最新美国发明专利第2014-07-15期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08778773B2	Methods for directly bonding together semiconductor structures, and bonded semiconductor structures formed using such methods Embodiments of the present invention include methods of directly bonding together semiconductor structures. In some embodiments, a cap layer may be provided at an interface between directly bonded metal features of the semiconductor structures. In some embodiments, impurities are provided within the directly bonded metal features of the semiconductor structures. Bonded semiconductor structures are formed using such methods.
US08778772B2	Method of forming transistor with increased gate width Methods of forming transistor devices having an increased gate width dimension are disclosed. In one example, the method includes forming an isolation structure in a semiconducting substrate, wherein the isolation structure defines an active region in the substrate, performing an ion implantation process on the isolation structure to create a damaged region in the isolation structure and, after performing the implantation process, performing an etching process to remove at least a portion of the damaged region to define a recess in the isolation structure, wherein a portion of the recess extends below an upper surface of the substrate and exposes a sidewall of the active region. The method further includes forming a gate insulation layer above the active region, wherein a portion of the insulation layer extends into the recess, and forming a gate electrode above the insulation layer, wherein a portion of the gate electrode extends into the recess.
US08778771B2	Semiconductor device, method of manufacturing the same, and solid-state image sensor A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes steps of providing a substrate including a semiconductor portion, a non-porous semiconductor layer, and a porous semiconductor layer arranged between the semiconductor portion and the non-porous semiconductor layer, forming a porous oxide layer by oxidizing the porous semiconductor layer, forming a bonded substrate by bonding a supporting substrate to a surface, on a side of the non-porous semiconductor layer, of the substrate on which the porous oxide layer is formed, and separating the semiconductor portion from the bonded substrate by utilizing the porous oxide layer.
US08778760B2	Method of manufacturing flash memory cell A method of manufacturing a flash memory cell includes providing a substrate having a first dielectric layer formed thereon, forming a control gate on the first dielectric layer, forming an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) spacer on sidewalls of the control gate, forming a second dielectric layer on the substrate at two sides of the ONO spacer, and forming a floating gate at outer sides of the ONO spacer on the second dielectric layer, respectively.
US08778756B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: forming a first interlayer insulating film over a substrate; forming a first conductive film over the first interlayer insulating film; forming a ferroelectric film on the first conductive film; forming a second conductive film on the ferroelectric film; forming an upper electrode of a capacitor by patterning the second conductive film; forming a capacitor dielectric film by patterning the ferroelectric film; and forming a lower electrode of the capacitor by patterning the first conductive film, wherein forming the first conductive film includes: forming a lower conductive layer made of a noble metal other than iridium over the first interlayer insulating film; and forming an upper conductive layer on the lower conductive layer, the upper conductive layer being made of a conductive material, which is different from a material for the lower conductive layer, and which is other than platinum.
US08778755B2	Method for fabricating a metal-insulator-metal capacitor A method for fabricating a metal-insulator-metal capacitor (MIMCap) is disclosed. A first metal layer is provided on top of an oxide layer. A nitride layer is then deposited on the first metal layer. The nitride layer and the first metal layer are etched to form a MIMCap metal layer. The gaps among the MIMCap metal layer are filled with a plasma oxide, and the excess plasma oxide is polished using the nitride layer a polish stop. After removing the nitride layer, a dielectric layer and a second metal layer are deposited on the MIMCap metal layer. Finally, the dielectric layer and the second metal layer are etched to form a set of MIMCap structures.
US08778753B2	Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices A substrate including an NMOS transistor region and a PMOS transistor region is prepared. A silicon-germanium layer is formed on the PMOS transistor region. Nitrogen atoms are injected in an upper portion of the silicon-germanium layer. A first gate dielectric layer is formed on the NMOS transistor region and the PMOS transistor region. The nitrogen atoms are injected into the upper portion of the silicon-germanium layer before forming the first gate dielectric layer.
US08778748B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor device A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a source electrode and a drain electrode on a front face of a semiconductor substrate which is transparent to visible light, forming a front-side gate electrode between the source electrode and the drain electrode on the front face of the semiconductor substrate; forming an aligning mark on a region of the front face of the semiconductor substrate other than a region between the source electrode and the drain electrode, aligning the semiconductor substrate based on the aligning mark that is seen through the semiconductor substrate, and forming a back-side gate electrode on a back face of the semiconductor substrate in a location opposite the front-side gate electrode.
US08778746B2	Thin-film transistor device manufacturing method, thin-film transistor, and display device A thin-film transistor device manufacturing method forms a plurality of gate electrodes above a substrate. A silicon nitride layer is formed on the plurality of gate electrodes. A silicon oxide layer is formed on the silicon nitride layer. An amorphous silicon layer is formed on the silicon oxide layer. The amorphous silicon layer is crystallized using predetermined laser light to produce a crystalline silicon layer. A source electrode and a drain electrode are formed on the crystalline silicon layer in a region that corresponds to each of the plurality of gate electrodes. A film thickness of the silicon oxide layer, a film thickness of the silicon nitride layer, and a film thickness of the amorphous silicon layer satisfy predetermined conditional expressions.
US08778744B2	Method for manufacturing semiconductor field effect transistor The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor field effect transistor, comprising: forming a semiconductor substrate having a local Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) structure, which comprises a local buried isolation dielectric layer; forming a fin on a silicon substrate above the local buried isolation dielectric layer; forming a gate stack structure on a top and on side faces of the fin; forming source/drain structures in the fin at both sides of the gate stack structure; and metallizing. The present disclosure uses a conventional top-to-bottom process based on quasi-plane, which has a good compatibility with CMOS planar processes. Also, the method can suppress short channel effects and help to reduce the dimensions of MOSFETs.
US08778743B2	Latch-up robust PNP-triggered SCR-based devices An approach for providing a latch-up robust PNP-triggered SCR-based device is disclosed. Embodiments include providing a silicon control rectifier (SCR) region; providing a PNP region having a first n-well region proximate the SCR region, a first N+ region and a first P+ region in the first n-well region, and a second P+ region between the SCR region and the first n-well region; coupling the first N+ region and the first P+ region to a power rail; and coupling the second P+ region to a ground rail.
US08778740B2	Process for fabricating multi-die semiconductor package with one or more embedded die pads To avoid shorts between adjacent die pads in mounting a multi-die semiconductor package to a printed circuit board (PCB), one of the die pads is embedded in the polymer capsule, while the other die pad is exposed at the bottom of the package to provide a thermal escape path to the PCB. This arrangement is particularly useful when one of the dice in a multi-die package generates more heat than another die in the package. A process for fabricating the package includes a partial etch that defines the bottom surface of the embedded die pad and may include a through-etch that leaves one or more of the contacts or leads integrally connected to the embedded die pad.
US08778739B2	Lead frame and method of manufacturing the same, and semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same A method of manufacturing a lead frame, includes forming a rectangular first dimple includes, first inclined side surfaces inclined to a depth direction, and arranged in two opposing sides in one direction, and standing side surfaces standing upright to a depth direction, and arranged in two opposing sides in other direction, on a backside of a die pad by a first stamping, and forming a second dimple having second inclined side surfaces inclined on the backside of the die pad by a second stamping, such that a second inclined side surfaces of the second dimple are arranged in side areas of the standing side surfaces of the first dimple, wherein the standing side surfaces are transformed into reversed inclined side surfaces inclined to a reversed direction to the first inclined side surfaces, and a front side of the die pad is semiconductor element mounting surface.
US08778738B1	Packaged semiconductor devices and packaging devices and methods Packaged semiconductor devices and packaging devices and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of packaging a semiconductor device includes providing a first integrated circuit die that is coupled to a first surface of a substrate that includes through-substrate vias (TSVs) disposed therein. A conductive ball is coupled to each of the TSVs on a second surface of the substrate that is opposite the first surface of the substrate. A second integrated circuit die is coupled to the second surface of the substrate, and a molding compound is formed over the conductive balls, the second integrated circuit die, and the second surface of the substrate. The molding compound is removed from over a top surface of the conductive balls, and the top surface of the conductive balls is recessed. A redistribution layer (RDL) is formed over the top surface of the conductive balls and the molding compound.
US08778736B2	Capping coating for 3D integration applications A structure for a semiconductor component is provided having a bi-layer capping coating integrated and built on supporting layer to be transferred. The bi-layer capping protects the layer to be transferred from possible degradation resulting from the attachment and removal processes of the carrier assembly used for layer transfer. A wafer-level layer transfer process using this structure is enabled to create three-dimensional integrated circuits.
US08778726B2	Organic light emitting display and method of fabricating the same An organic light emitting display in which differential pressure is controlled to prevent Newton's rings from being generated and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The organic light emitting display includes a first substrate including a pixel region in which at least one organic light emitting diode (OLED) is formed and a non-pixel region, a second substrate attached to one region including the pixel region of the first substrate, and a frit provided between the non-pixel region of the first substrate and the second substrate. At least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is formed to be convex outward.
US08778725B1	Avalanche photodiode with special lateral doping concentration Avalanche photodiodes having special lateral doping concentration that reduces dark current without causing any loss of optical signals and method for the fabrication thereof are described. In one aspect, an avalanche photodiode comprises: a substrate, a first contact layer coupled to at least one metal contract of a first electrical polarity, an absorption layer, a doped electric control layer having a central region and a circumferential region surrounding the central region, a multiplication layer having a partially doped central region, and a second contract layer coupled to at least one metal contract of a second electrical polarity. Doping concentration in the central section of the electric control layer is lower than that of the circumferential region. The absorption layer can be formed by selective epitaxial growth.
US08778724B2	High volume method of making low-cost, lightweight solar materials A thin film solar cell and a method fabricating thin film solar cells on flexible substrates. The method includes including providing a flexible polymeric substrate, depositing a photovoltaic precursor on a surface of the substrate, such as CdTe, ZrTe, CdZnTe, CdSe or Cu(In,Ga)Se2, and exposing the photovoltaic precursor to at least one 0.5 microsecond to 10 second pulse of predominately infrared light emitted from a light source having a power output of about 20,000 W/cm2 or less to thermally convert the precursor into a crystalline photovoltaic material having a photovoltaic efficiency of greater than one percent, the conversion being carried out without substantial damage to the substrate.
US08778722B2	TFT substrate and method for producing TFT substrate An object of the invention is to provide a TFT substrate and a method for producing a TFT substrate which is capable of drastically reducing the production cost by decreasing the number of steps in the production process and improving production yield. A TFT substrate comprises: a substrate; a first oxide layer formed above the substrate; a second oxide layer formed above the first oxide layer with a channel part interposed therebetween; gate insulating film formed above the substrate, the first oxide layer and the second oxide layer; a gate electrode and a gate wire formed above the gate insulating film.
US08778717B2	Local oxidation of silicon processes with reduced lateral oxidation A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes providing a silicon substrate, and implanting a p-type impurity into the silicon substrate to form a p-type region. After the step of implanting, performing an anneal to form a silicon oxide region, with a portion of the p-type region converted to the silicon oxide region.
US08778716B2	Integrated circuits based on aligned nanotubes Techniques, apparatus and systems are described for wafer-scale processing of aligned nanotube devices and integrated circuits. In one aspect, a method can include growing aligned nanotubes on at least one of a wafer-scale quartz substrate or a wafer-scale sapphire substrate. The method can include transferring the grown aligned nanotubes onto a target substrate. Also, the method can include fabricating at least one device based on the transferred nanotubes.
US08778715B2	Method of fabricating a neutron detector such as a microstructured semiconductor neutron detector A method of making a neutron detector such as a microstructured semiconductor neutron detector is provided. The method includes the step of providing a particle-detecting substrate having a surface and a plurality of cavities extending into the substrate from the surface. The method also includes filling the plurality of cavities with a neutron-responsive material. The step of filling including the step of centrifuging nanoparticles of the neutron-responsive material with the substrate for a time and a rotational velocity sufficient to backfill the cavities with the nanoparticles. The material is responsive to neutrons absorbed, thereby, for releasing ionizing radiation reaction products.
US08778709B2	Method for making light emitting diode A method for making light emitting diode includes following steps. A substrate is provided. A first semiconductor layer is grown on a surface of the substrate. A patterned mask layer is located on a surface of the first semiconductor layer, and the patterned mask layer includes a number of bar-shaped protruding structures, a slot is defined between each two adjacent protruding structures to expose a portion of the first semiconductor layer. The exposed first semiconductor layer is etched to form a protruding pair. A number of three-dimensional nano-structures are formed by removing the patterned mask layer. An active layer and a second semiconductor layers are grown on the number of three-dimensional nano-structures in that order. A first electrode is electrically connected with the first semiconductor layer. A second electrode is located to cover the entire surface of the second semiconductor layer which is away from the active layer.
US08778707B2	High-reflection submount for light-emitting diode package and fabrication method thereof A method for fabricating a silicon submount for LED packaging. A silicon substrate is provided. A reflection layer is formed on the silicon substrate. Portions of the reflection layer and the silicon substrate are removed to form openings. A wafer backside grinding process is carried out to thin the silicon substrate thereby turning the openings into through silicon vias. An insulating layer is then deposited to cover the reflection layer and the silicon substrate. A seed layer is formed on the insulating layer. A resist pattern is then formed on the seed layer. A metal layer is formed on the seed layer not covered by the resist pattern. The resist pattern is then stripped. The seed layer not covered by the metal layer is then removed.
US08778704B1	Solar powered IC chip A self-powered integrated circuit (IC) device includes a lead frame and a solar cell having first and second main surfaces. The solar cell is mounted on a surface of the lead frame. An IC chip is also provided. A first electrical interconnector electrically couples the IC chip to the lead frame and a second electrical interconnector electrically couples the solar cell to the IC chip. A portion of the first main surface of the solar cell is configured to receive light from an external source. The solar cell converts energy of the received light into electrical power that is supplied to the IC chip. A mold compound encapsulates the IC chip, the first and second electrical interconnectors, and at least a portion of the solar cell.
US08778702B2	Method of inspecting and processing semiconductor wafers A wafer inspection method comprises imaging a full surface of the wafer at an imaging resolution insufficient to resolve individual microstructures which are repetitively arranged on the wafer. A mask 109 is applied to the recorded image and unmasked portions 111 of the image are further processed by averaging. The unmasked portions 111 are selected such that they include memory portions of the wafer.
US08778700B2	Hydrogen barrier for ferroelectric capacitors An integrated circuit containing a FeCap array. The FeCap array is at least partially surrounded on the sides by hydrogen barrier walls and on the top by a hydrogen barrier top plate. A method for at least partially enclosing a FeCap array with hydrogen barrier walls and a hydrogen barrier top plate.
US08778699B2	Detection of degradation products of canine NT-proBNP A method for determining the amount of NT-proBNP in blood samples from animals. The method includes detecting degradation products of NT-proBNP by various methods, including using antibodies, kits and device.
US08778695B2	Methods and apparatuses for analyzing biological samples by mass spectrometry Methods and apparatuses for analyzing proteins and other biological materials and xenobiotics within a sample. A specimen is generated, which may include an energy absorbent matrix. The specimen is struck with laser beams such that the specimen releases proteins. The atomic mass of the released proteins over a range of atomic masses is measured. An atomic mass window of interest within the range of atomic masses is analyzed to determine the spatial arrangement of specific proteins within the sample, and those specific proteins are identified as a function of the spatial arrangement. By analyzing the proteins, one may monitor and classify disease within a sample.
US08778692B2	Measurement method for measuring the level of halogen agents in swimming-pool water The invention relates to a method of monitoring a concentration of a halogenated disinfectant in swimming pools or the like and a device for implementing the method. The method comprises: a liquid-injection step of injecting the liquid to be analyzed into the analysis chamber; a reagent-injection step of injecting a reagent into the analysis chamber; a measurement step of measuring the liquid/reagent mixture by colorimetry; a processing step of processing the measurement in relation to data; and a verification step of verifying the colorimetric measurement when the measurement corresponds to the reagent being bleached or to an absence of reaction color.
US08778691B2	Bromate ion measurement method A method for measuring bromate ion is provided that provides high-sensitivity measurement results more simply and more quickly than conventional bromate ion measurement methods. A fluorescent substance that is quenched by coexistence with bromate ions is added to a sample 130 and the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent substance after quenching is measured, the measured fluorescence intensity being subtracted from the fluorescence intensity of a standard sample containing no bromate ions to calculated the fluorescence intensity difference. The bromate ion concentration is calculated from the calculated fluorescence intensity difference, using a pre-determined calibration line between the fluorescence intensity difference and the bromate ion concentration.
US08778682B2	Optical based delivery of exogenous molecules to cells A method of delivering exogenous molecules, comprising: providing a plurality of cells having a cell membrane; adding a plurality of exogenous molecules to the cells; exposing the cells to a defocused infrared (IR) light to permeabilize the cell membrane of the cells; and delivering the exogenous molecules to the cells through the permeablized cell membrane, wherein an intensity of the IR light at the optical focus is at least greater than or equal to an order of 104 W/cm2.
US08778677B2	Methods of generating hybrid/chimeric cells, and uses thereof The present invention relates to hybrid cells and methods for producing hybrid cells. In particular, the invention relates to hybrid cells generated from the hybridization of at least three cells where at least two cells are derived from different lineages. The invention further relates to the use of hybrid cells for the expression of proteins useful in a range of diagnostic, prophylactic, therapeutic and/or research applications.
US08778676B2	Diagnosis and treatment of cancers with microRNA located in or near cancer-associated chromosomal features MicroRNA genes are highly associated with chromosomal features involved in the etiology of different cancers. The perturbations in the genomic structure or chromosomal architecture of a cell caused by these cancer-associated chromosomal features can affect the expression of the miR gene(s) located in close proximity to that chromosomal feature. Evaluation of miR gene expression can therefore be used to indicate the presence of a cancer-causing chromosomal lesion in a subject. As the change in miR gene expression level caused by a cancer-associated chromosomal feature may also contribute to cancerigenesis, a given cancer can be treated by restoring the level of miR gene expression to normal. microRNA expression profiling can be used to diagnose cancer and predict whether a particular cancer is associated with an adverse prognosis. The identification of specific mutations associated with genomic regions that harbor miR genes in CLL patients provides a means for diagnosing CLL and possibly other cancers.
US08778674B2	Combinations of proteins to enhance viability of stem cells and their progenitors before transplantation Embodiments of the present invention include the use of placental alkaline phosphatase alone or in combination with human transferrin and, optionally, human α1-antitrypsin to enhance the proliferation and survival of transplanted stem cells and stem cell-derived progenitor cells.
US08778672B2	Somatic ovule specific promoter and methods of use Compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant are provided. Compositions include nucleotide sequences for an Arabidopsis thaliana nucellar 1/inner integument (AT NUC1) promoter. Also provided is a method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using a promoter sequence disclosed herein.
US08778667B2	Method and unit for detection of interactions of biologically relevant molecules The present invention relates to a unit to be used for detection of interactions of biologically relevant molecules using a carrier on which the biologically relevant molecules are immobilized, comprising: a hollow holder having an open part at one end with the other end being closed; and a carrier-supporting member that can be inserted into the hollow holder, on which is mounted a carrier upon which biologically relevant molecules are immobilized, wherein: while the carrier-supporting member is being inserted into the hollow holder, a rear-end portion of the carrier-supporting member is engaged with an edge of the open part of the hollow holder, so that the hollow holder is sealed and the positions of the carrier-supporting member and the hollow holder are determined; and the area on the left and the area on the right of the axial center, which are defined by the inner side of the hollow holder and the external side of the carrier-supporting member on which the carrier has been mounted, are approximately the same within the region from the carrier-mounting part to the apical part of the carrier-supporting member, as in a section cut along a plane including the axial center of the hollow holder in a positioned state.
US08778666B1	Devices, apparatus, and methods employing biomimetic cilia for microfluidic manipulation A device comprises: one or more cantilevered biomimetic cilia, and a liquid disposed among the one or more biomimetic cilia, wherein individual biomimetic cilia are at least partially submerged in the liquid, and wherein the biomimetic cilia are arranged for excitation into resonance, such as for mixing and pumping via the resonant behavior of the excited cilia.
US08778664B2	Probe, probe set, probe carrier, and testing method A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 4 and mutated sequences thereof.
US08778663B2	Thermal cycler A thermalcycler includes a first thermalcycler body section having a first face and a second thermalcycler body section having a second face. A cavity is formed by the first face and the second face. A thermalcycling unit is positioned in the cavity. A heater trace unit is connected to a support section, to the first thermalcycler body section, to the second thermalcycler body section, and to the thermalcycling unit. The first thermalcycler body section and the second thermalcycler body section are positioned together against the support section to enclose the thermalcycling unit and the heater trace unit.
US08778662B2	Removing endotoxin from proteins Disclosed is a method for removing endotoxin from proteins. Also disclosed are products made by using the method. The method may be used, for example, to produce endotoxin-free lactoferrin. Bovine milk-derived lactoferrin may be produced in commercial quantities by the method, and endotoxin-free bovine lactoferrin may be used for a variety of therapeutic uses, including improving wound healing.
US08778659B2	Method of reducing glycosylation of proteins, processes and proteins thereof The disclosure relates to method of reducing O-glycosylation levels of the insulin or insulin analog precursor molecule produced by Pichia sp. The present disclosure provides genetically engineered knock-out strains of methylotrophic yeast including Pichia and especially Pichia pastoris by disruption of Protein mannosyl transferase (PMT) genes and rendering them capable of producing heterologous proteins with reduced glycosylation. Vectors, which comprise coding sequences for PMT1, PMT2, PMT4, PMT5, and PMT6 genes, for transforming methylotrophic yeasts are contemplated by the present disclosure. PMT inactivated strains of this disclosure have been deposited at MTCC, Chandigarh. The strains are PMT1/GS115 (MTCC 5515), PMT4/GS115 (MTCC 5516), PMT5/GS115 (MTCC 5517) and PMT6/GS115 (MTCC 5518).
US08778655B2	Modified gram-negative bacteria for use as vaccines The invention relates to Gram-negative bacteria carrying an inactivated gene encoding a glycosyltransferase involved in the synthesis of the core of the LPS of said Gram-negative bacteria, wherein said inactivated gene results in the synthesis of a LPS having a modified core. These strains have an attenuated virulence but induce a humoral immunity sufficient for ensuring vaccination of the host.
US08778654B2	Recombinant bacteria for producing deoxyviolacein and uses thereof Recombinant bacteria for producing deoxyviolacein and uses thereof are provided, wherein the recombinant bacteria is obtained by introducing the deoxyviolacein synthesis-related gene cluster into Escherichia coli BL21-CodonPlus (DE3)-RIL or Pseudomonas putida mt-2. The deoxyviolacein synthesis-related gene cluster is obtained by knocking out VioD gene from the violacein synthesis-related gene cluster composed of VioA, VioB, VioC, VioD and VioE, and the nucleotide sequence is as shown in the SEQ ID NO: 1 in the sequence listing. A method for producing deoxyviolacein by fermenting the recombinant bacteria to produce deoxyviolacein by using L-tryptophan as substrate is provided. The method has high efficiency of deoxyviolacein production, the deoxyviolacein produced is convenient to be extracted, and simple to be separated and purified.
US08778651B2	Nitrilases, nucleic acids encoding them and methods for making and using them The invention relates to nitrilases and to nucleic acids encoding the nitrilases. In addition methods of designing new nitrilases and method of use thereof are also provided. The nitrilases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.
US08778644B2	Synthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids by recombinant cell The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, in recombinant cells such as yeast or plant cells. Also provided are recombinant cells or plants which produce long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a group of new enzymes which possess desatorase or elongase activity that can be used in methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
US08778643B2	Methods for increasing lipid levels and producing triacylglycerols in algae The present disclosure relates to methods of increasing lipid levels in an algal or yeast cell population, methods of producing saturated or monounsaturated triacylglycerols in an algal or yeast cell population, and methods of decreasing polyunsaturated triacylglycerol production in an algal or yeast cell population by contacting the cell population with a chemical compound that is capable of increasing lipid levels or altering the lipid composition in the cell population.
US08778642B2	Biological synthesis of difunctional alkanes from carbohydrate feedstocks Aspects of the invention relate to methods for the production of difunctional alkanes in host cells. In particular, aspects of the invention describe components of genes associated with the difunctional alkane production from carbohydrate feedstocks in host cells. More specifically, aspects of the invention describe metabolic pathways for the production of adipic acid, aminocaproic acid, caprolactam, and hexamethylenediamine via 2-ketopimelic acid.
US08778641B1	Polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and polynucleotides encoding same The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. 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.
US08778640B1	Polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and polynucleotides encoding same The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. 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.
US08778637B2	Method and apparatus for applying continuous flow and uniform temperature to generate thermal melting curves in a microfluidic device The present invention provides a method for performing thermal melt analysis using a microfluidic device, the method comprising providing a microfluidic device having at least one microfluidic channel, introducing fluid comprising into the at least one microfluidic channel, continuously flowing the fluid through the at least one microfluidic channel while varying the temperature of the entire fluid stream as it moves through the at least one microfluidic channel by uniformly heating the entire fluid stream, and measuring, while continuously flowing the fluid through the at least one microfluidic channel, a detectable property emanating from the fluid.
US08778636B2	Chemo-enzymatic approach to the synthesis of pimecrolimus Processes for preparing pimecrolimus starting from ascomycin, exploiting the selectivity characteristics of the purified enzymatic systems particularly regarding the selective functionalization of the hydroxyl groups present in position 24 and 33 of ascomycin. Such method represents the first example of chemoenzymatic synthesis for preparing pimecrolimus.
US08778632B2	Δ6-desaturase genes and uses thereof The subject invention relates to the identification of genes involved in the desaturation of polyunsaturated fatty acids at carbon 6 (i.e., “Δ6-desaturase”). In particular, Δ6-desaturase may be utilized, for example, in the conversion of linoleic acid to γ-linolenic acid and in the conversion of α-linolenic acid stearidonic acid. The polyunsaturated fatty acids produced by use of the enzyme may be added to pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional compositions, animal feeds, as well as other products such as cosmetics.
US08778631B2	Mono charging system for selectively introducing non-native amino acids into proteins using an in vitro protein synthesis system This invention provides for a novel means of incorporating non-native amino acids into preselected positions of a protein using a cell-free synthesis system. The methods involve the use of non-orthogonal, native isoaccepting sense tRNAs that are encoded by the genetic code. Such methods allow for numerous non-native amino acids to be incorporated through the use of sense codons without having to rely upon orthogonal tRNA-synthetase pairs.
US08778630B2	Tissue sample preprocessing methods and devices A first permeable mesh membrane may be configured to be tautly stretched over a tissue sample and overlaid over a surface. A first permeable mesh membrane may sandwich and secure a tissue sample in between a first permeable mesh membrane and a surface. A first permeable mesh membrane may have a sieve size of approximately 10 μm to approximately 100 μm.
US08778629B2	Sterility test method and totally enclosed bacterial ampoule incubator used by it A sterility test method includes: selecting strain and culture medium, preparing bacterial cultures, transcribing fingerprint characteristics in thermograms as indices to verify the characteristics, drawing the thermodynamic parameters of the thermogram, determining the positive judgment index and performing sterility test for the samples. A fully-enclosed bacteria collecting ampoule incubator includes bacteria collecting ampoule system, sample and liquid feeding system and peristalsis liquid discharge system. The sample and liquid feeding system is connected with the bacteria collecting ampoule system by the liquid intake tube; and the bacteria collecting ampoule system is connected with the peristalsis liquid discharge system by the liquid drainage tube. The invention is characterized by short inspection time, high sensitivity, high automation and accurate test results on microbial contamination. It can also provide the overall process curve on the growth conditions. Such curve is provided with relatively favorable fingerprint, which enables qualitative analysis on the microbial contamination conditions.
US08778628B2	Arylalkylamine compound and process for preparing the same An arylalkylamine compound is represented by the following formula [I-e] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08778624B2	Zwitterion-containing acridinium compounds Hydrophilic, chemiluminescent acridinium compounds containing zwitterions are disclosed. These acridinium compounds, when used as chemiluminescent labels in immunochemistry assays and the like, exhibit decreased non-specific binding to solid phases and provide increased assay sensitivity.
US08778623B2	Compositions and methods of using differentiated cells sensitized to botulinum neurotoxin Differentiated cholinergic cells having motor neuron-like morphology and increased sensitivity to botulinum neurotoxin are provided herein. Methods of using such differentiated cells for detecting neurotoxin are also provided.
US08778620B2	Methods for diagnosis, prognosis and methods of treatment The present invention provides an approach for the determination of the activation states of a plurality of proteins in single cells. This approach permits the rapid detection of heterogeneity in a complex cell population based on activation states, expression markers and other criteria, and the identification of cellular subsets that exhibit correlated changes in activation within the cell population. Moreover, this approach allows the correlation of cellular activities or properties. In addition, the use of modulators of cellular activation allows for characterization of pathways and cell populations. Several exemplary diseases that can be analyzed using the invention include AML, MDS, and MPN.
US08778619B2	Oxidized cardiolipin and uses to detect cardiolipin antibodies Compositions, methods and devices for the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies and the diagnosis of disease, for example, syphilis, are described. In particular, oxidized cardiolipins, which may be conjugated with a variety of attachment molecules, such as BSA, KLH, biotin, synthetic protein MAPS, IgY, streptavidin, or avidin, are described. Such oxidized cardiolipin, alone or complexed with one or more attachment molecules, are useful to detect anti-lipoidal antibodies (such as IgG and IgM antibodies) in subjects, for example, when used in ELISA plates. ELISA plates are described that permit the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies and that permit the co-detection of nontreponemal and treponemal antibodies in biological samples.
US08778618B2	Compositions and methods for characterizing a myopathy The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits diagnosing, monitoring, and otherwise characterizing a myopathy and for detecting the presence of autoantibodies in a biological sample.
US08778617B2	Method for determining the binding constant of high affinity compounds The invention relates to a method for determining the binding constant of a compound of interest to proteins comprising the following steps: a) adding the high affinity compound to a two-chamber system, wherein the two chambers are separated by a semipermeable membrane, which is permeable for the compound of interest, and determining the amount of the high affinity compound of interest in one of the chambers after the distribution equilibrium has been reached, b) adding a sink compound to one of the chambers whereby the sink compound can not permeate the membrane, and determining the distribution coefficient of the compound of interest to the sink compound after the distribution equilibrium has been reached, c) adding an unspecific protein to the other chamber, whereby the unspecific protein can not permeate the membrane, and determining the distribution coefficient of the compound of interest to the unspecific protein in presence of a sink compound after the distribution equilibrium has been reached, and d) determining the binding constant of the test compound with the distribution coefficient of steps b) and c).
US08778616B2	Method of using CCR3 binding agents to detect choroidal neovascularization The results presented herein demonstrate the specific expression of CCR3 in CNV endothelial cells in humans with AMD, and despite the expression of its ligands, eotaxin-1, -2, and -3, neither eosinophils nor mast cells are present in human CNV. The genetic or pharmacological targeting of CCR3 or eotaxins as disclosed herein inhibited injury-induced CNV in mice. CNV suppression by CCR3 blockade was due to direct inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation, and was uncoupled from inflammation as it occurred in mice lacking eosinophils or mast cells and was independent of macrophage and neutrophil recruitment. CCR3 blockade was more effective at reducing CNV than vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) neutralization, which is currently in clinical use, and, unlike VEGF-A blockade, not toxic to the mouse retina. In vivo imaging with CCR3-targeting quantum dots located spontaneous CNV invisible to standard fluorescein angiography in mice before retinal invasion. CCR3 targeting is useful in reducing vision loss due to AMD through early detection and therapeutic angioinhibition.
US08778612B2	Method for quantitatively determining a number of analytes A method for the quantitative assay of n different analytes, where n is at least 2, is provided. The method consists of the following steps: (a) At least one labeled detector-binding partner is added to a test sample containing the analytes. This leads to the formation of detector-analyte complexes, each of which consists of one analyte molecule and one detector molecule. The number of detector binding partners x equals n−1. Each detector-binding partner binds to at least one analyte. At least one of the detector-binding partners can bind to at least two analytes. (b) The detector-analyte complexes formed in step (a) bind to capture-binding partners and form detector-analyte-capture complexes. The number of capture-binding partners y equals the number n of the analytes. Each capture-binding partner is specific for at least one detector-analyte complex. (c) The time-resolved formation of the detector-analyte-capture complexes is measured.
US08778609B1	Methods for analyzing nucleic acids The invention generally relates to methods for analyzing nucleic acids. In certain aspects, methods of the invention involve obtaining a sample including a nucleic acid template. A plurality of molecular inversion probes are tiled across a portion of the template. The probes are designed such that immediately adjacent probes hybridize to opposite strands of the nucleic acid template and probes on the same strand hybridize to the template in an overlapping manner. A region between targeting arms of a plurality of the molecular inversion probes is filled-in with nucleotides, and the filled-in region of a plurality of the probes is analyzed to obtain sequence information about the nucleic acid template.
