Document Document Title
US08698139B2 Die-to-die power consumption optimization
Power consumption of electronic components is reduced, particularly in a multi-chip package. Embodiments reduce parasitic capacitance of a semiconductor chip by reducing ESD protection circuitry that is not needed during operation of the package. ESD protection circuitry would be operational during production and/or testing of the chip, but some circuitry would be disabled or removed prior to normal operation of the multi-chip package.
US08698137B2 Semiconductor device
A protection circuit for efficiently reducing the influence of ESD and a semiconductor device in which the influence of ESD is efficiently reduced are provided. The protection circuit includes at least two protection diodes. Each protection diode is a transistor including two gates facing each other with a semiconductor layer in which a channel is formed sandwiched between the gates. A fixed potential is applied to one of the gates of the transistor.
US08698134B2 Organic light emitting display device and method of fabricating the same
Disclosed is an organic light emitting display device including: a first substrate including a plurality of pixel regions; a thin film transistor (TFT) formed in each of the plurality of pixel regions of a display unit of the substrate; a first electrode formed in the pixel region of the display unit; an organic light emitting unit formed in the pixel region of the display unit to emit light; a second electrode formed on the organic light emitting unit of the display unit; a passivation layer formed on the second electrode; and a second substrate formed on the passivation layer, wherein the second electrode is made of an alloy of silver (Ag) and an alkaline earth metal or an alloy of silver (Ag) and a rare earth metal, a composition ratio of the silver (Ag) and the alkaline earth metal or the rare earth metal is (more than 1):1, and a thickness of the second electrode ranges from 200 Å to 350-400 Å.
US08698130B2 Organic light emitting display with pixels having different shapes and manufacturing method thereof
An organic light emitting display and a fabricating method thereof, where the display has sub-pixels of various types, which have distinctive shapes formed therein according to type is disclosed. Pixels of a particular type e.g., red, green, or blue, can be identified through visual recognition of the distinctive pattern.
US08698126B2 Nitride semiconductor device
In the nitride semiconductor device of the present invention, an active layer 12 is sandwiched between a p-type nitride semiconductor layer 11 and an n-type nitride semiconductor layer 13. The active layer 12 has, at least, a barrier layer 2a having an n-type impurity, a well layer 1a made of a nitride semiconductor that includes In; and a barrier layer 2c that has a p-type impurity, or that has been grown without being doped. An appropriate injection of carriers into the active layer 12 becomes possible by arranging the barrier layer 2c nearest to the p-type layer side.
US08698123B2 Semiconductor light emitting device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting device includes an n-type semiconductor layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, and a light emitting part. The n-type semiconductor layer includes a nitride semiconductor. The p-type semiconductor layer includes a nitride semiconductor. The light emitting part is provided between the n-type and the p-type semiconductor layers and includes an n-side barrier layer and a first light emitting layer. The first light emitting layer includes a first barrier layer, a first well layer, and a first AlGaN layer. The first barrier layer is provided between the n-side barrier layer and the p-type semiconductor layer. The first well layer contacts the n-side barrier layer between the n-side and the first barrier layer. The first AlGaN layer is provided between the first well layer and the first barrier layer. A peak wavelength λp of light emitted from the light emitting part is longer than 515 nanometers.
US08698122B2 Silicon nanowire comprising high density metal nanoclusters and method of preparing the same
A silicon nanowire including metal nanoclusters formed on a surface thereof at a high density. The metal nanocluster improves electrical and optical characteristics of the silicon nanowire, and thus can be usefully used in various electrical devices such as a lithium battery, a solar cell, a bio sensor, a memory device, or the like.
US08698120B2 Heterojunction oxide non-volatile memory device
A memory device includes a first metal layer and a first metal oxide layer coupled to the first metal layer. The memory device includes a second metal oxide layer coupled to the first metal oxide layer and a second metal layer coupled to the second metal oxide layer. The formation of the first metal oxide layer has a Gibbs free energy that is lower than the Gibbs free energy for the formation of the second metal oxide layer.
US08698118B2 Compact RRAM device and methods of making same
Disclosed herein is a compact RRAM (Resistance Random Access Memory) device structure and various methods of making such an RRAM device. In one example, a device disclosed herein includes a gate electrode, a conductive sidewall spacer and at least one variable resistance material layer positioned between the gate electrode and the conductive sidewall spacer.
US08698109B2 Method and system for controlling critical dimension and roughness in resist features
A computer readable storage medium containing program instructions for treating a photoresist relief feature on a substrate having an initial line roughness and an initial critical dimension, that, when executed cause a system to: direct ions toward the photoresist relief feature in a first exposure at a first angular range and at a first ion dose rate configured to reduce the initial line roughness to a second line roughness; and direct ions toward the photoresist relief feature in a second exposure at a second ion dose rate greater than the first ion dose rate, the second ion dose rate being configured to swell the photoresist relief feature.
US08698107B2 Technique and apparatus for monitoring ion mass, energy, and angle in processing systems
A time-of-flight (TOF) ion sensor system for monitoring an angular distribution of ion species having an ion energy and incident on a substrate includes a drift tube wherein the ion sensor system is configured to vary an angle of the drift tube with respect to a plane of the substrate. The drift tube may have a first end configured to receive a pulse of ions from the ion species wherein heavier ions and lighter ions of the pulse of ions arrive in packets at a second end of the drift tube. An ion detector may be disposed at the second end of the ion sensor, wherein the ion detector is configured to detect the packets of ions derived from the pulse of ions and corresponding to respective different ion masses.
US08698105B2 Charged particle beam apparatus and method of adjusting charged particle optics
A charged particle beam apparatus which is able to adjust charged particle optics easily in a short time with a high degree of accuracy and a method of adjusting charged particle optics are provided. A charged particle beam apparatus 1 includes a charged particle source 9, charged particle optics 12, 16 configured to set the ion beam I to a bean characteristic value corresponding to an input value to cause a sample to be irradiated therewith, scanning means 17 configured to be able to move the irradiation point of the charged particle beam I relatively with each other, observing means 32 being capable of obtaining an image, and a control unit 30, and the control unit 30 includes spot pattern forming means 33 configured to set the input value to different values and cause the sample to be irradiated with the charged particle beam I by a plurality of times at different positions to form a plurality of spot patterns and spot pattern analyzing means 34 configured to select a spot pattern having a smallest characteristic value, and sets the input values of the charged particle optics 12, 16 to a value equal to the input value corresponding to the selected spot pattern.
US08698103B2 Measuring device for determination of at least one parameter of a blood sample
Measuring devices are disclosed for determination of at least one parameter of a blood sample. The measuring device includes a flow-through measuring cell, in which is disposed luminescence-optical sensor elements, which can be brought into contact with the blood sample, and at least one light source for excitation of the luminescence-optical sensor element and at least one photodetector for receiving the luminescence radiation emitted by the luminescence-optical sensor element. The light source and the photodetector are located on opposite sides of the flow-through measuring cell. The sensor elements are placed on an excitation side of the flow-through measuring cell, which faces the light source, and the light source emits excitation radiation of wavelength less than 600 nm, while the luminescence radiation of the sensor elements lies in a wavelength range greater than 600 nm, thus exposing the excitation radiation to stronger absorption by the blood sample than the luminescence radiation.
US08698102B2 Compensator for multiple surface imaging
A system and method for imaging biological samples on multiple surfaces of a support structure are disclosed. The support structure may be a flow cell through which a reagent fluid is allowed to flow and interact with the biological samples. Excitation radiation from at least one radiation source may be used to excite the biological samples on multiple surfaces. In this manner, fluorescent emission radiation may be generated from the biological samples and subsequently captured and detected by detection optics and at least one detector. The detected fluorescent emission radiation may then be used to generate image data. This imaging of multiple surfaces may be accomplished either sequentially or simultaneously. In addition, the techniques of the present invention may be used with any type of imaging system. For instance, both epifluorescent and total internal reflection methods may benefit from the techniques of the present invention.
US08698098B2 In situ holder assembly
An in situ optical specimen holder is disclosed which allows imaging and analysis during dynamic experimentation. This holder assembly includes a set of focusing and reflection optics along with an environmental cell. Electromagnetic radiation can be used to optically excite the specimen in the presence or absence of fluid and the source of such radiation may be located within the body of the holder itself. The spot size of the irradiation at the specimen surface can be varied, thus exciting only a specific region on the specimen. The window type cell provides a variable fluid path length ranging from the specimen thickness to 500 μm. The holder has the provision to continuously circulate fluids over the specimen. The pressure within the cell can be regulated by controlling the flow rate of the fluids and the speed of the pumps.
US08698097B2 Radially inwardly directed electron beam source and window assembly for electron beam source or other source of electromagnetic radiation
A system and method to provide uniform, high intensity radially inwardly directed electron beams to the interior of a cylindrical volume for the purpose of destroying toxic, hazardous, or noxious organic and/or inorganic compounds contained in air or other media flowing through a cylindrical region; or to destroy or inactivate bacteria, viruses, fungi, or mold spores in such flowing media; to sterilize contents of flowing media; to treat fluidized grains, herbs, or other products; or to destroy chemical warfare agents. A window assembly to transmit electromagnetic radiation, for example, an electron beam, x-rays, or other high energy electromagnetic radiation, is also disclosed.
US08698095B2 Charged particle beam drawing apparatus and article manufacturing method
The charged particle beam drawing apparatus of the present invention performs drawing to a substrate with a plurality of charged particle beams. The drawing apparatus includes an electron lens positioned at a location facing opposite to the substrate and including a plurality of holes through which the charged particle beams pass; and a cleaning unit configured to release active species to a decomposition product that has adhered to the electron lens and reduce the decomposition product by the reaction of the active species and the decomposition product to thereby change the decomposition product to a volatile gas. Here, the cleaning unit has a plurality of openings formed such that the active species are released toward the plurality of holes of the electron lens.
US08698093B1 Objective lens with deflector plates immersed in electrostatic lens field
One embodiment relates to an objective lens utilizing magnetic and electrostatic fields which is configured to focus a primary electron beam onto a surface of a target substrate. The objective lens includes a magnetic pole piece and an electrostatic deflector configured within the pole piece. An electrostatic lens field is determined by the pole piece and the electrostatic deflector, and the electrostatic lens field is configured by adjusting offset voltages applied to plates of the electrostatic deflector. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.
US08698092B2 Method and apparatus for motion recognition
A motion recognizing apparatus and method are provided. According to an aspect, a motion recognizing apparatus may include: an optical sensor configured to sense at least a portion of a subject where a motion occurs and to output one or more events in response thereto; a motion tracing unit configured to trace a motion locus of the portion where the motion occurs based on the one or more outputted events; and a motion pattern determining unit configured to determine a motion pattern of the portion where the motion occurs based on the traced motion locus.
US08698089B2 Photo detecting pixels and X-ray detector including the same
An X-ray detector including photodetecting pixels that reduce kTC switching noise. Each pixel includes a first transistor having a first electrode connected to a first power line, a second electrode connected to a first node, and a gate electrode receiving the reset signal; a second transistor having a first electrode connected to the first power line, a second electrode connected to a second node, and a gate electrode connected to the first node; a third transistor having a first electrode connected to the second node, a second electrode connected to a data line, and a gate electrode connected to a gate line; a fourth transistor having a first electrode connected to the first node, a second electrode connected to a photodetecting diode, and a gate electrode receiving the control signal; and the photodetecting diode having a first electrode connected to the fourth transistor, and a second electrode connected to ground.
US08698084B2 Three dimensional sensors, systems, and associated methods
3D sensors, systems, and associated methods are provided. In one aspect, for example, a monolithic 3D sensor for detecting infrared and visible light can include a semiconductor substrate having a device surface, at least one visible light photodiode formed at the device surface and at least one 3D photodiode formed at the device surface in proximity to the at least one visible light photodiode. The device can further include a quantum efficiency enhanced infrared light region functionally coupled to the at least one 3D photodiode and positioned to interact with electromagnetic radiation. In one aspect, the quantum efficiency enhanced infrared light region is a textured region located at the device surface.
US08698080B2 Scanning electron microscope
An object of the invention is to reduce the beam drift in which the orbit of the charged particle beam is deflected by a potential gradient generated by a nonuniform sample surface potential on a charged-particle-beam irradiation area surface, the nonuniform sample surface potential being generated by electrification made when observing an insulating-substance sample using a charged particle beam. Energy of the charged particle beam to be irradiated onto the sample is set so that generation efficiency of secondary electrons generated from the sample becomes equal to 1 or more. A flat-plate electrode (26) is located in such a manner as to be directly opposed to the sample. Here, the flat-plate electrode is an electrode to which a voltage can be applied independently, and which is equipped with a hole through which a primary charged particle beam can pass. Furthermore, a voltage can be applied independently to a sample stage (12) on which the sample is mounted. Here, the sample stage's surface directly opposed to the sample is formed into a planarized structure with no projections and depressions thereon. Also, diameter D of the hole provided in the flat-plate electrode (26) and distance L between the flat-plate electrode (26) and the sample are set such that a relation of D/L≦1.5 is satisfied.
US08698077B2 Method for determining number of layers of two-dimensional thin film atomic structure and device for determining number of layers of two-dimensional thin film atomic structure
Provided is a versatile method of determining the number of layers of a two-dimensional atomic layer thin film as compared with conventional methods. An electron beam is radiated to a two-dimensional thin film atomic structure having an unknown number of layers to determine the number of layers based on an intensity of reflected electrons or secondary electrons generated thereby. In particular, this method is effective for determining the number of layers of graphene.
US08698075B2 Orthogonal ion injection apparatus and process
An orthogonal ion injection apparatus and process are described in which ions are directly injected into an ion guide orthogonal to the ion guide axis through an inlet opening located on a side of the ion guide. The end of the heated capillary is placed inside the ion guide such that the ions are directly injected into DC and RF fields inside the ion guide, which efficiently confines ions inside the ion guide. Liquid droplets created by the ionization source that are carried through the capillary into the ion guide are removed from the ion guide by a strong directional gas flow through an inlet opening on the opposite side of the ion guide. Strong DC and RF fields divert ions into the ion guide. In-guide orthogonal injection yields a noise level that is a factor of 1.5 to 2 lower than conventional inline injection known in the art. Signal intensities for low m/z ions are greater compared to convention inline injection under the same processing conditions.
US08698072B2 Triple quadrupole mass spectrometer
A high-quality mass spectrum is provided with alleviated mass/charge axis deviation in a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer even when executing a high-speed mass scan with MS/MS analysis. Mass calibration tables which denote relations between m/z and a mass deviation value which scan speed is a parameter are prepared separately for use in MS analyses without involving dissociation operations and MS/MS analyses with involving dissociation operations. According to a measuring mode, such as a product ion scan measurement or a neutral loss scan measurement, when performing MS/MS analysis, a mass deviation value for the minimum scan speed in a table is used for a quadrupole where the selected m/z is fixed, and a mass deviation value for a designated scan speed in a table is used for a quadrupole where the mass scan is performed, thus controlling the operations of each of a pre-stage and a post-stage quadrupoles.
US08698071B2 Rotary encoder having multiple slit arrays, which detects rotation angle
A rotary encoder 100 includes a scale portion 201 in which a first slit array 202 having slits, the number of which is S1, and a second slit array 203 having slits, the number of which is S2, are formed concentrically with respect to a center point 220, and a sensor unit portion 302,304 including a first sensor 311,313 that detects a signal from the first slit array in a first read region 211,215 and a second sensor 312,314 that detects a signal from the second slit array in a second read region 212,216. The rotary encoder meets R1min/R2max≦S1/ S2≦R1max/R2min, where R1max and R1min are respectively the maximum and minimum values of a distance from the center point in the first read region and R2max and R2min are respectively the maximum and minimum values of a distance from the center point in the second read region.
US08698070B2 Phase detector
This invention provides a phase detector with more than two detector units on a printed circuit layer. A detector set includes a pair of detector units or one detector unit, and a detector row includes a plurality of detector sets in one line. The phase detector includes a plurality of detector rows and each row has a detector set in one period, wherein all detector units are interleaved to have the same interval between any two adjacent detector units, which is defined as a pitch and the pitch is equal to one period dividing the detector pair number, which is the half sum of the number of one detector set for all rows.
US08698063B2 Readout circuit having enhanced dynamic range
A method of reading out photocurrent. A readout integrate circuit (ROIC) is provided including an integration capacitor (Cint) having a charging electrode. The ROIC provides linear operation over a linear pixel output signal range when a voltage across Cint (Vint) is in a Vint range between Vlin1-cap and Vlin2-cap, and a non-linear operation range outside the Vint range. A reset voltage (Vrst) is applied to the charging electrode to reset Vint outside the Vint range. The photocurrent is integrated to generate integrated photocurrent during a frame including integrating from Vrst toward the Vint range to integrate background current into the non-linear operation range and integrating to a voltage within the Vint range to integrate scene current into the linear pixel output signal range. The integrated photocurrent is processed to generate a pixel output signal. The pixel output signal excludes some background current that was integrated into the non-linear operation range.
US08698061B2 Image sensors, methods, and pixels with storage and transfer gates
An image sensor includes a pixel array with a plurality of pixels. A pixel includes a photodiode, a first transfer gate, a storage gate, and a second transfer gate. The first transfer gate is controllable to transfer charge from the photodiode to under the storage gate. The storage gate is connected to a readout circuit to allow the readout circuit to read out a voltage level of a potential at the storage gate. The second transfer gate is controllable to transfer charge from under the storage gate. A method includes controlling the first transfer gate to transfer charge from the photodiode to under the storage gate, reading out a voltage level of a potential at the storage gate using the readout circuit that is connected to the storage gate, and controlling the second transfer gate to drain charge from under the storage gate.
US08698059B2 Deployable lifting surface for air vehicle
An air vehicle includes a fuselage, and one or more lifting surfaces attached to the fuselage. The lifting surfaces deploy form a stowed, compact condition, to a deployed condition in which the lifting surfaces are deployed to provide lift to the air vehicle. The lifting surfaces each include a top member and a bottom member, which are joined at leading and trailing edges, such as by welds along the seams, or by flexible material placed along the seams. In deploying the thickness of the lifting surfaces increase, with middle portions of the members (portions of the members between the leading and trailing edges) moving away from one another. This may be accompanied by a lessening of the chord of the lifting surface, with the leading edge and the trailing edge moving closer together as the lifting surface deploys.
US08698049B2 Rapid thermal processing lamphead with improved cooling
Embodiments of a lamphead and apparatus utilizing same are provided. In some embodiments, a lamphead for thermal processing may include a monolithic member having a plurality of coolant passages and a plurality of lamp passages and reflector cavities, wherein each lamp passage is configured to accommodate a lamp and each reflector cavity is shaped to act as a reflector or to receive a replaceable reflector for the lamp, and wherein the plurality of coolant passages are disposed proximate to the plurality of lamp passages; and at least one heat transfer member extending from the monolithic member into each coolant passage, wherein the at least one heat transfer member extends into each coolant passage up to the full height of each coolant passage. The lamphead may be disposed in an apparatus comprising a process chamber having a substrate support, wherein the lamphead is positioned to provide energy to the substrate support.
US08698045B2 Heating blanket
A heating cable and associated heating blanket. The heating cable comprises conductors extending along the length of the cable separated by a separation layer. The conductors and separation layer may be coaxial. The conductors are connected at one end of the cable in series such that if the conductors are connected at the other end of the cable to respective poles of a power supply equal currents flow in opposite directions through adjacent portions of the conductors, substantially eliminating electromagnetic radiation from the cable. One conductor has a positive temperature characteristic and the separation layer has either a negative temperature characteristic or melts at a predetermined threshold temperature. Power may be modulated in response to variations in the resistance of the positive temperature co-efficient conductor. Power to the cable may be terminated in the event of current flowing through the separation layer exceeding a predetermined threshold.
US08698044B2 Textile structures for heating or warming
The invention provides a laminate composite fabric which is robust, laundry-durable, and a method for forming such fabric. The laminate fabric is provided with at least one element that provides heat or warmth (heating element). Generally, the laminate fabric with heating element(s) is sufficiently robust for incorporation into garments or warming textile structures (pads and blankets). The laminate fabric may include one or more stretch and recovery elements to cause the laminate to be more adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body.
US08698043B2 Handle grip with heater
A grip member with an electric heater, in which the surface of a core body when a heater is installed is flat. A metal conductive plate, such as a SUS plate with a thickness of about 30 μm formed in a belt-like shape, is spirally embedded along a flat groove section provided in a core body, the surface of the core body is made flat, and the metal conductive plate is fixed at both ends to the core body. An electric current is passed through the metal conductive plate to cause it to generate heat.
US08698040B2 Active beam delivery system with variable optical path segment through air
A laser energy delivery system includes a relay imaging system. Input optics arranged to receive the laser energy, a transmitting mirror having adjustable angle of incidence relative to the input optics, and a robot mounted optical assembly are configured to direct laser energy toward the movable target image plane. The laser energy follows an optical path including an essentially straight segment from the transmitting mirror to the receiving mirror, having a variable length and a variable angle relative to the input optics through air. Diagnostics on the processing head facilitate operation.
US08698038B2 Method and apparatus for the automated application of hardfacing material to rolling cutters of earth-boring drill bits
The present invention relates to a system and method for automated or “robotic” application of hardfacing to the surface of a steel-toothed cutter of a rock bit. In particular, the system incorporates a grounded adapter plate and chuck mounted to a robotic arm for grasping and manipulating a rock bit cutter beneath an electrical or photonic energy welding source, such as a plasma arc welding torch manipulated by a positioner. In this configuration, the torch is positioned substantially vertically and oscillated along a horizontal axis as the cutter is manipulated relative along a target path for the distribution of hardfacing. Moving the cutter beneath the torch allows more areas of more teeth to be overlayed, and allows superior placement for operational feedback, such as automatic positioning and parameter correction. In the preferred embodiment, sensors provide data to the control system for identification, positioning, welding program selection, and welding program correction. The control system, aided by data from the sensors, manipulates the robotically held cutter while controlling the operation and oscillation of the torch.
US08698037B2 Methods of and apparatuses for maintenance, diagnosis, and optimization of processes
A sensor apparatus for measuring a plasma process parameter for processing a workpiece. The sensor apparatus includes a base, an information processor supported on or in the base, and at least one sensor supported on or in the base. The at least one sensor includes at least one sensing element configured for measuring an electrical property of a plasma and may include a transducer coupled to the at least one sensing element. The transducer can be configured to receive a signal from the sensing element and convert the signal into a second signal for input to the information processor.
US08698035B2 Welder
The system provides both a portable and appliance welding system. It can be use in the shop and field. In either location it can be plugged in or battery driven. When plugged in it can weld while charging simultaneously offering 100% duty cycle for heavy shop use, and a full range of metal thicknesses can be welded with ease. The system is implemented with a solid state high energy circuit; unrestricted and unfiltered, offering a wide spectrum of pure analog power. The systems is compact for maximum portability and use in remote field operations, yet can handle deep welds in a variety of metal compositions, conditions, environments, and sizes. The system uses a proven and robust storage medium of direct electric potential energy that is supplied by industrial batteries.
US08698034B2 Vacuum interrupter
A vacuum interrupter is provided. As a main shield and sub shields are installed in an overlapping manner, an equipotential distribution can be mitigated and thusly a dielectric strength can be enhanced. Also, as a curved portion is formed at each end of the shields, concentration of an electric field at an end of each shield can be prevented and accordingly an electric field value can be lowered. Consequently, the dielectric strength can be remarkably enhanced, resulting in an effective prevention of a dielectric breakdown.
US08698032B2 Mail sorting system and method of sorting mails
An ID barcode printing section 13 prints IDs for identifying arrived mails. An address recognition section 21 recognizes address information for the primary sorting and the secondary sorting from the address images photographed by an image input section 14 for saving in an ID database 25. Based on the recognized primary sorting address information, the sorting control section 15 sorts the mails in a sorting box 16, 17 that corresponds to a secondary sorting post office 30. Upon filling up the sorting boxes 16, 17, the mails therein are transferred to a transportation medium. An ID writing section 18 writes secondary sorting address information of the mails in the transportation medium that is read from an ID database 25 for recording on the transportation medium. Upon reading the address information that is recorded on the transportation medium by an ID information read-out section 37, a sorting control section 34 in the secondary sorting post office 30 acquires the address information on each mail in the transportation medium for sorting each mail in sorting boxes 35, 36 for delivery address.
US08698031B2 Separation and manipulation of a chiral object
Among other things, for use in directional motion of chiral objects in a mixture, a field is applied across the chamber and is rotating relative to the chamber to cause rotation of the chiral objects. The rotation of the objects causes them to move directionally based on their chirality. The method applies to sugars, proteins, and peptides, among other things, and can be used in a wide variety of applications.
US08698030B2 Input device
An input device includes: a base member including a hollow support body; and an operation body supported so as to at least freely rotate relative to the hollow support body. The operation body includes an operation knob formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom and having a top surface portion and a plate-shaped capacitance type touch pad provided on a back side of the top surface portion for detecting approach or contact of a finger with respect to the top surface portion. A support body supporting the capacitance type touch pad is mounted on the base member and supports the capacitance type touch pad through an elastic body which elastically urges the capacitance type touch pad against the top surface portion of the operation knob.
US08698029B2 Touch sensor and method of forming a touch sensor
A touch sensor includes a substrate having a substrate surface and first electrode sets. Each first electrode set has a plurality of electrodes formed over the substrate surface and arranged in a row along a first direction, the electrodes being transparent and formed of a first material, the first material being electrically conductive and light transmissive. Each first electrode set also has connection elements. Each connection element provides an electrical connection between a pair of adjacent ones of the plurality of electrodes. The connection elements are formed of a second material having a smaller specific electric resistance than the first material. Each of the connection elements comprises a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The third portion provides an electrical connection between the first portion and the second portion.
US08698028B2 Push-on switch
A push-on switch includes a first contact plate, second contact plate, spacer, movable contact, and lid. The first plate has a projection at its center and a first terminal at its end. The second plate faces a face of the projection of the first contact plate and has an opening at its center and a second terminal at its end. The spacer is interposed between the first plate and the second plate for bonding them together. The movable contact is shaped like a dome and has a protrusion protruding downward and touches a top face of the second plate. The protrusion faces the projection of the first plate via the opening with a given space therebetween. The lid holds the movable contact and is mounted on the top face of the second plate. A push onto the movable contact reverses the movable contact downward, which allows the protrusion to touch the projection.
US08698024B2 Pressure sensitive trip mechanism with debris control
A pressure sensitive circuit breaker trip unit has a case forming a gas receiving cavity and a cavity accommodating movement of an actuator body with a trip lever. The actuator is moved by pressure of circuit interruption gases entering the gas receiving cavity. The actuator body has a hollow therein for accepting the interruption gases and accompanying hot debris thereby reducing any fouling of the movement accommodating cavity which may impede movement of the actuator body on subsequent circuit interruptions.
US08698020B2 Wiper attachment structure and wiper attachment method
A wiper holder to which a wiper is attached has an attachment surface including a positioning boss configured to position the wiper by being passed through a positioning hole in the wiper, a positioning protrusion configured to position a first edge of the wiper, and a swage boss configured to receive a second edge of the wiper. The first edge of the wiper contacts the positioning protrusion to position the first edge of the wiper and the wiper is secured to the wiper holder by the swage boss being swaged while the positioning boss is passed through the positioning hole in the wiper and the second edge of the wiper being received by the swage boss.
US08698019B2 Button for electric product
Disclosed herein is a button structure for electronic products. The button structure includes a push button, a restoring means, and an opposite sidewall. The push button is configured such that a plurality of contacts is provided along the circumference thereof. The restoring means includes a central shaft, which is provided in the central portion of the push button. The opposite sidewall is spaced apart from the contacts, and is configured to surround the push button, and is configured such that sensors for generating their corresponding signals are provided on the opposite sidewall at respective locations opposite those of the contacts.
US08698007B2 Printed circuit board
There is provided a printed circuit board including an insulating substrate having a guide hole, a solder resist layer coated on a surface of the insulating substrate, and a connection pad arranged on the surface of the insulating substrate and having an outer periphery covered with the solder resist layer and a central portion exposed in an opening formed in the solder resist layer. The solder resist layer has a positioning hole having a diameter smaller than that of the guide hole and formed by photolithography above the guide hole simultaneously with the opening.
US08698006B2 Co-fired metal and ceramic composite feedthrough assemblies for use at least in implantable medical devices and methods for making the same
A hermetic interconnect for medical devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, the interconnect includes platinum leads co-fired between alumina substrates to form a monolithic composite that is subsequently bonded into a titanium alloy flange. Both methodology for forming these interconnects as well as specific geometries and compositions are disclosed. Interconnects formed in this fashion enable significant reductions in overall size of the interconnect relative to the number of feedthrough leads as well as substantial improvements in robustness versus currently available technology.
US08698004B2 Multi-piece board and fabrication method thereof
A fabrication method for a multi-piece board includes: checking whether pieces (printed wiring boards) are defect-free or not; forming a first recess in a joint portion between a defective piece and a frame; forming a first fitting portion at the frame by separating the defective piece; cutting out a defect-free piece having a second fitting portion from another board; forming a second recess in the second fitting portion; fitting the second fitting portion into the first fitting portion; flattening a joint portion; and filling an adhesive in a third recess which is formed by the first recess and the second recess, and curing the adhesive to adhere the frame and the defect-free piece.
US08698003B2 Method of producing circuit board, and circuit board obtained using the manufacturing method
One aspect of the present invention resides in a method of producing a circuit board, including a film-forming step of forming a resin film on a surface of an insulative substrate; a circuit pattern-forming step of forming a circuit pattern portion by forming a recessed portion having a depth equal to or greater than a thickness of the resin film, with an outer surface of the resin film serving as a reference; a catalyst-depositing step of depositing a plating catalyst or a precursor thereof on a surface of the circuit pattern portion and a surface of the resin film; a film-separating step of removing the resin film from the insulative substrate; and a plating step of forming an electroless plating film only in a region where the plating catalyst or the precursor thereof remains after the resin film is separated.
US08697997B2 Cable with integrated cable-management system
A cable has an integrated cable management system for organizing multiple cables. The body of the cable has a first mating surface with a first interlocking element disposed thereon and a second mating surface with a second interlocking element disposed thereon the second mating surface, where the first interlocking element is configured as a complementary interlocking element for the second interlocking element, so that multiple cables may be joined without the use of additional cable-organizing devices. The first interlocking element may include at least one coupling recess formed in the first mating surface and configured to engage with an interlocking element having the same configuration as the second interlocking element.
US08697996B2 Armored cable with integral support
A system for providing cable support may be provided. The system may comprise a conductor core, a filler that may provide integral core support, and armor. The conductor core may comprise at least one conductor. The filler may be applied around at least a portion of the conductor core. The armor may be applied around at least a portion of the filler. The applied armor may be configured to cause the filler to apply a strong enough force on an exterior of the conductor core configured to keep the conductor core from slipping down an interior of the filler due to a gravitational force. In addition, the applied armor may be configured to cause the filler to apply a strong enough force on an interior of the armor configured to keep a combination of the conductor core and the filler from slipping down the interior of the armor due to the gravitational force.
US08697992B2 Extended length cable assembly for a hydrocarbon well application
A cable assembly for use in a hydrocarbon well of extensive depth. The cable assembly may be effectively employed at well depths of over 30,000 feet. Indeed, embodiments of the assembly may be effectively employed at depths of over 50,000 feet while powering and directing downhole equipment at a downhole end thereof. The assembly may be made up of a comparatively high break strength uphole cable portion coupled to a lighter downhole cable portion. This configuration helps to ensure the structural integrity of the assembly in light of its own load when disposed in a well to such extensive depths. Additionally, the assembly may be employed at such depths with an intervening connector sub having a signal amplification mechanism incorporated therein to alleviate concern over telemetry between the surface of the oilfield and the downhole equipment.
