最新美国发明专利第2014-09-30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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US08846520B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device A semiconductor device includes: a foundation layer that is provided on a substrate and is electrically conductive; a nickel layer provided on the foundation layer; and a solder provided on the nickel layer, the nickel layer having a first region on a side of the foundation layer and a second region on a side of the solder, the second region being harder than the first region.
US08846514B2	Thin film transistor array panel and manufacturing method thereof A thin film transistor array panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an insulating substrate; a gate electrode disposed on the insulating substrate; a gate insulating layer disposed on the gate electrode; a semiconductor disposed on the gate insulating layer; a source electrode and a drain electrode disposed on the semiconductor; an ohmic contact layer disposed at an interface between at least one of the source and drain electrodes and the semiconductor. Surface heights of the source and drain electrodes different, while surface heights of the semiconductor and the ohmic contact layer are the same. The ohmic contact layer is made of a silicide of a metal used for the source and drain electrodes.
US08846509B2	Remote radical hydride dopant incorporation for delta doping in silicon The present invention generally relates to methods of forming substrates using remote radical hydride doping. The methods generally include remotely activating a gas and introducing activated radicals of the gas into a chamber. The activated radicals may be activated hydride radicals of a gas such as diborane (B2H6), phosphine (PH3), or arsine (AsH3) which are utilized to incorporate an element such as boron, phosphorus, or arsenic into a substrate having a surface temperature between about 400 degrees Celsius and about 1000 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, the activated radicals may be activated radicals of an inert gas. The activated radicals of the inert gas are introduced into a chamber having a dopant-containing gas, such as diborane, phosphine, or arsine, therein. The activated radicals of the inert gas activate the dopant-gas and incorporate dopants into a heated substrate located within the chamber.
US08846508B1	Method of implanting high aspect ratio features Methods to implant ions into the sidewall of a three dimensional high aspect ratio feature, such as a trench or via, are disclosed. The methods utilize a phenomenon known as knock-in, which causes a first species of ions, already disposed in the fill material, to become implanted in the sidewall when these ions are struck by ions of a second species being implanted into the fill material. In some embodiments, these first species and second species have similar masses to facilitate knock-in. In some embodiments, the entire hole is not completely filled with fill material. Rather, some fill material is deposited, an ion implant is performed to cause knock-in to the sidewall adjacent to the deposited fill material, and the process is repeated until the hole is filled.
US08846504B1	GaN on Si(100) substrate using epi-twist A method of growing GaN material on a silicon substrate includes providing a single crystal silicon substrate with a (100) surface orientation or a (100) with up to a 10° offset surface orientation and using epi-twist technology, epitaxially growing a single crystal stress managing layer on the silicon substrate. The single crystal stress managing layer includes rare earth oxide with a (110) crystal orientation and a cubic crystal structure. The method further includes epitaxially growing a single crystal buffer layer on the stress managing layer. The single crystal buffer layer includes rare earth oxide with a lattice spacing closer to a lattice spacing of GaN than the rare earth oxide of the stress managing layer. Epitaxially growing a layer of single crystal GaN material on the surface of the buffer, the GaN material having one of a (11-20) crystal orientation and a (0001) crystal orientation.
US08846502B2	Methods for depositing thin films comprising gallium nitride by atomic layer deposition Atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes for forming thin films comprising GaN are provided. In some embodiments, ALD processes for forming doped GaN thin films are provided. The thin films may find use, for example, in light-emitting diodes.
US08846500B2	Method of forming a gettering structure having reduced warpage and gettering a semiconductor wafer therewith At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method of forming a multilayered gettering structure that can be used to control wafer warpage.
US08846495B2	Bonding system and bonding method Disclosed is a bonding system which efficiently performs a bonding of a substrate to a support substrate, thereby improving the throughput in a bonding processing. The disclosed bonding system includes a loading/unloading station and a processing station. The processing station includes: an adhesive applying device configured to apply an adhesive to the wafer; a protective agent applying device configured to apply a protective agent to the wafer, a remover applying device configured to apply a remover to the support wafer, a heat processing device configured to heat the wafer or the support wafer which is applied with at least the adhesive, the protective agent or the remover, at a predetermined temperature, a bonding device configured to bond the wafer to the support wafer through the adhesive, the protective agent and the remover, and a wafer transfer area configured to transfer the wafer, the support wafer or the bonded wafer.
US08846489B2	Method for forming trench isolation A trench isolation method is disclosed. A substrate having thereon a pad layer and a hard mask is provided. An opening is formed in the hard mask. The substrate is etched through the opening to thereby form a first trench. A spacer is formed on a sidewall of the first trench. A second trench is then etched into the substrate through the first trench by using the spacer as an etching hard mask. The substrate within the second trench is then oxidized by using the spacer as an oxidation protection layer, thereby forming an oxide layer that fills the second trench. The spacer is then removed to reveal the sidewall of the first trench. A liner layer is then formed on the revealed sidewall of the first trench. A chemical vapor deposition process is then performed to deposit a dielectric layer that fills the first trench.
US08846485B2	Method for fabricating bottom electrode of capacitors of DRAM A method for manufacturing a capacitor bottom electrode of a dynamic random access memory is provided. The method comprises providing a substrate having a memory cell region and forming a polysilicon template layer on the memory cell region of the substrate. A supporting layer is formed on the polysilicon template layer and plural openings penetrating through the supporting layer and the polysilicon template layer are formed and a liner layer is formed on at least a portion of the polysilicon template layer exposed by the openings. A conductive layer substantially conformal to the substrate is formed on the substrate. A portion of the conductive layer on the supporting layer is removed so as to form plural capacitor bottom electrodes. Using the polysilicon template layer, the openings with relatively better profiles are formed and the dimension of the device can be decreased.
US08846481B2	Transistor and method of forming the transistor so as to have reduced base resistance Disclosed is a transistor structure, having a completely silicided extrinsic base for reduced base resistance Rb. Specifically, a metal silicide layer covers the extrinsic base, including the portion of the extrinsic base that extends below the upper portion of a T-shaped emitter. One exemplary technique for ensuring that the metal silicide layer covers this portion of the extrinsic base requires tapering the upper portion of the emitter. Such tapering allows a sacrificial layer below the upper portion of the emitter to be completely removed during processing, thereby exposing the extrinsic base below and allowing the metal layer required for silicidation to be deposited thereon. This metal layer can be deposited, for example, using a high pressure sputtering technique to ensure that all exposed surfaces of the extrinsic base, even those below the upper portion of the emitter, are covered.
US08846476B2	Methods of forming multiple N-type semiconductor devices with different threshold voltages on a semiconductor substrate One illustrative method disclosed herein involves forming an integrated circuit product comprised of first and second N-type transistors formed in and above first and second active regions, respectively. The method generally involves performing a common threshold voltage adjusting ion implantation process on the first and second active regions, forming the first and second transistors, performing an amorphization ion implantation process to selectively form regions of amorphous material in the first active region but not in the second active region, after performing the amorphization ion implantation process, forming a capping material layer above the first and second transistors and performing a re-crystallization anneal process to convert at least portions of the regions of amorphous material to a crystalline material. In some cases, the capping material layer may be formed of a material having a Young's modulus of at least 180 GPa.
US08846475B2	Method for fabricating a semiconductor device A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises providing a substrate having a core oxide layer and an I/O oxide layer formed thereon. The I/O oxide layer has an I/O mask layer formed thereon. The method also includes forming an I/O dummy gate on the I/O mask layer and a core dummy gate on the core oxide layer, forming an etch barrier layer on the substrate covering the dummy gates, forming a dielectric layer on the etch barrier layer, and planarizing the etch barrier layer and the dielectric layer to expose the top surface of the dummy gates. The method further includes simultaneously removing the I/O and core dummy gates to form I/O and core gate grooves, removing the core oxide layer, removing the I/O mask layer, depositing a dielectric layer in the core gate groove, and forming a metal gate layer filling the I/O and core gate grooves.
US08846473B2	Low-resistance electrode design A solution for designing a semiconductor device, in which two or more attributes of a pair of electrodes are determined to, for example, minimize resistance between the electrodes, is provided. Each electrode can include a current feeding contact from which multiple fingers extend, which are interdigitated with the fingers of the other electrode in an alternating pattern. The attributes can include a target depth of each finger, a target effective width of each pair of adjacent fingers, and/or one or more target attributes of the current feeding contacts. Subsequently, the device and/or a circuit including the device can be fabricated.
US08846467B1	Silicidation of semiconductor devices A method for performing silicidation of a gate electrode is provided that includes forming both a first transistor with a first gate electrode covered by a cap layer and a semiconductor device on the same semiconductor substrate, forming an organic planarization layer (OPL) on the first transistor and the semiconductor device, back etching the OPL such that an upper surface of the OPL is positioned at a level that is below a level of an upper surface of the cap layer, forming a mask layer covering the semiconductor device without covering the first transistor, removing the cap layer while the back-etched OPL and the mask layer are present, and performing silicidation of the first gate electrode.
US08846466B2	Forming inter-device STI regions and intra-device STI regions using different dielectric materials An integrated circuit structure includes a substrate having a first portion in a first device region and a second portion in a second device region; and two insulation regions in the first device region and over the substrate. The two insulation regions include a first dielectric material having a first k value. A semiconductor strip is between and adjoining the two insulation regions, with a top portion of the semiconductor strip forming a semiconductor fin over top surfaces of the two insulation regions. An additional insulation region is in the second device region and over the substrate. The additional insulation region includes a second dielectric material having a second k value greater than the first k value.
US08846462B2	Transistor level routing A system and a method for transistor level routing are disclosed. The method comprises forming a high-k dielectric layer over a substrate, forming a metal layer directly over the high-k dielectric layer, and selectively disposing a semiconductive layer over the metal layer. The method further comprises forming a first transistor in a first region and a second transistor in a second region spaced from the first region, the first and second transistor having gate stacks comprising a high-k dielectric layer, a metal layer and a semiconductive layer, and forming an electrical connection between the first transistor and the second transistor comprising the high-k dielectric layer and the metal layer but not the semiconductive layer.
US08846461B2	Silicon layer for stopping dislocation propagation A composite semiconductor structure and method of forming the same are provided. The composite semiconductor structure includes a first silicon-containing compound layer comprising an element selected from the group consisting essentially of germanium and carbon; a silicon layer on the first silicon-containing compound layer, wherein the silicon layer comprises substantially pure silicon; and a second silicon-containing compound layer comprising the element on the silicon layer. The first and the second silicon-containing compound layers have substantially lower silicon concentrations than the silicon layer. The composite semiconductor structure may be formed as source/drain regions of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices.
US08846460B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same An object is to provide a high reliable semiconductor device including a thin film transistor having stable electric characteristics. In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including a thin film transistor in which an oxide semiconductor film is used for a semiconductor layer including a channel formation region, heat treatment (which is for dehydration or dehydrogenation) is performed so as to improve the purity of the oxide semiconductor film and reduce impurities such as moisture. Besides impurities such as moisture existing in the oxide semiconductor film, heat treatment causes reduction of impurities such as moisture existing in the gate insulating layer and those in interfaces between the oxide semiconductor film and films which are provided over and below the oxide semiconductor film and are in contact with the oxide semiconductor film.
US08846452B2	Semiconductor device package and methods of packaging thereof In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a device region in a first region of a semiconductor substrate, and forming an opening in a second region of the semiconductor substrate. The method further includes placing a semiconductor die within the opening, and forming a first metallization level over the semiconductor die and the device region.
US08846451B2	Methods for depositing metal in high aspect ratio features Methods for depositing metal in high aspect ratio features formed on a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method includes applying first RF power at VHF frequency to target comprising metal disposed above substrate to form plasma, applying DC power to target to direct plasma towards target, sputtering metal atoms from target using plasma while maintaining pressure in PVD chamber sufficient to ionize predominant portion of metal atoms, depositing first plurality of metal atoms on bottom surface of opening and on first surface of substrate, applying second RF power to redistribute at least some of first plurality from bottom surface to lower portion of sidewalls of the opening, and depositing second plurality of metal atoms on upper portion of sidewalls by reducing amount of ionized metal atoms in PVD chamber, wherein first and second pluralities form a first layer deposited on substantially all surfaces of opening.
US08846444B2	Semiconductor package and method for manufacturing the same A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having a first surface, on which an electrode pad is arranged, and a second surface which is the other side of the semiconductor chip, an insulation member formed on the second surface of the semiconductor chip, and comprising a via hole at a position spaced apart from the semiconductor chip, and a conductive filler filling the via hole.
US08846441B2	Anode for an organic electronic device There is provided an anode for an organic electronic device. The anode is a conducting inorganic material having an oxidized surface layer. The surface layer is non-conductive and hole-transporting.
US08846440B2	Germanium photodetector A method for forming a photodetector device includes forming an insulator layer on a substrate, forming a germanium (Ge) layer on the insulator layer and a portion of the substrate, forming a second insulator layer on the Ge layer, patterning the Ge layer, forming a capping insulator layer on the second insulator layer and a portion of the first insulator layer, heating the device to crystallize the Ge layer resulting in an single crystalline Ge layer, implanting n-type ions in the single crystalline Ge layer, heating the device to activate n-type ions in the single crystalline Ge layer, and forming electrodes electrically connected to the single crystalline n-type Ge layer.
US08846439B2	Method and apparatus for forming pattern There is provided a pattern forming apparatus which transfers a paste to a predetermined position of a pattern forming object fixed to a table through a pattern forming mask having opening portions at predetermined positions using a discharge mechanism part. To realize a pattern forming which allows the stable forming of a fine pattern with high accuracy and allows the paste to be surely filled into fine through holes, a corner portion of a distal end of the discharge mechanism part in contact with the pattern forming mask is formed into a concave shape, and a surface of the distal end portion of the discharge mechanism part including the concave shaped portion is covered with a film having liquid repellency so that the rolling of the paste is accelerated in a region formed by the concave shaped portion to form a fine pattern with high accuracy.
US08846438B2	Method for indium sputtering and for forming chalcopyrite-based solar cell absorber layers A solar cell includes an absorber layer formed of a CIGAS, copper, indium, gallium, aluminum, and selenium. A method for forming the absorber layer provides for using an indium-aluminum target and depositing an aluminum-indium film as a metal precursor layer using sputter deposition. Additional metal precursor layers such as a CuGa layer are also provided and a thermal processing operation causes the selenization of the metal precursor layers. The thermal processing operation/selenization operation converts the metal precursor layers to an absorber layer. In some embodiments, the absorber layer includes a double graded chalcopyrite-based bandgap.
US08846436B2	Semiconductor device manufacturing method for forming an opening to provide a plug An interlayer insulating film is disposed above an image pickup region and a peripheral region of the semiconductor substrate. An opening is formed in the interlayer insulating film at a position overlying a photoelectric conversion portion. A waveguide member is formed above the image pickup region and the peripheral region of the semiconductor substrate. A part of the waveguide member, which part is disposed above the peripheral region, is removed such that the interlayer insulating film is exposed.
US08846431B2	N-type silicon solar cell with contact/protection structures A solar cell is formed on an n-type semiconductor substrate having a p+ emitter layer by forming spaced-apart contact/protection structures on the emitter layer, depositing a blanket dielectric passivation layer over the substrate's upper surface, utilizing laser ablation to form contact openings through the dielectric layer that expose corresponding contact/protection structures, and then forming metal gridlines on the upper surface of the dielectric layer that are electrically connected to the contact structures by way of metal via structures extending through associated contact openings. The contact/protection structures serve both as protection against substrate damage during the contact opening formation process (i.e., to prevent damage of the p+ emitter layer caused by the required high energy laser pulses), and also serve as optional silicide sources that facilitate optimal contact between the metal gridlines and the p+ emitter layer.
US08846430B1	Method of making a reservoir for micromechanical device lubrication The present application is directed to a reservoir for use with a micro-electromechanical device having a first surface area to be lubricated. The reservoir comprises a solid component with a porous structure having a second surface area. The second surface area is greater than the first surface area. The reservoir also comprises a lubricant capable of reversibly reacting with either the solid component or the first surface area of the microelectromechanical device.
US08846428B2	Method for manufacturing light emitting diode chip with electrodes having smooth surfaces A method for manufacturing a light emitting diode chip includes the following steps: providing an epitaxial structure having an epitaxial layer; forming a first electrode and a second electrode on the epitaxial layer; coating an inert layer on the epitaxial structure, the first electrode and the second electrode continuously; annealing the first electrode and the second electrode; and removing the inert layer coated on the first electrode and the second electrode to expose the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08846424B2	Multi-lens solid state lighting devices Solid state lighting (SSL) devices including a plurality of SSL emitters and methods for manufacturing SSL devices are disclosed. Several embodiments of SSL devices in accordance with the technology include a support having a first lead and a second lead, a plurality of individual SSL emitters attached to the support, and a plurality of lenses. Each SSL emitter has a first contact electrically coupled to the first lead of the support and a second contact electrically coupled to the second lead of the support such that the SSL emitters are commonly connected. Each lens has a curved surface and is aligned with a single corresponding SSL emitter.
US08846422B2	Method for manufacturing LED package struture and method for manufacturing LEDs using the LED packange struture A method for manufacturing an LED package structure is disclosed wherein a substrate with a first electrode, a second electrode and a connecting layer is provided. A photoresist coating is provided to cover the substrate, the first electrode, the second electrode and the connecting layer. A portion of the photoresist coating is removed to define a groove corresponding to the connecting layer. A metal layer is formed in the groove to join the connecting layer. A remaining portion of the photoresist coating is removed and a concave is formed and surrounded by the metal layer. A reflective layer is formed on an inside surface of the concave to join the metal layer to form a reflective cup. An LED die is mounted in the reflective cup and electrically connects with the first and second electrodes.
US08846421B2	Method of manufacturing lead frame for light-emitting device package and light-emitting device package A method of manufacturing a lead frame for a light-emitting device package and a light-emitting device package are provided. The method of manufacturing a lead frame for a light-emitting device package includes: preparing a base substrate for the lead frame; forming diffusion roughness on the base substrate; and forming a reflective plating layer on the diffusion roughness formed base substrate.
US08846416B1	Method for forming biochips and biochips with non-organic landings for improved thermal budget The present disclosure provides biochips and methods of fabricating biochips. The method includes combining three portions: a transparent substrate, a first substrate with microfluidic channels therein, and a second substrate. Through-holes for inlet and outlet are formed in the transparent substrate or the second substrate. Various non-organic landings with support medium for bio-materials to attach are formed on the first substrate and the second substrate before they are combined. In other embodiments, the microfluidic channel is formed of an adhesion layer between a transparent substrate and a second substrate with landings on the substrates.
US08846415B2	Ultra-sensitive detection of molecules on single molecule arrays The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample and in some cases, determining a measure of the concentration of the molecules or particles in the fluid sample. Methods of the present invention may comprise immobilizing a plurality of analyte molecules or particles to form a plurality of complexes, releasing at least a portion of some of the plurality of complexes, determining at least a portion of the plurality of complexes released, and determining a measure of the concentration of the analyte molecules or particles in a fluid sample.
US08846412B2	Multiple substances-responsive gel, method for producing same, and utilization of same A multiple-substance-responsive substance is disclosed, which is capable of simultaneously detecting a plurality of detection target substances by a single measurement. By a multiple-substance-responsive gel including: a plurality of kinds of complexes including (i) specifically binding substances, and (ii) binding partners each specifically and reversibly binding to a corresponding one of the specifically binding substances; and a polymer gel to which the plurality of kinds of complexes are immobilized so as to form cross-links, the plurality of kinds of complexes each being formed by binding between (i) a specifically binding substance among the specifically binding substances and (ii) a corresponding binding partner among the binding partners, a plurality of detection target substances can be simultaneously detected by a single measurement.
US08846411B2	Derivatives, reagents, and immunoassay for detecting levetiracetam Levetiracetam (LEV) derivatives, methods for synthesizing LEV derivatives, and immunodiagnostic assays for LEV. The synthesis methods described herein include chirally-selective, liquid-phase synthesis steps to produce selected LEV derivatives in high-yield. LEV derivatives can include operative groups, such as: immunogenic moieties that can be used to prepare anti-LEV antibodies; antigenic moieties that can be used in immunodiagnostic assays for LEV; or tracer moieties that can be used in immunodiagnostic assays. Additionally, the LEV derivatives can be used in immunodiagnostic assays to compete with LEV for anti-LEV antibodies.
US08846409B2	Methods of preparing cannabinoids from plant material The invention relates to methods of preparing cannabinoids in substantially pure form starting from plant material. Also described are substantially pure preparations of various cannabinoids and cannabinoid acids, and also extracts enriched in cannabinoids and cannabinoid acids.
US08846407B2	Chemical explosive detector A method and device for detecting explosive compounds in an air sample in which the air sample is filtered with activated carbon treated with a weakly basic solution, after which the air sample is divided into two parts, with one part being heated at lower temperatures to decompose non-explosive nitrogenous compounds and the second part being heated at higher temperatures to decompose explosive nitrogenous compounds. Nitrogen dioxide is measured in both portions of the air sample with a spectrographic detector, and the presence or absence of explosive nitrogenous compounds in the air sample is determined.
US08846400B2	Culturing mammalian embryonic stem cells in human foreskin fibroblast conditioned medium A cell culture comprising human foreskin cells, the human foreskin cells being capable of maintaining stem cells in an undifferentiated state when co-cultured therewith.
US08846398B2	Method for preparing human neoplastically transformed cells A method for preparing neoplastically transformed cells from human-derived cells, including the step of introducing human telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) gene, SV40 small T antigen (SV40ST) gene, and an antisense oligonucleotide derived from human 28S rRNA into the human-derived cells. The method for preparing neoplastically transformed cells from human-derived cells can be utilized when a variety of human normal cells are induced to be neoplastically transformed in order to elucidate cancer onset mechanisms, so that the method can be effectively utilized in search of target molecules for a new medicament.
US08846397B2	Immunoregulation by anti-ILT5 antibodies and ILT5-binding antibody fragments Disclosed herein are methods of using anti-ILT5 antibodies and ILT5-binding fragments thereof to induce an immunostimulatory effect in a T cell when such a T cell is contacted with an antigen presenting cell (APC) that has been previously contacted with the anti-ILT5 antibody or ILT5-binding fragment. Also disclosed herein are methods of using anti-ILT5 antibodies and ILT5-binding fragments thereof to inhibit a response in a T cell (e.g., a pro-liferative response) when such a T cell is concomitantly contacted, or has previously been contacted, with an APC, which APC is simultaneously contacted with the anti-ILT5 antibody or ILT5-binding fragment. Also disclosed herein are methods of using anti-ILT5 antibodies and ILT5-binding fragments thereof for the treatment of various diseases and for use as immunostimulatory adjuvants.
US08846392B2	Uses of IL-12 and the IL-12 receptor positive cell in tissue repair and regeneration The present application relates to stem cells isolated from various sources within the body of a patient or of a healthy donor and identified by the presence of the interleukin 12 (IL-12) receptor. The present application also provides methods for making and for using the stem cells.
US08846390B2	Methods of conditioning sheet bioprosthetic tissue Methods for the conditioning of bioprosthetic material employ bovine pericardial membrane. A laser directed at the fibrous surface of the membrane and moved relative thereto reduces the thickness of the membrane to a specific uniform thickness and smoothes the surface. The wavelength, power and pulse rate of the laser are selected which will smooth the fibrous surface as well as ablate the surface to the appropriate thickness. Alternatively, a dermatome is used to remove a layer of material from the fibrous surface of the membrane. Thinning may also employ compression. Stepwise compression with cross-linking to stabilize the membrane is used to avoid damaging the membrane through inelastic compression. Rather, the membrane is bound in the elastic compressed state through addition cross-linking. The foregoing several thinning techniques may be employed together to achieve strong thin membranes. The finally thinned membrane may then be treated by capping of calcification nucleation sites and borohydride reduction. The leaflets may be formed to have more than one region of uniform thickness, such as a thicker peripheral sewing region.
US08846389B2	AAV4 vector and uses thereof The present invention provides an adeno-associated virus 4 (AAV4) virus and vectors and particles derived therefrom. In addition, the present invention provides methods of delivering a nucleic acid to a cell using the AAV4 vectors and particles.
US08846388B2	Infectious clones of torque teno virus The present invention is directed to novel nucleotide and amino acid sequences of Torque teno virus (“TTV”), including novel genotypes thereof, all of which are useful in the preparation of vaccines for treating and preventing diseases in swine and other animals. Vaccines provided according to the practice of the invention are effective against multiple swine TTV genotypes and isolates. Diagnostic and therapeutic polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are also a feature of the present invention, as are infectious clones useful in the propagation of the virus and in the preparation of vaccines. Particularly important aspects of the invention include vaccines that provide TTV ORF1 protein, or peptide fragments thereof, as antigen.
US08846386B2	sVEGFR-2 and its role in lymphangiogenesis modulation Disclosed herein are nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence of sVEGF-2, proteins encoded by those sequences and antibodies that bind to the protein. Also disclosed are methods for inhibiting or enhancing expression or activity of sVEGFR-2 and methods for inhibiting graft rejection, particularly cornea graph rejection. Also described are methods for inhibiting lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation by administering an effective amount of sVEGFR-2 and methods for treating lymphedema by inhibiting the activity of sVEGFR-2.
US08846384B2	System for detecting microbial contamination The present invention relates to a system for detecting microbial contamination of a liquid specimen comprising a device for concentrating micro-organisms from a liquid specimen, having (i) a hyperbaric chamber, (ii) a filter housing comprising a liquid-permeable bed of an adsorbent material and adapted for being fluidly connected to the hyperbaric chamber, and (iii) a manner for pressurizing the hyperbaric chamber. The system also comprises a kit for detection of micro-organisms adsorbed to the adsorbent material, wherein the kit is based on enzymatic detection using chromogenic and/or fluorescent substrate analogues.
US08846380B2	Reaction cassette for measuring the concentration of glycated hemoglobin and measuring method thereof A reaction cassette for a glycated hemoglobin meter and a measuring method thereof are provided. The reaction cassette for the glycated hemoglobin meter includes: a first zone receiving a first reagent and a blood sample; a second zone receiving a second reagent; a reaction zone in which the blood sample reacts with the first reagent, or through which the second reagent passes to react with a first blood sample mixture obtained by reacting the blood sample with the first reagent; and a measurement zone measuring an amount of total hemoglobin in the first blood sample mixture, or measuring an amount of glycated hemoglobin in a second blood sample mixture obtained by reacting the first blood sample mixture with the second reagent, wherein the blood sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent move between the reaction zone and the measurement zone according to a rotation angle of the reaction cassette when the reaction cassette is rotated. Therefore, since the reaction cassette rotates automatically, it is possible to measure the amount of glycated hemoglobin in a blood sample through simple manipulation and reduce a manufacturing time. Furthermore, since reagents are supplied to the reaction cassette from a separate reagent pack, it is possible to resolve storage and distribution problems of the reaction cassette, which occur when reagents are stored in the reaction cassette.
US08846379B2	Vision based method for micromanipulating biological samples A system and method for micromanipulating samples are described to perform automatic, reliable, and high-throughput sample microinjection of foreign genetic materials, proteins, and other molecules, as well as drawing genetic materials, proteins, and other molecules from the sample. The system and method overcome the problems inherent in traditional manual micromanipulation that is characterized by poor reproducibility, human fatigue, and low throughput. The present invention is particularly suited for adherent cell microinjection but can be readily extended to aspiration, isolation, and electrophysiological measurements of microorganisms, unicellular organisms, or cells.
US08846377B2	Process for CO2 capture using micro-particles comprising biocatalysts A process for capturing CO2 includes contacting a CO2-containing gas with an absorption mixture optionally within a packed reactor is provided. The absorption mixture includes a liquid solution and micro-particles. The micro-particles include a support material and biocatalyst supported by the support material and are sized and provided in a concentration such that the absorption mixture flows through the packed reactor and that the micro-particles are carried with the liquid solution to promote dissolution and transformation of CO2 into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The absorption mixture and micro-particles may be provided in an absorption reactor so as to be pumpable. Furthermore, a process for desorbing CO2 gas from an ion-rich aqueous mixture includes providing biocatalytic micro-particles and feeding the mixture to a desorption reactor, to promote transformation of the bicarbonate and hydrogen ions into CO2 gas and water.
US08846376B2	Recombinant bacterium capable of removing mercury (II) species, cadmium (II) and copper (II) in presence of other heavy metals from polluted sites, product for the bioremediation, process of obtaining the product and method of bioremediation A heavy metal-resistant recombinant bacterium capable to remove mercury (II) species, cadmium and copper (II) in presence of other heavy metals from polluted sites, which corresponds to Cupriavidus metallidurans strain MSR33, deposited under the access number NRRL B-50299, a product for the bioremediation of environments contaminated with heavy metals, where the product includes a bacterial inoculum of this recombinant strain, the process of obtaining the product and a method for the bioremediation of environments contaminated with heavy metals, which uses this product for the bioremediation.
US08846372B2	Identification of bacterial species and subspecies using lipids The use of free, extractable lipids found in bacteria for identification of bacterial species and subspecies is described. Bacteria have been found to differ sufficiently in their extracted lipid compositions to effect identification using thin layer chromatographic techniques. Burkholderia pseudomallei, Burkholderia thailandensis, and Burkholderia mallei have been distinguished in this manner. Lipopeptides specific to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, but not to the closely related bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium have also been used as a basis for bacterial subspecies identification using mass spectrometry and seroreactivity. Mass spectrometric analysis of total bacterial lipids of Burkholderia pseudomallei, Burkholderia thailandensis, and Burkholderia mallei, and mass spectrometric analysis of total bacterial lipids for Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium subspecies avium, without further lipid separation, has shown that species and subspecies of bacteria may be identified using such analysis.
US08846367B2	Coryneform bacterium transformant and process for producing phenol using the same Provided is a phenol-producing transformant constructed by transferring a gene which encodes an enzyme having tyrosine phenol-lyase activity into a coryneform bacterium as a host. Also provided is a process for producing phenol, which comprises a step of allowing the transformant to react in a reaction mixture containing tyrosine, a salt thereof, or an ester thereof under reducing conditions, and a step of collecting phenol from the reaction mixture.
US08846363B2	Compositions of and methods of using sulfatases from Flavobacterium heparinum This invention is related, in part, to sulfatase enzymes and methods of their use.
US08846359B2	Method of regenerating an enzymatic catalyst A method of regenerating an enzymatic catalyst arranged in a reactor includes a mineral support based on metal oxide and at least one enzyme, wherein it contains at least one step of detachment of the spent enzymes by solvation by scavenging of the catalyst using at least one ionic surfactant, and at least one step of re-attachment of active enzymes by scavenging of the purified support with at least one solution of active enzymes, the two steps being performed in situ within the reactor.
US08846356B2	Processing biomass Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
US08846348B2	Kits and methods for generating 5′ capped RNA The present invention relates to kits and methods for efficiently generating 5′ capped RNA having a modified cap nucleotide and for use of such modified-nucleotide-capped RNA molecules. In particular, the present invention provides kits and methods for capping RNA using a modified cap nucleotide and a capping enzyme system, such as poxvirus capping enzyme. The present invention finds use for in vitro production of 5′-capped RNA having a modified cap nucleotide and for in vitro or in vivo production of polypeptides by in vitro or in vivo translation of such modified-nucleotide-capped RNA. The invention also provides methods and kits for capturing or isolating uncapped RNA comprising primary RNA transcripts or RNA having a 5′-diphosphate, and methods and kits for using a capping enzyme system and modified cap nucleotides for labeling uncapped RNA comprising primary RNA transcripts or RNA having a 5′-diphosphate with detectable dye or enzyme moieties.
US08846346B2	Detection of soluble adiponectin receptor peptides and use in diagnosis and therapeutics The present invention relates to soluble C-terminal fragments of the adiponectin receptor and their use in the diagnosis and management of disorders.
US08846343B2	High-expression promoter derived from Kluyveromyces marxianus Provided is a novel high-expression promoter, namely a GAL1 promoter, derived from Kluyveromyces marxianus. Also provided are the following, characterized by the use of the provided high-expression promoter; a recombinant polynucleotide containing said high-expression promoter; a vector containing said recombinant polynucleotide; a transformant obtained by introducing said recombinant polynucleotide or vector into yeast; a method using said transformant for high expression of a target gene; and a method using said transformant to manufacture the gene product of a target gene.
