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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US08846714B2	1H-pyrazolo[3,4-β]pyridines and therapeutic uses thereof Provided herein are compounds according to Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and compositions comprising the same, for use in various methods, including treating cancers such as colon, ovarian, pancreatic, breast, liver, prostate and hematologic cancers:
US08846712B2	6-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-3-styryl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-4-carboxylic acid amide derivatives as kinase inhibitors The present invention relates to pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine compounds of the formula I, in which R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are defined as indicated below. The compounds of the formula I are kinase inhibitors, and are useful for the treatment of diseases associated with diabetes and diabetic complications, such as, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy, for example. The invention furthermore relates to the use of compounds of the formula I, in particular as active ingredients in pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US08846711B2	Heterocyclic acrylamides and their use as pharmaceuticals The invention relates to novel heterocyclic acrylamide compounds (I), to the preparation of the compounds and intermediates used therein, to the use of the compounds as antibacterial medicaments and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
US08846703B2	Crystal of a free tricyclic pyrazolopyrimidine derivative To provide a crystal of a tricyclic pyrazolopyrimidine compound inhibiting the effect of HSP90. The present invention provides a crystal of 2-{4-amino-2-[(3-chloro-4-methoxy-5-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl]-2,7-dihydro-6-thia-1,2,3,5-tetraazabenzo[cd]azulen-8-yl}-N-methylacetamide which inhibits the ATPase activity of HSP90 and which has antitumor activity, a medicament comprising the same, an anticancer agent comprising the same, and the like.
US08846700B2	Heteroaryl quinazoline derivatives Disclosed are compounds of the following formula and their pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, which have an effect of glucokinase activation and are useful in the field of medicines for treatment for diabetes, obesity, etc. (wherein ring A represents a pyrazolyl group optionally having a lower alkyl group, etc.; ring B represents a heteroaryl group; R represents a lower alkyl group, etc.; R1 represents a group of a formula: (wherein R11 and R12 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, etc.; m indicates an integer of from 2 to 6), etc.; R2 represents a lower alkyl group, etc.; r indicates an integer of from 0 to 3; k indicates an integer of from 0 to 4).
US08846695B2	Treatment for diabetes in patients with inadequate glycemic control despite metformin therapy comprising a DPP-IV inhibitor The present invention relates to the finding that certain DPP-4 inhibitors are particularly suitable for improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients with inadequate glycemic control despite metformin therapy.
US08846694B2	Pyrrolidone derivatives for use as MetAP-2 inhibitors Compounds of the formula (I), in which R, X, Y, Z, R3 and R4 have the meanings indicated in claim 1, are inhibitors of methionine aminopeptidase and can be employed for the treatment of tumours.
US08846691B2	Heterocyclic carboxylic acid derivatives having a 2,5,7-substituted oxazolopyrimidine ring The invention relates to oxazolopyrimidine compounds of formula (I), where A, R1, R2, R3, R4, X and Y are defined as stated in the claims. The compounds of formula I are suitable, for example, for wound healing.
US08846688B2	Sodium channel blockers This invention relates to sodium channel blocking phenyl guanidine compounds of Formula (I): pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and methods of using them for blocking sodium channels, promoting hydration of mucosal surfaces, and for methods of treating diseases including cystic fibrosis, COPD, asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia.
US08846685B2	Human protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors and methods of use The present disclosure relates to compounds effective as human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (HPTP-β) inhibitors thereby regulating angiogenesis. The present disclosure further relates to compositions comprising said human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (HPTP-β) inhibitors, and to methods for regulating angiogenesis.
US08846683B2	Pyrimidyl cyclopentanes as Akt protein kinase inhibitors The present invention provides compounds of Formula I, including tautomers, resolved enantiomers, diastereomers, solvates, metabolites, salts and pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs thereof. Also provided are methods of using the compounds of this invention as AKT protein kinase inhibitors and for the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer.
US08846681B2	Pyrimidyl cyclopentanes as AKT protein kinase inhibitors The present invention provides compounds of Formula I, including tautomers, resolved enantiomers, diastereomers, solvates, metabolites, salts and pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs thereof. Also provided are methods of using the compounds of this invention as AKT protein kinase inhibitors and for the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer.
US08846671B2	Heterocyclic alkynyl benzene compounds and medical compositions and uses thereof The heterocyclic alkynyl benzene compounds of formula (I), their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and stereoisomers thereof, as well as application in preparing drugs for preventing or treating tumors. The compounds can overcome the clinically induced resistance against Gleevec.
US08846666B2	Oxathiazine derivatives which are substituted with benzyl or heteromethylene groups, method for producing them, their use as medicine and drug containing said derivatives and the use thereof The invention relates to the compounds of formula (I) and to the physiologically acceptable salts thereof. Said compounds are suitable for the treatment of hyperglycemia.
US08846665B2	6,7-dihydro-[1,3,4]thiadiazolo-[3,2-a][1,3]diazepin derivative and pharmaceutical composition containing the same as neuromuscular blocker or skeletal muscle relaxant, and method for the preparation The present invention relates to a compound of formula 1 and addition salts thereof, a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound, a method for its preparation as well as the use of the compound as neuro-muscular blocker or skeletal muscle relaxant; wherein each symbol is as defined in the Specification.
US08846657B2	Substituted imidazopyridines as HDM2 inhibitors The present invention provides substituted imidazopyridines as described herein or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. The representative compounds are useful as inhibitors of the HDM2 protein. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the above compounds and potential methods of treating cancer using the same.
US08846656B2	Tetrahydropyrido-pyridine and tetrahydropyrido-pyrimidine compounds and use thereof as C5a receptor modulators The present invention provides a compound of formula I: (I) a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition.
US08846653B2	Delta-tocotrienol treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer Methods are disclosed for treating neoplastic disorders, such as pancreatic cancer, using tocotrienols; namely, gamma-tocotrienol and delta tocotrienol. The antitumorogenic effects of these compounds are shown both in vitro and in vivo using several human pancreatic cancer cell lines and MIA-PACA2 human pancreatic cancer cells xenografted in nude mice. Also disclosed are methods of testing the efficacy of potential chemotherapeutic agents by measuring their effect on surrogate endpoint biomarkers, such as Ki-67 and p27. Associated compounds are also disclosed.
US08846651B2	Lipid composition having excellent shape retention property and product It is to provide a technique for preventing aggregation or caking of menthol at the time of its keeping. In addition, it is to provide a lipid composition, which can show excellent thermal stability even in the case of high temperature at the time of keeping menthol and at the time of blending in a product, does not cause mutual aggregation of powders, particles, flakes, pellets, sticks and the like of menthol, and can maintain its shape retention property. From 10 to 50% by mass of sterols are added to and mixed with from 50 to 90% by mass of menthol, and the resultant is melted with heating. Paraffins may be further added and mixed in an amount of 20% by mass or less, based on the lipid composition.
US08846648B2	Natural combination hormone replacement formulations and therapies Estrogen and progesterone replacement therapies are provided herein. Among others, the following formulations are provided herein: solubilized estradiol without progesterone; micronized progesterone without estradiol; micronized progesterone with partially solubilized progesterone; solubilized estradiol with micronized progesterone; solubilized estradiol with micronized progesterone in combination with partially solubilized progesterone; and solubilized estradiol with solubilized progesterone.
US08846647B2	C-17 and C-3 modified triterpenoids with HIV maturation inhibitory activity Compounds having drug and bio-affecting properties, their pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use are set forth. In particular, C-17 and C-3 modified triterpenoids that possess unique antiviral activity are provided as HIV maturation inhibitors, as represented by compounds of Formulas I, II and III: These compounds are useful for the treatment of HIV and AIDS.
US08846641B2	Stabilized ophthalmic galactomannan formulations The present invention relates to viscosity stabilized ophthalmic formulations and ophthalmic formulations suitable for drug delivery. The formulations comprise galactomannans such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar and a borate source such as boric acid. The formulations further comprise a diol alcohol such as sorbitol and, optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable divalent cation salt such as magnesium chloride.
US08846640B2	Viscoelastic gels as novel fillers Biomaterials obtainable by mixing the autocrosslinked derivative of hyaluronic acid (ACP) with the derivative (HBC) of hyaluronic acid crosslinked with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE) in the weight ratio of between 10:90 and 90:10 as novel fillers.
US08846639B2	Oligomeric compounds comprising bicyclic nucleosides and having reduced toxicity In certain embodiments, the present invention provides oligomeric compounds having favorable toxicity profiles and therapeutic indexes. Compounds of the present invention comprise bicyclic nucleosides. Certain such bicyclic nucleosides are pyrimidines that do not include a methyl group at the 5-carbon. Oligomeric compounds comprising such nucleosides are less toxic than compounds comprising bicyclic nucleosides that do include a methyl group at the 5-carbon. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods of preparing and using such compounds.
US08846628B2	Oral formulations of cytidine analogs and methods of use thereof The present disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising cytidine analogs, for example, 5-azacytidine or decitabine, for oral administration, wherein the compositions release the cytidine analog, for example, 5-azacytidine or decitabine, substantially in the stomach. Also provided are methods of treating diseases and disorders using the oral formulations provided herein.
US08846624B2	Modified protein polymers In an embodiment, a number of synthetic protein triblock copolymers are provided comprising first and second end hydrophobic blocks separated by a central hydrophilic block. In particular, the synthetic proteins are elastin-mimetic proteins having improved mechanical characteristics and related methods of making the proteins with the capability of providing precise control over the mechanical properties. Provided are proteins used in a number of medical devices such as artificial blood vessels, shunts, stents or as embolic agents in situations where it is desired to stop or reduce blood flow or pressure in a localized region.
US08846622B2	Targeted delivery of botulinum toxin to the sphenopalatine ganglion Botulinum toxin, among other presynaptic neurotoxins is used for the treatment and prevention of migraine and other headaches associated with vascular disorders. Presynaptic neurotoxins are delivered focally, targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion. Exemplary delivery is carried out by way of injection.
US08846618B2	Stable formulation of modified GLP-1 Pharmaceutical formulations of GLP-1 compounds and methods for preparation thereof.
US08846616B1	Alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone as topical anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of allergic contact dermatitis and eczema A method is presented for treating an inflammatory skin disorder in a human comprising: topically applying to the skin a composition comprising alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH) or an αMSH analog in an amount effective to reduce skin inflammation in the human.
US08846614B2	Process for the synthesis of 37-mer peptide pramlintide A process for the production of pramlintide, a 37-mer peptide, is provided. The synthesis provides a high yield synthesis of the peptide in relatively pure form. Further purification can be achieved by preparative HPLC.
US08846613B2	Pharmaceutical combinations for the treatment of metabolic disorders The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising 1.a and/or 1.b according to claim 1 in combination with at least one second therapeutic agent 2 which is suitable in the treatment or prevention of one or more conditions selected from type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance and hyperglycemia. In addition the present invention relates to methods for preventing or treating of metabolic disorders and related conditions.
US08846610B2	Methods for preparing purified lipopeptides The present invention relates to crystalline and crystal-like forms of lipopeptides, including daptomycin, a lipopeptide antibiotic with potent bactericidal activity against gram-positive bacteria, including strains that are resistant to conventional antibiotics. The present invention relates to methods of purifying lipopeptides, including daptomycin, a lipopeptide antibiotic with potent bactericidal activity against gram-positive bacteria, including strains that are resistant to conventional antibiotics. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the purified form of the lipopeptide and methods of using these compositions.
US08846608B2	Human lactoferrin derived peptides and their use The present invention relates to new peptides and to use thereof, in particular for treatment and/or prevention of infections, inflammations, pain, wounds, scar and/or tumors.
US08846607B2	Particles for treatment of pulmonary infection Formulations have been developed to treat or reduce the spread of respiratory infections, especially chronic or drug resistant infections, particularly tuberculosis (TB), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), meningococcal meningitis, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and small pox. Formulations include a drug or vaccine in the form of a microparticle, nanoparticle, or aggregate of nanoparticles, and, optionally, a carrier, which can be delivered by inhalation. Giving the drugs via an inhaler sidesteps the problems associated with oral or injectable drugs by bypassing the stomach and liver, and delivering the medication directly into the lungs. In one embodiment, the particle containing the agent is a large porous aerosol particle (LPPs). In another embodiment, the particles are nanoparticles, which can be administered as porous nanoparticle aggregates with micron diameters that disperse into nanoparticles following administration. Optionally, the nanoparticles are coated, such as with a surfactant or protein coating. The formulation may be administered as a powder or administered as a solution or via an enteral or non-pulmonary parenteral route of administration. The formulation is preferably administered as a pulmonary formulation. In the preferred embodiment for treatment of TB, the vaccine is a BCG vaccine that is stable at room temperature, or is an antibiotic effective against TB, such as capreomycin or PA-824, loaded at a very high percentage into the microparticles or nanoparticles. In one embodiment, a patient is treated with formulations delivering both antibiotic and vaccine.
US08846606B2	Method and drug composition for treating septic shock hypotension Provided herein are methods and compositions for treating septic hypotension. More specifically, the methods may comprise, administering one alpha-2 agonist or other sympatholytic and at least one vasopressor.
US08846605B2	Formulations and methods of use for alpha connexin C-terminal (ACT) peptides This invention relates to a topical gel drug product preparation containing a composition comprising an isolated polypeptide having a carboxy-terminal amino acid sequence of an alpha connexin (ACT peptide), peptide stabilizers, excipients, buffering agents, and the like. A formulation and preparation steps are disclosed for the manufacturing of a stable, elegant, and pourable topical gel. The resulting formulation possesses long term stability suitable for aesthetic as well as therapeutic applications including the prevention of scaring and accelerated healing of wounds. Methods for treatment of chronic wounds, including chronic ulcers, are also provided.
US08846603B2	NPP1 fusion proteins The present invention provides a novel fusion polypeptide containing a catalytic portion of NPP1 fused to a targeting moiety, nucleic acids encoding the fusion polypeptide, a vector containing the nucleic acid integrated thereinto, a host cell transformed with the vector and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the fusion polypeptide.
US08846600B2	Carboxamide compounds and methods for using the same Disclosed are carboxamide compounds as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use. One embodiment is a compound having the structure in which R1, R2, R3, R4, T, p, q, w and x are as described herein. In certain embodiments, a compound disclosed herein activates the AMPK pathway, and can be used to treat metabolism-related disorders and conditions.
US08846598B2	Composition comprising a cellulase and a bleach catalyst The present invention relates to a composition comprising: (i) a bacterial alkaline enzyme exhibiting endo-beta-1,4-glucanase activity (E.C. 3.2.1.4); and (ii) a bleach catalyst that is capable of accepting an oxygen atom from a peroxyacid and transferring the oxygen atom to an oxidizeable substrate.
US08846596B2	Liquid cleaning compositions Liquid cleaning compositions are described herein that include a metal bleach catalyst which is a complex of a transition-metal and a macrocyclic ligand, the ligand having a calculated Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient value of from about −1.50 to about −0.10, a formulation enabling fraction comprising at least one formulation enabling ingredient, the formulation enabling fraction having a Hydrophilic Index of from about 4.0 to about 10.0, and a formulation deactivating fraction comprising at least one formulation deactivating ingredient that has a calculated Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient value of from about −3.5 to about −0.10.
US08846595B2	Method of making a cleaning solution from hydrogel cleaning concentrate and packaged cleaning concentrate Methods of making a (e.g. dilute) cleaning solution from a hydrogel cleaning concentrate, packages of hydrogel cleaning concentrate, and methods of making a hydrogel cleaning concentrate are described.
US08846594B2	Acid cleaning stripper with visual dosage and rinsing indicator The present invention relates to a liquid stripper comprising a strong acid, and a colored indicator capable of assuming different colors, in particular for non measurable pH (i.e. below 1), depending on the acid concentration and on the polarity of the stripping solution, as well as to its use.
US08846593B2	Dishwashing composition comprising a covalently modified alkyleneimine polymer The present invention relates to formulations comprising (A) at least one aminocarboxylate, selected from methylglycine diacetate (MGDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDA) and glutaminic acid diacetate (GLDA), and salts and derivatives thereof, and (B) at least one alkyleneimine polymer which is covalently modified with at least one carboxylic acid or at least one derivative of a carboxylic acid or at least one derivative of carbonic acid, where up to at most 75 mol % of the nitrogen atoms of the primary and secondary amino groups of the alkyleneimine polymer have been reacted with carboxylic acid or derivative of carboxylic acid or carbonic acid.
US08846587B2	Functionalized monomers and polymers This invention relates to a composition, comprising: an unsaturated functionalized monomer of from about 5 to about 30 carbon atoms, which is: (a) polymerized to form a functionalized polymer; (b) copolymerized with a comonomer to form a functionalized copolymer; or (c) reacted with an enophilic reagent to form a polyfunctionalized monomer. The polyfunctionalized monomer may be polymerized to form a polyfunctionalized polymer which may be further reacted with one or more additional reagents. The invention relates to lubricants, functional fluids, fuels, dispersants, detergents and polymeric resins.
US08846583B2	Biodegradable lubricating composition and use thereof in a drilling fluid, in particular for very deep reservoirs The present disclosure relates to a biodegradable lubricant composition, notably intended to be incorporated as an oil phase with high lubricating power in a drilling fluid or mud. This composition may be in a drilling fluid or as a fluid for fracture of underground formations. These muds or fluids contained in the composition of the present disclosure are particularly suitable for very deep drillings, offshore in deep water and/or sidetracked drillings or with a long shift.
US08846581B2	Non-emulsion methods and masked biomolecules The present invention relates to methods and devices for amplifying nucleic acid, and, in particular, amplifying so as to generate products on a surface without the use of emulsions. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of groups of amplified product are generated on the surface, each group positioned in different (typically predetermined) locations on said surface so as to create an array.
US08846574B2	Granular fertilizer containing herbicidal agrochemical Disclosed is a technique for achieving a required herbicidal effect using a small amount of a herbicide. Specifically disclosed are: a granular fertilizer containing a herbicidal agrochemical, which is characterized in that the granular fertilizer has been impregnated or coated with pyroxasulfone; and a weed eradication method which is characterized by applying the granular fertilizer to fields.
US08846573B2	Methods for increasing tolerance to abiotic stress in plants The present invention provides a method for increasing tolerance to abiotic stress and/or reducing the consequence of abiotic stress in a plant or part thereof comprising contacting a plant or part thereof with a composition comprising an effective amount of dicarboxylic acid or derivative thereof.
US08846572B2	Use of 9-beta-D-adenosine to increase crop production Described are compositions and methods to increase bud break in order to increase aspects of one or both of plant vegetative and reproductive growth, by use of a natural metabolite. In particular, the present disclosure provides a natural metabolite either alone or as part of a fertilizer blend to increase crop production. Additionally the present disclosure provides a natural metabolite in combination with one or both of a plant growth regulator and a bio stimulant to increase crop production.
US08846570B2	Herbicidal compositions comprising 4-amino-3-chloro-5-fluoro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)pyridine-2-carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof and microtubule inhibiting herbicides Provided herein are synergistic herbicidal compositions containing (a) a compound of formula (I): or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof and (b) microtubule inhibiting herbicide, e.g., dimethenamid, dithiopyr, oryzalin, pendimethalin, propyzamide, and thiazopyr, or derivative thereof. The methods and compositions provided herein provide control of undesirable vegetation, e.g., in direct-seeded, water-seeded and transplanted rice, cereals, wheat, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, corn or maize, sugarcane, sunflower, oilseed rape, canola, sugar beet, soybean, cotton, pineapple, pastures, grasslands, rangelands, fallowland, turf, tree and vine orchards, aquatics, plantation crops, vegetables, industrial vegetation management (IVM) and rights-of-way (ROW).
US08846558B2	Functionalization of the internal surfaces of zeolites with alcohol compounds The present invention relates to the modification of the internal surfaces of zeolite crystals via treatment with alcohols containing at least four carbon atoms. The modified zeolites possess high thermal stability and the properties of the modified zeolites can be tailored to provide improved performance for use in separations processes.
US08846552B2	Soluble terminally modified imide oligomer using 2-phenyl-4, 4′-diaminodiphenyl ether, varnish, cured product thereof, imide prepreg thereof, and fiber-reinforced laminate having excellent heat resistance A novel terminally modified imide oligomer having excellent solubility in organic solvents, excellent solution storage stability, and excellent molding properties such as low melt viscosity. Also, a varnish obtained by dissolving the terminally modified imide oligomer in an organic solvent; a cure product obtained by using the terminally modified imide oligomer and having excellent thermal and mechanical characteristics such as heat resistance, elastic modulus, tensile strength at break and tensile elongation at break; a prepreg; and a fiber-reinforced laminate. The soluble terminally modified imide oligomer is represented by general formula (1). In the formula, R1 and R2 each represents a divalent aromatic diamine residue; R3 and R4 each represents a tetravalent aromatic tetracarboxylic acid residue; R5 and R6 each represents a hydrogen atom or a phenyl group, with R5 or R6 being a phenyl group; m and n satisfy the following relations: m≧1, n≧0, 1≦m+n≦20 and 0.05≦m/(m+n)≦1; and the repeating units may be arranged in blocks or randomly.
US08846548B2	Post-passivation interconnect structure and methods for forming the same A method includes forming a polymer layer over a passivation layer, wherein the passivation layer further comprises a portion over a metal pad. The polymer layer is patterned to form an opening in the polymer layer, wherein exposed surfaces of the polymer layer have a first roughness. A surface treatment is performed to increase a roughness of the polymer layer to a second roughness greater than the first roughness. A metallic feature is formed over the exposed surface of the polymer layer.
US08846546B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, substrate processing method, substrate processing apparatus and recording medium A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: accommodating a substrate in a processing chamber; and supplying an organosilicon-based gas into the processing chamber that is heated to form a film including silicon and carbon on the substrate. In the forming of the film including silicon and carbon, a cycle is performed a predetermined number of times. The cycle includes supplying the organosilicon-based gas into the processing chamber and confining the organosilicon-based gas in the processing chamber, maintaining a state in which the organosilicon-based gas is confined in the processing chamber, and exhausting an inside of the processing chamber.
US08846540B2	Semiconductor device with silicon-containing hard mask and method for fabricating the same A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having an etch target layer provided on the surface thereof, and a hard mask layer formed over the etch target layer and including silicon, wherein the hard mask layer includes a dual structure including a first area and a second area having a larger etch rate than the first area, in order to increase an etching selectivity of the hard mask layer.
US08846537B2	Method for forming fine pitch structures A mold having an open interior volume is used to define patterns. The mold has a ceiling, floor and sidewalls that define the interior volume and inhibit deposition. One end of the mold is open and an opposite end has a sidewall that acts as a seed sidewall. A first material is deposited on the seed sidewall. A second material is deposited on the deposited first material. The deposition of the first and second materials is alternated, thereby forming alternating rows of the first and second materials in the interior volume. The mold and seed layer are subsequently selectively removed. In addition, one of the first or second materials is selectively removed, thereby forming a pattern including free-standing rows of the remaining material. The free-standing rows can be utilized as structures in a final product, e.g., an integrated circuit, or can be used as hard mask structures to pattern an underlying substrate. The mold and rows of material can be formed on multiple levels. The rows on different levels can crisscross one another. Selectively removing material from some of the rows can from openings to form, e.g., contact vias.
US08846534B1	Process for CMP with large feature size variation Embodiments of the present invention relate to reducing the size variation on a wafer fabrication. In some embodiments, at least a portion the backfill material over features larger than a threshold size is etched or milled to provide backfill protrusions over those features. The backfill protrusions are configured to reduce the size variation across the fabrication. Embodiments of the invention may be used in fabrication of many types of devices, such as tapered wave guides (TWG), near-field transducers (NFT), MEMS devices, EAMR optical devices, optical structures, bio-optical devices, micro-fluidic devices, and magnetic writers.
US08846529B2	Electroless plating of cobalt alloys for on chip inductors A method for forming an on-chip magnetic structure includes forming a seed layer over a substrate of a semiconductor chip. The seed layer is patterned to provide a plating location. A cobalt based alloy is electrolessly plated at the plating location to form an inductive structure on the semiconductor chip.
US08846526B2	Through-hole substrate and method of producing the same A substrate (3) in which a through-hole (2) is filled with a filler (4) is prepared, and a structure (6), at least a part of the surface of which has an insulating property, is formed on the surface of the substrate (3). A plated layer (7) is formed on the substrate (3) having the structure (6) formed thereon, and the filler (4) and the structure (6) are removed. Thus, a through-hole substrate (8) is formed, in which the plated layer (7) having an opening (9) communicating with the through-hole (2) is provided on at least one surface of a substrate (1).
US08846524B2	Plating process A system and method for plating a contact connected to a test pad is provided. An embodiment comprises inserting a blocking material into vias between the contact and the test pad. In another embodiment a blocking structure may be inserted between the contact and the test pad. In yet another embodiment a blocking layer may be inserted into a contact stack. Once the blocking material, the blocking structure, or the blocking layer have been formed, the contact may be plated, with the blocking material, the blocking structure, or the blocking layer reducing or preventing degradation of the test pad due to galvanic effects.
US08846521B2	Method for manufacturing an electronic component package and electronic component package A manufacturing method of an electronic component package, includes: forming electrode pads on a main surface of a first electronic component; forming first bonding wires shaped in loop so as to be electrically connected with the electrode pads and elongated upward from the electrode pads and such that both ends of the first bonding wires are on the electrode pad, respectively; forming a resin layer over the main surface of the first electronic component so as to embed the first bonding wires; removing the resin layer so as to expose ends of the first bonding wires from the resin layer and removing the end of each of the first bonding wires so that two wires are elongated from on each of the electrode pads; and forming a metallic layer on the surface of the resin layer after removing so that the first bonding wires are electrically connected with the metallic layer.
US08846518B2	Multilayer construction A multilayer construction is disclosed. The multilayer construction includes a -II-VI semiconductor layer (110)x and a Si3N4 layer (120) disposed directly on the II-VI semiconductor layer. To improve the adhesion of the Si3N4 layer (120) a native oxide on the II-VI semiconductor layer is removed.
US08846513B2	Semiconductor device comprising replacement gate electrode structures and self-aligned contact elements formed by a late contact fill When forming self-aligned contact elements in sophisticated semiconductor devices in which high-k metal gate electrode structures are to be provided on the basis of a replacement gate approach, the self-aligned contact openings are filled with an appropriate fill material, such as polysilicon, while the gate electrode structures are provided on the basis of a placeholder material that can be removed with high selectivity with respect to the sacrificial fill material. In this manner, the high-k metal gate electrode structures may be completed prior to actually filling the contact openings with an appropriate contact material after the removal of the sacrificial fill material. In one illustrative embodiment, the placeholder material of the gate electrode structures is provided in the form of a silicon/germanium material.
US08846512B2	Incorporating impurities using a mask Methods of incorporating impurities into materials can be useful in non-volatile memory devices as well as other integrated circuit devices. Various embodiments provide for incorporating impurities into a material using a mask.
US08846511B2	Methods of trimming nanowire structures One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming an initial nanowire structure having an initial cross-sectional size, performing a doping diffusion process to form an N-type doped region in the initial nanowire structure and performing an etching process to remove at least a portion of the doped region and thereby define a final nanowire structure having a final cross-sectional size, wherein the final cross-sectional size is smaller than the initial cross-sectional size.
US08846510B2	Method and structure to boost MOSFET performance and NBTI The present disclosure provides one embodiment of a method forming a p-type field effect transistor (pFET) structure. The method includes forming a mask layer on a semiconductor substrate, the mask layer including an opening that exposes a semiconductor region of the semiconductor substrate within the opening; forming a n-type well (n-well) in the semiconductor region by performing an ion implantation of a n-type dopant to the semiconductor substrate through the opening of the mask layer; and performing a germanium (Ge) channel implantation to the semiconductor substrate through the opening of the mask layer, forming a Ge channel implantation region in the n-well.
US08846506B2	Enhanced electron mobility at the interface between Gd2O3(100)/N-Si(100) A multilayered structure is provided. The multilayered structure may include a silicon substrate and a film of gadolinium oxide disposed on the silicon substrate. The top surface of the silicon substrate may have silicon orientated in the 100 direction (Si(100)) and the gadolinium oxide disposed thereon may have an orientation in the 100 direction (Gd2O3(100)).
US08846505B2	Method of growing semiconductor micro-crystalline islands on an amorphous substrate A method for growing islands of semiconductor monocrystals from a solution on an amorphous substrate includes the procedures of depositing a semiconductor-metal mixture layer, applying lithography and etching for forming at least one platform, heating the at least one platform, and saturating the semiconductor-metal solution until a monocrystal of the semiconductor component is formed. The procedure of depositing a semiconductor-metal mixture layer, includes a semiconductor component and at least one other metal component, is performed on top of the amorphous substrate. The procedure of applying lithography and etching to the semiconductor-metal mixture layer and a portion of the amorphous substrate is performed for forming at least one platform, the at least one platform having a top view shape corresponding to crystal growth direction and habit respective of the semiconductor component. The procedure of heating the at least one platform is performed until the semiconductor-metal mixture layer of the at least one platform is melted and becomes a semiconductor-metal solution. The procedure of saturating the semiconductor-metal solution is performed until a monocrystal of the semiconductor component is formed from the solution on each of the at least one platform.
US08846503B1	Self-aligned and lateral-assembly method for integrating heterogeneous material structures on the same plane The present invention relates to a self-aligned and lateral-assembly method for integrating heterogeneous material structures on the same plane. By using this method, two semiconductor materials heterogeneous to each other can be laterally assembled in a self-alignment way, without using any epitaxial buffer layers or gradient buffer layers. Therefore, when applying this method to fabricating an electronic device having heterojunction, not only the manufacture cost can be effectively reduced, but the difficulty of manufacturing process can also be overcome. Moreover, in this method, one amorphous heterogeneous semiconductor material would laterally grow to a crystal semiconductor material through epitaxy after being treated the rapid melting growth (RMG) process, and the epitaxial crystal semiconductor material would then be laterally assembled with the other one semiconductor material on an identical substrate, for carrying out the lateral assembly of the two heterogeneous semiconductor materials by using the self-alignment way and the smallest thermal budget.
US08846501B2	Method for equipping an epitaxy reactor The invention relates to a method for equipping a process chamber in an apparatus for depositing at least one layer on a substrate held by a susceptor in the process chamber, process gases being introduced into the process chamber through a gas inlet element, in particular by means of a carrier gas, the process gases decomposing into decomposition products in the chamber, in particular on hot surfaces, the decomposition products comprising the components that form the layer. In order to improve the apparatus so that thick multi-layer structures can be deposited reproducibly in process steps that follow one another directly, it is proposed that a material is selected for the surface facing the process chamber at least of the wall of the process chamber that is opposite the susceptor, the optical reflectivity, optical absorptivity and optical transmissivity of which respectively correspond to those of the layer to be deposited during the layer growth.
US08846498B2	Wafer dicing using hybrid multi-step laser scribing process with plasma etch Methods of dicing semiconductor wafers, each wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits, are described. A method includes forming a mask above the semiconductor wafer. The mask is composed of a layer covering and protecting the integrated circuits. The mask is patterned with a multi-step laser scribing process to provide a patterned mask with gaps. The patterning exposes regions of the semiconductor wafer between the integrated circuits. The semiconductor wafer is then etched through the gaps in the patterned mask to singulate the integrated circuits.
US08846496B2	Manufacturing method of single crystal semiconductor film and manufacturing method of electrode To provide a method of obtaining a single crystal semiconductor film by a method that is simple and low-cost. A single crystal semiconductor film 11 having compression stress is formed over a surface of a single crystal semiconductor substrate 10 by a vapor phase epitaxial growth method, a film having tensile stress (for example, a thermo-setting resin film 12) is formed over a surface of the single crystal semiconductor film 11, and the single crystal semiconductor substrate 10 and the single crystal semiconductor film 11 are separated from each other by a separation step in which force is applied to the single crystal semiconductor film 11, thereby obtaining a single crystal semiconductor film. Note that as the thermo-setting resin film 12, an epoxy resin film can be used, for example.