US08778606B2	At-home cancer test The at home cancer test permits a layperson to qualitatively test for the presence of carcinoma in the privacy of their home. The test includes a test strip coated or impregnated with at least one monoclonal antibody that binds to β-hCG/CGH found in the patient's urine, together with a chromophore that provides a color indicator when such binding takes place. The at-home cancer test may comprise a kit containing one or more of the following: a test strip with a tab that can be gripped by the user while the strip is placed in a stream of urine; a cup for collecting urine and a test strip that may be partially immersed in the cup; and a cup for collecting urine, a test strip, and a medicine dropper or pipette for transferring the urine to the test strip.
US08778601B2	Methods of forming photolithographic patterns Provided are methods of forming photolithographic patterns using a negative tone development process. Also provided are coated substrates and electronic devices formed by the methods. The methods find particular applicability in the manufacture of electronic devices.
US08778599B2	Method of producing ink ejection head Provided is a method of producing an ink ejection head including a substrate, an ink ejection energy-generating element, a flow path-forming member, and an ejection orifice-forming member having an ink ejection orifice, the ink ejection orifice having, on a side open to an outside, a portion whose sectional area is constant and a portion whose sectional area increases from the portion to an ink ejection energy-generating element side, the method including: forming, on the substrate, a first negative photosensitive resist; forming, on the first negative photosensitive resist, a second negative photosensitive resist; partially mixing the first negative photosensitive resist and the second negative photosensitive resist to form a compatible layer; and subjecting the second negative photosensitive resist and the compatible layer to collective exposure and development to form the ink ejection orifice.
US08778598B2	Method of forming fine patterns of semiconductor device by using double patterning process which uses acid diffusion A method of forming fine patterns of a semiconductor device according to a double patterning process that uses acid diffusion is provided. In this method, a plurality of first mask patterns are formed on a substrate. A capping film including an acid source is formed on the exposed surface areas of the plurality of first mask patterns. A second mask layer is formed on the capping films. A plurality of acid diffused regions are formed within the second mask layer by diffusing acid obtained from the acid source from the capping films into the second mask layer. A plurality of second mask patterns are formed of residual parts of the second mask layer which remain after removing the acid diffused regions of the second mask layer.
US08778597B2	Long-chain alkylene-containing curable epoxy resin composition A curable composition that maintains good handleability in the liquid form and that can be photo- or heat-cured to form a cured product having physical properties including both high transparency and high flexural strength. A curable composition includes, an epoxy compound of (1): [where each of E1, E2, and E3 is independently an organic group of Formula (2) or Formula (3); and each of R1, R2, and R3 is independently an optionally branched alkylene group or oxyalkylene group: (where R4 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group)]; and an acid generator.
US08778596B2	Photosensitive resin composition, pattern forming material comprising the photosensitive resin composition, and pattern forming method and article using the photosensitive resin composition A photosensitive resin composition which is excellent in resolution, low in cost, and usable in a wide range of structures of polymer precursors each of which is reacted into a final product by a basic substance or by heating in the presence of a basic substance. The photosensitive resin composition includes a base generator which has a specific structure and generates a base by exposure to electromagnetic radiation and heating, and a polymer precursor which is reacted into a final product by the base generator and by a basic substance or by heating in the presence of a basic substance.
US08778593B2	Chemical amplification resist composition, and resist film, resist-coated mask blank, resist pattern forming method and photomask each using the composition A chemical amplification resist composition contains: (A) a polymer compound having a phenolic hydroxyl group and a group formed by substituting a substituent for a hydrogen atom of a hydroxyl group in a phenolic hydroxyl group and satisfying the following (a) to (c) at the same time: (a) the polydispersity is 1.2 or less, (b) the weight average molecular weight is from 2,000 to 6,500, and (c) the glass transition temperature (Tg) is 140° C. or more.
US08778592B2	Positive resist composition and patterning process A positive resist composition based on a polymer comprising recurring units of (meth)acrylate having a cyclic acid labile group and a dihydroxynaphthalene novolak resin, and containing a photoacid generator is improved in resolution, step coverage and adhesion on a highly reflective stepped substrate, has high resolution, and forms a pattern of good profile and minimal edge roughness through exposure and development.
US08778590B2	Lithographic printing plate precursor A lithographic printing plate precursor comprising a coating provided on a support having a hydrophilic surface, the coating containing thermoplastic polymer particles and an IR-dye characterized in that the IR-dye contains a structural element according to Formula I wherein A represents hydrogen, halogen or a monovalent organic group; Y and Y′ independently represent —CH— or —N—; R1 and R2 independently represent hydrogen, an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl group or represent the necessary atoms to form a ring; * represents the linking positions to the rest of the molecule.
US08778588B2	Toner for electrostatic charge development To provide a toner, which contains a binder resin, a colorant, and a releasing agent, wherein the binder resin contains a low molecular weight resin component, where the low molecular weight resin component has a resin softening coefficient (A), represented by the following formula (1), satisfying A>0.165, and has storage elastic modulus (dyne/cm2) G′(Tfb) satisfying G′(Tfb)≦1×104 where Tfb is a flow onset temperature (° C.) of the low molecular weight resin component as measured by a capillary rheometer: A=\|[(r1)−ln G′(r2)]/(T1−T2)\| Formula (1) (where T1 is temperature (° C.) at which storage elastic modulus G′(r1) is 1×105 (dyne/cm2) and T2 is temperature (° C.) at which storage elastic modulus G′(r2) is 1×103 (dyne/cm2) as measured by means of a viscoelasticity measuring device with measuring frequency of 1 Hz, and measuring distortion of 1 deg; and \| \| represents an absolute value.).
US08778587B2	Carrier for electrostatic latent image developer, electrostatic latent image developer formed of carrier and toner, and process cartridge using the developer A carrier for developing an electrostatic latent image, including a particulate core material having a magnetism having developed spontaneous magnetization; and a covering layer comprising an electroconductive material, covering the surface of the particulate core material, wherein the carrier has an electrical resistivity Log R [Ωcm] of from 8.0 to 12.0 when measured by a method, including filling the carrier in a cell containing a pair of facing electrodes, each having a surface area of 2×4 [cm2] with a gap of 2 [mm] therebetween; and applying a DC voltage of 1,000 [V] therebetween to measure a DC resistivity, and a weight-average particle diameter (Dw) of from 25 to 45 μm.
US08778584B2	Toner compositions The present disclosure provides toners and methods for their production. In embodiments, the amount of coagulant utilized in producing those toners may be less than amounts currently in use, which may have a beneficial effect by reducing the time for coalescence. Modified waxes may also be utilized which provide excellent gloss and charging characteristics.
US08778582B2	Toner compositions A toner having charge control agents which impart excellent triboelectric charging characteristics. In embodiments, the toner particles are made by a process in which the toner particles are made without a shell which provides homogenous distribution of the charge control agents, providing a toner with higher charge and better environmental stability.
US08778581B2	Toner A toner is provided that exhibits a high long-term image stability even during high-speed printing and that also exhibits an excellent environmental stability. The toner comprises a binder resin, a colorant, and a nonionic surfactant, wherein the nonionic surfactant has an oxyethylene group (EO) and an oxypropylene group (PO) and has a ratio of the number of moles of the oxypropylene group to the number of moles of the oxyethylene group (PO/EO) of at least 0.01 and not more than 5.00; and when A (μg/g) is defined as a nonionic surfactant content on the surface of the toner that can be extracted by methanol from 1 g of the toner and B (m2/g) is defined as a theoretical specific surface area determined from a toner particle diameter distribution obtained by a precision particle diameter distribution analyzer that operates based on an aperture electrical resistance method, a ratio A/B is at least 100 μg/m2 and not more than 9000 μg/m2.
US08778577B2	Colored composition, colored cured film, color filter, method for producing color filter, liquid crystal display device, solid-state imaging device, and novel dipyrromethene metal complex compound or tautomer thereof A colored composition including at least one selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by the following formula (I) and a tautomer thereof. In formula (I), R2 to R5 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, R7 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, or the like, Ma represents a metal or a metal compound, X3 and X4 each independently represent NR, a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, or a sulfur atom, R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or the like, Y1 and Y2 each independently represent NRc, a nitrogen atom, or a carbon atom, Rc represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or the like, and R8 and R9 each independently represent an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or the like. Z represents an atomic group that forms a nitrogen-containing ring having a specific structure.
US08778572B2	Photomask and pattern forming method According to one embodiment, a photomask includes a mask substrate transparent to light, a light shielding pattern formed on the mask substrate, and a thin film portion that is provided at a part of the light shielding pattern and is thinned to have a higher light transmittance than the light shielding pattern, in which the thin film portion is arranged with respect to a light shielding pattern that is sensitive to a focus shift so that a sensitivity becomes stable and is not arranged with respect to a light shielding pattern whose sensitivity to a focus shift is stable.
US08778570B2	Photomask and method for manufacturing the same According to one embodiment, a photomask includes a substrate, a film portion, a pattern, and a plurality of detection marks. The film portion is provided on a surface of the substrate. The film portion has a light transmittance lower than light transmittance of the substrate. The pattern is provided in a surface of the film portion. The pattern is configured to be transferred to a transfer target. The plurality of detection marks is provided in the film portion, with intensity of light transmitted through the detection marks being suppressed so as to suppress transfer the detection marks to the transfer target.
US08778567B1	Unique pre-form design for two-step forming of stainless steel fuel cell bipolar plates A bipolar plate used in a fuel cell and a method of making a bipolar plate. The sheet is made from a ferritic or austenitic stainless steel, and defines an undulated surface pattern such that the patterned sheet may be formed into the bipolar plate. In one configuration, a stamping or related metal forming tool operation will further deform the patterned sheet into the bipolar plate shape such that the wall thickness is substantially uniform throughout the surface. In this way, there is a substantial reduction in stretching/thinning/necking at an intersection between bends and side walls that define the undulations of the pattern. In one form, the pattern defines a repeating serpentine shape. In a particular embodiment, the bends may include surface modifications to reduce the effects of sheet-to-tool misalignment.
US08778562B2	Method of depositing durable thin gold coating on fuel cell bipolar plates A method of depositing a thin gold coating on bipolar plate substrates for use in fuel cells includes depositing a gold coating onto at least one surface of the bipolar plate substrate followed by annealing the gold coating at a temperature between about 200° C. to 500° C. The annealed gold coating has a reduced porosity in comparison with a coating which has not been annealed, and provides improved corrosion resistance to the underlying metal comprising the bipolar plate.
US08778557B2	Membrane electrode assembly for fuel cell and fuel cell using the same Disclosed is a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane disposed therebetween. The anode includes an anode catalyst layer laminated on one principal surface of the electrolyte membrane, and an anode diffusion layer laminated on the anode catalyst layer. The cathode includes a cathode catalyst layer laminated on the other principal surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode diffusion layer laminated on the cathode catalyst layer. At least one of the anode and cathode diffusion layers includes a conductive porous substrate, a porous composite layer laminated on the conductive porous substrate at the catalyst layer side, and a modified layer disposed on the porous composite layer at the catalyst layer side. The porous composite layer includes a conductive carbon material, and a first water-repellent resin material. The modified layer includes a second water-repellent resin material having a needle-like shape.
US08778556B2	Fuel Cells A method of fuelling an intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell comprises providing a fuel rich in carbon monoxide to an anode region, after the fuel has contacted a water gas shift reaction catalyst in the region of the anode, so that the water gas shift reaction occurs due to the presence of residual water in the fuel, and/or steam produced at the anode. A fuel cell assembly comprises a gas impermeable electrolyte between an anode and a cathode, first means for the supply of oxidant to the cathode, and second means for the supply of fuel to the anode that comprises a water gas shift reaction catalyst to catalyse the water gas shift reaction between carbon monoxide in the fuel and water/steam occurring as a residual in the fuel or from the reaction at the anode. A method also applies a catalyst to a metal substrate by ink-jet printing.
US08778552B2	Fuel system using redox flow battery An automotive or other power system including a flow cell, in which the stack that provides power is readily isolated from the storage vessels holding the cathode slurry and anode slurry (alternatively called “fuel”) is described. A method of use is also provided, in which the “fuel” tanks are removable and are separately charged in a charging station, and the charged fuel, plus tanks, are placed back in the vehicle or other power system, allowing fast refueling. The technology also provides a charging system in which discharged fuel is charged. The charged fuel can be placed into storage tanks at the power source or returned to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the charged fuel in the storage tanks can be used at a later date. The charged fuel can be transported or stored for use in a different place or time.
US08778540B1	Monolithic three-dimensional electrochemical energy storage system on aerogel or nanotube scaffold A monolithic three-dimensional electrochemical energy storage system is provided on an aerogel or nanotube scaffold. An anode, separator, cathode, and cathodic current collector are deposited on the aerogel or nanotube scaffold.
US08778536B2	Lithium manganese oxide positive active material for lithium ion secondary battery and lithium ion secondary battery including the same Provided are a lithium manganese oxide positive active material for a lithium ion secondary battery and a lithium ion secondary battery including the same. The lithium manganese oxide positive active material includes a spinel lithium manganese oxide of three or more types of particles having different sizes mixed therein, wherein first type particles have an average diameter of 5 μm or greater, second type particles have an average diameter of 1 μm or less, third type particles have an average diameter of 200 nm or less, and the average diameter of the second type particles is greater than that of the third type particles.
US08778533B2	Lithium secondary battery An electrolyte includes a mixture of polymerizable compounds, or a polymer, in which the mixture includes a polymerizable compound having an aromatic functional group and a polymerizable functional group, and a polymerizable compound having a phosphorus-containing functional group that contains phosphorus, and having a polymerizable functional group, and in which the polymer has residues of each of the phosphorus-containing functional group, the aromatic functional group and the polymerizable functional group.
US08778529B2	Lithium secondary battery A lithium secondary battery includes: a bare cell having an electrode assembly and a case for containing the electrode assembly; a protection circuit module connected to the bare cell; and a cover enclosing the protection circuit module and the bare cell and having an external terminal electrically connected to electrodes of the electrode assembly, wherein a part of the cover is a molded portion made of resin using a mold.
US08778526B2	Secondary battery A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode plate with a first electrode non-coated portion, the first electrode non-coated portion including a first protrusion part at an upper part of the electrode assembly, a second electrode plate with a second electrode non-coated portion, the second electrode non-coated portion including a second protrusion part at an upper part of the electrode assembly, and a separator disposed between the first and second electrode plates, first and second current collecting plates electrically connected to respective first and second electrode plates, and a case accommodating the electrode assembly and the first and second current collecting plates, the case having a shape corresponding to the first and second protrusion parts of the electrode assembly.
US08778524B2	Electrochemical device with improved cycle characteristics Disclosed is an electrochemical device. The electrochemical device includes: (a) a composite separator including a porous substrate, a first porous coating layer coated on one surface of the porous substrate, and a second porous coating layer coated on the other surface of the porous substrate; (b) an anode disposed to face the first porous coating layer; and (c) a cathode disposed to face the second porous coating layer. The first and second porous coating layers are each independently composed of a mixture including inorganic particles and a binder polymer. The first porous coating layer is thicker than the second porous coating layer. The electrochemical device has good thermal stability and improved cycle characteristics.
US08778521B2	Mandrel for electrode assemblies A mandrel for use in a battery assembly may include a positive mandrel portion and a negative mandrel portion. Each of the mandrel portions may include a connector element coupling region and an electrode coupling region. The connector element coupling region may be configured to be coupled to a connector element and the electrode coupling region may be configured to be coupled to an electrode.
US08778520B2	Liquid electrolyte battery with mixing device The invention relates to a liquid electrolyte battery having a mixing device (5), wherein the liquid electrolyte battery has a battery case (1), an electrode stack (2), an electrolyte having an electrolyte level (3), and a mixing device (5) and the mixing device (5) has the following characteristics: a channel plate (6) arranged vertically in the battery case (1) in the installed state, a drainage plate (7) arranged horizontally in the battery case in the installed state, and a hinge (8) connecting the channel plate (6) to the drainage plate (7), wherein the hinge (8) has a pivot angle that is dimensioned such that an electrode stack (2) can be inserted into the battery case (1) when the drainage plate (7) is pivoted upward.
US08778519B1	Battery pack exhaust nozzle A thermal management system is provided that minimizes the effects of thermal runaway within a battery pack. The system includes a sealed battery pack enclosure configured to hold a plurality of batteries and at least one exhaust nozzle assembly. The exhaust nozzle assembly includes an exhaust nozzle that passes and directs the flow of hot gas from within the battery pack to the ambient environment during a thermal runaway event, a nozzle seal mounted within the exhaust nozzle that seals the exhaust nozzle during normal operation of the battery pack, and a nozzle seal mounting nut that holds the nozzle seal within the exhaust nozzle during normal operation and then melts during a thermal runaway event, thereby allowing the nozzle seal to be ejected through the exhaust nozzle during the event.
US08778517B2	Secondary battery A secondary battery including a bare cell having an electrode terminal provided at a side of the bare cell and a cap plate insulated from the electrode terminal; a protective circuit module provided on a surface of the bare cell and electrically connected to the electrode terminal and the cap plate; a secondary protective element connecting the electrode terminal to the protective circuit module and provided between the bare cell and the protective circuit module; and a holder provided between the bare cell and the protective circuit module to support the protective circuit module, and including an accommodation part accommodating the secondary protective element, wherein at least one of the holder or the protective circuit module includes at least one passage.
US08778516B2	Production method of base plate for disk drive, base plate for disk drive, and drive therewith A production method of a base plate for a disk drive made by aluminum die casting which can reduce scattering of particles and minimizes particle contamination is provided. The production method of a base plate for a disk drive includes a forming step for forming a base member by aluminum die casting, a coating step for coating the base member with a resin film, a machining step for removing a part of the resin film and a surface layer of the base member in order to expose the aluminum surface, a pretreatment step for immersing the base member with the exposed aluminum surface in a pretreatment solution containing no fluoride, and a metal film forming step for coating the exposed aluminum surface with a metal film.
US08778507B2	Organic electroluminescent device, display and illuminating device Disclosed is an organic electroluminescent (EL) device having high emission luminance and high emission efficiency. Particularly disclosed are a blue-light emitting organic EL device, which is high in emission luminance, color purity, emission efficiency and durability, a display and an illuminating device each employing the organic EL device. The organic El device is characterized in that it comprises a light emission layer containing two or more kinds of host compounds and at least one dopant, wherein at least one of the two or more kinds of host compounds has an excited triplet energy of not less than 2.7 eV, and the dopant is a phosphorescent compound.
US08778504B2	Paper coating composition, paper coated therewith and method for producing coated paper This invention relates to a paper coating composition for enhancing the stiffness of paper or paperboard, comprising an alkali soluble polymer prepared by polymerization of at least one monomer A and at least one monomer B, wherein monomer A is selected from the following group: acrylic acid alkyl esters, methacrylic acid alkyl esters styrene, methyl styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl acetate. 2 hydroxy alkyl acrylate, and monomer B is selected from the following group: acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid (meth)acrylamide.
US08778503B2	Poly(amic acid amideimide) intermediate transfer members An intermediate transfer member includes a poly(amic acid amideimide), or a mixture of a poly(amic acid amideimide), a phosphate ester, an optional polysiloxane, and an optional conductive filler component.
US08778497B2	Underlayment mat employed with a single-ply roofing system An underlayment mat for single ply roof membranes which provides the following: insulation, separate the roof membrane from incompatible materials in the substrate, protect the roof membrane from puncture or undue wear from irregular surfaces on the substrate, provide adequate support while being flexible enough to work with the single ply membrane to absorb shock and, or provide a continuous, flat upper surface on which a roof covering is applied. The underlayment member may be woven or unwoven, it may be spun bound or needled punched or constructed by whatever method best achieves the desired physical characteristics herein described at the most economical cost. Further, this mat may be made of the following materials including but not limited to and either individually or combined: Various synthetic fibers, acrylic, rayon, nylon, polyester, foam or foam scraps, and or mineral fibers such as glass, carbon, mineral wool, ceramic, and slag wood fibers. These materials being made of either new raw materials and/or from recycled materials and selected for their hydrophobic properties. The underlayment is lightweight, pliable, cuttable, flexible, resilient, and maneuverable. This underlayment mat may be made in rolls of various lengths and widths to facilitate optimum handling on the roof top. The underlayment mat is perpetually recyclable. An underlayment as just described.
US08778496B2	Anti-glare glass sheet having compressive stress equipoise and methods thereof A chemically-strengthened glass sheet including: a smooth first side; and a rough second side, wherein the compressive stress values of the smooth first-side and the rough second-side are substantially in equipoise. Methods of making and using the glass sheet, as defined herein, are disclosed. A display system that incorporates the glass sheet, as defined herein, is also disclosed.
US08778492B1	IR-reflecting compositions A composition comprising multistage polymeric particles having an average particle diameter from 0.5 to 15 μm and a Vicker's scale hardness from 100 to 700 Kgf/mm2; and a film-forming polymer having Tg no greater than 80° C. The refractive index difference measured from 400 nm to 800 nm between the polymeric particles and the film-forming polymer is no greater than 0.02 and the average refractive index difference measured from 800 nm to 2500 nm between the polymeric particles and the film-forming polymer is at least 0.04.
US08778488B2	Formation of silicon carbide-silicon nitride nanoparticle carbon compositions A composition having nanoparticles of silicon carbide and a carbonaceous matrix or silicon matrix. The composition is not in the form of a powder. A composition having silicon and an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight or a thermoset made from the organic compound. A method of combining silicon and the organic compound and heating to form silicon carbide or silicon nitride nanoparticles.
US08778478B2	Assemblies comprising block co-polymer films and nanorods Provided is an assembly including a block co-polymer film and a plurality of nano-rods; where the plurality of nano-rods are oriented at the surface of the block co-polymer film, substantially perpendicular to at least one interface between block co-polymer domains. Further provided are methods of assembly formation and devices including such assemblies.
US08778476B2	High speed DVDs This invention relates to DVDs made from polycarbonate and a special UV curable bonder material consisting of A) an urethane acrylate oligomer as binder, which is the reaction product of i) one or more polyisocyanates and ii) one or more hydroxyfunctional lactone ester (meth)acrylates having a number average molecular weight of from 200 g/mol to 2000 g/mol and having the formula: CH2═C(R1)—C(O)—O—R2—[O—C(O)—R3]n—OH wherein, n is an integer from 1 to 5, R1 is hydrogen or methyl, R2 represents an alkylene group or substituted alkylene group having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and R3 represents a straight or branched chain alkylene group of from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, and which may be substituted with one or more alkyl groups having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, B) a reactive thinner, comprising of mono functional acrylates and/or (meth)acrylates C) a photo initiator and D) optional additives which offers improved performance at high data transfer rates.
US08778474B2	Repositionable medium and stack thereof A repositionable medium includes a base, a paper, and a first repositionable adhesive. The base has a top surface, a bottom surface, a first end edge, and a second end edge. The paper is fixedly coupled to the top surface of the base proximate to the first end edge. The paper has an inner edge and an outer edge. The outer edge is closer to the first end edge than the inner edge is to the first end edge. The inner edge is spaced a first distance from the first end edge of the base. The first repositionable adhesive is fixed to the bottom surface of the base and is not present in a first low adhesion area at a line across a width of the base and spaced a second distance from the second end edge of the base. The second distance equals the length of the first distance.
US08778466B2	Liquid-crystal display The present invention relates to a liquid-crystal display of the PSA (polymer sustained alignment) type, and to novel liquid-crystal media and novel polymerizable compounds for use in PSA displays.
US08778463B2	Method for manufacturing the color controlled sapphire Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a color-controlled sapphire, comprising: vaporizing a metal material, irradiating the vaporized metal material with electron beams or high-frequency waves to form the vaporized metal material into a plasma state, and then implanting the metal ions into a sapphire by extracting the metal ions from the plasma and accelerating the metal ions (step 1); and heat-treating the sapphire implanted with the metal plasma ions in an oxygen atmosphere or in air (step 2). According to the method of manufacturing a sapphire of the present invention, a sapphire, which can exhibit various colors, can be manufactured by implanting the ions, which can cause optical band gap changes into the sapphire, and a sapphire, which cannot be damaged by radiation and can exhibit colors uniformly, can be manufactured by conducting heat treatment under an oxygen atmosphere. Further, according to the present invention, a sapphire, which cannot be damaged by radiation and can be made to exhibit uniform colors, can be manufactured by performing the above processes repeatedly.
US08778457B2	Hydrophobizing of fibrous materials with polyorganosiloxanes The present invention relates on the use of 1,3-dihydroxyalkyl functionalized polyorganosiloxanes in compositions for the treatment of materials having a fibrous structure, such as leather, furs, textiles and paper. The invention further relates to a process for treating fibrous materials with waterproofing.
US08778455B2	Enamel and ground coat compositions A composition that upon firing, forms a non-stick enamel layer is disclosed. The composition can be applied to a metal substrate to provide a non-stick, durable coating for cooking surfaces. Also disclosed are methods of forming enamel layers and corresponding coated substrates. Various ground coats and related methods are also described. Furthermore, various multilayer coatings and structures are disclosed that include an enamel layer and a ground coat layer.
US08778451B2	Method of manufacturing optical waveguide A method of manufacturing an optical waveguide is provided in which a mold that prevents fins or burrs from being formed is used for the formation of an over cladding layer in the optical waveguide. The mold for the formation of the over cladding layer is produced from a light-transmissive resin by molding using a mold member including a protruding portion identical in shape with the over cladding layer and a ridge portion provided around the protruding portion. For the formation of the over cladding layer, the cavity is filled with a photosensitive resin for the formation of the over cladding layer, and the photosensitive resin is cured by being exposed to light through the mold while cores formed on a surface of an under cladding layer are immersed in the photosensitive resin and part of the photosensitive resin spilling out of the cavity is collected in the groove.
US08778449B2	Dispersion, slurry and process for producing a casting mould for precision casting using the slurry Slurry which contains a) from (50) to (80)% by weight of refractory particles having an average particle size of from (0.5) m to (150) m, b) from (5) to (35)% by weight of aluminum oxide particles having an average particle diameter of less than (300) nm and c) from (5) to (35)% by weight of water and d) a pH of from (5) to (12). Process for producing the slurry using a dispersion, and also the dispersion itself. Process for producing a casting mold, and also the casting mold itself.
US08778445B2	Apparatus and methods for forming modified metal coatings Methods and systems for forming modified metal coatings on a gas turbine engine component (20). The gas turbine engine component (20) is placed inside a container (50) having a known volume, along with a source material (32) containing a secondary element. The container (50), gas turbine engine component (20), and the source material (32) inside the container are placed into an oxygen-depleted space (18) inside a reaction chamber (12). At least one temperature for the source material (32) is determined based upon the known volume of the container (50) and an amount of the source material (32). While in the oxygen-depleted space (18), the source material (32) is heated to the at least one temperature sufficient to release a vapor phase reactant (35) containing the secondary element. The vapor phase reactant (35) is confined inside the container (50) at an approximately constant pressure and the secondary element is deposited from the vapor phase reactant (35) as a layer (34) on the gas turbine engine component (20).
US08778439B2	Method of making nutritional emulsions containing process-encapsulated oils Disclosed is a method of making nutritional emulsions, comprising: (A) heating and blending together an emulsifying agent having a melt point above about 25 C and oil having hydrophobic off-notes (e.g. non-encapsulated polyunsaturated fatty acid) in a weight ratio of at least about 1:15; (B) adding the heated blend to a fat, protein, and carbohydrate mixture comprising a maltodextrin (DE of about 10 or less), in a weight ratio of the maltodextrin to the oil having hydrophobic off-notes of at least about 1:2; and (C) homogenizing, and then cooling the combination below the melt point of the emulsifying agent to form a nutritional emulsion comprising from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of process-encapsulated polyunsaturated fatty acid. The resulting nutritional emulsions effectively mask off-notes commonly associated with certain oils, e.g., polyunsaturated fatty acids, soy oil, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate oils.
US08778437B2	Taste improving substances The present invention in a first aspect relates to taste improvement of foodstuffs, beverages, pharmaceutics, tobacco products and oral care products, using a substance according to formula (I) or formula (II), or edible salts thereof: R1—CR7(OR4)—CO—NR2—CR8R3—X—OR5 (I) R6—CR7(OR4)—CO-Az (II) It was found that substances represented by formula (I) and/or formula (II) are capable of modulating and complementing the sensory impact of taste imparting substances. Thus, the present taste improving substances are advantageously applied in flavor compositions, foodstuffs, beverages, pharmaceutics, tobacco products and oral care products. Typical examples of flavor improving substances according to the present invention include N-lactoyl ethanolamine, N-lactoyl ethanolamine phosphate, N-α-hydroxy-butanoyl ethanolamine, N-lactoyl diethanolamine, N-lactoyl-2-amino-1,3-propanediol, N-lactoyl-3-amino-1,2-propanediol, N-lactoyl-3-amino-1-propanol, N-gluconyl-2-amino-1,3-propanediol, N-gluconyl-3-amino-1,2-propanediol, N-mannonyl ethanolamine, N-glycolyl ethanolamine, 2-hydroxyethyl-N-tartaramide, 2-hydroxyethyl-N-malamide, 2-hydroxyethyl-N-citramide and N-gluconyl-Az.
US08778434B2	Method and modular system for preparing a granulated confectionary product for making cores or pastilles A method and system for preparing a granulated product, whereby one or more ingredients are first ground in a centrifugal grinding unit, and then granulated in a centrifugal granulating unit before being fed to a centrifugal mixing and flavoring unit; each of the centrifugal units having a tubular outer shell having an axis and defining a processing chamber; and a powered shaft housed in the shell, coaxially with the axis, and fitted with a row of appendixes projecting radially from, and connected integrally and interchangeably to, the shaft.
US08778428B2	Stick-shaped snack and method for producing the same An object of the present invention is to provide a straight stick-shaped snacks and a method for producing the same.The present invention provides a method for producing a stick-shaped snack from a string-like dough 10 containing a cereal flour as a principal component, the method including: a baking step S6 of baking the string-like dough 10 provided with a plurality of non-through cuts 15 formed therein across the longitudinal direction and impregnated with lye, the string-like dough 10 being mounted on a heating surface; and a cutting step S7 of cutting the baked string-like dough 40 at the cuts 15 to thereby form stick-shaped pastries 40.
US08778426B2	Self-making bread method, bread machine and bread ingredient box thereof The self-making bread method includes: weighing a certain amount of ingredients according to a bread recipe and placing them in a bread ingredient box; putting the bread ingredient box into the corresponding containing region of the top portion of the bread machine; using the jagged ring of the bottom portion of said containing region to open the thin film of the bottom portion of the bread ingredient box, so the ingredients will fall into the mixing container in the bread machine; controlling the water delivering mechanism inside the bread machine to deliver a certain amount of water into said mixing container; starting the mixing device inside the bread machine, which mixes the ingredients into an appropriate dough; turning off the mixing device; energizing the electric heating tube in the bread machine, to bake the dough inside the mixing container into bread.
US08778425B2	Coated chewing gum The invention relates to a chewing gum coated with at least one layer, the layer comprising slightly water-soluble calcium salt and/or a composite thereof.
US08778423B2	Process for production of purified chlorogenic acid-containing pharmaceutical preparation Provided is a process for producing a purified chlorogenic acid-containing preparation, which is useful for the production of a chlorogenic acid-containing beverage with reduced developability of turbidity even in an acidic range.The process for producing a purified chlorogenic acid-containing preparation according to the present invention includes a first step of dispersing or dissolving a chlorogenic acid-containing composition as a starting material in the presence of acid clay or activated clay in a mixed solvent of an organic solvent and water, a second step of removing a deposit from a dispersion or solution obtained by the first step, a third step of adjusting a concentration of chlorogenic acids and pH in a solution, which has been obtained by the second step, to from 1.5 to 10 mass % and from 2 to 4, respectively, and a fourth step of separating the deposit formed in a concentration-adjusted solution obtained by the third step.
US08778422B2	Compositions for treating degenerative joint diseases In order to provide a composition for the treatment of degenerative joint diseases with an improved efficacy, it is proposed that the composition comprises collagen hydrolysate and rosehip powder and/or extract, wherein the weight ratio of collagen hydrolysate to rosehip powder and/or extract, in each case in relation to dry mass, lies in the range of approximately 2:1 to approximately 100:1.
US08778419B2	Composition for use in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases The invention provides a composition the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, wherein said composition compounds obtained from palm oil mill effluents, in particular from vegetative liquor from the milling of palm oil fruit.