US08846341B2	Marker panels for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis and evaluation The present invention relates to the discovery that of a panel of serum or plasma markers may be used to diagnose Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (“IPF”) and distinguish this condition from other lung ailments. It further relates to the identification of markers associated with IPF disease progression.
US08846340B2	Carbohydrate-binding modules of a new family The present invention relates to non-catalytic carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM) belonging to a new family of CBM's. A CBM of the invention was found attached to a glycosyl hydrolase family 61 (GH61) polypeptide and was shown to have little homology with known CBM's indicating that it is the first known member of a new family of CBM's. The present invention further relates to CBM's preferably exhibiting binding affinity for cellulose; to a method of producing such CBM's; and to methods for using such CBM's in the textile, detergent and cellulose fiber processing industries, for purification of polypeptides, immobilization of active enzymes, baking, manufacturing of biofuel, modification of plant cell walls.
US08846338B2	Processes for the preparation of phosphatides The present invention discloses processes for the preparation of phosphatides and salts thereof, the processes including the steps of: using at least one raw material lecithin as a substrate and a water-insoluble surfactant-matrix material having a particulate size greater than about 0.01 mm; and enzymatically processing at least one raw material lecithin with the water-insoluble surfactant-matrix material, phospholipase-D, racemic or enantiomerically-pure serine, amino acid, and/or amine and salts in a pH-buffered aqueous solution, wherein the step of processing is performed in a single-phase reaction environment, to produce phosphatides, or the salts thereof, having a structural fatty-acid chain derived from at least one raw material lecithin. Preferably, the step of processing is performed in the presence of a buffer having a pH in the range of about 4.5-8.0. Preferably, the step of processing is performed in the presence of a calcium salt.
US08846337B2	Device for spraying a reagent for fast microbiological analysis The device for spraying a reagent onto a support (81) adapted to retain microorganisms on a predetermined surface (82), comprises a spraying bell (3) as well as a nozzle (71) for emitting a jet of droplets of said reagent into a spraying chamber (34) comprised by said bell (3), said device also comprising an absorbent pad (5) mounted against said bell (3) transversely to said jet and closing said chamber (34) from the opposite side to said nozzle (71) with the exception of a circular central opening (51) provided in said pad (5), the diameter of said central opening (51) being adapted to enable a portion of said jet, when said device faces said support (81) and is at a predetermined distance therefrom, to pass through said central opening (51) over its entire area and be deposited on the whole of said predetermined surface (82) of said support (81).
US08846334B2	Detection of acid-producing bacteria The disclosure provides culture devices and methods useful for detecting acid-producing bacteria in a sample. The devices include a nutrient medium and a pH indicator to detect and differentiate acid-producing microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating acid-producing microorganisms. The methods further provide for the detection of gas-producing acid-producing bacteria.
US08846333B2	Method and device for visual detection of hemolysis The present invention relates to a device for visual detection of hemolysis in a whole blood sample, comprising at least one visible detection compartment and a transfer passage connected to said visible detection compartment, said transfer passage being arranged to permit transfer of a volume of plasma from said sample to said detection compartment and wherein said transfer passage further is arranged with a separation device (4) for separating plasma from blood cells within said whole blood sample before said plasma reaches the detection compartment, wherein said device is arranged with subpressure means providing a subpressure inside said detection compartment for generating a force urging said volume of plasma to be transferred from said whole blood sample to said detection compartment through said transfer passage and via said separation device.
US08846330B2	Methods and kits for the diagnosis of RyR1-related diseases The present invention encompasses methods for diagnosis of calcium channel related diseases (e.g., RyR1-related diseases) comprising contacting lymphocytes isolated from a subject with a calcium channel agonist (e.g., an RyR1 agonist), measuring the adenosine and inosine produced by the lymphocytes; and comparing the measured levels in the sample to the adenosine and inosine levels in a normal control, whereby an increase in the adenosine and inosine levels relative to the control is indicative of a calcium channel related disease (e.g., RyR1-related disease). The invention also encompasses kits for diagnosis of calcium channel-related diseases.
US08846328B2	Method for detecting the presence of a protease enzyme in a sample An enzyme detection product for detecting the presence of an enzyme in a sample. The product includes: a reaction zone for receiving the sample; a visualization zone for presenting a signal in response to the detection of the activity of the enzyme; and a membrane. The membrane is interposable between the reaction zone and the visualization zone and prevents passage from the reaction zone to the visualization zone the components having a size greater than a threshold size. The reaction zone includes a reactant capable of reacting with the enzyme in order to generate a reaction product having a size less than a threshold size.
US08846327B2	Method of quantifying autoinducer-2 A method of quantifying autoinducer-2, including the steps of: preparing a calibration curve using 4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone as a standard sample; and quantifying autoinducer-2 in a test sample based on the calibration curve prepared.
US08846325B2	Methods of cancer diagnosis and therapy targeted against a cancer stem line Improved methods for treatment of cancer which involve the targeting of slow-growing, relatively mutationally-spared cancer stem line are provided. These methods are an improvement over previous cancer therapeutic methods because they provide for very early cancer treatment and reduce the likelihood of clinical relapse after treatment.
US08846324B2	In vitro method for diagnosing or predicting hypertension and/or early-stage cardiovascular end-organ damage by determining the concentration of soluble prorenin receptor A method for diagnosis and/or prediction of hypertension and/or cardiovascular end-organ damage is disclosed. The method disclosed comprises the determination of the presence of soluble pro-renin receptor in samples derived from a subject. Furthermore, the use of anti-sPRR antibodies in diagnosis and/or prediction of cardiovascular end-organ damage is encompassed.
US08846321B2	Association of levels of HDL-cholesterol apolipoprotein CIII with the risk of coronary heart disease and cardiovascular events Presented herein are methods of diagnosing, assessing, and treating an individual at increased risk if developing coronary heart disease or cardiovascular event, based on the individual's level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol apoCIII (HDL-C apoCIII).
US08846312B2	Compositions and methods for detecting certain flaviviruses, including members of the Japanese encephalitis virus serogroup The present invention provides rapid and accurate methods, primers, probes and kits for identifying the presence of a certain flaviviruses in a sample. Flaviviruses that can be detected include members of the Japanese encephalitis virus serogroup, Dengue virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, Montana myotis leukoencephalitis virus, Modoc virus, and Yellow Fever virus. The primers and probes of the invention can hybridize to regions in the 3′ untranslated region of the viral genomes to be detected.
US08846303B2	Resist top coat composition and patterning process There is disclosed a resist top coat composition, used in a patterning process onto a photoresist film, wherein a resist top coat is formed by using the resist top coat composition onto a photoresist film formed on a wafer, and then, after exposure, removal of the resist top coat and development of the photoresist film are performed to effect the patterning on the photoresist film, wherein the resist top coat composition contains a truxene compound having phenol groups shown by the following general formula (1). As a result, there is provided a resist top coat composition not only having an effect from an environment to a resist film reduced and effectively shielding an OOB light, but also reducing film loss of a resist pattern and bridging between patterns and having an effect to enhance sensitivity of the resist; and a patterning process using this.
US08846299B2	Methods for preparing lithograhic printing plates A lithographic processing solution has a pH of less than 12 and comprises at least 0.001 and up to and including 1 weight % of a water-soluble or water-dispersible, non-IR-sensitive compound that has a heterocyclic moiety with a quaternary nitrogen in the 1-position of the heterocyclic ring, and has one or more electron donating substituents attached to the heterocyclic ring, at least one of which electron donating substituents is attached in the 2-position. This processing solution can be used to develop both single-layer and multi-layer positive-working lithographic printing plate precursors that have been imaged using infrared radiation.
US08846298B2	Write-once-read-many optical disk having low-to-high recording property accommodating short wavelength recording A write-only-read-many type optical recording medium includes a substrate, an organic material layer having a light absorption function that is sufficient for recording in the recording/reproduction wavelength range, the organic material layer being situated on the substrate, and a reflection layer being situated on the organic material layer. The recording medium is configured to have a Low-to-High recording property and record with a laser having a wavelength that is no greater than 500 nm.
US08846297B2	Positive photoresist composition, coating film thereof, and novolac phenol resin A positive photoresist composition includes 3 to 80 parts by mass of a novolac phenol resin (B) relative to 100 parts by mass of a cresol novolac resin (A). The novolac phenol resin (B) has a repeating structural unit represented by formula (1) [In the formula, R represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms and X represents a structure (x1) represented by formula (2)
US08846291B2	Resist composition, method of forming resist pattern, and new compound A resist composition including: a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid; a nitrogen-containing organic compound component (C) containing a compound (C1) represented by general formula (c1) shown below; and an acid generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, provided that the compound (C1) is excluded from the acid generator component (B): wherein RN represents a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group which may have a substituent; X0 represents a linear or branched divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a cyclic divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group of 3 to 20 carbon atoms or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group of 3 to 20 carbon having a cyclic partial structure, or any one of these groups in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms thereof have been substituted with fluorine atoms; and M+ represents an organic cation.
US08846287B2	Electrophotographic member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus A high quality electrophotographic member that is excellent in deformation recovery property under high-temperature and high-humidity and that also satisfies filming resistance under low-temperature and low-humidity is provided.The electrophotographic member includes a substrate, an elastic layer, and a surface layer containing a urethane resin, wherein the urethane resin has a partial structure having at least one structure selected from the group consisting of structures of structural formulae (1) to (7) between adjacent two urethane linkages, and the urethane resin further has a partial structure derived from a reaction of a compound represented by a structural formula (8) with a polyisocyanate.
US08846286B2	Liquid developer, liquid developing device, and wet image forming method In order to prevent the occurrence of bleeding in a nip between a photoreceptor and an intermediate transfer body or a nip between the photoreceptor and a sheet, which is a problem in a wet developing method, the present disclosure provides a liquid developer that includes an electrically insulating carrier liquid and colored particles dispersed within the carrier liquid, further contains an organic polymer compound, and has a viscosity of 30 to 400 mPa·s at a measurement temperature of 25° C.
US08846283B2	Hyperpigmented toner The present disclosure describes hyperpigmented toner compositions containing a mixture of insulative color pigments, which toners exhibit reduced dielectric loss and improved tribo-charging.
US08846280B2	Compound, charge transporting film, photoelectric conversion device, electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus Provided is a compound represented by the following General Formula (I): wherein in General Formula (I), F represents a charge transporting subunit, L represents a linking group having a valency of (n+1) that is formed by combining two or more kinds selected from a group consisting of an alkylene group, —C═C— (an alkenylene group), —C(═O)—, —N(R)—, —O—, and —S—, and R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group, m represents an integer of from 1 to 6, and n represents an integer of from 2 to 3.
US08846275B2	Method for mask patterns A design method for mask patterns is provided. The design method includes providing an exposure machine with a mask including an optical proximity correction (OPC) pattern including a first clear area and a first dark area, wherein the first clear area surrounds the first dark area, placing a substrate in the exposure machine, and exposing the substrate to light to form an imaged pattern on the substrate, wherein the imaged pattern has an area smaller than that of the optical proximity correction (OPC) pattern.
US08846274B2	Mask blank, transfer mask and process for manufacturing semiconductor devices The present invention is the mask blank includes a glass substrate and a thin film formed on a main surface of the glass substrate, the thin film includes a material containing tantalum and substantially no hydrogen, and the mask blank has a invasion suppressive film between the main surface of the glass substrate and the thin film which suppresses hydrogen from being invaded from the glass substrate into the thin film.
US08846273B2	Photomasks, methods of forming a photomask, and methods of photolithographically patterning a substrate A photomask includes a substrate having a device region and an adjacent edge region over transparent material. The device region includes spaced primary features of constant pitch at least adjacent the edge region. The edge region includes spaced sub-resolution assist features of the constant pitch of the spaced primary features at least adjacent the device region and which are off-phase by from about 30° to about 150° from +/−180°. Additional embodiments, including methods, are disclosed.
US08846272B2	Anode for fuel cell, membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cell including same, and fuel cell system including same Anodes for fuel cells, membrane-electrode assemblies for fuel cells including the anodes, and fuel cell systems including the membrane-electrode assemblies are provided. The anode includes a catalyst layer including a platinum-based metal catalyst and a carbon monoxide oxidizing catalyst on a catalyst support, and an electrode substrate. The catalyst support may be selected from ThO2, CeO2, Ce2O3, MnxOy (where x ranges from 1 to 2 and y ranges from 1 to 3), Co3O4, ZrO2, TiO2, and combinations thereof. The anode for a fuel cell includes a carbon monoxide oxidizing catalyst, which increases carbon monoxide oxidation, thereby providing high activity.
US08846271B2	Electrode material An electrode material, including: catalyst particles formed by performing inclusion, by a porous inorganic material, for a conductive support and metal particles arranged on the conductive support and/or metal particles brought into contact with the conductive support.
US08846270B2	Titanate and metal interconnects for solid oxide fuel cells A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a plurality of sub-cells. Each sub-cell includes a first electrode in fluid communication with a source of oxygen gas, a second electrode in fluid communication with a source of a fuel gas, and a solid electrolyte between the first electrode and the second electrode. The SOFC further includes an interconnect between the sub-cells. In one embodiment, the SOFC has a first surface in contact with the first electrode of each sub-cell and a second surface that is in contact with the second electrode of each sub-cell; and the interconnect consists essentially of a doped M-titanate based perovskite, wherein M is an alkaline earth metal. In another embodiment, the interconnect includes a first layer in contact with the first electrode of each sub-cell, and a second layer in contact with the second electrode of each sub-cell. The first layer includes an electrically conductive material selected from the group consisting of an metal, a metal alloy and a mixture thereof. The second layer includes a doped M-titanate based perovskite, wherein M is an alkaline earth metal. A solid oxide fuel cell described above is formed by connecting each of the sub-cells with an interconnect described above.
US08846266B2	Carbohydrate anode for fuel cell and battery applications Abiotic fuel cell and battery designs employing chemical dyes in alkaline solutions are disclosed. The fuel cells and batteries are capable of harnessing electrical power from various carbohydrates, including, but not limited to, glucose; in an anode design that does not require catalysts or membranes to separate half-cell reaction chambers. In certain embodiments, the abiotic fuel cell or battery designs may further employ electrodes, such as high surface area carbon materials and commercial air breathing electrodes, without the use of catalysts for glucose oxidation (i.e., precious metals or biocatalytic species). In further embodiments, organic dyes, including but not limited to, methyl viologen (MV), methylene blue, methylene green, Meldola's blue, indigo carmine, safranin O, and the like, may serve as the electron mediators. In some embodiments, the fuel cells or batteries are capable of generating power on the order of about tens of mW/cm2 from glucose and/or other types of sugars.
US08846264B2	Fuel cell comprising offset connection channels A cell unit of a fuel cell includes a first membrane electrode assembly, a first metal separator, a second membrane electrode assembly, and a second metal separator. Resin frame members are provided at the outer ends of the first and second membrane electrode assemblies. Coolant connection channels including a plurality of grooves is formed in each of the resin frame members. The grooves of the coolant connection channels of the cell unit and grooves of coolant connection channels of a cell unit that is adjacent to the cell unit in the stacking direction are offset from each other, and are not overlapped with each other in the stacking direction.
US08846259B2	Method of controlling output of fuel cell system and vehicle with fuel cell system A fuel cell system has different allowable changes per unit time in an operation range of a fuel cell, in both a first output range of the fuel cell and a second output range of the fuel cell, the second output range being lower than the first output range. The allowable change per unit time in the output of the fuel cell in the second output range is smaller than the allowable change per unit time in the output of the fuel cell in the first output range.
US08846252B2	Battery electrode and method for manufacturing same A battery electrode with a pasting textile, fabric, or scrim made with an electrode grid (e.g., a stamped grid or expanded metal grid) coated in battery electrode and covered with pasting textile formed of a bonded, non-woven fiber web. The web is formed from one or more fibers with an average length greater than 20 μm. In various embodiments, the web is formed from one or more spun, continuous fibers. The battery electrode may be made in a continuous process where multiple grids are formed in a single sheet, coated with electrode active material, and the scrim before being cut into individual electrodes.
US08846250B2	System of lithium ion battery containing material with high irreversible capacity Disclosed is a cathode active material comprising a lithium-free metal oxide and a material with high irreversible capacity. A novel lithium ion battery system using the cathode active material is also disclosed. The battery, comprising a cathode using a mixture of a Li-free metal oxide and a material with high irreversible capacity, and an anode comprising carbon instead of Li metal, shows excellent safety compared to a conventional battery using lithium metal as an anode. Additionally, the novel battery system has a higher charge/discharge capacity compared to a battery using a conventional cathode active material such as lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide or lithium manganese oxide.
US08846235B2	Battery module A battery module including: a plurality of aligned cells, wherein a cooling unit accommodating a cooling agent is provided in a vicinity of the cells, part of the cooling unit is a vulnerable section having a relatively low compressive strength, and the vulnerable section is unsealed when heat is abnormally generated in at least one of the cells.
US08846234B2	Battery cartridge having elastic pressing member, and battery module containing the same Disclosed herein is a battery cartridge configured in a frame structure to mount a plate-shaped battery cell therein, the battery cartridge comprising a pair of plate-shaped frames configured to fix the outer circumference of the battery cell in a state in which at least one side of the battery cell is open, wherein each of the frames is provided at the outside thereof with an elastic pressing member configured to fix a heat dissipation member to the open side of the battery cell in a tight contact manner upon manufacture of a battery module.
US08846233B2	Battery module assembly of improved cooling efficiency Disclosed herein is a battery module assembly including a plurality of battery modules, each including a plurality of battery cells or unit modules mounted in a module case in a state in which the battery cells or the unit modules are connected in series to each other, wherein the battery modules are arranged adjacent to each other in the lateral direction in a state in which the battery modules are electrically connected to each other, and a cooling member including a coolant conduit to allow a liquid coolant to flow therealong is mounted at the outside of each of the battery modules.
US08846232B2	Flash cooling system for increased battery safety In a battery pack having multiple battery cells distributed, for example, between multiple interconnected battery modules, a run-time cooling system is provided to cool (and/or heat) the battery cells during routine charging and discharging of the cells (e.g., powering a load such as a motor within an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle), and an emergency cooling system to cool the battery cells in response to a signal indicating detection of one or more conditions indicating possible thermal runaway within the battery cells or battery modules. The run-time cooling system, which may include a fan, HVAC unit or other fluid pumping device, induces continuous coolant flow within the battery pack (e.g., flow of air or other gaseous or liquid coolant). The emergency cooling system, by contrast, includes a mechanical interface or is otherwise adapted to receive a receptacle containing pressurized coolant or other flash-cooling device.
US08846231B2	Battery assembly with temperature control device A battery module of the present invention is adaptable to be utilized in various configurations including and not limited to an overlapping battery cell packaging configuration and a vertical stack battery cell packaging configuration used in an automotive and non-automotive applications. The battery module has a plurality of battery heatsink assemblies with the cells disposed therebetween. A plurality of rods extend through the each heatsink assemblies to secure the heatsink assemblies and the cell with one another to form the battery module.
US08846230B2	Rechargeable battery with a jelly roll having multiple thicknesses The disclosed embodiments relate to the design of a battery cell with multiple thicknesses. This battery cell includes a jelly roll enclosed in a pouch, wherein the jelly roll includes layers which are wound together, including a cathode with an active coating, a separator, and an anode with an active coating. The jelly roll also includes a first conductive tab coupled to the cathode and a second conductive tab coupled to the anode. The jelly roll is enclosed in a flexible pouch, and the first and second conductive tabs are extended through seals in the pouch to provide terminals for the battery cell. Furthermore, the battery cell has two or more thicknesses, wherein the different thicknesses are created by removing material from one or more of the layers before winding the layers together.
US08846227B2	Cooling/heating element for a rechargeable battery A cooling/heating element for a rechargeable battery, the cooling/heating element including a cooling area having a first boundary which physically contacts a first cell of the rechargeable battery, and a second boundary which physically contacts a second cell of the rechargeable battery. The cooling/heating element can be stacked and also include an inlet and/or outlet which interacts with an inlet and/or outlet of an adjacent cooling/heating element in a stack.
US08846226B2	Electric storage device and electric storage apparatus A cell includes a case having a plurality of walls, a power generating element housed in the case in a state of being away from an inner surface of a bottom surface of the case, and a heat transfer member in contact with an outer surface of the bottom surface of the case.
US08846225B2	Reintroduction of lithium into recycled battery materials Methods for making a recycled or refurbished electrode material for an energy-storage device are provided. One example method comprises harvesting a lithium-deficient electrode material from a recycling or waste stream, and replenishing at least some lithium in the lithium-deficient electrode material. A second example method comprises breeching an enclosure of a cell of an energy storage device, replenishing at least some lithium in a lithium-deficient electrode material of the cell, and sealing the enclosure of the cell.
US08846223B2	Battery pack A design for a battery pack that provides for a foolproof and easy assembly process, especially during when the protection circuit module is inserted into and combined with the battery case. The protection circuit module includes a circuit substrate with driving circuits arranged on both sides thereof. This circuit substrate is inserted between a first barrier rib of the battery case and a second barrier rib and arranged in parallel thereto. Supporting barrier ribs extending orthogonal from the barrier ribs towards the circuit substrate have a rounded top edge to guide the circuit substrate into the proper location in the battery case. The height of these supporting barrier ribs are formed at least as tall as the barrier ribs to prevent the circuit substrate or the driving circuits from contacting the barrier ribs during the insertion process.
US08846222B2	Battery pack A battery pack including a reinforcement plate having a metal layer and a heat sealing layer, wherein the reinforcement plate is attached to a battery cell to reinforce the battery cell, thus improving reliability regarding product quality. The battery pack includes a battery cell, a circuit module electrically connected to the battery cell, a top cover installed on an upper portion of the battery cell, and a reinforcement plate attached to the battery cell.
US08846218B2	Process for smoothing the surface of a part made of CMC material A method of smoothing the surface of a ceramic matrix composite material part that presents a surface that is undulating and rough. The method includes depositing a refractory vitreous coating on the surface of the part, the vitreous coating essentially containing silica, alumina, baryte, and lime.
US08846217B2	Surface-coated tool Provided is a surface-coated tool, such as a cutting tool, in which a surface of a substrate 2 is coated with a coating layer 6. The coating layer 6 comprises a lower layer 8 and an upper layer 9. The lower layer 8 and the upper layer 9 are both composed of columnar particles 10 extending vertically with respect to the surface of the substrate 2. The mean crystal width of the columnar particles 10b constituting the upper layer 9 is smaller than the mean crystal width of the columnar particles constituting the lower layer. Dispersed particles containing tungsten exist in both the lower layer and the upper layer. The distribution density of the dispersed particles existing in the upper layer is smaller than the distribution density of the dispersed particles existing in the lower layer. The surface-coated tool includes the coating layer to improve wear resistance and fracture resistance.
US08846216B2	Cast piece and method for producing same A method for producing a cast metal piece and a cast metal piece are provided. An information element includes at least one piece of information. The information element is produced from a magnetizable material and the information is deposited n the magnetizable material and is cast into the information element during casting of the price, the casting temperature being above the Curie temperature of the magnetizable material of the information element.
US08846212B2	Organic metal complexes derivative and organic light emitting devices using the same The present invention relates to a novel organic metal complex derivative and to an organic light emitting device comprising the same. The organic metal complex derivative is represented by the following Formula 1: The organic electronic device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and one or more organic material layers disposed therebetween, and at least one layer of the organic material layers includes the organic metal complex derivative.
US08846210B2	Ceramic electronic component and method of manufacturing ceramic electronic component A ceramic electronic component includes a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and a boundary reaction layer. The first dielectric layer is a layer containing BaO, Nd2O3, and TiO2, the second dielectric layer is a layer containing a material different from the material of the first dielectric layer, and the boundary reaction layer is a layer formed between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer and containing at least one of Zn, Ti, Cu, and Mg.
US08846207B2	Wear part with hard facing The invention relates to a wear part or tool comprising a body containing an iron-group metal or alloy, a wear-resistant layer metallurgically bonded to a surface of the body through an intermediate layer, characterised in that the wear-resistant layer comprises at least 13 vol. % of grains of metal carbide selected from the group consisting of WC, TiC, VC, ZrC, NbC, Mo2C, HfC and TaC and grains of (CrlMe)xCy and a metal based phase comprising of a solid solution of 0.5 to 20% Cr, 0.2 to 15% Sil and 0.2 to 20% carbon, where Me is Fe, Co and/or Ni; and the intermediate layer has a thickness of 0.05 to 1 mm and comprises Si in amount of 0.1 to 0.7 of that in the wear-resistant layer, chromium in amount of 0.1 to 0.6 of that in the wear-resistant layer and the metal of the metal carbide in amount of 0.2 to 0.6 of that in the wear-resistant layer and to a method of producing such a wear part.
US08846201B2	Composite plated product A composite plated product has a metal material and a plating film of compounded carbon nanomaterials and microparticles coated on the metal material in a nickel plating bath in which carbon nanomaterials are mixed together with microparticles having an average grain size of 2.5 μm or less.
US08846198B2	Aqueous formulations based on crystalline or semicrystalline polyurethane polymers The present invention relates to aqueous compositions based on crystalline or semicrystalline polyurethane polymers, processes for the preparation thereof and adhesive systems comprising these aqueous compositions and the use thereof.
US08846189B1	Long fiber thermoplastic thin-walled aeroshells for missile applications and methods of manufacture Aeroshells and methods for manufacturing aeroshells are provided. In this regard, a representative aeroshell for a missile formed of a long fiber thermoplastic composite exhibits a wall thickness of no greater than approximately 0.070″.
US08846185B2	Decorated sheet for insert molding Provided is a decorated sheet for insert molding in which at least a base sheet, a print layer and a surface resin layer are laminated, wherein the above base sheet comprises an ABS resin having a butadiene content of 10 to 33% by weight based on the total component, and the surface resin layer has a thickness of 50 to 150 μm. Capable of being provided is a novel decorated sheet which does not generate harmful gases such as a chlorine gas and the like in burning and therefore does not bring about problems such as environmental pollution and the like and which is excellent in a so-called vacuum molding property and can suitably be used for various interior decorations of automobiles and the like.
US08846183B2	Microfabricated elastomeric valve and pump systems A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
US08846182B2	Process for producing transparent conductive transfer plate, transparent conductive transfer plate, process for producing transparent conductive substrate using the transparent conductive transfer plate, transparent conductive substrate, and molded product using the transparent conductive substrate A transparent conductive substrate capable of readily producing a transparent conductive substrate having a low resistance, a high transmittance and an excellent anti-moire property without using a special apparatus and can be applied to production of various extensive substrates by applying a dispersion solution of metal fine particles capable of forming a self-organized film on a support, drying the obtained coating layer and then subjecting the resulting dried material to heat treatment and/or chemical treatment particles on a support, drying the obtained coating layer and then reducing and precipitating the precursor of the metal fine particles, to previously form a transparent conductive film; and then bonding a substrate to the support to transfer the transparent conductive film onto the substrate and releasing the support from the transparent conductive film.
US08846181B2	Interior panel and injection molding method A resin-made interior panel molded into a thin-plate shape using a cavity die and a core die in which portions which corresponds to undercut portions with respect to the die-cutting direction of the molding die includes on the front surface side of a panel a flat bottom portion having a shape which cancels an entire undercut space on the side of the core-die and a rib structure having a plurality of ribs projecting in the shape of plugging back the undercut space and having a plurality of grooves extending from the bottom portion in the die-cut direction. According to the invention as described above, means which maintain the design shape of the interior panel on the front surface side having the undercut portions is provided without necessity of a slide die in the core die.
US08846180B2	Retardation film A retardation film which has few foreign matter defects and small retardation nonuniformity and meets the required quality of a retardation film is provided with high productivity at a low cost by melt extruding a polycarbonate.The retardation film obtained by stretching and orienting a melt extruded film of a polycarbonate is characterized in that: (1) the polycarbonate constituting the film has a viscosity average molecular weight of 1.3×104 to 1.8×104; (2) the retardation R(589) within the plane of the film measured at a wavelength of 589 nm is 50 to 800 nm; (3) the retardation R(589) nonuniformity within the plane of the film is ±5 nm; (4) the average thickness of the film is 10 to 150 μm; and (5) the number of film defects as large as 100 μm or more is 2 or less/m2.
US08846176B2	Honeycomb composite plate of plastic foam A honeycomb composite plate of plastic foam comprises at least a support body and a plastic surface sheet. The support body comprises at least a support core, which has a honeycomb structure and is formed of plastic foam. The plastic surface sheet is fixed to the support body and supported by it. Further, the support core and the plastic surface sheet are fixed together.
US08846173B2	Optical recording medium and manufacturing method of optical recording medium There is provided an optical recording medium including a substrate, an information recording layer that is formed on the substrate and has a single film structure formed by an oxide including W and Ru, and a light transmissive layer that is formed on the information recording layer.
US08846172B2	Light emissive ceramic laminate and method of making same Disclosed herein are a laminated composite and process for making the same. The laminated composite includes at least one wavelength-converting layer and at least one non-emissive layer, wherein a vertical relief gap pattern defines the composite into a plurality of discrete separable portions, and the discrete separable portions are breakably joined by a non-emissive layer. Separation along the relief gap pattern reduces color variation amongst the discrete portions and processes.
US08846167B2	Image transfer sheet An image transfer sheet includes an image-receiving layer, a substrate, and a rear outermost layer containing an alkali metal salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid. The image-receiving layer, the substrate, and the rear outermost layer are arranged in that order.
US08846162B2	Manufacturing method for liquid-discharge head substrate A manufacturing method for a liquid-discharge head substrate including a base material provided with an energy generating element that generates energy utilized for discharging liquid, a noble metal layer including noble metal provided on a surface of the base material on energy generating element side, and a material layer provided to come into contact with the noble metal layer. The manufacturing method includes preparing the base material on which the material layer is provided, oxidizing a part of a surface of the material layer by discharging electricity in oxygen-containing gas, and providing the noble metal layer on the base material.
US08846161B2	Hydrophobic coating and method A hydrophobic coating and method of preparing a hydrophobic coating with an adhesion promoting layer formed from an adhesion promoting composition and a hydrophobic layer, is disclosed. The adhesion promoting composition may comprise an adhesion promoting compound having an amine group and at least one of a silane functional group and/or a germanium functional group. The hydrophobic layer forming composition may comprise a hydrophobic layer forming compound having a hydrophobic aliphatic group and at least one of a silane functional group and/or a germanium functional group.
US08846148B2	Composition for chemical vapor deposition film-formation and method for production of low dielectric constant film A composition for chemical vapor deposition film-formation comprising a borazine compound represented by the Chemical Formula 1 satisfying at least one of a condition that content of each halogen atom in the composition is 100 ppb or less or a condition that content of each metal element in the composition is 100 ppb or less. In the Chemical Formula 1, R1 may be the same or different, and is hydrogen atom, alkyl group, alkenyl group or alkynyl group, and at least one thereof is hydrogen atom; R2 may be the same or different, and is hydrogen atom, alkyl group, alkenyl group or alkynyl group, and at least one thereof is alkyl group, alkenyl group or alkynyl group.
US08846147B2	Method for manufacturing a complexly shaped composite material part A method of fabricating a complex part out of composite material including three-dimensional woven fiber reinforcement densified by a matrix, the method including three-dimensionally weaving a continuous fiber strip including a succession of fiber blanks for preforms of a plurality of parts that are to be fabricated; subsequently cutting individual fiber blanks out from the strip, each blank being a one-piece blank; shaping a cut-out blank to obtain a one-piece fiber preform having a shape that is close to the shape of a part that is to be fabricated; consolidating the preform in the desired shape; and densifying the consolidated preform by forming a matrix by chemical vapor infiltration.
US08846145B2	Liquid processing method A liquid processing method forms a coating film by supplying and pouring a coating solution from a coating solution nozzle onto a surface of a substrate held substantially horizontally by a substrate holder. In the liquid processing method, a process for photographing a leading end portion of a coating solution nozzle is provided. When performing a process for anti-drying of the coating solution for a long period of time in advance, a position of the coating solution and a position of an anti-drying liquid are set by using a soft scale displayed on a screen where the photographed image is displayed. Therefore, a dispense control is performed based on a set value without depending on the naked eyes and a control for suppressing the drying of the coating solution in the leading end portion of the coating solution nozzle is performed.