US08846494B2	Alignment marks and alignment methods for aligning backside components to frontside components in integrated circuits An imaging system may include an imager integrated circuit with frontside components such as imaging pixels and backside components such as color filters and microlenses. The imager integrated circuit may be mounted to a carrier wafer with alignment marks. Bonding marks on the carrier wafer and the imager integrated circuit may be used to align the carrier wafer accurately to the imager integrated circuit. The alignment marks on the carrier wafer may be read, by fabrication equipment, to align backside components of the imager integrated circuit, such as color filters and microlenses, with backside components of the imager integrated circuit, such as photodiodes.
US08846493B2	Methods for producing silicon on insulator structures having high resistivity regions in the handle wafer Silicon on insulator structures having a high resistivity region in the handle wafer of the silicon on insulator structure are disclosed. Methods for producing such silicon on insulator structures are also provided. Exemplary methods involve creating a non-uniform thermal donor profile and/or modifying the dopant profile of the handle wafer to create a new resistivity profile in the handle wafer. Methods may involve one or more SOI manufacturing steps or electronic device (e.g., RF device) manufacturing steps.
US08846492B2	Integrated circuit having a stressor and method of forming the same An embodiment of the disclosure includes a method of forming a semiconductor structure. A substrate has a region adjacent to a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure in the substrate. A patterned mask layer is formed over the substrate. The patterned mask layer covers the STI structure and a portion of the region, and leaves a remaining portion of the region exposed. A distance between an edge of the remaining portion and an edge of the STI structure is substantially longer than 1 nm. The remaining portion of the region is etched thereby forms a recess in the substrate. A stressor is epitaxially grown in the recess. A conductive plug contacting the stressor is formed.
US08846491B1	Forming a diffusion break during a RMG process Embodiments herein provide approaches for forming a diffusion break during a replacement metal gate process. Specifically, a semiconductor device is provided with a set of replacement metal gate (RMG) structures over a set of fins patterned from a substrate; a dielectric material over an epitaxial junction area; an opening formed between the set of RMG structures and through the set of fins, wherein the opening extends through the dielectric material, the expitaxial junction area, and into the substrate; and silicon nitride (SiN) deposited within the opening to form the diffusion break.
US08846490B1	Method of fabricating a FinFET device A method of forming a fin structure of a semiconductor device includes providing a substrate, creating a mandrel pattern over the substrate, depositing a first spacer layer over the mandrel pattern, and removing portions of the first spacer layer to form first spacer fins. The method also includes performing a first fin cut process to remove a subset of the first spacer fins, depositing a second spacer layer over the un-removed first spacer fins, and removing portions of the second spacer layer to form second spacer fins. The method further includes forming fin structures, and performing a second fin cut process to remove a subset of the fin structures.
US08846488B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same The invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing such a semiconductor device. A semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the invention may comprise: a substrate; a device region located on the substrate; and at least one stress introduction region separated from the device region by an isolation structure, with stress introduced into at least a portion of the at least one stress introduction region, wherein the stress introduced into the at least a portion of the at least one stress introduction region is produced by utilizing laser to illuminate an amorphized portion comprised in the at least one stress introduction region to recrystallize the amorphized portion. The semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the invention produces stress in a simpler manner and thereby improves the performance of the device.
US08846486B2	Deep well structures with single depth shallow trench isolation regions A method of forming a semiconductor device includes defining a first type region and a second type region in a substrate, t separated by one or more inter-well STI structures; etching and filling, in at least one of the first type region and the second type region, one or more intra-well STI structures for isolating semiconductor devices formed within a same polarity well, wherein the one or more inter-well STI structures are formed at a substantially same depth with respect to the one or more intra-well STI structures; implanting, a main well region, wherein a bottom of the main well region is disposed above a bottom of the one or more inter-well and intra-well STI features; and implanting, one or more deep well regions that couple main well regions, wherein the one or more deep well regions are spaced away from the one or more inter-well STI structures.
US08846483B2	Method of manufacturing a phase change semiconductor device and the phase change semiconductor device This disclosure is directed to a phase change semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof, comprising: forming an insulating layer on a substrate and a metal layer on the insulating layer; forming a via hole penetrating from the metal layer to the insulating layer; forming a phase change material layer on the metal layer and the via hole to at least fill up the via hole; and performing a planarization process, wherein after forming the metal layer and before forming the via hole, or after forming the via hole and before forming the phase change material layer, or after forming the phase change material layer and before the planarization process, subjecting the metal layer to an annealing treatment to form a metallic compound layer at an interface between the metal layer and the insulating layer. Adhesion between the phase change material layer and the insulating layer can be improved.
US08846482B2	Method and system for diffusion and implantation in gallium nitride based devices A method of forming a doped region in a III-nitride substrate includes providing the III-nitride substrate and forming a masking layer having a predetermined pattern and coupled to a portion of the III-nitride substrate. The III-nitride substrate is characterized by a first conductivity type and the predetermined pattern defines exposed regions of the III-nitride substrate. The method also includes heating the III-nitride substrate to a predetermined temperature and placing a dual-precursor gas adjacent the exposed regions of the III-nitride substrate. The dual-precursor gas includes a nitrogen source and a dopant source. The method further includes maintaining the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time period, forming p-type III-nitride regions adjacent the exposed regions of the III-nitride substrate, and removing the masking layer.
US08846478B2	Manufacturing method of semiconductor device A semiconductor device including a low-concentration impurity region formed on the drain side of an n-type MIS transistor, in a non-self-aligned manner with respect to an end portion of the gate electrode. A high-concentration impurity region is placed with a specific offset from the gate electrode and a sidewall insulating film. The semiconductor device enables the drain breakdown voltage to be sufficient and the on-resistance to decrease. A silicide layer is also formed on the surface of the gate electrode, thereby achieving gate resistance reduction and high frequency characteristics improvement.
US08846474B2	Dual workfunction semiconductor devices and methods for forming thereof Embodiments of the invention provide dual workfunction semiconductor devices and methods for manufacturing thereof. According to one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate containing first and second device regions, depositing a dielectric film on the substrate, and forming a first metal-containing gate electrode film on the dielectric film, wherein a thickness of the first metal-containing gate electrode film is less over the first device region than over the second device region. The method further includes depositing a second metal-containing gate electrode film on the first metal-containing gate electrode film, patterning the second metal-containing gate electrode film, the first metal-containing gate electrode film, and the dielectric film to form a first gate stack above the first device region and a second gate stack above the second device region.
US08846469B2	Fabrication method of trenched power semiconductor device with source trench A fabrication method of a trenched power semiconductor device with source trench is provided. Firstly, at least two gate trenches are formed in a base. Then, a dielectric layer and a polysilicon structure are sequentially formed in the gate trench. Afterward, at least a source trench is formed between the neighboring gate trenches. Next, the dielectric layer and a second polysilicon structure are sequentially formed in the source trench. The second polysilicon structure is located in a lower portion of the source trench. Then, the exposed portion of the dielectric layer in the source trench is removed to expose a source region and a body region. Finally, a conductive structure is filled into the source trench to electrically connect the second polysilicon structure, the body region, and the source region.
US08846464B1	Semiconductor device having controlled final metal critical dimension An approach for controlling a critical dimension (CD) of a RMG of a semiconductor device is provided. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention allow for CD consistency between a dummy gate and a subsequent RMG. In a typical embodiment, a dummy gate having a cap layer is formed over a substrate. A re-oxide layer is then formed over the substrate and around the dummy gate. A set of doping implants will then be implanted in the substrate, and the re-oxide layer will subsequently be removed (after the set of doping implants have been implanted). A set of spacers will then be formed along a set of side walls of the dummy gate and an epitaxial layer will be formed around the set of side walls. Thereafter, the dummy gate will be replaced with a metal gate (e.g., an aluminum or tungsten body having a high-k metal liner there-around).
US08846463B1	Method to construct a 3D semiconductor device A method to construct a semiconductor device, the method including: forming a first mono-crystallized semiconductor layer; forming a second mono-crystallized semiconductor layer including mono-crystallized semiconductor transistors; where the second mono-crystallized semiconductor layer overlays the first mono-crystallized semiconductor layer, where the first mono-crystallized semiconductor layer includes an alignment mark and the transistors are aligned to the alignment mark, and where the first mono-crystallized semiconductor layer includes logic circuits, and connecting the logic circuits to an external device using input/output (I/O) circuits, where the input/output (I/O) circuits are constructed on the second mono-crystallized semiconductor layer.
US08846459B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same A highly reliable semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device are provided. The semiconductor device is manufactured with a high yield to achieve high productivity. In the manufacture of a semiconductor device including a transistor in which a gate electrode layer, a gate insulating film, and an oxide semiconductor film are sequentially stacked and a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer are provided in contact with the oxide semiconductor film, the source electrode layer and the drain electrode layer are formed through an etching step and then a step for removing impurities which are generated by the etching step and exist on a surface of the oxide semiconductor film and in the vicinity thereof is performed.
US08846455B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same A semiconductor device permitting the reduction of cost is disclosed. In a semiconductor package wherein electrode pads of a semiconductor chip and corresponding inner leads are electrically coupled with each other through a plurality of bonding wires, sensing wires (second and fourth bonding wires) are made thinner than other bonding wires (first and third bonding wires) coupled to inner leads same as those with the sensing wires coupled thereto, thereby reducing the cost of gold wires to attain the reduction in cost of the semiconductor package.
US08846454B2	Semiconductor device and method of forming interconnect structure for encapsulated die having pre-applied protective layer A semiconductor device has a protective layer formed over an active surface of a semiconductor wafer. The semiconductor die with pre-applied protective layer are moved from the semiconductor wafer and mounted on a carrier. The semiconductor die and contact pads on the carrier are encapsulated. The carrier is removed. A first insulating layer is formed over the pre-applied protective layer and contact pads. Vias are formed in the first insulating layer and pre-applied protective layer to expose interconnect sites on the semiconductor die. An interconnect structure is formed over the first insulating layer in electrical contact with the interconnect sites on the semiconductor die and contact pads. The interconnect structure has a redistribution layer formed on the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer formed on the redistribution layer, and an under bump metallization layer formed over the second dielectric in electrical contact with the redistribution layer.
US08846453B1	Semiconductor package structure and method of manufacturing the same A semiconductor package structure includes a chip unit, a package unit and an electrode unit. The chip unit includes at least one semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a surrounding peripheral surface connected between the upper and the lower surfaces, and the semiconductor chip has a first conductive pad and a second conductive pad disposed on the lower surface thereof. The package unit includes a package body covering the upper surface and the surrounding peripheral surface of the semiconductor chip. The package body has a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion respectively formed on two opposite lateral sides thereof. The electrode unit includes a first electrode structure covering the first lateral portion and a second electrode structure covering the second lateral portion. The first and the second electrode structures respectively electrically contact the first and the second conductive pads.
US08846448B2	Warpage control in a package-on-package structure The present disclosure relates to a tool arrangement and method to reduce warpage within a package-on-package semiconductor structure, while minimizing void formation within an electrically-insulating adhesive which couples the packages. A pressure generator and a variable frequency microwave source are coupled to a process chamber which encapsulates a package-on-package semiconductor structure. The package-on-package semiconductor structure is simultaneously heated by the variable frequency microwave source at variable frequency, variable temperature, and variable duration and exposed to an elevated pressure by the pressure generator. This combination for microwave heating and elevated pressure limits the amount of warpage introduced while preventing void formation within an electrically-insulating adhesive which couples the substrates of the package-on-package semiconductor structure.
US08846446B2	Semiconductor package having buried post in encapsulant and method of manufacturing the same In one embodiment, a semiconductor package includes a first insulating body and a first semiconductor chip having a first active surface and a first back surface opposite the first active surface. The first semiconductor chip is disposed within the first insulating body. The first active surface is exposed by the first insulating body. The first back surface is substantially surrounded by the first insulating body. The semiconductor package includes a post within the first insulating body and adjacent to a side of the first semiconductor chip.
US08846445B2	Inverse chip connector A system for connecting a first chip to a second chip having a post on the first chip having a first metallic material, a recessed wall within the second chip and defining a well within the second chip, a conductive diffusion layer material on a surface of the recessed wall within the well, and a malleable electrically conductive material on the post, the post being dimensioned for insertion into the well such that the malleable electrically conductive material will deform within the well and, upon heating to at least a tack temperature for the malleable, electrically conductive material, will form an electrically conductive tack connection with the diffusion layer to create an electrically conductive path between the first chip and the second chip.
US08846443B2	Atomic layer deposition of metal oxides for memory applications Embodiments of the invention generally relate to nonvolatile memory devices and methods for manufacturing such memory devices. The methods for forming improved memory devices, such as a ReRAM cells, provide optimized, atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes for forming a metal oxide film stack which contains at least one hard metal oxide film (e.g., metal is completely oxidized or substantially oxidized) and at least one soft metal oxide film (e.g., metal is less oxidized than hard metal oxide). The soft metal oxide film is less electrically resistive than the hard metal oxide film since the soft metal oxide film is less oxidized or more metallic than the hard metal oxide film. In one example, the hard metal oxide film is formed by an ALD process utilizing ozone as the oxidizing agent while the soft metal oxide film is formed by another ALD process utilizing water vapor as the oxidizing agent.
US08846442B2	Method for producing semiconductor layers and coated substrates treated with elemental selenium and/or sulphur, in particular flat substrates The invention relates to a method for producing semiconductor layers and coated substrates treated with elemental selenium and/or sulphur, in particular flat substrates, containing at least one conducting, semiconducting and/or insulating layer, in which a substrate which is provided with at least one metal layer and/or with at least one layer containing metal, in particular a stack of substrates, each of which is provided with at least one metal layer and/or with at least one layer which contains metal, is inserted into a processing chamber and heated to a predetermined substrate temperature; elementary selenium and/or sulphur vapor is guided past on the or on every metal layer and/or layer containing metal, from a source located inside and/or outside the processing chamber, in particular by means of a carrier gas which is in particular inert, under rough vacuum conditions or ambient pressure conditions or overpressure conditions, in order to react chemically with said layer with selenium or sulphur in a targeted manner; the substrate is heated by means of forced convection by at least one gas conveying device and/or the elementary selenium and/or sulphur vapor is mixed and guided past on the substrate by means of forced convection by at least one gas conveying device in the processing chamber, in particular in a homogeneous manner. The invention furthermore relates to a processing device for implementing a method of this type.
US08846435B2	Integrated die-level cameras and methods of manufacturing the same An integrated die-level camera system and method of making the camera system include a first die-level camera formed at least partially in a die. A second die level camera is also formed at least partially in the die. Baffling is formed to block stray light between the first and second die-level cameras.
US08846433B2	Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same An image sensor includes a color filter, an over-coating layer formed on the color filter, and a medium layer formed on the over-coating layer, wherein the medium layer is configured with at least two medium layers of which refractive indices are different from each other.
US08846423B2	Bonding an optical element to a light emitting device A device is provided with at least one light emitting device (LED) die mounted on a submount with an optical element subsequently thermally bonded to the LED die. The LED die is electrically coupled to the submount through contact bumps that have a higher temperature melting point than is used to thermally bond the optical element to the LED die. In one implementation, a single optical element is bonded to a plurality of LED dice that are mounted to the submount and the submount and the optical element have approximately the same coefficients of thermal expansion. Alternatively, a number of optical elements may be used. The optical element or LED die may be covered with a coating of wavelength converting material. In one implementation, the device is tested to determine the wavelengths produced and additional layers of the wavelength converting material are added until the desired wavelengths are produced.
US08846419B2	Thin layer solar cell module and method for producing it A process can be used for producing a thin layer solar cell module with a plurality of segments that are electrically connected in series and arranged on a common substrate. The process has steps for application of layers onto the substrate to form at least one electrode and one photoactive layer sequence and has steps for structuring the applied and/or to be applied layers to form the plurality of segments. At least one electrode and one photoactive layer sequence are applied before structuring steps are carried out.
US08846414B2	Detection of cardiac markers on a droplet actuator The present invention provides for the detection of cardiac markers on a droplet actuator. An aspect provides a method of assaying a cardiac marker in a biological sample from a subject, the method including providing a droplet actuator, loading the biological sample and assay reagents on the droplet actuator, executing droplet operations to create sample droplets from the sample and reagent droplets from the reagents on the droplet actuator, and executing droplet operations using the sample droplets and reagent droplets to produce a detectable signal indicative of the quantity of the cardiac marker in the biological sample. Still other aspects are provided.
US08846413B2	Method for determining the concentration of the adipocytic form of the fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP, FABP4, P2) Products and methods for the research, diagnosis, risk assessment, course monitoring, treatment and prophylaxis of various metabolic disorders and their early forms, concomitant diseases and secondary diseases are provided. Metabolic diseases include, for example, metabolic syndrome, non-insulin-dependent diabetes, (type II diabetes), insulin resistance, obesity (adiposis), in addition to diseases that are associated with disorders of the fatty acid metabolism. Methods may include analysis of the concentration of the adipocytic form of the fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP, FABP 4, P2) in various bodily fluids.
US08846408B2	Particle analyzing systems and methods using acoustic radiation pressure A method for optimizing particle throughput in a particle analyzer includes determining an optimal concentration of particles in a sample for achieving a user defined coincidence rate; adjusting the concentration of the particles in the sample to the determined optimal concentration to achieve the user defined coincidence rate; acoustically focusing the particles in the particle analyzer; adjusting a flow rate of the particles to achieve a user defined transit time of the particles; and analyzing at least some of the particles with an interrogation source.
US08846405B2	Method and apparatus for the identification of aldehydes A method for detecting the presence of an aldehyde in a sample comprises steps of exposing the sample at room temperature to a test medium to catalyze the formation of optically detectable quantities of a product within a time period of no more than 60 minutes and without applying any external heat to the sample or test medium, the test medium comprising a indicator that is a nucleophilic compound having acidic protons at the nucleophilic center and at least one acid, and measuring the optical changes that occur as a result of the catalysis.
US08846402B2	Method for genetically modifying isolated non-human mammalian cell by homologous recombination A method for engineering and utilizing large DNA vectors to target, via homologous recombination, and modify, in any desirable fashion, endogenous genes and chromosomal loci in eukaryotic cells. These large DNA targeting vectors for eukaryotic cells, termed LTVECs, are derived from fragments of cloned genomic DNA larger than those typically used by other approaches intended to perform homologous targeting in eukaryotic cells. Also provided is a rapid and convenient method of detecting eukaryotic cells in which the LTVEC has correctly targeted and modified the desired endogenous gene(s) or chromosomal locus (loci) as well as the use of these cells to generate organisms bearing the genetic modification.
US08846395B2	Generation of mature myelomonocytic cells through expansion and differentiation of pluripotent stem cell-derived lin-CD34+CD43+CD45+progenitors A method for efficient generation of neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, osteoclasts, dendritic cells an Langerhans cells from human embryonic stem cells is disclosed.
US08846394B2	Treatment of neurological deficits in the striatum or substanta nigra pars compacta The present invention is directed to methods of treating neurological deficits resulting from injury or disease to the striatum or substanta nigra pars compacta of a human by administering human recombinant GDF5 to the striatum or substanta nigra pars compacta of a human in amounts effective to induce cell populations having the capacity to differentiate towards a dopaminergic phenotype to in fact differentiate towards a dopaminergic phenotype, and to neurotrophic compositions and matrices suitable for use in such treatments.
US08846393B2	Methods of improving stem cell homing and engraftment A method of enhancing cell engraftment potential is provided. The method comprising ex-vivo or in-vitro subjecting a population of cells to an amount of nicotinamide for a period of time sufficient to effect the population of cells, thereby enhancing cell engraftment potential.
US08846391B2	Methods and compositions for detecting herpes simplex virus type 2 The invention provides methods for sensitive and specific detection of anti-HSV-2 antibodies by depletion of cross-reactive (non-specific) antibodies in a biological sample that can lead to a false positive result. The invention also features compositions, including nucleic acids, polypeptides, and kits, for use in the methods of the invention.
US08846383B2	Method for the biotechnological production of valuable products Disclosed are a method and a device for the biotechnological production of valuable products, in which a medium is fed to a bioreactor and is subjected to a fermentation process, the valuable product is gathered as a filtered permeate and/or concentrated retentate via a cross-flow filtration system that is mounted downstream thereof, and residues are once again fed to the bioreactor until being gathered as a retentate. Other materials can be fed to the bioreactor in a controlled manner in addition to the medium while the concentrated retentate and permeate can be gathered in a controlled manner. The fermentation process and the filtration process are regulated in a synchronized manner in an integrated system via a digital control unit.
US08846381B2	Biogas desulfurization device A biogas desulfurization device comprises an anaerobic system, a desulfurization liquid circulating system, an oxygen supply device and a desulfurization system, wherein the anaerobic system is used for generating biogas and filling the generated biogas into the desulfurization system, the desulfurization liquid circulating system is used for filling the desulfurization liquid into the desulfurization system and recycling the desulfurization liquid that has undergone the desulfurization operation, the oxygen supply device is used for filling air into the desulfurization system, and the desulfurization system which comprises at least one stage desulfurization tower group is used for carrying out the desulfurization operation on the biogas from the anaerobic system, the desulfurization operation is conducted by the desulfurization liquid received from the desulfurization liquid circulating system in an aerobic environment. The biogas desulfurization device can reduce the amount of hydrogen sulfide in the biogas to less than 10 ppm while eliminating secondary pollution.
US08846375B2	Tailored oils Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce oleaginous recombinant cells that produce triglyceride oils having desired fatty acid profiles and regiospecific or stereospecific profiles. Genes manipulated include those encoding stearoyl-ACP desturase, delta 12 fatty acid desaturase, acyl-ACP thioesterase, ketoacyl-ACP synthase, and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase. The oil produced can have enhanced oxidative or thermal stability, or can be useful as a frying oil, shortening, roll-in shortening, tempering fat, cocoa butter replacement, as a lubricant, or as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The fatty acid profile can be enriched in midchain profiles or the oil can be enriched in triglycerides of the saturated-unsaturated-saturated type.
US08846374B2	Carotenoid production in a recombinant oleaginous yeast Engineered strains of the oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica capable of producing carotenoids (e.g., β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, astaxanthin) are provided. The strains may also be engineered to co-produce at least one ω-3/ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid and/or at least one additional antioxidant. Methods of using the carotenoid products obtained (e.g., biomass and/or pigmented oils) in food and feed applications are also provided.
US08846373B2	Methods of using a bacterial GlcNAc-6-P 2′- epimerase to promote sialylation of glycoconjugates The present invention relates to new methods to promote sialylation of glycoconjugates, including recombinant glycoproteins, in glycoconjugate production systems. The invention relates to methods to promote efficient glycoconjugate sialylation in recombinant expression systems, by providing simpler and more economical ways to produce large intracellular pools of sialic acid precursors. The invention is directed to nucleic acids, vectors, and cells harboring vectors comprising nucleic acids encoding enzymes involved in the synthesis of sialic acid precursors, and cells harboring these nucleic acids in combination with nucleic acids encoding glycosyltransferases, including sialyltransferases, to facilitate the production of humanized recombinant glycoproteins in bacterial, fungal, plant, and animal cell expression systems. The engineered cells can be used to produce glycosylated proteins in virally-infected, transiently-transformed, or stably-transformed host cells, including lepidopteran insects and cultured cell lines derived from Spodoptera frugiperda, Trichoplusia ni, and Bombyx mori that can be infected by baculovirus expression vectors.
US08846365B2	Nucleic acids encoding phosphate fluorescent indicators and methods of using the same Phosphate biosensors are disclosed, which comprise a phosphate binding domain conjugated to donor and fluorescent moieties that permit detection and measurement of Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer upon phosphate binding. Such biosensors are useful for real time monitoring of phosphate metabolism in living cells.
US08846362B2	Variant LOVD polypeptides and their uses The present disclosure provides acyltransferases useful for synthesizing therapeutically important statin compound.
US08846361B2	Solid phytase compositions stabilized with corn steep liquor The present invention relates to solid enzyme, in particular phytase, compositions stabilized with a lactic acid source such as Corn Steep Liquor (CSL), and methods of producing the same. Preferred compositions additionally comprise starch and disaccharides such as lactose or trehalose.
US08846360B2	Activation and transfer cascade for ubiquitin A novel activating enzyme for ubiquitin, Uba6, is provided. Compositions and methods for inhibiting ubiquitin via the Uba6 pathway are provided. Methods of identifying novel inhibitors of ubiquitination are also provided. Novel RNAi molecules are also provided.
US08846357B2	Stabilized chlorine dioxide for contamination control in Zymomonas fermentation Though chlorine dioxide is generally used to control bacterial contamination, a method was developed which allows the use of stabilized chlorine dioxide (SCD) for controlling contamination during fermentation that uses the bacteria Zymomonas as the biocatalyst, even though Zymomonas is sensitive to chlorine dioxide. Parameters were identified for inoculating a composition for fermentation with Zymomonas cells after a time period has elapsed following SCD addition.
US08846354B1	Microorganisms for producing organic acids Organic acid-producing microorganisms and methods of using same. The organic acid-producing microorganisms comprise modifications that reduce or ablate AcsA activity or AcsA homolog activity. The modifications increase tolerance of the microorganisms to such organic acids as 3-hydroxypropionic acid, acrylic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, and others. Further modifications to the microorganisms increase production of such organic acids as 3-hydroxypropionic acid, lactate, and others. Methods of producing such organic acids as 3-hydroxypropionic acid, lactate, and others with the modified microorganisms are provided. Methods of using acsA or homologs thereof as counter-selectable markers are also provided.
US08846349B2	Sequences and their use for detection and characterization of E. coli O157:H7 This invention relates to a rapid method for detection and characterization of Escherichia coli bacteria serotype O157:H7 based on the presence of nucleic acid sequences, in particular, to a PCR-based method for detection, and to oligonucleotide molecules and reagents and kits useful therefore. This method is preferably employed to detect E. coli O157:H7 in a food or water sample, such as a beef enrichment. The present invention further relates to replication compositions and kits for carrying out the method of the present invention.
US08846347B2	Sequence tag directed subassembly of short sequencing reads into long sequencing reads The invention provides methods for preparing DNA sequencing libraries by assembling short read sequencing data into longer contiguous sequences for genome assembly, full length cDNA sequencing, metagenomics, and the analysis of repetitive sequences of assembled genomes.
US08846345B2	Recombinant cell line The invention relates to a recombinant cell line capable of inducible expression of an α and/or βsubunit of interleukin 12 (IL-12), and an ecdosyme-inducible expression vector capable of transfecting a host cell to produce the recombinant cell line of the invention. The invention also relates to a method of screening a candidate compound for the ability to inhibit IL-12 formation and secretion which comprises the steps of incubating a cell line according to the invention with the candidate compound and then assaying the cell line culture for secreted IL-12, or a subunit thereof.
US08846344B2	Process for the purification of glycoproteins The present invention relates to a process for the purification of a glycoprotein comprising subjecting a liquid containing said glycoprotein to the steps of: a) reverse phase chromatography, b) size exclusion chromatography, and c) hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Also provided is a manufacturing process for producing a glycoprotein of interest.
US08846335B2	Device for rapidly detecting microorganisms The disclosure includes: a coating composition, comprising a powdered cold-water-soluble gelling agent and surface-modified nanoparticles disposed in the powdered cold-water-soluble gelling agent; a coated film that includes a transparent film coated with the coating composition; and a device for growing microorganisms, including the coated film releasably attached to at least a portion of a body member that includes a self-supporting and water-proof substrate.
US08846332B2	Microplate comprising a continuous peripheral channel The present invention relates to a microplate, or microtitration plate, having an invagination consisting of a continuous peripheral channel making it possible to add thereto, in a single introduction step, a liquid acting as an “evaporation curtain”. The invention is also directed to a device comprising such a microplate, to a manufacturing method and to use of such a microplate.
US08846331B2	Asynchronous magnetic bead rotation sensing systems and methods Described herein are various methods, devices and systems for performing asynchronous magnetic bead rotation (AMBR) to detect and monitor cellular growth and/or behavior. Cluster rotation of magnetic particles for AMBR is descried. In particular, described herein are systems for the parallel analysis of multiple wells of a sample plate. Also described herein are methods for controlling the illumination and imaging of rotating magnetic particles.
US08846326B2	Chimeric T1R taste receptor polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding and cell lines that express said chimeric T1R polypeptides The invention relates to compounds that specifically bind a T1R1/T1R3 or T1R2/T1R3 receptor or fragments or sub-units thereof. The present invention also relates to the use of hetero-oligomeric and chimeric taste receptors comprising T1R1/T1R3 and T1R2/T1R3 in assays to identify compounds that respectively respond to umami taste stimuli and sweet taste stimuli. Further, the invention relates to the constitutive of cell lines that stably or transiently co-express a combination of T1R1 and T1R3; or T1R2 and T1R3; under constitutive or inducible conditions. The use of these cells lines in cell-based assays to identify umami and sweet taste modulatory compounds is also provided, particularly high throughput screening assays that detect receptor activity by use of fluorometric imaging.
US08846323B2	Enzyme sensors, methods for preparing and using such sensors, and methods of detecting protease activity Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for enzyme sensors, protease sensors, methods for producing and using the enzyme and protease sensors, methods of detecting and/or measuring protease activity, methods for characterizing protease cellular activity, fusion proteins, polynucleotides, and vectors corresponding to the enzyme and protease sensors, kits, and the like.
US08846322B2	Method and kit for isolating target cell Provided are a method and kit for isolating a target cell by using particles comprising polymers having positive charge and negative charge and at least one antibody bound to polymers. The target cell in the biological sample may be efficiently isolated and detected by using a method and kit according to an exemplary embodiment.
US08846317B2	Systems and methods for multiplex analysis of PCR in real time The present invention provides methods and systems for real-time measurements of PCR with multiplexing capability. Certain embodiments relate to methods and systems that use fluorescently encoded superparamagnetic microspheres for the immobilization of amplification products during the PCR process, and an imaging chamber of a measurement device that is also capable of controllable thermal cycling for assisting the PCR process.
US08846314B2	Isotachophoretic focusing of nucleic acids A method and system are presented for fast and efficient isolation, purification and quantitation of nucleic acids from complex biological samples using isotachophoresis in microchannels. In an embodiment, a sieving medium may be used to enhance selectivity. In another embodiment, PCR-friendly chemistries are used to purify nucleic acids from complex biological samples and yield nucleic acids ready for further analysis including for PCR. In another embodiment, small RNAs from biological samples are extracted, isolated, preconcentrated and quantitated using on-chip ITP with a high efficiency sieving medium. The invention enables fast concentration and separation (takes 10s to 100s of seconds) of nucleic acids with high selectivity and using lower volumes of reagents (order of 10s of μL to focus less than 1 pg/μL of nucleic acid).
US08846313B2	Assays A device comprising a rigid substrate, a flexible cover element at least partially covering the substrate, a first structure formed in the substrate, adapted for accommodating liquids and adapted for releasing contents of one or more cells, spores, or viruses, the contents including the target molecules, a second structure formed in the substrate, adapted for accommodating liquids and comprising at least one binding member adapted for capturing the target molecules and for determining a value indicative of the presence and/or amount of the target molecules, a micro fluidic network interconnecting at least the first structure and the second structure, and an actuator member adapted for effecting a fluid flow between the first structure and the second structure by pressing the flexible cover element against the substrate to selectively close a portion of the micro fluidic network.
US08846308B2	Method for identifying immune response modulators Methods of identifying immune response modulators are disclosed. Some methods comprise identifying chemical candidates that modulate oligomerization of FOXP3 and/or fragments thereof comprising the Zinc-LeuZip domains. Some methods comprise identifying chemical candidates that modulate the hetero-oligomerization of FOXP1 with FOXP3 and/or fragments thereof comprising the Zinc-LeuZip domains. Some methods comprise identifying chemical candidates that modulate interaction of IL-2 promoter with FOXP3 and/or fragments thereof comprising the Zinc-LeuZip domains. Method of treating individuals who have or are suspected of having autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, cell, tissue or organ transplantation, or coronary artery disease, and methods of treating individuals who have or are suspected of having infectious disease, cancer, or who are immunocompromised or undergoing vaccination are disclosed.