US08778417B2	Anti-tumor plant-medicament sustained-release tablet of elemene Disclosed is an anti-tumor plant-medicament sustained-release tablet of elemene which comprises an elemene as an active component and is prepared by formulation of the elemene, a sustained-release agent, a bulking agent, a disintegrating agent, a binder and a lubricant, each component above-mentioned being in the following weight composition: the elemene 10%-15%, the sustained-release agent 3%-15%, the bulking agent 45%-70%, the disintegrating agent 3%-8%, the binder 1%-10%, and the lubricant 1%-8%. The sustained-release tablet of elemene provided in the invention has properties of expansion and adhesion, which in turn enables extending the retention time of the drug on upper and middle sections of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the tablet may be taken b.i.d.×3, in order to attain reduction in fluctuation of the plasma concentration, maintain effective plasma concentration for a longer period, and reduce the irritation on the gastrointestinal tract. The skeleton-type sustained- and controlled-release formulation has advantages of low cost, easy control, and easy industrialized production.
US08778416B2	Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment and prevention of cancer The present invention concerns pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating proliferative diseases, e.g. cancer using intracellular and extracellular extracts. These cell extracts can direct epigenetic reprogramming of the cancer cells and thereby reverse their neoplastic phenotype.
US08778415B2	Antimicrobial and antiviral composition An antimicrobial and antiviral barrier composition for topical application to the proximal anterior nares includes an antiseptic solution in combination with one or more citrus oils such as, for example, citrus sinensis (orange oil). Various embodiments may also include one or more of the following additional ingredients: lauric acid; d-limonene; soy oil; emu oil; grapefruit seed extract; glycine soja; simmondsia chimensis (Jojoba); aloe vera; and a preservative, such as sodium benzoate, BHT, benzalkonium chloride, vitamin E.
US08778412B2	Methods for increasing the stabilization of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha Disclosed herein are methods for controlling the activity of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and diseases, conditions, or syndromes related thereto, inter alia, Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), heart failure, ischemia, and anemia. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising HIF-1α prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors useful in treating diseases, conditions, and/or syndromes related thereto the activity of HIF-1α.
US08778410B2	Oral or enteral composition useful for recovery of physical functions The present invention provides an oral or enteral composition incorporating not only BCAA but other nutrients to be conducive to comprehensive recovery from fatigue, and improvement in total physical condition.The oral or enteral composition is formulated as a composite of a branched-chain amino acid, coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, a citric acid, and zinc.
US08778407B2	Micronized wood preservative formulations The present invention provides wood preservative compositions comprising micronized particles. In one embodiment, the composition comprises dispersions of micronized metal or metal compounds. In another embodiment, the wood preservative composition comprises an inorganic biocide comprising a metal or metal compound and organic biocide. When the composition comprises an inorganic biocide and an organic biocide, the inorganic biocide or the organic biocide or both are present as micronized particles. When compositions of the present invention are used for preservation of wood, there is minimal leaching of the metal and biocide from the wood.
US08778406B2	Anti-chafing aerosol powder A composition and method which prevents or mitigates irritation on the skin of a subject by protecting against or relieving chafing, itching and moisture, and which provides a cooling sensation where applied.
US08778405B2	Kit of pharmaceutical formulations characterized by the presence of molecular oxygen An array of pharmaceutical formulations characterized by the presence of molecular oxygen comprising four elements which, in combination, furnish benefits for the health of patients with HIV AIDS: (i) weight increase of the patient; (ii) increase of appetite; (iii) reduction of diarrhea; (iv) reduction of the wasting syndrome; (v) increase of stability of mood; (vi) increase of muscular mass. (vii) decrease of opportunistic diseases, in particular infections caused by Candida, herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, Kaposi's sarcoma; (viii) prolongation of the period wherein the patient does not require to take antiretrovirals; (ix) increase of acceptance of pharmacological treatment; x. reduction of gastritis, nausea or vomiting, headache; (xi) reduction of cases with anemia or thrombocytopenia; and (xii) a change in the phase of the disease in the patient.
US08778404B2	Nutritional compositions The present inventors discovered that the onset of galactosamine hepatopathy is suppressed by nutritional compositions comprising as essential ingredients: whey protein hydrolysates; lecithin and oils and fats high in oleic acid, which are able to improve the lipid metabolism; and palatinose having an insulin-sparing effect. Furthermore, the whey protein hydrolysate included in the nutritional compositions was found to suppress endotoxin-induced TNF-a and interleukin 6 (IL-6) production in macrophages.
US08778403B2	Diketopiperazine microparticles with defined specific surface areas Disclosed herein are diketopiperazine microparticles having a specific surface area of less than about 67 m2/g. The diketopiperazine microparticle can be fumaryl diketopiperazine and can comprise a drug such as insulin.
US08778398B2	Immediate release formulations and dosage forms of gamma-hydroxybutyrate The present invention provides a solid immediate release dosage form adapted for oral administration of GHB. The solid immediate release dosage form includes an immediate release formulation comprising a relatively high weight-percentage of GHB with a bioavailability similar to that of a liquid GHB dosage form.
US08778393B2	Small volume oral transmucosal dosage forms containing sufentanil for treatment of pain Compositions, methods and systems for administration of small volume sufentanil-containing drug dosage forms to the oral mucosa of a subject are disclosed.
US08778392B2	Oral disintegrating tablet An oral disintegrating tablet containing (1) D-mannitol, (2) an active ingredient, (3) one or more disintegrating agents selected from the group consisting of crospovidone and carmellose, and (4) one or more lubricants selected from the group consisting of sodium stearyl fumarate and sucrose esters of fatty acids. The oral disintegrating tablet of the present invention has some excellent properties of (1) allowing easy production in a common facility without necessitating a specialized pharmaceutical technique, (2) having an appropriate strength that does not breakdown in the process of distribution, (3) having a fast disintegrating ability in the oral cavity, and (4) also having excellent ingestion feel such as greatly reduced bitterness or gritty feel; therefore, the tablet can be suitably used as a dosage form that is suitable for aged individuals, children, and seriously ill patients.
US08778390B2	Orally effective methylphenidate extended release powder and aqueous suspension product An oral methylphenidate powder which is reconstitutable into a final oral aqueous sustained release formulation containing at least about 50%, or at least about 80% by weight water based on the total weight of the suspension, is provided. The powder is a blend containing a combination of an uncoated methylphenidate-ion exchange resin complex, a barrier coated methylphenidate-ion exchange resin complex-matrix, and a water soluble buffering agent such that upon formed into an aqueous liquid formulation, the formulation has a pH in the range of about 3.5 to about 5, or about 4 to about 4.5. Following administration of a single dose of the oral aqueous methylphenidate suspension, a therapeutically effective amount of methylphenidate is reached in less than one hour and the composition provides a twelve-hour extended release profile.
US08778389B2	Medicament for the treatment of fungal infections particularly aspergillosis The combination of pentraxin PTX3 with antifungal agents is described for the treatment of fungal infections and particularly for infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. Thanks to the synergistic effect of the two drugs, the combination allows the administration of suboptimal doses of antifungal agent.
US08778388B2	Acidic carrageenan composition for external use An acidic composition for external use which contains an acidic polysaccharide and water as essential ingredients, and an agent for accelerating the penetration into skin or the like of a cosmetic preparation, hair-growing agent or preparation for external use, each containing the composition. The composition is easy to manufacture, and shows a stronger cosmetic or therapeutic effects than conventional compositions.
US08778387B2	Antimicrobial medical dressings and protecting wounds and catheter sites An antimicrobial medical dressing provides a combination of antimicrobial agents in various concentrations that protect against microorganisms, absorb exudates, and promote healing. The antimicrobial agents may include compositions of ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and/or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.
US08778384B2	Compositions and methods for encapsulating vaccines for the oral vaccination and boostering of fish and other animals The invention relates to a composition comprising a pharmaceutically active agent and a bioadhesive delivery system that provides for the oral delivery of a vaccine to animals, particularly aquatic animals.
US08778376B2	Copolymer comprising elastin pentapeptide block and hydrophilic block, and medical device and method of treating A copolymer comprising a block of an elastin pentapeptide and method of making and using the copolymer are provided.
US08778375B2	Amorphous poly(D,L-lactide) coating Implantable devices formed of or coated with a material that includes an amorphous poly(D,L-lactide) formed of a starting material such as meso-D,L-lactide are provided. The implantable device can be used for the treatment, mitigation, prevention, or inhibition of a disorder such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, restenosis, hemorrhage, vascular dissection or perforation, vascular aneurysm, vulnerable plaque, chronic total occlusion, patent foramen ovale, claudication, anastomotic proliferation for vein and artificial grafts, bile duct obstruction, ureter obstruction, tumor obstruction, or combinations thereof.
US08778372B2	Dual-action pest control formulation and method The present disclosure provides a dual-action pest control formulation for controlling rodents and arthropods, the formulation including: a rodenticide; an insecticide; an optional attractant; and a carrier matrix. The present disclosure also provides a method of controlling rodents and arthropods, the method including: applying the dual action pest formulation to a target area.
US08778366B2	Enalapril compositions Provided herein are stable enalapril powder compositions for oral liquid formulation. Also provided herein are methods of using enalapril oral liquid formulations for the treatment of certain diseases including hypertension, heart failure and asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.
US08778364B2	Nanodispersion of a drug and process for its preparation A nanodispersion containing nanoparticles having a mean size less than 300 nm dispersed in a vehicle that includes a water miscible solvent and water. The nanoparticles contain one or more drugs, a polymer and a surfactant, and the surfactant includes a mixture of fatty acids or its salts and sterol or its derivatives or its salts.
US08778358B2	Immunogenic compositions for gram positive bacteria such as Streptococcus agalactiae The invention relates to the identification of a new adhesin islands within the genomes of several Group A and Group B Streptococcus serotypes and isolates. The adhesin islands are thought to encode surface proteins which are important in the bacteria's virulence. Thus, the adhesin island proteins of the invention may be used in immunogenic compositions for prophylactic or therapeutic immunization against GAS or GBS infection. For example, the invention may include an immunogenic composition comprising one or more of the discovered adhesin island proteins.
US08778353B2	Influenza virus-like particle (VLP) compositions Influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) comprising influenza antigenic polypeptides are described. Also described are compositions comprising these VLPs as well as methods of making and using these VLPs.
US08778351B2	Combined human papillomavirus VLP/gene delivery system and use thereof as a vaccine for prophylaxis and immunotherapy of infectious diseases and tumors The present invention relates to compositions that contain a chimeric papillomavirus virus-like particle (VLP) in combination with a DNA molecule encoding a protein or polypeptide epitope. The chimeric papillomavirus VLP is assembled from an L1 protein or polypeptide and a chimeric protein or polypeptide containing at least a portion of the L2 protein and a protein or polypeptide including an immunogenic epitope. The composition is useful for inducing an enhanced immune response against a pathogen or a tumor.
US08778345B2	Anti-CD40 antibodies The present invention provides high affinity anti-CD40 monoclonal antibodies and related compositions, which may be used in any of a variety of therapeutic methods for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
US08778337B2	Use of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of alzheimer's disease The use of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) in combination with superoxide dismutase (SOD) for the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
US08778336B2	Stabilized proteases that have been immobilized and further crosslinked for use in skin care Disclosed is an invention which relates to synthesizing immobilized and crosslinked proteases derived from plants for use as skin care agents. The resulting stabilized protease will minimally penetrate the skin because of its immobilized nature. It will retain activity because of its crosslinked nature and, in certain embodiments, due to its stabilization via physical additives. The present invention relates in particular to a linked papain product used in topical skin applications.
US08778335B2	Methods of treating and diagnosing Parkinson's disease and related dysautonomic disorders A method for treating a Parkinson's patient with digestive/pancreatic enzymes involves administering an effective amount of digestive/pancreatic enzymes to an individual having the disorder in order to improve a symptom of the disorder. In addition, a method is provided for determining whether an individual has, or may develop, Parkinson's disease or related dysautonomic disorders and for determining whether an individual will benefit from the administration of pancreatic/digestive enzymes to treat the dysautonomic disorder.
US08778334B2	Method of identifying whether or not an individual has Parkinson's Disease rather than another neurodegenerative disease The present invention relates to method of identifying whether or not an individual has Parkinson's disease (PD). In particular, the invention relates to a method for identifying whether or not an individual has PD as opposed to another neurodegenerative disease. The method of the invention comprises measuring the concentration of α-synuclein (α-syn) and the concentration of unphosphorylated tau (tau) and/or phosphorylated tau (p-tau) in a cerebrospinal fluid sample taken from an individual. The method also comprises calculating the ratio of the concentration of tau and/or p-tau to the concentration of α-syn, and thereby determining whether or not the individual has PD.
US08778321B2	Modification of cellulosic substrates to control body odor A finish for cellulosic fibrous substrates containing tertiary amine-containing polymers for providing durable control of body odors and the cellulosic materials treated with the finish, which materials exhibit little or no discoloration and little or no degradation of physical strength as a result of the treatment.
US08778318B2	Hair care composition comprising pyrithione and a pearliser system based on bismuth oxychloride Hair care composition comprising a metal pyrithione and a pearliser system characterized by a bismuth oxychloride component.
US08778313B2	Aqueous fluid photoprotective compositions comprising ester-terminated poly(ester amide) polymers Enhanced SPF and/or reduced fluffing fluid compositions for photoprotecting the skin and/or the hair against the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, contain: (a) at least one photoprotective system capable of screening out UV radiation; and (b) at least one ester-terminated poly(ester amide) (ETPEA) polymer, formulated into (c) a topically applicable, cosmetically acceptable aqueous support therefor; the subject aqueous compositions are advantageously vaporizable, especially in the form of sprays, confined within a pressurization device.
US08778311B2	Oral zinc compositions The present invention relates to an oral composition comprising, in an orally acceptable carrier, from about 0.1% to about 5% zinc oxide; and from about 0.1% to about 5% of a source of carbonate ions selected from alkali metal and ammonium carbonates and bicarbonates. The molar ratio of carbonate ion to zinc ion is from about 0.05:1 to about 1:1. The composition has good antiplaque efficacy and taste. Preferred compositions are toothpastes.
US08778309B2	Fluorescent pyrazine derivatives and methods of using the same in assessing renal function The present invention relates to pyrazine derivatives represented by Formula I. X1 and X2 of Formula I may be characterized as electron withdrawing groups, while Y1 and Y2 of Formula I may be characterized as electron donating groups. Pyrazine derivatives of the present invention may be utilized in assessing organ (e.g., kidney) function. In a particular example, an effective amount of a pyrazine derivative that is capable of being renally cleared may be administered into a patient's body. The pyrazine derivative may be capable of one or both absorbing and emanating spectral energy of at least about 400 nm (e.g., visible and/or infrared light). At least some of the derivative that is in the body may be exposed to spectral energy and, in turn, spectral energy may emanate from the derivative. This emanating spectral energy may be detected and utilized to determine renal function of the patient
US08778308B2	Angiogensis models using nestin-expressing stem cells to image nascent blood vessels The disclosed invention relates to the observation that nestin expression is a marker for endothelial cell proliferation. Nestin expression is particularly useful as a marker for angiogenesis, particularly for tumor-related angiogenesis. Specifically, nestin serves as an excellent endothelium marker for brain tumors such as gliomas, hemangioblastomas, Schwannomas, medulloblastomas, and meningiomas. Accordingly, the disclosed invention relates to the use of this marker as a basis to model angiogenic activity.
US08778306B2	Colon lavage system The present invention provides compositions, systems, kits, and methods for preparation prior to a colonoscopy or other gastrointestinal procedure. In particular, the present invention provides a colon lavage system comprising an aqueous portion and a solid portion.
US08778303B2	99mTc-labeled 19 amino acid containing peptide for use as phosphatidylethanolamine binding molecular probe and radiopharmaceutical The invention encompasses radiopharmaceutical compounds that can be used in imaging cell death associated with either apoptosis or necrosis. Phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdE) is externalized to the surface of apoptotic cells, and also becomes accessible in necrotic cells due to compromised plasma membrane integrity. Duramycin, a 19 amino acid polypeptide, binds PtdE at a 1:1 ratio with high affinity and exclusive specificity. Novel Duramycin-based radiopharmaceuticals and non-radioactively labeled compounds are disclosed herein. Such compounds facilitate detection of cell apoptosis and/or necrosis by binding to PtdE. The location of the bound compound can then be pinpointed using standard imaging techniques.
US08778299B2	Methods for diagnosis and intervention of hepatic disorders The disclosure provides a method for quantification of hepatic function in a subject comprising measuring the clearance of an orally administered isotopically labeled cholic acid in a subject with, or suspected of having or developing, a hepatic disorder, for example, chronic hepatitis C. The disclosure further provides methods and kits for assessment of hepatic function.
US08778298B2	Isotope labeled 2-arylpropionic acid compounds and process for production of same, and molecular probe for positron emission tomography and method for imaging of cyclooxygenase and the like using same Disclosed are: labeled NSAIDs compounds which can be produced within a short time, can be used suitably for a PET method, and enable the imaging of cyclooxygenase-2; and a process for producing the labeled NSAIDs compounds. Specifically disclosed are isotope-labeled 2-arylpropionic acid compounds, each of which is a compound represented by general formula (1) (wherein Ar represents an aryl group which may have a substituent; R1 represents anyone selected from 11CH3, CH218F and CF218F; and R2 represents a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group which may have a branch, wherein a compound wherein Ar is a benzene ring, R1 is 11CH3, and R2 is a hydrogen atom is excluded), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate or prodrug thereof.
US08778295B2	Combinatorial synthesis of diamond Disclosed is a combinatorial synthesis of Diamond wherein a first reactive species is produced by catalytic treatment of Acetylene, a second reactive species is produced by decomposition of a hydrocarbon source having a low Hydrogen-to-Carbon ratio using a high energy discharge, and the two reactive species so obtained are combined in the vapor phase to yield Diamond without the need of post-treatments. The reaction is efficient and affords Diamond under mild conditions with high purity such that it may be useful for producing Diamond for semiconductor and microelectronics applications.
US08778291B2	Treatment of zirconia-based material with ammonium bi-fluoride A process for treating a zirconia-based material comprises reacting, in a reaction step, the zirconia-based material with ammonium bifluoride, NH4F.HF. An ammonium fluorozirconic compound is produced.
US08778285B2	Clamping system The present invention relates to a clamping system comprising two or more grids of springs in a flow module or in a plate reactor. The invention also relates to methods for opening and closing a clamping system, a frame arrangement, a control system for pressure release, and a use of the clamping system as a plate reactor.
US08778283B2	Reagent delivery system A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.
US08778282B2	Microfluidic device having microvalve A microfluidic device including a microvalve includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, an elastic film between the first and second substrates, a microfluidic channel on the second substrate, a valve seat of the second substrate protruding in the microfluidic channel, and a fine structure on a surface of the elastic film, facing the valve seat and which contacts the valve seat when the microvalve is operated.
US08778280B2	Microfluidic chips and assay systems The systems and methods described herein include a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfeatures interconnected to provide a configurable fluid transport system for processing at least one reagent. Inserts are provided to removably interfit into one or more of the microfeatures of the chip, wherein the inserts include sites for interactions with the reagent. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic chip and the inserts provide an efficient and accurate approach for conducting parallel assays.
US08778276B2	Detection device The present invention provides devices, in particular lateral flow devices, for detecting a target analyte on a surface, in which the elements of collection and detection are integrated. The present invention also provides methods of use thereof.
US08778274B2	Ozone gas supply system An ozone gas output flow rate management unit configured to receive a plurality of ozone gas outputs from a plurality of ozone generation units and capable of performing an ozone gas output flow rate control for selectively outputting one or a combination of two or more of the plurality of ozone gas outputs to any of a plurality of ozone treatment apparatuses by performing an opening/closing operation of a plurality of ozone gas control valves provided in the ozone gas output flow rate management unit.
US08778269B2	Nanoelectronic electrochemical test device Nanoelectronic devices for the detection and quantification of biomolecules are provided. In certain embodiments, the devices are configured to detect and measure blood glucose levels. Also provided are methods of fabricating nanoelectronic devices for the detection of biomolecules.
US08778264B2	Fluid treatment systems Systems and methods for treating a fluid by passing fluid through a treatment structure, the fluid containing undesirable living things, the treatment structure containing electrically conductive nanomaterial with silver, flowing an electric current in the fluid in the treatment structure via the electrically conductive nanomaterial with silver or silver material to kill undesirable living things in the treatment structure, and killing undesirable things in the treatment structure.
US08778261B2	Steel material for automobile chassis parts superior in fatigue characteristics and method of production of automobile chassis parts using the same The present invention provides a steel material for automobile chassis parts, having high fatigue characteristics, without a heat treatment, and superior shapeability, and a method of production of such automobile chassis parts. The surface of the steel has a high hardness and the center has a low hardness, providing the superior characteristics. With an annealing step of the invention, it is possible to relieve internal stress and further improve fatigue characteristics.
US08778256B1	Deformation of a polymer tube in the fabrication of a medical article Methods of manufacturing a medical article that include radial deformation of a polymer tube are disclosed. A medical article, such as an implantable medical device or an inflatable member, may be fabricated from a deformed tube.
US08778254B2	Method and apparatus for the production of fine fibres A method and apparatus provided for the production of fine fibers by electrospinning fibers by applying an electrical field between a primary electrode and a counter electrode (5) spaced apart from the primary electrode and extending generally parallel thereto wherein at least an operative surface of the primary electrode is coated with a polymer solution (3) and an electric field of sufficient magnitude is generated between the primary electrode and counter electrode to cause the formation of fine fibers (9) in the space between the electrodes. The operative surface of the primary electrode that is coated with polymer solution is made up of appropriate portions of the surfaces of a multitude of operatively semi-submerged, loose (unattached) elements (1, 11, 17, 21) supported on the bottom of a trough (2) or tray or another support member or members (12, 18, 22). Facility is included for causing polymer solution to be applied to the exposed surfaces of the loose elements by causing them to roll in the polymer solution so that they become coated with a thin layer of polymer solution on their surfaces.
US08778252B2	Three-dimensional printing system using dual rotation axes A 3-D printer system moves a printed tool over a print surface with a mechanism controlling a rotational angle of an arm holding the print tool and a revolutionary angle of axis of rotation of the printable area to eliminate the disadvantages of conventionally used linear motion mechanisms.
US08778250B2	Method of manufacturing a container assembly and a container assembly A method of manufacturing together a support (10) and frame (20) of a container assembly (1), the method comprising: providing a single mold (100) with a first cavity (110) defining the support (10) and a second cavity (120) defining the frame (20); injecting first material into the first cavity (110); and injecting second material into the second cavity (120); wherein the first and second materials are different materials.
US08778249B2	Porous, carbon-containing preform and process for producing the same There is provided a porous, carbon-containing preform, including a body (CL) of unidirectional carbon fiber fabrics (C1), and a friction layer (FL) of randomly-arranged-carbon-fiber fabrics (F1), combined with the body (CL) by a needle-punching operation. According to the present invention, it is by the needle-punching operation that the friction layer (FL) of the randomly-arranged-carbon fiber fabric (F1) is formed on the body (CL) of the unidirectional carbon fiber fabric (C1) and the friction layer (FL) of the randomly-arranged-carbon-fiber (F1) is cross-linked to the body (CL) of the unidirectional carbon fiber fabric (C1) in producing the porous, carbon-containing preform.
US08778247B2	Polyamide films for flexible printed circuit boards The invention relates to a polymer film made of a polyamide composition comprising at least 80 weight percentage (wt. %) of a semi-crystalline semi-aromatic polyamide with a melting temperature (Tm) of at least 270° C., wherein the wt. % is relative to the total weight of the polymer composition, wherein the polymer film has an average coefficient of thermal expansion in plane in the temperature range of 20° C.-Tg, measured in plane with the method according to ASTM D969-08, of at most 40 ppm/K. The said film can be made from a polyamide moulding composition comprising said polyamide by film casting followed by biaxial stretching. The film has properties suitable for carrier films in flexible printed circuit boards.
US08778244B2	Method of producing a filtering cartridge Disclosed are filtering cartridge and methods of producing the filtering cartridge for purifying drinking water and other liquids for household, medical and other purposes. A filter cartridge is filled with a filtering material and is configured in the form of an open bowl which can be closed with a lid, having side walls and a bottom with at least one outlet opening which is closed with a water-permeable material, wherein the cartridge bottom is designed such as to make it possible to use the water-permeable material which comes to the external edge of the side walls and is made of fibers with a sufficiently small diameter to allow using the filtering material containing powder particles; furthermore, the entire area between external and internal edges of the walls along the perimeter of the bottom is made of a composite based on a polymer water-permeable material.
US08778242B2	Housing for fluid dynamic bearing device Provided is a housing for a resin fluid dynamic bearing device in which deterioration with time of a fixing force for another member is mitigated and which can maintain a high bearing performance for a long period of time. The housing formed of a resin composition exhibiting a compression creep amount of 8% or less when a compressive pressure of 80 MPa is applied for 168 hours at an atmosphere temperature of 80° C., provides a sufficient fixing force for the another member fixed with a press-fitting force, for example, a bearing sleeve press-fitted into an inner periphery of the housing even after a long term use. Thus, there is no fear of fixing positions of the another member with respect to the housing being deviated and a high bearing performance is maintained for a long period of time.
US08778239B2	Particulate production method A method of producing particulate, including introducing an initial liquid including a particulate component in a lower concentration than that of a liquid including a particulate component or no concentration to a projection hole of a droplet projector so as to be projected at the start of the discharging; discharging a droplet of the liquid comprising a particulate component from the projection hole; and solidifying the droplet to form a particulate.
US08778235B2	Colorant multimer, colored curable composition, color filter and method for producing the same, and solid-state image sensor, image display device, liquid crystal display device and organic EL display with the color filter A colorant multimer includes, as a partial structure of a colorant moiety, a dipyrromethene metal complex compound or tautomer thereof obtained from: (i) a dipyrromethene compound represented by the following Formula (M); and (ii) a metal or a metal compound: wherein in Formula (M), R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent.
US08778234B2	Process for the manufacture of a high density ITO sputtering target A process for manufacturing indium tin oxide (ITO) sputtering targets as described. The process includes the precipitation of indium and tin hydroxides, sintering in the absence of chloride ions, using the resultant oxide powders to prepare an aqueous slip with dispersing agent, binder, special high density promoting agents and compacting the slip in a specially surface coated porous mold using the method of slip casting followed by sintering the resultant compacted target body to yield high density ITO target.
US08778232B2	Lead-free conductive compound for solar cell electrodes A lead-free conductive compound for a solar cell electrode including: a conductive powder; a glass frit; and a vehicle; the glass fit includes at least one kind of lead-free glass including 10 to 29 (mol %) of Bi2O3, 15 to 30 (mol %) of ZnO, 0 to 20 (mol %) of SiO2, 20 to 33 (mol %) of B2O3, and a total sum 8 to 21 (mol %) of Li2O, Na2O and K2O which are contained in a ratio with respect to a whole of a glass compound in terms of oxides.
US08778230B2	Sulphur-modified monolithic porous carbon-based material, process for the preparation thereof and uses thereof in the storage and release of energy A subject-matter of the invention is a novel process for the preparation of sulphur-modified monolithic porous carbon-based materials by impregnation with a strong sulphur-based acid, the materials capable of being obtained according to this process and the use of these materials with improved supercapacitance properties to produce electrodes intended for energy storage systems. Electrodes composed of sulphur-modified monolithic porous carbon-based materials according to the invention and lithium batteries and supercapacitors having such electrodes also form part of the invention.
US08778228B2	Method of producing ultraviolet light emitting phosphor material The present invention is a method of producing an ultraviolet light emitting phosphor material. This method includes a step of heat-treating a composition containing zinc and oxygen as main components and at least one selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gallium and indium as a sub-component, in the presence of at least two coexisting substances selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, gallium oxide and phosphorus oxide under a non-oxidizing atmosphere.
US08778227B2	Organic/inorganic composite The present invention provides an organic/inorganic composite containing an inorganic phase dispersed in an organic polymer, the inorganic phase comprises one or more metal atoms that are coordinated to at least one rare earth metal atom via oxygen. The composite contains at least 5 mass % of rare earth metal. This rare earth metal is dispersed in the inorganic phase.
US08778225B2	Iodide single crystal, production process thereof, and scintillator comprising iodide single crystal An object of the invention is to provide an iodide single crystal material that provides a scintillator material for the next-generation TOF-PET, and a production process for high-quality iodide single crystal materials.The iodide single crystal material of the invention having the same crystal structure as LuI3 and activated by a luminescence center RE where RE is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb is characterized in that a part or the whole of lutetium (Lu) in said iodide single crystal material is substituted by Y and/or Gd.The inventive production process for an iodide single crystal material is characterized by comprising a step of preparing starting materials comprising an RE metal or REI3, I2, and a metal of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Lu, Y and Gd and/or its iodide provided that when only Lu is selected, there is a Lu metal chosen; a step of maintaining said starting materials under vacuum; a step of heating said starting materials at a reaction temperature to create a raw polycrystal material containing at least XI3:RE where X is said at least one selected element; and a step of turning said raw polycrystal material into a single crystal.
US08778224B2	Fluorescent dye-siloxane hybrid resin The present invention provides a fluorescent dye-silane hybrid resin manufactured by polycondensing an alkoxysilane bonded with a fluorescent dye with an organo-silane. More particularly, the present invention provides a fluorescent dye-siloxane hybrid resin that is manufactured by reacting a fluorescent dye having one or more functional groups with an alkoxysilane having an organic functional group to form an alkoxysilane bonded with the fluorescent dye and then polycondensing the alkoxysilane bonded with a fluorescent dye with an organo-silanediol and an organo-alkoxysilane having a thermocurable or ultraviolet-curable functional group without water. The fluorescent dye-silane hybrid resin has excellent thermostability, photostability, fluorescence characteristics, and processibility.
US08778222B2	Liquid crystalline polyester composition, method of producing the same and molded product manufactured from the same A liquid crystalline polyester composition contains at least 100 parts by weight of liquid crystalline polyester and 10 to 100 parts by weight of glass fiber, wherein the glass fiber has a weight-average fiber length of 30 to 100 μm, and content of specific glass fiber having fiber length of 300 to 500 μm is 0.1 to 5 percent by weight to a total amount of the glass fiber.
US08778211B2	GST CMP slurries The present invention provides chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) compositions suitable for polishing a substrate comprising a germanium-antimony-tellurium (GST) alloy. The CMP compositions of the present invention are aqueous slurries comprising a particulate abrasive, a water-soluble surface active agent, a complexing agent, and a corrosion inhibitor. The ionic character of the surface active material (e.g., cationic, anionic, or nonionic) is selected based on the zeta potential of the particulate abrasive. A CMP method for polishing a GST alloy-containing substrate utilizing the composition is also disclosed.
US08778210B2	Compositions and methods for the selective removal of silicon nitride Compositions useful for the selective removal of silicon nitride materials relative to poly-silicon, silicon oxide materials and/or silicide materials from a microelectronic device having same thereon. The removal compositions include fluorosilicic acid, silicic acid, and at least one organic solvent. Typical process temperatures are less than about 100° C. and typical selectivity for nitride versus oxide etch is about 200:1 to about 2000:1. Under typical process conditions, nickel-based silicides as well as titanium and tantalum nitrides are largely unaffected, and polysilicon etch rates are less than about 1 Å min−1.
US08778209B2	Apparatus and method for increasing surface area of pipes An apparatus for altering a surface of a cylindrical object includes at least one container containing a fluid resist therein and having at least one opening from which the fluid resist is discharged; at least one roller operatively associated with the at least one container and having a surface sized and shaped to be exposed to the at least one opening, the surface area including a pattern of shapes and upon which the fluid resist is deposited; and at least one support member adjacent the at least one roller for supporting the cylindrical object during transit for contacting the at least one roller. A method is also provided.
US08778203B2	Tunable polish rates by varying dissolved oxygen content A method and system for tunable removal rates and selectivity of materials during chemical-mechanical polishing using a chemical slurry or solution with increased dissolved oxygen content. The slurry can optionally include additives to improve removal rate and/or selectivity. Further selectivity can be obtained by varying the concentration and type of abrasives in the slurry, using lower operating pressure, using different pads, or using other additives in the dispersion at specific pH values.
US08778198B2	Method for manufacturing a magnetoresistive sensor using simultaneously formed hard bias and electrical lapping guide A method for manufacturing a magnetic sensor using an electrical lapping guide deposited and patterned simultaneously with a hard bias structure of the sensor material. The method includes depositing a sensor material, and patterning and ion milling the sensor material to define a track width of the sensor. A magnetic, hard bias material is then deposited and a second patterning and ion milling process is performed to simultaneously define the back edge of an electrical lapping guide and a back edge of the sensor.
US08778194B2	Component having a through-connection A method is described for manufacturing a component having a through-connection. The method includes providing a substrate; forming a trench structure in the substrate, a substrate area which is completely surrounded by the trench structure being produced; forming a closing layer for closing off the trench structure, a cavity girded by the closing layer being formed in the area of the trench structure; removing substrate material from the substrate area surrounded by the closed-off trench structure; and at least partially filling the substrate area surrounded by the closed-off trench structure with a metallic material. A component having a through-connection is also described.
