Document Document Title
US09012648B2 Haptens of risperidone and paliperidone
The invention relates to compounds of Formula I, wherein R1 and R2 are defined in the specification, useful for the synthesis of novel conjugates and immunogens derived from risperidone and paliperidone. The invention also relates to conjugates of a risperidone or paliperidone hapten and a protein.
US09012647B2 Nitroxide modified non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds and uses thereof in the treatment and prevention of diseases or disorders
Disclosed are nitroxide modified NSAID compounds of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or enantiomer thereof: in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, and n are defined herein and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Further disclosed is a method of treating or preventing various disorders, such as inflammation, cancer, diabetes, a cardiovascular disorder, weight gain, polyps, and/or chronic pain, in a patient comprising administering an effective amount of a compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or enantiomer of formula (I). A method of imaging the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or enantiomer of formula (I) in the body of the animal is also provided.
US09012642B2 Pyrrolopyridinone compounds and methods for treating HIV
Provided are compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, their pharmaceutical compositions, their methods of preparation, and their use for treating viral infections mediated by a member of the retrovirus family of viruses such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
US09012639B2 Copper complexes for optoelectronic applications
The invention relates to copper(I) complexes of the formula A wherein X=Cl, Br or I (independently of one another); N*∩E=a bidentate ligand, wherein E=a phosphinyl group including a phosphorus atom or an arsenyl group including an arsenic atom, wherein the phosphinyl group or the arsenyl group is combined with R in the form of R2E (where R=alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, or phenoxy; N*=imine function which is part of an aromatic group selected from pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl and imidazolyl, the aromatic group optionally having at least one substituent to increase the solubility of the copper(I) complex in an organic solvent; and ∩=at least one carbon atom which is likewise part of the aromatic group. The carbon atom is located directly adjacent both to the imine nitrogen atom, coordinating to Cu in the case of a bridging ligand and to the phosphorus or arsenic atom. The invention also relates to the use of the copper(I) complexes in optoelectronic assemblies, especially in Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs).
US09012637B2 Substituted pyrazinyl acrylic acid compounds for the inhibition of pask
Disclosed herein are substituted pyrazinyl acrylic acids of Formula (IV): and compositions thereof, which may be useful as inhibitors of PAS Kinase (PASK) activity in a human or animal for the treatment of diseases such as diabetes mellitus.
US09012634B2 Antibacterial piperidinyl substituted 3,4-dihydro-1H-[1,8]naphthyridinones
The present invention is related to novel compounds of formula (I) that inhibit the activity of the Fab1 enzyme which are therefore useful in the treatment of bacterial infections. It further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and chemical processes for preparing these compounds.
US09012632B2 Method for rapidly methylating heteroaromatic arene and method for producing tracer for use in PET
Provided is a method whereby a heteroaromatic ring aryl can be very rapidly methylated at a high yield. In an N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidinone, a heteroaromatic ring aryltrialkylstannan is cross-coupled with methyl iodide in the presence of a palladium complex, a phosphine ligand, a cuprous halide, a carbonic acid salt and/or an alkali metal fluoride to thereby rapidly methylate the heteroaromatic ring aryl. (Formula shows a case wherein the heteroaromatic ring aryl is a pyridyl group.)
US09012629B2 Methods for the acylation of maytansinol
Disclosed is a method of preparing an amino acid ester of maytansinol by reacting maytansinol with an N-carboxyanhydride of an amino acid (NCA) in the presence of a drying agent. Also disclosed is an improved method of preparing an amino acid ester of maytansinol in which a nucleophile is added to the reaction mixture after completion of the reaction between maytansinol and an N-carboxyanhydride of an amino acid.
US09012619B2 Probe for detecting ABL gene mutation and uses thereof
Detection probes are provided that are capable of detecting a sequence to be detected containing a mutation even when a sequence not to be detected containing no mutation coexists with the sequence to be detected containing a mutation, which are different only in a single base from each other. At least one oligonucleotide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 2˜16 is used as a probe. Even in a sample containing an abl gene in which a mutation has occurred and an abl gene in which no mutation has occurred, the use of such probes in, for example, Tm analysis allows the mutation to be detected.
US09012617B2 Detection reagents for tyrosine kinase activity and methods of use thereof
Dual colored fluorescent indicators of specific tyrosine kinase activity and methods of use thereof are disclosed.
US09012616B2 Polynucleotide for improving protein production in microorganisms of the phylum labyrinthulomycota
The present invention relates to recombinant cells and microorganisms of the phylum Labyrinthulomycota and their use in heterologous protein production. Novel promoter, terminator, and signal sequences for efficient production and, optionally, secretion of polypeptides from recombinant host cells and microorganisms are also encompassed by the present invention.
