Document Document Title
US08933213B2 Antisense modulation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 expression
Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) mRNA and protein in an animal. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, delay, or ameliorate a metabolic disease, or a symptom thereof.
US08933212B2 Use of protease nexin 1 inhibitors to reduce metastasis
The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting metastasis comprising the administration of an inhibitor of protease nexin-1 (PN-1), characterized in that said inhibitor is administered at a therapeutical dosage that does not completely inhibit the expression and/or activity of PN-1.
US08933206B2 Benzimidazole compounds and their use as chromatographic ligands
The present invention provides a new method for isolation and/or purification of immunoglobulins from a solution containing one or more immunoglobulins using a solid phase matrix represented by the formula: M-SP-L, wherein M is designates a matrix backbone, SP designates a spacer and L designates a substituted benzimidazole ligand.
US08933204B2 Process for the industrial-scale purification of gamma globulins from human plasma for industrial applications
The invention relates to a novel, industrial-scale process for the purification of gamma-immunoglobulins (IgG) starting from plasma or fractions thereof. The method involves two chromatographic steps, i.e. a cation exchange capture chromatography, and then a polishing anion exchange chromatography, ensuring a highly purified end product, which contains no aggregates, and high yields. The process also involves a virus inactivation step by means of a solvent/detergent treatment to inactivate the viruses with a lipid envelope, and a virus removal step by nanofiltering to ensure the removal of the non-enveloped viruses.
US08933199B2 Fibronectin based scaffold domain proteins that bind to myostatin
The present invention relates to fibronectin-based scaffold domain proteins that bind to myostatin. The invention also relates to the use of these proteins in therapeutic applications to treat muscular dystrophy, cachexia, sarcopenia, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity, COPD, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and fibrosis. The invention further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotides encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the proteins.
US08933198B2 HIV VPR-specific T cell receptors
The instant invention provides TCRs having one or more amino acid substitutions that bind to the AL9 epitope of the HIV protein vpr (AIIRILQQL (SEQ ID NO: 1)).
US08933190B2 Process for preparing a polyester
Disclosed is a process for preparing a polyester or copolymer containing ester functionalities. The process can comprise: providing an optionally substituted lactone having a ring size of from 6 to 40 carbon atoms; and subjecting said lactone to metal mediated ring-opening polymerization using as catalyst a compound according to general formula (I): wherein M can be Al, Cr, Mn and Co; X and X′ are independently a heteroatom; Y and Y′ can be, independently, selected from O, N, S, P, C, Si, and B; Z can be selected from hydrogen, borohydrides, aluminum hydrides, carbyls, silyls, hydroxide, alkoxides, aryloxides, carboxylates, carbonates, carbamates, amidos, thiolates, phosphides, and halides; L1 and L2 can be independently an organic ligand linking X and Y together and linking X′ and Y′ together, respectively; and L3 is an optional organic ligand linking Y and Y′ together.
US08933189B2 Polymers derived from renewably resourced lysinol
Disclosed are salt compositions of lysinol and dicarboxylic acids; and lysinol derived polymers including polyamide, polyimide, polyurea, cross-linked polyurea comprising urethane linkages, polyurea foams, cross-linked polyurea foams, and lysinol-epoxy thermoset.
US08933177B2 Release modifier and release coating organopolysiloxane composition
To provide a release modifier which provides a heavy release force to a cured release layer of silicone coating composition. The release modifier comprises an organopolysiloxane resin-organopolysiloxane condensation reaction product that is obtained by the condensation reaction of (a1) 100 weight parts of MQ-type organopolysiloxane resin in which the molar ratio of the M unit to the Q unit is 0.6 to 1.0 and the content of the hydroxyl group or alkoxy group is 0.3 to 2.0 weight % with (a2) 20 to 150 weight parts of chain-form diorganopolysiloxane that has an average degree of polymerization of 100 to 1000 and at least one hydroxyl group or alkoxy group; this organopolysiloxane resin-organopolysiloxane condensation reaction product preferably has a prescribed hydroxyl group content.
US08933161B2 Thermoplastic resin composition, resin molded article, and method of manufacturing resin molded article with plated layer
Provided is a thermoplastic resin molded article excellent in bending strength, flexural modulus and Charpy impact strength, on which the plated layer may be formed in a successful manner. The thermoplastic resin composition for laser direct structuring comprising, per 100 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin, 10 to 150 parts by weight of an inorganic fiber and 1 to 30 parts by weight of a laser direct structuring additive, the laser direct structuring additive containing at least one of copper, antimony and tin, and having a Mohs hardness 1.5 or more smaller than the Mohs hardness of the inorganic fiber.
US08933160B2 Resin composition and product molded from the same
A resin composition is provided, which comprises: 40 to 95% by mass of a resin component containing 10 to 100% by mass of a polyarylate resin and 90 to 0% by mass of a polycarbonate resin; and 60 to 5% by mass of spherical silica having an average particle diameter of not greater than 10 μm. The resin composition is molded into a product.
US08933157B2 Mixed boron nitride composition and method for making thereof
A boron nitride composition comprising at least two different boron nitride powder materials having different properties, e.g., surface areas, particle size, tap density, etc.
US08933154B2 Flame retardant thermoplastic resin composition and molded article including the same
A flame retardant thermoplastic resin composition and a molded article including the same are provided. The flame retardant thermoplastic resin composition includes: (A) a thermoplastic resin; (B) a flame retardant; and (C) a filler, wherein the (C) filler has an oil absorption rate of about 0.1 ml/100 g to about 10 ml/100 g as measured in accordance with ASTM D281. With the filler having a certain range of oil absorption, the flame retardant thermoplastic resin composition can exhibit excellent stiffness and/or flame retardancy.
US08933145B2 High temperature melting
The present invention relates to methods for making wear and oxidation resistant polymeric materials by high temperature melting. The invention also provides methods of making medical implants containing cross-linked antioxidant-containing tough and ductile polymers and materials used therewith also are provided.
US08933144B2 Curable composition for imprint, pattern-forming method and pattern
Provide a curable composition for imprint, which is improved in the surface roughness of the cured film. A curable composition for imprint comprising a polymerizable compound (A), a polymerization initiator (B), and a non-polymerizable compound (C), the non-polymerizable compound (C) comprising at least one species of surfactant (C1) which contains 20% by mass or more of fluorine atom, and, at least one species of polymer (C2) which contains 3% by mass or more and less than 20% by mass of fluorine atom and/or 5% by mass or more and less than 40% by mass of silicon atom, and has a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 1,000 to 100,000.
US08933138B2 Photo-latent titanium-chelate catalysts
The present invention provides photolatent Ti-chelate catalyst compounds of formula (I), wherein R1 is for example C6-C14 aryl which is substituted by one or more R′2, R′3 or R′4; or the two R1 together are unsubstituted linear or branched C1-C12alkylene; R2, R3, R4, R′2, R′3, and R′4 independently of each other are for example hydrogen, halogen or linear or branched C1-C20alkyl; R5, R6 and R7 independently of each other are hydrogen, linear or branched C1-C20alkyl, C6-C14aryl, Br or Cl, provided that not more than one of R5, R6 and R7 is hydrogen; as well as formulations comprising said compounds and defined 1,3-diketones.
US08933136B2 High-speed stop in Fischer-Tropsch process
The present invention pertains to a process for carrying out a high-speed stop in a Fischer-Tropsch process which comprises providing a feed to a fixed bed reactor comprising a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, the reactor being at reaction temperature and pressure, and withdrawing an effluent from the reactor, wherein the high-speed stop is effected by blocking provision of feed to the reactor and simultaneously blocking the withdrawal of effluent from the reactor.
US08933135B2 Process for producing methanol
The present invention relates to a novel process for the production of methanol. The process comprises the heterolytic cleavage of hydrogen by a frustrated Lewis pair comprising a Lewis acid and a Lewis base; and the hydrogenation of CO2 with the heterolytically cleaved hydrogen to form methanol.
US08933134B2 Compositions containing agar and a softening agent
The present invention includes a composition that has (a) at least one thermo-reversible polysaccharide chosen from agar; (b) at least one softening agent chosen from a cationic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic esterified sugar surfactant, a polyorganosiloxane-containing polymer, a sugar silicone surfactant, and mixtures thereof; (c) at least one oil; and (d) water.
US08933132B2 Tricyclic substituted benzenesulfonamide piperazine derivatives as CAV2.2 calcium channel blockers
The invention relates to novel piperazine compounds of formula (I): to processes for their preparation; to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds; and to the use of the compounds in therapy to treat diseases for which blocking the Cav2.2 calcium channels is beneficial, i.e. in particular to treat pain.
US08933131B2 Intermediates and surfactants useful in household cleaning and personal care compositions, and methods of making the same
Disclosed herein are novel mixtures of scattered-branched chain fatty acids and derivatives of scattered-branched chain fatty acids. Further disclosed are uses of these mixtures in cleaning compositions (e.g., dishcare, laundry, hard surface cleaners) and/or personal care compositions (e.g., skin cleansers, shampoo, hair conditioners).
US08933130B2 Treatment of vasomotor symptoms with selective estrogen receptor modulators
The present invention is directed toward methods for treating vasomotor symptoms, (e.g., hot flashes and night sweats) in a patient in need thereof comprising administering a SERM as described herein.
US08933129B2 Compounds and methods for modulating activity of calcium release channels
The present teachings provide compounds of Formulae I and II: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, complexes, esters, and prodrugs thereof, wherein R1, R1′, R2, R2′, R3, R3′, and X are as defined herein. The present teachings also provide methods of making the compounds of formulae I and II, and methods of treating RyR-associated conditions, disorders, and diseases that include administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I or II to a subject in need thereof. In addition, the present teachings relate to methods of reducing the open probability of a ryanodine receptor, and methods of reducing Ca2+ release across a ryanodine receptor (e.g., into the cytoplasm of a cell), by contacting a compound of formula I or II with a ryanodine receptor.
US08933128B2 Use of a composition for treating the surfaces of livestock buildings and/or the material therein
The invention relates to the use of a composition for treating the surfaces of livestock buildings and/or the material therein in order to eliminate and/or inhibit pathogenic protozoa, and in particular coccidiosis oocysts. According to the invention, said composition essentially comprises the combination of an alkylamine and of a quaternary ammonium or of a quaternary ammonium derivative.
US08933127B2 Enhanced bimatoprost ophthalmic solution
A composition comprising from 0.005% to 0.02% bimatoprost by weight and from 100 ppm to 250 ppm benzalkonium chloride, wherein said composition is an aqueous liquid which is formulated for ophthalmic administration is disclosed herein. A method which is useful in treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension related thereto is also disclosed herein.
US08933126B2 Methods of administering a mixture of fatty acids for the treatment of non-human mammals
Mixture of fatty acids, their derivatives, ester or methyl ester derivates thereof, which may be administered to non-human mammals by diffusion in to ambient air during at least seven consecutive days, with a rapid kinetic of diffusion during the first three days of administration.
US08933125B2 Body cosmetics for wetted skin
A body cosmetic for application to wetted skin after bathing, and the like, which provide high moisturizing effects, spread well to all over the body, and are easy to apply.An oil-in-water body cosmetic for application to wetted skin, which contains a water-soluble polymer and the following components (A) to (C): (A) from 20 to 50% by mass of oily ingredients containing (A1) oil that is pasty at 25° C. and (A2) polar oil that is liquid at 25° C.; (B) from 11 to 50% by mass of glycerin; and (C) from 20 to 60% by mass of water; in this body cosmetic for application to wetted skin, the content of the pasty oil (A1) is from 1 to 20% by mass, and the content of the liquid polar oil (A2) is from 1 to 20% by mass.
US08933123B2 Polymorphic forms of O-desmethyl-venlafaxine succinate
The present invention discloses polymorphic forms of O-desmethyl-venlafaxine succinate and processes for the preparation thereof.
US08933121B2 Anti-obesity potential of Calebin A
The present invention discloses the potential of Calebin A in inhibiting adipogenesis and applications thereof in obesity management. The present invention elucidates the potential of Calebin A to favorably modulate biochemical markers associated with obesity. Notable biomodulatory properties of Calebin A include inhibiting leptin production, increasing adiponectin expression and inhibiting local (adipocyte) and systemic inflammation caused by pro-inflammatory cytokines Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-1 (IL-1β).
US08933120B2 Enhanced bimatoprost ophthalmic solution
A composition comprising from 0.005% to 0.02% bimatoprost by weight and from 100 ppm to 250 ppm benzalkonium chloride, wherein said composition is an aqueous liquid which is formulated for ophthalmic administration is disclosed herein.A method which is useful in treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension related thereto is also disclosed herein.
US08933116B2 Gamma secretase inhibitors
Disclosed herein are compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein each of the substituents is given the definition as set forth in the specification and claims. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound of Formula (I) and use of the compound in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases or conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
US08933113B2 Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists
Disclosed are the compounds of the Formula (I) as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which are useful for treating aldosterone-mediated diseases. The processes for preparing compounds of the Formula (I), the use for the therapy and prophylaxis of the abovementioned diseases and for preparing pharmaceuticals for this purpose, and the pharmaceutical compositions which comprise compounds of the formula (I) are disclosed too.
US08933111B2 Crystalline form of (2S,4R)-5-biphenyl-4-yl-2-hydroxymethyl-2-methyl-4-[(1H-[1,2,3]triazole-4-carbonyl)-amino]-pentanoic acid 5-methyl-2-oxo-[1,3]dioxol-4-ylmethyl ester
The invention provides a crystalline form of (2S,4R)-5-biphenyl-4-yl-2-hydroxymethyl-2-methyl-4-[(1H-[1,2,3]triazole-4-carbonyl)amino]pentanoic acid 5-methyl-2-oxo-[1,3]dioxol-4-ylmethyl ester or its tautomer. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the crystalline compound, processes and intermediates for preparing the crystalline compound, and methods of using the crystalline compound to treat diseases.
US08933109B2 Furo[3, 2-B] pyrrol-3-ones as cathespin S inhibitors
A first aspect of the invention relates to a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, complex or pro-drug thereof, wherein: one of R3 and R4 is H, and the other is selected from C1-6-alkyl, C1-6-haloalkyl, C1-6-alkoxy, and C6-12-aralkyl; or R3 and R4 are each independently selected from C1-6-alkyl and halo; R9 is a substituted 5 or 6-membered aryl or heteroaryl group or a 6,5- or 6,6-fused biaryl or heterobiaryl group. Compounds of formula (I) exhibit surprisingly high efficacies for human cathepsin S, excellent selectivity verses other mammalian cathepsins and are useful for treatment of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, transplant rejection, diabetes, Sjogrens syndrome, Grave's disease, systemic lupus erythematosis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, allergic rhinitis, asthma, atherosclerosis, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic pain.
US08933105B2 Pyrrole compounds
The present invention provides a compound having a superior acid secretion inhibitory effect and showing an antiulcer activity, which is represented by the formula (I) wherein R1 is an optionally substituted cyclic group, R2 is a substituent, R3 is an optionally substituted alkyl group, an acyl group, an optionally substituted hydroxy group, an optionally substituted amino group, a halogen atom, a cyano group or a nitro group, R4 and R5 are each a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group, an acyl group, an optionally substituted hydroxy group, an optionally substituted amino group, a halogen atom, a cyano group or a nitro group, R6 and R6′ are each a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and n is an integer of 0-3, or a salt thereof.
US08933104B2 Glucagon receptor modulators
The present invention provides a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein R1, R2, R3, A1, A2, A3, A4, L, B1, B2, B3 and B4 are as defined herein. The compounds of Formula I have been found to act as glucagon antagonists or inverse agonists. Consequently, the compounds of Formula I and the pharmaceutical compositions thereof are useful for the treatment of diseases, disorders, or conditions mediated by glucagon.
US08933103B2 Pyridone derivatives
Novel compounds or salts thereof, or crystals thereof, which inhibit Axl and are useful for treating diseases caused by Axl hyperfunction, diseases associated with Axl hyperfunction and/or diseases accompanied by Axl hyperfunction are provided. Pyridone derivatives represented by the formula (1) having various substituents or salts thereof, or crystals thereof (where R1, R2, R3, R5, R6, A, W, X and n in the formula (1) are as defined in the specification, respectively) are provided.
US08933098B2 Dimethyl-benzoic acid compounds
The present invention provides a compound of the Formula II: wherein A is: R1 is CH3, CF3, or F; R2 is H, CH3, or F; R3 is CH3, OCH3, OH, F; R4 is OH or CH2OH; and X is CH or N; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08933095B2 KAT II inhibitors
Compounds of Formula I: wherein X, Y, Z, R1, R2, R3, R4 are as defined herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are described as useful for the treatment of cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia and other psychiatric, neurodegenerative and/or neurological disorders in mammals, including humans.
US08933091B2 Method of inhibiting C-KIT kinase
A method of reducing or inhibiting kinase activity of C-KIT in a cell or a subject, and the use of such compounds for preventing or treating in a subject a cell proliferative disorder and/or disorders related to C-KIT using a compound of the present invention: or a solvate, hydrate, tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The present invention is further directed to methods for treating conditions such as cancers and other cell proliferative disorders.
US08933090B2 1-aza-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes
The present invention relates to 1-aza-bicycloalkyl derivatives of Formula (I); wherein the substituents are as defined in the specification, to processes for their production, their use as pharmaceuticals and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them. Formula (I), wherein A represents O or N(R1); Y represents a group of formula, or wherein the left bond is attached to the A group and the right bond is attached to the R group; R represents a substituted or unsubstituted C5-C10aryl, substituted or unsubstituted hetero-C5-C10aryl, a group N(R1)(R4), or a group N(R2)(CHP3R4); R represent a hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl, or CF3; R2 represents hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl, or CF3; R3 represents hydrogen, C1-C4alkyl, or CF3; R4 represents a substituted or unsubstituted C5-C10 aryl or a substituted or unsubstituted C5-C10heteroaryl; in free base or acid addition salt form.
US08933083B2 1,2,3-trisubstituted aryl and heteroaryl derivatives as modulators of metabolism and the prophylaxis and treatment of disorders related thereto such as diabetes and hyperglycemia
The present invention relates to certain 1,2,3-trisubstituted aryl and heteroaryl derivatives of Formula (Ia) that are modulators of metabolism. Accordingly, compounds of the present invention are useful in the prophylaxis or treatment of metabolic disorders and complications thereof, such as, diabetes and obesity.
US08933080B2 Bridged bicyclic heteroaryl substituted triazoles useful as axl inhibitors
Bridged bicyclic heteroaryl substituted triazoles and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds are disclosed as being useful in inhibiting the activity of the receptor protein tyrosine kinase Axl. Methods of using the compounds in treating diseases or conditions associated with Axl activity are also disclosed.
US08933079B2 Pyridone and pyridazinone derivatives as anti-obesity agents
Pyridone and pyridazinone derivatives that are active against the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and useful as anti-obesity pharmaceuticals.
US08933075B2 Compounds useful as antiviral agents, compositions, and methods of use
Novel 3-N-cycloalkyl-5-substituted-2-thioxothiazolidin-4-one derivatives that are effective for use in treating viral infections are described. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the 3-N-cycloalkyl-5-substituted-2-thioxothiazolidin-4-one derivatives and methods for using the compounds or compositions.
US08933074B2 1,2-disubstituted heterocyclic compounds
1,2-disubstituted heterocyclic compounds which are inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 10 are described. Also described are processes, pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical preparations and pharmaceutical use of the compounds in the treatment of mammals, including human(s) for central nervous system (CNS) disorders and other disorders which may affect CNS function. Among the disorders which may be treated are neurological, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to, those associated with cognitive deficits or schizophrenic symptoms.
US08933063B2 Preparation of a crystalline antibiotic substance
The present invention relates to processes for the crystallisation and for the preparation and isolation of a novel crystalline form of fusidic acid, to the use of said processes in the manufacture of pharmaceutical formulation or medicament, and to the use of said crystalline fusidic acid form for the treatment of bacterial infections.
US08933058B2 Targetted drug delivery to the bone
The present invention relates to a complex of a bisphosphonate compound, methods of preparing such complex and uses thereof.
US08933047B2 Poly(acrylate) polymers for in vivo nucleic acid delivery
The present invention is directed membrane active poly(acrylate) polymers and compositions for targeted delivery of RNA interference (RNAi) polynucleotides cells in vivo. RNAi polynucleotides are conjugated to the poly(acrylate) polymers and the polymers are reversibly modified to enable in vivo targeted delivery. Membrane activity of the poly(acrylate) provides for movement of the RNAi polynucleotides from outside the cell to inside the cell. Reversible modification provides physiological responsiveness.
US08933046B2 Influenza targets
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitor of influenza virus replication. Yet another aspect is a screening method for identification of new targets for the prevention, alleviation or/and treatment of influenza.
US08933041B2 System for treating and preventing breast cancer
The present invention is directed to a system for treating individuals at risk of or suffering from breast cancer. The system comprises administering to the individual a recombinant poxvirus, where the poxvirus contains in a foreign nucleic acid encoding at least one breast cancer antigen.
US08933040B2 Selective glycosidase inhibitors and uses thereof
The invention provides compounds for selectively inhibiting glycosidases, prodrugs of the compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds or prodrugs of the compounds. The invention also provides methods of treating diseases and disorders related to deficiency or overexpression of O-GlcNAcase, accumulation or deficiency of O-GlcNAc.
US08933037B2 Methods involving PDGFRBETA inhibitors
The invention refers to PDGFRbeta inhibitor for use in the antiproliferative treatment of T-cell lymphoma, in particular NHL, ALCL and PTCL.
US08933036B2 Cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical composition comprising a yeast peptide hydrolysate and use of the yeast peptide hydrolysate as an active agent for strengthening hair
A method of attenuating hair loss includes applying to the hair a composition having an effective amount of a hair-loss attenuating peptide hydrolysate and a cosmetically acceptable carrier.
US08933033B2 Chaperonin 10 variants
The invention relates generally to chaperonin 10 N-terminal variants. More specifically, the invention relates to chaperonin 10 N-terminal variants with enhanced immunomodulatory capacity and/or enhanced binding affinity for pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and/or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).
US08933031B2 Polypeptide inhibiting angiogenesis and application thereof
Provided is a low molecular polypeptide that can inhibit angiogenesis consisting of amino acid sequence YRGKKA, which is same to one portion sequence in apolipoprotein (a) Kringle V. Also provided are pharmaceutical composition and the uses for preventing or treating diseases relating to angiogenesis.
US08933024B2 Azolopyridin-3-one derivatives as inhibitors of lipases and phospholipases
The present invention relates to azolopyridin-3-one derivatives of the general formula (I) with the meanings specified in the description, to their pharmaceutically usable salts and to their use as drug substances.
US08933020B2 Methods and compositions related to improving properties of pharmacological agents targeting nervous system
Disclosed are compositions and methods related to improving pharmacological properties of bioactive compounds targeting nervous system.
US08933018B2 Boron containing polybasic bacterial efflux pump inhibitors and therapeutic uses thereof
Disclosed herein are polybasic bacterial efflux pump inhibitors containing boronic acid functionality and their methods of synthesis, methods of use, and pharmaceutical compositions. Some embodiments include methods of treating or preventing a bacterial infection by co-administering to a subject infected with bacteria or at risk of infection with bacteria the efflux pump inhibitor with another anti-bacterial agent.
US08933016B2 Metallodrugs having improved pharmacological properties and methods of manufacture and use thereof
It is an object of the present invention to provide antimicrobial metallodrugs comprising an antimicrobial peptide (“AMP”) and/or an antibiotic covalently bound to a metal binding moiety. These metallodrugs combine a metal binding domain which typically catalyzes oxido-reductase chemistry or acts as a Lewis-Acid catalyst, with a member of a diverse class of antimicrobial agents currently validated in preclinical and clinical settings for the treatment of a broad spectrum of pathogenic organisms.
US08933012B2 Glycopeptide antibiotic derivative
The present invention provides a novel glycopeptide antibiotic derivative.These derivatives are represented by the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein RA is —X1—Ar1—X2—Y—X3—Ar2 wherein X1, X2 and X3 are single bond; heteroatom-containing group selected from the group consisting of —N═, ═N—, —NR1— (R1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl), —O—, —S—, —SO— and —SO2—, or a linkage thereof; or alkylene or alkenylene optionally substituted and optionally interrupted by one or more of said heteroatom-containing group; Y is —NR2CO—, —CONR2— (R2 is hydrogen or lower alkyl), or a group of the formula (II) wherein R3 is alkylene; Ar1 and Ar2 are a carbocycle or a heterocycle which is optionally substituted and may have an unsaturated bond; RB is —NHNRXRY or —NRZORW wherein RX is hydrogen or lower alkyl; RY is hydrogen, optionally substituted lower alkyl, C(═NH)NH2, CSNH2, COCONH2, CN, optionally substituted heterocyclic group, and optionally substituted carbamoyl; RZ is hydrogen or lower alkyl; RW is hydrogen, optionally substituted lower alkyl, optionally substituted lower alkenyl, optionally substituted heterocyclic group, optionally substituted heterocyclic carbonyl or optionally substituted carbamoyl; RC is hydrogen or optionally substituted alkyl, wherein said alkyl may be interrupted by a heteroatom-containing group selected from N═, ═N—, —NR1— (R1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl), —O—, —S—, —SO— and —SO2—; and R is optionally substituted alkyl.
US08933008B2 Disinfectant solution comprising synergistic, non-equilibrium aldehyde biocides
A disinfectant solution comprising: an aldehyde; a polyol; one or more acetal derivatives formed by reaction of said aldehyde with said polyol; one or more surfactants selected from the general classes anionic, cationic, or non-ionic; one or more pH buffering agents selected from the group consisting of monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate, trisodium phosphate, sodium tetraborate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate, phosphoric acid, boric acid and citric acid. The invention also relates to a process of producing the disinfectant solution, and a method of disinfecting and/or sterilizing heat sensitive medical devices comprising treating the medical devices with the disinfectant solution of the invention.
US08933006B1 Contact lens cleaning compositions
The invention provides a contact lens cleaning composition comprising at least two nonionic surfactants and optionally including a non-Newtonian viscosity enhancing excipient.
US08933005B2 Method and composition for removing latex paint
Disclosed is a paint removing composition including an aluminum containing salt, calcium hydroxide, and calcium sulfate. When applied to wet latex paint, the composition neutralizes the paint molecules and causes the colloid to come out of suspension by the process of flocculation. The composition is prepared as a dry powder and added to a sufficient amount of water to create an aqueous solution. Also disclosed is a method of cleaning paintbrush containing wet paint. The composition is placed in contact with a wet paint-containing paintbrush for a sufficient time to cause the paint to come out of suspension in the form of floc.
US08932997B2 Anti-accretion agents for drilling fluids
Esters of alkanolamines with unsaturated, polyunsaturated or saturated C8-C36 monocarboxylic acids are additives for reducing accretion on drilling equipment (anti-accretion agents) to be used in drilling muds during drilling and completion of oil and gas wells.
US08932993B1 Method of testing for endometriosis and treatment therefor
The present invention relates to novel genetic markers associated with endometriosis and risk of developing endometriosis, and methods and materials for determining whether a human subject has endometriosis or is at risk of developing endometriosis and the use of such risk information in selectively administering a treatment that at least partially prevents or compensates for an endometriosis related symptom.
US08932992B2 Templated molecules and methods for using such molecules
The present invention relates to a method for synthesizing templated molecules. In one aspect of the invention, the templated molecules are linked to the template which templated the synthesis thereof. The intion allows the generation of libraries which can be screened for e.g. therapeutic activity.
US08932991B2 Planar support having an ultraflat surface and a device for detecting antigens comprising said planar support
A nanoarray or microarray of antibodies includes a planar surface having an ultraflat surface, which has a planar substrate functionalized with a first monolayer of linking molecules, preferably APTES molecules, and a second monolayer of small peptides of the general formula (I) capable of binding the Fc region of antibodies. The nanoarray or microarray includes capture antibodies immobilized on the planar support, preferably in the form of a matrix of spots, and is suitable to be used for detecting antigens in a biological sample by AFM imaging. Z—HN—R1—R2—R3—R4—R5—R6—NH—X—CO-G-COOH.
US08932989B2 Sieving of nucleic acid samples
A method of selecting nucleic acid samples from a plurality of nucleic acid samples based on desired alleles including the steps of performing a first reaction in a plurality of pools of the alleles to be identified to produce reaction products including a source tag identifying said each pool; pooling the pools to provide pooled pools; for each of the desired alleles to be identified, performing a second reaction using said reaction products to produce allele-specific second reaction products comprising a marker tag and a derived source tag; identifying said allele-specific second reaction products to select nucleic acid sample. In some embodiments, the first reaction may not be performed. A source tag sharing number “d” may be determined for each of the alleles. Alleles may be binned together.
US08932988B2 Cationic surfactant based adjuvant systems for some herbicides that increase pH, herbicide solubility and performance
A method for increasing the performance of sulfonylurea and sulfonamide herbicides by using blends of cat-ionic surfactants and basic pH adjustors as adjuvants.
US08932985B2 Vinyl chloride-based resin latexes, processes for producing the same, and thermal transfer image-receiving sheet obtained using the same
A vinyl chloride-based resin latex which froths little when unreacted monomer remaining in the latex are recovered under heat and reduced-pressure conditions, and a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet which has satisfactory water resistance, does not yellow during storage, and gives images having excellent durability and light resistance. The invention provides a vinyl chloride-based resin latex contains a copolymer containing a vinyl chloride and an epoxy-group-containing vinyl or contains vinyl chloride, an epoxy-group-containing vinyl, and a carboxylic acid vinyl ester, wherein a content of the epoxy-group-containing vinyl is 0.1% by weight or more but less than 3% by weight, and wherein the latex contains no surfactant, and has a solid concentration of 25% by weight or more; a process for producing the latex; and a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet obtained using the latex.
US08932984B2 Mesoporous activated carbon and methods of producing same
Mesoporous activated carbon is disclosed. In at least some embodiments, virgin activated carbon to be processed may be coconut shell-based. The enhanced activated carbon may have a mesopore structure of at least about 10%. The enhanced activated carbon may be produced through a calcium-catalyzed activation process. A chelator may also be used. Catalyzed thermal activation may be carried out until a desired mass loss is achieved.
US08932982B2 Exhaust gas purification catalyst
An exhaust gas purification catalyst includes a catalytic layer containing a particle component A-1 and a particle component A-2 with different catalytic metal contents, each of which is composed of catalytic-metal-doped CeZr-based mixed oxide powder. The particle component A-1 having the lower catalytic metal content is supported on a particle component B composed of Zr-based-oxide-supported alumina powder, and the particle component A-2 having the higher catalytic metal content is supported on a particle component C composed of CeZr-based mixed oxide powder in which catalytic metal is not solid-dissolved.
US08932976B2 Preparation of catalyst for bisphenols production
An improved method of preparing an ion exchange resin catalyst by partial neutralization of the ion exchange resin catalyst with a promoter. The promoter and a fluid are introduced into a vessel or a reactor which is partially filled with the ion exchange resin catalyst forming an ion exchange resin catalyst bed in the vessel or reactor. The fluid and the promoter are recirculated in an upflow direction at a velocity sufficient to partially fluidize the ion exchange resin catalyst bed and to achieve a rapid uniform distribution of the promoter throughout the catalyst bed.
US08932973B2 Disordered molecular sieve supports for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx
A catalyst for selective catalytic reduction of NOx having one or more transition metals selected from Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ce, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, In, Sn, Re, Ir, Pt, and mixtures thereof supported on a support, wherein the support has a molecular sieve having at least one intergrowth phase having at least two different small-pore, three-dimensional framework structures.
US08932972B2 Remanufactured SCR aged catalyst by in-situ technology
This invention relates to an in-situ remanufacturing method of SCR aged catalyst. More specifically, in case the activity of the catalyst, which is used in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to remove nitrogen oxides, is decreased, such deactivated catalyst, in this in-situ remanufacturing method, is not to be separated from its related reactor but to be remanufactured in-situ for elimination in this method, which, compared to the one that otherwise includes detachment and transportation to remanufacturing facilities, should prevent potential damage to the catalyst, reduce transportation costs as well as additional enormous costs depending upon unloading and loading of the catalyst and shorten the remanufacturing time.The activity of reclaimed catalyst in this invention is recovered at a level of 95% or more than that of fresh SCR catalyst by rapidly facilitating the in-situ elimination of any contaminant and possesses high economic efficiency as there is no catalyst loss during the process. The reuse of the catalyst which otherwise is to be disposed is also possible, mitigating environmental burden.