US08846306B2	Use of a globin, a globin protomer or an extracellular hemoglobin obtained from the marine worm, Arenicola marina, for the preservation of organs, tissues, cells or cell cultures The invention relates to the use of at least one globin and/or at least one globin protomer and/or at least one naturally extracellular native hemoglobin for the preservation of organs, tissues, organ and tissue cells and cell cultures.
US08846301B2	Orthogonal processing of organic materials used in electronic and electrical devices An orthogonal process for photolithographic patterning organic structures is disclosed. The disclosed process utilizes fluorinated solvents or supercritical CO2 as the solvent so that the performance of the organic conductors and semiconductors would not be adversely affected by other aggressive solvent. One disclosed method may also utilize a fluorinated photoresist together with the HFE solvent, but other fluorinated solvents can be used. In one embodiment, the fluorinated photoresist is a resorcinarene, but various fluorinated polymer photoresists and fluorinated molecular glass photoresists can be used as well. For example, a copolymer perfluorodecyl methacrylate (FDMA) and 2-nitrobenzyl methacrylate (NBMA) is a suitable orthogonal fluorinated photoresist for use with fluorinated solvents and supercritical carbon dioxide in a photolithography process. The combination of the fluorinated photoresist and the fluorinated solvent provides a robust, orthogonal process that is yet to be achieved by methods or devices known in the art.
US08846295B2	Photoresist composition containing a protected hydroxyl group for negative development and pattern forming method using thereof The present invention relates to a photoresist composition capable of negative development and a pattern forming method using the photoresist composition. The photoresist composition includes an imaging polymer, a crosslinking agent and a radiation sensitive acid generator. The imaging polymer includes a monomeric unit having an acid-labile moiety-substituted hydroxyl group. The patterning forming method utilizes an organic solvent developer to selectively remove an unexposed region of a photoresist layer of the photoresist composition to form a patterned structure in the photoresist layer. The photoresist composition and the pattern forming method are especially useful for forming material patterns on a semiconductor substrate using 193 nm (ArF) lithography.
US08846294B2	Photoresist composition The present invention provides a photoresist composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (X): (A) a resin being insoluble or poorly soluble in an aqueous alkali solution but becoming soluble in an aqueous alkali solution by the action of an acid, (B) an acid generator, (X) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by the formula (I-a): wherein Z1 represent a C1-C20 divalent saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group in which one or more —CH2— may be replaced by —O— or —CO—, and a compound represented by the formula (I-b): wherein R1 represents a C1-C20 monovalent saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group in which one or more hydrogen atoms may be substituted with a hydroxyl group and one or more —CH2— may be replaced by —O— or —CO—, and n represents 0 or 1.
US08846290B2	Actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition and pattern forming method using the same An actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition includes: (A) a resin capable of increasing a solubility of the resin (A) in an alkali developer by an action of an acid; and (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation, wherein (B) the compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation is contained in an amount of 10 to 30 mass % based on the entire solid content of the actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, and a pattern forming method uses the composition.
US08846285B2	Toner for developing electrostatic images An object of the present invention is to provide a toner for developing electrostatic images, which prevents a decrease in toner charge amount in the environment of high temperature and high humidity, prevents occurrence of fog and has excellent flowability.Provided is a toner for developing electrostatic images, comprising an external additive and colored resin particles comprising a binder resin and a colorant, wherein the external additive is core-shell type complex fine particles in which resin fine particles are covered with at least one inorganic component selected from the group consisting of silica, alumina, titania and zirconia, and the volume ratio of the inorganic component of the core-shell type complex fine particles is 45 to 75% by volume when the total volume of the core-shell type complex fine particles is 100% by volume.
US08846284B2	Toner Provided is a toner comprising toner particles, wherein each of the toner particles has a core-shell structure composed of a core and a shell phase formed on the core, the shell phase contains a resin (B), and the core contains a binder resin (A), a colorant and a wax, wherein the toner particles contain the resin (B) in a specific amount with respect to the core, and wherein the solubility parameter (SP value) of the binder resin (A) is denoted by SP(A), the SP value of the resin (B) is denoted by SP(B), the SP value of a repeating unit with the smallest SP value from among repeating units constituting the resin (B) is denoted by SP(C), and the SP value of the wax is denoted by SP(W), each of the SP(A), SP(B), SP(C) and SP(W) satisfy specific relationships.
US08846282B2	Phthalocyanine crystal, and electrophotographic photoreceptor, electrophotographic photoreceptor cartridge and image-forming device using the same Provided is an excellent phthalocyanine crystal having high sensitivity and little fluctuation in sensitivity for a humidity change in a use environment and applicable to the martial for solar battery, electronic paper, electrophotographic photoreceptor, etc. Namely, phthalocyanine crystal obtained by bringing a phthalocyanine crystal precursor into contact with an aromatic aldehyde compound to convert the crystal form. Also, provided is an electrophotographic photoreceptor that not only exhibits high sensitivity but also has little fluctuation in sensitivity for a humidity change in a use environment. Further, provided is an electrophotographic photoreceptor cartridge and an image-forming device, both of which can produce a stable quality images for a humidity change in a use environment by using the electrophotographic photoreceptor.
US08846278B2	Electron beam lithography system and method for improving throughput An electron beam lithography method and apparatus for improving throughput is disclosed. An exemplary lithography method includes receiving a pattern layout having a pattern layout dimension; shrinking the pattern layout dimension; and overexposing a material layer to the shrunk pattern layout dimension, thereby forming the pattern layout having the pattern layout dimension on the material layer.
US08846277B2	Compound, polymerizable composition, color filter, and method of producing the same, solid-state imaging device, and planographic printing plate precursor Provided is a photopolymerizable composition that is highly sensitive to light having wavelengths of 365 nm and 405 nm, and is capable of forming a curable film that can suppress deterioration in physical properties of the film due to heat-aging. The photopolymerizable composition include: (A) an oxime polymerization initiator which includes a condensed ring formed by containing two or more rings selected from an aromatic ring and a heterocyclic ring, and a cyclic structure which is connected to the condensed ring, the cyclic structure containing a carbonyl group and having an oxime group directly connected to the carbonyl group; and (B) a polymerizable compound.
US08846263B2	Housing assembly for a fuel cell stack The present invention relates to a housing assembly for at least two fuel cells, comprising: a hollow profile-like body (12) extending in an axial direction (z) and being adapted to laterally encompass at least two fuel cells stacked on one another in axial direction (z), and a fastening mechanism to interconnect the body (12) with at least one end plate (18, 28) adapted to support the at least two fuel cells.
US08846261B2	System for controlling temperature in a fuel cell Methods, articles, and systems for controlling the internal operating temperature of fuel cell systems, such as planar fuel cell arrays. The heat management system conducts heat away from the fuel cell without disturbing the flow of gases around the fuel cell layer and without the need for the equipment to disturb the flow of gases around the fuel cell layer. The present invention also provides a heat transfer system that has a low thermal mass relative to the fuel cell layer or is thermally isolated from the fuel cell layer such that the heat transfer system will not remove substantial amounts of heat from a fuel cell layer during star-up and can be activated to dissipate heat from the fuel cell only as needed.
US08846260B2	Fuel cell stack Coolant supply passages and coolant discharge passages, for example, two respectively thereof, are disposed on upper and lower side portions of a first end plate of a fuel cell stack. Grooves are formed on a surface of the first end plate for establishing communication between each of the coolant supply passages and the coolant discharge passages. Air, which is introduced upwardly of the coolant discharge passages, is discharged to the coolant supply passages.
US08846256B2	Selectively oxygen-permeable substrate, metal-air battery positive electrode and metal-air battery A selectively oxygen-permeable substrate has a magnetic material dispersion layer having carbon as the main component and a magnetic material dispersed therein. The magnetic material dispersion layer has a gas introduction face for introducing gas into the inside thereof, and the magnetic material dispersion layer is preferably a layer where a magnetic material is dispersed in a porous carbon membrane and can be used as a substrate for a metal-air battery positive electrode. More preferably, the selectively oxygen-permeable substrate has the magnetic material dispersion layer and a porous substrate. A selectively oxygen-permeable substrate can selectively introduce oxygen in the air and have high durability against an electrolytic solution.
US08846254B2	Nonaqueous electrolytic solution and nonaqueous-electrolyte battery Disclosed is a nonaqueous electrolytic solution which enables formation of a nonaqueous-electrolyte battery having high capacity and excellent storage characteristics at high temperatures, while sufficiently enhancing safety at the time of overcharge. A nonaqueous-electrolyte battery produced by using the nonaqueous electrolytic solution is also disclosed. The nonaqueous electrolytic solution comprises an electrolyte and a nonaqueous solvent, and includes any of specific nonaqueous electrolytic solutions (A) to (D).
US08846251B2	Preloading lithium ion cell components with lithium Provided are novel negative electrodes for use in lithium ion cells. The negative electrodes include one or more high capacity active materials, such as silicon, tin, and germanium, and a lithium containing material prior to the first cycle of the cell. In other words, the cells are fabricated with some, but not all, lithium present on the negative electrode. This additional lithium may be used to mitigate lithium losses, for example, due to Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) layer formation, to maintain the negative electrode in a partially charged state at the end of the cell discharge cycle, and other reasons. In certain embodiments, a negative electrode includes between about 5% and 25% of lithium based on a theoretical capacity of the negative active material. In the same or other embodiments, a total amount of lithium available in the cell exceeds the theoretical capacity of the negative electrode active material.
US08846249B2	Lithium ion secondary battery The positive electrode of a lithium ion secondary battery includes active material particles represented by LixNi1−yMyMezO2+δ, and the active material particles include a lithium composite oxide represented by LixNi1−yMyO2, (where 0.95≦x≦1.1, 0
US08846247B2	Non-aqueous electrolyte for secondary battery and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery employing the same A non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery that has a positive electrode and a negative electrode capable of the absorbing and releasing of a metal ion, and a separator,the non-aqueous electrolyte solution comprising, in addition to an electrolyte and a non-aqueous solvent, 0.01 mass % or more to less than 3 mass % of a compound having one or more partial structure represented by the following general formula (1) and two or more isocyanate groups in the molecule: (In the general formula (1), R represents hydrogen or a C1-C12 organic group that may contain an isocyanate group and is constituted of atoms selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atom, carbon atom, nitrogen atom, oxygen atom, sulfur atom, phosphorus atom, and halogen atom).
US08846243B2	Electrode assembly having electrode tabs of the same size in joint portion thereof and electrochemical cell containing the same Disclosed herein is a stacking or stacking/folding type electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure, wherein the electrode assembly is constructed in a structure in which tabs (electrode tabs), having no active material applied thereto, protrude from electrode plates constituting the electrode assembly, electrode leads are located at one-side ends of the stacked electrode tabs such that the electrode leads are electrically connected to the electrode tabs, and protruding lengths of the electrode tabs are gradually increased according to the distances between the electrode leads and the electrode tabs, whereby the lengths of the electrode tabs at joint portions between the electrode tabs and the electrode leads are the same. Also disclosed is an electrochemical cell including the electrode assembly.
US08846242B2	Rechargeable battery A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; a first collecting plate electrically coupled to the first electrode plate, the first collecting plate including a fuse reinforcement part having a fuse opening and a reinforcement protrusion protruding from a periphery of the fuse opening; a case housing the electrode assembly and the first collecting plate; and a cap assembly coupled to the case and comprising a cap plate.
US08846240B2	Battery cell interconnect and voltage sensing assembly and method of manufacturing the assembly A battery cell interconnect and voltage sensing assembly and method are provided. The assembly includes a frame member having a rectangular ring-shaped peripheral wall with first, second, third and fourth wall portions. The frame member further includes a central plate portion. The assembly further includes an electrical interconnect member electrically that is coupled to an electrical terminal of a battery cell. The electrical interconnect member has a tab that extends through an aperture in the central plate portion. The assembly further includes a circuit board and an encapsulation portion that is bonded to and covers a side of the circuit board.
US08846239B2	Battery module A battery module includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries having terminals, bus bars electrically connecting the terminals of the rechargeable batteries, connection parts protruding from the bus bars, and transmission wires electrically connecting the connection parts to a battery management system (BMS), the transmission wires being configured to transmit voltages of the rechargeable batteries to the BMS.
US08846238B2	Battery module A battery module including a plurality of rechargeable batteries electrically connected to one another; an end plate arranged at an outermost rechargeable battery of the plurality of rechargeable batteries and supporting the plurality of rechargeable batteries; and at least one elastic member at a surface of the end plate facing the outermost rechargeable battery. A pair of elastic members may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a center line in the longitudinal direction.
US08846236B2	Battery holding frame and assembled battery An insulative battery holding frame for holding a battery cell includes a fixing portion for fixing the frame to a base member, and an electrical connection preventing portion for preventing any electrical connection between the base member and the fixing portion, the connection being caused by flow of a fluid. The electrical connection preventing portion can include an entrance preventing portion for preventing the fluid having electrical conductivity from entering into the fixing portion, and a guiding portion for guiding the fluid into an insulation region arranged in a lower side portion of the secondary battery cell.
US08846229B2	Nonaqueous electrolyte battery and battery pack According to one embodiment, a non-aqueous electrolyte battery includes an electrode group. The electrode group includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. At least one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode has a first electrode part and a second electrode part. The first electrode part includes a first metal substrate and an active material-containing part. The second electrode part includes a second metal substrate and an active material-containing part. The first metal substrate has a tensile strength larger than a tensile strength of the second metal substrate. A part of the first electrode part is provided more outside of the electrode group than a part of the second electrode group.
US08846228B2	Cover for an electrochemical accumulator and accumulator having such a cover The invention relates to a cover part (1) of an electrochemical accumulator (40), which cover part is designed to form an upper covering of the housing (1, 30) of the accumulator (40), the cover part (1) having a plurality of filling orifices (2, 3), to be closed by means of closing plugs, for filling the housing with liquid electrolyte, characterized in that the filling orifices (2, 3) are arranged so as to be offset to one another in at least two rows (8, 9) lying next to one another. The invention relates, moreover, to an accumulator having a cover part of this type.
US08846221B2	Battery pack Provided is a battery pack, which can prevent easy detachment of a welded part between a cap plate and a case due to external impact, thereby enhancing hermeticity and reliability.
US08846220B2	Microbial fuel cell cathode assembly Disclosed is a microbial fuel cell cathode assembly comprising a catalyst (6) and an electrically conductive catholyte wicking member (5) having a catalyst contacting surface (5a) in contact with the catalyst, an electrical contact region (5c) for contacting an electrical connector, and a catholyte supply region (5b) for receiving catholyte from a catholyte supply (9), wherein the electrically conductive catholyte wicking member is operable to wick received catholyte from the catholyte supply region to form a film of catholyte on a part of the surface of the catalyst such that a part of the surface of the catalyst is in contact with both the film of catholyte and a part of the surface of the catalyst is in contact with a gas pathway arranged to supply oxygen to the catalyst.
US08846214B2	Amine derivative and organic electroluminescent element An amine derivative represented by the following general formula (1) and exhibiting a temperature difference of 30° C. or more as defined by the difference of [decomposition temperature (° C.) minus sublimation temperature (° C.)]: wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted C6-40 aryl or C5-40 heteroaryl group; and R3 and R4 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a straight-chain, branched or cyclic C1-18 alkyl or C1-18 alkoxy group, or a substituted or unsubstituted C6-40 aryl or C5-40 heteroaryl group, provided that R3 and R4 may form together a cyclic hydrocarbon group. The amine derivative is useful as an organic electroluminescent material.
US08846213B2	Organic light-emitting device An amine compound represented by Formula 1 below and an organic light-emitting device including an organic layer containing the same: the compound of Formula 1 may be suitable as a hole injecting material, a hole transporting material, or a light-emitting material of an organic light-emitting device. Like the compound of Formula 1, a compound having a hetero ring in its molecular structure has a high glass transition temperature (Tg) or a high melting point due to the inclusion of the hetero ring. Accordingly, when light emission occurs, such a compound has high resistance against Joules' heat generated in an organic layer, between organic layers, and between an organic layer and a metallic electrode, and has high durability in high-temperature environments.
US08846209B2	Aluminium composite sheet material The invention relates to an aluminium composite sheet material in which a clad sheet is applied to at least one side of a core material. The core material has an aluminium alloy the AA5xxx- or AA6xxx-series, and the clad sheet has an aluminium alloy selected from the group of the AA1xxx-series, AA3xxx-series and AA7xxx-series with less than 1.5 wt. % of Zn.
US08846208B2	Porous materials, articles including such porous materials, and methods of making such porous materials Articles of manufacture comprise a body. A porous material is plated on the body, the porous material comprising nickel having a plurality of pores disposed in a generally ordered array extending into the nickel. Methods of forming a porous material on a body comprise disposing an anode and a cathode in an electrolyte comprising nickel ions. An electrical signal is pulsed to at least one of the anode and the cathode. A porous material comprising nickel having a plurality of pores generally disposed in an ordered array extending into the nickel is deposited on the cathode.
US08846206B2	Injection molded component An intermediate component includes a first wall member, a leachable material layer, and a precursor wall member. The first wall member has an outer surface and first connecting structure. The leachable material layer is provided on the first wall member outer surface. The precursor wall member is formed adjacent to the leachable material layer from a metal powder mixed with a binder material, and includes second connecting structure.
US08846204B2	Laminate film and method of making the same This disclosure relates to a laminate film that includes an oriented, polymeric film and a polyolefinic substrate. The oriented, polymeric film includes about 60.0 to about 95.0 wt % of a first polymer and about 5.0 to about 40.0 wt % of a propylene-based elastomer. The polyolefinic substrate is laminated to the first surface of the first surface layer.
US08846200B2	Gas-barrier film, process for producing same, member for electronic device, and electronic device The present invention provides a gas barrier film including a base layer, and a gas barrier layer that is provided on at least one side of the base layer, the base layer including a resin having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of more than 130° C., the gas barrier layer being formed of a material that includes at least an oxygen atom and a silicon atom, a surface layer part of the gas barrier layer having an oxygen atom content rate of 60 to 75%, a nitrogen atom content rate of 0 to 10%, and a silicon atom content rate of 25 to 35%, based on a total content rate of oxygen atoms, nitrogen atoms, and silicon atoms, and the surface layer part of the gas barrier layer having a film density of 2.4 to 4.0 g/cm3. Also provided are a process for producing the same, an electronic device member that includes the gas barrier film, and an electronic device that includes the electronic device member. The gas barrier film of the invention exhibits an excellent gas barrier capability, excellent transparency, excellent bending resistance, and excellent heat resistance.
US08846199B2	Organic-inorganic electrospun fibers Organic-inorganic hybrid fibers and methods for the preparation of such fibers are disclosed.
US08846197B2	Impact-absorbing pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet and method of producing the same An impact-absorbing pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an impact-absorbing pressure-sensitive adhesive layer including an impact-absorbing layer. A side surface of the impact-absorbing pressure-sensitive adhesive layer includes a tapered surface; and the tapered surface has a taper angle of 65° or more.
US08846196B2	Fuser member The present teachings provide a fuser member. The fuser member includes an outer layer comprising a composite of a fluoropolymer and a networked siloxyfluorocarbon polymer.
US08846193B2	Coated glass sheet Glass sheets according to the invention, in particular lacquered glass sheets, are covered with a coating of enamel. This coating comprises between 11 and 40% of organic material. Such glass sheets may be heat treated and, before heat treatment, may be handled and transported without damaging the coating, may be cut and ground without causing the coating to peel off or to be damaged at the borders of the cutting line, and offer a good resistance under running water, avoiding the peeling off or destruction of the coating during edges grinding or storage or transportation.
US08846192B2	Enhanced film carrier An enhanced film carrier with two release films, structurally joined by an adhesive creating a structural bonding layer, allows stability during printing without having a paper layer. The release films are infused with nanometallic particles to form a nano-ionic bond force field with nanometallic transportable graphic film. The release films may be identical or distinct, and, in some embodiments, release films may be smooth or textured to provide a gloss or matte finish to a nanometallic transportable graphic.
US08846190B2	Inorganic nanowires Provided in one embodiment is a method of forming an inorganic nanowire, comprising: providing an elongated organic scaffold; providing a plurality of inorganic nanoparticles attached to the organic scaffold along a length of the organic scaffold; and fusing the nanoparticles attached to the organic scaffold to form an inorganic nanowire.
US08846188B2	Impact resistant LLDPE composition and films made thereof A novel PE material is devised showing excellent mechanical/optical properties and process ability, e.g. for film extrusion. The polyethylene of the invention is produced in one single e.g. gas phase reactor.
US08846187B2	Transparent gas barrier film and method for producing transparent gas barrier film Disclosed is a transparent gas barrier film having good transparency and good gas barrier properties, which exhibits excellent adhesion even after storage under severe environmental conditions, and does not deteriorate even when a large impact is applied thereto. The transparent gas barrier film is characterized by having, on a resin base, at least two layers having different elastic moduluses. The transparent gas barrier film is further characterized in that the elastic modulus difference between adjoining layers is not less than 1 GPa but not more than 20 GPa, and each layer has a thickness of not less than 1 nm but not more than 10 nm.
US08846186B2	Layered product for metamaterial transfer and metamaterial transferred substrate Disclosed is a layered product for metamaterial transfer for transferring a metamaterial layer onto a substrate, including: a resin mold having a fine convex-concave structure on a surface; and an inorganic layer as a metamaterial layer including at least one dielectric layer and at least one metal layer deposited on a surface of the resin mold, wherein resin of the resin mold contains fluorine, and a ratio between an average elemental fluorine concentration Eb of the resin and an elemental fluorine concentration Es of the surface of the resin mold satisfies the following equation: 200≧Es/Eb≧5.0.
US08846175B2	Light transmissive film and fabrication method of light transmissive film A manufacturing method of a light transmissive film includes the following steps. A film is provided, and the film includes a plurality of nano-units and has a reference direction. In addition, a plurality of first stripes parallel to each other is formed on the film by an energy beam, and the first stripes are neither perpendicular nor parallel to the reference direction.
US08846174B2	Transparent laminate structures A transparent laminate structure is provided that includes two transparent layers, a transparent interlayer, and an inorganic barrier layer. The two transparent layers each have an inner face and a side edge. The transparent interlayer is between and laminates the inner faces of the two transparent layers to one another. The transparent interlayer also extends over the side edges of the two transparent layers and laminates the inorganic barrier layer to at least the side edges of the two transparent layers.
US08846171B2	Label media having a substrate and a two-sided releasable liner Label media for use in a label media printer to form wide labels is disclosed. The label media includes a releasable liner that has a first side and a second side joined by a longitudinal edge. A first side of a substrate adheres to the first and the second sides of the releasable liner. At least a portion of the substrate is ink-receiving.
US08846170B2	Sulfur-containing cycloaliphatic compound, filled sulfur-vulcanizable elastomer composition containing sulfur-containing cycloaliphatic compound and articles fabricated therefrom A sulfur-containing cycloaliphatic compound, useful as a crosslinker for filled sulfur-vulcanizable elastomer compositions, is represented by the general formula: G[-CaH2a—S[C(═O)]bR]n wherein G is selected from the group consisting of: saturated, monocyclic aliphatic group of valence n containing from 5 to 12 carbon atoms and optionally containing at least one halogen, and saturated monocyclic silicone [RSiO—]n[R2SiO—]p group of valence n; wherein each R independently is a hydrogen or monovalent hydrocarbon of up to 20 carbon atoms; each occurrence of subscripts a and b independently is an integer wherein a is 2 to 6 and b is 0 or 1; p is an integer of from 0 to 3; and, n is an integer of from 3 to 6, with the provisos that when b is 0, R is a hydrogen atom, and when G is a non-halogenated, saturated monocyclic aliphatic group of 6 carbon atoms, n cannot be 3.
US08846165B2	Recording medium A recording medium includes a substrate and at least one ink-receiving layer, wherein an outermost ink-receiving layer of the recording medium contains inorganic particles, particles other than the inorganic particles, and a binder, the particles other than the inorganic particles have an average primary particle size of 30 nm or more and 100 nm or less, the outermost ink-receiving layer of the recording medium has a thickness of 5 μm or more, 60% or more and 90% or less of the particles other than the inorganic particles in the outermost ink-receiving layer of the recording medium are present in a region 500 nm or less below the outermost surface of the recording medium, and the area ratio of a region containing the particles other than the inorganic particles to the outermost surface of the recording medium is 30% or more and 80% or less.
US08846164B2	Compound having propyl ether as bonding group, liquid crystal composition thereof and liquid crystal display device thereof A liquid crystal compound is described, which has stability to heat, light and so forth, keeps a nematic phase in a wide temperature range, has a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy and a suitable elastic constant K33, and further has a large negative dielectric anisotropy and an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds. The liquid crystal compound is represented by formula (1): wherein, for example, R1 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons, R2 is alkoxy having 1 to 10 carbons; ring A1, ring A2 and ring A5 are 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, or 1,4-phenylene in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; Z1 and Z4 are a single bond, —CH2CH2— or —CH═CH—; a, b and e are 0 or 1, and c and d is 0; X1, X2 and X4 are hydrogen, and X3 is fluorine; and L1 and L2 are fluorine.
US08846163B2	Method for removing oxides A method for removing native oxides from a substrate surface is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises positioning a substrate having an oxide layer into a processing chamber, exposing the substrate to a gas mixture while forming a volatile film on the substrate and maintaining the substrate at a temperature below 65° C., heating the substrate to a temperature of at least about 75° C. to sublimate the volatile film and remove the oxide layer, and depositing a first layer on the substrate after heating the substrate.
US08846157B2	Production of solid materials based on hydraulically setting coating agents The invention relates to a method for producing solid materials having an air content of ≦16 vol. % in relation to the total volume of solid materials, characterised in that hydraulically setting coating agents containing at least one cationic protective colloid are applied to an undersurface by means of mechanical methods using compressed air with air quantity factors of up to 100 or by manual methods.
US08846155B2	Coating method and associated coating device A coating device for coating parts, in particular body components for automobiles, has at least one piece of application equipment for applying a coating to the components and has a feed device for feeding the components into a suitable coating position relative to the coating equipment. It is proposed that the feed device has at least one handling robot which brings the components into the coating position. Furthermore, a corresponding method is disclosed.
US08846153B2	Reinforcement mesh for architectural foam moulding Methods of making a reinforcement mesh, and an architectural molding reinforced by the mesh. The mesh is adhered by an adhesive to the architectural molding. In the mesh, weft yarns bend relative to warp yarns to conform to and against a curved profile of the architectural molding, and the warp yarns are unbent and adhered against the molding.
US08846149B2	Delamination resistant semiconductor film and method for forming the same A method and structure for preventing film delamination provide for forming a thick film then partitioning the thick film into a plurality of discrete portions prior to subsequent thermal processing operations. The partitioning alleviates the effects of film stress at the interface between the film and the underlying material and prevents delamination during the subsequent thermal cycling operations, that take place subsequent to the formation of the film. The partitioned film includes a pattern density of at least about 80 percent and the discrete portions do not individually serve as device structures.
US08846144B1	Method for making a carbon nanotube film A method for making a carbon nanotube film includes the steps of: (a) adding a plurality of carbon nanotubes into a solvent containing metallic ions, and flocculating the carbon nanotubes to get a floccule structure with the metallic ions therein; (b) reducing the metallic ions into metallic atoms, thereby the metallic atoms being attached onto outer surfaces of the carbon nanotubes to form a floccule structure of carbon nanotubes compounded with metal atoms; and (c) separating the floccule structure compounded with metal atoms from the solvent; and (d) shaping the floccule structure compounded with metal atoms to obtain/get the carbon nanotube film.
US08846142B2	Conductive particle, anisotropic conductive interconnection material that uses the conductive particle, and method for producing the conductive particle There is disclosed a conductive particle used for an anisotropic conductive connection material for establishing conductive interconnection between e.g. a substrate and an electrical component. The conductive particle includes a base particle (2) exhibiting electrical conductivity at least on its surface and a continuous insulating resin film (3) formed by welding of fine particles (3a) of an insulating resin that composes the resin film. The surface of the base particle is coated with the continuous insulating resin film. There are formed voids at least between neighboring fine particles.
US08846136B2	Production method of rare earth magnet PROBLEM:To provide a production method of an anisotropic rare earth magnet capable of being enhanced in coercivity without adding a large amount of a rare metal such as Dy and Tb.MEANS FOR RESOLUTION:A production method of a rare earth magnet, comprising a step of bringing a compact obtained by applying hot working to impart anisotropy to a sintered body having a rare earth magnet composition into contact with a low-melting-point alloy melt containing a rare earth element.
US08846135B2	Process for the preparation of conductive carbon layers on powdered supports A process for the preparation of carbon layers on powdered supports comprising dissolving a hydrophilic polymer (PH) at the level of 85 do 99.9% by weight in water, adding pyromellitic acid (PMA) or pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) at the level of 0.1-15% by weight, then introducing to the mixture the powdered support at a level of 1-99% by weight. The suspension is concentrated and dried, and the composite precursor formed is subjected to a pyrolysis process at 300-1500° C.
US08846132B2	Method for producing polymer layers A method for producing a polymer layer on a transparent support. A photopolymerizable liquid composition is applied to the support. The photopolymerizable liquid composition is irradiated through the support such that polymerization of the liquid composition starts at the surface of the support and ends at a predetermined distance over the surface of the support. Only partial polymerization of the liquid composition takes place. A polymer layer with a predetermined thickness is formed on the support wherein the predetermined thickness is less than the thickness of the photopolymerizable liquid composition. The remaining photopolymerizable liquid composition is removed from the entire polymer layer.
US08846131B2	Method for forming a coating on a stent A stent has first and second members. The stent is supported by a mandrel in a first position such that the mandrel is in contact with the first member and the second member is spaced from the mandrel. A method for coating the stent includes spraying or drying the stent, placing the stent in a second position such that the first member is spaced from the mandrel and the second member is placed in contact with the mandrel, and spraying or drying the stent while the stent is supported by the mandrel in the second position.
US08846129B2	Biological sensing structures and methods of forming the same A method of forming of biological sensing structures including a portion of a substrate is recessed to form a plurality of mesas in the substrate. Each of the plurality of mesas has a top surface and a sidewall surface. A first light reflecting layer is deposited over the top surface and the sidewall surface of each mesa. A filling material is formed over a first portion of the first light reflecting layer. A stop layer is deposited over the filling material and a second portion of the first light reflecting layer. A sacrificial layer is formed over the stop layer and is planarized exposing the stop layer. A first opening is formed in the stop layer and the first light reflecting layer. A second light reflecting layer is deposited over the first opening. A second opening is formed in the second light reflecting layer.
US08846123B2	Biomass pelletizing process A process is provided using non-food or limited-feed agricultural residue and energy crops for energy production, such as ethanol or electricity generation. The agricultural plant material is harvested and baled. The bales are transported to the processing site for storage or immediate processing. The bale strings are first removed, and then the broken bales are shredded. The shredded plant material is then ground to a small size. The ground material is then pelletized to produce densified pellets of the agricultural plant material. The pellets are cooled and then stored or transported to an end user.
US08846122B2	Process and product Process for producing a chocolate or chocolate-like product comprising mixing together components of chocolate or chocolate-like product to give a flowable powder mixture, and feeding the flowable powder mixture to a roller compactor whereby the powder mixture is compressed to give the chocolate or chocolate-like product. The process can produce a chocolate or chocolate-like product comprising a compressed mass of particles of chocolate components.
US08846121B2	Beverage preparation machines A beverage preparation machine of the type which uses pre-packaged containers of beverage ingredients comprises a cartridge recognition device for determining the type of beverage to be prepared from a cartridge inserted into the machine and a variable geometry valve located downstream of a cartridge when inserted in the machine. The valve enables preparation of beverages at a range of pressures by having at least an open position and at least one restricted flow position, and a controller for selecting an initial valve position and controlling the subsequent operation of the valve according to the determination of the type of beverage to be prepared by the cartridge recognition device.
US08846117B2	Chia seed extract and related method of manufacture Ethanolic chia (Salvia hispanica) seed extracts are provided in a system including one or more polyols and at least one hydrophobic compound that solubilize hydrophobic and slightly hydrophilic fractions of the extracts. The polyol can be pentylene glycol. The at least one hydrophobic compound can be a light oil or an ester including, but not limited to, glyceryl caprylate, glyceryl trioctanoate, isodecyl neopentanoate, isononyl isononanoate, isopropyl myristate, phenethyl benzoate, propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, propylene glycol dioctanoate and combinations thereof. The system or solution can form a cosmetic composition which is highly stable. A method for preparing the composition also is provided.
