a top and a bottom, a vertically extending conduit having an inlet in the vessel and an outlet outside of the vessel, a first fluid inlet in the bottom of the vessel for introducing a transfer fluid, a second fluid inlet in the bottom of the vessel for introducing a coating fluid, and a fluid outlet from the vessel. The method includes steps of agitating a material, contacting the material with a coating material, and drying the coating material to produce a coated material. The invention may be adapted to coat aerogel beads, among other materials. A coated aerogel bead and an aerogel-based insulation material are also disclosed.
US08691381B2	Edge coatings for tapes Disclosed is a tape including a substrate having an adhesive layer applied thereto and an edge coating. The substrate and the adhesive together provide at least one masking edge where the edge coating is applied. The edge coating includes a lipophilic agent, a flocculating agent, or combinations thereof. The edge coating provides the tape with enhanced masking ability by preventing paints, varnishes, paint strippers, and other coating compositions from infiltrating the tape substrate or the interface between the tape and an adherend.
US08691380B2	Coated article and method for making the same A coated article includes a substrate, an anti-corrosion layer formed on the substrate, a decorative layer formed on the anti-corrosion layer. The substrate is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The anti-corrosion layer is a silicon layer. The coated article has improved corrosion resistance.
US08691374B2	Multilayer coated wear-resistant member and method for making the same A coated wear-resistant member, as well as a method for making the same, includes a substrate and a coating scheme. The coating scheme has a region of alternating coating sublayers. One coating sublayer is TixAlySi100-x-yN wherein 40 atomic percent≦x≦80 atomic percent; 15 atomic percent≦y≦55 atomic percent; 4 atomic percent≦100−x−y≦15 atomic percent. The other coating sublayer is TipAl100-pN wherein 45 atomic percent≦p≦100 atomic percent. The method for making a coated wear-resistant member includes the steps of providing the substrate, and depositing the region of alternating coating sublayers.
US08691372B2	Articles comprising high melt flow ionomeric compositions A polymeric film or sheet comprising an ionomeric composition comprising ionomeric copolymer of an alpha olefin and about 1 to about 30 wt % of alpha,beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbons, based on the total weight of the ionomeric copolymer, wherein the carboxylic acid is neutralized to a level of 1 to 100 mol %, with one or more metal ions, based on the total number of moles of carboxylate groups in the ionomeric copolymer, and wherein the ionomeric copolymer has a Melt Index of about 20 to about 300 g/10 min. The ionomeric composition preferably comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of silane coupling agent, organic peroxide, and combinations thereof. In addition, an article comprising an interlayer formed of the polymeric film or sheet and an additional layer selected from the group consisting of glass, other polymeric interlayer sheets, polymeric film layers, and metal films or sheets. Examples of articles include safety windows and solar cells.
US08691370B2	Multi-layered support structure A multi-layered support structure provides ergonomic, adaptable seating support. The multi-layered support structure includes multiple cooperative layers to maximize global comfort and support while enhancing adaptation to localized variations in a load, such as in the load applied when a person sits in a chair. The cooperative layers each include elements such as pixels, springs, support rails, and other elements to provide this adaptable comfort and support. The multi-layered support structure also uses aligned material to provide a flexible yet durable support structure. Accordingly, the multi-layered support structure provides maximum comfort for a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
US08691369B2	Element with optical marking, manufacturing method, and use A layer combination with a marking is proposed, for example, for a miniaturized electrical component. The layer combination includes a first layer and a different release layer, which is applied on it, on which a pattern is formed by a released pattern-like area. The release area is formed from an inorganic, semiconducting, insulating material, where the pattern produced thereon is machine-readable.
US08691368B2	Thermally conductive sheet and method of manufacturing the same A thermally conductive sheet comprises a thermally conductive polymer layer, an adhesive layer provided on an outer surface of the thermally conductive polymer layer, and a thermal diffusion layer, which is a functional layer provided on the adhesive layer. The thermally conductive polymer layer is formed of a thermally conductive polymer composition containing a polymer matrix and a thermally conductive filler. The coefficient of static friction of the thermally conductive polymer layer is 1.0 or lower. The adhesive layer has an outer shape smaller than that of the thermally conductive polymer layer.
US08691366B2	Cutting tool A cutting tool with a substrate which is coated with a coating layer containing TiaAlbNbdMe(C1-xNx), where M represents one or more elements selected from among Si, W, Mo, Ta, Hf, Cr, Zr and Y, where 0.1≦a≦0.7, 0≦b≦0.8, 0.02≦d≦0.25, 0≦e≦25, a+b+d+e=1.0 and 0≦x≦1 and is provided with a rake face; a flank face; a cutting edge between the rake face and the flank face; and droplets on the surface of the coating layer. The droplets include finer droplets having particle diameters of 300 nm or less; and coarser droplets having particle diameters of 1000 nm or more. The flank face has a higher percentage of the finer droplets than the rake face. An Nb content in the coarser droplets on the flank face is higher than an Nb of the coarser droplets on the rake face.
US08691363B2	Decorative and protective nonslip covering of multiple uses and the production process and composition thereof This invention relates to a nonslip decorative and protective coverings in order to cover and protect distinct surfaces, its composition and the manufacturing process thereof; characterized in that it consists of a foamed cellular film based on dry mixed and calendared suspension resins, defining a smooth textured and decorated upper surface, and a rough lower surface with high adherence; said film consists of a composition of: a) suspension resin of vinyl polychloride and/or copolymer of vinyl chloride; b) plasticizers in order to provide flexibility to the covering; c) other components such as elastomers, Barium/Zinc or tin stabilizers; lubricants, biocides, flame retardants, pigments and charges, in order to facilitate the processing thereof, and d) foaming agents.
US08691358B2	Component provided with a machine-readable identification Component (1) having at least one element (2) having a curved surface (3), wherein the element (2) is provided with a coded, electronically readable identification (4), which is introduced into the surface as a topographic identification (4), wherein the identification (4) is embodied in such a way that it can be read in two dimensions by means of a reader.
US08691356B2	Disk and process for producing base material for disk, and disk roll The present invention relates to a process for producing a base material for disks of disk rolls, in which the disk roll contains a rotating shaft and a plurality of the disks fitted on the rotating shaft by insertion whereby the outer peripheral surface of the disks serves as a conveying surface, in which the process contains molding a slurry raw material containing inorganic fibers, an inorganic filler having an aspect ratio of from 1 to 25 and an inorganic binder into a plate shape; and drying the molded plate.
US08691353B2	Polarizing plate, method for producing polarizing plate, and liquid crystal display device Disclosed are: a polarizing plate having visibility and viewing angle characteristics; and a liquid crystal display device using the polarizing plate. Specifically disclosed is a polarizing plate which is obtained by sandwiching a polarizer between first and second cellulose ester films. The polarizing plate is characterized in that the first cellulose ester film is formed from a cellulose ester having a total degree of substitution of acyl groups of 2.8-3.0, and the second cellulose ester film is formed from a cellulose ester having a total degree of substitution of acyl groups of 2.0-2.6, and has a retardation value Ro of 30-200 nm and a retardation value Rt of 70-300 nm. The polarizing plate is also characterized in that the first and second cellulose ester films are subjected to a saponification treatment wherein when the saponification condition is expressed as a saponification index M, the saponification index M1 of the first cellulose ester film and the saponification index M2 of the second cellulose ester film satisfy the relation of M1>M2.
US08691350B2	Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method therefor An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device in which a risk of generation of a image sticking is reduced. A liquid crystal display device (100) of the present invention includes a pair of glass substrates (11) and (21), a liquid crystal layer (30) provided between the pair of glass substrates (11) and (21), an alignment layer (23) provided between the liquid crystal layer (30) and at least one of the pair of glass substrates (11) and (21), and an alignment sustaining layer (24) for defining a direction in which liquid crystal molecules constituting the liquid crystal layer (30) are inclined, the alignment sustaining layer (24) being provided between the alignment layer (23) and the liquid crystal layer (30), the alignment layer (23) and the alignment sustaining layer (24) being covalently bound to each other.
US08691348B2	Thin-film manufacturing method and apparatus A thin-film manufacturing method includes the steps of: generating a plasma from source gas; extracting ions from the plasma; and depositing a thin film on one side or both sides of a substrate to be deposited with the ions. The method is performed in an apparatus including: a plasma chamber generating the plasma; a film deposition chamber accommodating the substrate to be deposited; an ion transfer path for transferring the ions from the plasma chamber to the film deposition chamber; a branch pipe branching from the ion transfer path; and an exhaust system connected to the branch pipe. The thin film is formed while the source gas except the ions is exhausted from the branch pipe.
US08691342B2	Multi-phase self-stratifying coating exhibiting gradient behavior The present invention relates to multi-phase self-stratifying coating systems, and in particular, to multi-phase self-stratifying coating systems having a substantially homogeneous composition of polymeric binder components that upon application and cure generates a multi-phase stratified coating wherein each phase is rich in a different polymeric binder component and wherein individual phases are separated by a diffuse interface, such that the stratified coating exhibits a gradient behavior wherein a given interface exhibits the attributes of the polymeric binder component that is rich at that interface, and wherein at least one phase is rich in a polymeric binder having a telechelic resin with reactive internal groups, reactive end groups, and an alkoxide oligomer, and at least one other phase is rich in a polymeric binder having a fluorinated polymer derived from fluorinated vinyl-based monomers.
US08691336B2	Coating treatment method, non-transitory computer storage medium and coating treatment apparatus A coating treatment method includes: a first step of discharging a coating solution from a nozzle to a central portion of a substrate while acceleratingly rotating the substrate, to apply the coating solution over the substrate; a second step of then decelerating the rotation of the substrate and continuously rotating the substrate; and a third step of then accelerating the rotation of the substrate to dry the coating solution on the substrate. In the first step, the acceleration of the rotation of the substrate is changed in the order of a first acceleration, a second acceleration higher than the first acceleration, and a third acceleration lower than the second acceleration to acceleratingly rotate the substrate at all times.
US08691334B2	Method of fabricating substrate where patterns are formed Provided is a method of fabricating a substrate where patterns are formed, the method including: forming first bonding agent patterns having selective cohesion in a position in which oxide bead patterns are to be formed on a substrate; coating a second bonding agent having larger cohesion with the first bonding agent than cohesion with the substrate, on a plurality of oxide beads, applying the oxide beads, on which the second bonding agent is coated, to the substrate and forming the oxide beads, on which the second bonding agent is coated, on the first bonding agent patterns; and thermally processing the substrate.
US08691332B2	Ultra low-emissivity (ultra low E) silver coating A silver conductive coating possessing infrared absorbing properties is disclosed. The coating is made from a blend of one or more micron size silver powders and/or flakes together with carbon black, inorganic pigment, glass frit, and powdered selenium or bismuth metal. The foregoing dry ingredients are pasted with an organic vehicle, applied to a substrate, and fired at a temperature of up to 1400° F. The coating absorbs infrared radiation beyond the decomposition of carbon black, thus allowing higher firing temperatures and hence shorter firing times.
US08691331B2	Surface modification of hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coatings A hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coating system having a reversibly reduced hydrophobicity. A hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coating is applied to and is bonded or otherwise strongly adhered to a substrate, such as an optical lens. The coating has sufficient thickness to provide a weakly adhered, excess portion that is mechanically removable. The excess portion of the hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coating has a surface that is modified to reduce hydrophobicity, such as by ion bombardment. The hydrophobicity of the coating is restored by mechanical removal of the excess portion of the coating.
US08691329B2	Laser net shape manufacturing using an adaptive toolpath deposition method A method is disclosed for laser cladding a substrate, comprising providing the substrate; depositing a first determined variable bead width of a material along a toolpath upon the substrate; depositing a second adjacent determined variable bead width of a material along the toolpath which overlaps the first determined variable bead width of deposited material; continuing to deposit a plurality of overlapping predetermined adjacent variable bead widths of a material until a first material layer is complete; forming a second material layer by depositing a plurality of overlapping predetermined variable bead widths of a material on top of the first material layer; and continuing to deposit material layers on top of deposited material layers until the cladding is complete; wherein the variable bead width of the deposited material is controlled by a computer having a plurality of input parameters to maintain an approximately constant percent of bead width overlap.
US08691326B2	Method for manufacturing solar cell electrode A method for manufacturing a solar cell electrode, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a conductive paste for bus electrode to a wafer in order to form a bus electrode pattern; (b) depositing onto the wafer a photocurable conductive paste for finger electrode from a discharge slot of a dispenser nozzle to thereby form an uncured finger electrode pattern on the wafer, wherein the nozzle moves parallel to the wafer; and (c) curing the uncured finger electrode pattern by exposing the uncured finger electrode pattern to UV light either after forming the uncured finger electrode pattern on the wafer in the step (b), or concurrent with the step (b).
US08691325B2	Dye-sensitized solar cell based on electrospun ultra-fine titanium dioxide fibers and fabrication method thereof A dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a semiconductor electrode comprising electrospun ultra-fine titanium dioxide fibers and fabrication method thereof are disclosed. The dye-sensitized solar cell comprises a semiconductor electrode comprising an electrospun ultra-fine fibrous titanium dioxide layer, a counter electrode and electrolyte interposed therebetween. A non-liquid electrolyte such as polymer gel electrolyte or the like having low fluidity, as well as the liquid electrolyte, can be easily infiltrated thereinto. In addition, electrons can be effectively transferred since titanium dioxide crystals are one-dimensionally arranged.
US08691320B2	Method for coating stents A method for coating a stent can involve a device having a drying zone, a spray zone, and movable member for positioning a stent in the drying zone and another stent in the spray zone. Each stent can be on a support. A force can be applied to the outside surface of a stent to prevent rotation of the stent with respect to the support.
US08691317B2	Process for producing a mixture and also use of the mixture containing buckwheat A process for preparing a mixture based on buckwheat is described, comprising preparing shelled buckwheat kernels and heating the buckwheat kernels to obtain preroasted buckwheat kernels; adding edible oil to the preroasted buckwheat kernels while continuing the roasting so that the edible oil is added to the preroasted buckwheat kernels in an amount sufficient that the surface of the buckwheat kernels are completely wetted by the edible oil, and continuing the roasting until the buckwheat kernels develop a golden-yellow coloration due to absorption of oil and the roasting; spraying a liquid solution containing salt, sugar or at least one flavoring to the oil and roasted buckwheat kernels so that the oiled and roasted buckwheat kernels are wetted at the surface with the solution containing the salt, sugar or flavoring; andcontinuing the roasting to evaporate the liquid to obtain the mixture of roasted buckwheat kernels containing salt, sugar or at least one flavoring.
US08691315B2	Process for preparing a food composition A process for preparing a food composition that is easily removed from the container by contacting one or more hydrocolloids with water to prepare a colloidal solution, contacting the colloid solution with one or more food ingredients, and allowing the resulting mixture to form a solid mass having a gelatinous texture, and a food composition produced by such process.
US08691314B2	Pourable dessert liquid product A pourable dessert liquid product comprising a protein source; fat; sweetener; stabilizer; flavoring agent; and emulsifier.
US08691311B2	Taste improving substances The present invention relates to taste improvement of foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco products and oral care products, using a substance according to formula (I), edible salts or edible esters thereof: It was found that substances represented by formula (I) are capable of modifying and complementing, the sensory impact of taste imparting substances. Thus, the present taste improving substances are advantageously applied in flavor compositions, foodstuffs, tobacco products and oral care products. Typical examples of taste improving substances according to the present invention include N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 3-hydroxypropionamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 3-hydroxybutyramide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 4-hydroxybutyramide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) N-5-hydroxypentanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 4-hydroxypentanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 3-hydroxypentanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 2-methyl-4-hydroxy-butyramide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 2-methyl-3-hydroxybutyramide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) N-6-hydroxyhexanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 5-hydroxyhexanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 4-hydroxyhexanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 3-hydroxyhexanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 4-hydroxy-2-keto-3-methyl-pentanoylamide; N-(2-hydroxyethyl) 4-hydroxy-2-keto-3-methyl-hexanoylamide and mixtures thereof.
US08691307B2	Combinations of abietic acid esters with one or more terpenes and use thereof for coating fruit or vegetables The present invention relates to a method of coating fruit or vegetables, comprising the application of a composition comprising one or more abietic acid ester(s) or mixtures thereof, in combination with one or more terpene(s).
US08691306B2	Process for the electroporation of beet cossettes and device for carrying out this process A process and an installation for the improved extraction and subsequent recovery of contents from sugar beets (Beta vulgaris) or from sugar beet cossettes.
US08691298B2	Stabilized formulation comprising omega-3 fatty acids and use of the fatty acids for skin care and/or wound care A stabilized formulation for skin care, wound care and/or other tissue healing applications and methods for making the same is described. The stabilized formulation stabilizes omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and is constituted of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in combination with tocopherol (Vitamin E), ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), herb extract, and a fat-soluble antioxidant. Methods for making and using the stabilized formulation are also described.
US08691297B2	Alcoholic injury mitigating agent The present invention relates to an alcoholic injury mitigating agent comprising krill oil as an active ingredient. The krill oil preferably comprises phospholipids in an amount of at least 30% by weight, ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in an amount of at least 5% by weight of the total fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid in an amount of at least 2% by weight of the total fatty acids, or docosahexaenoic acid in an amount of at least 1% by weight of the total fatty acids.
US08691294B2	Cistus extracts The present invention relates to the use of a nasal spray made from Cistus extracts for the prevention and/or treatment of viral and/or bacterial diseases of the oral and pharyngeal cavities.
US08691293B2	Low inflammatory blended oils A low inflammatory oil composition and method for supplementing feed, nutrition and diet systems with omega-3 to omega-6 balanced oils comprised of a synergistic blend of at least two oils. The composition further comprises a synergistic blend of long chain omega-3 oil as a means to further increase the nutritional value. The composition further provides an effective increase in reducing inflammation for therapeutic, and pharmacological treatment in addition to general nutrition and diet systems.
US08691291B1	System and method for patient preparation A method for preparing the human bowel to undergo colonoscopy. A salt solution, preferable having a 0.9% w/v concentration of sodium chloride in water and warmed to 40 C. degrees, is utilized. A series of twisting and maneuvering exercises, such as those used in Yoga, is also performed. A predetermine quantity of the salt solution is consumed during predetermined intervals between the exercise steps, intending to clear and cleanse the colon so as to prepare it to undergo colonoscopy within about 3 to 24 hours after the completion of the preparation.
US08691290B2	Methods for inhibiting the activation of immune cells A method for killing or substantially eradicating a pathogen in the upper respiratory tract of a mammal is disclosed. The method comprises generating molecular iodine (I2) in situ using an oxidant-reductant reaction with a minimum concentration of at least about 25 ppm of I2 and I2 comprises at least 40% of the total iodine atoms. A method for inhibiting superantigens using molecular iodine is also disclosed.
US08691288B2	Gallium-containing sealant for medical use Chronic rhinosinusitis and other bacterial sinus conditions may be treated by applying a solvating system containing a surfactant to a bacterial biofilm in a nasal or sinus cavity, disrupting the biofilm, and applying a protective layer of a polymeric film-forming medical sealant.