US08932969B2 Glass substrate for flat panel display and method for manufacturing same
Provided are: a glass substrate for p-Si TFT flat panel displays that is composed of a glass having high characteristic temperatures in the low-temperature viscosity range, typified by the strain point and glass transition point, having a small heat shrinkage rate, and being capable of avoiding the occurrence of the problem regarding the erosion/wear of a melting tank at the time of melting through direct electrical heating; and a method for manufacturing same. The present glass substrate is composed of a glass comprising 52-78 mass % of SiO2, 3-25 mass % of Al2O3, 3-15 mass % of B2O3, 3-25 mass % of RO, wherein RO is total amount of MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO, 0.01-1 mass % of Fe2O3, and 0-0.3 mass % of Sb2O3, and substantially not comprising As2O3, the glass having a mass ratio (SiO2+Al2O3)/B2O3 in a range of 7-30 and a mass ratio (SiO2+Al2O3)/RO equal to or greater than 6. The present method for manufacturing a glass substrate involves: a melting step of obtaining a molten glass by melting, by employing at least direct electrical heating, glass raw materials blended so as to provide the aforementioned glass composition; a forming step of forming the molten glass into a flat-plate glass; and an annealing step of annealing the flat-plate glass.
US08932966B2 Multi-layer flame retardant fabric
A composite velour fabric garment includes a laminate consisting of an outer woven shell layer, an inner thermal layer of knit construction, and an intermediate layer disposed between and laminated to each of the shell layer and the thermal layer. The outer woven shell layer contains spandex in at least a weft direction for stretch and recovery in a width direction. The knit construction of the inner thermal layer provides stretch in at least a width direction, in harmony with the shell layer, and the inner thermal layer has a raised surface facing inwardly, away from the shell layer. The intermediate layer has controlled air permeability, including zero air permeability.
US08932964B2 Method of forming a dielectric layer having an ONO structure using an in-situ process
A method of forming a dielectric layer, the method including sequentially forming a first oxide layer, a nitride layer, and a second oxide layer on a substrate by performing a plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition process, wherein a first nitrogen plasma treatment is performed after forming the first oxide layer.
US08932960B2 Methods for isolating portions of a loop of pitch-multiplied material and related structures
Different portions of a continuous loop of semiconductor material are electrically isolated from one another. In some embodiments, the end of the loop is electrically isolated from mid-portions of the loop. In some embodiments, loops of semiconductor material, having two legs connected together at their ends, are formed by a pitch multiplication process in which loops of spacers are formed on sidewalls of mandrels. The mandrels are removed and a block of masking material is overlaid on at least one end of the spacer loops. In some embodiments, the blocks of masking material overlay each end of the spacer loops. The pattern defined by the spacers and the blocks are transferred to a layer of semiconductor material. The blocks electrically connect together all the loops. A select gate is formed along each leg of the loops. The blocks serve as sources/drains. The select gates are biased in the off state to prevent current flow from the mid-portion of the loop's legs to the blocks, thereby electrically isolating the mid-portions from the ends of the loops and also electrically isolating different legs of a loop from each other.
US08932953B2 Composition for forming a silicon-containing resist underlayer film and patterning process using the same
A composition for forming a silicon-containing resist underlayer film that contains: a component (A) including at least one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of a polymer having repeating units shown by the following general formulae (1-1a) and (1-1b) and being capable of generating a phenolic hydroxyl group, a hydrolysate of the polymer, and a hydrolysis-condensate of the polymer, and a component (B) which is a silicon-containing compound obtained by hydrolysis-condensation of a mixture containing, at least, one or more hydrolysable silicon compounds represented by the following general formula (2) and one or more hydrolysable silicon compounds represented by the following general formula (3). R11m11R12m12R13m13Si(OR14)(4−m11−m12−m13)  (2) Si(OR15)4  (3)
US08932952B2 Method for polishing silicon wafer and polishing liquid therefor
Disclosed is a method for polishing a silicon wafer, wherein a surface to be polished of a silicon wafer is rough polished, while supplying a polishing liquid, which is obtained by adding a water-soluble polymer to an aqueous alkaline solution that contains no free abrasive grains, to a polishing cloth. Consequently, the surface to be polished can be polished at high polishing rate and the flatness of the edge portion including roll-off and roll-up can be controlled.
US08932951B2 Dishing-free gap-filling with multiple CMPs
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes providing a semiconductor substrate; forming patterned features over the semiconductor substrate, wherein gaps are formed between the patterned features; filling the gaps with a first filling material, wherein the first filling material has a first top surface higher than top surfaces of the patterned features; and performing a first planarization to lower the top surface of the first filling material, until the top surfaces of the patterned features are exposed. The method further includes depositing a second filling material, wherein the second filling material has a second top surface higher than the top surfaces of the patterned features; and performing a second planarization to lower the top surface of the second filling material, until the top surfaces of the patterned features are exposed.
US08932950B2 Electrically conductive device and manufacturing method thereof
An electrically conductive device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. According to the method, a protein tube portion and a conductor penetrating through the protein tube portion are formed on a graphene layer, and the conductor is in electrical contact with the graphene layer. A dummy dielectric material layer surrounding the protein tube portion can be formed on the graphene layer for support. The graphene layer can be protected from damage during the formation of the protein tube portion and the conductor because no etching process is employed in the formation. The method can facilitate the application of graphene in semiconductor devices as conductive interconnects.
US08932945B2 Wafer alignment system and method
A system and method for mitigating annealing fingerprints in semiconductor wafers is provided. An embodiment comprises aligning the semiconductor wafers prior to each annealing step. This alignment generates similar or identical fingerprints in each of the semiconductor wafers manufactured. With the fingerprint known, a single compensation model for a subsequent photoresist may be utilized to compensate for the fingerprint in each of the semiconductor wafers.
US08932944B2 Silicon carbide semiconductor device manufacturing method
In the manufacture of a silicon carbide semiconductor device having a termination region being a JTE region or FLR, the margin of the amount of etching for removing a damage layer formed in the surface of the termination region is enlarged. A silicon carbide semiconductor device has a termination region being a JTE (Junction Termination Extension) region or an FLR (Field Limiting Ring) at a termination of the semiconductor elements. The termination region is formed by one step of ion implantation in which the kind of impurity and the implant energy are fixed. In the impurity concentration profile of the termination region in the depth direction, the concentration peak in the shallowest position is in a position deeper than 0.35 μm from the surface, and the concentration in the surface portion is not more than one-tenth of the shallowest concentration peak.
US08932943B2 Nitride semiconductor light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a nitride semiconductor light emitting device which includes forming an n-type semiconductor layer, forming an active layer on the n-type semiconductor layer, forming a superlattice layer by alternately stacking at least two nitride layers made of InxAlyGa(1-x-y)N (0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, and 0≦x+y≦1) having different energy bandgaps from each other and doped with a p-type dopant, and forming a p-type semiconductor layer on the superlattice layer. The forming of the superlattice layer is performed by adjusting a flow rate of a p-type dopant source gas to reduce the flow rate in a growth termination period of the superlattice layer by no greater than about half of the flow rate in a growth initiation period of the superlattice layer while being doped with the p-type dopant.
US08932939B1 Water soluble mask formation by dry film lamination
Methods and systems for forming water soluble masks by dry film lamination are described. Also described are methods of wafer dicing, including formation of a water soluble mask by dry film lamination. In one embodiment, a method involves moisturizing an inner area of a water soluble dry film. The method involves stretching the water soluble dry film over a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and attaching the moistened inner area of the stretched film to the surface of the semiconductor wafer. A method of wafer dicing may further involve patterning the water soluble dry film, exposing regions of the semiconductor wafer between the ICs, and etching the semiconductor wafer through gaps in the patterned water soluble dry film.
US08932937B2 Photoresist mask-free oxide define region (ODR)
Defining an oxide define region (ODR) without using a photomask is disclosed. Pad oxide and a stop layer are deposited over peaks of a substrate of a semiconductor wafer. The pad oxide may be silicon oxide, whereas the stop layer may be silicon nitride. Oxide, such as high-density plasma (HDP) oxide, is deposited over the pad oxide, the stop layer, and valleys of the substrate of the semiconductor wafer. A hard mask, such as silicon nitride, is deposited over the oxide, and photoresist is deposited over the hard mask. The photoresist is etched back until peaks of the hard mask are exposed. The peaks of the hard mask and the oxide underneath are etched through to the stop layer, and the photoresist is removed. Chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) can then be performed on the hard mask that remains and the oxide underneath through to the stop layer, and the stop layer removed.
US08932935B2 Forming three dimensional isolation structures
A three dimensional shallow trench isolation structure including sets of parallel trenches extending in two perpendicular directions may be formed by depositing a conformal deposition in a first set of parallel trenches, oxidizing the second set of trenches to enable selective deposition in said second set of trenches and then conformally depositing in said second set of trenches. In some embodiments, only one wet anneal, one etch back, and one high density plasma chemical vapor deposition step may be used to fill both sets of trenches.
US08932928B2 Power MOSFET structure and method
A power MOSFET includes a semiconductor substrate with an upper surface, a cavity of a first depth in the substrate whose sidewall extends to the upper surface, a dielectric liner in the cavity, a gate conductor within the dielectric liner extending to or above the upper surface, body region(s) within the substrate of a second depth, separated from the gate conductor in a lower cavity region by first portion(s) of the dielectric liner of a first thickness, and source region(s) within the body region(s) extending to a third depth that is less than the second depth. The source region(s) are separated from the gate conductor by a second portion of the dielectric liner of a second thickness at least in part greater than the first thickness. The dielectric liner has a protrusion extending laterally into the gate conductor away from the body region(s) at or less than the third depth.
US08932925B1 Split-gate non-volatile memory (NVM) cell and device structure integration
A method includes forming a first conductive layer over a substrate in a first region and second region of the substrate; patterning the first conductive layer to form a select gate in the first region and to remove the first conductive layer from the second region; forming a charge storage layer over the select gate and the substrate in the first region and over the substrate in the second region; forming a second conductive layer over the charge storage layer in the first and second regions; and patterning the second conductive layer and charge storage layer to form a control gate overlapping the select gate in the first region, wherein a first portion of the charge storage layer remains between the select gate and control gate, and to form an electrode in the second region, wherein a second portion of the charge storage layer remains between the electrode and substrate.
US08932923B2 Semiconductor gate structure for threshold voltage modulation and method of making same
A gate structure of a semiconductor device having a NFET and a PFET, includes a lower layer of a hafnium-based dielectric over the gates of the NFET and PFET, and an upper layer of a lanthanide dielectric. The dielectrics are annealed to mix them above the NFET resulting in a lowered work function, and corresponding threshold voltage reduction. An annealed, relatively thick titanium nitride cap over the mixed dielectric above the NFET gate also lowers the work function and threshold voltage. Above the TiN cap and the hafnium-based dielectric over the PFET gate, is another layer of titanium nitride that has not been annealed. A conducting layer of tungsten covers the structure.
US08932919B2 Vertical stacking of graphene in a field-effect transistor
A graphene field-effect transistor is disclosed. The graphene field-effect transistor includes a first graphene sheet, a first gate layer coupled to the first graphene sheet and a second graphene sheet coupled to the first gate layer opposite the first gate layer. The first gate layer is configured to influence an electric field within the first graphene sheet as well as to influence an electric field of the second graphene sheet.
US08932916B2 Method for fabricating thin-film transistor
A method for fabricating a thin-film transistor is disclosed. Firstly, a patterned dielectric mask structure with a bottom thereof having a gate dielectric layer is formed on a gate-stacked structure so that the gate dielectric layer covers a gate of the gate-stacked structure. Top surface of the patterned dielectric mask structure has at least two openings. A semiconductor layer is formed on the gate-stacked structure via the openings by a sputtering method. The semiconductor layer comprises a channel above the gate, a source and a drain below the openings. The channel has a thickness which sequentially decreases from edge to center.
US08932914B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A larger substrate can be used, and a transistor having a desirably high field-effect mobility can be manufactured through formation of an oxide semiconductor layer having a high degree of crystallinity, whereby a large-sized display device, a high-performance semiconductor device, or the like can be put into practical use. A first multi-component oxide semiconductor layer is formed over a substrate and a single-component oxide semiconductor layer is formed thereover; then, crystal growth is carried out from a surface to an inside by performing heat treatment at 500° C. to 1000° C. inclusive, preferably 550° C. to 750° C. inclusive so that a first multi-component oxide semiconductor layer including single crystal regions and a single-component oxide semiconductor layer including single crystal regions are formed; and a second multi-component oxide semiconductor layer including single crystal regions is stacked over the single-component oxide semiconductor layer including single crystal regions.
US08932911B2 Integrated circuits and methods for fabricating integrated circuits with capping layers between metal contacts and interconnects
Integrated circuits and methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for fabricating integrated circuits includes forming a metal contact structure that is electrically connected to a device. A capping layer is selectively formed on the metal contact structure, and an interlayer dielectric material is deposited over the capping layer. A metal hard mask is deposited and patterned over the interlayer dielectric material to define an exposed region of the interlayer dielectric material. The method etches the exposed region of the interlayer dielectric material to expose at least a portion of the capping layer. The method includes removing the metal hard mask with an etchant while the capping layer physically separates the metal contact structure from the etchant. A metal is deposited to form a conductive via electrically connected to the metal contact structure through the capping layer.
US08932910B2 Method for producing chip stacks, and a carrier for carrying out the method
The invention relates to a method for producing chip stacks with the following method sequence: applying an especially dielectric and/or photostructurable base layer to one carrier side of a carrier which on its carrier side is provided with an adhesively acting adhesion zone and a less adhesively acting support zone, the base layer being applied largely over the entire surface at least to the support zone, building up the chip stacks on the base layer, potting of the chip stacks, detaching the carrier from the base layer. Moreover the invention relates to a carrier for executing this method.
US08932908B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming partially-etched conductive layer recessed within substrate for bonding to semiconductor die
A semiconductor device has a substrate with a die attach area. A conductive layer is formed over a surface of the substrate and extending below the surface. An insulating layer is formed over the surface of the substrate outside the die attach area. A portion of the conductive layer is removed within the die attach area to expose sidewalls of the substrate. The remaining portion of the conductive layer is recessed below the surface of the substrate within the die attach area. A semiconductor die has bumps formed over its active surface. The semiconductor die is mounted to the substrate by bonding the bumps to the remaining portion of the first conductive layer recessed below the first surface of the substrate. The sidewalls of the substrate retain the bumps during bonding to the remaining portion of the conductive layer. An encapsulant is deposited between the semiconductor die and substrate.
US08932906B2 Through silicon via bonding structure
System and method for bonding semiconductor substrates is presented. A preferred embodiment comprises forming a buffer layer over a surface of a semiconductor substrate while retaining TSVs that protrude from the buffer layer in order to prevent potential voids that might form. A protective layer is formed on another semiconductor substrate that will be bonded to the first semiconductor substrate. The two substrates are aligned and bonded together, with the buffer layer preventing any short circuit contacts to the surface of the original semiconductor substrate.
US08932905B1 Semiconductor circuit system for a composite structure
A method and apparatus for forming an organic semiconductor circuit. A circuit printer is positioned relative to a location on a surface of a composite structure. A number of organic materials is deposited in a pattern on the surface of the composite structure at the location to form the organic semiconductor circuit on the surface of the composite structure at the location.
US08932900B2 Phase change memory and method of fabricating same
A fine pitch phase change random access memory (“PCRAM”) design and method of fabricating same are disclosed. One embodiment is a phase change memory (“PCM”) cell comprising a spacer defining a rectangular reaction area and a phase change material layer disposed within the reaction area. The PCM cell further comprises a protection layer disposed over the GST film layer and within the area defined by the spacer; and a capping layer disposed over the protection layer and the spacer.
US08932894B2 Methods and systems of curved radiation detector fabrication
Gray tone lithography is used to form curved silicon topographies for semiconductor based solid-state imaging devices. The imagers are curved to a specific curvature and shaped directly for the specific application; such as curved focal planes. The curvature of the backside is independent from the front surface, which allows thinning of the detector using standard semiconductor processing.
US08932891B2 Method for manufacturing nitride based single crystal substrate and method for manufacturing nitride based semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a nitride based single crystal substrate and a method for manufacturing a nitride based semiconductor device. The method for manufacturing the nitride based single crystal substrate includes forming a nitride based single crystal layer on a preliminary substrate; forming a polymer support layer by applying a setting adhesive material having flowability on the upper surface of the nitride based single crystal layer and hardening the applied adhesive material; and separating the nitride based single crystal layer from the preliminary substrate by irradiating a laser beam onto the lower surface of the preliminary substrate. The method for manufacturing the nitride based single crystal substrate is applied to the manufacture of a nitride based semiconductor device having a vertical structure.
US08932888B2 Method of applying a conversion means to an optoelectronic semiconductor chip and an optoelectronic component
A method of applying a conversion means to an optoelectronic semiconductor chip includes preparing the optoelectronic semiconductor chip having a main radiation face, preparing the conversion means, the conversion means being applied to a main carrier face of a carrier, arranging the conversion means such that it faces the main radiation face and has a spacing relative to the main radiation face, and releasing the conversion means from the carrier and applying the conversion means to the main radiation face by irradiation and heating of an absorber constituent of the conversion means and/or of a release layer located between the conversion means and the carrier with a pulsed laser radiation which passes through the carrier.
US08932887B2 Method for manufacturing LED with transparent ceramics
A method for manufacturing an LED (light emitting diode) with transparent ceramic is provided, which includes: adding quantitative fluorescent powder into transparent ceramic powder, wherein the doped ratio of the fluorescent powder is 0.01-100 wt %; preparing the fluorescent transparent ceramic using ceramic apparatus and process, after fully mixing the raw material; assembling the prepared fluorescent transparent ceramic and a semiconductor chip to form the LED device. The method assembles the fluorescent transparent ceramic and a semiconductor chip to form the LED device by replacing the fluorescent powder layer and the epoxy resin package casting of the traditional LED with fluorescent transparent ceramic. The fluorescent transparent ceramic is used as the package cast and fluorescent material, and the LED device manufactured through the method has more excellent performance.
US08932885B2 Method of making a multilayer structure
A light emitting diode having a transparent substrate and a method for manufacturing the same. The light emitting diode is formed by creating two semiconductor multilayers and bonding them. The first semiconductor multilayer is formed on a non-transparent substrate. The second semiconductor multilayer is created by forming an amorphous interface layer on a transparent substrate. The two semiconductor multilayers are bonded and the non-transparent substrate is removed, leaving a semiconductor multilayer with a transparent substrate.
US08932880B2 Method for the direct measure of molecular interactions by detection of light reflected from multilayered functionalized dielectrics
Method and apparatus for the quantitative determination of molecular interactions between ligands in solution and receptors immobilized on the surface of a solid transparent material coated by one or more antireflective dielectric layers, through direct measurement of the light reflected by the interface between the surface and the solution.
US08932877B2 Fluorescent carbon nanoparticles
Disclosed are photoluminescent particles. The particles include a core nano-sized particle of carbon and a passivation agent bound to the surface of the nanoparticle. The passivation agent can be, for instance, a polymeric material. The passivation agent can also be derivatized for particular applications. For example, the photoluminescent carbon nanoparticles can be derivatized to recognize and bind to a target material, for instance a biologically active material, a pollutant, or a surface receptor on a tissue or cell surface, such as in a tagging or staining protocol.
US08932876B2 Method and system for purifying charged radioisotopes
The present invention provides a simple and inexpensive method for removing metal and other impurities in a radioisotope solution. The invention further includes the development of a new parent/daughter generator system for collecting the daughter isotope in a concentrated solution.
US08932873B2 Method for monitoring concentration of water borne substance in an aqueous medium
A method for monitoring the concentration of water borne substances in an aqueous medium, by introducing a defined amount of the aqueous medium into a gas circulatory system of an analytical apparatus which extends through a high temperature reaction chamber and a measuring chamber. The introducing of the aqueous medium occurs upstream of the high temperature reaction chamber or into it. The aqueous medium is evaporated in the high temperature reaction chamber, the water borne substance with at least one reaction partner in the high temperature reaction chamber reacts to a gaseous reaction product, and a current value of a measured variable is registered, which is a function of the concentration of the chemical species of the reaction product in the gas circulatory system. The concentration of the chemical species of the reaction product in the gas circulatory system depends, on the one hand, on a time-dependent state of the gas circulatory system and, on the other hand, on the concentration of the substance in the aqueous medium; ascertaining the concentration of the substance in the aqueous medium by applying the current value of the measured variable, wherein, in the ascertaining of the concentration of the substance in the aqueous medium, the contribution to the concentration of the chemical species of the reaction product in the gas circulatory system by the state of the gas circulatory system is ascertained on the basis of a model of the state, and a correction of the concentration of the chemical species of the reaction product in the gas circulatory system occurs on the basis of this contribution.
US08932872B2 Methods and compositions for the recombinant biosynthesis of n-alkanes
The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms as hosts, such that the organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into n-alkanes, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of n-alkanes and related molecules.
US08932871B2 Ozone conversion sensors for an automobile
A system for a vehicle includes a first ozone sensor that generates a first sensor signal indicating a first amount of ozone in air flowing into a radiator. A second ozone sensor generates a second sensor signal indicating a second amount of ozone in air flowing out of the radiator. A control module receives the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal and determines an ozone conversion rate based on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal.
US08932869B2 Chemical switches for detecting reactive chemical agents
Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to the preparation of microbeads that exhibit a “turn on” fluorescence response within seconds of exposure to an analyte vapor (e.g., a chemical warfare agent or a reactive stimulant). This sensing approach is modeled after the mechanism for inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity, and utilizes a specific and irreversible reaction between phosphonyl halides and a fluorescent indicator. The present invention also relates to a sensor and a method for sensing an analyte through detection of changes in the fluorescing properties of the inventive microbeads.
US08932868B2 Biosensor using impedimetric real-time monitoring
A method an system is disclosed for the detection and/or allocation of at least one point mutation in target DNA and/or RNA duplexes. The method comprises obtaining a functionalized surface which is coated with probe DNA and/or RNA whereto target DNA and/or RNA duplexes are attached, contacting said functionalized surface to an electrolytic solution having a neutral pH in a flow cell and measuring a first impedance value within said electrolytic solution, and then adding a chemical to the electrolytic solution which is able to achieve denaturation of the target DNA and/or RNA. The method further comprises measuring a second impedance value within the flow cell after completion of the denaturation of the DNA and/or RNA target, and then obtaining a value representative for the impact of the chemical on the impedance of the electrolytic solution. The amount and/or allocation of point mutation(s) within the target DNA and/or RNA is then determined by calculating the denaturation-time constant based on the difference between the first and second impedance value and taking into account the impact of the chemical by third impedance value.
US08932867B2 High purity heparin and production method therefor
The present invention provides a high purity heparin useful to be a pharmaceutical product, cosmetics, research reagent, or the like, and a method for producing the same, more specifically, a heparin which does not substantially contain a nitrous acid degradation-resistant impurity and a method for producing a heparin, comprising mixing an aqueous solution of 5 to 30% by weight of the heparin with ethanol having an amount (volume) 0.2 to 1 times the amount (volume) of the aqueous heparin solution to obtain a colloidal precipitate of heparin.
US08932864B2 Method of identifying glycated protein in sample and device for the glycated protein
Provided is a method and device for identifying glycated protein in a sample using a matrix including a boronic acid moiety that binds glycated proteins.
US08932863B2 Methods for evaluating fuel compositions
Methods for evaluating a fuel are provided. In one embodiment, a method of evaluating a fuel includes providing a testing specimen of the fuel. Also, the method includes analyzing the testing specimen and identifying a compound in the testing specimen. The method also provides for determining the fuel is biologically-sourced based on the identified trace compound.
US08932852B2 Compositions and methods of treating inflammatory bowel disease
A method of treating a lymphocyte mediated inflammation in a subject including administering a therapeutically effective amount of a cell delivery composition to the subject, the cell delivery composition of the application including an immunosuppressive cell and a plurality of targeting moieties that bind to endothelial cell adhesion molecules expressed by endothelial cells as a result of a lymphocyte mediated inflammatory response in the subject, the targeting moieties coated on and linked to the immunosuppressive cell and enhancing adherence of the immunosuppressive cell to an endothelial cell at a site of lymphocyte mediated inflammation when administered to the subject systemically, wherein the cell delivery composition, suppresses lymphocyte mediated inflammation in the subject.
US08932851B2 Method and culture medium for enhanced detection of Mycobacterium
The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium growth. The invention further relates to an improved mycobacterial reagent system or kit that can be used for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium.
US08932847B2 Microbial production of nitrous oxide coupled with chemical reaction of gaseous nitrous oxide
A bioreactor designed to produce N2O from organic nitrogen and/or reactive nitrogen in waste is coupled to a hardware reactor device in which the N2O is consumed in a gas phase chemical reaction, e.g., catalytic decomposition to form oxygen and nitrogen gas. Heat from the exothermic reaction may be used to generate power. The bioreactor may use communities of autotrophic microorganisms such as those capable of nitrifier denitrification, ammonia oxidizing bacteria, and/or ammonia oxidizing archaea. A portion of the N2O dissolved in aqueous effluent from the bioreactor may be separated to increase the amount of gas phase N2O product. The amount of the gas phase N2O in a gas stream may also be concentrated prior to undergoing the chemical reaction. The N2O may alternatively be used as an oxidant or co-oxidant in a combustion reaction, e.g., in the combustion of methane.
US08932842B2 Aminopyridine dimer compounds, compositions and related methods for neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibition
Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor compounds comprising bi-terminal aromatic ring moieties, and related methods of NOS inhibition.
US08932841B2 Thermophilic microorganisms for ethanol production
A thermophilic microorganism is modified to permit the increased production of ethanol, wherein a first modification is the inactivation of the lactate dehydrogenase gene and a second modification upregulates the pyruvate dehydrogenase gene.
US08932839B2 Method for the biocatalytic cyclization of terpenes and cyclase mutants employable therein
The present invention relates to novel mutants with cyclase activity and use thereof in a method for biocatalytic cyclization of terpenes, such as in particular for the production of isopulegol by cyclization of citronellal; a method for the preparation of menthol and methods for the biocatalytic conversion of further compounds with structural motifs similar to terpene.
US08932830B2 Immunoglobulin chimeric monomer-dimer hybrids
The invention relates to a chimeric monomer-dimer hybrid protein wherein the protein comprises a first and a second polypeptide chain, the first polypeptide chain comprising at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region and a biologically active molecule, and the second polypeptide chain comprising at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region without the biologically active molecule of the first chain. The invention also relates to methods of using and methods of making the chimeric monomer-dimer hybrid protein of the invention.
US08932828B2 Method for preparing recombinant granulocyte colony stimulating factor cysteine muteins
The present invention relates to novel methods for making and refolding insoluble or aggregated proteins having free cysteines in which a host cell expressing the protein is exposed to a cysteine blocking agent. The soluble, refolded proteins produced by the novel methods can then be modified to increase their effectiveness. Such modifications include attaching a PEG moiety to form PEGylated proteins.
US08932827B2 Process and system for obtaining botulinum neurotoxin
Rapid, animal protein free, chromatographic processes and systems for obtaining high potency, high yield botulinum neurotoxin for research, therapeutic and cosmetic use.
US08932824B2 Method of detecting cancer using delta-catenin
The present invention provides a method for detecting or screening for the presence of cancer in a subject. The method comprises obtaining, providing or collecting a tissue or fluid sample (such as a urine sample) from said subject, and then determining the presence or absence of delta-catenin in said sample, or increased levels of delta-catenin in said sample as compared to a normal or control subject. The presence of delta-catenin in said sample, or increased levels of delta-catenin in said sample, indicating said subject is afflicted with or at least at risk of developing cancer.
US08932822B1 Methods for detecting allosteric modulators of protein
The present invention discloses, inter alia, methods for labeling a target protein with an SHG-active probe for detection by second harmonic or sum-frequency generation in order to identify agents which bind to an allosteric site on the target protein thereby altering its structural conformation.
US08932820B2 Methods and kits for determining von Willebrand factor activity in the absence of ristocetin and for determining the activity of ADAMTS-13 protease
Described herein are method(s), kit(s), reagent(s) and the like for determining von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity in a sample in the absence of ristocetin.
US08932816B2 Amplification and detection of ribonucleic acids
Compositions, methods, and kits for detecting one or more species of RNA molecules are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first adaptor and a second adaptor are ligated to the RNA molecule using a polypeptide comprising double-strand specific RNA ligase activity, without an intervening purification step. The ligated product is reverse transcribed, then at least some of the ribonucleosides in the reverse transcription product are removed. Primers are added and amplified products are generated. In certain embodiments, the sequence of at least part of at least one species of amplified product is determined and at least part of the corresponding RNA molecule is determined. In some embodiments, at least some of the amplified product species are detected, directly or indirectly, allowing the presence and/or quantity of the RNA molecule of interest to be determined.
US08932813B2 Polymerization of nucleic acids using activation by polyphosphorolysis (APP) reactions
This disclosure relates to methods of performing activation by polyphosphorolysis (APP) reactions using at least one of the polyphosphorylating agents triphosphate, polyphosphate, imidodiphosphate, thiodiphosphate (or μ-monothiopyrophosphate), and related compounds.
US08932810B2 Identification of mutation and method for detecting lavender foal syndrome in the horse
Provided is a method for determining whether a horse is normal, a carrier, or is affected with Lavender Foal Syndrome (LFS). The method entails, in a biological sample obtained or derived from a horse, determining a single nucleotide deletion which introduces a translational stop codon in the 49th codon of exon 30 of the equine MYO5A gene. Homozygosity for the absence of the deletion is indicative that the horse is normal for LFS. Heterozygosity for the deletion is indicative that the horse is a carrier of LFS. Homozygosity for the deletion is indicative that the horse is affected with LFS. Methods for selecting horses for breeding and kits for determining the LFS-associated deletion are also provided.
US08932801B2 Photosensitive polyimides
The present invention relates to an isocyanate-modified photosensitive polyimide. The photosensitive polyimide of the invention possesses excellent heat resistance, chemistry resistance, and flexibility, and can be used as a liquid photo resist or dry film resist, or used in a solder resist, coverlay film, or printed wiring board.
US08932800B2 Positive photosensitive resin composition and method for forming cured film using the same
The present invention provides a positive photosensitive resin composition including: a resin containing a specific acrylic acid-based constituent unit capable of undergoing dissociation of an acid-dissociable group to produce a carboxyl group, and a constituent unit having a functional group capable of reacting with the carboxyl group to form a covalent bond, the resin being alkali-insoluble or sparingly alkali-soluble and becoming alkali-soluble when the acid-dissociable group dissociates; and a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation. The present invention also provides a method for forming a cured film using the composition. The positive photosensitive composition is excellent in the sensitivity, film residual ratio and storage stability and by the method for forming a cured film using the positive photosensitive resin composition, a cured film excellent in the heat resistance, adhesion, transmittance and the like can be provided.
US08932796B2 Hybrid photoresist composition and pattern forming method using thereof
The present invention relates to a hybrid photoresist composition for improved resolution and a pattern forming method using the photoresist composition. The photoresist composition includes a radiation sensitive acid generator, a crosslinking agent and a polymer having a hydrophobic monomer unit and a hydrophilic monomer unit containing a hydroxyl group. At least some of the hydroxyl groups are protected with an acid labile moiety having a low activation energy. The photoresist is capable of producing a hybrid response to a single exposure. The patterning forming method utilizes the hybrid response to form a patterned structure in the photoresist layer. The photoresist composition and the pattern forming method of the present invention are useful for printing small features with precise image control, particularly spaces of small dimensions.
US08932793B2 Phenolic polymers and photoresists comprising same
The present invention relates to new polymers that contain phenolic groups spaced from a polymer backbone and photoacid-labile group. Preferred polymers of the invention are useful as a component of chemically-amplified positive-acting resists.
US08932792B2 Preparation of polyester latex emulsification by direct steam injection
A method for preparing latex emulsion compositions uses a steam-driven emulsification process, and a method for preparing a toner using the latex emulsion compositions. The method includes contacting a resin with an organic solvent and optionally a neutralization agent; and applying steam or heated water vapor to contact the resin to prepare a latex emulsion. An apparatus can perform the method.
US08932791B2 Liquid electrophotographic ink and method for making the same
A liquid electrophotographic ink is disclosed herein. One example of the liquid electrophotographic ink includes a non-polar carrier liquid; pigmented toner particles; a charge director; and polymer resin encapsulated metal oxide nanoparticles. A method for making the liquid electrophotographic ink is also disclosed herein.