US08846115B2	Anti-inflammatory cyclooxygenase inhibitors Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition including a therapeutic quantity of a COX-2 inhibitor having an IC50-WHMA COX-2/COX-1 ratio ranging from about 0.23 to about 3.33 with reduced gastrointestinal and cardiovascular toxicity. Also disclosed are methods for treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or acute pain with less side-effects and faster onset of action utilizing the disclosed pharmaceutical composition.
US08846112B2	Methods of distributing a pharmaceutical product comprising nitric oxide gas for inhalation Disclosed are methods of distributing a pharmaceutical product comprising nitric oxide gas. The methods include supplying a source of nitric oxide gas to a medical provider, informing the medical provider about a recommended dose of inhaled nitric oxide gas for treatment of neonates with hypoxic respiratory failure, and providing a warning about use of inhaled nitric oxide in patients with pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction.
US08846109B2	Treatment solution for treating wounds, in particular for liquid wound treatment The invention relates to a treatment solution for treating wounds, preferably for liquid wound treatment of acute and chronic wounds, made of an aqueous solution including zinc, iron, and acid, wherein the per liter proportion of zinc is 10 to 100 mg, the proportion of iron is 6.5 to 60 mg, and the proportion of acid is selected such that the pH value of the treatment solution is 2.5 to 3.5.
US08846103B2	Exogenously triggered controlled release materials and uses thereof The disclosure provides cross-linked materials that include multivalent cross-linking agents that bind an exogenous target molecule; and conjugates that include two or more separate affinity ligands bound to a conjugate framework, wherein the two or more affinity ligands compete with the exogenous target molecule for binding with the cross-linking agents and wherein conjugates are cross-linked within the material as a result of non-covalent interactions between cross-linking agents and affinity ligands on different conjugates. The conjugates also include a drug.
US08846101B2	Film-coated and/or granulated calcium-containing compounds and use thereof in pharmaceutical compositions Calcium-containing compounds have been at least partly film-coated and/or granulated with a water-soluble substance and a water-soluble polymeric substance and use of such coated compounds in pharmaceutical compositions. The at least partly film-coated and/or granulated calcium-containing compounds have proved suitable for the preparation of tablets having a very high load of elemental calcium and a conveniently small size. A drug load of about 96% or more is obtained in tablets of the invention that have sufficient mechanical and organoleptic properties.
US08846100B2	Controlled dose drug delivery system A multiple pulsed dose drug delivery system for pharmaceutically active amphetamine salts, comprising a pharmaceutically active amphetamine salt covered with an immediate-release coating and a pharmaceutically active amphetamine salt covered with an enteric coating wherein the immediate release coating and the enteric coating provide for multiple pulsed dose delivery of the pharmaceutically active amphetamine salt. The product can be composed of either one or a number of beads in a dosage form, including either capsule, tablet, or sachet method for administering the beads.
US08846097B2	Process for producing organic-modified inorganic fine particles A process is provided that includes performing a high-temperature high-pressure hydrothermal treatment for a reaction liquid prepared as a mixture of an acylated inorganic fine particle precursor and an organic modifying agent that has a carboxyl group. Because the reaction liquid contains the acylated inorganic fine particle precursor in advance, the grain growth during the high-temperature high-pressure hydrothermal treatment can be suppressed. The process thus enables production of organic-modified inorganic fine particles of a size about the same as or even smaller than that before the high-temperature high-pressure hydrothermal treatment.
US08846092B2	Gum resin as a carrier for topical application of pharmacologically active agents Described are pharmacological compositions comprising a gum resin; a pharmacologically active agent and a topically acceptable volatile solvent for the gum resin and active agent. Also described are methods for the transdermal or transmucosal delivery of a pharmacologically active agent using such compositions.
US08846090B2	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.
US08846086B2	Tamper resistant dosage forms The present invention relates to pharmaceutical dosage forms, for example to a tamper resistant dosage form including an opioid analgesic, and processes of manufacture, uses, and methods of treatment thereof.
US08846085B2	Method for production of directly compressible ibuprofen formulations A directly tabletable ibuprofen formulation comprising a) 50-99% by weight of crystalline ibuprofen, b) 1-15% by weight of a finely divided excipient with a surface area of at least 100 m2/g, and c) 0-40% by weight of further excipients, with the proviso that the total amount of components a) to c) corresponds to 100% by weight, where at least 50% of the surface of the ibuprofen crystals are covered with the finely divided excipient.
US08846079B1	Sterically stabilized carrier for aerosol therapeutics, compositions and methods for treating the respiratory tract of a mammal This invention comprises a sterically stabilized liposome carrier encapsulating a selected drug for the aerosol delivery of the drug effectual in the treatment of the lungs of a mammal, a composition containing the sterically stabilized liposome carrier and the selected drug effective for the treatment of the lungs of a mammal for asthma and inflammation of the lungs of the mammal as an aerosol and a method of, treatment using the composition. The composition provides effective treatment for the longer of a period of time at least twice as long as the selected drug alone or up to at least one week.
US08846078B2	Brucellosis DNA vaccine Brucellosis is a disease caused by facultative intracellular bacteria of the monospecific genus Brucella melitensis. The invention in one aspect is an immunogenic nucleic acid composition comprising DNA encoding Brucella melitensis Invasion Protein B, a polypeptide with at least 95% identity thereto, or an immunologically active fragment of either of these, and an adjuvant. In another aspect, the invention is a DNA vaccine composition comprising a plasmid vector having DNA encoding a polypeptide as recited above, in which said plasmid vector is adsorbed to a liposome. Other aspects of the invention include methods of inducing an enhanced immune response to Brucella infection in an animal, methods for the differential diagnosis in an animal of brucellosis and vaccination by an immunogenic nucleic acid composition having DNA encoding any of the above-recited polypeptides, and a kit for conducting said differential diagnosis methods.
US08846077B2	High throughput fabrication of nanoparticles This application provides a high throughput method of making nanoparticles that utilizes plates comprising wells (e.g., 96-well plates).
US08846073B2	Low temperature processes for making cyclic lipid implants for intraocular use Biocompatible implants comprising a cyclic lipid therapeutic agent are made using a low temperature melt extrusion process. The implants are suitable for intraocular use to treat an ocular condition.
US08846069B2	Coatings for implantable devices comprising polymers of lactic acid and methods for fabricating the same Coatings for an implantable medical device and a method of fabricating thereof are disclosed, the coatings comprising polymers of lactic acid.
US08846068B2	Methods and compositions for treating post-operative pain comprising a local anesthetic The present invention is directed to an implantable drug depot useful for reducing, preventing or treating post-operative pain in a patient in need of such treatment, the implantable drug depot comprising a polymer and a therapeutically effective amount of a local anesthetic or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the drug depot is implantable at a site beneath the skin to reduce, prevent or treat post-operative pain, and the drug depot is capable of releasing (i) a bolus dose of the local anesthetic or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof at a site beneath the skin and (ii) a sustained release dose of an effective amount of the local anesthetic or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof over a period of at least 4 days.
US08846059B2	Extracellular matrix adjuvant and methods for prevention and/or inhibition of ovarian tumors and ovarian cancer Compositions suitable for use as ovarian cancer and/or tumor adjuvants in the preparation of ovarian cancer vaccines, particularly those vaccines useful in the treatment of human ovarian cancer, are provided. The ovarian cancer adjuvants described are comprised of an extracellular matrix material, such as small intestinal submucosal (SIS) tissue. The preparations may take the form of sheets, gels, liquids (injectable), tracer, or other solid or semi-solid preparation. Also disclosed are ovarian tumor inhibiting compositions that include extracellular matrix tissue adjuvants.
US08846051B2	Modulation of replicative fitness by deoptimization of synonymous codons Methods of producing a pathogen with reduced replicative fitness are disclosed, as are attenuated pathogens produced using the methods. In particular examples, the method includes deoptimizing one or more codons in a coding sequence, thereby reducing the replicative fitness of the pathogen. Methods of using the attenuated pathogens as immunogenic compositions are also disclosed.
US08846050B2	N-domain of carcinoembryonic antigen and compositions, methods and uses thereof The present disclosure provides immunogenic compositions comprising the N-domain of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). These compositions are useful for inducing or enhancing an immune response, for inhibiting tumor cell growth and for treating cancer.
US08846044B2	Stabilizing alkylglycoside compositions and methods thereof The present invention relates to alkylglycoside-containing compositions and methods for increasing the stability, reducing the aggregation and immunogenicity, increasing the biological activity, and reducing or preventing fibrillar formation of a peptide, polypeptide, or variant thereof, for example parathyroid hormone (PTH) or PTH analogs, amylin, a monoclonal antibody, insulin, Peptide T or analog thereof, gastrin, gastrin releasing peptides, gastrin releasing peptide-like (GRP) proteins, epidermal growth factor or analog thereof.
US08846040B2	Therapeutic agent preparations comprising etanercept for delivery into a lumen of the intestinal tract using a swallowable drug delivery device Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.
US08846039B2	Method for ameliorating pruritus A method for preventing, treating, or ameliorating pruritus caused by skin, mucosa, or systemic disorder. The method comprises administering to a subject with pruritus or topically applying to an affected area with pruritus an effective amount of a formulation consisting essentially of a phenylbutyric acid or short-chain fatty acid derivative and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, salt or solvate thereof.
US08846034B2	Companion diagnostic for anti-hyaluronan agent therapy and methods of use thereof Methods and diagnostic agents for identification of subjects for cancer treatment with an anti-hyaluronan agent, such as a hyaluronan-degrading enzyme, are provided. Diagnostic agents for the detection and quantification of hyaluronan in a biological sample and monitoring cancer treatment with an anti-hyaluronan agent, for example a hyaluronan-degrading enzyme, are provided. Combinations and kits for use in practicing the methods also are provided.
US08846031B2	Simian adenovirus 41 and uses thereof Novel simian adenovirus 41 and two isolates thereof are described. Various uses of these isolates, including construction of a recombinant vector which comprises simian adenovirus 41 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences are provided. A cell line which expresses simian adenovirus 41 gene(s) is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.
US08846029B2	Treatment of IBD and IBS using both probiotic bacteria and fermented cereal as treatment effectors The invention covers a novel treatment strategy that considerably improves conventional probiotic treatments of inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal disorders. Both probiotic microorganisms and the carrier of the probiotic microorganisms in form of a fermented cereal gruel are used as treatment effectors. Phospholipids may also be an effector. The novel treatment strategy is capable of removing the symptoms of inflammatory bowel diseases regardless of a mild, moderate or severe stage of the disease.
US08846028B2	Mitochondrial enhancement of cells Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, at least one of compositions, methods, devices, systems, kits, or products regarding rejuvenation or preservation of stem cells. Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, methods of modifying stem cells, or methods of administering modified stem cells to at least one biological tissue.
US08846021B2	Acryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine containing polymer conjugates and their preparation The present invention relates to polymeric reagents and conjugates thereof, methods for synthesizing the polymeric reagents and conjugates, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the conjugates and methods of using the polymer conjugates including therapeutic methods where conjugates are administered to patients.
US08846018B2	Mascara compositions containing at least two acrylate film formers Disclosed are mascara compositions containing a first acrylates copolymer having a relatively low glass transition temperature (Tg) which is less than about 0° C., a second acrylates copolymer having a relatively high glass transition temperature which is between about 0° C. and less than about 60° C., wherein a mixture of the first and second acrylates copolymers has a Tg less than about 20° C., and a solvent. Also disclosed are methods for making the mascara and applying them to keratinous tissue such as eyelashes in order to enhance their appearance.
US08846015B2	Cosmetic compositions based on a supramolecular polymer, a hyperbranched functional polymer, a light silicone fluid and a copolymer of a silicone resin and a fluid silicone The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition and method for making up and/or enhancing the appearance of a keratinous substrate, comprising at least one supramolecular polymer, at least one detackifying ingredient which is a hyperbranched functional polymer, at least one fatty phase ingredient(s), at least one light silicone fluid other than the fatty phase ingredient(s), and at least one copolymer containing a silicone resin segment and a fluid silicone segment. The compositions of the present invention may optionally contain at least one functional filler, at least one wax and at least one colorant.
US08846013B2	Topical application of 1-hydroxyl-3,5-BIS(4′hydroxy styryl)benzene The present invention relates to compositions comprising 1-hydroxyl 3,5-bis(4′hydroxyl styryl)benzene or a cosmetically acceptable salt thereof, and methods of treating human skin and signs of skin aging using said compositions.
US08846010B2	Silicone compound and photoprotective personal care compositions comprising the same The present invention relates to silicone compounds which have photoprotective properties and personal care compositions comprising the same. The present inventors, in developing a sunscreen that gives protection against both UV radiation and visible radiation, found that when a certain moiety generally occurring in nature i.e. hydroxyanthraquinone having uv-visible absorption activity are attached to crosslinked silicone polymers they provide not only the desired photoprotection but also excellent spreadability on skin.
US08846009B2	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.
US08846001B2	Labelled biotin conjugates The present invention provides radioactive gallium complexes which comprise DOTA-biotin conjugates, incorporating a linker group. Also described are radiopharmaceutical compositions, and methods and uses of the complexes for in vivo imaging involving pre-targeting with avidin.
US08845998B2	Catalyst for generating hydrogen, method of generating hydrogen and apparatus for generating hydrogen A catalyst has a long life span and efficiently separates hydrogen from water. A first metal element (Ni, Pd, Pt) for cutting the combination of hydrogen and oxygen and a second metal element (Cr, Mo, W, Fe) for helping the function of the first metal element are melted in alkaline metal hydroxide or alkaline earth metal hydroxide to make a mixture heated at a temperature above the melting point of the hydroxide to eject fine particles from the liquid surface, bringing steam into contact with the fine particles. Instead of this, a mixture of alkaline metal hydroxide and metal oxide is heated at a temperature above the melting point of the alkaline metal hydroxide to make metal compound in which at least two kinds of metal elements are melted, and fine particles are ejected from the surface of the metal compound to be brought into contact with steam.
US08845992B2	III-nitride single-crystal ingot, III-nitride single-crystal substrate, method of manufacturing III-nitride single-crystal ingot, and method of manufacturing III-nitride single-crystal substrate Affords Group-III nitride single-crystal ingots and III-nitride single-crystal substrates manufactured utilizing the ingots, as well as methods of manufacturing III-nitride single-crystal ingots and methods of manufacturing III-nitride single-crystal substrates, wherein the incidence of cracking during length-extending growth is reduced. Characterized by including a step of etching the edge surface of a base substrate, and a step of epitaxially growing onto the base substrate hexagonal-system III-nitride monocrystal having crystallographic planes on its side surfaces. In order to reduce occurrences of cracking during length-extending growth of the ingot, depositing-out of polycrystal and out-of-plane oriented crystal onto the periphery of the monocrystal must be controlled. A layer of the base substrate edge surface, as just described, where it has been mechanically altered is removed beforehand by etching, whereby crystallographic planes form on the side surfaces of the III-nitride single-crystal ingot that is formed onto the base substrate, which therefore controls depositing-out of polycrystal and out-of-plane oriented crystal and reduces occurrences of cracking.
US08845989B2	Method of fixing carbon dioxide A method and system of fixing carbon dioxide is provided. After metal ion components are extracted from, e.g., natural mineral or steel slag through acid treatment, carbon dioxide is injected to fix carbon dioxide by carbonating the same. Since the procedure of pH adjustment is unnecessary, the reaction is carried out effectively and a continuous process is enabled. Accordingly, the disclosed method of fixing carbon dioxide enables effective removal of carbon dioxide produced from the steelmaking industry, thereby significantly reducing greenhouse gas emission and allowing recycling of the discarded steel slag.
US08845988B2	Carbon-rich sorbent filters A low-pressure multifunctional filter separates CO2 and other air pollutants from flue, coal, natural and other gas mixtures. The separation agent is a solid carbon-rich sorbent, such as coke, charcoal, coal or activated carbon, that captures CO2 and other air pollutants at lower temperatures and liberates them at higher temperatures. The sorbent is regenerated by heating with direct steam, hot CO2 or other source of thermal energy. The recovered CO2-rich product can be used for enhanced oil recovery, enhanced methane recovery, and subsequent storage in depleted oil and gas reservoirs.
US08845987B1	Method for improving lean performance of PGM catalyst systems: synergized PGM Synergized Platinum Group Metals (SPGM) catalyst system for TWC application is disclosed. Disclosed SPGM catalyst system may include a washcoat with a Cu—Mn spinel structure and an overcoat that includes PGM supported on carrier material oxides, such as alumina. SPGM catalyst system shows significant improvement in nitrogen oxide reduction performance under stoichiometric operating conditions and especially under lean operating conditions, which allows a reduced consumption of fuel. Additionally, disclosed SPGM catalyst system also enhances the reduction of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon within catalytic converters. Furthermore, disclosed SPGM catalyst systems are found to have enhanced catalyst activity compared to commercial PGM catalyst system, showing that there is a synergistic effect among PGM catalyst and Cu—Mn spinel within the disclosed SPGM catalyst system.
US08845986B2	Process to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and mercury from coal-fired boilers A flue gas additive is provided that includes both a nitrogenous component to reduce gas phase nitrogen oxides and a halogen-containing component to oxidize gas phase elemental mercury.
US08845985B2	Specimen sample rack A rack for a plurality of capped tubes, including a frame having a longitudinally extending bottom base member having a row of spaced open top recesses adapted to receive the capped tubes. Vertical supports at the ends of the row of recesses fix a cover member above the base member. The cover member has openings therethrough smaller than the capped tubes. A wall is along one longitudinal side between the base member and the cover member, with the other longitudinal side between the base member and the cover member being open. The base member and cover member are vertically spaced a distance sufficient to permit tipped capped tubes to be moved into the frame with the tipped tubes then dropped into the recesses and tipped back to an upright vertical position.
US08845981B2	Biologic fluid analysis cartridge with volumetric sample metering A device for volumetric metering a liquid biologic sample is provided. The device includes an initial chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, a first valve, a second valve and a third valve. The chambers are each configured so that liquid sample disposed in the respective chamber is subject to capillary forces. Each chamber has a volume, and the volume of the initial chamber is greater than the volume of either the second or the third chambers. The valves each have a burst pressure. The burst pressure of the first valve is greater than the third burst pressure. The first valve is in fluid communication with the second chamber. The second valve is disposed between, and is in fluid communication with, the initial chamber and the third chamber. The third valve is in fluid communication with the third chamber.
US08845977B2	Apparatus for transporting containers An apparatus for transporting objects and in particular containers, having a first conveyor which transports the objects along a specified transport path (P), including a sterile room, within which the objects are transported, and including a second conveyor which follows on from the first conveyor. According to the invention, the first conveyor is positioned completely inside of the sterile room and the second conveyor is positioned completely outside of the sterile room, wherein both the first conveyor and the second conveyor are preferably positioned in a specified transitional area (B) along the transport path (P).
US08845976B2	Apparatus for rapid mixing of media and method The present invention relates to an apparatus, which can be part of a pre-treatment system in a plant for the production of fuels, e.g. bio-ethanol, derived from plant biomass, e.g. first generation crops, such as grain, sugarcane and corn or second generation crops such as lignocellulosic biomass. The invention relates to an apparatus for processing, such as fluffing and mixing, at least two media, such as a solid, e.g. biomass, and a fluid, e.g. steam, so as to rendering the first medium susceptible to efficient receiving of energy and/or mass which is provided by localized release of the second medium. Although the description of the present invention focuses on biomass, it is envisaged that the invention is generally applicable to control the mixing of at least two media by crossing their stream of while dispersing at least one of them.
US08845975B2	Method of controlling the production of silver chloride on a silver catalyst in the production of alkylene oxides A plant and process for producing alkylene oxides to control the production of silver chloride on a high efficiency silver catalyst is disclosed and described. The process involves reacting an alkylene and an organic chloride gas phase promoter with oxygen over the high efficiency silver catalyst. The sulfur concentration in the alkylene oxide reactor feed is controlled to reduce the production of silver chloride which acts as a catalyst poison.
US08845971B2	Apparatus for purifying and neutralizing toxic gases An apparatus for purifying and neutralizing toxic gases such as odors, fumes or various volatile organic compounds generated by research laboratories, chemical processing factories or hospitals where medicinal products are handled, comprises a main body having an intake, an exhaust and a control panel; a pre-filter, a first filter, first and second neutralizing pellet beds, and a second filter which are mounted in the apparatus main body and are placed from the intake to the exhaust in that order; and a blower and a driving device placed between the first and second neutralizing pellet beds. The apparatus effectively purifies and neutralizes toxic gases and collects fine particles or dust.
US08845966B2	Method for measuring analysis object and measuring device The measurement device comprises a sensor holder to which is removable to a biosensor. The sensor holder has measurement-use connection terminals that are in contact with the electrode system in the biosensor and are used to take off signals required for measuring the specific component, and thermocouple-use connection terminals that are in contact with the thermocouple in the biosensor and are used to take off the thermoelectromotive force signals.
US08845965B2	Sensor The present application relates to a sensor (1) for use in detecting an analyte comprising: a transducer (10) composed of a pyroelectric or piezoelectric polymer substrate e.g. PVDF (3) and a transparent electrode layer (4) on a surface of the substrate; a layer of parylene (12) on the transparent electrode layer; and a reagent (17) immobilised on the transducer, the reagent having a binding site which is capable of binding the analyte or a derivative of the analyte.
US08845963B2	Modular assay plates, reader systems and methods for test measurements Luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.
US08845962B2	Apparatus and method for steam disinfection of a powder The present invention provides a system for the sterilization of natural products without negatively effecting the properties of the system having a sterilization chamber; a sample area within the sterilization chamber to hold one or more steam permeable containers; a heater source connected to the sterilization chamber for heating the sterilization chamber to a predetermined temperature; a heater control unit connected to the heater source for controlling the predetermined temperature; a pressure source connected to the sterilization chamber for pressurizing the sterilization chamber to a predetermined pressure; a pressure control unit connected to the pressure source for controlling the predetermined pressure; a steam aperture for supplying steam to the sterilization chamber; a steam control unit connected to the temperature and duration of the steam; and an interface connected to the heater control unit, pressure control unit, and steam control unit.
US08845956B2	Method for production of a contact piece for a switchgear assembly, as well as a contact piece itself The disclosure relates to a method for production of a component, such as a contact piece, for a switchgear assembly. To introduce a slot and apply a contact outer contour directly during the powder-metallurgical production process of the contact material, contouring in the form of a slot or slots is introduced into the powder-metal material, which is located in a mold, essentially in a direction parallel to a normal to a surface of the component, to form the component with a slot.
US08845955B2	Heat treatment furnace A heating section 20 having heating elements using carbon which generates heat when a high-frequency electric current is fed to a coil whose pitch can be adjusted as desired is arranged in a heating chamber 10. A cooling chamber 80 configured to cool metal is disposed below the heating chamber 10 in communication with the heating chamber 10 via a connection section 60. A water-cooled vertically movable shaft 90 which is capable of supporting the metal to be heat-treated and entering the heating chamber 10 is disposed so as to penetrate through the bottom portion of the cooling chamber 80. A gas introducing pipe 81 configured to introduce gas for cooling heated metal to be heat-treated supported by the water-cooled vertically movable shaft 90 and moved from the heating chamber 10 to the cooling chamber 80 is disposed in the cooling chamber 80.
US08845954B2	Zirconia-based composite ceramic sintered compact and method for producing the same To provide a zirconia-based composite ceramic sintered compact capable of being colored to white appropriate for a dental prosthesis while maintaining its mechanical and physical properties, and also provide a method for producing the same. The method for producing the zirconia-based composite ceramic sintered compact includes semi-sintering a zirconia-alumina composite ceramic containing an alumina particle and a zirconia particle comprising of tetragonal zirconia containing ceria of 8 to 12 mol %, forming the composite ceramic; dipping the formed composite ceramic in a neodymium ion solution or complex solution; drying the dipped composite ceramic; and finally sintering it.
US08845953B1	Three-dimensional printer, ceramic article and method of manufacture The present invention includes a method of preparing a ceramic precursor article, the ceramic precursor made thereby, a method of making a ceramic article and an article made by that method. It also includes a method of replicating a ceramic shape.Also included is a method of making a ceramic precursor, and the finished ceramic article therefrom, involving a compression step, and a compression-capable printer apparatus.
US08845951B2	Method of rapid sintering of ceramics Rapid sintering techniques for densifying zirconium dioxide based ceramic materials employing electromagnetic induction heating or inductive coupled plasma, reducing processing time from hours to minutes. In one embodiment a water-cooled coil is connected to a radio frequency power supply. The coil surrounds a susceptor body which in turn surrounds the ceramic to be sintered. The susceptor heats up in response to a magnetic field emanating from the coil as the coil receives electric power. The heat in turn is radiated from the susceptor and heats the ceramic. In another embodiment, the coil is connected to a radio frequency power supply of sufficiently high frequency and power to establish a plasma in the gas which surrounds the ceramic. The plasma then heats the ceramic. The method is especially useful for sintering ceramic dental appliances, in minutes which can lead to in situ fabrication of such appliances while a dental patient waits.
US08845949B2	Method for reducing differential shrinkage in stereolithography The present invention relates to a new and improved stereolithography method and system for generating a three-dimensional object by forming successive, adjacent, cross-sectional laminae of that object, thereby providing an object being specially processed to reduce differential shrinkage.
US08845946B2	Method and device for manufacturing a fiber composite component with an integral structural design A method for manufacturing a fiber composite component having an integral structural design includes positioning a sheet-like fibrous semi-finished product in a mold that defines an outer contour of the fiber composite component. Dimensionally stable fibrous semi-finished products, each having dimensions corresponding to a respective portion of the manufactured fiber composite component, are arranged on the sheet-like fibrous semi-finished product. The dimensionally stable fibrous semi-finished products are stabilized and fixed in place using mold cores. The semi-finished products are resin infiltrated using one of a first or a second gating process so as to form a construct. The first gating process includes gating via the mold cores at a head of each dimensionally stable fibrous semi-finished product and performing extraction in an area of the mold. The second gating process including gating in an area of the mold and performing extraction via the mold cores at the head of each dimensionally stable fibrous semi-finished product. The construct is hardened and demolded by removing the mold cores.
US08845943B2	Method of making a structured surface and article therefrom A method of making a structured surface and a mechanical fastener precursor are disclosed. The method includes providing a thermoplastic backing with spaced-apart, upstanding posts with base portions attached to the thermoplastic backing and distal tips; deforming the distal tips to form caps on at least some of the spaced-apart, upstanding posts to provide capped posts, wherein at least some caps upon forming touch at least one adjacent cap; and separating the capped posts. Typically, the at least some caps upon forming are shaped at least partially by the at least one adjacent cap. The mechanical fastener precursor includes a thermoplastic backing and upstanding male fastening elements with bases attached to the thermoplastic backing and distal caps larger in area than the cross-sectional area of the bases, wherein the bases of the male fastening elements are spaced apart, wherein at least some of the distal caps touch at least one adjacent distal cap.
US08845938B2	Polyacrylonitrile fiber manufacturing method and carbon fiber manufacturing method A method of manufacturing a polyacrylonitrile fiber includes a spinning process in which a spinning dope including polyacrylonitrile is spun; a first drawing process; a drying process; and a second hot drawing process in this order.
US08845935B2	Method for cast molding contact lenses The invention provide a method for cast-molding hydrogel contact lenses, especially silicone hydrogel contact lenses by using plastic molds of a poly(cycloalkylene-dialkylene terephthalate) copolymer. These plastic molds do not need to be degassed and stored in an oxygen-free atmosphere (e.g., N2 or Ar) before being used for cast-molding silicone hydrogel contact lenses in the absence of oxygen and resultant silicone hydrogel lenses can still have relatively high ion permeability and relatively low variation in targeted optical power, compared with silicone hydrogel lenses made from a conventional mold material, such as polypropylene. The invention also provides plastic molds for cast-molding silicone hydrogel contact lenses.
US08845932B2	Thick film paste containing bismuth-tellurium-oxide and its use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices The present invention is directed to an electroconductive thick film paste composition comprising electrically conductive Ag, a second electrically conductive metal selected from the group consisting of Ni, Al and mixtures thereof and a Pb-free bismuth-tellurium-oxide all dispersed in an organic medium. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the thick film paste composition and a semiconductor device and, in particular, a solar cell comprising such an electrode.
US08845928B2	Sterilizing compositions comprising phosphors for converting electromagnetic radiation to UVC radiation and methods for using the same There is disclosed a composition for converting electromagnetic energy to ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, the composition comprising at least one phosphor capable of converting an initial electromagnetic energy (A) to an electromagnetic energy (B) comprising UVC radiation or radiation of a shorter wavelength, and an organic or inorganic media containing said phosphor. There is also a method of sterilizing an article by exposing it to UVC 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 said composition is in an implantable medical device. A method of coating an article with such compositions is also disclosed.
US08845926B2	Composition, method for manufacturing thin film, and method for manufacturing light-emitting element It is an object to provide a composition in which an anthracene derivative is dissolved and a technique in which a thin film that has a favorable film quality is formed by a wet process using the composition. In addition, it is another object to manufacture a highly reliable light-emitting element using the composition at low cost with high productivity. A composition having a solvent and an anthracene derivative having one anthracene structure and one carbazolyl group which is bonded to the anthracene structure directly or through a phenyl group is formed. A thin film with a favorable film quality can be formed by a wet process using the composition. Accordingly, a highly reliable light-emitting element can be manufactured using such a thin film.
US08845922B2	Compositions and use of vinylidene fluoride and blends thereof The present technology relates to compositional blends that can be used as refrigerants, and more specifically to blends of vinylidene fluoride and at least one other component for use in very low temperature applications. In at least some examples, the second component can be selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide and pentafluoroethane. Further, the compositions can be azeotropic or azeotrope-like.
US08845921B2	Separation of close boiling compounds by addition of a third compound The invention provides a method for separating halocarbons. In particular, a method for separating 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane (HCFC-244bb) from 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFC-1233xf) by adding a third component and then separating via conventional distillation. More particularly the invention pertains to a method for separating HCFC-244bb from HCFC-1233xf which are useful as intermediates in the production of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf).
US08845920B2	Polymer compositions with heat-absorbing properties and a high stability The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one transparent thermoplastic material; at least one inorganic IR absorber which comprises a zinc-doped caesium tungstate; and optionally at least one stabilizer which is based on phosphine. The present invention also relates to a composition which comprises a thermoplastic polymer material, an inorganic IR absorber, at least one phosphine stabilizer, at least one phosphite stabilizer, and at least one phenolic antioxidant stabilizer.
US08845919B2	Iron-silicon oxide particles with a core-shell structure Iron-silicon oxide particles with a core-shell structure, which have a) a BET-surface area of 10 to 80 m2/g, b) a thickness of the shell of 2 to 30 nm and c) a content of iron oxide of 60 to 90% by weight, of silicon dioxide of 10 to 40% by weight, based in each case on the enveloped particles, where d) the proportion of iron, silicon and oxygen is at least 99% by weight, based on the enveloped particles, and where e) the core is crystalline and the iron oxides comprise haematite, magnetite and maghemite, f) the shell consists of amorphous silicon dioxide and g) at least one compound or a plurality of compounds consisting of the elements silicon, iron and oxygen is/are present between shell and core.
US08845918B2	Thermoelectric material and composites made from thermoelectric material and a method for fabricating thereof The thermoelectric material according to the present invention is characterized in that carbon nanotubes are dispersed in thermoelectric matrix powder by mechanically grinding, mixing, and treating by heating a mixed powder formed through a chemical reaction after mixing a first solution in which carbon nanotubes are dispersed and a second solution containing metallic salts. Further, a method for fabricating the thermoelectric material includes fabricating the first solution and the second solution, mixing the first solution and the second solution with each other to form a mixed solution, forming and growing a mixed powder in which carbon nanotubes and metals are mixed by a chemical reaction of the mixed solution, mechanically grinding and mixing the mixed powder, and heating the ground-and-mixed mixed powder to form the thermoelectric material. In addition, a composite can be made from the thermoelectric material by performing a spark plasma sintering process using the thermoelectric material, and has an improved thermoelectric efficiency due to the carbon nanotubes dispersed in the thermoelectric materials.