US08697990B2 Power products with selectable mounting and related assemblies and kits
A power conditioner assembly includes: first and second brackets and a power conditioner. Each bracket includes a rear portion adapted to attach to a rear portion of an equipment rack and a front portion that extends frontwardly. The power conditioner includes a housing having a rear panel, a first side panel mounted to the first bracket and a second, opposed side panel mounted to the second bracket. The power conditioner is mountable to the brackets in a plurality of orientations including: a rearward orientation with the rear panel oriented substantially vertically; and at least one angled orientation with the rear panel at an oblique angle to vertical. The brackets may also be adapted to attach to other mounting surfaces and/or other brackets may be provided for this purpose to provide additional mounting options.
US08697988B2 Organic photovoltaic devices comprising fullerenes and derivatives thereof
Photovoltaic cells comprising an active layer comprising, as p-type material, conjugated polymers such as polythiophene and regioregular polythiophene, and as n-type material at least one fullerene derivative. The fullerene derivative can be C60, C70, or C84. The fullerene also can be functionalized with indene groups. Improved efficiency can be achieved.
US08697982B2 Light-emitting polymer
A radiation-emitting polymer composition includes a polysiloxane polymer including tritium and a wavelength-shifter chemically bonded as a side chain to the polysiloxane polymer or chemically bonded as a side chain to a siloxane carrier dispersed within the polysiloxane polymer. The wavelength-shifter includes a plurality of cyclic chemical moieties and emits electromagnetic radiation in response to radiation emitted by the tritium.
US08697979B1 Solar-powered system for generation and storage of hydrogen gas in substrate microstructures
A system includes a microstructure layer, a photovoltaic layer disposed over the microstructure layer comprising a positive P-type layer and a negative N-type layer, a hydrogen collection micro-chamber formed through the microstructure layer and the negative layer, and an oxygen collection micro-chamber formed through the microstructure layer and the photovoltaic layer. A cathode may be disposed within the hydrogen collection micro-chamber and an anode may be disposed within the oxygen collection micro-chamber. The micro-chambers may be spaced between about 1 and 10 micrometers apart. An insulating layer may be disposed between the microstructure layer and the photovoltaic layer. A supplemental storage layer may be disposed over the photovoltaic layer such that a storage portion is in alignment with the hydrogen collection micro-chamber. MEMS actuators may be located at the ends of the hydrogen collection micro-chamber to facilitate hydrogen storage and release.
US08697978B2 Systems and methods for providing multi-region instrument support in an audio player
A method for providing multi-region instrument support in an audio player is described. A set of user defined instruments and a set of MIDI data is received. At least one multi-region instrument in the set of user defined instruments is identified. Each region in the multi-region instruments is mapped to a single region instrument with the same parameters as the region. A new instrument number is assigned to each single region instrument. The MIDI data is modified based on the mapping and assigning.
US08697975B2 Musical performance-related information output device, system including musical performance-related information output device, and electronic musical instrument
Provided are a musical performance-related information output device and a musical performance system capable of superimposing musical performance-related information on an audio signal without damaging the general versatility of the audio signal. The musical performance-related information output device includes a musical performance-related information acquiring section that is adapted to acquire musical performance-related information related to a musical performance of a performer, a superimposing section that is adapted to superimpose the musical performance-related information on an analog audio signal such that a modulated component of the musical performance-related information is included in a band higher than the frequency component of the analog audio signal generated in accordance with the musical performance manipulation of the performer, and an output section that outputs the analog audio signal on which the superimposing section superimposes the musical performance-related information.
US08697974B1 Musical notation system
The system of musical notation includes a series of alphabetic characters “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”, “G”, “A” and “B” representing tones C through B, and a series of alphabetic characters “H”, “I”, “J”, “K” and “L” representing tones C♯ (D♭), D♯ (E♭), F♯ (G♭), G♯ (A♭) and A♯ (B♭), respectively. A timing grid is divided horizontally into an upper register section, a middle register section and a lower register section. The middle register section accommodates tones A, L, B, C, H, D, I and E. The upper register section accommodates tones higher in pitch than E, the lower register section, accommodates tones lower in pitch than A. The grid is divided vertically into horizontal intervals equal to the number of beats per measure. The characters are arranged upon the grid such that the relative timing of the tones is illustrated by their horizontal position with respect to the intervals.
US08697973B2 Touch sensitive control with visual indicator
A music touch control system for an audio performance product is disclosed. The system includes a touch control surface configured and arranged to set and cause activation for playing a tone in an audio performance product; and a visual indicator connected to the touch control surface representing semitones of the tone. The visual indicator has a neutral tone point with +12 semitones above the neutral tone point and −12 semitones below the neutral point. Touching the control surface along the length thereof causes the audio performance product to play the semitone corresponding to the portion of the touch control surface touched and the visual indicator to indicate the semitone of the selected semitone. The system can be used to represent the playing time of a song and permit navigation instantly to a point in the song.
US08697971B1 Musical instrument training aid
A teaching aid for players of brass instruments is described that includes at least one rectangular paddle connected to a handle at one end. The rectangular paddle is dimensioned to have a height appropriate for a type of player's instrument so that when the rectangular paddle when placed between the front teeth of the player, it holds the teeth apart a distance equal to the height of the paddle, that distance placing the player's mouth in a proper position for that instrument. The handle is preferably sized to fit through the opening in the mouthpiece of the player's instrument.
US08697969B2 Tremolo assembly
A bridge assembly having a saddle plate, a tremolo block, and a bushing extending through the saddle plate and tremolo block. The bushing has an internal bore, and an engagement member extends through the bushing and is partially disposed in the internal bore. A tremolo arm has an engagement section with a flat engagement surface that defines a plane substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the engagement section. The engagement member is perpendicular to and laterally disposed from the internal bore's longitudinal axis. The engagement member frictionally engages the flat engagement surface when the engagement section is disposed in the internal bore. The tremolo arm's engagement section rotates with the busing as a unit relative to the tremolo block.
US08697962B1 Maize hybrid X08C896
A novel maize variety designated X08C896 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08C896 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08C896 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08C896, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08C896. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08C896.
US08697961B1 Maize variety hybrid X00A034
A novel maize variety designated X00A034 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X00A034 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X00A034 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X00A034, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X00A034. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X00A034.
US08697960B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV498625
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV498625. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV498625, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV498625 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV498625 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV498625.
US08697956B1 Oat cultivar ROMAR-07
A novel oat cultivar, designated ROMAR-07, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of oat cultivar ROMAR-07, to the plants of oat ROMAR-07 and to methods for producing a oat plant produced by crossing the cultivar ROMAR-07 with itself or another oat variety. The invention further relates to hybrid oat seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar ROMAR-07 with another oat cultivar.
US08697955B2 Garden bean cultivar H28121
Three novel garden bean cultivars, designated H28103, H28119 and H28121, are disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of garden bean cultivars H28103, H28119 and/or H28121, to the plants of garden bean lines H28103, H28119 and/or H28121 and to methods for producing a bean plant by crossing the cultivars H28103, H28119 and/or H28121 with itself or another bean line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a bean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other garden bean lines derived from the cultivars H28103, H28119 and/or H28121.
US08697953B2 Soybean variety XB10A12
A novel soybean variety, designated XB10A12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB10A12, cells from soybean variety XB10A12, plants of soybean XB10A12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB10A12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB10A12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB10A12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB10A12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB10A12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB10A12 are further provided.
US08697952B1 Soybean variety 20877NR2Y
Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated 20877NR2Y, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-120602. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the 20877NR2Y variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program.
US08697949B2 Temporal regulation of gene expression by MicroRNAs
This invention provides molecular constructs and methods for the temporally specific control of gene expression in plants or in plant pests or pathogens. More specifically, this invention provides plant miRNA genes having novel circadian expression patterns that are useful for designing recombinant DNA constructs for temporally specific expression of at least one gene. Also provided are non-natural transgenic plant cells, plants, and seeds containing in their genome a recombinant DNA construct of this invention.
US08697946B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH649707
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH649707. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH649707, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH649707 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH649707.
US08697943B2 Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH349198
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH349198. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH349198, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH349198 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH349198.
US08697941B2 Molecular markers linked to PPO inhibitor tolerance in soybeans
This invention relates generally to the detection of genetic differences among soybeans. More particularly, the invention relates to soybean quantitative trait loci (QTL) for tolerance to protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitors, to soybean plants possessing these QTLs, which map to a novel chromosomal region, and to genetic markers that are indicative of phenotypes associated with protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor tolerance. Methods and compositions for use of these markers in genotyping of soybean and selection are also disclosed.
US08697940B2 ADAM6 mice
Mice are provided that comprise a reduction or deletion of ADAM6 activity from an endogenous ADAM6 locus, or that lack an endogenous locus encoding a mouse ADAM6 protein, wherein the mice comprise a sequence encoding an ADAM6 or ortholog or homolog or fragment thereof that is functional in a male mouse. In one embodiment, the sequence is an ectopic ADAM6 sequence or a sequence that confers upon a male mouse the ability to generate offspring by mating. Mice and cells with genetically modified immunoglobulin heavy chain loci that comprise an ectopic nucleotide sequence encoding a mouse ADAM6 or functional fragment or homolog or ortholog thereof are also provided.
US08697939B2 Mouse model for depression, schizophrenia and alzheimer's disease and the use thereof
The present invention relates to Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) animal model and use thereof.
US08697933B2 Toilet training using sensor and associated articles
Presented is a method for effectively toilet training a subject, the method including providing a disposable absorbent article to a caregiver, wherein the absorbent article includes a wetness sensor having a signaling device, and wherein the signaling device provides to the caregiver a feedback mode of an insult contemporaneous with the insult; and teaching the caregiver an appropriate response to the feedback mode as a training opportunity. Also presented is a method for toilet training a subject, the method including providing a wetness sensing system to a caregiver, the wetness sensing system including an insult indicator; indicating to the caregiver the occurrence of the insult contemporaneous with the insult; and instructing the caregiver to immediately intervene to teach the subject about the physical sensations experienced by the subject prior to and during the insult.
US08697928B2 Process and apparatus for para-xylene production using multiple adsorptive separation units
A process for separating para-xylene from a plurality of aromatic compounds, wherein the process introduces a mixed xylene feed stream comprising a plurality of xylene isomers into a first separation assembly to produce a first para-xylene enriched stream and a first raffinate stream. The process further feeds the raffinate stream into an isomerization unit to convert the raffinate stream into an isomerization reactor product stream, and introduces the isomerization reactor product stream into to a second para-xylene adsorptive separation unit to produce a second para-xylene enriched stream and a second raffinate stream.
US08697927B1 Metallophosphate molecular sieves, method of preparation and use
A new family of crystalline microporous metallophosphates designated AlPO-67 has been synthesized. These metallophosphates are represented by the empirical formula R+rMm2+EPxSiyOz where R is an organoammonium cation such as the ETMA+ or DEDMA+, M is a framework metal alkaline earth or transition metal of valence 2+, and E is a trivalent framework element such as aluminum or gallium. The AlPO-67 compositions have the LEV topology and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes, and separation properties for separating at least one component.
US08697925B2 Turbine and diesel fuels and methods for making the same
A process for making diesel and turbine fuels including, providing an effective amount of branched olefins, adding active heterogeneous acid catalyst(s) to said branched olefins to produce a solvent-free mixture, heating said solvent-free mixture greater than about 100° C. for a desired amount of time depending on various conditions, to produce C16 dimers/catalyst mixture, removing said catalysts from said dimers/catalyst mixture, and adding hydrogenation catalyst(s) to said dimers under hydrogen atmosphere to produce a mixture of stable fuels.
US08697923B2 Process for the preparation of 2,3,3,3,-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf)
The invention provides a process for the preparation of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (1234yf) comprising (a) contacting 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,3-difluoropropane (243db) with hydrogen fluoride (HF) in the presence of a zinc/chromia catalyst to produce a compound having the formula CF3CHFCH2X, wherein X is Cl or F, and (b) dehydrohalogenating the compound of formula CF3CHFCH2X to produce 1234yf.
US08697922B2 Conversion of 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane to 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
Described is a method for producing fluoropropenes of formula CF3CX═CX2 wherein each X is F or H, at least one X is H, and at least one X is F, comprising pyrolyzing a hydrofluorochloropropane of formula CF3CXYCX2Y, wherein each X is F or H, at least one X is H, and at least one X is F, and one Y is Cl and the other Y is H, in the gas-phase in a reaction vessel, maintained at a temperature high enough to effect the pyrolysis of said hydrofluorochloropropane to said fluoropropene, wherein the selectivity for the production of the fluoropropene is at least 80%, in the absence of a catalyst.
US08697919B2 1-methoxyl-2, 6, 10-trimethyl-1, 3, 5, 9-undec-tetraene, and preparation method and uses thereof
The invention discloses an intermediate 1-methoxyl-2,6,10-trimethyl-1,3,5, 9-undec-tetraene, and a preparation method and uses thereof. In the synthesis method for the current lycopene intermediate 2-pos double bond C-14 aldehyde (2,6,10-trimethyl-2,5,9-undecatriene-1-aldehyde), expensive methyl iodide, polluting dimethyl sulphide and dangerous strong base are needed, so that the method is hardly applied to industrial production. The invention provides a new compound 1-methoxyl-2,6,10-trimethyl-1,3,5,9-undec-tetraene, and pure 2-pos double bond C-14 aldehyde can be prepared by hydrolyzing and refining the compound. The synthetic route is simplified and the great suitability for industrial production is achieved.
US08697916B2 Process for the preparation of Cu—Cr oxides for selective oxidation reactions
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of Cu—Cr oxides by hydrothermal synthesis method using hydrazine as a reducing agent and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as a surfactant and these oxides are very active for selective oxidation of benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene to produce phenol, benzaldehyde and acetophenone, respectively.
US08697915B2 Diamino-alcohol compounds and processes for their manufacture
A new class of compounds, namely diamino alcohols, is described, along with a process for their production and their use as dispersing additives for coating formulations.
US08697911B2 Rho kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1 and R2 are as defined herein. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes.
US08697908B2 Removal of amine compounds from carbonylation process stream containing corrosion metal contaminants
A process for removing amine compounds from a process stream derived from a carbonylation process. The amine compounds may be present as iodide salts. The process stream also contains corrosion metal contaminants. The amine compounds are removed by mixing a portion of the process stream a slipstream to form an aqueous stream having a water concentration of greater than 50 wt. %. The aqueous stream is contacted with an exchange resin to remove amine compounds, as well as corrosion metal contaminants.
US08697903B2 Fluorinated ester monomer, making method, fluorinated ester polymer, and difluorohydroxycarboxylic acid
A fluorinated ester monomer is provided having formula (1) wherein R1 is H, CH3 or CF3, R2 and R3 are H or a monovalent hydrocarbon group, or R2 and R3 forms a hydrocarbon ring, R4 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group, and k is 0 or 1. A polymer obtained from the monomer has transparency to radiation with a wavelength of up to 200 nm and appropriate alkaline hydrolysis, is constructed such that any of water repellency, water slip and surface segregation may be adjusted by a choice of its structure, and is useful in forming ArF immersion lithography materials.
US08697901B2 Synthesis of organohalosilane monomers via enhanced cleavage of direct process residue
Discloses herein is a catalytic process for producing organohalosilane monomers from a high-boiling residue resulting from the Direct Reaction of an organohalide with silicon. The high-boiling residue contains more conventionally cleavable compounds than conventionally uncleavable compounds. The process includes heating the residue in the presence of a catalyst comprising (1) one or more heterocyclic amines and/or one or more heterocyclic ammonium halides, and (2) one or more quaternary Group 15 onium compounds.
US08697896B2 Process and method for improving the water reuse, energy efficiency, fermentation, and products of an ethanol fermentation plant
A method of processing stillage by hydrothermally fractionating stillage to create unique product fractions, by heating the stillage to a temperature of 250 degrees F. to 350 degrees F., and recovering a stickwater fraction from the stillage. Stickwater, oil, biomass, bio-products, extracts, metabolites, and treated water obtained from the method above. A method of performing ethanol fermentation by hydrothermally fractionating stillage to create unique product fractions by heating the stillage to a temperature of 250 degrees F. to 350 degrees F., separating the stillage into a ProFat fraction and a stickwater fraction, and recovering oil from the ProFat fraction.
US08697893B2 Systems and methods for producing fuels and fuel precursors from carbohydrates
The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing fuels and fuel precursors from carbohydrates. In an embodiment the invention includes a method of producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), including contacting a saccharide with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 100 degrees Celsius. In an embodiment the invention includes a method of producing a biofuel including contacting a saccharide with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 100 degrees Celsius. Other embodiments are also described herein.
US08697892B2 Taxane compounds, compositions and methods
The present invention provides a method for the preparation of orally available pentacyclic taxane compounds, as well as intermediates useful in their preparation.
US08697890B2 Dichroic-photochromic 2H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran compounds and devices
A naphthopyran compound represented by the formula B1 and B2 are selected from a phenyl, naphthyl, or heterocyclic aromatic group, or may combine to form one or more aromatic rings. B1 and B2 are optionally substituted with one or more substituents. R3, R4, R5, R6, and R10 are selected independently from hydrogen, halogen, —Ra, —OH, —ORa, —O—CO—Ra, —CN, —NO2, —SO2Ra, —SORa, —SH, —SRa, —NH2, —NHRa, —NRaRa, and —NRbRc. Any two or more of R5, R6 or R10 may combine to form a cyclic group. R7 is a mesogenic group containing at least two rings connected to each other through a covalent bond or linking unit. The linking unit is an ester, —Rd—, —O—, —ORd—, —ORdO—, —OCORd—, —OCORdO—, —S—, —CH═CH—, —CH═N—, —C≡C—, or —N═N—, where Rd is a linear or branched (C1-18)alkyl or a linear or branched (C1-18)haloalkyl group. The naphthopyran compound may be incorporated into an optical article.
US08697879B2 Chiral synthesis of pyrrolidine core compounds en route to neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitors
A chiral synthesis of pyrrolidine compounds en route to selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, and representative inhibitor compounds heretofore unattainable.
US08697877B2 Oxyindole derivatives with motilin receptor agonistic activity
The present invention relates to novel oxyindole derivatives of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of various disorders which are mediated via the motilin receptor (GPR38).
US08697876B2 Compositions and methods of synthesis of pyridinolypiperidine 5-HT1F agonists
The present invention provides a novel polymorph of the hemisuccinate salt of 2,4,6-trifluoro-N-[6-(1-methyl-piperidine-4-carbonyl)-pyridin-2-yl]-benzamide (Form A) characterized by a unique X-ray diffraction pattern and Differential Scanning Calorimetry profile, as well as a unique crystalline structure. This polymorph is useful in pharmaceutical compositions, for example, for the treatment and prevention of migraine. The invention also provides a process for the synthesis of pyridinoylpiperidine compounds of Formula I in high yield and high purity. In particular, the provides a process for the preparation of 2,4,6-trifluoro-N-[6-(1-methyl-piperidine-4-carbonyl)-pyridin-2-yl]-benzamide, its hemisuccinate salt and polymorph (Form A).
US08697874B2 Heterocyclic compound and use thereof
A compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof, which has a potent Raf inhibitory activity. In formula (I), R1 represents an optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl, etc.; X represents —O— or —NR2— (wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-6 alkyl); Y represents a group represented by formula 2 (2i or 2ii) (wherein ring A represents an optionally substituted benzene ring; Z represents a group represented by (1) —NR3CO—W1—, (2) —NR3CO—W1—O—, (3) —NR3CO—W1—O—W2—, (4) —NR3CO—W1—S—, (5) —NR3CO—W1—NR4—, (6) —NR3COO—, (7) —NR3COO—W1—, (8) —NR3CO—CO—, or (9) —NR3CONR4— (wherein R3 and R4 each represents a hydrogen atom, etc., and W1 and W2 each represents an optionally substituted C1-6 alkylene, etc.); and R5 represents an optionally substituted five- or six-membered ring group.
US08697870B2 3-cycloalkylaminopyrrolidine derivatives as modulators of chemokine receptors
The present invention relates to 3-cycloalkylaminopyrrolidine derivatives of the formula I: (wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, X, Y and Z are as defined herein) which are useful as modulators of chemokine receptor activity. In particular, these compounds are useful as modulators of chemokine receptors and more specifically as modulators of the CCR2 and/or CCR5 receptor. The compounds and compositions of the invention may bind to chemokine receptors, e.g., the CCR2 and/or CCR5 chemokine receptors, and are useful for treating diseases associated with chemokine, e.g., CCR2 and/or CCR5, activity, such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, lupus, organ transplant rejection and rheumatoid arthritis.
US08697866B2 Substituted pyridazine carboxamide compounds as kinase inhibitor compounds
Pyridazine derivatives have unexpected drug properties as inhibitors of protein kinases and are useful in treating disorders related to abnormal protein kinase activities such as cancer.
US08697864B2 Flame retardant compositions with a phosphorated compound
Flame retardant compositions that are halogen-free or substantially halogen-free are disclosed. In certain examples, the compositions comprise a halogen-free or substantially halogen-free epoxide and one or more phosphorated compounds. In some examples, the phosphorated compound comprises an average particle size less than 10 microns. In other examples, the phosphorated compound provides a surface area of 78.5 μm2 to about 1965 μm2. Prepregs, laminates, molded articles and printed circuit boards using the compositions are also disclosed.
US08697863B2 Fused heterocyclic compounds as ion channel modulators
The present disclosure relates to compounds that are sodium channel inhibitors and to their use in the treatment of various disease states, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In particular embodiments, the structure of the compounds is given by Formula I: wherein Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, X, Y, R2, R3 and R4 are as described herein, to methods for the preparation and use of the compounds and to pharmaceutical compositions containing the same.
US08697858B2 Antisense antiviral compound and method for treating influenza viral infection
The present invention relates to antisense antiviral compounds and methods of their use and production in inhibition of growth of viruses of the Orthomyxoviridae family and in the treatment of a viral infection. The compounds are particularly useful in the treatment of influenza virus infection in a mammal. Exemplary antisense antiviral compounds are substantially uncharged, or partially positively charged, morpholino oligonucleotides having 1) a nuclease resistant backbone, 2) 12-40 nucleotide bases, and 3) a targeting sequence of at least 12 bases in length that hybridizes to a target region selected from the following: a) the 5′ or 3′ terminal 25 bases of the negative sense viral RNA segment of Influenzavirus A, Influenzavirus B and Influenzavirus C; b) the terminal 30 bases of the 5′ or 3′ terminus of the positive sense vcRNA; c) the 45 bases surrounding the AUG start codon of an influenza viral mRNA and; d) 50 bases surrounding the splice donor or acceptor sites of influenza mRNAs subject to alternative splicing.
US08697850B2 Process for preparing L-amino acids
A process for preparing L-amino acids employing coryneform bacteria in which the AmtR regulator has been attenuated is provided. Recombinant bacteria, polynucleotides and vectors corresponding to or having the attenuated AmtR regulator are disclosed.
US08697848B2 Method for reducing immunogenicity of therapeutic protein compositions
The present invention provides methods for reducing and/or evaluating the immunogenic potential of a therapeutic protein preparation. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions of therapeutic proteins and methods of treatment with the same, the compositions having low immunogenic potential and/or improved efficacy. The invention achieves these goals by evaluating therapeutic protein preparations for subvisible protein particulates, which can contribute significantly to the overall immunogenic potential of the protein preparation. Further, by maintaining the content of such subvisible protein particulates to below an immunogenic threshold level, the resulting pharmaceutical composition is less likely to result in a loss of tolerance (e.g., upon repeated administration), thereby improving both the safety and efficacy profile of the therapeutic.
US08697847B2 Protein purification using HCIC and ion exchange chromatography
The present invention provides methods for purifying proteins. In particular, the methods employ a two-step non-affinity chromatography process without the use of an in-process tangential flow filtration step.
US08697845B2 Antibodies specifically directed to a soluble form of CTLA-4
The invention provides materials and methods relating to antibodies specific for a soluble form of CTLA-4 (sCLTA-4). Such antibodies have been shown to have a strong boosting effect on antigen-specific human immune responses.
US08697844B2 Method of purifying pegylated proteins
The invention relates to a method of purifying PEGylated proteins by removing impurities from samples containing PEGylated proteins, in particular, but not exclusively vitamin K-dependent blood coagulation factors such as Factor IX (FIX), to proteins purified by said method and to the use of said purified proteins in therapy, in particular but not exclusively, for the treatment of diseases alleviated by blood coagulation factors such as the prophylactic treatment of hemophilia.
US08697840B2 Peptide inhibition of lung epithelial apoptosis and pulmonary fibrosis
During lung injury, p53 expression increases, inducing plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) while inhibiting expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR), resulting in apoptosis of lung epithelial cells (LECs). In the bleomycin lung injury model, p53 and PAI-1 are induced while uPA and uPAR are inhibited. A 20 residue peptide DGIWKASFTTFTVTKYWFYR termed PP-1 (the Cav-1 scaffolding domain) or peptide NYHYLESSMTALYTLGH, termed PP-2, protected LECs from bleomycin-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo and prevented subsequent pulmonary fibrosis by attenuating lung epitheilial damage. Pharmaceutical compositions, peptide multimers and deliverable polypeptides comprising the above peptides are dislcosed. The peptides and functional variants, peptide multimers, cell-targeted polyepeptides and pharmaceutical compositions are used in methods for inhibiting apoptosis of injured or damaged lung epithelial cells and for treating acute lung injury and consequent pulmonary fibrosis.
US08697839B2 GQ protein competitive inhibitory polypeptides, preparation methods and uses thereof
Provided are a series of Gq protein competitive inhibitory polypeptides (GCIPs), polynucleotides encoding them, and preparation methods thereof. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising GCIP polypeptides and their uses in the manufacture of drugs for treating myocardial hypertrophy.
US08697838B2 Ester-based insulin prodrugs
Prodrug formulations of bioactive polypeptides are provided wherein the bioactive polypeptide has been modified by the linkage of a dipeptide to the bioactive polypeptide through an ester linkage. The prodrugs disclosed herein in some embodiments have extended half lives of at least 1.5 hours (e.g., at least 10 hours), and more typically greater than 20 hours and less than 70 hours, and are converted to the active form at physiological conditions through a non-enzymatic reaction driven by chemical instability.
US08697835B2 Method for restoring an article comprising a shape memory composite material
A method for restoring a programmed article which contains a shape memory composite material of at least one shape memory polymer network with thermally inducible triple shape properties, the method comprising subjecting the article to a magnetic alternating field and simultaneously to an external heat supply in order to trigger the restoration, wherein at least one of the parameters of magnetic field strength (H) and ambient temperature (TUmg) is increased continuously or discontinuously in such a way that the article first experiences a transition in shape from the first temporary shape (TF1) into the second temporary shape (TF2) and subsequently from the second temporary shape (TF2) into the permanent shape (PF).
US08697834B2 Polyalkylenepolyamines by homogeneously catalyzed alcohol amination
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of polyalkylenepolyamines by catalyzed alcohol amination, in which(i) aliphatic aminoalcohols are reacted with one another or(ii) aliphatic diamines or polyamines are reacted with aliphatic diols or polyols with the elimination of water in the presence of a catalyst.
US08697833B2 Conjugated polymers with carbonyl-substituted thieno [3,4-B] thiophene units for polymer solar cell active layer materials
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a series of conjugated polymers used, among other things, as polymer solar cell or polymer photovoltaic device active layer materials, is provided. In one embodiment, the conjugated polymers have the general structure and formula shown in (I), wherein: R1 and R2 are independently selected from proton, halogens, alkyls, aryls and substituted aryls; Ar is selected from the group consisting of monocyclic, bicyclic and polycyclic arylene, or monocyclic, bicyclic and polycyclic heteroarylene. In another embodiment, the conjugated photovoltaic polymers are comprised of repeated units having the general structure of formula (II), wherein, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are independently selected from proton, alkyls, halogens, aryls, substituted aryls, and other kinds of substituents. Synthesis methods of several polymers of the present disclosure are provided, and absorption spectra and electrochemical cyclic voltammetry data of some polymers, and also the photovoltaic properties of the polymers in this present disclosure are also provided.
US08697831B2 Process for preparing polyamides comprising fluoroether functionalized aromatic moieties
The invention is directed to a process for preparing polyamide polymers, particularly nylon 6, 6 and nylon 6, comprising fluoroether functionalized aromatic repeat units. In one embodiment, 1,6 diaminohexane, adipic acid, and fluoroether functionalized terephthallic or isophthallic acid or diester are reacted to form a polymer. The polymers so formed are useful for imparting soil resistance to polyamides, particularly in the form of films, molded parts, fibers, fabrics, and carpets.
US08697829B2 Process for the manufacture of silicone ionomer
A process for the manufacture of polyorganosiloxanes having ionic groups and reactive functional groups includes (a) conversion of a low molecular weight aralkylene modified polysiloxane to a corresponding sulfonic acid functional material by treating the low molecular weight aralkylene modified polysiloxane with a sulfonating agent; (b) subjecting the reaction product obtained in step (a) to an equilibration reaction with an acid catalyzed ring opening polymerization-effective polyorganosiloxane; and (c) subjecting the reaction product obtained in step (b) to a hydrosilylation reaction with an unsaturated hydrocarbon containing at least one epoxy group, an unsaturated hydrocarbon containing at least two unsaturation moieties, an unsaturated hydrocarbon containing at least one sulfur heteroatom, an unsaturated hydrocarbon containing a monovalent organosilane group, an unsaturated hydrocarbon containing one hydroxyl containing group, an unsaturated hydrocarbon containing one or more of a halogen, carboxylate, imine, isocyanate, amide, nitrile or tertiary amine with other than alkyl groups moiety.
US08697827B2 Catalyst composition with halo-malonate internal electron donor and polymer from same
Disclosed herein are procatalyst compositions, catalyst compositions and polymers, i.e., propylene-based polymers, produced therefrom. The present procatalyst compositions contain a halo-malonate and a 2-fluoro-malonate in particular. The present catalyst compositions improve catalyst selectivity, improve catalyst activity, and also improve hydrogen response during polymerization. Propylene-based polymer produced from the present catalyst composition has a melt flow rate greater than 50 g/10 min.
US08697820B2 Process for preparing high-reactivity isobutene homo- or copolymers
Preparation of high-reactivity isobutene homo- or copolymers with a content of terminal vinylidene double bonds per polyisobutene chain end of at least 50 mol % by polymerization of isobutene or isobutene-comprising monomer mixtures in the presence of Lewis acids suitable as polymerization catalysts or of complexes which are effective as polymerization catalysts and are formed from Lewis acids and donors, and in the presence of initiators, wherein the initiators used are organic sulfonic acids Z—SO3H in which the variable Z denotes an alkyl radical, haloalkyl radical, cycloalkyl radical, aryl radical or arylalkyl radical.
US08697819B2 System for producing steam using heat recovered from a polymerization reaction
The present invention relates to a process for producing steam using heat recovered from a polymerization reaction. In particular, the present invention relates to a process for producing steam using heat recovered from a polymerization reaction for producing polyolefin, comprising the steps of: thermally contacting said polymerization reaction with a cooling fluid such that the cooling fluid removes heat from said reaction, thermally contacting at least part of said cooling fluid with at least one absorption cycle thereby transferring heat from the cooling fluid to said absorption cycle, using said absorption cycle to produce steam from a condensate, wherein the cooling fluid is used as a hot source for heating at least one evaporator and at least one generator comprised in said at least one absorption cycle. The present invention also relates to a process for cooling a polymerization reaction using a process as described herein. Said invention also relates to a polyolefin producing unit.
US08697818B2 Alkoxy-crosslinking rubber mixtures comprising niobium or tantalum condensation catalysts
The invention provides alkoxy-crosslinking rubber mixtures (M) which comprise a compound of the general formula (1) M(OR1)n(OSiR23)5-n (1) and polymers with end groups of the general formula (2) —SiR3a(OR4)3-a (2), where M is defined as Nb or Ta, R1, R2; R3 and R4 are each hydrocarbon radicals having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, n is 1, 2, 3 or 4, and a is 0 or 1.