US08932789B2 Toner and developer
To provide a toner, which contains: a non-crystalline polyester resin A obtained through a reaction between a non-linear chain reactive precursor and a curing agent, and having a glass transition temperature of −60° C. to 0° C.; a non-crystalline polyester resin B having a glass transition temperature of 40° C. to 70° C.; and a crystalline polyester resin C, wherein the toner has a glass transition temperature Tg1st of 20° C. to 40° C. as measured with first heating in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
US08932786B2 Metal azo pigments and pigment preparations produced therefrom
The new metal azo pigments comprising the adduct of a) at least two metal azo compounds of the formula (I) or their tautomeric forms in which the substituents have the definition indicated in the description, and b) at least one compound of the formula (II) in which R6 has the definition indicated in the description, are characterized in that in the X-ray diffractogram with a lattice constant of d=10.3 (±0.2) Å the metal azo pigment has a signal S1 with an intensity I1 and in the lattice constant range from d=16.05 Å to d=11.78 Å has no signal S2 whose intensity I2 in relation to the intensity I1 of signal S1, expressed as ratio I2/I1 of the background-corrected intensities, exceeds a value of 0.02, and are outstandingly suitable for producing pigment preparations and especially for producing color filters.
US08932785B2 EUV mask set and methods of manufacturing EUV masks and integrated circuits
An EUV mask set and method of manufacturing is disclosed. In one embodiment, a set of EUV mask blanks is inspected to obtain information about defects in each of the EUV mask blanks. From the obtained information, a set of complementary functional portions is determined, wherein each functional portion is assigned to one of the EUV mask blanks and does not contain any of the defects. The functional portions of the EUV mask blanks of the EUV mask blank set complement one another to form a virtual image area corresponding in size to image areas of the EUV mask blanks. A predefined mask pattern is provided on the EUV mask blanks. Information identifying position and shape of the functional portions is used to control an illumination process for imaging the predefined mask pattern onto a target.
US08932784B2 Fuel cell
A fuel cell includes a plate-like cell, a separator on one side of the plate-like cell, and a separator on the other side of the plate-like cell. The plate-like cell includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode, and a cathode. The anode has a stacked body composed of a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The cathode has a stacked body composed of a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The catalyst layer contains a porous carbon material formed with micro pores, which functions as an electric double layer, and an ion-exchange resin. At least part of the porous carbon material supports a catalytic metal such as platinum. The porous carbon material to be used is preferably a carbide-derived carbon. The carbide-derived carbon preferably has micro pores of 1 nm or less.
US08932783B2 Solid oxide fuel cell or solid oxide fuel cell sub-component and methods of preparing same
A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) or SOFC sub-component comprising a YSZ solid oxide electrolyte layer (10), a LSCF cathode layer (14) and a mixed phase layer (18) comprising at least zirconia and ceria between the electrolyte layer and the cathode layer, with the cathode layer in direct contact with the mixed phase layer, that is with no ceria, other than in the mixed phase layer, between the cathode layer and the electrolyte layer. One method of forming the SOFC or sub-component comprises applying a layer of ceria on the electrolyte layer (10), heating the electrolyte and ceria layers to form the mixed phase layer (18), and removing excess ceria from the surface of the mixed phase layer before applying the cathode layer (14).
US08932782B2 Process for the preparation of sol-gel modified alternative Nafion-Silica composite membrane useful for polymer electrolyte fuel cell
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of sol-gel modified alternative Nafion-Silica composite membrane useful for polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The said composite membrane is made by embedding silica particles in perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer by a process that circumvents the use of added acid while using acidic characteristics of Nafion and polymerization reaction through a sol-gel route. The composite membrane has high affinity for water with capability to exchange protons. The approach may be used to manufacture polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells operating at elevated temperatures under near-zero humidity.
US08932781B2 Chemical compositions, methods of making the chemical compositions, and structures made from the chemical compositions
Embodiments of the present disclosure include chemical compositions, structures, anodes, cathodes, electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells, fuel cells, fuel cell membranes, separation membranes, catalytic membranes, sensors, coatings for electrolytes, electrodes, membranes, and catalysts, and the like, are disclosed.
US08932779B2 Device for solid oxide fuel cell or solid oxide electrolysis cell comprising integral one-piece current collector and manifold
A device for a solid oxide fuel cell or a solid oxide electrolysis cell includes an integral one-piece construction of a current collector and a manifold. The device eliminates the need for a brazing or thermal bonding process for joining the manifold with the current collector, and thus makes it possible to prevent breakdown of the junction formed between the manifold and the current collector, which can lead to gas leakage through the junction, and thus can be used for a long period of time.
US08932773B2 Hydrogen generating apparatus and hydrogen generating method
A hydrogen generating apparatus for effectively generating hydrogen from ammonia and relates to the hydrogen generating apparatus for generating hydrogen from ammonia. The apparatus comprises an ammonia oxidation part having ammonia oxidation catalysts which oxidizes ammonia, and an ammonia decomposition part having an ammonia decomposition catalyst which decomposes ammonia to generate nitrogen and hydrogen. The decomposition part is located downstream of the oxidation part in a direction of feed gas flow. The oxidation catalyst contains both a noble metal catalyst and a base metal catalyst, and a loading concentration of the noble metal catalyst in an upstream portion of the oxidation part is higher than a loading concentration of the noble metal catalyst in a downstream portion of the oxidation part, and/or the decomposition catalyst contains both a noble metal catalyst and a base metal catalyst, and a loading concentration of the noble metal catalyst in a downstream portion of the decomposition part is higher than a loading concentration of the noble metal catalyst in an upstream portion of the decomposition part.
US08932772B2 Fuel cell system and method of stopping fuel cell system
In a fuel cell system, a controller is programmed to control a first gas supply mechanism to deliver a first gas containing a fuel gas to a cathode in a pre-stop process performed at a system stop of the fuel cell system. The controller is programmed to control the first gas supply mechanism to stop the delivery of the first gas in a first state where a partial pressure difference between an anode and the cathode with respect to at least the fuel gas of remaining gases in the anode and in the cathode is reduced to or below a preset reference value.
US08932767B2 Nonaqueous electrolyte lithium secondary battery
A nonaqueous electrolyte lithium secondary battery obtained by the present invention has a separator and a porous layer which contains an inorganic filler and a binder and which is formed on the separator, wherein a thickness of the separator ranges from 12 μm to 18 μm, a porosity of the separator ranges from 52% to 67%, a thickness of the porous layer ranges from 3 μm to 15 μm, a porosity of the porous layer ranges from 44% to 70%, and the porous layer-attached separator exhibits a film resistance equal to or lower than 1.35 Ω·cm2 when impregnated with an electrolyte solution.
US08932763B2 Anode active material, non-aqueous lithium secondary battery including the same, and manufacturing method thereof
The disclosure relates to an anode active material, a non-aqueous lithium secondary battery, and a manufacturing method thereof. The anode active material of this disclosure comprises a carbon-based material, and a coating film formed on the surface of the carbon-based material by performing heat treatment using an ammonia-based compound. The coating film may be formed on the surface of the carbon-based material through a thermal decomposition method using 10% or less by weight of the ammonia-based compound with respect to the carbon-based material. Since the surface of the carbon-based material is thermally treated using the ammonia-based compound, side reaction of the carbon-based material with an electrolyte at the surface thereof can be suppressed and structural stability can be enhanced, thereby improving battery lifespan and high-rate capability of a non-aqueous lithium secondary battery.
US08932761B2 Anode and method of manufacturing the same, and battery and method of manufacturing the same
An anode wherein the anode active material layer includes anode active material particles made of an anode active material including at least one of silicon and tin as an element. An oxide-containing film including an oxide of at least one kind selected from the group consisting of silicon, germanium and tin is formed in a region in contact with an electrolytic solution of the surface of each anode active material particle. The region in contact with the electrolytic solution of the surface of each anode active material particle is covered with the oxide-containing film.
US08932750B2 Aluminum housing with a hermetic seal
A housing for an energy storage cell includes an interior which provides beneficial properties to fabricators of the cell. The cell may be hermetically sealed by conventional laser welding techniques.
US08932748B2 Multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane, its production method, and battery separator
(1) a combination of a microporous layer made of a polyethylene resin and a microporous layer made of polypropylene and a heat-resistant resin having a melting point or a glass transition temperature of 170° C. or higher, or (2) a combination of a microporous layer made of a polyethylene resin and a microporous layer made of polypropylene and inorganic filler having an aspect ratio of 2 or more provides a multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane with well-balanced permeability, mechanical strength, heat shrinkage resistance, shutdown properties and meltdown properties.
US08932747B2 Lithium battery and electrode plate structure
A lithium battery is provided. The lithium battery comprises a first plate, a second plate and a separator. The first plate is composed of a plurality of electrode material layers stacked on one another. At least one of the electrode material layers comprises a thermal activation material. The separator is disposed between the first plate and the second plate.
US08932745B2 Method for connecting cell outgoing conductors and battery arrangement
A method for connecting cell outgoing conductors of a first and a second cell. Here, a connection between the first and second cell outgoing conductors is produced by means of a connecting apparatus, which includes a first and a second component. At the same time, however, the first and second components also have the function of pre-bending the cell outgoing conductor of the first and second cells, respectively, in order thus to enable a particularly low physical height of the cell outgoing conductor arrangement. A system according to the invention includes a first and a second cell, which have cell outgoing conductors that are connected and shaped in this way.
US08932744B2 Current collector, anode, and battery
A battery capable of improving the cycle characteristics is provided. A current collector containing copper (Cu), in which ratio I (200)/I (111) between intensity I (200) of a peak originated in (200) crystal plane of copper obtained by X-ray diffraction and intensity I (111) of a peak originated in (111) crystal plane thereof is in the range from 0.5 to 1.5.
US08932743B2 Thermal management controls for a vehicle having a rechargeable energy storage system
A method of operating a RESS thermal system in a vehicle having a coolant loop for directing a coolant through a RESS and a refrigerant loop configured to selectively cool the coolant flowing through a chiller in the coolant loop, including: determining a current target temperature range for the RESS based on a current vehicle operating mode and ambient temperature; determining a temperature of the RESS; determining if the temperature of the RESS needs to increase or decrease to be within the current target temperature range; if the determination is made that the temperature of the RESS needs to increase, determining if an active heating or a passive heating of the coolant will be employed, the active heating using a greater amount of energy over a shorter time period than the passive heating; and activating the determined active heating or passive heating of the coolant.
US08932740B2 Battery cell and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a battery cell that allow the inner surfaces of connection strips of a current collector to be brought into contact with the outermost circumferential surface of a layered electrode portion of a power generating element while preventing the connection strips from scratching the layered electrode portion. The battery cell includes: a power generating element formed of cathode and anode sheets that are wound up with a separator interposed between the cathode and anode sheets, the power generating element having a layered electrode portion on at least one side of the winding axis direction, the layered electrode portion being one of a cathode and an anode; a current collector having a connection strip arranged along an outermost circumferential surface of the layered electrode portion, the current collector being conductively connected to an external terminal; and a clamp including a first clamp portion that clamps the layered electrode portion and a second clamp portion that clamps the layered electrode portion clamped by the first clamp portion and the connection strip of the current collector together.
US08932739B2 Battery pack configuration to reduce hazards associated with internal short circuits
A battery pack, or battery pack module, is provided that is configured to respond to a short circuit of moderate current in a manner that minimizes the risk of an initial thermal runaway event propagating throughout the battery pack/battery pack module. In general, the battery pack/battery module allows pre-selection of which cell of the cells comprising the battery pack/battery pack module will be the last cell to respond to the short circuit. As a result, a thermal isolation barrier may be used to separate the preselected cell from the other cells of the battery pack/battery pack module, thereby minimizing the risk of excessive heating and extensive collateral damage.
US08932738B2 Fuel cell assembly structure
A fuel cell assembly structure mainly comprises a housing in which there is an accommodating space; a plurality of unit cell stacks that are stacked in the same direction in the accommodating space of the housing and made by stacking in sequence a cathode layer, a power generation electrode, an anode layer and a connection disk; a connection disk connecting is series each unit cell stack, a sealing disk and a cover in sequence to cover the opening of the accommodating space of the housing. On the outer side of the cover there is a connection base, at least one surface of which has a plurality of conduits and the other end connects to a plurality of cell stack bypass manifolds that further connect to a plurality of side bypass manifolds.
US08932736B2 Organic compound and organic light-emitting device
A novel organic compound suitable for blue light emission and an organic light-emitting device containing the novel organic compound are provided. An organic compound represented by the following general formula (1) wherein R1 to R18 independently denote a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group.
US08932733B2 Chrysene derivative host materials
There is provided an electroactive composition. The composition has (a) a host material having Formula I and (b) an electroactive dopant capable of electroluminescence having an emission maximum between 500 and 700 nm. In Formula I: R1 to R8 are the same or different and can be H, alkyl, or alkoxy, or adjacent R groups may be joined together to form a 5- or 6-membered aliphatic ring, with the proviso that at least one of R1 to R8 is not H, Ar1 to Ar4 are the same or different and are aryl groups, A is the same or different at each occurrence and can be a single bond or a phenylene group, and a and b are the same or different and are an integer of 0-2.
US08932730B2 Doped organic carrier transport materials
The present invention provides for organometallic and organic dopants suitable for use in organic carrier transporting materials. Also provided are organic light emitting devices containing doped organic carrier transporting materials.
US08932728B2 Aluminum-alloy clad sheet
There are provided an aluminum-alloy clad sheet and a clad sheet subjected to heating equivalent to brazing, which each have a high strength and an excellent erosion resistance and thus allow a reduction in thickness of a clad sheet subjected to heating equivalent to brazing such as an aluminum alloy radiator tube, and/or of a clad sheet such as an aluminum-alloy brazing sheet. An aluminum-alloy clad sheet or a clad sheet subjected to heating equivalent to brazing includes at least a core aluminum alloy sheet and an aluminum-alloy sacrificial anti-corrosive material cladded with each other, and is to be formed into a heat exchanger by brazing. The core aluminum alloy sheet includes a specified 3000 series composition. Furthermore, the strength and the erosion resistance of the core aluminum alloy sheet are improved through control of grain size distribution of precipitates having a size in a specified level in the core aluminum alloy sheet, or control of the average number density and the composition of dispersed particles therein.
US08932726B2 High barrier heat sealable film with linear tear properties
A monoaxially oriented film including a metallized layer; a gas barrier layer; and a propylene-based random copolymer and at least about 3 wt % of a low density polyethylene which is oriented at least about 2.5 times in one direction and exhibits excellent linear directional tear properties parallel to the orientation direction and excellent heat seal performance in terms of high heat seal strengths and low seal initiation temperature. This film formulation and orientation is suitable for pouch applications requiring high gas and moisture barrier, an “easy-tear” linear tear feature, and excellent hermetic seal properties.
US08932719B2 Aluminum alloy composite and method for joining thereof
The object of the present invention is to strongly join an aluminum alloy part with an FRP prepreg. An object obtained by subjecting an aluminum alloy to a suitable liquid treatment so as to form a surface having large, micron-order irregularities and also fine irregularities with a period of several tens of nanometers, eliminating the presence of sodium ions from the surface and additionally forming a surface film of aluminum oxide, which is thicker than a natural oxide layer, has been found to have a powerful adhesive strength with epoxy-based adhesives. By simultaneously curing an FRP prepreg which uses the same epoxy-based adhesive in the matrix, an integral composite or structure in which FRP and aluminum alloy have been united at a joining strength of unprecedented magnitude is produced.
US08932715B2 Precipitation stabilising compositions comprising bioactive molecule and at least one cationic and one anionic precipitation stabilizing additives
The present invention relates to maintaining bioactive molecules in their native or substantially near-native form and preventing or reduce aggregation. In particular, the present invention relates to precipitation-protective or stabilizing additives and a method of using said precipitation-protective/stabilizing additives to protect and maintain the bioactive molecules in a native or substantially near-native form and to prevent or reduce aggregation during or following precipitation to form particles.
US08932713B2 Wet friction material
The wet friction material of the present invention is obtained by impregnating a friction base material with a bonding resin composition comprising a resol phenolic resin and a maleinized drying oil and curing the resulting material. The maleinized drying oil is obtained by reacting a drying oil such as tung oil or linseed oil with anhydrous maleic acid. The content thereof is preferably 50 to 250 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the resol phenolic resin. The wet friction material of the present invention has a high static friction coefficient and excellent durability.
US08932712B2 Metal passivator additive and process for preparing
The present invention relates a metal passivator additive comprising: a rare earth component; alumina; clay; colloidal silica; and a zeolite having high silica to alumina ratio. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing a metal passivator additive, said process comprising: preparing a rare earth slurry by mixing rare earth component with water; obtaining an alumina gel by treating alumina slurry with an acid, wherein the alumina slurry is prepared by mixing alumina and water; mixing the alumina gel and the rare earth slurry to obtain a slurry mixture; adding a colloidal silica to the slurry mixture; preparing a clay slurry by mixing clay and a dispersant; combining the clay slurry and the slurry mixture to obtain a rare earth-binder-filler slurry; obtaining an additive precursor slurry by mixing a zeolite having high silica to alumina ratio to the rare earth-binder-filler slurry; spray-drying the additive precursor slurry to obtain a spray-dried product; and calcining the spray-dried product to obtain the metal passivator additive.
US08932706B2 Laminate with a heat-activatable expandable layer
A laminate including a plurality of layers, wherein one of the layers is a heat-activatable expandable layer including a thermally expandable composition. The heat-activatable expandable layer includes a plurality of microcapsules containing the thermally expandable composition. This thermally expandable composition includes an easily volatilizable hydrocarbon, and a binder resin. When subjected to high temperatures during the process of applying a label, the microcapsules rupture and the thermally expandable composition “foams,” which can be used to provide a texture to the label, and can raise or surround the graphics of the label.
US08932705B2 Thermosetting resin composition and board using the same
Disclosed is a thermosetting resin composition including a thermosetting aromatic oligomer represented by the following Chemical Formula 1, a hollow particle, and solvent, and a board comprising the same. In the above Chemical Formula 1, wherein B, L1, L2, Z1 and Z2 are the same as in defined in the specification.
US08932694B2 Fluorinated polymers and lubricious coatings
The invention provides fluorinated polymeric articles formed a composition including a fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer is formed using a fluorinated monomer that provides the fluoropolymer with most or all of the fluorine atoms not directly covalently attached to an atom of the fluoropolymer backbone. The fluoropolymer can also include a non-fluorinated hydrophilic monomer in a weight amount greater than the fluorinated monomer. The fluoropolymer composition also includes an ultraviolet light (UV)-reactive group capable of covalent bonding to promotes formation of the fluorinated polymeric article. The fluorinated polymeric article can be in the form of a durable lubricious coating on the surface of an implantable medical device. Coatings of the invention exhibit excellent wet/dry lubricity, durability, and controlled swelling.
US08932691B2 Multilayer protective liner
Disclosed is a multilayer structure useful for preparing highly abrasion-resistant protective liners, including tubular articles such as multilayer tubes or pipes.
US08932688B2 Polarizing plate and liquid crystal display including the same
A polarizing plate includes a polarizer; and a protective film attached to at least one side of the polarizer via an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is formed of a water-based adhesive including a polyvinyl alcohol resin, a zirconium compound, and an imine crosslinking agent. The polarizing plate has a variation in light transmittance (|B−A|) from 0% to about 0.25% at wavelengths from 400 nm to 780 nm, where A is an average value of initial light transmittance of the polarizing plate at wavelengths from 400 nm to 780 nm, and B is an average value of light transmittance of the polarizing plate at wavelengths from 400 nm to 780 nm measured after the polarizing plate has been dipped in water of 25° C. for 3 hours, followed by drying at 25° C. for 2 hours.
US08932686B2 Method for producing piezoelectric composite substrate
A method for producing a piezoelectric composite substrate having a single-crystal thin film of a piezoelectric material includes an ion-implantation step and a separation step. In the ion-implantation step, He+ ions are implanted into the single-crystal base made of the piezoelectric material to form localized microcavities in a separation layer located inside the single-crystal base and apart from a surface of the single-crystal base. In the separation step, the microcavities formed in the ion-implantation step are subjected to thermal stress to divide the separation layer of the piezoelectric single-crystal base, thereby detaching the single-crystal thin film.
US08932684B2 Multi-layer products comprising acrylate containing coatings
The present invention relates to a method for producing a multi-layer product comprising a) a substrate containing at least one thermoplastic substrate layer and b) at least one protective layer made of a coating composition comprising compounds with at least two functional groups, characterized in that the protective layer(s) are/is applied inline after the production of the substrate containing the substrate layer.
US08932682B2 Method for manufacturing a light emitting device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a deposition device that can selectively form a thin film without using a shadow mask with respect to a substrate having a large size. In the deposition device, an evaporation source is provided with a cylinder cell, a heater for heating a lower part of the cylinder cell, and a heater for heating an upper part of the cylinder cell. A hot plate can control a temperature by a heater provided inside thereof. The hot plate heats an evaporation material supplied into the cylinder cell from a material supply portion that is connected to the cylinder cell, and vaporizes the evaporation material by evaporation or sublimation. A rotating mechanism for rotating the hot plate in the cylinder cell may be provided to achieve uniformity of a temperature. A heater for heating the material supply potion may be provided to raise a temperature of the evaporation material supplied into the cylinder cell. By such an evaporation source, deposition can be uniformly and continuously performed with respect to a substrate having a large size.
US08932681B2 Method and apparatus for coating pipes
Method and apparatus for coating a pipe or a pipe section with a layer of at least one polymer. The method includes providing the pipe or the pipe section having an outer surface defining the periphery of the pipe or the pipe section; applying on the outer surface of the pipe or pipe section a layer of at least one polymer material in melt stage using a nozzle, which is mounted on a carriage capable of travelling along the periphery of the pipe or the pipe section; and moving the carriage along at least a part of the periphery during the application of the polymer material to form a layer on the surface of the pipe or the pipe section that is particularly useful for coating field joints in pipelines.
US08932680B2 Method of manufacturing a golf ball including a blend of highly neutralized acid polymers
Method of making a golf ball. A blend of a first highly neutralized acid polymer, a second highly neutralized acid polymer, and an ionomer-based masterbatch comprising an ionomer resin and an additive is used to form a layer of a golf ball. A second layer that essentially encloses the blend-containing layer then is formed.
US08932678B2 Composition comprising superabsorbent polymer
Disclosed is a composition (e.g., a texture composition) comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of calcium carbonate and superabsorbent polymer that can absorb at least about 50 times its mass and having a particle size of about 250 microns or less, wherein the composition is substantially free of a setting-type cementitious material. In some embodiments, cellulosic thickener content is reduced or eliminated from the texture composition. Also disclosed is a method of finishing a substrate comprising applying to the surface a wet composition comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of calcium carbonate and superabsorbent polymer that can absorb at least about 50 times its mass and having a particle size of about 250 microns or less, wherein the composition is substantially free of a setting-type cementitious material, and drying the composition on the substrate.
US08932677B2 Digital drop patterning and deposition device
Liquid dispensing includes providing a downwardly inclined slide surface and a carrier liquid dispensing channel that includes an outlet opening on the slide surface. A carrier liquid source is pressurized causing carrier liquid to flow continuously through the outlet opening of the carrier liquid dispensing channel and down the slide surface. A liquid dispenser array structure is provided and includes functional liquid dispensers located on a substrate that is common to the functional liquid dispensers. The functional liquid dispensers include a functional liquid supply channel, a functional liquid source that provides functional liquid, and a drop formation device associated with an interface of the functional liquid supply channel and the slide surface. The drop formation device is selectively actuated to form discrete functional liquid drops in the carrier liquid flowing down the slide surface. The functional liquid is immiscible in the carrier liquid.
US08932674B2 Vapor deposition methods of SiCOH low-k films
Disclosed are precursors that are adapted to deposit SiCOH films with dielectric constant and Young's Modulus suitable for future generation dielectric films.
US08932669B2 Method for producing antiglare film
A method for producing an antiglare film includes: a step of preparing coating liquids comprising components capable of being unevenly distributed in an antiglare layer-forming coating liquid and a low-refractive index layer-forming coating liquid, respectively; a coating step of applying the low-refractive index layer-forming coating liquid as an upper layer and the antiglare layer-forming coating liquid as a lower layer on a support to form a coating layer; and a drying step of drying the coating layer and making the coating layer cause phase-separation so as to unevenly distribute the components and form an antiglare layer and a low-refractive index layer. By the production method, an antiglare film which suppresses reflection and glaring of external light in a display and whitening due to irregular reflection can be produced at a low cost.
US08932668B2 Metallic magnetic powder and manufacturing method of the same, magnetic painting, magnetic powder for magnetic therapy, and magnetic recording medium
A metallic magnetic powder where a primary particle of each metallic magnetic particle is a powder without forming an aggregate, and a method of making the same that includes manufacturing a metallic magnetic powder constituted of metallic magnetic particles, containing a metallic magnetic phase, with Fe, or Fe and Co as main components, rare earth elements, or yttrium and one or more non-magnetic components removing the non-magnetic component from the metallic magnetic with a reducing agent, while making a complexing agent exist for forming a complex with the non-magnetic component in water; oxidizing the metallic magnetic particle with the non-magnetic component removed; substituting water adhered to the oxidized metallic magnetic particle with an organic solvent; andcoating the surface of the metallic magnetic particle with an organic matter different from the organic solvent, while maintaining a wet condition of the metallic magnetic particle with the organic solvent adhered thereto.
US08932657B2 Methods and apparatuses for making pasta filata
The disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for the production of cheese. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for making pasta filata cheese. In one embodiment, a microwave system is used for the production of pasta filata cheese.
US08932651B2 Functional food product comprising heat shock protein or a hydrolysate thereof
The invention relates to a heat shock protein from alfalfa and/or a hydrolysate of a heat shock protein from alfalfa in the manufacture of a food product for the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of a chronic inflammatory disorder. Further, the invention relates to a clinical food product comprising heat shock protein from alfalfa and/or a hydrolysate of a heat shock protein from alfalfa.
US08932650B2 Multifunctional topical formulation for the treatment of acne vulgaris and other skin conditions
A two-part aqueous composition for treating skin ailments, such as acne vulgaris, includes an acidic part having salicylic acid and an α-hydroxy acid, and an alkaline part having an alkaline nitrite salt. The α-hydroxy acid is preferably glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid or a combination thereof. The alkaline nitrite salt is preferably sodium nitrite. The acidic part and the alkaline part are an acidic aqueous solution and an alkaline aqueous solution, respectively, which may either be mixed with one another then applied to an affected portion of a patient's skin or, alternatively, may be sequentially applied to the affected portion of the patient's skin, preferably within 15 minutes of one another.
US08932649B2 Methods for treating a neoplastic disease in a subject using inorganic selenium-containing compounds
The invention features methods and selenium-containing compositions for treating a neoplastic disease in a subject. In particular, the invention features methods for enhancing sensitivity of a tumor to cancer therapy by treating the tumor with an inorganic selenium-containing (iSe) compound and with a cancer therapy, particularly a cancer therapy that also affects the cellular redox status of a tumor cell (e.g., radiation).
US08932646B2 Peroxide contact lens care solution
A contact lens disinfecting solution that comprises 0.5 wt. % to 6 wt. % hydrogen peroxide, or a chemical precursor of hydrogen peroxide, and a P-metal modulating compound. The presence of the P-metal modulating compound in the disinfecting hydrogen peroxide solution slows the rate at which the hydrogen peroxide is neutralized, particularly during the initial two hours, by a catalyst element that includes a P-metal. This reduction in rate of peroxide neutralization provides a more effective solution for killing certain microorganisms and fungi.
US08932642B2 Treating prostate, ovarian, or breast cancer with a whole, leech saliva extract
Methods are provided for isolating and using a whole-saliva leech extract. The methods can include feeding a phagostimulatory agent to a leech; inducing a regurgitation in the leech, the inducing including placing the leech in an environment having a temperature of less than about 0° C.; and, collecting an unrefined, whole saliva in the regurgitation of the cooled leech. The methods can include revitalizing the leech by warming it at a temperature ranging from about 5° C. to about 40° C. Stable, lyophilized, whole-saliva extracts of a leech are also provided, the extract having a stable activity when stored for use at a temperature below about −20° C., the extract maintaining at least 70% of the activity for at least 6 months. The extracts can be used to treat solid tumors, treat liquid tumors, treat diabetes, treat a viral disease, treat a parasitic disease, treat an antibacterial disease, or serve as an anti-oxidant.
US08932640B2 Process for preparing a particle comprising a biological molecule and a carrier polymer
A process for preparing a particle comprising a biological molecule typically a DNA plasmid, and a carrier polymer, typically poly-lactic acid (PLA), in which an organic solvent solution of the biological molecule and the carrier polymer in an organic solvent medium, nearly saturated with the biological molecule, is prepared, then this solution is contacted with an antisolvent substance, typically supercritical carbon dioxide to separate a particle comprising the biological molecule and the carrier polymer. High loadings of the biological molecule in the particle can be achieved.
US08932639B2 Compositions comprising solid particles encapsulated in a cross-linked silicone matrix, and methods of making the same
The present invention relates to topical compositions containing solid particles that are stabilized via encapsulation into a cross-linked silicone matrix. The stabilized particles possess an electrical potential sufficient to prevent the particles from penetrating into the skin. The particles can readily be used either alone or in combination with other skin care actives to form topical compositions with improved stability and performance.
US08932638B2 Polyamine derivatives
Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for systemic and local delivery of biologically active molecules.
US08932637B2 Injectable and swellable microspheres for tissue bulking
The present invention relates to injectable compositions comprising biocompatible, swellable, hydrophilic, non-toxic and substantially spherical microspheres useful for tissue bulking. The invention also relates to methods of tissue bulking, particularly for the treatment of Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, urinary incontinence, or urinary reflux disease, using the injectable compositions.
US08932631B2 Aqueous formulations of imidoalkanepercarboxylic acids
Liquid formulations of imidoalkanepercarboxylic acids, in the form of aqueous dispersions comprising, in percentages by weight relative to the total weight of the composition: A) from ≧7% to 40% and preferably from 10% to 20% of imidoalkanepercarboxylic acids having the general formula (I), the said imidoalkanepercarboxylic acids being in the β form and having a dissolution time, determined via the test of the rate of dissolution at a temperature of 40° C. or 18° C., of not more than 5 minutes when determined at 40° C. or 15 minutes when determined at 18° C., for an amount of dissolved acid equal to 99% of the theoretical amount; B) from 0.001% to 0.9% of a nonionic surfactant; the said dispersions having a viscosity of not more than 2000 mPa·sec at 25° C. by applying a shear rate of 20 s−1; in which the dissolution time of the component A), determined via the test of the rate of dissolution at a temperature of 40° C. or 18° C., is not more than 5 minutes when determined at 40° C. or 15 minutes when determined at 18° C., for an amount of dissolved acid equal to 99% of the theoretical amount, as defined in the rate of dissolution test; the said dispersions in the test of stability at 40° C. for seven days show variations in viscosity of not more than 300 mPa·sec; the said aqueous formulations being obtainable by grinding the crystals of imidoalkanepercarboxylic acids in α form dispersed in an excess of water, in the presence of a surfactant chosen from nonionic surfactants; cooling the liquid dispersion to a temperature below 30° C.
US08932628B2 Modified release formulations of a bupropion salt
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, formulations and medicaments comprising a bupropion salt, in particular, modified-release tablets comprising an effective amount of bupropion hydrobromide, and the use of the bupropion salt to prepare a medicament to treat a condition.
US08932623B2 Protective wound dressing device for oral and pharyngeal space
The present invention provides a wound dressing comprising a tessellated water-soluble molding matrix comprised of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, and mixtures thereof and a 1,1-disubstituted ethylene monomer. The present invention further provides methods of using the wound dressing and kits containing the wound dressing.
US08932616B2 Hydrophobic polysaccharides with silyl ether linkages having enhanced degradation and medical articles made therefrom
Hydrophobic α(1→4)glucopyranose polymers with enhanced degradation properties are described. Between the α(1→4)glucopyranose polymeric portion and the hydrophobic portion exists a linker portion having a silyl ether chemistry that facilitates degradation of the polymer. Biodegradable matrices can be formed from these polymers, and the matrices can be used for the preparation of implantable and injectable medical devices wherein the matrix is capable of degrading in vivo at an increased rate. Matrices including and capable of releasing a bioactive agent in vivo are also described.