US08846141B1	High-throughput printing of semiconductor precursor layer from microflake particles Methods and devices are provided for high-throughput printing of semiconductor precursor layer from microflake particles. In one embodiment, the method comprises of transforming non-planar or planar precursor materials in an appropriate vehicle under the appropriate conditions to create dispersions of planar particles with stoichiometric ratios of elements equal to that of the feedstock or precursor materials, even after settling. In particular, planar particles disperse more easily, form much denser coatings (or form coatings with more interparticle contact area), and anneal into fused, dense films at a lower temperature and/or time than their counterparts made from spherical nanoparticles. These planar particles may be microflakes that have a high aspect ratio. The resulting dense film formed from microflakes are particularly useful in forming photovoltaic devices.
US08846138B2	Surface treatment of print media A method for surface treatment of a paper substrate and a paper product produced therefrom are disclosed herein. The surface treatment method includes applying a salt-containing solution to at least one surface of a paper substrate by aerosol spraying in a separate step, whereby the salt distribution through the thickness of the treated paper substrate is non-uniform with the highest concentration of salt being present in the outermost portion of the paper substrate. The salt-containing solution contains at least one water-soluble metal salt and is void of any optical brightening agent (OBA).
US08846137B2	Method of manufacturing a magnetic disk On manufacturing a magnetic disk having at least a magnetic layer (60), a protective layer (70), and a lubricating layer (80) formed in this order over a substrate (10), the lubricating layer is formed by using a coating solution in which a perfluoropolyether compound having a perfluoropolyether main chain and a hydroxyl group in a structure thereof is dispersed and dissolved in a fluorine-based solvent having a boiling point of 90° C. or more.
US08846134B2	Isoelectronic surfactant induced sublattice disordering in optoelectronic devices A method of disordering a layer of an optoelectronic device including; growing a plurality of lower layers; introducing an isoelectronic surfactant; growing a layer; allowing the surfactant to desorb; and growing subsequent layers all performed at a low pressure of 25 torr.
US08846133B2	Method for producing a proton-conducting membrane The invention relates to a method for the production of a proton-conducting polymer membrane on the basis of polyazoles, comprising the steps of A) converting one or more aromatic tetra-amino compounds having one or more aromatic carboxylic acids, which contain at least two acid groups per carboxylic acid monomer, to form a salt comprising diammonium catious and carboxylate anions, B) mixing the salt from step A) with polyphosporic acid to form a solution and/or dispersion, C) applying a layer using the mixture according to step B) onto a carrier, D) heating the planar formation/layer obtained according to step C) to temperatures of up to 350° C., preferably up to 280° C., to form the polyazole polymers, E) treating the membrane formed in step D) in the presence of moisture at temperatures and for a duration sufficient until it is self-supporting.
US08846128B2	Method of producing granulated and powdered mochi-like food product and wheat flour substitute In one embodiment, unpolished sweet rice, a.k.a. glutinous rice, is processed to yield a powdered or granulated product which provides more than one unique advantage when applied as a substitute for traditional mochi or wheat flour as an ingredient for producing pancakes and baked goods. The sweet rice is processed by sprouting it, dehydrating it, roasting it, cooling it, and finally pulverizing it to provide flour or meal. The flour or meal is then made into comestibles by combining with other ingredients and baking or frying, according to adapted recipes. Non-glutinous varieties of unpolished rice, a.k.a. brown rice, may also be processed according to this method to yield rice flour with a distinctive, nutty flavor and stabilized rice bran.
US08846124B2	Apparatus and method for forming a pressed, baked food product A method for forming a pressed, baked food product including providing a dough intermediate puck. The dough intermediate puck is processed through a first, compression station that applies a compression force and heat to the dough intermediate puck, resulting in a pressed puck. The pressed puck is processed through a second, dwell and heating station that contacts opposing major surfaces of the pressed puck in a manner allowing the pressed puck to naturally rise and applies heat to the puck, resulting in a pressed, at least partially-baked, food product. The above steps are characterized by continuous movement of the puck from an upstream end of the first station to a downstream end of the second station. In one embodiment, residual heat from the first station is applied in the second station.
US08846118B2	Use of anabolic agents, anti-catabolic agents, antioxidant agents and analgesics for protection, treatment and repair of connective tissues in humans and animals The present invention relates to compositions for the protection, treatment and repair of connective tissues in humans and animals comprising any or all of anabolic, anti-catabolic, anti-oxidant and analgesic agents, including aminosugars, S-adenosylmethionine, arachadonic acid, GAGs, including pentosan, collagen type II, tetracyclines or tetracycline-like compounds, diacerin, super oxide dismutase, L-ergothionine, one or more avocado/soybean unsaponifiables, and an analgesic, e.g., acetaminophen, and to methods of treating humans and animals by administration of these novel compositions to humans and animals in need thereof.
US08846116B2	Wipe and methods for improving skin health The present invention relates to methods and products, such as wet wipes and absorbent articles, that are capable of imparting a health benefit when used in the intended fashion. More specifically, the products described herein comprise one or more botanical compounds, which are capable of selectively controlling the balance of flora on the skin. The compounds may enhance the adherence of healthy flora to the surface of skin or mucosa, inhibit the growth of problem flora on or around the skin surface, or inhibit the adherence of problem flora to the surface of skin or mucosa, or any combination thereof.
US08846114B1	Composition for the treatment of herpes and cold sores A composition for treating herpes and cold sores. The composition may be topically applied, ingested into the body, or injected into the body. The composition may be applied quickly and discretely in order to sooth and treat herpes and cold sores. The composition utilizes a highly effective combination of compounds, including olea europaea leaf extract and olea europaea fruit oil, to achieve this end.
US08846113B2	Method for treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome The present invention provides methods for treating diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome comprising administering to a patient in need thereof, an inhibitor of chloride-ion transport in an amount sufficient to treat diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (d-IBS). Treatment of d-IBS includes the treatment of the diarrhea component of d-IBS as well as the pain, abdominal discomfort and other symptoms associated with d-IBS. In one embodiment, the inhibitor of chloride-ion transport is crofelemer.
US08846111B2	Compositions and methods for establishing and/or maintaining pregnancy Compositions comprising selenium (e.g., organic selenium (e.g., selenized yeast (e.g., SEL-PLEX))) and methods of using the same (e.g., as a therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment) are provided. For example, compositions comprising selenium (e.g., organic selenium (e.g., selenized yeast (e.g., SEL-PLEX))) and methods of using the same are provided for treating and/or preventing one or more conditions (e.g., problems) disorders, and/or diseases related to establishing and/or maintaining a pregnancy. Compositions and methods of the invention find use in, among other things, research and clinical (e.g., preventative and therapeutic) applications.
US08846110B2	Polymeric systems for the delivery of anticancer drugs The present invention relates to compositions for the treatment of cancerous tissues in warm-blooded animals containing one or two anticancer agents attached to polymeric carriers having monomer units derived from one or more of N-(2-carboxypropyl)methacrylamide (2-CPMA), N-(3-carboxypropyl)methacrylamide (3-CPMA), N-(2-aminopropyl)methacrylamide (2-APMA) and/or N-(3-aminopropyl)methacrylamide (3-APMA) are also included. Anticancer agents in compositions can be attached to said polymeric carrier by side-chains which can be susceptible to hydrolysis by lysosomal enzymes intracellularly. Compositions can also include a targeting ligand attached to the polymeric carrier, optionally through a second linker.
US08846107B2	In situ generation of peroxycarboxylic acids at alkaline pH, and methods of use thereof The present disclosure is related to percarboxylic acid compositions formed in situ in non-equilibrium reactions. The peroxycarboxylic acid compositions are formed using ester based starting materials. Methods for using the percarboxylic acid compositions are also disclosed.
US08846106B2	Enhanced transport using membrane disruptive agents Compositions and methods for transport or release of therapeutic and diagnostic agents or metabolites or other analytes from cells, compartments within cells, or through cell layers or barriers are described. The compositions include a membrane barrier transport enhancing agent and are usually administered in combination with an enhancer and/or exposure to stimuli to effect disruption or altered permeability, transport or release. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions include compounds which disrupt endosomal membranes in response to the low pH in the endosomes but which are relatively inactive toward cell membranes, coupled directly or indirectly to a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. Other disruptive agents can also be used, responsive to stimuli and/or enhancers other than pH, such as light, electrical stimuli, electromagnetic stimuli, ultrasound, temperature, or combinations thereof. The compounds can be coupled by ionic, covalent or H bonds to an agent to be delivered or to a ligand which forms a complex with the agent to be delivered. Agents to be delivered can be therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents. Treatments which enhance delivery such as ultrasound, iontopheresis, and/or electrophoresis can also be used with the disrupting agents.
US08846105B2	Dry powder fibrin sealant The present invention relates to a dry powder fibrin sealant which comprises a mixture of fibrinogen and thrombin for use in surgery, trauma and other wounds or injuries. It further relates to novel formulations comprising said dry powder fibrin sealant for use in the treatment of wounds or for surgical intervention or as a topical hemostat.
US08846099B2	Parenteral composition comprising microspheres with a diameter between 10 and 20 microns The present invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations suitable for targeting particular tissue and/or organ(s) with a formulated active ingredient, for example when administered upstream of the target organ or tissue, and to use of the same in treatment, methods of treatment administering the same and methods of preparing the formulations. The pharmaceutical formulations of the invention are for parenteral administration to a target tissue and comprise particles containing an active ingredient, and a biodegradable excipient, wherein 90% or more of the particles have a diameter of between 10 and 20 microns and the formulation is substantially free of particles with a diameter greater than 50 microns and less than 5 microns, such that where the formulation is administered upstream of the target tissue the ability of the active to pass through the target tissue and pass into systemic circulation is restricted.
US08846098B2	Artificial cell constructs for cellular manipulation The present invention contemplates induction of immunological tolerance thereby providing permanent allograft acceptance. This method obviates the need for a lifelong regimen of immunosuppressive agents which can increase the risk of infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Immunological tolerance is thought to be mediated by regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg cells) with immunosuppressive capabilities. A therapeutically relevant platform comprising artificial constructs are contemplated comprising numerous soluble and surface bound Treg cell stimulating factors that may induce tolerance following allograft transplantation. Such artificial constructs, being the size of a cell, have surface bound monoclonal antibodies specific to regulatory T-cell surface moieties and encapsulated soluble regulatory T-cell modulating factors.
US08846096B2	Nanoparticles and methods of use Provided herein are nanoparticles and methods for using nanoparticles. The nanoparticles include at least three antiretroviral agents. When introduced to cells the nanoparticles cause an increase in the intracellular concentration of the antiretroviral agents to a level that is at least the IC50 against HIV-I or HIV-2. This concentration may be maintained for at least 21 days after the cells are contacted with the nanoparticle. When administered to a subject the nanoparticles cause the concentration of the antiretroviral agents to increase to at least 100 ng/ml in the serum of the subject, at least 0.5 μg/gram tissue in an organ of the subject, or a combination thereof. Such a concentration may be maintained for at least 21 days after the administration.
US08846091B2	Matrix for sustained, invariant and independent release of active compounds The invention concerns a storage stable pharmaceutical formulation comprising preferably two active compounds in a non-swellable diffusion matrix, whereby the compounds are released from the matrix in a sustained, invariant and, if several compounds are present, independent manner and the matrix is determined with respect to its substantial release characteristics by ethylcellulose and at least one fatty alcohol. The invention also concerns methods for producing such pharmaceutical formulations.
US08846084B2	Controlled release compositions containing zolpidem The present invention relates to controlled release compositions of Zolpidem or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof adapted to release Zolpidem over a predetermined time period, according to a monophasic and/or a biphasic profile of dissolution. The present invention also relates to monolithic matrix based formulations of Zolpidem or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US08846083B2	Method for the diffusion of molecules which are insoluble in an aqueous medium and composition using said method A process for local permucosal diffusion of amino acid salts of low dosage lipophlic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or anti-mycotic molecules for an aqueous medicine for the treatment of bucco-pharyngeal ailments is disclosed. Compositions and tablets implementing this diffusion process are also disclosed.
US08846082B2	Probiotic and preservative uses of oil-emulsified probiotic encapsulations An encapsulation system is provided comprising nitrogen-purge, instant bonding encapsulation method. Specifically, the encapsulation system comprises a composition, a two-piece capsule comprising a capsule cap and a capsule body; a gas to purge oxygen from the composition within the capsule; and a sealing solution to seal the capsule cap to the capsule body. Associated methods for encapsulating compositions using the encapsulation system are also provided.
US08846081B2	Liposome compositions and methods of use thereof The present application relates to compositions comprising and methods of using a liposome comprising a pHLIP polypeptide, wherein a lipid bilayer of the liposome is substantially free of the pHLIP polypeptide.
US08846080B2	Vaccine The present invention provides an immunogenic composition comprising at least one antigen delivery particle and at least one antigen, wherein the antigen and antigen delivery particle are linked using an intermediate linker.
US08846076B2	Hemostatic sponge A hemostatic device for promoting the clotting of blood includes a gauze substrate, a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate, and also a polyol such as glycerol or the like disposed on the gauze substrate to bind the clay material. When the device is used to treat a bleeding wound, at least a portion of the clay material comes into contact with blood emanating from the wound to cause the clotting. A bandage that can be applied to a bleeding wound to promote the clotting of blood includes a flexible substrate and a gauze substrate mounted thereon. The gauze substrate includes a clay material and a polyol. A hemostatic sponge also includes a gauze substrate and a dispersion of hemostatic material and a polyol on a first surface of the substrate.
US08846070B2	Biologically degradable compositions for medical applications A medical article is disclosed, comprising a biologically degradable AB block copolymer and a biologically degradable polymer that is capable, at equilibrium and at room temperature, of absorbing less than about 5 mass % water.
US08846067B2	Antimicrobial solutions and methods Antimicrobial solutions and delivery systems for them use liquid antimicrobial solutions with: at least 80% of total weight of a carrier liquid comprising water, alcohol or a mixture of water and alcohol; at least 0.0001% by weight of the solution of I2; at least 0.0001% by weight of CuSO4; and sufficient acid in the solution top provide a pH of less than 7.0. A buffering system is also preferable in the solution, and the solution may be provided directly to wounds, burns or other skin damage as a liquid, as a spray or as a gel.
US08846066B2	Methods and related compositions for reduction of fat and skin tightening Compositions and methods useful in the reduction of localized fat deposits and tightening of loose skin in subjects in need thereof using pharmacologically active detergents are disclosed. The pharmacologically active detergent compositions can additionally include anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, dispersion or anti-dispersion agents and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The pharmacologically active detergent compositions are useful for treating localized accumulations of fat including, for example, lower eyelid fat herniation, lipodystrophy and fat deposits associated with cellulite and do not require surgical procedures such as liposuction.
US08846065B2	Ester mixtures and compositions comprising such ester mixtures The present invention is directed to a mixture of esters according to the general formula (I), R1—C(═O)—O—R2, wherein R1 is an alkyl moiety with 5 to 11 carbon atoms and wherein R2 is a an alkyl moiety with 8 to 18 carbon atoms and wherein the mixture comprises 10 or less than 10 weight-% of ester of the general formula (I) wherein R1 is an alkyl moiety with 9 or more carbon atoms, based on the total amount of esters according to formula (I). The invention is further directed to cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical compositions comprising such esters as well as to processes for the production of such esters.
US08846063B2	Personal care composition containing a volatile and a terpene alcohol The present disclosure generally relates to a personal care composition containing a carrier, an oil phase having at least one terpene alcohol component, an at least partially fluorinated compound, and a stabilizer. In an exemplary aspect, the at least partially fluorinated compound is stable within the composition of the present disclosure with the introduction of an oil phase having at least one terpene alcohol component to stabilize the at least partially fluorinated compound. Thus, the composition provides an initial foaming action and longer term skin benefits provided by an oil phase contacting a terpene alcohol component. A stabilizing component may also be included to provide further stability to the composition.
US08846061B1	Multivitamin-mineral regimens for longevity and wellness Dietary vitamin-mineral supplements featuring various vitamins and minerals for benefiting individuals suffering from conditions such as nutritional deficiencies, vitamin deficiencies, aging, cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, coronary artery disease, fatigue, and stroke. Vitamins and minerals may include Vitamin C, Vitamin A, pregnenolone, coenzyme Q10, Vitamin K2, acetyl L-carnitine arginate, L-glutathione, among others.
US08846060B2	Suturable dural and meningeal repair product comprising collagen matrix A matrix for tissue growth includes: (a) a first layer including a first assembly of collagen fibers; (b) a plurality of projections on a top surface of the first layer; and (c) a second layer bonded to a bottom portion of the first layer and including a second assembly of collagen fibers, wherein the second layer has a lower density than the first layer, and the matrix includes pores effective to support cell growth into the matrix. A method for providing the matrix is also described.
US08846058B2	Shiga toxoid chimeric proteins A chimeric Shiga toxoid according to the invention contains an enzymatically-inactivated StxA subunit and a native StxB subunit. This hybrid Shiga toxoid induces the production of broadly cross-reactive species of antibodies against Shiga toxin following immunization. The StxA subunit is modified so that it is enzymatically inactive. The invention thus encompasses the Shiga toxoid or fragments thereof and the nucleic acid sequence of the Shiga toxoid or fragments thereof. The invention further encompasses the production of a Shiga toxoid, the production of antibodies using the Shiga toxoid and methods of productions, and an immunogenic composition containing the Shiga toxoid.
US08846056B2	Anti-RSV immunogens and methods of immunization Immunogenic polypeptides corresponding to one or more RSV G glycoproteins, or analogues thereof, are provided as components of vaccines. The inventive compositions are useful as both a prophylactic and therapeutic for the prevention and treatment of RSV infections and associated pulmonary or other diseases. The inventive immunogens include regions of the RSV G protein, specifically, amino acid residues 164-176 of RSV G A2 protein or analogues thereof. This inventive immunogen is operable alone or in combination with other polypeptides such as the RSV G protein amino acid residues 155-206, or other vaccines such as live RSV vaccines, or inactivated RSV vaccines or immunogenic analogues thereof.
US08846054B2	Method of treating pregnant cows and/or heifers The present invention relates to combination vaccines for the prophylaxis and treatment of microbiological infections in cattle which comprise an attenuated bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) for the prophylaxis and treatment of BVDV caused infections. The invention also relates to a method of vaccinating a pregnant cow.
US08846053B2	Orally bioavailable lipid-based constructs The present invention is embodied by a composition capable inducing weight loss in a patient in need thereof.
US08846052B2	Bacterial toxin vaccine A bacterial toxin protein such as a Shiga toxin protein is efficiently produced using plant cells. The plant cells are transformed using a DNA construct containing DNA encoding a hybrid protein in which the bacterial toxin proteins such as the Shiga toxin proteins are tandemly linked through a peptide having the following characteristics (A) and (B) to produce the bacterial toxin protein in the plant cells: (A) a number of amino acids is 12 to 30; and (B) a content of proline is 20 to 35%.
US08846049B2	Process for manufacturing vaccines The present application discloses an improved method for conducting saccharide—protein conjugation reactions using carbodiimide condensation chemistry. Depending on the nature of the saccharide or protein carrier involved, the quality of the conjugate may be improved by adding one of the reaction components slowly to the reaction mixture. Immunogenic compositions are further provided comprising the saccharide-protein conjugates made by the methods disclosed.
US08846045B2	Anti-C5a receptor antibodies The present invention concerns human antibodies recognizing the human C5a receptor. By binding to C5aR the antibodies inhibit C5a signalling, whereby the pro-inflammatory signal is inhibited. Based on the role of C5a and its receptor in stimulation of inflammation the invention further relates to therapeutic use of said human anti-C5aR antibodies and in particular in relation to treatment of immunological disorders.
US08846041B2	Anti-LRP6 antibodies The invention provides anti-LRP6 antibodies and methods of using the same. A particular aspect of the invention provides for bispecific anti-LRP6 antibodies that inhibit signaling by multiple Wnt isoforms.
US08846038B2	Method for treating synovial sarcoma Methods of detecting synovial sarcoma using differentially expressed genes are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of identifying agents for treating synovial sarcoma. Further, a method for treating or preventing a disease that is associated with Frizzled homologue 10 (FZD10) in a subject is provided.
US08846037B2	Antibodies to IL-6 and their uses Antibodies and antigen-binding portions thereof that bind to human IL-6 are provided. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding such antibodies and antigen binding portions, methods of making such antibodies and antigen binding portions, compositions comprising such antibodies or antigen binding portions, and uses of such antibodies or antigen binding portions.
US08846036B2	Antibodies that bind to mammalian NGAL and uses thereof The present invention relates to antibodies specific for glycosylated mammalian NGAL, and to methods of making and using such antibodies.
US08846035B2	Methods for preparing polymer microparticles The present invention describes methods and tools for preparing a population of monodisperse polymer microparticles, which are of particular interest in the field of drug delivery.
US08846033B2	Dietary supplement The invention relates to a dietary supplement that promotes proper ingestion and proper digestion of animal and/or vegetable proteins. The supplement comprises an enzyme mixture containing amylase, lactase and bromelain in the following dosage by weight: 15 mg to 90 mg amylase, 18 mg to 90 mg lactase and 6 mg to 80 mg bromelain.
US08846027B2	Compositions for the vaginal and oral administration of Lactobacillus and uses thereof The present invention relates to compositions for the oral and vaginal administration of human Lactobacilli and uses thereof for physiologic restoration of the vaginal flora, physiologic maintenance of Lactobacillus flora in pathologic deficiency to produce Lactobacilli, treatment of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis and prevention of preterm delivery caused through bacterial vaginosis.
US08846023B2	Hepatitis C virus inhibitors The present disclosure relates to compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and methods for using these compounds in the treatment of HCV infection.
US08846017B2	Cosmetic compositions comprising at least one cationic copolymer and at least one amino silicone and methods of use thereof The present disclosure relates to novel cosmetic compositions comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium: (i)—at least one cationic polymer produced by polymerization of a monomer mixture comprising: a) at least one vinyl monomer substituted with at least one amino group, b) at least one hydrophobic nonionic vinyl monomer, and c) at least one associative vinyl monomer, and e) at least one hydroxylated nonionic vinyl monomer, and (ii)—at least one amino silicone chosen from a) amino silicones comprising at least one primary amine function of formula (VI): wherein R, R′, and R″, which may be identical or different, are chosen from C1-C4 alkyl radicals, C1-C4 alkoxy radicals, and OH; A and B are independently chosen from linear and branched C2-C8 alkylene radicals, with the proviso that R and R″ are not simultaneously hydroxyl groups, A is chosen from C3-C6 alkylene radicals; B is chosen from C2-C4 alkylene radicals; and m and n are integers that depend on the molecular weight and whose sum ranges from 1 to 2000, and b) non-amidated amino silicones comprising at least one quaternized amine function. These compositions may be used for washing and/or conditioning keratin materials such as the hair or the skin.
US08846012B2	Melanin production inhibitor Disclosed is a melanin production inhibitor which has an excellent inhibitory activity on the production of melanin and is highly safe. The melanin production inhibitor is represented by general formula (1) (excluding clotrimazole) and/or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. In the formula, A1, A2 and A3 are independently selected from a hydrogen atom, an aryl group which may have a substituent, and an aromatic heterocyclic group which may have a substituent. At least one of A1, A2 and A3 is selected from the aryl group and the aromatic heterocyclic group, the total number of carbon atoms contained in A1, A2 and A3 is 6 to 50 and, when at least two of A1, A2 and A3 represent the aryl groups or the aromatic heterocyclic groups, the adjacent two aryl or aromatic heterocyclic groups may be bound to each other via an alkyl chain or an alkenyl chain to form a ring; m represents an integer of 0 to 2; X represents a hetero atom, a hydrogen atom, or a carbon atom; R1 and R2 are independently selected from a hydrogen atom and an oxo group. When one of R1 and R2 is an oxo group, the other is not present. R3 is selected from a hydrogen atom, and a C1-8 hydrocarbon group in which one or some of hydrogen atoms or carbon atoms may be substituted by a hetero atom or hetero atoms. The number of R3's present in the compound corresponds to X and, when two or more R3's are present, the R3's are independently present and the adjacent two R3's may be bound to each other to form, together with X, a ring, and the terminal of R3 may be bound to a carbon atom to which A1, A2 and A3 are bound, thereby forming a ring.
US08846008B2	Antimicrobial agents and methods of use The present application relates to novel antimicrobial compositions and methods of using said antimicrobial compositions for inhibiting and treating microbial growth, microbial infections, inflammatory diseases, viral diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and/or conditions that may be regulated or associated with microbial infections, such as cancer.
US08846007B2	Compositions providing a heating sensation for oral or dermal delivery The present invention relates to a heating or warming composition that may be delivered orally or to the skin or mucous membranes. The composition contains a warming agent in combination with a cooling agent. The warming agent and cooling agent may be provided in one composition or they may be provided separately in distinct formulations separated over time or geographically. The present invention also extends to methods of providing a heating sensation as well as to products for oral or skin or mucous membrane delivery that contain such a warming composition or that contain a warming agent in combination with a cooling agent. Such products include food products, beverages, chewing gums, confections, cosmetics, lotions, creams and the like containing such a warming composition.
US08846006B2	MRI markers, delivery and extraction systems, and methods of manufacture and use thereof Novel, non-toxic cobalt-based contrast and imaging agents for use in enhanced medical imaging modalities and processes are described, as well the manufacture of markers containing such contrast agents is described, and uses for such imaging markers and contrast agents in a variety of therapeutic applications and devices.
US08846005B2	APCDD1 inhibitors for treating, diagnosing or detecting cancer The invention provides, inter alia, methods for methods for treating cancer, compositions for treating cancer, and methods and compositions for diagnosing and/or detecting cancer. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating, diagnosing and detecting cancers associated with APCDD1 overexpression.
US08845999B2	Tracers for monitoring the activity of sodium/glucose cotransporters in health and disease Radiolabeled tracers for sodium/glucose cotransporters (SGLTs), their synthesis, and their use are provided. The tracers are methyl or ethyl pyranosides having an equatorial hydroxyl group at carbon-2 and a C 1 preferred conformation, radiolabeled with 18F, 123I, or 124I, or free hexoses radiolabeled with 18F, 123I, or 124. Also provided are in vivo and in vitro techniques for using these and other tracers as analytical and diagnostic tools to study glucose transport, in health and disease, and to evaluate therapeutic interventions.
US08845996B2	Preferential growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes with metallic conductivity The present disclosure is directed to a method of producing metallic single-wall carbon nanotubes by treatment of carbon nanotube producing catalysts to obtain the desired catalyst particle size to produce predominantly metallic single wall carbon nanotubes. The treatment of the carbon nanotube producing catalyst particles involves contacting the catalyst particles with a mixture of an inert gas, like He, a reductant, such as H2, and an adsorbate, like water, at an elevated temperature range, for example, at 500° C. to 860° C., for a sufficient time to obtain the catalyst particle size. In some of the present methods, the preferential growth of nanotubes with metallic conductivity of up to 91% has been demonstrated.
US08845991B2	Silica particle manufacturing process Methods of forming a silica-based products are disclosed. One method comprises: (a) providing a silica containing precursor (SCP) contained in solution that has a pH less than or equal to a pH of 7; (b) optionally doping the SCP with one or more metal species, wherein said doping occurs when the solution has a pH less than or equal to a pH of 7; (c) adjusting the pH of the solution to greater than 7; (d) adding an effective amount of salt to the solution so that the conductivity of the solution is greater than or equal to 4 mS, wherein said addition occurs prior to, simultaneous with, or after the pH adjustment in step 1c; (e) optionally filtering and drying the SCP; and (f) optionally reacting the dried product from step e with a functional group and optionally wherein the resultant functionalized dried product is at least one of the following: a functionalized metal oxide-doped or metal sulfide-doped silica product. Another method comprises: (a) providing a silica containing precursor (SCP) contained in solution that has a pH greater than 7; (b) adjusting the pH of the solution to less than or equal to 7; (c) optionally doping the SCP with one or more metal species, wherein said doping occurs when the solution has a pH less than or equal to a pH of 7; (d) adjusting the pH of the solution to greater than 7; (e) adding an effective amount of salt to the solution so that the conductivity of the solution is greater than or equal to 4 mS, wherein said addition occurs prior to, simultaneous with, or after the pH adjustment in step 2d; (f) optionally filtering and drying the SCP; and (g) optionally reacting the dried product from step f with a functional group and optionally wherein the resultant functionalized dried product is at least one of the following: a functionalized metal oxide-doped or metal sulfide-doped silica product.
US08845990B2	Method and device for producing polyphosphoric acid A method and device for producing polyphosphoric acid burns a fuel in combustion air in a combustion chamber, sprays a spray fluid comprising substantially pure orthophosphoric acid and undertakes polymerization-condensation of the pure orthophosphoric acid. A polyphosphoric acid in the form of an acid mist accompanied by formation of gases which mix with combustion gases resulting from burning of the fuel is formed to reach a predetermined temperature, wherein the mixture causes sudden lowering of combustion gas temperature. The acid mix is separated from the gas mixture and the polyphosphoric acid is collected at a bottom of the combustion chamber and the gas mixture is outputted via a lower part of the combustion chamber separate from the collection of polyphosphoric acid.
US08845984B2	Apparatus for and method of processing biological samples The present invention provides systems, devices, apparatuses and methods for automated bioprocessing. Examples of protocols and bioprocessing procedures suitable for the present invention include but are not limited to: immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, recombinant protein isolation, nucleic acid separation and isolation, protein labeling, separation and isolation, cell separation and isolation, food safety analysis and automatic bead based separation. In some embodiments, the invention provides automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods of western blot processing. Other embodiments include automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods for separation, preparation and purification of nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA or fragments thereof, including plasmid DNA, genomic DNA, bacterial DNA, viral DNA and any other DNA, and for automated systems, automated devices, automated cartridges and automated methods for processing, separation and purification of proteins, peptides and the like.
US08845982B2	Two-step cold formalin fixation of organic tissue samples A method for fixation of organic tissue samples includes immersing a tissue sample in a solution of Formalin at a temperature of between 2° C. and 10° C. for a first time period (A), and immersing the tissue sample in a cold fixation dehydrating agent for a second time period (B) following the first time period. An automated tissue fixation system for fixating organic tissue samples in Formalin is also described.
US08845978B2	Detection kit A detection kit comprises a plurality of swabs, each of the plurality of swabs having the form of a stick, being bundled together in a single test kit for detection of a plurality of chemical compounds. A user opens a detection kit, swabs a surface or surfaces with the bundled sticks, collecting chemical constituents to be tested on detection surfaces of each of the plurality of sticks. Liquids, mists, vapors and powders may be tested in one method, utilizing one or more dry reagents on the detection surfaces. The sticks may comprise a volume of fluid, releasably contained within the sticks, such that when activated, a fluid, such as a reagent or solvent, is wicked by a wicking tip to the detection surface of the stick. For example, a mechanism is provided that is capable of breaking a vial or ampoule containing the fluid, when activated by a twisting motion or compression. Adhesive may be present on one or more of the detection surfaces. A transparent reaction chamber may be provided by a transparent cover or cap.
US08845973B2	Particle filter with hydrolysis coating, device and motor vehicle A particle filter includes channels that are formed by porous walls and run between a first end face and a second end face of the particle filter. The first end face has a hydrolysis coating outside the channels. A device includes at least one exhaust gas line through which an exhaust gas can flow in a flow direction, a nozzle for introducing a reducing agent containing or forming ammonia, and the aforementioned particle filter. The first end face of the particle filter is oriented towards the nozzle. A motor vehicle having the particle filter or the device, is also provided.
US08845961B2	Devices and articles comprising up-converting sterilizing compositions and methods for using the same There is disclosed various devices and articles comprising phosphors for converting electromagnetic energy to radiation having a shorter wavelength, the composition comprising at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength (A) to an electromagnetic radiation having a shorter wavelength (B) comprising UV radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength. There is also a method of sterilizing such devices and articles by exposing it to UV radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength for a time sufficient to deactivate or kill at least one microorganism and/or for a time sufficient to inhibit abnormal cell growth within the body, when the composition is in an implantable medical device.