US08845917B2	Soundproofing nanoclay composite and method of manufacturing the same Disclosed is a method of manufacturing soundproofing composite, and a soundproofing composite manufactured by the aforementioned method, the method comprising preparing a mixture by dissolving PP resin and nanoclay in a solvent; and volatilizing the solvent from the mixture. According to the present invention, the composite is manufactured by dissolving PP resin and nanoclay, to thereby realize great stiffness and soundproofing properties.
US08845916B2	Method for manufacturing glass cliche using laser etching and apparatus for laser irradiation therefor A method for manufacturing a glass plate using laser etching includes a dipping step for dipping a glass plate, which will be etched, into an etching solution, a patterning step for irradiating laser to the glass plate dipped in the etching solution to form a pattern therein, and a washing step for washing the patterned glass plate. This method allows making a plate with a high aspect ratio and fine line widths in comparison to a conventional plate manufacturing method using photoresist for etching, and also ensures more efficient energy consumption and higher etching efficiency rather than an etching method using laser only.
US08845914B2	Methods and devices for electronic sensing The presence of a detectable entity within a detection volume of a microfabricated elastomeric structure is sensed through a change in the electrical or magnetic environment of the detection volume. In embodiments utilizing electronic detection, an electric field is applied to the detection volume and a change in impedance, current, or combined impedance and current due to the presence of the detectable entity is measured. In embodiments utilizing magnetic detection, the magnetic properties of a magnetized detected entity alter the magnetic field of the detection volume. This changed magnetic field induces a current which can reveal the detectable entity. The change in resistance of a magnetoresistive element may also reveal the passage of a magnetized detectable entity.
US08845913B2	Ion radiation damage prediction method, ion radiation damage simulator, ion radiation apparatus and ion radiation method An ion radiation damage prediction method includes a parameter computation step of computing the incidence energy and incidence angle of an incident ion hitting a fabricated object, and a step of searching for data in databases created in advance on the basis of the computed incidence energy and angle, the databases storing distributions of quantities of crystalline defects having an effect on the fabricated object, ion reflection probabilities and ion penetration depths. The method also includes finding the penetration depth and location of the incident ion based on the data found in the searching step and based on the computed incidence energy and angle, and computing a quantity of defects in the fabricated object from the penetration depth and location. A distribution of defects may be computed by performing the aforementioned steps for many incident ions.
US08845912B2	Tools and methods for forming semi-transparent patterning masks Means, apparatus, systems, and/or methods are described for forming improved rigid or flexible semi-transparent imprinting templates. These templates can be used to produce patterning masks having improved resolution that do not require plasma etching for residue removal. The methods and apparatus are compatible with roll-to-roll manufacturing processes and enable roll-to-roll formation of a wide range of metal patterned films.
US08845911B2	Method for production of a microstructured molded object A method is provided for producing a microstructured molded object that is intended for culturing of biological cells. According to this method, a plastically deformable first porous film is prepared, as well as a deformable second film and a deformable sacrificial film. The first, second and sacrificial film are placed in a stack. Next, the sacrificial film is subjected to pressure to press the stack into a mold. The mold has recesses, such that deformed regions in the form of cavities are produced in the sacrificial film, the first film and the second film, and undeformed regions remain. During the pressing of the film stack into the mold, the first film and the second film are joined to each other, so that they form a composite film. At least portions of the deformed regions of the second film are etched so that sections of the second film are chemically dissolved. In these sections of the second film, sections in the deformed regions of the first film are opened up, so that the pores in these sections are again free.
US08845908B2	Reticles, and methods of mitigating asymmetric lens heating in photolithography A method of mitigating asymmetric lens heating in photolithographically patterning a photo-imagable material using a reticle includes determining where first hot spot locations are expected to occur on a lens when using a reticle to pattern a photo-imagable material. The reticle is then fabricated to include non-printing features within a non-printing region of the reticle which generate additional hot spot locations on the lens when using the reticle to pattern the photo-imagable material. Other implementations are contemplated, including reticles which may be independent of method of use or fabrication.
US08845906B2	Process for single system electrocoagulation, magnetic, cavitation and flocculation (EMC/F) treatment of water and wastewater The current invention provides a novel process for the treatment and reclamation of drilling frac flowback and produced wastewater from the drilling industry. The wastewater is delivered to the EMC/F System from a frac tank or other reservoir. The wastewater is pumped into the system and is treated sequentially by passing through a mechanical hydrocavitation unit, an electromagnetic unit, an electrocoagulation unit and/or a hydrocyclone and a flocculation-sedimentation tank. Polishing of the final effluent is accomplished by passing the water through a mixed media tank.
US08845905B2	Polypyrrole copolymer nanoparticles-based compositions and methods for detecting lead ions Compositions containing vinyl polymers and ionophores selective for lead ions (e.g., polypyrrole copolymers), and methods for making these compositions are disclosed herein. The compositions can, for example, be used for detecting lead ions in a sample.
US08845904B2	Method for operating ion exchange equipment A regeneration process in the operating method of the invention includes a first regeneration process, and a second regeneration process after the end of the first regeneration process. In the first regeneration process, a regenerant is distributed at a top of an ion exchange resin bed and simultaneously the regenerant is collected at a bottom of the resin bed, thereby generating a downward flow of the regenerant to regenerate the whole of the resin bed. In the second regeneration process, the regenerant is distributed at a bottom of the ion exchange resin bed and simultaneously the regenerant is collected at a middle of the resin bed, thereby generating an upward flow of the regenerant to regenerate a part of the resin bed.
US08845897B2	Drain valve for filter service and method A fluid filter is described, where a drain valve is configured to move back and forth into open and closed positions. The drain valve and a filter cartridge are in a structural arrangement such that the drain valve is put in an open position before the filter and/or a filter element therein can be serviced or replaced.
US08845896B2	Water filter system A water filter system includes a removable filter unit having a body portion including a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is adapted to be inserted into a filter head assembly. A laterally extending key member is disposed on the body portion and adapted to engage a key slot in the filter head assembly. An engagement protrusion extends from the proximal end. The engagement protrusion includes a first portion that has a first radius of curvature and a second portion opposing the first portion that includes a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature.
US08845895B1	Reusable water bottle with integrated disposable cap and filter A bottled water filtration system for use with a water bottle, the system having a bottle cap, a nozzle formed in a first side of the bottle cap, a porous filter housing formed on a second side of the bottle cap, and a filter material located inside the porous filter housing, wherein the cap, nozzle and filter housing are formed as an integrated unit, which can be attached and removed from a water bottle as a unit. The system is preferably used with a disposable plastic water bottle. Additionally, the system may include a rotatable counter for keeping track of the number of effective uses remaining in the filter system. Also, a one-way air valve may be included to prevent “backwash.”
US08845889B2	Oil reservoir with baffle An oil filter reservoir includes a reservoir housing having a filter, which divides the housing into an oil inlet chamber and an oil outlet chamber. A housing inlet and a housing outlet circulate oil in and out of the reservoir housing. The filter includes a permeable wall and a bypass valve, which releases the increased oil pressure and volume in the inlet chamber during cold temperature operation. A baffle in the outlet chamber is spaced apart from the bypass valve and permits limited oil flow through the baffle. The baffle separates the outlet chamber into a reserve chamber and a bypass chamber.
US08845885B2	Crude oil desulfurization A method of removing sulfur from sour oil by subjecting sour oil having a first sulfur content to high shear in the presence of at least one desulfurizing agent to produce a high shear treated stream, wherein the at least one desulfurizing agent is selected from the group consisting of bases and inorganic salts, and separating both a sulfur-rich product and a sweetened oil product from the high shear-treated stream, wherein the sulfur-rich product comprises elemental sulfur and wherein the sweetened oil product has a second sulfur content that is less than the first sulfur content. A system for reducing the sulfur content of sour oil via at least one high shear device comprising at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator, and at least one separation device configured to separate a sulfur-rich product and sweetened oil from the high shear-treated stream.
US08845884B2	Process for increasing aromatics production A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process involves splitting a naphtha feedstream to at least two feedstreams and passing each feedstream to separation reformers. The reformers are operated under different conditions to utilize the differences in the reaction properties of the different hydrocarbon components. The process utilizes a common catalyst, and common downstream processes for recovering the desired aromatic compounds generated.
US08845883B2	Process for increasing aromatics production A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process involves splitting a naphtha feedstream to at least two feedstreams and passing each feedstream to separation reformers. The reformers are operated under different conditions to utilize the differences in the reaction properties of the different hydrocarbon components. The process utilizes a common catalyst, and common downstream processes for recovering the desired aromatic compounds generated.
US08845882B2	High light olefins FCC catalyst compositions Catalytic cracking catalyst compositions and processes for cracking hydrocarbons to maximize light olefins production are disclosed. Catalyst compositions comprise at least one zeolite having catalytic cracking activity under catalytic cracking conditions, preferably Y-type zeolite, which zeolite has low amounts of yttrium in specified ratios to rare earth metals exchanged on the zeolite. Catalyst and processes of the invention provide increased yields of light olefins and gasoline olefins during a FCC process as compared to conventional lanthanum containing Y-type zeolite FCC catalysts.
US08845879B2	Organelle bioelectrodes and methods of making and using the same A method for monitoring the metabolic state of an organelle in the presence of a potential organelle modulating agent is disclosed. A first organelle-modified bioelectrode is provided that is electrically coupled to a second electrode of opposite polarity in a circuit. The first bioelectrode is contacted with an aqueous carrier containing a biologically acceptable electrolyte and an effective amount of a potential organelle modulating agent and an effective amount of an organelle substrate. The substrate is reacted at the bioelectrode to form an ionic product that is released into the aqueous carrier-containing electrolyte to thereby provide a current at the second electrode when the circuit is closed. A metabolic flux data set is obtained during the reaction and is compared to a control metabolic flux data set obtained under the same conditions in the absence of the organelle modulating agent, thereby determining the metabolic state of the organelle.
US08845878B2	Reducing carbon dioxide to products A method reducing carbon dioxide to one or more products may include steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may bubble said carbon dioxide into a solution of an electrolyte and a catalyst in a divided electrochemical cell. The divided electrochemical cell may include an anode in a first cell compartment and a cathode in a second cell compartment. The cathode may reduce said carbon dioxide into said products. Step (B) may adjust one or more of (a) a cathode material, (b) a surface morphology of said cathode, (c) said electrolyte, (d) a manner in which said carbon dioxide is bubbled, (e), a pH level of said solution, and (f) an electrical potential of said divided electrochemical cell, to vary at least one of (i) which of said products is produced and (ii) a faradaic yield of said products. Step (C) may separate said products from said solution.
US08845874B2	Porous electroformed shell for patterning and manufacturing method thereof Disclosed are a porous electroformed shell for forming a grain pattern and a manufacturing method thereof. The method includes the step of implanting a fiber into a patterned surface of a negative-type silicone cast; applying, laminating, and curing an epoxy resin on the patterned surface of the negative-type silicone cast, and transferring the fiber from the negative-type silicone cast to an epoxy mandrel during demolding of the epoxy mandrel; forming a conductive thin film on the patterned surface of the epoxy mandrel, and causing the patterned surface to be conductive; removing the fiber having the conductive thin film from a surface of the epoxy mandrel; forming an electrodeposited layer by electrodepositing an electroforming metal on the conductive thin film while generating and growing a fine pore at a position of a hole due to the removal of the fiber; and demolding the electrodeposited layer having the fine pore from the epoxy mandrel. Through the disclosed method, precise control on a diameter and distribution of a fine pore can be simply and efficiently can be carried out.
US08845871B2	Oxygen sensors An electrochemical oxygen sensor includes a micro-porous plastic membrane supported on a sealing disk and located between a gas inflow port and the sensor's electrolyte. The membrane and disk minimize thermal shock effects due to using the sensor at a first location, at a first temperature, and then moving it to a second location at a different temperature.
US08845870B2	Digital potentiostat circuit and system A small, portable, and inexpensive potentiostat circuit that is suitable for wide-spread electrochemical analysis is disclosed. The potentiostat may be fabricated as a stand-alone electrical component or it may be fabricated in conjunction with a Programmable System-on-Chip (SoC) to facilitate on-the-fly calibration and configuration.
US08845869B2	Electrochemical sensor strip An electrochemical sensor strip includes an electrode support and a cover plate, which cooperatively defines a sample receiving space, an opening, and a sample passage. The electrode support has a downstream recessed region defining the sample receiving space and formed with a plurality of through holes. Electrodes are disposed respectively in the through holes. At least one of the electrodes has a lowered top surface that is lowered relative to a surface of the downstream recessed region to define a shallow space. A filter extends into the sample receiving space from the opening and through the sample passage and covers a portion of a reaction reagent layer. The reaction reagent layer extends into the shallow space. The filter extends above the shallow space and the electrode.
US08845862B2	Device for producing fibrous sheet A device for producing a fibrous sheet, including a water squeezing section which squeezes the dispersion medium from a dispersion to generate a web, and a drying section which dries the web to generate a fibrous sheet, the water squeezing section having multiple first fabric sheets arranged longitudinally along the transport direction of a web substrate that is partway through web generation, and water squeezing units which are provided beneath the multiple first fabric sheets and squeeze the dispersion medium from the dispersion, and in the water squeezing section, a continuous sheet is positioned so as to extend over the upper surface of the multiple first fabric sheets, and the dispersion is discharged onto the upper surface of the continuous sheet.
US08845859B2	Systems and methods for cleaving a bonded wafer pair Systems and methods are provided for mechanically cleaving a bonded wafer pair by controlling the rate of cleaving. This controlled rate of cleaving results in a reduction or elimination of non-uniform thickness variations in the cleaved surface of the resulting SOI wafer. One embodiment uses flexible chucks attached to the faces of the wafers and actuators attached to the flexible chucks to cleave the bonded wafer pair. Other embodiments also use rollers in contact with the surfaces to control the rate of cleaving.
US08845855B2	Electrode for plasma processes and method for manufacture and use thereof A silicon electrode for a plasma reaction chamber wherein processing of a semiconductor substrate such as a single wafer can be carried out and a method of processing a semiconductor substrate with the electrode. The electrode is a low resistivity electrode having an electrical resistivity of less than 1 ohm-cm. The electrode can be a zero defect single crystal silicon or silicon carbide electrode such as a showerhead electrode bonded or clamped to support such as a temperature controlled plate or ring. The showerhead electrode can be in the form of a circular disk of uniform thickness and an elastomeric joint can be provided between a support ring and the electrode. The electrode can include gas outlets having 0.020 to 0.030 inch diameters.
US08845854B2	Laser, plasma etch, and backside grind process for wafer dicing Front side laser scribing and plasma etch are performed followed by back side grind to singulate integrated circuit chips (ICs). A mask is formed covering ICs formed on the wafer, as well as any bumps providing an interface to the ICs. The mask is patterned by laser scribing to provide a patterned mask with gaps. The patterning exposes regions of the semiconductor wafer, below thin film layers from which the ICs are formed. The semiconductor wafer is then etched through the gaps in the patterned mask to advance a front of an etched trench partially through the semiconductor wafer thickness. The front side mask is removed, a backside grind tape applied to the front side, and a back side grind performed to reach the etched trench, thereby singulating the ICs.
US08845847B1	Accelerated low toxicity method of making a composite door A low pressure, low toxicity method of making a composite door, and a door formed from the method involving the steps forming a door frame; installing a foam block within the door frame; applying a thin coating of 1 millimeter to 4 millimeters of an water activated adhesive made of isocyanate and an alkylating agent edge to edge on a front and back side of the door frame and foam block and then within a few seconds or minutes of applying the adhesive, misting the adhesive; then placing the door frame and foam block with adhesive on a back skin then overlaying a front skin on an opposite side forming a door assemblage; and applying low pressure and low heat to the door assemblage to form the composite door.
US08845846B2	Pressure-sensitive adhesive mass A method and an adhesive bond optical components, such that a first optical component is bonded to a second optical component with the adhesive, wherein the adhesive comprises at least an acid anhydride-modified vinylaromatic block copolymer, a metal chelate, and a tackifier resin, and the adhesive has a transmittance of greater than 86% and a haze of less than 5%.
US08845843B2	Methods and means for constituting graphical data, and for protecting use of such data, and modes of reading and storing such data A method of making a data carrier medium comprising a first carrier layer and a graphical inscription on said first carrier layer and constituted, for example, by a text, by a photograph, or by digital data. The method comprises the steps consisting in performing the graphical inscription by depositing at least one metal lithographic deposition of metal on the first carrier layer, in supplying the first carrier layer made of a transparent material, and further in placing a second carrier layer made of a transparent material in superposition on the first carrier layer so as to protect the graphical inscription.
US08845842B2	Method for manufacturing circuit board using electrically conductive particles and circuit board manufactured by the method An exemplary method for manufacturing a circuit board includes, firstly, obtaining an insulating substrate, liquid heat-curable adhesive and electrically conductive particles. The electrically conductive particles are added into the liquid heat-curable adhesive. The electrically conductive particles in the heat-curable adhesive are activated by electrical discharge. Secondly, the liquid heat-curable adhesive having activated electrically conductive particles are spread on the insulating substrate to form a heat-curable adhesive layer on the insulating substrate. Thirdly, the heat-curable adhesive layer are exposed to the mid-infrared light by using a photo-mask, the photo-mask has a pattern corresponding to a desired circuit pattern of the circuit board. The electrically conductive particles relocated themselves one by one to form the circuit pattern under irradiation by the mid-infrared light. Finally, the heat-curable adhesive layer are hardening.
US08845837B2	Method of manufacturing tampons A method of manufacturing a tampon includes transporting a web of material in a machine direction. The web of material has a base web and an absorbent web. The absorbent web has a free end and a bonded end wherein the bonded end is bonded to the base web. At least the free end of the absorbent web of the web to is controlled to inhibit movement of the absorbent web relative to the base web. The web of material is cut into discrete web segments while controlling at least the free end of the absorbent web. The discrete web segments is bonded to a substrate.
US08845831B2	Heat treatment method There is provided a heat treatment method in which high-quality tempering treatment can be performed in a short period of time. In this method, when an object to be treated is tempered after being quenched, the object to be treated is rapidly cooled to a 90% martensite transformation finishing temperature without being cooled to the ordinary temperature after quench heating, and then is subjected to 100% martensite transformation by using a 100° C. liquid, and thereafter, tempering treatment is performed after the whole of the object to be treated is soaked by using the 100° C. liquid.
US08845829B2	Cu alloy material, method of manufacturing Cu alloy conductor using the same, Cu alloy conductor obtained by the method, and cable or trolley wire using the Cu alloy conductor A method of manufacturing a Cu alloy conductor includes the steps of: adding and dissolving In of 0.1-0.7 weight % to a Cu matrix containing oxygen of 0.001-0.1 weight % (10-1000 weight ppm) to form a molten Cu alloy, performing a continuous casting with the molten Cu alloy, rapidly quenching a casting material to a temperature by at least 15° C. or more lower than a melting point of molten Cu alloy, controlling the casting material at a temperature equal to or lower than 900° C., and performing a plurality of hot rolling processes to the casting material such that a temperature of a final hot rolling is within a range of from 500 to 600° C. to form the rolled material.
US08845828B2	Pb-free solder alloy mainly containing Zn There is provided a high-temperature Zn-based Pb free solder alloy having a melting point of approximately 300 to 400° C. and is excellent in wettability, joinability, workability and reliability.The Pb-free solder alloy mainly containing Zn consists of: 1.0 to 9.0 mass %, preferably 3.0 to 7.0 mass % of Al, 0.002 to 0.800 mass %, preferably 0.005 to 0.500 mass % of P, and a balance being Zn except for inevitable impurities incorporated during a manufacturing stage. The Pb-free solder alloy may include at least one of 0.3 to 4.0 mass % of Mg or 0.3 to 3.0 mass % of Ge.
US08845826B2	Lead-free solder for vehicles and a vehicle-mounted electronic circuit using the solder A Sn—Ag—Cu—Bi lead-free solder which can be used for soldering of vehicle-mounted electronic circuits and which has excellent resistance to heat cycles and mechanical strength is provided. The solder contains Ag: 2.8-4 mass %, Bi: 1.5-6 mass %, Cu: 0.8-1.2 mass %, and a remainder of Sn.
US08845823B2	Method of activating an article of passive ferrous or non-ferrous metal prior to carburising, nitriding and /or nitrocarburising A method of activating an article of passive ferrous or non-ferrous metal by heating at least one compound containing nitrogen and carbon, wherein the article is treated with gaseous species derived from the compound. The activated article can be subsequently carburized, nitrided or nitrocarburized in shorter time at lower temperature and resulting superior mechanical properties compared with non-activated articles and even articles of stainless steel, nickel alloy, cobalt alloy or titanium based material can be carburized, nitrided or nitrocarburized.
US08845822B2	Combustible gas Combustible gas, which is easy to be stored, transported and the like and can contribute to improving the quality of a finished state of an operation such as gas cutting, gas welding or brazing, contains ethylene at 38 v/v % or more and 45 v/v % or less and the remainder being hydrogen and unavoidable impurity.
US08845820B2	Tube lancing machine A pair of parallel metal lances is driven by a transversal drive into and out of heat exchanger tubes. The lances are supported by a plurality of spaced apart, retractable door supports so that the transversal drive mechanism can approach the tube sheet of the heat exchanger tubes as closely as possible. A pair of rotational drive motors rotates the lances at a user controllable speed. As the lances are moved into the tubes, the interlocked support doors retract one at a time, sequentially. Similarly, as the lances are withdrawn from the tubes, the support doors close one at a time in an interlocked fashion.
US08845819B2	System for reducing deposits on a compressor An embodiment of the present invention provides a water wash system that may mix a cleaning fluid with at least one chemical agent to form a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution may reduce the corrosives on components of a compressor. The cleaning solution may be an mildly acidic solution to reduce corrosion of a caustic nature. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may be a mildly basic solution to reduce corrosion of an acidic nature.
US08845813B2	Washer, such as a dishwasher or a washing machine, and method for operating a washer The invention relates to a method for operating a washer which comprises a washing chamber for accommodating goods to be cleaned, said washing chamber having in its lower portion a sump for collecting water during operation of the washer, a water inlet connected to a water tank, preferably to a water tank that is integrally, still preferably detachably, formed with the dishwasher, a pump for circulating water through the washing chamber, and a control unit for controlling a washing process carried out by the washer. In accordance dance with a first embodiment of the method of the invention, in this method: water is fed from the tank into the sump by the action of the hydrostatic pressure prevailing within the tank; the pressure within the sump or close to the sump is measured; and based on the pressure measurement the speed of the water flow is monitored and the filling level of the tank is determined, and at least one parameter and/or step of the washing process is controlled and/or indicator signals are issued to a user of the washer.
US08845812B2	Method for contamination removal using magnetic particles Methods and apparatus are provided for cleaning a substrate (e.g., wafer) in the fabrication of semiconductor devices utilizing a composition of magnetic particles dispersed within a base fluid to remove contaminants from a surface of the substrate.
US08845810B2	Substrate damage prevention system and method A substrate damage prevention system and method for a plasma treating apparatus are provided. The system may include a lower electrode on which a substrate may be mounted, an inert gas supply unit which may supply an inert gas to an upper surface of the lower electrode on which the substrate is mounted, and an air supply unit which may supply air to the upper surface of the lower electrode. An inert gas may be supplied between the lower electrode and the substrate in order to control the temperature of the substrate during the chucking. Air may be supplied between the lower electrode and the substrate during dechucking in order to allow the substrate to be easily separated from the lower electrode.
US08845809B2	Scalable, high-throughput, multi-chamber epitaxial reactor for silicon deposition One embodiment provides an apparatus for material deposition. The apparatus includes a reaction chamber, and a pair of susceptors. Each susceptor has a front side mounting substrates and a back side. The front sides of the vertically positioned susceptors face each other, and the vertical edges of the susceptors are in contact with each other. The apparatus also includes a number of gas nozzles for injecting reaction gases. The gas flow directions inside the chamber can be alternated by controlling the gas nozzles. The gas nozzles are configured to inject a small amount of purge gas including at least one of: HCl, SiCl4, and H2 when the gas nozzles are not injecting reaction gas. The apparatus includes a number of heating units situated outside the reaction chamber. The heating units are arranged in such a way that they radiate heat energy directly to the back sides of the susceptors.
US08845808B2	Vapor deposition device, vapor deposition method, and method of manufacturing organic electroluminescent display device A vapor deposition device (50) in accordance with the present invention is a vapor deposition device for forming a film on a film formation substrate (60), the vapor deposition device including a vapor deposition source (80) that has an injection hole (81) from which vapor deposition particles are injected, a vapor deposition particle crucible (82) for supplying the vapor deposition particles to the vapor deposition source (80), and a rotation motor (86) for changing a distribution of the injection amount of the vapor deposition particles by rotating the vapor deposition source (80).
US08845806B2	Shower plate having different aperture dimensions and/or distributions A shower plate is adapted to be attached to the showerhead and includes a front surface adapted to face the susceptor; and a rear surface opposite to the front surface. The shower plate has multiple apertures each extending from the rear surface to the front surface for passing gas therethrough in this direction, and the shower plate has at least one quadrant section defined by radii, wherein the one quadrant section has an opening ratio of a total volume of openings of all the apertures distributed in the section to a total volume of the one quadrant section, which opening ratio is substantially smaller than an opening ratio of another quadrant section of the shower plate.
US08845800B2	Image forming method An image forming method applying a pretreatment liquid on the surface of a recording medium; and applying an inkjet ink including a colorant, a hydrosoluble organic solvent, a surfactant and water on the surface applied with the pretreatment liquid, wherein the hydrosoluble organic solvent includes at least one polyol including an equilibrium water content in an amount not less than 30% by weight at 23° C. and 80% RH; an amide compound having the following formula (I); and at least one of compounds having the following formulae (II) to (IV), and wherein a pure water transfers to the recording medium in an amount of from 1 to 15 mL/m2 when measured by a dynamic scanning liquid absorptometer at a contact time of 100 ms.
US08845794B2	Non-seizing tapers for use in purged connections of capillary tubing used in gas chromatography A non-seizing taper used for purged capillary tubing connections in gas chromatography that stops capillary tubing at a predictable position within the taper during installation and maintains space for gas to flow past the capillary tubing. The disclosed taper is an improved component of commonly used purged devices such as inlet liners and purged unions. The arresting aspect of the taper simplifies the process of capillary tubing installation while ensuring that the tubing will reproducibly be positioned in the taper. One or more features of the taper prevent tubing from seizing within the taper so that the devices can be reused and ensure that there is open space for a portion of gas to flow around and past the tubing. The angle of the taper, the dimensions of the taper, and the nature of the features within the taper can be adjusted to meet specific performance, usability and/or manufacturability requirements.
US08845791B2	Contaminant removal from gas streams A system and method of cleaning and scrubbing contaminants, including sulfides, from an unclean or raw gas includes one or more containers, each of which include a gas permeable receptacle or bag containing an appropriate gas scrubbing medium for removing the contaminants from the gas stream. A gas extraction device is adapted via inserted into the gas scrubbing medium with the gas permeable receptacle wherein the gas extraction device is connected to at least one gas outlet port in the container. A series of containers can be used wherein the containers are connected sequentially to remove the gas. A system for bypassing one of the plurality of containers in order to clean out the container while the gas cleaning mechanism is still in operation is also described.
US08845783B2	Failure detection apparatus and failure detection method for a particulate filter The present invention is intended to detect a failure of a PM filter with a higher degree of accuracy. The present invention is provided with: a PM trapping efficiency calculation part to calculate a PM trapping efficiency (which is a proportion of an amount of particulate matter trapped with respect to an amount of inflow particulate matter) based on an amount of inflow particulate matter obtained by an inflow particulate matter obtaining part, and an amount of outflow particulate matter detected by a PM sensor; and a failure detection part to make a determination that a failure has occurred in the PM filter, in cases where there has appeared a tendency for the PM trapping efficiency to decrease during a period of time until the execution of the following filter regeneration processing is started after the completion of execution of the filter regeneration processing.
US08845782B2	Modular ductwork decontamination assembly A modular ductwork assembly decontaminates an air stream circulating within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The assembly includes one or more of (a) an ionizing module for removing particulates from the air stream, (b) a sterilization module for neutralizing airborne pathogens present in the air stream, (c) an ozone treatment module for neutralizing pathogens or odoriferous or gaseous constituents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the air stream, optionally (d) baffles for slowing and disrupting the flow rate and promoting turbulence in the air stream traveling through the modules, optionally (e) a fan module for directing a treated air stream, optionally (f) an ozone sensor, optionally (g) a monitoring or ozone control means, and optionally (h) a means of delivering and repurposing generated ozone. Each of the modules is arranged substantially adjacent to at least one of the other modules.
US08845776B2	Lead-free copper-based sintered sliding material and sliding parts The present invention relates to sliding material provided by sintering a lead-free copper or copper alloy and contains at least one mineral selected from the group consisting of talc, mica, kaolinite mineral and montmorillonite mineral. Pb has conventionally been included in sliding materials for the purpose of obtaining conformability and seizure resistance. Despite the absence of Pb, the Pb-free copper-based sliding material and sliding parts according to the present invention have improved sliding properties.
US08845775B2	Fertilizer coating This invention relates to a coating composition for a fertilizer comprising at least 50 wt % of a cross-linked lipid; and less than 0.20 wt %, relative to the total weight of the lipid, of a catalyst for cross-linking an unsaturated lipid. The cross-linked lipid has a viscosity at 20 degree Celsius (° C.) in the range of 110 and 800 mPa·s.
US08845769B2	Downdraft gasifier with improved stability A downdraft gasifier (1) has an oxidant inlet (3), a biomass injector (2), a grate (9), a gas exit port (7), and an ash removal system (11). A sensor (10) maintains the height of the bed and a rotating paddle (5) maintains the top of the bed (4) at an even height. The grate arrangement (9) is preferably a sliding grate arrangement which actively moves ash material through the grate. An in-bed oxidant distributor (6) injects oxidant within the bed.
US08845768B2	Proton conducting membranes for hydrogen production and separation In one embodiment, a membrane of proton-electron conducting ceramics that is useful for the conversion of a hydrocarbon and steam to hydrogen has a porous support of M′-Sr1-z′M″z′Ce1-x′-y′Zrx′M′″y′O3-δ, Al2O3, mullite, ZrO2, CeO2 or any mixtures thereof where: M′ is Ni, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, W, Zn, Pt, Ru, Rh, Pd, alloys thereof or mixtures thereof; M″ is Ba, Ca, Mg, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, or Yb; M′″ is Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, W, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, or Yb; z′ is 0 to about 0.5; x′ is 0 to about 0.5; y′ is 0 to about 0.5; and x′+y′>0; for example, Ni—SrCe1-x′Zrx′O3-δ, where x′ is about 0.1 to about 0.3. The porous support is coated with a film of a Perovskite-type oxide of the formula SrCe1-x-yZrxMyO3-δ where M is at least one of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Nb, Mo, W, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb, x is 0 to about 0.15 and y is about 0.1 to about 0.3. By including the Zr and M in the oxide in place of Ce, the stability can be improved while maintaining sufficient hydrogen flux for efficient generation of hydrogen. In this manner, the conversion can be carried out by performing steam methane reforming (SMR) and/or water-gas shift reactions (WGS) at high temperature, where the conversion of CO to CO2 and H2 is driven by the removal of H2 to give high conversions. Methods of preparing the membrane cells and a system for use of the membrane cells to prepare hydrogen are presented. A method for sequestering CO2 by reaction with methane or other hydrocarbon catalyzed by the novel membrane to form a syngas is also presented.