US08932612B2 Composition for cosmetic raw material containing cellulose dyed with natural coloring matter having improved photostability, and visual carrier system comprising the same
The present invention relates to a composition for cosmetic raw material containing cellulose dyed with a natural coloring matter having improved photostability, and a visual carrier system comprising the same. In the composition for cosmetic raw material and the visual carrier system comprising the same according to the present invention, by using no iron oxide chemical coloring matter and applying a typical and natural dyeing method of cloths to the microcrystalline cellulose that is the cosmetic raw material, photostability that is a problem of the natural coloring matter in the related art is largely improved.
US08932611B2 Cosmetic composition containing elastomers
The present invention relates to a solid anhydrous cosmetic composition comprising at least one non-spherical silicone elastomer and at least one silicone elastomer powder coated with a silicone resin. The invention also relates to a makeup process comprising the application to keratin materials of the said composition, and also to its use for obtaining a uniform makeup result that shows good fastness of the color over time.
US08932610B2 Aqueous clear solutions of fluocinolone acetonide for treatment of otic inflammation
A pharmaceutical otic sterile preservative-free composition in the form of a clear aqueous solution comprising 0.01-0.10% (w/v) of Fluocinolone Acetonide, optionally accompanied by 0.1-0.8% of Ciprofloxacin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a nonionic surfactant, a tonicity adjusting agent and a viscosity increasing agent. It is useful for the prevention and/or treatment of otic inflammation, optionally accompanied by bacterial infection, and for administration from single-use containers.
US08932607B2 Batches of recombinant adenovirus with altered terminal ends
Described is a composition comprising a plurality of recombinant adenovirus particles, being a recombinant human adenovirus of serotype 5, 26, 34, 35, 48, 49 or 50, or a recombinant simian adenovirus, characterized in that the genomes of essentially all adenovirus particles in the composition comprise as the 5′ terminal nucleotides the nucleotide sequence: CTATCTAT (nucleotides 1-8 of SEQ ID NO:7). Also described are methods to produce such compositions.
US08932600B2 Modified tuberculosis antigens
Modified Rv3616c proteins and their use as medicaments, particularly for the prevention of reactivation of tuberculosis.
US08932596B2 Method of treating eosinophilic esophagitis
The present invention relates to the treatment of EE. More specifically, the invention relates to a new method of treating EE through the epicutaneous route. In particular, the method of the invention comprises applying to the skin of the subject a skin patch device, comprising a composition, under conditions allowing a contact between said composition and the skin. The present invention also relates to the skin patch device and to a use of the skin patch device in the manufacture of a composition for treating eosinophilic esophagitis in a subject.
US08932593B2 Methods for generating stably linked complexes composed of homodimers, homotetramers or dimers of dimers and uses
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for stably tethered structures of defined compositions, which may have multiple functionalities and/or binding specificities. Particular embodiments concern homodimers comprising monomers that contain a dimerization and docking domain attached to a precursor. The precursors may be virtually any molecule or structure, such as antibodies, antibody fragments, antibody analogs or mimetics, aptamers, binding peptides, fragments of binding proteins, known ligands for proteins or other molecules, enzymes, detectable labels or tags, therapeutic agents, toxins, pharmaceuticals, cytokines, interleukins, interferons, radioisotopes, proteins, peptides, peptide mimetics, polynucleotides, RNAi, oligosaccharides, natural or synthetic polymeric substances, nanoparticles, quantum dots, organic or inorganic compounds, etc. Other embodiments concern tetramers comprising a first and second homodimer, which may be identical or different. The disclosed methods and compositions provide a facile and general way to obtain homodimers, homotetramers and heterotetramers of virtually any functionality and/or binding specificity.
US08932589B2 Methods and compositions using Kloto-FGF23 fusion polypeptides
The present invention is directed to methods, kits and compositions for preventing or treating age-related conditions or metabolic disorders. The Klotho fusion polypeptides of the invention include at least a Klotho protein or an active fragment thereof. In one embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises a Klotho polypeptide, a FGF (such as FGF23) and (optionally) a modified Fc fragment. The Fc fragment can, for example, have decreased binding to Fc-gamma-receptor and increased serum half-life. The Klotho fusion proteins are useful in the treatment and prevention of a variety of age-related conditions and metabolic disorders. In another embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises a FGF (such as FGF23) and a modified Fc fragment.
US08932585B2 Solubilized CoQ-10
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods of delivery of CoQ-10 solubilized in monoterpenes. Use of monoterpenes as dissolving agents, greatly effects the ability to incorporate greater amounts of bioactive CoQ-10 in formulations, such as soft gel capsules.
US08932581B2 Calcium-mediated effects of coral and methods of use thereof
This invention is directed to coral scaffolds seeded with precursor cells in culture in the presence of a chelator and uses thereof in inducing or enhancing bone and/or cartilage formation in a subject, and kits related thereto. This invention is also directed to use of cadherin-upregulating coral for treating cancer or inhibiting cancer progression. This invention is also directed to use of aragonite or calcite-producing species for in vivo calcium release, and its application to the treatment of skin diseases, disorders or conditions.
US08932579B2 Biological effects of compositions comprising rosmarinic acid
The present invention relates to compositions of rosmarinic acid or its derivatives and to the use of a hydrolytic enzyme or of microorganism containing or producing hydrolytic enzymes in these compositions. The invention also pertains to methods for improving the biological effects of the rosemary extracts and for administering such compositions to a human or animal subject for improving the skin, coat, hair or health of the subject.
US08932576B2 Robust expression of a bioactive mammalian protein in Chlamydomonas chloroplast
Methods and compositions are disclosed to engineer chloroplast comprising heterologous mammalian genes via a direct replacement of chloroplast Photosystem II (PSII) reaction center protein coding regions to achieve expression of recombinant protein above 5% of total protein. When algae is used, algal expressed protein is produced predominantly as a soluble protein where the functional activity of the peptide is intact. As the host algae is edible, production of biologics in this organism for oral delivery of proteins/peptides, especially gut active proteins, without purification is disclosed.
US08932572B2 Poly(vinyl ester) polymers for in vivo nucleic acid delivery
The present invention is directed membrane active poly(vinyl ester) polymers and compositions for targeted delivery of RNA interference (RNAi) polynucleotides to cells in vivo. RNAi polynucleotides are conjugated to the poly(vinyl ester) polymers and the polymers are reversibly modified to enable in vivo targeted delivery. Membrane activity of the poly(vinyl ester) provides for movement of the RNAi polynucleotides from outside the cell to inside the cell. Reversible modification provides physiological responsiveness.
US08932569B2 Methods and compositions for preventing or reducing frizzy appearance of hair
Compositions and methods are disclosed for preventing or reducing frizzy appearance of keratin fibers, including hair, and reducing the amount of fly-away strands of hair, particularly in humid conditions, by forming a coating on hair that is resistant to water vapors from the air or surrounding environment. The compositions comprise a combination of a hydrophobic particulate material comprising a hydrophobically surface-modified aluminum oxide and one or more hydrophobic film formers in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle.
US08932564B2 Compositions comprising solid particles encapsulated in a cross-linked silicone matrix, and methods of making the same
The present invention relates to topical compositions containing solid particles that are stabilized via encapsulation into a cross-linked silicone matrix. The solid particles are preferably formed of a metal oxide, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and the cross-linked silicone matrix is preferably formed by cross-linking a silicone having branched reactive alkoxyl moieties in the presence of a stannous carboxylate cross-linking agent. The stabilized particles of the present invention can readily be used either alone or in combination with other skin care actives to form topical compositions with improved stability and performance.
US08932563B2 Higher loading zinc-containing films
Described herein are polymer matrix films, compositions comprising the polymer matrix films, and methods of preparing and using the same.
US08932559B2 Compositions and methods for preserving insulin-producing cells and insulin production and treating diabetes
Nuclear Transport Modifiers such as cSN50 and cSN50.1, afford in vivo islet protection following a 2-day course of intense treatment in autoimmune diabetes-prone, non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, a widely used model of Type 1 diabetes (T1D), which resulted in a diabetes-free state for one year without apparent toxicity and the need to use insulin. cSN50 precipitously reduces the accumulation of islet-destructive autoreactive lymphocytes while enhancing activation-induced cell death of T and B lymphocytes derived from NOD mice. cSN50 attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production in immune cells in this model of human T1D. cSN50 also provides cytoprotection of beta cells, therefore preserving residual insulin-producing capacity. Because intracellular delivery of a Nuclear Transport Modifier peptide such as cSN50 and cSN50.1 can result in lowering of blood glucose levels and may reducing insulin resistance, the compositions, methods and cells described herein can also be used for treating Type 2 diabetes (T2D).
US08932555B2 Catalyst for decomposition of sulfur trioxide and hydrogen production process
A sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst, in particular, a sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst capable of lowering the temperature required when producing hydrogen by an S—I cycle process is disclosed. A sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst that includes a composite oxide of tungsten, vanadium and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of transition metal and rare earth elements is provided. Also, a sulfur dioxide production process that includes decomposing sulfur trioxide into sulfur dioxide and oxygen by using the sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst above is provided. Furthermore, a hydrogen production process, wherein the reaction of decomposing sulfur trioxide into sulfur dioxide and oxygen by an S—I cycle process is performed by the above-described sulfur dioxide production process is provided.
US08932546B2 Catalytically active particulate filter and use thereof
A catalytically active particulate filter is proposed which is suitable for use in an exhaust gas cleaning system for diesel engines. The particulate filter removes diesel soot particles from the exhaust gas and is also effective to oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and to convert nitrogen monoxide at least proportionally into nitrogen dioxide. The particulate filter comprises a filter body (3) and two catalytically active coatings (1) and (2) which contain platinum and palladium, or platinum or palladium respectively, wherein the platinum content of the second catalytically active coating (2) is higher than the platinum content of the first catalytically active coating (1).
US08932535B2 Surveying sterilizer methods and systems
Methods and systems for surveying and sterilizing one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas are described.
US08932532B2 Honeycomb structure, method of manufacturing honeycomb structure, and exhaust gas converter
A honeycomb structure includes a honeycomb unit having a plurality of through holes defined by partition walls along a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb unit. The honeycomb unit is manufactured by molding raw material paste by extrusion molding and thereafter by firing the molded raw material paste. The raw material paste contains zeolite obtained by ion-exchange with iron ions and an inorganic binder. A specific surface area of the zeolite is more than or equal to approximately 500 m2/g and less than or equal to approximately 800 m2/g. An external surface area of the zeolite is more than or equal to approximately 40 m2/g and less than or equal to approximately 80 m2/g.
US08932531B2 Catalytic converter apparatus
A catalytic converter apparatus includes a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, a chamber, an access opening, and an interior sealing surface generally encompassing a periphery of one of the inlet and outlet ports in the chamber. A substrate assembly is insertable into the chamber and removable from the chamber through the access opening, and includes a catalyst matrix for treating fluid. A positioning mechanism removably supports the substrate assembly within the chamber so that movement of the substrate assembly in a lateral direction generally parallel to the interior sealing surface moves the substrate assembly in an axial direction generally perpendicular to the interior sealing surface. The positioning mechanism may guide the substrate assembly in the axial direction into sealing engagement with the one of the inlet and outlet ports to provide a fluid flow path through the catalyst matrix between the inlet and outlet ports.
US08932525B1 Thermal piezoelectric sensor for characterizing analytes in breath and related method
Described herein is an apparatus for characterizing an analyte in breath and related method. The apparatus comprises an interactant that is configured to interact with the analyte in breath to generate a change in thermal energy relative to a base thermal energy. The apparatus further comprises a piezoelectric system that is coupled to the interactant, comprises at least one piezoelectric material having a material property, and generates a signal that comprises information useful in characterizing the analyte in breath. The signal is in response to a change in a material property of the piezoelectric material. The change in the material property is in response to the change in thermal energy. The apparatus may be used for a variety of applications such as, for example, personal health monitoring, clinical diagnostics, safety and law enforcement monitoring, and others.
US08932524B2 Apparatus for effecting analysis with rapid analyte chemical separation and subsequent detection
A stationary medium is employed both to separate chemicals from a sample solution and also to generate surface-enhanced Raman scattering, so that spectral analysis of the separated analyte chemical can be performed. Applied driving force causes the sample to flow into the stationary medium and to distribute therethrough, thereby causing rapid separation of the analyte chemical, and surface-enhanced Raman scattered radiation is quickly detected, at a plurality of locations along a flow path defined by the stationary medium, for ultimate analysis.
US08932523B2 Systems and devices for analysis of samples
Systems and methods for analysis of samples, and in certain embodiments, microfluidic sample analyzers configured to receive a cassette containing a sample therein to perform an analysis of the sample are described. The microfluidic sample analyzers may be used to control fluid flow, mixing, and sample analysis in a variety of microfluidic systems such as microfluidic point-of-care diagnostic platforms. Advantageously, the microfluidic sample analyzers may be, in some embodiments, inexpensive, reduced in size compared to conventional bench top systems, and simple to use. Cassettes that can operate with the sample analyzers are also described.
US08932514B1 Fracture toughness of glass
A method of making glass is provided. The method comprises preparing a dispersion of a nano-material. A slurry of a glass matrix material is prepared. The nano-dispersion is mixed with the matrix slurry to form a nano-dispersion/slurry mixture. The nano-dispersion/slurry mixture is dried. The nano-dispersion/slurry mixture is pressed into a final manufacture comprising a molecular structure including the nano-material bonded within and uniformly distributed throughout the molecular structure. The manufacture comprises an increased fracture toughness compared with a conventional manufacture produced without bonding the nano-material within the molecular structure. The nano-material has a size on the order of tens of nanometers. The matrix material has a size on the order of several micrometers. Five percent of the nano-dispersion/slurry mixture comprises the nano-material dispersion. Sintering is performed on the final form using a sintering process following the pressing step. The sintering process includes a hot isostatic pressing process.
US08932513B2 Process of making titanium carbide (TiC) nano-fibrous felts
A method of synthesizing mechanically resilient titanium carbide (TiC) nanofibrous felts comprising continuous nanofibers or nano-ribbons with TiC crystallites embedded in carbon matrix, comprising: (a) electrospinning a spin dope for making precursor nanofibers with diameters less than 0.5 J.Lm; (b) overlaying the nanofibers to produce a nanofibrous mat (felt); and then (c) heating the nano-felts first at a low temperature, and then at a high temperature for making electrospun continuous nanofibers or nano-ribbons with TiC crystallites embedded in carbon matrix; and (d) chlorinating the above electrospun nano-felts at an elevated temperature to remove titanium for producing carbide derived carbon (CDC) nano-fibrous felt with high specific surface areas.
US08932512B2 Polymers having a high infrared absorption capacity
The present invention relates to polymers comprising absorption pigments, which are distinguished by the fact that they have high absorption in the near IR region, and to the use thereof, in particular in thermoforming and in IR light welding.
US08932511B2 Method of making a composite material by three-dimensional ink-jet printing
A method for the preparation of a composite material having a pre-designed structure and properties according to the intended use of said composite material is provided. The method includes generating data for dispensing two or more different interface materials having different properties into at least two different phases; selectively depositing said two or more different interface materials having different properties from two or more corresponding dispensers to form layers according to the data generated, each interface material being dispensed from a different dispenser to form at least two different phases of interface materials; and curing or solidifying the dispensed layers to obtain a composite material with pre-designed structure and properties.
US08932509B2 Solid electrolyte membrane, method and apparatus of producing the same, membrane electrode assembly, and fuel cell
A dope (24) containing a solid electrolyte and an organic solvent is cast onto a web (111) so as to form a casting membrane (24a) thereon. A first blower unit (91) applies dry air to the casting membrane (24a). After a lapse of 60 seconds from the casting, a skin layer (24c) is formed at an exposed surface (24b) side of the casting membrane (24a). The casting membrane (24a) with the web (111) is brought into contact with a first liquid (65a), and thereby reducing a remaining solvent amount of the casting membrane (24a). The casting membrane (24a) is then peeled from the web (111) as a membrane (62). In a tenter drier (64), the membrane (62) is dried while it is stretched. The membrane (62) is then brought into contact with a second liquid (66a). In a drying chamber (69), the membrane (62) is further dried.
US08932508B2 Fire resistant glazing
The incorporation of polyvalent metal ions into a silicate based interlayer in a laminated fire resistant glazing produced using a cast in place process provides an improvement in the properties of those glazings. The preferred metal ions are aluminium ions and zirconium ions. The preferred polyvalent metal compounds are those which are disclosed in EP 1206349 and WO 2004/014813.
US08932507B2 Molding system including shooting-pot assembly and valve assembly in which hold pressure not provided by shooting pot assembly
A molding system (100), comprising: a shooting-pot assembly (102; 202A; 202B); and a valve assembly (104; 204A; 204B) having an input port (106; 206A; 206B) being configured to input a melt, an output port (108; 208A; 208B) being configured to output the melt, and a transfer port (110; 210A; 210B) connected to the shooting-pot assembly (102; 202A; 202B).
US08932505B2 Molding die for molding boot for constant velocity joint
An inner die of a molding die includes a core shaft, split dies radially arranged along an outer peripheral surface of the core shaft around an axis of the core shaft, which serves as a center, and a cylindrical set ring arranged below the split dies, the core shaft being inserted through the set ring. An annular engaging surface, which is a tapered surface whose diameter is gradually reduced downward, is formed in an inner peripheral side of an upper end portion of the set ring, and lower end portions of the respective split dies are introduced into, and engaged with the engaging surface. The molding die includes a pressing portion that presses downward upper end portions of the respective split dies introduced into the set ring, so as to move the lower end portions of the respective split dies toward the axis along the engaging surface.
US08932494B2 Photo-irradiation of base forms of polyaniline with photo acid generators to form conductive composites
A method for forming electrically conductive polyaniline (PANI)-based composites includes mixing a base form of PANI, a photo acid generator (PAG), and when the PAG does not hydrogen bond to the base form of PANI an additive which can form hydrogen bonds with the base form of PANI or PAG, together with at least one solvent to form a mixture. The solvent is removed from the mixture. After the removing, the mixture is photo-irradiated with a wavelength within an absorption band of the PAG for converting the base form of PANI to a salt form of PANI to form a polymer composite that includes the salt form of PANI. The polymer composite has a 25° C. electrical conductivity that is at least 3 orders of magnitude higher than a 25° C. electrical conductivity of the base form of PANI, such as a 25° C. electrical conductivity of ≧0.01 S/cm.
US08932492B2 Energy-saving anti-corrosive metal film composition and manufacturing method for the same
The present invention relates to an energy-saving anti-corrosive metal film composition and manufacturing method for the same. The energy-saving anti-corrosive metal film composition includes: at least one metal powder selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, and alloys thereof, having particle size of 5-10 um; a first sol-gel resin selected from the group consisting of zirconium tetra-n-butanolate, zirconium butoxide, isopropyl titanate, and mixtures thereof; a second sol-gel resin selected from the group consisting of tris[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] isocyanurate, gamma-meta-acryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane and n-phenyl-gamma-aminopropyltrimetoxysilane, and mixtures thereof; and a solvent.
US08932491B2 Organic-inorganic hybrid composition for anti-corrosive coating agent and manufacturing method for the same
The present invention relates to a composition for an anti-corrosive coating agent and a manufacturing method for same. The present invention includes: a metal flake; a sol-gel resin; a polyurethane prepolymer having NCO % of 2.5-3.1 and average molecular weight of 70,000-100,000; and a solvent.
US08932484B2 Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
The liquid crystal composition has a negative dielectric anisotropy, and contains a specific bicyclic compound having a large optical anisotropy and negative dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a specific tricyclic compound having a large dielectric anisotropy as a second component, and may contain a specific compound having a small viscosity as a third component, a specific compound having a large dielectric anisotropy and a small viscosity as a fourth component and a specific compound having a large dielectric anisotropy as a fifth component, and the liquid crystal display device includes the composition.
US08932479B2 Polishing liquid and polishing method
Provided is a polishing liquid which is used for chemical mechanical polishing of a body to be polished having a layer containing polysilicon or a modified polysilicon, and using which the polishing rate of a layer containing a silicon-based material other than polysilicon is high and polishing of the layer containing polysilicon can be selectively suppressed. The polishing liquid includes components (A), (B), and (C), has a pH of from 1.5 to 7.0, and is capable of selectively polishing a second layer with respect to a first layer: (A) colloidal silica particles having a negative ζ potential; (B) phosphoric acid or an organic phosphonic acid compound represented by the following Formula (1) or (2); and (C) an anionic surfactant having at least one group represented by the following Formulae (I) to (IV): R2—C(R3)3-a—(PO3H2)a  Formula (1): R4—N(R5)m—(CH2—PO3H2)n  Formula (2): —PO3X2  Formula (I): —OPO3X2  Formula (II): —COOX  Formula (III): —SO3X  Formula (IV).
US08932478B2 Process for the absorption of a volatile substance in a liquid absorbent
To absorb a volatile substance from a gas phase in a liquid absorbent, the gas phase is brought into contact with a film of an absorbent which comprises an ionic liquid and a wetting-promoting additive. The process can be used in absorption refrigerating machines.
US08932477B2 Compound having piezoelectric property, piezoelectric device, liquid discharge head using the piezoelectric device, and ultrasonic motor using the piezoelectric device
A compound having a tungsten bronze structure exhibiting a high Curie temperature, good insulating resistance and mechanical quality factor, and excellent piezoelectric properties is provided. The compound contains a tungsten bronze structure oxide represented by general formula (1): x(BaB2O6)-y(CaB2O6)-z{(Bi1/2C1/2)B2O6}  (1) where B represents at least one of Nb and Ta; C represents at least one of Na and K; x+y+z=1; x satisfies 0.2≦x≦0.85; y satisfies 0≦y≦0.5; and z satisfies 0
US08932476B2 Porous metal etching
Apparatuses and methods are provided where porous metal is deposited on a substrate, a mask is provided on the porous metal and then an etching is performed.
US08932473B2 Method for making a 3D nanostructure having a nanosubstructure, and an insulating pyramid having a metallic tip, a pyramid having nano-apertures and horizontal and/or vertical nanowires obtainable by this method
The invention relates to a method for making a 3D nanostructure having a nanosubstructure, comprising the steps of: i) providing a mold comprising at least one sharp concave corner; ii) conformational depositing at least one structural material in the sharp concave corner; iii) isotropically removing structural material; iv) depositing at least one other structural material; v) removing earlier deposited structural material; vi) forming a nanosubstructure; and vii) removing the mold thereby providing the 3D nanostructure having the nanosubstructure.
US08932472B2 Separator system and related methods
A separator system and method are provided in which the separator has two outlets for different components of mixed fluid. An energy harvester is provided on one of the outlets, wherein harvested energy is transferred to a pump located on an inlet of the separator. As a result, the differential pressure across the separator is increased.
US08932470B2 Filter material for removing aggregates and method of filtering blood product
An aggregate-removing filter material efficiently removes aggregates that are contained in a blood product for transfusion and may cause transfusion reactions without clogging, and exhibits excellent quality stability, and a blood product filtration method uses a filter apparatus that includes the aggregate-removing filter material and a leukocyte-removing filter material. The aggregate-removing filter material includes short fibers having a fineness of 0.7 to 4.0 dtex and a fiber length of 1 to 80 mm, and a ground fabric that includes long fibers, a fiber axis of the long fibers being oriented in a planar direction of the ground fabric, the short fibers being entangled with the ground fabric so that the aggregate-removing filter material has a total weight per unit area of 10 to 80 g/m2, and a layer of the short fibers forming a three-dimensional structure.
US08932469B2 Personal hemodialysis system including priming sequence and methods of same
A dialysis machine includes a blood circuit, a dialysate circuit, and a dialyzer placed in communication with the blood circuit and the dialysate circuit. The dialysis machine includes a priming sequence in which dialysate is used to prime a first portion of the dialysate circuit and a physiologically compatible solution, other than dialysate, is used to prime a second portion of the dialysate circuit, the dialyzer and the blood circuit.
US08932466B2 Method and apparatus for sluge treatment and use thereof in sewage biotreatment
The present invention provides a method for sludge treatment, comprising the following steps: (1) mixing a sludge feed from a sewage biotreatment process with a first mixed liquor to obtain a second mixed liquor; (2) subjecting the second mixed liquor to an oxygen-supplying process to obtain a third mixed liquor; (3) subjecting the third mixed liquor to an anoxic process to obtain a fourth mixed liquor; (4) separating the fourth mixed liquor to obtain a supernatant liquid and a first concentrated mixed liquor; (5) discharging the supernatant liquid, and returning at least a part of the first concentrated mixed liquor as the first mixed liquor to the step (1), wherein the amount of sludge of the first concentrated mixed liquor that does not return to the step (1) is less than the amount of sludge of the sludge feed. The present invention further relates to the use of the method for sludge treatment in sewage treatment. The method for sludge treatment can achieve a long term stable run without sludge discharge.
US08932459B2 Working fluid filtering device for electrical discharge machine
A seal is brought into contact with a filter media, a filter pump is operated to start filtration, and a signal from a pressure sensor is received. When a predetermined value is exceeded by the signal from the pressure sensor, the filter pump is stopped, the seal is separated from the filter media, and take-up of one section of the filter by a filter collection roll is started. In finishing filter supply from a filter supply roll, drive of a motor is stopped, and an alarm signal is transmitted. If the supply is not to be finished, one section of the filter is taken up by the filter collection roll, and the next stage of filtration is entered.
US08932457B2 Catalytic conversion method for increasing cetane number barrel of diesel
A catalytic conversion process uses a catalytic cracking catalyst having a relatively homogeneous activity containing mainly large pore zeolites in a catalytic conversion reactor. The reaction temperature, residence time of oil vapors and weight ratio of the catalyst/feedstock oil are sufficient to obtain a reaction product containing from about 12 to about 60% by weight of a fluid catalytic cracking gas oil relative to the weight of the feed stock oil and containing a diesel. The reaction temperature ranges from about 420° C. to about 550° C. The residence time of oil vapors ranges from about 0.1 to about 5 seconds. The weight ratio of the catalytic cracking catalyst/feedstock is about 1-about 10.
US08932455B2 Interstitial metal hydride catalyst systems and associated processes
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to the processing of hydrocarbon-containing feedstreams in the presence of an interstitial metal hydride containing catalyst comprising a surface, and a Group VI/Group VIII metal sulfide coated onto the surface of the interstitial metal hydride. The catalysts and processes of the present invention can improve overall hydrogenation, product conversion, as well as sulfur reduction in hydrocarbon feedstreams.
US08932452B2 Method for separating entrained catalyst and catalyst fines from slurry oil
A method for removing catalyst, catalyst fines, and coke particulates from a slurry oil stream includes the steps of routing a first slurry oil stream from a first slurry oil source to at least one hydrocyclone, increasing at least one of a temperature and a pressure of the first slurry oil stream prior to it entering the at least one hydrocyclone; passing the first slurry oil stream through the at least one hydrocyclone; and routing a second slurry oil stream exiting an overflow end of the at least one hydrocyclone to a second slurry oil source. The first and second slurry oil sources may be one or more of the following: a main column of a fluid catalytic cracking fractionator, a steam generator, a heat exchanger, a decant slurry oil storage, and a slurry oil storage tank.
US08932448B2 Membrane, cell, device and method for (reverse) electrodialysis
Membrane, cell and device suitable for reverse electrodialysis for the purpose of generating electricity, and methods therefor, the membrane comprising a number of channels arranged on at least a first side of the membrane, wherein the channels are suitable for throughfeed of a fluid, wherein the dimensions of the channels are aimed at obtaining a laminar flow of the fluid in the channels.
US08932446B1 Actinide-ion sensor
An apparatus for the real-time, in-situ monitoring of actinide-ion concentrations. A working electrolyte is positioned within the interior of a container. The working electrolyte is separated from a reference electrolyte by a separator. A working electrode is at least partially in contact with the working electrolyte. A reference electrode is at least partially in contact with the reference electrolyte. A voltmeter is electrically connected to the working electrode and the reference electrode. The working electrolyte comprises an actinide-ion of interest. The separator is ionically conductive to the actinide-ion of interest. The separator comprises an actinide, Zr, and Nb. Preferably, the actinide of the separator is Am or Np, more preferably Pu. In one embodiment, the actinide of the separator is the actinide of interest. In another embodiment, the separator further comprises P and O.
US08932442B2 Electrode for oxygen evolution in industrial electrolytic processes
The invention relates to a catalytic coating suitable for oxygen-evolving anodes in electrochemical processes. The catalytic coating comprises an outermost layer with an iridium and tantalum oxide-based composition modified with amounts not higher than 5% by weight of titanium oxide.
US08932441B2 On-demand hydrogen generation
A system adapted to generate hydrogen and oxygen for use in hydrogen-based fuel cells is described. The system includes a power source, a first conducting element connected to a positive terminal of the power source, a second conducting element connect to a negative terminal of the power source, and a conducting medium adapted to electrically connect the first conducting element to the second conducting element.
US08932440B2 Plating apparatus and plating method
[Problem] To provide a plating method and apparatus which do not require preparation of a separate treatment tank for each treatment step and therefore enable the facility to be reduced in size and, further, which can reduce the amounts of use of the treatment solutions.[Solution] A plating apparatus feeding a plating solution to a treatment tank in which an electrode is arranged and plating a workpiece made of a metal so as to perform plating, the plating apparatus characterized by being provided with a plurality of pipes which are connected to an outer wall of the treatment tank and a switch valve which is provided able to rotate at an inner side of the outer wall and which has at least one feed port for making at least one treatment solution feed pipe selected from the plurality of treatment solution feed pipes communicate with the treatment tank.
US08932437B2 Multi-coated metallic products and methods of making the same
The present invention relates generally to methods for producing a coated jewelry article or a coated component of a jewelry article, comprising a jewelry article or a component of a jewelry article, a first metallic coating, and a second metallic coating.
US08932435B2 Hydrocarbon resource processing device including radio frequency applicator and related methods
A hydrocarbon resource processing device may include a radio frequency (RF) source and an RF applicator coupled to the RF source. The RF applicator may include a base member being electrically conductive, and first and second elongate members being electrically conductive and having proximal ends coupled to the base member and extending outwardly therefrom in a generally parallel spaced apart relation. The first and second elongate members may have distal ends configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therebetween. In another embodiment, the RF applicator may include an enclosure being electrically conductive and having a passageway therethrough to accommodate a flow of the hydrocarbon resource and a divider being electrically conductive and positioned within the enclosure.
US08932428B2 Insulated container, method of fabricating same and apparatus for fabricating
The invention relates to an insulated container for hot drinks or the like comprising an inner cup having a generally frusto-conical cup body and a generally frusto-conical outer shell. The cup is seated within the shell so that a contact path is disposed near the upper edge of the shell, along which contact path the outer surface of the cup body and inner surface of the shell are in contact. At least one bonding spot and/or bonding area for bonding said shell to said cup body is locally formed within said contact path.
US08932424B2 Paint film composites and methods of making and using the same
Paint film composites comprise sheet metal, a color layer, and an optional transparent protective layer. Methods of making and using the paint film composites, and shaped articles made thereby, are also disclosed.
US08932423B2 Method for producing contoured composite structures and structures produced thereby
A contoured composite structure is fabricated by laying up a composite charge that includes at least one ply formed by uni-directional fiber pre-preg ply segments having substantially constant widths. The ply segments are placed in side-by-side, overlapping relationship with their longitudinal centerlines aligned in a polar orientation related to the contour of the structure. The charge is formed into the shape of the structure and cured.
US08932421B2 Method of molding fiber-reinforced plastic hollow part
There is provided a method of molding a fiber-reinforced plastic hollow part that is capable of molding, with ease and at low costs, a fiber-reinforced plastic hollow part, which has a varying cross-section or a bent portion, in a state in which its weight is sufficiently reduced and in a state where its wall thickness is substantially uniform. A reinforcing fiber (21) and a matrix resin (24) are laminated on the outer circumference of a preformed hollow resin core (10) to obtain a hollow laminate (20). A pressurizing bag (30) is inserted and positioned inside that hollow resin core (10). The hollow laminate (20) is positioned inside a mold (40). Next, heat is applied while pressure is applied to the inside of the pressurizing bag (30) of the hollow laminate (20) positioned inside the mold, thereby integrating the resin and the reinforcing fiber.