US09012615B2 Methods for characterizing kidney function
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to methods of characterizing kidney function. In particular, several embodiments quantify kidney-associated marker RNA isolated from vesicles contained in patient urine samples. In some embodiments, the quantified RNA from urine vesicles is compared to a normal population and in some embodiments is compared to the patient to evaluate kidney function over time.
US09012614B2 Rapid nucleic acid purification using paper chromatography
Provided is a method for rapid nucleic acid purification. The method includes allowing the nucleic acid isolated from the biological sample to be adsorbed on a silica membrane; separating contaminants from the nucleic acid-adsorbed silica membrane by using paper chromatography; and eluting only high-purity nucleic acid from the silica membrane from which the contaminants are isolated by using a buffer, or applying at least one selected from direct PCR, RT-PCR, real-time PCR, and real-time RT-PCR to the nucleic acid bound onto the silica membrane.
US09012612B2 Insecticidal composition and processes related thereto
Insecticidal compositions comprising: (a) a biodegradable carrier; (b) an ammonium compound; (c) a protein source comprising one or more proteins; (d) a sugar source comprising one or more monosaccharides; (e) one or more insecticides; and (f) water; are disclosed as well as uses thereof.
US09012607B2 Mutated humanized 12G4 antibodies and the fragments thereof against the human anti-Mullerian hormone receptor type II
Novel mutated humanized 12G4 antibodies, and fragments thereof, directed against the anti-Müllerian hormone type II receptor.
US09012604B2 Triazanonane derivatives or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for enhanced fluorine-18 labeling
The present invention relates to a triazanonane derivative indicated by the chemical formula 1 below, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a method for preparing same, and the triazanonane derivative according to the present invention forms a complex with a metal-fluoride and displays an effect of increasing the labeling efficiency up to 78-90% when labeling F-18, thus enabling use in various radioactive medicine labeling (In the chemical formula 1, R1, R2, A. E. X, n and m are as defined in the present description.)
US09012601B2 Waterbased dimerized rosins and the process to make them
The present invention relates to a method to prepare dimerized rosins dispersible in water in presence of extremely low level of dimerization acid catalyst. The present invention relates also to its use as a tackifier resin, solid or in water, and ink resin, and an adhesive composition and ink composition comprising the rosin resin.
US09012600B2 Synthesis of dioxyheterocycle-based polymers
A method of polymerization for the preparation of conjugated polymers and copolymers comprising dioxypyrrole and/or dioxyfuran repeating units involves the halogen, N-haloimide, or N-haloamine promoted polymerization of monomers and/or oligomers comprising one or more dioxypyrrole and/or dioxyfuran units. The polymerization can be carried out over a wide range of temperatures and can be carried out with or without a solvent. The monomers allow the preparation of polymers having an oligomeric repeating unit comprising a conjugated unit other than a dioxypyrrole or dioxyfuran that is bound to two dioxypyrrole or dioxyfuran units.
US09012597B2 Method of producing macrocyclic polymers
A method for producing a macrocyclic polymer comprising: (a) polymerizing a monomer using a dibrominated initiator having either an aromatic or ester moiety via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to form a polymer precursor having brominated, phenylated end groups; and (b) cyclizing the polymer precursor using intramolecular atom transfer radical coupling (ATRC) to form the macrocyclic polymer.
US09012594B2 Catalyst and byproduct-free native chemical ligation using cyclic thioester precursors
A method of synthesizing a biocompatible hydrogel by covalently cross-linking an effective amount of a first macromonomer including a cyclic thioester group with an effective amount of a second macromonomer including a terminal cysteine group is disclosed. In addition, the synthesis and use of the following specific cyclic thioester macromonomer that can be used in the method, as well as specific hydrogels made using this macromonomer are disclosed. The disclosed method produces a biocompatible hydrogel, while producing substantially no toxic free thiol by-product. Accordingly, the method can be used in making biomedical products, such as sutures and tissue replacement biomaterials, and for encapsulating therapeutic cells and pharmaceuticals.
US09012591B2 Copolymerized polycarbonate resin, method for preparing the same, and article comprising the same
A copolymerized polycarbonate resin includes a repeat unit represented by Formula 1; a repeat unit represented by Formula 2; and a repeat unit represented by Formula 3, wherein the repeat unit represented by Formula 1 is different than the repeat unit represented by Formula 3, and wherein Formula 1, 2, and 3 are the same as defined in the specification. The copolymerized polycarbonate resin can have excellent properties in terms of chemical resistance, thermal resistance, and/or external appearance.
US09012590B2 Electrostatic dissipative TPU and compositions thereof
The present invention relates to an electrostatic dissipative thermoplastic polyurethane composition made by reacting (a) at least one polyester polyol intermediate with (b) at least one diisocyanate and (c) at least one chain extender. The polyester polyol intermediate, may be derived from at least one dialkylene glycol and at least one dicarboxylic acid, or an ester or anhydride thereof. The invention further provides for methods of making said thermoplastic polyurethane composition, polymer blends containing said thermoplastic and polymer articles made from said thermoplastic.