US08845763B2	Method for manufacturing a flat-plate battery The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a flat-plate battery. The method includes step S1: providing a chlorophyll layer; step S2: providing a first separator and a second separator absorbing a solution of organic salt respectively; step S3: providing a negative-electrode layer; step S4: coating the first separator on the negative-electrode layer; step S5: coating the chlorophyll layer thereon; step S6: coating the second separator thereon; step S7: coating a positive-electrode layer thereon; and step S8: sandwiching them between an upper plate and a lower plate. The flat-plate battery manufactured by the method can store hydrogen by the chlorophyll of the chlorophyll layer, and this method will not cause environmental pollution even when the flat-plate battery is discarded after use.
US08845761B1	Fluorescent whitening agent compositions Disclosed are compositions containing: a) 25-60% by weight of compound of formula (1) wherein X is hydrogen, an alkali or alkaline-earth metal, ammonium, alkylammonium and alkanolalkylammonium, alkanolammonium; b) at least 25% by weight of urea; c) up to 50% by weight of water.
US08845759B2	Reduction of ammonia smell in substances for oxidative dyeing and/or lightening keratin fibres A preparation for oxidative dyeing and/or lightening keratin fibers, particularly human hair, contains in a cosmetic carrier (a) a first alkyl glucoside having formula (I) in which R1 stands for an unbranched or branched, saturated or unsaturated C20-C28 alkyl group and n stands for a whole number from 1 to 10, (b) a second alkyl glucoside having formula (II) in which R2 stands for an unbranched or branched, saturated or unsaturated C8-C18 alkyl group and m stands for a whole number from 1 to 10, (c) ammonia and (d) an oxidizer.
US08845751B2	Endoprosthesis component An endoprosthesis component and a method for producing an endoprosthesis component is disclosed. The endoprosthesis component comprises a body predefining the shape of the endoprosthesis component. On surface portions with which the endoprosthesis component in the implanted state is in contact with human tissue, the body is covered with an outer layer which comprises a nitride, an oxynitride or an oxide based on a refractory metal and which contains silver and/or copper. An intermediate layer is arranged between the outer layer and the body in such a way that parts of the intermediate layer are accessible from the outside. The endoprosthesis component enables generation of a long-term antimicrobial action with the outer layer and, in addition, action on the surrounding tissue from the intermediate layer.
US08845750B2	Joint resurfacing prosthetic implant system A joint resurfacing prosthetic implant system is disclosed having an anatomically-shaped implant to replace a joint at a pedal digit or finger, including a head having an elliptical bearing surface disposed for engaging the end of an adjacent bone and a seating surface opposite the bearing surface, an elongated stem extending distally from the seating surface, and a flange on the circumference of the device and extending distally from the seating surface. The flange includes one or more portals and a removed section configured to avoid impinging upon a tendon during and after implantation of the prosthetic. A specialized tool is also provided to facilitate the resection of the bone for implantation. The specialized tool includes an elliptical template having a cutting edge and a center insert that is sized and configured to match a reamer used to bore into the bone for insertion of the implant.
US08845746B2	Femoral component of a knee prosthesis having an angled posterior cement pocket An implantable orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a component that is configured to be coupled to a surgically-prepared bone. A fixation side of the component includes a fixation surface that has an angled cement pocket formed therein.
US08845742B2	Shoulder prosthesis The present disclosure relates to a stemless shoulder prosthesis comprising a fixation device for fixing the prosthesis to a resected humerous bone, the fixation device comprising a base portion and anchoring means the base portion having a distal side adapted to contact a resection plane of the bone and a proximal side for carrying a humeral head. The anchoring means are connected to the distal side of the base portion and adapted to fix the prosthesis to the bone. The anchoring means define a central axis perpendicular to the distal side of the base portion and a free central space around the central axis.
US08845740B2	Artificial joint components including mechanized synovial fluid deflecting structures and particle retaining structures 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 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; 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; and at least one particle retaining structure positioned to contact the directed flow of synovial fluid and configured to retain non-physiological particles present within the synovial fluid.
US08845738B2	Spinal implant having deployable bone engaging projections Instrumentation is disclosed for inserting an interbody spinal fusion implant for implantation at least in part within and across the generally restored height of a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine. The implant has an external housing and a substantially hollow internal rotatable member having bone engaging projections that are deployable through the housing to penetrably engage the adjacent vertebral bodies.
US08845734B2	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.
US08845732B2	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.
US08845728B1	Spinal fixation devices and methods of use Placement apparatus and methods of use for impanation of spacers within an inter-vertebral disc space. In one embodiment, the load-bearing superstructure of the implant is subdivided and the bone forming material is positioned within an internal space of the placement instrument but external to the load bearing elements themselves. At least a portion of the bone graft material is freely contained within the disc space. A method of using the device is also described. In one embodiment, the placement device is used to place the implantable spacers at opposing ends of the disc space using a directly lateral surgical approach.
US08845727B2	Intervertebral body fusion implant device An intervertebral body fusion implant device configured for being engaged between two adjacent vertebrae comprises an implant device body having an upper bone engaging portion and a lower bone engaging portion, a plurality of protrusions extending from each one of the upper and lower bone engaging portions, and a guide rail extending from each one of the bone engaging portions. A passage extends between the upper bone engaging portion and the lower bone engaging portion. The guide rail of each one of the bone engaging portions extends beyond a tip portion of each one of the protrusions thereof. Each one of the guide rails extends substantially parallel with each other one of the guide rails.
US08845726B2	Dilator A dilator that facilitates implantation of an interspinous spacer is provided. The dilator includes a proximal portion and a tapered distal portion interconnected by an elongated body portion. The tapered distal portion is ideally suited for splitting ligamentous tissue for creating a posterior midline pathway through the supraspinous ligament as well as for distracting the adjacent spinous processes. Two oppositely located and longitudinally extending channels or grooves are formed in the outer surface of the dilator for stabilizing the dilator with respect to the spinous processes. An accompanying cannula together with the dilator form a system for the distraction of the adjacent spinous processes, stabilization of the spinous processes with respect to the system and creation of a working channel for the implantation of an interspinous spacer.
US08845724B2	Method and apparatus for altering biomechanics of the articular joints Pathology of the human knee can arise from excessive and/or uneven loading of regions within the joint. Methods and apparatus are disclosed that enable displacement of soft tissue around the knee, without displacing or severing bone thereby altering the mechanical load distribution within the joint in a less invasive manner than previous techniques.
US08845723B2	Systems and methods for introducing elements into tissue Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.
US08845717B2	Coaptation enhancement implant, system, and method Implants, implant systems, and methods for treatment of mitral valve regurgitation and other valve diseases generally include a coaptation assist body which remains within the blood flow path as the leaflets of the valve move, the valve bodies often being relatively thin, elongate (along the blood flow path), and/or conformable structures which extend laterally from commissure to commissure, allowing the native leaflets to engage and seal against the large, opposed surfaces on either side of the valve body during the heart cycle phase when the ventricle contracts to empty that chamber of blood, and allows blood to pass around the valve body so that blood flows from the atrium to the ventricle during the filling phase of the heart cycle. Separate deployment of independent anchors near each of the commissures may facilitate positioning and support of an exemplary triangular valve body, with a third anchor being deployed in the ventricle. An outer surface of the valve body may accommodate tissue ingrowth or endothelialization, while a fluid-absorbing matrix can swell after introduction into the heart. The valve body shape may be selected after an anchor has been deployed, and catheter-based deployment systems may have a desirable low profile.
US08845716B2	Multilayer-coated stent for controlled drug release and manufacturing method thereof The present invention provides a multilayer-coated stent for controlled drug release, comprising: a first base layer formed on a stent support and made of poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate) or polystyrene-ethylene-butylene rubber polymer; a second coating layer formed on the first base layer and made of a biocompatible or a bioabsorbable polymer and a drug component; and a third coating layer formed on the second coating layer and made of a biocompatible or a bioabsorbable polymer and a drug component different from the drug component of the second coating layer. The inventive stent can deliver a broad range of therapeutic substances for a long time and prevent the early rapid release of the drug components in blood. Also, unlike the existing drug-coated stents, the inventive stent includes two kinds of drugs complementary to each other, but can optimize the efficacy of the drugs by differentiating the control of drug release according to time.
US08845708B2	Stent graft introducer A stent graft introducer has a pusher, a nose cone, a region between the pusher and the nose cone for a stent graft, a sleeve extending over the pusher and proximally to the nose cone to cover the stent graft when retained in the region. An indwelling auxiliary catheter with a pre-curved proximal end is fitted into the introducer. The nose cone has an elongate groove and the auxiliary catheter has its proximal end in the elongate groove. In a partially retracted position of the sleeve the curved proximal end of the indwelling auxiliary catheter is exposed and uncovered by the sleeve and in an advanced position of the sleeve the curved proximal end of the indwelling auxiliary catheter is straightened, extends along the length of the groove in the nose cone and is covered by the sleeve.
US08845706B2	Medical treatment apparatus for exposing tumor mass A medical treatment apparatus applies heat to the skin so that the skin may be gradually collapsed without incision and thereby a tumor mass beneath the skin may be exposed to the outside and allowed to be removed. This apparatus includes a cup-like container, oil, and a wick. The container is placed on the first part of the skin that covers a target tumor, and has a vertically penetrated cylindrical shape. The oil is contained in the container and is in contact with the first part of the skin. The wick is placed in the oil so as to catch flame. The temperature of the oil gradually rises while the flame lives on the wick, so heat is continuously applied to the first part of the skin from the oil. This apparatus may further include at least one of a cooling unit and a cooling water pipe placed at an outside of the container, enclosing the container, being in contact with the second part of the skin that is located at the outside of the container, and cooling the second part of the skin. This apparatus may also include an adhesive interposed between the container and the first part of the skin.
US08845703B2	Red light implants for treating osteoporosis Red light implants for delivering red light to spinal implants to enhance osteointegration.
US08845700B2	Adjustable bone screw assembly A bone screw assembly includes a screw body, including anchor portion and rod-receiving portion, and a rod seat movably mounted in the screw body to allow for controlled angulation between a spinal connection element disposed in the rod seat and the screw body. The rod seat is pivotable in one or more selected directions about one or more axes relative to the screw body. The rod seat may include a first lower rod seat element disposed in a recess of the screw body having a cylindrical bottom surface to facilitate pivoting in a first direction. A second lower rod seat element is stacked on the first lower rod seat element and has a conical bottom surface abutting a top surface of the first lower rod seat element to facilitate pivoting in a second direction.
US08845699B2	Method of securing tissue A retainer member formed of bone secures tissue relative to a bone. The retainer member forms an opening in a compact outer layer of the bone. The retainer member is enclosed in a tubular member or sleeve to prevent breaking of the retainer member during formation of the opening in the bone. The extent of movement of the retainer member into the hone in the patient's body is determined as the retainer member is moved into the bone. A suture may be connected with the retainer member and used to connect tissue with the bone. The retainer member may be positioned across a fracture in a bone to hold portions of the hone relative to each other. The retainer member may be used at a joint between end portions of bones to immobilize the joint and be released by breaking the retainer member.
US08845695B2	Anchoring member with safety ring A method for osteosynthesis of a spinal column using an assembly including a bone anchor, a connector and a ring, the method comprising: inserting an anchoring part of the bone anchor into bone, the bone anchor including the anchoring part and a head, the head positioned to be in contact with the connector and ring; inserting a connecting member into the connector; and applying a force to the connecting member such that the connecting member applies the force against the ring and the bone anchor, wherein the head of the bone anchor contacts the connector, ring and connecting member during the application of the force.
US08845690B2	Variable tension spine fixation rod A variable stiffness rod is provided for use in spine stabilization systems. The variable stiffness rod system includes an outer member having a cannulation that retains a flexible tensioning inner member that can be used to adjust the stiffness of the rod via an adjustable end cap assembly that couples the inner member to the outer member at least at one end of the fixation rod.
US08845687B2	Anchor for securing a suture An anchor, formed of at least two different materials, for securing a suture relative to bone. The anchor includes a generally cylindrical body portion having a leading end configured to facilitate insertion of the body portion into the bone; a passage which is oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body portion and proximate the leading end of the body portion; and bone engaging projections to secure the anchor in the bone.
US08845686B2	Surgical suture system A surgical suture system, suture, and tissue engaging member for tissue repair and reattachment of torn tissue to a tissue substrate, medical prosthesis or medical implant. The system includes the elongated flexible suture member having a plurality of longitudinally spaced protuberances along a length thereof and one or a plurality of the tissue engaging members each of which include two closely spaced apart locking apertures sized and configured to receive one of the suture members passed therethrough or a unique single locking aperture to allow longitudinal tensioning and/or restraining movement of the suture member in only one direction through the locking apertures for suture member tightening.
US08845685B2	Anchor assembly and method of use A flexible member securing assembly to secure a flexible member relative to tissue is provided and includes a shaft, an arm, an anchor, and a flexible member grasper. The shaft extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end and a second end. The arm is extendable from the shaft second end and the flexible member grasper is adjacent to a distal end of the arm to position the flexible member in relation to the anchor. The anchor is removably positioned at the shaft second end and can retain the flexible member in the tissue. Methods of securing a flexible member are also provided.
US08845684B2	Tissue closure device with resilient arms A tissue closure device includes a main body, a sheath, and a biasing member. The main body has a plurality of resilient arms that each extend from a proximal end to a distal tip. The resilient arms are movable between an open configuration in which the distal tips are radially spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the main body and from each other and a closed configuration in which the distal tips abut one another at or near the longitudinal axis. The sheath is longitudinally slideable on the main body to move the arms between the open and closed configurations. The biasing member causes the sheath to bias the arms toward the closed configuration.
US08845681B2	Rigidly-linked articulating wrist with decoupled motion transmission The present invention is a device having a rigidly linked jaw that is decoupled from an articulating wrist. The device provides for articulating motion as well as actuation that may be used in grasping, cutting, suturing or the like.
US08845677B2	Retrievable device having a reticulation portion with staggered struts A retrievable device for treatment of a stenotic lesion in a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises a reticulation portion including a plurality of struts connected together in a singly staggered configuration distally along a longitudinal axis. The plurality of struts of the reticulation portion is configured to fold along the longitudinal axis defining a collapsed state of the device for retrieval. The device further includes an expandable body distally extending from the reticulation portion along an outer diameter for treatment of the stenotic lesion. The expandable body is configured to expand in the open state and collapsed in the collapsed state of the reticulation portion for retrieval. The device further comprises a retrieval stem extending proximally from the reticulation portion for retrieval of the device in the collapsed state.
US08845672B2	Balloon system and methods for treating obesity A medical system for the treatment of morbid obesity comprising an inflatable balloon implanted in a gastric cavity, a percutaneous fillant delivery tube and a control module connected to the tube for regulating the inflation and deflation of the balloon. The balloon may be individually contoured and inflated to occupy a large volume of the gastric cavity to provide a feeling of satiety. The balloon may also be deflated to give the gastric cavity lining a rest during less critical time.
US08845669B2	Reuse protection for lancet system A lancet magazine for use in a lancing aid is described comprising a plurality of lancets each having a lancet body at the proximal end of the lancet and a lancet tip at the distal end of the lancet, where the proximal end of the lancet points in the direction of the proximal end of the housing of the lancet magazine and the distal end of the lancet is aligned in the direction of the distal end of the housing and the lancets in the unused state are completely surrounded by the housing. Furthermore, an extension unit is movably connected to the housing in such a manner that the housing can be extended by movement of the extension unit in the direction of the distal end of the housing such that the lancet is prevented from emerging from the lancet magazine.
US08845665B2	Bipolar or ultrasonic surgical device An electro-mechanical surgical device, system and/or method may include a housing, at least two opposing jaw, and at least one electrical contact associated with at least one of the jaws. The electrical contact may include at least one of a bipolar electrical contact and an ultrasonic electrical contact. The electrical contact may be a row of electrodes located on one or all of the jaws. A sensor may also be associated with any tissue located between the jaws to sense and report the temperature of that tissue. A piercable ampulla containing fluid may also be placed on at least one of the jaws so that the fluid is releasable when the jaws are in closed position and the electrode(s) pass through the tissue into the piercable ampulla.
US08845663B2	Biliary decompression and anastomosis stent A stent and a method for implanting a stent for decompression and anastomosis formation are provided. The stent includes a non-expandable, generally tubular body having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a lumen extending through at least a portion of the body, a distal opening in the distal portion in fluid communication with the lumen and a proximal opening in the proximal portion in fluid communication with the lumen. The stent further includes a first magnetic element positioned on the distal portion of the tubular body and a second magnetic element movably positionable on the proximal portion of the tubular body. The second magnetic element is configured to surround and move over the proximal portion of the tubular body towards the first magnetic element.
US08845651B2	Impacting device and method An impacting device including a head having a longitudinal axis, a lateral surface and a base surface. The impacting device also includes a recess positioned in the head having a first channel and a second channel, the first and second channels being operably connected to each other. The first and second channels are at an angle with respect to each other when viewed in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis.
US08845649B2	Spinal fixation tool set and method for rod reduction and fastener insertion A tool for implantation of a rod into a bone screw implanted in a human spine includes a guide member having a laterally opening channel disposed along an entire length thereof for side loading and receiving an implant fastener. A rod pushing member and a handle with a laterally opening channel are coaxial with the guide member, with the rod pushing member being rotatingly mateable to the guide member and the handle having a spring attachment mechanism for attaching the handle to the guide member. The guide member includes spring tabs for attachment to a bone screw, the tabs biased away from the bone screw. The rod pushing member includes a sleeve that extends substantially about the guide member, pressing the spring tabs toward the bone screw and into apertures on the bone screw arms. The rod pushing member sleeve also operatively functions as a rod pusher that abuts a rod as the sleeve is translated along the guide member and toward the bone screw. The handle lateral opening receives and supports a manipulation tool for inserting and installing an implant fastener for attaching the rod to the bone screw.
US08845642B2	Systems, devices and apparatuses for bony fixation and disk repair and replacement methods related thereto The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize an apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for removably suspending a spacer in the intervertebral space while forming such a channel as well as systems, apparatuses and methods for use of dynamized implant members.
US08845636B2	Seal plate with insulation displacement connection An end effector assembly having first and second jaw members is provided where one or both of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. One (or both) of the jaw members includes an inwardly-facing surface having a slot defined therein and a wire having an insulative coating. A seal plate has at least one protrusion that is configured to be disposed in the slot. The at least one protrusion of the seal plate is configured to displace the insulative coating from the wire thereby forming an electrical connection therewith when the at least one protrusion is disposed in the slot.
US08845633B2	Ablation catheter electrode having multiple thermal sensors and method of use The invention relates to electrodes used in ablation catheter devices, where the electrodes contain two or more thermal sensors at different positions within the electrode that are capable of detecting temperature differences along the external surface of the electrode. In preferred embodiments, the thermal sensors are separated by one or more thermal insulating members and the thermal sensors are positioned near the external surface of the electrode at about the same distance from the end of the electrode, so that temperature measurements can indicate the position of the electrode with respect to the tissue desired to be ablated.
US08845628B2	Cryoablation system having docking station for charging cryogen containers and related method A cryoablation system includes thermally insulated containers for holding liquid refrigerant. The containers are placed in a docking station that charges the containers with a liquid refrigerant at a cryogenic temperature suitable for carrying out a surgical procedure. The charged containers are detachably connectable with an inlet line of a cryoablation probe. When the cryoprobe is activated, the chilled liquid refrigerant is transported from a delivery container, through the cryoprobe, and to a recovery container. The recovery container is preferably identical in design to the delivery container. The refilled recovery container is then placed in the docking station to charge. In another embodiment, a cartridge includes a delivery container and recovery container combined as a single unit. Methods are also described.
US08845626B2	Lensed dual-chip fiber-coupler for providing an aiming beam in an infrared radiation delivery apparatus Laser treatment apparatus includes one diode-laser providing infrared radiation for the treatment and another diode-laser for providing visible radiation. A lens launches the infrared and visible radiations from the diode-lasers into the entrance face of the optical fiber for transporting the radiations to a treatment location.
US08845624B2	Adaptive patient interface A patient interface for an ophthalmic system can include an attachment module, attachable to the ophthalmic system, and a contact module, configured to accommodate a viscoelastic substance between the patient interface and a procedure eye. The viscoelastic substance can include a fluid, a liquid, a gel, a cream, an artificial tear, a film, an elastic material, or a viscous material. The refractive index of the viscoelastic substance can be within a range of approximately 1.24-1.52 at an operating wavelength of the ophthalmic system. The patient interface can further include input ports, output ports, and a suction system. It can be an integrated design or a multi-piece patient interface. The viscoelastic substance can be provided by injection, on the cornea, at the contact module, or in a space bounded by soft elastic films or membranes, such as in a bag.
US08845615B2	Clamping catheter connectors, systems, and methods Catheter connectors, systems, and methods in which one or more catheters are attached to a connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the catheter is retained relative to the connector by inward radial compression between an outer surface of a hollow connector pin inserted into the catheter, and a clamping arm that pivots relative to the connector pin and pushes against an outer surface of the catheter. One or more sleeves may slide over the clamping arm to bias the clamping arm radially inwardly.
US08845613B2	Bolus dose determination for a therapeutic fluid dispensing system Disclosed is a medical device to treat diabetes. The medical device includes a bolus calculator to determine an insulin bolus based on, at least in part, a glycemic index value associated with an intake to be consumed by a user, the bolus calculator further adapted to determine the insulin bolus using one or more inputs selected from the group consisting of a carbohydrate load of the intake, a current glucose level of the user, a residual insulin of the user, a carbohydrate to insulin ration, an insulin sensitivity of the user and a target glucose level of the user. The bolus calculator is housed in one or more of, for example, an insulin dispensing pump, a handheld remote control unit for the insulin dispensing pump and/or a handheld glucose monitor.
US08845611B2	Multi-chamber bag There is provided a multi-chamber bag that is capable of securely checking a medicinal substance accommodated therein without the necessity to perform a troublesome work, while preventing a matter deteriorating the medicinal substance from reaching the inside of a medicinal-substance accommodation chamber and hence securely preventing the deterioration of the medicinal substance. In a multi-chamber bag having a bag body that has a strong seal part that joins two sheet members together to define an interior space of the bag body, and a weak seal part that joints the two sheet members together so as to be able to rupture them apart, thereby partitioning the interior space of the bag body into a medicinal-substance accommodation chamber and a diluting-solution accommodation chamber, a pair of cover sheets are provided to respectively cover the medicinal-substance accommodation chamber. Each of the cover sheets is jointed to the facing sheet member so as to form an outside seal part surrounding the medicinal-substance accommodation chamber. One of the cover sheets has a structure capable of absorbing adverse influence causing matters, and a communication part for communication between spaces formed between both the sheet members and the both the cover sheets on both the sides is formed between an inside edge of the outside seal part and an inside edge of the strong seal part.
US08845606B2	Controlled discharge ostomy appliance and shield therefor A controlled discharge ostomy appliance assembly comprises (i) a stoma seal that is self-urging with a dynamic damping characteristic that resists changes of seal volume, (ii) a press-fit coupling member displaceable from an unlocked position to a locked position as part of a press-fit process, and (iii) a single-use frangible portion. The assembly further includes a protector shield removably fastened to the appliance forming a combined assembly therewith. The protector shield comprises (i) a seal displacer manipulable for displacing the stoma seal to a non-operative position ready for fitting, (ii) a substantially rigid coupling member guard portion for protecting the state of the coupling member, and (iii) a bracing portion for bracing the single-use frangible portion.
US08845601B2	Skin cooling apparatus and method Skin cooling apparatus is provided for use with a medical treatment device such as a hypodermic syringe or a skin ablation laser or other electromagnetic source. The skin cooling apparatus provides selective, localized cooling of the target area that is acted upon by the medical treatment device. Included is a support body engaging at least a portion of the medical treatment device, for supporting and orienting the medical treatment device to the target area. A solid state cooling device such as a thermoelectric or Peltier device is carried by the support body and includes a cooling surface facing the target area of a patient's skin surface. The support body may be flexible so as to allow the medical treatment device to be inclined relative to the skin surface. The support body may also include aiming structure for directing the medical treatment device to a particular point within the target area.
US08845600B2	Skin care compositions and uses thereof Various topical compositions for skin care are disclosed. These topical composition include: one or more acidic fermentation products derived from one or more (C1-C6) unsubstituted straight chain alcohols and branched alcohols; one or more alkali metal halides; one or more polysaccharides; and water. Methods of treating acne, seborrheic dermatitis, effects of ageing, blemishes, cleansing and treating skin, and the like, with these various topical compositions are also provided.
US08845598B2	Lavage device A device for holding fluid has a spout for pouring the fluid. The device includes a lid with an aperture. The aperture can be covered by a user's fingers or uncovered to control the flow of fluid out of the spout.
US08845597B2	Adapter for an injection appliance An adapter for use with an appliance for administering an injectable product, the adapter serving to create a product connection between a catheter and a product container that can be inserted into the appliance, and including a thread for screwing the adapter to the appliance, a stop for fixing the container in the longitudinal direction of the thread, an attachment piece to which the catheter may be connected, and a product channel that extends through the attachment piece and the thread.
US08845595B2	Device for protection of the needle for a syringe and injection device comprising a syringe and said protection device The needle protection device comprises: a protector support (20), defining an introduction duct for a syringe body, a needle protector (22) which may be displaced relative to the protector support (20), between a retracted position and a deployed position, a compression spring (24), applied between the protector support (20) and the needle protector (22) and initial retaining means (38, 40, 54) for the needle protector (22) against the force of the compressed spring (24), said means (38, 40, 54) being released by displacement of the needle protector (22) in a release direction with relation to the protector support (20). The device further comprises mechanical locking means (56) for the needle protector (22) with relation to the protector support (20) in the release direction in the absence of a syringe body in the protector support duct and said mechanical locking means (56) may be deactivated by engaging a syringe body in the duct on the protector support (20).
US08845594B2	Auto-injector with filling means An injection device comprises a housing adapted to receive a fluid container having a discharge nozzle and a dispensing piston moveable in the fluid container to expel the contents of the fluid container out of the discharge nozzle. A drive is adapted on activation to act on the fluid container to advance it from a retracted position in which the discharge nozzle is contained within the housing to an extended position in which the discharge nozzle extends from the housing and act on the dispensing piston to expel the contents of the fluid container out of the discharge nozzle. A connector is adapted to receive a vial containing fluid and connect it to the discharge nozzle. There is also means to move the dispensing piston relative to the fluid container from a first position in which the dispensing piston is located in the fluid container adjacent the discharge nozzle to a second position in which the dispensing piston has been drawn away from the discharge nozzle, thereby drawing fluid from the vial into the fluid container.
US08845592B2	Medicament delivery device The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device (10) comprising a front housing (12) and a rear housing (14) connected to each other; a medicament container (18) disposed within the front housing (12), wherein the container (18) has a front opening with or for a delivery member for delivering the medicament therethrough and at least one movable stopper (25); and a compression spring (26) having a predetermined compressed length and a predetermined outer diameter, wherein the compressed length is the length of the spring when it is in a pre-tensioned state; wherein the device further comprises a first guide means comprising a front part (28) having a predetermined first length (61), a middle part (42) having a predetermined second length (62), and a rear part (34) having a predetermined third length (63), wherein said predetermined third length corresponds to the predetermined compressed length of the compression spring, wherein the front part (28) is arranged to be in contact with the movable stopper (25), wherein the middle part comprises an annular ledge (41) and first lock-release means (43), and wherein the rear part (34) is fully surrounded by the compression spring when it is in its pre-tensioned state; and a second guide means which constitutes a generally tubular inner wall (32) of the rear housing (14) having a predetermined fourth length (64), a rear end surface (31), a predetermined inner diameter, and second lock-release means, wherein the predetermined fourth length corresponds to the predetermined first (61) and the predetermined second (62) lengths together, and wherein the predetermined inner diameter of the second guide means is somewhat larger than the predetermined outer diameter of the compression spring, such that the compression spring is fully arranged inside said second guide means between the rear end surface (31) and the annular ledge (41) when it is in its pre-tensioned state.
US08845586B2	Method and apparatus for facilitating injection of medication into an intravenous fluid line while maintaining sterility of infused fluids A warming device for an IV fluid line according to the present invention includes a warmer unit and a wye type fitting with an injection site. The warmer unit includes a tube for intravenous fluid and channels containing a warming fluid to heat the IV tube. One fitting branch is connected to an intravenous fluid source, while the remaining branch houses the injection site. The injection site branch includes an injection safety member that ensures a syringe needle or other instrument is contained within the fitting to prevent rupture of the IV tube. The warming device may include an additional wye type fitting coupled to the initial fitting and including another injection site, where the fittings typically exclude the safety member. A syringe needle is inserted into the additional injection site to prevent rupture of the IV tube. In addition, the warming device may be configured for needleless injections.
US08845585B2	Intravenous catheter set The invention includes a barrel, a needle assembly, a catheter, a stopper and a vacuum generator. The needle assembly is disposed in the barrel and has a needle, a needle hub and a needle piston. The needle piston is fastened onto the needle hub. The catheter is axially connected onto the needle hub and passed through by the needle. The stopper is operably disposed at the first end of the barrel and normally stops the needle hub from moving. The vacuum generator has a plunger and a vacuum piston mounted on an end thereof. The vacuum piston is slidably received in the barrel and normally abuts against the needle piston, and the plunger protrudes from the second end of the barrel. The needle assembly will be pulled and retracted in the barrel when the plunger is pulled outward and the stopper releases the needle hub.
US08845578B2	Biomaterial delivery device A biomaterial delivery device includes an elongated handheld powder storage conduit with proximal and distal ends and a bore having a central axis. The proximal end is closed by a movable powder dispensing actuator, and the distal end is closed by an openable sealing nib moveable from its closed to its open position by force upon the actuator whether or not the distal end is in contact with a surface. The conduit contains finely-divided loosely-filled powdered sterile biomaterial and a plurality of powder-contacting clump-disrupting projections arrayed inside and along the length of the conduit between the actuator and the nib. The projections are movable in the direction of the central axis by force upon the actuator, and the device when held upright with the nib opened provides a path along which powder may fall past the projections to be gravitationally dispensed in non-atomized form.
US08845574B2	Weighted infusion sleeve An irrigation sleeve for a phacoemulsification needle is constructed with a non-uniform distribution of mass. When the sleeve is used with torsional phacoemulsification apparatus the sleeve adds to the eccentric motion of the needle, adding efficiency to the phacoemulsification process. In one embodiment, weights are implanted in the sleeve. In another embodiment the sleeve is molded with concentrations of sleeve material at selected locations in the sleeve.
US08845572B2	Method and device for the treatment of glaucoma The invention relates to a method and a device for treatment of glaucoma, wherein by means of an elongated catheter provided with a distal portion and a proximal portion, a tube-shaped implant is inserted and released in a Schlemm's canal with two opposite openings exposed by an incision and a folded up scleral flap. In a first phase, the distal portion inserted into the Schlemm's canal through the first opening, while a fluid or gaseous medium is injected at the same time, and exited through the second opening, which is, in circumferential direction, oppositely located. The implant detachably disposed at the protruding distal portion and, in a second phase, inserted, in circumferential direction, into the expanded Schlemm's canal up to the first opening. Subsequently, the distal portion, which protrudes from the first opening, is detached from the implant and, together with the catheter, removed.
US08845569B2	Splint system and method of use Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving control and stabilization of bone fractures in mammals, most specifically humans. Stabilization and traction is often required to support fractured bones of the arms or legs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency or military setting. The devices utilize a collapsible, inflatable member that is expanded and locked into position. The frame or inflatable member is fabricated primarily from polymeric materials with low radiodensity. The limb contact regions are adjustable to fit a wide variety of limb sizes and fracture locations. The traction applied by the splint is adjustable, controllable and measurable. The traction splint is compact and will fit in a compartment of most emergency rescue vehicles, thus making it more available for use than standard traction splints used today. The traction splint is either a separate device or integrated into a backboard.
US08845560B1	Physical therapy chair A physical therapy chair. Implementations may include a seat bottom coupled to a chair base adjustable along a z axis. A seat back couples to the seat bottom at an angle to the axis. An arm support slidably couples to the seat back and is fixable at desired positions. An arm has first, second, and third arm portions. The first arm portion pivotally couples to the arm support, the second arm portion rotatably couples to the first arm portion, and the third arm portion rotatably couples to the second arm portion. A leg couples to the seat bottom and has upper and lower leg portions. The upper leg portion has an upper first portion and an upper second portion. The upper first portion pivotally couples to the seat bottom and slidably couples to the upper second portion which slides thereby to change a length of the upper leg portion.