US08932419B2 Urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer and sheet using the same
Disclosed is a urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer which is obtained by reacting at least one polyoxyalkylene polyol (A), at least one monool (B1) soluble in the component (A) and/or at least one silane coupling agent (B2) reactive with an isocyanate group, at least one polyisocyanate (C) and at least one hydroxylated mono (meth)acrylate compound (D) at a ratio at which the equivalent weights of hydroxy groups, active hydrogen groups and isocyanate groups in the respective components satisfy the following formulae (1)-(3). The urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer does not substantially contain an unreacted isocyanate group. B(active hydrogen)+D(OH)=C(NCO)−A(OH) (1) 1.05≦C(NCO)/A(OH)≦2 (2) {C(NCO)−2A(OH)+2m}×0.35≦D(OH)≦{C(NCO)−2A(OH)+2m}×0.70 (3) In the formulae (1)-(3), A(OH) represents the total equivalent weight of hydroxy groups contained in the component (A); B(active hydrogen) represents the total equivalent weight of active hydrogen groups contained in the component (B1) and/or the component (B2); C(NCO) represents the total equivalent weight of isocyanate groups contained in the component (C); D(OH) represents the total equivalent weight of hydroxy groups contained in the component (D); and m represents the number of moles of the component (A). The oligomer is photo-curable and is used as an adhesive sheet in a method of affixing an optical member to a display panel.
US08932414B2 High-strength steel sheet with excellent warm workability
Disclosed is a high-strength steel plate with excellent warm workability that has a component composition comprising, in mass %, 0.05 to 0.4% C, 0.5 to 3% Si+Al, 0.5 to 3% Mn, no more than 0.15% P (not including 0%), and no more than 0.02% S (including 0%), with the remainder comprising iron and impurities, and a composition that includes a total of 45 to 80% martensite and/or bainitic ferrite in terms of the area ratio relative to the entire composition, 5 to 40% polygonal ferrite in terms of the area ratio relative to the entire composition, and 5 to 20% retained austenite in terms of the area ratio relative to the entire composition, wherein the C concentration (CγR) within said residual austenite is in the range of 0.6 mass % to less than 1.0 mass %, and that furthermore may include bainite. In the high-strength steel plate, TRIP effects are achieved to the fullest extent in warm working, and increased ductility over prior steel plates is reliably achieved.
US08932412B2 Method and apparatus for an appliance with a power saving mode
A dishwasher configured to perform a physical cycle of operation and having a power savings mode during which the dishwasher periodically monitors a key press by a user to determine if the dishwasher should be taken out of the power savings mode.
US08932408B2 Method for cleaning a surface
A method for cleaning a surface of a plate-like article includes the steps of: treating the surface with free flow cleaning, wherein liquid is dispensed through a dispense nozzle onto the surface in a continuous liquid flow, and treating the surface with spray cleaning, wherein liquid is directed through a spray nozzle towards the surface in form of droplets. The surface is treated with a spray cleaning step before the free flow cleaning step and a spray cleaning step after the free flow cleaning step.
US08932407B2 Substrate cleaning method
A substrate cleaning method is used for performing scrub cleaning of a surface of a substrate. The substrate cleaning method includes rotating a roll cleaning member and a substrate respectively in one direction while keeping the roll cleaning member in contact with the substrate in a cleaning area, and supplying a cleaning liquid to a surface of the substrate to scrub-clean the surface of the substrate in the presence of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning area. The cleaning liquid is supplied initially to an inverse-direction cleaning area of the cleaning area where the relative rotational velocity between the roll cleaning member and the substrate is relatively high, and thereafter to a forward-direction cleaning area of the cleaning area where the relative rotational velocity between the roll cleaning member and the substrate is relatively low while the substrate makes one revolution on a central axis thereof.
US08932405B2 Apparatus for low-temperature epitaxy on a plurality semiconductor substrates
A reactor arrangement for layer deposition on a plurality of substrates (hereafter substrates) comprising a first reactor chamber for simultaneous cleaning the substrates, at least one second reactor chamber for depositing at least one layer on each of the substrates, a first heating device for setting the substrate temperature of the substrates in the first reactor chamber, a second heating device for setting the substrate temperature of the substrates in the second reactor chamber, a device for producing a gas atmosphere of predetermined composition and predetermined pressure, a transport device for transporting the substrates simultaneously from the first to the second reactor chamber, and a control device for controlling the heating devices and device for producing the gas atmosphere in such a way that the substrates are moved or stored in an interruption-free manner in a reducing gas atmosphere as long as the substrate temperature is above critical temperature Tc.
US08932401B2 Sizing and rheology agents for gypsum stucco systems for water resistant panel production
Emulsions, and processes for making the emulsions, useful for imparting water resistance to gypsum products are disclosed. Process for making the emulsion and gypsum products made from the emulsion are also disclosed. The emulsions of the invention include at least one paraffin wax and a hydrophilic metallic salt. The emulsions of the invention may further include a saponifiable wax substitute for montan wax. The emulsions of the invention may further include a biocide.
US08932400B2 Methods and compositions using calcium carbonate
Provided herein are compositions and methods including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious material, and/or self-cementing material. Methods for making the compositions and using the compositions are provided.
US08932397B2 Near-infrared shielding coating agent curable at ordinary temperatures, near infrared shielding film using same, and manufacturing method therefor
Provided is a near-infrared shielding coating agent containing: (1) an inorganic near-infrared absorbing agent; (2) a tetrafunctional silicon compound represented by general formula Si(OR1)4, a hydrolysate thereof, and/or a condensation polymerization product thereof; (3) a trifunctional silicon compound represented by general formula R2Si(OR3)3, a hydrolysate thereof, and/or a condensation polymerization product thereof; (4) a silane coupling agent represented by one of the general formulas Si(X)3—Y or R4Si(X)2—Y, a hydrolysate thereof, and/or a condensation polymerization product thereof; and (5) a solvent. This coating agent allows the formation, at an ordinary temperature between 5° C. and 40° C., of a near-infrared shielding film that has a high film hardness and is not prone to cracks.
US08932396B2 Solution, in particular for pretreating a hydrophilic subsurface in order to improve an adhesive bond under humid and wet conditions
The invention relates to a solution, in particular for pre-treating a hydrophilic surface for hydrophobization, comprising: I. at least one silane of the formula (1) where R1, R2, R3 independently of one another are selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, propyl and i-propyl, butyl, benzyl m=0 or 1, n=3 to 12, p=1 or 2, and, for p=1, Y=a functional group selected from the group consisting of (meth)alkyl, (meth)acryloxy, mercapto, ureido, —NH—CH2—CH2-NR4R5 and —NR4R5 (where R4 and R5 independently of one another are selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, phenyl, benzyl, cycloalkyl), or, for p=2, Y=NH; and II. at least one second silane increasing the aging stability having no more than two carbon atoms bound to the silicon in a chain.
US08932393B2 Azo compound, ink composition, recording method and colored material
A coloring matter which exhibits excellent (ozone) gas resistance, high print density, low color rendering properties, low color saturation, and high-quality black hue when is recorded on a paper only for inkjet exclusive use, i.e., an azo compound represented by formula (1), a tautomer of the azo compound, or a salt of the azo compound or the tautomer; and an ink composition containing the coloring matter, particularly a black ink composition for inkjet recording applications.
US08932392B2 Water-based ink for ink-jet recording, ink cartridge, ink-jet recording apparatus and ink-jet recording method
There is provided a water-based ink for ink-jet recording including: a colorant; water; glycerol; and at least one of raffinose and a derivative thereof in an amount ranging from more than 0% by weight to not more than 2% by weight with respect to an entire amount of the water-based ink. There is also provided a water-based ink for ink-jet recording including: a colorant; water; glycerol; diethylene glycol; and at least one of raffinose and a derivative thereof.
US08932389B2 Zinc oxide precursor and method of depositing zinc oxide-based thin film using the same
A zinc oxide precursor for use in deposition of a zinc oxide-based thin film contains a zincocene having the following formula or a derivative thereof: where R1 and R2 are hydrogen or CnH2n+1. The n is a number selected from 1 to 3, and the R1 and R2 is one selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a methyl group, an ethyl group and an i-propyl group. A method of depositing a zinc oxide-based thin film includes the following steps of: loading a substrate into a deposition chamber; and supplying the above-described zinc oxide precursor and an oxidizer into the deposition chamber and forming a zinc oxide-based thin film on the substrate via chemical vapor deposition. In an exemplary embodiment, the zinc oxide-based thin film may be formed on the substrate via atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition.
US08932381B2 Sintered porous material comprising particles of different average sizes
A porous membrane, comprising a blend of a first powder of metal particles of the first average size and a second powder of metal particles of a second average size, the first powder and the second powder sintered together. The first average size is five to fifty times greater than the second average size. The porous membrane comprises from 40% to 60% by weight of the first powder.
US08932379B2 Exhaust gas purification system
An exhaust gas purification system with which diesel particulate filter (“DPF”) regeneration can be continued even when deceleration occurs during the DPF regeneration. The system includes a regeneration deceleration period intake/exhaust control unit that, when a vehicle decelerates during the DPF regeneration, increases an exhaust gas flow rate through an exhaust pipe by controlling respective openings of an exhaust gas recirculation (“EGR”) device and an intake throttle and adjusting a turbocharging amount of a high pressure stage turbocharger.
US08932378B2 Submicron alpha alumina high temperature bonded abrasives
A high temperature bonded abrasive includes alumina abrasive grits, and a vitreous bond matrix in which the alumina abrasive grits are distributed, the vitreous bond matrix having a cure temperature not less than 1000° C. The alumina abrasive grits include polycrystalline alpha alumina having a fine crystalline microstructure characterized by an alpha alumina average domain size not greater than 500 nm, and the alumina abrasive grits further include a pinning agent that is a dispersed phase in the polycrystalline alpha alumina.
US08932370B2 Coloring agents and methods of use thereof
Dyes, compositions comprising dyes and methods for using the same are provided.
US08932367B2 Shock absorbing implantable limb prosthetic
The subject invention pertains to embodiments of a device for implantation into a residual amputated limb. More specifically, the subject invention provides one or more embodiments of an implantable force-distribution support that can be installed onto the terminal end of a bone or bone stump in a residual limb. The force-distribution support can restore the natural hydrodynamic system of the skeleton and can re-engage the axial skeleton as a factor in absorbing forces of ambulation. Embodiments can include a support bracket that can be attached to the terminal bone end to which a resilient-support can be attached to protect residual tissue from compression forces.
US08932366B2 Porous structure and a porous assembly resulted therefrom for implants
A porous structure and a porous assembly resulted therefrom for implants allow a tissue to go through and attach for ingrowth, thereby achieving an ideal fixing effect. At least one porous structure is provided with a plurality of geometric-contoured apertures defined by walls. At least one channel is disposed on the apertures or the walls along a reference axis so that the adjoining apertures are intercommunicated, and the porous structures are connected and/or stacked with each other to contribute a porous assembly.
US08932363B2 Methods for determining meniscal size and shape and for devising treatment
The present invention relates to methods for determining meniscal size and shape for use in designing therapies for the treatment of various joint diseases. The invention uses an image of a joint that is processed for analysis. Analysis can include, for example, generating a thickness map, a cartilage curve, or a point cloud. This information is used to determine the extent of the cartilage defect or damage and to design an appropriate therapy, including, for example, an implant. Adjustments to the designed therapy are made to account for the materials used.
US08932361B2 Method for modeling a glenoid surface of a scapula, apparatus for implanting a glenoid component of a shoulder prosthesis, and method for producing such a component
An apparatus and modeling method of the present invention includes the successive steps of generating cartographic data representative of points belonging to a glenoid surface; distinguishing from among the cartographic data a first group of cartographic data corresponding to a first part of the glenoid surface, the first surface part being situated farthest down in the vertical direction in relation to the scapula; calculating from the first group of cartographic data a first ellipsoid portion that coincides substantially with the first surface part; and obtaining a theoretical glenoid surface from the first ellipsoid portion. By virtue of the theoretical glenoid surface obtained by this method, it is possible to assist the surgeon in optimizing the position of implantation of a glenoid component and to produce a glenoid component “made to measure” for the scapula that is to be fitted with a prosthesis.
US08932359B2 Intervertebral implant having extendable bone fixation members
An intervertebral implant is configured to be fixed in an intervertebral space defined by a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body. The intervertebral implant includes an implant body sized to be inserted into an intervertebral space, and a fixation assembly configured to be attached to the implant body. The fixation assembly includes a housing that defines a first vertebral body facing surface and a second vertebral body facing surface spaced from the first vertebral body facing surface along a transverse direction. The fixation assembly further includes at least one fixation member supported by the housing and movable from a retracted position to an extended position, whereby in the extended position the fixation member extends out from the housing and into one of the vertebral bodies.
US08932354B2 Tenodesis fixation method
A tendon anchoring device may include an implant having a pair of spaced apart legs for straddling a tendon. A push rod removably attached to the implant may be utilized to guide and push a portion of the tendon into a pre-drilled bore in a bone. A fixation member may be slid along the push rod and threadably engage an inner surface of the pre-drilled bore to thereby anchor the tendon to the bone while a force is applied to the push rod. Once the fixation member has been installed, the push rod may be disengaged from the implant and removed from the bore. The implant may remain permanently straddled over the tendon inside of the bore.
US08932348B2 Device and method for improving heart valve function
The invention is device and method for reducing regurgitation through a mitral valve. The device and method is directed to an anchor portion for engagement with the heart wall and an expandable valve portion configured for deployment between the mitral valve leaflets. The valve portion is expandable for preventing regurgitation through the mitral valve while allowing blood to circulate through the heart. The expandable valve portion may include apertures for reducing the stagnation of blood. In a preferred configuration, the device is configured to be delivered in two-stages wherein an anchor portion is first delivered and the valve structure is then coupled to the anchor portion. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of forming an anchor portion wherein a disposable jig is used to mold the anchor portion into a three-dimensional shape for conforming to a heart chamber.
US08932346B2 Medical devices having inorganic particle layers
An expandable medical device having a particle layer disposed over a reservoir containing a therapeutic agent. The particle layer has a first porosity when the medical device is in the unexpanded configuration and a second porosity when the medical device is in the expanded configuration. The particle layer comprises a plurality of micron-sized or nano-sized particles. In certain embodiments, the particles are not connected to each other, and as such, the different porosities are provided by changes in the spacing between the particles as the medical device is expanded/unexpanded. Also disclosed are medical devices having a particle layer, wherein the particle layer comprises a plurality of encapsulated particles, and methods of coating medical devices with particles.
US08932340B2 Bifurcated stent and delivery system
A delivery system has a stent and a balloon. The stent has a first section made of a plurality of interconnected framework members which define a plurality of potential side branches. The balloon is a dual lumen balloon that can inflate from the proximal end to the distal end with a plurality of protrusions and/or herniations.
US08932337B2 Implants for creating connections to tissue parts, in particular to skeletal parts, as well as device and method for implantation thereof
Implants for forming a positive connection with human or animal parts include a material, such as thermoplastics and thixotropic materials, that can be liquefied by means of mechanical energy. The implants are brought into contact with the tissue part, are subjected to the action of ultrasonic energy while being pressed against the tissue part. The liquefiable material liquefies and is pressed into openings or surface asperities of the tissue part so that, once solidified, the implant is positively joined thereto. The implantation involves the use of an implantation device that includes a generator, an oscillating element, and a resonator. The generator causes the oscillating element to mechanically oscillate, and the element transmits the oscillations to the resonator. The resonator is used to press the implant against the tissue part to transmit oscillations to the implant.
US08932336B2 Cable tie L-pin
A device for treating a bone includes (a) an elongate body sized and shaped for insertion into a bone and extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, the elongate body including a channel extending therethrough and a coating along an outer surface thereof, the coating adapted to absorb a selected frequency of light such that, when the selected frequency of light is applied thereto, portions of the coating melt to form a mass; and (b) a first anchor member slidably mountable over the elongate body and movable therealong from a first position at the proximal end of the elongate body to a second position adjacent a bone into which the elongate body has been inserted to cooperate with the mass to fix the elongate body to the bone.
US08932335B2 Retaining mechanism
A retaining mechanism for use in affixing a stratum to bone is disclosed. The mechanism comprises a stratum comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a hole extending between the two surfaces. The hole has a central longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the two surfaces. The retaining element comprises a first position that permits a fastener to be passed through the hole, a second position that at least partially overlaps the hole, and a spring element. The spring element is configured to engage the stratum, configured to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the hole when the retaining element moves between its first and second positions, and configured to engage the retaining element to help maintain the retaining element in its second position to help prevent inadvertent backing out of the fastener after it has been fully inserted into the hole.
US08932334B2 Dynamic fixation device and method of use
A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws.
US08932332B2 Minimally invasive spinal stabilization system
A spinal stabilization system includes an implant and instrumentation for stabilizing the spine. In one embodiment, the system includes a plate having a side rail and a channel extending adjacent the side rail. A pedicle screw assembly is positioned in the channel in releasable engagement with the side rail. The pedicle screw assembly includes a polyaxial screw seated in a lower housing having a lower locking flange. An upper housing having an upper locking flange secures the plate to the lower housing. The side rail of the plate is releasably engaged between the upper locking flange and the lower locking flange. The upper and lower housings include on-board locking mechanisms for fixing components in the screw assembly. The screw assembly and plate are inserted and oriented by remote manipulation. Minimally invasive techniques for inserting the implant are performed with the instrumentation, and cause minimal disturbance to surrounding tissue.
US08932331B2 Method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to bone
A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone. The method includes the following: implanting in bone a first anchor including a first suture construct connected to the first anchor; passing a first adjustable loop of the first suture construct at least one of over or through the soft tissue; coupling the first adjustable loop to one of a first locking feature of the first anchor or a second locking feature of a second anchor; adjusting the first adjustable loop by pulling a first end of the first suture construct; and securing the soft tissue against bone by pulling the first end of the first suture construct.
US08932326B2 Method and apparatus for repairing vascular abnormalities and/or other body lumen abnormalities using an endoluminal approach and a flowable forming material
Apparatus and method for repairing an abnormality in the wall of a body lumen, the method comprising isolating the abnormality in the wall of the body lumen from flow in the body lumen; positioning flowable forming material adjacent to the abnormality in the wall of the body lumen; and transforming the flowable forming material into a substantially stationary state so as to repair the abnormality in the wall of the body lumen, and the apparatus comprising a supply of flowable forming material; zone isolation apparatus for isolating the abnormality in the wall of the body lumen from flow in the body lumen; and positioning apparatus for positioning the flowable forming material adjacent to the abnormality in the wall of the body lumen so as to repair the abnormality in the wall of the body lumen.
US08932305B2 Tissue fastening method
A tissue fastening apparatus related to the present invention includes; a tissue fastening tool formed of a wire wound into a coil shape provided with a first tissue fixing section which is hooked onto a first biological tissue and a second tissue fixing section which is hooked onto a second biological tissue; a tubular puncturing tool which extends a tissue fastening tool and accommodates the stretched tissue fastening tool inside of the puncturing tool; a fastening tool pusher in which the distal end thereof is inserted into the puncturing tool and dispenses the tissue fastening tool inserted into the puncturing tool from a distal end of the puncturing tool when the fastening tool pusher advances; and a rotating mechanism to rotate the puncturing tool when the fastening tool pusher advances.
US08932304B2 Vascular graft
A vascular graft for anastomosis of blood vessels or ducts comprises piercing means (3) for engaging an end portion (8/8′) of a blood vessel or prosthesis and means (6, 6′) for precisely guiding one or more piercing elements (3) to pierce the wall of the vessel or prosthesis to a predetermined depth and in a predetermined direction.
US08932294B2 Antimicrobial electrostatic implantable medical device
A device and method for providing antimicrobial activity around a surgical implant. Antimicrobial activity is provided by the inclusion of a highly conductive material to a surgical implant and providing a low electrical charge to the implant. Electrical charge is provided by a static generator or battery attached to the implant or attached via electrical leads.
US08932292B2 Apparatus and method for electrosurgical suction
The invention pertains to techniques or processes for managing surgical smoke. In one embodiment a suction apparatus evacuates the surgical smoke. For example, the suction apparatus may be arranged adjacent to an electrocautery electrode, which may generate smoke during operation, for evacuating smoke from a surgical site.
US08932290B2 RF ablation probes with tine valves
A tissue ablation probe is provided. The tissue ablation probe comprises an elongated shaft, at least one electrode tine carried by the elongated shaft, at least one tine exit from which the electrode tine(s) can be deployed from the elongated shaft and retracted within the elongated shaft, and a sheath covering the electrode tine exit(s). The sheath may, e.g., line an exterior surface of the elongated shaft or an interior surface of the elongated shaft. The sheath has at least one tine valve (e.g., a slit) positioned over the electrode tine exit(s) and configured to open when the electrode tine is deployed and to close when the electrode tine(s) is retracted. In one embodiment, the tine valve(s) is configured to open in response to pressure exerted during deployment of the electrode tine(s). In another embodiment, the tine valve(s) is configured to hinder the entry of biological material within the elongated shaft. In one embodiment, the sheath is pliable, such that the tine valve(s) can more easily hinder the entry of the biological material.
US08932287B2 Medical device for use in bodily lumens, for example an atrium
A device positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) may discriminate between fluid (e.g., blood) and non-fluid tissue (e.g., wall of heart) to provide information or a mapping indicative of a position and/or orientation of the device in the cavity. Discrimination may be based on flow, or some other characteristic, for example electrical permittivity or force. The device may selectively ablate portions of the non-fluid tissue based on the information or mapping. The device may detect characteristics (e.g., electrical potentials) indicative of whether ablation was successful. The device may include a plurality of transducers, intravascularly guided in an unexpanded configuration and positioned proximate the non-fluid tissue in an expanded configuration. Expansion mechanism may include helical member(s) or inflatable member(s).
US08932286B2 Apparatus and method for electrosurgical suction
The invention pertains to techniques or processes for managing surgical smoke. In one embodiment a suction apparatus evacuates the surgical smoke. For example, the suction apparatus may be arranged adjacent to an electrocautery electrode, which may generate smoke during operation, for evacuating smoke from a surgical site.
US08932285B2 Electrosurgical instrument with longitudinal and lateral action
An electrosurgical instrument is provided for the treatment of tissue, the instrument comprising an instrument shaft (10) having a longitudinal axis, and an electrode assembly at one end of the shaft. The electrode assembly comprises a first tissue treatment electrode (11), a second tissue treatment electrode (14), and a third electrode (25) which is electrically insulated from the first and second tissue treatment electrodes by means of an insulation member (12). The first and second tissue treatment electrodes (11, 14) each have an exposed surface for treating tissue, the exposed surface of the first tissue treatment electrode (11) being such as to treat tissue disposed on the longitudinal axis, and the exposed surface of the second tissue treatment electrode (14) being such as to treat tissue disposed laterally of the longitudinal axis. The instrument has a first set of connections (62A, 62B) by which the first tissue treatment electrode (11) can be placed in circuit with the second electrode (14) such that, in use, a current path is established therebetween. The instrument has a second set of connections (62B, 62C) by which the second tissue treatment electrode (14) can be placed in circuit with the third electrode (25) such that, in use, a current path is established therebetween.
US08932282B2 Power level transitioning in a surgical instrument
An electrosurgical system and method are disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. The generator is further adapted to supply an electrosurgical signal at a variable power level. The generator includes sensor circuitry adapted to sense tissue impedance and/or an electrosurgical signal zero crossing. The generator also includes a controller, which may include a microprocessor, that is adapted to receive a tissue impedance signal and/or a waveform zero crossing signal. The controller is configured to monitor tissue impedance, and in response to a threshold value of impedance being reached, to cause a power level of the electrosurgical energy to transition from a first power level to a second power level. The slew rate of the power transition may be in accordance with a transition function, such as a cosine function. The power transition may additionally or alternatively be performed during, or correlated with, an electrosurgical signal zero crossing. The system also includes an electrosurgical instrument including at least one active electrode adapted to apply electrosurgical energy to tissue for treatment.
US08932280B2 Methods, systems and devices for performing electrosurgical procedures
Systems, methods, and instruments associated with controlling the operating modes of an electrosurgical instrument using control signals delivered in a wireless manner from the electrosurgical instrument to an electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical instrument transmits wireless control signals to the electrosurgical generator to initiate delivery of electrosurgical energy. The control signals are delivered to the electrosurgical generator without the need for a conductive cord extending between the electrosurgical generator and the electrosurgical instrument. The energy is delivered to the electrosurgical instrument, in response to the wireless control signals, along a path through an electrode and the physician utilizing the electrosurgical instrument and/or a conductive path external to the physician. The electrode upon which the physician rests provides a path for the electrosurgical energy and optionally prevents burning of the physician during an electrosurgical procedure.
US08932275B2 Surgical seal assembly
A surgical seal assembly, includes a seal housing defining a longitudinal housing axis and having a longitudinal opening therethrough, a seal having an inner seal portion defining a passage and being adapted to form a substantial seal about a surgical instrument disposed within the passage and a guide mounted to the seal housing. The guide has an inner guide portion proximal of the inner seal portion of the seal and spaced therefrom. The inner guide portion defines a channel adapted to generally direct the surgical instrument toward the inner seal portion of the seal upon entry of the surgical instrument within the longitudinal opening of the seal housing. The inner guide portion is relatively compliant to accommodate initial offset or angled entry of the surgical instrument.
US08932272B2 Individually packaged absorbent article assembly
An individually packaged absorbent article assembly including a tri-folded absorbent article having two end portions and an intermediate portion, and a pouch containing the tri-folded absorbent article, the pouch be structured and arranged to enable a user to selectively open the pouch to thereby expose a garment-facing surface of the intermediate portion of the absorbent article prior to exposing a garment facing surface of either of the end portions of the absorbent article.
US08932271B2 Implantable medical devices including septum-based indicators
An access port for providing subcutaneous access to a patient is disclosed. The access port includes a septum including palpable identification indicia thereon. In particular, the access port in one embodiment includes a body that defines a fluid cavity and a needle-penetrable septum covering the fluid cavity for providing access thereto. The septum defines an outer periphery. One or more palpation features are included on the septum. The palpation features each include a portion that extends in a radial direction beyond the outer periphery of the septum. The palpation features are therefore disposed relatively farther away from each other, simplifying palpation and identification thereof after the port has been subcutaneously implanted into a patient. The palpation features can be indicative of an attribute of the port, such as its ability to withstand fluid pressures and flow rates associated with power injection, for instance.
US08932269B2 Disposable pumping system and coupler
A coupling system for receiving a push rod includes a housing defining an internal channel having a sloped wall, and a piston received within the internal channel. The piston includes at least one flexible member arranged within the channel to be acted upon by the sloped wall to engage the push rod. The only external force required to couple the push rod is an axial force on the piston in a direction. The only external force required to de-couple the push rod is an axial force on the piston in an opposite direction.
US08932268B1 Medication cartridge injection assembly
A medication cartridge injection assembly facilitates and tracks dispensation of medication such as epinephrine during a heart attack. The assembly includes a frame and a housing having a plurality of chambers holding cartridges of medication. A barrel is coupled to the frame and selectively alignable with each chamber. A plunger is aligned with the barrel to engage the cartridge positioned in an aligned chamber. An actuator engages the cartridge upon manipulation of the actuator. A processor is operationally coupled to a timer actuated by manipulation of the actuator. An alert mechanism is operationally coupled to the processor to provide an alert related to a time expired since a most recent dispensing of medication.
US08932266B2 Autoinjection devices
An autoinjection device includes a main body 12 in the front end of which is slideably mounted a drawer or front body portion 14. The drawer can be opened to remove or insert a syringe. Closing the drawer while pressing a multifunction button 22 primes the drive mechanism 54, 58 by latching it against trigger latch 66. Pressing the button 22 again while urging the front end causes the drawer to release the trigger latch 66. After the injection the drawer shrouds the used needle and can be released only by pressing the button 22.
US08932265B2 Holder with safety shield for a drug delivery device
A holder with a safety shield for a drug delivery device; the shield obstructing access to a needle of the drug delivery device following use thereof. The safety shield may be actively deployed, in which case the health care worker must perform an action beyond complete depression of the pusher into the body of the drug delivery device to deploy the shield. Alternatively, the safety shield may be deployed passively or automatically, in which case deployment of the shield occurs upon complete depression of the pusher into the body, with no additional action required of the health care worker. The safety shield is spring-loaded and released to its extended position by a mechanical coupling of a series of position members, including levers, formed on the holder and the drug delivery device.
US08932264B2 Medication delivery pen assembly with needle locking safety shield
A medication delivery pen assembly having a pen body and a needle assembly with a hub connected to the pen body, a needle cannula extending through the hub with a distal end sharpened for insertion into a patient, and a shield having a tubular portion telescopingly disposed about at least a portion of the hub. The tubular portion includes an internal surface, at least one projection extending inwardly from the internal surface, and the hub having at least one externally extending projection. The shield is axially displaceable relatively along the hub distally from a first position, where the distal end of the needle cannula is exposed, to a second position, where the distal end of the needle cannula is enclosed by the shield. Upon the shield being displaced to the second position, the at least one projection on the hub is deflectibly urged passed the at least one projection on the tubular portion so that subsequent distal-to-proximal movement of the shield relative to the hub is hindered by interengagement of the projections. The needle cannula may be directly affixed to the pen body with the hub being formed unitarily with, rigidly affixed to, or removably affixed to the pen body.
US08932261B2 Valve assembly for respiratory systems
An adapter assembly including a manifold and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a seat and a valve body having a circular base and a wall. The wall extends from a trailing side of the base to form a dome-like shape terminating at an end at which a slit is formed, with the wall defining opposing sealing edges at the slit. The seat has an upper circumferential surface and a lower circumferential surface. The upper surface engages a leading side of the base, whereas the lower surface engages a trailing side. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces forms a segment of increased height. Upon final assembly, the valve body is disposed across a passageway of the manifold, with the slit providing a selectively openable path. A force imparted by the segment of increased height flexes the base and biases the sealing edges into engagement.
US08932259B2 Catheter assembly
A catheter assembly is disclosed having a catheter adapter and a needle hub. The catheter adapter has an inner lumen with a septum located within the inner lumen. An introducer needle is inserted through the inner lumen. A septum activator also located within the inner lumen, such that a distal end of the septum activator contacts the septum. The septum activator has an internal cavity and a cavity seal forming a surface of the internal cavity.
US08932258B2 Catheter placement device and method
An insertion tool for inserting a catheter into a body of a patient is disclosed. The insertion tool unifies needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter insertion in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion tool comprises a housing in which at least a portion of the catheter is initially disposed, a hollow needle distally extending from the housing with at least a portion of the catheter pre-disposed over the needle, and a guidewire pre-disposed within the needle. A guidewire advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the guidewire distally past a distal end of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. In one embodiment a catheter advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the catheter into the patient. Each advancement assembly can include a slide or other actuator that enables a user to selectively advance the desired component.
US08932255B1 Methods for using front-loading medical fluid injector
Various sealing structures are used in a front-loading injector, for preventing leakage of spilled fluid from an external surface of a syringe into the vicinity of the drive ram. For example, a sealing gasket may be incorporated into the front face of the injector housing, for mating to the rearward circular edge of the cylindrical body of a syringe. Alternatively, sealing and locking functions may be performed by a single structure on the rearward end of the syringe. Further, leakage may be prevented by including a non-planar sealing flange on the syringe, positioned on the syringe forward of the locking structure, or by a two-piece structure, including a syringe and a separate leakage stopping washer for surrounding the syringe to halt the flow of fluid along the exterior of the syringe. (As part of this aspect, or as an independent feature, the syringe may include an annularly discontinuous flange forward of the locking structure, for providing mechanical support for the syringe against the injector.) Alternatively, an iris-like structure may be incorporated into the front surface of the injector, for closing about the syringe upon insertion of the syringe into the injector.
US08932253B2 Medication infusion device using negatively biased ambient pressure medication chamber
A method and apparatus for infusing medication into a patient's body using a medication chamber referenced to ambient pressure. The apparatus includes a medication chamber enclosed by a peripheral wall which includes a movable portion configured to transfer exterior ambient pressure into the chamber. Means are provided for exerting a negative bias force acting on the movable portion in a direction opposed to the ambient pressure force. Thus, the resultant pressure in the chamber will be negative with respect to ambient pressure, reducing the risk that the chamber can be overpressurized and produce an unintended medication discharge.
US08932248B2 Gas conditioning trocars
A gas conditioning trocar having a chamber for heating and hydrating an unconditioned insufflation gas prior to injecting a conditioned insufflation gas into a body cavity during a medical procedure and a port through which surgical instruments can pass into a body cavity without inhibiting the flow of insufflation gas during the medical procedure.
US08932237B2 Efficient ultrasound focusing
Ultrasound focusing may be improved by combining knowledge of the target tissue and/or focusing arrangement with focus measurements.
US08932230B2 Controlling flow of exhaled breath during analysis
The flow rate of a gaseous sample of exhaled breath through an analytical device is controlled by a pump, and in certain embodiments two pumps. Placement of the analyte sensor in a secondary stream branching off of the primary stream through the device offers further control over the manner, duration, and quantity of the breath that is placed in contact with the sensor.