US09012585B2 Zinc containing complex and condensation reaction catalysts, methods for preparing the catalysts, and compositions containing the catalysts
A composition is capable of curing via condensation reaction. The composition uses a new condensation reaction catalyst. The new condensation reaction catalyst is used to replace conventional tin catalysts. The composition can react to form a gum, gel, rubber, or resin.
US09012578B2 Blocky ethylene propylene copolymers and methods for making them
Copolymers comprising ethylene and propylene and methods for producing such polymers are provided. The polymers are blocky copolymers having semicrystalline ethylene sequences and amorphous or low crystallinity propylene sequences. The polymers are preferably prepared using metallocene-based catalyst systems but without the use of a chain shuttling agent. The polymers may have higher melting temperatures than previously known random copolymers or blocky copolymers prepared with chain shuttling agents having similar comonomer contents. The polymers include both ethylene-rich and propylene-rich copolymers.
US09012575B2 Epoxy group-terminated polymers, the compositions thereof and the use thereof as impact resistance modifiers
The present invention relates to epoxy group-terminated polymers of the formula (I). Said epoxy group-terminated polymers are suited extremely well as impact resistance modifiers, particularly in epoxy resin compositions. They are particularly suited for use in heat-curing epoxy resin adhesives. It has been found that such epoxy resin compositions not only have excellent mechanical properties and high glass transition temperatures, but also above all improved impact resistance properties, both at room temperature and at low temperatures.
US09012574B2 Graft copolymer with pH dependent behaviour
A graft copolymer with pH dependent behavior of formula 1 Comprises, (i) a backbone having the formula 1 [A(X)B(Y)C(z)] wherein (A) is diol, (B) is dicarboxylic acid or acid anhydride and (C) is monomer containing pendent unsaturation such that (x)=41-45%, (y)=49-53% (z)=4-7% by mole; and (ii) a graft which is a polymer of the basic monomer (D) which comprises “w” weight percent of the total weight of said graft copolymer such that ‘w’ is 22-52%. The graft copolymers do not swell/dissolve at neutral and basic pH and swell/dissolve at acidic pH. The polymers are useful as protective coating for pharmaceutical dosage forms and as excipient in the development of extended release drug delivery systems.
US09012573B2 Biodegradable polyester and wrapping films for packaging produced therewith
This invention relates to a biodegradable polyester which is particularly suitable for use for the manufacture of wrapping films for packaging, comprising units deriving from at least one diacid and at least one diol, characterized by a high static friction coefficient in comparison with conventional biodegradable polyesters. A further object of this invention is a wrapping film comprising the said biodegradable polyester.
US09012569B2 Oil emulsions and methods for manufacture and use thereof
The invention provides oil emulsion droplets and a general and facile method for providing same through the use of templating multilayer capsules. The oil emulsion droplets are further useful in fabricating liquid crystal droplet-based biosensors for the detection of target analytes such as bacteria or viruses in a sample.
US09012568B2 Methods of making styrenic polymeric compositions and methods of using same
A method of preparing a reaction mixture comprising a styrene monomer, an antioxidant, and a reaction rate improving additive, contacting the reaction mixture with an antioxidant reactive compound, and placing the reaction mixture under conditions suitable for polymerization of the styrene monomer to a styrenic polymer wherein the polymerization occurs at an overall reaction rate that is increased by equal to or less than 20% when compared to an otherwise similar polymerization process carried out in the absence of the reaction rate improving additive. The reaction rate improving additive can be a sodium or calcium salt of an organic acid.
US09012566B2 Polyamide moulding compositions based on mixtures made of transparent copolyamides and of aliphatic homopolyamides for producing transparent mouldings
A polyamide molding composition is described comprising the following components (A)-(C) in the following composition, where the entirety of components (A), (B) and (C) gives 100% by weight: (A) from 25 to 75% by weight of at least one transparent copolyamide composed of (a) from 50 to 90 mol % of a cycloaliphatic diamine selected from the group consisting of: bis(4-amino-3-methylcyclohexyl)methane (MACM), bis(4-aminocyclohexyl)methane (PACM), bis(4-amino-3-ethylcyclohexyl)methane (EACM), bis(4-amino-3,5-dimethylcyclohexyl)methane (TMACM) and mixtures thereof and (b) from 10 to 50 mol % of an unbranched, aliphatic diamine, based in each case on the total amount of diamines, and also (c) of one or more aliphatic and cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid(s), (B) from 25 to 75% by weight of at least one further polyamide of PAXY type, where X and Y can assume, independently of one another, the values from 9 to 14, (C) from 0 to 10% by weight of additives.