US08778192B2	System for dewatering granulates A method and apparatus for dewatering a mixture of granulate and water are disclosed. In accordance with one example of the system described herein, the apparatus includes a casing as well as hollow sieve body with side walls formed as a sieve, the sieve body being arranged in the casing and suspended thereto. The sieve body tapers towards the bottom, and a clearance is formed between the casing and sieve body. For delivering the granulate-water mixture an inlet is arranged in the upper part of the sieve body. A corresponding outlet for the dewatered granulate is located at the bottom of the sieve body. The inlet is arranged in the sieve body and the sieve is formed such that the water laterally escapes through the sieve into the clearance due to centrifugal and gravitational forces when passing through the sieve body from top to bottom.
US08778191B2	Filtering device and a method of filtering a fluid The invention concerns a centrifugal filtering device for filtering a fluid. The device comprises a rotatable inner casing forming an inner space and a rotatable outer casing forming an outer space. The device further comprises a fluid inlet, at least one filter and drive means. The drive means is configured to rotate the inner casing to create a centrifugal pressure. The pressure forces a part of the fluid contained in the inner space through the filter and to a radially outer position of the outer space. The filtered fluid forms a filtrate, the filtrate having a kinetic energy. The outer casing is configured to transport the filtrate from the radially outer position to a radially inner position of the outer space, permitting transfer of the kinetic energy from the filtrate to the outer casing, thereby permitting regaining of mechanical energy.
US08778190B2	Method for processing waste water loaded with nitrogen-containing compounds The invention relates to a method for purifying wastewater loaded with nitrogen-containing compounds, wherein the wastewater loaded with nitrogen-containing compounds is reacted with a smectic sheet silicate, wherein a clay material loaded with nitrogen-containing compounds is obtained, and the clay material loaded with nitrogen-containing compounds is separated off, wherein purified wastewater is obtained.
US08778188B2	Chromatography column A chromatography column having a longitudinal axis and comprising a column wall with a first end and a second end, a first end plate assembly removably connectable to said first end of the column wall, a second end plate assembly removably connectable to said second end of the column wall, wherein said first end plate assembly, said column wall and said second end plate assembly are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the column wherein the column wall, and/or first end plate assembly and/or second end plate assembly is/are rotatable about an axis of rotation wherein said axis of rotation is parallel to the longitudinal axis of said column and positioned outside the column.
US08778187B2	Packing system and method for chromatography columns The invention relates to a system for packing chromatography columns with a chromatography medium and packing method for use in such columns. In particular, the invention relates to a method and system for packing chromatography columns which utilizes an external drive means to compress a bed of particulate medium to a target bed height.
US08778182B2	Spiral wound element and seal assembly A spiral wound element and a seal assembly comprising: a ring-shaped seal disposed about a portion of an outer periphery of the element, a secondary pathway and a valve that selectively permits fluid flow through the secondary pathway.
US08778178B2	Integrated multi-step solid/liquid separation system for Fischer-Tropsch processes A system for separating liquids from solids comprising an immobilization unit comprising an immobilization vessel containing a bed of magnetizable material and a magnet configured to produce a magnetic field within the immobilization vessel, wherein the immobilization vessel further comprises an immobilization vessel outlet and an immobilization vessel inlet for a fluid comprising liquid and metal-containing particles. A method for separating solid particles from liquid by introducing a fluid comprising liquid and a first concentration of solid particles into an immobilization unit comprising an immobilization vessel and at least one magnet configured to produce high density magnetic flux lines within the immobilization vessel and/or a high field gradient at or near the surface of the magnetizable material when powered, wherein the immobilization vessel contains therein a bed of magnetizable material; and removing from the immobilization unit a product having a second particle concentration less than the first particle concentration.
US08778176B2	Modular sand filtration—anchor system and wave energy water desalination system incorporating the same A potable water producing system for disposition at a body of salt water and a method of producing potable water is provided. The system includes a wave energy conversion system (AWECS) and a portable filtration-anchor system. The AWECS is in the form of a floating articulated barge housing a desalination system including a reverse osmosis membrane. The filtration-anchor system is submerged in the body of salt water and includes a sand filter to filter the adjacent salt water and to provide the filtered salt water to the desalination system on the articulated barge. The action of the waves on the articulated barge provides energy to pump the filtered salt water from the sand filter to the reverse osmosis member to produce potable water. Moreover, the action of the waves on the articulated barge effects the shaking of the reverse osmosis filter, thereby rendering it self-cleaning.
US08778174B2	Methods and apparatus for treating water and wastewater employing a cloth disk filter Methods and apparatus for treating water and wastewater include the step of flowing a suspended solids stream generally upward through a sludge blanket region of a cloth disk filter vessel, thus forming a partially treated effluent composition and a solids-enriched sludge blanket. The partially treated effluent composition is allowed to flow generally upward to a cloth filter zone in the vessel after contacting the sludge blanket. The methods include flowing the suspended solids stream through one or more distribution headers positioned in the sludge blanket. An option is to provide a sludge concentration zone in the sludge blanket region, allowing sludge to flow into the sludge concentration zone to form concentrated sludge. Other methods and apparatus include backwash assemblies that backwash substantially the entire filter cassette surfaces, with or without use of a sludge blanket zone. Either the backwash assemblies or filter cassettes move in the latter methods and apparatus.
US08778173B2	Process for producing a high stability desulfurized heavy oils stream The present invention relates to a process for desulfurizing heavy oil feedstreams with alkali metal compounds and improving the compatibility of the to stream components in either the feed stream, an intermediate product stream, and/or the reaction product stream in the desulfurization process. The present invention utilizes a high stability aromatic-containing stream that is preferably added to the heavy oil prior to reaction with the alkali metal compounds. The resulting stream resists precipitation of reaction solids in the desulfurization reactors. Even more preferably, the desulfurization system employs at least two desulfurization reactors in series flow wherein the high stability aromatic-containing stream is contacted with the reaction product from the first reactor prior to the second reactor, wherein the first reactor can be operated at a higher severity than without the use of the high stability aromatic-containing component stream.
US08778171B2	Hydrocracking catalysts containing stabilized aggregates of small crystallites of zeolite Y associated hydrocarbon conversion processes This invention relates to hydrocracking catalysts utilizing stabilized aggregates of small primary crystallites of zeolite Y that are clustered into larger secondary particles. At least 80% of the secondary particles may comprise at least 5 primary crystallites. The size of the primary crystallites may be at most about 0.5 micron, or at most about 0.3 micron, and the size of the secondary particles may be at least about 0.8 micron, or at least about 1.0 μm. The silica to alumina ratio of the resulting stabilized aggregated Y zeolite may be 4:1 or more. This invention also relates to the use of such catalysts in hydrocracking processes for the conversion of heavy oils into lighter fuel products. The invention is particularly suited for the selective production of diesel range products from gas oil range feedstock materials under hydrocracking conditions.
US08778170B2	Process for producing light olefins and aromatics A process for producing light olefins and aromatics, which comprises reacting a feedstock with a catalytic cracking catalyst in at least two reaction zones, wherein the reaction temperature of at least one reaction zone downstream of the first reaction zone is higher than that of the first reaction zone and its weight hourly space velocity is lower than that of the first reaction zone. The spent catalyst is separated, from the reaction product vapor, regenerated, and then returned to the reactor. The reaction product vapor is separated to obtain the desired products, light olefins and aromatics. This process efficiently produces light olefins such as propylene, ethylene, etc from heavy feedstocks, wherein the yield of propylene exceeds 20% by weight, and produces aromatics such as toluene, xylene, etc at the same time.
US08778169B2	Residue conversion process that includes a deasphalting stage and a hydroconversion stage Conversion of a heavy hydrocarbon fraction that is obtained either from a crude oil or from the distillation of a crude oil and that has an initial boiling point of at least 300° C. by hydroconversion of at least one portion of heavy hydrocarbon fraction in the presence of hydrogen in at least one three-phase reactor containing at least one hydroconversion catalyst, separation of the effluent to obtain a light liquid fraction that boils at a temperature that is less than 300° C. and a heavy liquid fraction that boils at a temperature that is greater than 300° C., and a deasphalting of at least one portion of the heavy liquid fraction that boils at a temperature that is greater than 300° C.
US08778168B2	Systems and methods of discriminating control solution from a physiological sample Methods for distinguishing between an aqueous non-blood sample (e.g., a control solution) and a blood sample are provided herein. In one aspect, the method includes using a test strip in which multiple current transients are measured by a meter electrically connected to an electrochemical test strip. The current transients are used to determine if a sample is a blood sample or an aqueous non-blood sample based on at least two characteristics (e.g., amount of interferent present and reaction kinetics). The method can also include calculating a discrimination criteria based upon at least two characteristics. Various aspects of a system for distinguishing between a blood sample and an aqueous non-blood sample are also provided herein.
US08778167B2	Method and device for determining the location of corrosion sites in reinforced concrete The invention relates to a method for determining the location of the corrosion sites in reinforced concrete, wherein a value (UB, UC) of a voltage potential (UB, UC) present at each measurement location is measured at at least two measurement locations relative to a reference voltage potential (UA) present at a reference location, and information about the direction to the corrosion site (K) and/or the distance to the corrosion site (K) is determined from the location information (XB, YB, XC, YC) for each measurement location, particularly also the reference location, and the voltage potential (UA, UB, UC) present at each location. The invention further relates to a device for determining the location of corrosion sites in reinforced concrete, particularly according to a method according to one of the previous claims, comprising an electrode arrangement having at least one electrode that can be brought into electrolytic contact with the surface of a reinforced concrete to be tested, and that is set up for measuring voltage potentials (UB, UC) using the at least one electrode at a plurality of measurement locations relative to a reference voltage potential (UA) at the reference location of an electrode, and that is further set up for determining information about the direction to the corrosion site (K) and/or the distance to the corrosion site (K) from the location information (XB, YB, XC, YC) for each measurement location, particularly also the reference location, and the voltage potential (UA, UB, UC) present at each location.
US08778165B2	Method of forming an organic film using a gel, said gel and use thereof The invention relates to a process for forming a polymeric organic film on an electrically conductive or semiconductive surface by application of an electric potential between a gel, in contact with said surface, and said surface, the gel comprising (i) a protic solvent, (ii) compounds having colloidal properties, (iii) an adhesion primer, optionally (iv) a monomer and the potential applied being at least equal to the reduction potential of the adhesion primer. The invention also relates to said gel, to its use and to a kit for forming an organic film.
US08778164B2	Methods for producing a high temperature oxidation resistant coating on superalloy substrates and the coated superalloy substrates thereby produced Methods for producing a high temperature oxidation resistant coating on a superalloy component and the coated superalloy component produced thereby are provided. Aluminum or an aluminum alloy is applied to at least one surface of the superalloy component by electroplating in an ionic liquid aluminum plating bath to form a plated component. The plated component is heat treated at a first temperature of about 600° C. to about 650° C. and then further heat treated at a second temperature of about 700° C. to about 1050° C. for about 0.50 hours to about two hours or at a second temperature of about 750° C. to about 900° C. for about 12 to about 20 hours.
US08778162B2	Stamper and method of manufacturing the same According to one embodiment, a stamper manufacturing method comprises electroless plating by using a master includes a substrate, a conductive underlayer formed on the substrate and having catalytic activity, projecting patterns having no catalytic activity and partially formed on a surface of the conductive underlayer having catalytic activity, and regions in which the conductive underlayer having catalytic activity is exposed between the projecting patterns to deposit selectively an amorphous conductive layer between the projecting patterns and in the regions in which the conductive underlayer is exposed, and forming stamper projections, electroplating on the stamper projections includes the projecting patterns and the amorphous conductive layer by using the amorphous conductive layer and the conductive underlayer as electrodes to form a stamper main body made of a crystalline metal, and releasing a stamper includes the stamper projections and the stamper main body from the master.
US08778159B2	Separator apparatus for separating oil and water A method of separating oil and water in a flow-stream through a gravity settling vessel (10) in which the flow-stream (12) separates into a lower water layer (22) and an upper oil layer (26), includes feeding an off-take stream (34) of the oil layer and/or an emulsion layer (20) that forms between the oil layer and the water layer through a compact electrostatic coalescer (CEC) (38) that has electrically isolated electrodes. The CEC coalesces water droplets in the off-take stream, and the coalesced off-take stream is then returned to the settling vessel. An associated separator apparatus for comprises: a gravity settling vessel (10); a CEC (38) including electrically isolated electrodes; a coalescer feed line (34) configured to provide an off-take stream of an oil phase and/or an emulsion layer from the settling vessel to the CEC; and a return line (40) from the CEC for returning the off-take stream to the settling vessel.
US08778158B2	Method and device for the manipulation of particles by overlapping fields of force Methods and related devices are illustrated for generating time-variable electric fields suitable for determining the creation of closed dielectrophoretic cages able to trap inside even single particles without the cages being necessarily positioned at relative minimum points of the electric field.
US08778156B2	Electrodialytic separation of gas from aqueous carbonate and bicarbonate solutions A process for producing a gas using an electrodialysis apparatus includes flowing at least two solutions and an electrode solution into the apparatus, pressurizing the apparatus at a stack pressure, applying a voltage to the apparatus's electrodialysis stack so a dissolved gas is generated in the second solution, flowing the second solution out of the apparatus, regenerating the gas out of the second solution, and collecting the gas. A process for generating a product, like a gas, liquid, or supercritical fluid, using an electrodialysis apparatus includes flowing at least two solutions and an electrode solution into the apparatus, adjusting the temperature and pressure so the product will be generated from the second solution, applying a voltage to the electrodialysis stack of the apparatus so that the product is generated in the second solution, flowing the second solution out of the apparatus, and regenerating the product from the second solution.
US08778150B2	Magnetron sputtering cathode, magnetron sputtering apparatus, and method of manufacturing magnetic device To provide a magnetron sputtering cathode, a magnetron sputtering apparatus, and a method of manufacturing a magnetic device, capable of generating a leakage magnetic field sufficiently large to form a magnetic tunnel necessary for discharge on the surface of a target even when the target is a magnetic body and thick and a ferromagnetic body is used as the target. The magnetron sputtering cathode of the present invention includes a target having a second annular groove provided on the sputtering surface of the target, a third annular projection provided on the non-sputtering surface of the target, a fourth annular groove provided outside the third annular projection on the non-sputtering surface, and a fourth annular projection provided outside the fourth annular groove on the non-sputtering surface. Further, the magnetron sputtering cathode includes a first magnet and a second magnet 6 having a polarity different from that of the first magnet on the non-sputtering surface side.
US08778149B2	Separator for chlor-alkali electrolytic cells and method for its manufacturing The invention relates to a synthetic diaphragm for chlor-alkali cells with improved energy consumption and gas separation characteristics. The diaphragm comprises a network of polymer fibers bound to a hydrophilic ceramic material containing zirconium chemically bound to hydroxyl groups. The ceramic material is obtained starting from ZrO2 by a process of hydration under vacuum which can be carried out directly in the cell by means of suitable equipment.
US08778144B2	Method for manufacturing magnetron coated substrates and magnetron sputter source Method for manufacturing magnetron coated substrates, in which along the target and on its backside pointing from the substrate, a magnet arrangement is present by which along the sputter surface of the target at least one closed loop of a tunnel shaped magnetron magnetic field is generated, characterized in that for setting the sputter rate distribution the distance of a part of the magnet arrangement to the backside of the target is changed.
US08778142B2	Suction roll for dewatering a fibrous web A suction roll for dewatering a fibrous web, having a rotatable and perforated suction roll jacket and a suction box in the interior of the suction roll. The suction box has a first suction channel that extends in the interior of the roll essentially along the axis of the suction roll. The suction box also has a second suction channel that extends in the interior of the roll along the inner surface of the suction roll jacket and is delimited by seals. The first suction channel is connected to the second suction channel via at least one connecting channel.
US08778141B2	Hand-held apparatus for controlling the condition of a circulating band in a papermaking machine The invention relates to a hand-held apparatus for controlling the condition of a circulating band in a papermaking machine; the apparatus comprises a hand-held body which carries: a moisture measuring device, equipped with at least one microwave sensor; a permeability measuring device, comprising at least one water delivery nozzle and a flowmeter associated with the nozzle; and a control unit connected to the measuring devices for processing signals coming therefrom; the body is equipped with at least one handle portion to be grasped by an operator for manually moving and maneuvering the apparatus.
US08778139B2	Papers with a high filler material content and high dry strength A process for producing paper, board and cardboard in the presence of an aqueous slurry of components comprising finely divided fillers coated at least partly with water-soluble amphoteric copolymers, which involves adding, further to the aqueous slurry of components comprising finely divided fillers, at least one cationic and/or amphoteric polymer comprising as structural element no esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids with quaternized amino alcohols to the fiber suspension prior to sheet forming.
US08778137B2	Bulky paper with concavo-convex pattern and process for producing thereof A process for producing a bulky paper with a concavo-convex pattern includes the steps of producing a wet mixed sheet comprising high-basis-weight regions and low-basis-weight regions from a paper-making material prepared by dispersing a fiber starting material and heat-expanding particles in water, the heat-expanding particles being evenly dispersed in the fiber in the high basis-weight and low basis-weight regions; and then heating the wet mixed sheet to cause expansion of the heat-expanding particles and form a concavo-convex pattern. This allows the free designing of concavo-convex sections on bulky papers.
US08778136B2	Modified cellulose from chemical kraft fiber and methods of making and using the same A modified kraft pulp fiber with unique properties is provided. The modified fiber can be a modified bleached kraft fiber that is almost indistinguishable from its conventional counterpart, except that it has a low degree of polymerization (DP). Methods for making the modified fiber and products made from it are also provided. The method can be a one step acidic, iron catalyzed peroxide treatment process that can be incorporated into a single stage of a multi-stage bleaching process. The products can be chemical cellulose feedstocks, microcrystalline cellulose feedstocks, fluff pulps and products made from them.
US08778133B2	Method and apparatus for peeling protective tape A method of peeling a protective tape, includes the steps of mounting a wafer on a stage, the wafer having the protective tape adhered thereto so that the protective tape overlaps only a portion of a notch of the wafer, attaching a peeling adhesive tape to the protective tape, projecting a lift pin from the stage so that the portion of the protective tape which overlaps the notch is raised by a top surface of the lift pin, and with the protective tape raised by the lift pin, pulling the peeling adhesive tape so as to peel the protective tape from the wafer. The top surface of the lift pin has a shape that allows the top surface to raise the portion of the protective tape which overlaps the notch.
US08778129B2	Method for attaching a magnet on or in a rotor or stator The invention relates to a method for adhesively bonding a magnet onto the surface or into a slot of a rotor or stator of an electric motor or a generator, wherein i) the surface or surfaces to be glued of the magnet, rotor or stator are pre-coated with an adhesive that is not liquid at 22° C. and that does not cure without an activation step, iii) the magnet is brought into contact with the rotor or stator at the adhesive location, and iv) the adhesive is activated by heating or by high-energy radiation so that it cures, characterized in that the adhesive comprises a) at least one reactive epoxide prepolymer, b) at least one latent hardener for epoxies, and c) one or more elastomers. The adhesive preferably comprises a blowing agent. The invention further relates to a corresponding pre-coated magnet.
US08778128B2	Method of primerless bonding The present invention relates to methods for attaching a plastic component to another component where the plastic component is bonded to the other component with an adhesive in the absence of a primer on the plastic component and the adhesive is substantially solvent free. In one embodiment, a coated transparent or translucent polycarbonate substrate is connected to a frame with a polyurethane adhesive containing silicon in the absence of a primer on the substrate; or with a substantially solvent free adhesive. The inventions also related to bonded articles made according to the disclosed methods.
US08778126B2	Base material for artificial leather and grained artificial leather A method of producing a substrate suitable for artificial leathers. The substrate is composed of an entangled nonwoven fabric made of microfine fibers and a binder resin. At least one surface of the substrate is a densified layer which is made of the microfine fibers and which is substantially free from the binder resin. The binder resin is impregnated into a portion of the substrate other than the densified layer. The densified layer prevents the binder resin impregnated into the entangled nonwoven fabric from migrating into the surface of the entangled nonwoven fabric, thereby providing the substrate having the surface substantially free from the binder resin. The peeling strength between the substrate and a grain layer formed on the surface thereof is drastically improved because the surface of the substrate is substantially free from the binder resin.
US08778124B2	Method for making three-dimensional liquid crystal polymer multilayer circuit boards A method is for making a non-planar three-dimensional (3D) multilayered circuit board. The method may include forming a stacked arrangement including at least one pair of liquid crystal polymer (LCP) layers with a bonding layer therebetween. The stacked arrangement may further include at least one electrically conductive pattern layer on at least one of the LCP layers. The method may further include heating and applying pressure to the stacked arrangement to shape the stacked arrangement into a non-planar 3D shape and concurrently causing the bonding layer to bond together the adjacent LCP layers of the stacked arrangement to thereby form the non-planar 3D multi-layered circuit board.
US08778123B1	Carbon fiber tubular pole and method of manufacture A carbon fiber tubular pole and method of construction thereof. The pole includes a left in place lightweight mandrel, preferably formed of tubular polyvinylchloride or cardboard, which substantially reduces cost of manufacture. A socket is formed in the carbon fiber tubular pole for receiving an adjacent carbon fiber tubular pole.
US08778115B2	Mask, method of manufacturing mask and apparatus for manufacturing mask A method of efficiently manufacturing a large-sized mask is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: 1) providing a first mask member comprising i) a first pattern unit having a plurality of slits, ii) a first buffer unit spaced apart from the first pattern unit, and iii) a first bonding unit interconnecting the first pattern unit and the first buffer unit and 2) providing a second mask member comprising i) a second pattern unit having a plurality of slits, ii) a second buffer unit spaced apart from the second pattern unit, and iii) a second bonding unit interconnecting the second pattern unit and the second buffer unit. The method may further include contacting the first bonding unit and the second bonding unit; and connecting the first mask member to the second mask member while tensile forces are applied to the first mask member and the second mask member.
US08778112B2	Method for bonding thin film piece A method for bonding a thin film piece includes: forming a support layer on each upper face of a plurality of thin film pieces; fixing the plurality of thin film pieces to a first substrate through a temporary fixing layer provided on a lower face of the first substrate so that the temporary fixing layer contacts with the upper face and at least a part of a side face of each support layer; bonding a lower face of the plurality of thin film pieces to a second substrate; and removing the first substrate from the plurality of thin film pieces by removing at least one of the support layer and the temporary fixing layer.
US08778111B2	Process for manufacturing a tyre, and tyre obtained therefrom During building of a carcass structure, a liner is applied around an outer surface of a primary drum by: circumferentially winding at least one pair of sheets of elastomeric material around an outer surface of the primary drum, which sheets are axially spaced apart from each other so as to form respective axially external portions of the liner; laying at least one continuous elongated element of elastomeric material in the form of a plurality of mutually approached coils around the outer surface of the primary drum in order to form a central portion of the liner having axially external edges that are each associated with an axially internal edge of one of said axially external portions of the liner.
US08778110B2	Method of manufacturing a composite textile A method of manufacturing a composite textile having a textile face layer and a non-woven backing layer. The textile face layer may be bonded to the non-woven backing layer using various techniques such as by providing an adhesive or adhesive material associated with at least one of the layers.
US08778106B2	Method for preparing pre-form materials A pre-form and a method of preparing pre-forms are provided. The pre-forms comprise a resin and at least two layers of oriented fiber tows. The pre-forms comprise fiber tows instead of the traditional prepregs to enhance rearranging of resin and/or fibers during subsequent processing as well as provide greater freedom, a price reduction and/or a reduction of waste. The pre-forms may be formed three-dimensionally to enhance coupling to further pre-forms or other structures and/or to enhance shaping of the pre-form to a final three-dimensional shape. The method of preparation of pre-forms involves providing an adhesive between layers of fibers and providing a resin in contact with at least one of the layers of fibers. The resin is preferably provided in a non-continuous layer to allow for removal of gas at least partially in a direction orthogonal to the layers of resin. Advantageously, during manufacturing, the fibers are placed with an exact start and ending location, thereby avoiding waste. The pre-forms are suitable for preparation of composite structures like for example spars for wind turbine blades.
US08778103B2	Energetic compositions including nitrate esters and articles including such energetic compositions Methods of forming energetic compositions include forming a premix comprising a nitrate ester, a polymer, and a stabilizer, and combining solids with the premix. Additional stabilizer may be added with the solids and may remain in a crystalline state. Some methods include dissolving a stabilizer in at least one of a plurality of nitrate esters. Energetic compositions include a continuous matrix and a stabilizer. The continuous matrix includes a nitrate ester and surrounds a solid energetic material. Some compositions include a first nitrate ester, a second nitrate ester having a decomposition rate lower than the first nitrate ester, and a stabilizer. An article includes a housing and an energetic composition in the housing.
US08778100B2	Magnetic strip, sensor comprising a magnetic strip and process for the manufacture of a magnetic strip The invention relates to a magnetic strip, wherein the strip has a magnetic easy axis which is axially parallel to a transverse axis of the strip. The strip is cut to length, from strip material made of a semi-hard magnetic crystalline alloy, along a transverse axis of the strip material substantially corresponding to a length (l) of the strip. The strip material has a magnetic easy axis which runs axially parallel to the transverse axis of the strip material.
US08778098B2	Method for producing high strength aluminum alloy powder containing L12 intermetallic dispersoids A method for producing high strength aluminum alloy powder containing L12 intermetallic dispersoids uses high pressure gas atomization to effect cooling rates in excess of 103° C./second.
US08778095B2	Method of manufacturing grain-oriented electrical steel sheet In a method of manufacturing a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet including a nitriding treatment (step S7) and adopting so-called “low-temperature slab heating”, the finish temperature of finish rolling in hot rolling (step S2) is set to 950° C. or below, the cooling is started within 2 seconds after completion of the finish rolling, and a steel strip is coiled at 700° C. or below. The cooling rate over the duration from the end of finish rolling to the start of coiling is set to 10° C./sec or above. In annealing (step S3) of the hot-rolled steel strip, the heating rate in the temperature range from 800° C. to 1000° C. is set to 5° C./sec or above.
US08778092B2	Substrate processing apparatus, substrate processing method and storage medium There is provided a substrate processing method including cleaning a substrate by immersing the substrate in a cleaning solution in a longitudinal direction while the cleaning solution is supplied to a cleaning tank; transferring the substrate picked up from the cleaning tank to a drying chamber while holding the substrate in a longitudinal direction; and drying the substrate in the drying chamber communicating with an upper area of the cleaning tank by alternately supplying a first drying gas containing vapor of a solvent for removing a liquid and a second drying gas without containing the vapor of the solvent for removing the liquid to an area where the substrate is exposed between the upper area of the cleaning tank and the drying chamber after an upper end of the cleaned substrate is picked up from a liquid surface of the cleaning solution.
US08778088B2	Foreign matter removal device, foreign matter removal method and foreign matter removal system A foreign matter removal device 10 preliminary cleans the work 50 in a bucket 12 housed in an input tank 15, then further cleans the work 50 in buckets 13, 14 housed in cleaning tanks 16, 17 by agitating cleaning liquid while inverting the buckets to transfer the work to a subsequent bucket. Particularly, the bottom of the cleaning tank is formed such that the nearer to a center of the bottom, the deeper the bottom becomes. The cleaning liquid overflowing from the cleaning tanks are stored in auxiliary tanks 22, 23. First and second ejection units 29a, 29b are arranged at different heights in the cleaning tank to generate a circulating flow in the cleaning liquid.
US08778086B2	Method of cleaning residue from a surface using a high efficiency disposable cellulosic wiper A method of cleaning residue from a surface using a disposable cellulosic wiper that includes from about 25% or more by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers. The pulp-derived papermaking fibers have a characteristic scattering coefficient of less than 50 m2/kg. The wiper also has from about 25% to about 75% by weight of fibrillated regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers. The fibers are finer than 14 mesh, have a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml, have a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns, and are present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a scattering coefficient of greater than 50 m2/kg. The wiper is applied, with a predetermined amount of pressure, to a residue-bearing surface. The surface is wiped with the applied wiper to remove residue from the surface, such that the surface has less than 1 g/m2 of residue after being wiped.
US08778084B2	Method and apparatus for treating a cellulosic feedstock A method and apparatus for treating a cellulosic feedstock, such as for subsequent ethanol production, are disclosed. The method comprises determining an initial moisture content of the cellulosic feedstock and adding an amount of moisture to the cellulosic feedstock to obtain a predetermined moisture content of the cellulosic feedstock, wherein the cellulosic feedstock may subsequently be subjected to hydrolysis. The apparatus comprises a moisture sensor that provides an initial moisture content reading of the cellulosic feedstock, and a weight sensor providing the weight of the cellulosic feedstock. A processor is configured to determine an amount of moisture to be added to the cellulosic feedstock based on the weight and the initial moisture content of the cellulosic feedstock to obtain treated cellulosic feedstock having a predetermined moisture content.
US08778082B2	Point source assembly for thin film deposition devices and thin film deposition devices employing the same A point source assembly for a thin film deposition device having a chamber for holding a substrate, includes a crucible configured for holding and vaporizing a deposition material therein, where the crucible is configured for operative engagement to the chamber, an opening in the crucible configured for directing therefrom a vaporized form of the deposition material, where the opening includes a longitudinal line extending through the center of the crucible opening, and means operatively engaged to the crucible for facilitating rotational movement of the crucible for varying the orientation of the longitudinal line relative to the position of the substrate in the chamber.
US08778081B2	Process and hardware for deposition of complex thin-film alloys over large areas Systems and methods for depositing complex thin-film alloys on substrates are provided. In particular, systems and methods for the deposition of thin-film Cd1-xMxTe ternary alloys on substrates using a stacked-source sublimation system are provided, where M is a metal such as Mg, Zn, Mn, and Cu.
US08778080B2	Apparatus for double-plasma graft polymerization at atmospheric pressure Disclosed is an atmospheric-pressure double-plasma graft polymerization apparatus. The apparatus includes a workbench, an initial roller of a roll-to-roll device, an atmospheric-pressure plasma activation device, a peroxide formation device, a coating and grafting device, a drying device, a graft polymerization and curing device, a curing device and a final roller of a roll-to-roll device. The devices are sequentially provided on the workbench.
US08778072B2	Ink composition, recording method, and recorded article An ink composition contains a dye whose free acid is expressed by formula (1), lithium ions, and an aromatic compound having a carboxy group. In formula (1), Q represents a halogen atom, x represents an integer of 2 to 4, and y represents an integer of 1 to 3.
US08778071B2	Inkjet ink set, image forming method using same, and print formed by the image forming method An inkjet ink set including at least a black ink, a cyan ink, a magenta ink, and a yellow ink. Each of the inks includes at least a water-soluble dye, water and a water-soluble solvent including a specific alkoxypropionamide compound. The cyan, magenta and yellow inks has a S/W ratio of not less than 1.5 and not greater than 3.5, wherein S represents the content of the water-soluble solvent in each ink, and W represents the content of water in each ink, and the black ink has a S/W ratio of not less than 1.0 and less than 1.5, wherein S represents the content of the water-soluble solvent in the black ink, and W represents the content of water in the black ink.
US08778069B2	Phase change inks containing oligomeric rosin esters Disclosed is a phase change ink comprising an ink carrier which comprises a crystalline component and an amorphous rosin ester. In specific embodiments, the crystalline component can be a trans-cinnamic diester, a diester of tartaric acid, or a diurethane. In specific embodiments, the ink exhibits a peak melting point of no more than about 150° C., an onset crystallization temperature of no less than about 60° C., a melt viscosity within the temperature range of from about 100° C. to about 130° C. of from about 5 cps to about 22 cps, a peak solidification viscosity at about 50° C. of no less than about 1×106 cps, and a hardness at about 25° C. of at least about 70.
US08778067B1	Emission filtration, monitoring and notification system An adaptable emission filtration, monitoring, and notification system for emission sources within a civic infrastructure has a filter housing with filtration media located inside. The system has a control system with a filter intake sensor, a filter discharge sensor, a microprocessor, a power source, and a transmitter. The system has a civic reception system located in a geographically bound area of interest, with a receiver. The filter housing intake side is attached to an emission source discharge opening. The filtration media filters toxic emissions from the gas stream. The microprocessor compares the signal from the filter intake sensor and the filter discharge sensor then sends a resultant signal by way of a transmitter to the receiver of the civic reception system upon detected decreased efficiency of the filtration media.
US08778066B2	Vacuum pump exhaust pipe of chemical vapor deposition apparatus and relevant vacuum pump Disclosed is a vacuum pump exhaust pipe of a chemical vapor deposition apparatus, wherein two ports of the vacuum pump exhaust pipe are respectively connected to a vacuum pump outlet and a scrubber, and anti-sticking inner pipes are installed inside the exhaust pipe and closely contacted with inner walls of the exhaust pipe. The present invention also relates to a vacuum pump of the chemical vapor deposition apparatus. Blockage hardly occurs in the vacuum pump exhaust pipe of the chemical vapor deposition apparatus and the relevant vacuum pump according to the present invention to solve problems of the easily found blockage in the exhaust pipe, wasting the manpower and the time for clearing the exhaust pipe and the effect to the uptime of the chemical vapor deposition apparatus in the prior arts.