US08845559B2	Method and apparatus for treating tissues with HIFU A method for treating a desired volume of tissue using HIFU or other energy modality to ablate a pattern of elemental treatment volumes each having a volume that is greater than that of the focal zone of the HIFU transducer but smaller than the overall volume of the desired treatment volume. In one embodiment, the pattern of elemental treatment volumes are arranged to form a shell which partially or wholly encapsulates the desired volume of tissue, which then necroses in situ due to effects other than direct HIFU damage (including some combination of ischemia, thermal conduction, inflammation, apoptosis, etc.). The necrosed tissue remains in the body and is subsequently resorbed and/or healed via normal body mechanisms.
US08845558B2	Methods and apparatus for configuring an ablation source of a catheter Embodiments of the invention relate to a catheter having an ultrasound energy emitting region that is both rotatable about and slidable along the shaft of the catheter. One embodiment is directed to a catheter comprising an ultrasound transducer coupled to the shaft, and at least one actuator coupled to the handle and the ultrasound transducer that is adapted to move the ultrasound transducer both longitudinally along the shaft and circumferentially about the shaft. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a catheter comprising an ultrasound transducer coupled to the shaft, and at least one actuator that is adapted to move the sheath both longitudinally along the shaft and circumferentially about the shaft to orient a window of the sheath in a desired position.
US08845557B1	Movement disorder monitoring and symptom quantification system and method The present invention relates to a movement disorder monitor with high sensitivity, and a method of measuring the severity of a subject's movement disorder. The present invention additionally relates to a drug delivery system for dosing a subject in response to the increased severity of a subject's symptoms. The present invention provides for a system and method, which can accurately and repeatably quantify symptoms of movements disorders, accurately quantifies symptoms utilizing both kinetic information and/or electromyography (EMG) data, that can be worn continuously to provide continuous information to be analyzed as needed by the clinician, that can provide analysis in real-time, that allows for home monitoring of symptoms in subject's with these movement disorders to capture the complex fluctuation patterns of the disease over the course of days, weeks or months, that maximizes subject safety, and that provides substantially real-time remote access to data by the clinician or physician.
US08845553B2	Twisted ribbon wire guidewire coil A medical guidewire having distal tip coil that includes a twisted ribbon wire construction. The distal tip coil is mounted to the distal end of the distal core section of the guidewire. The coil is made from a flat ribbon wire with a polygonal, preferably rectangular, cross-section that is twisted along the length of the wire. The twisted, flat ribbon wire creates a tip coil that has a roughened, undulating surface at the outer circumference that, whether coated or bare, is perceptible to the physician or cardiologist when pushing or torquing the guidewire in an interventional procedure.
US08845552B2	Medical instrument with controlled torque transmission A medical instrument such as a guidewire that is designed to have controlled torque transmission along its length. Specially treated areas are placed in selected and equal areas along the entire length of the elongated shaft of the medical instrument, and are separated from one another by untreated areas. This process ensures that any torque is transmitted distally, in a smooth manner, regardless of the guidewire position, thus resulting in a substantial reduction in whipping. In one embodiment, a stainless steel guidewire is utilized, and is subjected to annealing heat treatment in selected areas. This annealing process creates a mandrel that has repeated temper properties along its length. Torque applied at one end of this mandrel is transmitted to the opposite end in an even and controlled manner, even when the mandrel is formed into a loop.
US08845550B2	Tissue penetration device An agent injection device is provided that is capable of injecting an agent to a known predetermined tissue depth. An injection member has an elongate injection shaft with an outlet port configured to dispense an agent at a controllable time. A controllable driver is coupled to the elongate injection shaft and is configured to drive the injection member into target tissue. A velocity control system is in communication with the controllable driver and is configured to control the velocity of the elongate injection shaft.
US08845547B2	Cannula provided with a sealing element for use in a medical procedure A cannula arrangement includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The outer tube has a proximal end and a distal end. The inner tube is disposed within the outer tube to define a space between an inner surface of the outer tube and an outer surface of the inner tube. A sealing element is mounted at the proximal end of the outer tube. The sealing element has a projecting portion that projects proximally from the proximal end of the outer tube. The projecting portion has a projecting end that has an interior edge to contact the outer surface of the inner tube.
US08845542B2	Blood vessel function inspecting apparatus It is provided a blood vessel function inspecting apparatus including: a blood vessel diameter measuring portion configured to measure a diameter of a blood vessel; a blood vessel wall thickness measuring portion configured to measure a wall thickness of the blood vessel; and a blood vessel function index value calculating portion configured to calculate a function index value for diagnosing the blood vessel of its function, after releasing of the blood vessel from blood flow obstruction, by dividing an amount of dilatation of said diameter of the blood vessel continuously measured by said blood vessel diameter measuring portion, by the wall thickness measured by said blood vessel wall thickness measuring portion.
US08845541B2	Ultrasonic medical device with torque limiting frangible link hinge An ultrasonic medical device can include a transducer, a coupling system, and a waveguide. The coupling system can be configured to attach and adequately torque the waveguide to the transducer for use in a medical procedure. The coupling system can be configured to detach the inner probe from the transducer upon completion of the medical procedure.
US08845537B2	Ultrasound operation apparatus, ultrasound operation system, and cavitation utilization method An ultrasound operation apparatus includes an ultrasound transducer; a drive section that drives the ultrasound transducer by means of a drive signal; a probe that has a proximal end section in which the ultrasound transducer is provided and a distal end section to which ultrasound vibrations are transmitted, and that performs treatment for living tissue by using ultrasound vibrations at the distal end section; a detection section that detects from the drive signal a physical quantity that changes due to cavitations generated by ultrasound vibrations of the distal end section and an output control section that controls the output of the drive section so as to generate cavitations or to increase or maintain a generation amount in accordance with the detected physical quantity.
US08845535B2	Device for detecting a medical condition or disease The invention relates to a capsule or chip or sensor comprising a marker/detector and signalling device/method associated with the development of a medical condition/disease and to its use. This In Situ Lab On a Chip Signalling device (ISLOGS device) is used for detecting a medical condition/disease in situ or in vivo (inside the body), for example by swallowing it for testing in the digestive tract or by putting it into the vagina, mouth or nose. All reactions takes place in the body and when the test result is positive the device will notify the subject by colorizing the tested body fluid or biomaterial (for example faeces, urine or saliva) or the device itself. The detection is made outside of the body when the biomaterial or ISLOCS device has left the body.
US08845533B2	Techniques for evaluating urinary stress incontinence and use of involuntary reflex cough as a medical diagnostic tool A system permits diagnosis of a patient for a physiological abnormality while protecting their airway. An esophageal airway protection device comprises an elongate device body having a distal end for insertion into the stomach through the esophagus and a proximal end. The device includes a main lumen extending the length of the device and an inflatable esophageal cuff carried by the device body mid-esophagus. Emesis and/or reflux is blocked from passing out of the stomach past the esophageal cuff positioned mid-esophagus when it is inflated to protect a patient's airway during an involuntary cough event. At least one electromyogram (EMG) pad is configured to obtain an EMG from an involuntary cough activated paraspinal muscles. A processing device is configured to receive the EMG and process the EMG to determine a physiological abnormality.
US08845531B2	Apparatus for providing information based on association variables An apparatus, and related method, for providing information based on variables associated with a type of headache is described. The apparatus may include at least one processor, at least one memory, and at least one program module. The program module may be stored in the memory and may be configured or configurable to be executed by the processor. The program module may include instructions for receiving a list of variables. Note that these variables may be triggers that at least in part induce a headache associated with the type of headache in at least one individual if at least the one individual is exposed to one or more of the variables. The program module may include instructions for determining that at least the one individual is at risk of experiencing a headache associated with the type of headache during a first time interval. This determination may be based on the variables. Furthermore, the program module may include instructions for providing a message to at least the one individual in accordance with the determined risk.
US08845529B2	Surgical access assembly and method of use therefor A surgical access assembly includes an access port, a seal anchor and a sealing adapter. The access port includes proximal and distal rings and a sleeve defining a passage therethrough. The sleeve extends between the proximal and distal rings. The seal anchor is adapted to be at least partially disposed in the access port. The sealing adapter includes proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion is configured and dimensioned to engage the seal anchor in a sealing relation therewith. The proximal end portion is configured and dimensioned to engage a least a portion of the distal ring of the access port in a sealing relation therewith, wherein the sealing adapter is transitionable between a first state in which the sealing adapter has a first diameter and a second state in which the sealing adapter has a second diameter. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter.
US08845528B2	Surgical device having non-circular cross-section A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity. The apparatus may include a seal anchor member comprising a compressible material. The seal anchor member may be adapted to transition between a first condition for insertion of at least a portion of the seal anchor member within a tissue tract and a second condition to facilitate a securing of the seal anchor member within a tissue tract and in substantial scaled relation with tissue surfaces defining a tissue tract. The seal anchor member may have proximal and distal ends and may define at least one port extending between the proximal and distal ends, the at least one port being adapted for the reception of an object whereby compressible material defining the at least one port is adapted to deform to establish a substantial scaled relation with the object. The seal anchor member may have a non-circular cross-section.
US08845527B2	Methods and devices to decrease tissue trauma during surgery Methods and devices are disclosed to reduce the tissue trauma that occurs when a physician retracts or otherwise deforms a patient's tissues for surgery or other medical procedures. In one part, methods and devices are disclosed for controlling the force and pace of retraction to reduce tissue trauma. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed for applying an oscillating load when opening. In another part, pads that cool the tissue around the incision are disclosed. In another part, pads that elute drugs into the tissues of the tissue margin are disclosed. In another part, methods and devices are disclosed that self-align components of the retractor and engage hard tissues directly to avoid soft tissue damage. In another part, pads that engage tissues to cushion, to sense tissue state, and to modulate tissue state are disclosed.
US08845523B2	Endoscope apparatus, actuators, and methods therefor There is disclosed a MicroFlex Scope (MFS). The MFS is a dexterous endoscope providing access, direct visualization, tissue sampling, and treatment, of body lumens. In one embodiment, the distal end of the MFS is an ultra-flexible tip that comprises a plurality of thin, curved shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator elements attached to at least one structural skeleton, a coil spring skeleton or hinge structure. The SMA actuator elements in each structural skeleton segment are indirectly heated by a heater element and produce force in response to their temperature relative to specific thresholds. In configurations comprising a plurality of actuator elements, multiplexing/demultiplexing of heating currents and sensor voltages may be accomplished via a parallel bus and demultiplexing circuit. In this regard, a demultiplexing circuit using standard microelectronic fabrication techniques may be designed to achieve individual sensing and control over each actuator element.
US08845520B2	Selective compliance wire actuated mobile platform, particularly for endoscopic surgical devices A wire-operated selective compliance mobile platform (100), in particular for endoscopic surgery devices, obtains a perfect and precise mobility and thus it allows to handle, in the most effective way, the supported instruments, and comprises a mobile surface (1), a connecting base (2) apt to be connected to a flexible tubular duct (4) for endoscopic uses, a plurality of supporting elements (3), apt to permit the motion of said mobile surface (1) relative to said base (2), characterized in that said supporting elements (3) have at least a selective compliance turning pair (31) and a number of joints (32, 34) so as to provide a predetermined number of degrees of freedom to said platform (100), neither determining any over-constraining, nor forcing the system to be deformed in unselected directions, each supporting element (3) being operated by moving means (51, 52) so as to move said mobile surface (1).
US08845517B2	Triangulation mechanism for a minimally invasive surgical device A surgical device including a seal anchor that includes leading and trailing portions. A plurality of ports longitudinally extends between the leading and trailing portions. The ports are adapted and configured to receive surgical objects therein. At least one of the surgical objects is a viewing instrument including a viewing portion. During a surgical procedure, surgical objects inserted in the other ports are selectively positionable with respect to the viewing instrument.
US08845513B2	Remotely adjustable gastric banding device A remotely controllable gastric banding device (10) for placement around the stomach of a patient for the treatment of obesity. The device (10) comprises a gastric band (10) having an inflatable chamber (16) for adjusting the inner circumference of the band (10), a pressurized reservoir (20) with a valve (31) for providing fluid to inflate the inflation chamber (16), a valve (32) for releasing fluid from the inflatable chamber (16), and a controller (41) for controlling the valves (31, 32). The controller (41) is remotely controllable from outside the patient.
US08845511B2	Systems and methods for delivering a medical implant to an anatomical location in a patient A surgical device for use in a minimally invasive procedure to treat urinary incontinence can include a dilator coupled to a curved needle at one end and a sling at the opposite end. Urinary incontinence can be treated minimally invasively. One treatment includes positioning the sling on an anterior portion of the urethra to provide proper coaptation to the urethra.
US08845504B2	Reconfigurable dunnage handler A dunnage handler is disclosed for controlling the outfeed of dunnage from a dunnage mechanism including a first handler portion configured for association with the dunnage mechanism for receiving dunnage therefrom, the first handler portion being reversibly reconfigurable between an accumulator configuration, in which the first handler portion is configured to accumulate the dunnage received from the dunnage mechanism and a discharger configuration, in which the first handler portion is configured to discharge the dunnage received from the dunnage mechanism.
US08845503B2	Method for manufacturing disposable worn article A method comprising the steps of: carrying a continuous sheet W1 which is an external sheet 3 being continuous in the longitudinal direction X perpendicular to the girth direction Y; carrying a continuous laminate W2 which is an absorbent body 2 being continuous in the longitudinal direction X perpendicular to the girth direction Y; cutting off a tip portion of the continuous laminate W2 in the carrying direction X1 to obtain absorbent bodies 2 one after another; separating the cut-off absorbent bodies 2 from each other in the longitudinal direction X of the absorbent bodies; placing the absorbent bodies 2 in a detatchable manner and intermittently on the continuous sheet W1; and severing the continuous sheet W1 between the absorbent bodies 2, thereby obtaining individual worn articles 1 each having the absorbent body 2 placed on the external sheet 3.
US08845501B2	Process for producing a roll for supporting and conveying hot material, process for repairing a worn roll A roll (1) for supporting and conveying hot material, including a roll element that has a roll jacket (2) made of a basic material and a wear coat which is applied to the basic material by means of a surface welding process (4) using a welding additive which surrounds the surface of the roll jacket. In order to increase the service life of the wear coat, improve the resistance to wear, and reduce the cost for producing the welded-on surface. The basic material of the roll jacket (2) is steel and contains up to 0.45 percent of C. The welded-on surface (4) is designed as a single-layer weld, and the wear coat contains 12.5 to 14.0 percent of Cr at least in an external zone that surrounds the surface of the roll jacket. Also disclosed are a method for producing the roll (1), a method for repairing a used roll (1), a welding additive and a welding rod for producing the welded-on surface.
US08845498B2	Lockout mechanism for a weight stack exercise machine A lockout mechanism for a selection mechanism on an exercise machine, the selection mechanism being associated with a carriage for selectively carrying load. The carriage may include a support system adjustable by the selection mechanism for adjusting the amount of load to be carried. The lockout mechanism may include a lockout member configured to prevent adjustment of the selection mechanism during exercise.
US08845488B2	Hydraulic control apparatus and hydraulic control method If it is determined that a malfunction has occurred in an electrical hydraulic pump and the hydraulic fluid is not supplied to a high hydraulic pressure supplied portion from the electrical hydraulic pump, the hydraulic fluid is supplied to the high hydraulic pressure supplied portion from a mechanical hydraulic pump that usually supplies the hydraulic fluid to a low hydraulic pressure supplied portion. In this case, the hydraulic pressure that is generated by the mechanical hydraulic pump is increased by increasing the output from the engine that drives the mechanical hydraulic pump.
US08845481B2	Method and apparatus for executing a transmission shift in a powertrain system including a torque machine and an engine A method for operating a powertrain system including a torque machine coupled to an internal combustion engine that is coupled to a transmission includes, upon commanding a shift in a transmission operating range, activating an immediate response mode to effect the shift. Activating the immediate response mode includes controlling the engine to achieve a predicted engine torque command, and controlling motor torque of the torque machine in response to a difference between an actual engine torque and an immediate crankshaft torque for shift command. An arbitrated predicted motor torque is determined. A possible crankshaft torque is determined in response to the arbitrated predicted motor torque and the predicted engine torque command. Operation of the transmission at the end of the shift event is commanded in response to the possible crankshaft torque. A predicted response mode is activated to complete the shift in the transmission operating range.
US08845479B2	Input shaft damper of transmission An input shaft damper (ISD) of a transmission, may include an inertia body assembly relatively rotatably mounted on an input shaft of the transmission, and a planetary gear set mounted on the input shaft so as to receive and increase a rotational force of the input shaft and output an increased rotational force to the inertial body assembly.
US08845477B2	Configuration for compact five speed planetary transmission A compact five-speed transmission planetary gear train includes a first, second, third, fourth and fifth planetary gear sets between an input and an output as well as first, second, third and fourth brakes and first and second clutches. The first, second, third and fourth brakes and first and second clutches are selectively actuatable to provide five different forward speeds and a plurality of different reverse speeds between the input and the output.
US08845462B2	Ball bat A ball bat includes a barrel section extending along an axis, a throat section extending taperingly from the barrel section along the axis, an upper handle section extending along the axis and connected to the throat section, and a lower handle section abutting against an end of the upper handle section. The ball bat further includes a connecting unit including a connecting rod that extends from the upper handle section and a retaining space that is formed in the lower handle section for being engaged fittingly and separably with the connecting rod, and a securing unit having a securing member for securing separably the lower handle section to the connecting rod of the connecting unit.
US08845456B2	Multi-piece golf ball comprising low hardness gradient core A golf ball includes a single core formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition, an inner cover disposed about the core, and an outer cover. The inner cover includes an ionomeric material and has a hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater. The outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer, is formed from a castable polyurea or polyurethane, and has a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or less. The outer surface of the core has a trans content of about 12% or less and a hardness of about 71 to 88 Shore C, the geometric center of the core has a trans content of about 10% or less and a hardness of about 70 to 80 Shore C, and the core surface hardness is greater than the geometric center hardness by about 1 to 10 Shore C to define a shallow positive hardness gradient.
US08845453B1	Golf club head with improved aerodynamic characteristics Designs and methods of improving aerodynamic performance of golf club heads are disclosed herein. In particular, the designs and methods of the present invention address airflow behavior modification at or immediately adjacent to the counter or edge of the striking face to reduce club head drag while minimizing any adverse effect on the impact performance of the face. The present invention also provides a face with visually distinct and apparent treatments and improved visibility at address. The approaches to contouring a golf club face disclosed herein are new because they are confined to a relatively narrow band along the inside of the face boundary curve. The dimensions of the modification zone are kept small and subtle contour changes are made to influence airflow in a highly critical region with minimal effect on the impact performance of the striking surface.
US08845451B2	Fitting system for a golf club A method relating to an improved fitting system for a golf club shaft is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention utilizes specific data gathered from the golfer's golf swing itself to determine the best performing golf club shaft for this particular golf swing. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of infrared motion capturing cameras to record the location data of a golf club shaft throughout a swing. Based on the location data captured, one or more dynamic behavioral characteristics can be calculated to determine one or more preferred shaft characteristics. Using the preferred shaft characteristics, a shaft can be recommended for the golfer having this particular golf swing. The current inventive fitting methodology is preferred to the archaic fitting method of using data gathered from the result orientated ball flight data together with a tedious process of having to try numerous different shafts.
US08845450B2	Golf club A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, a sleeve including a top portion, a middle portion connected to the top portion is described. The middle portion includes a thin wall thickness. A bottom portion is connected to the middle portion including a plurality of engaging surfaces. A central longitudinal axis and an offset angle offset from the central longitudinal axis is described. The offset angle allows a maximum loft change of about 0.5 degrees to about 4.0 degrees. The total weight of the sleeve is less than about 9 g.
US08845444B1	Golf training aid A golf swing training device constructed of flexible material that stretches when deployed and that provides feedback to a user during golf swing execution regarding vertical head movement and shoulder movement. The device includes a collar portion, a first tension strap, and a second tension strap. The first tension strap includes a first extension portion being adapted to be disposed along a front of the user from the collar portion down toward a waist of the user and a second extension portion that is adapted to extend from the waist at the user's front to the ground at a predetermined angle. A second tension strap includes a second attachment means at one end and a third attachment means at a second end. The second attachment means is adapted for attachment to the first tension strap at the user's waist area.
US08845440B2	Infant care apparatus An infant care apparatus includes a base, a reciprocating vertical motion mechanism, a vertical motion driving module, a reciprocating pendulum motion mechanism, and a pendulum motion driving module. The vertical motion driving module is kinematically connected to the reciprocating vertical motion mechanism so as to vertically move the reciprocating vertical motion mechanism in reciprocating vertical motion with respect to the base. The pendulum motion driving module is kinematically connected to the reciprocating pendulum motion mechanism so as to pendulum move the reciprocating pendulum motion mechanism in reciprocating pendulum motion with respect to the reciprocating vertical motion mechanism. An interaction between a reciprocating vertical motion of the reciprocating vertical motion mechanism and a reciprocating pendulum motion of the reciprocating pendulum motion mechanism forms a specific motion path. Therefore, the infant care apparatus can offer various seat motion paths by controlling the reciprocating vertical motion mechanism and the reciprocating pendulum motion mechanism.
US08845437B2	Gaming challenges which use leaderboards that rank challenge participants Disclosed herein are technologies that allow users to create, issue, accept and participate in gaming challenges. A gaming challenge involves participants playing a gaming application to improve their rank on a leaderboard associated with the application until challenge conditions are met or the challenge expires. Challenges can be time-based, objective-based, a tournament or of other type. A challenger can create a challenge by specifying a gaming application to be played, the leaderboard to be used in the challenge, challenge type, challenge duration, and additional challenge criteria. A gaming service can maintain the leaderboard and pass challenge-related notifications between participants. Participants' computing devices can send notices indicating when a challenge has been met or when a participant's relative ranking has changed. A challenger or challengee can select an avatar expression for animating an avatar when a challenge request or acceptance or decline of a challenge is presented at a computing device.
US08845430B2	Storage medium having stored thereon game program, game apparatus, game system, and game processing method On the basis of data based on an attitude and/or a motion of a portable display apparatus body, an action of a player object placed in a virtual world is controlled, and on the basis of a position and/or an attitude of the player object, it is determined whether or not the player object has received an attack. Further, when the player object has received a predetermined attack, an attack effect image representing an effect of the predetermined attack is generated, and a first image is generated by superimposing the attack effect image on an image of the virtual world and displayed on the portable display apparatus. Then, the effect of the predetermined attack in an area in the attack effect image is repaired, the area overlapping a predetermined range whose center is a touch position on a touch panel.
US08845425B2	Computer-readable storage medium, information processing apparatus, information processing system and information processing method A game system has at least two modes of operation, that is, a monitor game mode and a terminal device game mode. In the monitor game mode, a main game image is displayed on a monitor and a sub game image is displayed on an LCD of a terminal device. In the terminal device game mode, the main game image is displayed on the LCD of the terminal device. The mode of operation can be switched in accordance with a mode switching instruction from a user.
US08845422B2	Remote login for a wagering game machine A method includes receiving a login request to an account at a wagering game machine. In response to the login request, the method includes displaying a security token on a display of the wagering game machine. Also in response to the login request, the method includes transmitting the security token to a server, wherein the server is communicatively coupled to the wagering game machine and a mobile device. Also in response to the login request, the method includes receiving, back from the server and at the wagering game machine, authorization for login to the account at the wagering machine, wherein the authorization is based on an earlier login to the account from the mobile device using the login credentials. After receiving the authorization, the method includes logging into the account at the wagering game machine, wherein the logging occurs without inputting of the login credentials at the wagering game machine.
US08845415B2	Card picks for progressive prize In various embodiments, players around the casino may predict cards to be dealt in a game of blackjack.
US08845414B2	Wagering game with progressive awards won by accumulating progressive prize segments A gaming system, apparatus, and method are disclosed providing game players an exciting chance to win any of multiple progressive prizes within a free spin bonus round by accumulating different prize segment symbols which are displayed in a meter zone for each possible progressive prize. Various ways are described to add free spins to the bonus round, making it more exciting by giving the player increased chance to fill all the segments associated with a particular progressive prize, thereby winning the prize.
US08845412B2	Mystery-bingo jackpot with increased payout frequency A mystery-bingo jackpot having increased payout opportunities provides a dynamic bonus game where achievement of a secondary winning outcome initiates an award payout without resetting the jackpot's amount. The secondary winning outcome will typically be configured to have a higher likelihood of occurrence as compared to other winning outcomes of the mystery-bingo jackpot. In this way, the mystery-bingo jackpot provides payouts relatively often while preserving the value of the jackpot.
US08845403B2	Individually cooling one or more computers in a rack of computers in a data center Individually cooling one or more computers in a rack of computers in a data center including an air intake chamber, the air intake chamber having a first opening at a bottom end for receiving air from beneath the data center through perforated tiles in the floor of the data center and a plurality of openings at a top end for providing air into a plurality of flexible air channels; and a plurality of flexible air channels, each air channel having a first end opening into the air intake chamber and having an opening at a second end and having a connector to connect the second end of the flexible air chamber to a particular position in the rack corresponding to the location of a particular computer in the rack.
US08845398B2	Chemical mechanical polisher and polishing pad component thereof This disclosure is directed to a chemical mechanical polisher and a polishing pad component thereof. The chemical mechanical polisher comprises a polishing platen having a flat surface, and the polishing platen comprises: an electromagnet disposed under the flat surface and configured to fix a polishing pad base on the flat surface; and a switch configured to control the power-on and power-off of the electromagnet. The polishing pad component comprises a polishing pad base, and the polishing pad base is formed of a ferromagnetic material. The chemical mechanical polisher of this disclosure and the polishing pad component thereof can make polishing pad replacement easy, and can also save polishing pads and thus reduce the consumable cost of the chemical mechanical polishing.
US08845397B1	Surface abrasion tool A surface abrasion tool (12) has a first drive shaft (42) connect a motor (14) to a power transfer assembly (20). The power transfer assembly (20) transfers rotary power from the first drive shaft (42) to a second drive shaft (46) which is spaced apart from and parallel to the first drive shaft (42). A sanding disc (26) is secured to the second drive shaft (46). A linear drive means (16) is mounted in fixed relation to the motor (14) and selectively moves a pressure plate (22) relative to the sanding disc (26). A locating pin (28) extends from the pressure plate (22) in opposed relation to the sanding disc (26) and fits within a hole in a work piece. The linear drive means (16) is actuated to push the sanding disc (26) into a side of the work piece opposite the locating pin (28).
US08845390B2	Predictive calculation method for calculating a simulated shape of an engagement ridge to be arranged on the edge face of an ophthalmic lens of a pair of eyeglasses, and a method of beveling A predictive calculation method for calculating the shape of a cross-section of an engagement ridge of an ophthalmic lens obtained by beveling the lens with a beveling grindwheel driven in accordance with an initial path setting. The method includes the following steps: acquiring the initial path setting for the beveling grindwheel relative to the lens; determining at least two approximations (Sii, Sij) of the shape of the cross-section under consideration of the engagement ridge, the approximations being deduced from the intersection between the beveling grindwheel and the ophthalmic lens when the beveling grindwheel is situated at two distinct positions of the initial path setting; determining the intersection between these two approximations; and deducing therefrom the shape (Si) of the cross-section under consideration of the engagement ridge.
US08845387B2	Expandable play set A playset is provided herein the playset having: a structure having a first level and a second level, the second level being located above the first level; a mechanism secured to the structure for moving an object from the first level to the second level; and a collapsible third level located below the first level, the collapsible third level being configured for movement between a contracted position and an expanded position with respect to the first level, wherein a portion of the first level is configured to support the structure on an edge of an elevated surface such that collapsible third level is capable of being moved into the expanded position.
US08845383B2	Interchangeable stimulation system for child carrier Disclosed is an interchangeable stimulation system for child carriers that integrates an easily interchangeable stimulation device with a child carrier, such as a car seat, a carriage or stroller, a child swing, a crib, a playpen, or other child carrying device. The interchangeability of the system allows for display of stimulation devices that are particularly configured to stimulate children that are within distinct, defined age groups without requiring replacement of the stimulation system.
US08845382B2	Submersible water toy and related methods of use A submersible water toy for stunt based activities includes a main body portion constructed of a buoyant material. The main body portion defines an upper deck surface upon which the user can stand or otherwise be supported. The buoyancy of the main body portion is such that at least a portion of the user's weight is supported when used in a pool or other body of water.
US08845377B2	Floating toy construction with improved safety features According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a construction for a float, the construction comprising a flotation device having a top portion, a bottom portion and an opening disposed through the top portion and the bottom portion, a seat portion located proximate the bottom portion of the flotation device, and a side wall coupled between the seat portion and an edge of the opening, wherein the seat portion is configured to support a user at a location proximate the bottom portion of the flotation device.
US08845374B2	Adjustable fin system An adjustable fin system comprising: a plug assembly, the plug assembly comprising: a plug housing, the plug housing comprising: a closed end; an open end; a plug first set-screw hole; a plug second set-screw hole; a cylinder configured to be rotatable within the plug housing, and installable into the plug housing via the open end, the cylinder comprising: a cylinder first set screw hole; a cylinder second set screw hole; a cap configured to generally close the open end of the plug housing and to restrain the cylinder from leaving the plug housing; a fin removably attachable to the cylinder; where when the plug first set-screw hole is aligned with the cylinder first set screw hole, the fin is at a first fin cant; where when the plug second set-screw hole is aligned with the cylinder second set screw hole, the fin is at a second fin cant.
US08845373B2	Fin system The invention relates to a connection between a fin (skeg) or daggerboard for a vessel and a vessel, in particular a sailboard or aquafoil, such as a kite board, windsurfing board, surf board, body board, wake board or water ski, which sailboard is provided with a fin box, whereby the fin box is provided with first fastening means, and whereby the fin is provided with second fastening means that co-operate with the first fastening means of the fin box upon engagement therewith. The first fastening means and the second fastening means are embodied such that they form a releasable cantilever snap fit upon engagement with each other. The snap fit is releasable.
US08845372B2	Standing watercraft with torso-mounted paddles An apparatus for floatation and propulsion of a user on a body of water includes a floatation device, a harness and a pair of paddles. The harness attaches to the user's torso and the paddles have upper ends that pivotally interconnect with the harness. The paddles have lower water engaging ends that may be moved in a paddling motion in a generally fore-aft direction relative to the harness.
US08845368B1	Electrical connectors An electrical connector. The connector includes rails that attach to channels. The rails and the channels can be fully supported along their length to prevent damage. In addition, a nonconductive mass of the connector is positioned between the rails and the channels, preventing an accidental short.
US08845364B2	High speed bypass cable for use with backplanes A cable bypass assembly is disclosed for use in providing a high speed transmission line for connecting a chip, or processor mounted on a circuit board to a backplane. The bypass cable assembly has a structure that maintains the geometry of the cable in place from the chip to the connector and then through the connector. The connector includes a plurality of conductive terminals and shield members arranged within an insulative support frame in a manner that approximates the structure of the cable so that the impedance and other electrical characteristics of the cable may be maintained as best is possible through the cable termination and the connector.
US08845363B2	Reinforcing bars in I/O connectors Reinforcing bars or a reinforcing element with holes can be embedded within the shell of a receptacle connector to strengthen the shell, and potentially provide shielding. For example, a receptacle connector having a plurality of contacts configured to mate with corresponding contacts of a corresponding plug connector can include a shell having an opening for receiving the corresponding plug connector. The shell can include an upper portion and reinforcing bars embedded within the upper portion. The shell can include an upper portion and a reinforcing element with holes embedded within the upper portion. Methods for manufacturing the shell are also provided.
US08845359B2	Connector with cable retention feature and patch cord having the same A patch cord including a connector attached to an end of an electrical cable. The connector includes a single-piece attachment member having a management section, a boot, and collar including a retention arrangement. Certain types of retention arrangements include one or more teeth that protrude inwardly from the collar to bite into at least an outer jacket of the electrical cable.