US08845950B2	Method for manufacturing polyimide-based carbon nanofiber electrode A method to manufacture a carbon fiber electrode comprises synthesizing polyamic acid (PAA) as a polyimide (PI) precursor from pryomellitic dian hydride (PMDA) and oxydianiline (ODA) as monomers and triethylamine (TEA) as a catalyst, adding dimethylformamide (DMF) to the polyamic acid (PAA) solution to prepare a spinning solution and subjecting the spinning solution to electrostatic spinning at a high voltage to obtain a PAA nanofiber paper, converting the PAA nanofiber paper into a polyimide (PI) nanofiber paper by heating, and converting the polyimide (PI) nanofiber paper into a carbon nanofiber (CNF) paper by heating under an Ar atmosphere. Also, the method to manufacture a polyimide carbon nanofiber electrode and/or a carbon nanotube composite electrode may utilize carbon nanofibers having diameters that are lessened by optimizing electrostatic spinning in order to improve spinnability.
US08845944B2	Method of manufacturing midsole for article of footwear A method of forming includes the steps of: placing a first mold member and a second mold member in contact with one another; injecting a first material into a first recess in the first mold member to form a first portion of a midsole while the first mold member is maintained at a temperature below an ambient temperature; removing the first portion of the midsole from the first recess; positioning the first portion of the midsole in the second recess in the third mold member of the second mold assembly; placing a second material into the second recess in contact with the first portion of the midsole; placing the third mold member and the fourth mold member in contact with one another; and subjecting the second material and the first portion in the second mold assembly to heat and pressure to form a midsole.
US08845942B2	Compact production apparatus and method for producing compact A compact production apparatus includes a main body having at least one molding die in which a cavity is formed, a first flow passage member for supplying powder into the cavity, an upper compaction member having an upper punch surface, a lower compaction member having a lower punch surface which is allowed to compress the powder in the cavity in cooperation with the upper punch surface to thereby obtain a compact of the powder, and a second flow passage member from which the compact separated from the cavity is to be discharged. Further, at least 80% or more of a total surface area of an upper surface of the main body, an inner circumferential surface defining the cavity, an inner circumferential surface of the first flow passage member, an inner circumferential surface of the second flow passage member, the upper punch surface of the upper compaction member and the lower punch surface of the lower compaction member is made of a nonmetallic material.
US08845941B2	Apparatus for growing carbon nanotube forests, and generating nanotube structures therefrom, and method The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.
US08845940B2	Carbon dioxide treatment of concrete upstream from product mold Fresh concrete is treated with carbon dioxide prior to delivery to a product mold for forming concrete products. Carbon dioxide gas is directed through a manifold, which may be coupled to a feedbox or a hopper, upstream from the product mold. Treating the fresh concrete with the carbon dioxide gas while it is in a loose state prior to placement in the product mold may generally promote uniform and enhanced carbon dioxide uptake.
US08845934B2	Compatibilized biopolyamide-poly(arylene ether) thermoplastic resin Disclosed herein are compatibilized polyamide-poly(arylene ether) thermoplastic resin compositions, comprising: (a) about 10 to about 50 weight percent of a poly(arylene ether); (b) about 5 percent to about 20 percent of a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene and a copolymer of ethylene; (c) about 30 to about 60 percent of a biopolyamide; and wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition; and wherein the biomass carbon content of the resin composition is at least 13 percent as measured by ASTM D6866. Also disclosed are methods for making such resins and articles derived therefrom.
US08845933B2	Electrically conductive polymer compositions and films made therefrom The present invention relates to electrically conductive polymer compositions, and their use in electronic devices. The compositions are an aqueous dispersion including: (i) at least one electrically conductive polymer doped with a non-fluorinated polymeric acid; (ii) at least one highly-fluorinated acid polymer; (iii) at least one water-compatible high-boiling organic solvent; and (iv) electrically insulative inorganic oxide nanoparticles.
US08845929B2	Ultraviolet light emitting material The present invention provides a zinc oxide-based ultraviolet light emitting material showing intense emission in the ultraviolet region. The present invention is an ultraviolet light emitting material containing: zinc and oxygen as main components; at least one element selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gallium, and indium, as a first sub-component; and phosphorus as a second sub-component. This material has n-type conductivity.
US08845927B2	Functionalized nanoparticles and method A nanoparticle has a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting light. The nanoparticle further includes a ligand attached to a surface of the coating. The ligand is represented by the formula: X-Sp-Z, wherein X represents, e.g., a primary amine group, a secondary amine group, a urea, a thiourea, an imidizole group, an amide group, a phosphonic or arsonic acid group, a phosphinic or arsinic acid group, a phosphate or arsenate group, a phosphine or arsine oxide group; Sp represents a spacer group, such as a group capable of allowing a transfer of charge or an insulating group; and Z represents: (i) reactive group capable of communicating specific chemical properties to the nanocrystal as well as provide specific chemical reactivity to the surface of the nanocrystal, and/or (ii) a group that is cyclic, halogenated, or polar a-protic.
US08845923B2	Corrosion-inhibiting deicers derived from biomass In some variations, the invention provides a deicer composition comprising alkali acetate, a solvent (such as water) for the alkali acetate, and a corrosion inhibitor comprising lignin or a lignin derivative. The acetate and the lignin or lignin derivative are preferably each derived from the same biomass feedstock. In some embodiments, the alkali is selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the alkali acetate is present in a concentration from about 30 wt % to about 99 wt %. Deicer products may be a crystallized or dried form of the deicer composition.
US08845909B2	Process of fabricating heat dissipation substrate A process of fabricating a heat dissipation substrate is provided. A metal substrate having an upper surface, a lower surface, first recesses located on the upper surface and second recesses located on the lower surface is provided. The metal substrate is divided into carrier units and connecting units connecting the carrier units. A first and a second insulating materials are respectively filled into the first and the recesses. A first conductive layer is formed on the upper surface and the first insulating material. A second conductive layer is formed on the lower surface and the second insulating material. The first and the second conductive layers are patterned to form a first and a second patterned conductive layers. The first and the second insulating materials are taken as an etching mask to etch the connecting units of the metal substrate so as to form a plurality of individual heat dissipation substrates.
US08845907B2	Structure and method to fabricate tooling for bumping thin flex circuits A structure and method for a post plate of a die set that can be used to emboss a plurality of contact pads of a flexible printed circuit during the formation of a printer printhead. In one embodiment, a plurality of post plate posts can be formed, where each post plate post has a flat upper surface, generally straight sides, and a sharp corner where the flat upper surface and the generally straight sides intersect. Each post can be polished using, for example, a pad and an abrasive polishing compound or an electrochemical polishing process, to round the sharp corners to form a post having a rounded contour. In another embodiment, a plurality of post plate posts each having a rounded contour can be formed using a molding process.
US08845901B2	Ballasted anaerobic method for treating wastewater A ballasted anaerobic system for treating wastewater including at least one anaerobic treatment reactor. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is configured to mix weighting agent with the biological flocs to form weighted biological flocs to create a weighted anaerobic sludge blanket in the at least one anaerobic treatment reactor. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover the weighting agent from excess sludge and reintroduce the weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem.
US08845900B2	Apparatus and methods for control of waste treatment processes Waste-treatment processes are enhanced through generation and introduction of specific biological populations customized to perform or favor specific tasks either during the main process, for the formation or precipitation of certain biological nutrients, or to accomplish solids formation reduction in a post-treatment process. These bacteria may be grown from specialized mixes of activated sludge and waste influent by exposing these materials to controlled environments (e.g., in an off-line treatment area). They may then be returned to the main process to perform certain tasks such as converting particulate cBOD into soluble cBOD for utilization, to reduce high solids yield organisms by supplementing the population characteristics with low yield organism characteristics, to provide biological nutrients or oxygenation assistance, to improve nitrification/denitrification efficiency, or to disfavor filamentous biology such as Norcardia sp.
US08845899B2	Filter element and methods of manufacturing and using same A coreless and spirally wound non-woven filter element is provided. The filter element includes at least one band of base media having a selected porosity and an interlay having a different porosity within at least one band of base media. The presence of the interlay in the filter element can create additional surface area within the contiguous construction of a filter element for filtration. This interlay can also create the ability to change direction of flow and to increase the deposition of specifically sized contaminants.
US08845892B2	Device, method and apparatus for performing separations Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices, methods and apparatus for performing separations in which particulates are separated or removed from a fluid stream flowing to a column. In one embodiment directed to a device, the invention includes a body (13) having a first surface (17) and a second surface (19) and at least one wall (23). At least one of the first surface (17) and second surface (19) is for receiving in sealing engagement a first conduit means. The remaining first surface (17) or second surface (19) is for engaging a column or a second conduit (19). The at least one wall (23) extends between the first surface (17) and the second surface (19). The body (13) has at least one opening (25) extending from the first surface (17) to the second surface (19) defining a chamber for receiving a solid phase separation media assembly (15). The device further includes a solid phase separation media assembly (15) within the chamber formed in the opening of the body between the first surface (17) and the second surface (19). The solid phase separation media assembly (15) is for removing particulates and undesired materials of a fluid flowing through the chamber. The body is constructed and arranged to fit in a body fitting to be attached to a column or which body fitting is part of an assembly for communicating with an column or a detector.
US08845891B2	Aquarium filter media including nanofibers A filtration device for an aquarium comprising a filtering chamber for receiving water and a filter medium therein wherein said filter medium comprises fibers having a diameter from 0.1 nm to 3000 nm and an aspect ratio of length to diameter of 5:1 to 10,000 to 1 wherein said fibers provide for colonization of nitrosomonas bacterium and/or nitrobacteria.
US08845890B2	Hydraulic reservoir with self-bypassing filter A self-bypassing filter system for a fluid reservoir. The system includes a filter disposed within the reservoir, positioned to intercept the fluid flow proceeding out of the reservoir. A bypass fluid flow path extending from upstream to downstream of the filter, without passing through the filter. In addition, the system includes a membrane, positioned to completely block the bypass fluid flow path upstream of the filter, the membrane being formed of a material dissolvable in the fluid.
US08845888B2	Water treatment system According to one embodiment, a water treatment system includes: a membrane separation device and a water softening device including a valve unit switching between a softening process in which soft water is obtained by passing raw water through a cation exchange resin bed downward and a regeneration process in which a whole of the cation exchange resin bed is regenerated by generating an opposite flow of a regenerant by supplying the regenerant from both sides of a top portion and a bottom portion of the cation exchange resin bed and collecting a liquid at an intermediate portion of the cation exchange resin bed, and a regenerant supply supplying the regenerant in a volume which gives a regeneration level of 1 to 6 eq/L-R, to a hardness leakage prevention region set in a predetermined depth on the bottom portion of the cation exchange resin bed, in the regeneration process.
US08845887B2	Water purifier A water purifier determining an appropriate discarded water quantity includes: a purified water supply; an integrated flow quantity measuring part; and a control and calculation part. The control and calculation part is configured to determine whether purified water is unsuitable for use based upon the integrated flow quantity measured for a period of time from when the supply is started. A value of water quantity Qti at the Nth time is determined based on a length of time from when the purified water supply stops the supply at the (N−1)th time up to when the purified water supply starts the supply at the the Nth time; and a difference between a quantity of water measured for a period of time from when the supply at the (N−1)th time is started to when the supply at the (N−1)th time is stopped and a value of Qti at the (N−1)th time.
US08845886B2	Functionalized filters for heavy oil upgrading This invention relates to a process for separating a hydrocarbon stream via a filtration process to produce an upgraded permeate stream with decreased Conradson Carbon Residue (“CCR”) content. The invention involves the modification of a porous ceramic filter by functionalizing the surface of the ceramic filter with an multi-ring aromatic-diimide polymer. Preferably, the multi-ring aromatic-diimide polymer is comprised of a multi-ring aromatic monomer component. The functionalized filters of the present invention can be used in a process to selectively separate components of a hydrocarbon stream to produce an improved permeate (or “filtrate”) product stream with a lower CCR content and improved processing capabilities. The functionalized filters of the present invention are particularly beneficial in filtration processes for upgrading heavy hydrocarbon feedstreams, such as whole crudes, topped crudes, synthetic crude blends, shale oils, oils derived from bitumens, oils derived from tar sands, atmospheric resids, vacuum resids, or other heavy hydrocarbon streams.
US08845881B2	Process for middle distillae production form fischer-tropsch waxes using a modified-zeolite-based catalyst The invention relates to a process for the production of middle distillates from a paraffinic feedstock that is produced by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, implementing a hydrocracking/hydroisomerization catalyst that comprises at least one hydro-dehydrogenating metal that is selected from the group that is formed by the metals of group VIB and group VIII of the periodic table and a substrate that comprises at least one zeolite that has at least one series of channels of which the opening is defined by a ring with 12 oxygen atoms modified by a) a stage for introducing at least one alkaline cation that belongs to group IA or IIA of the periodic table, b) a stage for treatment of said zeolite in the presence of at least one molecular compound that contains at least one silicon atom, c) at least one stage for partial exchange of said alkaline cations by NH4+ cations such that the remaining content of alkaline cations in the modified zeolite at the end of stage c) is such that the alkaline cation/aluminum molar ratio is between 0.2:1 and 0.01:1, and d) at least one heat treatment stage.
US08845880B2	Nanopore-based single DNA molecule characterization, identification and isolation using speed bumps The present invention relates to a method of using nanopores to obtain sequence information of sample DNAs in ss test DNAs. The method comprises using speed bumps to stall the ss test DNAs in the nanopores at random positions of the ss test DNAs to obtain sequence information of each and every nucleotides of the sample DNAs, and to construct the whole sequences of the sample DNAs. The present invention also relates to identification and/or isolation of test DNAs having desired sequence(s) using nanopore detectors facilitated by speed bump.
US08845863B2	Alkylene oxide purification processes and systems Processes and systems for purifying ethylene oxide, including introducing a feed stream including ethylene oxide to a heat exchanger to heat the feed stream, feeding the heated feed stream to a distillation apparatus base below a first stage, removing from the distillation apparatus an impurity fraction as a top exit stream from the distillation apparatus located at a top take-off on the distillation apparatus, removing from the distillation apparatus an ethylene oxide stream of 99.7 weight percent purity, based on the total weight of the ethylene oxide stream, from the distillation apparatus, and removing from the distillation apparatus an aldehyde enriched fraction as a bottom stream from the distillation apparatus, where the aldehyde enriched fraction is fed directly to a glycol reactor.
US08845856B2	Edge ring assembly for plasma etching chambers An edge ring assembly used in a plasma etching chamber includes a dielectric coupling ring and a conductive edge ring. In one embodiment, the dielectric coupling ring has an annular projection extending axially upward from its inner periphery. The dielectric coupling ring is adapted to surround a substrate support in a plasma etching chamber. The conductive edge ring is adapted to surround the annular projection of the dielectric coupling ring. A substrate supported on the substrate support overhangs the substrate support and overlies the annular projection of the dielectric coupling ring and a portion of the conductive edge ring. In another embodiment, the dielectric coupling ring has a rectangular cross section. The dielectric coupling ring and the conductive edge ring are adapted to surround a substrate support in a plasma etching chamber. A substrate supported on the substrate support overhangs the substrate support and overlies a portion of the conductive edge ring.
US08845853B2	Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method A substrate processing apparatus that can improve the uniformity of plasma processing carried out on a wafer. The wafer is housed in a chamber of the substrate processing apparatus and subjected to plasma processing using plasma produced in the processing chamber. A temperature control mechanism jets a high-temperature gas toward at least part of an annular focus ring facing the plasma.
US08845852B2	Polishing pad and method of producing semiconductor device A polishing pad enabling a highly precise optical endpoint sensing during the polishing process and thus having excellent polishing characteristics (such as surface uniformity and in-plane uniformity) is disclosed. A polishing pad enabling to obtain the polishing profile of a large area of a wafer is also disclosed. A polishing pad of a first invention comprises a light-transmitting region having a transmittance of not less than 50% over the wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm. A polishing pad of a second invention comprises a light-transmitting region having a thickness of 0.5 to 4 mm and a transmittance of not less than 80% over the wavelength range of 600 to 700 nm. A polishing pad of a third invention comprises a light-transmitting region arranged between the central portion and the peripheral portion of the polishing pad and having a length (D) in the diametrical direction which is three times or more longer than the length (L) in the circumferential direction.
US08845851B2	Protein adhesive formulations with amine-epichlorohydrin and isocyanate additives Disclosed is an adhesive composition comprising a protein component, an AE adduct component and an isocyanate component. Also disclosed is a composite and a method of making a composite comprising a substrate and the adhesive composition of the present invention.
US08845850B2	Anaerobic adhesive and sealant compositions in film form, film spool assemblies containing such compositions in film form and preapplied versions thereof on matable parts Anaerobic adhesive and sealant compositions in film form, film spool assemblies containing such compositions in film form and preapplied versions thereof on matable parts are provided.
US08845849B2	Anisotropic conductive adhesive An anisotropic conductive adhesive for anisotropic conductive connection of an electronic component to a wiring board under no pressure or a low pressure is prepared by dispersing conductive particles in a binder resin composition. A metal flake powder having a major axis of 10 to 40 μm, a thickness of 0.5 to 2 μm, and an aspect ratio of 5 to 50, is used as the conductive particles, the minor axis of the metal flake power being, in a length, 10 to 50% of the major axis. The amount of the conductive particles contained in the anisotropic conductive adhesive is 5 to 35 mass %.
US08845848B2	Magnesium alloy member There is provided a magnesium alloy member that includes an aluminum-containing magnesium alloy material. The magnesium alloy material has a modified layer formed at a surface thereof in such a manner that at least a surface of the modified layer has a higher aluminum content than that of any unmodified base portion of the magnesium alloy material.
US08845845B1	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. Moreover, an outer tubular glass fiber sleeve over a tubular carbon fiber sleeve resin saturated through and through maintains the aesthetic appearance of the black carbon fiber while substantially strengthening the end product. A second outer layer of a mixture of resin and colloidal silica over the cured resin layer adds shine and increases smoothness.
US08845839B2	Lamination apparatus and lamination method A lamination, apparatus laminates sheet members including at least one of an electrode and a separator. The lamination apparatus includes a table on which the sheet members are laminated, a clamper that presses an assembled laminate of the sheet members laminated on the table; a clamper drive unit that horizontally-rotates and vertically-moves the clamper, a level adjuster that moves the table downward relative to the clamper according to a lamination progress of the sheet members. After a new sheet member is laminated on the assembled laminate pressed downward by the clamper, the clamper drive unit lifts up the clamper above the new sheet member while rotating the clamper and then moves the clamper downward to press the new sheet member from above. The level adjuster moves the table downward by a stroke corresponding to thickness of the number of laminated sheets of the sheet members included in the assembled laminate.
US08845838B2	Method for producing a steering wheel A method for producing a steering wheel (10) including a multilayered decorative trim (16) comprises the following steps: providing a multilayered body composed of flat layers joined to each other, the body being bent transversely or perpendicular to the plane of the layers into a shape adapted to the geometry of a steering wheel body part (14), cutting off a thin arcuate decorative layer (26) from a lateral surface of the body, in particular essentially perpendicular to the bending axis, and adapting said decorative layer (26) to and applying it onto said steering wheel body part (14).
US08845834B2	Method for assembling at least two plastic components to each other The method comprises the following steps: provide a first part (5) with a first protruding relief (29); provide a second part (7) with a first orifice (31); insert the first protruding relief (29) through the first orifice (31). The second part (7) has a second protruding relief (35) located in proximity to the first orifice (31), with the first protruding relief (29) and the second protruding relief (35) melted and, after cooling off, assembling together the first and second parts (5, 7) to each other.
US08845833B2	Method for preparing a pyrotechnic composition and charge The invention is directed to a method for preparing a pyrotechnic composition, to the use of a water-soluble cellulose ether binder, to a pyrotechnic composition, to a method for preparing a pyrotechnic charge, and to a pyrotechnic charge. The method of the invention comprises mixing the fibrous nitrocellulose in wet form with the one or more water-soluble cellulose ether binders and optionally one or more solvents, wherein the amount of organic solvent in the mixture is 10 wt. % or less based on total weight of the mixture.
US08845830B2	Method of manufacturing heavy-wall seamless steel pipe A steel pipe with a wall thickness over 30 mm is subjected to heat treatment of quenching and tempering using a temperature range of at least not less than 750° C. during the heating stage, makes it possible to obtain a heavy-wall seamless steel pipe having excellent toughness by resulting grain refinement. Quenching is by performing water cooling after heating the steel pipe to a temperature in the range of not less than 900° C. to not more than 1000° C. by using, as a heating means, induction heating at a frequency of not more than 200 Hz. Tempering is performed at a temperature in the range of not less than 500° C. to not more than 750° C. Preferably, after the heating by induction heating, a soaking treatment is performed in the temperature range of not less than 900° C. to not more than 1000° C. for 10 minutes or less followed by water cooling.
US08845825B2	High strength spring-use heat treated steel The present invention provides spring use heat treated steel which is cold coiled, can achieve both sufficient atmospheric strength and coilability, has a tensile strength of 2000 MPa or more, and can improve the performance as a spring by heat treatment after spring fabrication, that is, high strength spring-use heat treated steel characterized by containing, by mass %, C: 0.45 to 0.9%, Si: 1.7 to 3.0%, and Mn: 0.1 to 2.0%, restricting N: to 0.007% or less, having a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities, and satisfying, in terms of the analyzed value of the extracted residue after heat treatment, [amount of Fe in residue on 0.2 μm filter/[steel electrolysis amount]×100≦1.1.
US08845824B2	Austenitic heat-resisting cast steel and exhaust manifold using the same An austenitic heat-resisting cast steel is disclosed which is composed mainly of Fe and including 0.4˜0.6 wt % of C, 0.5˜1.0 wt % of Si, 2.1˜2.9 wt % of Mn, 2.1˜2.9 wt % of Ni, 18˜22 wt % of Cr, 1.0˜2.0 wt % of Nb, 2.0˜3.0 wt % of W, 0.25˜0.35 wt % of N and other inevitable impurities. More specifically, this austenitic heat-resisting cast steel can beneficially be applied to an exhaust manifold of an automobile to realize a maximum allowable exhaust gas temperature of the exhaust manifold is 950° C.˜1050° C.
US08845821B2	Process for production of R-Fe-B-based rare earth sintered magnet, and steam control member A sintered R—Fe—B based rare-earth magnet body 1 including, as a main phase, crystal grains of an R2Fe14B type compound that includes a light rare-earth element RL, which is Nd and/or Pr, as a major rare-earth element R is provided. A bulk body 2 including a heavy rare-earth element RH, which is at least one of Dy, Ho and Tb is also provided. The sintered magnet body 1 and the bulk body 2 are arranged in a processing chamber 4 with a vapor control member 3 interposed between the sintered magnet body 1 and the bulk body 2. And the inside of the processing chamber 4 is heated to a temperature of 700° C. to 1000° C., thereby diffusing the heavy rare-earth element RH inside the sintered magnet body 1 while supplying the heavy rare-earth element RH from the bulk body 2 to the surface of the sintered magnet body 1 via the vapor control member 3.
US08845818B2	Metering device for the metered addition of detergents A dispensing apparatus for dispensing substances, such as cleaning, washing, or dishwashing agents, in household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, or the like, having a dispensing unit having control means to control dispensing of the substances, and a tank receptacle, a tank for stocking the substances, the tank being embodied as a replaceable unit connectable to the tank receptacle, at least one connection for data transmission between the dispensing unit and the tank, at least one connection for data transmission between the household appliance and the tank and/or the dispensing unit.
US08845805B2	Device and method for producing crystalline bodies by directional solidification The invention relates to a device and a method for producing crystalline bodies by directional solidification. The device comprises a melting furnace (11) having a heating chamber (12) in which at least one supporting surface (13) for a crucible (8) and at least one gas purging device arranged above the supporting surface (13) and having a gas outlet facing the supporting surface (13) are defined. An embodiment of the device is characterized in that the gas outlet is defined by one or more openings in a lower plunger surface of a plunger-shaped element (2) which has a geometry adapted to the inner shape of the crucible (8), said shape allowing an at least partial insertion of the plunger-shaped body (2) into the crucible (8). The gas purging device and/or the supporting surface (13) comprise an adjusting mechanism or are designed to be adjustable in such a manner that they allow an adjustment of a perpendicular distance between the supporting surface (13) and the plunger-shaped body (2). The device and the corresponding method allow carbon- and oxygen-containing materials to be discharged from the melt more efficiently and in a controlled manner. The device and the method thus allow—within certain limits—a specific adjustment of the carbon and oxygen content of the crystalline bodies.
US08845803B2	Method for the surface treatment of inorganic pigment particles The invention relates to a method for the surface treatment of inorganic pigment particles with agglomerates of fine primary particles or single crystals of inorganic compounds, particularly of oxides or sulphates. The method is characterized in that the inorganic compounds are first precipitated from an aqueous solution under suitable pH conditions in a separate vessel in the form of fluffily structured agglomerates and/or single crystals. The precipitation product is subsequently added to an aqueous suspension of inorganic pigment particles. The method is particularly suitable for the surface treatment of titanium dioxide particles, in order to achieve high hiding power or high opacity when used in emulsion paints or laminates.
US08845801B2	Bone cement and method Bone cements and methods provided include a bone cement composition having collective attributes and properties desirable for initial fixation as well as interventional applications. Compositions include an amount of Portland cement and an amount of calcium sulfate.
US08845799B2	Reversibly thermochromic aqueous ink composition, and writing instrument and writing instrument set each utilizing same The present invention relates to a reversibly thermochromic aqueous ink composition comprising: water; a water-soluble organic solvent; a reversibly thermochromic microcapsule pigment which contains a reversibly thermochromic composition comprising: (A) an electron donating coloring organic compound, (B) an electron accepting compound, and (C) a reaction medium which determines temperature at which color reactions between the components (A) and (B) occur; a comb type polymer dispersant having carboxyl groups on its side chains, an organic nitrogen sulfur compound, and a water-soluble resin, a writing instrument using the ink composition, and a writing instrument set comprising the writing instrument and a frictional body.
US08845797B2	Carbon dioxide recovery system A CO2 recovery system includes a CO2 absorption tower for absorbing CO2 in combustion exhaust gas into an absorbing solution by bringing the combustion exhaust gas into contact with the absorbing solution that absorbs CO2; a dissolved oxygen removing device that uses at least one device of a device for blowing bubbling gas into the rich absorbing solution into which CO2 has been absorbed, a device for applying ultrasonic oscillation, and a device for heating the rich absorbing solution; a bubble removing device that turns the rich absorbing solution into which CO2 has been absorbed in the CO2 absorption tower into a swirling flow or agitates the rich absorbing solution; and a regeneration tower that regenerates the absorbing solution by releasing CO2 from the absorbing solution from which oxygen has been removed by the dissolved oxygen removing device and the bubble removing device and obtains CO2 gas.
US08845796B2	Fluid separation device A fluid separation device (400) for separating water from a stream of compressed air, has a housing (402) defining a first volume (404) with two apertures (406, 408) therein in communication with the first volume, the first volume and the apertures being adapted to have a stream of air flowing there through, a first filter (414) contained within the first volume for separating liquid water from the air stream, and a plurality of desiccant beads contained within the first volume for separating water vapor from the air. An exhaust silencer for the fluid separation device is also disclosed.
US08845795B2	Desiccant cartridge for water recovery device A system and method recover water from an ambient airstream. Dehumidification of the airstream is also achieved by removal of the water. A device of the system includes a chamber having a group of trays that hold respective amounts of liquid desiccant in each tray. A media material absorbs the desiccant to increase an exposed surface of the desiccant to the airstream. The configuration of the media material enables maximal water extraction and is dynamically configurable. Fans and valves are used to control airflow through the device. A charge cycle circulates air through the device to remove water vapor from the airstream. A subsequent extraction cycle removes water collected in the liquid desiccant by a condenser communicating with the chamber. An integral heat exchanger adds heat to the chamber during the extraction cycle. A controller is used to integrate and manage all system functions and input variables to achieve a high efficiency of operational energy use for water collection.
US08845793B2	Structural reinforcements for filter assemblies A filter assembly is described herein for controlling the air passing therethrough. The filter assembly can include a housing comprising a cavity formed therein. The filter assembly can also include a filter positioned within the cavity and coupled to the housing. Further, the filter assembly can include a reinforcement structure coupled to an end of the housing and adjacent to a top end of the filter.
US08845790B2	Method and system for removal of gaseous contaminants A method and system for removing gaseous contaminants from a gas stream by contacting the gas stream with a wash solution and regenerating the wash solution in a regeneration system for future use in removing gaseous contaminants from the gas stream.
US08845789B2	Process for CO2 capture with improved stripper performance The present application relates to systems and processes for removal of gaseous contaminants from gas streams. In particular, the application relates to a process for removal of gaseous contaminants from a gas stream comprising contacting the gas stream with a wash solution to remove gaseous contaminants from the gas stream by absorption into the wash solution; and regenerating the used wash solution to remove gaseous contaminants from the used wash solution, to provide a regenerated wash solution and a gas comprising removed contaminants, wherein in a first regeneration stage the gas comprising removed contaminants is cooled to minimize loss of water vapor from the regeneration step.
US08845788B2	Methods and configurations for H2S concentration in acid gas removal A syngas treatment plant is configured to remove sulfurous compounds from syngas in a configuration having two flash stages for a physical solvent to so enrich the acid gas to at least 40 mol % H2S or higher as required by the Claus unit and to flash and recycle CO2 back to the syngas feed. Contemplated methods and configurations advantageously remove sulfur to less than 10 ppmv while increasing H2S selectivity at high pressure operation to thereby allow production of an H2S stream that is suitable as feed gas to a Claus plant.
US08845786B2	Method for purifying a gas stream including mercury The present invention relates to a method for purifying a gas stream including CO2, elemental mercury (Hg0) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
US08845784B2	Composite mixed carbonate ion and electron conducting membranes and reactant gas assisted chemical reactors for CO2 separation and capture The present disclosure relates to a system for carbon dioxide seperation and capture. The system includes a porous metal membrane comprising Ni, Ag, or combinations thereof and having molten carbonate within the pores. A CO2 containing flue gas input stream is separated from a reactant gas input stream by the membrane. The CO2 is removed from the flue gas input stream as it contacts the membrane resulting in a CO2 free flue gas output stream and a CO2 containing reactant gas output stream.
US08845781B2	Method and apparatus for melting aluminum powder Provided are a method and an apparatus for melting an aluminum powder, which are capable of melting the aluminum powder with a high yield and allow the melted aluminum to be reused for a variety of applications. The method for melting the aluminum powder includes the steps of: preparing a mixture (M) including an aluminum powder (A) and a fluoride-based flux (F) by previously mixing the aluminum powder (A) and the fluoride-based flux (F); and melting the mixture (M) in molten aluminum (L).
US08845780B2	Electric arc furnace dust recycling apparatus and method The present technology provides an illustrative apparatus for recycle electric arc furnace (EAF) dust and method of use related to the same. The apparatus has a heat controlling region coupled to a separation volume and includes at least one magnet and a cooling region. The heating controlling region operates at a temperature sufficient to transform at least some of the EAF dust into a mixture of gaseous zinc and one or more additional metals. The magnet separates the iron-rich material from the mixture of gaseous zinc and one or more additional metals and the cooling region condenses the gaseous zinc.
US08845774B2	Agricultural compositions and methods for making and using the same Soil amendment/foliar nutrient compositions and methods for their manufacture and use are provided. The compositions are aqueous compositions that include a carbon skeleton energy component (CSE); a macronutrient; a vitamin cofactor; a complexing agent; and at least one of exotic micronutrient component and an ionophore component.
US08845773B2	Shaped abrasive particles with an opening Abrasive particles which are shaped abrasive particles each with an opening are described. The shaped abrasive particles are formed from alpha alumina and have a first face and a second face separated by a thickness t. The opening in each of the shaped abrasive particles can improve grinding performance by reducing the size of a resulting wear flat, can provide a reservoir for grinding aid, and can improve adhesion to a backing in a coated abrasive article.
US08845772B2	Process and system for syngas production from biomass materials A process and system suitable for producing syngas from biomass materials. The process and system entail the compaction of a loose biomass material to remove air therefrom and form a compacted biomass material. The compacted biomass material is then introduced into a reactor and heated in the substantial absence of air so as not to combust the compacted biomass material. Instead, the compacted biomass material is heated to a temperature at which organic molecules within the compacted biomass material break down to form ash and gases comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas. Thereafter, the carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas are released from the reactor, and the ash is removed from the reactor.
US08845771B2	System and method for converting solids into fuel A system for converting a solid fuel into a fuel including a pyrolytic unit for producing a pyro gas comprising hydrocarbons, a synthesis gas production unit for converting the pyro gas into a synthesis gas comprising a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and a gas-to-liquid unit for converting the synthesis gas into a fuel.