US08691285B2	Anti-microbial applications for acidic composition of matter Methods of using a non-irritant, low pH acidic composition to destroy undesirable microorganisms are described. The methods may be used on food products, food processing equipment, and in aqueous solutions.
US08691281B2	Solid pharmaceutical composition containing 6-oxo-6,7,8,9,10,11-hexahydrocyclohepta (C)chromen-3-yl sulfamate and polymorphs thereof The present invention relates to a solid pharmaceutical composition including the active principle 6-oxo-6,7,8,9,10,11-hexahydrocyclohepta[c]chromen-3-yl sulfamate. The present invention also relates to polymorphs of the 6-oxo-6,7,8,9,10,11-hexahydrocyclohepta[c]chromen-3-yl sulfamate compound.
US08691278B2	Self solidifying bioerodible barrier implant Provided are bioerodible compositions that can be implanted into cavities or mammalian tissue as a liquid or semi-liquid and which solidify upon exposure of the body temperature of the mammal. The implants erode over a prescribed period of time and elute a drug. The implants also form a seal with the skin or mucosa surrounding the cavity to prevent the entry of bacterial pathogens.
US08691275B2	Controlled-release melatonin compositions and related methods This disclosure relates to controlled-release melatonin compositions and related methods. In one embodiment, a controlled-release medicament composition comprises melatonin dispersed in a controlled melatonin release portion comprising a polymer matrix, the polymer matrix adapted to encapsulate the melatonin in a melatonin solubility enhancing pH environment and to maintain the melatonin solubility enhancing pH environment when the composition is located in a melatonin solubility diminishing pH environment for allowing an effective amount of melatonin to be released into the melatonin solubility diminishing pH environment.
US08691274B2	Inkjet printing of tissues and cells Provided herein is an apparatus for printing cells which includes an electrospinning device and an inkjet printing device operatively associated therewith. Methods of making a biodegradable scaffold having cells seeded therein are also provided. Methods of forming microparticles containing one or more cells encapsulated by a substrate are also provided, as are methods of forming an array of said microparticles.
US08691269B2	Controlled degradation of expandable polymers in gastric volume reduction treatment Orally administrable polymer-carrying units for expanding in a stomach of a mammal to fill a space in the stomach, the polymer-carrying units including: a carrier; a plurality of polymer molecules expandable in aqueous solutions, releasably coupled to the carrier; and means for selectively decoupling the polymer molecules from the carrier so that the polymer molecules and carrier are released in the stomach, are provided.
US08691266B2	Wound dressing material A material for use as a wound dressing, the material being in the form of a roll and comprising gel forming fibers and the material having lines of longitudinal stitching.
US08691260B2	Immobilized biologically active entities having a high degree of biological activity The present invention relates to immobilized biologically active entities having heparin cofactor II binding activity.
US08691257B2	Water soluble laundry bag and receptacle therefor A water soluble bag for containing soiled textiles, said bag having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween, said bag made of a plastic film having a thickness of at least 1.3 mils, wherein said bag dissolves in water at a temperature of 165° F. in less than about 250 seconds and does not dissolve in water at a temperature of 85° F. in 7 days, and said bag being capable of containing at least 175 lbs. of soiled textiles and having a capacity of at least 50 gallons. Also disclosed is a receptacle for collecting soiled textiles comprising a container and a water soluble bag. Also disclosed is a receptacle for collecting soiled textiles comprising a container, a sling, and a water soluble bag.
US08691253B1	Shark repellent The invention relates to a method of use, of a mixture of chemical compounds for a shark repellent, as well as methods of protection garments in using such material(s). Generally, there are not many shark repellents. This shark repellent contains a mixture of chemical compounds that are highly toxic and trenchant, which will deter the shark from injured or non-injured humans or animals, once the mixture is immersed in water.
US08691246B2	Composition for forming a temporary intestinal occlusion in a mammal A composition for forming a temporary intestinal occlusion in a mammal is flowable and solidifiable to form a solid plug at a predetermined site in the intestine, the structure of the plug being changeable to allow for a subsequent, at least partial removal of the occlusion. The composition is or comprises a flowable solution, suspension, or dispersion in a solvent or mixed solvent, and comprises the following: a) a suspension of a solid in water or an aqueous mixed solvent, the suspension having a water content which exceeds the flow limit of the suspension by a specific amount; b) a dehydrating agent in an amount which is sufficient to bind the specific amount of water, so that, as a consequence of dehydration, the flow limit of the suspension is exceeded; and c) a means for passivating the dehydrating agent.
US08691245B2	Composition for forming a temporary obstruction and method of forming the same The present invention relates to a method for forming a temporary obstruction of the intestine of a mammal, using a solidifiable composition, said composition being flowable and solidifiable to form a solid plug at a desired site within the intestine, the structure of said plug being changeable in order to allow for the subsequent, at least partial removal of the obstruction.
US08691242B2	Staphylococcus aureus DIV1B for use as vaccine The invention relates to an antigenic polypeptide referred to as DivlB and variants thereof, vaccines comprising said polypeptide and the use of the vaccine in protecting subjects from microbial infection.
US08691241B2	Reoviruses having modified sequences The invention provides for modified reovirus nucleic acid sequences and modified reovirus polypeptide sequences as well as reoviruses containing such modified nucleic acid or polypeptide sequences. The invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions that include reoviruses having a modified sequence as well as methods of making and using such reoviruses.
US08691237B2	Brucella abortus proteins and methods of use thereof Compositions and methods for the diagnosis and prevention of B. abortus infection are provided.
US08691236B2	Vaccine for a therapeutic or a prophylactic treatment of myasthenia gravis Complementary peptide having at least a sequence complementary to a major immunogenic region of an acetylcholine receptor involved in myasthenia gravis, characterized in that the complementary peptide has at least a sequence SEQ. ID. NO1 with a tryptophan in position 8, carrying at least one optionally substituted hydrocarbon group. Therapeutic composition comprising the Complementary peptide according to the invention and use thereof for manufacturing a vaccine to be used in a therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of myasthenia gravis in mammals.
US08691233B2	Antibody molecules having binding specificity for human IL-13 The invention relates to antibody molecules having specificity for antigenic determinants of human IL-13, therapeutic uses of the antibody molecules and methods for producing said antibody molecules.
US08691232B2	Extending time to disease progression or survival in cancer patients The present application describes extending time to disease progression or survival in a cancer patient, where the patient's cancer displays HER activation, by treating the patient with a HER dimerization inhibitor, such as pertuzumab.
US08691219B2	Chromobacterium subtsugae sp. nov. and use for control of insect pests Chromobacterium subtsugae sp. nov., a new species of the genus Chromobacterium which possesses insecticidal activity, is described. The invention also relates to insecticidally-active metabolites obtained from the strain and to insecticidal compositions comprising cultures of the strain and/or supernatants, filtrates, and extracts obtained from the strain, and use thereof to control insect pests.
US08691211B2	Suppression of immune response to factor VIII in hemophilia A patients This invention relates to methods and compositions for suppressing an immune response to Factor VIII in subjects suffering from hemophilia A and having preformed inhibitor antibodies against Factor VIII, and compositions and methods that advantageously render subjects amenable to standard treatments for hemophilia A, including Factor VIII replacement therapy.
US08691209B2	Packaging of immunostimulatory substances into virus-like particles: method of preparation and use The invention relates to the finding that virus like particles (VLPs) can be loaded with immunostimulatory substances, in particular with DNA oligonucleotides containing non-methylated C and G (CpGs). Such CpG-VLPs are dramatically more immunogenic than their CpG-free counterparts and induce enhanced B and T cell responses. The immune response against antigens optionally coupled, fused or attached otherwise to the VLPs is similarly enhanced as the immune response against the VLP itself. In addition, the T cell responses against both the VLPs and antigens are especially directed to the Th1 type. Antigens attached to CpG-loaded VLPs may therefore be ideal vaccines for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccination against allergies, tumors and other self-molecules and chronic viral diseases.
US08691204B2	Synthetic diblock copolypeptide hydrogels for use in the central nervous system This invention relates, e.g., to a composition suitable for administration to the central nervous system (CNS), comprising a block copolypeptide hydrogel, which comprises a biologically active material that is mixed with the hydrogel or that is attached to the polypeptide chain of the hydrogel, wherein the composition is suitable for administration to the CNS. Also disclosed are methods of making and using compositions of the invention as depots or as scaffolds for cell migration, and pharmaceutical compositions and kits for implementing methods of the invention.
US08691202B2	Skin compositions and methods of use thereof Provided are body corrective cosmetic formulations and methods of use thereof.
US08691197B2	In-shower lotion compositions comprising up to 10% free fatty acids wherein ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids is at least 1:1 This invention relates to rinse-off skin conditioning compositions comprising relatively low amounts of oil/emollient and relatively low amounts of aqueous phase stabilizer/structurant. Use of unsaturated fatty acid (or at least minimum amount of unsaturated fatty acid as percentage of total fatty acid) has been found to result in unexpectedly high hydration. In a second embodiment, use of branched fatty acid (at minimum amount branched as percentage of total) also results in superior hydration. Also mixtures of unsaturated and branched fatty acids can be used.In a second embodiment, the invention relates to method of enhancing hydration using compositions as noted.
US08691196B2	Photoprotective treatment of keratin fibers by application of heat Keratin fibers, in particular human hair and especially artificially dyed human hair, are protected against the action of atmospheric agents and especially against the action of light by application to the keratin fibers/hair of a composition containing at least one protective agent having a log P of less than or equal to 6, followed by the application to the fibers hair of a heating iron at a temperature of greater than or equal to 60° C.
US08691195B2	Peptide having activity of transforming growth factor and production method therefor The present invention relates to a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-mimicking peptide containing a particular amino acid sequence and a composition for preventing or treating TGF-β-effective disorders or conditions using the same. The peptide of the present invention may be much higher stability than natural-occurring TGF-β and improve drawbacks caused by high molecular weight of natural-occurring TGF-β. The peptide of this invention can be advantageously applied to treatment or improvement of TGF-β-effective disorders or conditions and have excellent efficacies on skin whitening and wrinkle improvement.
US08691192B1	Sunscreen compositions having synergistic combination of UV filters The disclosure relates to sunscreen compositions having a synergistic combination of ultraviolet light (UV) filtering agents that provide a high sun protection factor (SPF). Compositions according to the disclosure have high SPF values without requiring high overall amounts of UV filtering agents. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to methods of using the described compositions for protecting keratinous substances such as skin and hair from UV radiation.
US08691191B2	O/W emulsified composition The present invention provides an O/W emulsified composition which contains an organic UV absorber in an oil state such as octocrylene and a solid organic UV absorber, and is excellent in UV protection ability, formulation stability, and feeling in use. The composition according to the present invention is an O/W emulsified composition, comprising: (a) an organic UV absorber in an oil state at 20° C., comprising (a1) octocrylene; (b) an organic UV absorber in a solid state at 20° C., selected from (b1) bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine and (b2) methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol; and (c) a polyoxyethylene/polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether block polymer represented by formula (1) or (2): R1O—(PO)m-(EO)n-H (1) wherein R1 is a hydrocarbon group having 16 to 18 carbon atoms; PO is an oxypropylene group, EU is an oxyethylene group, and PO and EO are added to each other in block form; and m and n respectively represent average addition mole number of PO and EO, 70>m>4, 70>n>10, and n>m; R2O-(AO)p-(EO)q-R3 (2) wherein R2 and R3 are either identical to or different from each other, and each of them is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; AO is an oxyalkylene group having 3 to 4 carbon atoms, EO is an oxyethylene group, and AO and EO are added to each other in block form; and p and q respectively represent average addition mole number of AO and EO, 1≦p≦70, 1≦q≦70, and 0.2<(q/(p+q))<0.8, and wherein average particle size of the oil phase comprising the component (a) is 700 nm or less.
US08691188B2	Methods of utilizing the arrestin-2/STAM-1 complex as a therapeutic target Methods of utilizing the arrestin-2/sTAM-1 complex as a therapeutic target. The methods include treating cells of a living organism to mediate an interaction between arrestin-2 and STAM-1 adapter protein molecules, wherein the interaction is characterized by the arrestin-2 adapter protein molecule directly binding to the STAM-2 adapter protein molecule. Pharmacological agents can be identified for therapeutic uses by determining whether the pharmacological agent disrupts the interaction between the arrestin-2 and STAM-1 adapter protein molecules.
US08691181B2	Method for producing synthesis gas A process for preparing and converting synthesis gas, which has a plurality of different operating states which consist essentially of mutually alternating (i) daytime operation and (ii) nighttime operation, daytime operation (i) comprising principally dry reforming and steam reforming with supply of renewable energy, and nighttime operation (ii) comprising principally the partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, and the synthesis gas produced being used to produce products of value.
US08691174B2	Nitrate salt-based process for manufacture of graphite oxide The present invention relates to a nitrate salt-based process for preparing a graphite oxide. The invention nitrate salt-based process employs starting materials comprising a sulfuric acid, an inorganic nitrate salt, an amount of water, a first amount of chlorate salt, and a graphite.
US08691170B2	System and method for selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides in combustion exhaust gases A multi-stage selective catalytic reduction (SCR) unit (32) provides efficient reduction of NOx and other pollutants from about 50-550° C. in a power plant (19). Hydrogen (24) and ammonia (29) are variably supplied to the SCR unit depending on temperature. An upstream portion (34) of the SCR unit catalyzes NOx+NH3 reactions above about 200° C. A downstream portion (36) catalyzes NOx+H2 reactions below about 260° C., and catalyzes oxidation of NH3, CO, and VOCs with oxygen in the exhaust above about 200° C., efficiently removing NOx and other pollutants over a range of conditions with low slippage of NH3. An ammonia synthesis unit (28) may be connected to the SCR unit to provide NH3 as needed, avoiding transport and storage of ammonia or urea at the site. A carbonaceous gasification plant (18) on site may supply hydrogen and nitrogen to the ammonia synthesis unit, and hydrogen to the SCR unit.
US08691166B2	System and method for activating carbonaceous material A system for activating carbonaceous material including a carbonaceous material feedstock unit for producing a carbonaceous material of less than 5% mineral content; a digestion unit in communication with the carbonaceous material feedstock unit; an acid feedstock unit in communication with the digestion unit for providing an acid mixture solution; a separation unit in communication with the digestion unit for separating the digested carbonaceous material from the acid mixture solution; a dryer unit in communication with the separation unit for drying the digested carbonaceous material and separating the carbonaceous material; and a thermal unit for activating the carbonaceous material to produce activated carbonaceous material, the thermal unit having an inlet for receiving the carbonaceous material from the dryer unit and an outlet for exiting the activated carbonaceous material from thermal unit.
US08691165B2	Methods, reagents, devices and instrumentation for preparing impregnated tissue samples suitable for histopathological and molecular studies A process for the production of paraffin sections of biological tissue, especially for molecular pathology studies is disclosed. In the process, the tissue sample is simultaneously fixed, dehydrated and cleared in a first step, subsequently dehydrated and cleared in a second step and infiltrated with an inert specimen matrix in a third step. The specimen can then be further embedded in a casting supporting matrix according to the standard procedures followed by any local pathology or research laboratory. A kit and a processing station for automating paraffin embedding of a tissue sample suitable for histopathological and molecular analysis is also described. A bio-indicator system is described for measuring the degree of crosslinking. A tissue sample holding means or a vial which includes a tissue sample holding means provided with a data logging device capable of registering and transmitting data regarding the sample and conditions where the sample was processed is also disclosed.
US08691158B2	Ion generation apparatus An ion generation apparatus includes: an air blower including a motor and two impellers attached to the output shafts projecting respectively from both sides of the motor; and two ducts through which air sent through rotation of the two impellers is individually allowed to flow in the same direction, for emitting the air outside. A part of whole of each of the ducts is provided in the laminar flow section where a flow of the air is changed into a laminar flow. Since an ion generating section is provided in each of the laminar flow sections, ions generated by the ion generating section can be efficiently involved in the air, so as to increase a concentration of the ions emitted to inside of a room together with the air.
US08691153B2	Fluorescence reader A fluorescence reader for an optical assay arrangement includes a polymeric sample substrate having a reaction site-surface and a substrate surface. A light source is arranged to illuminate the reaction site-surface through the substrate surface, and a detector device is arranged to detect fluorescent light emitted from the reaction site-surface and transmitted through the substrate surface, the substrate surface provided, for example, as a light-collecting body to allow fluorescent light rays exceeding a critical emission angle for total internal reflection to escape the substrate and enter the body.
US08691152B2	System and method for analyte measurement A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.
US08691149B2	System for automatically loading immunoassay analyzer A component of a laboratory automation system that integrates (a) separating a solid magnetic substrate from the liquid contents of a reaction vessel, (b) management of the thermal characteristics of the component of the laboratory automation system, (c) automated loading of multi-well plates and tip combs into the component of the laboratory automation system, (d) automated unloading of multi-well plates and tip combs from the component of the laboratory automation system, and (e) reading of radio frequency identification tags attached to multi-well plates.
US08691145B2	Ultrasound and acoustophoresis for water purification Provided herein are systems and methods for separation of particulate from water using ultrasonically generated acoustic standing waves.
US08691144B2	System and method for photocatalytic oxidation air filtration using a substrate with photocatalyst particles powder coated thereon The present invention relates to an air filtration system and a method for making a photocatalytic oxidation substrate by powder coating a photocatalyst onto a metal substrate.
US08691138B2	Injection molding method for metal-texture resin molded article A synthetic resin composition for metal-texture resin molded articles includes 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin, 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a plate-like metallic pigment, 1 to 50 parts by weight of a spherical glassy material and 1 to 50 parts by weight of an ultrafine filamentary material. An injection molding method for producing a metal-texture resin molded article from the synthetic resin composition and a metal-texture resin molded article molded from the synthetic resin composition are also provided.
US08691131B2	Polyimide film Disclosed herein is a polyimide film having inorganic particles. The polyimide film is 12-250 μm in thickness. The polyimide film includes about 50-90 weight parts of polyimide and about 10-50 weight parts of the inorganic particles. The particle size of each of the inorganic particles is about 0.1 μm to about 5 μm. The polyimide film is characterized in that the thermal expansion coefficient is equal to or less than 30 ppm/° C. in any direction, the difference between two thermal expansion coefficients in two mutually perpendicular directions on the film surface is less than 10 ppm/° C., and the Young's modulus of the polyimide film is greater than 4 GPa in any direction. The dimensional stability of the polyimide film measured by the standard of IPC-TM-650 is less than 0.10% in any direction. A method for manufacturing the polyimide film is disclosed as well.
US08691127B2	Method for producing a composite component by multi-component injection molding The invention relates to processes for the production of a composite component via multicomponent injection molding, where the composite component comprises a main body composed of a thermoplastic and an external layer composed of a foamed thermoplastic. The main body is produced via injection molding and subsequent hardening of the thermoplastic. A mixture of the foamed thermoplastic and a chemical blowing agent is injected onto the main body, subsequently hardened in the same injection mold, and foamed by heating. The composite component is solidified via cooling. The foamed thermoplastic is at least one polyamide whose modulus of elasticity is from 1 MPa to 250 MPa in the entire temperature range from 70° C. to 180° C. The chemical blowing agent is in non-polymerized form.