US09012565B2 Water/oil repellent agent and water/oil repellent composition
To provide a water/oil repellent agent and a water/oil repellent composition which is capable of providing an article surface with a sufficient water/oil repellency, while placing little burden on the environment.One comprising a reaction product obtained by reacting a fluoromonool having a polyfluoroalkyl moiety having at most 6 carbon atoms as an alcohol, an alkane monool having at least 18 carbon atoms, and MDI or a polymeric MD, and by treating an article with such a water/oil repellent agent, a sufficient water/oil repellency can be imparted, while placing little burden on the environment. By treating the above-mentioned article with the water/oil repellent composition of the present invention, a high quality water/oil repellency can be imparted to the article.
US09012564B2 Polyethylene/3-substituted alkene film made with Ziegler-Natta or chromium oxide catalyst
A film containing an interpolymer of ethylene and a 3-substituted C4-10 alkene is prepared using a catalyst system comprising a Ziegler Natta or chromium oxide catalyst.
US09012561B2 Aqueous compositions comprising a blend of emulsion copolymers
The present invention provides compositions that enable excellent early hardness development in coating applications, the compositions comprising a blend of one or more acrylic emulsion copolymer, pA, having a Tg of 20° C. or higher, and one or more acrylic emulsion copolymer, pB, having a Tg at least 15° C. lower than that of pA, together with one or more additive chosen from a coalescent having a normal boiling point no greater than 300° C., a naturally derived plasticizer, and mixtures thereof. The compositions may be ambient curable.
US09012559B2 Heat curable adhesive and resin laminated-type IC card
Provided is a heat curable adhesive that can strongly bond a base material formed of a crystalline polyester resin, can freely regulate the thickness of an adhesive layer, has excellent chemical resistance, and, at the same time, has excellent storage stability. Furthermore, provided is a resin laminated-type IC card, in which a liquid heat curable adhesive of which use has been difficult in the past can be used, and the liquid heat curable adhesive can be coated with a good accuracy by a printing method without the need to perform molding into a hot-melt sheet to bond a base material formed of a crystalline polyester resin. Accordingly, the resin laminated-type IC card can have a high degree of freedom in design of the thickness of an IC card. The heat curable adhesive comprises (a) a hydroxyl group-containing non-crystalline polyester resin, (b) a resin containing a carboxylic acid anhydride, and (c) a solvent for dissolving (a) the hydroxyl group-containing non-crystalline polyester resin.
US09012553B1 Coating compositions
Recycled rubber is cold vulcanized at reactive sites in recycled rubber that were not reacted during initial production of articles such as tires from rubber. The provides for improved coating compositions having good tensile strength and cure times Such cold vulcanization of recycled rubber is effected by use of reactive metal oxides which the oxidation number of the metal is one that is other than its most stable state and include cuprous oxide, manganese dioxide and hausmannite (Mn3O4). Less reactive oxides such as iron oxides, silicon oxides, aluminum oxides chromium oxide and titanium dioxide are less effective.
US09012546B2 Process for the preparation of DOPO-derived compounds and compositions thereof
This invention relates to a process for producing compounds derived from 9,10-Dihydro-9-Oxa-10-Phosphaphenantrene-10-oxide (DOPO). In particular, the invention relates to producing DOPO-derived compounds by reacting DOPO with diol compounds in the presence of a catalyst. This invention also relates to DOPO derived composition containing a high melting point diastereomer. The DOPO derived compounds may be useful as flame-retardants.
US09012544B2 Polyamide composition for surface-mounted components
A polyamide composition for surface-mounted components is described. Also described are compositions for surface-mounted components (SMCs) including a semiaromatic polyamide modified by a hydroxyaromatic compound, reinforcing fillers, and a flame retardant. Further, the compositions have many advantages linked to the uses thereof in lead-free reflow soldering processes, in particular a good dimensional stability and a blistering resistance during the use of articles produced from these compositions.
US09012542B2 Sulfur extended polymer for use in asphalt binder and road maintenance
Disclosed herein are a homogeneous sulfur-modified polymer composition, a method of preparing sulfur-modified polymer, and an asphaltic concrete mixture.
US09012538B2 Silane-containing binder for composite materials
The present invention relates to a binder for composite materials comprising cellulose- or lignocellulose-containing materials, which is based on the components (i) at least one binder from the series consisting of organic resins, isocyanates, natural or near-natural binders and (ii) at least one composition based on an aminoalkylsilane. The invention furthermore relates to a composite material which is at least based on a cellulose- or lignocellulose-containing material and the abovementioned binder, a process for the production of such a composite material and the use of the binder system according to the invention for the production of wood-based materials.