US08778064B2	Green house gases filtration system A filtration system for filtering gas may comprise a liquid pump, wherein the liquid pump may be configured to pump liquid. The system may also include a spray nozzle, wherein the spray nozzle may be in fluid communication with the liquid pump. The spray nozzle may be configured to spray liquid on a gas stream; wherein the spray nozzle may be configured to spray horizontally. The system further includes a liquid collection basin, disposed near the spray nozzle, wherein the liquid collection basin may be configured to collect liquid after spraying on a gas stream. The system may additionally include a plurality of condensation drips disposed along a top of the liquid filter configured to condense any liquid which may evaporate during filtration and returns the condensed liquid to the chambers for filtration. The system may be a closed system, enabling liquid to be recycled throughout the system.
US08778057B2	Gas-adsorption device structure and method for using same Includes gas adsorption device (1) in which gas adsorbent (3) is decompression-sealed by first package (4) with poor gas permeability, and second package (2) with poor gas permeability. Second package (2) is at least partially flexible. Air that is a gas that gas adsorbent (3) can adsorb is filled between gas adsorption device (1) and second package (2). In this configuration, gas adsorbent (3) adsorbs air when first package (4) is damaged, and thus a pressure inside second package (2) reduces. Due to this pressure reduction, the shape or dimension of second package (2) changes. Any damage to first package (4), i.e., any degradation in adsorption capacity of gas adsorption device (1), can thus be determined by confirming this change.
US08778055B2	High pressure liquid degassing membrane contactors and methods of manufacturing and use In accordance with at least selected embodiments of the present invention, an improved liquid degassing membrane contactor or module includes a high pressure housing and at least one degassing cartridge therein. It may be preferred that the high pressure housing is a standard, ASME certified, reverse osmosis (RO) or water purification pressure housing or vessel (made of, for example, polypropylene, polycarbonate, stainless steel, corrosion resistant filament wound fiberglass reinforced epoxy tubing, with pressure ratings of, for example, 150, 250, 300, 400, or 600 psi, and with, for example 4 or 6 ports, and an end cap at each end) and that the degassing cartridge is a self-contained, hollow-fiber membrane cartridge adapted to fit in the RO high pressure housing.
US08778048B2	Biochemical humic acid product prepared from kitchen waste and the method of preparing the same The present invention discloses a new resource processing method of kitchen waste, in particular, provides a method of preparing biochemical humic acid from kitchen waste and biochemical humic acid product prepared therefrom. The kitchen waste treated by technical solution of the present invention has a high conversion rate of organic matter, reaching over 90%. Meanwhile, the biochemical humic acid product prepared by the invention is nutritious, the amount of the total humic acid, free humic acid and water soluble humic acid in the product reach up to 38-42%, 35-40% and 14-16%, respectively; it contains not only the major elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but also the trace elements such as zinc, iron and manganese as well as other active substances. Thus the product is suitable for fertilizer in agricultural production.
US08778045B2	Cellular ceramic articles with coated channels and methods for making the same Cellular ceramic articles are manufactured from a green cellular ceramic body that includes a binder material and a plurality of channels. At least one of the channels is coated with a slurry that includes a green coating composition and a solvent to form a coating layer. The binder material is insoluble in the solvent.
US08778044B2	Compact filter element The invention relates to a compact filter element (1) for exchangeable use in a filter housing (2). The compact filter element (1) has a filter body (3) with a longitudinal axis (7) and at least one seal (4) arranged in the area of a front end (5) of the filter body (3), the seal having a seal section (8) which is arranged across the width (10) of a housing wall (6), sealing same. The seal section (8) projects beyond a front surface (12) of the filter body (3) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (7). The seal section (8) has a peripheral support wall (9) and at least one seal lip (17) integrally bonded to the outside of the support wall (9), across the width (10) of the latter, wherein the support wall (9) and the seal lip (17) consist of a rubber elastic material.
US08778043B2	Filter elements; air cleaner; assembly; and, methods A filter cartridge, a safety element and fluid cleaner assembly are described. The fluid cleaner assembly generally includes a housing having a cover and a primary fluid cleaner section. The filter cartridge generally comprises z-filter media, arranged in a straight through configuration. Preferred cartridges include a seal gasket positioned to extend continuously around at outer perimeter of the straight through flow construction. The fluid cleaner assembly can have a precleaner positioned therein. Preferred features are described. Methods of assembly and use are also provided.
US08778037B2	Process of scrubbing volatiles from evaporator water vapor A process is provided where a waste stream is directed to an evaporator that produces a vapor having volatile compounds. The vapor including the volatile compounds is directed through a vapor scrubber that contacts the volatile compounds with a scratching solution. The scrubbing solution reacts with the gaseous volatile compounds in the vapor such that the volatile compounds pass from a vapor state into the scrubbing solution and form volatile compounds in the liquid scrubbing solution. The scrubbing solution is collected and recycled.
US08778035B2	Process for the selective production of hydrocarbon based fuels from algae utilizing water at subcritical conditions Disclosed herein is the production of hydrocarbon based fuel from micro-organisms and algae that comprise algaenan without requiring prior removal of water, as well as the production of hydrocarbon based fuel directly from the algaenan itself. Also disclosed herein are feed material for the processes disclosed herein comprising modified algae and algaenan that selectively produce hydrocarbon of desired chain lengths, along with the process of modifying the algae and algaenan. Also disclosed herein is the production of both hydrocarbon and organic fertilizer from algae without the need to remove the water from the algae prior to processing.
US08778031B1	Limb prosthesis Disclosed are limb prostheses for use when normal use of the lower leg is temporarily or permanently lost due to lower leg injury or disease, including below-knee amputation. Disclosed prostheses provide full body weight support and allow a wearer to maintain the use of the hands and arms during ambulation. In addition, a wearer can maintain use of their own knee to flex and extend during ambulation, thereby better controlling the prosthesis during motion and providing a more normal gait as compared to previously known devices. In the event of permanent loss of the lower leg due to below-knee amputation, the disclosed prosthesis provides an alternative to socket-type prosthetic devices.
US08778029B2	Implantable prosthesis for replacing a human hip or knee joint and the adjoining bone sections For replacing a human hip or knee joint and the adjoining bone sections, an implantable prosthesis is provided, comprising a joint replacement part (10), a shaft replacement part (12) and a rod-shaped shaft anchoring part (16) being insertable into an axial cavity (14) in the shaft replacement part (12).
US08778026B2	Artificial SI joint An artificial SI-Joint includes a sacrum component and an ilium component. The sacrum component may include a ridge, foundation, perimeter surface and a fitting member. The ilium component may include a polybearing, edge, foundation, perimeter surface, and a ridge or sockets. The fitting member of the sacrum component may engage the polybearing of the ilium component to restore normal movement of the SI-Joint. The artificial SI-Joint may be implanted as a single unit or as separate pieces that are coupled together.
US08778025B2	Rotatable cam lift for an expandable bone cage The present invention is a rotatable cam lift. The distal end of the rotatable cam lift has a plurality of cam lift lobes and nesting surfaces that allow an expandable bone cage to be expanded with maximum control and predictability of expansion and which hold the bone cage firmly in position when expanded. Cam lift edges prevent over-rotation of the cam lift.
US08778021B2	Post-operative adjustment tool, minimally invasive attachment apparatus, and adjustable tricuspid ring An implantable device system for controlling the dimensions of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implantable devices are disclosed which employ various mechanisms for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the dimensions of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ.
US08778019B2	Staged deployment devices and method for transcatheter heart valve delivery A delivery device for a collapsible heart valve includes an operating handle and a catheter assembly. The operating handle includes a frame defining a movement space therein, a carriage assembly moveable in a longitudinal direction within the movement space, and a coupler having locked and unlocked conditions, the coupler being operatively connected to the carriage assembly for movement therewith. The catheter assembly includes a shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the shaft being operatively connected to one of the frame or the carriage assembly, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the carriage assembly for movement therewith between a closed condition adapted to maintain the valve in the compartment and an open condition adapted to fully deploy the valve.
US08778014B1	Coatings for preventing balloon damage to polymer coated stents A medical assembly is disclosed comprises a stent and a catheter having a balloon, wherein the coefficient of friction and/or the adhesion at the stent/balloon interface are reduced.
US08778009B2	Intravascular stent A stent design reduces the likelihood of contact among structural members when the stent diameter is reduced before insertion into the body. In one approach, an undulating link has a J-shaped profile or has an angled portion on one side at the peak of the link, in order to reduce contact during crimping. The stent may also include structural features that improve such aspects as flexibility, the coatibility of a drug coating onto the stent, flare reduction, stent retention within the body and/or reduction of the minimum diameter of the stent during crimping.
US08778008B2	Intravascular deliverable stent for reinforcement of vascular abnormalities A catheter deliverable stent/graft especially designed to be used in a minimally invasive surgical procedure for treating a variety of vascular conditions such as aneurysms, stenotic lesions and saphenous vein grafts, comprises an innermost tubular structure and at least one further tubular member in coaxial arrangement. In one embodiment, the innermost tubular structure is of a length (L1) and is formed by braiding a relatively few strands of highly elastic metallic alloy. The pick and pitch of the braid are such as to provide relative large fenestrations in the tubular wall that permit blood flow through the wall and provide the primary radial support structure. A portion of the innermost tubular structure of a length L1 is surrounded by a further braided tubular structure having relatively many strands that substantially inhibit blood flow through the fenestrations of the innermost tubular structure. The composite structure can be stretched to reduce the outer diameter of the stent/graft, allowing it to be drawn into a lumen of a delivery catheter. The catheter can then be advanced through the vascular system to the site of treatment and then released, allowing it to self-expand against the vessel wall. Various optional embodiments are disclosed that allow one skilled in the art to tailor the design to the specific application.
US08778004B2	Therapeutic device A therapeutic device includes an elastomeric outer shell configured as a human hand and defining an interior area, the outer shell having a finger end opposite a wrist end. The device includes a pocket in the interior area, the pocket being defined by an inner wall. An endplate is coupled to the outer shell and coupled to the inner wall to define a closed area between the outer shell and pocket, the endplate having an opening for allowing access to the pocket. A fill material is positioned in the closed area. The device includes a vibrating unit removably positioned in the pocket through the endplate opening, the vibrating unit having a lock complementary to a catch to couple the vibrating unit to the endplate, the vibrating unit having a vibrating motor in electrical communication with a power source and a switch.
US08778002B2	Methods of light treatment of wounds to reduce scar formation A method of reducing scar formation associated with a skin wound includes providing an electromagnetic energy source, delivering energy from the electromagnetic energy source to opposing edges of a skin wound, and sealing the wound after delivering the energy. The electromagnetic energy source can include a laser, such as a fractional laser, including a fractional CO2 laser. Handpieces configured to reduce scar formation include one or more of a tissue eversion system, a medication delivery system, and a wound sealing system.
US08778000B2	Orthopedic plate, orthopedic device, method of coupling bone segments, and method of assembling an orthopedic plate An orthopedic plate comprising, a frame portion and a bearing rotatably coupled with the frame portion, wherein the bearing defines an opening configured to receive a fastener for fastening the orthopedic plate to a body, wherein the bearing includes an outer surface that is eccentric to the opening such that a position of the opening with respect to the frame portion is adjustable as the bearing rotates.
US08777997B2	Method for securing vertebrae A method of fixing vertebrae of a patient together at a surgical site includes the following steps: inserting a first cannula (10) into the body (130) of the patient; moving a first fastener (624) through the cannula (10) and securing the first fastener (624) to a first vertebrae (601); moving a second fastener (624) through the cannula (10) and securing the second fastener (624) to a second vertebrae (602); moving a first fixation element (650) through the cannula (10); and fixing the first fixation element (650) to the first and second fasteners (624).
US08777987B2	Self-retaining sutures including tissue retainers having improved strength An embodiment of a suture for use in a surgical procedure applied to tissue comprises an elongated body having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of retainers arranged along a portion of the elongated body. The retainers substantially yield to motion of the elongated body within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the first end and resist motion of the elongated within the tissue when the elongated body is drawn at the second end. The retainers include an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface extending from a periphery of the elongated body and the lower surface having at least two facets.
US08777985B2	Closure devices, related delivery methods and tools, and related methods of use A device for sealing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the heart is provided. The device includes a left atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a left atrium of the heart, a right atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a right atrium of the heart, and an elongate member adapted to extend through the passageway and connect the left and right atrial anchors. The right atrial anchor preferably includes a plurality of arms and a cover attached to the arms. The left atrial anchor also includes a plurality of arms and preferably does not include a cover. Preferably, the elongate member has a first end of fixedly connected to the left atrial anchor and a portion, proximal to the first end, releasably connected to the right atrial anchor. Preferably, the elongate member is flexible.
US08777983B2	Defect-closure device and delivery apparatus Provided is a defect-closure device which is surely retainable in a predetermined position to close a passage-like defect in a living body. The device may have a free enlargement-contraction first member mounted so as to close an opening at the one end of the defect; and a free enlargement-contraction second member having a protruded member, which extends from a joint part jointed to the first member, and protrudes from an opening at the other end in an axis direction of the defect. The first member is elastically contacted to the opening by elastically contacting a protrusion part of a second member to the inner surface of an edge of the opening.
US08777982B2	Device for achieving hemostasis A device configured to apply a compressive force to a patient's skin at the site of a wound to assist in hemostasis. The device includes a footplate configured to adhere to the patient's skin, a receiving device positioned on the footplate, a plunger positioned within the receiving device and configured to move through both the receiving device and the footplate such that a downward force applied on the plunger toward the patient's skin results in the plunger moving through the receiving device and the footplate until the plunger contacts the patient's skin, and the plurality of motion restricting components interposed between the receiving device and the plunger, the plurality of motion restricting components configured such that as the plunger moves toward the skin movement of the plunger away from the skin is restricted until the restricting components are released.
US08777979B2	System and method for mechanically positioning intravascular implants Intravascular implant delivery systems and methods are described. One such system carries an implant by retaining an engagement member engaging the implant in a position proximal of an aperture at a distal end of the delivery system. The engagement member is retained proximal to the aperture by a cord that obstructs the movement of the engagement member through the aperture. The engagement member is free to rotate and move within an area defined by the delivery system, allowing the implant to react to forces imparted to the implant by the movement of the delivery system and implant through a delivery catheter. Once the implant is in a desired implant position, the cord is moved away from an aperture and the engagement member is allowed to move away from the delivery system.
US08777977B2	Self-centering catheter and method of using same A self-centering central access catheter includes a multi-lumen catheter body, a first port associated with a first lumen, and a second port associated with a second lumen. The first and second ports are disposed proximate a distal end of the multi-lumen catheter. A diametrically expansible member is circumferentially coupled to a multi-lumen catheter body and positioned intermediate the first port and the second port. The diametrically expansible member comprises a first portion that is immovably fixed to the multi-lumen catheter body and a second portion that is movably coupled to the multi-lumen catheter body.
US08777975B2	Embolus blood clot filter with bio-resorbable coated filter members A blood clot filter includes a number of locator members and anchor members, each of the members tipped with a retainer encompassed within bio-resorbable cover material. Upon delivery into a blood vessel, the locator and anchor members position the filter near the vessel centerline. After a period of time, the bio-resorbable cover material resorbs, allowing the retainer on the members to penetrate and attach to the vessel wall. A method of implanting the filter includes delivering the filter into a blood vessel and allowing the bio-resorbable cover material to resorb so retainers on the members can engage the vessel walls.
US08777968B2	System, apparatus and method for fastening tissue A tissue fastening device includes a suture clip holder and a suture cutter. A suture clip can be releasably secured to the suture clip holder, and a suture line or lines can pass through the clip and adjacent the suture cutter. A first movement of a control handle causes the suture clip to be released from the suture clip holder, and a second movement of the control handle causes the suture cutter to cut the suture line or lines. The first movement is different from the second movement. The first movement can be rotational, with the second movement being longitudinal. Alternatively, the first movement can be longitudinal, with the second movement being rotational. The device may include a main body, an inner body, and an outer body.
US08777964B2	Suture and ligature device for medical treatment A ligature device for medical treatment has an operating device that has a ligature tool for medical treatment fitted onto a distal end portion thereof. The operating device is provided with a cutting member that is able to move freely backwards and forwards and is used to cut a ligature wire of the ligature tool for medical treatment. A distal end side of the cutting member has an inclined end portion that is inclined relative to the direction of forward and backward movement, and a blade portion is provided in this inclined end portion.
US08777963B2	Method and system for destroying of undesirable formations in mammalian body A method and a system for destruction of an undesirable formation in a mammalian body are described. The invention is based on inserting a probe into mammalian body; said probe is electrically connectable to a control unit and upon bringing the probe in physical contact with the formation supplying pulses of energy from the control unit to the probe in order to destroy the formation. The invention further comprises counting amount of pulses being supplied to the probe and establishing a remaining service life of the probe by subtracting the amount of pulses being supplied to the probe from an amount of pulses corresponding to initial service life of the probe. The treatment session is automatically terminates as soon as amount of pulses being supplied to the probe approaches at least a fraction of the established remaining service life of the probe. The established remaining service life of the probe is stored for new treatment session. Delivery of pulses automatically terminates when the remaining service life is exhausted and use of such probe becomes impossible.
US08777960B2	Interlock driving instrument An interlock driving instrument is configured to be releasably lockable to a fastener, such as a bone anchor. A bone anchor can be locked to the interlock driving instrument by inserting an expandable distal end of the shaft of the interlock driving instrument into the driving opening of the bone anchor and expanding the distal end within the driving opening by translating an expansion member into the expandable distal end. Alternatively, the bone anchor can be locked to the interlock driving instrument by inserting the distal end of the shaft of the interlock driving instrument into the driving opening of the bone anchor and translating a sliding member along a sloped surface defined in a channel extending into the shaft.
US08777959B2	Intervertebral disc and insertion methods therefor A method of inserting an intervertebral disc implant into a disc space includes accessing a spinal segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc space between the first and second vertebral bodies. The method includes securing a first pin to the first vertebral body and a second pin to the second vertebral body, using the first and second pins for distracting the disc space, and providing an inserter holding the intervertebral disc implant. The method also desirably includes engaging the inserter with the first and second pins, and advancing the inserter toward the disc space for inserting the intervertebral disc implant into the disc space, whereby the first and second pins align and guide the inserter toward the disc space.
US08777953B1	Rocker mechanism An orthopedic instrument designed to engage a rod within a fixation element during a surgical procedure is described. The present invention has a distal end portion designed to hold a fixation element such as a pedicle screw while the rod is positioned within the fixation element. The instrument comprises a series of arms which form the grasping and handle portions of the device.
US08777952B2	Device for use in surgical treatment of funnel chest and method of treatment A device (1) for use in the surgical treatment of a patient suffering from funnel chest characterized in that it comprises a plate adapted to be fitted underneath the skin of the patient, and further characterized in that, in use, said plate can be attached to the patient's sternum and the curvature, length and width of the plate being such that the plate extends on both sides of the sternum and on the outside of the patient's thorax and is supported by the ribs to hold up the sternum.
US08777946B2	Anatomically customized and mobilizing external support, method for manufacture The present invention relates to an anatomically personalized and mobilizing external support, a method for manufacturing is, as well as the use of a component of an invasively attached external support in determining the path of the joint being supported. In the method according to the invention, the kinetic dynamics of the joint are measured with the aid of a component of an external support invasively attached to two bone groups, on the basis of which an external support is arranged between the bone groups.
US08777944B2	Medical tool for reduced penetration force with feedback means A medical device for reducing the force necessary to penetrate living being tissue using a variety of reciprocating motion actuators, including piezoelectric, voice coil, solenoids, pneumatics or fluidics. The reciprocating actuator drives a penetrating member, such as a needle, through the tissue at a reduced force while the device detects the passage of the penetrating member through the tissue. Upon passage of the penetrating member through the tissue, electrical power to the reciprocating actuator is automatically terminated. One exemplary method for detecting this passage is via a fluid-containing syringe that is coupled to a channel within the penetrating member. Once the penetrating member tip has passed through the living tissue, the fluid within the syringe no longer experiences any pressure and a plunger within the syringe displaces indicating passage of the penetrating member tip. This motion can provide direct tactile feedback to an operator of the medical device or can automatically open a switch providing electrical power to the medical device. Alternatively, a pressure transducer can also monitor the pressure within the penetrating member channel and automatically activate the switch to cut off the electrical power.
US08777942B2	Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving intravascular, thermally-induced renal neuromodulation Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.
US08777940B2	System and method for providing even heat distribution and cooling return pads A return pad for use with an electrosurgical system is disclosed. The return pad includes a conductive layer, a contact layer configured to engage a patient's skin and an intermediate layer disposed between the conductive layer and the contact layer. The intermediate layer is adapted to distribute energy.
US08777937B2	Catheter for magnetic resonance-supporting interventional procedures A catheter for magnetic resonance-supported interventional procedures has an electric cable that connects a first electric component attached to one catheter end with a second electric component attached to the other catheter end, with the electric cable being coiled at least in sections thereof.
US08777935B2	Optical sensor and method for identifying the presence of skin A sensor for detecting the presence of skin is disclosed, one configuration of which uses multiple light emitting diodes, each of a unique wavelength band, and a broad-band photodetector to measure the remission of light at multiple wavelengths from a material being analyzed. Characteristics of the spectral remission of the material are used to discriminate human skin from materials that are not human skin. Further, an aesthetic medical device utilizing such a sensor in which the device is inhibited from operation if skin has not been detected. The incorporation of a skin sensor improves the safety of devices that emit radiation that otherwise would pose a hazard if not directed onto skin.
US08777934B1	Balancer swivel arm assembly A balancer swivel arm assembly includes an articulated arm configured to be pivotably attached to a work station at a proximal end. A linear slider is slidably mounted on a distal end of the articulated arm. A spring balancer is mounted on the distal end of the articulated arm and is coupled to the linear slider. The spring balancer is configured to support the linear slider and a tool mounted to the linear slider through a linear range of motion along an axis.
US08777933B2	Respiratory secretion retention device, system and method A novel and non-obvious apparatus, system, and method for managing respiratory secretions and fluids in sections of artificial airways. In an embodiment of the invention, a respiratory secretion retention (RSR) device configured to fluidly connect to an artificial airway can be provided. The respiratory secretion retention (RSR) device can include a housing that defines a passageway for the flow of respiratory gases, a chamber defined by the housing with a portion of the chamber configured to retain exhaled respiratory particulate and liquid, a patient side port coupled with the housing, which is in fluid communication with an artificial airway and at least one access port coupled with the housing were the at least one access port includes a control valve. In an aspect of this embodiment, the housing further can include an instillation port.
US08777930B2	Discriminating oral-tip adaptor An adaptor for discriminating connection of an oral tip of a source of liquid enteral product to a feeding line. In one embodiment, the adaptor includes an internal stop in the body having a contact surface that is angled with respect to a transverse plane extending generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connection port so that if the standard luer tip is inserted into the connection port, the luer tip does not make flush contact with the contact surface. In another embodiment, the adaptor includes an external stop surrounding the connection port generally adjacent to the first open end of the body. The adaptor may include an umbrella valve. In other embodiments, the adaptor includes a fluid release opening in fluid communication with the connection port extending generally radially through the adaptor body at a location spaced from the longitudinal ends of the body.
US08777926B2	Apparatus and methods for dilating and modifying ostia of paranasal sinuses and other intranasel or paranasal structures Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants, scopes etc.) into the paranasal sinuses or other structures in the ear, nose or throat.
US08777925B2	Methods relating to infusion device The disclosures made herein relate to an infusion device specifically adapted for syringe injections. In one embodiment of the disclosures made herein, an infusion device comprises a body including an accessible surface having a single inlet port therein, an engagement surface having a single outlet port therein, a medication delivery channel extending between the single inlet port and the single outlet port, and an identification feature on the accessible surface of the body adjacent to the single inlet port. The single inlet port of the medication delivery channel is tapered thereby forming a funnel-shaped entry into the medication delivery channel. A cannula is coupled to the body at the single outlet port and is adapted for receiving medication from the single outlet port and transmitting the medication therethrough.
US08777924B2	Apparatus and method for controlling insulin infusion with state variable feedback An infusion system, which may be a closed loop, or “semi-closed-loop”, infusion system, uses state variable feedback to control the rate at which fluid is infused into a user's body. The closed loop system includes a sensor system, a controller, and a delivery system. The “semi-closed-loop” system further includes prompts that provide indications to the user prior to fluid delivery. The sensor system includes a sensor for monitoring a condition of the user and produces a sensor signal which is representative of the user's condition. The delivery system infuses a fluid into the user at a rate dictated by the commands from the controller. The system may use three state variables, e.g., subcutaneous insulin concentration, plasma insulin concentration, and insulin effect, and corresponding gains, to calculate an additional amount of fluid to be infused with a bolus and to be removed from the basal delivery of the fluid.
US08777922B2	Multi-chamber container It is an object of the resent invention to provide a multi-chamber container that has a weak seal portion having an increased joining strength and being easy to be opened when in administration of medicine, and that is provided at low cost. The multi-chamber container includes a medicine accommodation chamber 1, a diluting solution chamber 3 jointed to one side of the medicine accommodation chamber 1 via a partitioning weak seal portion 2, an unoccupied chamber 5 having a port 6 and joined to an opposite side of the medicine accommodation chamber 1 via a discharging weak seal portion 4, a film member 7 attached to the medicine accommodation chamber 1 for increasing a joining strength of each of the discharging weak seal portion 2 and the discharging weak seal portion 4, the discharging weak seal portion 4 having an easy-to-open portion 8 that enables the discharging weak seal portion 4 to easily opened therethrough.
US08777918B2	Disposable absorbent wearing article A disposable absorbent wearing article constructed with an absorbent core that may be deformed to form absorbent barriers against body waste and thereby an absorbent chassis that includes the absorbent core may be kept in contact with the wearer's torso with good fitness to improve appearance of the article put on the wearer's body and to prevent leak of body waste. The disposable absorbent wearing article comprising an absorbent chassis and an annular elasticized waist panel wherein the absorbent core of the absorbent chassis is formed with deformation guides so that at least opposite lateral regions of said absorbent core may be deformed along the deformation guides toward the wearer's torso under elastic contraction of at least a front waist panel constituting the annular waist panel.
US08777915B2	Reusable diapers having seam allowances A reusable diaper may include an inner layer to wick moisture and an outer layer substantially impervious to liquids. A waist portion may include a corner region for securing the diaper in a desired position. The corner region may be resiliently stretchable and substantially impervious to liquids, and may include first and second layers coupled to the respective inner and outer layers. The coupled first layer and inner layer define a first seam allowance, and the coupled second layer and outer layer define a second seam allowance. The first and second seam allowances may be positioned within the corner region to help inhibit wicking of liquid through the seam allowances into the corner region. And a fluid-resistant region may be provided to help resist wicking of moisture through the inner layer past the fluid-resistant region.
US08777911B2	Wound dressing of continuous fibers A method for treating a wound that includes incorporating a wound dressing comprising a plurality of fibers, each fiber having a length of at least two (2) inches, into a wound to cause the walls of the wound to remain apart and allow the wound to heal from the inside to the outside, and removing the wound exudate.
US08777909B2	Medical connector with closeable male luer A luer connector comprising a housing with a hollow bore having first and second ends, a male luer tip, and a tapering interior surface. The luer connector also comprises a rigid valve member having a first opened end and a second closed end, a passageway therein, and an outwardly extending flange near the second end adapted to seal the hollow bore at the second end of the housing when in contact with an interior surface of the housing. The valve member further comprises an opening near the closed end of the valve member extending outward from the passageway through the valve member and at least one strut attached to the valve member. The luer connector also comprises a retaining member configured to couple the valve member and the housing and a sealing element disposed within the housing to inhibit fluid communication through the hollow bore of the housing.
US08777908B2	Medical connector with closeable male luer A luer connector including a housing with first end including a male luer tip and a second end. The connector further includes a rigid valve member having a first opened end and a second closed end and a retaining member configured to couple the valve member and the housing. The housing further includes a rigid conduit positioned within the housing and in fluid communication with the second end of the housing, the rigid conduit adapted to engage the first opened end of the valve member. The housing defines a first internal volume when the valve member is in a first position and a second, smaller volume when the valve member is in a second position.
US08777907B2	Medicament delivery device Medicament delivery device comprising: a first housing part (12) having a container holder (14) into which a medicament container (16) can be placed and wherein the container has a front opening with or for a delivery member for delivering the medicament therethrough and a movable stopper (17); a second housing part (38) arranged to be moved between a closed position and an open position in relation to said first housing part (12); a plunger rod (48) having a front end and a rear end, and wherein said plunger rod is arranged parallel beside said container holder when the second housing part is in its closed position; wherein the second housing part comprises resiliently displacement means (50, 52) wherein one of the resiliently displacement means (50) is fixedly connected to said plunger rod, such that when said second housing part (38) is moved from its closed position to its open position, the plunger rod (48) is moved by said resiliently displacement means into a position where the front end of the plunger rod is facing the stopper (17).
US08777906B1	Syringe with inspection window Syringes and methods of using are described which protect materials within the syringe barrel cavity from contaminants and photo-chemical degradation. A syringe is provided having an inspection window for viewing medications or other materials within the cavity of a syringe barrel. The syringe barrel and other syringe components may be colored, opaque, darkened, amber, tinted; or the syringe barrel may have applied thereto polarizing filters; or materials having light polarizing properties can be used to manufacture the syringe barrel and other syringe components of the syringe to cancel particular components of light.
US08777901B2	Infusion pumps Ambulatory infusion pumps, pump assemblies, cartridges, baseplates, cannulas, insertion tools, and related components as well as combinations thereof and related methods.
US08777900B2	Ambulatory enteral feeding system There is provided a venting system for enteral feeding having a reflux bag in fluid communication with an enteral feeding site on a patient. The bag has a vent that relieves enteral pressure from the patient and is located within a bellows that compresses the reflux bag after the vent relieves. The system does not rely on gravity to urge the liquid in the reflux bag back to the patient so it may be used by sleeping patients who change positions. It may also be placed in a backpack so that the patient may be freed from having to remain seated or prone for long periods of time and can instead lead a more normal lifestyle.
US08777898B2	Medical devices having releasable coupling This invention is directed to a medical device with a handle and a catheter. The handle can include a body having a proximal end and a distal end, an actuator moveably coupled to the body, and a handle control member coupled to the actuator, wherein the actuator can be configured to move relative to the body to move the handle control member. The catheter can include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the shaft and the distal end of the body can be configured for releasable coupling. The catheter can also include a steering section located along the shaft and a catheter control member coupled to the steering section. A securing member may move relative to at least one of the handle and the catheter to releasably couple the handle control member to the catheter control member.
US08777895B2	System and method for authorized medication delivery A system and method for verifying identification of an authorized person by biometrics prior to a patient controlled analgesic medication delivery to the patient and for monitoring the delivery of medication to a patient is disclosed, along with a monitoring system and method for controlling medication delivery based on at least one monitored patient condition.
US08777892B2	Portable peritoneal dialysis system A portable peritoneal dialysis system for a patient includes an inlet port for providing inflow to the patient's peritoneal cavity, an outlet port for providing outflow from the patient's peritoneal cavity, and a volume of dialysate for flow into and out of the patient's peritoneal cavity, thereby removing from the dialysate uremic waste metabolites that have diffused into the dialysate. The portable peritoneal dialysis system also includes a closed liquid flow loop, including a pump, for flowing the dialysate into and out of the patient's peritoneal cavity, and an organic- and phosphate-removing stage, including at least one replaceable cartridge in the closed liquid flow loop, the cartridge containing material for removing organic compounds and phosphate from dialysate removed from the patient's peritoneal cavity. The portable peritoneal dialysis system further includes a urea- and ammonia-removing stage, including at least one replaceable cartridge in the closed liquid flow loop, the cartridge containing material for removing urea and ammonia from dialysate removed from the patient's peritoneal cavity, the material being packed around semi-permeable hollow fibers with interior fiber walls that reject cations, thereby retaining cations in the dialysate.