US08691117B2	Organic solvent dispersible conductive polymer and method for manufacture thereof Disclosed is a conductive polymer which is easily dispersed in an organic solvent. A method of preparing the conductive polymer adapted to be dispersed in an organic solvent is also provided, which includes chemically polymerizing a monomer using as a dopant anion a phosphate-based compound having solubility in an organic solvent. The conductive polymer capable of being dispersed in various organic solvents can be obtained through a simple preparation process, and thus can be utilized in the fields of applied materials in which the use of conventional water-dispersible conductive polymers is limited.
US08691116B2	Conducting polymer ink Disclosed are conductive polymer inks and methods for forming the inks. The disclosed inks include a dispersion of conductive core/shell nanoparticles. The core/shell nanoparticles include a polymeric core and a shell formed of a conducting polymer. The inks can include a dispersion of the core/shell nanoparticles in a liquid carrier, such as an alcohol. The disclosed inks can be formulated to high viscosities and can be utilized in high-speed printing processes including rotogravure and flexographic printing processes. Products encompassed by the disclosure include polymer devices such as sensors, OFETs, RFID tags, printed circuit board, electrochromic devices, non-volatile memory devices, photovoltaics, and the like.
US08691107B2	Stabilized hydrochlorofluoroolefins and hydrofluoroolefins Disclosed is a combination of hydrofluoroolefins and/or hydrochlorofluoroolefins with stabilizers wherein the stabilizers minimize the degradation of the hydrofluoroolefins and hydrochlorofluoroolefins during storage, handling and use yet allow for atmospheric degradation. The combinations exhibit low or zero ozone depletion potential and lower global warming potential making them of interest as replacements for chlorofluorocarbons and hydrfluorocarbons. The combinations of the present invention comprise hydrofluoroolefins and/or hydrochlorofluoroolefins in combination with a stabilizer or stabilizers selected from free radical scavengers, acid scavengers, oxygen scavengers, polymerization inhibitors and combinations thereof.
US08691099B2	Process for fabricating MEMS devices A process for fabricating a MEMS device with movable comb teeth and stationary comb teeth. A single mask is used to define, during a series of processing steps, the location and width of both movable comb teeth and stationary comb teeth so as to assure self alignment of the comb teeth. MEMS devices are fabricated from a single multi-layer semi-conductor structure of semiconductor material and insulator material. In a preferred embodiment the process is employed to provide a MEMS mirror device having a movable structure, a movable frame, a first set of two torsional members, a first set of at least four comb drives, an outer fixed frame structure, a second set of two torsional members, and a second set of at least four comb drives.
US08691093B2	Anaerobic waste treatment apparatus An anaerobic waste treatment apparatus comprises a container wherein randomly oriented bio-film media are disposed. An example waste treatment apparatus includes a container and optionally has at least two zones of bio-film media that are disposed within the container. In one example, the bio-film media includes torus-shaped materials, or other materials with voids therein, and the container is a dug out portion of earth. Moreover, the anaerobic waste treatment apparatus may additionally comprise a waste pump that is coupled to a waste pipe and configured to introduce waste into the container at one or more locations. When two zones are included, one zone may be randomly oriented, while a proximate zone may be substantially horizontal and/or an organized zone. The random zone may also have a transition layer thereon that supports the organized zone or that provides an interface between the organized and random zones.
US08691089B2	Method for separating suspended solids from a waste fluid The disclosure relates to a separation process. An aerated inlet mixture of fluid and solids is fed to a flotation separation vessel and is separated into an upper float layer and a lower clarified layer. The upper float layer is withdrawn from the vessel when the height of the upper float layer exceeds the height of an overflow conduit and forms a concentrated solids effluent. The lower clarified layer is withdrawn from the separation vessel as a clarified fluid effluent. The separation process is performed continuously using a control process that maintains a relatively stable distribution between the lower clarified layer and the upper float layer. The control process is a closed loop process that monitors the instantaneous height of the vessel contents and computes an error function based on the instantaneous height and a set-point height. The error function is used to periodically adjust the outlet flowrate of the clarified fluid effluent. The resulting process has improved stability (e.g., being continuously operable without interruption and/or operable for extended periods between intermittent cleaning processes) and provides a concentrated solids effluent with solids concentrations higher than those previously attainable in similar separation processes.
US08691086B2	Control scheme for a reverse osmosis system using a hydraulic energy management integration system A reverse osmosis system and method of operating the same includes a first pump receiving feed fluid at a first pressure and increasingly pressurizing the feed fluid to a second pressure higher than the first pressure. A membrane housing having an inlet, a membrane, a permeate outlet and a brine outlet. The inlet receiving feed fluid. A hydraulic energy management integration system (HEMI) having a turbine portion, a pump portion and a motor. The brine outlet fluid is in fluid communication with the turbine portion. The reverse osmosis system also includes a second pump and a controller controlling the motor to retard rotation of the HEMI while the first pump increasingly pressurizes the feed fluid to the second pressure. The controller also controls the motor to increase a HEMI speed so that feed fluid pressure increases above the second pressure after the second pressure is reached, and, when a feed fluid reaches the second pressure at the fluid inlet, controls the second pump to increase the feed fluid pressure to a third pressure. The controller controls the motor to reduce the HEMI speed after the third pressure and controls the motor to change the HEMI speed based on a membrane pressure.
US08691083B2	Converting heavy sour crude oil/emulsion to lighter crude oil using cavitations and filtration based systems A process for converting heavy sulfur-containing crude oil into lighter crude oil with lower sulfur content and lower molecular weight is provided. The process is a low-temperature process using controlled cavitation.
US08691078B2	Process for hydroprocessing hydrocarbons An apparatus and process is disclosed for hydroprocessing hydrocarbon feed in a hydroprocessing unit and hydrotreating a second hydrocarbon. A warm separator sends vaporous hydrotreating effluent to be flashed with liquid hydroprocessing effluent to produce a vapor flash overhead that can be recycled to the hydrotreating unit to provide hydrogen requirements.
US08691075B2	Method for measuring analyte concentration in a liquid sample The blood glucose analysis technique and system described herein address the issue of hematocrit interference when rapidly detecting glucose concentrations. It addresses this issue by using a differential pulse voltammetry technique in which short high, frequency voltage pulses are applied to keep the diffusion layer within the reagent of the working electrode, and the pulses are applied in a limited voltage window (or range) that is below the peak, diffusion-limited current. The readings below the peak are then used to determine glucose concentrations. With this technique, glucose concentrations can be determined relatively fast (e.g., within 5 seconds) and independently of the hematocrit levels of the fluid being analyzed.
US08691074B2	Method for operating a measuring device having at least one probe, which has at least one ion selective electrode A method for operating a measuring device comprising the following steps: providing a first sample of the liquid; ascertaining an updated calibration function by means of a standard addition method, wherein the first sample is supplemented at least once with a standard solution, which has a known concentration of the measured ion; determining a measured value of concentration of the measured ion in the first sample; providing a second sample of the liquid; ascertaining a measured value of concentration of the measured ion in the second sample as a reference measured ion concentration (cref) by means of a reference method; and determining a difference (cdisturb) between the apparent measured ion concentration (capparent) and the reference measured ion concentration (cref) and deriving a correction value (ckorr) therefrom for future measured values of concentration of the measured ion in the liquid, as ascertained with the measuring device.
US08691071B2	Coulometric analyte sensing instrument with an analyte-consuming sensor in a closed cell A method for measuring the transmission rate of an analyte through a film. The method includes the steps of (i) separating a chamber into a first cell and a second cell with a known area of a film, (ii) flushing the first cell with an inert gas to remove any target analyte from the first cell, (iii) introducing a gas containing a known concentration of an analyte into the second cell, (iv) sealing the first cell to gas flow through the first cell, and (v) sensing any analyte in the first cell with a sensor that consumes the analyte at a rate greater than the rate at which the analyte is passing through the film, until a steady state rate of analyte consumption is measured by the sensor.
US08691070B1	Electrolysis system for generating hydrogen gas An electrolysis system which comprises a generator adapted to hold water and gases with a first and second electrode, a bubbler reservoir connected to the generator via hoses adapted to dispense water from the bubbler reservoir into the generator and adapted to allow oxygen and hydrogen gas from the generator to rise into the bubbler reservoir with dryers adapted to hold water and gases fluidly, deliver oxygen and hydrogen gas, to hold acetic add and gases, and adapted to connect to an engine, allowing hydrogen gas to pass to the engine, and a controller connected with electrodes to provide an electric current so that water in the generator is converted to oxygen and hydrogen gas via standard electrolysis.
US08691067B2	Charged entities as locomotive to control motion of polymers through a nanochannel A technique for controlling the motion of one or more charged entities linked to a polymer through a nanochannel is provided. A first reservoir and a second reservoir are connected by the nanochannel. An array of electrodes is positioned along the nanochannel, where fluid fills the first reservoir, the second reservoir, and the nanochannel. A first electrode is in the first reservoir and a second electrode is in the second reservoir. The first and second electrodes are configured to direct the one or more charged entities linked to the polymer into the nanochannel. An array of electrodes is configured to trap the one or more charged entities in the nanochannel responsive to being controlled for trapping. The array of electrodes is configured to move the one or more charged entities along the nanochannel responsive to being controlled for moving.
US08691062B2	Electrode device for an electrochemical sensor chip An electrode device for an electrochemical sensor chip includes an insulation sheet having an insulating property and including a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to each other in a thickness direction, and electrode members having a conductivity and held by the insulation sheet with the electrode members piercing the insulation sheet in a thickness direction, one ends of the electrode members located on the top surface side of the insulation sheet being connected to an analyte, the other ends located on the bottom surface side of the insulation sheet being connected to an electrodes of a transducer, at least the one ends of the electrode members being made of a mixture of conductive particles and an insulating material.
US08691060B2	Water electrolysis apparatus A water electrolysis apparatus includes an anode separator having a water flow field held in fluid communication with a water supply passage and a discharge passage. The water flow field includes a plurality of water channels, an arcuate inlet buffer, and an arcuate outlet buffer. The water channels have respective ends connected to the arcuate inlet buffer through respective inlet joint channels. The inlet joint channels are oriented at an angle of 90 degrees or greater with respect to respective tangential lines at the ends of the inlet joint channels which are connected to the arcuate inlet buffer.
US08691059B2	Device for galvanic processing of drinking water A galvanic processing device includes a flow container having an inlet, an outlet and a longitudinal axis. Anodes are made from a first metal. Cathodes are made from a second, different metal. The electrodes may be disk-shaped. The cathodes and anodes are alternately placed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Dielectric spacer rings separate the anodes and the cathodes. The electrodes may have circumferential segments aligned at an angle α to impart a swirl to a flow of liquid through the container. A portion of the anodes and cathodes may have the circumferential segments aligned at an angle −α a to reverse the direction of the swirl of the flow through the flow container. Portions of the circumferential segments may be aligned at an angle α and other portions are aligned at an angle β so that the swirl of the flow through the flow container has components with different directions.
US08691056B2	Method and apparatus for separating fluid mixtures A system and method for separating a fluid mixture is provided which employ vacuum distillation apparatus, and optionally, gas-handling apparatus operable to introduce a gas into the liquid mixture prior to being dispersed within the vacuum distillation apparatus. The liquid mixture is dispersed within the vacuum distillation apparatus as micro-sized droplets. When used, the gas that has been introduced into the liquid mixture is rapidly liberated from the micro-sized droplets thereby causing the droplets to break into still smaller droplets thereby maximizing the vaporization of the more volatile components in the liquid mixture.
US08691053B2	Method for processing domestic and industrial organic waste The invention relates to waste processing and to producing hydrocarbons from domestic and industrial organic waste by pyrolysis. The inventive waste processing method involves carrying out the first and second pyrolysis stages, fractionating pyrolysis products and processing each fraction for producing useful products. The second pyrolysis stage is carried out simultaneously with the electromagnetic action produced on the pyrolysis products. The device for carrying out said method comprises a two-sectional pyrolysis reactor. An electromagnetic source is arranged on the second section of the reactor. The output of the second section is connected to a system for dividing the vaporous pyrolysis products. The technical result consists in increasing the waste processing effectiveness and producing solid, liquid and vaporous fuel components.
US08691052B2	Clay slurries and use thereof in pulp and papermaking applications The invention relates to a stable aqueous slurry composition comprising clay or clay-like material, hydrophobically associative polymer, and optionally a surfactant; and a method of inhibiting the deposition of organic contaminants in pulp and papermaking applications.
US08691050B2	Methods and devices for continuous transfer of particulate and/or fibrous material between two zones with different temperatures and pressures Continuous transfer of particulate material into pressurized steam reactors is provided by “flow feeder” methods and devices. Material such as lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks are compacted into a “low density” plug, <700 kg/m3, which provides a dynamic seal against pressurized steam through exploitation of a steam condensation zone. The rate at which the steam condensation zone moves into the “low density” plug is offset by the rate at which compacted material is fed into the pressurized reactor. Preferred devices compact material within a flow feeder chamber by use of a loading device that works against counter-pressure provided by an unloading device. Compacted material is actively disintegrated and fed into the reactor by the unloading device. In preferred embodiments, compacted material is fed in a steady-state operation in which the interface between the steam condensation zone and the low pressure inlet zone remains stationary within the flow feeder chamber.
US08691048B2	Plasma stabilization method and plasma apparatus A plasma technique in which a plasma generation technique frequently used in various fields including a semiconductor manufacturing process is used, and generation of plasma instability (high-speed impedance change of a plasma) can efficiently be suppressed and controlled in order to manufacture stable products. An apparatus includes a processing chamber, a surrounding member disposed around the processing chamber, an RF induction coil disposed outside the dielectric member, and an air-core coil for generating a direct-current magnetic field supplied to the inner space. The surrounding member seals an opening on top of the processing chamber to create an inner space, and the RF induction coil is above the top surface of the surrounding member.
US08691047B2	Large area plasma processing chamber with at-electrode RF matching A plasma processing system having at-electrode RF matching and a method for processing substrates utilizing the same is provided. In one embodiment, the plasma processing system includes a chamber body, the substrate support, an electrode, a lid assembly and an RF tuning element. A substrate support is disposed in a processing volume defined in the chamber body. The electrode is positioned above the substrate support and below a cover of the lid assembly. The RF tuning element is disposed between the cover and the electrode and is coupled to the electrode.
US08691041B2	Method of producing a composite multi-layered printed absorbent article A method for producing a composite multi-layered absorbent article. At least two of the layers include a colored region.
US08691034B2	Method and apparatus for forming a tire component upon an axially tapered surface The present invention includes methods and apparatus (10) for forming a tire component upon an axially tapered building surface (100). In particular embodiments, such methods include the step of providing a mechanical system, the system including a plurality of cutting members (42) and an application surface (64) for transferring material to the axially tapered building surface, the axially tapered surface comprising a surface of revolution that varies radially along a rotational axis of the surface. Particular embodiments may also include translating a sheet of material along a translation path through the mechanical system, and cutting a strip of material from the sheet with one or more of the plurality of cutting members during the step of translating. Particular embodiments may further include mechanically transferring the strip of material from the application surface to the axially tapered building surface, the axially tapered building surface rotating about an axis of rotation during the step of translating.
US08691033B1	Positioning a workpiece on a sticky gasket Applicants provide a step in the assembly of a moveable workpiece to a static base, the base bearing a sticky gasket and in which a release agent is sprayed on the sticky upper surface of the sticky gasket, which release agent will render the sticky surface temporarily unsticky.
US08691031B2	Aluminum alloy sheet and method for manufacturing the same An aluminum alloy sheet is manufactured by preparing a slab having a thickness of 5 to 15 mm with a continuous casting machine by a continuous casting process using molten alloy containing 0.40% to 0.65% of Mg, 0.50% to 0.75% of Si, 0.05% to 0.20% of Cr, and 0.10% to 0.40% of Fe, a remainder being Al; winding the slab into a coil; cold-rolling the slab into a sheet; subjecting the sheet to solution heat treatment in such a manner that the sheet is heated to a temperature of 530° C. to 560° C. at a heating rate of 10° C./sec or more and then maintained at the temperature for five seconds or more; quenching the sheet with water; coiling up the sheet; maintaining the sheet at a temperature of 60° C. to 110° C. for 3 to 12 hours; and then cooling the sheet to room temperature.
US08691026B2	Temperature detection during zeolite drying A dishwashing machine is provided having a washing compartment, a drying unit that includes an absorption column with a reversibly dehydratable drying agent, and having an air circulation loop through the washing compartment and the drying unit. A temperature sensor is arranged in front of the drying unit and to the rear of the washing compartment with respect to the direction of the flow of air circulating in the air circulation loop.
US08691022B1	Method and apparatus for processing wafer-shaped articles The wet treatment of wafer-shaped articles is improved by utilizing a droplet generator designed to produce a spray of monodisperse droplets. The droplet generator is mounted above a spin chuck, and is moved across a major surface of the wafer-shaped article in a linear or arcuate path. The droplet generator includes a transducer acoustically coupled to its body such that sonic energy reaches a region of the body surrounding the discharge orifices. Each orifice has a width w of at least 1 μm and at most 200 μm and a height h such that a ratio of h to w is not greater than 1.
US08691019B2	Process for cleaning a compound semiconductor wafer A process for cleaning a compound semiconductor wafer; the compound semiconductor wafer comprises, taking gallium arsenide (GaAs) as a representative, a group III-V compound semiconductor wafer. The process comprises the following steps: 1) treating the wafer with a mixture of dilute ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and water at a temperature not higher than 20° C.; 2) washing the wafer with deionized water; 3) treating the wafer with an oxidant; 4) washing the wafer with deionized water; 5) treating the wafer with a dilute acid solution or a dilute alkali solution; 6) washing the wafer with deionized water; and 7) drying the resulting wafer. The process can improve the cleanliness, micro-roughness and uniformity of the wafer surface.
US08691014B2	System and nozzle for prepping a surface using a coating particle entrained in a pulsed fluid jet Prepping a surface entails entraining a coating particle into a fluid stream, directing the fluid stream containing the coating particle at the surface to be prepped to thereby prep the surface using the coating particle. The prepped surface can then be coated using the same or substantially similar coating particle. This technique can be used with a continuous airjet, a forced pulsed airjet, a continuous waterjet or a forced pulsed waterjet as the carrier stream. This invention solves the problem of foreign blasting particles becoming embedded in the atomic matrix of the surface to be prepped, which can result in unpredictable behavior of the surface properties and even catastrophic failure.
US08691010B2	Microfluidic protein crystallography The use of microfluidic structures enables high throughput screening of protein crystallization. In one embodiment, an integrated combinatoric mixing chip allows for precise metering of reagents to rapidly create a large number of potential crystallization conditions, with possible crystal formations observed on chip. In an alternative embodiment, the microfluidic structures may be utilized to explore phase space conditions of a particular protein crystallizing agent combination, thereby identifying promising conditions and allowing for subsequent focused attempts to obtain crystal growth.