US08845355B2	Blockout device for USB port A blockout device for a USB port is disclosed. The USB port has an inner channel and metal clips positioned within the channel. The blockout device has a front that covers the inner channel of the USB port. The blockout device also includes a top, a bottom and sides extending from the front. The bottom extends parallel to the top with an open area therebetween. When the blockout device is installed in the USB port, the sides engage the metal clips positioned in the channel of the USB port to secure the blockout device to the USB port.
US08845352B2	Connector A male connector housing has a first projection whose leading end projects backward beyond a rear end of a female connector housing when the male connector housing is placed at a location where the male connector housing starts to fit into the female connector housing, and a first recess that is formed in a leading end of the first projection so that a tip of another rod-shaped member can be inserted; wherein the female connector housing has a second projection that is provided so as to oppose the leading end of the first projection, and a first contact surface that an exterior surface of the middle portion of the rod-shaped member whose tip is inserted into the first recess can contact. The rod-shaped member is utilized as a lever for bringing the male connector housing and the female connector housing into a fit connection.
US08845351B2	Connector housing with alignment guidance feature An electrical connector housing including a contact locating area for locating electrical contacts; and a mating connector area configured to receive portions of a housing of a mating electrical connector. The mating connector area comprises a first wall forming a first area adjacent the contact locating area, and a second wall adjacent the contact locating area forming a second area separated from the contact locating area by the second wall. The first area and the second wall have a substantially same size and shape.
US08845348B2	Rotatable connector device A relative rotation restriction unit includes a rotation restriction body for restricting a stator and a rotator, which are in engagement with each other coaxially so as to be rotatable with respect to each other, from rotating with respect to each other at a restriction position, and an urging unit for elastically supporting the rotation restriction body toward the restriction position.
US08845345B2	Electrical plug-in device with closure device A plug-in device system has a closure unit blocking access to a first plug-in device element, for example a socket. The closure unit includes a rotary bezel which is coupled via a coupling to at least one shutter such that the rotation of the bezel effects a movement of the shutter from a closed position in an open position. Preferably, a locking assembly is additionally provided, which blocks movement of the rotary bezel and/or shutter in the closed position as long as no pressure is applied to the shutter. In addition, a safety device can be provided, which prevents the shutter from opening when a direct force is applied.
US08845341B2	Electrical connector assembly Disclosed is an electrical connector assembly which comprises an insulative body, a PCB and a base. The insulative body comprises a plurality of first terminals, and the base comprises a plurality of second terminals. The first terminals and the second terminals are electrically connected through the PCB; wherein the base is disposed with a movable member. When the movable member is in an open status, an FFC is inserted into the base. When the movable member is in a close state, the movable member presses against a plurality of conductors of the FFC to establish an electrical connection with the second terminals.
US08845336B2	Learning concept organizer The present invention is a learning organizer for assisting a learner. The learning organizer comprises a sheet having a front portion and a rear portion, the sheet folded substantially along a central line to form a first half and a second half, a plurality of flaps located on the first half, a plurality of holes provided along and proximate to the central line and punched through the first half and the second half, a plurality of lines on the rear portion and a plurality of fill-in-blanks pre-printed on the second half to write details of the learner. Each of the plurality of flaps includes a plurality of perforations and a plurality of scorings. The plurality of lines is provided for neat writing. The learning organizer allows the learner to write down learning information into each of the plurality of flaps so as to present, organize, learn and memorize learning concepts.
US08845330B2	Method for preparing a physical plaster model The invention provides a method for creating a physical teeth model. The method comprises the following steps: providing a virtual three dimensional (3D) representation of a patient's dentition that comprises at least a region of the teeth that includes a tooth stump on which a crown is to be fitted or a region on to which a bridge is to be fitted; and preparing a physical model of the jaws of a subject from a blank, based on information from said virtual 3D image.
US08845326B2	Gas burner assembly An gas burner assembly for a cooking appliance includes a main burner assembly, a simmer burner assembly positioned in a stacked relationship with and located below the main burner assembly, a venturi assembly for delivering a gas flow to the main burner assembly, a gas boost pump configured to control a pressurization of the gas flow, a gas valve assembly for controlling a rate of the gas flow, and an encoder coupled to the gas valve assembly, the encoder configured to track a position of the gas valve assembly and provide a signal to the gas boost pump for pressurization of the gas flow.
US08845322B2	Mold assembly for making light guide plates A mold assembly includes a male mold, a female mold, and a driving unit. The male mold includes a stationary member, a moveable member defining through holes, and mold cores fixed on the stationary member and received in the respective through holes. The female mold covers the moveable member. The female mold defines recesses aligned with and communicating with the respective through holes. The moveable member, the female mold and the mold cores cooperatively form mold cavities at the through holes. The driving unit is fixed on the stationary member and supports the moveable member. The driving unit is configured for driving the moveable member to move upward or downward along the mold cores relative to the stationary member.
US08845318B2	Imprint apparatus, imprint method, and mold for imprint An imprint apparatus for imprinting a mold pattern onto a substrate or a member on the substrate includes a light source for irradiating a surface of the mold disposed opposite to the substrate and a surface of the substrate with light; an optical system for guiding the light from the light source to the surface of the mold and the surface of the substrate and guiding reflected lights from these surfaces to a spectroscope; a spectroscope for dispersing the reflected lights guided by the optical system into a spectrum; and an analyzer for analyzing a distance between the surface of the mold and the surface of the substrate. The analyzer calculates the distance between the surface of the mold and the surface of the substrate by measuring a distance between the surface of the mold and a surface formed at a position away from the surface of the mold.
US08845317B2	Alignment method, imprint method, alignment apparatus, and position measurement method An imprint apparatus for performing alignment between a mold and a substrate and imprinting a pattern of the mold to a layer of the substrate. A holder holds the mold. A stage holds the substrate opposite to the mold held by the holder. A microscope, including an image pickup device, detects a first alignment mark formed in the mold, via a first image pickup area of the image pickup device, and detects a second alignment mark formed in the substrate, via a second image pickup area of the image pickup device. The first and second image pickup areas do not overlap with each other. A contrast of signals obtained by the image pickup device is adjusted with respect to each of the first and second image pickup areas, and the alignment is performed by changing relative positions of the holder and the stage based on first information about a deviation of the detected first alignment mark from a predetermined position in the first image pickup area and second information about a deviation of the detected second alignment mark from a predetermined position in the second image pickup area.
US08845316B2	Process and device for producing a three-dimensional object A process for producing at least one three-dimensional object by solidifying a solidifyable material, comprising the steps of: providing an object carrier capable of carrying the object to be produced; providing a material capable of solidifying when subjected to energy supply; bringing a solidifyable material carrier/provider in a position to carry/provide solidifyable material at least in a building region where solidifyable material is to be solidified; supplying, to the building region, energy capable of solidifying the solidifyable material; and sensing, measuring and/or controlling a condition selected from the group consisting of pressure and/or strain. Alternatively or in combination, contact pressure, fluid pressure and/or material flowability can be sensed and/or adjusted.
US08845314B2	Lens manufacturing apparatus A lens manufacturing apparatus includes a concave-convex shape forming unit that makes a notch in the surface of a workpiece to form a concave-convex shape portion, a resin supply unit that supplies resin for a lens onto the surface of the workpiece, a resin curing unit that cures the supplied resin for a lens, a moving unit that moves the concave-convex shape forming unit, the resin supply unit, and the resin curing unit relative to the workpiece, and a control unit that controls driving of the concave-convex shape forming unit, the resin supply unit, the resin curing unit, and the moving unit so as to form the concave-convex shape portion extending in a predetermined direction, supply the resin for a lens between adjacent concave-convex shape portions and cure the supplied resin for a lens.
US08845310B2	Scroll compressor with cover covering driving shaft of driving motor A scroll compressor including a casing, a scroll compression mechanism that compresses refrigerant, a driving motor that has a driving shaft, an insulator and a stator, and is connected to the scroll compression mechanism through the driving shaft to drive the scroll compression mechanism, a main frame that supports the scroll compression mechanism in the casing, a bearing plate that has a boss portion in which the driving shaft is inserted, and supports the driving shaft of the driving motor in the casing, and a cover that covers the surrounding of the driving shaft between the driving motor and the bearing plate and is formed of an insulating material and provided to the insulator of the driving motor.
US08845309B2	Vibration reducing device for pump cover body of water shut-off diaphragm pump The present invention provides a vibration reducing device for pump cover body of water shut-off diaphragm pump comprising a hood cover mount and a pump cover body with a containing pit, which orderly accommodates a plastic elastic membrane disk, an obstructing baffle and a compressed spring therein. The plastic elastic membrane disk includes a downward central flow directing buffer, which can insert into a flow directing compartment in the containing pit when the hood cover mount docks with the pump cover body. The flow directing buffer can not only absorb the direct impacting momentum of pumped high pressurized water to the surrounding internal wall of the flow directing compartment but also redirect the random impacting direction of the high pressurized water. Thus, the vibration of the pump cover body with annoying noise created by the impacting momentum of the high pressurized water is deleted.
US08845308B2	Electric submersible pump (ESP) thrust module with enhanced lubrication and temperature dissipation A thrust module and a seal module for use in an electric submersible pump assembly is provided. The thrust module provides increased lubrication and heat dissipation while increasing sealing redundancies within the module. The thrust module includes a thrust bearing that absorbs thrust from the primary pump. A circulation pump assembly is coupled to the thrust bearing to circulate fluid through the thrust bearing and dissipate heat generated in the thrust bearing through a plurality of fins formed on an exterior surface of the circulation pump assembly. The seal module has labyrinth discs positioned within the seal module that inhibit fluid flow through the seal module. The seal module also includes check valves that release fluid from and allow fluid into the seal module at predetermined pressures. The sealing assembly is interposed between the thrust bearing and a primary pump of the electric submersible pump.
US08845307B2	Micro-ejector and method for manufacturing the same There are provided a micro-ejector and a method for manufacturing the same. The micro-ejector according to the present invention includes a passage plate including a barrier rib portion disposed in an upper space in a chamber and a protruding portion disposed in a lower space in the chamber and forming a passage in the same direction as a fluid discharging direction together with the barrier rib portion; and an actuator formed on the upper portion of the passage plate to correspond to the chamber and providing a driving force of discharging the fluid to the nozzle from the chamber.
US08845306B2	Pumping system A pumping system comprising a membrane pump (1) for pumping a medium into or out of a vessel (6), the membrane pump comprising an actuating member (13) for moving a membrane (3) in a first direction from a first end position to a second end position against the action of a spring (12), the membrane being movable in the opposite direction from the second end position to the first end position under the action of the spring. The pumping system comprises sensing means (14) for generating a measuring value representing the location of said first end position of the membrane (3), and processing means (17) for establishing a pressure value representing the pressure inside a vessel (6) connected to an inlet (5) or outlet (24) of a pump chamber (4), the processing means (17) being adapted to establish said pressure value based on said measuring value.
US08845305B2	Valve and diaphragm for a pump A diaphragm pump (10) having a pump body (11) providing opposing pump chambers (12, 13). Mounted in the body is a piston assembly (14) having pistons (15) joined by a piston rod (16). Each piston (15) is sealingly connected to the body (11) by a diaphragm (22) so that each of the chambers (12, 13) is divided into a first and a second sub-chamber, with the flow of fluid being pumped is governed by a pair of valves (30). Each valve (30) includes a base (31) to which there is movably attached a movable valve member (35).
US08845304B2	Motor-driven compressor The motor-driven compressor is mounted on a mounting of a vehicle. The motor-driven compressor includes a compressor body, a mounting, a damper and a fastener. The compressor body is electrically powered to draw in fluid for compression and to discharge the compressed fluid. The mounting of the compressor is formed on the compressor body and has a mounting hole. The damper is made of a resin and receives therein the mounting of the compressor. The damper is interposed between the compressor body and the mounting of the vehicle and has a through hole. The fastener is inserted through the through hole of the damper and the mounting hole of the compressor for securing the damper to the mounting of the vehicle.
US08845300B2	Compressor freeze up prevention in cold weather The present embodiments provide a control system and method that is able to automatically cycle one or more compressor valves, for example to prevent freeze up. For example, in one embodiment, a system includes a compressor having a compression device configured to increase a pressure of a gas, a valve configured to control flow of the gas from the compression device, and a controller configured to cycle the valve to reduce buildup of contaminants in the compressor.
US08845298B2	Driving arrangement for a pump or compressor Driving arrangement (11) for a pump, compressor or similar, adapted to provide alternating pressure in at least two chambers (27a, 27b, 27′, 27″), such as chambers of a pump or compressor, as result of a reciprocating movement of a bar element (23). The bar element is connected to two movable pressure chamber faces being pistons (21a, 21 b) or plungers having fluid connection to said chambers, which bar element (23) is reciprocally supported in a housing (19). The driving arrangement further comprises an electric motor (31) which is adapted to provide the reciprocating movement of the bar element (23). The bar element extends through the rotor (31b) of the electric motor (31). The electric motor is an electric rotary motor. The invention also relates to a pump assembly with a plurality of such driving arrangements.
US08845295B2	Turbine bucket A turbine bucket for a steam turbine low-pressure final stage has an exhaust area exceeding 9.6 m2 and 13.8 m2 in steam-turbine final-stage buckets for a rated speed 3600 rpm and 300 rpm machines, respectively. The turbine bucket is made of martensite steel. A blade portion of the turbine bucket has a suction surface 7 and a pressure surface 8 which are each formed, at a turbine blade root, of three areas consisting of a steam inlet side area 12 with curvature, a steam outlet side area 13 with curvature and an approximately straightly formed area located between the two areas.
US08845292B2	Blade-retaining device for turbomachine propeller An aircraft turbomachine propeller including multiple blades assembled on a hub rotating around an axis of rotation of the propeller, that can reduce risks of loss of the blade following impact of a foreign body. At least one blade includes a recess opening radially towards the inside in the area of the base of this blade. A retaining device includes a moving retaining mechanism positioned in the recess and configured to be moved from a retracted position to a deployed blade-retaining position, and vice versa.
US08845290B1	System and method for magnetically and aerodynamically optimized control of rotorhead A rotorcraft having an operational range and a plurality of rotor blades, each rotor blade capable of assuming an angular pitch, utilizes a control apparatus a mechanism for independently controlling an angular pitch value of each of the plurality of rotor blades wherein a collective sum of the angular pitch values of the plurality of rotor blades is not constant over the operational range of the rotorcraft.
US08845289B2	Bucket assembly for turbine system A bucket assembly for a turbine system is disclosed. The bucket assembly includes a main body having an exterior surface and defining a main cooling circuit, and a platform surrounding the main body and at least partially defining a platform cooling circuit. The platform includes a forward portion and an aft portion each extending between a pressure side slash face and a suction side slash face. The platform further includes a forward face, an aft face, and a top face. The bucket assembly further includes a passage defined in the aft portion of the platform. The passage is in fluid communication with one of the main cooling circuit or the platform cooling circuit.
US08845282B2	Seal plate with cooling passage A seal assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a carbon seal and a seal plate. The seal plate has a contact face configured to slidably engage the carbon seal. The seal plate has a surface disposed on an opposing side of the seal plate from the contact face. The surface forms a portion of a single passage that extends an entire length of the seal plate. The continuous cooling provided by single passage along the seal plate allows for a more uniform temperature profile along the contact face of seal plate.
US08845276B2	Fluid-powered motors and pumps Fluid-powered devices are detailed. The devices may be utilized as motors or pumps, for example, and are capable to switching dynamically between these functions. They additionally may use surface-area, rather than solely pressure, differentials to produce rotary motion.
US08845268B2	Multistage compressor with improved map width performance A compressor typically for use in a turbocharger comprises a downstream radial compressor impeller wheel, an upstream axial compressor impeller wheel and an intermediate stator. The compressor housing has an inlet with inner and outer walls that define between them an MWE gas flow passage. An upstream opening defined by the flow passage provides communication between the passage and the intake and at least one first slot downstream of the upstream opening provides communication between the passage and the inner surface of the inner wall. The stator comprises a plurality of fixed vanes and is disposed in the inner wall of the inlet between the radial and axial impeller wheels. The position of the slot can be at one of several positions along the gas flow passage, in other embodiments there are second and third slots and the flow passage is divided into two parts. All the arrangements are designed to improve the compressor map width.
US08845262B2	Substrate processing apparatus, substrate processing method and storage medium storing substrate processing program A substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate transit table configured to mount thereon a plurality of substrates; a substrate processing chamber configured to process the substrate one by one; a substrate transfer device capable of loading the substrate into the substrate processing chamber from the substrate transit table and unloading the substrate from the substrate processing chamber to the substrate transit table; and N number of (N is an integer equal to or larger than 3) substrate holding devices provided at the substrate transfer device and configured to hold the substrates one by one. Here, a multiplicity of (2 to N−1 number of) substrates are concurrently held by 2 to N−1 number of substrate holding devices among the N number of substrate holding devices and one substrate is loaded into the substrate processing chamber.
US08845249B2	Quick release device A toolless quick release device for attaching cargo handling system equipment to floor fittings is provided. The quick release device includes a stud, outer retainer, and inner retainer. The stud includes a locking head portion configured to be received in a slotted track. The neck portion of the stud and a center portion of the inner retainer are disposed within a center hole of the outer retainer. The hole of the outer retainer includes a blind hole that receives a ball. The ball may engage one or more recesses in the inner retainer and rotatably fixes the outer portion with respect to the inner portion of the stud. The outer portion further includes an arcuate track that receives a tab from the inner retainer, with the arc length of the track defining the possible relative rotation of the inner retainer and stud with respect to the outer retainer.
US08845248B2	Transport structure and methods for transporting and/or lifting a large scale generator A transport structure for transporting and/or lifting a large scale generator, in particular a generator of a wind turbine is disclosed. A handling base is included with an upper side and a lower side and a first longitudinal end and second longitudinal end, and an interface arrangement at the handling base realized such that a generator can be releasably attached to the handling base in the direction of the upper side. A method for transporting and for lifting a large scale generator is disclosed.
US08845247B2	Thermal compensation system for a milling machine A milling machine has a base, a work platform mounted movably on the base, and a ruler mounted on the work platform. The work platform is movable relative to a base axis. The thermal compensation system includes a sensor and a control unit. The sensor is configured to be mounted on the base for sensing a position of each of the work platform and the ruler relative to the base axis. The control unit is coupled to the sensor, and determines a work platform displacement and a ruler displacement according to the positions sensed by the sensor. The control unit further calculates a compensation value based on the work platform displacement and the ruler displacement. The control unit is configured to correct the position of the work platform relative to the base axis according to the compensation value.
US08845244B2	Drill bit A drill bit, hasa front side (5) and a circumferential surface (19) adjoining the front side (5).The front side (5) has a main cutting edge (7) including a transverse cutting edge (3) extending through a center axis (11) of the drill bit (1), and has two first and second main cutting-edge regions (13, 15) adjoining the transverse cutting edge (9) and extending radially toward the circumferential surface (19).The circumferential surface (19) comprises at least two chip flutes (21, 23), which between them delimit a first and a second web (25, 27), and three lands, of which a first land adjoins the end of the first main cutting-edge region (13) facing away from the transverse cutting edge (9), and serves as a free cutting-edge land (33), and additionally has a free cutting edge (39), a second land adjoins the end of the second main cutting-edge region (15) facing away from the transverse cutting edge (9), and serves as a guide land (35), and a third land serves as a support land (37).The drill bit is characterized in that the guide land (35) is disposed on the first web (25) and the support land (37) is disposed, together with the free cutting-edge land (33) having the free cutting edge (39), on the second web (27).
US08845243B2	Reaming tool as well as a head and a cutting insert therefor Reaming tool includes a head and one or more detachable cutting inserts fixed in seats. The seat includes radial, tangential and axial support surfaces, while the cutting insert has a mirror-symmetrical polyhedron shape comprising six limiting surfaces, viz. two chip surfaces and four clearance surfaces, a number of alternately usable identical cutting edges formed in the transitions between the chip and clearance surfaces. The cutting insert has a rhombic cross-sectional shape with four clearance surfaces, which meet each other in pairs at obtuse angles in two opposite corners, and which, along each individual chip surface, form two cutting edges alternately usable by indexing the cutting insert. The seat additionally includes a slope surface forming an obtuse angle with the radial support surface, suitably of the same magnitude as the obtuse angle between the clearance surfaces of the cutting insert. Tool head and reaming insert for the tool are disclosed.
US08845240B2	Berm and method of construction thereof A system for reinforcing and facing a wall comprises a plurality of facing baskets and corresponding substantially horizontal reinforcing members, arranged in a plurality of layers. An impermeable membrane is positioned to uninterruptedly span two or more layers. At each of one or more layers, different portions of the impermeable membrane are positioned (a) between the substantially horizontal portion of the facing basket and the bottom surface of the corresponding reinforcing member, (b) around the outer end of the corresponding reinforcing member, (c) along the top surface of the substantially horizontal portion of the facing basket, and (d) angled upward toward an adjacent layer.
US08845238B1	Trench box and panel assembly therefor A panel assembly of a trench box has a frame, a receptacle affixed within the frame, a connector having one end portion received in the receptacle at an opposite end portion extending outwardly of the frame, and a pipe having one end affixed to the opposite end portion of the connector member and extending outwardly therefrom. The connector member has a flange extending radially outwardly therefrom. This flange bears directly or indirectly against either or both of the receptacle and the frame.
US08845235B2	Installation of underwater ground anchorages A method of installing a structure on a bed of a sea, estuary or river from a floating installation vessel is described. In such a method a plurality of attachment piles and corresponding installation rigs are attached to the structure prior to deployment of the structure. In addition, respective umbilical control cables are connected to the installation rigs prior to deployment of the structure. The structure is deployed from a floating vessel to a bed of a sea, estuary or river, such that, when the structure is located on the bed, the umbilical control cables do not support the structure or installation rigs. A single installation operation for each attachment pile is performed, in which operation an installation rig is activated so as to install fully the corresponding attachment pile in the bed, without removal of the umbilical control cable or the installation rig therefrom.
US08845234B2	Microwave ground, road, water, and waste treatment systems A microwave ground or road surface heating system that eliminates the need for preparation of the surface to be heated while preventing leakage of microwave radiation. The highly portable microwave heating system prevents leakage of microwave radiation via a microwave horn and sealing shroud configuration that seals the unit to the surface being heated.
US08845232B2	Product and method for treatment of soil contaminated with energetic materials Exemplary products and methods are described for in situ treatment of soil that is or may become contaminated with energetic materials or their degradation products. Easily biodegradable organic material and humic material may be distributed on the soil surface in a manner such that portions thereof are carried below the soil surface by infiltrating water, where the easily biodegradable material may be degraded by microorganisms, generating an anaerobic environment suited to further biologic and abiotic reduction of the contaminants, and the humic material may be retained by the soil particles thereby reducing pollutant leaching.
US08845230B2	Moisture activated phantom imaging process and product Moisture-activated invisible stencil technology is created by applying a moisture-blocking agent in accordance with an artwork is applied to a base substrate. The base substrate is preferably fabricated of a moisture absorbing material. When the object is subjected to moisture, moisture wets to the exposed portion of the base substrate and is repelled in the areas where the moisture-blocking agent is applied thereon. The wetted portion of the base substrate changes in shade or color to expose the concealed image. The moisture-activated invisible stencil technology can be applied for simple aesthetic applications or advanced for applications to identify wet objects. The advanced applications can include warnings for wet roadways, pool decks, umbrellas, and the like.
US08845224B2	Desktop loose-leaf base, and binder A desk leaf base has a base formed of a trapezoidal tubular body in a trapezoidal shape in a side view, closed from a bottom surface to a certain height in both sides, and opened in an upper portion therefrom. An inclined front wall of the tubular body is removed from one side to the other side, in a range from the height to a higher height lower than a top surface. A binder mounted along an elongated top surface of the base has an elongated body and rings. The elongated body is mounted along the top surface of the base with an approximately same width as the top surface. The rings are mounted on the body and capable of opening and closing. Each ring includes linear portions that protrude from the body inclining upward on front and back sides when closing.
US08845223B2	Sleeved leveling device with an anti-skid design A sleeved leveling device with an anti-skid design is provided with a sleeve portion and a trimming portion formed at one end of the sleeve portion. Anti-skid ribs formed on the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve portion will produce friction with respect to the nozzle of the sealant gun to ensure that the sleeved leveling device can be firmly sleeved on the sealant gun without falling off. An injection hole of the leveling device has an obtuse angle which enables the sealant to flow out successfully even when the user doesn't hold the leveling device in a perpendicular position to the surface where a seam to be filled is located. Moreover, the inner trimming surface of the trimming portion is arc-shaped, so that remnant sealant will be collected in the center of the inner trimming surface without overflowing, and the cleanliness of seam-filling operation is assured.
US08845213B2	Method and system to track unused media In one embodiment, data is discerned, the data indicative of a first quantity of unused media contained within a roll. Prior to a plot being printed on the roll, a second quantity of unused media expected to be in the roll after the plot is printed is discerned using the data. Printing of a machine-readable marking on the roll, along with the plot, is caused, the marking being indicative of the second quantity.
US08845209B2	Optical connector with vertical opening prevention ribs An optical connector 11 is provided with a housing 17 for receiving ferrules 21 connected to an optical fiber cable, a lock arm 37 provided with the housing 17 and blocking removal from other housing fitted into the housing 17, a slit 45 formed in the housing 17, and in which the lock arm 37 moving in an unlocked direction is entered, a stopper 31 which has recesses 57 and is attached to the housing 17 to position the ferrules 21, and opening prevention ribs 59 respectively vertically provided with a pair of upper wall parts 43 of the housing 17 facing in a state of sandwiching the slit 45, the opening prevention ribs being inserted into the recesses 57 in a state of abutting on a left inner wall surface 61 and a right inner wall surface 63 of the recesses 57 so as to regulate a separation between the pair of upper wall parts 43.
US08845208B2	Optical connector and method of manufacturing same An optical connector reduced in size and capable of reducing optical coupling losses when optical waveguides are connected to each other, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The optical connector comprises: an optical waveguide including cores for transmitting light, an under cladding layer provided under the cores, and an over cladding layer provided over the cores; and a ferrule section for optical connection provided in each end portion of the optical waveguide. Part of at least one of the over cladding layer and the under cladding layer lying in a location corresponding to each end portion of the optical waveguide is thick-walled to become the ferrule section for optical connection. A thin-walled part of the optical connector lying between the ferrule sections is an optical waveguide section. The optical connector requires no additional component as a ferrule, and is made small in size.
US08845206B2	Apparatus for plugging multiple connectors with spring loaded sleeves into an adapter simultaneously An apparatus is provided and includes a housing, a block formed to define an array of holes corresponding to an array of plugs into which connectors with spring loaded sleeves are pluggable such that the block engages with a respective sleeve of each connector, the block being supportively disposed within the housing to be movable with respect to the housing between first and second block positions at which the sleeves are extended and retracted, respectively and a cam lever supported on the housing and coupled to the block, which selectively occupies first and second lever positions at which the cam lever causes the block to assume the first and second block positions, respectively.
US08845203B2	Wheel bearing assembly A bearing assembly having improved impact Brinell resistance is provided. Due to a controlled gap between a rotating component and a non-rotating component or a vehicle suspension structure, the non-rotating component or the vehicle suspension structure is permitted to share impact loads caused by a sufficient side impact to the rotating component, thus preventing excessive loads from being transmitted to rolling elements, and providing greater resistance against Brinell impact damage that would generate a noise and/or vibration condition in the bearing assembly. The width of the controlled gap and of the area of potential contact between the rotating component and the vehicle suspension structure or the non-rotating component are optimized to increase impact Brinell resistance while avoiding excessive contact between the rotating component and the non-rotating component or the vehicle suspension structure during extreme cornering maneuvers.
US08845200B2	Rolling bearing for a dual mass flywheel in a motor vehicle A single-row deep groove ball bearing made substantially of an inner ring and an outer ring disposed coaxially thereto and balls disposed between the rings. The balls roll in deep groove tracks in an outer face of the inner ring and in an inner face of the outer ring, and the balls are held at equal distances to each other in the circumferential direction by a housing. The interior of the bearing is sealed by two circular ring-shaped seals axially opposite each other. At least one of the seals is a lip seal, which has an angular profile. A shape-stable radial seal leg of the seal is attached to the outer ring and forms a gap seal with an axial side of the inner ring, and a sealing lip, which is an overpressure valve, is disposed under the inner ring and slidingly contacts the inner face of the inner ring.
US08845199B2	Solid bronze bearing with hardness gradient The invention relates to a method for the production of an anti-friction bearing element (1) comprising a carrier metal which forms a back bearing side and a bearing metal, wherein the carrier metal is made from a bronze-based alloy. The bearing metal is also made from a bronze-based alloy, wherein the hardness of said bronze-based alloy is reduced at least in some areas by heat treatment, so that in the radial direction of the anti-friction bearing a hardness gradient is formed with increasing hardness in the direction of the back side (7) of the anti-friction bearing element (1).
US08845190B2	Low-dose automatic exposure control system for digital portable X-ray imaging A method for obtaining a radiographic image, the method executed at least in part on a computer, generates a first exposure and acquires image data from the first exposure as a first component image. A second exposure is generated using one or more parameters that are adjusted according to an image quality characteristic of the acquired image data from the first exposure. Image data is acquired from the second exposure as a second component image. One or more additional exposures are generated and an additional component image acquired with each additional exposure. A composite image is formed by combining image data content from the first and second component images and the one or more additional component images.
US08845188B2	Apparatus state determination method and system In a method for determining a state of an apparatus, detected temperatures are received from a plurality of sensors and are compared to at least one preset condition. The state of the apparatus is determined based upon the comparison.
US08845183B2	Torque limiting disposable agitator for a food mixer An agitator (10) includes a stem (11) having a shaft coupler (12) at one end adapted to be attached to the rotatable shaft (25) of a food mixing machine. The other end of the stem (11) has a mixing blade (13) which can be in the shape of the bowl of a spoon. The stem (11) is shaped like an I-beam having side walls (20) spaced by a central wall (21). The side walls (20) have opposed notches (22) leaving a web (23) therebetween, and the central wall (21) is provided with an aperture (24) which is aligned with the web (23). Together the web (23) and the aperture (24) define a weakened area where the stem (11) will break upon a predetermined torque which is established based on the hardness of the food product (26) being mixed.
US08845182B2	Vessel for processing a biopharmaceutical product including protection means A vessel includes: a pocket capable of assuming a folded state and an expanded state, processing element including an active inner portion; protection element including a side wall, a lower portion and an upper portion defining an inner space, the lower portion being attached to the upper portion of the pocket, the active inner portion being provided in the inner space when the pocket is in the folded state, the peripheral portion of the inner space about the processing element defining a protection chamber; at least one insertion and/or draining opening. The active inner portion is provided inside the pocket adjacent to the lower end portion thereof, the processing element and the protection element are independent in terms of their movements, and the height of the protection chamber is variable and automatically adapts itself based on respectively, the flat-folded, unfolded and expanded states or any intermediate state of the pocket.
US08845181B2	Mixing system including a flexible bag, specific flexible bag and locating system for the mixing system Mixing system comprising: a flexible bag (28) with a mixing device (1) comprising a magnetic impeller; and an alignment facilitation device adapted to facilitate alignment between the magnetic impeller and a magnetic driver (36) located external to the system. Specific flexible bag and hardware therefore.
US08845180B2	Shaking machine adaptor for containers having different shapes An adaptor for a vortex paint mixer. The adaptor includes a pair of semi-cylindrical holding structures pivotally connected together by a pair of pivot links. Each of the halves has a depression formed therein. When the holding structures are placed together, the two depressions form a cavity having first and second regions adapted to hold a conventional cylindrical quart paint container and a rectangular quart paint container, respectively.
US08845179B2	Shaking machine adaptor for containers having different shapes An adaptor for a vortex paint mixer. The adaptor includes a pair of semi-cylindrical holding structures pivotably connected together by a pair of pivot links. Each of the halves has a depression formed therein. When the holding structures are placed together, the two depressions form a cavity having first and second regions adapted to hold a conventional cylindrical quart paint container and a rectangular quart paint container, respectively.

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