US08697813B2 Reversible fluorescence photoswitch based on dye-crosslinked dendritic nanoclusters for high-contrast imaging of living biological systems
The present invention relates to a reversible fluorescence photoswitch based on the dye-crosslinked dendritic nanoclusters for high-contrast imaging of living biological systems. The dendritic nanocluster according to the present invention consists of two or more dendrimers crosslinked each other to have a globular shape overall, and thereby enhancing the fluorescence intensity and improving the detection sensitivity of the monomeric dendrimers. In addition, the dendritic nanocluster according to the present invention was found to internalize into a living zebrafish by both skin permeation and microinjection, independently. Further, the dendritic nanocluster according to the present invention showed low toxicity and thus it could be useful for both in vivo and in vitro imaging as well as the ex vivo cell tracking applications.
US08697812B2 Preparation method of superabsorbent polymer
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a superabsorbent polymer, including the steps of: preparing a hydrous gel phase polymer by thermal polymerizing or photo-polymerizing a monomer composition including a water-soluble ethylene-based unsaturated monomer and a polymerization initiator; drying the hydrous gel phase polymer; milling the dried polymer; adding a surface cross-linking agent to the milled polymer; and elevating the temperature of the polymer including the surface cross-linking agent at a speed of 3° C./min to 15° C./min, and carrying out a surface cross-linking reaction at 100° C. to 250° C.
US08697809B2 Block polymer
The invention provides a novel block polymer applicable to a light-emitting device. The block polymer has an electron-transporting block and a hole-transporting block, wherein the main chain backbone of the block polymer is polyacetylene.
US08697808B2 Process for making ethylene polymer blends with controlled long-chain branching
A high-temperature solution process for making an ethylene polymer blend having a controlled degree of long-chain branching is disclosed. Ethylene is polymerized in the presence of a first Ziegler-Natta catalyst comprising titanium, magnesium, and aluminum in the absence of hydrogen to produce a first ethylene polymer component having substantial long-chain branching. A second ethylene polymer component having little or no long-chain branching is also prepared. Both polymerizations are performed at a temperature from 140° C. to 250° C. The first and second ethylene polymer components are combined to give a polymer blend. The degree of long-chain branching in the blend is controlled by adjusting the relative amounts of the first and second ethylene polymer components. The invention enables the preparation of valuable products having a pre-determined degree of long-chain branching using readily available Zeigler-Natta catalysts, commercially practiced techniques, and conventional equipment.
US08697806B2 High-density polyethylene compositions and method of making the same
The instant invention is a high-density polyethylene composition, method of producing the same, articles made therefrom, and method of making such articles. The high-density polyethylene composition of the instant invention includes a first component, and a second component. The first component is a high molecular weight ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer having a density in the range of 0.915 to 0.940 g/cm3, and a melt index (I21.6) in the range of 0.5 to 10 g/10 minutes. The second component is a low molecular weight ethylene polymer having a density in the range of 0.965 to 0.980 g/cm3, and a melt index (I2) in the range of 50 to 1500 g/10 minutes. The high-density polyethylene composition has a melt index (I2) of at least 1, a density in the range of 0.950 to 0.960 g/cm3, and g′ of 1.
US08697801B2 Pallet with fire retardant and method of manufacture
A plastic pallet having a fire retardant. The fire retardant is prepared in an FR masterbatch before mixing with HDPE to form the pallet. In one embodiment, the FR masterbatch includes a brominated fire retardant, a hydrated mineral, antimony trioxide and a carrier resin. In some embodiments, the brominated fire retardant is a non-blooming brominated fire retardant such as poly pentabromobenzyl acrylate or ethylenebistetrabromophthalamide. The hydrated mineral advantageously enhances both the vapor phase and condensed phase fire retardant properties of the final product and may be magnesium hydroxide. In other embodiments, melamine pyrophosphate or a blend of melamine pyrophosphate and polyhydric compound may be substituted for the hydrated mineral or used as the sole fire retardant. The polyhydric compound may be bis-pentaerythritol phosphate alcohol. A method of manufacturing a plastic pallet is also disclosed.
US08697797B2 Associative acrylic emulsion containing an oxo alcohol-based monomer, its manufacturing method, and method for thickening an aqueous formulation using this emulsion
The present invention pertains to particular HASE rheology modifiers: they are aqueous emulsions whose solids content may reach about 25%, based on acrylic thickeners having an associative monomer functionalized by an oxo alcohol based hydrophobic group. Their method of synthesis, as well as a method for thickening an aqueous formulation containing them, also constitute objectives of the present invention.
US08697793B2 Rubber composition for use in tires
A rubber composition for use in tires is described which provides increased fuel efficiency and improved wet grip performance. The rubber composition includes from 5 to 70 parts by mass of silica having a BET specific surface area from 50 to 200 m2/g per 100 parts by mass of a diene rubber. The rubber composition includes from 1 to 25 parts by mass of an aromatic modified terpene resin and at least one terpene per 100 parts by mass of a diene rubber. The rubber composition further includes from 1 to 70 parts by mass of a naphthenic oil per 100 parts by mass of a diene rubber, where a CN % proportion of a CA %·CP %·CN % ratio calculated according to ASTM D2140/ASTM D3238 is the greatest and the CA % proportion is less than 15%, and a dynamic viscosity at 40° C. is from 17 to 30 mm2/sec.
US08697792B2 Migration-free coloured copolycondensates for colouring polymers
The invention relates to colored and/or fluorescent copolycondensates which are obtained by reaction of colorants substituted by at least two reactive groups which do not interfere with one another, with selected cyclic dicarboxylic acids (especially 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid), aliphatic diols (especially ethylene glycol), cyclic diamines (especially isophoronediamine) and/or amino acids in particular amounts.
US08697788B2 Polycarbonate resin composition and molded article thereof
This invention seeks to provide a resin composition and a molded article which are excellent in transparency, weatherability, resistance to boiling water and resistance to molding heat, which have an internal strain reduced and which are excellent in breaking durability.This invention is a resin composition comprising (A) 100 parts by weight of a polycarbonate resin (component A), (B) 0.005 to 1 part by weight of an ester (component B) of pentaerythritol and an aliphatic carboxylic acid, (C) 0.003 to 0.2 part by weight of an epoxy compound (component C), (D) 0.01 to 1 part by weight of an ultraviolet absorbent (component D), and (E) 0.001 to 0.5 part by weight of a phosphorus stabilizer (component E), wherein the components B and the component C have a critical stress of 12 MPa or more each when they are treated at a temperature of 120° C. for 24 hours in a one/fourth ellipse test method using a bisphenol A type polycarbonate resin sheet that is produced by a melt-extrusion method and has a viscosity average molecular weight of 24,500, and a molded article thereof.
US08697784B2 Permanent antistatic additive composition
The invention relates to antistatic polymer compositions comprising a polymer substrate, a polyalkyleneethoxylate with a specific molecular weight and a salt. Further aspects are a process for preparing an antistatic polymer and the use of such a polyalkyleneethoxylate as antistatic agent in polymers, preferably together with a salt.
US08697783B2 Use of thermoplastic polyurethanes in rubber modified bitumen roofing membranes
A roofing membrane that includes a blend of thermoplastic polyurethane and petroleum liquid so as to improve the UV stability of the blend without adversely affecting the flexibility of the dried and/or cured blend.
US08697781B2 Bituminous mixtures with a high polymer content
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of mixtures containing bitumen and thermoplastic polymer at a high concentration, stable during storage, with particular characteristics of easy processability and movability which, once diluted, allow modified bitumens to be obtained with high performance characteristics. In particular, the process allows mixtures containing bitumen, thermoplastic polymer and wax, to be prepared, wherein the polymer is in a quantity varying from 5 to 30% by weight with respect to the weight of the mixture consisting of bitumen and polymer, and the wax is in a quantity varying from 4.7 to 16.7% by weight with respect to the weight of the total mixture, and comprises reacting a concentrated mixture (A), stable during storage, containing bitumen and from 5 to 30% by weight of thermoplastic polymer, with a hydrocarbon wax containing at least 40 carbon atoms and having a melting point of at least 700 C., in a weight ratio between the mixture (A) and wax ranging from 100:5 to 100:20, at a temperature ranging from 160 to 2000 C. and for a time ranging from 15 minutes to 7 hours, preferably from 15 to 120 minutes. An object of the invention also relates to new mixtures containing bitumen and thermoplastic polymer at a high concentration and mixtures obtainable from these by dilution.
US08697779B2 Method for producing water-absorbent polymer particles by the polymerization of droplets of a monomer solution
A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a surrounding gas phase, the resulting polymer particles having a water content of at least 5% by weight, and being aftertreated thermally in the fluidized state in the presence of steam at a temperature of at least 60° C.
US08697766B2 Process for producing pulverulent porous materials
The present invention relates to a process for producing pulverulent organic porous materials, comprising (i) the provision of an organic xerogel or organic aerogel and then (ii) the comminution of the material provided in step (i).The invention further relates to the pulverulent organic porous materials thus obtainable, to thermal insulation materials comprising the pulverulent porous organic materials, to building material and vacuum insulation panels comprising the thermal insulation materials, and to the use of the pulverulent organic porous materials or of the thermal insulation materials for thermal insulation.
US08697763B2 Processes for making porous implantable materials
Described herein are methods of making open celled foams including a matrix of interconnected spheres. The open celled foams are silicone based materials and can be used to coat implants, such as breast implants, and function to encourage tissue ingrowth and reduce capsular formation.
US08697760B2 Process for producing zeolite film, and zeolite film obtained by the process
A process for producing a zeolite film is provided in which seed crystals thinly adhere to the surface of a support to form a thin and even zeolite film having fewer defects than conventional zeolite films. Also provided is a zeolite film obtained by the producing process. The process for producing the zeolite film comprises: a particle adhesion step of allowing a slurry, where zeolite particles which become seeds are dispersed, to flow down on the surface of a base material by the self-weight of the slurry, so that the zeolite particles adhere to the base material; and a film formation step of immersing the base material, to which the zeolite particles adhere, into a sol to carry out hydrothermal synthesis, thereby forming the zeolite film on the base material.
US08697752B2 Grease-like gel for repelling insects and preventing undesirable behavior in hoofed animals
Grease-like compositions are provided for repelling insects and preventing undesirable behavior in hoofed animals. The compositions utilize nontoxic mineral, synthetic, or vegetable oil based gels containing silica, clay, urea, polytetrafluoroethylene, or metallic soap thickeners and capsaicin.
US08697750B2 Oil-in-water type emulsion skin cosmetic
An oil-in-water type emulsion skin cosmetic which can be spread on skin easily. The formulation can contain glycerin at a high concentration or a formulation containing a combination of glycerin and an acrylamide-type thickening agent without the sticky effect. The skin cosmetic is characterized by comprising (A) a D-amino acid or a derivative or salt thereof, (B) a homopolymer, a copolymer or a crosspolymer containing at least one component selected from 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid. acrylic acid and derivatives thereof as a constituent unit, (C) an ester oil with an IOB value of 0.2 to 0.6, and (D) glycerin.
US08697746B2 Solid dispersion of alpha-ketoamide derivatives
A solid dispersion comprising ((1S)-1-((((1S)-1-benzyl-2,3-dioxo-3-(cyclopropylamino)propyl)amino)carbonyl)-3-methylbutyl)carbamic acid 5-methoxy-3-oxapentyl ester made amorphous in the presence of a water-soluble cellulosic polymer has improved storage stability. The solid dispersion also has improved solubility for an improved bioavailability.
US08697745B2 Pharmaceutical and food compositions for preventing or treating diabetes or obesity
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical and food compositions for preventing or treating diabetes or obesity, and more particularly to pharmaceutical compositions and functional foods for preventing or treating diabetes or obesity, which contain, as an active ingredient, a novel compound synthesized from a compound separated from an extract of the Stereocaulon alpinum. The novel compounds of the invention have very excellent PTP-1b (protein tyrosine phosphatase-1b) inhibitory activities, act selectively only on PTP-1b among protein tyrosine phosphatases, and are substantial PTP-1b inhibitors which are effective in preventing or treating diabetes or obesity.
US08697741B2 Process for the preparation of amorphous calcium salt of atorvastatin
A process for the preparation of amorphous atorvastatin calcium. The process includes providing a reaction mixture having a pH between 6.5 and 8.0 containing a sodium salt of atorvastatin and tetrahydrofuran. A non-cyclic chlorinated organic solvent selected from the group consisting of dichloromethane, trichloroethane, tetrachloroethane and chloroform or addition of cyclic hydrocarbon solvent selected from the group consisting of cyclohexane, cyclopentane and methyl cyclohexane is added to provide a mixture of organic solvents. An equivalent or an excess quantity of a source of calcium ions selected from the group consisting of calcium acetate and calcium chloride is added. Amorphous atorvastatin calcium is isolated from an organic phase comprising the mixture of organic solvents.
US08697739B2 Bicyclic acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors and uses thereof
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I); or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the variables are defined as herein. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing the compounds of formula (I), their therapeutic uses, combinations with other of pharmacologically active agents, and a pharmaceutical compositions.
US08697735B2 Solid forms of epalrestat
The invention relates to novel crystalline salts of 5-[(1Z,2E)-2-methyl-3-phenylpropenylidene]-4-oxo-2-thioxo-3-thiazolidineacetic acid and a novel betaine cocrystal of 5-[(1Z,2E)-2-methyl-3-phenylpropenylidene]-4-oxo-2-thioxo-3-thiazolidineacetic acid. The preparation and characterization of the novel crystalline salts and cocrystal according to various embodiments of the invention is described. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing the novel crystalline salts and cocrystal and the therapeutic use of the novel crystalline salts and cocrystal to treat and/or prevent various conditions, including treating and/or preventing diabetic complications, inhibiting aldose reductase, and affording cardioprotection in patients who may be non-diabetic.
US08697731B2 Derivatives of 2-pyridin-2-yl-pyrazol-3(2H)-one, preparation and therapeutic use thereof
The invention relates to compounds corresponding to formula (I), in the form of the base or of an acid-addition salt: in which n is equal to 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; m is equal to 0, 1 or 2; o is equal to 0 or 1; X represents a group —CH2, —CH(R′)—, —NH(R′)— or a heteroatom chosen from O and S, it being understood that R′ represents a group —(C1-C5)alkyl, —(C1-C5)alkoxy, —CH2-aryl, —C(O)R5 or —COOR5; R1, R2, R5 are as defined in the specification.
US08697730B2 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) inhibitor
Described herein are methods for the synthesis of 3-[5-(pyridin-2-ylmethoxy)-3-(2-methyl-2-propylthio)-1-[4-(2-methoxypyridin-5-yl)benzyl]-indol-2-yl]-2,2-dimethyl-propionic acid, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions suitable for oral administration to a mammal that include, as well as methods of using such oral pharmaceutical compositions for treating respiratory conditions or diseases, as well as other leukotriene-dependent or leukotriene mediated conditions or diseases.
US08697727B2 N-substituted-heterocycloalkyloxybenzamide compounds and methods of use
The present invention provides N-substituted-heterocycloalkyloxybenzamide compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use. One embodiment of the invention is a compound having the structure in which R1, R2, R3, R4, T, n, w and x are as described herein. In certain embodiments of the invention, a compound of the present invention activates the AMPK pathway, and can be used to treat metabolism-related disorders and conditions.
US08697725B2 Tetrahydroquinoline derivatives and their pharmaceutical use
Tetrahydroquinoline compounds of formula (I) and salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and their use in therapy.
US08697724B2 Crystalline oxalate salts of a diamide compound
The invention relates to crystalline oxalate salts of biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(2-{[4-(4-{[(R)-2-hydroxy-2-(8-hydroxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinolin-5-yl)ethylamino]-methyl}phenylcarbamoyl)butyl]methylcarbamoyl}ethyl)piperidin-4-yl ester. This invention also relates to compositions containing such a crystalline oxalate salt; methods of using such a crystalline oxalate salt to, for example, treat a pulmonary disorder; and to processes for preparing such a crystalline oxalate salt.
US08697721B2 Chromen-2-one derivatives and their use as monoamine neurotransmitter re-uptake inhibitors
The present applications discloses novel 8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yloxy)-chromen-2-one derivatives and their use as monoamine neurotransmitter re-uptake inhibitors. In other aspects the applications discloses the use of these compounds in a method for therapy and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention.
US08697718B2 Pack of medicinal tablets
A water- and oxygen-occlusive pack is described. The pack encloses an inert atmosphere containing medicinal tablets, wherein the tablets contain buprenorphine or a salt or ester thereof.
US08697710B2 Optionally substituted 3-amino-4-(thioxo or imino)-4,5-dihydro-2H-pyrazolo [3,4-d]pyrimidin-6(7H)-ones
The present invention relates to optionally substituted 3-amino-4,5-dihydro-(1H or 2H)-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-6(7H)-ones and their 4-imino or 4-thioxo derivatives, e.g., 3-amino-4-(thioxo or imino)-4,5-dihydro-2H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-6(7H)-ones, 3-amino-4-(thioxo or imino)-4,5-dihydro-2H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-6(7H)-ones, 3-amino-4-(thioxo or imino)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-6(7H)-ones, processes for their production, their use as pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US08697706B2 Compounds for the treatment of hepatitis C
The disclosure provides compounds of formula I, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts, as well as compositions and methods of using the compounds. The compounds have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be useful in treating those infected with HCV.
US08697703B2 Piperazine derivatives for blocking Cav2.2 calcium channels
The present invention relates to novel piperazine compounds; to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds; and to the use of the compounds in therapy to treat diseases for which blocking the Cav2.2 calcium channels is beneficial and to treat diseases for which blocking the Cav2.2 and Cav3.2 calcium channels is beneficial, e.g. to treat pain.
US08697701B2 Solid germicidal composition and disinfection method
A solid germicidal composition containing a compound of the formula (I), a carbonate compound and an organic acid with a solubility in water at 20° C. of 0.25 to 35%: wherein, R1 represents a saturated linear alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R2 represents a saturated linear alkyl group having 8 to 12 carbon atoms, X− represents a halogen ion and Y represents a saturated linear alkylene group having 8 to 12 carbon atoms is disclosed. A method for disinfecting an object, which comprises contacting an aqueous solution of the composition with the object, is also disclosed. The solid germicidal composition is effective against various microorganisms and hardly causes development of resistance to the composition itself in microorganisms even when the composition is continually or continuously used.
US08697695B2 Pest control composition
The present invention provides a pest control composition comprising, as active ingredients, (A) an amide compound of the formula (I), wherein R1 is an ethyl group, R2 is a hydrogen atom or an ethyl group, R3 is a methyl group, R4 is a chlorine atom, a bromine atom or a methyl group, R5 is a chlorine atom, a bromine atom or a cyano group, R6 is a chlorine atom, a bromine atom or a trifluoromethyl group and R7 is a chlorine atom; and (B) pyriproxyfen.
US08697694B2 Substituted pyridine and pyrimidine derivatives and their use in treating viral infections
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): and tautomers, isomers, and esters of said compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and prodrugs of said compounds, wherein each of R, R1, X, Y, Z, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R18, R19 and n is selected independently and as defined herein. Compositions comprising such compounds are also provided. The compounds of the invention are effective as inhibitors of HCV, and are useful, alone and together with other therapeutic agents, in treating or preventing diseases or disorders such as viral infections and virus-related disorders.
US08697690B2 Isoindolone M1 receptor positive allosteric modulators
The present invention is directed to isoindolone compounds of formula (I) which are M1 receptor positive allosteric modulators and that are useful in the treatment of diseases in which the M1 receptor is involved, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, pain or sleep disorders. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and to the use of the compounds and compositions in the treatment of diseases mediated by the M1 receptor.
US08697686B2 Crystalline forms of (R)-8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-thtrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrochloride
The present invention is directed to crystalline forms of (R)-8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine, compositions containing the same and uses thereof.
US08697683B2 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.
US08697682B2 Salts
This invention relates to a hydrochloride, malate, oxalate and tartrate salt forms of 1-(4-{1-[(E)-4-cyclohexyl-3-trifluoromethyl-benzyloxyimino]-ethyl}-2-ethyl-benzyl)-azetidine-3-carboxylic acid (Compound I), to pharmaceutical compositions comprising this salt, to processes for forming this salt and to its use in medical treatment. In addition, the present invention also relates to new polymorphic forms of each of these salts, as well as to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these polymorphic forms, to processes for obtaining them, and their use in medical treatment.
US08697679B2 Method and composition for treating or preventing catabolism or stimulating anabolism in a mammal undergoing metabolic stress
The invention is concerned with a method and a composition for treating or preventing catabolism or of stimulating anabolism in a mammal undergoing metabolic stress. The method comprises administering to the mammal a composition containing methyl donors selected from the group consisting of L-serine, methionine, choline, phosphatidyl choline, betaine, dimethylglycine, sarcosine, methylated folates, S-adenosyl methionine, thymidine triphosphate, adenosine triphosphate and optionally methyl acceptors selected from the group consisting of L-glycine, ethanolamine, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, folate, ribose, wherein the total molar amount of methyl donors delivered by the method exceeds the total molar amount of methyl acceptors delivered by the method by at least 0.18 mmol per kg of body weight per day.
US08697677B2 Perhexiline for treating chronic heart failure
Disclosed are methods for the treatment of chronic heart failure, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of perhexiline, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to treat said chronic heart failure. The chronic heart failure maybe non-ischaemic or ischaemic. Also disclosed is the use of perhexiline in the manufacture of a medicament to treat chronic heart failure, including chronic heart failure of a non-ischaemic origin and chronic heart failure of an ischaemic origin.
US08697671B2 Stabilized glycosaminoglycan preparations and related methods
Compositions comprising a glycosaminoglycan (e.g., a hyaluronan, hyaluronic acid, hyaluronate, sodium hyaluronate, dermatan sulfate, karatan sulfate, chondroitin 6-sulfate, heparin, etc.) in combination with at least one component selected from; i) polyglycols (e.g., polyethylene glycol), ii) long chain hydroxy polyanionic polysaccharides (e.g., dextran, sodium alginate, alginic acid, propylene glycol alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose and carboxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyl ethyl starch, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, polylysine, polyhistidine, polyhydroxy proline, poly ornithine, polyvinyl pyrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan, etc.) and iii) long chain Nitrogen containing polymers (e.g., Polylysine, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polyvinyl alcohol). The invention also includes methods for using such compositions (e.g., as substance delivery materials, tissue fillers or bulking agents, as moistening or hydrating agents, etc.).
US08697669B2 Folic acid-, vitamin B6- and vitamin B12-containing agents and the use thereof
The invention relates to agents containing a folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 and to the use thereof in hyperhomocystenemia for controlling homocysteine levels. The inventive agents are particularly suitable for preventive and acute treatment of vascular diseases of pregnant women and neurodegenerative diseases and are particularly advantageous in cases of hyperhomocysteinemia whose treatment with homocysteine level reducing agents causes secondary effects. Pharmaceutical agents and food supplements comprising the corresponding active substance combination, agents in the form of commercial packages containing corresponding combination preparations or monopreparations for a combined application are, in particular, also disclosed.
US08697668B2 Compositions and methods for preventing and treating cancer via modulating UBE1L, ISG215 and/or UBP43
Compositions and methods of using compositions that induce UBE1L or a ubiquitin-like protein ISG15, or inhibit a deconjugase UBP43 to degrade oncogenic proteins and enhance apoptosis of cancer (neoplastic) or pre-cancerous (pre-neoplastic) cells are provided. Methods for the prevention or treatment of cancer via administration of these compositions are also provided.
US08697665B2 Porphobilinogen deaminase gene therapy
The present invention relates to nucleotide sequences coding for human porphobilinogen deaminase that are optimised for higher expression in mammalian cells. The invention further relates to DNA constructs comprising such optimised synthetic coding sequences for use in gene therapy of conditions caused by a deficiency in porphobilinogen deaminase, such as acute intermittent porphyria. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a nucleic acid or a nucleic acid construct comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for a human porphobilinogen deaminase, wherein at least 320 of the codons coding for the human porphobilinogen deaminase are identical to the codons in SEQ ID NO: 1 or wherein at least 305 of the codons coding for the human porphobilinogen deaminase are identical to the codons in SEQ ID NO: 3.
US08697664B2 Targeted binding agents directed to PDGRF-alpha and uses thereof
Targeted binding agents directed to the antigen PDGFR-alpha and uses of such agents are disclosed herein. More specifically the invention relates to fully human monoclonal antibodies directed to the antigen PDGFR-alpha and uses of these antibodies. Aspects of the invention also relate to hybridomas or other cell lines expressing such antibodies. The described targeted binding agents and antibodies are useful as diagnostics and for the treatment of diseases associated with the activity and/or overexpression of PDGFR-alpha.
US08697663B2 Oligomeric compounds and compositions for use in modulation of small non-coding RNAs
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression and function of small non-coding RNAs. The compositions comprise oligomeric compounds, targeted to small non-coding RNAs. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of small non-coding RNAs as well as downstream targets of these RNAs and for diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with small non-coding RNAs are also provided.
US08697661B2 Use of spinosyns and spinosyn compositions against herpesviridae viral infections
The present invention relates to the use of spinosyns and spinosyn compositions as pharmaceuticals and methods for treatment—including prevention—of protozoan infections and/or disorders relating to a protozoan infection, such as malaria and leishmania, viral infections such as Herpes Simplex virus and Influenza virus and neoplastic disorders or cancer. Advantageously, compositions of the invention inhibit protozoan, virus growth and neoplastic cell proliferation with only minimal or no disruption or harm to the host which may be an animal or human.
US08697658B2 Glycoside compounds
Compounds of formula (I): wherein X, Y, and Z are defined herein. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutical methods related to these compounds.
US08697657B2 Combination therapies using cyclosporine and aromatic cationic peptides
The invention provides compositions and methods for preventing or treating an ischemia-reperfusion injury, such as occurs during acute myocardial infarction and organ transplant in a mammalian subject. The methods comprise administering to the subject an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and one or more additional active agents such as cyclosporine.
US08697650B2 HSA-related compositions and methods of use
Provided are human serum albumin (HSA) compositions with improved properties over native HSA.
US08697647B2 Hybrid polypeptides with selectable properties
The present invention relates generally to novel, selectable hybrid polypeptides useful as agents for the treatment and prevention of metabolic diseases and disorders which can be alleviated by control plasma glucose levels, insulin levels, and/or insulin secretion, such as diabetes and diabetes-related conditions. Such conditions and disorders include, but are not limited to, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, insulin-resistance, obesity, and diabetes mellitus of any kind, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
US08697644B2 Stable formulations for parenteral injection of peptide drugs
Stable formulations for parenteral injection of peptide drugs and methods of using such stable formulations are provided. In particular, the present invention provides stable formulations for parenteral injection of glucagon and methods of using such glucagon formulations to treat hypoglycemia, especially severe hypoglycemia in emergency situations.
US08697641B2 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl peptide cyclic analogues, inhibitors of viral replication
The invention provides 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl peptides and cyclic analogues thereof of Formula I and the pharmaceutically salts thereof. The variables are defined herein. Certain compounds of Formula I are useful as antiviral agents. 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl peptide cyclic analogues as disclosed herein are potent and/or selective inhibitors of viral replication, particularly Hepatitis C virus replication. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl peptide cyclic analogues and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Such pharmaceutical compositions may contain a 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl peptide cyclic analogue as the only active agent or may contain a combination of a 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl peptide cyclic analogue and one or more other pharmaceutically active agents. The invention also provides methods for treating viral infections, including Hepatitis C infections, in patients.
US08697639B2 Compositions and methods for treating bacteria
The present invention relates to the field of bacteriology. In particular, the present invention provides compositions (e.g., comprising a lantibiotic and mupirocin or gentamicin) and methods of treating (e.g., killing or inhibiting growth of) bacteria. For example, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compounds (e.g., comprising a lantibiotic and mupirocin or gentamicin) and methods of using the same in research, therapeutic and drug screening applications.
US08697638B2 Methods for preparing purified lipopeptides
The present invention relates to crystalline and crystal-like forms of lipopeptides, including daptomycin, a lipopeptide antibiotic with potent bactericidal activity against gram-positive bacteria, including strains that are resistant to conventional antibiotics. The present invention relates to methods of purifying lipopeptides, including daptomycin, a lipopeptide antibiotic with potent bactericidal activity against gram-positive bacteria, including strains that are resistant to conventional antibiotics. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the purified form of the lipopeptide and methods of using these compositions.
US08697636B2 RumC peptides with antimicrobial activity
The present invention relates to the RumC1, RumC2 and RumC3 peptides with antimicrobial activity, and also to the genes encoding these peptides and isolated from Ruminococcus gnavus E1.
US08697635B2 Pharmaceutical preparation to be administered into respiratory organs for treating or preventing inflammatory respiratory diseases, and method for treating or preventing such diseases
The present application relates to a pharmaceutical preparation to be administered into respiratory organs for treating or preventing inflammatory respiratory diseases, comprising a peptide which acts on formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) or receptors analogous thereto, in an amount which is effective in suppressing respiratory inflammation. The present application also relates to a method for treating or preventing inflammatory respiratory diseases by using the preparation, and to a kit containing the preparation. As compared with systemic administration of the peptide by injection, direct administration of the peptide to respiratory organs remarkedly improves the effect in suppressing respiratory inflammation.
US08697634B2 Peptides and methods using same for diagnosis and treatment of amyloid-associated disease
Peptides having at least 2 amino acids and no more than 15 amino acids are provided. The peptides comprise amino acid sequence X—Y or Y—X, wherein X is an aromatic amino acid and Y is any amino acid other than glycine. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions and kits including such peptides as well as methods using same for diagnosing and treating amyloid associated diseases.
US08697631B2 TMEM22 peptides and vaccines including the same
Isolated peptides composed of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33 or fragments thereof that bind to HLA antigens and have cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) inducibility and thus are suitable for use in the context of cancer immunotherapy, more particularly cancer vaccines are described herein. The present invention further provides peptides that include one, two, or several amino acid insertions, substitutions or additions to the aforementioned peptides or fragments, but yet retain the requisite cytotoxic T cell inducibility. Further provided are nucleic acids encoding any of these aforementioned peptides as well as pharmaceutical agents, substances and compositions including any of the aforementioned peptides or nucleic acids. The peptides, nucleic acids, pharmaceutical agents, substances and compositions of this invention find particular utility in the treatment of cancers and tumors.
US08697622B2 Cleaning compositions and emulsions or microemulsions employing extended chain nonionic surfactants
Synergistic combinations of extended chain surfactants and co-surfactants, emulsions or microemulsions and cleaning compositions incorporating the same are provided. In certain embodiments a surfactant system is disclosed which includes extended nonionic surfactants, and a linker surfactant. This system forms stable emulsions or microemulsions with oils, including non-trans fats and fatty acids and these emulsions or microemulsions are stable, irreversible and can be created at low temperature.The cleaning compositions may include the surfactant system alone, a stable emulsion or microemulsion with oil and the surfactant system, a pre-spotter or other pre-treatment or soft surface and hard surface cleaning compositions comprising the surfactant combination.
US08697621B2 Surfactant product comprising two distinct effervescent compositions
A surfactant product includes a first effervescent material and a second effervescent material. Each effervescent material is capable of effervescence on contact with water, wherein the rate of effervescence of the first effervescent material is greater than the rate of effervescence of the second effervescent material. The first and second effervescent materials are distinct from each other and at least one of the effervescent materials envelops the other of the effervescent materials.
US08697620B2 Solid soap
The object of the present invention is to improve the solidification point and the hardness of a soap of the fatty acid soap series wherein the percentage of potassium used as the counter ion is large. The solid soap of the present invention to achieve the above-described object is characterized by comprising 1 to 5 mass % of a betaine, and in that sodium and potassium are contained as the fatty acid counter ion, and potassium is 20 mole % or more of the counter ion.
US08697619B2 Method and composition for removing radiation-curable, pigmented, artificial nail gel coatings
A method and composition for removing UV cured nail gel wherein the composition comprises acetone and an alkoxylated lanolin oil is disclosed. The method comprises applying the composition to a cured nail gel and allowing the composition to soak.