US08691005B2	Binder composition for use in cellulosic composites and methods related thereto A blended material comprising (i) a binder composition comprising an isocyanate compound, a metallic catalyst, and an acid compound wherein the acid compound is present in the binder composition at an amount such that the acidity of the isocyanate compound ranges from 800 ppm to 10000 ppm, calculated as HCl; and (ii) a lignocellulosic material is disclosed. A lignocellulosic composite and a method of making such are also disclosed.
US08690995B2	Device for recovering nanopowders and ultrafine powders contained in a gas A device for recovering nanometer or sub-micron particles carried by a gas by generating a stabilized suspension, including: a vessel including a mechanism injecting a liquid; a gas discharge mechanism in an upper portion thereof, located near a particle filter; a particle suspension outlet; and a liquid ring pump, transferring and dispersing particles carried by a gas into a liquid. The pump introduces a gas laden with nanometer or sub-micron particles into the pump; injects at least one liquid into the pump; and discharges the mixture obtained following the transfer. The vessel also includes a mechanism introducing the mixture into the vessel and at least one piezoelectric pellet, immersed in the vessel, configured to generate a fog of micron-sized droplets.
US08690993B2	Caustic scrubber system and method for biogas treatment The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the treatment of process gas from an anaerobic digestion system or a landfill gas system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a caustic scrubber including a vertical column having a top and a bottom and including a counter current flow system, wherein a process gas stream flows up vertically through the column in counter current flow to a caustic liquid solution that flows downward through the column. The caustic liquid solution removes at least one acid from the process gas stream, wherein treated gas that is substantially free of acids bubbles out through an opening at the top of the vertical column.
US08690991B2	Supported silver sulfide sorbent Synthesis of a support material impregnated with silver sulfide provides a sorbent composition. Generating the silver sulfide relies on reaction of sulfur dioxide and one of hydrogen gas and hydrogen sulfide in presence of the support material following silver loading of the support material. Contacting a fluid stream with the sorbent composition removes heavy metal from the fluid stream.
US08690988B2	Use of bimodal carbon distribution in compacts for producing metallic iron nodules A method for use in production of metallic iron nodules comprising providing a reducible mixture into a hearth furnace for the production of metallic iron nodules, where the reducible mixture comprises a quantity of reducible iron bearing material, a quantity of first carbonaceous reducing material of a size less than about 28 mesh of an amount between about 65 percent and about 95 percent of a stoichiometric amount necessary for complete iron reduction of the reducible iron bearing material, and a quantity of second carbonaceous reducing material with an average particle size greater than average particle size of the first carbonaceous reducing material and a size between about 3 mesh and about 48 mesh of an amount between about 20 percent and about 60 percent of a stoichiometric amount of necessary for complete iron reduction of the reducible iron bearing material.
US08690985B2	Hydrogen storage material and method of producing the same A hydrogen storage material is formed by mixing and combining particles of a metal A selected from Mg and Al, particles of a metal B selected from Ni and Cu, and particles of an intermetallic compound A-B of the metal A and the metal B, together. A method of producing the hydrogen storage material includes a step of mixing the particles of the intermetallic compound A-B with the particles of the metal B, a step of adding particles of a hydride A-H of the metal A to the mixture and mixing them together, and a step of dehydrogenating the hydride A-H to convert it to the metal A.
US08690980B2	Filter pocket arrangement with increased filter media area A filter pocket arrangement that provides increased filter media area is described. In one embodiment, each filter pocket includes a pocket mouth that attaches to a filter frame and a pocket body extending longitudinally away from the pocket mouth to a closed end. The closed end is folded back inward towards the pocket mouth to form a tuck fold that defines a first sub-filter pocket and a second sub-filter pocket at the pocket mouth. The first sub-filter pocket and the second sub-filter pocket each has a sub-pocket mouth that coincides with a portion of the pocket mouth, with sidewalls extending longitudinally therefrom to form an apex at the closed end of the filter pocket. The first sub-filter pocket is separated from the second sub-filter pocket by the tuck fold.
US08690978B2	Liquid resin composition for abrasive articles The present invention relates to a thermally curable liquid resin composition capable of being used in the manufacture of abrasive articles, and to the resulting abrasive articles.
US08690977B2	Garbage in power out (GIPO) thermal conversion process A system for gasifying a carbonaceous feedstock, such as municipal waste, to generate power includes a devolatilization reactor that creates char from the feedstock and a gasifier that creates a product gas from both the char and from volatiles released when devolatilizing the feedstock. The product gas is reacted in a fuel cell to create electrical energy and process heat. The process heat is used to heat the devolatilization reactor and the gasifier. The gasifier comprises a plurality of configurable circuits that can each be tuned to meet the individual needs of the char material being gasified.
US08690976B2	Fuel reformer A fuel reformer is provided that is capable of improving endurance and performance. The fuel reformer includes a first burner having a first-burner first end, a first-burner second end, and a first opening formed in the first-burner first end; a second burner surrounding the first burner and having a second-burner second end, a second-burner second end, and a second opening in the second-burner first end, wherein the second-burner second end is coupled to the first-burner second end to communicate a fluid. The reforming reactor is configured to generate heat from the first and second burners, and has a fuel supply including a nozzle unit in the first burner and supplies a second oxidation fuel from the outside to the first burner. A first oxidation fuel is introduced into the first opening and flows through the first burner in a first direction and flows through the second burner in a third direction opposite to the first direction. The nozzle unit discharges the second oxidation fuel in a second direction crossing the first direction.
US08690972B2	Hydrogen production system and reforming apparatus A hydrogen production system (X1) according to the present invention includes a reforming apparatus (Y1) having a vaporizer (1) and a reforming reactor (2), and a PSA apparatus (5). In the vaporizer (1) a mixed material (hydrocarbon-based material, water, and oxygen) is heated and vaporized. In the reforming reactor (2), steam reforming reaction and partial oxidation reaction of the hydrocarbon-based material take place at a time, so that reformed gas (containing hydrogen) is led out from the vaporized mixed material. In the PSA apparatus (5), the reformed gas is introduced into an adsorption tower loaded with an adsorbing agent, so that an unnecessary component in the gas is adsorbed by the adsorbing agent and hence hydrogen-rich gas is led out of the tower, while the unnecessary component is desorbed from the adsorbing agent, so that hydrogen-containing desorbed gas that contains the unnecessary component and hydrogen remaining in the tower is discharged out of the tower. The desorbed gas is burnt in the vaporizer (1), and combustion gas generated by burning the desorbed gas is utilized as a heat source to heat the mixed material.
US08690969B2	Fuel oils The use of an additive composition to improve the conductivity of a fuel oil. The additive composition comprises a polymeric condensation product formed by the reaction of an aliphatic aldehyde or ketone, or a reactive equivalent, with at least one ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid.
US08690967B2	Integrated supercritical technology to produce high quality biofuels and power The present invention relates to a power generation system, which includes a source of a seed oil, a source of alcohol, and a reactor in communication with the source of seed oil and the source of alcohol. The reactor produces a biofuel product. The system has a power source that operates on a biofuel energy source to produce heated exhaust. The power source is in communication with the reactor to utilize a portion of the biofuel product as its biofuel energy source. The system has a heat transfer mechanism that transfers heat from the exhaust manifold to the reactor. The power source also converts mechanical power into electrical power. Also disclosed is a system that involves extraction of oil from an oilseed product. A method of extracting oil from an oilseed product, a method of making a transesterified seed oil, and a method of making a biofuel are also disclosed, as are products obtained thereby.
US08690966B2	Tobacco plant derived dye and process of making the same A dye produced from tobacco plant materials selected from tobacco plants are described and a process for making the dye from the tobacco plants. In a preferred embodiment, the tobacco plants are organically grown and the stems and leaves of the plants are utilized to produce the dye. In one embodiment, the process percolates a hot liquid solution onto the plant materials to produce tobacco plant fiber and the dye. In the preferred embodiment, the process includes the steps of grinding the plant materials, adding treated water to form a solution, adding plant enzymes, heating the solution for set periods of time and selectively adjusting the pH level of the solution. The dye can be produced in many colors and does not require a mordant to bind. The process does not produce waste. The process expands the use of tobacco plants, minimizes environmental impacts and requires less material, fuel and other resources.
US08690959B2	Implantable digestive tract organ An implantable digestive organ is provided for the transport of materials through the digestive tract and in one particular application to an artificial large bowel for replacing all or part of a colon. The prosthetic organ of one embodiment includes an outer support structure, an expandable member or members located within the support structure, and a flexible inner member forming a conduit for passage of material. The inner member is located within the outer member and the expandable member(s) is located between the inner member and the support structure. The expandable members are expanded and contracted, or inflated and deflated to provide pumping action that pumps material through the organ. The prosthesis may also include valves or sphincters at its entrance and/or exit points where material moves into and out of the prosthesis. An implantable pump may be included for inflating and deflating the expandable members in a desired sequence.
US08690958B2	Humeral head resurfacing implant A humeral head resurfacing implant (11) that has a modulus of elasticity close to that of human cortical bone as a result of its design from an integral substrate of isotropic graphite covered completely with a reinforcing layer of dense isotropic pyrolytic carbon. A carefully engineered cruciform stem (15) extends from the axial center of a flat distal circular surface (23) of a spherical cap portion (19) of the implant head located within the confines of a surrounding skirt portion (21).
US08690956B2	Talar implants and methods of use Implant devices, and method of using the same, are provided. The implant devices have a head and a stem. The head has an upper surface, a perimeter surface, and a lower surface. The upper surface is blended into the perimeter surface. The perimeter surface is blended into the lower surface. The upper surface has a general shape of at least a portion of a superior articular surface of a talus and at least a portion of a medial articular surface of a talus. The stem has a cylindrical portion, which optionally has at least one circumferential groove.
US08690952B2	Shoulder prosthesis A shoulder prosthesis comprising a socket and a condyle that cooperates with the socket. The condyle also cooperates with a base plate facing the scapula similar to a clamping connection. The condyle is plugged onto the base plate by means of a receptacle that is embodied on the condyle. The base plate can be anchored to the glenoid fossa of the scapula with the aid of two peg-type protrusions.
US08690950B2	Vertebral body replacement device and method for use to maintain a space between two vertebral bodies within a spine A vertebral body replacement device includes a body member and a central rod member having two threaded portions and configured to be operatively associated with the body member. The device also includes a first end member and a second end member with the end members configured to threadingly engage the threaded portions of the central rod member. The body member and the two end members are further constructed to inhibit rotational movement of the two end members when the device is positioned within a space within a spine as the two end members will engage the adjacent respective vertebral bodies following rotational actuation of the central rod member causing the end members to move in an axial direction relative to the body member, thereby allowing the two end members to apply a force to the two vertebral bodies. A surgical instrument and method for using the device are also disclosed.
US08690949B2	Intervertebral implant for transforaminal posterior lumbar interbody fusion procedure An intervertebral implant for fusing vertebrae is disclosed. The implant may have a body with curved, posterior and anterior faces separated by two narrow implant ends, superior and inferior faces having a plurality of undulating surfaces for contacting vertebral endplates, and at least one depression in the anterior or posterior face for engagement by an insertion tool. The implant may also have one or more vertical through-channels extending through the implant from the superior face to the inferior face, a chamfer on the superior and inferior surfaces at one of the narrow implant ends, and/or a beveled edge along a perimeter of the superior and inferior faces. The implant configuration facilitates transforaminal insertion of the implant into a symmetric position about the midline of the spine so that a single implant provides balanced support to the spinal column. The implant may be formed of a plurality of interconnecting bodies assembled to form a single unit. An implantation kit and method are also disclosed.
US08690947B2	Stand-alone biomimetic artificial intervertebral disc system The artificial intervertebral disc of the present invention includes: a structured fabric having biomimetic structure and dynamic behavior, the structure comprising organic fibers, which are formed to be a cubic multi-axial three-dimensional fabric having tri-axial, to be interwoven tissues or to be a complex tissue of these; and tappets mounted on the upper surface and the lower surface of this structured fabric, wherein the tappets are connected and fitted with the connecting filaments vertically penetrating through the structured fabric. This structured fabric shows biomimetic dynamic behavior like a real intervertebral disc and achieves a clinically effective and reliable stand-alone type of biomimetic artificial intervertebral disc which can be inserted and fixed with minimally-invasive operation.
US08690945B2	Patient selectable knee arthroplasty devices Disclosed herein are methods and devices for repairing articular surfaces in a knee joint. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable for each patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. Kits are also provided to enable customized repairs to be performed.
US08690944B2	Wedge apparatus for use in operating on a bone The relationship between first and second portions of a bone in a patient's body is changed by moving a wedge member into a slot formed in the bone. Force is applied against hard cortical bone by the wedge member. This force pivots the first portion of the bone relative to the second portion of the bone about an axis extending through bone interconnecting the first and second portions of the bone. As the wedge member moves into the bone, a side surface of the wedge member is moved into alignment with an outer side surface of the bone. The wedge member is fixedly connected with the bone. The wedge member is rigid so that the bone can immediately be load bearing. One or more openings may be provided in the wedge member to enable bone to grow through the wedge member. The wedge member may contain a material which promotes growth of bone through the wedge member.
US08690943B2	Self-sealing shell for inflatable prostheses A self-sealing shell useful as a component of a soft fluid-filled prosthetic implant is provided. The shell is at least partly constructed of a wall made of a colloid of an elastomeric polymer matrix and particles of a water-swellable material distributed therein.
US08690938B2	Occlusion device combination of stent and mesh with diamond-shaped porosity An occlusion device for implantation within a body vessel is provided with a screen member and an associated support member. The occlusion device is radially expandable from a compressed condition, suitable for inserting the device in an introducer, to a deployed or expanded condition within a vessel. The screen member includes a plurality of substantially diamond-shaped openings in the compressed and expanded conditions. The porosity of the screen member is less than the porosity of the support member in the expanded condition.
US08690936B2	Expandable sheath for introducing an endovascular delivery device into a body Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a tissue heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can comprise a sheath with inner and outer tubular layers, and an intermediate tubular layer comprising a shape memory alloy. Other embodiments comprise one or more layers having one or more longitudinal notches or cuts to facilitate expansion of the sheath. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.
US08690933B2	System and method for treating symptoms of restless legs syndrome Disclosed herein are systems and methods for reducing effects of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in a subject. The method includes identifying, on the subject, a body region affected by RLS, placing an emitter unit in direct contact with skin of the body region, wherein the emitter unit includes at least one emitter that emits near-infrared light, and activating the emitter to emit an effective amount of near-infrared light for inducing release of nitric oxide from hemoglobin or generation in the endothelium. Also disclosed is an emitter unit that is placed in direct contact with a subject's skin associated with RLS to reduce the effects of RLS. The emitter unit emits an effective amount of near-infrared light directed to the subject's skin to induce release of nitric oxide from hemoglobin or generation in the endothelium, and a module configured to toggle the emitter unit between a transmitting and a nontransmitting mode.
US08690920B2	Interspinous process spacer insertion device An interspinous process spacer insertion device that positions an interspinous process spacer between the spinous process of adjacent vertebrae in a minimally invasive percutaneous surgical procedure. The device includes a trocar rod that extends through a cannulated sleeve. The spacer is attached to the end of the cannulated sleeve, where a trocar tip of the trocar rod extends through the spacer. The trocar rod is moved through the cannulated sleeve and an incision in the patient, and is positioned between the spinous process of the vertebra to align the device. The cannulated sleeve is then moved down the trocar rod so that the spacer slides between the spinous process, and the trocar rod is then withdrawn from the patient. The spacer is then rotated so that it locks behind the spinous process, and the cannulated sleeve is detached from the spacer and removed from the patient.
US08690917B2	Distraction screw A distraction screw includes a proximal portion secured to a first vertebra, a distal portion secured to a second vertebra and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion is coupled to the proximal and distal portions and is positioned in an intervertebral space. The intermediate portion is configured and adapted to enable distraction of the first vertebra relative to the second vertebra.
US08690915B2	Suture A knotless suture system formed from two lengths of suture joined at a suture junction point, with at least four suture limbs extending from the suture junction. The knotless suture system provides the ability to construct a suture bridge for soft tissue repair and fixation across a medial and lateral row bone fixation anchor configuration while passing the suture system in a simplified method of suture management.
US08690914B2	Suture with an intermediate barbed body A suture system has a suture with a first plurality of barbs located adjacent to a first end and a second plurality of barbs located adjacent to a second end, and a body located between the first plurality of barbs and the second plurality of barbs. The body provides an anchor that can hold tissue relative to the first end and the second end of the suture. The body can slide and be positioned on said suture.
US08690913B2	Electromechanical drive and remote surgical instrument attachment having computer assisted control capabilities A medical tool comprising an electromechanical driver and a surgical instrument attachment for use in invasive surgery, including a handle coupled to a flexible sheath which is in turn coupled to a surgical attachment. The handle of the driver includes the electromechanical driver and at least one processor element which controls the actions of the electromechanical driver, and therefore the application elements of the surgical attachment, based on information relayed between the processor element and remotely activatable sensor assemblies in the surgical instrument attachment.
US08690911B2	Medical device for modification of left atrial appendage and related systems and methods A medical device, system and method for modifying a left atrial appendage (“LAA”). The medical device system includes a tether anchored within the LAA and one or more tissue growth members or occluders configured to be slid over the tether and lodged within the LAA. With this arrangement, a physician may close-off the LAA with a selective number of tissue growth members to meet the varying LAA sizes as determined from imaging information while conducting the procedure.
US08690908B2	Flexible wrist for surgical tool The present invention is directed to a tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive surgical instrument includes an elongate shaft having a working end, a proximal end, and a shaft axis between the working end and the proximal end; and an end effector. A wrist member has a flexible tube including an axis extending through an interior surrounded by a wall. The wall of the flexible tube includes a plurality of lumens oriented generally parallel to the axis of the flexible tube. The wrist member has a proximal portion connected to the working end of the elongate shaft and a distal portion connected to the end effector.
US08690907B1	Vascular treatment methods Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measurable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.
US08690902B2	Method of enlarging an anastomosis fistula into a larger anastomosis Methods and devices are provided for enlarging an anastomosis fistula. In general, a surgical clip is applied to tissue surrounding a strictured anastomosis. The clip will exert a pressure on the engaged tissue that causes ischemic necrosis, and as a result the necrotic tissue and the clip will slough off, leaving an anastomosis with a larger diameter fistula.
US08690898B2	Suture passing surgical instrument A surgical instrument includes first and second members configured to receive tissue therebetween. The first member is adapted to receive suture, the second member is coupled to the first member, and a grasper coupled to the second member engages the suture received by the first member. A method of passing suture includes loading suture into a first member of a suture passing surgical instrument, stabilizing tissue between the first member and a second member of the surgical instrument, passing suture through tissue via the first member of the surgical instrument, holding the passed suture via a suture grasper of the surgical instrument, and removing the first member from the tissue.