US08932229B2 Apparatus and method for real-time emotion recognition using heart rate variability
An apparatus and method for recognizing an emotion by use of a heart rate data is provided. The apparatus includes an input signal generation unit configured to receive a plurality of heart rate data, and generate input signals each having a sequence, a signal classification unit configured to classify the input signals into groups, and an emotion recognition unit configured to search for a group, to which the input signal generated by the input signal generation unit belongs, among the groups classified by the signal classification unit, and recognize a user emotion corresponding to the found group.
US08932228B2 Optical device and biological information detector
An optical device including a contact part having a contact surface and an opposing surface, the contact surface coming into contact with a test subject and the opposing surface being opposite the contact surface; a support body installed on the opposing surface; a first element supported by the support body; and a second element disposed between the opposing surface and the support body; wherein one of the first element and the second element is a light-emitting element for emitting light towards a detection site of the test subject; another of the first element and the second element is a light-receiving element for receiving reflected light, the reflected light being light emitted by the light-emitting element and reflected at the detection site; and the contact part is formed from a material that is transparent with respect to a wavelength of the light emitted by the light-emitting element.
US08932227B2 System and method for CO2 and oximetry integration
The disclosed embodiments relate to a patient monitor for evaluating a patient. The patient monitor may comprise a capnometer that is adapted to receive at least a portion of exhaled flow from the patient and to produce a first output indicative of exhaled carbon dioxide associated with the exhaled flow, an oximeter that is adapted to receive an input from the patient and to produce a second output indicative of oxygen saturation of blood of the patient, and a processor adapted to receive at least the first output and the second output and to correlate the first output with the second output.
US08932226B2 Intravascular ultrasound probes with wave-emitting device and reflector
An ultrasound catheter is described herein for insertion into a cavity such as a blood vessel to facilitate imaging within a vasculature. The catheter comprises an elongate flexible shaft, a capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducer, and a sonic reflector. The elongate flexible shaft has a proximate end and a distal end. A capacitive microfabricated ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) is mounted to the shaft near the distal end. The reflector is positioned such that a reflective surface redirects ultrasonic waves to and from the transducer. In other embodiments, the catheter comprises a plurality of cMUT elements and operates without the use of reflectors. In further embodiments, integrated circuitry is incorporated into the design.
US08932223B2 Catheter for intravascular ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging
A design and a fabrication method for an intravascular imaging and therapeutic catheters for combined ultrasound, photoacoustic, and elasticity imaging and for optical and/or acoustic therapy of hollow organs and diseased blood vessels and tissues are disclosed in the present invention. The invention comprises both a device—optical fiber-based intravascular catheter designs for combined IVUS/IVPA, and elasticity imaging and for acoustic and/or optical therapy—and a method of combined ultrasound, photoacoustic, and elasticity imaging and optical and/or acoustic therapy. The designs of the catheters are based on single-element catheter-based ultrasound transducers or on ultrasound array-based units coupled with optical fiber, fiber bundles or a combination thereof with specially designed light delivery systems. One approach uses the side fire fiber, similar to the one utilized for biomedical optical spectroscopy. The second catheter design uses the micro-optics in the manner of a probe for optical coherent tomography.
US08932221B2 In-body device having a multi-directional transmitter
Multi-directional transmitters for in-body devices, such as implantable and ingestible devices, are provided. Aspects of the in-body multi-direction transmitters of the invention include signal transmitters configured to transmit an identifying signal in at least two different directions in an x-y plane. Embodiments of the in-body devices are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the devices of the invention.
US08932220B2 Method of predicting acute cardiopulmonary events and survivability of a patient
A method of producing an artificial neural network capable of predicting the survivability of a patient, including: storing in an electronic database patient health data comprising a plurality of sets of data, each set having at least one of a first parameter relating to heart rate variability data and a second parameter relating to vital sign data, each set further having a third parameter relating to patient survivability; providing a network of nodes interconnected to form an artificial neural network, the nodes comprising a plurality of artificial neurons, each artificial neuron having at least one input with an associated weight; and training the artificial neural network using the patient health data such that the associated weight of the at least one input of each artificial neuron is adjusted in response to respective first, second and third parameters of different sets of data from the patient health data.
US08932219B2 Systems and methods for monitoring heart rate and blood pressure correlation
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a correlation between heart rate and blood pressure in a patient. When a characteristic of the correlation exceeds a threshold, a patient status indicator signal is sent to a monitoring device. In some embodiments, the patient status indicator signal indicates a particular medical condition or alerts a care provider to a change in status. In some embodiments, the heart rate signal is used to improve a blood pressure estimate generated by a different signal. In some embodiments, the heart rate, blood pressure and correlation signals are used in a predictive mathematical model to estimate patient status or outcome.
US08932218B1 Methodology, use and benefits of neuroacoustic frequencies for assessing and improving the health and well-being of living organisms
The ANS of a subject is continuously monitored to obtain the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) components of the autonomous nervous system while an external stimulus is applied to the subject having a frequency that sweeps across a frequency band. The stimulus may be a vibration, flickering light or sound. The ANS is determined to have entered into a state of homeostasis when the SNS component equals the PSNS component. The value of frequency that corresponds to the state of homeostasis is selected as the fundamental frequency of the subject for use in subsequent treatment protocols.
US08932215B2 System and method for retracting body tissue
A retractor system includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.
US08932210B2 Minimally invasive retraction device having detachable blades
A retraction device comprises a base and at least one retracting blade. The base has at least one tab. The retracting blade has a slotted distal end for receiving the tab of the base.
US08932208B2 Apparatus and methods for performing minimally-invasive surgical procedures
Devices, tools and methods for performing minimally invasive surgical procedures. Methods of performing minimally invasive ablation procedures. Methods of performing rapid exchange of tools in a device while the device remains in a reduced-access surgical space.
US08932206B2 Endoscopic apparatus and image pickup method for the same
An endoscopic apparatus having an image pickup system operating as follows. Before picking up a still image in a body cavity that almost no light can reach, the system extinguishes LED and resets charges accumulated in respective pixels in a CMOS image sensor. In this reset state, the system illuminates LED and allows the CMOS image sensor to pick up a still image. While the charges are being read from the pixels, the system extinguishes LED and prevents further charges from being accumulated in the pixels from which the charges have not been read yet.
US08932200B2 Device for the treatment of urinary incontinence
A device for treating urinary incontinence. The device comprising a body having a passage, for accommodating a urethra of a patient, extending from an inlet to an outlet of the device. The passage being configured so as to normally induce a flow obstruction in the urethra, following surgical implantation of the device. The flow obstruction, induced by the device, being sufficiently pliable and deformable so that once an internal system pressure within the urethra becomes sufficiently great, the internal system pressure overcomes the flow obstruction, induced by the device, and creates a flow passage through the device.
US08932198B1 Acupuncture device for sleeping disorders
Provided in the present invention is a method of providing treatment for a sleeping disorder.
US08932197B2 Ventricular pump coupling
A device and method for creating a connection with the left ventricle of a heart are provided. A seal member capable of moving between a folded position and an open position is attached to the end of a conduit. An introducer capable of moving between a first and second position allows for the expansion of the seal member into an open position. A clamp component is positioned outside of the heart to provide an axial clamping force with the wall of the heart so that a seal is created between the seal member and the wall of the heart.
US08932194B2 Electrically conductive roller
An electrically conductive roller which may easily obtain a desired surface roughness, and which has good setting property without problems such as high cost and compression set is provided.An electrically conductive roller 10 comprises a shaft 1, an elastic layer 2 supported on the periphery of the shaft and one surface layer 3 formed on the peripheral surface of the elastic layer 2. The elastic layer 2 is composed of a urethane foam in which the degree of swelling is not more than 120% with respect to the solvent used in the formation of the surface layer 3. The urethane foam preferably contains, as a polyol component, a polyester polyol having a hydroxyl value of 200 to 400 and 3 or more functional groups.
US08932188B2 Weight apparatus including weight adjustment arrangement
A weight apparatus includes a bar including a handle rotatably attached to an anchorage. The anchorage includes a body and at least one radially extendable and retractable pin, the pin being movable relative to the body between an innermost position and an outermost position. An end of the pin extends radially beyond an external surface of the body when the pin is in the outermost position. The apparatus further includes a weight including a weight opening in which the anchorage is adapted to be received. The weight includes a radially extending pin opening adapted to receive the pin when the pin is in the outermost position to attach the weight to the anchorage. An arrangement is provided for driving the pin to the outermost position upon rotation of the handle relative to the anchorage.
US08932184B2 Hydrogen storage, distribution, and recovery system
Cassette based systems and methods of hydrogen storage, distribution, and recovery are disclosed. A cassette or other container may contain a hydrogen storage or storing material. Information may be stored in the material and subsequently read or accessed. A probe may be used to interrogate the material. The hydrogen content or other characteristics of the material may be determined based on the interrogation. A hydrogen dispensing unit may contain a depleted cassette acceptor to accept depleted cassettes and a charged cassette dispenser to dispense charged cassettes. The dispensing unit may be implemented in a hydrogen retail store or as a standalone unit. The retail store or the unit may connect to a hydrogen network and implement various business methods, as disclosed herein.
US08932181B2 Control device of vehicle drive device
It is provided a control device of a vehicle drive device having an electric motor connected via an inverter to an electric-motor power source, an inverter smoothing capacitor connected to the inverter of the electric-motor power source side thereof, and a transmission making up a portion of a power transmission path between the electric motor and drive wheels, the control device being configured to make an output torque of the electric motor smaller as the rotation speed of the electric motor being higher, and to make a gradient of an output torque reduced amount of the electric motor larger as the rotation speed of the electric motor being higher if a rotation speed of the electric motor rises at the time of upshift of the transmission higher than a rotation speed before the shift.
US08932176B2 Linear actuator and method of operation thereof
A method of locking a linear output member in a retracted position within a linear actuator, where the linear output member is capable of axial motion within a housing of the linear actuator, includes rotating a generally tubular rotor disposed within a rotary lock assembly of the actuator to a first rotor position, and shifting a lock capable of radial displacement within the rotary lock assembly based on rotating the rotor to the first position. The lock engages a radial groove of the linear output member when the linear output member is in a retracted position. The rotary lock assembly is constrained from axial motion. The radial groove of the linear output member includes an axially angled, substantially planar surface. The lock is configured to include an axially angled surface shaped complimentary to the axially angled, substantially planar surface of the radial groove.
US08932169B2 Clutch backing plate with fluid drain
A backing plate for a friction clutch pack includes a shoulder or flange through which a plurality of radial drain passageways extend. The radial drain passageways intersect a circumferential channel which collects hydraulic fluid from the friction clutch. The radial passageways, assisted by centrifugal force, direct hydraulic fluid flow radially outwardly, away from other friction pack clutches and thus prevent such fluid from creating drag and causing increased spin losses as it flows to and through disengaged clutch packs.
US08932167B2 Hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission
A hydraulic control system for a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an analog electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem or a manual valve. The ETRS subsystem includes an ETRS valve, a park servo, a park mechanism, a mode valve, and a plurality of solenoids. The ETRS and manual valve communicate with a clutch actuator subsystem that engages a one-way clutch and six clutches/brakes.
US08932166B2 Drive device for electric vehicle
An object of the present invention is to achieve improvements in the rotational accuracy of the input shaft and the durability of the bearings, and suppression of rotational noise, by improving the support structure of the input shaft of the speed reduction unit. Provided is a drive device for an electric vehicle, including: an electric motor; a speed reduction unit including an input shaft driven by output of the electric motor; and a hub unit rotationally driven by an output member of the speed reduction unit, wherein the input shaft of the speed reduction unit is supported by bearings provided at two locations in an axial direction, the drive device for an electric vehicle being configured such that the bearings at the two locations are attached together to the output member.
US08932163B2 Belt tensioning device with variable spring factor
A tensioning system including a base and an arm pivotally coupled to the base, the arm having an engagement surface thereon. The system further includes a biasing mechanism operatively coupled to the arm to bias the arm relative to the base. The biasing mechanism includes a coil spring having a plurality of coils, at least some of the coils or parts thereof being configured to switch between an activated state and deactivated state based upon a position of the arm relative to the base.
US08932160B1 Oblong throwing ball with central passage
A throwable ball having a large internal passage aligned with its central axis. An insert defines the bounds of the internal passage. This insert is surrounded by compressible foam that gives the ball an easy gripping surface. Interlock features are preferably provided between the insert and the compressible foam so that they do not slip relative to each other.
US08932158B2 Grip device
The devices described herein assist the player of a sport involving a bat (e.g., baseball or softball) or club (e.g., golf) to correctly position his or her hands on the bat or club to enhance the power and accuracy of the player's swing.
US08932157B2 Soccer apparatus and related methods
Typical embodiments of the disclosed apparatus are: a traditional soccer ball; a game-play area that is confined within rebound-fences and pass walls; a vertical scoring standard that is configured to spin on a vertical axis when struck by a soccer ball. The identified apparatus may be used in a confined and multi-directional soccer game.
US08932155B2 Sports ball training assembly
A sports ball training assembly for repetitively practicing sporting techniques in a small area, such as, hitting a golf ball, kicking a soccer ball, or batting a baseball. A telescoping arm attaches to the ball, extending and retracting to create different positions to strike the ball. A spring attaches to the telescoping arm. The spring has sufficient elasticity to return the ball to equilibrium position after the ball is propelled forward. The elasticity of the spring and the elevation of the ball can be adjusted by enclosing various sections of the spring with a tube that slides along the longitudinal axis of the spring. As the rigid tube moves along the spring, the spring's characteristics change. A second spring portion enhances stability and control of the ball, and allows the ball to return to the user. A base and a base shaft provide structure to the assembly.
US08932153B2 Golf ball with specified core coefficient of restitution
A high performance golf ball includes a resin inner core, a rubber outer core, and a cover. The resin inner core is made of highly neutralized polymer, and may include a blend of different highly neutralized polymers. The cover is a two layer cover, with a hard inner cover and a thermoplastic polyurethane outer cover. The ball as a whole has properties to maximize performance and aesthetic properties, such as feel and sound.
US08932151B2 Solid golf ball
The invention provides a solid golf ball having a core and a cover. The core is formed of a rubber composition containing a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, a crosslinking initiator and a metal oxide. The base rubber contains polybutadiene, a styrene-butadiene rubber and, optionally, an isoprene rubber. The co-crosslinking agent is methacrylic acid, and the rubber composition includes a specific waste material in the form of a powder. The core deflection and the cover material are optimized. Utilizing a waste material in a solid golf ball conserves resources and thus is beneficial to the global environment. Even during prolonged use, the golf ball maintains its basic performance attributes (feel, flight, durability) at a high level.
US08932148B2 Elliptical golf club grip
A golf club. The golf club includes a club head. The club head includes a clubface configured to make contact with a golf ball. The golf club also includes a shaft attached to the club head. The shaft includes a center axis. The golf club further includes an elliptical grip, wherein the elliptical grip includes a center axis. The center axis of the elliptical grip is non-parallel to the center axis of the shaft.
US08932144B2 Putter
When hitting a ball to a target with a putter, the ball often travels to a point which is deviated to the right from the target. When a golfer looks at the target just after taking his address, he turns his head to a target about a rotation axis which extends through the back of his head. When this rotation axis is not horizontal and an angle defined by the rotation axis and his sighting line to a putter head is not 90°, he has an optical illusion which tricks him into believing that he has to correct his address position. The putter of the present invention is provided with a thin-plate pendulum thereby allowing him to turn his head about the rotation axis while keeping the angle defined by the rotation axis and his sighting line at 90°.
US08932143B2 Control system for a child swing
A control system for a child swing that comprises an amplitude control subsystem configured to use one or more electrical signals from a swing sensor to compare an actual amplitude of the child swing to a pre-set amplitude of the child swing to generate an adjustment signal representing a desired adjustment to the phase of the drive mechanism. The child swing also comprises a phase control subsystem configured to use an electrical signal representative of a phase of the drive mechanism and the adjustment signal to generate a motor drive signal configured to cause the desired adjustment to the phase of the drive mechanism.
US08932142B2 Damper device
A damper device including an input element to which power from a motor is transmitted; a first elastic body to which power is transmitted from the input element; a first intermediate element to which power is transmitted from the first elastic body; a second elastic body to which power is transmitted from the first intermediate element; a second intermediate element to which power is transmitted from the second elastic body; a third elastic body to which power is transmitted from the second intermediate element; and an output element to which power is transmitted from the third elastic body. The first and second elastic bodies are coil springs, and the third elastic body is an arc spring that is arranged radially inward of the first and second elastic bodies.
US08932135B2 Game controller
A game controller includes a control circuit and first and second buttons positioned proximate to upper and lower portions, respectively, of the controller. The first and second buttons are in communication with an input of the control circuit. The first button is activated by the user's thumb and the second button is not activated by the user's thumb. The control circuit outputs a control signal in response to the first or second buttons being activated.
US08932132B2 Data access management method and data access management system
A processor is allowed to receive a request for downloading save data of a game, to check, in reference to a list containing an identifier that identifies the save data, an attribute indicating whether download of the save data is restricted, and a next downloadable time in association with one another, whether the save data has the attribute that indicates the download is restricted, to check, when the save data has the attribute that indicates the download is restricted, whether the request for downloading the save data was received at or after the time at which the save data becomes downloadable again, and to reject the request for downloading the save data and notify a user the next downloadable time when the request for downloading the save data was received before the time at which the save data becomes downloadable again.
US08932125B1 Games and gaming machines having wheel features
Gaming machines and games are configured with one or more wheel events or features. The wheel events or features may comprise main games or bonus games, or may comprise entertaining representations of outcomes of other games or events. The wheel events comprise the selection of one or more segments of a wheel having associated awards. Wheel events may have various entertaining configurations, such as morphing wheels, symbols that reveal awards and the like.
US08932122B2 Evaluation and rectification system
Methods for customizing an educational experience of a gamer are provided. The method can include the generating of learning DNA which can include information relating to the gamer. The learning DNA can be generated by the aggregation of data received from the gamer, collected from other data sources, and generated based on the interaction of the user with an evaluation and rectification system. The method can further include selecting a mission for a user based on the learning DNA and/or information relating to the user.
US08932119B2 Vehicle air conditioner
A vehicle air conditioner that can perform air conditioning operation in an inside air circulating mode while suppressing the mist on a windshield and prevent deterioration in an inside air quality. When exhaust gas concentration on the outside of a vehicle is high, an outside air lead-in mode is switched to an inside air circulating mode and window mist limit humidity at that point is calculated. When inside humidity is close to the window mist limit, a compressor is actuated, the air is blown out from a DEF blowout port into a cabin, or an air volume in a blower is increased to prevent the mist on the windshield and delay switching to the outside air lead-in mode as much as possible. Consequently, air conditioning operation in the inside air circulating mode is performed while the mist on the windshield is suppressed to prevent deterioration in the inside air quality.
US08932118B2 Batch re-load of coin recycler
Replenishing coins in a coin store associated with a coin handling device includes feeding a batch of coins from a bulk coin store to a receptacle near the coin handling device, delivering coins from the receptacle to the coin handling device and routing at least some of those coins from the coin handling device to the coin store associated with the coin handling device.
US08932107B2 Gathering spectra from multiple optical heads
A polishing apparatus includes a platen to hold a polishing pad having a plurality of optical apertures, a carrier head to hold a substrate against the polishing pad, a motor to generate relative motion between the carrier head and the platen, and an optical monitoring system. The optical monitoring system includes at least one light source, a common detector, and an optical assembly configured to direct light from the at least one light source to each of a plurality of separated positions in the platen, to direct light from each position of the plurality of separated positions to the substrate as the substrate passes over said each position, to receive reflected light from the substrate as the substrate passes over said each position, and to direct the reflected light from each of the plurality of separated positions to the common detector.
US08932102B2 Steering mechanism for toy vehicle
A movable toy vehicle comprises a vehicle body, chassis, and power source with at least one battery. A magnetic coil activator and a magnet for wheel steering control affects steering. A circuit applies a current to the coil thereby to move the magnet. Movement of the magnet is transmitted to a steering shaft thereby permitting steering the vehicle. The magnet is a permanent magnet, and includes a mounting to pivot the permanent magnet in relation to a coil, and wherein the coil is powered by the battery. The toy car can be remote controlled.
US08932100B2 Toy figure with coordinated movements
Animated toy figures including a torso having a neck and an interior body cavity, a head that is pivotally coupled to the neck, a vertically oriented lifting structure, where an upward movement of the lifting structure results in a backward pivoting of the head, first and second arm members disposed on opposing sides of the torso, a cross-connector rotatably disposed within the interior body cavity connected to and extending between the first and second arm members and configured to drive the lifting structure upward upon rotation of the cross-connector, and an activating member disposed on the torso that is operatively coupled to the cross-connector. Activation of the activating member rotates the cross-connector, thereby rotating the first and second arm members and vertically displacing the lifting structure, so that the upward movement of the arm members is coupled to a backward pivoting of the head.
US08932099B2 Pressure activated ball game
A game device has a ball-activating chamber attached to a central, ball-receiving chamber. Participants compress a pressure mechanism that causes the release of a ball in the ball-activating chamber into the central, ball-receiving chamber. The ball may be acted upon when in the central chamber to add an element of randomness to the game. The central chamber may be at least partially or fully transparent or translucent to allow the participants and/or spectators to view the ball as it travels through the central chamber, ultimately ending at a holding bin. Having more than one ball-activating chamber, the game device may be configured to resemble an octopus.
US08932096B2 Life vest with retrieval device
Disclosed is a personal flotation and rescue device. The device includes a life vest with an interconnected backpack. The backpack includes an interior area that is enclosed by a peripheral zipper. A boom is initially stored within the backpack in an uninflated and accordion-like state. A water activated inflator is secured to the boom and is adapted to fully inflate the boom upon contact with water. Inflation of the boom causes the zipper to open and thereby permit the boom to be fully extended from the back of the wearer. Joints are included along the length of the boom such that it takes on a bounded configuration after inflation. The bounded area and then be used by rescue personnel in retrieving the wearer of the device.
US08932093B2 Outboard motor
In an outboard motor, a first damper member is disposed between a bracket and a casing such that the first damper member supports a weight of an outboard motor body. A second damper member is disposed between the bracket and the casing. The casing or the bracket includes a left first inclined surface and a right first inclined surface. The left first inclined surface and the right first inclined surface are inclined with respect to a front-back direction of the outboard motor body in a planar view of the outboard motor body. The second damper member includes a left second inclined surface and a right second inclined surface. The left second inclined surface is arranged to oppose the left first inclined surface. The right second inclined surface is arranged to oppose the right first inclined surface.
US08932081B2 Connector with terminal retention
A connector includes a shield that supports a housing. The housing includes a tongue that extends in a mating region defined by the shield. The tongue includes grooves (which may be on both sides of the shield) that support a plurality of terminals. The grooves each include a retention feature that secures the terminal in the groove while allowing a mating terminal to engage the terminals in the grooves without first engage the tongue.
US08932080B2 Electrical connector with improved shielding means
An electrical connector for electrically connecting an IC package to a circuit board includes a first insulating housing, a second insulating housing and a plurality of contacts received therein. The contact includes a base portion received in the first insulating housing, and a contacting portion extending upwardly from the base portion and received in the second insulating housing. The first insulating housing includes a first shielding member around the base portion of the contact while the second insulating housing includes a second shielding member around the contacting portion of the contact so that an electrical connector with improved shielding means is provided.
US08932079B2 Coaxial connector and method of assembling one
A straight electrical coaxial cable connector (2) for connecting first and second coaxial cables (8, 10) each including a core (16, 24) and a shield layer (20, 28), the connector (2) including first and second interengeagable housing parts (68, 70), first and second crimp ferrules (34, 52) for respectively engaging the shield layers (20, 28) of the first and second cables (8, 10), shield connection means (38) for electrically interconnecting the first and second shield layers (20, 28), core connection means (36, 64) for electrically interconnecting the two cores (16, 24), and first and second ferrule engagement means (76, 88) operable to respectively secure the first and second ferrules (34, 52) relative to respective said housing parts (68, 70).
US08932074B2 Contact making arrangement for conductors provided on flat structures, namely panes of glass
The invention relates to a contacting arrangement for conductors provided on flat structures, namely glass panes, the conductors having a contact point in their connecting section, wherein one end of a connecting cable or another connection device is electrically and mechanically connected with a pad including a conductive fleece or double-sided conductive adhesive tape, wherein the connecting cable configured in this way is introduced into an encasement block which is open at one side and which includes a frame which surrounds the fleece or the conductive adhesive tape and which is provided with adhesive, wherein the surface of the conductive fleece which is laterally defined by the frame is matched to the area of the contact point in order to provide a contact connection between the contact point and the fleece surface through an adhesive joint between the frame and the flat structure, wherein the frame with the encasement element closes off the contact point in sealing fashion towards the ambient and a portion of the frame is usable as a sealing lip for preventing adhesives from spreading out when the glass pane is fitted.
US08932068B2 Computer with serial advanced technology attachment connector
A computer includes a number of hard disk drives (HDDs), a number of Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) connectors correspondingly connected to the HDDs, and a number of jumpers. Each SATA connector includes a power supply pin, a spin-up pin, a ground pin, and a pin base with first to third pins. The first to the third pins are respectively connected to the power supply pin, the spin-up pin, and the ground pin. The second pin of each SATA connector is connected to either the first pin or the third pin by a corresponding jumper, thereby the corresponding HDD starts up with the computer or starts up at a preset time after the computer has started up.
US08932067B2 Electrical connector and carrier thereof for assembling IC package
An electrical connector (100) for electrically connecting an IC package (9) with a substrate and includes an insulative housing (10) with a plurality of contacts (101) received therein, a load plate (3) pivotally covered the insulative housing (10), a carrier (8) assembled to the load plate (3) for holding the IC package (9) and a lock member (4) for positioning the load plate (3) in a closed position, the carrier (8) comprises a holding member (81) and a sliding member (83) assembled to the holding member (81), the holding member (81) and the sliding member (83) both comprises a position portion (8101, 8311) fastened with the load plate (3), and the sliding member (83) slides along the holding member (81) to make the position portion (8311) of the sliding member (83) fastened with the load plate (3).
US08932062B2 Body weight management device
A body weight management device includes a body weight obtainment unit that obtains measurement data in which a body weight measurement value and a measurement day/time are associated with each other, an increase/decrease amount calculation unit that calculates a target intra-day variation amount by which the body weight varies during sleep, a target obtainment unit that calculates a target value when measuring a pre-sleep body weight value at a second timing before the measurement subject sleeps relative to a post-waking body weight value that is measured at a first timing after the measurement subject wakes, an advice obtainment unit that obtains advice information regarding meals to achieve the target value, based on a result of comparing a pre-meal body weight value measured at a third timing prior to a meal with a threshold value, and an output processing unit that outputs the obtained advice information.
US08932059B2 Dental implant and method of implantation
A self-tapping dental implant has a unitary body with an open end and a bottom tip end. The implant is tapered downward from the open top to the tip end and has an internal cavity extending for substantially the length of the implant. Smooth inner sidewalls are located at the upper end of the cavity and internal threads extend from the sidewalls down into the cavity. The dental implant method utilizes the unique dental implant, along with a flexible sleeve, a solid abatement member, and dental attachment screw, to place the implant with minimal patient trauma, while simulating the micro-movement of a natural tooth.
US08932054B1 Dental occlusion correcting system
A dental occlusion correcting system (DOCS) that is designed to simplify and expedite the correction of Class II dental malocclusions. The DOCS (10) includes a set of upper and lower molar attachment structures (13,14), attached respectively to a person's upper molar and lower molar, a set of upper and lower loosely attached linkages (11,12), and a force module (70). Each of the loosely attached linkages (11,12) includes a link pivitor (50) and a link base (30) which are rotatably connected together through a system of gears and stops and rotational sections (43,44,58,59). The upper and lower loosely attached linkages are connected together, on the same side of a patient's dentition, by a force module. The force module produces upward-backward and downward-forward compression force, commensurate with the force required by a specific dental patient.
US08932047B2 Propellant flow actuated piezoelectric igniter for combustion engines
A propellant flow actuated piezoelectric igniter device using one or more hammer balls retained by one or more magnets, or other retaining method, until sufficient fluid pressure is achieved to release and accelerate the hammer ball, such that it impacts a piezoelectric crystal to produce an ignition spark. Certain preferred embodiments provide a means for repetitively capturing and releasing the hammer ball after it impacts one or more piezoelectric crystals, thereby oscillating and producing multiple, repetitive ignition sparks. Furthermore, an embodiment is presented for which oscillation of the hammer ball and repetitive impact to the piezoelectric crystal is maintained without the need for a magnet or other retaining mechanism to achieve this oscillating impact process.
US08932046B2 Edge-gated injection molding apparatus
An edge-gated injection molding apparatus is disclosed having an injection manifold assembly for distributing a melt stream of moldable material to a plurality of mold cavities aligned on opposing sides of the injection manifold assembly. The injection manifold assembly includes a plurality of melt outlets with each melt outlet being in fluid communication with a respective mold cavity, and a plurality of biasing components disposed along a centerline of the injection manifold assembly. A nozzle seal is disposed between each injection manifold assembly melt outlet and its corresponding mold cavity, with an upstream end of the nozzle seal being slidably disposed against its respective melt outlet. Each biasing component is disposed between a pair of melt outlets and corresponding nozzle seals for biasing the melt outlets and nozzle seals outward from the centerline of the injection manifold assembly toward their respective mold cavities and applying a preload thereto.
US08932045B2 Mould turnover system
A mold turnover system for turning over the rotating side mold over the fixed side mold includes a turnover device and a quick releasing mechanism, characterized in that the quick releasing mechanism comprises a hook associated with the turnover device and an engaging member associated with the rotating side mold, wherein the hook can be quick engaged onto or disengaged from the engaging member.
US08932042B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A lithography apparatus comprises a projection system arranged to transfer a pattern from a patterning device onto a substrate, a carrier, and a drive system for moving the carrier relative to the projection system in a plane defined by reference to orthogonal axes X and Y. The drive system comprises a shuttle moving parallel to the Y-axis, a shuttle connector connecting the shuttle to the carrier, the shuttle connector allowing movement of the carrier in a direction parallel to the X-axis relative to the shuttle, and a shuttle driver driving movement of the shuttle parallel to the Y-axis. The shuttle is located to one side of the carrier in a direction parallel to the X-axis and it is desirable if only one of the shuttle is connected to the carrier.
US08932035B2 Electric water pump
An electric water pump apparatus may include a body having a stator chamber and a rotor chamber therein, a stator having a hollow cylindrical shape and being disposed in the stator chamber and generating a magnetic field, wherein the stator fluidly insulates the stator chamber and the rotor chamber, a rotor disposed in the rotor chamber and enclosed by the stator, wherein the rotor is rotated by the magnetic field, and a pump cover connected to the body and forming a volute chamber therein, wherein the volute chamber and the rotor chamber are fluidly-communicated through a connecting hole formed to the body and a coolant is supplied to the rotor chamber through the connection hole, wherein the stator includes a stator groove formed in an inner circumference therein and the stator groove is fluid-connected to the rotor chamber and the volute chamber through the connection hole.
US08932033B2 Supercharger timing gear oil pump
A positive displacement pump is provided. The pump includes a housing, and first and second meshed rotors rotatably disposed in the housing and arranged to transform relatively low-pressure inlet port air into relatively high-pressure outlet port air. The pump additionally includes first and second meshed timing gears fixed relative to the first and second rotors, respectively, for preventing contact between the first and second rotors, and sufficiently enclosed to generate a flow of lubricating fluid. Furthermore, the blower includes an input drive adapted to be rotatably driven at speeds proportional to speeds of an internal combustion engine and arranged to drive the first and second timing gears.
US08932030B2 Hydraulic gravity ram pump
A piston type pumping apparatus comprises a vertically oriented cylinder having a top and a bottom with a first aperture. There are first and second passageways for liquid in the cylinder at the top and bottom respectively thereof. A piston is reciprocatingly mounted within the cylinder and has an area against which pressurized fluid acts in the direction of movement of the piston. A hollow piston rod is connected to the piston and extends below the piston and slidably through the first aperture. There is a reload chamber below the cylinder. The piston rod extends slidably into the reload chamber and has a third passageway for liquid communicating thereto. A first one-way valve is located in the third passageway. There is also a fourth passageway that extends from the reload chamber to a source of liquid to be pumped and a second one-way valve therein.