US09012534B2 Composites of poly(hydroxy carboxylic acid) and carbon nanotubes
A resin composition comprising a polyolefin, carbon nanotubes and poly(hydroxy carboxylic acid). The invention also covers a process for preparing a resin composition comprising a polyolefin, carbon nanotubes and poly(hydroxy carboxylic acid) by (i) blending a poly(hydroxy carboxylic acid) with carbon nanotubes to form a composite (ii) blending the composite with a polyolefin. The use of poly(hydroxy carboxylic acids) as a compatibilizer to blend carbon nanotubes into polyolefins is also claimed.
US09012533B2 Fiber-reinforced resin composites and methods of making the same
A fiber-reinforced resin composite and method of making the same. The fiber-reinforced resin composite includes a polymeric resin matrix and a plurality of fibers coated with a first distortional polymeric resin. The polymeric resin matrix has a first von Mises strain. The first distortional polymeric resin has a second von Mises strain in a range of approximately 0.25 to approximately 0.45. The plurality of fibers coated with the first distortional polymeric resin are disposed in the polymeric resin matrix. The second von Mises strain is greater than the first von Mises strain.
US09012532B2 Acrylic artificial marble having granite pattern and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to an acrylic artificial marble having a granite pattern and a method of manufacturing the same, which can provide a natural marble effect by mixing and molding two or more compounds having different colors and thus can obtain a granite pattern in which patterns of the two or more compounds are smoothly mixed, and which can obtain a desired pattern remarkably similar to a pattern of natural stone by using a multicolor chip sheet.
US09012526B2 Interconnected cell porous body and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed is a water absorbent material and an interconnected cell porous body which can be optimally used as a flower arranging pedestal and a plant culture medium. The interconnected cell porous body is formed from a resin composition with a polylactic acid-based resin as the main component. The pore walls, formed by joining together the crushed powder fragments formed by crushing the foam of the aforementioned resin composition, form the interconnected cell structure of the aforementioned porous body. The apparent density greater of the interconnected cell porous body is than or equal to 0.01 g/cm3 and a less than or equal to 0.2 g/cm3; the 10% compression stress is greater than or equal to 0.02 MPa and less than or equal to 0.3 MPa; and the compression recovery rate is less than or equal to 95%. The water absorbent material comprises the interconnected cell porous body.
US09012524B2 Hydromethanation of a carbonaceous feedstock
The present invention relates generally to processes for hydromethanating a carbonaceous feedstock in a hydromethanation reactor to a methane product stream and a char by-product, and more specifically to removal of the char by-product from the hydromethanation reactor.
US09012523B2 Methanation of a syngas
Systems and methods for producing a synthetic natural gas are provided. A syngas can be separated into a first syngas, a second syngas, and a third syngas. The first syngas can be methanated to produce a first effluent. The first effluent can be mixed with the second syngas to produce a first mixed effluent. The first mixed effluent can be methanated to produce a second effluent. The second mixed effluent can be methanated to produce a third effluent. The third effluent can be cooled to produce a first cooled effluent. The first cooled effluent can be cooled to produce a synthetic natural gas.
US09012521B2 Pyrroloquinoline quinone gel
An object of the present invention is to provide a gel containing pyrroloquinoline quinone that is capable of easily forming a gel near room temperature and is useful even in the food sector, and a method for producing the gel. According to the present invention, there is provided a gel containing pyrroloquinoline quinone that uses pyrroloquinoline quinone itself as a gelling agent and a method for producing the gel by adding a salt of pyrroloquinoline quinone to water and subsequently adjusting the temperature or the pH to reduce solubility.
US09012519B2 Compositions and methods of delivery of pharmacological agents
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutical agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which carrier comprises a protein, for example, human serum albumin and/or deferoxamine. The human serum albumin is present in an amount effective to reduce one or more side effects associated with administration of the pharmaceutical composition. The invention also provides methods for reducing one or more side effects of administration of the pharmaceutical composition, methods for inhibiting microbial growth and oxidation in the pharmaceutical composition, and methods for enhancing transport and binding of a pharmaceutical agent to a cell.
US09012517B2 Polysaccharide and protein-polysaccharide cross-linked hydrogels for soft tissue augmentation
Disclosed herein are cohesive soft tissue fillers, for example, dermal and subdermal fillers, based on hyaluronic acids and optionally including proteins. In one aspect, hyaluronic acid-based compositions described herein include zero-length cross-linked moieties and optionally at least one active agent. The present hyaluronic acid-based compositions have enhanced flow characteristics, hardness, and persistence compared to known hyaluronic acid-based compositions. Methods and processes of preparing such hyaluronic acid-based compositions are also provided.