US08690897B2	Devices, systems, and methods for prosthesis delivery and implantation, including the use of a fastener tool Devices, systems, and methods for implanting radially expandable prostheses in the body lumens rely on tacking or anchoring the prostheses with separately introduced fasteners. The prostheses may be self-expanding or balloon expandable, and may include a single lumen or more than one lumen. After initial placement, a fastener applier system is introduced within the expanded prostheses to deploy a plurality of fasteners to at least one prosthesis end. The fasteners are usually helical fasteners which are releasably restrained on the fastener driver, and are delivered by rotation of the fastener driver. The fasteners may be applied singly, typically in circumferentially spaced-apart patterns about the interior of at least one end of the prosthesis. A lumen extension or lumens may be coupled to the prosthesis to extend the reach of the prosthesis within the implantation site. Fasteners may also be applied to the lumen extensions.
US08690895B2	Methods of use of follicular unit harvesting tools for severing connective tissue Devices and methods are disclosed which provide for harvesting hair follicular units, including severing any remaining connective tissue strands during the harvesting process, so that the harvested follicular units are retained in the harvesting tool without being damaged. The devices and methods of the present invention are especially useful with the partially or substantially automated systems and methods for hair harvesting and transplantation. The follicular unit harvesting tools may comprise a harvesting cannula and a grasping device moveable relative to each other.
US08690892B2	Postpartum uterine manipulators and methods of use thereof The present invention relates to postpartum uterine manipulators and methods of use thereof. According to certain embodiments of the invention, the devices generally comprise (a) a primary shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and which encapsulates an interior shaft; (b) a handle located at the proximal end of the primary shaft, which comprises a ratchet, two fixed rings and a movable thumb piece coupled to the interior shaft; and (c) a tip located at the distal end of the primary shaft, which comprises multiple sections connected by joints that forms a triangular configuration when in an open position.
US08690890B2	Orbit distractor In one aspect, an apparatus for correcting osseous development deficiencies at orbital level in persons includes a halo-like structure for fixing to a cranium, a union plate between the halo-like structure and the distractor, and the orbital distractor itself, which is supported by the halo-like structure and fixed to the orbit.
US08690886B2	Posterior insertion instrument for an expandable support device An insertion instrument for inserting an expandable support device, where the insertion instrument includes an actuator device operable to rotate a component of an expandable support device to a rotated position, such that the rotation to the rotated position of the expandable support device causes a first longitudinally extending member of the expandable support device to be longitudinally fixed. The insertion instrument also includes a hollow body, where the hollow body includes a removable gear device or a removable screw driver device. The removable gear device is configurable to cause a first longitudinally extending member of expandable support device to longitudinally extend in a direction away from the center of the expandable support device. The removable screw driver device is configurable to insert a screw into the expandable support device to lock the rotated position into place.
US08690885B2	Surgical aiming device A hinged pivoting guide for positioning a femoral tunnel in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction locates a drilling hole for placement that optimally penetrates a minimal depth of soft tissue (skin, muscle, etc.) yet directs drilling into a sufficiently rigid and structurally sound area of the femur. The hinged guide allows placement of an aimer point at a desired drilling exit location on the femur. The hinge is adapted to secure the aimer at a degree of rotation about an axis defined by the hinge rotation, such that the axis passes through the aimer point throughout rotation of the hinge while maintaining the aimer point in line with an insertion guide slideably movable through the aperture in the handle, the aperture defined by an insertion axis extending toward the aimer point such that the aimer point remains disposed at the intersection of the hinge axis and the insertion axis.
US08690883B2	Articulating injection cannula and seal assembly An assembly for sealably injecting a fluent material into an intradiscal space accessed through an opening in the annulus of a spinal disc comprises a cannula having a passageway for injecting the fluent material therethrough into the intradiscal space, a seal having a sealing surface for sealing engagement with the outer surface of the disc annulus and defining a central opening for, and an articulating joint defined between the central opening of the seal and the cannula configured to permit relative articulation between the components. The assembly may further comprise an anchor element extending through the central opening of the seal, the anchor element including an elongated threaded body sized for threaded engagement within the opening in the disc annulus and having a head configured to engage a distal end of the cannula.
US08690881B2	Femoral component and instrumentation An instrument system for setting the internal-external rotation of a prosthetic femoral component with respect to a proximal tibia has a bone resection instrument having a planar surface for engaging a planar surface of a resected distal femur. The bone resection instrument system has a cutting guide for guiding a tool for resecting a posterior surface of the distal femur and forming a cylindrical surface on the posterior condyle intersecting the planar surface. The cylindrical surface defined by an axis extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the resected planar surface. The system includes a trial component having a planar surface for engaging the planar surface of the resected distal femur and having posterior condyles having a cylindrical anteriorly facing surface engagable with the resected cylindrical surface on the posterior condyle.
US08690880B2	Compound offset handle A method for preparing a proximal femoral canal of a patient during total hip replacement surgery uses an instrument having a handle, a shaping member including structure configured to shape bone, wherein the structure configured to shape bone comprises at least two cutting surfaces on opposite sides of the shaping member, and a connecting member connecting the handle and the shaping member, the connecting member having a plurality of transverse cross sections. The connecting member includes a dual offset including a first compound bend between the connecting member and the handle, wherein when following a direction from the connecting member to the handle, the first compound bend includes a bend in a posterior direction and a bend in a lateral direction. The connecting member also includes a second compound bend between the connecting member and the shaping member, the second compound bend in an anterior and a medial direction.
US08690878B2	Flexible anchor extenders There is disclosed a system for positioning a connecting element adjacent one or more bones or bony portions, such as the spinal column, through a minimally invasive surgical approach. The system generally includes at least one bone anchor engageable to the one or more bones or bony portions and at least one anchor extender removably engaged to the bone anchor. A connecting element is movable along a longitudinal axis of the anchor extender. In response to movement of the connecting element along the longitudinal axis toward the bone anchor, the anchor extender flexes, bends or otherwise reconfigures to allow a leading end of the connecting element to be rotated away from the longitudinal axis so that the connecting element can be positioned in a transverse orientation to the longitudinal axis along the one or more bones or bony portions at a location adjacent the bone anchor.
US08690871B2	Catheter handle and a catheter assembly including such a handle A catheter handle includes a handle body. A steering control mechanism is displaceably carried on the handle body. An electrode sheath carrier is carried on the handle body, the electrode sheath carrier being displaceable at least relative to the steering control mechanism.
US08690868B2	Needle kit and method for microwave ablation, track coagulation, and biopsy A modular biopsy, ablation and track coagulation needle apparatus is disclosed that allows the biopsy needle to be inserted into the delivery needle and removed when not needed, and that allows an inner ablation needle to be introduced and coaxially engaged with the delivery needle to more effectively biopsy a tumor, ablate it and coagulate the track through ablation while reducing blood loss and track seeding. The ablation needle and biopsy needle are adapted to in situ assembly with the delivery needle. In a preferred embodiment, the ablation needle, when engaged with the delivery needle forms a coaxial connector adapted to electrically couple to an ablating source. Methods for biopsying and ablating tumors using the device and coagulating the track upon device removal are also provided.
US08690867B2	Temperature monitoring return electrode An electrosurgical return electrode is disclosed. The return electrode includes a first and second flexible conductive material layers and a material layer disposed between the first and second conductive material layers. The material layer is transitionable between a solid state and a non-solid state, the material layer is also configured to melt upon an increase in temperature beyond a predetermined threshold, thereby increasing conductivity between the first and second conductive material layer.
US08690864B2	System and method for controlling tissue treatment Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for controlling a tissue treatment device using results from a spectroscopic tissue analyzer. One embodiment provides a system that uses a direct signal from a spectroscopic tissue analyzer to control the tissue treatment device. Alternatively, the system may provide an audible feedback signal to a user, allowing the user to choose how to adjust the tissue treatment device. A final embodiment provides a probe that has active sites for treating tissue, and an optical system to convey light to the active sites, allowing an analysis of the tissue parameter at the active sites.
US08690862B2	Apparatus for patterned plasma-mediated laser trephination of the lens capsule and three dimensional phaco-segmentation System and method for making incisions in eye tissue at different depths. The system and method focuses light, possibly in a pattern, at various focal points which are at various depths within the eye tissue. A segmented lens can be used to create multiple focal points simultaneously. Optimal incisions can be achieved by sequentially or simultaneously focusing lights at different depths, creating an expanded column of plasma, and creating a beam with an elongated waist.
US08690859B2	Catheter apparatus A proximal terminal end of a proximal section of a catheter, preferably tapered, defines a perimeter of an opening into a lumen of the catheter and includes an exposed sealing area. A sealing assembly, that may be removed from the catheter, includes a relatively soft part and a relatively rigid part, wherein the exposed sealing area is formed by the soft part, and the relatively rigid part may include an attachment feature for removable connection of the assembly to the catheter. The lumen of the catheter, within the proximal section, may include a seal zone portion, which preferably includes a slit segment intersecting a funnel-like segment of a bore. The catheter proximal section may further include a feature for interlocking engagement with an accessory tool.
US08690852B2	Force focused fastening member A force focused fastening system maintaining a fastener element in plane during fastening. The force focused fastening system includes a force focused fastening member including an extensible region and an end region. The end region includes a fastener element and the extensible region includes a high modulus region aligned relative to a center portion of the fastener element. During fastening, the force focused fastening member directs forces toward the center portion of the fastener element, away from end portions, minimizing distortion of the fastener element.
US08690850B2	Stitch bonded fabric with directional stretch character and diaper formed therefrom A diaper wherein at least one of the waist band, side panels, leg cuffs and fastening system landing zone includes a textile material of stitch bonded construction. The textile material includes selectively applied zones of stitches formed from elastomeric yarns with adjacent zones having stitches formed from inelastic yarns. The textile material provides stretch of a desired degree in the cross-machine direction while maintaining substantial dimensional stability in the machine direction.
US08690849B2	Body waste collecting device A body waste collecting device for attachment to the body comprising a collecting pouch comprising a first wall and a second wall, the pouch being attached to an adhesive wafer, wherein a central portion of the wafer constitutes a part of the first wall of the pouch, the wafer comprises a permeable backing layer, at least one layer of an absorbent adhesive layer wherein the wafer comprises a moisture impermeable layer at least in the central portion.
US08690844B2	Re-epithelialization wound dressings and systems Methods, apparatuses, and systems for promoting re-epithelialization as an aspect of wound healing are presented. A re-epithelialization dressing for use with reduced pressure has a moist tissue-interface layer, a manifold member, and a sealing member. The moist tissue-interface layer has a plurality of apertures. The moist tissue-interface layer is for disposing adjacent to the wound and provides a moisture balance (i.e., provides moisture when the wound is dry and receives moisture when the wound site is substantially wet). The reduced pressure, apertures, and moist tissue-interface layer help with liquid management and otherwise promote re-epithelialization. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are presented.
US08690843B2	Face mask A face mask that has tab parts at opposing positions approximately on an upper side of the face shape, and a ridge-folded part and a valley-folded part are alternately folded in a lateral direction of the face and further folded perpendicularly to these folding lines, where the tab parts are folded in a manner projecting outward, so that the face mask having such fold structures can easily be spread out.
US08690839B2	Devices for delivering a medicament and connector for same A method and device for delivering medicament such as for ameliorating pain in a patient from an injector superiorly and/or laterally and/or anteriorly towards the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG). A device for delivering a medicament to a patient in need thereof includes (a) an injector containing a first end configured to remain outside a nasal passage of the patient and a second end configured for entry into the nasal passage of the patient; and (b) an introducer configured for engagement with a nostril of the patient and containing a passageway configured for slidably receiving the injector. The injector is moveable between a storage position preceding the engagement and an engaging position pursuant to the engagement. The device may further include a locking connection assembly that is useful in other devices.
US08690829B2	Non-magnetic medical infusion device Liquid infusion apparatus includes non-magnetic materials in a pumping structure and drive motor, therefore, and in a controller that supplies drive signals to the motor to facilitate convenient operation in intense magnetic fields without distorting the magnetic fields and without radiating objectionable radio-frequency interference.
US08690828B2	Syringe drive device A syringe drive device 1 includes a cylinder holding section 3 configured to detachably hold a cylinder 201, a piston manipulating section 4 detachably coupled with a piston, and a piston drive section 5 including racks 31A and 31B coupled with the piston manipulating section 4 and configured to move the piston manipulating section 4 so that a piston 202 is moved in a push-in direction or a pull-out direction. A cylinder 200A having a given capacity (for example, 50 cc) is directly loaded in the syringe drive device 1 with no adapter therebetween. A syringe 200C having a different capacity (for example, 20 cc) is loaded in the syringe drive device 1 by means of a cylinder adapter 81 and a piston adapter 82.
US08690821B2	Robotic catheter rotatable device cartridge A robotic catheter rotatable device cartridge may include a housing member attachable to a drive mechanism for rotating the cartridge and a catheter attached to the cartridge along an axial direction of the catheter. A slider block may be generally slidable relative to the housing and engaged with one or more steering wires for controlling movement of the catheter in a transverse direction relative to the axial direction. The catheter may include the steering wire(s) engaged therewith and movable in the transverse direction when the slider block is linearly driven in a predetermined direction.
US08690818B2	Ultrasound catheter for providing a therapeutic effect to a vessel of a body The invention relates to a catheter system. The system comprises a catheter body having a chamber containing a low acoustic impedance medium. The catheter body includes an elongated body with an external surface and an ultrasound transducer having an external side between a first end and a second end. The ultrasound transducer is positioned over the external surface of the elongated body such that the first end is adjacent to the chamber.
US08690816B2	Implantable flow connector An implantable flow connector for fluidically coupling a source tissue-enclosed body space with a destination element, comprising: a conduit having a lumen terminating at an orifice at a first end of the conduit implantable in the source body space through an opening formed in a tissue wall of the source body space, and a second end of the conduit implantable in the destination element through an opening in a surface of the destination element; and a circumferential flange, radially extending from the conduit proximate the conduit first end, configured to be implanted in the source body space adjacent an opening in the tissue wall of the source body space such that the conduit extends through the opening, the flange comprising one or more circumferentially adjacent sections at least one of which has a rigidity that decreases in a radially-increasing direction.
US08690815B2	Device and method for vascular access Vascular access systems for performing hemodialysis are disclosed. The vascular access system contemplates a catheter section adapted for insertion into a vein and a graft section adapted for attachment to an artery. The catheter section may have metal or polymer wall reinforcements that allow the use of thin-walled, small outer diameter conduits for the vascular access system. One or more of the adhered, embedded or bonded conduit reinforcement structures may be removable without significant damage to the conduit sections to facilitate attachment of the sections, or to a connector between the sections. Various self-sealing materials are provided for use in the vascular access system, as well as temporary access sites and flow control/sensor systems.
US08690814B2	Radiation treatment garment-II A radiation treatment garment includes, in some embodiments, a window having a visually-transparent material for viewing alignment tattoos on a wearer. In some other embodiments, the radiation treatment garment includes a support pouch for receiving and supporting a male wearer's external genitalia, wherein the support pouch is configured to support the external genitalia in a position that is anterior and superior to the natural gravity-induced position. In some further embodiments, the radiation treatment garment includes both the window and the support pouch.
US08690810B2	Method and devices for preventing or minimizing recurrent elbow tendinosis Methods of preventing the development or exacerbation of tendinosis include receiving a first ring of resilient material over a first digit of a hand of the user and a second ring of resilient material over a second digit of the hand of the user. The first and second digits receiving first and second rings are curled about an object to grasp the object with an increased circumference grip relative to a natural grip of the user. The first and second rings are automatically slid to an interleaved configuration on the first and second digits by moving the grasped object with the hand.
US08690808B2	Systems, devices, and methods for mechanically reducing and fixing bone fractures A fracture reduction is mechanically achieved by supporting a body region having the bone fracture on a frame. A first reduction mechanism on the frame is operated to apply to the bone fracture a first predefined force reduction vector that returns the bone fracture to a corrective alignment in a first anatomic orientation, while also mechanically maintaining the corrective alignment in the first anatomic orientation. Independently, a second reduction mechanism on the frame is operated to apply a second predefined force reduction vector that returns the bone fracture to a corrective alignment in a second anatomic orientation different than the first anatomic orientation without altering the corrective alignment in the first anatomic orientation, while mechanically maintaining the corrective alignment in the second anatomic orientation. The fracture reduction is mechanically fixed by mechanically guiding the placement at least one bone fixing device into the reduced bone fracture.
US08690798B2	Methods and apparatus for sampling and analyzing body fluid A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An on-site analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision.
US08690797B2	Piercing system A piercing system has a carrier band carrying piercing elements with test elements disposed in-between. The carrier band holder, which is coupled to a piercing drive, holds a segment of the carrier band and moves together with the segment and a piercing element at the segment during lancing. A wind-up roll displaces the band in a band transport direction. A measuring device measures analyte concentration of a bodily fluid sample received by a test element. A segment of the band having an unused test element is guided past a carrier band segment disposed in the holder or behind the holder in the band transport direction. The two carrier band segments are pressed against each other for transferring the sample from the piercing element to the test element. A method for transferring a bodily fluid sample from a piercing element to a test element is described.
US08690794B1	System and method for collection of human bodily waste samples According to some embodiments, systems and methods for the collection of human waste samples are provided. The systems include a collection bowl, defined as a generally bowl-shaped part extending downward from a toilet seat-shaped rim and having a collection port at the bottom of the collection bowl, a sample cup releasably coupleable to the collection port having a collection volume in communication with the collection bowl, a collection basket lined with a screen to collect solid and particulate matter, and a sample spatula to manipulate solid waste. The method generally includes: placing at least the collection bowl coupled with the sample cup on the porcelain rim of a toilet, replacing the toilet seat down over the collection bowl to hold the collection bowl in place, sitting on the toilet, voiding either liquid or solid waste into the collection bowl, ensuring waste enters the sample cup, emptying excess waste from the collection bowl, de-coupling the sample cup from the collection bowl, capping the sample cup, and discarding the collection bowl.
US08690780B2	Noninvasive tissue tightening for cosmetic effects Systems and methods for noninvasive tissue tightening are disclosed. Thermal treatment of tissues such as superficial muscular aponeurosis system (SMAS) tissue, muscle, adipose tissue, dermal tissue, and combinations thereof are described. In one aspect, a system is configured for treating tissue through delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, temperature, and energy level to achieve a desired cosmetic effect.
US08690773B2	Security enabled medical screening device Embodiments of the invention pertain to networked kiosks capable of providing enhanced health and/or entertainment and/or advertising information. In an embodiment of the invention, biometric measurement devices coupled with a communications infrastructure implement a system of secure information exchange and enhanced user security. In an embodiment of the invention, a user's cell phone wirelessly connected via the machine to a call center or other responder to allow for consultation when appropriate. In an embodiment of the invention, a security/verification system is built into the kiosk, so as to be able to verify a user's identity. For example, one or more cameras associated with the kiosk provide various types of visual data usable for security purposes e.g., retinal scan data, face recognition parameter data, and so on. In further embodiments of the invention, other security features are provided additionally or alternatively.