US08845767B2	Methods of treating coal to improve combustion and reduce carbon content of fly ash An iron salt of an organic acid, selected from formic acid, carboxylic acids having (3) or more carbon atoms and sulphonic acids, is used to reduce the carbon content of the fly ash, when coal is combusted.
US08845765B2	Method for lipid extraction from biomass A method for recovering lipids from microbial biomass, the method including providing wet microbial biomass which contains lipids to extraction without disrupting the biomass cell walls, and subsequently, extracting the wet microbial biomass with a liquid extractant at elevated temperature of at least 170° C. and elevated pressure. The combination of the temperature and pressure is such that the lipids in the cells are contacted with the extractant. Subsequently the extracted lipids are recovered from or with the extractant.
US08845760B2	Compound having multimer structure of xanthene derivative, coloring composition, ink for inkjet recording, method of inkjet recording, color filter, and color toner There is provided a compound represented by formula (1): in formula (1), L represents a divalent to tetravalent linking group; D represents a residue obtained by removing 1 to 5 hydrogen atoms from a compound represented by formula (2); m represents an integer of 1 to 10, however, each L may be the same with or different from every other L; n represents an integer of 2 to 10, however, each D may be the same with or different from every other D; and in formula (2), each of R4 to R24 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent, provided that formula (2) has at least one or more ionic hydrophilic groups.
US08845758B2	Means to color and/or lighten keratin fibers without ammonia odor The subject of the disclosure, in an exemplary embodiment, is an agent for coloring and/or lightening keratinic fibers, in particular human hair, containing in a cosmetic carrier: (a) ammonia, (b) one or more alkanolamines from the group of monoethanolamine, 2-amino-2-methylpropanol and triethanolamine, (c) one or more alkalizing agents from the group of potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium silicates, and potassium silicates, (d) one or more ethoxylated fatty alcohols having a degree of ethoxylation from about 80 to about 120, (e) one or more fatty alcohols from the group of arachyl alcohol (eicosan-1-ol), gadoleyl alcohol (9Z)-eicos-9-en-1-ol), arachidonyl alcohol ((5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)-eicosa-5,8,11,14-tetraen-1-ol), behenyl alcohol (docosan-1-ol), erucyl alcohol ((13Z)-docos-13-en-1-ol) and brassidyl alcohol ((13E)-docosen-1-ol).
US08845754B2	Dynamic support apparatus and system A control unit system. The system includes a control unit which includes a control unit charging interface, at least one magnet located proximate to the control unit charging interface, at least one actuator, a detachable manifold including at least one magnet, fluidly coupled to the at least one actuator, a pump connected to the at least one actuator for causing actuation thereof, and a control system for controlling the pump, wherein the control system controls the pump to actuate the at least one actuator at least in response to a signal received by the control system. The system also includes a recharging device configured to receive the control unit, the recharging device including a reed switch, wherein when the magnet in the control unit is located proximate to the reed switch, the switch is activated.
US08845753B2	Satiation devices and methods A satiation device is described which includes a sheath or liner extending from the proximal or middle stomach to the distal antrum. Food ingested by the patient passes through the sheath or liner, thereby minimizing contact between the ingested food and the stomach. It is believed that over time, reduced contact between food and the stomach will result in decreased Ghrelin production by the patient and a consequent decrease in appetite. In some embodiments, the satiation device may also include a proximal pouch and/or a distal bypass tube.
US08845752B2	Ureteral stent for improved patient comfort A ureteral stent for assisting the movement of urine along a patient's ureter and into the patient's bladder. The stent includes an elongated tubular segment extending toward the bladder from a kidney end region for placement in the renal cavity to a bladder end region. A central lumen connects at least one opening at the first end region to at least one opening in the bladder end region. Thin flexible tail(s) are attached to the bladder end region of the tubular segment at a point outside the bladder so as to receive urine from the opening in the bladder end region of the tubular segment and to transport urine from there across the ureter/bladder junction and into the bladder.
US08845747B2	Prosthesis A cup prosthesis includes a cup, a band disposed about the outer circumference and adjacent to the rim of the cup, an impaction cap disposed at least partially within the space defined by the inner surface and the rim of the cup, and at least one flange extending from the band connected on one end to the impaction cap.
US08845744B2	Ulnar head implant The present teachings provide an ulnar head implant. The implant can include a head component adapted to articulate with a portion of the anatomy. The head component can define a coupling bore through a surface. The implant can also include a stem component having a base and a post that extends from the base for insertion into a prepared portion of an anatomy. The base can include a coupling feature. The implant can include an intermediate component receivable within the coupling bore and couplable to the coupling feature to couple the head component to the stem component.
US08845741B2	Artificial joint components including integral magnetic fields configured to deflect wear debris particles Prosthetic artificial joints are described, including hip, knee and shoulder joints. In some embodiments, an artificial joint prosthesis includes: a bone-facing surface of a artificial joint prosthesis, the bone-facing surface configured to face a bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; a first component of the artificial joint prosthesis including a contact surface of the artificial joint prosthesis, the first component fabricated from at least one polymer and a plurality of magnetic particles; and a second component of the artificial joint prosthesis including at least one magnet configured to create a magnetic field within the artificial joint, the at least one magnet positioned to form a magnetic field directed to influence a location of debris including the magnetic particles in the joint to a position distinct from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo.
US08845739B2	Artificial joint components including mechanized synovial fluid deflecting structures Prosthetic artificial joints are described, including hip, knee and shoulder joints. In some embodiments, a artificial joint prosthesis includes: a bone-facing surface of a artificial joint prosthesis, the bone-facing surface configured to face a bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; a non-contact surface of the artificial joint prosthesis, the non-contact surface adjacent to the bone-facing surface of the artificial joint prosthesis; at least one fluid deflection structure positioned adjacent to the non-contact surface, the fluid deflection structure positioned to deflect synovial fluid away from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; and a mechanism attached to the fluid deflection structure, the mechanism operable to move the fluid deflection structure to direct synovial fluid away from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo.
US08845736B2	Composite implant A composite interbody vertebral implant for facilitating fusion of adjacent vertebrae. The implant includes a first endplate of a porous metal material and a second endplate of a porous metal material which are configured to allow bone in-growth. The implant also includes a polymeric body positioned between and bonded to the first and second endplates such that polymeric material of the polymeric body is impregnated into pores of the first and second endplates to bond the components together. The implant may include a cavity extending through the composite implant configured to receive bone growth material to facilitate fusion between a first vertebra and a second vertebra.
US08845731B2	Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.
US08845729B2	Prosthetic disc for intervertebral insertion A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes a core having upper and lower curved surfaces, upper and lower plates, and peripheral restraining structure on at least one of the upper plate, the lower plate and the core. Each plate has an outer surface which engages a vertebra and an inner curved surface which slides over the curved surface of the core. The peripheral restraining structure serves to hold the core against a curved surface of at least one of the plates during sliding movement of the plates over the core.
US08845725B2	Tenodesis system A tendon anchoring device may include an implant having a pair of spaced apart legs for straddling a tendon. A push rod removably attached to the implant may be utilized to guide and push a portion of the tendon into a pre-drilled bore in a bone. A fixation member may be slid along the push rod and threadably engage an inner surface of the pre-drilled bore to thereby anchor the tendon to the bone while a force is applied to the push rod. Once the fixation member has been installed, the push rod may be disengaged from the implant and removed from the bore. The implant may remain permanently straddled over the tendon inside of the bore.
US08845722B2	Heart valve prosthesis and method of implantation thereof A heart valve prosthesis has a supported valve including a biological valve portion mounted within a support structure. The supported valve has inflow and outflow ends spaced axially apart from each other. A fixation support member includes an inflow portion that extends from a radially inner contact surface of the fixation support member radially outwardly and axially in a direction of the inflow end of the supported valve. An outflow portion of the fixation support member extends from the radially inner contact surface radially outwardly and axially in a direction away from the inflow portion of the fixation support member. The radially inner contact surface is attached to a radially outer surface of the supported valve adjacent the inflow end of the supported valve.
US08845719B2	Extracellular matrix material conduits and methods of making and using same Extracellular matrix (ECM) material conduits are disclosed. Methods for regenerating atrioventricular valves to replace defective atrioventricular valves within a heart of a subject using the ECM material conduits are also disclosed. Methods of sterilizing and decellularizing an ECM material are also disclosed.
US08845718B2	Valve suturing and implantation procedures A prosthesis for implantation at a native semilunar valve includes a prosthetic distal valve, which includes a pliant material configured to collapse inwardly towards a longitudinal axis of the prosthesis during diastole, and to open outwardly during systole, and a distal fixation member configured to be positioned in a downstream artery of the subject. The apparatus also includes a proximal fixation member coupled to the distal fixation member, and configured to be positioned at least partially on a ventricular side of the native semilunar valve. The proximal fixation member is shaped so as to define a lattice that is shaped so as to define an intermediary portion that is coupled to the pliant material of the valve and diverges outwardly from the longitudinal axis, and a distal portion that is distal to the intermediary portion and diverges outwardly from the intermediary portion of the lattice. Other embodiments are also described.
US08845714B2	Sealable attachment of endovascular stent to graft An endovascular prosthesis of the present invention includes an expandable stent and a means for sealably attaching a tubular graft to the stent within the stent's lumen. The means of sealably attaching a graft includes membranes, foams, polymeric materials and combinations thereof. Additionally, the present invention includes methods of forming an endovascular prosthesis and methods of implanting an endovascular prosthesis within a vessel to provide sealable securement of a tubular graft within the stent's lumen.
US08845711B2	Medical device for modification of left atrial appendage and related systems and methods Several embodiments are set forth of devices, systems and methods for modifying an atrial appendage such as a left atrial appendage (LAA). In one embodiment, a device includes a body that is collapsible and self-expanding. The body includes a textured surface with protruding portions and recessed portions. The body may be formed of a reticulated foam material and may exhibit a substantially spherical geometry or a truncated spherical geometry. The body may be substantially hollow. In one embodiment, portions of the textured surface may be metalized or have a coating placed thereon to enhance frictional engagement of the body with the atrial appendage wall. In another embodiment, a mesh bag is disposed within an LAA and one or more self-expanding bodies are disposed within the mesh bag. The mesh bag is then secured to retain the self-expanding bodies within the bag and the LAA.
US08845707B2	Cryotreatment device and method Devices and methods for cooling vessel walls to inhibit restenosis in conjunction with medical procedures such as coronary artery angioplasty. One catheter device includes a distal tube region having coolant delivery holes radially and longitudinally distributed along the distal region. In some devices, holes spray coolant directly onto the vessel walls. In other embodiments, a balloon or envelope is interposed between the coolant and the vessel walls and the coolant returned out of the catheter through a coolant return lumen. Some direct spray devices include an occlusion device to restrict blood flow past the region being cooled. Pressure, temperature, and ultrasonic probes are included in some cooling catheters. Some cooling catheters are coiled perfusion catheters supporting longer cooling periods by allowing perfusing blood flow simultaneously with vessel wall cooling.
US08845698B2	Bone plate A bone plate has an underside on the side of the bone, an upper side and a plurality of holes in the plate connecting the underside with the upper side, with a central hole axis. At least one of these holes in the plate has an internal jacket surface that tapers towards the underside, while the internal jacket surface has N≧3 recesses which extend radially away from the axis of the hole.
US08845696B1	Devices and methods for dynamic fixation of skeletal structure The disclosed screw assemblies include a screw that attaches onto the bone, a housing member that connects and inter-locks the bone screw to the rod, and one or more locking members that permit immobilization of various components of the assembly relative to one another while still permitting some relative movement. The bone screws and bone screw assemblies described herein permit flexible stabilization of the spine.
US08845694B2	Rod extension for extending fusion construct In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a rod extension for extending a fusion construct is provided. The rod extension allows a surgeon to connect a stabilization rod implant to at least a portion of a patient's spine, and also to connect the stabilization rod implant to an existing implant that has been previously installed in the patient. The existing fusion implant typically includes at least one existing pedicle screw, at least one existing rod, and at least one existing connector interconnecting the existing pedicle screw to the existing rod. The extension implant comprises a rod, an offset beam connected to the rod, and a clamp interconnected to the offset beam, wherein the clamp can be secured to the existing rod, thereby extending the fusion construct. A method of use is also provided.
US08845693B2	Tulip head apparatus A tulip head apparatus includes a chuck housing configured to join to a head of a screw. The chuck housing comprises an upward slot extending from a bottom for enabling the chuck housing to expand to enable entry of the head and to contract to retain the head. A plurality of downward slots extends from a top for enabling a portion of the chuck housing to contract and expand. A plurality of hook structures are disposed about the top. A rotating head includes a hollow portion having a circular groove and to accept the chuck housing in which a contraction of the portion enables entry of the chuck housing and expansion of the portion engages the hook structures with the groove to secure the chuck housing within the rotating head and enable the rotating head to rotate about the chuck housing.
US08845692B2	Implants formed of a shape memory polymeric material for spinal fixation This invention relates to a orthopedic implant that comprises a shape memory polymeric material. The orthopedic implant can be fabricated or molded in a desired configuration selected to provide support or tension to bony structures. Examples of implantable devices include spinal rods, bone plates, and bone fixation cords. The orthopedic implant can be deformed to a second configuration different from the first configuration either prior to implantation or after implantation. When desired, the shape memory polymeric material can be induced to revert to it original molded configuration. This can compress the attached bony structure and/or promote arthrodesis.
US08845683B2	Method and system for sealing percutaneous punctures A device for sealing a puncture in a patient includes a sealing component including an elongate control member configured to pass through a puncture in skin of a patient. The sealing component also includes an expandable member disposed near a distal end of the control member, and a tip releasably attached to the elongate control member distal to the expandable member. The device also includes a sealing material delivery component including a delivery tube through which the control member of the sealing component is configured to extend. The delivery tube is configured to deliver sealing material through an opening in a distal end of the delivery tube.
US08845680B2	Radial artery compression device A radial artery compression device configured to be secured to a wrist or other portion of a patient to provide adjustable and consistent compression pressure in the area of a radial artery access site or other physiological portion of a patient to achieve hemostasis either during or after a medical procedure such as a percutaneous coronary procedure. The radial artery compression device includes a rotatable member and a compression pad adapted such that rotation of the rotatable member does not affect the rotational orientation of the compression pad. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a single rotation of the rotatable member results in complete extension or retraction of the radial artery compression device. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the rotation of the rotatable member results in a compounding of the extension or retraction of the compression pad relative to the body of the radial artery compression device.
US08845674B2	Intragastric device An implant configured for ingestion by a patient. After the implant has been swallowed by the patient and is disposed within the target location, e.g. the patient's stomach, an inflation subcomponent causes the implant to expand from a compact delivery state to an expanded, volume-occupying, deployed state. In the deployed state the implant creates a sensation of satiety in the patient stomach and thereby aids in limiting food intake and obesity. After a predetermined time a deflation subcomponent is actuated and the implant reduces in size so as to allow it to pass through the remainder of the patient's digestive track. The device may further incorporate tracking and visualization subcomponents, as well as pharmaceutical delivery subcomponents.
US08845673B2	Bioerodible self-deployable intragastric implants and methods for use thereof Described herein are bioerodible, biodegradable, or digestible self-deploying intragastric implants that may be swallowed. Once swallowed, the implants undergo self-expansion in the stomach and apply a suitable pressure against the stomach wall to provide a feeling of satiety to the individual. The implants then dissolve or are disassembled perhaps using gastric liquids and pass out of the stomach. Methods of using the devices, perhaps for an individual participating in a dietary control regimen, are described.
US08845668B2	Arthroscopic shaver handpiece with modular attachments An apparatus, system and method are presented by which certain surgical procedures normally done by powered surgical handpieces may be accomplished by powered arthroscopic handpieces, thus obviating the need to use powered surgical handpieces.
US08845666B2	Vitrectomy probe with adjustable cutter port size Vitrectomy probes and system related thereto are disclosed herein. The disclosure describes various example vitrectomy probes having an adjustable cutting port size. Various example features are described for adjusting the size of the cutting port. Further, the disclosure provides examples for adjusting the size of the cutter port while the vitrectomy probe is in operation.
US08845661B2	Device and method for the therapy of obesity An anastomotic device, particularly a positioning device (24) extending along a longitudinal axis (30) comprises a first component, or proximal component (26) and a second component, or distal component (28). The proximal and distal components are suitable to lock an elastic ring (52) in a deformed configuration therebetween. The proximal component (26) has a substantially cylindrical outer structure with a cavity (32) for receiving a proximal end (52a) of the elastic ring (52). The distal component (28) comprises a head (42) and a stem (44) developing along the longitudinal axis (30). The head (42) has a cone or truncated-cone shape.
US08845660B2	Surgical repair article based on HPPE material The invention relates to a surgical repair article, comprising a structural member of high performance polyethylene (HPPE) filament(s). The invention also relates to a method of making such a surgical repair article, and to a kit of parts comprising the article. The surgical repair article comprises a structural member of high performance polyethylene (HPPE) filament(s), and a biodegradable coating applied to the surface of the structural member, wherein the coating comprises a sol/gel produced inorganic oxide and a biologically active compound incorporated therein. The article combines high tensile strength, biocompatibility and favorable bioactive compound delivery characteristics.
US08845659B2	Articulating endoscopic surgical clip applier An apparatus for application of surgical clips to body tissue is provided and includes a handle assembly and a shaft assembly. The handle assembly includes a drive assembly; and a trigger operatively connected to the drive assembly. The shaft assembly extends from the handle assembly and includes an articulating neck assembly; and an end effector assembly supported on a distal end of the articulating neck assembly and being configured to form a surgical clip in place on the body tissue.
US08845658B2	Hemostatic clip and delivery system A clipping device includes (a) a shaft defining a lumen therethrough from a proximal end which, during a procedure remains outside the body accessible to a user and a distal end including a distal opening which, during a procedure is inserted into the body to a position adjacent to target tissue; (b) a flexible clip deployable from the distal opening, when in an unconstrained state, the clip assuming a shape selected to clip tissue and prevent a flow of fluid therethrough wherein, while residing within the lumen the clip is held substantially straight by an inner diameter of the lumen; (c) a control wire extending through the lumen from the proximal end to the distal end thereof; and (d) a release mechanism connecting the control wire to the clip during deployment of the clip and disconnecting the control wire from the clip after deployment thereof.
US08845657B2	Surgical support assembly A surgical support apparatus is disclosed, including an elongate member, a first tissue penetrating member, and a second tissue penetrating member. The second tissue penetrating member includes two segments hingably attached to each other. A distal portion of the second segment of the second tissue penetrating member includes an engagement surface. The first tissue penetrating member has a distal portion including a receiving surface. The engagement surface radially approaches the receiving surface causing the secure engagement of the first and second tissue penetrating members. Surgical objects can be attached to the surgical support apparatus and supported within an internal body cavity. Also disclosed is a method of assembling the surgical support apparatus in an internal body cavity.
US08845655B2	Instrument guide system A system is provided to align a surgical guide instrument over a burr hole in a patient's body. Adjustments of a surgical instrument can be made in x, y, z, and angular directions using the system. An instrument guide unit can include an instrument guide for guiding a surgical instrument into the body of a patient and a base unit operative to be secured to the body near an area in which surgery is to occur. The base unit is coupled to the instrument guide. An adjustment mechanism, coupled to the base unit and the instrument guide, is operative to adjust the instrument guide in lateral directions with respect the surface of the area.
US08845650B2	Instrument for handling a joint component by way of a vacuum Setting instrument (10) for a hip socket or shoulder socket inlay, having a handle part (11) and a suction element (12) that can be brought into sealing contact with the joint surface. The suction element (12) comprises a flexible molded part (13) matched to the joint surface, which molded part is deformable by a pulling element (14) in such a way that, when applied to the joint surface, an (increased) partial vacuum is formed between the joint surface and the flexible molded part (13).
US08845648B2	Minimally invasive orthopaedic apparatus and methods Apparatus and methods for use in the performance of minimally invasive orthopaedic procedures, including apparatus and methods for use in the performance of such procedures under the visualization of an endoscope, are herein disclosed. Such procedures include a minimally invasive intramedullary nailing procedure, a minimally invasive bone graft harvesting procedure, a minimally invasive pelvic osteotomy procedure, an orthopaedic implant revision procedure, and a minimally invasive percutaneous bone plating procedure.
US08845646B2	Apparatus and method for dispensing bone cement An apparatus and method for dispensing bone cement includes a cartridge for containing the bone cement. The apparatus also includes a plunger insertable into the cartridge. An impedance sensor is coupled to the plunger and configured to produce an output signal indicative of an impedance of bone cement contained in the cartridge. The apparatus may also include a processing circuit configured to determine an impedance value of bone cement contained within the cartridge based on the sensor signal. The processing circuit may activate a visual indicator based on the impedance value to indicate that the dough time, the end-of-work time, and/or setting-time of bone cement contained in the cartridge has been reached.
US08845645B2	Methods and apparatus for performing knee arthroplasty Methods and apparatus for performing knee arthroplasty, including, but not limited to, bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty, are described herein. Methods and apparatus for preparing a distal femur for a femoral implant as well as methods and apparatus for preparing a proximal tibia for a tibial implant are described. These methods and apparatus, in at least some embodiments and uses, facilitate decreasing the complexity of knee arthroplasty procedures such as bicruciate retaining procedures, while maintaining, if not improving on, the safety, accuracy and/or effectiveness of such procedures.
US08845639B2	Tissue modification devices Described herein are elongate devices for modifying tissue having a plurality of flexibly connected and rungs or links, and methods of using them, including methods of using them to decompress stenotic spinal tissue. These devices may be included as part of a system for modifying tissue. In general, these devices include a plurality of blades positioned on for formed from) rungs that are flexibly connected and may be separated by one or more spacers. The rungs are typically wider than they are long (e.g., rectangular). The rungs may be arranged, ladder like, and may be connected by a flexible connector substrate or between two or more cables. Different sized rungs may be used, or rungs with different cutting properties. In some variations the tissue modification devices may have a non-linear axial shape, or may be converted from a first axial shape to a second axial shape.
US08845638B2	Tissue disruption device and corresponding methods A tissue disruption device (10) for deployment via a rigid conduit (100) includes a rotary tissue disruptor (12) insertable along the conduit with its axis of rotation (14) parallel to the direction of conduit elongation (16). An angular displacement mechanism allows selective displacement of the rotary tissue disruptor (12) such that the axis of rotation (14) sweeps through a range of angular motion. A rotary drive is linked to the rotary tissue disruptor so as to drive the rotary tissue disruptor in rotary motion while the rotary tissue disruptor is at a range of angular positions within the range of angular motion.
US08845637B2	Tissue access guidewire system and method A method and system for guiding at least a portion of a surgical device to a desired position between two tissues in a patient's body involves coupling a guidewire to the device and pulling the distal end of the guidewire to guide at least a portion of the surgical device to a desired position between the two tissues. The surgical device generally includes one or more guidewire coupling members and may comprise a tissue access device. A system may include a guidewire and a surgical device. In some embodiments, a guidewire, a tissue access device, and one or more additional devices to use with the access device may be provided. Methods, devices and systems may be used in open, less-invasive or percutaneous surgical procedures, in various embodiments.
US08845634B2	Method of sensing gases during medical procedures A method of sensing gases during medical procedures that includes electronically altering a gas-identification sensor, coupled with an electronic medical device, to selectively detect at least one of a plurality of gases, receiving the at least one of the plurality of gases in the electronic medical device, the electronic medical device having an energy output, transferring the at least one of the plurality of gases to the gas-identification sensor for identification, and then reducing an amount of energy emitted from the energy output upon identification of the at least one of the plurality of gases.
US08845631B2	Systems and methods of performing medical procedures A medical method is provided, including a medical device having a distal assembly including at least one electrode and at least one treatment element, the medical device generating information regarding at least one of a physiological measurement and an operational parameter of the medical device; a plurality of surface electrodes affixable to a skin of the patient, wherein the surface electrodes are in electrical communication with the distal assembly to obtain position information of the medical device; and a processor pairing the position information and the at least one of a physiological measurement and an operational parameter of the medical device.
US08845625B2	Method and apparatus for automated placement of scanned laser capsulorhexis incisions Systems and methods are described for cataract intervention. In one embodiment a system comprises a laser source configured to produce a treatment beam comprising a plurality of laser pulses; an integrated optical system comprising an imaging assembly operatively coupled to a treatment laser delivery assembly such that they share at least one common optical element, the integrated optical system being configured to acquire image information pertinent to one or more targeted tissue structures and direct the treatment beam in a 3-dimensional pattern to cause breakdown in at least one of the targeted tissue structures; and a controller operatively coupled to the laser source and integrated optical system, and configured to adjust the laser beam and treatment pattern based upon the image information, and distinguish two or more anatomical structures of the eye based at least in part upon a robust least squares fit analysis of the image information.
US08845623B2	Method for isolating a part of a layer of a biological material A film with a tissue section is placed with the tissue section downward on a microscope slide and the microscope slide positioned in the object plane of an inverse microscope; where an adhesive tape is arranged, with a bonding agent downward, above the film and therefore above the tissue section; wherein the next step, tissue to be isolated is excised by a focused laser beam, which also divides the film; whereupon removal of the adhesive tape from the microscope, the excised tissue pieces adhere to the adhesive tape, and the remnant of the film and of the tissue section remains adhering to the microscope slide.
US08845622B2	Surgical instrument The invention relates to a surgical instrument (100; 200) comprising: an elongated arm (111; 207) according to a longitudinal axis and having a distal end (105; 204) mounted with a pivot joint on the elongated arm according to an axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; a drive shaft (103; 3), substantially coaxial with the elongated arm, comprising means forming a universal joint (104; 206) facing the pivot joint; and, distal tool (9) securely fastened on the drive shaft and rotatively mounted on and in the extension of the distal end of the elongated arm, such that the distal tool has two rotational degrees of freedom, distinct and independent of each other, one being around an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated arm and the other being around an axis substantially collinear to an own axis of the distal tool, characterized in that the means forming a universal joint comprise a flexible drive sleeve (104; 206).
US08845621B2	Apparatus for rotating medical devices, systems including the apparatus, and associated methods A rooter includes a rotatable element, an actuator for causing the rotatable element to rotate, and a coupling feature for rotatably coupling an elongate medical instrument to the rotatable element. The rotatable element may be at least partially contained within the interior of a housing or another element that remains substantially stationary as the actuator causes the rotatable element to rotate. The rooter may be used with a variety of elongate medical instruments, such as needles, drill bits, trocars, wires, catheters, tubes, and other elongate instruments that are used to enable or effect medical procedures within the body of a subject. The rooter may be used for a variety of purposes, including, without limitation, the introduction of an elongate medical instrument into the body of a subject or its removal from the subject's body; removing, breaking up, or eliminating obstructions (e.g., blood clots, plaques, etc.) from the body of a subject; and obtaining samples from a subject's body.
US08845619B2	Wound treatment apparatus and method An apparatus and method for aspirating, irrigating and/or cleansing wounds is provided. The apparatus and method include one or more of the following: simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, supplying of thermal energy to fluid circulated through the wound; supplying physiologically active agents to the wound; a biodegradable scaffold in contact with the wound bed; and application of stress or flow stress to the wound bed.
US08845618B2	Anti-clog suction tip apparatus and method An anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip having a suction opening and an interior defining a suction channel. An ejection wire channel extends to a wire exit opening into the suction channel that is located proximate the suction opening. An ejection wire including a ball tip at an end thereof occupies the ejection wire channel and is transitionable between a retracted configuration and an advanced configuration such that, in the retracted configuration, the ejection wire including the ball tip is retained within the ejection wire channel and does not obstruct suctioning of debris through the suction channel; and in the advanced configuration, the ball tip of the ejection wire does not extend more than three millimeters beyond the suction opening.
US08845617B2	Respiratory access port assembly with push button lock and method of use A respiratory access assembly includes a distal plate having one port and cuff and an axially aligned proximal plate including a first port and first cuff and a second port and second cuff. The distal plate is configured to move relative to the proximal plate. The respiratory access assembly includes an actuator, which has a plurality of predetermined positions. The actuator can lock the plates together such that the distal port is aligned with either port of the proximal plate or so that the distal port is not aligned with either port of the proximal plate. A method of using a respiratory access assembly is provided.
US08845616B2	Apparatus and method for electrosurgical suction A suction apparatus evacuates the surgical smoke. For example, the suction apparatus may be arranged adjacent to an electrocautery electrode, which may generate smoke during operation, for evacuating smoke from a surgical site. The suction apparatus may have a ring manifold having an inner perimeter for receiving the surgical instrument. A plurality of suction intake ports may be arranged about the outer perimeter of the ring manifold for evacuating smoke that may be generated by the surgical instrument.
US08845612B2	Methods for iontophoretically treating nausea and migraine Methods for treating nausea and migraine by iontophoretically administering triptan compounds are provided.
US08845610B2	Wearable article with highly extensible fastening member having stress distribution features Wearable disposable absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, having elastically extensible fastening members (also sometimes known as fastening “ears”) with particular features, extending from a chassis or main portion of the articles, are disclosed. The fastening members may be highly extensible and have an overall geometry characterized by greater length nearer the chassis or main portion and lesser length nearer the distal end. Examples disclosed may have a fastener zone having a Stiffness of at least about 1,500 N/m, and shape and dimensional characteristics, that help avoid problems of buckling and/or flipping of edges of the fastening members, dishing of fastener components, and fastening member tearing, while the articles are applied and worn.
US08845608B2	Holster-style pouch assembly for carrying a post-surgical fluid drainage container A holster-style pouch assembly carries a post-surgical fluid drainage system. The assembly includes an adjustable waistband, a pouch and a loop band. The pouch has an upwardly extending flap for at least partially closing off the pouch interior from the exterior environment. The flap has closure mechanisms attachable to and detachable from closure mechanisms disposed on the pouch interior and exterior. The flap extends over the waistband such that the pouch is suspended and secured with fastening mechanisms to the waistband when the flap closure mechanisms and the pouch closure mechanisms are attached. The pouch is capable of containing at least one post-surgical fluid drainage container. In operation, one or more fluid drainage tubes is capable of extending downwardly into the fluid drainage collection container inside the pouch. The fluid drainage tube is securable between the waistband and the loop band when the band closure mechanisms are attached.
US08845604B2	Device for providing a vacuum for vacuum wound treatment comprising a holding or carrying device A portable device (2) for providing a vacuum for medical vacuum treatment of wounds on the body of a person or of an animal has a holding or carrying device (10) with two connecting sections (12, 14) on the housing, which are disposed on the housing part (4) for connection to two connecting sections of a holding or carrying strap on the strap, wherein the holding or carrying strap comprises a third strap-side connecting section, which is spaced apart from the opposing ends of the holding or carrying strap and from the first and second strap-side connecting sections disposed there, and arranged between these ends, for connection to one of the connecting sections on the housing and/or to a strap-side connecting section disposed at the end.
US08845603B2	Silencer for vacuum system of a wound drainage apparatus Apparatus (10, 200) for the provision of TNP therapy to a wound is described, the apparatus (10, 200) including: a waste canister (22, 204) into which fluid is aspirated from a wound by aspiration pump means (44, 248) and a fluid flow path (420, 422) for at least a part of said aspirated fluid on an outlet side of said aspiration pump means (44) wherein said fluid flow path (420, 422) on the outlet side comprises a silencing system (400) having a plurality of silencing elements (402, 404, 406) therein.
US08845602B2	Individual portable device for eye bath Individual portable device (1) for eye bath, comprising a receptacle (5) with narrow neck (4) enclosing a sterile liquid for eye bath and an eye cup (2) provided with a sleeve interlocked on the neck; an elastically deformable and heat-stable seal (6) has an at least L-shaped section and rests on the rim (7) of the neck of the receptacle; the skirt (6a) defining the large leg of the L is clamped between the sleeve of the eye cup and the neck of the receptacle; thus the eye cup (2) is secured to the receptacle (5) in a leaktight manner regardless of the deformations undergone by the neck of the receptacle and the sleeve of the eye cup during heat sterilization treatments.
US08845599B2	Medical procedures, devices and kits for the formation and removal of plug-forming compositions The present description relates to plug-forming compositions, to medical procedures employing such compositions, to methods for removing such compositions, and to products pertaining to such compositions, including medical devices, medical device components, and kits, among other aspects.