US09012513B2 Antioxidant, antioxidant composition and production method therefor
ProblemTo provide an antioxidant, an antioxidant composition, and a method for producing the antioxidant and the antioxidant composition, which feature a high content rate and degree of extraction of substances. These substances are taurine, glycogen, protein, so-called blood platelet anticoagulant with zinc, fat-soluble vitamin with a high activation such as vitamin D, and other useful substances. The antioxidant and the antioxidant composition also feature a so-called antioxidative property, which has recently attracted attention.SolutionThe present invention, for example, includes 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl alcohol.
US09012512B2 Aqueous extracts from monocotyledon plants and their use in cardioprotection
Method of treating hypertension with a trans-aconitic acid containing composition (e.g., a water extract derived from a monocotyledon plant).
US09012511B2 Nanoparticulate cinacalcet compositions
Described are compositions of stable nanoparticulate cinacalcet or a salt thereof, and methods of making and using them. The compositions exhibit an improved dissolution rate, improved bioavailability, and reduced difference in absorption when administered orally under fed as compared to fasting conditions.
US09012509B2 Method of treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
A compound of Formula (I): or a metabolite thereof, or an ester of the compound of Formula (I) or the metabolite thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of each thereof, wherein m, n, X1 and X2 are as defined herein, is useful for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and/or reducing one or more of hepatic fibrosis, lobular inflammation, and hepatocellular ballooning.
US09012508B2 Administration of intravenous ibuprofen
An effective dose of intravenous ibuprofen administered every 6 hours in surgery patients is a safe and effective way to reduce both pain and the need for morphine. In preferred embodiments, the administration of intravenous ibuprofen starts with the onset of anesthesia.
US09012507B2 Lipid-lowering antidiabetic agent
A composition which includes a salt of metformin and the use of the composition for treatment of or use in prediabetes, diabetes, lowering triglycerides and/or other conditions in mammals.
US09012502B2 Cancer heat therapy-enhancing agent
Provided is an enhancer for cancer thermotherapy not combined with photodynamic therapy. Cancer treatment not combined with photodynamic therapy is made available by using, as an enhancer for cancer thermotherapy, 5-aminolevulinic acids represented by formula (1): R2R1NCH2COCH2CH2COR3  (1) [wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an acyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryl group, or an aralkyl group; and R3 represents a hydroxy group, an alkoxy group, an acyloxy group, an alkoxycarbonyloxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkyloxy group, or an amino group] or a salt thereof.
US09012501B2 Type A gelatin capsule containing PUFA in free acid form
A pharmaceutical formulation comprising at least one omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in free acid form or a pharmacologically acceptable derivative thereof is contained in a soft gelatin capsule characterized in that the capsule comprises gelatin extracted by an extraction process comprising acid pre-treatment of a collagen source. One advantage of the present invention over a soft to gelatin capsule containing the same formulation but comprising gelatin extracted by an extraction process comprising alkali pre-treatment of the collagen source is that the present invention does not harden significantly over time and thus has a longer shelf life.
US09012499B2 Pharmaceutical composition comprising oseltamivir phosphate
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising: one or more excipients selected from sugars and sugar alcohols in which equilibrium water content is 1% by weight or less at 25° C. and at 70% relative humidity; and oseltamivir phosphate, wherein an amount of each of glucose and mannose contained in the sugars and sugar alcohols as impurities is 0.01% by weight or less.
US09012495B2 Crystalline forms of genistein
The disclosure relates to new crystalline forms of genistein. The disclosed crystalline forms include crystalline genistein sodium salt dihydrate; crystalline genistein potassium salt dihydrate; crystalline genistein calcium salt; crystalline genistein magnesium salt; crystalline genistein L-lysine salt; crystalline genistein N-methylglucamine salt; crystalline genistein N-ethylglucamine salt; crystalline genistein diethylamine salt; and crystalline genistein monohydrate. The disclosure also relates to the novel genistein salts represented by these crystalline forms. Therapeutic compositions containing at least one of these crystalline forms of genistein and/or a genistein salt and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are described. The disclosure also relates to methods of treating cancer comprising the step of administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic composition containing the compounds of the disclosure, of a crystalline form of genistein, or of a genistein salt.
US09012493B2 1-heterodiene derivative and pest control agent
The present invention provides a pest control agent having a novel skeleton, which can be synthesized industrially, and also has excellent biological activity and residual effects. Specifically, the present invention provides a 1-heterodiene derivative represented by Formula (1) or a salt thereof, and a pest control agent including, as an active ingredient, a 1-heterodiene derivative or a salt thereof.