US08777891B2	Apparatus and methods for early stage peritonitis detection and for in vivo testing of bodily fluid The invention provides, inter alia, automated medical methods and apparatus that test PD effluent in a flow path (e.g., with an APD system or CAPD setup) to detect, for example, the onset of peritonitis, based on optical characteristics of the effluent resolved at cellular scales of distance. For example, according to one aspect of the invention, an APD machine includes, in an effluent flow path, apparatus for early stage peritonitis detection comprising an illumination source and a detector. The source is arranged to illuminate peritoneal effluent in a chamber that forms part of the flow path, and the detector is arranged to detect illuminant scattered by the effluent. The detector detects that reflected or scattered illuminant at a cellular scale of resolution, e.g., on a scale such that separate cellular-sized biological (or other) components in the effluent can be distinguished from one another based on scattering events detected by the detector. Other aspects of the invention provide automated medical testing methods and apparatus that detect the onset of peritonitis and other bodily conditions by testing fluids in the body in vivo, e.g., the patient's peritoneum. Such apparatus and methods utilize a first fiber optic bundle to carry illuminant from a source of the type described above into a bodily organ or cavity, and a second fiber optic bundle to carry illuminant scattered by fluid in that organ or cavity to a detector as described above.
US08777890B2	Device for liquid medical substance venous administration A method for administering a liquid medical substance in a vein. The method comprises inserting a plurality of tubular ducts into a target venous lumen, conducting a liquid medical substance via at least one of the plurality of tubular ducts (106, 215, 419, 602) for the administering thereof toward a venous wall (110, 410) at the target venous lumen in an ejection pressure, quantity and direction, and withdrawing a residue of the liquid medical substance from the target venous lumen, in a suction pressure, quantity and direction, for the conducting thereof via at least one different of the plurality of tubular ducts (130, 240, 400). A relation between the ejection pressure, quantity and direction and the suction pressure, quantity and direction limits the extent of the administering within the venous lumen to a predefined space.
US08777889B2	Apparatus and method for administering a therapeutic agent into tissue An apparatus for administering a therapeutic is provided. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a syringe having a barrel and a plunger and having an ozone generator associated therewith. The generator is initiated and a therapeutic gas is accumulated within the barrel, at which point it can be delivered from the barrel into a target site via a needle, thereby delivering therapeutic effects to that target site.
US08777888B2	Method of applying a liquid or powder in a body cavity in a living body A method of applying a liquid or powder in a body cavity of a living body involves positioning the distal portion of an applicator in the living body, using an applicator that includes an outer tube and a nozzle having an elongated nozzle main body and a nozzle head at the distal end side of the nozzle main body. The method also includes relatively moving the outer tube and the nozzle so a curved section of the nozzle main body moves proximally relative to the outer tube and enters the outer tube to adjust the direction in which the nozzle is facing, conveying the liquid/powder through the nozzle main body and to the nozzle head, expelling the liquid or the powder from the nozzle head toward a surface in the body cavity, and discharging gas in the body cavity into a longitudinally extending gap and to outside the body cavity.
US08777885B2	Wrist support device An apparatus for supporting a patient's hand, wrist, and at least a portion of the forearm in order to expose the radial artery to receive an arterial line. The apparatus including a substantially flexible, unitary body adapted to underlie the posterior of the patient's hand, wrist and forearm. The unitary body including a forward portion having an upturned cutout portion for receiving finger portions of a patient's hand. The forward portion configured for mating engagement with the posterior surface of the hand. The unitary body further including a rear portion sloping downward from the forward portion and having an upturned cutout portion for receiving a forearm portion of a patient.
US08777881B2	Handheld massage device A handheld massage device includes an actuator mechanism and a massage unit received in an outer housing. The actuator includes a motor, a bearing and a tilting piece having a first shaft coupled with the motor and a second shaft fitted into the bearing. The crank-shaped first and second shafts do not lie on a straight line. The massage unit has a base plate and massage elements mounted on the base plate. The massage elements protrude from one end of the outer housing. The bearing is fitted in the base plate. Because the first and second shafts form an angle therebetween, the base plate is tilted and swings like a conical pendulum. Therefore, the massage elements on the base plate move back and forth along a direction of an axle of the motor, thereby providing kneading and percussion massages on the user's body.
US08777880B2	Force-multiplying percussor and self-applicator system for airway clearance An airway clearance combines a force multiplying percussor and a self-applicator assembly. The percussor has an anvil, a hammer, a coil, and a pulse generator. The anvil has a force receiving surface and a force delivering surface. The hammer also has a force-receiving surface and a force-delivering surface, and is attached to the anvil such that the hammer's force delivering surface and the anvil's force receiving surface are mechanically free to come together or move apart. When energized with an electrical current, the coil forces the hammer's force delivering surface and the anvil's force receiving surface to separate. The pulse generator supplies pulses of electrical current to the coil.
US08777875B2	System and method for manufacturing arthroplasty jigs having improved mating accuracy Disclosed herein is a method of defining a mating surface in a first side of an arthroplasty jig. The mating surface is configured to matingly receive and contact a corresponding patient surface including at least one of a bone surface and a cartilage surface. The first side is oriented towards the patient surface when the mating surface matingly receives and contacts the patient surface. The method may include: a) identifying a contour line associated with the patient surface as represented in a medical image; b) evaluating via an algorithm the adequacy of the contour line for defining a portion of the mating surface associated with the contour line; c) modifying the contour line if the contour line is deemed inadequate; and d) employing the modified contour line to define the portion of the mating surface associated with the contour line.
US08777871B2	Medical tool for reduced penetration force with feedback means A medical device for reducing the force necessary to penetrate living being tissue using a variety of reciprocating motion actuators, including piezoelectric, voice coil, solenoids, pneumatics or fluidics. The reciprocating actuator drives a penetrating member, such as a needle, through the tissue at a reduced force while the device detects the passage of the penetrating member through the tissue. Upon passage of the penetrating member through the tissue, electrical power to the reciprocating actuator is automatically terminated. One exemplary method for detecting this passage is via a fluid-containing syringe that is coupled to a channel within the penetrating member. Once the penetrating member tip has passed through the living tissue, the fluid within the syringe no longer experiences any pressure and a plunger within the syringe displaces indicating passage of the penetrating member tip. This motion can provide direct tactile feedback to an operator of the medical device or can automatically open a switch providing electrical power to the medical device. Alternatively, a pressure transducer can also monitor the pressure within the penetrating member channel and automatically activate the switch to cut off the electrical power.
US08777869B2	Systems, methods and products for diagnostic hearing assessments distributed via the use of a computer network The systems, methods and associated devices performing diagnostic hearing tests which use a computer network to allow interaction between a test administration site and one or a plurality of remote patient sites. The test can be administered by an audiologist or clinician at a site remote from the patient, in a manner, which can allow interaction between the user and the clinician during at least a portion of the administration of the test. The diagnostic hearing tests can be performed such that they meet standardized guidelines such as ANSI requirements or certification standards and can include distortion product emission level measurements or middle ear compliance measurements.
US08777867B2	Detection of oximetry sensor sites based on waveform characteristics In accordance with an embodiment of the present technique, there is provided methods and systems for detecting the location of a sensor and determining calibration algorithms and/or coefficients for calculation of physiological parameters based on the detected location. An exemplary embodiment includes receiving a signal corresponding to absorption of at least one wavelength of light by a patient's tissue, generating a plethysmographic waveform from the signal, determining an identifying characteristic of the plethysmographic waveform, and determining a location of the sensor based on a comparison of the identifying characteristic with at least one defined criterion.
US08777866B2	Pulse rate counting device, pulse rate counting method, and record medium therefor A pulse rate counting device includes: a short-term average value calculation unit for calculating an average interval of predetermined previous pulses; a fluctuation amount calculation device for calculating the amount of fluctuation on the basis of the difference between the average interval and an actual pulse wave interval; a search range determination unit for calculating the width of the search range, calculating an amount of displacement on the basis of a time change of the average interval, and determining as a search range a range including an appearance prediction value of the next detection point calculated from the average interval and indicated by the width of the search range from a starting point determined on the basis of the amount of displacement; and a pulse wave interval detection unit for detecting the detection point in the determined search range, and outputting a pulse wave interval.
US08777863B2	Implantable medical device with internal piezoelectric energy harvesting Methods, systems, and apparatus for powering and/or recharging medical devices implanted within the body are described. An illustrative power generation module disposable within the interior space of an implantable medical device includes a module body that defines an interior cavity as well as a flexible diaphragm that spans the interior cavity. The flexible diaphragm includes a first electrical conductor, a piezoelectric layer disposed adjacent to the first electrical conductor, and a second electrical conductor disposed adjacent to the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer is configured to displace within the interior cavity and generate a voltage differential between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.
US08777860B2	Method for evaluation of renal vascular perfusion using power doppler ultrasonography A method for evaluation of renal perfusion with power Doppler ultrasonography is disclosed in the present invention. Serial renal vascular images at different vascular areas including the whole vascular tree, interlobar, arcuate, and interlobular vessels were captured. Imaging processing software was designed to analyze the changes of power Doppler intensity of colored pixels within regions of interest (ROI). Power Doppler Vascularity index (PDVI) has been defined as the percentage of vascular perfusion within a region of interest (ROI). The renal vascular perfusion index (RVPI) is defined as the maximal power Doppler vascular index divided by minimal power Doppler vascular index (PDVImax/PDVImin) among the serial images. The mean of weighted power Doppler vascular index (WPDVImean) is defined as the average of the intensity of color pixels among the ROI within the serial images. By using the RVPI and WPDVImean, a more dynamic sense of vascular perfusion and a novel approach for the evaluation of renal vascular function in clinical practice can be provided.
US08777858B2	Non-invasive treatment of fascia Various methods and devices for minimally invasive treatment and prevention of conditions of the fascia are provided. In one aspect, a method includes providing an acoustic wave source effective to deliver a focused acoustic wave to a target site within a patient's body, and focusing an acoustic wave through a patient's skin such that at least one location in the patient's fascia is fenestrated in a desired pattern.
US08777854B2	Method and system for ultrasound based automated detection, quantification and tracking of pathologies An automated method for detecting a disease state is presented. The method includes identifying a bone surface in one or more image data sets, wherein the one or more data sets correspond to a region of interest in an object of interest. Furthermore, the method includes segmenting a joint capsule region corresponding to the one or more image data sets based on a corresponding identified bone surface. In addition, the method includes analyzing the segmented joint capsule region to identify the disease state. Systems and non-transitory computer readable medium configured to perform the automated method for detecting a disease state are also presented.
US08777851B2	Congestive heart failure monitor and ventilation measuring implant An implanted device-implemented method of detecting and monitoring congestive heart failure in a patient includes performing ongoing measurements of changes in local impedance of a portion of the patient's body between at least two electrodes on the exterior of the implanted device, the changes representing ventilation of the patient, and including measuring the patient's respiratory rate and respiratory amplitude. A body-implantable device is adapted to detect and monitor congestive heart failure in a patient, and includes a circuit module coupled to plural surface electrodes of the device arranged and adapted, when the device is implanted, for contacting tissue in a portion of the patient's body generally occupied by the lungs, to monitor changes in local impedance of said body portion, and to detect the patient's EKG.
US08777849B2	Expandable thoracic access port A surgical access assembly includes a body having first and second body members. Each body member has an opposed side and an outer side. The body members are coupled to one another by a connector and are moveable with respect to one another between an approximated position and a spread position wherein the opposed sides are flexed outwardly and apart from one another to define a passageway therebetween. A flexible membrane is coupled to the first and second body members and extends therefrom such that translating the flexible membrane radially outwardly moves the body members from the approximated position to the spread position.
US08777848B2	Glottiscope A Glottiscope for assisting with the insertion of an endotracheal tube or an Eschman like stylet into a patient is claimed. The Glottiscope comprises a blade which defines an internal passage for receiving an endotracheal tube or an Eschman like stylet, the blade having a proximal end and a distal end and means for viewing the patient's glottis, wherein the viewing means is disposed at the distal end and in use, below the point of emergence of an endotracheal tube or a stylet/guide (to rail road the endotracheal tube) in the internal passage to provide a view of the patient's glottis, the blade being adapted to direct the viewing means towards the center of the patient's glottis.
US08777846B2	Endoscopic imaging device An endoscopic imaging device for endoscopy in a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises an annular illumination tube comprising an annular illumination fiber for illuminating a body vessel during endoscopy. The device further includes a first imaging tube comprising a first imaging fiber for gross examination and navigation through the body vessel. The first imaging fiber is disposed within the annular illumination tube. The device further comprises a second imaging tube comprising a second imaging fiber for cellular imaging. The second illumination fiber is disposed adjacent the first imaging tube and within the annular illumination tube.
US08777845B2	Endoscope A distal end portion successively provided from an insertion part distal end of an endoscope is provided with an air supply and water supply nozzle, an observation window, and illumination windows, and are formed with mutually parallel first and second flat surfaces. The surface of the observation window is disposed at the same position as the second flat surface. An inclined surface that connects the first flat surface and the second flat surface together is formed at a position that faces the air supply and water supply nozzle. Fluid guide surfaces are formed on both sides of the inclined surface. The fluid guide surfaces incline toward the illumination windows. A fluid jetted from the air supply and water supply nozzle impacts against the inclined surface, spreads to the observation window, and is guided to the fluid guide surfaces, and flows to the illumination windows.
US08777839B2	Shock absorbing mechanism and medical instrument A shock-absorbing mechanism includes a shaft having a linear member wound therearound, a base having a relative position fixed to a first end of the linear member and formed with a shock-absorbing space which spreads toward the radial outside from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft, and a passage formed in the base in communication with the shock-absorbing space and the outside of the base and causing a second end of the linear member to extend to the outside of the base.
US08777837B2	Surgical articles and methods for treating pelvic Described are devices, implants, insertion tools, combinations, and associated methods, that involve placement of a self-fixating tip at tissue of the pelvic region, wherein an insertion tool includes one or more of an aperture for engaging a guide and an extension guard, the method optionally allowing for initial placement of a self-fixating tip at tissue of the pelvic region and adjustment of the location of the self-fixating tip.
US08777833B2	Heart assist device utilising aortic deformation The present invention relates to providing counter-pulsation heart assist by deforming the aorta. In a preferred embodiment, the deformation pressure is applied by cyclically, preferably in synchrony with the diastolic period of the heart. The deformation pressure may be applied to the outer wall of the aorta or to a patch covering a resected opening in the wall of the aorta.
US08777828B2	Method and system for creating co-layer surface adhesive rule A co-layer surface-adhesive rule (SAR) that has a pre-defined cross-section profile. The co-layer surface-adhesive rule (SAR) has two or more layers, wherein at least one layer is made from flexible material and wherein at least two layers differ one from the other.
US08777826B2	Plastic bag making apparatus Plastic bags are successively made by intermittently feeding upper and lower panel material webs that are temporarily fixed to side gusset material layers. The webs are joined along a joint line. One web is folded along a first line spaced from the joint line to open the webs and form a surface on the webs. One gusset layer is folded along the first line to open the gusset layers along with an auxiliary gusset portion and form a surface on the layers of the auxiliary gusset portion. One web is turned along a turned line formed between the joint line and the first line to make a turned portion formed in one web and superimposed on the surfaces. The other web is folded along a second line spaced from the joint line to make a folded portion in the other web and superposed on the surfaces.
US08777822B2	Exercise device for use in a doorway including resistance bands extending from slidable carriages An exercise device for use in a doorway including resistance bands extending from slidable carriages is provided. The exercise device includes a pair of vertical rail members attachable to sides of a doorway. The vertical rail members are engageable with carriages such that the carriages are capable of being slid longitudinally along the vertical rail members. Resistance bands extend along the vertical rail members and extend out from the carriages. The tension in the resistance bands may be altered by manipulating the distance between the carriages. The resistance bands extending from the carriages are attachable at each end to an athletic accessory such as a hand grip, belt, or crossbar. A pull-up bar may also be attached to the exercise device, the pull-up bar capable of vibration for enhanced performance.
US08777820B2	Adjustable weight asssembly for weight training machine An adjustable weight assembly includes a weight device and an adjustment device. The weight device includes a rail, a movable member and multiple weights. The movable member is connected to a rod and receives a force applied by a force applying unit so as to move along the rail. The rod has multiple through holes and each weight has a latitude hole and a longitudinal hole. Each latitude hole has a pin extending therethrough and the rod extends through the longitudinal holes. The adjustable device includes a driving unit, a movable part and multiple pivotal members. The driving unit drives the movable part and each weight is pivotably connected to one of the pivotal members. When the movable part moves along the rail, the pivotal member is pivoted to decide the engagement between the pin and the through hole so that the user can adjust the number of the weights.
US08777818B1	Training device A training device for use in the various martial arts and other competitive sports that responds to a person using the training device. A torso sits on a base, a head is attached to the torso, arms are attached to the torso, and legs may be attached to the torso. Sensors on the torso, head, arms and legs communicate with means for moving the head, torso, arms and legs. A means for controlling the movement of the components can be programmed to move the components in response to, or independently of, the actions of a user of the device.
US08777816B2	Bar grip A bar grip used for grasping a bar or similarly shaped object for physical fitness such as a weightlifting bar, barbell, pull-up bar, or rowing paddle that requires significant grip force. The palm portion of the bar grip includes a palm surface for contacting a region of the palm, and a grip surface for contacting the fitness device. It may include at least one middle layer to provide additional padding, comfort, or weight distribution. The bar grip also has a strap portion for securing the palm portion to the hand. The palm portion has a cross-sectional C-shape that substantially matches an outer shape of a fitness bar. Different embodiments have different radii to accommodate differently sized or shaped fitness bars, or have built-in multi-radius options. The arc of the grip surface may vary to provide coverage ranging from minimal coverage to nearly complete coverage around the circumference of the bar.
US08777815B2	Multi-sensor monitoring of athletic performance Athletic performance monitoring systems and methods, many of which utilize, in some manner, global positioning satellite (“GPS”) data, provide data and information to athletes and/or to equipment used by athletes during an athletic event. Such systems and methods may provide route information to athletes and/or their trainers, e.g., for pre-event planning, goal setting, and calibration purposes. Such systems and methods optionally may provide real time information to the athlete while the event takes place, e.g., to assist in reaching the pre-set goals. Additionally, data and information collected by such systems and methods may assist in post-event analysis for athletes and their trainers, e.g., to evaluate past performances and to assist in improving future performances.
US08777813B2	Method of controlling double clutch transmission of vehicle A method of controlling a DCT (double clutch transmission) of a vehicle to conduct a series of downshifting operations from a preceding gear to a subsequent gear via a current gear in response to deceleration of the vehicle may include slip-controlling, continuously, a clutch which has been in an engaged state in the preceding gear, at least until a shift gear of the subsequent gear is engaged, wherein the slip-controlling includes maintaining the engaged state of the clutch with the current gear.
US08777811B2	Vehicular shift control device A vehicular shift control device is provided that controls the input rotational speed of a geared transmission by adjusting the rotational speed of a drive source at downshift of the geared transmission. The greater the deceleration of the vehicle, the smaller is set the change gradient of the input rotational speed of the geared transmission. Therefore, even if the decrease rate of the post-shifting synchronization rotational speed is great, the incident angle γ of the input rotational speed of the geared transmission relative to the post-shifting synchronization rotational speed is maintained as a large angle. Even when the deceleration of the vehicle during downshift is great, the downshift is smoothly executed without producing an excessive synchronization shock.
US08777809B2	Method for operating a transmission unit of a vehicle driveline with an engine A method for operating a transmission of a vehicle drivetrain. A transmission ratio can be automatically changed during an operating state depending on a comparison of current operating state parameters with operating parameters stored in a control unit, and can be manually changed depending on a driver's request. Accordingly when the driver requests a change of the transmission ratio, the transmission ratio changes, and a timer starts. If the driver continues the ratio change from an actual transmission ratio value toward a larger or smaller transmission ratio value, the current operating parameters are compared with the stored operating parameters. Upon this comparison, the transmission shifts to higher ratios in comparison to the operating parameters stored in a control device at higher vehicle speeds, and/or a delay between sequential, cyclical transmission ratio changes varies depending on a vehicle deceleration and/or braking pressure in the region of a vehicle brake.
US08777806B2	Drivetrain for a parallel hybrid vehicle A drivetrain (1) for a parallel hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion engine (2), an electric machine (3) and a transmission (4). The engine (2) and the electric machine (3) interact with a common input shaft (5) of the transmission (4). At least one axle of the vehicle can be driven by the internal combustion engine (2) and/or the electric machine (3) via an output shaft (6) of the transmission (4). A clutch (7) is between the internal combustion engine (2) and electric machine (3) and can open to decouple the internal combustion engine (2) from the input shaft (5) of the transmission (4). The clutch (7) has a first element (8) for positive locking connection of the electric machine (3) to the internal combustion engine (2) and a second element (9) for frictional locking connection of the electric machine (3) to the internal combustion engine (2).
US08777798B2	Ten-speed transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
US08777797B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include three clutches and three brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish each of ten forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
US08777791B1	Bicycle drive unit A bicycle drive unit includes a motor, a crank axle, a torque combining mechanism, and a clutch mechanism. The crank axle is rotatable about a first rotational axis. The torque combining mechanism is operatively coupled to the motor and the crank axle. The torque combining mechanism has a sprocket mounting portion that is configured to be operatively attached to a sprocket such that the sprocket rotates about a second rotational axis of the sprocket in a first direction as the crank axle rotates about the first rotational axis in the first direction. The clutch mechanism is operatively disposed between the crank axle and the sprocket. The clutch mechanism is configured to rotate the sprocket about the second rotational axis in a second direction as the crank axle rotates about the first rotational axis in the second direction. The second direction is opposite the first direction.
US08777789B2	Split axis transmission hybrid system architecture A split-axis transmission hybrid system may include two planetary gear sets to provide two parallel torque paths from an input axis to an output axis. A secondary power source may be coupled to either the input axis or the output axis to provide torque to the system. Thus, the split-axis transmission hybrid system may provide the ratio preselection capability and the low power losses of a dual-clutch transmission and the ratio-changing control and smoothness of a traditional powershift automatic transmission, while also providing the improved efficiency and enhanced drivability of a hybrid power source arrangement.
US08777788B2	Bicycle component positioning device A bicycle component positioning device includes a fixed member, an operating member and a positioning mechanism. The operating member has an input portion and an output portion. The positioning mechanism is operatively disposed between the operating member and the fixed member. The positioning mechanism includes a positioning member that is movable between a first position in which the positioning member is engaged with the fixed member and a second position in which the positioning member is disengaged from the fixed member. The positioning member is held in engagement with the fixed member in the first position by the input portion when the input portion is in an operating position. The positioning member is movable from the first position to the second position upon movement of the input portion from at least one of the operating positions.
US08777787B2	Sport ball A sport ball may include a casing, an intermediate layer, and a bladder. In manufacturing the sport ball, a panel element of the casing and the bladder may be located in a mold, and a polymer foam material of the intermediate layer may be injected into an area between the bladder and the panel element. In addition, edges of panel element may be heatbonded to each other to join the panel elements and form seams of the casing.
US08777786B1	Lighted nock A lighted nock device includes a nock body, the nock activation collar, a nock housing and LED/battery assembly. The nock body includes a first plurality of radially arrayed teeth and a plurality of gaps defined between the teeth. The nock activation collar is disposed adjacent the first plurality of teeth. The collar includes a second plurality of radially arrayed teeth projecting longitudinally outwards towards the first plurality of teeth. The second plurality of teeth are configured to interleave with the first plurality of teeth in a first rotational position when the second plurality of teeth are rotationally aligned with the gaps between the first plurality of teeth. The second plurality of teeth are configured to abut the first plurality of teeth in a second rotational position when the second plurality of teeth are rotationally aligned with the first plurality of teeth.
US08777784B2	Soccer goal retainer A Soccer Goal Retainer includes a bar rotatably mounted in an enclosure. A clamp plate includes a lower member attachable to the bar. A vertical member extends at right angles from the lower member and an upper member extends from the vertical member generally at right angles. A lip extends generally at right angles from the upper member. With the vertical member generally positioned vertically, the lip, the upper member and vertical member are placed over the rear rail of a soccer goal and the clamp plate is secured to the bar. The clamp plate is released from the rear rail by loosening the clamp plate from the bar. The clamp plate and the bar are then rotated in a forward manner and downwardly into the enclosure. A cover is placed over the enclosure both when the clamp plate is in use and when it is being stored.
US08777780B2	Golf ball A golf ball 2 includes a spherical core 4, an envelope layer 6 positioned outside the core 4, a mid layer 8 positioned outside the envelope layer 6, a reinforcing layer 10 positioned outside the mid layer 8, and a cover 12 positioned outside the reinforcing layer 10. The mid layer 8 has a thickness Tm less than 1.0 mm. The envelope layer 6 has a Shore D hardness Hs of 60 or greater. The mid layer 8 has a Shore D hardness Hm of 50 or greater and 65 or less. The cover 12 has a Shore D hardness Hc less than 40. The golf ball 2 satisfies that Hs>Hm>Hc. The principal components of the base materials of the envelope layer 6, the mid layer 8 and the cover 12 are an ionomer resin, an ionomer resin and a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, respectively.
US08777779B2	Golf ball A golf ball 2 includes a core 4, a mid layer 6, and a cover 8. The core 4 includes a center 10 and an envelope layer 12. The ratio of the volume Ve of the core 4 to the volume of a phantom sphere of the golf ball 2 is equal to greater than 76%. The ratio (Co/Do) of an amount of compressive deformation Co of the center 10 to the diameter Do of the center 10 is equal to or greater than 0.085 but equal to or less than 0.130. The ratio (Ce/De) of an amount of compressive deformation Ce of the core 4 to the diameter De of the core 4 is equal to or greater than 0.015 but equal to or less than 0.020.
US08777778B2	Golf club heads with apertures and methods to manufacture golf club heads Embodiments of golf club heads with apertures and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08777773B2	Golf club head having trip step feature A golf club incorporating a trip step feature located on the crown section. The benefits associated with the reduction in aerodynamic drag force associated with the trip step may be applied to drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids. A portion of the trip step is located between a crown apex and the back of the club head and may be continuous or discontinuous. The trip step enables a reduction in the aerodynamic drag force exerted on the golf club by forcing the air passing over the club head from laminar flow to turbulent flow prior to the natural separation point of the airstream from the crown. This selectively engineered transition from laminar to turbulent flow over the crown section slightly increases the skin friction but results in less aerodynamic drag than if the air were to detach from the crown section at the natural separation point.
US08777770B2	Golf club A golf club 2 is provided with a head 4, a shaft 6, a grip 8, a head cavity body 10 mounted to the head, a grip cavity body 40 mounted to the grip 8, a head weight 12 attachable to/detachable from the head cavity body 10, and a grip weight 12 attachable to/detachable from the grip cavity body 40. A material of the grip cavity body is a polymer. A material of the head cavity body is a polymer. Preferably, the head weight 12 is attachable to/detachable from the grip cavity body 40. Preferably, the grip weight 12 is attachable to/detachable from the head cavity body 40. Preferably, in the golf club 2, a club mass can be adjusted without substantially changing a club balance.
US08777762B2	Mobile cabin and subset for the reception and the transport of at least one passenger, and recreational facility using the same A motorized driving device drives the counterweight between balancing positions for balancing the cabin around a predetermined angular orientation of the cabin relative to the horizontal, by gravity of the whole formed by the cabin together with a possible load in this cabin.
US08777761B2	Composite tubeshaft to metallic interface A composite tubeshaft comprising a composite substrate defined by a first surface and a second surface; and a metallic substrate having at least two teeth. The teeth of the metallic substrate engage the composite substrate such that at least one tooth is positioned over the first surface and at least one tooth is positioned over the second surface.
US08777760B2	Device for torque transmission, especially for an air-conditioning compressor The device for torque transmission between a drive pulley (1) and a shaft (2) comprises a coupling flange (4) rotationally driven by the pulley and a hub fitted at the shaft end and rotationally joined to the shaft, with torque limitation means fitted between the coupling flange (4) and the hub (3), characterized in that the torque limitation means comprise a friction ring (28) comprising a plurality of projecting elastic portions in friction contact with a surface of the coupling flange (4) and/or of the hub (3).
US08777758B2	System and method for monitoring a computing environment A computer system includes an enclosure having a processor, a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, and an environment monitoring system therein. The enclosure environment monitoring system includes a temperature sensor, and an air quality sensor. The computer system also has an indicator responsive to certain conditions being sensed.
US08777754B1	Providing offers for sales of combinations of virtual items at discounted prices A method of providing offers for sales of combinations of virtual items at discounted prices is disclosed. An offer is generated for a sale of a combination of virtual items at a discounted price. The offer for the sale of the combination of virtual items at the discounted price is presented to a user. The presenting suggests to the user that the combination of virtual items is randomly selected from a set of virtual items and the discounted price is randomly selected from a set of discounted prices, the presenting of the offer being performed by a processor. However, in actuality, the combination of virtual items or the discounted price may not be selected randomly.
US08777751B2	Semi-synchronous multi-participant application updates Individual participants in a multi-participant collaborative computing application may be sent intermittent updates of actions taken by other participants. These updates need not be sent to a participant's device until the participant has interacted with a specified object in the application. The participant's device may then be sent an update including object interactions of the other participants occurring since the participant's previous object interaction. The update may be used to periodically inform the participant of the actions taken by the other participants during the period between the participant's interactions.
US08777749B1	Gaming system and method of operation A system for conducting gaming includes at least one gaming machine communicating with an award server. Optionally, the gaming machine communicates with the award server via a network server. In an optional embodiment, the gaming machine includes a bonus selection apparatus with a bonus award display. Bonus award indicia are transmitted from the award server to the bonus selection apparatus, optionally via the gaming machine, for display at the bonus display. A game is conducted at the gaming machine. A determination is made whether a bonus trigger has occurred. In an optional embodiment, the bonus trigger is random; in another optional embodiment, the bonus trigger is based on the outcome of the game. A displayed bonus award indicium is selected in response to a bonus trigger and the bonus award associated with the selected bonus award indicium is issued.
US08777742B2	Game device, control method for a game device, and non-transitory information storage medium A game device in which a first comparison unit compares an exemplary model posture (posture that is supposed to be adopted by a player) at a reference time and a posture of the player indicated by posture data acquired by a posture data acquiring unit at a compared time. A second comparison unit executes at least one of: a comparison between a different posture from the exemplary model posture at the reference time and the posture of the player indicated by the posture data acquired at the compared time; and a comparison between the exemplary model posture at the reference time and a different posture from the posture of the player indicated by the posture data acquired at the compared time. An output control unit causes an output based on a comparison between results from the first and second comparison units.
US08777741B2	Illumination device An illumination device is capable of receiving a signal from a display control device for displaying an image on a display screen. The illumination device includes a reception portion and a lighting portion. The reception portion receives a control signal from the display control device. The lighting portion emits a plurality of rays of visible light each having an elongated cross section in accordance with the control signal received by the reception portion. For example, the rays of visible light are shed on a wall surface behind the display screen.
US08777740B2	Gaming device display and methods of use A gaming apparatus having a housing defining a display area on which immoveable display characters and moveable symbol displays are used to present a game outcome, is disclosed. Typically, the immoveable display characters provide background for the moveable symbol displays. A controller is used to cause movement of the moveable symbol displays so that at least one symbol corresponding to the game outcome is displayed. A method of playing a game using the aforementioned gaming apparatus is also disclosed.
US08777734B2	Gaming machine On a lower image display panel 141, a game result of rearranged of symbols 501 is randomly determined. When the result is winning of a bonus game, individual indication data and common indication data associated with the type of the bonus game are specified. After an indication effect starts based on the common indication data, an indication effect is executed based on the individual indication data.
US08777733B2	Gaming system, gaming device and method for determining an outcome of a secondary game based on one or more events which occur in association with a primary game In various embodiments, the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein includes an accumulation sequence and a competition sequence. In one embodiment, the gaming system includes competitor points which determine (i) a competitor's eligibility to participate in the competition sequence and (ii) the competitor's relative probability of success in the competition sequence. In this embodiment, a competitor (which is either representative of an actual player or a virtual, gaming system controlled player) accumulates competitor points during one or more point accumulation sequences which occur in association with designated events. For a subsequent competition sequence, the gaming system determines if a competitor will participate in the triggered competition sequence based on the competitor's accumulated competitor points. For the subsequent competition sequence, the gaming system further determines the competitor's relative probability of success in the competition sequence based on the competitor's accumulated competitor points.
US08777731B2	Dynamic configuration of wagering games A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include obtaining a mathematical expression(s) from a configuration file associated with a wagering game. The mathematical expression(s) include elements that represent game-related parameters of the one or more wagering games. In some embodiments, the operations further comprise converting the mathematical expression(s) to a programming code expression(s) equivalent to the mathematical expression(s) in response to detection of user-input to configure the wagering game for use via a wagering game machine. In some embodiments, the operations further comprise evaluating the programming code expression(s) using values for the one or more game-related parameters, and configuring the one or more wagering games based on evaluation of the programming code expression(s) using the values for the one or more game-related parameters.
US08777728B2	Gaming system and a method of gaming Certain embodiments provide a gaming system including a first player interface operable by a player to input at least one first game instruction to play a first game. The gaming system also includes a second player interface independent of the first player interface and operable by the player to play a second game. The gaming system further includes a game control module arranged to process the at least one first game instruction to determine a game outcome of the first game and control play of the second game based at least in part on the game outcome of the first game.