US08932029B2 Rotary cylinder device
In the rotary type cylinder device, a first crank shaft is revolved around a shaft and a composite piston assembly is revolved around the first crank shaft in a state where first rotational mass balance relating to first and second piston units around second virtual crank shafts, second rotational mass balance relating to the composite piston assembly around the first crank shaft and third rotational mass balance relating to the first crank shaft and the composite piston assembly around the shaft are uniformly produced by only first and second balance weights which are attached to end parts of the first crank shaft. Therefore, first and second piston units, which are attached to the second cylindrical sections, are linearly reciprocally moved in radial directions of a circular orbit of second virtual crank shafts, which has radius of 2 r, with relatively revolving around the shaft.
US08932024B2 Wind turbine blade and wind power generator using the same
An object is to provide a wind turbine blade having a serrated plate that can be formed irrespective of the overall structure of the blade, that is attached in the optimum shape, and that can effectively suppress noise occurring at a trailing edge thereof, and also to provide a wind power generator using such a wind turbine blade. Provided is a wind turbine blade (9) formed by bonding a back skin (19) and a front skin (21) and having a serrated plate (35) attached to a trailing edge (33) thereof, and the serrated plate (35) is formed so as to be attached by bonding the back skin (19) and the front skin (21).
US08932022B2 Fastening system for fan and shaft interconnection
A fan and shaft assembly for a turbofan gas turbine engine comprises a shaft and a fan. Sets of aligned throughbores are respectively of the shaft and the fan, at a junction between the shaft and the fan. Fastening systems are provided for the sets of aligned throughbores. Each fastening system comprises a sleeve received in one of the sets of aligned throughbores and sized to fit without play in the set of aligned throughbores. A head of the sleeve abuts a surface at the junction between the shaft and the fan. A fastener is inserted in the sleeve and extends beyond both ends of the sleeve to clamp the fan to the shaft, the fastener being loosely received in the sleeve. A method for replacing a component of a fastening system retaining a fan to a shaft is provided as well.
US08932020B2 Low-pressure turbine
A low-pressure turbine for a turbomachine including turbine disks with festooned annular flanges for fastening to a festooned annular flange of a drive cone connecting the turbine disks to a turbine shaft, solid portions of the festooned annular flanges of the turbine disks and of the drive cone being connected to peripheries of the turbine disks and of the drive cone, respectively, via concave filets that are asymmetrical.
US08932018B2 Counterweight-based device for controlling the orientation of fan blades of a turboprop engine
A device for controlling orientation of fan blades of a turboprop including at least one set of fan blades having adjustable orientation attached in rotation to a rotating ring mechanically connected to a turbine rotor. Each blade of the set is coupled to a blade root support pivotably mounted on the rotating ring by a conical gear train including a first gear wheel attached to the blade root support and a second gear wheel attached to the rotating ring and bearing a counterweight that is eccentric with respect to its axis of rotation. A cylinder attached in rotation to the turbine rotor and a rod of which is connected to each counterweight through a connecting arm makes it possible to impart synchronous angular displacement to all the counterweights about the axis of rotation of their respective gear wheel.
US08932014B2 Fan assembly
A fan assembly includes a first fan and a second fan stacked together. Each of the first fan and the second fan includes a frame and a supporting base received in the frame. Several extending portions extend from a bottom of the frame of the first fan. A buckling block is formed on an inner side face of each of the extending portions. Several receiving portions are formed at a top of the frame of the second fan corresponding to the extending portions, respectively. A positioning groove is defined in each of the receiving portions. The buckling blocks are engagingly received in the positioning grooves.
US08932012B2 Reduced monobloc multistage drum of axial compressor
An axial turbomachine compressor drum rotor stage includes an axis of rotation, a wall generally symmetrical in revolution about the axis of rotation. The wall forms a hollow body and includes a veil and an annular area integrally formed with the veil for supporting a row of vanes. The annular area includes a central part raised in relation to that of the veil.
US08932011B2 Shaft assembly for a gas turbine engine
A shaft assembly for a gas turbine engine that includes a shaft with a threaded shaft segment, an annular rotor disposed on the shaft, and annular stack nut. The stack nut includes a base nut segment and a clamping nut segment. The base nut segment includes a threaded nut bore that is mated with the threaded shaft segment. The clamping nut segment axially extends from the base nut segment to a load bearing surface. The clamping nut segment includes a radial thickness that decreases as the clamping nut segment extends from the load bearing surface towards the base nut segment. The load bearing surface exerts a force against the rotor securing the rotor to the shaft.
US08932009B2 Device for supporting a turbine ring, turbine having such a device, and turbine engine having such a turbine
A device for supporting a ring of a gas turbine, the ring configured to surround mobile blades of the turbine which are driven by a gas stream flowing upstream to downstream. The device includes at least one upstream hook facing upstream, to be housed in an upstream groove of the ring, opened toward the downstream direction, and at least one downstream hook facing downstream, to be housed in a downstream groove of the ring, opened toward the upstream direction. The hooks are protected and clearances at apexes of the blades are more easily controlled. The device further includes, upstream from the upstream hook, a mechanism injecting cooling gas to cool the upstream hook and/or includes, downstream from the downstream hook, a mechanism injecting a cooling gas to cool the downstream hook.
US08932008B2 Securing element and exhaust gas turbocharger having variable turbine geometry
A securing element includes a head section and a shank. The cross-section of the shank changes in the axial direction in such a way that, by taking into account a qualitative and/or quantitative predetermined bending torque profile in the shank, the cross-section has a substantially uniform bending stress profile in the shank in relation to a securing element with a constant shank cross-section. An exhaust gas turbocharger having variable turbine geometry includes a VTG-guide vane configuration having at least one such securing element and being secured to a housing component of the exhaust gas turbocharger.
US08932000B2 Methods for positioning a large load into a transport position and for positioning a large load into a storage position, trailer and/or lorry
A method for positioning a large load into a transport position is provided. According to the method, the load is placed upon a frame structure with a substantially horizontal extension. The raising device is placed transport plane underneath the frame structure. The raising device is then extended in a vertical extension reaching between the transport plane and the frame structure so that the frame structure and the load are raised above the transport plane and are held in position by the raising device. Subsequently, the vertical extension of the raising device is decreased into the transport position. Further, a method for positioning a large load into a storage position and a transport system for such methods are also provided.
US08931999B2 Device and method for unstacking plate-shaped parts
In a device for unstacking plate-shaped parts (12), in particular sheet metal blanks, comprising at least one supply station (13) in which at least one stack (14) of plate-shaped parts (12) is located and at least one conveyor station (15) on which the plate-shaped parts (12) are transported further in an unstacked manner, an unstacking unit (17) being provided for transferring the plate-shaped parts (12) between the supply station (13) and the conveyor station (15), said unstacking unit engaging the stack of parts (14) and removing individual plate-shaped parts (12) while unstacking the stack of parts (14) and depositing them in the conveyor station (15), the unstacking unit (17) comprises two robots (18a, 18b) working independently of each other, which alternately engage a common stack of parts (14) of the supply station (13) and are controlled by a control unit (19) in such a way that a first or a second robot (18a, 18b) removes a plate-shaped part (12) from the stack of parts (14) while the first robot (18a, 18b) simultaneously deposits a picked-up plate-shaped part at the conveyor station (15).
US08931998B2 Barrier collection system
A barrier recovery device for receiving an elongate array of coils which includes a boom and a catch which is reciprocally movable along the boom to draw successive portions of the coils, in an axially compressed stated, onto the boom. The device can be mounted to a barrier recovery vehicle.
US08931996B2 Portable silo with solar powered actuators
A portable storage silo comprising a tank has a peripheral wall, a top wall and a bottom wall. There is provided a filling opening at or adjacent a top of the tank and a discharge opening at or adjacent a bottom of the tank. A support assembly for holding the tank with the bottom wall raised from the ground such that the discharge opening is raised for discharge into a receptacle at the ground. The support assembly includes a base for resting on the ground. The base including a plurality of arms connected to the base and located at spaced positions around the base. The discharge opening has an electrically actuated gate arrangement. The filling opening has an electrically actuated lid. The actuators at the discharge opening and the filling opening are solar powered.
US08931993B2 Lining fasteners and methods and apparatus therefor
Fastener assemblies, elements for fastener assemblies and methods of making and assembling elements for fastener assemblies, for example for insulation blanket fasteners such as those used on aircraft, may include a formed monolithic metal configuration having first and second side portions with a plurality of panel retaining elements arranged linearly along the side portions. A planar retaining element, for example a disc, may be assembled with the metal portion to form a fastener assembly, such as may be used to retain and insulation blanket. The planar retaining element may include a rolled edge, and if a coated part, may include surface projections to keep adjacent parts from sticking together during the coating process.
US08931989B2 Self sealing attachment assembly
A self-sealing attachment assembly, includes a base portion defining a receptacle having an opening at one end and a surface with a through-hole at an opposite end, a sealant material in the receptacle, and a cover secured to the base portion and enclosing the opening, wherein the cover is configured to receive a driving force from a fastener and dispenses the sealant material via the through-hole by displacement through the receptacle when actuated by the driving force. A method is disclosed for installing a building material to a framing that includes mounting a self-sealing attachment assembly onto a fastening member and driving the fastening member through the sealing assembly and the building material toward the framing to dispense a sealant material to seal the penetration hole formed by the fastening member in the building material to form a watertight seal.
US08931978B2 Tool for thin diaphragms
A cutting/mixing tool for thin diaphragm walls is mounted at the end of at least one drilling rod (47) moved by a slidable assembly (42, 62) along a tower (41), carried by an operating drilling machine (40). The tool (45) has a body (10), which bears in its central part two digging/mixing wheels (20a, 20b) provided on the periphery with cutters (82) and set alongside one another at a minimum distance (d) and coaxial about an axis (x) substantially perpendicular to the direction of digging (z). The wheels (20a, 20b) project from slits (81) of the body (10), which contains at least partially means (1-4, 50-52) for transmission of motion to the wheels, the devices being positioned externally with respect to the wheels.
US08931975B2 Mobile asphalt concrete production machine
A mobile asphalt production machine which includes support for different asphalt concrete recipes including a plurality of aggregate storage bins which work on combination with a fines or sands storage bin. The individual bins have separated feeding chutes to the mixing trough. The machinery also includes a removable pan at the elevator transfer station to accommodate changeover from one grade aggregate material to another. Further, a controller is provided which delivers appropriate ingredients while also measuring process parameters to adjust various input requirements. Further, a dust and particulate recapturing system is provided which recycles particulate matter back into the ribbon of mixed material with a binding agent.
US08931971B2 Cleaning pad impregnated with a volatile liquid for improved dust adhesion
A cleaning pad (28) is disclosed. The cleaning pad (28) includes a base sheet (202) bonded to a fiber mat (203) and exhibits improved debris retention without leaving a residue on a surface to be cleaned when a volatile additive is applied to the pad (28).
US08931961B2 Fiber-optic connector
A fiber-optic connector for connecting an optical fiber to other optical assemblies is disclosed. The fiber-optic connector includes a top plate having a window of similar refractive index and transmission index as the material of an optic fiber to be contained within the fiber-optic connector. The fiber-optic connector also includes a ferrule connected to the top plate via multiple spring-loaded screws. The ferrule includes an interface and an insert. The insert is capable of firmly gripping an optical fiber. In order to reduce Fresnel reflection losses of the fiber-optic connector, the window is pre-coated with an anti-reflective surface on the side opposite an optic fiber to be contained within the fiber-optic connector.
US08931958B2 Synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing
In a synthetic resin-made thrust sliding bearing, a silicone grease whose base oil is a silicone oil, whose coefficient of kinematic viscosity at 25° C. is not less than 100 cSt and not more than 500,000 cSt, and which contains a thickener so as to set its worked penetration to not less than 200 and not more than 400 is interposed at sliding interfaces between, on the one hand, an upper surface of a lower annular flat plate-shaped portion defining a bottom surface of a lower annular recess and a lower surface of an upper annular flat plate-shaped portion and, on the other hand, an upper surface and a lower surface of a thrust bearing piece which are respectively brought into sliding contact with the upper and the lower surface.
US08931957B2 Metal-backed plain bearing
A bearing comprises a resin matrix filled with fluoropolymer, graphite, and other discrete particles of an additive material that is attached to a backing material. The specific selection and mix of fillers with the resin matrix provides the desired blend of bearing properties such as wear resistance, fatigue and erosion resistance and low friction whilst maintaining sufficient flexibility for being formed into flanged cylindrical geometries without detriment to the adherence of the lining to the backing. A method for manufacturing a bearing comprises depositing to a backing material a fluid polymer bearing material comprised of a resin matrix filled with fluoropolymer, various fillers, and discrete particles of an additive to form a continuous consolidated bearing material, and curing the lining material to bond the lining material onto the backing material.
US08931956B2 Hydrostatic rail guide
A hydrostatic rail guide includes a guide rail, a guide carriage, a hydrostatic supply device, a measurement device and a controller. The guide carriage is hydrostatically mounted on the guide rail and has a hydrostatic channel filled with oil. The oil keeps the guide carriage and the guide rail at a gap. The hydrostatic supply device is adapted for supplying the oil to the hydrostatic channel and adjusting the pressure of the oil. The measurement device is installed on the guide carriage and adapted for detecting the gap between the guide carriage and the guide rail and for producing a distance signal of the measured gap. The controller is connected to the hydrostatic supply device and the measurement device. The controller is adapted for controlling the hydrostatic supply device, based on the distance signal, in order to adjust the hydrostatic pressure of the oil after being pressurized.
US08931951B2 Time-temperature indicator
A time-temperature indication device includes a first reservoir having a fluid disposed therein, and a capillary tube. The capillary tube is disposed proximate to the first reservoir to receive fluid from the first reservoir responsive to changes in viscosity of the fluid based on changes in temperature. The capillary tube restricts flow of the fluid out of the first reservoir into the capillary tube to enable fluid flow only in a single direction.
US08931948B2 Process and apparatus for mixing a fluid within a vessel
This invention relates to a process and an apparatus for mixing a fluid or a liquid within a vessel or a tank. The invention includes an apparatus with an inlet device and a mixer. The invention mixes crude oils and/or other hydrocarbon materials to a homogenous state with surprising and unexpected high efficiency. The invention includes methods of using the apparatus to mix the contents of the vessel and/or two stratified materials. The invention includes the ability to mix materials having disparities in density and/or viscosity.
US08931946B2 Optical sheet and backlight assembly including the optical sheet
A set of optical sheets may perform at least one of diffusion, refraction, and condensation of light. The set of optical sheets may include a first optical sheet that includes a first base film and a first distinction unit disposed outside the first base film. The set of optical sheets may further include a second optical sheet that includes a second base film and a second distinction unit disposed outside the second base film. The second distinction unit may be spaced from the first distinction unit in a plan view of the set of optical sheets if the second base film complete overlaps the first base film.
US08931943B2 Spread illuminating apparatus
A spread illuminating apparatus includes a point light source with a light-emitting surface, a circuit board with a mounting surface on which the point light source is mounted, and a light guide plate with an incident light surface and an emitting surface. The circuit board is arranged as that at least a partial portion of the circuit board extends beyond an area where the point light source is mounted so as to be superposed on the light guide plate, a light-reflecting member is arranged on the mounting surface, and a region of the mounting surface in which the light-reflecting member is arranged includes a first region that extends forward from a position corresponding to the center of the light-emitting surface of the point light source.
US08931942B2 LED-based dental exam lamp
Disclosed herein is an improved dental operatory lamp having an LED light source that directs light to a reflector that in turn reflects the light to illuminate a treatment area. In one embodiment, the lamp is adapted for efficient transfer of heat from the light source and into the environment. In another embodiment, the lamp is adapted to generate a predetermined pattern of light optimal for the treatment area. In other embodiments, the lamp includes structural features that enable the lamp to maintain optimum light intensity and/or temperature. Also, disclosed herein are unique reflector embodiments that intentionally provide a generally smooth surface, without facets, that reflect light at all visible and infrared wavelengths.
US08931940B2 Vehicle lamp module
An exemplary vehicle lamp module includes a lighting module and a controlling system for controlling the lighting module. The lighting module includes a light source, a reflecting mirror arranged on the light path of the light source and a reflecting cup. Light emitted from the light source is reflected to the reflecting cup by the reflecting mirror. The reflecting mirror is moveable relative to the reflecting cup, by which, a direction of the light reflected to the reflecting cup is capable of being changed by moving the reflecting mirror relative to the reflecting cup correspondingly, such that light reflected to the reflecting cup by the reflecting mirror is capable of being reflected by the reflecting cup to the far front side, near front side and lateral sides of the vehicle by moving the reflecting mirror correspondingly.
US08931933B2 LED lamp with active cooling element
Solid state lamp or bulb structures are disclosed that can provide an essentially omnidirectional emission pattern from directional emitting light sources, such as forward emitting light sources. The present invention is also directed to lamp structures using active elements to assist in thermal management of the lamp structures and in some embodiments to reduce the convective thermal resistance around certain of the lamp elements to increase the natural heat convection away from the lamp. Some embodiments include integral fans or other active elements such as diaphragm-pump type active cooling elements, that move air over the surfaces of a heat sink, while other embodiments comprise internal fans or other active elements that can draw air internal to the lamp. The movement of the air over these surfaces can agitate otherwise stagnant air to decrease the convective thermal resistance and increasing the ability of the lamp to dissipate heat generated during operation.
US08931930B2 Optical element for correcting color blindness
Described herein are devices, compositions, and methods for improving color discernment.
US08931929B2 Light emitting diode primary optic for beam shaping
LED components are described having primary optics provide improved LED component emission characteristics. Light fixtures are also described that utilize the LED components to provide improved light fixture emissions. One LED component according to the present invention comprises an LED chip emitting an LED chip emission pattern. A primary optic is included directly on the LED chip with LED light from the LED chip passing through the primary optic. The primary optic shapes the LED emission pattern into an LED component emission pattern with the LED component emission pattern being broader than the LED chip emission pattern.
US08931918B2 Lamp tube connector structure for light emitting diode (LED) lamp tube
An improved lamp tube connector structure for light emitting diode (LED) lamp tube, in which the LED lamp tube comprises a lampshade, two lamp tube connectors installed on the left and right ends of the lampshade, at least an LED lamp strap installed inside the lampshade, and at least a drive circuit board installed inside the lamp tube connector and electrically connected to either side of the LED lamp strap. Herein the lamp tube connector is an end cap, with two electrode terminals extending outward from the end cap. Also, at least two connection lines extend from the drive circuit board, and the drive circuit board is inserted to the interior of the electrode terminal so as to form an electrically conductive contact with the electrode terminal for transferring electric power.
US08931916B2 Lighting installation and method for using the same
The engineering solution relates to means for lighting a territory, mainly under emergency conditions. The solution allows for improving —reliability and stability of a lighting installation, and —convenience of carrying thereof and providing protection thereof during transportation. The lighting installation includes a base with supports, an inflatable shell secured to the base, and at least one electric lamp positioned inside the shell. The inner cavity of the shell is in communication with an air blower installed in the base. Each support has at least one hinge enabling turning the support and means for fixing the support. The solution contemplates a method for using the lighting installation, including mounting the installation on a power unit, before transforming thereof from a transportation position into an operative position. The place of power unit is adjusted to evenly distribute the installation's weight, the shell is inflated, the installation is secured to the power unit.
US08931915B1 Anti-opening structure for a lighting device
The present invention provides an anti-opening structure of a lighting device. A recess area preset at a lower portion under an external thread section formed at a lighting source main body is disposed with a restraining member. A hole preset at a lower end of an internal thread section, formed inside of a cap, combines with a nut to allow a screw to be screwed out through the nut outwards the cap. The screw is formed with a projecting circular portion. The cap screwing into the end of the lighting device main body is configured with the anti-opening structure. The screw is screwed into the restraining member by inserting an end of a tool into the screw protruding out of an outside of the cap. The screw is unable to screw in when the projecting circular portion abuts against the restraining member to provide the cap with the anti-opening structure.
US08931914B2 Flexible solar light lamp device
A flexible solar light includes a lamp portion, a main body portion, and a goose neck portion. The goose neck portion connects the lamp portion and the main body portion, which is flexible and configured to be bent in a shape and maintains the bent shape. The lamp portion and the main body portion are configured to form a portable flashlight, a light stand, a wall lamp, or a ceiling lamp by engaging or separating each other.
US08931910B1 Container apparatus and method of using same
A container apparatus includes a container and a light assembly. The light assembly can include four elongate light members. The container can include a rectangular base and a rectangular sidewall extending upwardly from the base. The sidewall defines four corners of the container, and four elongate recesses are formed in the sidewall proximate the four corners of the sidewall to receive the elongate light members. The recesses are sized and shaped to conform to the elongate light members so that the light members can be releasably retained within the elongate recesses.
US08931909B2 Display apparatus for a vehicle and method for producing the display apparatus
A display apparatus for a vehicle and a method for producing the display apparatus are described. The display apparatus comprises a transparent plastic plate having a front side, a rear side, and an edge surface surrounding the plastic plate. The display apparatus has a switchable light source of visible light directed onto the edge surface of the plastic plate. The plastic plate has transparent display elements that are disposed as limited zones inside the plastic plate and have light-sensitive dopant particles. When the light source is switched on, the dopant particles scatter the light so that the display elements become visible from the front side.
US08931907B2 Projecting device for detecting brightness regions of a projecting surface and projecting method therefor
According to an aspect, a projector device includes an image projecting unit and a control unit. The image projecting unit projects an image. The control unit acquires brightness information of regions included in a projection surface on which the image projecting unit can project the image, and causes the image projecting unit to project, based on the brightness information of the regions, the image on a low-brightness region, among the regions, whose brightness is lower than that of another region.
US08931906B2 Light emitting unit array and projection system
A light emitting unit array including a plurality of micro-light emitting diodes (μ-LEDs) is provided. The micro-light emitting diodes are arranged in an array on a substrate, and each of the micro-light emitting diodes includes a reflection layer, a light emitting structure, and a light collimation structure. The light emitting structure is disposed on the reflection layer, and includes a first type doped semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second type doped semiconductor layer that are stacked sequentially. At least a portion of the first type doped semiconductor layer, the active layer, and the second type doped semiconductor layer are sandwiched between the reflection layer and the light collimation structure.
US08931900B2 Method and apparatus for determining depth of focus of an eye optical system
A device for measuring depth of field of an eye optical system that includes a lens Badal having positive optical power, a positioning apparatus adapted to maintain the eye optical system on the image side of the lens at a first focal plane of the lens and a multi-vergency target that provides a plurality of objects that are simultaneously viewable, through the lens, by the eye optical system.
US08931899B2 Method for trimming an opthalmic lens
A method for trimming an ophthalmic lens using a machining device having a load sensor for measuring a load relating to the load applied by a machine tool to the lens, includes: immobilizing the lens on an immobilizing element, and trimming the lens, while measuring the load magnitude and steering the machine tool relative to the immobilizing element so as to bring the initial contour of the ophthalmic lens to a final contour of a different shape. Between the immobilizing and trimming steps, the machine tool is steered relative to the immobilizing element so that it makes a tour around the lens without contact therewith, while measuring the unladen load magnitude, this relating to the load required to move the machine tool relative to the immobilizing element without performing machining work while steering the machine tool, during the trimming step, as a function of the unladen magnitude measured.
US08931897B2 Contact lenses for myopic eyes and methods of treating myopia
A contact lens and a method for treating an eye with myopia is described. The contact lens includes an inner optic zone and an outer optic zone. The outer optic zone includes at least a portion with a first power, selected to correct distance vision. The inner optic zone has a relatively more positive power (an add power). In some embodiments the add power is substantially constant across the inner optic zone. In other embodiments the add power is variable across the inner optic zone. While in some embodiments the inner optic zone has a power designed to substantially eliminate lag of accommodation in the eye with myopia, in other embodiments, the add power may be higher.
US08931891B2 Acoustic drying system with matched exhaust flow
An inkjet printing system, comprising: one or more inkjet printheads for printing drops of ink onto a receiver medium, and an acoustic air impingement drying system positioned in proximity to at least one of the inkjet printheads. The acoustic air impingement drying system includes: an airflow source providing a supply flow rate; an acoustic resonant chamber having an inlet slot that receives air from the airflow source and an outlet slot that directs air onto the receiver medium; an exhaust air channel for removing the air directed onto the receiver medium by the acoustic resonant chamber; a blower for pulling air through the exhaust air channel at an exhaust flow rate; and a blower controller that controls the supply flow rate and the exhaust flow rate, wherein the exhaust flow rate is controlled to match the supply flow rate to within 1%, or to exceed the supply flow rate.
US08931878B2 Printing apparatus and roll paper conveyance control method
An embodiment of this invention is directed to suppressing a circuit scale and ensuring quick response in control of a DC motor. According to the embodiment, upon driving the motor to feed roll paper, the current value supplied to drive the motor is compared with a target value for PWM-control. A value representing the comparison result is counted for a PWM-control signal of one cycle. The output tendency of the comparison result is checked based on an obtained count in every cycle of the signal, and the tendency is encoded. The code values are stored for a predetermined number of cycles of the signal. The code values stored in both the first period and the second period longer than the first period are checked in regard to the past tendency of PWM-control, and the signal is adjusted.
US08931877B1 Method and apparatus for controlling printhead motion with a friction track ball
An apparatus enables alignment of the position of a printhead independent of other printheads in a printhead assembly. The apparatus includes a printhead configured to eject ink onto an image receiving member, a plate to which the printhead can be rigidly mounted and selectively removed, and a translation carriage to which the plate is rigidly mounted. The apparatus also includes a track ball operatively coupled to two actuators for movement of the plate in an X and a roll direction relative to the translation carriage.
US08931876B2 Storage apparatus, host apparatus, circuit board, liquid container, and system
The storage apparatus includes a controller which performs a communication process with respect to a host apparatus; a storage unit in which data from the host apparatus are written; and a storage controller which performs access control with respect to the storage unit. The controller receives a command packet and a data packet from the host apparatus. In the case where the write enable bit of the data packet is set to be in a writing permitted state, the controller performs the update commanding of the address information and the write commanding of the data of the data packet. In the case where the write enable bit is set to be in a writing non-permitted state, the controller performs the update commanding of the address information and does not perform the write commanding of the data of the data packet.
US08931870B2 Printing system and method
According to one example there is provided a method of printing an image on a substrate using a printing system having a printhead. The method comprises forming, using ink from the printing system, a spittoon on the substrate, printing the image on the substrate, and whilst printing the image, ejecting ink from a printhead into the formed spittoon during a printhead maintenance operation.
US08931866B2 Generating control data to print a frame portion and an intra-frame portion
According to one example of the present invention, there is provided an image processor for generating data to control an inkjet printing system. The image processor comprises an image analyzer to identify within an image to be printed an area of substantially solid color and to define within the identified area a frame portion and an intra-frame portion, and a printer control data generator to generate printing system control data to cause a printing system to print a frame portion and an intra-frame portion of the identified area.
US08931865B1 Printer with front and back imaging systems
A printing system includes a plurality of imaging systems for capturing images of a receiver medium. An illumination system illuminates the receiver medium with an illumination pattern, thereby providing a reflected illumination pattern and a transmitted illumination pattern. A first imaging system is positioned to capture a first image of a first side of the receiver medium including the reflected illumination pattern, and a second imaging system is positioned to capture a second image of an opposing second side of the receiver medium including the transmitted illumination pattern. The first and second images are analyzed to determine a relative position of the reflected illumination pattern in the first image and the transmitted illumination pattern in the second image. Imaging system alignment parameters for use in aligning images captured with the first and second imaging systems are determined responsive to the determined relative position.
US08931854B2 Layered polycrystalline diamond
In one aspect of the present invention, a high impact wear resistant tool has a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The superhard material has a thickness of at least 0.100 inch and forms an included angle of 35 to 55 degrees. The superhard material has a plurality of substantially distinct diamond layers. Each layer of the plurality of layers has a different catalyzing material concentration. A diamond layer adjacent the substrate of the superhard material has a higher catalyzing material concentration than a diamond layer at a distal end of the superhard material.
US08931853B1 Apparatus for cutting concrete curbs or other fixed structures
Apparatus for cutting concrete curbs or other fixed structures includes an articulated saw support operable to move a saw to position the saw blade in horizontal or vertical planes or canted relative to one or both of the horizontal and vertical planes.
US08931852B2 Method of mineral fuel beneficiation with subsequent delivery to the consumer by pipeline transportation
A method of mineral fuel beneficiation with subsequent delivery to the consumer by pipeline transportation relates fuel and energy complex and can find application in coal and slate energetics. Invention main objective is security of solid fuel delivery from mine (or an open cut coal mine) in already enriched form, with its subsequent through delivery to the consumer by pipeline on any distances in stream mode, without any intermediate transshipment operations. For this purpose use liquid with set complex physical, sanitary-and-hygienic and ecological properties, simultaneously, in 4 qualities: As environment for grinding material that needed further reduction of size; As separation environment for the subsequent, after reduction of size, deep underground gravitational enrichment of combustible mineral, As motionless filler of the vertical pipeline, for buoyancy in it ready product from mine on terrestrial surface: As carrying medium for final drift of end-product to the consumer by main pipeline. Depending on consumer type of solid fuel, a time of year, and weather conditions in which such, non-polluting, mining-energetic complex functions, there are used various technological approaches as to the general principles of construction of such, non-polluting, beneficiating transport technological process as well as within the limits of separate links of such technological chain, various methods of the regeneration, used many functional liquids which are in the closed contour of circulation between producer of solid fuel and its consumer.
US08931850B2 Seat back frame
A seat back frame includes a main frame that forms a frame of a seat back of a main seat, and an auxiliary frame that forms a frame of a seat back of an auxiliary seat adjacent to the main seat in a width direction, and that is integrally formed with the main frame. The main frame has a first open portion that opens toward a side with the auxiliary seat in the width direction. An end portion of the auxiliary frame is a fitting structure that fits together with the first open portion, and a portion of the fitting structure is welded.
US08931849B2 Seating furniture
The invention relates to seating furniture comprising two frames arranged at a distance to each other on a support, between which frames a seat part and a backrest part can be mounted, and the frames have one upper frame part and a lower frame part each which mechanically immobilize the seat part and the backrest part a the sides thereof. The upper frame part and the lower frame part are clamping elements that can be braced with each other. At least one clamping element has a laterally extending recess on each edge which recess forms a frame groove in which a respective engaging element provided on the edges of the seat part and of the backrest part can be mounted by way of a frictional connection to the upper frame part and the lower frame part. The recess has an undercut portion which forms a stop for holding the clamped engaging element by a form fit.
US08931848B2 Rotating footrest assembly for a seat
A modular footrest assembly allowing an independent height and swivel adjustment functionality for a pedestal or wall-mounted seat configured in a modular manner. The footrest swivel is independent of the seat swivel and is obtained by manually lifting the seat until the swivel latch is disengaged. The footrest is then rotated and manually laid down to position on a bottom height limit. The footrest height adjustment is independent of the footrest swivel and is optional. The footrest may include a lockable piston element activated by a foot button to modify the bottom height limit position. The footrest swivel position may be manually changed in any height position and the height adjustment is the same after the swivel position modification. A damper may be added to the system to prevent a free drop of the foot support during a manual swivel adjustment operation.
US08931846B2 Seat for transport vehicle
A seat for a transport vehicle includes a seat surface, an armrest, and a child armrest. The child armrest is configured to adopt an adult position and a child position. In the adult position the child armrest is arranged in a stowed position in which the child armrest is incorporated in a contour of the armrest. In the child position the child armrest is arranged in a use position in which the child armrest has a reduced spacing from the seat surface in the vertical direction and a reduced spacing from an opposing armrest in the horizontal direction.
US08931842B2 Continuously engaged recliner freeplay system and fine-blanked gear hub
An adjustment device for a seat and more particularly, a carrier in the adjustment device having anti-rock features and increased longevity and a method of forming the outer gear out of hardened steel without the need for heat treating.
US08931838B2 Vehicle seat, in particular motor vehicle seat
In a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, having a seat part, a rest and retaining elements for securing a child seat which is placed on the seat part of the vehicle seat, wherein the child seat can be connected to at least a first retaining element by means of at least one connector in its lower region and can be connected to at least a second retaining element by means of at least one retaining belt in its upper region, and wherein the rest has a rest frame and a cushion which is held by the rest frame, the second retaining element simultaneously supports the cushion.
US08931827B2 Structural mounting insert
A structural mounting insert for sealing between and/or adhering to surfaces of members is described. The insert includes a base member and activatable material about the base material.