US08690766B2	Laparoscopic instrument and trocar systems and related surgical method Laparoscopic instruments and trocars are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. A generally C-shaped trocar provides increased work space between the hands of the surgeon as well as S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the trocar when laparoscopic instrument-trocar units are placed through the umbilicus. In order to facilitate retraction of intra-abdominal structures during a laparoscopic procedure, an angulated needle and thread with either one-or two sharp ends is provided. Alternatively, an inflatable unit having at least one generally C-shaped trocar incorporated within the unit's walls can be placed through the umbilicus following a single incision. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments may be placed through the generally C-shaped trocars to facilitate access to intra-abdominal structures.
US08690765B2	Endoscope apparatus and image processing apparatus A normal light CCD 11 is driven via a normal light CCD control section 25 by a timing signal from a timing circuit section 29 of a video processor 20. At the same time, a fluorescence CCD 12 is driven via a fluorescence CCD control section 26. Then, an image pickup signal according to an RGB frame sequential method from the normal light CCD 11 is processed by a normal light image video circuit section 27 and a normal color image is created while an image pickup signal from the fluorescence CCD 12 is processed by a fluorescence image video circuit section 28, and an image pickup signal of a subject excited by blue illumination light and transmitted through a fluorescence transmitting filter 13 is extracted to create a fluorescence image of the subject. The normal color image and the fluorescence image of the subject are synthesized by an image synthesizing circuit section 30 and outputted to a monitor 2, whereby the normal light image and the fluorescence image is displayed side by side or on top of each other.
US08690757B2	Endoscope apparatus An endoscope apparatus includes an apparatus main body having a housing with a concave portion formed in one surface, and an endoscope unit including a detachable connector portion in the concave portion, wherein, when the connector portion is mounted to the concave portion, the connector portion constitutes a part of the one surface. More preferably, a packing is provided in the housing or the connector portion that, when the connector portion is mounted to the housing, retains the mutual mating surfaces of the housing and the connector portion in a closely contacting state.
US08690755B2	Endoscopic positioning system The present invention discloses an endoscope positioning system for maneuvering, orienting and positioning an endoscope relative to an organ within a patient's body during an endoscopic operation. The endoscope positioning system comprises a gripper that reversibly attaches the positioning system to the patient's body while allowing full adjustment of the endoscope in four degrees of freedom.
US08690754B2	Tractal erectile device A tractal erectile device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes a hollow vessel having a first opening for receiving an organ, and a second opening for releasing fluid from within the vessel. The hollow vessel may include: an integral smooth lip portion surrounding the first opening for receiving an organ; an elongated cylindrical portion connected to the lip portion, an hour-glass portion connected to the elongated portion, and an ellipsoid shaped end portion including the second opening for releasing fluid from within the vessel.
US08690752B2	Oocyte separation and collection system An apparatus for separating and collecting one or more oocytes from a fluid mixture includes a chamber inserted into a hollow elongate tube. An inlet channel receives an injected fluid mixture of oocytes and extraneous fluids and passes the fluid mixture to the hollow elongate tube. A separation unit positioned within the chamber includes a porous filter that selectively filters the fluid mixture to retain the oocytes in the hollow elongate tube, and a propeller for agitating the extraneous fluids for allowing unobstructed passage of the extraneous fluids into an outlet channel and for compactly collecting fibrin elements from the extraneous fluids. A flow of the extraneous fluids rotates the propeller on application of a vacuum suction force. Furthermore, the chamber includes an outlet channel for allowing passage of the extraneous fluids separated from the fluid mixture out of the chamber, and retaining the oocytes in the hollow elongate tube.
US08690746B2	Expandable brachytherapy device A brachytherapy device for the provision of brachytherapy is disclosed. The brachytherapy device has at least one source lumen located outside a movable surface of the device. The source lumen may be secured to the movable outer surface in a manner whereby relative movement of the source lumen relative to the movable outer surface is permitted. The brachytherapy device is inserted into a body cavity. After insertion, the movable surface is moved to position the at least one source lumen closer to the tissue boundary of the cavity. One or more sources of radiation are then placed within the at least one source lumen to provide a customizable treatment. Also disclosed are methods for providing brachytherapy via body cavities.
US08690743B2	Bearing arrangement and rolling unit for a rolling-mill roll The invention relates to a bearing arrangement and a rolling unit for a rolling-mill roll. The bearing arrangement comprises a bearing housing, a bearing bush (120) rigidly installed in the bearing housing, a journal bush (130) rotatably supported in the bearing bush, a bearing device (140) for the roll journal, and a pressure shoulder ring arranged between the journal bush (130) and the bearing device (140). At least one key (150) is used to connect both the journal bush and the pressure shoulder ring (135) to the roll journal of the rolling mill roll in a rotationally rigid manner. In order to further develop such a known bearing arrangement for a rolling-mill roll and a known rolling unit so that it is easier to remove the bearing arrangement from the roll journal, the bearing arrangement according to the invention has a coupling device between the journal bush (130) and the pressure shoulder ring (135) without or with only low stress.
US08690739B2	Boxing training device A boxing training device including a support frame, a first set of pads each resiliently secured relative to the support frame and a second set of pads each resiliently connected relative to the support frame. The first set of pads comprises a plurality of pads located at multiple heights having faces angled towards a right hand side of a boxer for receiving right handed blows and the second set of pads comprises a plurality of pads located at multiple heights having faces angled towards a left hand side of a boxer for receiving left handed blows.
US08690738B1	Leg-powered treadmill A motor-less leg-powered curved treadmill produced that allows people to walk, jog, run, and sprint without making any adjustments to the treadmill other than shifting the user's center of gravity forward and backwards. A closed loop treadmill belt is formed with a low friction running surface of transverse wooden, plastic or rubber slats attached to each other in a resilient fashion.
US08690736B2	System and method for promoting and tracking physical activity among a participating group of individuals A system and method of tracking physical activity of a person in order to help motivate that person to add more exercise to their lives. Each participant is provided a motion sensor that detects forces incurred by the participant. The motion sensor creates electronic data that corresponds to the forces detected. The data is analyzed to determine whether or not exercise has been performed. The analysis can also determine the type of exercise performed, when the exercise was performed, and the duration of the exercise performed.
US08690734B2	Vision exercise device An embodiment of the disclosure consists of a rectangular lightweight rigid handled frame, four adjustable telescoping foldout locking legs with protective feet, a rear-facing mirror, a pair of forward-facing mirrors, an eleven-light light source, and a control panel. The rear-facing mirror is connected to the frame and is adjustable about a horizontal axis to form a vertical angle in order to facilitate the reflections from the light source back and forth between the rear-facing mirror and the pair of forward-facing mirrors. The pair of forward-facing mirrors are connected to the frame, are spaced apart to form the porthole, and are adjustable on both a vertical and horizontal axis in order to form the vertical angle and the rotational angle needed to facilitate the reflections from the light source back and forth between the rear-facing mirror and at least one of the pair of forward-facing mirrors.
US08690730B2	Method for improving shift quality in an automatic transmission A method is provided for improving shift quality in an automatic transmission. In many automatic transmissions, the shift quality during lift foot upshifts is unsatisfying. Generally, two types of complaints concerning shift quality are known: harsh feel right after the shift order and bump at the synchronization of the shift. In order to provide an automatic transmission which overcomes these two problems, a first and a second positive torque requests are initiated on upshift coasts. This measure improves the global shift feel by controlling the engine toque level at shift order and at synchronization: the engine torque level at the beginning of the gear shift is smoothly decreased to reduce the initial bump and is controlled at the synchronization to reduce the amplitude of underlap when the clutch capacity is rising.
US08690728B2	Controlled vehicle launch using a stepped ratio transmission A method for controlling a vehicle powertrain during launch includes controlling slip across a first clutch that transmits engine torque through the first clutch and the current gear while a transmission operates in a current gear other than a launch gear, disengaging the first clutch, engaging the launch gear, and controlling slip across a second clutch that transmits engine torque through the second clutch and the launch gear.
US08690726B2	Vehicle drive device A vehicle drive device comprising: an engine; a hydraulic transmission device constituting a portion of a power transmission path between the engine and drive wheels; and an electric motor, the engine and the hydraulic transmission device disposed to rotate around one axial center, the electric motor disposed with a rotation axial center different from the one axial center, the electric motor coupled to an input-side rotating element of the hydraulic transmission device receiving input of a drive force from the engine, the input-side rotating element being rotatable around the one axial center, the electric motor coupled to the input-side rotating element via an electric motor coupling rotating element coupled relatively non-rotatably to the input-side rotating element, a hydraulic pump rotationally driven by the input-side rotating element of the hydraulic transmission device disposed such that a rotor of the hydraulic pump rotates around the one axial center, and a coupling portion of the electric motor coupling rotating element for the input-side rotating element inserted into a pump-cover through-hole formed on an internal side of the pump-cover through-hole of the hydraulic pump in a radial direction, along with a portion of the input-side rotating element, and coupled relatively non-rotatably to the input-side rotating element in the pump-cover through-hole, in order to couple the input-side rotating element to the rotor.
US08690725B2	Engine restart torque spike management system for a hybrid vehicle A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having a traction motor between an engine and a step ratio automatic transmission during a startup of the hybrid vehicle. The method includes performing at least one of adjusting a clutch or an oil pressure to change a transmission tie-up force or downshifting the transmission in response to an actuation rate of a vehicle driver demand.
US08690724B2	Method for operating a drive train A method for operating a drive-train of a motor vehicle with a drive aggregate in the form of a hybrid drive system (3) which comprises at least one electric machine (2), an internal combustion engine (1), a transmission (5), a drive output (4) and a brake system which comprises at least one wear-free permanent brake (6). When a braking torque is required, the braking torque is distributed between the electric machine (2) and the wear-free permanent brake (6). At the beginning of a braking torque demand, the required brake torque is provided exclusively by the electric machine (2). Thereafter, as a function of characteristics of the wear-free permanent brake, the braking torque demand is transferred, in a controlled manner, from the electric machine to the wear-free permanent brake (6) so that the sum of the braking torques provided at the drive output (4) corresponds to the required braking torque.
US08690723B2	Method for controlling a shiftable planetary gear set in a belt pulley plane of a drivetrain A method for controlling a belt drive of a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, with a planetary gear set which shifts a transmission ratio between a starter-generator and a combustion engine, the planetary gear set having a ring gear which can be connected fixedly with respect to a housing by a brake, a web which is connectible to a crankshaft of the combustion engine of the drivetrain, having planet gears arranged around the circumference, and a sun gear which is connected in a rotationally fixed connection to a rotor of the starter-generator and to at least one ancillary unit, as well as having a first switchable free-wheeling mechanism which blocks in the direction of torque from the rotor to the crankshaft and having a second switchable free-wheeling mechanism which blocks in the direction of torque from the crankshaft to the rotor.
US08690720B2	Hydraulic control device for automatic transmission A hydraulic control device for an automatic transmission capable of adjusting the amount of lubricating oil in accordance with a load on a torque converter is provided. A main regulator valve regulates hydraulic oil from an oil pressure source on the basis of a stator reaction force of the torque converter to generate a line pressure for operating engagement of a frictional engagement element. A line pressure switching section switches the line pressure to a low line pressure in a region in which a higher line pressure is not required in response to a driving state of a vehicle, and switches the line pressure to a high line pressure when a target value of an engagement hydraulic oil pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. A lubricating regulator valve is provided in a lubricating oil passage connected from the main regulator valve to regulate a hydraulic pressure in the lubricating oil passage to a given pressure in response to a driving state of the vehicle. A torque converter regulator valve controls a pressure inside the torque converter. A lubricating shift valve switches between an oil passage for supplying hydraulic oil discharged from the torque converter into the lubricating oil passage and an oil passage for discharging lubricating oil discharged from the torque converter regulator valve.
US08690718B2	Tightener for a belt drive operating in the presence of oil A tightener for a belt drive cooperates with the belt in the presence of oil, and has a pin with a first axis; a base plate integral with and substantially perpendicular to the pin; a cam arm connected in a rotary manner to the pin and movable with respect to the base plate; a contact member carried by the cam arm; and an elastic member connected to the cam arm to activate the contact member against the belt. The tightener also has a friction member made of oil-resistant material and axially supporting the cam arm on the base plate; and axial elastic means for loading the friction member against the base plate.
US08690713B2	Golf ball core having medium positive hardness gradient and high surface hardness A golf ball includes a single solid core having a surface hardness and a geometric center hardness. The core has an outer diameter of about 1.5 to 1.62 inches. An outer cover layer formed from a polyurea or polyurethane has a first hardness, and an inner cover layer, disposed between the core and the outer cover, has a second hardness greater than the first hardness and within 5 Shore C of the core surface hardness. The geometric center hardness is about 64 to 85 Shore C, and the core surface hardness is greater than 85 Shore C and harder than the geometric center hardness by about 5 to 22 Shore C to define a positive hardness gradient.
US08690708B1	CG height adjustability by conformal crown weighting A golf club head comprising a crown with an edge support structure and a flexible, conformal weight sized to fit within the edge support structure is disclosed herein. The edge support structure preferably is disposed on an internal surface of the crown so that the conformal weight is invisible when the golf club head is viewed at address. The conformal weight can be removed to adjust the vertical center of gravity of the club head, and preferably is oriented in a front-to-back direction along the club head's X-axis. The conformal weight preferably is composed of a high-density polymeric material with a specific gravity ranging from 1.8 to 4.2.
US08690707B2	Golf clubs and golf club heads with adjustable center of gravity and moment of inertia characteristics Golf clubs, club heads, and club weighting systems may include: (a) a club head body member; and (b) one or more weight members movably engaged with the club head body member so as to move between a first position and a second position to change an overall exterior shape of the club head. This shape change may result in changes to the overall center of gravity, weighting, and/or moment of inertia characteristics of the club head. Alternatively or additionally, the weight member(s) may be removed from the club head body member, reoriented, and/or replaced with a different weight member, e.g., to change the overall exterior shape, center of gravity, weighting, and/or moment of inertia characteristics of the club head. Methods of making and using these clubs, club heads, and weighting systems also are described.
US08690703B2	Golf club A golf club has a head including a base layer and a compounded transfer layer. The base layer has a coupling face. The compounded transfer layer is formed on the coupling face of the base layer. The compounded transfer layer has a dye layer and a protection layer. The dye layer is sandwiched between the base layer and the protection layer.
US08690697B2	Reducing radius slide feature A slide feature is adapted to carry one or more riders and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon. The slide feature includes a sliding surface having an entry end and an exit end. The sliding surface comprising at least a lower portion of a sideways tilted funnel shape wherein a radius of the sliding surface tapers from the entry end to the exit end. A lowermost surface of the sliding surface is horizontal or slightly inclined from horizontal descending from the entry end to the exit end. The sliding surface comprising side walls each extending upward from the lowermost surface about a longitudinal axis which would be defined by the complete sideways tilted funnel shape through an angle of more than 90°. The entry end is substantially larger in diameter than the exit end.
US08690696B2	Systems and methods for martial arts combat Systems and methods are provided relating to martial arts competitions including martial arts games, team competitions, and a martial arts combat league. A martial arts combat league may combine traditional aspects of martial arts competitions with the appeal of rooting for a favorite team or individual competitor. Martial arts competition rules and scoring systems may be provided for the martial arts combat league. A martial arts competition area may be provided for presentation of martial arts combat league events. A novel scoring system may involve and inform fans of the martial arts combat league.
US08690695B1	Portable modular winter sport terrain system and method for deploying the same This invention provides a terrain system comprising a set of metal tubes having a rounded cross section The tubes are separated at a width that defines the appropriate terrain. The tubes are supported by a base located on at least two spaced apart positions therealong. Each leg assembly includes a bottom bar that allows it to be implanted in packed snow. Optional outriggers can be attached to each side of the bottom bar so that the legs can afford increased stability. The legs include telescoping sections that allow for height adjustability. One leg can be omitted, thereby creating a ramp. Each end of the top portion contains male and female connection points, which accommodate curved end caps. Two end caps can also be joined with a double-axis hinge assembly that allows the adjacent top portions to be joined together and articulated along two parallel hinge axes.
US08690693B2	Method for producing hollow body elements, hollow body element, component, follow-on composite tool for producing hollow body elements The invention relates to a method for producing hollow body elements (200), for example, nut elements which are applied to components which are normally made of steel (280), in particular, for producing hollow body elements having an essentially quadratic or rectangular external profile (202). Said method consists of cutting individual elements of a profile in the form of a profile rod (1) or a winding after holes (204) have previously been stamped in the profile, a threaded cylinder (206) is subsequently, optionally, formed using a follow-on composite tool (10) which consists of several working stations. The invention is characterized in that a penetrating process and a punching process are carried out in the working station. The invention also relates to hollow body elements (200), components, follow-on composite tools (10) and rolling mills (600, 602).
US08690692B2	Transmission shaft for transmitting rotational movements and/or forces, and method for manufacturing said shaft A transmission shaft for transmitting rotational movements including a tubular body having at least one tubular composite assembly including a plastic matrix and strengthening elements, at least one insert positioned at one end of the body and which is secured to the body in an interface area between the insert and the composite assembly, and at least one slug passing radially through the insert and the body for keeping the strengthening elements in place. The at least one insert has at least one recess receiving a part of the strengthening elements to maintain the strengthening elements in the interface area.
US08690690B2	Constant velocity joint with quick connector and method A shaft assembly that includes a propshaft member and a constant velocity joint. The constant velocity joint has an outer race, which is coupled for rotation with the propshaft member, an inner race, a plurality of bearing balls disposed between the outer and inner races to transmit rotary power therebetween, a shaft member coupled for rotation with the inner race, and a boot assembly that is sealingly engaged to the outer race and the shaft member. The shaft member defines a coupling portion that extends from the boot assembly. A method for coupling a shaft member to a driveline component is also provided.
US08690683B2	Social requirement for online game asset acquisition Example systems and methods related to a social requirement for acquiring an asset, such as a reward, in an online game are presented herein. In one example, an online game for a plurality of players is hosted. Information describing a social network of friends of a player of the game is accessed. An asset is provided to the player based satisfaction of an acquisition requirement to acquire the asset. The acquisition requirement includes a social requirement that is satisfied by a new association of a predetermined number of friends of the social network of the player with the online game.
US08690682B1	Browser based wagering game systems and configuration A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include presenting a web browser on a display associated with a wagering game machine and receiving a request to present wagering game content on the display, via the web browser. The operations can further include determining a web address stored in a setting associated with a wagering game machine and sending the web address associated with the wagering game machine to a wagering game server. The wagering game server is configured to provide a webpage document described in the web address. The web address can be stored in the setting prior to the request to present the wagering game content on the display. The operations can further include receiving the webpage document from the wagering game server; and presenting the webpage document on the display of the wagering game machine via the web browser.