US08845590B2	Catheter with distal diffuser A catheter configured with an elongate tube and a diffuser is disclosed. The diffuser may be configured to facilitate high flow rates through the catheter and to resist blockage of openings disposed within the body. Further, the catheter may be comprised of flexible materials to facilitate delivery into and removal from the body. In some embodiments the diffuser may be generally disc shaped.
US08845589B2	Device and methods for delivering fluids to animals Embodiments of the present invention feature devices and methods for providing fluids to or venting gas from animals which feature a tube and a sheath in which the sheath covers the tube as the tube in inserted into the oral cavity and esophagus.
US08845587B2	Infusion pump assembly An infusion pump assembly is disclosed. The infusion pump assembly includes a locking tab and a pump barrel inside a pump barrel housing, where the pump barrel accommodates a reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir and a plunger rod. The infusion pump assembly also includes a locking disc at a terminus of the pump barrel. The locking disc includes a clearance hole for the plunger rod. The locking disc also includes at least one locking tab notch in close proximity with the locking tab. The locking tab is in moveable engagement with the locking tab notch, and the reservoir moves the locking tab from a locked position to an unlocked position when the plunger rod is inserted through clearance hole. The locking disc rotates upon torque being applied to the reservoir assembly, the locking disc rotating from a non-loaded position to a loaded position with respect to the plunger rod and a drive screw.
US08845584B2	Safety shield for medical needles A medical needle shield apparatus is provided that includes a needle hub having a needle cannula extending therefrom. At least one shield is extensible from a retracted position to an extended position to enclose a distal end of the needle. The shield includes a binding member disposed within the shield and defines binding surfaces that form an aperture configured for slidable receipt of the inner needle. The binding member includes at least one drag inducing member that engages the inner needle during slidable receipt to create a drag force. The drag force facilitates rotation of the binding member such that the binding surfaces engage the inner needle to prevent slidable movement. The shield and/or hub includes a retention element engageable between the shield and hub and a sheath retention element. The hub includes a magnifier for viewing fluid flashback.
US08845583B2	Embolic protection devices An embolic protection device for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filtering assembly having a self-expanding strut assembly and a filter element attached thereto. In one embodiment, the filtering assembly is attached to the distal end of a guidewire and is deployed within the patient's vasculature as the guidewire is manipulated into the area of treatment. A restraining sheath placed over the filtering assembly in a coaxial arrangement maintains the filtering assembly in its collapsed position until it is ready to be deployed by the physician. Thereafter, the sheath can be retracted to expose the filtering assembly which will then self-expand within the patient's vasculature. Interventional devices can be delivered over the guidewire and any embolic debris created during the interventional procedure and released into the blood stream will enter the filtering assembly and be captured therein. Other embodiments include filtering assemblies attached to an outer tubular member and inner shaft member which apply axial force to the distal ends of the assembly to either expand or contract the struts as needed.
US08845582B2	Device for protecting a catheter, and a method for locating a catheter in a remote location in a human or animal body A device (1) comprises a sheath (9) for protecting a balloon catheter (2) from contamination with bodily fluids and other matter during the carrying out of a procedure or investigation at a remote site in a human or animal body. The sheath (9) defines a catheter accommodating portion (14) and a balloon accommodating portion (15) for accommodating a catheter (4) and a balloon (8) of the balloon catheter (2) therein. The sheath (9) is of a flexible material having a closed distal end (11) and a proximal opening (13) at a proximal end (10) thereof to a hollow interior region (12) within which the balloon catheter (2) is accommodated. A guide wire engaging distal portion (19) engages and locates a guide wire (7) within the sheath (9). The balloon accommodating portion (15) permits inflating of the balloon (8) to a predefined volume.
US08845581B2	Medical balloon deflation Medical balloons are energetically treated to form regions that facilitate deflation to a desirable configuration.
US08845580B2	Shear-sensitive injectable delivery system A delivery system for delivering a shear-sensitive injectable material into the body of a mammal, such as a human being, acts as a mechanical feed that continuously mixes a shear-sensitive injectable material as it delivers the shear-sensitive injectable material to a target tissue, or to a site adjacent a target tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the delivery system comprises an injector system including a rotatable mixing member coupled to a driving system. The injector system comprises a housing defining a lumen and having an output end and a driving system connection end and includes a rotatable mixing member for coupling to the driving system and for mixing and delivering the shear-sensitive injectable material. The driving system comprises a drive mechanism, an actuator capable of actuating the drive mechanism, and an interfacing member coupled to the drive mechanism for coupling with the mixing member to rotate the mixing member when the interfacing member is driven by the drive mechanism.
US08845576B2	Electrosurgical tool An electrosurgical tool for cauterizing or ablating patient tissue, which tool includes a tubular shaft which defines therein a conduit in communication with a suction source and which mounts an electrode at the distal end thereof. An electrode support element is provided at the distal end of the shaft for mounting and insulating the electrode. The support element and the electrode together define a suction opening at the treating surface of the electrode which minimizes clogging of the tool.
US08845575B2	Wound treatment apparatus A wound treatment apparatus includes a tray (10) having a region adapted to receive a patient's body part (e.g. a leg) for treatment, a spray head (22, 23) for applying a spray of a gas containing liquid onto the body part and a covered well (13) in the tray having inlets (18) for surplus liquid and gas from the spray. Outlets are provided in communication with the well for gas and liquid respectively for connection to a suction to draw surplus liquid and gas from the well, and a unitary coupling (20) provides a plurality of fluid connections including a liquid supply for the spray head and liquid and gas withdrawal from said well outlets.
US08845573B2	Implantable access for removal and/or return of fluids Implantable access device for removal and/or return of fluids to a patient, comprising a casing attached to an internal conduit to be connected with a lumen of the patient; a connector attached at the casing and connected to an external conduit, and arranged for attachment of an extracorporeal lumen to the device; and an actuator unit within the casing to selectively allow or block the fluid communication between the internal conduit and the external conduit; the device further comprising a fixation unit integrated in or attached at the casing arranged for fixation of the device to a bone of the patient; wherein the fixation unit extends axially along the longitudinal axis of the device. The disclosed access device can be used for high volume removal and/or return of blood or other fluids from the patient.
US08845568B2	Distractor straps for use with distractor apparatuses Distractor straps for use with distractor apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment, a distractor strap includes a cinch strap having a free end and a second end. The second end of the cinch strap includes an adjustment mechanism receiving the free end of the cinch strap such that the cinch strap forms a closed loop. A diameter of the closed loop is adjustable with the adjustment mechanism. The distractor strap further includes a cross strap comprising a first loop, a second loop, and strapping connecting the first loop and the second loop. The cinch strap is positioned in the first loop and the second loop such that the cross strap extends across the diameter of the closed loop formed by the cinch strap and the cross strap and the cinch strap are slidable with respect to one another.
US08845562B2	Gas supply system A gas supply system comprises a person-support surface, a garment, and a gas supply. The person-support surface includes a chamber configured to contain a gas therein. The garment includes a chamber configured to contain a gas therein. The gas supply is configured to supply a gas to both the garment and the person-support surface.
US08845561B2	Non-invasive method of spinal intervention and use of devices effective for spinal intervention The present technology is the use of the combination to treat a patient and the treatment of a patient. Sine waves are generated digitally by the combination. Data validation is used to ensure correct directional alignment prior to device activation. Patient safety and consistency in treatment protocols are considered in the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment design. A patient is treated with smooth sinusoidal waveform with a force of about 8 N to about 12.2 N with a Z-axis of acceleration (shear acceleration) of about 0.5 g to about 5g at about 5 Hertz (Hz) to about 200 Hertz. Treatment conditions can be varied depending upon the size of the patient, which includes human and veterinary patients. The method is non-invasive.
US08845556B1	Method and apparatus for body balance and alignment correction and measurement This invention pertains generally to non-invasive methods and apparatus for analyzing and improving human balance. More particularly, this invention describes a human balance analysis and improvement apparatus and method that involves the use of separate and synergistically integrated and combined means for analyzing and producing perfect core body alignment and balance: an alignment indicator, sway measurement apparatus, and foot force measurement and force centering apparatus. Data received from the aforesaid devices or various combinations thereof is then integrated and displayed by appropriate software and/or display apparatus for use in perfecting, analyzing and/or correcting human balance. The alignment and sway measurement apparatus of the invention is preferably subject based upon video motion capture technology. The foot force measurement and force centering apparatus is preferably based upon a pair of segmented force plates with underlying sensors capable of registering differences in distribution of weight on different parts of the segments.
US08845551B2	Medical guide wire, an assembly of microcatheter and guiding catheter combined with the medical guide wire, and an assembly of ballooncatheter and guiding catheter combined with the medical guide wire In a medical guide wire 1, a helical spring body 3 is made of austenitic stainless steel wire treated with a solid-solution procedure, and tightly drawn with a whole cross sectional reduction ratio as 90%-99.5%. A metallic wire element of the helical spring body 3 is heat treated at low temperature within a range in which a tensile rupture strength of the helical spring body 3 rapidly increases by partly or totally making use of a conductive heat generated when a core wire 2 and the helical spring body 3 are in part bonded by means of a welding member 4. This makes it possible to improve a mechanical strength property, especially a fatigue-resistant property against a repetitive bending action of the helical spring body 3.
US08845548B2	Cutter drive assembly for biopsy device A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, and a cutter actuation mechanism. The needle extends distally from the body. The cutter actuation mechanism rotates and translates the cutter relative to the body and relative to the needle. The cutter has an overmold presenting a lead screw and a hex portion. The cutter actuation mechanism comprises a first gear disposed about the hex portion of the overmold and a second gear engaged with the lead screw of the overmold by a nut that is integral with the second gear. The cutter actuation mechanism is operable to simultaneously rotate the first gear relative to the body at a first rotational speed and the second gear relative to the body at a second rotational speed. With the lead screw and the nut rotating at different rotational speeds, the lead screw rotates relative to the nut at a third rotational speed.
US08845544B2	Sensing rate of change of pressure in the left ventricle with an implanted device An implantable device and method for monitoring S1 heart sounds with a remotely located accelerometer. The device includes a transducer that converts heart sounds into an electrical signal. A control circuit is coupled to the transducer. The control circuit is configured to receive the electrical signal, identify an S1 heart sound, and to convert the S1 heart sound into electrical information. The control circuit also generates morphological data from the electrical information. The morphological data relates to a hemodynamic metric, such as left ventricular contractility. A housing may enclose the control circuit. The housing defines a volume coextensive with an outer surface of the housing. The transducer is in or on the volume defined by the housing.
US08845543B2	Signal processing apparatus and method A method and an apparatus to analyze two measured signals that are modeled as containing desired and undesired portions such as noise, FM and AM modulation. Coefficients relate the two signals according to a model defined. The method and apparatus are particularly advantageous to blood oximetry and pulserate measurements.
US08845539B2	Methods and systems for estimating gestation age of a fetus Methods, systems and computer program products for estimating the gestational age of a fetus are provided. According to one embodiment, the method generates a component image from a segmented ultrasound image of a fetal head. The component image includes one or more edges. The method then identifies a third ventricle within the component image. The method estimates a length of a bi-parietal diameter, based at least in part on the orientation of the third ventricle. Thereafter, the method estimates the gestational age of the fetus.
US08845538B2	Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus The invention was made to simplify the operation relating to the detection of an absolute pressure applied to a test body by an ultrasonic probe and thereby to enhance usability. The fact that an elastic coupler has been attached to the ultrasonic wave transmitter/receiver surface and the fact that the elastic coupler is in an initial state with no pressure are detected (S2, S3), an initial thickness of the elastic coupler in the initial state is obtained (S6), the fact that the elastic coupler is in the pressurized state is detected based on the disappearance of a multiple echo which is included in an RF signal and caused due to the elastic coupler, the thickness of the elastic coupler in the pressurized state is obtained by detecting the boundary between the test body and the elastic coupler in the pressurized state, the thickness change is obtained based on the thickness in the pressurized state and the initial thickness (S7), and the absolute pressure applied to the test object is evaluated based on the thickness change and the pre-set elasticity property of the elastic coupler (S8).
US08845536B2	Transcutaneous analyte sensor The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.
US08845534B2	Techniques for evaluating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) using involuntary reflex cough test A system and method evaluates a patient for stress urinary incontinence. An involuntary reflex cough event is induced within the patient that activates the nucleus ambiguous and medial motor cell column of the patient and stimulates involuntary cough activated paraspinal muscles in the pelvis of the patient. And elecromyogram (EMG) is obtained from the involuntary cough activated paraspinal muscles and its duration determined. Any urine leakage time that occurs during the involuntary reflex cough event is identified and correlated within a processor together with the urine leakage time and EMG and duration of cough event to determine stress urinary incontinence.
US08845530B2	Resposable biosensor assembly and method of sensing A device, system, and method for delivering a device such as a sensor or fluid transport structure or a fluid transport structure sensor combination into, for example, mammalian skin and receiving, analyzing, and displaying signals from the device such as a sensor are disclosed. A system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a reusable sensor assembly including a transmitter, microcontroller, and housing plus a disposable sensor assembly including a housing having an opening for receiving both the distal end of a biosensor, a sensor insertion guidance structure, and a transmission apparatus for transmitting signals received from the sensor to a reusable sensor assembly for transmission to an external electronic monitoring unit.
US08845526B2	Integrated otoscope and three dimensional scanning system A multi-purpose device that can be used, as, among other things, an otoscope and a three dimensional scanning system is disclosed.
US08845525B2	Laryngoscope insertion section with tube guide for guiding endotracheal tubes having a range of external diameters A laryngoscope insertion section includes an elongate support member and a tube guide having a resilient tube guiding member, to enable the insertion section to be used with endotracheal tubes having a wide range of external diameters. The breadth and/or thickness of the insertion section can therefore be less when retaining an endotracheal tube having a relatively small external diameter, enabling the insertion section to reliably guide tubes having a range of external diameters and to reliably guide relatively small external diameter tubes while occupying less volume that would otherwise be required in order for the tube guide to be able to guide tubes having a larger external diameter.
US08845522B2	Medical instrument with a deflectable distal portion A deflection assembly of a medical instrument (such as an endoscope or a flexible ureteroscope) allows an operator to deflect a distal portion of the instrument using one or more controls located at a proximal portion of the instrument. The instrument allows the operator to achieve multi-directional deflection of the distal portion.
US08845521B2	Torque limiting mechanism of bendable portion control device for an endoscope A bendable portion control device for an endoscope including a control portion and an insertion portion extending therefrom, the insertion portion having a bendable portion at a distal end thereof, the bendable portion control device includes a control wire fixed thereto and extending to the control portion through the insertion portion; a control knob disposed on the control portion; an operating force transmission mechanism having a pair of relatively rotatable members connected to the control knob and a proximal end of the control wire, respectively; and a torque limiting mechanism for allowing torque to be transmitted to the bendable portion via the control wire when the torque is equal to or less than a predetermined torque, and for preventing the torque from being transmitted to the bendable portion via the control wire by disengaging the relatively rotatable members from each other when exceeding the predetermined torque.
US08845518B2	Inflatable member for an endoscope sheath Apparatus and methods for attaching and forming enclosed inflatable members on an endoscope assembly with a disposable sheath are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a flexible and resilient cuff member that is positioned on the outer surface of the disposable sheath and sealably and fixedly bonded to the sheath cover material at the cuff edges to form an annular space capable of being inflated. The inflatable member formed thereby is inflated through a lumen internal to the sheath that has an opening into the interior annular space. The inflatable member may be inflated to exert a longitudinal force on the insertion tube, thereby moving the endoscope assembly along a body passage. Alternately, a sheath may include a plurality of inflatable cuffs that may be inflated to create an isolated space therebetween within the body passage.
US08845515B2	Penile implant with dilatant liquid A penile prosthetic system includes a reservoir that is configured to be attached to a penile implant. The penile implant includes a first bladder and a second bladder, with the first bladed configured to be attached into fluid communication with the reservoir and the second bladder containing a dilatant liquid.
US08845510B2	Flexible galvanic primary and non galvanic secondary coils for wireless coplanar energy transfer (CET) Systems and methods of the invention generally involve a convertible power transfer system for supplying wireless energy to an implant. According to certain aspect, a system of the invention includes a convertible inductive coil and a receiver inductive coil. The convertible inductive coil may be disposed externally on a body of a patient and to inductively transmit electromagnetic power. The convertible inductive coil transitions between direct electromagnetic power transfer and passive electromagnetic power transfer. The receiver inductive coil can be implanted within the body and provides received electromagnetic power to the implant. The convertible inductive coil, during passive electromagnetic power transfer, couples to the receiver inductive coil such that the convertible inductive coil and receiver inductive coil operate together as single receiver inductive coil that receives inductively transferred electromagnetic power from a distant transmitter inductive coil.
US08845509B2	Ventricular assist device and related methods A method and system are provided for percutaneously gaining access to oxygenated blood with one or more anastomosis devices and pumping such oxygenated blood directly to the aorta adjacent to the right atrium or left atrium via a VAD system. In one embodiment, a VAD system can be implanted with open surgery.
US08845506B2	Centrifuge and changeable weir inserts therefor A centrifuge, including: a flange closing off one axial end of a separation chamber; a plurality of apertures that traverse axially through the flange at a radial distance from a flange axis, wherein at least one aperture is in fluid communication with a first outlet passage; a plurality of weir inserts removably disposed within the plurality of apertures to control a flow of one or more fluids from the separation chamber; wherein at least one weir insert disposed within the at least one aperture in fluid communication with the first outlet passage is changeable to prevent or allow fluid communication between the separation chamber and the first outlet passage.
US08845502B2	Control for a machine for the manufacture of paper padding The invention relates to a control for a machine for producing paper padding material. The machine comprises a drive motor which transports sheets of paper through a shaping device. In this shaping device, the sheets of paper are shaped to paper padding material which is then cut to the desired length in a cutting device. The inventive control allows for an automatic memorization of a manually selected storage length.
US08845499B1	Personal force resistance cable exercise device, force resistance assembly, and method of exercising A personal force-resistance cable exercise device includes a force resistance assembly, elongated flexible cable, and a movable exercise implement. The force resistance assembly comprises a mounting frame, a rotatable assembly shaft carried by the mounting frame, a disk rotor fixedly attached to the assembly shaft, an adjustable friction controller adapted for frictionally engaging the disk rotor, and a one-way cable spool. The one-way cable spool is locked to the assembly shaft upon rotation of the cable spool in a working force-resistance direction, and is freely movable relative to the assembly shaft upon rotation of cable spool in an opposite cable-wind-up direction. The flexible cable is attached to the force resistance assembly, and adapted for winding on and unwinding from the cable spool. The exercise implement is attached to the flexible cable, and adapted for being employed by a user performing an exercise.
US08845496B2	System and method for gaming Systems and methods applicable, for instance, in gaming. Functionality might, for instance, be provided wherein one or more users are, in the context of a video game, presented with one or more real-world fitness tasks to be performed. Various monitoring operations might, for example, be performed. Various compensatory operations might, for example, be performed. Such compensatory operations might, for instance, take into account user fitness levels and/or environments in which real-world fitness tasks are performed.
US08845494B2	Step trainer for enhanced performance using rhythmic cues A person's step length and rate may be measured, for example, through sensors that collect spatial and temporal gait parameter data. The measurements are then used to determine the rate of a rhythmic auditory cue to improve the person's gait. For example, a system links sensors to detect step rate and length to an audio cue provided to headphones, while providing the appropriate algorithms to accomplish real time adjustments to the audio cues as needed to better help change the person's step length vs. step rate ratio in a desired direction depending on therapeutic or performance goals.
US08845492B2	Engine control override systems and methods A system comprising a controller configured to determine if a brake control of a vehicle is actuated; determine a delay time in response to a speed of the vehicle; determine if the delay time has passed from when the brake control was actuated; and if the delay time has passed, override an engine control of the vehicle.
US08845491B2	Micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) based hydraulic control system for automated manual transmissions An automated manual transmission includes a hydraulic device, a pilot valve, and a regulating valve. The pilot valve is operably connected to the hydraulic device and configured to actuate. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The regulating valve is operably connected to the pilot valve and the hydraulic device. The regulating valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulic device based on the actuation of the pilot valve.
US08845490B2	Method and system for delaying shift and throttle commands based on engine speed in a marine vessel A method for delaying shift and throttle commands based on engine speed comprises establishing a predetermined threshold engine speed. Shift and throttle commands are calculated based on the position of a joystick which allows an operator to manually control shift and throttle functions. Execution of the shift and throttle commands is delayed if the engine speed is above the predetermined maximum threshold engine speed.
US08845487B2	Control for a variable tensioning device for a ribbedV-belt of a motor vehicle drive A tensioning device is provided for a ribbed V-belt of a motor vehicle with at least one tensioning pulley that is directly and functionally connected to the ribbed V-belt and with a controller designed for varying the position and/or configuration of the tensioning pulley in dependence on the instantaneous operating state of at least one belt pulley on a driven side and/or a driving side that is connected to the ribbed V-belt in order to operationally adapt the tension of the ribbed V-belt.
US08845485B2	Auxiliary power unit having a continuously variable transmission Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for auxiliary power units (APU). In one embodiment, the APU includes a source of rotational power such as a combustion engine operably coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be coupled to a load. In some embodiments, the load is provided by a generator. In one embodiment, the APU has a control system configured to control the operation of the engine and the operation of the CVT. The control system can facilitate substantially constant speed operation of the generator in the presence of variable operation of the engine. In another embodiment, the APU includes a continuously variable accessory drive (CVAD) operably coupled to an engine. The CVAD can include a continuously variable transmission operably coupled to a generator. In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD.
US08845483B2	System, method, and apparatus for controlling power output distribution in a hybrid power train A system includes a hybrid power train including an engine, a first electrical torque provider, and a second electrical torque provider. The system further includes a load mechanically coupled to the hybrid power train. The hybrid power train further includes a clutch coupled to the engine and the second electrical torque provider on a first side, and coupled to the first electrical torque provider and the load on a second side. The system further includes an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to the electrical torque providers. The system further includes a controller that performs operations to smooth torque commands for the engine and the second electrical torque provider in response to determining that a clutch engage-disengage event occurring or imminent.
US08845482B2	Hybrid power driving system and driving method of the same A hybrid power driving system is provided, comprising an engine; a first motor; a first reducing mechanism, a second clutch, a first wheels group, a second motor, a second wheels group, a second reducing mechanism, an energy storage device, a clutch, an engine controller, and a motor controller. The motor controller may be configured to: start or stop at least one of the first motor or the second motor; and control the clutch controller and the engine controller according to a running mode of the hybrid power driving system. A driving method for the driving system as described hereinabove is also provided.
US08845478B2	Automatic transmission To disable engine braking so as to act at a given shift stage in a D range selected manually, and to enable engine braking so as to act at the given shift stage in an L range, an automatic transmission includes first and second meshing mechanisms. The transmission further includes a one-way clutch, a first linkage for meshing the first meshing mechanism in synchronism with N-to-D movement, and a second linkage for meshing the second meshing mechanism in synchronism with D-to-L movement. A rotating part permits a driving force to be transmitted from an input member via the one-way clutch with the first meshing mechanism meshed in the D range and permits a driving force to be transmitted from the input member, without transmitting via the one-way clutch, with the first and second meshing mechanisms each meshed in the L range.
US08845476B2	Multi-speed transmission A transmission of the present invention has 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. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish a plurality forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08845472B2	Drive transmission unit and image forming apparatus including same A drive transmission unit includes a planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear mechanism includes an outer gear rotatably disposed on a shaft, a sun gear rotated by a power source, coaxially disposed on the same shaft as the outer gear, multiple planetary gears to engage the sun gear and the outer gear, disposed along an inner circumferential surface of the outer gear, a carrier rotatable on the same shaft as the outer gear to rotatably support the planetary gears, a contact member that contacts the sun gear as the sun gear moves in a direction of thrust due to engagement with the plurality of planetary gears, and a grease retaining portion to retain grease near a contact portion at which the sun gear contacts the contact member as the sun gear moves in the direction of thrust. The outer gear, the sun gear, and the planetary gears are helical gears.
US08845469B2	High efficiency hybrid vehicle with two planetary gear mechanisms for power derivation A power transmitting system for hybrid vehicle with first and second planetary gear mechanisms of different ratios used for power derivation: a first planetary gear mechanism (4) dedicated to low vehicle speeds and the second planetary gear mechanism dedicated (5) to the high vehicle speeds. The planetary gear mechanisms are driven in parallel by a thermal engine (1) and by an electric motor (2). The planetary gear mechanisms drive, in parallel, a differential gear (6) connected to wheels (9). Pilot shafts of the planetary gear mechanisms (4) and (5) alternatively connect and disconnect to an electric generator (3) which regulates the driving force of the vehicle by controlling resistive torque through a clutch (7). Advantages of the system include improved efficiency, reduced cost, regenerative braking and power input from an electrical grid.
US08845468B2	Friction drive belt and belt transmission system using the same A friction drive belt (B) includes a pulley contacting portion (13) which is made of a rubber composition of an ethylene-α-olefin elastomer as raw rubber in which carbon black having an iodine adsorption number of 40 mg/g or lower, and 3-10 parts by mass of short aramid fiber (14) relative to 100 parts by mass of the raw rubber are blended.
US08845466B2	Football with aerodynamic lace Lace designs for footballs are provided. The laces have geometries that improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the football during flight. Additionally, the placement of the laces on the football is selected to maximize aerodynamic performance of the football during flight.
US08845465B2	Basketball having indicia to enhance visibility A spheroidal ball includes a body having three grooves that define divisions on the ball. The ball includes a first color and a second color that contrasts with the first color. The second color may be applied in various regions, areas, or sections of the ball to enhance the visibility of the ball in use.
US08845460B1	Basketball return system The present invention is a system useful in returning a basketball to an individual by recognizing the individual's location relative to the basketball hoop. The system may further adjust its position to deliver the basketball to a person's location or the location to which the individual is moving by further recognizing the trajectory and pace of the individual, such as with the use of GPS devices.
US08845459B2	Method and system for shot tracking A method for tracking a golfer's round of golf, wherein the method comprises determining a first location of a GPS device, receiving a signal from a first golf club, recording the first location, determining a second location of the GPS, receiving a signal from a second golf club, determining the distance from the first location and the second location and recording the distance as a distance for a first shot of the golfer.
US08845454B2	Golf club or other ball striking device having stiffened face portion A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft proximate a heel thereof. The face has a thickened portion including an annular tapered area that tapers in thickness between an upper boundary and a lower boundary and encloses an elevated area bounded by the upper boundary. The upper and/or lower boundary defines a shape having two lobes, each with an outer edge with a convex profile, and a connecting portion extending between the lobes, such that the connecting portion is defined by two outer edges extending between the outer edges of the lobes, wherein at least one of the outer edges of the connecting portion has a concave outer profile.
US08845452B2	Golf club shaft A golf club shaft has the bending rigidity distribution and the torsional rigidity distribution satisfying the following three relational formulas: 1) S2/S1≧2.5, wherein an average inclination of the bending rigidity in an interval from 400 mm to 700 mm from the front end of the shaft is defined as S1 and an average inclination of the bending rigidity in an interval from 800 mm to 950 mm from the front end of the shaft is defined as S2; 2) 1.0
US08845448B2	Single panel golf club grip A grip and method of making such a grip configured for the handle of a golf club having a panel that is wrapped about an underlisting sleeve. The underlisting sleeve includes first and second centering indicators and the panel includes generally corresponding centering indicators. When wrapped about the sleeve, the sleeve centering indicators and the panel centering indicators are generally aligned.
US08845447B2	Golf putter attachment to lift golf balls and to prop golf putters The golf putter attachment is an apparatus that is able to grasp golf balls from hard-to-reach places and is able to prop up the grip of a golf putter. The apparatus includes a grip insert, two separate bodies, a locking mechanism, a hinge, a thumbnail opener, a suction cup, and a ball marker. The grip insert attaches the apparatus to a golf putter. The suction cup is used to grasp a golf ball by using the full length of a golf putter. The locking mechanism allows the two bodies to attach and detach from each other, which allows the two bodies to reconfigure themselves and prop up the golf putter. The thumbnail opener can separate the two bodies, and the hinge keeps the two bodies adjoined while the two bodies are separated. The ball marker is detachable component used to mark the location of a golf ball during a game.
US08845446B2	Golf swing control apparatus A swing aid for controlling the movement of a sports stick during a swing is disclosed. The swing aid includes a trailing member, a leading member, and a joining member connecting the trailing member to the leading member. The leading member and the trailing member each have an axis that intersect one another at an axis intersection point located within the joining section, the axes thereby defining an obtuse angle.
US08845442B2	Determination of spin parameters of a sports ball A method of determining spin parameters of a spot ball, such as spin axis and rotation velocity of a golf ball. The spin axis is determined solely from the trajectory of the flying ball, and the rotational velocity is determined from a frequency analysis of a signal provided by a radar, which signal comprises spectrum traces positioned equidistantly in frequency, which frequency distance relates to the spin velocity.
US08845434B2	System and method for improving the graphics performance of hosted applications A system comprises: an application/game server comprising a central processing unit to process application/video game program code and a graphics processing unit (GPU) to process graphics commands and generate a series of video frames for the application/video game; one or more back buffers to store video frames as the video frames are being created in response to the execution of the graphics commands; a front buffer to receive a video frame for rendering on a display after the video frame has been completed in one of the one or more back buffers, the front buffer outputting the video frame for display one scan line at a time at a designated scan out frequency, a subset of scan lines stored in the front buffer being associated with a vertical blanking interval (VBI); and a frame processing module.
US08845432B2	Method, apparatus and recording medium for game using touch input Disclosed is game technology, and more particularly to a method, an apparatus, and a recording medium for a game using touch input, which can more variously control the display, etc. of elements of a game screen, thereby providing games capable of employing various game schemes.
US08845431B2	Shape trace gesturing Gestures of a computer user are observed with a depth camera. A trace gesture of the computer user is identified and an action performable within an interactive interface is selected based on the shape of the trace gesture.
US08845429B2	Interaction hint for interactive video presentations An interaction hint is presented with a video segment. Upon receiving a user response to the interaction hint, a message is automatically sent to update information associated with a user profile without interrupting presentation of the video segment.
US08845428B2	Coordinating real-world gatherings to promote online community Coordinating real-world gatherings to promote an online community, the method including: encouraging participants of the online community to participate in a real-world gathering by providing incentives for the participants; promoting familiarity among the participants by providing and introducing online community titles of the participants at the real-world gathering; and providing online benefits or rewards to the participants for participating in the real-world gathering. Keywords include socializing in the real world, community building and bridging the gap between the game world and the real world.
US08845427B2	Gaming system and method of gaming A gaming system comprising: a game controller; and a housing having a display and an enclosure containing a plurality of physical objects capable of movement with or within the enclosure; and a reader that identifies an object from the plurality of objects and communicates data regarding that object to the game controller.
US08845424B2	Hand-held gaming device with configurable touch sensitive panel(s) A game controller with a communications interface includes a touch sensitive pad having a plurality of touch sensitive elements, and processing circuitry coupled to the communications interface and the at least one touch sensitive pad. The processing circuitry enacts touch pad configuration settings that correlate subsets of the plurality of touch sensitive elements to produce distinct user input locations. The processing circuitry receives touch pad input from the at least one touch sensitive pad. The processing circuitry processes the touch pad input to determine user input directions based upon the touch pad configuration settings, and then transmits the touch pad input directions via the communications interface for use as gaming input.
US08845423B1	Accessing a virtual media object within viewable location on gameboard A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for entering a viewable location on a gameboard having a virtual media object capable of presenting a media item within a media are presented. A game instance of a computer-implemented game is generated, where the game instance is associated with a game state of a player using a virtual gameboard. A graphical user interface displaying an exterior of one or more virtual buildings associated with the game instance is provided. A request to view an interior of a virtual structure is received via a device of the player. In response to the request, the interior of the virtual structure is displayed, including displaying a virtual media object in the interior of the virtual structure. The virtual media object is associated with a media playable to the player upon request.
US08845421B2	Game of chance on input of currency for amusement devices A method of awarding a bonus for a play session of a user of an amusement device is disclosed. The amusement device has a display, a memory and a controller. The method includes receiving, by the amusement device, an input of currency from the user. A game of chance sequence for determining the bonus is automatically initiated in response to receiving the input of currency. The game of chance sequence and the determined bonus are displayed and the bonus is applied to the play session.