US08697618B2 Method of using ionic liquids to improve the lubrication of chains, steel belts, wheel bearings, roller bearings, and electric motors
A method in which an improved lubricating composition containing ionic liquids is used to enable operation of chains, steel belts, wheel bearings, roller bearings, sliding bearings and electric motors for at least 48 hours by reducing the evaporation loss and the lackification tendency of the lubricant due to the lubricant being protected against thermal and oxidative attack.
US08697617B2 Power transmission fluids with improved friction characteristics
Reaction products of maleic and/or succinic acids or anhydrides and primary aliphatic amines are disclosed as effective in reducing the static friction in power transmission fluids.
US08697614B2 Oil release with N-lauroyl amino acid-based compounds
Chemical compounds that are N-lauroyl amino acids or derivatives thereof were found to have oil-releasing activity. Solutions containing these compounds may be introduced into oil reservoirs or onto oil-contaminated surface sites to release oil from oil-coated surfaces. The released oil may be recovered for further processing or waste disposal.
US08697611B2 High density brines for use in wellbore fluids
A composition and method for use in drilling or completing a subterranean well comprising a solidsfree, high-density brine composed of alkali metal polytungstate and blends thereof. These high-density brines are also useful as wellbore fluids and other non-oilfield fluids requiring high density properties.
US08697610B2 Well treatment with complexed metal crosslinkers
Disclosed are compositions and methods for treating subterranean formations, in particular, oilfield stimulation compositions and methods using polymer viscosified fluid crosslinked with metal complexes with amino and/or phosphonic acids to provide an increased crosslinking temperature and a low pH sensitivity. The metal complexes can be used with borate crosslinkers to provide continuous viscosification as the temperature is increased.
US08697607B2 Generation and application of standardized universal libraries
This invention provides quantitative, systematic and standardized High Throughput Screening (HTS) methods capable to the identification of both known and unknown sequences without prior knowledge of the sequences of interest. Either coding or non-coding sequences could be targeted, identified and analyzed systematically and respectively at genomic, transcriptional and translational levels with those methods. The genetic algorithms for sequence deducing and standardized universal libraries constructing are provided. The genetic algorithms are 61.sup.(n−m), 61.sup.n, 64.sup.(n−m), 64.sup.n., 20.sup.(n−m) and 20.sup.n. Applications of the standardized universal libraries include gene expression profiling, signature sequence identification and sequence determination by PCR, cloning, dot-blot hybridization, ELISA, DNA and Peptide Arrays.
US08697603B2 Compositions and methods for increasing biomass, iron concentration, and tolerance to pathogens in plants
Methods for producing greater biomass in a plant, increasing the drought tolerance of a plant, producing a decreased lignin concentration in a plant, producing a greater iron concentration in a plant, or inhibiting fungal infection in a plant comprise administering Bacillus subtilis FB17 to the plant, the seed of the plant, or soil surrounding the plant or the seed in an amount effective to produce greater biomass, increase the drought tolerance, produce a decreased lignin concentration, produce a greater iron concentration, or inhibit fungal infection in the plant compared to an untreated plant, respectively. Agricultural carriers and seed coatings comprising Bacillus subtilis FB17 are provided. The biomass of a plant which has been administered Bacillus subtilis FB17 can be converted to a biofuel or can be used as a food crop or in other uses.
US08697598B2 Hydrogenation catalyst and use thereof
The present invention provides a hydrogenation catalyst, containing a carrier, metal components of nickel, molybdenum and tungsten supported thereon, and an adjuvant component selected from the group consisting of fluorine and phosphor and combination thereof. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a hydrogenation catalyst, containing a carrier and metal components of nickel, molybdenum and tungsten supported thereon, wherein said carrier contains a molecular sieve. The present invention provides further use of said catalyst in the process for hydrogenating hydrocarbon oil. In comparison with a hydrogenation catalyst according to the prior art, the catalyst according to the present invention has a much higher activity.
US08697595B2 Precipitated film and fabricating method thereof
A precipitated film and the fabricating method thereof are disclosed. The precipitated film includes a supporting layer having columnar crystals, and a functional layer formed on the supporting layer and having granular crystals. The precipitated film is fabricated by phase-changing one of two aqueous solutions, which are able to react with each other to form a solid precipitate inherently, into solid-state and then reacting with the other aqueous solution to form the precipitated film by a precipitation reaction.
US08697593B2 Zeolite catalyst for the alkylation of toluene with methanol
The zeolite catalyst is provided for the alkylation of toluene with methanol to selectively produce styrene and ethylbenzene. The zeolite catalyst is an X-type zeolite modified sequentially, first by ion-exchange with alkali metals, such as cesium, to replace all exchangeable sodium from the zeolite, and then by mixing the modified zeolite with borate salts of a metal such as lanthanum, zirconium, copper, zinc or the like. The initial zeolite composition has a Si to Al molar ratio of approximately 1 to 10, and is preferably either zeolite X or zeolite 13X. The zeolite composition is ion-exchanged with cesium to replace at least 50% of the exchangeable sodium in the zeolite composition. The ion-exchanged zeolite composition is then mixed with a borate salt to form the zeolite catalyst for the alkylation of toluene with methanol for the selective production of styrene and ethylbenzene.
US08697590B2 Low dielectric glass and fiber glass for electronic applications
Glass compositions are provided that are useful in electronic applications, e.g., as reinforcements in printed circuit board substrates. Reduced dielectric constants are provided relative to E-glass, and fiber forming properties are provided that are more commercially practical than D-glass.
US08697588B2 Mineral wool from recyclable materials
Provided is a mineral wool that includes recycled material. The mineral wool is characterized by an acid to base ratio within a specified range. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the mineral wool that includes selection of post-consumer or post-industrial recyclable materials. Application of the mineral wool to products such as an acoustical ceiling panel is also provided.
US08697587B2 Nanowebs
A nonwoven web of fibers that have a number average diameter of less than 1 micron. The web can have a Poisson Ratio of less than about 0.8, a solidity of at least about 20%, a basis weight of at least about 1 gsm, and a thickness of at least 1 micrometer.
US08697585B2 Crystallization method of amorphous silicon layer
A crystallization method is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate having an amorphous silicon layer, wherein the substate has first and second sides opposing each other and irradiating a laser beam onto the substrate so as to have an inclined angle with respect to the first and second sides of the substrate. The method further includes relatively moving one of the laser beam and the substate with respect to the other i) in a first direction from the first side to the second side of the substate and ii) in a second direction which crosses the first direction.
US08697584B2 Enhanced transistor performance of N-channel transistors by using an additional layer above a dual stress liner in a semiconductor device
By forming an additional dielectric material, such as silicon nitride, after patterning dielectric liners of different intrinsic stress, a significant increase of performance of N-channel transistors may be obtained while substantially not contributing to a performance loss of the P-channel transistor.
US08697581B2 III-nitride semiconductor device with trench structure
A III-nitride trench device has a vertical conduction region with an interrupted conduction channel when the device is not on, providing an enhancement mode device. The trench structure may be used in a vertical conduction or horizontal conduction device. A gate dielectric provides improved performance for the device by being capable of withstanding higher electric field or manipulating the charge in the conduction channel. A passivation of the III-nitride material decouples the dielectric from the device to permit lower dielectric constant materials to be used in high power applications.
US08697579B2 Method of forming an isolation structure and method of forming a semiconductor device
A method of forming an isolation structure includes forming a trench at an upper portion of a substrate, forming a first oxide layer on an inner wall of the trench, oxidizing a portion of the substrate adjacent to the trench to form a second oxide layer such that the portion of the substrate adjacent to the trench has the first oxide layer thereon, forming a nitride layer on the first oxide layer, and forming an insulation layer pattern on the nitride layer such that the insulation layer pattern fills a remaining portion of the trench.
US08697577B2 Method and composition for chemical mechanical planarization of a metal or a metal alloy
A composition and associated method for chemical mechanical planarization of a metal-containing substrate (e.g., a copper substrate) are described herein which afford high and tunable rates of metal removal as well as low dishing and erosion levels during CMP processing.
US08697576B2 Composition and method for polishing polysilicon
The invention provides a polishing composition comprising silica, an aminophosphonic acid, a polysaccharide, a tetraalkylammonium salt, a bicarbonate salt, an azole ring, and water, wherein the polishing composition has a pH of about 7 to about 11. The invention further provides a method of polishing a substrate with the polishing composition.
US08697575B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and the manufacturing method thereof. First, a hole is formed on a first side of a substrate. Then, an isolation layer is formed on an inner side of the hole and the hole is filled with a semiconductor material. Next, functional structures are formed on the first side of the substrate, the substrate is thinned from its second side opposite to the first side to expose the semiconductor material in the hole, and then the semiconductor material in the hole is removed to form a through hole penetrating through the substrate. The through hole is filled with a conductive material, thereby obtaining a final through substrate via (TSV) for facilitating electrical connection between different chips. By using a semiconductor material as TSV dummy material before filling the TSV with metal, the method can be better compatible with the standard process flow.
US08697568B2 Semiconductor chip including a plurality of chip areas and fabricating method thereof
Disclosed is a method of fabricating a semiconductor chip. The method includes forming a silicon layer; forming a first layer formed on the silicon layer and including a first seal ring surrounding a first chip area and a second seal ring surrounding a second chip area; and forming a second layer formed on the first layer and including a metal interconnection connecting one of the first and second chip areas and an external terminal.
US08697567B2 Implementing decoupling devices inside a TSV DRAM stack
A method and structures are provided for implementing decoupling capacitors within a DRAM TSV stack. A DRAM is formed with a plurality of TSVs extending completely through the substrate and filled with a conducting material. A layer of glass is grown on both the top and bottom of the DRAM providing an insulator. A layer of metal is grown on each glass layer providing a conductor. The metal and glass layers are etched through to TSVs with a gap provided around the perimeter of via pads. A respective solder ball is formed on the TSVs to connect to another DRAM chip in the DRAM TSV stack. The metal layers are connected to at least one TSV by one respective solder ball and are connected to a voltage source and a dielectric is inserted between the metal layers in the DRAM TSV stack to complete the decoupling capacitor.
US08697566B2 Bump structure and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method of a bump structure is provided. A substrate having at least one pad and a passivation layer is provided. The passivation layer has at least one first opening exposing the pad. An insulating layer is formed on the passivation layer. The insulating layer has at least one second opening located above the first opening. A metal layer is formed on the insulating layer. The metal layer electrically connects the pad through the first and second openings. A first bump is formed in the first and second openings. A second bump is formed on the first bump and a portion of the metal layer. The metal layer not covered by the second bump is partially removed by using the second bump as a mask, so as to form at least one UBM layer. The first bump is completely covered by the UBM layer and the second bump.
US08697564B2 Method of manufacturing GaN-based film
A method of manufacturing a GaN-based film includes the steps of preparing a composite substrate, the composite substrate including a support substrate in which a coefficient of thermal expansion in its main surface is more than 0.8 time and less than 1.0 time as high as a coefficient of thermal expansion of GaN crystal in a direction of a axis and a single crystal film arranged on a main surface side of the support substrate, the single crystal film having threefold symmetry with respect to an axis perpendicular to a main surface of the single crystal film, and forming a GaN-based film on the main surface of the single crystal film in the composite substrate, the single crystal film in the composite substrate being an SiC film. Thus, a method of manufacturing a GaN-based film capable of manufacturing a GaN-based film having a large main surface area and less warpage without crack being produced in a substrate is provided.
US08697562B2 Metal contacts for molecular device junctions and surface-diffusion-mediated deposition
Metal contact formation for molecular device junctions by surface-diffusion-mediated deposition (SDMD) is described. In an example, a method of fabricating a molecular device junction by surface-diffusion-mediated deposition (SDMD) includes forming a molecular layer above a first region of a substrate. A region of metal atoms is formed above a second region of the substrate proximate to, but separate from, the first region of the substrate. A metal contact is then formed by migrating metal atoms from the region of metal atoms onto the molecular layer.
US08697560B2 Process of forming an electronic device including a trench and a conductive structure therein
An electronic device can include a transistor structure, including a patterned semiconductor layer overlying a substrate and having a primary surface, wherein the patterned semiconductor layer defines a first trench and a second trench that extend from the primary surface towards the substrate. The electronic device can further include a first conductive electrode and a gate electrode within the first trench. The electronic device can still further include a second conductive electrode within the second trench. The electronic device can include a source region within the patterned semiconductor layer and disposed between the first and second trenches. The electronic device can further include a body contact region within the patterned semiconductor layer and between the first and second trenches, wherein the body contact region is spaced apart from the primary surface. Processes of forming the electronic device can take advantage of forming all trenches during processing sequence.
US08697557B2 Method of removing gate cap materials while protecting active area
Disclosed herein is a method of forming a semiconductor device. In one example, the method includes forming a gate electrode structure above a semiconducting substrate, wherein the gate electrode structure includes a gate insulation layer, a gate electrode, a first sidewall spacer positioned proximate the gate electrode, and a gate cap layer, and forming an etch stop layer above the gate cap layer and above the substrate proximate the gate electrode structure. The method further includes forming a layer of spacer material above the etch stop layer, and performing at least one first planarization process to remove the portion of said layer of spacer material positioned above the gate electrode, the portion of the etch stop layer positioned above the gate electrode and the gate cap layer.
US08697555B2 Method of producing semiconductor device and semiconductor device
The invention offers a method of producing a semiconductor device that can suppress the worsening of the property due to surface roughening of a wafer by sufficiently suppressing the surface roughening of the wafer in the heat treatment step and a semiconductor device in which the worsening of the property caused by the surface roughening is suppressed. The method of producing a MOSFET as a semiconductor device is provided with a step of preparing a wafer 3 made of silicon carbide and an activation annealing step that performs activation annealing by heating the wafer 3. In the activation annealing step, the wafer 3 is heated in an atmosphere containing a vapor of silicon carbide generated from the SiC piece 61, which is a generating source other than the wafer 3.
US08697554B2 Lateral collection architecture for SLS detectors
Lateral collection architecture for a photodetector is achieved by depositing electrically conducting SLS layers onto a planar substrate and diffusing dopants of a carrier type opposite that of the layers through the layers at selected regions to disorder the superlattice and create diode junctions oriented transversely to the naturally enhanced lateral mobility of photogenerated charge carriers within the superlattice. The diode junctions are terminated at a top surface of the photodetector within an SLS layer of wide bandgap material to minimize unwanted currents. A related architecture disorders the superlattice of topmost SLS layers by diffusing therethrough a dopant configured as a grid and penetrating to a lower SLS layer having the same carrier type as the dopant and opposite that of the topmost layers to isolate pixels within the topmost layers. Ohmic contacts may be deposited on doped regions, pixels, and substrate to provide desired external connections.
US08697552B2 Method for ion implant using grid assembly
A method of ion implantation comprising: providing a plasma within a plasma region of a chamber; positively biasing a first grid plate, wherein the first grid plate comprises a plurality of apertures; negatively biasing a second grid plate, wherein the second grid plate comprises a plurality of apertures; flowing ions from the plasma in the plasma region through the apertures in the positively-biased first grid plate; flowing at least a portion of the ions that flowed through the apertures in the positively-biased first grid plate through the apertures in the negatively-biased second grid plate; and implanting a substrate with at least a portion of the ions that flowed through the apertures in the negatively-biased second grid plate.
US08697549B2 Deposition of porous films for thermoelectric applications
An improved method of creating thermoelectric materials which have high electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity is disclosed. In one embodiment, the thermoelectric material is made by depositing a porous film onto a substrate, introducing a dopant into the porous film and annealing the porous film to activate the dopant. In other embodiments, additional amounts of dopant may be introduced via subsequent ion implantations of dopant into the deposited porous film.
US08697548B2 Method for making semi-conductor nanocrystals oriented along a predefined direction
A method for making a semi-conductor nanocrystals, including at least the steps of: making a stack of at least one uniaxially stressed semi-conductor thin layer and a dielectric layer, annealing the semi-conductor thin layer such that a dewetting of the semi-conductor forms, on the dielectric layer, elongated shaped semi-conductor nanocrystals oriented perpendicularly to the stress axis.
US08697547B2 Method for manufacturing silicon epitaxial wafer
A method for manufacturing a silicon epitaxial wafer, including vapor-phase growing a silicon single crystal thin film on a silicon single crystal substrate in a hydrogen atmosphere while supplying a source gas; and cooling a silicon epitaxial wafer having the formed silicon single crystal thin film by calculating a temperature at which a standard value or a process average value of concentration of an evaluation target impurity present in the silicon single crystal thin film coincides with solubility limit concentration of the evaluation target impurity and setting a cooling rate of the silicon epitaxial wafer after the film formation to be less than 20° C./sec in a temperature range of at least plus or minus 50° C. from the calculated temperature.
US08697546B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising bonding a first principal surface of a substrate to a supporting substrate through a light-to-heat conversion film, and removing a portion of the light-to-heat conversion film exposed on the supporting substrate. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising forming a light-to-heat conversion film on a supporting substrate, bonding a semiconductor substrate to the supporting substrate, so that the light-to-heat conversion film extends outside the semiconductor substrate, performing an anti-contamination treatment on the light-to-heat conversion film, and separating the supporting substrate and the semiconductor substrate from each other.
US08697544B2 Method for manufacturing bonded wafer
The present invention is a method for manufacturing a bonded wafer including at least the steps of: forming an ion-implanted layer inside a bond wafer; bringing the ion-implanted surface of the bond wafer into close contact with a surface of a base wafer directly or through a silicon oxide film; and performing heat treatment for delaminating the bond wafer at the ion-implanted layer, wherein the heat treatment step for delaminating includes performing a pre-annealing at a temperature of less than 500° C. and thereafter performing a delamination heat treatment at a temperature of 500° C. or more, and the pre-annealing is performed at least by a heat treatment at a first temperature and a subsequent heat treatment at a second temperature higher than the first temperature. As a result, there is provided a method for manufacturing a bonded wafer having high quality, for example, mainly the reduction of defects, by forming a high bonding strength state at a lower temperature than the temperature at which the delamination is caused, in the manufacture of the bonded wafer by the Smart Cut method (registered trademark).
US08697543B2 Chip-to-wafer bonding method and three-dimensional integrated semiconductor device
A chip-to-wafer bonding method and a three-dimensional integrated semiconductor device are provided. The method comprises providing a chip and a wafer having a bonding region of the same size and shape as the chip; preparing hydrophilic areas and hydrophobic areas on the chip; preparing in the bonding region hydrophilic areas and hydrophobic areas respectively corresponding to the hydrophilic and hydrophobic areas on the chip; adding a liquid drop onto the hydrophilic areas in the bonding region; and pre-aligning and placing the chip on the bonding region of the wafer, such that the hydrophilic areas on the chip each contacts the corresponding hydrophilic area in the bonding region via the liquid. The sum of perimeters of the hydrophilic areas on the chip is larger than a perimeter of the chip. The sum of perimeters of the hydrophilic areas in the bonding region is larger than a perimeter of the bonding region.
US08697542B2 Method for thin die-to-wafer bonding
A method is provided for bonding a die to a base technology wafer and includes: providing a device wafer having a front, back, at least one side, and at least one TSV, wherein the back contains a substrate material; providing a carrier wafer having a front, back, and at least one side; bonding the wafers using an adhesive; removing the substrate material and wet etching, from the device wafer's back side, to expose at least one metallization scheme feature; processing the device wafer's back side to create at least one backside redistribution layer; removing the device wafer from the carrier wafer; dicing the device wafer into individual die; providing a base technology wafer; coating the front of the base technology wafer with a sacrificial adhesive; placing the front of the individual die onto the front of the base technology wafer; and bonding the individual die to the base technology wafer.
US08697539B2 Method of making lower parasitic capacitance FinFET
An integrated circuit device includes a gate region extending above a semiconductor substrate and extending in a first longitudinal direction. A first fin has a first sidewall that extends in a second longitudinal direction above the semiconductor substrate such that the first fin intersects the gate region. A second fin has a second sidewall extending in the second direction above the semiconductor substrate such that the second fin intersects the gate region. A shallow trench isolation (STI) region is formed in the semiconductor substrate between the first and second sidewalls of the first and second fins. A conductive layer disposed over the first insulating layer and over top surfaces of the first and second fins. A first insulating layer is disposed between an upper surface of the STI region and a lower surface of the conductive layer to separate the STI region from the conductive layer.
US08697529B2 Schottky junction source/drain transistor and method of making
A method of making a transistor, comprising: providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a gate stack over the semiconductor substrate; forming an insulating layer over the semiconductor substrate; forming a depleting layer over the insulating layer; etching the depleting layer and the insulating layer; forming a metal layer over the semiconductor substrate; performing thermal annealing; and removing the metal layer. As advantages of the present invention, an upper outside part of each of the sidewalls include a material that can react with the metal layer, so that metal on two sides of the sidewalls is absorbed during the annealing process, preventing the metal from diffusing toward the semiconductor layer, and ensuring that the formed Schottky junctions can be ultra-thin and uniform, and have controllable and suppressed lateral growth.
US08697528B2 Method of forming a planar field effect transistor structure with recesses for epitaxially deposited source/drain regions
Disclosed is a transistor that incorporates epitaxially deposited source/drain semiconductor films and a method for forming the transistor. A crystallographic etch is used to form recesses between a channel region and trench isolation regions in a silicon substrate. Each recess has a first side, having a first profile, adjacent to the channel region and a second side, having a second profile, adjacent to a trench isolation region. The crystallographic etch ensures that the second profile is angled so that all of the exposed recess surfaces comprise silicon. Thus, the recesses can be filled by epitaxial deposition without divot formation. Additional process steps can be used to ensure that the first side of the recess is formed with a different profile that enhances the desired stress in the channel region.
US08697526B2 Semiconductor device manufacturing method
A semiconductor manufacturing method includes exposing on a photoresist film a first partial pattern of a contact hole, overlapping a part of a gate interconnection in alignment with an alignment mark formed simultaneously with forming the gate interconnection, exposing on the photoresist film a second partial pattern, overlapping a part of an active region in alignment with an alignment mark formed simultaneously with forming the active region, developing the photoresist film to form an opening at the portion where the first partial pattern and the second partial pattern have been exposed, and etching an insulation film to form a contact hole down to the gate interconnection and the source/drain diffused layer.
US08697525B2 Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of first conductive patterns separated by a damascene pattern, a second conductive pattern buried in the damascene pattern, and a spacer including an air gap between the second conductive pattern and the first conductive patterns.
US08697524B2 Methods of manufacturing vertical semiconductor devices
Methods of manufacturing vertical semiconductor devices may include forming a mold structure including sacrificial layers and insulating interlayers with a first opening formed therethrough. The sacrificial layers and the insulating interlayers may be stacked repeatedly and alternately on a substrate. The first opening may expose the substrate. Blocking layers may be formed by oxidizing portions of the sacrificial layers exposed by the first opening. A first semiconductor layer pattern, a charge trapping layer pattern and a tunnel insulation layer pattern, respectively, may be formed on the sidewall of the first opening. A second semiconductor layer may be formed on the first polysilicon layer pattern and the bottom of the first opening. The sacrificial layers and the insulating interlayers may be partially removed to form a second opening. The sacrificial layers may be removed to form grooves between the insulating interlayers. Control gate electrodes may be formed in the grooves.
US08697523B2 Integration of SMT in replacement gate FINFET process flow
A method of fabricating a FINFET includes the following steps. A plurality of fins is patterned in a wafer. A dummy gate is formed covering a portion of the fins which serves as a channel region. Spacers are formed on opposite sides of the dummy gate. The dummy gate is removed thus forming a trench between the spacers that exposes the fins in the channel region. A nitride material is deposited into the trench so as to cover a top and sidewalls of each of the fins in the channel region. The wafer is annealed to induce strain in the nitride material thus forming a stressed nitride film that covers and induces strain in the top and the sidewalls of each of the fins in the channel region of the device. The stressed nitride film is removed. A replacement gate is formed covering the fins in the channel region.
US08697518B2 Trench MOSFET with trench contact holes and method for fabricating the same
A trench MOSFET with trench contact holes and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The MOSFET includes an N type substrate, an N type epitaxial layer on the substrate; a P well region on top of the epitaxial layer; a source region formed on the P well region; an oxide layer on the source region; a plurality of trenches which traverse the source region and the P well region and contact the epitaxial layer; a gate oxide layer and polysilicon formed in the trenches; a source contact hole and a gate contact hole, wherein the source contact hole and the gate contact hole have a titanium metal layer, a titanium nitride layer, and tungsten metal sequentially, respectively; a P+ implanted region; a source electrode formed above the source contact hole and a gate electrode formed above the gate contact hole.
US08697516B2 Capacitor and a method of manufacturing the same
A capacitor (110), wherein the capacitor (110) comprises a capacitor dielectric (112) comprising a dielectric matrix (114) of a first value of permittivity, and a plurality of nanoclusters (116) of a second value of permittivity which is larger than the first value of permittivity which are at least partially embedded in the dielectric matrix (114), wherein the plurality of nanoclusters (116) are formed in the dielectric matrix (114) by spontaneous nucleation.
US08697510B2 Tunnel field-effect transistor with narrow band-gap channel and strong gate coupling
A semiconductor device and the methods of forming the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes a low energy band-gap layer comprising a semiconductor material; a gate dielectric on the low energy band-gap layer; a gate electrode over the gate dielectric; a first source/drain region adjacent the gate dielectric, wherein the first source/drain region is of a first conductivity type; and a second source/drain region adjacent the gate dielectric. The second source/drain region is of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type. The low energy band-gap layer is located between the first and the second source/drain regions.
US08697500B2 Method for manufacturing solid-state image sensor
A method for manufacturing a solid-state image sensor includes forming a gate electrode structure including a gate electrode on a gate insulating film formed on a semiconductor substrate, and implanting ions into a first region and simultaneously implanting the ions into a second region of the semiconductor substrate via the gate electrode structure and the gate insulating film, wherein the first region is a region where a charge accumulation region is to be formed, and the second region is a region where an extended region that extends from the charge accumulation region to a portion below the gate electrode is to be formed, and a mean projected range of the ions in the step of simultaneous implanting of the ions into the first region and the second region is larger than a sum total of thicknesses of the gate electrode and the gate insulating film.
US08697499B2 System of dynamic and end-user configurable electrical interconnects
A dynamic and end-user configurable controlled impedance interconnect line includes a plurality of conductive pixels, a plurality of thin-film transition material interconnects to electrically connect adjacent conductive pixels in the plurality of conductive pixels, and a plurality of addressable pixel interconnect actuators to selectively heat a respective plurality of the thin-film transition material interconnects. The plurality of addressable pixel interconnect actuators is operable to selectively heat a respective plurality of the thin-film transition material interconnects to form an interconnect line.
US08697497B2 Module with silicon-based layer
The invention concerns a module comprising a carrier element, a semiconductor device mounted on said carrier element and a silicon-based insulating layer. The silicon-based insulating layer is arranged on the side of the carrier element opposite to the semiconductor device. The invention further concerns a module comprising a semiconductor device, a mold compound at least partly covering the semiconductor device and a silicon-based passivation layer. The silicon-based passivation layer covers at least partly the periphery of the mold compound.
US08697495B2 Stacked die package
The formation of electronic assemblies is described. One embodiment includes first and second semiconductor die structures each including a front side and a backside, the front side including an active region and the backside including metal regions and non-metal regions thereon. The first and second semiconductor die structures include a plurality of vias, the vias forming electrical connections between the active region and the backside metal regions. The first and second semiconductor die structures are stacked together with at least one of the metal regions on the backside of the first semiconductor die structure in direct contact with at least one of the metal regions on the back side of the second semiconductor die structure. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08697488B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
It is an object to provide a highly reliable semiconductor device which includes a thin film transistor having stable electric characteristics. It is another object to manufacture a highly reliable semiconductor device at lower cost with high productivity. In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device which includes a thin film transistor where a semiconductor layer having a channel formation region, a source region, and a drain region are formed using an oxide semiconductor layer, heat treatment (heat treatment for dehydration or dehydrogenation) is performed so as to improve the purity of the oxide semiconductor layer and reduce impurities such as moisture. Moreover, the oxide semiconductor layer subjected to the heat treatment is slowly cooled under an oxygen atmosphere.
US08697486B2 Methods of forming phase change materials and methods of forming phase change memory circuitry
A method of forming a phase change material which having germanium and tellurium therein includes depositing a germanium-containing material over a substrate. Such material includes elemental-form germanium. A gaseous tellurium-comprising precursor is flowed to the germanium-comprising material and tellurium is removed from the gaseous precursor to react with the elemental-form germanium in the germanium-comprising material to form a germanium and tellurium-comprising compound of a phase change material over the substrate. Other implementations are disclosed.
US08697483B2 Method of forming contact and semiconductor device manufactured by using the method
A method of forming a contact includes forming an inter-layer dielectric layer to cover a gate formed on a semiconductor substrate; and forming a first hole which passes through the inter-layer dielectric layer to expose the gate, a second hole which exposes an active region of the semiconductor substrate, and a third hole which exposes the semiconductor substrate at a preset depth. Further, the method includes forming a shielding layer on the semiconductor substrate including the bottom and sidewalls of the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole; and removing the shielding layer at the bottom of the first hole and the second hole to expose the gate and the active region. Furthermore, the method includes filling the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole with a conductive material.
US08697476B2 Processes and compositions for forming photovoltaic devices with base metal buss bars
A photovoltaic cell such as a solar cell is disclosed. The cell comprises (a) a semiconductor substrate having a front surface, (b) one or more anti-reflection coating layers on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, (c) a plurality of silver-containing fingers in contact with the one or more anti-reflection coating layers and in electrical contact with the semiconductor substrate; and (d) one or more base metal containing buss bars each in contact with the one or more anti-reflection coating layers and the silver-containing fingers. The base metal may be selected from one or more of copper, nickel, lead, tin, iron, indium, zinc, bismuth and cobalt. Methods for making protovoltaic cells with base metal containing buss bars are also disclosed.
US08697474B2 Methods to fabricate and improve stand-alone and integrated filters
Embodiments of the invention provide for fabricating a filter, for electromagnetic radiation, in at least three ways, including (1) fabricating integrated thin film filters directly on a detector; (2) fabricating a free standing thin film filter that may be used with a detector; and (3) treating an existing filter to improve the filter's properties.
US08697471B2 Methods for encapsulating nanocrystals and resulting compositions
The present invention provides methods for hermetically sealing luminescent nanocrystals, as well as compositions and containers comprising hermetically sealed luminescent nanocrystals. By hermetically sealing the luminescent nanocrystals, enhanced lifetime and luminescence can be achieved.
US08697469B2 Protein transistor device
The present invention discloses a protein transistor device, wherein an antibody molecule (antibody-antigen) is bonded to at least two gold nanoparticles in a high reproducible self-assembly way to form molecular junctions, and wherein the two gold nanoparticles are respectively joined to a drain and a source. The protein transistor device can be controlled to regulate current via applying a bias to the gate. The conformational change of the protein molecule will cause the variation of the charge transport characteristics of the protein transistor device. The protein transistor device can be further controlled by different optical fields via conjugating a quantum dot to the molecular junctions. Therefore, the present invention has diversified applications.
US08697453B2 Particles
A coated magnetic particle comprising an optionally porous magnetic polymer particle of a matrix polymer, said polymer particle having on a surface and/or in the pores thereof superparamagnetic crystals, said coated particle having a coat formed of a coating polymer, wherein said coated magnetic particle is essentially non-autofluorescent.
US08697451B2 Sulfur breakthrough detection assembly for use in a fuel utilization system and sulfur breakthrough detection method
A sulfur breakthrough monitoring assembly for use in a fuel utilization system for detecting sulfur-containing compounds in desulfurized fuel, said monitoring assembly comprising: a heater for heating desulfurized fuel to a predetermined temperature, the predetermined temperature being between 450° C. and 600° C., a sulfur breakthrough detector adapted to receive heated fuel from the heater and including at least a reforming catalyst bed for reforming the heated fuel and a plurality of temperature sensors including a first temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the heated fuel before the fuel is conveyed through the reforming catalyst bed and a second temperature sensor for sensing temperature in the reforming catalyst bed, and a controller for determining whether concentration of the sulfur-containing compounds in the fuel exceeds a first predetermined concentration based on temperature outputs from the first and second temperature sensors.