US08690680B2	Method for configuration validation Various embodiments are directed to gaming systems and related methods for validating a download assignment or a validation assignment for one or more electronic gaming machines (EGMs). In one embodiment, the gaming system can schedule downloads and/or configurations for one or more EGMs from a network terminal. Additionally, the network terminal determines whether the download or selected configuration is compatible with the existing physical or software structure of an EGM. In the event the EGM configuration is not compatible with the scheduled download or configuration, a casino operator is notified of the error at the network terminal. Optionally, the gaming system automatically schedules one or more supplemental downloads so that the user-selected download of configuration is executable on the EGMs.
US08690679B2	System and method for providing wireless gaming as a service application A gaming system is provided. The gaming system allows users to access applications via gaming communication devices coupled to a communication network. At least a portion of the network may be wireless. The gaming applications include gambling, financial, entertainment service, and other types of transactions. The system may include a user location determination feature to prevent users from conducting transactions from unauthorized areas.
US08690671B2	Three-dimensional games of chance having multiple reel stops A gaming machine may have at least one display device capable of displaying 3-D images of a game of chance, and at least one processor to execute instructions to display the 3-D images on the display device, the at least one processor having display video data to display the 3-D images for: at least one first object having a first reel stop associated with a first payout value, the at least one first object moving about a central axis, each of the at least one first object having an individual center point, and at least one second object having a second reel stop, the at least one second object moving about the individual center point, the second reel stop associated with a second payout value, wherein the first payout value and the second payout value determine a total payout associated with an outcome of the game of chance.
US08690665B2	Method for providing an undisplayed outcome of an electronic gaming device A method of electronic gaming has been developed that includes, receiving a wager from a player and generating an electronic command that at least a portion of an outcome for the wager is not to be displayed to the player until the outcome information is delivered to the player. Next, an outcome is generated and at least a portion of the outcome is not displayed according to the electronic command. Finally, the undisplayed outcome is delivers to the player.
US08690658B2	Wagering game system with community gaming system A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming system, the method including receiving an indication of a wager and displaying outcomes of wagering games on at least one display device in response to a wager indication being received, the displayed outcomes being randomly generated by at least one processor. The method also including accumulating a bonus-event playing time upon satisfying at least one predetermined condition as the wagering games are played, initiating a bonus game in which a player is eligible to receive awards for a period of time, determining, via at least one processor, the accumulated playing time accrued prior to the initiation of the bonus game, allowing the player to participate in the bonus game for at least as long as the accumulated playing time and providing any awards earned by the player during their participation in the bonus game.
US08690656B2	Game apparatus and computer readable storage medium storing game program Instead of using an operation inputted by a player, a series of operation data for continuously moving a player character for a predetermined time period of a game is previously stored as automatic operation data. Automatic control means moves the player character based on the automatic operation data. Furthermore, the automatic control means receives a play start operation indicating that the player starts to play the game while the automatic control means moves the player character. A movement of the player character control led based on the automatic operation data is finished at a time when the play start operation is received, and the movement of the player character starts to be controlled based on an operation of the player.
US08690654B2	Game system, game control method, game device, and computer-readable storage medium To run a game in which a life object indicating the value of a life parameter shared by player characters is displayed on a display unit and the life parameter is reduced for an amount equivalent to a damage from which a player character suffers, when at least one of the player character is attacked within an attack invalidation period that starts when one of the player characters is attacked, the life parameter is reduced only for an amount equivalent to the damage that triggers the start of the attack invalidation period.
US08690648B1	Method and apparatus for preparing poultry skin Penetrating the skin of a poultry item with an array of small holes accomplished by using a plurality of circular blades laterally spaced apart and substantially parallel and having a plurality teeth protruding from the edge of the blades and forcibly engaging and penetrating the skin of the poultry item with the plurality of teeth. The plurality of circular blades can have a common axis of rotation and rotating about a shaft extending along the common axis thereby forming a roller of blades.
US08690647B1	Field dressing attachment for a hunting knife A field dressing attachment for a hunting knife preferably includes a support plate, an end hook, a bottom gusset and a finger ring. One end of the support plate is terminated with the end hook. The bottom gusset extends downward from a bottom of the support plate. The finger ring extends from the bottom gusset and is located at an opposing end of the support plate. A blade groove is formed in the support plate to receive a non-cutting edge of a knife blade. A tip cavity is formed in the end hook. A tip of the knife blade is inserted into the tip cavity. A user's finger is inserted through the finger ring and a remainder of the hand is wrapped around a handle of the knife. The forefinger is used to keep the tip of the knife blade in the tip cavity.
US08690644B2	Bore working tool An arm 21 has a shape for grasping a part in a circumferential direction of a tool holder 7. The arm 21 is connected to the tool holder 7 with a bolt 23 inserted into a fixing hole 22 provided in a base side portion of the arm 21. A tapped hole 25 used for exchangeably attaching a cutting tool 24 is formed in a tip side portion of the arm 21. A groove part 26 extending in parallel to an axis of the tool holder 7 is formed in a position close to the base portion of the arm 21. Owing to the groove part 26, the arm 21 works as an elastic hinge when an external force is applied, so as to increase or decrease a radial dimension of the cutting tool 24 while keeping its parallelism to the axis of the tool.
US08690635B1	Breast platform system An L-shaped platform system for female breasts has a vertical leg and a horizontal leg for each breast, and a strap that holds the legs in place. The vertical leg rests against the torso under a human breast. The horizontal leg extends outward from the torso under the human breast supporting it against the pull of gravity. The strap may have two free ends that fit around the human body and attach together like a bra. Each vertical leg may be embedded within the strap so as to fix the position of each L-shaped platform on the strap. Alternatively, the vertical legs have slots that permit weaving the strap through the vertical leg and permitting adjustment of the position of the L-shaped platform. A spring hinge may be added to join the horizontal leg to the vertical leg so that the horizontal leg can pivot downward.
US08690630B2	Bubble generating device and method for forming a bubble film A bubble generating toy includes a bubble forming assembly mounted inside a housing behind a front opening thereof. The bubble forming assembly includes a cylindrical body having diametric inlet and outlet, a cylindrical air gate having diametric inlet and outlet. The air gate is rotatable in the cylindrical body between a closed position and open position when the inlets and outlets are aligned. A sleeve extends perpendicularly from the outlet of the cylindrical body and has a bubble ring. Bubble forming liquid is pumped from a container, through a tube and into the sleeve by a pump to form a bubble film across the bubble ring. An air blower blows are through the sleeve and the bubble ring to generate bubbles.
US08690621B2	Outboard motor control apparatus In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor having an internal combustion engine to power a propeller, and a transmission being selectively changeable in gear position to establish speeds including a first speed and a second speed and transmitting power of the engine to the propeller with a gear ratio determined by established speed, engine speed is detected, it is determined whether acceleration is instructed when the second speed is established, and operation of the transmission is controlled to change the gear position from the second speed to the first speed when the acceleration is determined to be instructed, and then change back the gear position from the first speed to the second speed based on the detected engine speed, thereby enabling to control the transmission optimally.
US08690619B2	Steering apparatus for outboard motor In an outboard motor steering apparatus, a stiff but flexible cable is wound on a reel driven by a reversible motor. The cable extends from a housing containing the reel and connects to a rod within the tilt tube of an outboard motor. The rod is in turn linked to the outboard motor so that steering of the outboard motor can be accomplished by winding the cable onto, and unwinding the cable from, the reel. The cable is guided by a bent channel within the housing so that it extends from a narrow part of the housing located aft of the reel.
US08690617B2	Swimming propulsion device A swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism installed within the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.
US08690607B2	Joint connector For providing a joint connector which is miniaturized and general-purpose by designing an interval between needle shape terminal portions same as an interval between terminals of the general-purpose connector, the joint connector 1 includes a terminal 3 with a ferrite core 10, and a connector housing 2 receiving the terminal 3. The terminal 3 includes a busbar 28 and a plurality of needle shape terminal portions 29 extending from the busbar 28 at intervals along a direction of lengthwise of the busbar 28. The ferrite core 10 includes a first ferrite core 10a arranged at a base end 29a of the needle shape terminal portion 29 and a second ferrite core 10b arranged at an intermediate portion 29b of the needle shape terminal portion 29. The first ferrite core 10a and the second ferrite core 10b are arranged alternately at each of the plurality of needle shape terminal portions 29.
US08690604B2	Receptacle assembly A receptacle assembly includes a front housing having a mating end and a loading end. A contact module is coupled to the loading end and includes a frame assembly having a plurality of contacts and a dielectric frame supporting the contacts. The dielectric frame has first and second sides and channels between the contacts that extend at least partially through the dielectric frame between the first and second sides. The contacts extend from the dielectric frame for electrical termination. Ground conductors are received in corresponding channels and provide electrical shielding between corresponding contacts. A ground shield is coupled to the first side. The ground shield has side shields that extend along sides of the contacts to provide electrical shielding along sides of the contacts. The ground shield has shield tabs that engage corresponding ground conductors to electrically connect the ground shield to the ground conductors.
US08690603B2	Electrical connector with grounding member A coaxial cable connector includes tubular post, a coupler secured over an end of the tubular post for securing the connector to an appliance, and an outer body secured to the tubular post. An electrical grounding path is maintained between the coupler and the tubular post whether or not the coupler is tightly fastened to the appliance. The electrical grounding path is provided by a resilient, electrically-conductive grounding member disposed between the tubular post and the coupler. Alternatively, the connector includes conductive grease at a point where mating portions of the tubular post and coupler have closely matching dimensions.
US08690601B2	Quick plug An architecture is presented that provides a detachable outlet system for switching and changing outlets and switches with ease. The detachable outlet system comprises a receptacle, wherein a male adapter is secured to the receptacle. The detachable outlet system also comprises a gang box wired to comprise a female adapter, wherein the female adapter is positioned internal to the gang box. The gang box can further include a protective plate secured to the front of the gang box, and a spacer plate secured to the protective plate. The male adapter is then aligned with the female adapter of the gang box, and a user exhibits a pushing force to insert the receptacle into the gang box. Once the female and male adapters are matingly secured together in electrical communication, a faceplate can be positioned over the receptacle and secured into place.
US08690600B1	Electronic device shield and connector case An electronic device protective case with a built-in capability to have a connector or cable that enables it to interface to power and communication sources without the need for a separate cable. The connector can be an AC connector for power, or a DC connector for power and/or signals, such as an universal serial bus (USB) connector or similar connector. The connector or cable can the move between a stowed position within the protective case housing and a deployed positions where it is external to said case.
US08690597B2	Compliant contact plate for use in testing integrated circuits A floating or compliant plate test socket device and method is disclosed. Three primary components, a fixed frame (20) receives a floating or compliant plate (22), sit together atop a housing (24) which contains contact pins used for the electrical test of the DUT (device under test). In fixed plate (20) are bearings for reducing friction when the floating plate is driven downward by the DUT inserter. Embedded in sidewalls (40) are a plurality of vertical raceways (46) which receive bearings (48). The raceways are borings, which have gap in the boring, in the fixed plate sidewalls (40) with the boring center spaced from the sidewall sufficiently that part of the bore removes part of the sidewall but allows the ball bearings to partially protrude from the gap formed in the incomplete semicircular boarding without the bearings being able to freely escape.
US08690588B2	Junction box assembly having an over-travel spring A junction box assembly includes a housing member and an electrical component. The housing member has a housing surface and a component receptacle having a pair of opposing sidewalls coupled to the housing surface. Each sidewall has a locking opening disposed therein and each locking opening defines a locking surface. A post is arranged within the component receptacle and extends from the housing surface for a predetermined distance to a post surface. The electrical component is received in the component receptacle and has a component surface adjacent the post surface and a barb received in each locking opening. The post applies a force to the electrical component for retaining the barb against the locking surface.
US08690586B2	Inter-board connection system with compliant flexible pin deformation prevention An assembly for preventing deformation of compliant pins when interconnecting two printed circuit boards with the pins includes a mechanism for limiting an amount of movement of a flexible portion of the pins. In one approach, a bar is placed within the flexible portion of the pins to block damaging movement. In another approach, wing portions of the pins are locked into a surface thus preventing movement of the pin that could cause damage to the flexible portion of the pin.
US08690578B1	Mobile computing weight, diet, nutrition, and exercise tracking system with enhanced feedback and data acquisition functionality An illustrative mobile computing device executing weight, nutrition, health, behavior and exercise application software serves as a simulated combination personal trainer and dietician/nutritionist for the user using comprehensive databases storing personalized health, nutrition and exercise information. A mobile computing device, such as a smartphone, executing such software monitors, tracks and/or adjusts caloric intake, energy expenditure taking into account nutritional information and behavioral factors. The mobile computing device receives food consumption, exercise-related, behavior and other input using speech input and the device's GPS subsystem to ease data entry burden on users and to promote continued long-term usage. The system rewards user goal achievement in an automatic, seamless manner, through, for example, downloading music, books, or other media. In illustrative implementations, the system assists users to make healthy food and exercise choices by using a comprehensive color code system to identify good choices, bad choices and those in between.
US08690576B2	Braille display device and method of constructing same Disclosed is a Braille display device. The device supports an array of individual Braille cells with corresponding tactile pins. The pins can be selectively lifted by way of reeds to generate Braille characters that can be felt by the user. The Braille characters can correspond to visible characters, such as characters on a computer screen. The display is refreshable to allow for the sequential display of lines, paragraphs, or pages. In accordance with the disclosure, the Braille cells are constructed in a manner that minimizes manufacturing costs and that also permits the size of the display to be greatly reduced.
US08690572B2	Implant system An improved implant system including a self-threading screw, preferably comprised of titanium, to be inserted and Osseo-integrated within the patient jaw, and having an inner upper threading, and a pin, preferably formed of titanium, on which pin a dental crown is coupled. The implant system is characterized in that the coupling zone between the self-threading screw and the pin has an abutment platform having an inclination directed upward, from inside toward outside. In the end portion of the platform is provided a space between the pin outer surface and the screw inner surface.
US08690571B2	Anti-rotation instrument The present invention features an anti-rotation instrument system which could be applied/used in all health professions such as medical, dental, and any other specialties. The system includes an anti-rotation instrument device comprising a main handle, a first removable hand grip and a first instrumental tip. The first removable hand grip is attached to a first female screw cavity disposed on the main handle. One end of the instrumental tip passes through a channel disposed within first hand grip with an anti-rotation key disposed on the instrumental tip securely reside within a dent disposed on the distal end of the first removable hand grip and the threading disposed on the end of the instrumental tip is subsequently screwed into the first female screw cavity of the main handle such that the first hand grip is tightly sandwiched between the first instrumental tip and main body.
US08690566B2	Alternating regenerative furnace and process of operating same Alternating regenerative furnace and process of operating an alternating regenerative furnace, in which during the transition phase in which the respective regenerators switch between heat-recovery mode and pre-heating mode and vice-versa, the regenerator or regenerators which before the transition phase were in heat-recovery mode inject a mixture of flue gas and oxygen-containing gas into the combustion chamber of the furnace, which mixture combusts with fuel injected into the combustion chamber to produce heat.
US08690560B2	Extrusion granulator for granulation of plastic strands The invention concerns an extrusion granulator for the granulation of plastic strands gripped by a pair of feed rollers and directed over a slideway in the direction of a cutting rotor with an opposing blade. A guided air stream directed onto the slideway, and deflected perpendicularly towards the cutting rotor by said slideway, impinges on the strands carried on the slideway with such a speed that the strands are held in a parallel orientation by the air stream.
US08690554B2	Diaphragm pump using duckbill and other types of valves A diaphragm pump is provided that features a valve housing configured with inlet openings and outlet openings; inlet duckbill check valve assemblies, each configured to be arranged in a respective inlet opening; and outlet duckbill check valve assemblies, each configured to be arranged in a respective outlet opening; each duckbill check valve assembly comprising: a duckbill check valve seat configured with an end having a slit to open to provide the fluid and particulate, and to close to prevent the backflow of the fluid and particulate; and a duckbill check valve support having a base portion configured to be inserted inside the duckbill check valve seat, and having a W-shaped portion configured with an opening to pass the fluid and particulate through the duckbill check valve support to the duckbill check valve seat and also configured to provide support for walls of the duckbill check valve seat in response to back pressure caused by the fluid and particulate.
US08690553B2	Service pack tandem pump In certain embodiments, a service pack includes an engine, a tandem pump system coupled to the engine, and a controller. The tandem pump system may include a first pump and a second pump in tandem with one another. The controller may be configured to enable the first pump at a first load condition associated with the engine, the second pump at a second load condition associated with the engine, and both the first and second pumps at a third load condition associated with the engine. The load conditions may correspond to engine loads, hydraulic loads, or other loads associated with the engine. For example, at a low hydraulic pressure, the controller may selectively operate both the first and second pumps, whereas the controller may selectively operate only the first pump or the second pump at high and medium hydraulic pressures, respectively. In this manner, the system can provide suitable flow without overloading the engine.
US08690546B2	Auxiliary system for a drive device An auxiliary drive system for a water pump includes a pump housing that is mounted to an engine block. The pump housing includes an impeller shaft that passes therethrough. One end of the impeller shaft has an impeller mounted thereon, which is part of the water pump. A second end of the impeller shaft is supported by an internal bearing to allow for rotation of the impeller shaft. An external bearing is disposed around, but not in contact with the impeller shaft or the internal bearing. The external bearing is in communication with and is driven by an engine belt, such as a timing belt, which helps rotate the impeller shaft and the impeller in accordance with engine operation. A collapsible gear is disposed between and effectuates engagement of the external bearing and the impeller shaft such that if the amount of force required to be exerted by the belt exceeds a certain predetermined threshold, the collapsible gear fails and thereby prevents damage to the engine.
US08690543B2	Energy conversion apparatus An apparatus includes a device including a pair of electrodes and a channel producing an electro-osmotic flow or electrophoretic flow of a liquid by applying a voltage between the pair of electrodes, and an impedance connected to the pair of electrodes, wherein a voltage resulting from thermal noise is applied to the pair of electrodes by giving a temperature difference between the channel and the impedance, and thermal energy corresponding to the temperature difference is converted into a flow of the liquid, the flow of the liquid being mechanical energy.
US08690541B2	Turbine and a rotor for a turbine A water powered turbine (1) comprises a main support frame-work (2) which rotatably carries a rotor (3) comprising a main shaft (5) to which three blades (7) are attached by carrier discs (8) and (9). The carrier discs (8, 9) are rigidly secured to the main shaft (5), and the blades (7) are pivotally connected to the discs (8) and (9) by pivot shafts (16) and (17). Each blade (7) is of constant hydro-foil cross-section along its entire length and defines a first upper spiral (12) and a second lower spiral (13). The first spiral (12) extends from a first end (10) which is coupled to the main shaft (5) by the carrier disc (8), and the second spiral (13) of each blade (7) extends from a second end (11) of the blade (7) which is coupled to the main shaft (5) by the carrier disc (9). The first and second spirals (12) and (13) are of opposite hand and extend from the respective first and second ends (10, 11) to meet midway between the respective first and second ends (10, 11). The first and second spirals (12, 13) define respective central spiral axes which substantially coincide with a main central rotational axis (4) about which the rotor (3) is rotatable. The pivot shafts (16, 17) of each blade (7) define a corresponding secondary axis (18) about which the blades (7) are pivotal for selectively altering the dive angle of the first and second spirals (12) and (13) of the blades (7).