US08845420B2	Autonomous agent hybrid games Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate an autonomous agent hybrid game including a gambling game providing a game of chance and an entertainment game providing a game of skill, where the autonomous agent hybrid game utilizes an agency module constructed to: configure an agent player profile based upon player instructions, where an agent player action during entertainment game gameplay is determined by the configuration of the agent player profile; communicate an agent gameplay gambling event occurrence based upon an agent player action to the gambling game, where the gameplay gambling event occurrence triggers an agent wager in the gambling game; and allocate a payout from the agent wager to a player profile associated with the player instructions based upon the agent player profile.
US08845419B2	Bonus jackpots in enriched game play environment Systems and methods for a providing a jackpot bonus in a gaming system A jackpot bonus element is generated in an entertainment game portion of a hybrid game and a gambling game in a gambling game portion of the hybrid game is triggered when a player initiates an encounter in the entertainment game with the bonus element. It is then determined if the player wins the gambling game triggered by the player's encounter with the bonus element in the entertainment game a payout is provided to the player when it is determined that the player has won the gambling game.
US08845418B2	Method and apparatus for bonus round play Methods and apparatus are provided for enabling a player to take a tour of a secondary game at a game machine. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes offering to enable entry of a player into a bonus round of a game machine in exchange for a fee, receiving the fee from the player, and enabling entry of the player into the bonus round. The method further includes receiving an indication of at least one player selection during the bonus round, and determining an outcome based on the at least one player selection. In other embodiments, the method includes providing a prize to the player based on the outcome.
US08845410B2	Multi-station game machine A multi-station game machine, including at least two stations that are configured to accept player inputs, a wheel having a plurality of sections including symbols, the wheel being configured to rotate, the wheel being disposed so that a front surface of the wheel can be seen from at least two players, and a controller for controlling a first game performed by the wheel and a second game performed on the stations, wherein the wheel is configured to enable at least two players to simultaneously play the first game respectively using the stations, wherein the stations are configured such that the players bet a game value on the symbols via a bet area displayed on a display provided on each of the stations, and wherein the controller triggers the second game based on a win of the first game.
US08845408B2	Gambling game objectification and abstraction Systems and methods for configuring a gaming system. In one such gaming system, a plurality of real world engine modules are provided for a hybrid game, each real world engine module having a gambling game that is triggered by an element of an entertainment game of the hybrid game. A selection is received, from a player of the hybrid game, of a selected real world engine module of the plurality of real world engine modules, and triggering is enabled of the selected real world engine module's gambling game by the element of the entertainment game of the hybrid game.
US08845406B2	Vent sealing device and system A vent sealing device includes an elongated tubular member having an inner tube with a collar at the upper end of the inner tube, and a cap having an upper interior surface configured to receive the inner tube assembly, a lower interior surface configured to receive said outer tube, and a screen configured to remove debris positioned along the top of the assembly. A vent sealing system includes a roof attachment unit that includes an elongated base structure having an opening that includes a flexible sleeve protruding outward therefrom.
US08845401B2	Method and apparatus for processing poultry or a part thereof The invention relates to a method for processing poultry or a part thereof in a processing line, including the step of detaching and/or collecting a cartilage of the poultry's keel bone, whereby during transport of the poultry's carcass in the processing line, a cut is made in the cartilage of the keel bone, which cut is made initially transverse to the transport direction of the poultry and towards the poultry's backbone, and which cut develops from said transverse direction to eventually a direction opposed to the transport direction.
US08845400B2	Rotary grinding tool and its production method An inexpensive rotary grinding tool with reduced noise level of the grinding is provided. The rotary grinding tool comprises a metal disk having a grinding surface on at least a part of its surface and a holder for supporting the metal disk. The grinding surface has hard grains having a Mohs hardness in excess of 9 brazed thereon at a surface density of at least 20 grains/cm2. The holder has at its center a securing means for securing the holder on rotary shaft of a rotary drive unit. The holder and the metal disk are joined together to constitute the rotary grinding tool.
US08845392B2	Arrangement for grinding and a method thereof An improved grinding arrangement for grinding a required profile in a body is provided. The arrangement includes a body having at least one channel extending into the body and a grinding wheel adapted to grind the required profile in the side of the channel. In the setup the grinding wheel is arranged so that an axis of rotation of the grinding wheel forms an angle greater than 0° with a radial axis of the channel. A method of grinding a required profile in a body is also provided.
US08845391B2	Substrate polishing apparatus, substrate polishing method, and apparatus for regulating temperature of polishing surface of polishing pad used in polishing apparatus An apparatus for polishing a substrate includes a rotatable polishing table supporting a polishing pad, a substrate holder configured to hold the substrate and press the substrate against a polishing surface of the polishing pad on the rotating polishing table so as to polish the substrate, and a pad-temperature detector configured to measure a temperature of the polishing surface of the polishing pad. The apparatus also includes a pad-temperature regulator configured to contact the polishing surface to regulate the temperature of the polishing surface, and a temperature controller configured to control the temperature of the polishing surface by controlling the pad-temperature regulator based on information on the temperature of the polishing surface detected by the pad-temperature detector.
US08845384B2	Interactive play set An interactive intelligent play set, method and apparatus, is disclosed which includes a principle toy, a plurality of action figures, and/or play accessories. An intelligent play set identifies and tracks action figures and/or play accessories used by a player during a play session, provides interactions based on the specific action figures, accessories, or combinations thereof, used by a player during game play, provides interactions based on the history of how a player has interacted with the set during previous play sessions, and/or enables a player to construct new interactions between the various play pieces of the play set, using basic interactions as building blocks.
US08845375B2	Disposable life-saving garment A disposable life-saving garment for use in the event of fire, comprises a body-protecting portion and a head-protecting portion. The body-protecting portion is configured with a lining formed to enclose the body of a wearer and a cover covering the liner, the cover being made of a sealed material that can block the passage of air. A closed air passage is formed between the liner and cover. A compressed air tank is installed in a pocket of the cover and is connected to the air passage through a check valve. An intake hose supplies compressed air from the air passage of the body-protecting portion to the head-protecting portion. The head-protecting portion has a heat-resistant transparent window and a one-way outlet unit. The body-protecting portion and the head-protecting portion are made of a nonflammable material or a fire retardant material.
US08845371B2	Water jet propulsion watercraft A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a first exhaust pipe that is fixed to an engine and connected to an exhaust port of the engine. A damper section reduces vibrations from the engine. A catalytic converter unit is connected to the first exhaust pipe. The catalytic converter unit is attached to the engine through the damper section. A second exhaust pipe includes a first flexible pipe having a flexible quality and is connected to the catalytic converter unit. A water lock is fixed to a hull of the watercraft and connected to the second exhaust pipe.
US08845369B2	Vessel A vessel includes a first propulsion mechanism, at least one second propulsion mechanism, and a hull. The first propulsion mechanism is arranged to generate thrust by an internal combustion engine. The second propulsion mechanism is arranged to generate thrust by an electric motor. The first propulsion mechanism and the second propulsion mechanism are disposed in the hull. The first propulsion mechanism and the second propulsion mechanism are mutually independent. A direction of the thrust generated by the first propulsion mechanism and a direction of the thrust generated by the at least one second propulsion mechanism are the same as each other.
US08845366B2	Apparatus, system and method for composite and symmetrical hybrid electronic connectors An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for composite and symmetrical hybrid electronic connectors. Embodiments may include a composite electronic connector 1702 having a set of signals 2402, being divisible into multiple subconnectors 1802, each having a subset of the signals 2404/2408, a harness 204 that combines the subconnectors 1802, distribution 2508 of the set of signals 2402 to the subsets of the signals 2404/2408, a symmetrical electronic connector 208, being connectable in more than one orientation, a tongue 210 within the symmetrical connector 208 having more than one contacting surface 902/1002, each having a set of contacts 404/408, mapping 2512 of the signals 2402 to the contacts 404/408 so as to achieve a correct connection independent of the orientation of the symmetrical connector 208, a cable 106 between the composite connector 1702 and the symmetrical connector 208, and switching 2518 of a power signal 2402-5 on and off.
US08845365B2	Cable header connector A cable header connector includes a cable assembly having a contact sub-assembly terminated to a cable, a ground ferrule electrically connected to a drain wire of the cable and a ground shield coupled to the ground ferrule and providing electrical shielding for the contact sub-assembly. The contact sub-assembly has a mounting block supporting a pair of signal contacts. The signal contacts extend between mating ends and terminating ends. The signal contacts are terminated to corresponding signal wires of the cable at the terminating ends. The ground shield has walls extending along the signal contacts, and has a mating end and a terminating end. The ground ferrule has a ferrule body with a drain wire slot receiving and electrically connected to the drain wire of the cable. The ferrule body engages the ground shield to electrically connect the ground shield to the grounded element.
US08845361B2	Explosion-proof electrical fitting A fitting, for terminating an electrical cable having two or more conductors, includes a substantially tubular body having a central bore configured to receive the electrical cable therethrough. A substantially tubular sealing sleeve is configured to engage a forward end of the body during assembly of the fitting to receive the two or more conductors of the electrical cable passing through the body. After receiving the two or more conductors, the sealing sleeve is configured to receive a sealing compound therein, such that the sealing compound flows between the two or more conductors during filling of the sealing sleeve. The sealing sleeve is formed of a transparent material to enable visible confirmation of sealing compound distribution and a determination that the sealing compound is free of voids or air bubbles.
US08845357B2	Securing device for securing plug of transmission cable with connector A securing device includes a first closing unit and a second closing unit. The first closing unit with two upward guide portions and a resilient pressing portion. A protrusion extends from the top of the resilient pressing portion. A fixing portion is connected to the second end of the first closing unit is formed by a wire bending downward from the second end of the first closing unit so as to be mounted to the transmission cable. The second closing unit is a box-like unit. An opening is defined through in the second closing unit so as to accommodate the first closing unit therein. A plurality of engaging holes are defined through the top of the second closing unit and the protrusion of the first closing unit is engaged with one of the engaging holes.
US08845353B2	Release device and release system and outdoor unit thereof A release device for detaching a male plug of a cable line from a female receptacle includes a holding portion, an accommodating portion, a connecting portion and an engaging portion. The accommodating portion includes a first guiding part that is configured for alignment between the accommodating portion and the male plug. The holding portion connects to the connecting portion that connects to the accommodating portion. The accommodating portion connects to the engaging portion, which includes a concave area that is configured for engaging the male plug.
US08845350B2	Switching contactor A switching electrical power contactor having a bi-blade type switch, has ferrous plates attached to the blades to increase the current carrying capacity and reduce the resistance of the switch. Flexible tangs formed at the distal end of the blades cooperate with a movable member to hold the contacts closed when the contactor is in the closed state.
US08845349B2	Connector A female contact 20 includes: a quadrangular tube 21; a curled portion 22 provided inside the quadrangular tube 21; and a curved portion 23, a projection 24 and a mounted portion 25 which are provided outside the quadrangular tube 21. The curved portion 23 is elastically displaced in a vertical direction. The quadrangular tube 21, the curved portion 23, and the mounted portion 25 are arranged so as to overlap one another when viewed from a direction orthogonal to a first wall 110 of the quadrangular tube 21. Further, the curved portion 23 and the mounted portion 25 are located within a width W of the first wall 110.
US08845344B2	Lock-release adapter and communication cable unit A lock-release adapter attached to a first connector, the first connector being put into a locked state with a second connector upon the first connector being fitted with the second connector, the locked state being released when a lock-release projection of the first connector is depressed, the lock-release adapter includes a holder fitted with the first connector, and an axial member pivotally supported by the holder, the axial member including, at one end in a direction of the pivot axis of the axial member, a projection portion that projects in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis, the projection portion depressing the lock-release projection to release the locked state when the axial member is in a first pivot position.
US08845343B2	Array substrate for reflective type or transflective type liquid crystal display device An array substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes a substrate, a gate line and a data line on the substrate and crossing each other to define a pixel region, a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line, a first passivation layer on the thin film transistor and having a first unevenness structure at its top surface, an auxiliary unevenness layer on the first passivation layer and having a first roughness structure at its top surface, and a reflector on the auxiliary unevenness layer, the reflector having a second unevenness structure due to the first unevenness structure of the first passivation layer and a second roughness structure due to the first roughness structure of the auxiliary unevenness layer, the second roughness structure having smaller patterns than the second unevenness structure.
US08845340B2	Connector and electrical connection box An electrical connection box is provided with a case which accommodates a circuit board on the interior thereof. The case has a connector provided with a synthetic resin section on which a terminal fitting connected to the circuit board is arranged. The synthetic resin section has a hood section with which a partner connector is engaged, a surrounding wall which is provided on the periphery of the hood section and forms a cavity between the surrounding wall and hood section, a locking section provided on the inner wall of the hood section, and a reinforcing rib which is provided on an area of the hood section corresponding to the locking section.
US08845339B2	Connector having a housing with a fitting guide fitted with reinforcing metal fittings To provide a highly reliable board-to-board connector whereby the state of engagement between the first reinforcing metal fitting and the second reinforcing metal fitting can be reliably maintained and also the state of electrical continuity between the first reinforcing metal fitting and the second reinforcing metal fitting can be reliably maintained, and thus the fit between the first connector and second connector is reliably maintained.
US08845333B2	Forcible entry training door system Apparatus for training the art of forcible door entry for emergency personnel such as firefighters and, in particular, a reusable forcible entry door training apparatus that allows individuals to simulate forcible entry of outward opening metal doors mounted in metal frames.
US08845332B1	Interactive height measurement system An educational and interactive system for teaching children the importance of maintaining proper nutrition in order to induce healthy growth utilizing an interactive audio system that updates a child regarding the child's height and outputs pre-recorded messages. A system having an elongate member adapted to determine accurate height measurements of a child, the elongate member having a measurement indicator extending from the top of the face of the elongate member to the bottom of the face of the elongate member, the elongate member with a series of food decals disposed at predetermined locations on the face of the elongate member.
US08845327B2	Casting abutment for a dental implant A casting abutment for a dental implant comprising: an apical socket portion, a transition portion bordering coronally on the socket portion, an occlusal portion bordering coronally on the transition portion and having an apical lower rim, wherein the occlusal portion, starting from its lower rim, is provided on its peripheral surface with an area having indentations, whose crests face the transition portion.
US08845324B2	Device for controlling regenerative burners The invention relates to a device for controlling regenerative burners used as a firing device, particularly for iron and steel product heating furnaces or for radiating tubes for continuous strip steel processing lines, according to which the supply of at least one of the fluids involved in the combustion (fuel and comburent) is carried out through a rotary injector (12) rotating by means of a rotatable actuator (M) so as to supply fluid alternately to one and then the other of the burners (B1, B2), the rotary injector (12) being placed on the comburent inlet duct (6), particularly air, and is provided to partially obstruct the supply pipe (19.1; 19.2) to the burner (B1; B2) such that one portion of the fumes from a regenerator (2.2; 2.1) for the non-operating burner (B2; B1) is led to the operating burner (B1; B2) and such that the other portion of the fumes is discharged to the stack.
US08845323B2	Method and apparatus for oxy-fuel combustion The invention comprises a method and apparatus for burning combustible fluids, such as biofuel byproducts and feedstocks, which are difficult to burn in a stable and clean manner. The method includes preheating the combustion zone prior to initiating flow of the combustible fluid and maintaining a minimum oxygen concentration in the oxidant gas.
US08845321B2	Split thread insert A split thread insert is disclosed with integral cooling channels utilized for the continuous internal circulation of cooling fluid around a molding surface of the split thread insert, wherein the molding surface forms a neck area of a preform during an injection molding process. The molding surface of the split thread insert is semi-circular with a profile corresponding with a threaded area of the preform. The split thread insert is assembled from two or more cut pieces, wherein at least one of the cut pieces includes a curved groove formed therein proximate the molding surface for forming a curved cooling fluid channel when the cut pieces are joined to form the split thread insert. The cooling fluid channel includes a flow diverter positioned therein for defining a portion of a continuous cooling fluid circuit of the split thread insert.
US08845315B2	Injection molding apparatus having a thermostat assembly An exemplary injection molding apparatus includes a first mold defining a passage therein, a second mold engaging with the first mold, working fluid received in the passage of the first mold, and a thermal conductive member engaged in the first mold and thermally interconnecting the first mold and the working fluid. The first mold and the second mold cooperatively define a molding chamber therebetween adapted to receive injected molten material therein. The thermal conductive member transfers heat from the first and second molds to the working fluid when the first and second molds are hotter than the working fluid, and transfers heat from the working fluid to the first and second molds when the working fluid is hotter than the first and second molds.
US08845313B2	Oil pump for an engine Embodiments of an oil pump for an engine have an increased pump capacity while maintaining or marginally increasing the overall physical size of the pump. In some embodiments, this increased capacity is reflected in a pump length efficiency ratio, which compares an effective gear length (LG) of first and second pump gears used in the oil pump, to an effective housing length (LH). The effective housing length (LH) is a longitudinal distance between surfaces on opposite ends of the oil pump that must be maintained for the oil pump to fit into an available space. Accordingly, the pump length efficiency ratio indicates how much of the effective housing length (LH) can be occupied by the gears. Alternatively, the pump capacity is measured using an output flow efficiency ratio, which compares a theoretical pump flow (FP) at a given gear speed (SG) to the effective housing length (LH) of the pump.
US08845312B2	Screw compressor Provided is a screw compressor, accommodating a pair of rotatable male and female screw rotors in a compression chamber formed in a casing, wherein the casing includes: an internal dividing wall that defines an inside interior space; and an outer wall that defines an outside interior space arranged outside the inside interior space The screw compressor further includes: a communication pipe member that penetrates the outer wall and extends across the outside interior space, and an end of the communication pipe member being inserted into the internal dividing wall so that the inside interior space communicates with a passage outside the outer wall. By using this communication pipe member, fluid can pass across an interior space in the casing to be fed to another interior space formed further inside.
US08845296B2	Airfoil shape for turbine bucket and turbine incorporating same A turbine bucket is provided including a bucket airfoil having an airfoil shape, the bucket airfoil having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table 1 wherein the Z values are non-dimensional values from 0% to 100% convertible to Z distances in inches by multiplying the Z values by a height of the airfoil in inches and adding the radius of the airfoil base, and wherein X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z, the profile sections at the Z distances being joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US08845294B2	Spacer interposed between a blade root and the bottom of a slot in the disk in which the blade is mounted Spacers interposed between blades attached to the disk of a rotor having slots and bottoms of the slots are disclosed. Each spacer is made of an elastically deformable material and at least one longitudinal segment of the spacer presents a transverse profile of arcuate shape to define two lateral contact zones.
US08845288B2	Turbine rotor assembly A turbine rotor assembly (32) comprising a turbine rotor (34) and a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially outwardly extending turbine rotor blades (36). The turbine rotor (34) has a rim (38) and a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots (40) provided in the rim (38) of the turbine rotor (34). Each turbine rotor blade (36) has a root (42) and the root (42) of each turbine rotor blade (36) is arranged in a corresponding one of the slots (40) in the rim (38) of the turbine rotor (34). Each of the slots (40) has a chocking device (50) and each chocking device (50) abuts a radially inner surface (52) of the slot (40) and each chocking device (50) abuts a radially inner surface (48) of the root (42) of the corresponding turbine rotor blade (36). Each chocking device (50) comprises a thermally insulating material (54) adjacent the radially inner surface (52) of the slot (40) and each chocking device (50) forming a space (56) between the thermally insulating material (4) and the radially inner surface (48) of the root (42) of the corresponding turbine rotor blade (36). The chocking devices (50) reduce the difference between the thermal response of the region of the turbine rotor (34) adjacent the slots (40) and the remainder of the turbine rotor (34) and therefore reduces the thermal stresses in the region of the turbine rotor (34) adjacent the slots (40) of the turbine rotor (34).
US08845286B2	Inter-turbine ducts with guide vanes A turbine section of a gas turbine engine is provided. The turbine section is annular about a longitudinal axis and includes first turbine with a first inlet and a first outlet; a second turbine with a second inlet and a second outlet; an inter-turbine duct extending from the first outlet to the second inlet and configured to direct an air flow from the first turbine to the second turbine; and a first guide vane disposed within the inter-turbine duct.
US08845275B2	Cranking pad interlock A cranking pad assembly for a gearbox of a turbomachine including a cranking pad shaft rotatably secured in a gearbox housing and engageable with a gearbox drivetrain when urged inwardly into the gearbox housing. The cranking pad shaft includes an interface for a cranking tool. An interlock pin retains the cranking tool at the cranking pad shaft and a disconnect spring is operably connected to the gearbox housing to bias the cranking pad shaft outwardly from the gearbox housing.
US08845273B2	Fluid transfer arrangement A fluid transfer arrangement comprising a duct having a first end and a second end, a pulse generation mechanism located at the first end of the duct to direct fluid pulses towards the second end of the duct in use, and a baffle located at the second end of the duct that defines an aperture having sharp edges. The sharp edges generate ring vortex fluid flow from the aperture in use. Applications include impingement heating and cooling.
US08845272B2	Turbine shroud and a method for manufacturing the turbine shroud A turbine shroud includes a body having a plurality of sides. A first inward facing groove is defined by a first side of the body, and a first seal covers the first inward facing groove to define a first fluid passage in the first inward facing groove along the first side of the body. A first inlet port through the first seal fluid communication through the first seal into the first fluid passage. A method for forming a turbine shroud includes forming an inner surface and forming an outer surface opposed to the inner surface, wherein the outer surface is configured for exposure to a hot gas path. The method further includes defining a first slot in the inner surface and extending a first seal across the first slot to define a first fluid passage in the first slot along the inner surface.
US08845271B2	Turbocharger bearing system A bearing system for a turbocharger shaft comprising a rotatable elongated cylinder with axially spaced journal bearing surfaces on the inside diameter and a thrust face on each end. A sleeve on the shaft incorporates a flange on one end that transmits thrust force to one thrust face on the elongated cylinder. A flanged collar on the opposite end of the shaft transmits thrust force to the thrust face on the opposite end of the elongated cylinder. A radially extending flange on one end of the elongated cylinder transmits thrust forces to stationary housings.
US08845270B2	Rotor assembly A rotor assembly is disclosed herein. The rotor assembly includes a hub disposed for rotation about an axis of rotation. The rotor assembly also includes at least one blade fixed with the hub for concurrent rotation with the hub. The at least one blade extends along a height axis radially outward from the hub with a root portion proximate to the hub at a first end of the height axis and an airfoil portion extending radially inward from a second end of the height axis opposite the first end. The rotor assembly also includes a sheath extending at least partially around the root portion. The sheath is pivotally engaged with the at least one blade to pivot about the height axis and allowed to weathervane to reduce noise.
US08845266B1	Automated marine container terminal and system Systems, equipment and processes involving one or more aspects such as extending the scope of automation in port container facilities, increasing port capacity within fixed land resources, increasing operational productivity, increasing safety, increasing the velocity and reliability of goods movement, increasing freight security, reducing negative environmental impacts, and/or reducing the overall cost of goods movement are disclosed. In some implementations, storage areas may be accessed by automated guided vehicles which receive and unload containerized loads.
US08845265B2	Front loader A detection link of a spill guard link mechanism is pivoted and connected to a bucket bracket in a position proximate to a bucket pivot support axis rotatably supporting a bucket and above a lower surface of a boom.
US08845263B2	System and method for moving shelving A system for moving a shelving system includes a lifting system that is operable to engage a section of a shelving system with a lifting element and to move the section of the shelving system upwardly or downwardly relative to a ground surface. The system also employs a moving device that is positionable between the shelving-system section and the ground surface when the lifting device moves the shelving-system section upwardly. The moving device also receives the section of shelving system onto a receiving area when the lifting device lowers the shelving-system section. The at least one movement component allows the at least one moving element to move relative to the ground surface. A lifting system for lifting a shelving system may include a jack and a lifting bracket that couples operation of the jack to upward or downward movement of the shelving-system section.
US08845259B2	Method of transferring a piece of cloth and a laundry apparatus for performing the method The invention concerns a method and corresponding apparatus of transferring a piece of cloth (3) from a pair of spreader clamps (4,5) to a conveyor (1) via a transverse boom, where the piece of cloth is first suspended and straightened between the spreader clamps, then delivered to the transverse boom (8,9), and subsequently delivered from the transverse boom to the conveyor. Apart from that, a straightening of the fore edge of the piece of cloth is performed, seen in the direction of conveyance of the conveyor, after its delivery from the clamps to the transverse boom has been initiated, but before it is delivered to the conveyor.
US08845254B2	Self-locking bolt nut assembly The present invention relates to a self-locking bolt-nut assembly including a bolt; a nut tightened on the bolt; and a washer provided between the bolt and the nut, wherein the nut has a counterbore being formed in the nut, and has a plurality of stop protrusions formed on the inner surface of the circumferential sidewall of the counterbored portion of the nut, the stop protrusions being arranged in a circumferential direction at regular intervals, the washer including the rotation-preventive protrusion protruded on inner circumference of the washer towards the center thereof, the rotation-preventive protrusion being inserted into the insertion guide groove; and a plurality of elastic protrusions which is protruded on outer circumference of the washer, being inclined in the direction where the nut is turned to tighten it.
US08845253B2	Threaded fastener A fastener includes an elongated body having a first end and a second end, a helical thread having a crest, a root, and flank portions formed on at least a portion of the elongated body, and at least one protrusion extending from the crest and flank portion. The at least one protrusion is an axially extending V-shape of the crest, flank portions, and root of the helical thread with a peak of the at least one protrusion having a ridge that extends radially outward from the root of the thread.
US08845251B2	Fastening devices, assemblies and related methods Fastening devices are disclosed herein with variations on how said devices resist loosening or un-fastening from a structure or structures. In some examples, the fastening devices accomplish the removal resistant condition by using a spring component engaging ridged surfaces. The spring component generally consists of a spring ring conveniently coiled to a canting position. One exemplary design is characterized by incorporating a screw element with its head underside surface being ridged and a lock element with a ridged topside surface and engaging the two ridges surfaces. Another exemplary design is characterized by a screw element having a head outer sidewall being ridged for cooperating with a bore having a ridged inner sidewall. The bore can be part of a first body or structure or a lock element.
US08845250B1	Tie down anchor apparatus and method A tie-down anchor for insertion into a stake opening in the sidewall of the bed of a pick-up truck. The tie-down anchor is constructed for releasable engagement with the sidewall, and arranged for receiving and releasably engaging at least one tie-down line. The tie-down anchor comprises a continuous, elongate flexible frame having first and second side members extending apart from a common transition point. The tie-down anchor is moveable from a first position, disengaged from a pick-up truck sidewall, to a second position, disposed through a stake opening, engaged with the pick-up truck sidewall.
US08845246B2	Machine tool A machine tool comprising a machine frame having dimensionally rigid side walls, each including top-side horizontal guide rails. A compound slide is displaceable in or on the guide rails. On the front of the compound slide is a machining unit comprising a spindle head which is vertically displaceable. A workpiece mounting unit is disposed in the space between the side walls. The workpiece mounting unit may have a workpiece table or a workpiece chucking device. In order to form an enlarged access to the work area of the machine tool, one side wall is shorter at the front than the other side wall. Further, the linear guides or guide rails mounted to the side walls of the machine frame may be aligned at an acute angle α to the vertical center plane of the machine frame.
US08845245B2	Dampened spindle cartridge and spindle adaptor A dampened spindle cartridge and a dampened spindle adaptor are provided for damping tool vibrations during operation of a machine tool. Damping media is arranged inside a cavity formed within the spindle adaptor or the spindle cartridge. The damping media may be a solid aggregate, such as steel shot or sand, or a viscous fluid, such as oil. The damping media attenuates and/or converts tool vibrations into friction and heat, thereby dissipating vibration energy generated during cutting operations performed by the machine tool and prevents reinforcement of the forced vibration.
US08845242B2	Coolant distributor A coolant distributor for use with a cutting head of a machine tool that is adapted to be rotated about a rotational axis. The coolant distributor comprises a generally cylindrical body adapted to be coupled to the cutting head about the rotational axis, the generally cylindrical body having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end being disposed adjacent the cutting head when the generally cylindrical body is coupled to the cutting head. At least one feed passage is formed in the generally cylindrical body, the feed passage having a first end disposed proximate the first end of the generally cylindrical body and a second end disposed proximate the second end of the generally cylindrical body. A deflecting element is disposed in the feed passage proximate the second end of the feed passage. An outflow passage is connected to the feed passage and disposed obliquely to the rotational axis.
US08845239B2	Shoring box and related methods A shoring box having frame supports coupled to lateral spreader bars. The shoring box is configured to accept exterior panels in a manner capable of providing vertical translation about an exterior surface of the shoring box. The shoring box is further configured to accept a plurality of interior panels in a manner capable of providing customizable shoring above and below utility lines, pipes, duct banks, and the like. In this regard, the shoring box is adapted to shore around one or more obstructions within an excavation, trench, or hole.
US08845231B2	Run-of river power plant The invention concerns a run-of-river power plant with the following components or features: at least one module or several stand-alone modules, which are arranged close to one another in the flow direction, respectively comprising at least one energy unit; each energy unit comprises a water turbine and a generator; every module includes an upstream retaining wall as well as a downstream bearing wall; an intermediate space is situated between both walls; a rake, which extends between the upper edge of the retaining wall and the upper edge of the bearing wall and covers the intermediate space; a suction channel is connected to the energy unit.
US08845227B2	Fastening assembly A fastening assembly having a tubular first coupling member; a second coupling member insertable coaxially inside the first coupling member in a first direction; and releasable fastening means for locking the first and second coupling member to each other in a predetermined axial lock position. The fastening means include: first and second engaging means formed on the first and second coupling member, connectable to each other to define a foolproof angular insertion/release position, and releasable by positioning the second coupling member in a predetermined axial position inside the first coupling member; and third and fourth engaging means formed on the first and second coupling member and connectable to each other in a further angular position of the second coupling member, different from the angular insertion/release position, by moving the second coupling member axially, from the predetermined axial position, in a second direction opposite the first direction.
US08845226B2	Feather imping pin A feather imping pin with roughened surface is described that attaches a donor feather to a receiving feather. The feather imping pin is inserted into a receiving feather shaft of the receiving feather. Feather imping is performed using the feather imping pin that connects the donor feather and the receiving feather. The feather imping pin fits inside both the receiving feather shaft of the receiving feather and a donor feather shaft of the donor feather.
US08845225B2	Fastening arrangement for a wall-supported and floor-supported element of an interior fitting of a vehicle A fastening arrangement for a wall-supported and floor-supported element of an interior fitting on the side wall of a rail vehicle is provided. A C-section rail is arranged on the side wall for receiving sliding blocks to which the element is releasably screwed. The element is provided with a shaped part which at least partially encompasses the C-section rail and extends in the longitudinal direction of the C-section rail. The shaped part is supported on at least both of its ends on the outside of the C-section rail for absorbing vertical loads and moments, and, for absorbing the longitudinal and transverse forces acting on the shaped part, the shaped part is connected to at least one sliding block which is arranged between both ends of the shaped part in the C-section rail.
US08845221B2	Clicking type dispensing container A clicking type dispensing container that can dispense the content by pressing a crown disposed at the rear end of a barrel body, forwards in the axial direction, and has a structure, including a mechanical assembly that transforms the pressing force acting on crown by user operation into rotational force, a threaded body fixed to barrel body and a threaded rod screw-fitted into threaded body, and dispensing the content by advancing the threaded rod through the threaded body when the threaded rod is turned by the rotational force transformed by the mechanical assembly. The clicking type dispensing container can produce the rotational force without depending on spring force and cam configuration only, is constructed of a fewer number of parts and can dispense a fixed amount of the content by use of a thread.
US08845220B2	Writing, drawing, painting and /or cosmetics pencil and method of producing the same The invention relates to a pencil 1 for writing, drawing, painting and/or cosmetics purposes, comprising a colored core 11 and a core holder enclosing the core 1, wherein the core holder comprises a wood-replacement material 12 which encloses the core 1, wherein the core 1 and core holder are retained such that they cannot be displaced in relation to one another, wherein the core holder has a carrying sleeve 13 which encloses the wood-replacement material 12, and wherein the modulus of elasticity of the carrying sleeve 13 is equal to, or higher than, that of the wood-replacement material and the bending strength of the carrying sleeve is higher than that of the wood-replacement material.