US08777726B2	State-based power-ups Disclosed herein are techniques and equipment for providing state-based power-ups to a wagering game player. The state-based power-ups may be reused by the player until a game outcome condition is not met.
US08777713B2	Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods having time based games and magnitudes associated with wagering events in the time based games A gaming system receives a total wager for a game session which occurs over a designated period of time. The game session includes a plurality of different wagering events. Each of the wagering events is associated with one of a plurality of different magnitudes. For each of the plurality of different wagering events, the gaming system determines: a portion of the total wager amount, and a wager by modifying the determined portion by the magnitude associated with that wagering event. The gaming system causes the wagering event to occur, determines at least one outcome for the wagering event, determines any awards based on the determined wager and the at least one determined outcome, and provides any of the determined awards to the player.
US08777710B2	Apparatus, system, method, and computer-readable medium for casino card handling with multiple hand recall feature Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for detecting, storing, and retrieving information about the composition of present and past hands of cards in a casino table game. The method includes causing a card-handling device to substantially automatically generate a plurality of hands wherein each hand includes one or more cards. Card information is identified that includes a rank and a suit of each card as each card moves through the card-handling device. A play history is maintained of a card composition of more than one round wherein the card composition of each round includes the cards in each hand of each round. The card information of at least one hand from at least one round may be displayed.
US08777707B2	Spreader with GPS guided spread pattern A spreader (100) has a hopper or bin (1) for storing a spreadable material (2), a plurality of spinners (5, 6) adapted to receive the material from the hopper or bin and to spread the material (2) on the ground, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver (8) for sensing the position of the spreader (100) and providing an output signal indicative of a position of the spreader to a controller (7). The controller (7) calculates a required pattern and density of material (2) to be spread by the spinners (5, 6) based on a comparison of the actual position of the spreader (A) to a preferred position of the spreader (I), and controls the spinners (5, 6) in order to obtain the required pattern and density of spread material (2). A method of controlling the pattern and density of material spread by a spreader is also disclosed.
US08777706B2	Auger bed for a lateral leveling cleaning system A cleaning system for use in a combine harvester including an auger bed mounted within a frame such that when the combine harvester is laterally inclined from the horizontal, the cleaning system, including the auger bed and a sieve, may be leveled or substantially leveled to a generally horizontal position. The auger bed can include a plurality of augers located side by side with their axes positioned generally longitudinally in the combine harvester.
US08777699B2	Superabrasive tools having substantially leveled particle tips and associated methods Superabrasive tools and methods for making and using the same are provided. In one aspect, for example, a CMP pad dresser includes a first monolayer of superabrasive particles disposed on and coupled to one side of a metal support layer and a second monolayer of superabrasive particles disposed on and coupled to the metal support layer on an opposite side from the first monolayer. The superabrasive particles of the second monolayer are positioned to have substantially the same distribution as the superabrasive particles of the first monolayer.
US08777694B2	Polishing endpoint detection method Method and apparatus for detecting an accurate polishing endpoint of a substrate based on a change in polishing rate are provided. The method includes: applying a light to the surface of the substrate and receiving a reflected light from the substrate; obtaining a plurality of spectral profiles at predetermined time intervals, each spectral profile indicating reflection intensity at each wavelength of the reflected light; selecting at least one pair of spectral profiles, including a latest spectral profile, from the plurality of spectral profiles obtained; calculating a difference in the reflection intensity at a predetermined wavelength between the spectral profiles selected; determining an amount of change in the reflection intensity from the difference; and determining a polishing endpoint based on the amount of change.
US08777691B2	Play structures An arch type play structure may be formed of a single large sheet of e.g. cardboard, which can be folded to flat form for storage, or which may be folded in such a way that parts of it form a box-like structure containing other parts of it. The arch may be decorated e.g. to represent a fireplace (5) or gate.
US08777690B2	Expandable playset with movable platform and doll dressing feature A playset includes a housing defining a chamber, and first and second openings in communication with the chamber. A platform is coupled to the housing and movable in opposing first and second directions through the first opening, and in opposing third and fourth directions through the second opening. A doll is coupleable to the platform and rotatable about an axis between first and second positions relative to the platform. The doll is moved from the first position to the second position as the platform is moved in the second direction, and the doll is moved from the second position to the first position as the platform is moved in the third direction.
US08777688B2	Toy action figure A toy action figure includes a cape and a spring-loaded arm. The upper torso of the toy action figure includes two pivotally coupled arms. The first pivotally coupled arm is configured to retract the cape. An actuator button may be provided on the front of the torso to actuate the cape into an extended position with the assistance of a spring. The second pivotally coupled arm may include a spring-loaded arm to launch a projective therefrom.
US08777687B2	System and method for toy adoption and marketing A computer system provides a virtual world. A registration subsystem verifies information from a toy, registers the toy, provides a virtual character in the virtual world representing the toy, and allows caring for the virtual character. Caring for the character includes maintaining one or more value assigned to a virtual health, hunger and/or happiness of the virtual character via at least one maintenance activity including shopping for virtual food to be fed to the virtual character. The maintenance activity is available to be performed subsequent to said validating said registration code. The values are tracked by the computer system and representations of the values are transmitted to a user computer for display to a user to convey a status indication of the health, hunger and/or happiness of the virtual character.
US08777686B2	Method of jetting a liquid crystal, liquid crystal jetting apparatus for performing the method and method of manufacturing a liquid crystal panel using the apparatus A method of jetting a liquid crystal includes loading a substrate on a stage, controlling a surface temperature of an inkjet head and a substrate to be a setting temperature, and jetting the liquid crystal molecules on the substrate having the setting temperature.
US08777681B1	Systems and methods for maneuvering a marine vessel Systems for maneuvering a marine vessel comprise a plurality of marine propulsion devices that are movable between an aligned position to achieve of movement of the marine vessel in a longitudinal direction and/or rotation of the marine vessel with respect to the longitudinal direction and an unaligned position to achieve transverse movement of the marine vessel with respect to the longitudinal direction. A controller has a programmable circuit and controls the plurality of marine propulsion devices to move into the unaligned position when a transverse movement of the marine vessel is requested and to thereafter remain in the unaligned position after the transverse movement is achieved. Methods of maneuvering a marine vessel comprise requesting transverse movement of the marine vessel with respect to a longitudinal direction and operating a controller to orient a plurality of marine propulsion devices into an unaligned position to achieve the transverse movement, wherein the plurality of marine propulsion devices remain in the unaligned position after the transverse movement is achieved.
US08777672B2	USB female connector The USB female connector contains an insulating base and a shielding casing enclosing the insulating base. On the insulating base, there is mainly a ground terminal having a flat ground contact section at an end on the insulating base. From the ground contact section, the ground terminal is forked into ground extension sections. Through the forked ground extension sections, the crosstalk on the first, second, third, and fourth differential signal terminals by the first and second signal terminals is effectively resolved.
US08777670B2	Plug adapter having plug side ends with dissimilar mechanical interface geometries A plug adapter having a first plug-side end and a second plug-side end, wherein the first plug-side end is designed as a first electrical interface having a first mechanical interface geometry and at least one first inner conductor part and at least one first outer conductor part, and the second plug-side end is designed as a second electrical interface having a second mechanical interface geometry and at least one second inner conductor part and at least one second outer conductor part, wherein the first and second mechanical interface geometries have different designs. The plug adapter is designed with at least one respective first inner conductor part and one respective second inner conductor part, which are integral with one another.
US08777668B2	Wiring member A wiring member is provided that can suppress an influence due to deviation of a position of connection as much as possible so as to maintain a good wiring state. The wiring member 11 is formed of a flexible printed circuit board to be connected to terminals of a plurality of batteries. The wiring member 11 includes a straight section 21 which is disposed along arrangement of aligned terminals, and a plurality of branch sections 22 which extend toward positions of connection to the respective terminals from the straight section 21 so as to be connected thereto. The branch sections 22 have deflection portions 32 which can be deformed in response to displacement of the straight section 21 in the longitudinal direction.
US08777663B2	Receptacle assembly having a commoning clip with grounding beams A receptacle assembly includes a front housing configured for mating with a header assembly. A plurality of contact modules are coupled to the front housing. Each contact module includes right and left conductive shells. Each conductive shell holds a frame assembly including a plurality of contacts that extend from the conductive shell for electrical termination. A commoning clip is coupled to the plurality of contact modules. The commoning clip has grounding beams extending forward of the right and left conductive shells for electrical connection to header shields of the header assembly. The commoning clip includes a plurality of openings in a rear thereof with barbs along sides of the openings. Each opening receives right and left conductive shells of a corresponding contact module with the barbs engaging the right and left shells to electrically connect the commoning clip to both the right and left shells of each contact module.
US08777661B2	Coaxial connector having a spring with tynes deflectable by a mating connector A male coaxial cable connector includes spring with tines and a fastener wherein the spring is housed by the fastener and distal ends of the spring tines are arranged to provide a spring mouth.
US08777659B2	Coaxial cable connection module having signal and grounding terminals with flat contact faces and arranged on two sides of an insulating body A coaxial cable connection module including a body; a first signal terminal including a first flat signal contact face; a first ground terminal including a first flat ground contact face; a second signal terminal including a second flat signal contact face; and a second ground terminal including a second flat ground contact face. The first signal contact face and the first ground contact face are arranged, on the first surface of the body, in parallel with each other with a predetermined pitch defined therebetween. The second signal contact face and the second ground contact face are arranged, on the second surface of the body opposite to the first surface, in parallel with each other with the predetermined pitch defined therebetween. The first signal contact face is located opposite to the second ground contact face. The first ground contact face is located opposite to the second signal contact face.
US08777656B2	Connector mechanism for securing a plug to a casing A connector mechanism includes a casing, a socket, a rotary cover and a resilient plate. An opening is formed on the casing. The resilient plate is connected to an inner side of the casing and the rotary cover for driving the rotary cover to rotate relative to the casing. The resilient plate includes a fixing portion fixed on the inner side of the casing, a driving portion resiliently connected to the fixing portion and the rotary cover for driving the rotary cover to rotate relative to the casing by deflection relative to the fixing portion, and a stopping portion disposed on the driving portion for stopping a tongue of a plug as the plug passes through the opening to connect with the socket, so as to fasten the plug.
US08777651B2	Connector There is provided a connector. A lock arm is connected at a leading end-side and a rear end-side of a housing, supported at both ends thereof along an insertion/pulling out direction with respect to an opposite connector housing, and elastically deformable with the connection parts with the housing serving as fulcrums. A locking claw is formed at the lock arm and locked into a locking hole of the opposite connector housing when inserting the housing into the opposite connector housing. The lock arm has a lock release part which releases a locked state of the locking claw to the locking hole by being pressed toward the rear end-side beyond the locking claw. A position of the fulcrum at the rear end-side is arranged at an opposite side to a protruding direction of the locking claw, compared to a position of the fulcrum at the leading end-side.
US08777649B2	Lockable electrical connector assemblies Lockable electrical connector assemblies that couple electrical connectors to prevent the electrical connectors from unintentionally disconnecting are disclosed. The electrical connector assembly has a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector, and a retention ring that has one end surrounding and able to rotate about the second electrical connector. The first electrical connector preferably has tabs that extend away from the first electrical connector. The retention ring has a second end shaped to receive and lock the tabs of the male electrical connector. To form a locked connection, a user rotates the retention ring that causes the retention ring to confine the tabs of the first electrical connector. The user continues to rotate the retention ring until retention ring is placed into a locked position.
US08777647B2	Connection system and method A connection system for securing electrical components to a wiring harness includes a body connector having a first opening interconnected to a second opening by a transverse channel, the transverse channel supports a contact assembly along a first plane parallel with said first opening and is transverse to the second opening. The connection system also includes an annular seal surrounding a circular perimeter of a head formed on said body connector.
US08777643B2	Ground strap shield connector A ground strap shield connector assembly includes first and second ground strap shield connectors connected to ends of first and second cables. The first and second ground strap shield connectors include first and second substantially cylindrical support sleeves disposed between an inner insulation layer and a ground shield of the first and second cables, respectively. First and second connecting members are disposed on a portion of the ground shields of the first and second cables such that the first and second connecting members surround the first and second support sleeves, respectively. A ground strap has a first end connected to the first connecting member secured to the first cable and a second end connected to the second connecting member secured to the second cable.
US08777641B2	Connector, PCB for LED light bar and LED light bar The present invention discloses a connector, PCB for LED Light Bar and LED Light Bar. The connector comprises the weld legs and stitches fixed to the shell of the connector, and the weld legs are arranged on the side of the connector and are higher than the bottom surface. A PCB for LED light bar is provided with the installing groove for installing the connector. Because the present invention arranges the weld legs of the connector on positions which are higher than the bottom surface of the shell and arranges the installing groove corresponding to the bottom shape of the connector on the PCB, the bottom of the connector can be arranged in the installing groove, thus the protrusion height of the connector in the LED light bar is reduced. The LGP is not cut again when installing the LGP, thereby reducing the processing step. In addition, the depth that the connector sinks into the installing groove is rationally designed, so that the sufficient safe distance is remained when the LGP is heated and expended, thereby avoiding the LGP bumping into and damaging the connector.
US08777636B2	Coaxial connector for board, pair of chain terminals and method of manufacturing coaxial connector for board Manufacturing efficiency of a connector is greatly improved, and the manufacturing costs and the product cost can be reduced. A coaxial connector (P) for a board of the present invention is configured so that an extended portion of an outer terminal (42) and an extended portion of an inner terminal (44) are positioned so that one extended portion is not superimposed on the other extended portion when a half-cylinder portion of the outer terminal is viewed from an upper side.
US08777635B1	Daughter card assembly having a power contact A daughter card assembly including a daughter card having a leading edge. The daughter card includes signal contacts that are disposed along the leading edge, wherein the leading edge is configured to be inserted into a card cavity of a receptacle connector during a mating operation. The daughter card assembly also includes a power module that is coupled to the daughter card. The power module includes a module housing having a module cavity and a cavity opening that provides access to the module cavity. The power module also includes a power contact that is disposed within the module cavity and projects through the cavity opening. The power contact is configured to engage a corresponding electrical contact of the receptacle connector during the mating operation. The power contact is deflected by the electrical contact into the module cavity as the power contact and the electrical contact engage each other.
US08777633B2	Rotatable data card An embodiment of the present invention discloses a rotatable data card. The rotatable data card includes a data card body, a USB connector, and a rotating shaft assembly. The rotating shaft assembly includes a rotating shaft, a fixed fluted disk, and a rotating shaft casing. The rotating shaft and the fixed fluted disk are accommodated in the rotating shaft casing. Teeth are set on the rotating shaft and the fixed fluted disk, and the rotating shaft and the fixed fluted disk are engaged with each other. The USB connector includes a bracket, where a hole is opened on the bracket. The rotating shaft casing is fixed in the hole. The rotating shaft is fixedly connected to the data card body. The rotating shaft rotates relative to the fixed fluted disk, and an angle between the data card body and the USB connector is never 180 degrees.
US08777629B2	Device and method for simulating a welding process The invention relates to a device (1) and a method for simulating a welding process. The device comprises a computer (2) having an input device (11) and an output device (6), a welding torch (3), a magnetic position monitoring device having at least one transmitter and a plurality of sensors, a retaining device (15) for a workpiece (4) used for the simulation and a visualization device (16) for generating a two- or three-dimensional image on the output device (6). The retaining device (15) has a recess into which the workpiece (4) can be inserted, at least one transmitter of the position monitoring device being arranged below the recess at as small a distance from the workpiece as possible, and the retaining device (15) being designed as a small, portable box to be placed on a table (10).
US08777628B2	Predictive performance optimizer A method, apparatus and program product are provided for optimizing a training regimen to achieve performance goals. Historical training data is provided. At least one training regimen is defined. A training objective is selected for at least one training regimen to optimize. The training regimen is optimized by computing an initial training regimen solution and computing a neighbor solution at a distance from the initial training regimen solution. The neighbor solution is compared to the initial training regimen solution. If the neighbor solution is determined to be a better solution than the initial training regimen solution, the initial training regimen solution is replaced with the neighbor solution. The determination occurs using: Performance = S · St · N c · T - d ⁢ ⁢ and ⁢ ⁢ St = ⌊ ( lag i ) T i ⁢ N i ⌋ . The distance is updated per a schedule to compute a next neighbor solution.
US08777619B2	Vehicle crew training system for ground and air vehicles A computer based simulation system for virtual training for vehicle crews is disclosed. The Vehicle Crew Training System (VCTS) simulates crew positions for different military ground and air vehicles. Two or more crewman modules are networked together to support a partial or full vehicle crew. The crewman modules are self-contained devices that are modular in hardware and software design, easily reconfigurable, and require minimal facility space, allowing use in restricted environments such as trailers. The VCTS is modular at the crew position level; crewman modules are added or deleted as required to meet a particular training need.
US08777618B2	Medical implant II A medical implant for insertion into bone including a zone sensitive to electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source, the zone comprising a polymer material configured to transition from a solid condition to a softened condition when the zone is exposed to the electromagnetic radiation and being flowable into interspaces of the bone in the softened condition, and a light-conducting portion configured to conduct the electromagnetic radiation from the radiation source to the zone when the medical implant is inserted into the bone.
US08777617B2	Dental abutment To provide a dental abutment having an embedded part embedded into an embedding hole of a block and fixed in the embedding hole. An uniform gap for a dental adhesive can be formed along an approximately entire circumference between an outer peripheral surface of the embedded part and an inner surface of the embedding hole. The dental abutment includes a gingiva contact part 1 having a forward-thicker truncated conical shape on the intraoral side; a fitting part 2 projecting toward the jawbone side from the jawbone-side contact surface 1a of the gingiva contact part 1, and fitted into an end part on the intraoral side of the implant fixture so as not to rotate; and an embedded part 3 to be embedded. Three or more projecting line parts 5 are formed on an outer peripheral surface 3a of the embedded part 3 so as to form the uniform gap.
US08777615B2	Dental prophylaxis devices The present invention is directed to dental prophylaxis devices that improve portability, maneuverability and aid in retaining clean conditions for use on dental patients, particularly to dental handpieces. The present invention is also directed prophylaxis or prophy angles for use with such handpieces. In general, a dental prophylaxis device includes a handpiece and a prophy angle which includes a driven shaft and a prophy cup attached for rotation thereto. The handpiece generally includes a body which houses a rotational source coupled to an output shaft which couples to the driven shaft in the prophy angle via angled gear interfaces on the output shaft and the driven shaft.
US08777611B2	Enhancement to dental alignment device Systems and methods are disclosed for forming a pontic in a pontic-housing pocket of one or more polymeric shell appliances having teeth-receiving cavities. Cavities in the polymeric shell appliances corresponding to the location of a missing or extracted tooth may include a pontic-housing pocket. The pocket may be filled with a composite resin or acrylic material that hardens and presents with a similar visual appearance to a tooth, thereby presenting the illusion that there is no missing tooth. The pontic-hardening pocket may have a single opening of sufficient size for receiving a syringe for injecting the pontic material. After the material hardens and the pontic is formed, it is locked into the pocket, as it cannot fit through the single opening. As the space of a missing tooth is widened or narrowed by the alignment treatment, successive shell appliances may have pontics of successively larger or smaller size.
US08777610B2	Method for heating a pre-warmed muffle used for dental ceramics in a dental furnace and control device and furnace containing said device For a simplified method for heating a pre-warmed muffle used for dental ceramics in a dental furnace, wherein a saving of time in heating before the pressing and also a parallel heating of the muffles should be made possible, the following steps are suggested: a) heating of the muffle to a maximal temperature (Tmax), which is above the pressing temperature (Tpress), in which pressing is carried out, b) possibly keeping the muffle at a maximal temperature (Tmax) during a first pause (t-1), c) cooling of the muffle to a minimal temperature (Tmin), which is at most as high as the pressing temperature (Tpress), and d) keeping the muffle at a minimal temperature (Tmin) during a second pause (t2). In addition, a corresponding control device for the dental furnace and a furnace equipped with this kind of control device are produced.
US08777609B2	Dual fuel heater A heater having first and second oxygen depletion sensors and a main burner injector and configurable for the delivery of at least first and second types of fuels.
US08777607B2	Mold including a locking device The invention relates to a mold (1) for molding, in particular by injection, that comprises two half-molds (2, 3) each defined by a side surface (21, 31), a front face and a rear face. One at least of said two half-molds is to be associated with means for opening and closing the mold. The two half-molds can be brought into contact at the level of a junction plane (1) when the mold is in the closed position. The mold is characterized in that one half-mold is provided with a locking device (6) that comprises: at least one latch (7) that can be simultaneously housed in a recess (25) in each half-mold (2, 3); and at least one independent system (8) capable of bringing together or separating the latch (7) and the recesses (25, 35) in which the latch (7) is to be received, and including one or more jack(s) (8) including a chamber connected to the half-mold, a piston capable of movement in said chamber, and a rod connected to the piston and to which the latch is attached.
US08777605B2	Deckle technology The invention provides a deckle system for extrusion dies. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods of cleaning an extrusion die equipped with a retractable external deckle system. Also provided in some embodiments is a deckle system having a novel deckle adjustment mechanism. In other embodiments, the invention provides an advantageous internal deckle member equipped with a removable, replaceable internally threaded insert.
US08777602B2	Method and apparatus for layerwise production of a 3D object A system and method for layer-by-layer production of an object is provided. The system includes a construction shape having a carrying surface adapted for carrying a layer of build material, a plate having a holding surface adapted for holding an object in an object build area, a moveable reservoir having a plurality of containment surfaces defining a containment area adapted for containing a volume of build material within the moveable reservoir, and an exposure unit adapted for exposing at least a portion of the layer of build material in the object build area so that the portion of the layer of build material solidifies to form a solidified layer of the object. In one embodiment, the moveable reservoir is moveable between a first position and a second position and at least one of the plurality of containment surfaces of the moveable reservoir includes a portion of the carrying surface when the moveable reservoir is in the first position, and the portion of the carrying surface is positioned in the object build area when the moveable reservoir is in the second position.
US08777596B2	Flushing system An apparatus includes a pump, a motor operatively coupled to the pump, and a flushing system. The motor includes a stator and a rotor disposed in a rotor cavity isolated from the stator. The flushing system is operable to provide a flushing medium to the rotor cavity.
US08777593B2	Electric compressor An electric compressor is installed in a vehicle and includes a shell. The electric compressor includes an inverter, a cover, and a conductive component. The cover covers the shell and the inverter. The conductive component is electrically connected to the inverter and arranged outside the cover. The cover includes an outer guide surface inclined relative to a forward direction of the vehicle. The outer guide surface has a normal including a forward component directed in the forward direction. The outer guide surface is arranged closer to an outer side of the vehicle than the conductive component.
US08777591B2	Electrically driven compressor system for vehicles An electrically driven compressor system for vehicles has a hollow shell, inside which there is a transmission set and a scroll set. The outer surrounding of the hollow shell is formed with a chamber. A control circuit board is disposed in the chamber. A processing chip is provided on the side of the control circuit board that faces the bottom of the chamber. A thermal paste is coated on the end surface of the processing chip towards the bottom of the chamber. The end surface of the processing chip with the thermal paste coating urges against the bottom surface of the chamber.
US08777590B2	Fluid delivery device identification and loading system A medical pump includes a chassis having a fixed seat and a carriage having a footing for receiving a fluid delivery device and restricting its movement. An actuator assembly is provided that allows for moving the carriage between an opened and closed position to engage the fluid delivery device to the seat. A rack and pinion system is utilized in combination with a cam element and spring element to provide a bi-stable actuator assembly that urges the carriage into a fully opened position or a fully closed position and will not allow the carriage to dwell in an intermediate position if external force is withdrawn.
US08777587B2	Fluid transfer tube for severe misalignment applications A hydraulic system for a ram air turbine includes a hydraulic pump having a high pressure fluid outlet port, a housing, a pivot post arranged to pass through the housing and defining a mechanical pivot relative to the housing about an axis, a transfer tube positioned between the high pressure fluid outlet port of the hydraulic pump and a port in the housing for the high pressure fluid outlet path, and seal elements positioned at or near opposite ends of the transfer tube. A fluid inlet path and a high pressure fluid outlet path pass through the housing and the pivot post. The transfer tube has a crowned end.
US08777584B2	Energy saving green wastewater pump station design An energy saving three pump waste water pump station design that eliminates the high energy usage of traditional waste water pump stations, reduces maintenance costs to the pumps and increases the useful lives of the pumps by having a primary pump running continuously, a second pump mining during high demand periods and a third pump functioning primarily as a back up pump. Unlike conventional pump-station designs, the Energy Saving Green Pump Station Design utilizes a single float switch panel. Whereas independent float switches trigger start-stops in conventional pump station designs, the Green design incorporates a remote controllable panel for rotating the primary, secondary and third pumps on a schedule. This design also provides a process for determining in-flow rates for a pump station and efficiency operating points of pumps so that the most efficient pumps with the lowest horsepower can be selected.
US08777583B2	Turbine airfoil components containing ceramic-based materials and processes therefor A hybrid turbine airfoil component containing a ceramic material, in which detailed features of the component are formed of materials other than ceramic materials, yet result in a robust mechanical attachment of the ceramic and non-ceramic portions of the component. The component includes a first subcomponent formed of a ceramic-based material, and a second subcomponent formed of a metallic material. The first subcomponent has an airfoil portion and a nub, and the second subcomponent is separately formed and attached to the first subcomponent by casting the metallic material around the nub of the first subcomponent. The second subcomponent includes a blade tip shroud portion having at least one off-axis geometric feature that results in the second subcomponent having a more complex geometry than the first subcomponent.
US08777578B2	Method of manufacturing a spar for a wind turbine from elements having geometrically well-defined joint surface portions The invention provides a method of manufacturing a spar (1) for a wind turbine blade steps of providing at least two caps (2a, 2b), each cap forming an intermediate portion (4) between two end portions (5), where the end portions each forms a cap joint surface portion (6) along a longitudinal extending edge of the end portion and the intermediate portion forms an outer surface portion (7) of the spar, providing at least two webs (3a, 3b), each web being provided with web joint surface portions (8) along opposite and longitudinally extending edges, and connecting the joint surface portions of the caps with the joint surface portions of the webs to form a tubular configuration of the spar. The at least two caps are configured for attachment to a blade shell so that the intermediate portion of one of the caps faces towards or forms part of a windward surface of the blade and the other one of the caps faces towards or forms part of a leeward surface of the blade.
US08777573B2	Sectional wind turbine blade Wind turbine blade comprising two or more blade sections each of which defines a non-joint zone and, at one or each of its ends, a joint zone. The blade sections are connected in pairs such that the joint zones of each pair are connected at a joint, whereby the joint is positioned between two non-joint zones. At least one of the joints have an increased thickness and a wider chord relative to the thickness and the chord of the two non-joint zone between which the joint is positioned so as to increase the second moment of inertia in the area of the joint.
US08777572B2	Rotor blade A rotor blade has a radially extending aerofoil body having pressure and suction sides. The rotor blade further has squealer tip. The squealer tip includes a peripheral wall surrounding a cavity which is open at the radially outward end of the blade and at the trailing edge of the aerofoil body. The peripheral wall has at least one first region which extends radially from the aerofoil surface which has a first outer surface. The peripheral wall further has, along at least part of at least one of the pressure and suction sides, at least one second region inclined outwardly of the cavity with respect to the radial direction of the blade which has a second outer surface which extends obliquely outwardly of the blade. A radially outer portion of the second outer surface turns towards the radial direction to truncate the outward extension of the second outer surface.
US08777568B2	Apparatus and methods for cooling platform regions of turbine rotor blades A platform cooling arrangement in a turbine rotor blade having a platform at an interface between an airfoil and a root, wherein the rotor blade includes an interior cooling passage that in operation, includes at least a high-pressure coolant region and a low-pressure coolant region, and wherein the platform includes a platform underside. The platform cooling arrangement may include: a plate that comprises a plate topside; a channel formed on the plate topside, the channel comprising an upstream end and a downstream end, and being open through the plate topside such that, upon attaching the plate to the platform, the platform underside comprises a channel ceiling; a high-pressure connector that connects the upstream end of the channel to the high-pressure coolant region of the interior cooling passage; and a low-pressure connector that connects the downstream end of the channel to the low-pressure coolant region of the interior cooling passage.
US08777567B2	Turbine blades, turbine assemblies, and methods of manufacturing turbine blades A turbine blade includes a first side wall including a first tip edge, a second side wall opposite the first side wall and including a second tip edge, a tip wall between the first and second side walls, the tip wall recessed from the first tip edge of the first side wall and the second tip edge of the second side wall forming a coolant cavity, a tip recess cavity, a first parapet wall on the first side wall, and a second parapet wall on the second side wall, the coolant cavity defined by the tip wall, and the tip recess cavity defined by the tip wall, and the first and second parapet walls, a step formed between the first tip edge and the tip wall, a cooling hole through the first parapet wall, the step, and the tip wall, the cooling hole including an open and a closed channel section.
US08777564B2	Hybrid flow blade design Airfoils according to embodiments of this invention result in a hybrid controlled flow concept that reduces leakage loss by creating a different vortexing concept near endwall regions of the airfoils than at the core region of the airfoils. Specifically, a turbine static nozzle airfoil is disclosed having a variable, non-linear, throat dimension, s, divided by a pitch length, t, distribution (“s/t distribution”) across its radial length. In one embodiment, a plurality of static nozzle airfoils are provided, with each static nozzle airfoil configured such that a throat distance between adjacent static nozzle airfoils is larger proximate the hub regions of the airfoils than proximate the core regions of the airfoils, and the throat distance between adjacent static nozzle airfoils is smaller proximate the tip regions of the airfoils than proximate the core regions.
US08777558B2	Casing for a moving-blade wheel of turbomachine A casing for a turbomachine rotor wheel includes a plurality of circumferential grooves, each of substantially constant section, with the section areas of the circumferential grooves decreasing from upstream to downstream on going from the first groove to the last groove. By treating the casing in this way, the efficiency of the rotor wheel is optimized and its surge margin is improved.
US08777555B1	Yaw drive tidal turbine system and method A tidal turbine system includes yaw drive for rotating the turbine between a first position associated with tidal flow and a second position associated with tidal ebbs. The yaw drive is capable of moving the tidal turbine to a position where the tidal turbine is pointed substantially directly into the tidal flow in the first position and substantially into the tidal ebb in a second position. A method for harvesting tidal energy includes rotating the tidal turbine between one of the first position and the second position.
US08777541B2	Conveyor control apparatus of liquid crystal panel substrates and control method thereof A conveyor control apparatus of liquid crystal panel substrates and a control method thereof is disclosed. The apparatus has multiple first side pillars and multiple second side pillars mounted opposite to the first side pillars. A movement control assembly is mounted outside the first side pillars and the second side pillars. The movement control assembly is used to move to a slot where the liquid crystal panel substrate is to move is inserted, and control the certain liquid crystal panel substrate inserted in the slot to move out from the conveyor control apparatus.
US08777537B2	Fastener with shear bushing A fastener is disclosed including a threaded male fastener and a shear bushing for coupling thin walled structures together. The shear bushing having an internal through opening and a shear ring constructed to project across an interface of adjacent walls is operable for absorbing shear loads transmitted into the fastener from a fastened structure. The male fastener includes a threaded portion extending through the shear ring for engaging a threaded female receiver.
US08777535B2	Fastening devices for explosion-proof enclosures A system for fastening a cover to a body of an explosion-proof enclosure using a plurality of fastening devices. Each fastening device can include a first load distributing member disposed on a body flange of a body of the explosion-proof enclosure. Each fastening device can also include a second load distributing member disposed on a cover flange of a cover of the explosion-proof enclosure. Each fastening device can further include a fastener positioned atop the first load distributing member, where the fastener traverses the first load distributing member, the cover flange, and the body flange. Each fastening device can also include a fastener receiver positioned under the second load distributing member and mechanically coupled to the fastener.
US08777534B2	Connection system of a housing of a plug connector having a nut In the case of a connection system having a housing (10) and a nut (16) which can be arranged on the housing (10), the aim is to provide a solution by means of which it is possible to prevent the nut (16) from being released inadvertently from the housing (10). This is intended to be achieved in that the nut (16) is formed from an elastic material and latching elements (24) are formed on the nut (16), which latching elements (24) can be latched to mating latching elements (26) which are formed on the housing (10).
US08777530B2	Tool holder for use in a machine tool and method for operating such a tool holder A tool holder has a first holder part for inserting into a receptacle in the machine tool and a second holder part for holding a tool. The tool holder has a conduit for directing a coolant and/or lubricant to the tool from a coolant and/or lubricant source. The tool has a conduit section for the coolant and/or lubricant for directing the latter to a machining point, and wherein, in the fitted state of the tool in the tool holder, the conduit is in contact with the conduit section at a coupling point. Provision is made for there to be an air feed line which directs compressed air from a compressed-air source into the region of the coupling point in such a way that the compressed air acts on the outer circumferential surface of the conduit and of the conduit section. Furthermore, methods for operating such a tool holder are described.