US08931826B2 Side vehicle-body structure of vehicle
A load transmitting member comprising a rising face portion rising from a floor panel and a facing face portion facing a portion of the side panel between a rear edge portion of a rear-door opening portion and a rear-wheel house portion and having its short longitudinal width is arranged on an inward side of a side panel. The load transmitting member is fixed to a front portion of the rear-wheel house portion directly or via a bracket. The load transmitting member can be arranged so as not to prevent a smooth ingress/egress action of a passenger, and a proper load-transmission function of the load transmission member when the impact load is inputted to a rear door from the vehicle side can be attained so as to effectively restrain the rear door from coming into a vehicle compartment.
US08931823B2 Tarp roll-up with pivoting radial arms
A tarp deploying apparatus includes radial arm with a proximal arm and a distal arm. A flexible inelastic limit element is provided between the proximal and distal arms to prevent them from crossing over center to an angle that would cause the apparatus to bind.
US08931822B2 Vehicle sun visor
A vehicle sun visor includes: an urging member that applies turning force toward a storage position to a sun visor body when a turning angle of the sun visor body from the storage position is a predetermined angle or smaller; and a damper that applies braking force when the sun visor body turns. When a turning speed of the sun visor body toward the storage position is a predetermined speed or lower, the damper braking force is smaller than a value obtained by subtracting turning force based on the weight of the sun visor body from the turning force of the urging member, and, when the turning speed exceeds the predetermined speed, the damper braking force is larger than or equal to the value obtained by subtracting the turning force based on the weight of the sun visor body from the turning force of the urging member.
US08931818B2 Mounting structure of assist grip
Total four notched portions, two for each of both edges, are formed in a lateral leg to which a tensile load is applied when an assist grip is normally used. In an extending direction of the lateral leg, a position of the notched portion and a position of the notched portion are different from each other. Therefore, if excessive impact force is applied to the assist grip and a compression load is applied to the lateral leg, the notched portion is bent and the lateral leg buckles while being twisted. In this case, as compared to a case where the legs buckle by being bent so that the legs are overlapped with each other, the impact force is effectively absorbed.
US08931815B2 Easily installed and non-defacing security latch
Embodiments of the present invention include door-securing latches that allow an occupant of a room or other space accessed through a door to secure the door, from inside the room or other space, in order to prevent entry or access by others. Embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanically strong and secure latch that cannot be easily broken or compromised by application of force to the door or by insertion of a tool or device between the door and an adjacent door frame to disable the latch, but that can be disabled by a knowledgeable individual, such as an apartment manger seeking to rescue a disabled apartment occupant in an emergency situation.
US08931810B2 Conduit gripping device having retaining structure for conduit fitting
The disclosure presents exemplary embodiments of a cartridge nut concept for conduit fittings. The cartridge nut concept may include the feature of loosely retaining one or more conduit gripping devices with a fitting component such as a male or female threaded nut. The cartridge nut concept may be realized using one or more geometry or shape features or characteristics of one or more conduit gripping devices. Still further, the cartridge nut concept may be realized in combination with a ferrule cartridge concept.
US08931806B2 Tongue and seat belt apparatus using tongue
A tongue for a seat belt system. The tongue is configured to allow a seat belt to smoothly slide thereon at normal times and that is capable of preventing stretch of a lap belt in the event of emergency. The seat belt sliding unit includes a predetermined number of the protrusions disposed in the first and second concave portions and. The first protrusion has a flat or substantially flat end surface on the shoulder belt side, a flat or substantially flat end surface on the lap belt side, and an arc-like top end. An angle formed by the imaginary line between the topmost end of the protrusion and an arc center of an outer peripheral surface of the concave portions and the end surface on the shoulder belt side is less than an angle formed by the imaginary line and the end surface on the lap belt side.
US08931805B2 Telescoping shaft roller assembly in steering column
A telescoping shaft having a roller assembly in a steering column is provided. The telescoping shaft includes an outer shaft having at least one projection or at least one groove, and an inner shaft telescopically received in the outer shaft, the inner shaft having the other of the at least one groove and the at least one projection, the at least one groove matingly engaging the at least one projection, each of the at least one grooves having a mounting section formed therein. A roller assembly is positioned in the mounting section of each of the at least one grooves and includes a spring having a first biasing section and a second biasing section, a first plurality of rollers positioned on the first biasing section and a second plurality of rollers positioned on the second biasing section, the at least one projection extending between the first plurality of rollers and the second plurality of rollers.
US08931800B2 Airbag device for front passenger's seat
An airbag device for a front passenger's seat includes an airbag module and an instrument panel. The airbag module is provided in front of a front passenger's seat of a vehicle, and inflates and expands an airbag with gas jetted out by an inflator. The instrument panel includes an upper wall portion that covers the airbag module from the upper side. An aperture is formed in the upper wall portion by opening of an airbag door by inflation pressure of the airbag, and the airbag inflates toward an upward side and a vehicle rearward side from the aperture. A forward support surface is provided at the upper wall portion. The forward support surface supports the airbag inflating from the aperture from the vehicle forward side thereof, and is inclined such that a normal line of the forward support surface turns to the downward side further toward the vehicle rearward side.
US08931797B2 Transport trailer with four wheel steering
An elongated trailer has a frame with longitudinally extending frame members connected by front and rear cross frame members, and a pair of wheels are pivotally connected to opposite ends of each of the front and rear cross frame members. A steering system includes a front steering crank member connected to a tow bar and supported by the front cross frame member for pivotal movement on a vertical axis, and a rear steering crank member is supported by the rear cross frame member for pivotal movement on a vertical axis. A set of tie rods pivotally connect the front and rear crank members to the corresponding front and rear wheels. An elongated link member or rod connects the front and rear crank members and extends longitudinally of the frame substantially above the bottom surfaces of the frame members to protect the steering system from projecting objects on the ground.
US08931795B1 Quick release attachment for a bicycle
A quick release attachment for a bicycle includes an attachment device, a bracket and a quick release assembly. The attachment device has a main connecting body. The main connecting body has a retaining groove. The bracket has a sub connecting body. The bracket has a connecting portion defined at one lateral side thereof. The connecting portion has an opening defined therethrough. The quick release assembly has a quick release member and an abutting block. The quick release member is assembled with the connecting portion and defines a tightening position and a releasing position. The abutting block is received in the opening of the bracket. When the pivot portion is on the tightening position, the abutting block is engaged with the retaining groove of the main connecting body so that the attachment device is secured to the bracket.
US08931794B2 Bicycle frame with adjustable geometry
A bicycle frame set includes a main frame, a rear wheel suspension pivotally attached to the main frame, and a double eccentric cam assembly disposed within one or more pivot joints between the main frame and the rear wheel suspension. The double eccentric cam assembly includes inner and outer eccentric cams removably fastened together and retained in place within the pivot joint by a removable fastener passing through an aperture in the inner eccentric cam and defining a pivot axis. The aperture is eccentric relative to a perimeter of the inner eccentric cam. The inner cam is received within a correspondingly shaped opening in the outer cam which opening is itself eccentric relative to a perimeter of the outer eccentric cam. A rotational position of each of the cams is thus adjustable, so as to change a relative location of the pivot axis of the pivot joint.
US08931792B1 Folding vehicle staircase
A staircase for a vehicle with a rigid frame attached to a rigid bed connector that is attachable to the bed of a vehicle. The bed connector is pivotably attachable to the bed so that the connector can be rotated between a stowed position in which the connector is above the bed and a deployed position in which the connector extends behind the vehicle bed. The frame is rotatably attached to the bed connector so the frame is rotatable between a deployed position in which an end of the frame rests on the ground and a retracted position in which the frame is parallel to the bed. The bed connector is then rotatable to bring the staircase to stowed position above the vehicle bed. A plurality of steps are attached to the staircase frame so that a user can walk up the stairs and onto the vehicle bed.
US08931790B2 Push device with clearance compensation for rack-and-pinion steering of a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a push device (8) which includes a rotary pad (10) in which the inner periphery (11) is off-center relative to the outer periphery (12) and applied to the rear (9) of the rack (3) which is thereby pushed towards the teeth of the steering pinion (5). A clearance compensation mechanism (17) includes a thrust member (19) pressed against a radial arm (18) of the pad (10) by a compression spring (20) inserted between said member and an element (23) secured to the support (13) of the pad (10). A mobile stop (21) rotatably mounted relative to the element (23) comprises toothings having staggered gear teeth cooperating with notches of the thrust member (19). The stop (21) is connected to the element (23) by means of a torsion spring (22). The notches successively cooperate with the staggered teeth.
US08931788B2 Lift axle valve unit
The invention relates to a lift axle valve unit of any type for lifting or lowering a lift axle of a utility vehicle having an air suspension.According to the invention, the lift axle valve unit comprises a heating device. By means of the heating device it Is possible to heat the lift axle valve unit when using the utility vehicle in regions and in wintertime with low temperatures. The heating device comprises a heating element built with a heating rod or a heating mat.
US08931785B1 Steerable sled board and the like
A steering sled board includes a supporting board for supporting a center of mass of a rider and a steering control which includes a steering board aligned with and movably coupled in front the supporting board in an inline manner, wherein the steering board is self-rotatable with respect to the supporting board and is arranged in such a manner that when the steering board is controllably shifted at a rotatable angle, said supporting board is correspondingly turned at a steering angle.
US08931784B2 Gaiter
A gaiter includes a bellows formed of a rubber resilient material and extending in an axial direction from a first end to a second end. The bellows includes at least two pocket-shaped bulges on an end face at the first end of the bellows that are formed integrally with the bellows from the rubber resilient material. The bulges extend radially inwards and in a circumferential direction of the end face. Each of the bulges have two flanks disposed adjacent to one another with an axial spacing therebetween. The bulges are configured to be placed in a sealing manner on a congruently configured pivot of a joint.
US08931781B2 Round absorbing airsoft target trap assembly
A round absorbing Airsoft target trap assembly is provided that includes a target frame and a backstop for receiving and reducing the velocity of Airsoft rounds passing through the target frame.
US08931779B2 Methods of handling cards and of selectively delivering bonus cards
Methods of delivering groups of cards to a card game and, upon the occurrence of an event, dispensing a bonus card comprising feeding playing cards individually from an infeed area of a card handling device into an intermediate storage compartment designated for receiving playing cards. At least one bonus card may be fed from an infeed area of a card handling device into an intermediate storage compartment designated for receiving bonus cards. Groups of playing cards are selectively delivered. At least one bonus card may be selectively delivered.
US08931775B2 Sheet conveying device and image forming apparatus including the sheet conveying device
A sheet conveying device includes a sheet conveying path, a first conveying roller pair, a second conveying roller pair and a sheet guiding member. The sheet conveying path conveys a sheet in a first direction, and then, conveys the sheet in a second direction. The first conveying roller pair conveys the sheet in the first direction. The second conveying roller pair is located at a downstream side from the first conveying roller pair to convey the sheet to the second direction from the first direction. The sheet guiding member is located between the first conveying roller pair and second conveying roller pair so as to advance and retreat to the sheet conveying path, and then, in an advance state, to come into contact with a sheet face of the sheet conveyed while being bridged across the first conveying roller pair and second conveying roller pair.
US08931765B2 Systems and methods for high frequency isolation
Systems and methods for providing vibration isolation for a MEMS device are provided. In at least one embodiment, a system comprises a first assembly and a second assembly, wherein the second assembly and the first assembly are joined together, enclosing the MEMS device, wherein the joined first assembly and the second assembly have a recessed groove formed on an interior surface. Further, the system comprises a rigid support encircling the MEMS device, the rigid support fitting within the recessed groove; and at least one mount isolator in contact with a plurality of surfaces of the rigid support, wherein the at least one mount isolator interfaces the plurality of surfaces of the rigid support with the first assembly and the second assembly, when the first assembly and the second assembly are joined together.
US08931764B2 Air spring
An air spring has a rolling-lobe flexible member terminating in a conically-shaped bead defining a conically-shaped opening of the flexible member. A-roll-off piston has an end facing toward the flexible member and has a conical seat formed thereon for receiving the bead of the flexible member to conjointly define therewith an airtight force fit connection. The roll-off piston further has a support shoulder beneath the conical seat whereon the flexible member is supported when deflected and the roll-off piston has an annular groove formed therein between the end thereof and the conical seat. An annular locking member is seatable in the annular groove after assembly of the flexible member on the conical seat so as to hinder the bead from slipping off of the conical seat.
US08931759B2 Low wear valve unit
A valve unit, having a housing, a flap, which is rotatably arranged in the housing and connected to a flap shaft supported in the housing, an electric motor for driving the flap shaft, and a transmission arranged between the electric motor and the flap shaft. A coupling, which consists of a flap-side component, an intermediate piece, and a transmission-side component is arranged between the flap shaft and a shaft of the transmission. At least one of the three coupling parts has at least two first holes of a same radial orientation. At least two second holes are arranged perpendicular to the first holes. Molded elements of an adjacent component of the coupling engage in the holes and the holes have a greater extension with respect to the radial orientation of the holes than the molded elements that engage in the holes.
US08931753B2 Adjustable form panel system and method of forming
A system for constructing a form for forming a concrete structure is disclosed herein. The system may include a number of extensible form panels. An extensible form panel may be constituted with a basis frame having a basis frame section and an extensible frame section extensible for a variable amount in at least one direction, along one axis. The frame sections may be configured to respectively accept and support basis and filler facings. The extensible frame section may include male/female endings. The system may also include a capping member with male and/or female endings. A form panel may include hinges, which may be swivelable, drive screws, and/or electronic motors. The system may further include a stub free to facilitate vertical coupling of form panels. In various embodiments, the parts may be formed with reusable material or materials.
US08931752B2 Modular boat hull molds and method of making boat hulls using same
The present invention generally provides mold modules for constructing boat hulls, methods of constructing boat hulls using the mold modules, and hulls constructed using the mold modules. The modules may be adjustable, and may be included in a kit for building the hull of many boats of different dimensions but generally the same shape. Each mold module generally comprises a mold in a shape complementary to that of a portion of a boat hull, and an edge mold to form the edge of the hull part formed by that mold module. A mold module according to the present invention may also comprise one or more mold adjustment areas, and calibrators for selecting the boat hull dimensions. Methods for using the aforementioned mold modules generally comprise steps of molding hull parts, removing them from the mold modules, aligning them and finally attaching them together.
US08931750B2 Change of spring force by means of levers
The invention concerns a spring system for use in vehicles for adjustment of the suspension characteristics, comprising at least one spring element to provide a spring force, an upper and a lower arrangement area to receive forces, a scissors-type frame arranged between the upper and the lower arrangement area for coupling the spring element with at least one force acting on one of the arrangement areas. According to the invention the spring element is coupled with a deflection means to influence the spring force and between the deflection means and a segment of the scissors-type frame an active connection can be created to transmit forces.
US08931747B2 Bracket assembly
A bracket assembly includes an elongated plate that has a first end, a second end, a front side, a back side, an upper edge and a lower edge. A first coupler is attached to and extends away from the back side. The first coupler is positioned adjacent to the first end. A second coupler is attached to and extends away from the back side. The second coupler is positioned adjacent to the second end. A catch is attached to and extends away from the front side of the plate. The catch is positioned between the first and second ends. The first and second couplers are engageable with opposite sides of a support member to allow an article to be positioned on the catch.
US08931746B2 Apparatus for supporting and displaying paint color cards
A bracket for supporting and displaying a planar object comprises an elongated body member including a planar web and a front wall and a rear wall extending from the longitudinal edges of the web. An end wall extends transversely with respect to and engages the distal ends of the web, the front wall and the rear wall such that the web and the front and rear walls and the end wall define a longitudinal channel open at the proximal end and closed at the distal end for supporting the objects. A pair of arms extend rearwardly from the body member. At least one of the arms is resiliently deflectable for engagement and retention of the lugs in an aperture of a mounting substrate. During connection, lugs on the arms are adapted to engage the portion of the mounting substrate defining the aperture for moving the arms inwardly so that the lugs pass through the aperture for permitting the arms to move outwardly and the lugs to engage the mounting substrate. The channels of adjacent brackets face each other for receiving and supporting at least a portion of the planar objects extending between the facing channels for visual observation and ease of removal of the objects for inspection.
US08931744B1 Shopping cart support
The present invention features a shopping cart support apparatus to a shopping cart with a cart handle and wheels for enhanced assistance for those slightly disabled or partially disabled persons. The support apparatus has a base support bar snugly and pivotably attached to the shopping cart handle. The support bar can be securely locked via at least one wing nut. Two sleeves are fixedly disposed on the support bar so that a user can rest his/her arms on for additional body support. A stopper component is disposed on the distal end of each sleeve to provide a secure means to hold the users arm in position.
US08931741B1 Gravity acceleration station
A gravity acceleration station for producing gravity acceleration and creating conditions for living under a permanent effect of gravity acceleration more than 1 g for prolonged periods of time. The station comprises a base and a hollow torus, rotating around a central vertical axis. A support of the station and motors for rotation of the station are located peripherally, along with the perimeter of the torus. That feature allows variable size of the station with diameter more than 100 meters, larger area for location of objects, and gradual increase of gravity acceleration from the center of the station along the radius. Due to a mechanism for altering the angle of deviation of the premises of the station, the value of the net acceleration can be changed according to the needs while keeping direction perpendicular to the floor of the premises. The station can be located on the ground or underground.
US08931731B2 Tail jet apparatus and method for low speed yaw control of a rotorcraft
Apparatus and methods for controlling yaw of a rotorcraft in the event of one or both of low airspeed and engine failure are disclosed. A yaw propulsion provides a yaw moment at low speeds. The yaw propulsion device may be an air jet or a fan. A pneumatic fan may be driven by compressed air released into a channel surrounding an outer portion of the fan. The fan may be driven by hydraulic power. Power for the yaw propulsion device and other system may be provided by a hydraulic pump and/or generator engaging the rotor. Low speed yaw control may be provided by auxiliary rudders positioned within the stream tube of a prop. The auxiliary rudders may one or both of fold down and disengage from rudder controls when not in use.
US08931729B2 Sided performance coaxial vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAV and pitch stability technique using oblique active tilting (OAT)
A system for increasing the thrust and power capabilities of a side-by-side vertical takeoff and landing vehicle to optimize the coaxial rotor performance. The system includes a first coaxial rotor spaced from an aircraft body and a second coaxial rotor spaced from the aircraft body and opposite the first coaxial rotor. The first coaxial rotor has a first top propeller aligned with a first bottom propeller along a first rotational axis. The second coaxial rotor having a second top propeller aligned with a second bottom propeller along a second rotational axis. A gyroscopic moment to maintain pitch stability is controlled by modulating the first and second top propellers, which have a different angular speed or different torque from the first and second bottom propellers, and tilting the first and second coaxial rotors towards the central axis with a common tilt angle and a common tilt rate.
US08931728B1 Fail safe, multiple source, tip-jet supply apparatus and method
A rotorcraft is disclosed. The rotorcraft may include an airframe and a rotor connected to the airframe. The rotor may include a hub and at least one rotor blade having a tip jet. The rotorcraft may further include a plurality of compressors for generating compressed air and a network of conduits connecting the outlets of the plurality of compressors with every tip jet of the rotor. The rotorcraft may further include a control system preventing back flow through each outlet of the plurality of compressors.
US08931725B2 Fiber placement auto spool loader
An apparatus for loading spools into a creel of a fiber placement machine that is used to charge a mold includes a creel loader and a spool magazine carried by the creel loader. At least one loader mandrel in the spool magazine receives full spools and transfers the full spools to the creel of the fiber placement machine.
US08931719B2 Flotation drive assembly for mechanized irrigation systems
A flotation drive assembly for mechanized irrigation systems such as a corner pivot irrigation machine, a center pivot irrigation machine or a linear move irrigation machine wherein the flotation drive assembly improves upon the field traction of the mechanized agricultural irrigational systems and which improves the resistance to wheel track rutting that may occur during the normal operation of the systems. The flotation drive assembly of this invention is designed so that the gearbox which drives the wheel/tire assemblies at the opposite ends of the main frame of the drive unit or tower is mounted so as not to support the weight of the tower or the water contained therein.
US08931716B2 Spray pump device
The invention refers to a spray pump device for spraying a liquid operated by a memory shape element. The spraying device is provided with a memory shape alloy wire with electrical resistivity, that is able to generate heat that increases its temperature so that due to memory shape property, the wire shrinks when current is applied. This shrinking permits the wire to activate a pump that atomizes a volatile substance.
US08931712B2 Fragrance device for vehicle and sealing component used therein
The present invention provides a fragrance device for a vehicle capable of supplying plural fragrant ingredients to the inside of the vehicle as being contained in air flow of a vehicle-use air-conditioning device with a simple structure. The fragrance device for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a main body 10 having a fragrance retention container 5, an inlet passage 6, an outlet passage 7, an inlet passage opening/closing door 8 and an outlet passage opening/closing door 9, an actuator 11 fixed to the main body 10, and a cam 14 which rotationally drives a rotary shaft 12 of the inlet passage opening/closing door and a rotary shaft 12 of the outlet passage opening/closing door.
US08931703B1 Payment cards and devices for displaying barcodes
A payment card is provided with a display. A barcode may be selectively displayed on the display. A display may be an electrochromic display in order to increase the readability of a displayed barcode with respect to computer vision equipment. A barcode may be selected by a user from a set of barcodes. Each barcode in a set of barcodes may correspond to a different loyalty account for a different merchant. Accordingly, a user can carry a single card—but may be able to communicate multiple loyalty account barcodes to computer vision equipment across multiple merchants.
US08931702B2 Health data collection tool
A portable health data tool permits a health care provider to assimilate and display a plurality of health care data from a patient and to associate the data with patient identifying information all stored in a memory contained in the tool. The tool includes a code reader for reading patient information into the tool from a bar code or other coded tag. The tool is associated with a plurality of different data assimilation devices stored with the tool's housing, including but not limited to, instruments for measuring, temperature, blood pressure, two-finger or lead wire ECG data, pulse oximetry data, sound data and picture data obtained from an optional digital camera integrated within the housing. The tool further includes data receiver and/or transmitter ports, which may be wireless or cable ports, for transferring data between the health data tool and a separate computer system that stores patient records.
US08931698B2 Card reader
A card reader that can prevent phishing and causes no damage on a card in the case where no phishing comes up. A card reader equipped with a card transfer mechanism for taking in and ejecting a card includes a gate mechanism, in which formed is an insertion & ejection slot for inserting and ejecting the card. A protrusion protruding toward an ejecting direction of the card is formed in the gate mechanism. Furthermore, the gate mechanism includes: a card detection mechanism for detecting the card having been ejected by the card transfer mechanism to a pullout-enabled position where a user of the card reader can pull out the card; and a card pullout prevention mechanism for protecting the card from being pulled out when the card is not ejected to the pullout-enabled position at the time of ejecting the card. The card detection mechanism is placed inside the protrusion.
US08931691B2 Dynamic payment device characteristics
A payment device is disclosed. It includes a memory including payment data; and a display coupled to the memory. A processor is configured to execute one or more instructions for displaying the payment data on the display. The payment device is in the form of a card.
US08931690B2 Proximity standoff detection coupling device (PSDCD)
Systems, methods, and devices for detection of a substance on the surface of an object are disclosed. An RFID receiver can communicate with an RFID device to determine a position of the RFID device and to initiate a transaction. When the RFID device enters a defined volume, an illuminator can be triggered, which illuminator illuminates the RFID device. Light property data for the RFID device can be collected by a sensor, and the light property data can be compared to light property information for one or several substances. If the light property data matches the light property information, then a substance can be identified as present on the surface of the object.
US08931683B2 Surgical stapling device
A surgical device is disclosed which includes a handle portion, a central body portion and a SULU. The SULU includes a proximal body portion, an intermediate pivot member and a tool assembly. The intermediate pivot member is pivotally secured to the proximal body portion about a first pivot axis and the tool assembly is pivotally secured to the intermediate pivot member about a second pivot axis which is orthogonal to the first pivot axis. The SULU includes a plurality of articulation links which are operably connected to the tool assembly by non-rigid links. The articulation links are adapted to releasably engage articulation links positioned in the central body portion. The body portion articulation links are connected to an articulation actuator which is supported for omni-directional movement to effect articulation of the tool assembly about the first and second axes. The handle portion includes a spindle and barrel assembly drive mechanism for advancing and retracting a drive member positioned in the tool assembly. In one embodiment, the tool assembly includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of staples and an anvil assembly.
US08931679B2 Surgical stapling apparatus
A surgical stapler includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly defines staple forming depressions. One or both of the anvil assembly and the cartridge assembly are pivotable relative to the other between an open position and a clamped position. The cartridge assembly includes a first plurality of staples and a second plurality of staples. The first plurality of staples is initially positioned in alignment with the staple forming depressions of the anvil assembly for ejection from the cartridge assembly. The second plurality of staples is movably supported in the cartridge assembly from a first position misaligned with the staple forming depressions of the anvil assembly to a second position aligned with the staple forming depressions for subsequent ejection from the cartridge assembly.
US08931677B2 Fastener feeder delay for fastener driving tool
A fastener driving tool includes a power source including a cylinder, a piston with a driver blade reciprocating in the cylinder, a tool nose associated with the power source for receiving the driver blade for driving fasteners fed into the nose, and a magazine housing a supply of the fasteners. A magazine feeder mechanism is associated with the magazine for sequentially feeding fasteners into the nose, and the feeder mechanism includes a reciprocating feed piston. A conduit is connected between a port in the cylinder and the feed mechanism for diverting combusted gas for activating the feed piston. The port is disposed in the cylinder a specified distance below a piston prefiring position, the distance being reflective of a delay of activating the feed piston until the drive piston finishes a driving stroke and begins a return to the prefiring position.
US08931675B2 Web handling system and vacuum roller for use in conjunction therewith
A vacuum roller for a web handling system comprises a hollow, cylindrical, rotably driven drum and an end cap threadingly mounted onto the rear end of the drum. Together, the drum and the end cap define a plurality of individual, externally communicable vacuum paths. A spherical, metal movable element is internally disposed within each vacuum path and regulates the passage of air therethrough. A plurality of magnetic elements is fixedly mounted on a stationary annular holder. In use, each magnetic element selectively displaces each movable element when disposed in close proximity thereto to the extent necessary so as to permit the passage of air through its corresponding vacuum path. As such, the vacuum roller is provided with a predefined range of suction, or vacuum zone, about the outer surface of its rotating drum that directly corresponds to the angular arrangement of the plurality of stationary magnetic elements.
US08931674B2 Tape feeder and method of mounting tape onto tape feeder
A tape feeder includes a guide part that guides a carrier tape and is detachably attached to a main body. The guide part includes: a lower member guiding the carrier tape and attached to and detached from the main body; an upper member pressing down the carrier tape from above; a tape introduction part guiding the carrier tape into the upper member at an upstream side thereof in a tape feed direction; a confirmation opening part disposed in the upper member for visually confirming that the carrier tape arrives at a pin engagement range; an open/close mechanism opening and closing the upper member with respect to the lower member; and a positioning mechanism fitting a positioning pin into a feed hole of the carrier tape in the guide part, thereby positioning the carrier tape relative to the guide part in the tape feed direction.
US08931670B2 Utility compartment tray and mounting bracket assembly
A tray for mounting between walls in which the bottom and sidewalls of the tray body are formed as an integral piece using a pultrusion process. Electrical conductors may be embedded into the tray body to permit attachment and electrical coupling of lights and other electrical apparatus thereto. Slots formed in ridges which are intergrally formed on the bottom of the tray are aligned with slots formed in ribs formed integrally along an inner surface of the tray sidewalls. A tray divider is selectively securable in aligned slots in the ridges and ribs and held in place with a clip.
US08931669B2 Belt clip for a container
A belt clip for supporting a paint container from a user's waist belt while allowing the painter spill free freedom of movement and secure means for stowing a paint brush. The belt clip has an integral body configured to have an elongated back, a neck extending outward from the proximal end of the back, a head, and a magnet embedded in the head. The belt clip is configured to have a recessed channel for receiving the bail of the paint can and a separate integral hook part for supporting a paint container having a peripheral lip. The back is configured to allow the belt clip to pivot slightly side to side about the wearer thereby accommodating a limited range wearer movement. The magnet allows a user to secure a paint brush to belt clip so that the bush is oriented directly over the open paint can, thereby reducing inadvertent painting errors and messes.
US08931666B2 Fuel dispenser
A fuel dispenser includes first and second cylinders adapted to contain respective first and second fluids, one being fuel and the other being a fuel additive such as a lubricant. First and second pistons in the cylinders displace the fluids through outlets and into a mixing line. The dispenser typically allows the volume of fluids displaced from each cylinder to be accurately controlled and adjusted in order to change the ratios. This is achieved by an adjustable aperture adapted to be opened and closed and optionally varied in degree of opening, typically by rotation of at least one of the components, to release fluid contained in the cylinder in front of the piston without passing the fluid into a mixing line. The adjustable aperture includes an aperture in a piston head, allowing the fluid in front of the piston to pass into or through the piston.
US08931665B2 Multi-compartment apparatus for in-situ mixing of a plurality of components before use
A multi-compartment syringe apparatus (500) for in-situ mixing of a plurality of products before use, the apparatus comprising: a tube; a hollowed flexible plunger (530); a one way filter piston (514), connected to the plunger (530), the piston confining a first compartment (502) at a side of a needle (540) of the apparatus, and a second compartment (510) at a side of the plunger, wherein the filter allowing passage of content only form the first compartment to the second compartment (510); a first product (506), stored in the first compartment (502); a second product (508), stored in a first breakable container (504) disposed in the plunger (530); thereby the second product (508) mixes with the first product (506); and the mixed products are then pushed out of the apparatus, through the needle (540).
US08931664B2 Single use dispenser package
A single use dispenser package is configured and sized for storing and dispensing a single serving of a liquid or viscous product. An elongated stem on one end of the dispenser package is provided, having an aperture adaptable for dispensing a variety of products, ranging from liquid to considerably viscous products. To prevent inadvertent emission of the product, and in order to keep the opening of the dispenser package closed and sanitary prior to use, a portion of the relevant end of the dispenser package is folded over on itself and sealed with a food grade adhesive. The food grade adhesive seal may be easily broken by the user for dispensing the liquid or viscous product. The single use dispenser packages are tube-shaped to allow for easy squeezing and emission of the product out of the aperture.
US08931663B1 Moist towelette tub dispenser
The present invention is a system for dispensing horizontally stacked moist towelettes. One embodiment involves turning a tub upside down and providing a side door for accessing the stacked towels. Another embodiment involves orienting a tub in an upright position and providing a means for users to easily access the contents. Moist towelettes are dispensed one at a time, from beginning to end. Once one towelette is removed, the next is in position for removal. Any towelette that falls back into the tub can be easily retrieved through the opening without having to open the entire package.
US08931662B2 Panel such as a meter box cover
A panel, such as a water meter box cover or another type of meter box cover, according to which an access door is hingedly or pivotally coupled to the panel.
US08931661B2 Structure and manufacturing method for pressure vessel
A pressure vessel structure includes a vessel main body, and a grid layer provided on a periphery of the vessel main body and including a plurality of grid lines formed by intersecting strip-form raw materials so as to overlap alternately. Thus, a burst pressure of the pressure vessel is increased.
US08931656B2 Resealable beverage can end and methods relating to same
A recloseable and resealable beverage can end closure includes a base plate beneath the center panel and a tab plate above the center panel. The closure is slidable relative to the center a panel to uncover the pour aperture and then to position the closure over the pour aperture to enable resealing.
US08931654B2 Closure device for a fluid vessel
A closure device (2) for a fluid vessel (1) comprises a bistable valve arrangement which includes first and second valve rim portions (4, 5) and a valve member (3) engageable with either of the rim portions (4, 5) respectively to define an open position in which fluid (9) can exit the vessel (1) and a closed position in which fluid (9) is substantially prevented from exiting the vessel (1). The valve is arranged to close automatically when an impulse is exerted against the valve member (3). This can occur for example when the vessel (1) is knocked over and the fluid (9) therein exerts pressure against the valve member (3).
US08931651B2 Integrally blow-moulded bag-in-container having interface vents opening to the atmosphere at location adjacent to a bag's mouth; preform for making it; and process for producing the preform and bag-in-container
The invention is an integrally blow-moulded bag-in-container (2) and preform (1) for making it. The bag-in-container (2) has an inner layer (21) forming the bag and an outer layer (22) forming the container, and a mouth (5) fluidly connecting the volume defined by the bag to the atmosphere. The container further has at least one interface vent (3) fluidly connecting the interface (14) between inner and outer layers to the atmosphere, wherein the at least one vent (3) runs parallel to the interface between inner and outer layers (21) (22) and opens to the atmosphere at a location (4) adjacent to, and oriented coaxially with the bag-in-container's mouth (5). Processes for manufacturing a preform and a bag-in-container as defined above are defined too.