US09012490B2 Lipophilic curcumin analogs and methods of inhibiting HIV-1, treating latent HIV in the brain, and preventing HIV-mediated cognitive decline and HIV dementia
Compounds having formulas (I) to (VIII), salts thereof, or combinations thereof and pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more these compounds are described herein for the treatment of HIV and neurodegenerative effects caused by HIV. Also provided herein are methods and a kit for inhibiting HIV-1, treating latent HIV in the brain, and preventing HIV-mediated cognitive decline and HIV dementia comprising administering the compounds having the formulas (I) to (VIII) and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds having these formulas. The compounds having formulas I through VIII are curcumin analogs which are advantageously characterized as having anti-retroviral, neuroprotective, anti-glucosidase, and anti-HIV integrase properties. In one aspect, the pharmaceutical composition is delivered intranasally.
US09012485B2 Dual-acting imidazole antihypertensive agents
The invention is directed to compounds having the formula: wherein: Ar, r, R2-3, X, and R5-7 are as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US09012480B2 Topical therapy for migraine
The invention is directed to formulations and methods of treating a migraine and/or cluster headache with a serotonin agonist, pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or derivative thereof.
US09012479B2 Pyrazolylaminopyridines as inhibitors of FAK
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R11, R12, R13, Q, Z, and p are as described herein. Compounds of the present invention are useful for the treatment of cancers.
US09012478B2 Pyrazolyl substituted carbonic acid derivatives as modulators of the prostacyclin (PGI2) receptor useful for the treatment of disorders related thereto
Pyrazole derivatives of Formula Ia and pharmaceutical compositions thereof that modulate the activity of the PGI2 receptor. Compounds of the present invention and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are directed to methods useful in the treatment of: pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and related disorders; platelet aggregation; coronary artery disease; myocardial infarction; transient ischemic attack; angina; stroke; ischemia-reperfusion injury; restenosis; atrial fibrillation; blood clot formation in an angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery individual or in an individual suffering from atrial fibrillation; atherosclerosis; atherothrombosis; asthma or a symptom thereof; a diabetic-related disorder such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy or diabetic retinopathy; glaucoma or other disease of the eye with abnormal intraocular pressure; hypertension; inflammation; psoriasis; psoriatic arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis; Crohn's disease; transplant rejection; multiple sclerosis; systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); ulcerative colitis; ischemia-reperfusion injury; restenosis; atherosclerosis; acne; type 1 diabetes; type 2 diabetes; sepsis; and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
US09012477B2 Method of treating neuropathic pain
A method for treating subjects experiencing neuropathic pain is provided. The method involves the application of a solid-forming local anesthetic formulation to a skin surface of the subject experiencing the neuropathic pain and then maintaining the formulation on the skin surface for a period of time sufficient to allow itself to transdermally deliver the local anesthetic to the subject thereby providing relief from the neuropathic pain within about 45 minutes.
US09012476B2 Hydrobromide salt of pridopidine
This invention relates to a new salt of Pridopidine, a drug substance currently in development for the treatment of Huntington's disease. More specifically the invention provides the pharmaceutically acceptable hydrobromide salt, pharmaceutical compositions comprising this salt, and uses of this salt as a drug substance.
US09012475B2 Method for enhancing anti-tumor effect of a microtubule-targeting drug, and a method for treatment of tumor
A method for treating a tumor by combining a piperidine compound of formula (I) or salt thereof and a microtubule-targeting drug, in which the microtubule-targeting drug is administered once per 7 days or more one cycle, and the piperidine compound is administered once or more per day for 4 days or more: R1 represents a carboxyl group, —C(═O)NR5R6, or an oxadiazolyl group optionally substituted with a C1-C6 alkyl group or trifluoromethyl group; R2 represents a halogen atom or C1-C6 alkoxy group; R3 represents a phenyl group optionally having 1 to 3 groups, selected from a halogen atom, and a C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, or trifluoromethyl group; R4 represents a hydrogen atom or C1-C6 alkyl group; and R5 and R6, each represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C6 alkyl or C3-C6 cycloalkyl group; or R5 and R6, together with a nitrogen atom, optionally form a 3 to 6-membered nitrogen-containing saturated heterocyclic group.
US09012469B2 Crystalline naloxol-peg conjugate
Naloxol-polyethlyene glycol conjugates of the formula: are provided in oxalate or phosphate salt forms including crystalline forms. Methods of preparing the salt forms and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the salt forms are also provided.
US09012468B2 One pot process for producing 6-hydroxyl nal-opiate
The present invention provides processes for preparing nal-opiates without the isolation of intermediates. In general, the process provides for alkylation and reduction in the same pot to give the nal-opiate.
US09012460B2 1-(2-phenoxymethylphenyl)piperazine compounds
The invention relates to compounds of formula I: where a, and R1 through R6 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The compounds of formula I are serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US09012459B2 Monohydrate crystalline form of 3-(5-(4-(3-fluoropropyl)-piperazin-1-yl)benzimidazol-2-yl)-1-azaazulen-2-one, preparation, and pharmaceutical composition thereof
The disclosure is directed to a monohydrate crystalline form of 3-(5-(4-(3-fluoropropyl)piperazin-1-yl)benzimidazol-2-yl)-1-azaazulen-2-one, possessing diffraction peaks of about 12.9°, 15.9°, 17.9°, 21.2°, 22.9°, 23.5° and 24.5°. Its preparation method and pharmaceutical composition thereof are also provided.