US08777529B2	Mechanism for delivering cryogenic coolant to a rotating tool A rotary coolant adapter that is compatible with commercially available tool holders attaches to a rotary tool holder to supply coolant to a flow path in a rotary tool. The rotary coolant adapter has a stationary outer housing and a stationary supply tube for supplying coolant to an annular coolant manifold that surrounds a portion of the rotary tool holder. An internal radial feed tube supplies coolant from the annular coolant manifold to the flow path in the tool. Bearings support the stationary outer housing on the rotary coolant holder, and seals are located between the annular coolant manifold and the bearings to prevent coolant leakage from the annular manifold reaching the bearings.
US08777523B2	Geotextile tube with flat ends A flexible water-permeable geotextile tube having flat ends when filled with fill material. The tube has separate end panels that are attached to a tube body at the tube body's opposing ends. In one embodiment of this invention, the separate end panels are configured to have the same shape as that of a cross-section of the tube body when the tube body is filled and installed. The cross section of the tube body may be determined before installation by determining the relationship between the height, circumference, the fill material, and the surrounding environment into which the tube is planned to be installed.
US08777519B1	Methods and apparatus of building construction resisting earthquake and flood damage A three part foundation system for supporting a building is described. Three part foundation systems can include a containment vessel, which constrains a buffer medium to an area above the containment vessel, and a construction platform. A building can be built on the construction platform. In a particular embodiment, during operation, the construction platform and structures built on the construction platform can float on the buffer medium. In an earthquake, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium may experience greatly reduced shear forces. In a flood, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium can be configured to rise as water levels rise to limit flood damage.
US08777516B2	Tarp and ballast system An improved tarp and ballast system that includes a plurality of panels attached to one another along the lengths thereof, wherein the lengths of the panels correspond to the length of the tarp. The tarp also includes chain pockets located at the sides of the tarp which run the length of the tarp and have chains secured therein. The tarp further includes a plurality of cable pockets and associated ballast anchors oriented across the width of the tarp which are adapted to secure a plurality of ballast cables to the tarp.
US08777512B2	Vertically stackable and retrofittable traffic cone linking A vertically stackable and retrofittable traffic cone linking system having a plurality of linking cuffs substantially conically shaped linking cuffs having four connection points, sized and configured to be removably secured to a standard traffic cone and a traffic cone linking connector removably connected to the linking cuffs. Once the traffic cone linking cuff is linked to the traffic cone linking connector, the traffic cone linking system can be can be arranged in a predetermined configuration or arrangement to alert onlookers of a particular hazard or to impede access to a given location.
US08777511B1	System and method for a law enforcement officer to temporarily disable a vehicle during a traffic stop A system and method for temporarily hindering the ability of a vehicle to be driven. A locking assembly is provided that has arms and a trigger release. At least one spring element is provided for biasing the arms into a locked configuration. The arms are cocked into the open configuration against the bias of the spring element. When the trigger release is activated, the arms automatically spring back to the locked configuration. An elongated application pole is provided that is used to propel the locking assembly a wheel of the vehicle. The contact activates the trigger release and causes the arms to move into the locked configuration and mechanically engage the wheel. Once the locking assembly is locked onto the wheel, the wheel is inhibited from turning and the vehicle becomes disabled.
US08777507B1	Cosmetic applicator and dispenser A cosmetic system includes a motorized applicator/dispenser with an applicator brush and a motorized handle unit for automatically moving the applicator brush in one or more directions. A cosmetic container unit containing a cosmetic is in communication with the applicator brush and the cosmetic is wicked or dispensed onto the skin when the applicator brush comes into contact with the skin and the applicator brush is automatically moved in one or more directions. In some embodiments, the motorized applicator/dispenser includes touch control for controlling the movement of the applicator brush.
US08777504B2	Cleaning tool A tool that is useful for cleaning and disinfecting the attachment surfaces of a fluid connector device used in medical applications, the tool having a housing with an opening of defined shape and a chemically treated flexible insert positionable inside the housing that substantially conforms to the inside wall of the housing and, when placed over the attachment surfaces of a fluid connector device, can be manipulated axially and rotationally relative to the attachment surfaces to contact, clean and disinfect the surfaces. Some embodiments can also be used for topical cleaning of skin or other surfaces.
US08777503B2	Applicator for combing the eyelashes or the eyebrows or for applying a composition thereto The present invention relates to an applicator (2) for combing the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows and/or for applying a composition thereto, the applicator comprising a molded applicator member (8), comprising: • a core having a longitudinal axis; and • teeth that extend outwards from the core, the majority of the teeth having a length lying in the range 0.5 mm to 1.8 mm; the applicator member (8) having a greatest transverse dimension, measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the core, that is strictly less than 6 mm, on at least 70% of the length of the applicator member.
US08777501B2	Media loading devices A media loading device includes a detachable stiffener that is detachably connected to a leading portion of a soft media and supports the leading portion of the soft media during threading of the soft media through a media path of a printer. A method for loading soft media includes detachably connecting a leading edge of soft media onto a detachable stiffener and placing the detachable stiffener and soft media into a printer. The detachable stiffener and soft media are fed through the media path in the printer.
US08777498B2	Method for manufacturing optical module A method of the present invention is a method for manufacturing an optical module (10) including an optical fiber (3) and an optical fiber insertion pipe (2) into which the optical fiber (3) is inserted, and includes a sealing step in which the optical fiber insertion pipe (2) is hermetically sealed. The sealing step includes a contact step, a heating step, and a feeding step. In the contact step, a heat conductor member (5) is provided along and in contact with a side surface of the optical fiber insertion pipe (2), the heat conductor member having a heat conductivity greater than that of an environmental atmosphere of the sealing step and having a heat generating property of generating heat by induction heating, which heat generating property of the heat conductor member is inferior to that of the optical fiber insertion pipe (2) in terms of heat generation amount. In the heating step, the optical fiber insertion pipe (2) thus provided with the heat conductor member (5) is heated by induction heating. In the feeding step, a solder (6) is fed to a feed hole (4) provided in the optical fiber insertion pipe (2). The present invention provides the method in which workability of hermetic sealing is thus improved.
US08777497B2	Bidirectional optical transceiver module Disclosed is a bidirectional optical transceiver module having an efficient optical coupling structure. The bidirectional optical transceiver module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first structure which has a hexahedron shape, has four side surfaces of which two side surfaces are formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a bottom surface, and is transparent to both a transmitted light component and a received light component; and at least one second structure which has a planar shape, is inserted in the first structure so as to form a right angle with the bottom surface of the first structure and be tilted by a predetermined angle from a direction of the transmitted light component or the received light component, and is transparent to one of the transmitted light component and the received light component and reflective of the other one.
US08777489B2	Ball bearing and hybrid vehicle transmission A ball bearing includes an inner ring having a raceway surface, an outer ring having a raceway surface, a plurality of rolling elements rollably disposed between the raceway surface of the inner ring and the raceway surfaces of the outer ring, and a resin cage configured to retain the plurality of rolling elements between the inner ring and the outer ring. The cage is a crown type cage having an annular base portion and a plurality of pockets formed in an axial end face of the annular base portion, in which the pockets retain the rolling elements. An axial distance between an axial position of a center of gravity of the cage and a curvature center of a spherical or cylindrical inner surface of each of the pockets is 0.6 or more times a radius of curvature of the inner surface. A hybrid vehicle transmission has this ball bearing.
US08777486B2	Packaging bag with steam venting function and package using the packaging bag A packaging bag having a steam venting function capable of releasing pressure inside a package even when heating cooking is performed by a microwave oven and preventing the inside of the bag from being contaminated and the package using the packaging bag. The packaging bag includes two pieces of front and back main body films having sealant layers which are opposed to each other with the sealant layers facing inward, side seal parts, and a bottom seal part. The front body film is folded in the vicinity of the bottom seal part throughout the entire width of the bag and parallel with the bottom seal part to form a fold-in part. A steam venting port is formed in the fold-in part, and an easily peelable tape covering the steam venting port is disposed on the inside of the fold-in part throughout the width of the bag and parallel with the fold-in part, and then heat-sealed.
US08777484B2	Resistance temperature sensor A resistance temperature sensor with a first temperature sensor element and a second temperature sensor element, wherein the first temperature sensor element comprises a first measuring path and the second temperature sensor element a second measuring path, wherein the first and the second measuring paths extend on a substrate, wherein the substrate has an anisotropic thermal expansion with at least two mutually differing expansion directions (a, c), and wherein a projection of the first measuring path on the expansion directions (a) differs from a projection of the second measuring path on the expansion directions (c).
US08777483B2	Temperature measuring apparatus and temperature measuring method The temperature measuring apparatus includes: a light source; a first wavelength-dividing unit which wavelength-divides a light from the light source into m lights whose wavelength bands are different from one another; m first dividing units which divides each of the m lights from the first wavelength-dividing unit into n lights; a transmitting unit which transmits lights from the m first dividing unit to measurement points of an object to be measured; a light receiving unit which receives a light reflected by each of the measurement points; and a temperature calculating unit which calculates a temperature of each of the measurement points based on a waveform of the light received by the light receiving unit.
US08777480B2	Rotating bezel system The invention concerns a timepiece comprising a middle part (30) closed by a back cover and a crystal, said middle part (30) comprising a peripheral shoulder (34) in which a groove (37) is arranged, said groove being disposed on a surface of the shoulder parallel to the central axis of the middle part (C), said timepiece comprising a rotating bezel system (20) rotatably mounted on said peripheral shoulder, characterised in that said rotating bezel system includes a bezel ring (40, 41) provided with at least a first recess (46) disposed on a surface of the bezel intended to face said groove when said rotating bezel system (20) is fitted onto the middle part, said rotating bezel system (20) further comprising a spring means (80) extending both into said at least one first recess (46) of the bezel and at the same time into the groove (37) in the middle part so as to hold the rotating bezel system (20) on the middle part (30) of the timepiece.
US08777479B2	System for use in bone cement preparation and delivery A system for use in bone cement preparation can include a chamber for intermixing a liquid monomer and solid polymer components, a container, a vacuum channel, and a filter. The mixing chamber can be configured to hold a non-liquid, polymer powder component of a bone cement. The container can be configured to hold a liquid component of the bone cement. The system can have a first interface disposed between the mixing chamber and the container and a second interface disposed between the mixing chamber and the vacuum channel. The second interface can to receive and position the filter between the mixing chamber and the vacuum channel. The vacuum channel can direct a partial vacuum to draw the liquid component from the container into the non-liquid component in the mixing chamber to intermix the components and to thereby provide a settable bone cement.
US08777477B2	Inflatable cushion for ice cream maker An inflatable cushion useable for an ice cream maker. The ice cream maker can be spherical in shape and the inflatable cushion can approximate a spherical or dodecahedron shell. The inflatable cushion can be comprised of two half-shell portions that are pivotable with respect to one other to be selectively placed in a closed or open position. The ice cream maker can be snugly inserted within the inflatable cushion.
US08777471B2	Electronic equipment provided with display portion An LCD indicator unit contains an LCD indicator with a display portion that includes set temperature and current temperature display portions, a diffusion sheet disposed on the rear surface side of the LCD indicator, a reflective frame body disposed on the rear surface side of the diffusion sheet, a light guide plate disposed on the rear surface side of the reflective frame body such that an outer peripheral portion thereof is covered with the reflective frame body, and an LCD indicator control substrate-disposed on the rear surface side of the light guide plate, with LEDs serving as light sources for the LCD indicator mounted on a right-side outer peripheral portion on the front surface side of the LCD indicator control substrate. Light emitted from the LEDs is caused to enter a side wall surface portion of the light guide plate to irradiate the display portion of the LCD indicator.
US08777470B2	Luminous partition This interior wall includes at least one cladding panel (4) covered with a luminous fabric (6), lying in a substantially vertical plane and having a front face receiving the luminous fabric, a rear face opposite the front face, a bottom edge, and a top edge. The luminous fabric includes optical fibers (7) extending substantially vertically over the front face of the first cladding panel and first ends of which are bent around the bottom edge of the first cladding panel toward its rear face. A casing (8) accommodates light sources and includes connecting elements (10) for the ends of the optical fibers (7) of the luminous fabric bent around the bottom edge of the first cladding panel. The first casing (8) is fastened to the first cladding panel and is supported by feet (20) extending beyond the bottom edge of the first cladding panel.
US08777464B2	Rotatable illumination device A rotatable illumination device includes a first casing, a light emitting module, a first fixing member and a second fixing member. The first casing has a first rotating portion and a first protruding portion is formed on the first rotating portion. The light emitting module is disposed in the first casing. A first indentation is formed on the first fixing member and the first protruding portion can pass through the first indentation. A second indentation and a second protruding portion are formed on the second fixing member and the first protruding portion can pass through the second indentation. The first and second fixing members are fixed together, and the first and second protruding portions are coplanar. The first protruding portion cooperates with the second protruding portion to limit rotating angle of the first casing.
US08777463B2	Hybrid solid state emitter printed circuit board for use in a solid state directional lamp An assembly for use in a solid state directional lamp is disclosed. The assembly includes a multilayer FR4 printed circuit board and a metal heat spreader assembled with the multilayer FR4 printed circuit board. The assembly is configured to mount a plurality of solid state light emitters. The multilayer FR4 printed circuit board defines an aperture and a least a portion of the metal heat spreader is positioned in the aperture of the multilayer FR4 printed circuit board. The portion of the heat spreader positioned in the aperture of the multilayer FR4 printed circuit board is in communication with heat dissipation means.
US08777461B2	Backlight module and liquid crystal display The present invention discloses a backlight module and a liquid crystal display (LCD). The backlight module includes a backplane, a light guide plate, a heat dissipation element and a connector. The light guide plate is disposed on the side of the backplane. The heat dissipation element includes a horizontal part and a vertical part interconnected to each other. The horizontal part is disposed on the other side of the backplane away from the light guide plate, and the vertical part is disposed next to light incident surface of the light guide plate. The light source is disposed on the side of the vertical part close to light incident surface. The connector connects the heat dissipation element to the backplane and allows the heat dissipation element to move relatively to the backplane in the gap direction between the light guide plate and the light source. Through this way, the backlight module and LCD according to the present invention can effectively prevent the light guide plate to squeeze the light source and reduce the temperature of the light source.
US08777460B2	Wall pack light fixture A lighting fixture includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The first housing portion includes a base and a wall extending outwardly from substantially the perimeter of the base. A top portion of the wall includes one or more hinges extending outwardly therefrom. The second housing portion includes a front panel and a side panel extending outwardly from substantially the perimeter of the front panel. A top portion of the front panel includes at least one slot. The second housing is coupled to the first housing in an open position when the hinge is inserted into the slot and the front panel is disposed elevationally above the base. The second housing is coupled to the first housing in an operational position when the hinge is inserted into the slot and the front panel covers the base.
US08777459B2	Recessed luminaire In an embodiment, a luminaire may include a housing that includes a support panel, a rotation ring supported by the support panel where the rotation ring is infinitely adjustable with a range of adjustments with respect to the support panel, a rotation drive unit configured to rotate the rotation ring with respect to the support panel, an aiming frame supported by the rotation ring, a tray system pivotally mounted to the aiming frame and configured to receive the bulb, and a tray drive configured to rotate the tray system about the pivotal mounting, whereby, in operation the rotational and angular orientation of the bulb may be adjusted while the bulb is on.
US08777457B2	LED device for wide beam generation and method of making the same A predetermined illuminated surface pattern is generated from a predetermined energy distribution pattern of an LED light source within an LED package having a light transmitting dome. An estimated optical transfer function of a lens shape of an optic is defined by the shape of an exterior and inner surface which envelopes at least in part the light transmitting dome of the LED package. An energy distribution pattern is obtained by combination of the estimated optical transfer function and the predetermined energy distribution pattern of the light source. A projection of the energy distribution pattern onto the illuminated surface is determined. The projection is compared to the predetermined illuminated surface pattern. The estimated optical transfer function is illuminated surface pattern.
US08777454B2	Lamp color temperature change structure A lamp color temperature change structure includes a lamp holder, a light source on the lamp holder, a lift unit in front of the light source, and a colored lens mounted to the lift unit. The colored lens is movable and driven by the lift unit to a first position which is away from the front of the light source or a second position which is in front of the light source. The user can select the light from the light source to radiate toward the front of the lamp holder or penetrate the colored lens to generate a color temperature change and then radiate toward the front of the lamp holder according to different environment conditions.
US08777453B2	LED replacement kit for high intensity discharge light fixtures Disclosed is a kit for converting an existing high discharge light unit to an LED based light unit, with the option of including a networked capability among a group of LED light units. The kit includes a drop-in component mounting plate on which are mounted an LED light source, sensors including a thermal sensor, a control unit, a DC power supply, a heat sink, and a dimmer unit. A wireless transceiver allows the LED light units to operate as a network, with two way flow of information from the LED light units to a control unit.
US08777451B2	Device for uniform, large area flood exposure with LEDs A method for providing uniform flood exposure of LED light onto large area substrates is disclosed herein. The substrates can be up to several square meters in surface area. A method for providing uniform cooling of the LEDs within the apparatus is also disclosed.
US08777450B2	Light irradiation device The present invention uniforms a size of an LED substrate 2 to realize reduction of the number of parts and reduction of a manufacturing cost, and is a light irradiation device comprising: a long LED substrate 2 on which a plurality of same LEDs 21 are mounted; a chassis 3 having a substrate housing space for housing the LED substrate 2, wherein the number of LEDs 21 in which a difference between a power source voltage VE and a sum of a forward voltage Vf in the series connection of the LEDs 21 is within an allowable range is employed as the number of LED units, and the number of LEDs 21 mounted on the LED substrate 2 is a common multiple of the number of LED units determined in each of LEDs 21 of different wavelengths.
US08777448B2	LED lamp with light-diffusing end cap An LED lamp includes a plurality of LED modules arranged in direction x, a tubular enclosure for housing the LED modules that is open at ends spaced from each other in direction x, and end caps respectively closing the ends of the tubular enclosure in direction x. Each of the end caps is configured to diffuse light from the LED modules while transmitting the light, and includes an emission surface for emitting light in a direction z perpendicular to direction x. This arrangement ensures that the LED lamp has a good appearance even when it is made long.
US08777434B2	Refrigerator with externally mounted lighting A refrigerator constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a cabinet that defines an interior volume. A first door is coupled to the cabinet and is movable between a closed position and an open position. A light is disposed on the cabinet outside of the interior volume. The light is configured to illuminate when the door is in the open position and shine light toward the interior volume.
US08777433B2	Keypad lighting device for portable terminal A keypad lighting device includes: a keypad member formed by an arrangement of plural key tops; at least one light emitting device arranged below the key pad member; and a light guide plate member arranged below the keypad member to light the key tops with light projected from the light emitting device. The light guide plate member is formed with at least one light-incident surface, to which the light projected from the light emitting device is incident. The light-incident surface is formed by a curved surface or plural inclined surfaces, and at least one of the normal lines of the light-incident surface is arranged to pass through the light emitting surface of the light emitting device.
US08777430B2	Exterior mirror element with auxiliary reflector portion A mirror reflector sub-assembly for a vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate with first and second surfaces. The mirror reflective element has a principal reflector portion and an auxiliary reflector portion. The auxiliary reflector portion of the mirror reflective element includes a curved recess established at the second surface of the glass substrate by at least one of grinding and ablating. A reflector is established at the curved recess and a principal mirror reflector is established at the principal reflector portion. The mirror reflective element is supported at a side of a mirror back plate and an opposing side of the mirror back plate is configured for attaching the mirror back plate to a mirror actuator. The opposing side of the mirror back plate includes an attaching portion that snap attaches to the mirror actuator.
US08777423B2	Projector and program A projector includes a projection light source, a light-off detector that detects that the projection light source is shut off, and a relighting controller that carries out a relighting process for relighting the projection light source based on the detection performed by the light-off detector as a trigger.
US08777417B2	High-pressure discharge lamp, lamp unit, and projector-type image display apparatus A high-pressure discharge lamp comprising an arc tube, the arc tube including: a light-emitting part which is substantially ellipsoidal; and sealing parts which extend from either end of the light-emitting part and in which bases of electrodes are sealed, the arc tube enclosing 0.2 mg/mm3 to 0.4 mg/mm3 of mercury, the high-pressure discharge lamp having a power rating greater than 355 W and not greater than 600 W, wherein 5.4≦D≦5.8 and 3.1≦X≦D−2.3 when 355
US08777416B2	Polarization beam splitting element and image projection apparatus The polarization beam splitting element splits an entering beam according to polarization directions. The element includes, in order from a beam entrance side, an entrance side multi-layered film layer constituted by laminated multiple dielectric films, and a one-dimensional grating structure having a grating period smaller than a wavelength of the entering beam and formed of a metal. When a medium existing on the beam entrance side further than the entrance side multi-layered film layer is referred to as an entrance medium, the multiple dielectric films constituting the entrance side multi-layered film layer include at least one dielectric film having a higher refractive index than that of the entrance medium and at least one dielectric film having a lower refractive index than that of the entrance medium.
US08777414B2	Pupil dependent wavefront refraction A method of determining an ophthalmic prescription (Rx) for a patient's eye, includes obtaining a wavefront measurement of the patient's eye; determining a first Rx for the patient's eye from the wavefront measurement, the first Rx corresponding to a maximum value of a merit function calculated from the wavefront measurement of the patient's eye for a first size of the pupil of the patient's eye; determining one or more additional Rx's of the patient's eye for one or more additional pupil sizes different from the first pupil size, wherein each additional Rx is determined for a corresponding size by calculating a value of the merit function for the previously-calculated Rx at the corresponding size and searching for an Rx at the corresponding size that provides a larger value of the merit function than the previously-calculated Rx at the corresponding size; determining a final Rx based on the first Rx and the additional Rx's; and outputting the final Rx.
US08777410B2	Fundus photographing apparatus with wavefront compensation A fundus photographing apparatus with wavefront compensation, includes: a fundus photographing optical system for capturing a fundus image by receiving a reflected light from fundus of an examinee's eye; a wavefront compensation device placed in an optical path of the fundus photographing optical system to compensate a wavefront aberration of the examinee's eye by controlling an incident light wavefront; a wavefront aberration detection optical system for projecting a measurement light on the fundus of the examinee's eye to detect a reflected light of the measurement light from the fundus using a wavefront sensor; and a controller for controlling an effective region formed on the wavefront compensation device so as to correct a difference between the effective region formed on the wavefront compensation device where an aberration correction control is effective and a wavefront measurement region of the wavefront aberration detection optical system where the wavefront aberration is measured.
US08777409B2	System and method of surfacing a lens, such as a lens for use with eyeglasses A system and method of forming surfaces on eyeglass lenses is described. In some examples, the surface is a spherical, cylindrical or spherocylindrical surface at a center of the lens and an aspherical surface at a periphery of the lens. In some examples, forming the surface on the lens reduces the thickness of the lens at the periphery of the lens.
US08777405B2	Self-adhering visual stimulator A device for the stimulation of the visual system includes a body having a pair of spaced lobes configured to conform to the periocular region. The body has a first side and an opposed second side. The body second side has an adhesive layer for securing the body to the periocular region. A light emitting source disposed within each of the pair of lobes to selectively illuminate the periocular region.
US08777402B2	Inkjet recording device and method of releasing cover lock of inkjet recording device An inkjet recording device includes a carriage including a print head for firing ink droplets onto a recording medium from a nozzle; a carriage driving unit configured to drive the carriage; an openable cover configured to cover a moving area of the carriage; a cover lock member configured to lock the cover to a housing; a lock control unit configured to control lock and release of the lock of the cover by the cover lock member; a lock releasing unit configured to request the lock control unit to release the lock; and a carriage power control unit configured to control opening and closing of a power supplying path to the carriage driving unit. The lock control unit causes the cover lock member to release the lock if the lock releasing unit is operated and the carriage power control unit opens the power supplying path to the carriage driving unit.
US08777400B2	Liquid ejection device A liquid ejection device includes a transport unit, a medium support unit and a liquid ejection head. The medium support unit includes a plurality of first recesses and a plurality of second recesses arranged on a medium support surface along a width direction orthogonal to a transport direction. The first and second recesses are configured and arranged to be imparted with negative pressure. A width dimension of an opening of the first recess in the width direction is larger on the downstream side than on an upstream side. A width dimension of an opening of the second recess in the width direction is smaller than the width dimension of the opening of the first recess in the width direction on the downstream side with respect to the transport direction. The second recesses are configured and arranged to accept the liquid ejected toward the ejection medium from the liquid ejection head.
US08777396B2	System and method for imaging and evaluating printing parameters in an aqueous inkjet printer An aqueous inkjet printer is configured to evaluate and adjust multiple components within the printer with reference to image data of the surface of a rotating member obtained at different times during a single print cycle. The print cycle can be performed in a multiple pass manner to enable a single optical sensor to be used for generation of the image data. Alternatively, the print cycle can be performed in a single revolution of the rotating member and multiple optical sensors positioned about the rotating member to generate the image data.
US08777395B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus and liquid ejecting method A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a carriage that has a head ejecting liquid cured by receiving the irradiation of light and moves in a movement direction intersecting a transportation direction of a medium; a first irradiation section; a second irradiation section; and a controller that forms the image on the medium through performing an ejection operation ejecting the liquid from the head while moving the carriage in the movement direction and a transportation operation that transports the medium in the transportation direction, and performs control of the irradiation intensity of the light of the first irradiation section at the time of the ejection operation to regulate the surface condition of the image and to change the irradiation intensity of the light of the second irradiation section according to the irradiation intensity of the light of the first irradiation section.
US08777394B2	Inkjet printing using large particles A method of producing a print on paper includes drying a selected region of the paper to a moisture content not to exceed that of the paper equilibrated to 20% RH. Hydrophilic liquid is deposited in a selected fluid pattern on the selected region of the paper within 15 seconds after the completion of drying. The paper is charged so that a charge pattern of charged and discharged areas is formed on the paper, and the discharged areas correspond to the selected fluid pattern. Charged dry ink having charge of the same sign as the charge in the charged areas is on the paper is deposited onto the paper in a dry ink pattern corresponding to the selected fluid pattern in the selected region. The dry ink is fixed to the paper.
US08777393B2	Ink jet recording method An ink jet recording method includes ejecting at least two color ink compositions onto a recording medium so as to be deposited one on another. When one ink composition is deposited to form a first image and then another ink composition is deposited to form a second image on the first image, the ink composition forming the second image has a higher yield value than the ink composition forming the first image.
US08777392B2	Inkjet ink and inkjet recording method Provided is an inkjet ink including at least water, a pigment, a resin, a water-soluble organic solvent, and a surfactant, wherein the resin consist of a copolymer resin synthesized from only a (meth)acrylic monomers, and the copolymer resin has an acid value of not less than 50 mgKOH/g and not more than 200 mgKOH/g, a glass transition temperature (Tg) not less than 20 and not more than 100° C., and a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) not less than 20,000 and not more than 100,000, and as a result, a high-quality image is formed in that abrasion resistance and adhesiveness on a non-absorptive recording medium are high, glossiness is high, and there is no ink mixing, and ejection performance is good and recovery through maintenance is excellent. Also provided is an inkjet recording method that uses the same.
US08777389B2	Image forming apparatus including recording head for ejecting liquid droplets An image forming apparatus includes a recording head, a head tank, an exhaust unit, and a suctioning device. The head tank has liquid chambers with exhaust ports. The exhaust unit includes an exhaust channel connected to the suctioning device to exhaust air from the head tank, an exhaust chamber connected to the ports of the liquid chambers, a valve member to collectively open and close the ports, a valve driving chamber communicating with the exhaust channel and having a flexible member forming a wall face thereof, a valve driving member disposed at the flexible member to open and close the valve member, and a choke channel communicating the exhaust chamber with the valve driving chamber. When the suctioning device suctions air through the exhaust channel with the liquid being in the choke channel, a volume of the valve driving chamber contracts and the valve member opens the ports.
US08777385B2	Processes for delivering ink within a printing system A liquid ink container having mating features for self alignment with an ink delivery station. The ink delivery station includes a receiver with an actuated puncture ring. The liquid ink container includes a cap that is punctured by the ring to allow fluid flow from the container. The receiver and container also include means for introducing pressurized gas into the container to facilitate evacuation of liquid ink.
US08777379B2	Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and piezoelectric element A liquid ejecting head includes a piezoelectric element having a first electrode, a piezoelectric body layer, and a second electrode, in which the piezoelectric body layer is formed of complex oxide of a pevroskite structure including at least bismuth, barium, iron, and titanium, and the mole ratio of titanium to barium (Ti/Ba) is 1.17 or more, and 1.45 or less.
US08777376B2	Skewed nozzle arrays on ejection chips for micro-fluid applications A micro-fluid ejection head has multiple ejection chips joined adjacently to create a lengthy array across a media to-be-imaged. The chips have fluid firing elements arranged along skewed fluid vias to enable seamless stitching of fluid ejections. The firing elements are energized to eject fluid and ones are spaced according to colors or fluid types. Overlapping firing elements serve redundancy efforts during imaging for reliable print quality. Variable chips sizes and shapes are disclosed as are relationships between differently colored fluid vias. Skew angles range variously each with noted advantages. Singulating chips from larger wafers provide still further embodiments.
US08777375B2	Printing system A printing system including a substrate support and an ink deposition unit. The ink distribution unit deposits liquid ink onto a substrate positioned on the substrate support. The system allows for relative movement between the substrate support and the ink deposition unit. After printing, the ink deposition unit rotates to be oriented with the longitudinal axis of the next image segment to be printed and wherein the rotation does not affect the image resolution. The system can print at least two axial images sharing at least one common image portion and having an angle between their longitudinal axes less than 90 degrees.
US08777374B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus including a main carriage to move and scan in a main scanning direction, a sub-carriage connectable to the main carriage to move and scan in the main scanning direction together with the main carriage, a positioning guide provided on one of the main carriage and the sub-carriage, and a position detector provided on the other one of the main carriage and the sub-carriage. The position detector reads the positioning guide as the main carriage and the sub-carriage connect to each other to detect relative positions of the main carriage and the sub-carriage.
US08777371B2	Maintenance device and liquid ejecting apparatus A maintenance device includes a liquid absorption body which absorbs a liquid which is attached to a nozzle forming surface by abutting the nozzle forming surface of a liquid ejecting head in which a plurality of nozzle rows configured of a plurality of nozzles ejecting the liquid are provided in parallel, wherein the liquid absorption body has a penetration suppressing section which suppresses the spread of the liquid due to penetration of the liquid absorbed from the nozzle forming surface of the liquid ejecting head, and wherein the penetration suppressing section is disposed between the nozzle rows ejecting the liquids of different colors from each other in a direction intersecting the nozzle row direction, in a case where the liquid absorption body abuts the nozzle forming surface of the liquid ejecting head.
US08777370B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus including a recording head having a nozzle surface on which multiple nozzles to eject droplets are arranged in a line; a suction device; and a cap to cover the nozzle surface of the recording head. The cap includes a suction hole to connect a space formed by the cap and the nozzle surface with the suction device; an air hole to connect the space with air; and an absorbent located inside the cap. The top surface of the absorbent is retracted from the contact portion of the cap to be contacted with the nozzle surface so that when the nozzle surface is capped with the cap, a flow passage is secured between the air hole to the suction hole without obstructed by the absorbent.
US08777363B2	Method for transporting a long medium A transport method for transporting a long medium in a recording apparatus is performed using a transport control section. The transport control section performs, in a case where a first motor and a second motor are driven so as to transport a long sheet to the downstream side in a transport direction, prescribed processing that is different from the processing in a case where the deflection amount of the sheet becomes equal to or greater than a reference amount, in a case where the deflection amount of the sheet between a shaft member and a sending roller in the transport direction does not become equal to or greater than the reference amount.
US08777356B2	Fluid discharge head semiconductor device, fluid discharge head, and fluid discharge apparatus A fluid discharge head semiconductor device, comprising a terminal unit including first pad group including a plurality of pads, a processing unit configured to process input information from the first pad group, a printing unit including a plurality of printing elements configured to discharge a printing material in accordance with a result of the processing, and an inspection output unit including second pad group including at least one pad and an output buffer unit, wherein the processing unit outputs information on an inspection of an operation to the inspection output unit, and the inspection output unit drives the output buffer unit to output the information to the second pad group when performing an inspection, and suppresses the driving of the output buffer unit when performing printing.
US08777354B2	Method for manufacturing printing device, printing device, and printing method A method for manufacturing a printing device, wherein the printing device uses ink including pigment ink and dye ink to form a printed image on a print medium, and discharges an ink quantity according to a voltage value of a drive voltage to form ink dots on the print medium. In this printing device, the voltage value of the drive voltage for creating ink dots is corrected.

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