US08697448B2 Method and apparatus for implementing user personalized operation of chemistry analyzer
The present invention discloses a user personalized operating method and operating apparatus for use in a chemistry analyzer, the method comprises following steps: initiating the operating software of the chemistry analyzer; loading a profile, the profile comprising at least a database containing combinations of controls for respective users; retrieving configuration information of the function components from the database; and setting display interface and function components by the chemistry analyzer according to the configuration information. The present invention realizes different combinations of controls and display interface by use of the profile and thus operating software of different versions can be provided.
US08697446B2 Cell fusion chamber, cell fusion device, and method for cell fusion using the same
The present invention relates to a cell fusion chamber in which two types of cells having different diameters are fused, the cell fusion chamber including: a cell fusion region in which cell fusion is carried out; a pair of electrodes formed by a conductor and disposed opposite to each other in the cell fusion region; and a partition wall having at least one fine pore; near the fine pore, a cell fusion device including a cell fusion container containing a cell fusion region; a pair of electrodes; a spacer; and an insulator disposed between the spacer and one of the electrodes and having at least one fine pore; and an electronic power supply which applies an alternating voltage and a voltage pulsed direct current to the electrodes, and a cell fusion method using the same.
US08697443B2 Cell culture methods and devices utilizing gas permeable materials
Gas permeable devices and methods are disclosed for cell culture, including cell culture devices and methods that contain medium at heights, and certain gas permeable surface area to medium volume ratios. These devices and methods allow improvements in cell culture efficiency and scale up efficiency.
US08697432B2 Systems and methods of analyzing nucleic acid polymers and related components
Systems and methods of identifying, sequencing and/or detecting nucleic acid polymers, as well as related components (e.g., substrates, software and the like) are disclosed.
US08697423B2 Strain of Lactobacillus plantarum S, the use of the strain of Lactobacillus plantarum S and the preparation for roughages ensiling
The invention relates to the new, genetically non-modified bacterial strain Lactobacillus plantarum S, which has been deposited in the IAFB Collection of Industrial Microorganisms Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology in Warsaw under the number KKP 2021 p or variant thereof. The invention relates to use of the strain Lactobacillus plantarum S KKP 2021 p or variant thereof or composition which may comprise thereof for ensiling of roughages, with the intention to decontaminate the feeds, contaminated with ochratoxin A, molds and pathogenic bacteria. The feeds contaminated with molds, ochratoxin A and pathogenic microorganisms, after the process of lactic fermentation with the participation of bacteria of the new strain Lactobacillus plantarum S, may be employed in nutrition of breeding animals as being completely safe products.
US08697422B2 Lactic acid bacteria strain and its use for the protection of food products
The present invention refers to a strain of Lactobacillus curvatusbacteria deposited in the Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen and Zellkulturen GmBH (DSMZ) under the accession number DSM 18775, as well as to compositions, cultures and food products comprising thereof. The strain of the invention is useful for preserving food products, especially under refrigerated conditions.
US08697421B2 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. 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.
US08697418B1 Use of mixed species for rapid growth of aquatic biomass
The present invention provides aquatic biomass having enhanced growth and methods for selecting and growing a mix of aquatic organisms to maximize production of such a biomass. In one aspect, for example, a method of enhancing aquatic biomass growth is provided. Such a method can include preselecting at least two organisms selected from the group consisting of an algae mixture, a cyanobacteria mixture, and a diatom mixture, combining the at least two organisms at a growth enhancing ratio in a growth environment, and growing the at least two organisms as an aquatic biomass under environmental conditions in the growth environment that further enhance biomass growth, wherein the aquatic biomass growth is synergistic.
US08697416B2 Recombinant polynucleotide, host cells containing the same and a process for producing a protein having aldolase activity
4-(Indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate, which is useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of monatin, may be synthesized from indole pyruvic acid and pyruvic acid (and/or oxaloacetic acid) by using a novel aldolase derived from the genus Pseudomonas, Erwinia, Flavobacterium, or Xanthomonas.
US08697413B2 Degradable clostridial toxins
The specification discloses Clostridial toxins or Clostridial toxin chimeras comprising an inactivation cleavage site, polynucleotide molecules encoding such toxins or chimeras, compositions comprising such toxins or chimeras, and method of producing such toxins or chimeras.
US08697412B2 Polypeptides having glucoamylase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having glucoamylase activity, catalytic domains, carbohydrate binding domains and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding domains. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding domains.
US08697411B2 Streptomyces griseoplanus comprising an α-galactosidase for removing immunodominant α-galactose monosaccharides from blood group B or AB reactive cells
This invention relates to enzymatic removal of type A and B antigens from blood group A, B, and AB reactive cells in blood products, and thereby converting these to non-A and non-B reactive cells. The invention further relates to using unique α-N-acetylgalactosaminidases and α-galactosidases with superior kinetic properties for removing the immunodominant monosaccharides of the blood group A and B antigens and improved performance in enzymatic conversion of red blood cells. The preferred unique α-N-acetylgalactosaminidases and α-galactosidases exhibit the following characteristics: (i) exclusive, preferred or no less than 10% substrate specificity for the type A and B branched polysaccharide structures relative to measurable activity with simple mono- and disaccharide structures and aglycon derivatives hereof; (ii) optimal performance at neutral pH with blood group oligosaccharides and in enzymatic conversion of cells; and (iii) a favorable kinetic constant Km with mono- and oligosaccharide substrates. The conversion methods of the invention use significantly lower amounts of recombinant glycosidase enzymes than previous and result in complete sero-conversion of all blood group A and B red cells.
US08697405B2 Process for the production of ethanol and butanol
The present invention relates to a process for the production of ethanol comprising both gasification and fermentation of feedstocks, and, in particular to a process for the production of ethanol comprising: a) passing a biomass feedstock to a first fermentation step wherein it is subjected to anaerobic fermentation at a pH below 6.0 and at a temperature in the range 20 to 700C to convert the biomass to a solution comprising acetic acid as the predominant product, b) passing a gasifiable feedstock to a gasification step wherein it is subjected to gasification to produce a gaseous mixture comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and c) passing the solution comprising acetic acid from step (a) and the gaseous mixture from step (b) to one or more further fermentation steps wherein they are subject to fermentation to produce ethanol.
US08697404B2 Enzymatic production of alcohol esters for recovery of diols produced by fermentation
Diols produced in fermentation are processed in broth by esterification of the product diol with a carboxylic acid (e.g., fatty acid) and a catalyst (e.g., lipase) capable of esterifying the product diol, such as 1,3-propanediol, with the carboxylic acid to form the diol esters. The diol esters can be extracted from the broth, and the product diol recovered from the diol esters. The carboxylic acid can also serve as an extractant for removal of the diol esters from the fermentation medium.
US08697403B2 Process and microorganisms for production of lipids from lignocellulosic wastes or residues
Disclosed are processes for producing lipids for biofuel or lubricant and Streptomyces bacteria used in the processes. The processes include steps whereby bacterial cells of the germs Streptomyces are cultivated in a medium comprising organic waste(s) or residue(s) or mixtures thereof as carbon and/or nutrient source(s), wherein the organic waste(s) or residue(s) comprise lignocellulosic waste(s) or lignocellulosic residue(s), recovering lipids from the cells of the bacteria or from the cultivation medium, and using the recovered lipids or a fraction thereof as biofuel and/or lubricant, or as a starting material for biofuel and/or lubricant production.
US08697396B2 Modulation of antibody effector function by hinge domain engineering
The present invention relates to novel molecules (Fc variants) comprising at least one antigen binding region and an Fc region that further comprises a modified hinge which alters the binding of Fc to one or more Fc ligand (e.g., FcγRs) and/or modulates effector function. More specifically, this invention provides Fc variants that have modified binding affinity to one or more FcγR and/or C1q. Additionally, the Fc variants have altered antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and/or complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) activity. The invention further provides methods and protocols for the application of said Fc variants particularly for therapeutic purposes.
US08697393B2 Enzyme interesterification process
A fatty material enzyme interesterification process comprising the steps of: a) providing a fatty material that has optionally undergone at least one prior purification treatment; b) introducing soap into said fatty material to form a soap-containing fatty material mixture, c) homogenising said soap-containing fatty material mixture by mixing, d) contacting said soap-containing fatty material mixture with lipase to produce a soap-containing interesterified fatty material, e) removing soaps from said soap-containing interesterified fatty material to yield interesterified fatty material, wherein said soap is either formed in-situ by addition of aqueous alkali to said fatty material or said soap is introduced directly into said fatty material.
US08697392B2 Processes of producing fermentation products
The invention relates to a process of fermenting plant material in a fermentation medium into a fermentation product using a fermenting organism, wherein one or more carbonic anhydrases are present in the fermentation medium.
US08697387B2 Methods for identifying agents and their use for the prevention of restenosis
Agents that inhibit or prevent restenosis are identified by assaying test agents in a battery of assays to measure the effect of the test agent on cell proliferation, thrombosis, tissue modeling, and inflammation. Treatment for restenosis is provided using compositions of the invention.
US08697386B2 Methods and compositions for modulating hepsin activation of macrophage-stimulating protein
The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating hepsin activity and the MSP/Ron pathway, in particular by regulating pro-MSP activation by hepsin.
US08697385B1 Protein controlling synthesis of collagen and associated methods
A method of screening an agent for ability to interfere with collagen synthesis includes the steps of reacting a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 1 with collagen mRNAs in the presence of the agent and detecting if the agent has interfered with binding of the polypeptide to the mRNAs. Another method includes the steps of reacting the polypeptide with nonmuscle myosin filaments in the presence of the agent and detecting if the agent has interfered with binding of the polypeptide to the nonmuscle myosin filaments.
US08697384B2 YKL-40 as a general marker for non-specific disease
The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing the presence of a non-specific disease or disorder in a subject, wherein a determined level of YKL-40 above a reference level indicates the presence of a non-specific disease or disorder. The subject may suffer from a variety of diseases or disorders. The reference level may be a reference level obtained from healthy individuals or it may be a previous measurement obtained from the same subject. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for classifying the severity of a non-specific disease or disorder in a subject, wherein a determined level of YKL-40 above or below one or more reference levels gives the severity of said non-specific disease or disorder. The present invention further relates to a kit and a device that may be used in the method of the present invention comprising means for measuring the level of YKL-40 in a sample; and means for comparing the measured level of YKL-40 with at least one reference level of YKL-40.
US08697380B2 Method for detecting compounds modulating dimers of VFT domain membrane proteins
The invention relates to a method for selecting compounds having a modulating effect on the activation state of a dimer of VFT-domain proteins expressed in cell membranes present in a measuring medium, said dimer consisting of a first protein and of a second protein, said proteins being identical or different, wherein this method comprises the following steps: (a) labeling the first and second proteins in the N-terminal portion of their VFT domains with the members of a pair of FRET partners, the Förster radius (R0) of said pair being between 20 and 55 Å; (b) measuring the FRET signal in the absence and in the presence of the test compound within a predetermined time window; (c) selecting the test compound as a modulating compound if a difference in FRET signal in the absence and in the presence of test compound is measured in step (b). The invention can be used in the search for new medicaments and new taste modulators.
US08697379B2 Lysosomotropic inhibitors of acid ceramidase
The presently disclosed subject matter provides compounds of the formula, formula (Ia): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, X, Y, and n are as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods for making the compounds of the formula as set forth hereinabove, their use in inhibiting acid ceramidase and ceramidase-related activity, and their use as drugs and prodrugs in the treatment and/or prevention of diseases associated with undesirable ceramidase or sphingosine kinase activity, including, but not limited to, cancer, cancer metastasis, atherosclerosis, stenosis, inflammation, asthma, and atopic dermatitis.
US08697378B2 Method and kit for quantitative determination for small, dense particle low density lipoproteins
A rapid and convenient method capable of performing fractional measurement of small, dense LDLs without pretreatment of a specimen, which is adaptable for an autoanalyzer, is provided. A method for quantitatively determining small, dense LDL cholesterol is provided, which comprises adding enzymes for cholesterol measurement to a test sample in the presence of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymer or a derivative thereof, causing the polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene copolymer or the derivative thereof to selectively act on small, dense LDLs among lipoproteins, and then measuring the amount of cholesterol generated.
US08697377B2 Modular point-of-care devices, systems, and uses thereof
The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications.
US08697375B2 In vivo biofilm infection diagnosis and treatment
The present invention relates to a method for in vivo detection of a biofilm infection residing in a mammal, the method comprising (i) administering to the mammal a diagnostic-effective amount of a biofilm-specific probe, wherein the probe comprises a bio film-targeting moiety and a paramagnetic nanoparticle core; and (ii) imaging the mammal to detect the presence of the biofilm infection by observing the mammal using a magnetic resonance diagnostic technique after the biofilm-specific probe has been provided sufficient time to selectively bind to the bio film infection that may be present in the mammal. The invention also relates to methods of treatment of a bio film infection, and compositions and kits useful in the detection and/or treatment of bio film infections.
US08697373B2 Reagents and methods for use in cancer diagnosis, classification and therapy
Methods and reagents for classifying HER2+ breast tumors and for identifying new HER2+ breast tumor classes and subclasses. Methods for correlating tumor class or subclass with therapeutic regimen or outcome, for identifying appropriate (new or known) therapies for particular classes or subclasses, and for predicting outcomes based on class or subclass. New therapeutic agents and methods for the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer.
US08697370B2 Biomarker for diagnosis, prediction and/or prognosis of sepsis and uses thereof
Methods for the diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of sepsis in a subject using the expression levels of the biomarkers Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) and TREM-like receptor transcript-1 (TLT1) as an indication of the condition of the patient, alone or in combination with further sepsis markers are disclosed. If the levels of the biomarkers indicate the presence of sepsis, the patient is treated for sepsis with an antibiotic and/or fluid resuscitation treatment.
US08697365B2 Non-denaturing lysis reagent
The invention provides a lysis reagent and method for preparing a test sample for use in an assay, wherein the method yields a homogeneous lysis mixture suitable for use in automated pipetting systems without the need for a centrifugation step. The lysis reagent includes a glycol and an alcohol. Other aspects of the invention include related immunoassays and test kits.
US08697361B2 Serotonin transporter gene and treatment of alcoholism
The gene responsible for encoding SERT has a functional polymorphism at the 5′-regulatory promoter region, which results in two forms, long (L) and short (S). The LL-genotype is hypothesized to play a key role in the early onset of alcohol use. The present invention discloses the differences in treatment and diagnosis based on the L or short genotypes as well as on a single nucleotide polymorphism of the SERT gene, the 3′ UTR SNP rs 1042173. The present invention demonstrates the efficacy of using the drug ondansetron and similar drugs for treatment based on variations in the polymorphisms of the SERT gene as well as methods for diagnosing susceptibility to abuse of alcohol and other addiction-related diseases and disorders.
US08697356B2 Single-molecule-format probe and utilization thereof
A single-chain probe of the present invention for detecting a ligand, comprises: a ligand binding protein for binding the ligand; a recognition protein for recognizing that the ligand is bound by the ligand binding protein; and C- and N-terminal fragments, generated by dissecting an enzyme, between the ligand binding protein and the recognition protein, wherein a carboxy terminal end of the C-terminal fragment is located upstream of an amino terminal end of the N-terminal fragment, and the C- and N-terminal fragments vary the enzyme activity via complementation in case where the recognition protein recognizes that the ligand is bound by the ligand binding protein. This makes it possible to achieve detection of a target protein-specific ligand using the single chain with a high efficiency.
US08697349B2 Method of producing solid-phase body having immobilized microobject and the use thereof
A method for immobilizing microobject to a solid-phase material is provided. The method comprises a step of preparing the solid-phase material having on its surface an intermediate agent that includes a first element that is capable of interacting with at least the above microobject, and a microobject immobilizing step of immobilizing the microobject to the solid-phase material in a state in which the interaction of the intermediate agent is exhibited.
US08697348B2 Mutations in the Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase associated with resistance to STI-571
The invention described herein relates to novel genes and their encoded proteins, termed Mutants Associated with Resistance to STI-571 (e.g., T315I Bcr-Abl), and to diagnostic and therapeutic methods and compositions useful in the management of various cancers that express MARS. The invention further provides methods for identifying molecules that bind to and/or modulate the functional activity of MARS.
US08697346B2 Diffraction unlimited photolithography
Methods, devices, systems, and materials are disclosed for diffraction unlimited photofabrication. A method is provided where a photoresponsive material is illuminated with a first optical pattern at a first wavelength of light. The first wavelength of light alters a solubility of the photoresponsive organic material. The photoresponsive material is also illuminated with a second optical pattern at a second wavelength of light. The second wavelength of light hinders the ability of the first wavelength of light to alter the solubility of the photoresponsive organic material where the second optical pattern overlaps the first optical pattern. The photoresponsive organic material is then developed.
US08697342B2 Method of modifying chemically amplified resist pattern, modifier for chemically amplified resist pattern, and resist pattern structure
Disclose herein is a method of modifying a positive-type chemically amplified resist pattern, including the steps of, applying to a surface of a resist pattern, an aqueous solution of a modifier for the positive-type chemically amplified resist pattern, the aqueous solution containing a water-soluble cross-linking agent and a penetration accelerator, the cross-linking agent and the penetration accelerator being dissolved in water or a mixed solvent containing water as a main ingredient, so as to permit the cross-linking agent to penetrate the resist pattern, removing a surplus of the cross-linking agent, and irradiating the resist pattern.
US08697341B2 Aromatic ring containing polymer, underlayer composition including the same, and associated methods
An aromatic ring-containing polymer, an underlayer composition including the same, and associated methods, the aromatic ring-containing polymer including a group represented by one of the following Chemical Formulae 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, and 2-2:
US08697340B2 Semiconductor structure and method of fabricating the same
A method of forming a semiconductor structure is provided. First, a target layer and a mask layer are sequentially formed on a substrate. Thereafter, a first pattern transfer layer having a plurality of openings is formed on the mask layer. Afterwards, a second pattern transfer layer is formed in the openings of the first pattern transfer layer. The mask layer is then patterned, using the first pattern transfer layer and the second pattern transfer layer as a mask, so as to form a patterned mask layer. Further, the target layer is patterned using the patterned mask layer.
US08697338B2 Photolithographic methods
Provided are photoresist overcoat compositions, substrates coated with the overcoat compositions and methods of forming electronic devices by a negative tone development process. The compositions, coated substrates and methods find particular applicability in the manufacture of semiconductor devices.
US08697332B2 Base generator, photosensitive resin composition, pattern forming material comprising the photosensitive resin composition, pattern forming method using the photosensitive resin composition and products comprising the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a base generator which has sensitivity and is applicable to a wide range of applications, and a photosensitive resin composition which is applicable to a wide range of applications due to the structure of a polymer precursor in which reaction into a final product is promoted by a basic substance or by heating in the presence of a basic substance. The base generator generates a base by exposure to electromagnetic radiation and heating. The photosensitive resin composition comprises a polymer precursor in which reaction into a final product is promoted by the base generator and a basic substance or by heating in the presence of a basic substance.
US08697331B2 Compound, polymer, and radiation-sensitive composition
A compound is shown by a following formula (1), wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or a trifluoromethyl group, R2 represents a methylene group, an ethylene group, a 1-methylethylene group, a 2-methylethylene group, a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, or a derivative thereof, each of R3 represents at least one of a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, a derivative thereof, and a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, provided that two of R3 may bond to form a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 4 to 20 carbon atoms or a derivative thereof together with the carbon atom that is bonded thereto, and X represents a linear or branched fluoroalkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
US08697330B2 Composition for forming a silicon-containing antireflection film, substrate having the silicon-containing antireflection film from the composition and patterning process using the same
There is disclosed a thermosetting silicon-containing antireflection film-forming composition, to form a silicon-containing antireflection film in a multilayer resist process used in a lithography, wherein the composition is at least capable of forming—on an organic film that is an underlayer film having a naphthalene skeleton—a silicon-containing antireflection film whose refractive index “n” and extinction coefficient “k” at 193 nm satisfy the following relationship: 2n−3.08≦k≦20n−29.4 and 0.01≦k≦0.5. There can be provided, in a multilayer resist process used in a lithography, a thermosetting silicon-containing antireflection film-forming composition to form a silicon-containing antireflection film which can form an excellent pattern having depressed reflection of an exposing light at the time when a photoresist film is formed on the silicon-containing antireflection film formed on an organic film having a naphthalene skeleton as a resist underlayer film and subsequently a resist pattern is formed; has excellent dry etching properties between the photoresist film—which is the upperlayer of the silicon-containing antireflection film—and the organic film—which is the underlayer—; and has an excellent storage stability, and a substrate having the silicon-containing antireflection film from the composition for forming the silicon-containing antireflection film, and a patterning process using the same.
US08697324B2 Toner compositions and processes
Environmentally friendly toner particles are provided which may include a bio-based amorphous polyester resin including camphoric acid, optionally in combination with a crystalline resin. Methods for providing these toners are also provided.
US08697322B2 Imaging members comprising structured organic films
A photoreceptor comprising a composite structured organic film comprising a plurality of segments and a plurality of linkers arranged as a covalent organic framework, wherein the structured organic film includes a secondary component and may be a multi-segment thick structured organic film.
US08697321B2 Electrophotographic photoreceptor, image-forming apparatus, and electrophotographic cartridge
When an abutting pressure of the cleaning blade on a photoreceptor is increased, a chattering occurs due to the so-called a stick-slip phenomenon that the blade repeatedly undergoes sticking to the outermost surface of the photoreceptor and slipping thereon. As a result, a possibility of noise generation becomes higher and there is a possibility that toner particles might pass through during slipping to cause a cleaning failure, resulting in a streaky image defect. There is also a higher possibility that the so-called a filming phenomenon might occur, in which a component of the toner sticks to the photoreceptor surface by the action of the blade pressure and becomes difficult to remove, so as to lead to persistent image defects. Furthermore, since the photoreceptor is rotated with toners in the state of being strongly pressed thereagainst, the image defects are apt to be caused due to peripheral-direction scratches. An electrophotographic photoreceptor is provided in which the outermost layer of the photoreceptor contains a specific charge-transporting material and a specific binder resin.
US08697319B2 Exposure method, color filter manufacturing method, and exposure device
An exposure method is provided, in which when exposure is performed using a photomask having a plurality of mask patterns, various mask patterns corresponding to various different color filters are exposed in different regions on a substrate, without moving the photomask to an irradiation area in an exposure device. A photomask, having a first mask pattern for exposing a portion of colored pixels constituting a first color filter and a second mask pattern for exposing a portion of colored pixels constituting a second color filter, is fixed with respect to a light source. A light beam from a light source is selectively directed to the first mask pattern while transferring the substrate, to continuously expose a resist in a first region, and the light beam from the light source is selectively directed to the second mask pattern while transferring the substrate, to continuously expose a resist in a second region.
US08697317B2 Exposure apparatus for forming a reticle and method of forming a reticle using the same
A method including loading a blank reticle; projecting an electron beam; moving a second aperture plate having a first and second pattern aperture so the first pattern aperture is overlapped by a first aperture of a first aperture plate, the electron beam passing through the first pattern aperture after passing the first aperture; exposing the blank reticle with the electron beam that passes the first pattern aperture to form a first exposure pattern; moving the second aperture plate so the second pattern aperture is overlapped by the first aperture of the first aperture plate, the electron beam passing through the second pattern aperture after passing the first aperture; exposing the blank reticle with the electron beam after passing the second pattern aperture, to form a second exposure pattern; and developing the blank reticle having the first and second exposure patterns to form the reticle having first and second patterns.
US08697316B2 Hard mask spacer structure and fabrication method thereof
A hard mask spacer structure includes a first spacer on a device layer, the first spacer defining a plurality of hole patterns and at least an asteriated hole pattern between the hole patterns; and a second spacer on the first spacer and inlaid into the asteriated hole pattern, thereby rounding the asteriated hole pattern.
US08697312B2 Cell stack of fuel cell and method of fastening cell stack of fuel cell
A cell stack of a fuel cell comprises a cell stack body including a cell stack structure including plural cells stacked together; an elastic member disposed at an end of the cell stack structure in a direction in which the plural cells are stacked, and a pair of end plates sandwiching the cell stack structure and the elastic member, and a fastener band extending to surround the cell stack body and to cover a pair of end surfaces and a pair of opposing side surfaces of the cell stack body, the fastener band including a first band engagement portion and a second band engagement portion at both end portions thereof, respectively, and the cell stack body is fastened by the fastener band by direct or indirect engagement between the first band engagement portion and the second band engagement portion.
US08697310B2 Fuel cell with voltage detection terminal
A fuel cell includes a separator assembly in which a plurality of plates are laminated on each other and adjacent ones of the plates are secured to each other such that external force does not cause displacement of the plates relative to each other, a terminal used for detecting voltage, and a terminal connecting portion provided in the separator assembly for connecting the terminal to the separator assembly.
US08697305B2 Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system including a fuel cell, a gas-liquid separator, a tank, an outlet pipe, and an inlet pipe is disclosed. The gas-liquid separator separates off-gas discharged from the fuel cell into water and gas. The tank is capable of containing water separated by the gas-liquid separator. The outlet pipe discharges gas, which is separated by the gas-liquid separator, from the gas-liquid separator. The outlet pipe has a venturi. The inlet pipe draws the water contained in the tank into the venturi. The water contained in the tank is drawn through the inlet pipe into the venturi to be atomized and discharged as atomized water from the outlet pipe.
US08697302B2 Fuel cell system with purge valve and actuator for controlling purge valve with electromotive force of sub-power generation part
To provide a fuel cell system capable of performing a purge operation necessary for realizing a stable output and being miniaturized without using a controller or a sensor, there is provided a fuel cell system having a main power generation part and a sub-power generation part positioned on a downstream side of a fuel flow path of the main power generation part, including: a purge valve provided on a downstream side of the fuel flow path of the sub-power generation part; and an actuator for opening/closing the purge valve with an electromotive force of the sub-power generation part.
US08697297B2 Metal-air battery
A metal air battery capable of obtaining larger charge-discharge capacity than before, is provided. The metal air battery 1 includes a negative electrode 2 including one metal selected from the group consisting of Li, Zn, Mg, Al, and Fe, a positive electrode 3 including a mixture of a carbon material and an oxygen-storing material, and an electrolyte interposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. The electrolyte is immersed in a separator 4. The negative electrode 2 includes metal Li. The oxygen-storing material includes a composite oxide of yttrium and manganese. The oxygen-storing material preferably has a hexagonal structure.
US08697293B2 Non-aqueous electrolyte solution for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery having the same
A non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a lithium secondary battery includes a lithium salt and an organic solvent. Based on 100 parts by weight of the non-aqueous electrolyte solution, the non-aqueous electrolyte solution includes 1 to 5 parts by weight of sultone compound having a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond in a cyclic structure; 1 to 5 parts by weight of cyclic carbonate compound with a vinyl group; 5 to 10 parts by weight of cyclic carbonate compound that is substituted with halogen; and 1 to 5 parts by weight of dinitrile compound. This non-aqueous electrolyte solution improves stability of a SEI film formed on a surface of an anode of a lithium secondary battery and thus improves normal temperature cycle performance and high temperature cycle performance.
US08697288B2 High energy lithium ion secondary batteries
Lithium ion secondary batteries are described that have high total energy, energy density and specific discharge capacity upon cycling at room temperature and at a moderate discharge rate. The improved batteries are based on high loading of positive electrode materials with high energy capacity. This capability is accomplished through the development of positive electrode active materials with very high specific energy capacity that can be loaded at high density into electrodes without sacrificing performance. The high loading of the positive electrode materials in the batteries are facilitated through using a polymer binder that has an average molecular weight higher than 800,000 atomic mass unit.
US08697287B2 Process for manufacturing a lithiated electrode, lithiated electrode that can be obtained by this process, and its uses
The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a lithiated electrode, which comprises: the deposition, on a substrate, of several layers of a non-lithiated electrode material and several lithium layers in order to form a multilayer consisting of an alternation of layers of non-lithiated electrode material and lithium layers, this multilayer starting with and terminating with a layer of non-lithiated electrode material; and the thermal annealing of the multilayer thus formed. It also relates to a lithiated electrode that can be obtained by this process and to the uses of this electrode: production of thin-film lithium batteries, especially microbatteries for chip cards, “smart” labels, horological articles, miniaturized communications tools, microsystems; production of thin-film supercapacitors and electrochromic cells.
US08697286B2 Anode active material, anode including the anode active material, method of manufacturing the anode, and lithium battery including the anode
An anode active material for lithium batteries, an anode including the anode active material, a method of manufacturing the anode, and a lithium battery including the anode. The anode active material includes secondary particles formed of agglomerated primary nanoparticles. The primary nanoparticles include a non-carbonaceous material bound with hollow carbon nanofibers. The anode includes the anode active material and a polymeric binder having an electron donor group.
US08697282B2 Negative active for rechargeable lithium battery, method of preparing the same, and rechargeable lithium battery including the same
A negative electrode for a lithium rechargeable battery includes a current collector, and a negative active material layer on the current collector, the negative active material layer including a silicon-based active material, a carbon-based active material, and an aqueous additive including an aqueous binder and an agent for increasing viscosity, the silicon-based active material being coated with an organic binder, wherein the aqueous additive is between portions of the silicon-based active material, between portions of the carbon-based active material, or between the silicon-based active material and the carbon-based active material.
US08697281B2 Battery assembly
The embodiment provides a battery assembly or pack that can fix a coupling tap to an exact position by closely adhering a plurality of bare cells without flowing when the plurality of bare cells are welded with the coupling tap. The battery assembly according to the embodiment includes: a plurality of bare cells that have electrode terminals formed on upper surfaces thereof; an internal frame that receives the plurality of bare cells and has an internal terminal exposing part that exposes the electrode terminals; and a coupling tap that is seated on the internal terminal exposing part of the internal frame to couple the plurality of electrode terminals, wherein a rib hanger that fixes the coupling tap is further formed on the upper of the internal frame. With the constitution as described above, defects of a product are reduced, making it possible to improve productivity.
US08697276B2 Secondary battery with enhanced ability to prevent leakage
A secondary battery includes a can having an interior space, an electrode assembly provided in the interior space of the can, and a cap assembly seated on an opening formed in the can to seal the can and electrically connected to the electrode assembly. The cap assembly includes a cap plate connected to the opening to seal the can; a tab plate mounted to one side of the cap plate and connected to the electrode assembly; an insulating plate interposed between the cap plate and the tab plate; an electrode pin passing through the cap plate, the tab plate, and the insulating plate to interconnect these elements; and an insulating gasket interposed between the cap plate and the electrode pin. Also, the electrode pin includes a head portion mounted to one side of the cap plate and formed in multiple stages in an area contacting the insulating gasket; and a column extending from the head portion and passing through the insulating gasket, the cap plate, the insulating plate, and the cap plate.
US08697269B2 Sealed battery
A sealed battery terminal 18 of a first aspect of the invention includes an electrically-conductive terminal cap 19, a rupture disk 25 made of flexible electrically conductive material electrically connected to the electrically-conductive terminal cap 19, and an electrically-conductive terminal plate 20 abutting the rupture disk 25. In the sealed battery terminal 18, an opening 23c is formed in the terminal plate 20, the rupture disk 25 is arranged to close the opening 23c, and an abutting part of an inner periphery of the opening of the terminal plate 20 and the rupture disk 25 is welded by a high energy beam at a plurality of places. Accordingly, a sealed battery terminal having a safety valve system in which the rupture disk placed in the cap and the terminal plate are electrically connected directly by welding with the high energy beam can be provided.
US08697268B2 Secondary battery
An embodiment is directed to a secondary battery, including a case adapted to receive an electrode assembly, and a safety unit attached to an inner surface of the case, the safety unit adapted to punch the case when an internal temperature of the case reaches a predetermined temperature or higher.