US08690537B2	Arrangement with a nacelle and a radiator An arrangement with a nacelle and a radiator of a wind turbine is provided. The nacelle is rotatable connected with the radiator. Thus, a joint component of the wind turbine is built by these elements. The connection is constructed and arranged such that the radiator is allowed to pivot between a first position and a second position. The radiator is locked in the first position and projects above the nacelle when the radiator is used to remove heat from the nacelle to the environment. When the radiator is locked in the second position the radiator is close to a side of the nacelle. Thus a minimum height of the joint component is achieved.
US08690536B2	Turbine blade tip with vortex generators A turbine blade for a turbine engine having a tip with one or more vortex generators for reducing tip leakage during operation of the turbine engine. The vortex generators may extend radially outward from the radially outer surface of the tip wall. The vortex generator may be positioned between a rib extending radially outward from the radially outer surface of the tip wall and an intersection between the outer surface of the tip wall and an outer surface on the pressure side. The vortex generators may include a base and three sides forming a triangular point with a first side having a larger surface are than second and third sides. One or more film cooling holes may be formed in the tip wall to provide cooling air to the tip. In one embodiment, film cooling holes may be positioned in one or more vortex generators.
US08690534B1	Backup seals in rotary pumps Arrangements for promoting the restriction of fluid flow along a shaft via providing a deformable ring member in an annulus between the shaft and housing. In an initial general condition, the deformable ring member permits free fluid flow in a general direction along the shaft while in a second, constricted condition, the deformable ring closes or blocks a gap or clearance normally conducive to free fluid flow to thereby restrict fluid flow. An actuation medium, which can take any of a very wide variety of forms, preferably promotes constriction of the deformable ring member directly or indirectly.
US08690533B2	Adjustment and measurement system for steam turbine nozzle assembly A remote adjustment and measurement system for a steam turbine nozzle assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, a steam turbine casing segment is disclosed including: a horizontal joint surface; a pocket having a first opening at the horizontal joint surface and a second opening substantially opposing the first opening; and a path accessible from a radially outward surface of the steam turbine casing segment, the path fluidly connected to the second opening of the pocket.
US08690532B2	Nozzle box of axial flow turbine and axial flow turbine A nozzle box 10 includes: a lead-in pipe 20; a bent pipe 30 connected to the lead-in pipe 20 and formed so as to change a direction of a channel center line 50 to an axial direction of a turbine rotor 212; and an annular pipe 40 connected to the bent pipe 30 and leading steam to a first-stage nozzle 213a while spreading the steam in a circumferential direction of the turbine rotor 212. In the steam channel lead-in part structure 10, from an inlet of the lead-in pipe 20 toward an outlet of the annular pipe 40, steam channel widths Sa-1 to Sn-1 in a first direction intersecting with the channel center line 50 gradually increases and steam channel widths Sa-2 to Sn-2 in a second direction intersecting with the channel center line 50 and perpendicular to the first direction gradually decreases.
US08690528B2	Counter-rotating axial flow fan A counter-rotating axial flow fan in which the shape of stationary blades of a middle stationary portion is optimized to reduce noise is provided. Defining the maximum axial chord length of front blades as Lf, the maximum axial chord length of rear blades as Lr, and the maximum axial chord length of stationary blades as Lm, a relationship of Lm/(Lf+Lr)<0.14 is satisfied. Defining the maximum dimension between the blade chord for lower surfaces of the stationary blades and the lower surfaces as K1, the maximum axial chord length Lm of the stationary blades satisfies a relationship of Lm/K1>5.8.
US08690525B2	Vacuum pump A vacuum pump includes a casing having an inlet port and an outlet port, a stator portion provided inside the casing and a rotor portion having a shaft rotatably supported inside the casing and a rotor disposed on the shaft and provided with a gas transfer mechanism that transfers a gas from the inlet port to the outlet port. The rotor portion is arranged with a predetermined clearance between the rotor portion and the stator portion. A motor rotates the shaft. Vibration detection disposed in the stator portion detects vibrations by converting vibration amplitude to an electric signal. Contact detection judges an occurrence of contact between the stator portion and the rotor portion when, in the vibration detected by the vibration detection, an amplitude in frequency of a specific vibration caused by contact between the stator portion and the rotor portion exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
US08690523B2	Fluid flow machine with running gap retraction A fluid flow machine includes a main flow path which is confined by a hub (3) and a casing (1) and in which at least one row of blades (5) is arranged, with a blade end with gap being provided on the blade row, with the blade end and the main flow path confinement performing a rotary movement relative to each other in a vicinity of the blade end, with at least part of the running gap (11) retracted radially from the main flow path confinement into the main flow path, with the running gap (11) at the retractions no longer being confined by the main flow path confinement, but by a peripheral guiding device (10) passed by the main flow and firmly connected to the main flow path confinement and having a row of profiles (12).
US08690521B2	System for controlling variable geometry equipment for a turbine engine, especially by bellcranks A system for controlling at least two sets of variable geometry equipment of a turbine engine. The turbine engine includes at least one first body and a second body, the first set of equipment being a stage of variable stator vanes of a compressor of the first body moving between a closed position during idling and an open position at high speed, and the second set of equipment being at least one bleed valve of a compressor of the second body moving between an open position during idling and a closed position at high speed. The actuator drives the second set of equipment by an actuating part that is actuated over part of the course of the actuator and idle on an abutment over the rest of the course, and by a sliding joining element providing a backlash in the actuation of the second set of equipment.
US08690518B2	Method for supplying blanks to a marking apparatus, a conveyor device for transporting blanks and a transfer device for blanks Disclosed are a method for supplying blanks to a marking apparatus, a conveyor device (1) and a transfer device (3) which can cooperate to actuate the method. The method steps include predisposing a quantity of blanks formed in a stack (2), arranging the stack (2) in an inclined configuration resting both on the base (21) thereof and on one side (22), bringing the stack (2) up to a removing position in proximity to the marking apparatus (4), rotating the upper blank (20) upwards and with respect to a horizontal axis (O) passing at an edge of the blank (20) which is opposite and more peripheral with respect to the edge of the same blank (20), raising the rotated upper blank (20), and bringing the upper blank (20) to the marking apparatus inlet (40), so that the blank is taken by the marking apparatus (4), and repeating for each blank.
US08690514B2	Heavy duty vehicle recovery system A heavy duty vehicle recovery system employs a crane/tow boom assembly which is pivotally mounted to an upright assembly and is transformable between various positions. Two variably positionable booms with slidable extensions are provided. The crane/tow boom assembly extends rearwardly from the lower portion of the upright assembly. When the upright assembly is in an upright position, the boom assembly is upwardly pivotal from the upright assembly. When the upright assembly is in a reclined position, the crane/tow boom assembly is pivotally transformable to a transport position generally parallel to the upright assembly. The crane booms may be independently positioned at different elevational angles and different extensions.
US08690513B2	Unloader system with cam operated raise system The unloader system has a conveyor and a raise system having an elongate support element including a flexible first end portion and an opposite second end, the first end portion being connected to a support structure at a location higher than a first end of the conveyor, and the second end being connected to the conveyor at a location therealong adjacent to a free end thereof. A cam element is disposed on the support structure in a path of movement of the flexible first end portion of the support element such that as the conveyor is pivoted from the stored position toward the operating position the flexible first end portion will conformingly engage or bend about the cam element to raise the free end of the conveyor. The conveyor can include an elbow which is straightened by this action for raising the free end.
US08690510B1	Self-lifting robotic device movable in desired horizontal directions A robotic device movable in a vertical direction and in prescribed horizontal directions along rails arranged in the prescribed horizontal directions in multiple rows provided at various levels with respect to ground. The robotic device has a frame, wheels coupled to the frame and configured for moving the frame along the rails, and support handles for lifting the frame in the vertical direction from first rails arranged in a first row of the rails to second rails arranged in a second row of the rails. The support handles are configured for providing engagement with the second rails to lift the robotic device in the vertical direction, and for turning the frame into a desired horizontal direction by pushing against the second rails on an intersection between the second rails and third rails arranged in the same row as the second rails.
US08690507B1	Load bearing assembly A load bearing assembly includes a first outer washer having an outwardly exposed annular surface for engaging a clamping surface of a fastener and a second outer washer having an annular surface outwardly exposed in an opposite direction from the outwardly exposed annular surface of the first outer washer, the outwardly exposed annular surface of the second outer washer for engaging a clamping surface of an object to which the fastener exerts a clamping force. An intermediate washer is positioned between the first outer washer and the second outer washer. A locking mechanism engages between the first and second outer washers to axially interconnect the washers together in a stacked configuration with the intermediate washer positioned between the first and second outer washers and in a manner so that the washers are rotatable with respect to one another.
US08690503B2	Cargo control system adaptor An adaptor for cargo control systems is provided that can adjust to accommodate length, width, and height variances between parallel tracks in a cargo control system. The adaptor includes a crossbar, first and second length and height adjusting mechanisms, and first and second width adjusting mechanisms. The first and second length and height adjusting mechanisms are affixed to first and second ends of the crossbar, and the first and second width adjusting mechanisms are affixed to the crossbar along the length of the crossbar.
US08690500B2	Tool interface A tool interface that is easy to produce but also precise, for coupling a tool head to a tool shank in a centered manner in respect of a shank axis, comprises a first interface part that is connected to the tool shank or to the tool head, and a second interface part that is connected to the respectively other tool part, namely, to the tool head or to the tool shank. The two interface parts have interface surfaces that substantially complement each other and are intended to bear flatly on each other. The interface surface of the first interface part comprises an inner cone surface and an outer cone surface, which surrounds the latter on the outside and coaxially. The interface surface of the second interface part comprises an outer cone surface, which corresponds with the inner cone surface of the first interface part, and an inner cone surface, which corresponds with the outer cone surface of the first interface part. In the case of a first invention variant, an annular web formed between the inner cone surface and the outer cone surface of the first interface part is slotted by at least one recess. In the case of a second invention variant, the second interface part has a central bore surrounded coaxially by its outer cone surface, an annular web formed between the outer cone surface and this bore being in this case slotted by at least one recess.
US08690499B2	Machine tool High precision machining is enabled by eliminating the need for a conventional swiveling table, and by enhancing rigidity for supporting a work by relatively reducing the distance from the top surface of a stationary body section (1) to the position for machining a work by means of a tool on a rotary spindle (17). A pair of guide tracks (28a, 28b) respectively passing two positions separated in the X axis direction of the stationary body section (1) and in the Z axis direction intersecting the X axis direction perpendicularly are allowed to guide feed tables (30a, 30b) to be movable independently. A support/feed/turn output member (25) is latched to bridge the feed tables (30a, 30b) on the guide tracks (28a, 28b), one feed table (30a) and the support/feed/turn output member (25) are coupled to rotate relatively about a line in the Y axis direction which intersects perpendicularly both the X axis direction and the Z axis direction, the other feed table (30b) and the support/feed/turn output member (25) are coupled to rotate relatively about a line in the Y axis direction and to displace relatively in a specific direction related to the positions of the both feed tables (30a, 30b), and a means (35) for regulating relative displacement in the specific direction is provided additionally.
US08690496B2	Cutting insert and cutting tool A cutting insert includes a rake face extending along a cutting edge and a rising wall surface extending so as to form a recess along the cutting edge together with the rake face. The rake face is formed to have a positive rake angle, and includes a first rake face and a second rake face arranged in order in a direction in which a distance from the cutting edge increases. The second rake face is larger than the first rake face in rake angle.
US08690491B2	Rotary cutting tool A rotary cutting tool has a main body with one or more segments exchangeably fastened to its circumference or internally thereof. The main body and the segment have fitting elements with mutually contacting faces. The exchangeable fastening is effected by a clamping piece, which is dovetailed on two sides and is additionally configured with a taper that wedges in the axial direction. The first dovetail-shaped part of the clamping piece engages in a corresponding recess of the main body and the second dovetail-shaped part of the clamping piece engages in a corresponding recess of the segment.
US08690487B2	Arrangement for noise reduction in vacuum systems An arrangement for adapting the transportation behavior of material to be conveyed includes a first container, which is coupleable to a first pressure level; a second container, which is coupleable to a second pressure level; a connecting line for transporting material to be conveyed from the first container to the second container; and a pressure reduction device by which a pressure difference between the first container and the second container is controllably variable.
US08690485B2	Rock bolt sealing system The present invention is directed to sealable rock bolts that prevent water leakage through the bolt, a kit containing portions of such bolts prior to assembly, installation, and use, and a method of using such sealable rock bolts. Such rock bolts are fastened in place in a roof, wall, or bottom of an underground region via pressure fitting or the like. The rock bolt contains a sealing unit that contains a liquid water activated, expandable hydrophobic pre-polymeric resin. The sealing unit has side, top, and bottom portions that are degradable by water to permit the resin to expand upon contact with water and to seal the bolt to prevent water passage through the bolt.
US08690482B2	Pile encapsulation system and method A pile encapsulation system include a lower collar that is removably secured to the concrete pile at a position beneath the damaged section, an upper collar that is removably secured to the concrete pile at a position above the damaged section, and one or more form units interposed between the upper and lower collars, each of the form units including a hollow interior space for surround the damaged section of the concrete pile and forming a mold for fresh concrete.
US08690481B2	Removable impact cover for a marine riser buoyancy module A removal impact cover (14) for a marine riser buoyancy module (10) has an arcuate shape with an open face (21). The cover (14) has a number of recesses (18) arranged to engage with recesses (22) on the module (10). The recesses (18) each contain an aperture (20) and the recesses (22) each contain an aperture (23). The cover (14) and the module (10) are engaged by fastening means preferably extending the apertures 20 and 23. More preferably the engaged cover (14) is spaced from the module (10) to reduce direct transmission of forces to the module (10).
US08690477B2	System and method for generating energy from subsurface water currents Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for generating energy. According to one representative embodiment, a main housing includes an air chamber having an open bottom, and a paddlewheel is attached to the main housing so that the paddlewheel is free to rotate and thereby generate kinetic energy. An anchor is attached to the main housing, and an electrical generator which converts the kinetic energy of the paddlewheel into electrical energy is coupled to the paddlewheel. An upper portion of the paddlewheel is enclosed by the air chamber. When the main housing is submerged underwater and maintained in a level orientation, air within the air chamber remains trapped within the air chamber, thereby reducing resistance to rotation of the paddlewheel.
US08690474B2	Road construction machine, leveling device, as well as method for controlling the milling depth or milling slope in a road construction machine A control and switchover system is provided for controlling milling depth and/or slope of a milling drum of a road construction machine during a milling operation to create a milled surface. The system controls the milling depth and/or slope at least in part on a measurement made with a first sensor. Without interrupting the milling operation the system switches over the control of the milling depth and/or slope to control based at least in part on a measurement made with a second sensor.
US08690465B2	Capless cosmetic applicator A cosmetic applicator for a cosmetic agent includes a capless housing; a seal for sealing the housing from an exterior; a seal opener for opening the seal to prevent damage to the cosmetic agent; and a control for manipulating the seal opener to open the seal and advancing the cosmetic agent is advanced from a stored position to an advanced position beyond the seal.
US08690462B2	Flexible gear rack carriage transport in a printing apparatus A durable gear strap couples components in an imaging device to a driving force. The gear strap includes a strip having a plurality of rigid sections and a plurality of flexible sections. Gear teeth on the strip enable rotation of a gear to move the gear strap in a track. At least one engagement member extends from one of the rigid sections to couple a component to the gear strap for movement.
US08690460B2	Camera phone mount for a weapon scope An attachment assembly for attaching a camera phone to a weapon scope is provided. The attachment assembly includes a camera phone mount having at least one camera phone clamp for the selective retention of a camera phone in the camera phone mount, the camera phone mount rotatably and slidably coupled to a mount bracket. A scope mount assembly is coupled to a portion of a weapon scope, the scope mount assembly being slidably received by a portion of the mount bracket, wherein the camera phone mount is rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position has a camera lens of the camera phone in alignment the view through the scope, and the second position has the camera lens of the camera phone outside of alignment from the view through the scope.
US08690456B2	Universal modular connector A universal modular connector of the present invention mainly includes a base and a transforming module. The base has a first slot. A connecting socket is arranged in the base. The connecting socket has an opening and a plurality of conductive pins protruding out from the base. The transforming module has a circuit board, an optical component electrically connected to the circuit board, a signal transforming integrated circuit, and a plurality of conducting terminals. The transforming module is arranged in the first slot of the base. The conducting terminals are electrically connected to the conductive pins in the opening. The optical component receives an optical signal from an external wire, the signal transforming integrated circuit transforms the optical signal into a corresponding electronic signal, and then the electronic signal is transmitted to the conductive pins.
US08690453B2	Plug/socket arrangement The present invention relates to a plug/socket arrangement, in particular an electrical and/or optical plug/socket arrangement of an aircraft or spacecraft, which comprises a housing and at least one insert which can be received in the housing. It further comprises a releasable connection means which is adjustable between a locked position, in which the insert and the housing are locked to one another, and an unlocked position, in which the insert and the housing are not locked to one another; and an adjustment member which is adjustable between an inoperative position, in which the adjustment member is not operatively connected to the connection means, and a release position, in which the adjustment member is operatively connected to the connection means for releasing the locked position into the unlocked position of the connection means.
US08690450B2	Machine component and super-finishing method therefor A surface shape of a machining surface of a rotating elastic grindstone is rendered to be a shape appropriate to a to-be-machined surface of a work. With the work being rotated, the rotating elastic grindstone is held in engagement to an end of the to-be-machined surface of the work. The elastic grindstone is moved along a machining trajectory effective to allow the machining surface of the elastic grindstone, which is so formed as to suit to the to-be-machined surface, to follow the to-be-machined surface of the work. The to-be-machined surface of the work so superfinished represents a smooth surface free from any machining trace such as a crossing-angle pattern.
US08690446B2	Thermally compliant bearings with rolling element unloader race reliefs A bearing is provided that includes a first ring having at least one first raceway defined by a radially inward facing surface of the first ring; and a second ring concentric with the first ring and having at least one second raceway defined by a radially outward facing surface of the second ring. The bearing includes a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the first and second rings. The rolling elements rollingly engage the first and second raceways. The first ring has a first gap therein and the second ring has a second gap therein. One or more race reliefs extend into the first raceway and/or the second raceway.
US08690444B2	Crankshaft bearing arrangement of a combustion engine The present disclosure refers to a crankshaft bearing arrangement for an internal combustion engine. The bearing arrangement comprises: a bearing arranged at a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine; a bearing seat for housing the bearing; and a sealing arrangement for sealing against the crankshaft and the bearing seat. The at least one part of the bearing seat has a reinforcement arranged in the bearing seat, and a surface of the at least one part of the bearing seat, which surface bears against the bearing, is made from a plastic material.

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