US08845218B2	Credential production device having a unitary frame A credential production device includes a unitary frame formed of plastic, a first processing component and a second processing component. The unitary frame includes a rear wall, a pair of side walls extending from opposing sides of the rear wall, a top wall extending from a top side of the rear wall and coupled to the side walls, a bottom wall extending from a bottom side of the rear wall and coupled to the side walls, a first device registration member and a second device registration member. The rear wall, the side walls, the top wall and the bottom wall define an interior cavity and an opening to the interior cavity. The first processing component includes a first frame registration member that is configured to cooperate with the first device registration member to place the first processing component in a known position relative to the unitary frame and the second device registration member. The second processing component includes a second frame registration member configured to cooperate with the second device registration member to place the second processing component in a known position relative to the unitary frame, the first device registration member and the first processing component.
US08845217B2	Printing apparatus A printing apparatus capable of maintaining print sheet conveying performance while keeping apparatus cost low and apparatus size small is provided. The printing apparatus includes a conveying mechanism and a print unit. The conveying mechanism includes a conveying roller which is a driving roller, a plurality of pinch rollers which are passive rollers disposed facing the conveying roller, and a plurality of pinch roller axles supporting the pinch rollers. The print unit prints onto a sheet conveyed by the conveying rollers and the plurality of pinch rollers. The conveying mechanism includes one or more first pinch roller sets including two pinch rollers and a first pinch roller axle supporting the two pinch rollers, and one or more second pinch roller sets including three pinch rollers and a second pinch roller axle supporting the three pinch rollers.
US08845216B2	Printer and printing method A printer includes a roll paper body driving mechanism that transports a medium by rotating a roll paper body on which the medium is wound, a first transport mechanism provided downstream of the roll paper body to transport the medium, a print head provided downstream of the first transport mechanism to carry out printing on the medium, a second transport mechanism provided between the roll paper body and the first transport mechanism to transport the medium, and a controller carries out control so that, in a range in which a velocity at which the first transport mechanism transports the media changes, the absolute value of a difference in an amount by which the medium is transported between transport mechanisms is larger between the roll paper body driving mechanism and the second transport mechanism than between the second transport mechanism and the first transport mechanism.
US08845215B2	Label printing apparatus A cassette is provided which includes a supply of label material and a brake. The brake has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the supply is clamped by the brake. In the second position, the supply is removable from the cassette.
US08845214B2	Conveying device and printer A conveying device includes a first feeder that rotatably supports a roll sheet and feeds the roll sheet to a conveying path, a second feeder that feeds a cut sheet to the conveying path, and a controller that determines whether a sheet fed to the conveying path is the roll sheet or the cut sheet based on the relationship between movement of the sheet fed to the conveying path and rotation of the roll sheet.
US08845211B2	Shock-absorbing mechanism for movable mirror of camera A movable mirror shock-absorbing mechanism of a camera includes a movable mirror which is rotatable between a viewfinder light-guiding position and a retracted position, a pressing portion which moves with the rotation of the movable mirror, a first shock-absorbing member which is pressed and moved by the pressing portion to absorb shock of the movable mirror when the movable mirror rotates from the retracted position to the viewfinder light-guiding position, and a second shock-absorbing member which is pressed and moved by the pressing portion to absorb shock of the movable mirror when the movable mirror rotates from the viewfinder light-guiding position to the retracted position. The first and second shock-absorbing members are mutually identical in specifications.
US08845205B2	Fiber optic adapter with integrally molded ferrule alignment structure A fiber optic adapter is disclosed. The fiber optic adapter includes a main body configured to receive a first fiber optic connector through a first end and a second fiber optic connector through a second end for mating with the first fiber optic connector. The adapter includes a ferrule alignment structure located within an axial cavity of the main body, the ferrule alignment structure including a sleeve mount and a ferrule sleeve, the sleeve mount including an axial bore and at least one latching hook extending from a center portion of the sleeve mount toward the first end of the main body and at least one latching hook extending from the center portion toward the second end of the main body, the latching hooks configured to flex for releasably latching the first and second fiber optic connectors to the fiber optic adapter. The sleeve mount and the main body of the fiber optic adapter are unitarily molded as a single piece and the ferrule sleeve is separately placed within the axial bore of the sleeve mount.
US08845204B2	Spacer for rolling bearing with low friction contribution The spacer is adapted for a rolling bearing comprising an inner ring, an outer ring and at least one row of contact rollers disposed between raceways and guiding surfaces provided on the rings. The spacer comprises opposite inner and outer portions facing one another and at least a first lateral portion extending transversally between the inner and outer portions and connected to the portions. The inner and outer portions and the first lateral portion delimit at least partly a pocket configured to receive at least a contact roller. The inner and outer portions each comprise at least a protruding means extending outwards and having a contact surface with one of the inner and outer rings.
US08845197B2	Dental machining unit with tool spindle The present invention relates to dental machining apparatus (1) for blanks (3) comprising a tool spindle (2) having an axis of rotation (2.8) and mounted in a bearing housing (1.2) disposed on the machine housing side. A force sensor (5) is also provided, which is disposed between the tool spindle (2) and the bearing housing (1.2) for the purpose of detecting the machining force acting on the tool spindle (2), wherein the tool spindle (2) can be supported against the bearing housing (1.2) directly or indirectly via the force sensor (5).
US08845196B2	Compliant bearing A first embodiment of a compliant bearing includes a main body and a bearing surface. The main body and the bearing surface may be engaged with one another via one or more bearing surface springs configured such that the bearing surface is compliant with respect to the main body. A second embodiment of a compliant bearing includes a main body and at least one bearing pad. The main body and the bearing pad may be engaged with one another via one or more pad radial and/or pad axial springs configured such that the bearing pad is compliant with respect to the main body. A sensor web may be integrated into the compliant bearing. In one embodiment the sensor web comprises at least one sensor configured as a strain gauge and affixed to a bearing surface spring.
US08845194B2	Rotary device A rotary device includes a fixed body including a shaft; a rotary body including a sleeve being configured to surround the shaft through lubricant; and first and second taper seals provided in a space between the fixed body and the rotary body in which gas-liquid interfaces of the lubricant exist, respectively, when the rotary device is operated, the first and taper seals being configured such that a lower limit of a filling ratio of the second taper seal corresponds to a predetermined range of the filling ratio of the first taper seal including its lower limit of the filling ratio, and an upper limit of the filling ratio of the second taper seal corresponds to a predetermined filling ratio of the first taper seal that is larger than an upper limit of the predetermined range and lower than an upper limit of the first taper seal.
US08845193B2	Radial foil bearing The radial foil bearing includes a top foil, a back foil, and a bearing housing accommodating the top and back foils, and supports a rotary shaft. Engagement grooves are formed on both side surfaces of the bearing housing to extend from the outer circumferential edge to the inner circumferential edge of the side surface. Notches are formed in circumferential edges on both sides of the back foil. A locking member is locked into the engagement grooves of the bearing housing and the notches of the back foil, and includes a pair of engagement legs engaging with the engagement grooves and the notches, and a connection portion connecting the engagement legs together to be disposed near one ends of the engagement legs.
US08845192B1	Rigid reclosure on flexible packaging The rigid reclosure device allows reclosing a flexible packaging of packaged goods (dry, granular, powder or liquid products). A lid with neck contacts a base and shoulder to seal the packaging to limit the removal of the contents from the packaging. The base fixedly attaches to the packaging, which may be a flexible packaging, to seal the packaging when the lid is in the closed position. Retention fingers of the lid and the base engage each other to secure the lid in the closed position. An access tab provides access to the lid to allow the user to open the sealing head to gain access to the contents of the packaging. The access tab may provide a child resistant design depending upon the contents of the packaging. A scoop may also be stored on the lid.
US08845191B2	Compound 6D-offset simulating phantom and quality assurance program for precision image-guided radiotherapy and radiosurgery This invention provides a device for checking the performance of an image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) apparatus. The device (referred to here as a phantom) has a central body with detectable markers, rotatably suspended on a ball joint so that the pitch, roll, and yaw may be adjusted. The body is secured against a base plate, which in turn may be positioned laterally, longitudinally, and vertically within the patient treatment area. Thus, the phantom can be adjusted through six degrees of freedom so as to simulate patient positioning. To perform quality control, the phantom is secured at a predetermined offset, and the position is detected by the IGRT apparatus. The robotic couch is then allowed to compensate, a second measurement is made. The measured values are compared with the predetermined offset to assess both the accuracy in detecting the position of the phantom, and the accuracy of the mechanical correction.
US08845189B2	Device identification and temperature sensor circuit An integrated circuit includes a device identification circuit and a temperature sensor diode connected in parallel from a common node. The device identification circuit includes a resistor connected to a diode-connected transistor. The device identification circuit and the temperature sensor diode are adapted to not be simultaneously operating in an ON state. A first voltage is applied to the common node to place the device identification circuit in an ON state and place the temperature sensor diode in an OFF state to identify the integrated circuit. A second voltage is applied to the common node to place the device identification circuit in an OFF state and place the temperature sensor diode in an ON state to determine a temperature of the integrated circuit.
US08845187B2	Zero heat flux temperature sensing device The invention relates to a zero heat flux temperature sensing device (100) for sensing a core body temperature of an object (113). The zero heat flux temperature sensing device (100) comprises a layer (107), a first temperature gradient sensor (105), a first heat flux modulator (103) and a heat flux modulator controller (102). The layer (107) has an opposing first side (112) and second side (108). In use the first side (112) is nearest to the object (113). The layer (107) is for obtaining a first temperature difference over the layer (107) in response to a first heat flux in a first direction from the first side (112) to the second side (108). The first temperature gradient sensor (105) senses at the first side (112) of the layer (107) a second temperature difference in a second direction. The second direction extends from a first border of the first side (112) towards a second border of the first side (112). The first heat flux modulator (103) is arranged at the first side (112) of the layer (107) and is constructed to change a second heat flux in a second direction at the first side (112) of the layer (107) in order to influence the second temperature difference. The heat flux modulator controller (102) controls the first heat flux modulator (103) on basis of the sensed second temperature difference in order to decrease an absolute value of the second temperature difference. The effect of the measures according to the invention is that the zero heat flux temperature sensing device (100) senses the core body temperature of the object (113) more accurately.
US08845186B1	Spiral spring A spiral spring (10) for the movement of a watch, includes a plurality of coplanar leaves (10a, 10b) wound into one another. Furthermore, the inner ends of each leaf are rigidly connected to a single collet (12). The leaves (10a, 10b) and the collar (12) are produced as a single part.
US08845178B2	In-line-type fluid mixer An in-line-type fluid mixer is provided, which includes a first channel-forming part defining a first inlet channel from a first inlet portion to a first passage portion; a second channel-forming part defining a second inlet channel from a second inlet portion to a second passage portion; a third channel-forming part defining an outlet channel having a sectional area that increases from a narrower portion through a flaring portion to an outlet portion, and being communicated with the first inlet channel and the second inlet channel, respectively, at an end of the narrow portion; and a whirling stream-generating part for generating a whirling stream in at least one of the first inlet channel and the second inlet channel.
US08845174B2	Energy-efficient lighting panel A light-weight and energy-efficient lighting panel is constructed from a light-transmissive and light diffusive extrusion formed to have elongated hollows, which are hollow structures or volumes between two surfaces, at least one of which is transmissive and diffusive. Light projected into the hollow flows through the hollow and part of the light is emitted through the light transmissive and diffusive surfaces. Even though the light sources are located at the edges of a panel, the surface of the panel appears to be uniformly light by light sources distribute directly behind the panels rather than along the edges.
US08845173B2	Static-free light guide plate assembly and backlight module Disclosed are a static-free light guide plate and a backlight module. The static-free light guide plate comprises an incident plane, a bottom reflection plane, a side reflection plane and an out light plane. At least one layer of optical thin film material for increasing out light effect is positioned on the surface of the out light plane. The bottom reflection plane is positioned on the metal back plate. The static-free light guide plate further comprises interconnected conductive bands positioned at the side plane of the optical thin film material, non-incident portion of the incident plane, the bottom surface of the bottom reflection plane and the side reflection plane. With the conductive bands positioned at the side surface of the optical thin film material and connected to the metal back plate, the electrostatic generated on the light guide plate is transferred to achieve the purpose of protecting the electronic device, such as LEDs.
US08845169B2	Illumination apparatus An illumination apparatus includes light sources; a light guide plate guiding lights from the light sources; a housing holding the light sources and the light guide plate; and an apparatus attachment part. The light sources are arranged around the apparatus attachment part 5, and the light guide plate 3 is provided outside the apparatus attachment part to face the housing and cover a front side of the light sources. The light guide plate includes a main light guide part guiding lights from the light sources toward an outer periphery of the light guide plate and scattering and emitting the lights to a surface of the main light guide part; and an auxiliary light guide part integrated with the main light guide part at an inner peripheral side of the main light guide part and guiding and emitting the lights from the light sources toward the central portion of the housing.
US08845168B2	Backlight assembly, method of manufacturing the same and display apparatus having the same A backlight assembly includes a light source part, a base substrate, an insulation layer, and a reflection layer. The base substrate includes a light incident surface into which the light from the light source part is incident, and a light exiting surface adjacent to the light incident surface and through which the light exits. The insulation layer is formed on the light exiting surface of the base substrate. The reflection layer is formed on the insulation layer and forms a concave pattern along with the base substrate and the insulation layer and has an opening portion through which the light exiting from the light exiting surface passes.
US08845161B2	Headlamp assembly with heat sink structure A headlamp assembly for a vehicle includes a housing for coupling the headlamp assembly to a vehicle. The housing includes a reflector and a planar heat sink is positioned therein. The planar heat sink structure includes a first surface and a second surface for supporting a circuit board, a first light emitting diode assembly, and a second light emitting diode assembly. The headlamp assembly is adapted to emit a high beam and a low beam and the headlamp assembly is completely bisected by the planar heat sink structure.
US08845158B2	Vehicle lamp having textured surface A vehicle lamp includes a light source, and a resin component disposed on the periphery of the light source. The resin component has a designed surface that can be observed from the outside of the lamp. The designed surface includes a textured surface having minute irregularities, and a projecting portion provided adjacent to the textured surface.
US08845152B2	Pole mounted enclosures for luminaires Enclosures for housing the electrical components of a luminaire at the base of a pole. In some embodiments, the enclosure is formed by two enclosure halves that are positioned around the base of the pole and mated together to form the enclosure.
US08845151B1	Light for basketball goal A basketball system having a basketball goal and a lighting system such that light is provided for the playing of basketball or other activities at night. The lighting system has a lighting apparatus and a pole with a vertical shaft and an arm. The lighting system is configured to couple to an existing basketball goal or be installed remote to the basketball goal. The lighting apparatus is configured to be lowered near to the ground by rotating the lighting system such that servicing may be done to the lighting apparatus without the use of a ladder.
US08845145B1	Apparatus and method of installation for a reflector assembly with one or more connectors A reflector assembly and method for installing into a collar. The reflector assembly includes a reflector, a frame surrounding and being coupled to a portion of the reflector, and one or more connectors coupled to the frame. Each connector includes a base portion coupled to the frame, a first finger, and a biasing portion. The first finger and the biasing portion extend in a generally upward direction from a portion of the base portion; however the first finger is angled away from the reflector while the biasing portion is angled toward the reflector. The biasing portion exerts a force on the side of the reflector when the first finger portion is compressed inwardly towards a side of the reflector. The reflector assembly is installed into a collar by inserting the reflector assembly into the collar and allowing first finger to compress toward the reflector and then away from it.
US08845139B2	Backlight assembly A backlight assembly includes a light emitting module and a receiving container. The receiving container receives the light emitting module, and includes a first frame, a second frame and a heat dissipation channel. The first frame includes a first bottom, and first sidewalls connected to the first bottom. The second frame includes a second bottom which faces the first bottom and is sealed with the first frame. The first and second bottoms are spaced apart from each other and form the heat dissipation channel therebetween.
US08845133B2	Thermal barrier and parts fixing in compact fluorescent lamps A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) including an insulating barrier between heat sources and heat sensitive components. The heat sensitive barrier is in the form of an insulative layer of cement applied between the heat generating components of the CFL and one or more heat sensitive components of the CFL. The cement can also fix or secure various components within the lamp thereby eliminating the need for some or all of the support structure of a conventional CFL.
US08845132B2	Flat LED lamp assembly An LED-based lamp assembly with a driver assembly having a base portion rotateably engageable with the socket of a light fixture to make a first electrical contact with the light fixture. The driver assembly has an electrically conductive, retractable tip portion coupled to the base portion and that makes a second electrical contact with the light fixture. The tip portion retracts relative to the base when in electrical contact with the light fixture's socket portion. A lamp housing assembly operably connected to the driver assembly has a lamp housing connected to the driver assembly. The lamp housing is coupled to at least one substrate having at least one LED light thereon. The substrate is connected to, or is an integral part of, a heat sink that carries heat away from the substrate and/or LED light. The lamp housing assembly is rotatable relative to the light fixture to adjust the angular position of the light source.
US08845131B2	Angled light box lighting system A lighting system comprising a light box housing, a plurality of lighting units including a housing, a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on a PCB within the housing. The light emitting elements arranged on an angled surface such that the light emitting elements emit light in a sideways direction from the lighting units. The lighting units can also be interconnected in a daisy-chain configuration, such that the lighting units form a row of lighting units. The row of lighting units adapted to be mounted within the light box housing, wherein the light box housing comprises one or more rows of lighting units.
US08845127B2	LED lamp An LED lamp is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the LED lamp comprises one LED unit arranged in a housing, a first and a second lamp cap being arranged spaced from each other on opposing ends of the housing, said lamp caps each comprising at least one contact element for connecting said LED unit with a lamp fixture. In one embodiment, said first lamp cap comprises contact breaking means, configured to electrically disconnect said contact elements of said first and second lamp caps from each other when said LED lamp is removed from said lamp fixture.
US08845125B1	Vehicle barrier system with illuminating gate arm and method The present invention is directed to a vehicle barrier system and method of use. The vehicle barrier system includes a control system adapted to pivot a gate arm between a horizontal position and a vertical position to control the flow of vehicle or pedestrian traffic in control access areas such as parking lots, or parking garages. The gate arm includes inset channels that are disposed along the longitudinal axis of the gate arm and configured to each removeably receive an array of light emitting diodes to increase visibility and alert drivers or pedestrians to the presence of a gate arm.
US08845123B2	Magnetic accessory mounts Apparatus for mounting accessories to guns. Some embodiments provide gun mounts each including a body and a magnet to magnetically couple the mount to the gun. The bodies are shaped and dimensioned to mechanically retain the accessories (which can be flash lights). The magnets are mechanically coupled to the bodies (and can be an integral portion thereof) and cause magnetic fields. Given the shapes and dimensions of the bodies, the positions of the magnets relative to the bodies and relative to the barrels of the guns when the bodies abut the barrels, the magnetic field strengths are within a range sufficient to releasably and magnetically couple the magnets and the barrels. In some embodiments the magnetic field strengths are sufficient to limit the ranges of motion of the mounts relative to the guns during the shock created by firing the gun.
US08845118B2	Illumination system and method Embodiments of the invention provide an illumination system including an outer housing. The outer housing can include at least one inlet and at least one outlet. An inner housing can be coupled to the outer housing and can include fluid apertures and a chamber. An evaporator system can be disposed within the chamber so that the evaporator system is not visible from a position outside of the outer housing. The illumination system can also include an illumination device coupled to the outer housing.
US08845115B2	Flash illumination system Systems and methods for flash illumination are disclosed. In one aspect, a flash illumination system includes sections each including a light source and a reflector. Each of the light sources includes a single light-emitting region having a first centroid and a package surrounding the single light-emitting region. The package has an exit aperture having a second centroid. The first centroid can be laterally offset from the second centroid. The reflectors include an input aperture, an output aperture, and one or more sidewalls therebetween. The input aperture is optically coupled to the exit aperture. One or more sidewalls are configured to collimate light propagating from the light source.
US08845106B2	Projector having connection member fixed to color combining optical device In addition to reflective light modulation devices, reflective polarization plates, a color combining optical device, and support bodies, a projector is provided with connection members fixed to the color combining optical device and for supporting the support bodies. Support positions of the support body by the connection members are disposed on the opposite side to the disposition position of the reflective light modulation device with respect to a plane including a polarization split surface of the reflective polarization plate.
US08845103B2	Gimbaled handle stabilizing controller assembly A stabilizing controller to balance, support and orient a device. The stabilizing controller includes a gimbal assembly positioned at the center of balance of the stabilizing controller with the device attached, A handle is disposed around the gimbal assembly. A center post is coincident with at least a portion of the centerline of the gimbal apparatus and has a longitudinal balancing axis Z. Motion about at least one of the mutually perpendicular X-axis, Y-axis, and the Z-axis is isolated from the motion of the other axes via one or more assemblies comprising resilient components.
US08845102B2	Ophthalmologic apparatus An ophthalmologic apparatus comprising: an inspection unit adapted to inspect an eye to be examined; an operation member; a first member including a recess portion and a projection portion provided on part of the recess portion; a second member which is integrally provided with the operation member and is configured to move in correspondence with tilting of the operation member while contacting the first member; and a driving unit adapted to move the inspection unit based on tilting of the operation member and to coarsely move the inspection unit in a case where the second member is in contact with the projection portion.
US08845098B2	Optical coherence tomography apparatus, method of controlling optical coherence tomography apparatus, storage medium, and ophthalmic system An optical coherence tomography apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configured to split light from a light source into measurement light and reference light, and acquire a tomogram of an eye to be examined based on interfering light obtained by interference between the reference light and return light from the eye; a positional relationship changing unit configured to change a positional relationship between the eye and an optical system including an optical path of the measurement light; and a control unit configured to control the changing unit based on a difference in slant information of the eye between two tomograms acquired by the acquisition unit.
US08845095B2	Optical element for correcting color blindness Described herein are devices, compositions, and methods for improving color discernment.
US08845089B2	Medium loading device and recording apparatus for use with roll paper A medium loading device includes: a support unit having a shaft member that is attached to each of both end sections of roll paper and a flange member; a loading portion in which the roll paper with the support units attached thereto is loaded; a temporary placement portion on which the roll paper with the support units attached thereto is placed temporarily before being loaded into the loading portion; and a transfer path for transferring the roll paper with the support units attached thereto from the temporary placement portion to the loading portion. The flange member has in a region facing the transfer path a flat surface that is in contact with the transfer path.
US08845087B1	Dynamic drying of print media in a radiant dryer Systems and methods provide dynamic radiant drying for a print media by monitoring a temperature of a test patch of colorant during the drying process. One embodiment is a radiant dryer and a control system. The radiant dryer receives a media marked with a wet colorant that depicts a sheetside of print data and a test patch. The radiant dryer includes a radiant energy source that heats the colorant based on a heating power. The radiant dryer further includes a cooling system within the interior that applies a cooling gas to the medium. The control system obtains a temperature of the test patch, determines a difference between the temperature of the test patch and a target temperature, and varies the heating power and/or an application of the cooling gas based on the difference to normalize temperatures across the medium during a drying process.
US08845083B2	Inkjet printer having dual valve arrangement An inkjet printer includes: an inkjet printhead having a first port and a second port; an ink container having an outlet port and a return port; a first ink line interconnecting the first port with the outlet port; a second ink line interconnecting the second port with the return port; an air line connected to the first ink line, the air line having an inlet open to atmosphere; a reversible pump positioned between the second port and the return port for pumping ink in the second ink line; and a dual valve arrangement including: a first valve for selectively controlling ink flow through the first ink line, the first valve being positioned in the first ink line between the ink container and the air line; and a second valve for selectively controlling air flow through the air line.
US08845081B2	Liquid discharge head A liquid discharge head includes a plurality of discharge ports configured to discharge liquid, a supply port configured to retain the liquid to be discharged from the plurality of discharge ports, a first pressure chamber including a first energy generation element to discharge a predetermined amount of liquid droplets, a second pressure chamber including a second energy generation element to discharge an amount of liquid droplets greater than the predetermined amount, a first flow path through which the supply port and the first pressure chamber communicate with each other, and a second flow path through which the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber communicate with each other.
US08845079B2	Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus including the same A nozzle portion in a recording head includes a first nozzle portion of which cross-sectional area is a first area and which is formed at the side of a pressure generation chamber and a second nozzle portion of which cross-sectional area is a second area which is smaller than the first area, which is formed to be continuous to the first nozzle portion through a step portion and of which front end portion is a nozzle opening. Further, when a cross-sectional area of an ink supply path is set to Ss, a cross-sectional area of the first nozzle portion is set to Sn, a flow path resistance of the first nozzle portion is set to Rn′, and a flow path resistance of the second nozzle portion is set to Rn, relationships of Sn/Ss≧1/3 and Rn′/Rn≦0.6 are satisfied.
US08845075B2	Mist collection device and liquid ejection device A mist collection device is adapted to collect a mist of liquid generated by ejecting the liquid from a plurality of nozzles in an ejection head, the mist collection device includes a suction section, a tube section, a collection part, an outlet section and a suction device. A suction port is formed in the suction section with the suction port being an opening having a length in an arrangement direction of the nozzles greater than a width in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction. The tube section is in communication with the suction section and having a hollow tube shape whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the arrangement direction. The collection part collects the mist by separating the mist from air suctioned by the suction section. The suction device is configured and arranged to generate an air flow flowing from the suction section to the collection part.
US08845073B2	Inkjet printing with condensation control Inkjet printing methods are described that create a combination of higher resistance flow areas and lower resistance flow areas to allow a vaporized carrier fluid reducing airflow to flow between a printing module and a receiver without disrupting inkjet drop placements. Removal of the vaporized carrier fluid reduces condensation.
US08845072B2	Condensation control system for inkjet printing system Condensation control systems are provided for use with inkjet printing systems that use a combination of higher resistance flow areas and lower resistance flow areas to allow a vaporized carrier fluid reducing airflow to flow between a printing module and a receiver during printing without creating observable artifacts in a print. Removal of the vaporized carrier fluid reduces condensation.
US08845068B2	Printhead alignment evaluation In one embodiment, a first reference pattern is caused to be printed with transparent ink ejected from a first printhead. A second reference pattern is caused to be printed, with a first colorant ink ejected from a second printhead, to least partially overlap the first reference pattern. The overlapping causes the second reference pattern to be visually discernible where the first and second reference patterns overlap. A background pattern, overlapping and surrounding the first and second reference patterns, is caused to be printed with a second colorant ink less dark than the first colorant ink. The printing of the background pattern causes the first reference pattern to be visually discernible where the first and second reference patterns do not overlap.
US08845059B2	Aligning print data using matching pixel patterns A method for aligning multi-channel digital image data for a digital printer having a plurality of printheads is described. A test pattern including test pattern indicia printed using individual printheads is scanned and analyzed to detect locations of the printed test pattern indicia. One of the printheads is designated to be a reference printhead, and one or more of the other printheads are designated to be non-reference printheads. Spatial adjustment parameters are determined for each of the non-reference printheads responsive to the detected test pattern indicia locations. Digital image data for the non-reference printheads is modified by designating an input pixel neighborhood within which an image pixel should be inserted or deleted, comparing the image pixels in the input pixel neighborhood to a plurality of predefined pixel patterns to identify a matching pixel pattern; and determining a modified pixel neighborhood responsive to the matching pixel pattern.
US08845051B2	Droplet ejecting apparatus and method for driving the same A droplet ejecting apparatus includes a recording head including nozzles, liquid chambers communicating with the respective nozzles and storing ink, and actuators for applying pressure to the respective liquid chambers; and a print control unit configured to generate drive signals for driving the respective actuators to eject droplets from the nozzles. The drive signal includes a first contracting waveform component for ejecting a droplet and a second contracting waveform component for further contracting the liquid chamber after application of the first contracting waveform component but not ejecting a droplet. The second contracting waveform component is output at oscillation-damping timing at which a pressure wave generated by the first contracting waveform component is damped, in a condition where an environmental temperature is high, and is output at resonating timing at which resonance with the generated pressure wave occurs, in a condition where the environmental temperature is low.
US08845046B2	Vacuum heat insulating material, heat insulating box using vacuum heat insulating material, refrigerator, refrigerating/air-conditioning apparatus, water heater, equipments, and manufacturing method of vacuum heat insulating material A highly reliable vacuum heat insulating material having excellent processability, usability and heat insulating performance and a heat insulating box using the vacuum heat insulating material are provided. A vacuum heat insulating material related to the present invention includes: a core material structured by a laminated structure of an organic fiber assembly formed by forming an organic fiber into a sheet shape and cutting an end face with a predetermined length, and having a core material opening portion formed by a through hole or a notch with cutting; a gas-barrier outer cover material containing the core material inside, having a sealing portion for sealing surrounding of the sheet-shaped organic fiber assembly and surrounding of the core material opening portion, and hermetically sealing an inside with almost vacuum status by sealing the sealing portion; and an outer cover material opening portion provided at the outer cover material under a status in which the sealing portion provided at the surrounding of the sheet-shaped organic fiber assembly and the surrounding of the core material opening portion is sealed, being a through hole or a notch which is smaller than the core material opening portion with a sealed amount, and a long fiber being equal to or longer than a length of the sheet is used for the organic fiber.
US08845044B2	Adjustable drawer divider An assembly comprising a storage receptacle includes a front panel, a rear panel, a first side panel joining the front panel to the rear panel and a second side panel joining the front panel to the rear panel. The front panel, the rear panel and the first and second side panels define a storage space within the confines of the front panel, the rear panel and the first and second side panels. A divider is located within the storage space and extends between the front panel and the rear panel and divides the storage space into storage space sections. A spring operated mechanism engages the divider to selectively maintain the divider in place in the storage space and allows for the position of the divider to be adjusted between the first side panel and the second side panel, whereby the dimensions of the storage space sections can be adjusted.
US08845041B2	Washing machine A washing machine having a coupling structure configured to economically and strongly couple component parts to each other, the washing machine including a frame forming an exterior, an upper cover coupled to an upper portion of the frame and provided with an opening unit to which a laundry is introduced, an electronic part accommodating plate coupled to an rear portion of the upper cover, and a connection unit provided at the electronic part accommodating plate and extended toward a lower direction from a lower portion of the electronic part accommodating plate.
US08845040B2	Housing for an electronic device A housing for an electronic device includes a housing body, a bottom cover, and a locking member. The housing body includes an engaging slot and a through hole. The bottom cover includes an engaging hook for engaging the engaging slot. An inner surface of the housing body or the bottom cover is provided with a positioning element. The locking member extends through the through hole, and includes an engaging portion disposed on the inner surface of the housing body, and a control portion exposed from the through hole. The control portion is operable to move the engaging portion between a locking position where the engaging portion engages the positioning element and an unlocking position where the engaging portion is separated from the positioning element to thereby facilitate assembly and disassembly of the bottom cover to and from the housing body.
US08845036B2	Signal control device The present invention is directed to a signal control device having a body with a generally cylindrical cavity having a longitudinal central axis, a first and second input, and a first and second output. Each input and output is in fluid communication with the body. The signal control device further contains a first spool with a first end and an opposite second end, each which define a recess, a central axis between the first and second ends and a through hole formed about the central axis. The signal control device also contains a second spool with a first end, an opposite second end, a second central axis between the first and second ends, and a bore. The bore has a first end opening at the first end of the second spool and has a second end opening intermediate the first and second ends of the second spool. The first spool and second spool are positioned within the body cavity so that their corresponding central axes are collinear.
US08845035B2	Vehicle wheel cover and vehicle wheel cover retention system and method for producing same A vehicle wheel cover retention system includes a wheel defining an axis and includes a wheel rim and a wheel disc. The wheel disc has a generally radially outwardly extending retention groove formed in a generally axially extending portion of an inner mounting surface thereof. The cover includes an inner portion having a central opening. The inner portion is provided with at least one wheel cover retention member having at least one tab. A center cap is provided and includes at least one center cap retention member having at least one tab. The at least one tab of the at least one wheel cover retention member and the at least one tab of the center cap retention member are both received in the retention groove to secure both the wheel cover and the center cap to the wheel.
US08845032B2	Restraining device for a car seat harness shoulder strap A restraining device eases the loading, unloading and securing of an infant/child to a car seat by holding the shoulder straps of the harness assembly away from the seating area of the car seat. A common, central body is secured to the carrying handle of the infant car seat by at least one of the at least one radial extension. Another of the at least one radial extension is used to secure the harness shoulder strap temporarily to the carrying handle while the infant/child is placed in the seating area of the car seat. The harness shoulder strap is subsequently released from the carrying handle and returned to its original position within the seating area for properly securing the infant/child to the car seat.

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