US08697267B2 Systems and methods for selective cell and/or stack control in a flowing electrolyte battery
The invention provides in various embodiments methods and systems relating to controlling energy storage units in flowing electrolyte batteries.
US08697266B2 Fuel cell system and control method therefor
A fuel cell system is arranged to charge a secondary battery, which is detachable from the fuel cell system, and to supply electric power to a load. The fuel cell system includes a cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells and a controller having a CPU. During power generation in the cell stack, the CPU determines whether or not the secondary battery has been removed from the fuel cell system based on a voltage drop in the cell stack. With the determination that the secondary battery has been removed, the CPU turns off a relay and power supply from the cell stack to the load is stopped. The fuel cell system reliably maintains its operation even after removal of the secondary battery.
US08697265B2 Protection circuit module for secondary battery and battery pack having the same
There are provided a protection circuit module for a secondary battery and a battery pack having the same. In one embodiment, a protection circuit module includes a mounting substrate and at least one connecting member positioned at one side of the mounting substrate. The connecting member is provided with a first layer having a first surface, a second layer having a second surface opposite to the first surface, and at least one spacer that allows the first and second surfaces to be spaced apart from each other.
US08697262B2 Lubricant for magnetic disc, magnetic disc and method of producing the same
A magnetic disk in which at least a magnetic layer, a protective layer, and the lubrication layer are sequentially provided on a substrate, the lubrication layer contains a lubricant compound for a magnetic disk, having a perfluoropolyether main chain in the molecular structure and a structure indicated as follows at a position close to the center of the molecule: -0-CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2-0- or -0-CH2—CH(OH)—CH(OH)—CH2-0-.
US08697254B2 Cavity electroluminescent devices and methods for producing the same
Aspects of the invention include electroluminescent devices and methods for making the same. In certain embodiments, the devices include a substrate, a hole-injection electrode layer, a dielectric layer, an electroluminescent layer, an electron-injection electrode layer, and a cavity. In certain embodiments, an electrode layer (e.g., the electron-injection or hole-injection electrode layer) is positioned above the cavity and is configured for directing light through the substrate. In certain embodiments, an electrode layer (e.g., the electron-injection or hole-injection electrode layer) is positioned above and spans across the cavity. The use of the produced device(s) in electroluminescent displays is also provided herein.
US08697245B2 Mouldable biodegradable polymer
A biodegradable injection mouldable polymer composition including on a dry weight basis from 45-85% w/w by weight of a starch and/or a modified high amylose starch, from 2-15% w/w by weight of a water soluble polymer preferably selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate and copolymers of ethylene and vinyl alcohol which have a melting point compatible with the molten state of the starch components, and from 5-45% w/w by weight of one or more polyol plasticizers having a molecular weight in the range of 50-6000, more preferably 50-2500, and still more preferably 100-400 and preferably selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, glycerol, maltitol, xylitol, mannitol, erythritol, polyglycerol, glycerol trioleate, tributyl citrate, acetyl tri-ethyl citrate, glyceryl triacetate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, polyethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol; more preferably glycerol, maltitol, sorbitol, erythritol and xylitol. The composition is preferably substantially soluble in water.
US08697244B2 Adhesive composition and adhesive film using the same
A thermosetting adhesive composition comprising (A) a modified polyamideimide resin that dissolves in organic solvents, (B) a thermosetting resin and (C) a curing agent or curing accelerator.
US08697243B2 Film-coated glazing
The present invention relates to essentially transparent glazings comprising a system of films deposited under vacuum by magnetron, and having antisun and/or low-emission properties, comprising as protective surface layer a layer based on titanium oxide and on at least one other metal oxide of high hardness from the group comprising: ZrO2, SiO2, Cr2O3.
US08697242B2 Glass member provided with sealing material layer, electronic device using it and process for producing the electronic device
The invention provides a glass member provided with a sealing material layer, which suppresses generation of failures such as cracks or breakage of glass substrates or a sealing layer even when the distance between two glass substrates is narrowed, and thereby makes it possible to improve the sealing property between the glass substrates and its reliability. A glass substrate has a surface provided with a sealing region, on which a sealing material layer having a thickness of at most 15 μm is formed. The sealing material layer includes a fired material of a glass material for sealing containing a sealing glass, a laser absorbent and optionally a low-expansion filler, wherein the total content of the laser absorbent and the low-expansion filler being the optional component in the glass material for sealing is within the range of from 2 to 44 vol %.
US08697240B2 Photocurable resin composition and cured product of same, resin sheet and production method for same, and display device
A photocurable resin composition including: (A) a urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer having a polyoxyalkylene structure, (B) a (meth)acrylic polymer, (C) a (meth)acrylic monomer, and (D) a photopolymerization initiator, wherein the component (A) is produced using monomer components including (a1) a polyoxyalkylene polyol, (a2) a polyisocyanate, and (a3) a hydroxyl group-containing mono(meth)acrylate compound, a relationship N (=n1/n2) between the total mass n1 of the monomer components and the total equivalent weight n2 of acryloyl groups within the all monomer components is 4,000 or greater, and the component (A) is substantially free of unreacted isocyanate groups.
US08697236B2 Fine line bonding and/or sealing system and method
A method of providing a fine line adhesive bond and/or seal or gasket and/or lined channel, and in particular a fine line bonding seal, between a first (14) and a second ply (16), especially of dissimilar materials, comprises the steps of: fabricating a microscale recess in at least a first ply; lidding the first ply with a second ply such that the recess or recesses in the ply or plies form a fluidly continuous channel (12), —urging curable material into this channel so as to substantially fill the channel with curable material, and in particular urging the material via an inlet (17) into a fluidly continuous channel until it emerges from an outlet (18) remote therefrom; curing the curable material in situ. A system for implementing the method and the bonded and/or sealed and/or lined product of such method are also described.
US08697230B2 Graphene sheet and method for producing the same
To provide a graphene sheet that has a large area, is homogeneous, and has a small amount of domain boundaries, a novel method for producing a graphene sheet suitable for industrial applications, such as application to electronics, that is capable of producing a graphene sheet that has well aligned crystal orientation at a low cost, and a graphene sheet.In the method for producing a graphene sheet of the present invention, a substrate containing a single crystal substrate having formed on the surface thereof an epitaxial metal film is used, and a graphene sheet is grown by making a carbon material into contact with the surface of the epitaxial metal film. In the graphene sheet of the present invention, the graphene sheet is constituted by a number of graphene domains, the domains each have an area of from 0.000001 μm2 to 100,000 mm2, and the orientations of 6-membered rings in the domains are averagely aligned in a single direction over the graphene sheet.
US08697229B2 Hard coating film and hard coating film coated working tool
A hard coating film formed on a surface of a predetermined member and having excellent wear resistance and adhesion resistance, the hard coating film includes: a three-layer structure composed of a third layer formed in contact with the surface of the predetermined member, a second layer formed on the third layer, and a first layer formed on the second layer to constitute the surface; the first layer being made of (Cr1-a-bBa(SiC)b)(CcOdN1-c-d) [provided that SiC is silicon carbide, and a, b, c and d are atomic ratios in ranges of 0≦a≦0.2, 0.01≦b≦0.2, 0≦c≦0.5 and 0≦d≦0.3, respectively; the second layer being made of AlCrN or AlCrDN [provided that D includes either one kind of elements of a Group IVa, a Group Va and a Group VIa (except Cr) of a Periodic Table of Elements and Y, or SiC (silicon carbide)]; and the third layer being made of nitride, carbon nitride or carbide of metals including elements of one kind or more kinds of Al, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr and W.
US08697225B2 Magnetic sheet and production method thereof
A magnetic sheet, which contains: a magnetic layer including a magnetic powder and a resin composition containing the magnetic powder therein; and a convex-concave forming layer, in which the convex-concave forming layer has Bekk smoothness of 70 sec/mL or less. A method for producing a magnetic sheet, which contains: adding a magnetic powder to a resin composition to prepare a magnetic composition, and giving the magnetic composition a shape to form a magnetic layer; and placing and stacking a convex-concave forming layer and a pattern transferring material on a surface of the magnetic layer in this order, and hot pressing the stacked layers so as to bond the convex-concave forming layer with the magnetic layer to form a laminate, as well as to transfer a surface configuration of the pattern transferring material to a surface of the laminate of the convex-concave forming layer and the magnetic layer.
US08697224B2 Vehicle upholstery member
An ornamental structure for a vehicle upholstery member provides a plurality of surface patterns by using a single vehicle upholstery member. On the surface of an embossed vehicle upholstery member are arranged a first region formed with a first emboss pattern, a second region spaced from the first region and formed with a second emboss pattern different from the first emboss pattern, and a third region located between the first and second regions and formed with a third emboss pattern which changes progressively from the first emboss pattern to the second emboss pattern as one moves from the first region to the second region.
US08697218B2 Tufted fibrous web
Disclosed is a fibrous web having a first region and at least one discrete integral second region, the second region having at least one portion being a discontinuity exhibiting a linear orientation and defining a longitudinal axis, and at least another portion being a deformation having a plurality of tufted fibers integral with but extending from the first region.
US08697215B2 Pipe preformed liner comprising metal powder
The present invention relates to a preformed liner of tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer adhered to the surface of a pipe, and in particular, an oil well pipe, without the need for either a primer layer or an adhesive. The liner comprises an effective amount of metal powder which provides adhesion between the liner and the surface of the pipe. The present invention also relates to a process for making such pipe, where in a preferred embodiment, the liner is co-extruded to form an inner layer and an outer layer. This co-extrusion embodiment is particularly useful in applications where high purity is necessary. In this case, the inner layer comprises an effective amount of metal powder and the outer layer is pure tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro (alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer.
US08697214B2 Multi-layered structure containing a barrier polymer optionally reinforced against impacts
The invention relates to a multi-layer structure containing from the inside towards the outside: a layer C1 comprising at least one functionalized fluorinated polymer optionally mixed with at least one compatible fluorinated polymer; a layer C2 containing at least one adhesive binder; a layer C3 containing at least one polyolefin, preferably a polyethylene; a layer C4 containing at least one adhesive binder; a barrier layer C5 containing at least one barrier polymer, optionally reinforced against impacts; the layers are arranged against each other in the above mentioned order. The invention also relates to the use of this mull-layered structure for storing or transferring fuel.
US08697212B2 High pressure balloon
A fiber reinforced laminate composite balloon comprising an underlying balloon layer, a fiber web disposed over the underlying balloon layer, a matrix material encasing the web and an overlying balloon layer of radially oriented polymer material disposed over the fiber web and matrix material.
US08697211B2 Stack sealable heat shrinkable film
A heat shrinkable film having a shrinkage of at least 10% measured according to ASTM 2732 in water at 90° C. in a least one of MD and TD directions, where the film comprises an outer layer comprising polyester elastomer and a core layer comprising EVOH and/or PVDC. The film can be characterized by a combination of desirable properties, such as high shrinkage, good optical properties, excellent sealability and stack sealability. A method of producing a packaged food item by using a heat shrinkable film is provided. The use of a heat shrinkable film or bags and pouches made therefrom for packaging goods, for example, food products, is also provided.
US08697208B2 Polystyrene nanocomposites for blow molding applications
Disclosed is a polystyrene based polymer/layered compound nanocomposite for injection blow molding or injection stretch blow molding of articles. The nanocomposite can reduce shrinkage and warpage to the preform during the reheating process compared to neat polystyrene. The incorporation of layered compounds can increase the processability of PS preforms, help improve heating efficiency, and improve bottle mechanical properties. The layered compound can be treated with chemicals or compounds having an affinity with the styrene monomer or polystyrene, thus producing a treated layered compound having an affinity with the styrene monomer or polystyrene. The monomer and the layered compound can be combined prior to polymerization. The polymer and layered compound can be combined by solution mixing in a solvent. The layered compound can also be incorporated into the mixture by compounding a polymer product with the layered compound, or the combination of any of the above three approaches.
US08697204B2 Recording sheet for ink jet printing
A method for the preparation of silicium dioxide dispersions is provided, wherein the surface of the silicium dioxide is modified by a treatment with the reaction products, formed in a separate reaction step, of at least one compound of trivalent aluminum or of tetravalent zirconium or a mixture thereof with at least one aminoorganosilane; and the invention also relates to recording sheets for ink jet printing having such a dispersion incorporated in an ink-receiving layer.
US08697188B2 Polyurethane systems having non-sag and paintability
A two part construction sealant or adhesive is provided with the properties of non-sag, low modulus, high elongation, and good paint adhesion. The sealant or adhesive is prepared using at least one of a secondary amine or an acrylate monomer, and a diol, triol and/or tetrol having a nominal weight average molecular weight of between 1,000 and 6,000 in the base component of the formulation, and aromatic diisocyanate monomer or polyisocyanate and an isocyanate terminated prepolymer of aromatic diisocyanate or polyisocyanate and polyol in the activator component, the components of Part A to Part B mixed at a weight ratio of 5:1 to 1.8:1.
US08697183B2 Method for forming transfer sheet
A transfer sheet includes a supporting substrate, a photothermal conversion layer disposed on the supporting substrate, and a passive layer disposed on the photothermal conversion layer.
US08697181B2 Multifunctional Fe3O4 cored magnetic-quantum dot fluorescent nanocomposites for RF nano-hyperthermia of cancer cells
A magnetic oxide-quantum dot nanocomposite and methods of synthesizing it. In one embodiment, the magnetic oxide-quantum dot nanocomposite has at least one magnetic oxide nanoparticle coated with a silica (SiO2) shell and terminated with at least one thiol group (—SH), and at least one CdSe/ZnS quantum dot linked with the at least one SiO2-coated magnetic oxide nanoparticle via the at least one thiol group. In one embodiment, the at least one magnetic oxide nanoparticle comprises at least one iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticle.
US08697178B2 Method and apparatus for applying a coating to a cable
A method for applying a coating to a cable, the cable having a longitudinal direction, includes A) cleaning the surface of the cable, and B) applying coating to the cable by rotating a coating application means around the cable allowing the application of the coating. The steps are performed from a platform being moved along the cable in a movement direction by at least three wheels that are fastened in a force-locking manner to the cable. Step A) is performed in the movement direction before the wheels, and step B) is performed in the movement direction behind the wheels. The wheels are driven by a motor that can be controlled in such a manner that the platform can be positioned at predefined positions reproducibly.
US08697177B2 Method for varnishing security documents, especially intaglio-printed security document such as banknotes, and varnishing machine for carrying out the same
There is described a method for varnishing security documents, especially intaglio-printed security documents such as banknotes, wherein both sides of the security documents are covered by a protective varnish. The method comprises the step of applying a thicker layer of protective varnish on a side of the security documents which exhibits a greater surface roughness, especially the side which is opposite to the side of the security documents which was last printed by intaglio printing. Also described in a varnishing machine for carrying out the above method.
US08697176B2 Method of changing translucent properties of zirconia dental materials
The present invention relates to a method for changing translucency of zirconia dental materials through applying an yttrium or ytterbium salt solution onto a pre-sintered zirconia material by dipping or brush-coating. Accordingly, the need of young patient in relation to the translucent requirement for incisal portion of anterior teeth is met in which the translucent level from the crown neck to the incisal portion is gradually changed in a natural manner, similar to natural teeth. A color gradient effect of the crown is produced through dipping in or brush-coating with yttrium or ytterbium salt solution. Moreover, the present invention involves simple operating steps and low cost while providing high consistency in quality.
US08697174B2 Treats and methods for producing same
Treats have a water activity of less than 0.5 and good organoleptic properties. A method for obtaining such treats having low water activity involves injection molding a dough made from a polyol and at least one of a source of casein and a source of starch.
US08697169B2 Methods and compositions for fining beverages
The present invention provides a finings formulation comprising pectin and methods of using pectin in a fining process to produce fined beverages, particularly beers.
US08697168B2 Tool for preparing ravioli or filed pasta in general
A new tool set for making homemade ravioli or filled pasta in general includes at least one flat grid provided with holes or openings, at least one flat cutting grid having blades arranged around each hole, at least one flat grid-shaped dispensing device suited to dispense portions of a filling and provided with holes or openings arranged exactly as each hole or opening of said grid, at least one flat ejecting device suited to eject portions of filling and provided with a series of projections suited to fit exactly in the holes or openings of the dispensing device.
US08697166B2 Method for baking a casserole using steam
A method of operating a household oven to bake a casserole with the introduction of steam and controlling the steam to maintain a predetermined level of humidity to control the level of browning of the casserole.
US08697164B2 Commercial lettuce packaging in the field
Lettuce can be commercially packaged in the field using a wrap that has a body with an opening, and an elastomeric portion around the opening. The elastomeric portion of the wrap is stretched wide enough to place the head into the wrap. The head is placed into the body of the wrap, and the stretched elastomeric portion is released. The relaxed elastomeric portion holds the wrap around the head.
US08697160B2 Suspension packaging with on-demand oxygen exposure
The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an article that enables on-demand blooming of an oxygen-sensitive product packaged within the interior of the article. Specifically, the product can be packaged between two films, wherein at least one of the films is oxygen-permeable. The edges of the films can be attached to one or more suspension frames, such that the product is suspended between the two frames. The oxygen-impermeable film is covered in with an oxygen-impermeable material that can be removed on demand to promote blooming.
US08697156B2 Methods and apparatus for drying condensed distiller's solubles (CDS) to produce dried distiller's solubles (DDS)
Dried distiller's solubles is described. Methods for drying condensed distiller's solubles into dried distiller's solubles are presented. The methods may include introducing the condensed distiller's solubles into a drying gas stream and recovering dried distiller's solubles from the drying gas stream.
US08697153B2 Extract of the plant Ravenala madagascariensis and use as cosmetic hydrating agent
An extract is from the plant Ravenala madagascariensis. The sap from the plant Ravenala madagascariensis or of an extract of that plant is used as a hydrating active agent in a cosmetic composition, to restore, maintain or reinforce the hydration state of the skin.
US08697150B2 Process of extracting isothiocyanates
A process for producing an essential oil. The essential oil can be white mustard essential oil. The white mustard essential oil can include a moisture sensitive isothiocyanate compound. The moisture sensitive isothiocyanate compound can be 4-HBITC. The essential oil can be produced from mustard seed, which can comprise a precursor sinalbin and myrosinase enzyme. The mustard seed can be reduced into a powder. Activation of the myrosinase enzyme by using a water solvent and a promoter to form a slurry can be performed, wherein the myrosinase enzyme catalyzes the production of an essential oil comprising an isothiocyanate from the sinalbin precursor.
US08697148B2 Milk yield and/or milk quality improving agent, perinatal disease preventive or therapeutic agent, and reproductivity improving agent for ruminant
An object of the present invention is to improve the milk yield and/or milk quality of a ruminant for milk production, to prevent or treat a perinatal disease of a ruminant, and to improve the reproductivity of a ruminant. In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the following is provided. An agent for improving at least one of milk yield and milk quality of a ruminant, comprising at least one of cashew nut shell liquid, heat-treated cashew nut shell liquid, anacardic acid, cardanol, and cardol. An agent for preventing or treating a perinatal disease of a ruminant, comprising at least one of cashew nut shell liquid, heat-treated cashew nut shell liquid, anacardic acid, cardanol, and cardol. An agent for improving reproductivity of a ruminant, comprising at least one of cashew nut shell liquid, heat-treated cashew nut shell liquid, anacardic acid, cardanol, and cardol.
US08697147B2 Cosmetic and dermatologic composition and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a novel natural composition comprising sclerotium gum, xanthan gum and pullulan and intended for preparing cosmetic and dermatologic compositions, to the uses thereof, and to the cosmetic and dermatologic compositions containing said novel natural composition.
US08697145B2 Substances having body mass redistribution properties
There is provided a method for altering the distribution of body mass by altering the distribution of body mass by decreasing overall percentage fat and/or increasing the proportion of lean mass to fat mass comprising administering to a subject one or more compounds having the ability to alter body mass composition and/or ACE inhibiting activity or a physiologically acceptable derivative or prodrug thereof.
US08697137B2 Methods of using microspheres for active embolization
The present invention relates to injectable compositions comprising biocompatible, swellable, substantially hydrophilic, non-toxic and substantially spherical polymeric material carriers which are capable of efficiently delivering bioactive therapeutic factor(s) for use in embolization drug therapy. The present invention further relates to methods of embolization gene therapy, particularly for the treatment of angiogenic and non-angiogenic-dependent diseases, using the injectable compositions.
US08697129B2 Stable colloidal gold nanoparticles with controllable surface modification and functionalization
In the present invention, a method of producing stable bare colloidal gold nanoparticles is disclosed. The nanoparticles can subsequently be subjected to partial or full surface modification. The method comprises preparation of colloidal gold nanoparticles in a liquid by employing a top-down nanofabrication method using bulk gold as a source material. The surface modification of these nanoparticles is carried out by adding one or multiple types of ligands each containing functional groups which exhibit affinity for gold nanoparticle surfaces to produce the conjugates. Because of the high efficiency and excellent stability of the nanoparticles produced by this method, the fabricated gold nanoparticle conjugates can have surface coverage with functional ligands which can be tuned to be any percent value between 0 and 100%.
US08697125B2 Tablet preparation without causing a tableting trouble
The present invention provides a tablet without causing a tableting trouble, which is superior in the tablet formability, dissolution property of pharmaceutically active ingredient, and the like.
US08697121B2 Spectrally tunable photolysis of a capsule containing an active material
Capsules that include a shell, a sensitizer, and an active material. Methods for using the capsules to spatiotemporally deliver active material. Representative shells include vesicles, polymers, and inorganic materials. Representative active materials include small molecules and proteins.
US08697120B2 Method and use of nano-scale devices for reduction of tissue injury in ischemic and reperfusion injury
A method for protection of tissues subject to ischemic and/or reperfusion damage is provided. The method includes administering to the tissue a composition comprising nanodevices. The nanodevices can take the form of, for example, polymeric nanoparticles or lipidic nanoparticles. The nanodevices also find use in methods for reducing ischemic injury in tissue at risk of such injury, such as heart and brain tissue.
US08697117B2 Drug-eluting films
Polymeric porous films, capable of eluding a bioactive agent when coming in contact with a physiological medium according to a pre-determined and controlled release profile suitable for particular type of drug and indication, and medical devices including the same are disclosed. Also disclosed are processes for producing the polymeric porous films by freeze-drying an inverted emulsion formulation in which the polymer's composition, the polymer's concentration, the polymer's initial molecular weight, the concentration and/or the type of a surfactant, the homogenization rate and/or the oil phase to aqueous phase ratio (O:A) are selected so as to impart a desired release profile of the bioactive agent from the polymeric film.
US08697115B2 Method of improving antioxidant status of an infant
The present invention relates generally to a method of improving the antioxidant status of an infant. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of improving the antioxidant status of an infant by administering a mixture of natural tocopherols. The natural tocopherol mixture is an effective blend of α- and γ-tocopherol. For ease of administration and improved taste, the mixture of natural tocopherols are typically delivered in vehicle which may be in the form, for example, of a tablet, capsule, liquid, and nutritional formula. The present invention also relates to a method of improving the antioxidant status of an infant by supplementing the lactating woman wherein the supplemented breast milk is fed to the infant. Additionally, the present invention relates to a method of improving the antioxidant status of a newborn infant by supplementing the pregnant woman.
US08697113B2 Coating comprising a terpolymer comprising caprolactone and glycolide
The present invention provides a coating comprising a reservoir layer comprising a terpolymer comprising caprolactone and glycolide and a primer layer comprising an amorphous polymer on an implantable device and methods of making and using the same.
US08697112B2 Method for treating a surface with a coating comprising a microencapsulated therapeutic agent and device with treated surface
A method for treating a surface with a therapeutic agent is disclosed. The method comprises precipitating a therapeutic agent from a hydrophilic polymeric base layer with which the therapeutic agent has been complexed, to form a layer comprising microparticles of the therapeutic agent on the hydrophilic polymeric base layer, the hydrophilic polymeric base layer being grafted to the surface. Devices comprising a surface having a hydrophilic polymeric base layer comprising a hydrophilic polymer grafted to the surface and a layer comprising microparticles of a therapeutic agent disposed on and complexed with the hydrophilic polymeric base layer are also disclosed.
US08697111B2 Osteochondral implant comprising osseous phase and chondral phase
An osteochondral plug includes a first scaffold and a second scaffold. The first scaffold may be a solid scaffold containing one or more pendant reactive functional groups. The second scaffold capable of reacting with the one or more pendant reactive functional groups of the first scaffold.
US08697108B2 Method for making a porous polymeric material
Porous polymers having a plurality of openings or chambers that are highly convoluted, with each chamber being defined by multiple, thin, flat partitions are produced by a new gel enhanced phase separation technique. In a preferred embodiment, a second liquid is added to a polymer solution, the second liquid causing the solution to increase in viscosity. With sufficient polymer and second liquid present, the increase in viscosity can be up to that of a gel. The gel can then be shaped as needed. Subsequent solvent extraction leaves the porous polymeric body of defined shape. The porous polymers have utility as medical prostheses, the porosity permitting ingrowth of neighboring tissue. A second material may be incorporated into the chambers, thereby creating a microstructure filling the voids of the macrostructure. A porous polymeric body manufactured by this process may incorporate biologically active agents, and which agents may be delivered in a time-staged delivery manner, where differing drugs may be delivered over differing periods.
US08697107B2 Flowable implant with crosslinkable surface membrane
A flowable biomedical implant for application to a bone defect to promote bone growth is provided. The flowable biomedical implant comprises a carrier matrix including a biodegradable polysaccharide and ceramic material. An impermeable membrane can be integrally formed at the surface of the carrier matrix by applying a crosslinking agent to the biodegradable polysaccharide mixed with ceramic materials.
US08697104B2 Apparatus, system, and method for creating immunologically enhanced spaces in-vivo
The present invention creates an immunologically protected/enhanced space in viva in a mammal by removing the impact of soluble inhibitors of the mammal's immune system in a defined space within the body. Placing an antigen source within the defined protected space along with a monocyte-containing blood sample from the mammal being treated and a dendritic cell-inducing factor allows a dendritic-antigen presentation process to proceed to completion. The protected/enhanced space is created by surrounding the protected space with ligands which absorb and/or bind to one or more soluble inhibitors. The implant can be loaded with a patient's cancer cells to treat cancer.
US08697103B2 Alcoholic pump foam
An alcoholic foam composition, which can be dispensed as a foam via a pump-foam system contains a) at least 52 to ≦99 wt % of an alcohol or mixture of alcohols, b) a surfactant or a surfactant mixture, c) at least one polyalkylene glycol, d) optionally, at least one foam stabilizer, e) optionally, at least one member selected from the group consisting of cosmetic auxiliaries, adjuvants, active ingredients, and mixtures thereof, and f) optionally water. The surface tension of component b) lies in the range of ±15 dyn/cm of the surface tension of component a) or corresponds to the surface tension of component a), and the sum of components a) to f) is 100 wt % relative to the total quantity of the foam composition.
US08697098B2 Polymer conjugated protein micelles
The invention encompasses micelle assemblies, compositions having micelle assemblies, and methods for preparing micelle assemblies and compositions thereof. The invention also encompasses a prolamine protein conjugated to a polymer, such as a polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain, which conjugates can be used to prepare micelle assemblies. The invention further encompasses methods of encapsulating molecules using the conjugates of the invention. The micelle assemblies can be used for a variety of applications, such as treating cancer, targeting tumors, reducing the toxicity of a drug in vivo, increasing the efficacy of an encapsulated agent in vivo, protecting an encapsulated agent against degradation, and enhancing the water solubility of a drug or other agent.
US08697093B2 Vaccine composition based on sticholysin encapsulated into liposomes
The present invention relates to the field of biotechnology applied to human health. The invention describes a vaccine vehicle which toxins from eukaryotic organisms are encapsulated in liposomes with multiple lipid layers, obtained by means of the process of dehydration/rehydration, the lipid composition of which is dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine:cholesterol in a molar ration of 1:1, which are designed for subcutaneous or intramuscular administration. These compositions do not require the use of other adjuvants. The compositions described allow modulation of the specific CTL immune response to one or more antigens co-encapsulated in the liposomes that containing the toxin. The vaccine vehicle of the present invention presents advantages as compared with others described in the prior art owning to the robust and functional nature of the immune response induced and also the immunomodulating properties thereof.
US08697092B2 Identification of a conserved inner core oligosaccharide of Moraxella catarrhalis lipopolysaccharide as a vaccine antigen
There are disclosed herein antigenic structures useful in producing vaccines against and compounds helpful in combating diseases caused by the bacterium Moraxella catarrhalis. Disclosed are specific structures of the carbohydrate molecules derived from genetically engineered strains of Moraxella catarrhalis, which when presented appropriately to the immune system will facilitate a functional immune response to the target core oligosaccharide region.
US08697089B2 H3 equine influenza A virus
The invention provides an isolated H3 equine influenza A virus, as well as methods of preparing and using the virus, and genes or proteins thereof.
US08697084B2 HIV consensus envelope sequences and methods for using the same
Improved anti-HIV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed. Immunogens disclosed include those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype A Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype C Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype D Envelope protein, those having consensus sequences for HIV Subtype B consensus Nef-Rev protein, and those having consensus sequences form HIV Gag protein subtypes A, B, C and D. Improved anti-HPV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved anti-HCV immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; improved hTERT immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them; and improved anti-Influenza immunogens and nucleic acid molecules that encode them are disclosed as well methods of inducing an immune response in an individual against HIV, HPV, HCV, hTERT and Influenza are disclosed.
US08697080B2 Methods and compositions for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection with conjugated antibodies or antibody fragments
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treatment of HIV infection in a subject. The compositions may comprise a targeting molecule against an HIV antigen, such as an anti-HIV antibody or antibody fragment. The anti-HIV antibody or fragment may be conjugated to a variety of cytotoxic agents, such as doxorubicin. In a preferred embodiment, the antibody or fragment is P4/D10. Other embodiments may concern methods of imaging, detection or diagnosis of HIV infection in a subject using an anti-HIV antibody or fragment conjugated to a diagnostic agent. In alternative embodiments, a bispecific antibody with at least one binding site for an HIV antigen and at least one binding site for a carrier molecule may be administered, optionally followed by a clearing agent, followed by administration of a carrier molecule conjugated to a therapeutic agent.
US08697077B2 Methods and compositions for treating autoimmune diseases
The invention features methods for increasing or maintaining the number of functional cells of a predetermined type, for example, insulin producing cells of the pancreas, blood cells, spleen cells, brain cells, heart cells, vascular tissue cells, cells of the bile duct, or skin cells, in a mammal (e.g., a human patient) that has injured or damaged cells of the predetermined type.
US08697075B2 Cancer specific antibody and cell surface proteins
The present invention provides the amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of heavy chain and light chain complementarity determining regions of a cancer specific antibody. In addition, the invention provides cancer specific antibodies and immunoconjugates comprising the cancer specific antibody attached to a toxin or label, and methods and uses thereof. The invention also relates to diagnostic methods and kits using the cancer specific antibodies of the invention. Further, the invention provides a novel cancer-associated antigen and its uses thereof.
US08697071B2 Identification and engineering of antibodies with variant Fc regions and methods of using same
The present invention relates to molecules comprising a variant Fc region, wherein said variant Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification relative to a wild-type Fc region, which variant Fc region binds FcγRIIIA and/or FcγRIIA with a greater affinity relative to a comparable molecule comprising the wild-type Fc region. The molecules of the invention are useful in preventing, treating, or ameliorating symptoms associated with a disease, disorder, or infection. The molecules of the invention are particularly useful for the treatment or prevention of a disease or disorder where an enhanced efficacy of effector cell function mediated by FcγR is desired, and in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of therapeutic antibodies the effect of which is mediated by ADCC.
US08697070B2 1D05 PCSK9 antagonists
Antagonists of human proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (“PCSK9”) are disclosed. The disclosed antagonists are effective in the inhibition of PCSK9 function and, accordingly, present desirable antagonists for use in the treatment of conditions associated with PCSK9 activity. The present invention also discloses nucleic acid encoding said antagonists, vectors, host cells, and compositions comprising the antagonists. Methods of making PCSK9-specific antagonists as well as methods of using the antagonists for inhibiting or antagonizing PCSK9 function are also disclosed and form important additional aspects of the present disclosure.
US08697067B2 Methods for increasing the effectiveness of antibodies and/or FCY receptor-binding active ingredients
The present invention relates to an ex vivo method for increasing the effectiveness of antibodies and Fcγ receptor-binding active ingredients, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a blood sample of a patient; b) subjecting the blood sample to an immunoapheresis; c) administering a therapeutically effective antibody or an Fcγ receptor-binding active ingredient to the patient.
US08697066B2 Botulinum toxin compositions and methods
Disclosed herein are methods of using extracellular matrix digesting enzymes and neurotoxins, such as a Clostridial neurotoxins, to treat various medical conditions, such as overactive bladder, benign prostatic hyperplasia, hyperhidrosis, for example.
US08697064B2 Nitrogenated derivatives of pancratistatin
The present invention concerns nitrogenated derivatives of narciclasine and pancratistatin of the following general formula (I) as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The present invention also concerns the use of these compounds in cancer therapy as well as a method for their preparation.
US08697055B2 Probiotic, lactic acid-producing bacteria
The present invention discloses compositions and methodologies for the utilization of probiotic organisms in therapeutic compositions. More specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of one or more species or strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria, preferably strains of Bacillus coagulans, for the control of gastrointestinal tract pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant gastrointestinal tract pathogens, and their associated diseases by both a reduction in the rate of colonization and the severity of the deleterious physiological effects of the colonization of the antibiotic-resistant pathogen.
US08697054B2 Strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus
The invention relates to a novel strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, having antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, and to compositions containing said strain.
US08697048B2 Peptide amphiphile suspension to prevent or reduce tumor formation from administered embryonic stem cells
The present invention relates to the use of self-assembling peptide amphiphiles to prevent tumor formation by transplanted stem cells. The present invention further relates to the use of self-assembling peptide amphiphiles to treat cancers.
US08697047B2 Stable immunogenic product comprising antigenic heterocomplexes
The invention relates to a stable immunogenic product for the induction of antibodies against one or more antigenic proteins in a subject. The invention is characterized in that it comprises proteinaceous immunogenic heterocomplexes which are formed by associations between (i) antigenic protein molecules and (ii) proteinaceous carrier molecules and in that less than 40% of the antigenic proteins (i) are linked to the proteinaceous carrier molecules (ii) by a covalent bond.
US08697046B2 Methods of administering interferon gamma to absorb fluid from the subretinal space
Particular aspects of the invention provide methods for decreasing the amount of fluid present in the subretinal space of the eye by administering interferon gamma to the basolateral side of the retinal pigment epithelium. Adverse ocular conditions associated with the accumulation of fluid in the subretinal space can be treated by administering an amount of interferon gamma to the basolateral side of the retinal pigment epithelium effective to remove excess fluid from the subretinal space.
US08697039B2 Compositions containing silicone polymer, wax and volatile solvent
The invention relates to compositions containing at least one polyorganosiloxane-containing polymer, at least one volatile non-silicone oil, at least one alkylene polymer wax, at least one silicone film-forming agent and, optionally, at least one long-chain alcohol wax, at least one coloring agent, and/or at least one volatile silicone oil, as well as to methods for using such compositions and to kits containing such compositions.
US08697038B2 Oil-in-water type emulsion sunscreen cosmetic composition
An oil-in-water type emulsion sunscreen cosmetic composition having improved ultraviolet blocking capability, excellent emulsion stability and good usability. The oil-in-water type emulsion sunscreen cosmetic composition is characterized by containing (A) 1-7.5% by mass of octyl methoxycinnamate, (B) 0.5-4% by mass of t-butyl methoxybenzoyl methane and/or 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, (C) 0.5-3% by mass of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether block polymer having a specific structure and (D) not less than 10% by mass of a nonpolar oil relative to the total amount of the oil component. The oil-in-water emulsion sunscreen cosmetic composition is also characterized by having an average emulsion particle diameter of not more than 700 nm.
US08697031B2 Dual function polymer micelles
The invention relates to micelles that are elaborated with functionality useful for imaging and/or selectively targeting tissue, e.g., in the delivery of hydrophobic agents.
US08697029B2 Modulated physical and chemical sensors
The present invention relates to modulated (e.g., magnetically modulated) chemical sensors. In particular, the present invention relates to particles comprising fluorescent indicator dyes and methods of using such particles. Magnetic fields and/or Brownian motion modulate an optical property of the particle to distinguish it from background signals. The present invention thus provides improved methods of detecting a wide variety of analytes in fluids, fluid samples, cells and tissues.
US08697028B2 Catalytic method for obtaining hydrogen or a hydrogen-rich gas starting from bioethanol and/or ethanol
The invention relates to a catalyst which is used to obtain hydrogen or a hydrogen-rich gas that is suitable for use in fuel cells or other applications from bioethanol and/or ethanol, comprising a support, a promoter agent and an active phase which is incorporated into the support, said catalyst taking the form of a calcinated solid in which the support comprises at least one oxide with high surface mobility and is modified with the promoter agent. According to the invention, the promoter agent comprises at least one oxide of a rare earth that is selected from the lanthanide group and the active phase comprises at least one oxide of a transition metal from group VIII or IB.
US08697021B2 Method for the production of HSiCl3 by catalytic hydrodehalogenation of SiCl4
The invention relates to a process for the catalytic hydrodehalogenation of SiCl4 to form HSiCl3, which comprises bringing a gaseous feed mixture comprising hydrogen and silicon tetrachloride into direct contact with at least one heating element of a resistance heating device, with the heating element being composed of a metal or a metal alloy and being heated to carry out the reaction.
US08697020B2 Silica magnetic particles having a spherical form and a process for preparing the same
The present invention relates to silica magnetic particles having a spherical form and a process for preparing the same. The silica magnetic particles prepared according to the present invention, which are silica particles that includes the magnetic particles and additionally have the functional group on the surfaces, has an advantage that the particle size distribution is uniform. Further, the silica magnetic particles prepared according to the present invention can be used as a reagent for separating biomaterials and a reagent for detecting biomaterials.
US08697015B2 Flow distribution for monolithic reactors
Systems, apparatus, and methods for distributing a mixed phase fluid to a monolith catalyst bed within a reactor, wherein a mixed phase fluid may be generated by a nozzle tray comprising a plurality of nozzles, the mixed phase fluid may be distributed by the nozzles to a mixed phase distributor system, and the mixed phase fluid may be further distributed by the mixed phase distributor system to a plurality of monolith channels within the reactor.
US08697010B2 Dispensing device
A dispensing device for reducing the dead volume of a liquid sample includes a main channel connected to a sample inlet and sample outlet, and branch channels connected to the main channel. Each branch channel is connected to a different liquid reservoir. High inflow-withstanding pressure sections are provided in the main channel between the branch channels and between the branch channel and the sample outlet. Each high inflow-withstanding pressure section has a channel inner wall forming a contact angle of 90° or larger with a liquid sample. A liquid sample enters the main channel through the sample inlet, reaches a branch point between the first branch channel and the main channel flows into the first branch channel and the liquid reservoir, and then passes through the high inflow-withstanding pressure section to a branch point between the next branch channel and the main channel.
US08697008B2 Droplet generator
A method and device for periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to provide regular droplet formation at high speed.
US08697007B2 Biodetection cassette with automated actuator
Provided are analysis cassettes that include removable sealing layers and deformable connector layers that place various channels, chambers, and reservoirs on the cassettes into fluid communication with one another. The cassettes are suitable for use in self-contained, immunoassay devices that may be operated in an automated fashion. Also disclosed are methods for analyzing samples by use of the disclosed cassettes.
US08697003B2 Aqueous-triggered color-appearing inks
The invention describes a color-developing composition that contains at least four major components: (1) a leuco dye or a combination of leuco dyes, (2) an electron-withdrawing color-developer agent or a combination of color-developers that can form colored complexes with the leuco dyes, (3) a separator or combination of separators that when present in sufficient amounts, can prevent the formation of the colored complexes between the color-developer and leuco dyes, all contained within (4) an encapsulation matrix that includes at least one film-forming and one aqueous-insoluble polymer. All of the foregoing components are dissolved together in a volatile organic solvent medium to form a homogeneous solution that can be applied as an ink on substrates, which can be incorporated as part of absorbent articles or personal care products.
US08697001B2 Apparatus and method for reprocessing lumened instruments
Methods and apparatus for liquid, gas, and gas plasma sterilization of items. The apparatus includes two chambers and a holder to connectorlessly secure a lumened instrument such that a first portion of the lumened instrument lies in the first chamber and a second portion of the instrument lies in the second chamber, a liquid medium contained within the two chambers, and pumping means for simultaneously increasing fluid pressure within the first chamber of said container while decreasing fluid pressure within the second chamber of the container in a reciprocating fashion. The pumping means displaces at least a total internal volume of the liquid medium through the lumen for a given highest volume of a lumened instrument during a stroke.
US08696999B2 Riser reactor system and a process for the preparation of an olefinic product
A riser reactor system comprising a riser reactor and a catalyst feed device for fluidized catalyst, the riser reactor having a riser interior in which catalyst is flowing during normal operation, and the feed device comprising an annular trough surrounding the riser interior, the annular trough having an upstream opening for receiving fluidized catalyst, and at least one substantially circumferential downstream opening providing fluid communication between the trough and the riser interior; and a process for the preparation of an olefinic product using a riser reactor system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the process comprising reacting an oxygenate feedstock in the presence of an oxygenate conversion catalyst under oxygenate-to-olefin conversion conditions in the riser reactor system, to obtain the olefinic product.
US08696998B2 Biooptical and biofunctional properties, applications and methods of polylactic acid films
High surface energy materials with low refractive index and UV transparency wherein multilayers of similar or dissimilar materials are thermally fused together to form various functional optical requirements are provided. In some embodiments, a photocatalytic biopolymer system comprising of a UV transparent biopolymer in integrating fused nanophotocatalytic minerals such as Tio2 used for various applications is provided. Many embodiments are based on the integration of nanophotocatalytic minerals fused to a biopolymer system in which the biopolymer system is UV transparent (UVT) and allows UV light to be transmitted through the biopolymer system activating the nanophotocatalytic fused layer.
US08696997B2 Hydroxyl radical producing plasma sterilisation apparatus
Sterilisation apparatus arranged controllably to generate and emit hydroxyl radicals. The apparatus includes an applicator which receives RF or microwave energy, gas and water mist in a hydroxyl radical generating region. The impedance at the hydroxyl radical generating region is controlled to be high to promote creation of an ionisation discharge which in turn generates hydroxyl radicals when water mist is present. The applicator may be a coaxial assembly or waveguide. A dynamic tuning mechanism e.g. integrated in the applicator may control the impedance at the hydroxyl radical generating region. The mist and/or gas and/or energy delivery means may be integrated with each other.
US08696995B2 Cyclone Plenum Turbulator
Methods and apparatus for preventing coke formation in a plenum are provided. The apparatus can include a turbulator for use in a plenum. The turbulator can include a deflector disposed inside the plenum proximate an inlet to the plenum from a cyclone, wherein the plenum and the cyclone are disposed in a fluid catalytic cracker.
US08696994B2 System for producing transportation fuels from waste plastic and biomass
The present invention is generally directed to methods and systems for producing biofuels via biomass, waste plastic, and/or Fischer-Tropsch product feeds. Such methods and systems are an improvement over the existing art at least in that they are feed-tolerant (i.e., allow for variability) and provide an economy of scale, while typically retaining the environmental benefits associated with such processing of such feeds.
US08696992B2 Optical fiber measurement device and measurement method using same
Disclosed is a highly reliable optical fiber measurement device and measurement method having a simple and compact structure. The device includes a planar liquid holder having a plurality of liquid holding portions arranged along a flat face; a plurality of light receiving optical fibers for transmitting fluorescence generated in the liquid holding portions; a plurality of light emitting optical fibers for transmitting excitation light into the liquid holding portions; a measurement head capable of being positioned in the each liquid holding portion while supporting a plurality of measurement ends having a bundle of one light receiving end of the light receiving optical fibers and one light emitting end of light emitting optical fibers; a light reception selecting element that, by sequentially selecting one by one from plural the light receiving optical fibers and sequentially selecting one by one from plural kinds of wavelength or wavelength bands, sequentially guides the light of the selected wavelength or wavelength band of the fluorescence received by the selected light receiving optical fibers to one photoelectric element; and a photoelectric element for sequentially conducting photoelectric conversion on the guided fluorescence.
US08696990B2 Device for the photometric examination of samples
A device for the photometric examination of samples has a sample-holder apparatus for at least two sample vessels, and a measuring apparatus and a moveable apparatus. The sample-holder apparatus is designed to be stationary, and the measuring apparatus is arranged on the moveable apparatus such that it can be displaced by means of the moveable apparatus.
US08696987B2 Method for controlling water evaporation
The present invention relates to a method for controlling evaporation from a body of water. The method of the invention uses a water insoluble compound and a water soluble polymer, which interact with each other by non-covalent bonding interactions.
US08696986B2 Sterilization method
A method of sterilizing a material, said method comprising the steps of: (a) introducing a solution comprising peroxyacetic acid into a hot gaseous stream to produce a peroxyacetic acid vapor; and (b) contacting such peroxyacetic acid vapor with the material to be sterilized.
US08696985B2 Foot/footwear sterilization system
A foot/shoe sanitizing system includes a housing having at least one opening and at least one ultraviolet emitting device supported within the housing. The ultraviolet emitting devices direct ultraviolet light around and/or through the set of foot/shoe support bars towards the foot or shoe placed on the foot/shoe support bars. The ultraviolet emitting devices are controllably powered to emit ultraviolet light and/or ozone onto the foot/shoe. In a preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet emitting device emits light that includes short wavelength ultraviolet light, causing the formation of ozone in the area of the shoe, thereby killing pathogens that are not easily killed with ultraviolet light alone. The system detects the identity of a user and records/transmits usage of the system by the user for sanitizing enforcement and recording.
US08696984B2 Radiation sterilization of medical devices
A method for medical device sterilization comprises staggering a stack of packages so that a back surface of each package partially overlaps a front surface of another of the packages. Each package contains a medical device. The stack of packages are positioned so that the front surfaces of the packages face toward a radiation source. The packages are then exposed to radiation.
US08696980B2 Nickel-base superalloy with improved degradation behavior
A nickel-base superalloy with improved degradation behavior consists essentially of the following chemical composition (details in % by weight): 7.7-8.3 Cr, 5.0-5.25 Co, 2.0-2.1 Mo, 7.8-8.3 W, 5.8-6.1 Ta, 4.9-5.1 Al, 1.3-1.4 Ti, 0.1-0.6 Pt, 0.1-0.5 Nb, 0.11-0.15 Si, 0.11-0.15 Hf, 200-750 ppm C, 50-400 ppm B, and the remainder Ni and production-related impurities.
US08696969B2 Imprint lithography method and apparatus
An imprint lithography method is provided. The method includes undertaking first and second imprints, which comprises for each imprint: for an area of a substrate provided with a plurality of drops of imprintable medium in respectively first and second configurations, imprinting a pattern in the imprintable medium using a same imprint template, pockets being formed between the drops of the imprintable medium, the imprint template and the substrate during the imprinting of the pattern, wherein the first configuration of drops of imprintable medium is different from the second configuration of drops of imprintable medium, such that pockets formed during the second imprint are formed at different locations relative to the imprint template to pockets formed during the first imprint.
US08696965B2 Prepregs with improved processing
Systems and methods for the fabrication of prepregs possessing enhanced ability for the removal of gases from within prepregs and prepreg layups prior to and/or during at least a portion of consolidation and cure process to form composite structures are disclosed. In certain embodiments, perforations of selected configurations may be introduced into the prepregs prior to, during, and after layup. The perforations provide routes for gases trapped within and between the perforated prepregs and prepreg lay-ups to escape during consolidation and cure process, reducing the residual porosity within the resulting composite. For example, composites having residual porosities less than 10 vol. %, on the basis of the volume of the composite, may be achieved in this manner.
US08696964B2 Method of manufacturing a toothbrush head
A toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning of the teeth. The tooth cleaning elements include cleaning elements that define a radial array arrangement for better retention of the dentifrice. A radial array may be strategically disposed in an off-axis arrangement within other cleaning elements on the head.
US08696960B2 Compartmentalized pellet for improved contaminant removal
This invention is to an improved method for cleaning contaminated polymer when that polymer is to be blended with clean material. The method involves combining the contaminated material and the clean material in a compartmentalized pellet wherein the contaminated material is placed in the outermost compartment, the clean material is placed in an inner compartment and then subjecting the pellet to an extraction process.
US08696959B2 Production method of building materials and vessels using environment-friendly yellow earth
A method of producing a building material using environment-friendly loess, comprising: preparing an environment-friendly composition by mixing 70˜90 percent by weight of at least one selected from among loess, kaolin, and clay, 3˜23 percent by weight of a resin coating agent, 0.1˜5 percent by weight of an inorganic pigment, and 1˜5 percent by weight of water; and molding the environment-friendly composition at 10 second˜20 minute intervals by introducing it into a molding machine having a temperature of 80˜140° C. and an internal pressure of 1˜20 kg/cm2.
US08696957B2 Methods for microcellular injection molding
In a method of microcellular injection molding, a polymer and a supercritical fluid are processed. A condition of processing the polymer and/or the supercritical fluid is adjusted to control a weight of a plastic part and/or a surface characteristic of a plastic part produced. In another method of producing a plastic part using microcellular injection molding, a polymer is heated and melted and a supercritical fluid is added thereto. The resulting mix is a single-phase polymer-gas solution comprising the polymer and the supercritical fluid. The polymer and/or the supercritical fluid are adjusted to control the weight of the plastic part and/or a surface characteristic of the plastic part. Once adjusted, the melted polymer with the supercritical fluid is injected into a mold. Upon injecting the melted polymer and supercritical fluid, a pressure drop causes the supercritical fluid to nucleate in the melted polymer, thereby causing nucleation of bubbles.
US08696956B2 Blow moulding machine with cleaning system
An apparatus for transforming plastic preforms into containers may include at least one blow mould which forms a cavity, inside which the plastic preforms can be transformed into containers. The apparatus may include a pressure application device for applying a medium to the plastic preforms in order to expand the preforms against an inner wall of the blow mould delimiting the cavity. The apparatus may include a stretching rod for stretching the plastic preforms in the longitudinal direction. The apparatus may include a cleaning device for cleaning regions of the blow mould. The cleaning device may include at least one outlet opening for a cleaning medium for cleaning the blow mould, and this outlet opening is arranged at least at times inside the blow mould.
US08696952B2 Method of producing polymeric particles with selected size, shape, morphology and composition
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for producing polymeric particles with pre-designed size, shape, morphology and composition, and more particularly the present invention uses a microfluidic polymerization reactor for producing same. The present invention disclosed herein provides a process for producing polymer particles with pre-selected shapes. The method includes injecting a first fluid comprising a polymerizable constituent with a controlled flow rate into a microfluidic channel and injecting a second fluid with a controlled flow rate into the microfluidic channel in which the second fluid mixes with the first fluid, the second fluid being immiscible with the first fluid so that the first fluid forms into droplets in the microfluidic channel. The microfluidic channel has pre-selected dimensions to give droplets of pre-selected size, morphology and shape. The microfluidic channel is sufficiently long so that the droplets have a sufficiently long residence time in the channel so that they polymerize or otherwise harden into droplets of pre-selected size and shape.
US08696951B2 Manufacturing method of optical electronic components and optical electronic components manufactured using the same
There is provided a method of sealing and molding an optical device with resin by employing a die including a top piece, a bottom piece, an intermediate piece, and a mold release film pinched between the bottom and intermediate pieces, Thus, tensioned as prescribed to cover the bottom piece's cavity, when the bottom piece is heated, the mold release film expands and thus closely contacts the cavity's entire surface along the cavity's geometry so that the optical device can be sealed in transparent set resin shaped as desired.
US08696948B2 Thick film paste containing lead—tellurium—lithium—titanium—oxide and its use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices
The present invention is directed to an electroconductive thick film paste composition comprising Ag and a lead-tellurium-lithium-titanium-oxide both dispersed in an organic medium. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the paste composition and a semiconductor device and, in particular, a solar cell comprising such an electrode.
US08696944B2 Metal pattern composition and method of forming metal pattern using the same
Disclosed is a metal pattern composition including a conductive metal or a conductive metal precursor compound, and a carboxylic acid-amine base ion pair salt.
US08696942B2 Adhesive composition, circuit connecting material, connection structure of circuit member, and semiconductor device
The adhesive composition of the invention comprises a radical generator, a thermoplastic resin and a urethane(meth)acrylate having two or more radical-polymerizing groups in the molecule and a weight-average molecular weight of 3000-30,000.
US08696941B2 Material for functional layer of organic electronic component
The invention relates to a material for applying thin organic layers having a specifically adjustable conductivity. Said material comprises at least one mixture of two different fractions of a functional polymer, preferably in a solvent, and is used, for example, with the aid of various application techniques, as a functional layer for an organic electronic component.
US08696939B2 High voltage insulating materials
High voltage insulating materials in solid and liquid form which are provided in particular for use in high voltage generators for example for radiotechnology and computer tomography. The solid insulating materials are characterized in particular in that they have a high dielectric strength while having a relatively low weight. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of the insulating materials can be set relatively simply such that surface charges are reliably dissipated and voltage flashovers are avoided. Finally, with further embodiments, in particular in the case of hybrid insulating materials, it is possible to adapt or change the dielectric constant and/or the electrical conductivity of the insulating materials in a targeted manner such that the respective voltage drops over the insulting materials do not exceed the dielectric strength thereof.
US08696937B2 Process for obtaining petrochemical products from carbonaceous feedstock
A process for obtaining petrochemical products from a carbonaceous feedstock is provided. The carbonaceous feedstock may be coal, coke, lignite, biomass, bitumen and the like. The carbonaceous feedstock is pulverized and fed to a pyrolysis reactor where the feedstock is pyrolyzed at 700-1000° C. at a pressure of 2-25 bar for 2-10 seconds, wherein the feedstock is entrained in hot syngas during the pyrolysis process.
US08696934B2 Oxide luminescent materials activated by trivalent thulium and their preparations
The present invention relates to oxide luminescent materials activated by trivalent thulium and their preparations. The luminescent materials are the compounds with the following general formula: (RE1-xTmx)2O3, wherein a range of x is 0
US08696932B2 Liquid-crystalline polymer composition
The present invention provides a liquid-crystalline polymer composition comprising: 100 parts by weight of a liquid-crystalline polymer and 1-150 parts by weight of the total weight of talc particles (A) and talc particles (B), wherein talc particles (A) have an aspect ratio of 3.1-5.0 and a median particle diameter of 5-100 μm; and talc particles (B) have an aspect ratio of 1.0-3.0 and a median particle diameter of 5-100 μm; wherein the weight ratio of talc particles (A)/talc particles (B) is from 1/9 to 9/1, and wherein the liquid-crystalline polymer composition according to the present invention exhibits improved molding flowability without impairing mechanical properties.
US08696931B2 Method of production of activated carbon for removal of mercury gas
A method of production of activated carbon for removal of mercury gas which provides activated carbon impregnated with both sulfur and iodine which gives a higher mercury gas adsorption performance compared with a conventional activated carbon adsorbent and also enables the prime cost of manufacture to be kept down, that is, a method of production provided with a sulfur impregnation step which adds sulfur to activated carbon and heats the mixture to obtain sulfur-impregnated activated carbon comprised of activated carbon to 100 parts by weight of which sulfur is impregnated in 5 to 20 parts by weight and, after the sulfur impregnation step, an iodine substance impregnation step which adds an aqueous solution containing iodine and an iodine salt to the sulfur-impregnated activated carbon.
US08696929B2 Polishing slurry and polishing method
A polishing slurry including an oxidant, a metal oxide dissolver, a metal inhibitor and water and having a pH from 2 to 5. The polishing slurry having a high metal-polishing rate, reducing etching rate and polishing friction, results in the production, with high productivity, of semiconductor devices reduced in dishing and erosion in metal wiring.
US08696928B2 Operating medium for an absorption refrigeration device
The invention relates to an operating medium for an absorption refrigeration device, comprising 5 to 30 wt % water and 65 to 95 wt % of a sorption agent comprising lithium bromide and at least one ionic liquid and wherein the sorption agent comprises ionic liquid and lithium bromide in a weight ratio of 0.5:1 to 5:1, having a lower friction coefficient compared to an operating medium comprising water and lithium bromide.
US08696922B2 Methods of plasma etching platinum-comprising materials, methods of processing semiconductor substrates in the fabrication of integrated circuitry, and methods of forming a plurality of memory cells
A platinum-comprising material is plasma etched by being exposed to a plasma etching chemistry that includes CHCl3, CO2 and O2. In one embodiment, a method of processing a semiconductor substrate in the fabrication of integrated circuitry includes forming metallic platinum-comprising nanoparticles over a material. A portion of the nanoparticles is masked and another portion of the nanoparticles is unmasked. The unmasked portion of the metallic platinum-comprising nanoparticles is plasma etched using a plasma etching chemistry comprising CHCl3, CO2 and O2. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08696915B2 Water treatment apparatus and process to reduce pipe scale and biomass using positive pressure ultraviolet oxygenation
A method of treating water in order to minimize scaling and biomass buildup in water conduits or containers in which the treated water is used includes pressurizing and optionally filtering ambient air, processing the pressurized ambient air in a chamber including at least one ultraviolet light source operated to generate an output flow mixture of pressurized air and reactive oxygen species (ROS) gas, mixing the pressurized ROS/gas output mixture to realize a flow of water/pressurized ROS gas/air mixture and outputting the flow of water/pressurized ROS gas/air mixture as the treated water process product. The process includes generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) gas in the pressurized ROS/gas output mixture including at least one of Super Oxide (O2−), Peroxide (—O2—), Hydro peroxide (HO2−), Hydroxyl Radicals (OH.), Ozone (O3−) and Molecular Oxygen (O2). The ultraviolet light source, the flow rate of the pressurized air, the water, the water/pressurized ROS gas/air mixture and the output volume are controlled to optimize scaling and biomass reduction.
US08696914B2 Apparatus and method for picking up particles from the surface of a water system
The invention relates to an apparatus for picking up particles from the surface of a water system, in particular oil, algae or dirt particles, comprising a particle separation space, which is connected to an inflow opening through which water that contains particles can enter the particle separation space, a particle-collecting space into which particles that have been separated from the water that contains particles reach from the particle separation space via a separation mechanism and an adjustment mechanism, which is configured to regulate a filling level of the water that contains particles in the particle separation space. In addition, the invention relates to a method for picking up particles, in particular oil, algae or dirt particles, from the surface of a water system.
US08696912B2 Raw water hardness determination in a water treatment system via the conductivity of soft or blended water
A method of operating a water treatment system (1), having a softening device (4), in particular comprising an ion-exchange resin (7), a conductivity sensor (9), and electronic control device (13), and an automatically adjustable blending device for mixing a blended water stream V(t)blend from a first, softened part-stream V(t)part1soft and a second, raw-water-carrying part-stream V(t)part2raw, is characterized in that the conductivity LFsoft of the softened water or the conductivity LFblend of the blended water is determined experimentally, and in that the conductivity LFraw of the raw water and/or the total hardness of the raw water is derived from the experimentally determined conductivity LFsoft of the softened water or LFblend of the blended water. With the invention, inexpensive and permanently reliable control of a water treatment system, in particular of the regeneration and blending, is possible.
US08696909B2 Hybrid bioartificial kidney
A bioartificial kidney equivalent and a process for producing the bioartificial kidney equivalent. The hybrid bioartificial kidney comprises human proximal and distal renal tubule cells grown on particular synthetic membranes.
US08696905B2 Fluid concentrator
A concentrator is used for concentrating a fluid, particularly a plasma component out of blood, for treatment of a patient. The concentrator apparatus includes a main housing defining a centrifuge chamber, that also holds the filter. The concentrator allows viewing of the fluid after centrifuging, with an outlet port positionable at a height corresponding to the level of the fraction of the fluid to be further concentrated. Once the fluid is centrifuged, a portion of the fluid is drawn through the outlet, and then pressured past the filter to further concentrate the fluid using the same vessel as used for centrifuging. The same plunger is preferably used to draw centrifuged fluid from the centrifuge chamber as to pressure the centrifuged fluid past the filter.
US08696904B2 Multi-leaf reverse osmosis element
A reverse osmosis element is provided. The reverse osmosis element includes a plurality of permeate tubes arranged to form a core frame. The reverse osmosis element further includes a plurality of leaves wound over the core frame. Each leaf of the plurality of leaves is coupled to one permeate tube of the plurality of permeate tubes. A retentate channel is defined by the plurality of permeate tubes of the core frame, and sealed by the plurality of leaves wound over the core frame. The reverse osmosis element includes first and a second end caps coupled to the plurality of permeate tubes. At least one of the first and the second end caps includes a retentate discharge port, and at least one of the first and second end caps includes one or more permeate discharge ports.
US08696901B2 Porous polymer and process for producing the same
The present invention relates to a polymeric porous material characterized in that: the porous material has a bimodal pore size distribution attributable to macropores having a pore size of at least 50 nm and mesopores having a pore size of from 2 nm to less than 50 nm, the proportion of the specific surface area of the macropores to the specific surface area of all pores of the porous material is at least 10%, and the porous material is produced by (1) polymerizing a monomer in the presence of a polymerization initiator using as a porogen a solution obtained by dissolving a polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of at least 100,000 and a molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn of not more than 1.5 in a good solvent for the monomer, and (2) removing the porogen from the resultant product.
US08696898B2 Device and process for improving mixing in the UV disinfection of liquids
A device is proposed for the UV disinfection of liquids in an open or closed channel, having an inflow for the liquid to be disinfected, at least one UV irradiator arranged downstream of the inflow in a main flow direction and also having an outflow arranged downstream of the UV irradiator, in which a mixing device, driven by an electric motor, is arranged between the inflow and the at least one UV irradiator, which mixing device is set up for generating a cross-flow having at least one velocity component transverse to the main flow direction in order to improve mixing of the liquid.
US08696897B2 Gray water recycling system
The gray water recycling system includes a first holding tank for filtering and storing gray water from a washer. The processed water passes through an inline filter to a second holding tank. The second holding tank includes a first float switch operatively associated with a pump that shuts off power to the pump when the second tank contains less than a predetermined amount of processed water. An outlet pipe inside the second tank includes another filter to clean the processed water as the water passes through the outlet pipe. A second float switch activates the pump to pump the processed water to a toilet tank when the toilet tank water drains below a predetermined level. A battery power unit is operatively connected to the pump, providing power for selective operation thereof.
US08696894B2 Filter element and fuel filter
The invention concerns a filter element (1), in particular of a fuel filter for motor vehicles. The filter element (1) is received in a filter housing (2) and comprises a filter body (3) with a filter material (5) that is arranged in folds (4). Between two folds (4) a heating element (6) for the fuel is arranged.
US08696893B2 Water enhancement system
There is a water enhancement system coupled to a water conduit, wherein the water enhancement system is configured to enhance a water supply. The water enhancement system includes a filtration system coupled to a water conduit, configured to filter water flowing therethrough. The water enhancement system also includes an enhancement system coupled to the filtration system, configured to treat water flowing therethrough by dispensing a fluid therein. The enhancement system includes a plurality of cartridge sockets and matching cartridges configured to selectably couple together and contain enhancing fluid. The water enhancement system further includes a treatment bracket coupled about the water conduit and to the enhancement system. The water enhancement system additionally includes a treatment device coupled about the treatment bracket and configured to alter a characteristic of the water flowing therethrough.
US08696891B2 System and method for extracting bitumen from tar sand
An improved system for removing bitumen from tar sands comprises a pre-treatment system utilizing a vibratory load hopper for classifying and sizing said tar sand particles communicating with a dryer for heating and drying said tar sand particles to a predetermined temperature thereby controlling the moisture content of said tar sands. An extraction system is also included for accepting said tar sands from the dryer comprising a plurality of extraction vessels arranged in series for transporting said tar sands from a first extraction vessel to a final extraction vessel. Furthermore, a solvent system for supplying a predetermined volume of solvent flow through said extraction vessels is employed, whereby solvent is supplied to the last extraction vessel and a solvent and bitumen mixture is withdrawn from the first extraction vessel.
US08696890B2 Desulfurization process using alkali metal reagent
Hydrocarbon feedstreams are desulfurized using an alkali metal reagent, optionally in the presence of hydrogen. Improved control over reaction conditions can be achieved in part by controlling the particle size of the alkali metal salt and by using multiple desulfurization reactors. After separation of the spent alkali metal reagent, the resulting product can have suitable characteristics for pipeline transport and/or further refinery processing.
US08696886B1 Silicometallophosphate molecular sieves, method of preparation and use
A new family of crystalline microporous silicometallophosphates designated MAPSO-64 and modified forms thereof have been synthesized. These silicometallophosphates are represented by the empirical formula R+rMm2+EPxSiyOz where R is an organoammonium cation such as ETMA+ or DEDMA+, M is an alkaline earth or transition metal cation of valence 2+, and E is a trivalent framework element such as aluminum or gallium. The MAPSO-64 compositions are characterized by a BPH framework topology and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes, and separation properties for separating at least one component.
US08696884B2 Mediator stabilized reagent compositions for use in biosensor electrodes
The claimed subject matter relates to the stabilization of 1,2-quinone mediators, especially those containing 1,10-phenanthroline quinone (PQ) and more especially transition metal complexes of PQ, in the presence of enzymes when contained in dry reagent layers for biosensor electrodes, through the use of various metal salts, particularly those of lithium.
US08696882B2 Nanoengineered field induced charge separation membranes and methods of manufacture thereof
A device according to one embodiment includes a porous membrane having a surface charge and pore configuration characterized by a double layer overlap effect being present in pores of the membrane. A device according to another embodiment includes a porous membrane having a surface charge in pores thereof sufficient to impart anion or cation selectivity in the pores. Additional devices, systems and methods are also presented.
US08696880B2 Oxidizable species as an internal reference for biosensors and method of use
A biosensor (102) for determining the presence or amount of a substance in a sample and methods of use of the biosensor (102) are provided. The biosensor (102) for receiving a user sample to be analyzed includes a mixture for electrochemical reaction with an analyte. The mixture includes an enzyme, a mediator and an oxidizable species as an internal reference.
US08696879B2 Low-maintenance coating technology
The invention provides methods and equipment for depositing a low-maintenance coating.
US08696873B2 Method and plant for purification of oil-contaminated bilge and sludge water on a ship, and ship equipped with such plant
The present invention relates to a method for purification of bilge and sludge water on a ship, especially at sea, using excess heat from the ship's engine(s) to a level of oil contamination of less than 15 ppm. The invention also relates to a plant for carrying out the method, and a vessel including such plant, as well as the use of the method and plant.
US08696872B2 Water desalination system
An improved water desalination system is disclosed, in which contaminated water such as seawater or brackish water is preheated and fed into a primary pressure vessel through a distribution head. The seawater is distributed from the distribution head over a non-adherent surface such as a plurality of silicone chords hanging below a distribution tank or a cone- and cylindrical-shaped surface. The water is exposed to a high temperature steam environment in the chamber to cause at least a portion of the water in the contaminated water to evaporate, while the remaining concentrated salts from the contaminated water fall to the bottom of the chamber. A portion of the steam in the primary pressure vessel is withdrawn to be condensed into fresh water. The energy withdrawn with the steam extracted from the primary pressure vessel is made up by a supplemental energy apparatus, such as a steam generator.
US08696867B2 Disulfo-type fluorescent whitening agents
Concentrated aqueous fluorescent whitening agent preparations are disclosed for optically whitening paper, wherein the preparation contains a specific disulfo-type fluorescent whitening agent.
US08696862B2 Substrate mounting table, substrate processing apparatus and substrate temperature control method
A substrate mounting table is disposed in a processing chamber for performing a plasma process on a substrate and includes at least one power feed part formed of an insulating material surrounding a power feed line and a cooling medium path. The substrate mounting table further includes a protrusion portion for dividing a space formed on a substrate mounting surface of the mounting table into regions, inlet ports through which cooling gases are introduced into the regions divided by the protrusion portion, and a controller for controlling pressures or flow rates of the cooling gases.
US08696861B2 Grindable silicone elastomer composition and the use thereof
Temporary adhesive compositions used to adhesively bond a substrate to be abraded or polished onto a substrate are themselves abradable or polishable, and contain a non-reinforcing filler or particulate silicone resin in a curable organopolysiloxane composition, and have defined physical characteristics in addition to being thermally stable.
US08696859B2 Bonding of silicone gaskets and systems containing bonded silicone gaskets
A method of bonding an electrically conductive silicone gasket includes activating selected surfaces of the electrically conductive silicone gasket, applying a sealant having a corrosion inhibitor to at least a portion of the activated selected surfaces, and curing the sealant to thereby bond the electrically conductive silicone gasket with a substrate.
US08696854B2 Method for producing container parts, container parts, method for producing a multilayer foil, multilayer foil
The invention relates to a method for producing self supporting container parts, such as dishes or covers, for containers for foodstuffs to be treated in a microwave oven, said containers each comprising at least one compartment for receiving the foodstuffs, along at least part of the circumferential surface of which compartment a microwave-radiation influencing material layer is provided in the wall of at least one associated container part, comprising the steps of providing a multilayer foil comprising said microwave radiation-influencing material layer and at least one material layer that does not influence microwave radiation, which is bonded thereto on at least one side of the microwave radiation-influencing material layer, bonding one side of the multilayer foil to a remaining portion of the container part in question, in such a manner that the material layer of the multilayer foil that does not influence microwave radiation is present on a free surface of the container part. The invention furthermore provides a container part thus produced, a method for producing a multilayer foil provided with holes and a multilayer foil thus produced.
US08696853B2 Process for manufacturing a plastic-based cellular structure and device for implementing this process
A process for manufacturing a plastic-based cellular structure, in which parallel lamellae are continuously extruded through a die having a plurality of parallel slots and upon exiting the die spaces lying between two adjacent lamellae are subjected, in successive alternations and between two sizing units whose length is short enough for the plastic composition to remain molten, to an injection of compressed gas and to a vacuum, the two sides of a given lamella being, in respect of one of them, subjected to the action of the compressed gas and, in respect of the other of them, subjected to the action of the vacuum, and vice versa during the next alternation, so as to deform the lamellae and weld them together in pairs, with formation, in a plane approximately parallel to the extrusion direction, of a cellular structure whose constituent cells extend perpendicular to the extrusion direction.
US08696844B2 Method of adhesive bonding and vehicle glazing created thereby
A method is provided of adhesively bonding an elastomeric member to a glass substrate in such a way as to accelerate the building of the strength of such bond and to a vehicle glazing having such an elastomeric member bonded to the glass substrate. This accelerated bonding process is accomplished by mixing a nucleophilic and/or electrophilic catalyst with a beneficial amount of an adhesion promoting primer applying such mixture to a peripheral portion of the glass substrate and exposing same to ambient air. By accelerating the building of the subject bond strength, the rate of “creep” is significantly reduced.
US08696843B1 Repair of acoustically treated structures
A method of repairing an acoustically treated area of a composite honeycomb sandwich structure restores the acoustic performance of the structure. An impaired section of the honeycomb core is removed and replaced with a honeycomb repair plug. Cell walls of the repair plug are bonded to cell walls of the core.
US08696839B2 High speed decorating system
A label applicator system provides for high speed, accurate label transfer from a web to items moving on an item transport along a path relative to the system. The items, such as bottles, have a contoured surface. The applicator includes a supply reel for supplying labels on a web and a take-up for taking up the web after transfer of the label. A drive roller moves the web through the applicator system. The system includes a web positioning assembly and a movable label applicator head. A contour sensor senses the bottle contour and develops a profile for the head to follow to apply the labels to the bottles. The supply, take-up and the drive are operably engaged with one another to maintain a relatively constant tension in the web. The web positioning assembly is configured to advance and retract the web to accommodate a pitch difference between the bottles in the bottle transport and the labels on the web and to accommodate movement of the decorating head toward and away from the bottles in the bottle transport.
US08696836B2 Nonmagnetic high-hardness alloy
The present invention provides a nonmagnetic high-hardness alloy having a Ni-based alloy composition containing; by weight %, C of 0.1% or less: Si of 2.0% or less; Mn of 2.0% or less; P of 0.03% or less; S of 0.01% or less; Cr of 30 to 45%; Al of 1.5 to 5.0%; and a balance of unavoidable impurities and Ni, the nonmagnetic high-hardness alloy being subjected to cold or warm plastic working and then ageing treatment, and a method for producing the nonmagnetic high-hardness alloy.
US08696829B2 Brazing product comprising a mixture of brazing flux and filler metal, and production method thereof
A brazing product includes a compacted solid and rigid material formed of a brazing flux and a filler metal as a mixture, which has mechanical strength sufficient to make it extrudable under a press with a flux mass proportion from 3 to 20%. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing a brazing product by mixing particles of filler metal and brazing powder in order to form metal particles coated with the flux, and compacting filler metal particles coated with the brazing flux.
US08696827B2 Dishwasher with imaging device for measuring load characteristics and a method for controlling same
An automatic dishwasher and a method for controlling the operation of the automatic dishwasher including an imaging device that repeatedly captures images of a sub-portion of a wash chamber as a dish rack is moved from a load position to a use position. The repeated capturing of images is synchronized with the movement of the dish rack, and areas of the dish rack in which dishes are present are determined from the repeatedly captured images.
US08696823B1 Methods and systems for abrasive cleaning and barrier coating/sealing of pipes
Methods for abrasive cleaning, deburring, providing barrier coatings and sealing leaks in existing pipes, in a single operation, in one pass by intermittent bursts of dry particulates forced and pulled by air throughout the piping system by a generator and a vacuum. Cleaning includes intermittently injecting bursts of abrasive particles into the pressurized gas into the piping system for cleaning pipe interior walls, reducing burrs and interior lips in the pipe interior walls and generating a vacuum suction in the piping system to remove abrasive particles and debris.
US08696821B2 Directional control method and apparatus for dual brush robotic pool cleaners
A method and apparatus for controlling the directional movement of a self-propelled robotic pool cleaner having at least one pair of rotational support members for propelling and cleaning a surface of a pool. The method includes accelerating the at least one pair of rotational support members of the pool cleaner from a stopped position to a first predetermined rotational rate in a first predetermined time period; rotating the at least one pair of rotational support members at said first predetermined rotational rate for a second predetermined time period; and increasing the first rate of rotation to a second greater predetermined rotational rate, wherein said pool cleaner is propelled at a normalized rate for cleaning said pool.
US08696816B2 Semiconductor manufacturing apparatus
The present invention relates to a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, and an object of the invention is to prevent breakage and deformation of semiconductor substrates without deteriorating operability in processing.In order to achieve the object, a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus has a stage (100) on which a semiconductor substrate (30) is placed, and the stage (100) has a first metal portion (10) that is made of metal and that comes in contact with the semiconductor substrate (30) placed thereon, and an electroconductive elastic-body portion (20) that is made of an electroconductive elastic body and that comes in contact with the semiconductor substrate (30) placed thereon. A contaminant (40) is embedded in the electroconductive elastic-body portion (20).
US08696815B2 Thin film deposition apparatus
A thin film deposition apparatus that forms a thin film on a substrate includes: a deposition source that discharges a deposition material; a deposition source nozzle unit that is disposed at a side of the deposition source and includes a plurality of deposition source nozzles; a patterning slit sheet that is disposed opposite to the deposition source nozzle unit and includes a plurality of patterning slits; and a blocking member that is disposed between the substrate and the deposition source, wherein the thin film deposition apparatus is separated from the substrate by a predetermined distance, the substrate is moved relative to the thin film deposition apparatus, and the blocking member is moved along with the substrate to screen at least one portion of the substrate.
US08696811B2 Method for feeding arsenic dopant into a silicon crystal growing apparatus
A feed assembly and method of use thereof of the present invention is used for the addition of a high pressure dopant such as arsenic into a silicon melt for CZ growth of semiconductor silicon crystals. The feed assembly includes a vessel-and-valve assembly for holding dopant, and a feed tube assembly, attached to the vessel-and-valve assembly for delivering dopant to a silicon melt. An actuator is connected to the feed tube assembly and a receiving tube for advancing and retracting the feed tube assembly to and from the surface of the silicon melt. A brake assembly is attached to the actuator and the receiving tube for restricting movement of the feed tube assembly and locking the feed tube assembly at a selected position.
US08696810B2 Selected methods for efficiently making thin semiconductor bodies from molten material for solar cells and the like
A pressure differential is applied across a mold sheet and a semiconductor (e.g. silicon) wafer (e.g. for solar cell) is formed thereon. Relaxation of the pressure differential allows release of the wafer. The mold sheet may be cooler than the melt. Heat is extracted almost exclusively through the thickness of the forming wafer. The liquid and solid interface is substantially parallel to the mold sheet. The temperature of the solidifying body is substantially uniform across its width, resulting in low stresses and dislocation density and higher crystallographic quality. The mold sheet must allow flow of gas through it. The melt can be introduced to the sheet by: full area contact with the top of a melt; traversing a partial area contact of melt with the mold sheet, whether horizontal or vertical, or in between; and by dipping the mold into a melt. The grain size can be controlled by many means.
US08696809B2 Manufacturing method of epitaxial silicon wafer and substrate cleaning apparatus
A manufacturing method of an epitaxial silicon wafer is provided. The epitaxial silicon wafer includes: a substrate cut out from a silicon monocrystal that has been manufactured, doped with nitrogen and pulled up in accordance with Czochralski method; and an epitaxial layer formed on the substrate. The manufacturing method includes: cleaning a surface of the substrate with fluorinated acid by spraying onto the surface of the substrate fluorinated acid vaporized by a bubbling tank of a substrate cleaning apparatus; and forming an epitaxial layer on the cleaned surface of the substrate.
US08696808B2 Laser irradiation apparatus
Each region, which should be left on a substrate after patterning, of a semiconductor film is grasped in accordance with a mask. Then, each region to be scanned with laser light is determined so that at least the region to be obtained through the patterning is crystallized, and a beam spot is made to hit the region to be scanned, thereby partially crystallizing the semiconductor film. Each portion with low output energy of the beam spot is shielded by a slit. In the present invention, the laser light is not scanned and irradiated onto the entire surface of the semiconductor film but is scanned such that at least each indispensable portion is crystallized to a minimum. With the construction described above, it becomes possible to save time taken to irradiate the laser light onto each portion to be removed through the patterning after the crystallization of the semiconductor film.
US08696807B2 Ceramic honeycomb structure skin coating
A porous ceramic (honeycomb) structure skin coating and a method of producing a porous ceramic structure skin coating which provides a hardshell, strong, acid- and alkali-resistant, chip-resistant ceramic honeycomb structure coating which resists pollution control catalyst from being absorbed into the skin coating.
US08696805B2 Heat exchanger for dehumidifier using liquid desiccant and dehumidifier using liquid desiccant having the same
Disclosed are a heat exchanger for a dehumidifier using a liquid desiccant and a dehumidifier using a liquid desiccant having the same. The heat exchanger for a dehumidifier using a liquid desiccant, comprises: a plurality of plate-type heat exchanger bodies to which a heat transfer medium flows through flow paths formed therein; and a plurality of plates extending between the respective heat exchanger bodies, and inclined with respect to the surfaces of the heat exchanger bodies.
US08696801B2 Carbon dioxide capture/regeneration apparatus
New and useful system and method concepts are provided, for removing carbon dioxide from a flow of carbon dioxide laden air. More specifically, a sorbent structure is used in new and useful structures and techniques to bind carbon dioxide in a carbon dioxide laden air stream, and process heat is used to separate carbon dioxide from the sorbent structure and regenerate the sorbent structure.
US08696799B2 Multi-stage filtration device
A filtration device for filtering air for use with a fuel vapor recovery system, the filtration device including a housing having a cover and a base. The cover defines an outlet and a plurality of inlets allowing air to enter the housing. The housing includes a plurality of internal walls defining a plurality of chambers. The plurality of internal walls define a plurality of inlets configured to direct air entering the device to flow along the inner circumference of a cylinder, thereby generating an air stream having a sufficient flow velocity such that centrifugal force forces contaminants to separate from the air.
US08696796B2 Systems and methods for reducing off-gassed ozone
Systems and methods for producing an ozone destructor are disclosed herein. Generally, these systems and methods include an ozone destructor that has a housing defining an air passage duct. In some cases, this air passage duct includes a first chamber and a second chamber that are arranged so that air is able to flow into the first chamber, through the second chamber, and out of the destructor. In some cases, an air drying mechanism is disposed in the first and/or the second chamber. Additionally, in some cases, the ozone destructor further includes multiple mechanisms that reduce ozone to oxygen. In light of these features, the ozone destructor is capable of incrementally drying and reducing air and ozone, respectively, as they pass through the first chamber and the second chamber.
US08696795B2 Oxygen separation method and system with a plasma pump and a membrane
The invention relates to a method of separating oxygen from an oxygen containing gas, said method comprising the steps of: compressing and heating the oxygen containing gas in a plasma pump (16), guiding the heated and compressed oxygen containing gas to the primary side of a dense inorganic membrane (58), thereby heating the inorganic membrane by the oxygen containing gas to a temperature at which it is permeable for oxygen, and creating a pressure difference between the primary side and a secondary side of the inorganic membrane (58), wherein an oxygen flow through the inorganic membrane (58) is created, thereby separating the oxygen from the oxygen containing gas.
US08696793B2 Gas liquefaction and separation device utilizing subsonic and supersonic nozzles
The invention relates to cryogenic engineering. The inventive device for liquefying and separating gas and for releasing one or more gases from a mixture thereof, comprises, in series axially positioned, a prechamber (1) with gas flow whirling means (2) arranged therein, a subsonic or supersonic nozzle (3) with a working segment (4), which is abutted thereto and to which liquid phase extracting means (5) is connected, and a subsonic diffuser (7) or the combination of a supersonic (6) and the subsonic diffuser (7). The length of the working segment (4) is selected according to a condition of forming condensate drops with a size greater than 0.5 mkm and of drifting them, by centrifugal forces, from the axial area of the working segment to the walls of the drop extracting means. The device is provided with an additional nozzle (8) arranged in the prechamber. The invention makes it possible to increase the separation efficiency.
US08696791B2 Sour gas and acid natural gas separation membrane process by pre removal of dissolved elemental sulfur for plugging prevention
Methods for removing sulfur from a gas stream prior to sending the gas stream to a gas separation membrane system are provided. Two schemes are available. When the sulfur content is high or flow is relatively high, a scheme including two columns where one tower is regenerated if the sulfur concentration exceeds a preset value can be used. When the sulfur content is low or flow is relatively low, a scheme including one column and an absorption bed.
US08696790B2 Conversion of organic wastes into a reducing agent—coke substitute
A process for converting organic wastes into a reducing agent-coke substitute (“RACS”). More specifically, a process for producing a reducing agent-coke substitute from a mixed waste material containing economically recoverable metals and organic based materials is described. In accordance with one aspect, the process comprises blending mixed waste material with a metal-containing smelter by-product, processing the blend of mixed waste material and smelter by-product through a heated mixing device to convert the blend into reducing agent-coke substitute.
US08696789B2 Method for producing ferroalloy containing nickel
The invention relates to a method for producing a ferroalloy containing nickel. From a fine-grained raw material containing iron and chromium and a fine-grained raw material containing nickel, a mixture is formed with binding agent, the mixture is agglomerated so that first formed objects of desired size are obtained. The objects formed are heat treated in order to strengthen the objects so that the heat treated objects withstand conveyance and loading into a smelter furnace. Further, the objects are smelted under reducing circumstances in order to achieve ferrochromenickel, a ferroalloy of a desired composition containing at least iron, chromium and nickel.
US08696787B2 Bulk synthesis of nanoporous palladium and platinum powders
Disclosed is a method for providing nanoporous palladium and platinum powders. These materials were synthesized on milligram to gram scales by chemical reduction of tetrahalo-complexes with ascorbate in a concentrated aqueous surfactant at temperatures between −20° C. and 30° C. The prepared particles have diameters of approximately 50 nm, wherein each particle is perforated by pores having diameters of approximately 3 nm, as determined by electron tomography. These materials are of potential value for hydrogen and electrical charge storage applications.
US08696784B2 Composition and method for sustained release of agricultural macronutrients
A fertilizer composition wherein a nitrogen containing macronutrient is adsorbed on the surface of hydroxyapatite phosphate nanoparticles. Said fertilizer composition slowly releases the nitrogen containing macronutrient to soil.
US08696782B2 Filter device, especially air filter for an internal combustion engine
A filter device comprises a filter element that is comprised of at least two radially nested filter bellows, wherein at least one filter bellows is to be flown through in the radial direction and a flow space for the fluid is formed between the filter bellows. Each filter bellows is embodied as a star-shaped filter with filter folds arranged in a star shape. On at least one end face of the filter element a sealing ring is arranged between a filter bellows and the filter housing.
US08696781B2 Expanded metal and process of making the same
An expanded metal is provided including a plurality of integral strands defining diamond shapes, each diamond shape having a long dimension as measured from two opposing vertices and a short dimension, generally transverse to the long direction, as measured between two other opposing vertices, such that the long dimension is less than twice the short dimension.
US08696780B2 Air cleaner for removing air pollutants from an air stream
The present invention relates to an air cleaner for removing air pollutants from an air stream, for instance such as the cleaning exhaust/intake gas of an amusement machine, said air cleaner comprising a filter device including at least one filter layer (4a, 4b) held by a filter holder (5) in said airflow substantially perpendicular to a main flow direction thereof and including a plurality of preferably stick-shaped filter elements (6) neighboring each other. In accordance with the present invention, the filter device has no closed surrounding along the circumference of the filter layers, but provides for an open side along at least a portion of the periphery of the filter layer. At least one circumferential side section (7, 8) of the filter layer parallel to or tangential to the longitudinal axis of an outermost filter element is formed as an open side free of flow control elements surrounding the filter layer. Contrary to the prior art where the filter layer is usually enclosed in a tubular flow channel, the present invention avoids such flow-control-elements for guiding the air stream through the filter layer and/or preventing the airflow from diverging away from the filter layer, wherein in particular the filter layer, at its open side, is dispensed with flow-control-elements such as flow guiding surfaces, flow channel walls, fences or housing walls surrounding the filter layer.
US08696778B2 Self-contained breathing closure and container
A self-contained breathing closure for flasks and other containers that require gas exchange. An illustrative embodiment of the closure is comprised of a splashguard, an adaptor for attaching the closure to the container, a bellows element and a gas-permeable barrier element. The splashguard is intended to keep liquid contents under vigorous agitation in the container without wetting the gas-permeable barrier. The adaptor couples the closure to the container in a secure fashion. The bellows element allows for repeated changes in the internal volume of the container-closure system. The gas-permeable barrier allows desired gases to enter and leave the container while excluding small particles and/or microorganisms. The technology may be used with existing glass flask technology, or coupled to a plastic flask that may be configured for either single-use, or multiple-use.
US08696774B2 Gasification system and method using fuel injectors
A system is provided that comprises a gasifier with an enclosure disposed about a chamber, wherein the enclosure comprises a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall between the top and bottom walls. The gasifier also comprises an outlet disposed in the bottom wall, a first injector disposed in the top wall, and a second injector disposed in the side wall, wherein the first and second injectors are configured to inject fuel, oxygen, or a combination thereof, into the chamber.
US08696772B2 Steam reforming fuel processor, burner assembly, and methods of operating the same
Systems and methods for producing hydrogen gas with a fuel processing system that includes a hydrogen-producing region that produces hydrogen gas from a feed stream and a heating assembly that consumes a fuel stream to produce a heated exhaust stream for heating the hydrogen-producing region. In some embodiments, the heating assembly heats the hydrogen-producing region to at least a minimum hydrogen-producing temperature. In some embodiments, the rate at which an air stream is delivered to the heating assembly is controlled to selectively increase or decrease the temperature of the heated exhaust stream. In some embodiments, the feed stream and the fuel stream both contain a carbon-containing feedstock and at least 25 wt % water. In some embodiments, the feed and fuel streams have the same composition.
US08696769B2 Fuel additive to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions
A fuel additive to gasoline and diesel fuels which when added in small quantities relative to total volume of fuel treated and burned as fuel in an internal combustion engine, enhances fuel burning to concurrently increase mileage and reduce emissions. The fuel additive is formed of a plurality of individual components having individual and a combined synergistic effect along a liquid fuel-soluble carrier and added to the fuel supply of the intended internal combustion engine.
US08696768B2 Method for producing solid electrolyte capacitors
The invention relates to a process for producing electrolyte capacitors with high capacitances and low equivalent series resistance, to electrolyte capacitors produced by this process and to the use of such electrolyte capacitors.
US08696767B2 Dipping method of forming cathode of solid electrolytic capacitor
The present invention relates to a method to produce a solid electrolytic capacitor by forming a dielectric layer on an anode body comprising a valve-acting metal sintered body having fine pores and forming on the dielectric layer a conductive compound layer to form a cathode, wherein a cathode is formed by repeating the step of dipping the anode body into an inorganic compound solution, an organic compound solution or a conductive-polymer compound dispersion liquid which turns into a conductive compound layer to thereby laminate a conductive layer on the anode body, and the depth of the anode body to be dipped is increased with each dipping; and an apparatus to be used for the method. According to the present invention, a satisfactory cathode layer can be efficiently formed and a solid electrolytic capacitor having a large capacitance and a low equivalent series resistance can be produced.
US08696762B2 Implant of cross-linked spider silk threads
The present invention provides the use of spider silk threads for the production of tissue implants for medical use. A scaffolding matrix is provided for implantation, which matrix is comprised of spider silk thread and/or segments of spider silk threads which are cross-linked. The cross-linked spider silk thread segments essentially maintain a three-dimensional shape into which it is formed by pressing between molds. The three-dimensional shape obtainable by molding sufficiently stable to be used as an implant or for colonizing by mammalian cells while essentially maintaining the three-dimensional shape. In a further embodiment, the scaffolding matrix of cross-linked spider silk segments is at least partially covered by cells autologous or heterologous to the implant recipient. The matrix colonized with cells is obtainable by in vitro cultivation of isolated cells in suspension with the scaffolding matrix.
US08696755B2 Tibial component of an artificial knee joint
A tibial component of an artificial knee joint is provided which cooperates with a femoral component to allow pivoting rotation of the artificial knee joint in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The tibial component includes a plate with a tapered dovetail rib thereon which allows an insert to be removably secured thereto to act as a meniscal structure for the tibial component. The insert has a proximal surface with left and right wells therein that include valleys to guide rotation of one condylar leg of a femoral component while holding a second condylar leg of the femoral component within the other one of the wells, allowing pivoting rotation in either direction. A nesting of the insert into a portion of the plate minimizes an overall height of the tibial component and minimizing tibial bone resection, while providing a greater resistance to shear forces upon the knee joint.
US08696754B2 Revision patella prosthesis
A knee prosthesis assembly can comprise a patella prosthesis adapted to be secured to a natural patella portion having an anterior surface and a posterior surface. An articulating portion can have a posteriorly facing portion and an anteriorly facing portion. The posteriorly facing portion can have a spherical articular surface. A porous portion can have a first portion that engages the anteriorly facing portion and a second portion that engages the natural patella portion. A fastener can pass entirely through a passage formed at a centermost portion of the natural patella portion from the anterior surface to the posterior surface and into a bore defined in the centermost portion of the porous portion to securably engage the porous portion.
US08696753B2 Disk fusion implant
An implant strip is disclosed. In some cases, the prosthesis can take the form of an implant strip that may be implanted through the use of a surgical procedure that minimizes incision sizes and may be considered less invasive than typical spinal implant procedures. The implant strip includes provisions for implantation, including teeth, spacing provisions, and various shapes.
US08696750B2 Fibrous scaffold for use in soft tissue engineering
The present invention relates to a fibrous scaffold for use as a substrate in soft tissue applications, in particular for preparing annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue. In aspects, the present invention also relates to an engineered biological material comprising AF tissue; constructs comprising one or more engineered biological materials; methods for producing the biological materials and constructs; and methods of using the biological materials and constructs.
US08696749B2 Artificial intervertebral disc
The present invention is directed to the field of prosthetic devices. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to an artificial disc that can be used as a replacement for an intervertebral disc (e.g., a human intervertebral lumbar disc, a human intervertebral cervical disc and/or a human intervertebral thoracic disc).
US08696737B2 Reinforced commissural support structure
A device and method for controlling commissural tip deflection of a prosthetic valve, thereby both preventing failure due to repeated movement and/or uneven loading of the commissural points and also improving coaptation of the valve leaflets, including connecting reinforcing material between the commissural points so a spring-like span is created across the points. The spanning material may be in the form of a ring that is lashed, sewn or otherwise connected to the commissural points. The reinforcing material may form curved segments between the commissural points that extend outwardly to form sinuses behind the leaflets of the prosthetic valve. The reinforcing material may also extend in an upstream direction to avoid interfering with blood flowing out of the prosthetic valve.
US08696734B2 Radially expandable system for use in body tubes
A radially expandable system for the usage in body tubes is kept, by fixation of a first part and a second part relative to each other, in a second state in which the system exhibits a larger diameter compared to a first state. The fixation of the first part relative to the second part is performed by an adhesive. With the radially expandable system a body tube, for example a vein, can be assisted in its function. The first part and the second part can be arranged on or be formed by one single wall element or two different wall elements.
US08696733B2 Helical high fatigue stent-graft
An implantable prosthesis, including a generally tubular substrate and a continuous shape memory member disposed over the outer surface of the substrate. The shape memory member may include a series of zig-zag struts alternating between a first strut with a first length and a second strut with a second length different from the first length. A graft member may be positioned over the substrate and shape memory member.
US08696731B2 Lock/floating marker band on pusher wire for self-expanding stents or medical devices
An apparatus for deploying and retrieving a self-expanding intravascular stent includes an intravascular delivery wire and floating marker band movably retained over the intravascular stent delivery wire and releasably mounting the self-expanding intravascular stent. The floating marker band is movably retained to a fixed marker band, and a distance between the fixed marker band and the floating marker band is variable and self-adjusting. One or more struts of the self-expanding intravascular stent are releasably constrained between a catheter wall and one or more sides of the floating marker band.
US08696729B2 Implant delivery system with marker interlock
An implant delivery system is disclosed. The delivery system includes an elongated member having an implant mounting location. A self-expandable implant is mounted at the implant mounting location. The implant is held in a compressed orientation by a retractable sheath. An interlock structure prevents the implant from deploying prematurely as the sheath is retracted. The interlock structure includes radio-opaque markers that identify the position of the implant.
US08696728B2 Guidewire loaded stent for delivery through a catheter
A guidewire loaded stent for delivery through a catheter is described herein. The stent delivery assembly can deliver and place a stent within tortuous regions of the body which are accessible to guidewires but inaccessible to stenting catheters. The assembly comprises a guidewire covered in part by a retractable sheath and a radially expandable stent near or at the distal end of the guidewire. The whole assembly is advanced through conventional catheters or it may be used alone. In either case, when the stent is adjacent to a treatment site within the body, the sheath is retracted proximally to expose the stent for radial expansion into contact with the vessel wall. Radio-opaque marker bands are optionally located on either side or both sides of the stent on the guidewire body to aid in visual placement. The assembly can optionally include an expandable balloon on the guidewire for different treatment modalities.
US08696727B2 Cooling devices
This invention is directed to the application of portable and reusable cooling devices that comprise fabric covered pillowettes filled with either an herbal blend or a self-contained gel pack designed to be frozen before application directly to the skin of hot or bruised humans and animals to relieve heat distress or swelling.