US09012452B2 Processes for making cyclopropyl amide derivatives and intermediates associated therewith
Presented herein are processes for making cyclopropyl amide derivatives of formula I, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and intermediates associated therewith. At least one cyclopropyl amide derivative of formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is useful to treat at least one histamine H3 receptor associated condition.
US09012451B2 Aza-bicycloalkyl ethers and their use as ALPHA7-nachr agonists
The present invention relates to 1-aza-bicycloalkyl derivatives of formula I, wherein X is CH2 or a single bond; Y is a group of formula and wherein R has the meanings as defined in the specification, which compounds are alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists; to processes for their production, their use as pharmaceuticals and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US09012449B2 Pyrazolo pyridine derivatives as NADPH oxidase inhibitors
The present invention is related to pyrazolo pyridine derivatives of Formula (I), pharmaceutical composition thereof and to their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of disorders or conditions related to Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH Oxidase).
US09012448B2 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine derivatives and their use as positive allosteric modulators of MGLUR2 receptors
The present invention relates to novel triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine derivatives of Formula (I) wherein all radicals are as defined in the claims. The compounds according to the invention are positive allosteric modulators of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 2 (“mGluR2”), which are useful for the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction and diseases in which the mGluR2 subtype of metabotropic receptors is involved. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, to processes to prepare such compounds and compositions, and to the use of such compounds for the prevention or treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which mGluR2 is involved.
US09012446B2 Amino-oxazines and amino-dihydrothiazine compounds as beta-secretase modulators and methods of use
The present invention comprises a new class of compounds useful for the modulation of Beta-secretase enzyme activity and for the treatment of Beta-secretase mediated diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related conditions. In one embodiment, the compounds have a general Formula I wherein A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, R2, R7, X, Y and Z of Formula I are defined herein. The invention also includes use of these compounds in pharmaceutical compositions for treatment, prophylactic or therapeutic, of disorders and conditions related to the activity of beta-secretase protein. Such disorders include, for example, Alzheimer's Disease, cognitive deficits, cognitive impairment, schizophrenia and other central nervous system conditions related to and/or caused by the formation and/or deposition of plaque on the brain. The invention also comprises further embodiments of Formula I, intermediates and processes useful for the preparation of compounds of Formula I.
US09012442B2 Compositions for combating beta-lactamase-medicated antibiotic resistance using beta-lactamase inhibitors useful for injection
The invention describes a composition for combating beta-lactamase-mediated antibiotic resistance using beta-lactamase inhibitor useful for injection, capable of pharmaceutical application. The invention relates to pharmaceutical composition containing ceftriaxone (normally as ceftriaxone sodium) and sulbactam (normally as sulbactam sodium). Such compositions are found to be useful for intramuscular or intravenous administration as antibiotics for hospitalized patients with serious infections. Specifically, this invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition further including an aminocarboxylic acid chelating agent, for example, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention have been found normally to enhance resistance to particulate formation in solutions to be administered parenterally. The invention also gives details of the dosage forms stored in sealed containers to be reconstituted before use. The invention also gives a process to manufacture these compositions. The invention gives a method of treating a subject having a condition or disorder, wherein a treatment with ceftriaxone sodium and sulbactam sodium is indicated.
US09012440B2 Co-crystals of tramadol and coxibs
The present invention relates to co-crystals of tramadol and co-crystal formers selected from NSAIDs/coxibs, processes for preparation of the same and their uses as medicaments or in pharmaceutical formulations, more particularly for the treatment of pain.
US09012437B2 Implants and methods for treating inflammation-mediated conditions of the eye
Methods for treating inflammation-mediated conditions of the eye are described, comprising: implanting into the vitreous of the eye of an individual a bioerodible implant comprising a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent and a bioerodible polymer, wherein the implant delivers the agent to the vitreous in an amount sufficient to reach a concentration equivalent to at least about 0.05 μg/ml dexamethasone within about 48 hours and maintains a concentration equivalent to at least about 0.03 μg/ml dexamethasone for at least about three weeks.
US09012436B2 Lipid composition
We describe lipid based pharmaceutical compositions adapted for oral delivery and optionally delivery in accordance with a circadian rhythm.
US09012430B2 Compositions and formulations of glucosamine for transdermal and transmucosal administration
Disclosed are compositions and formulations comprising glucosamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in the treatment of joint conditions and adapted for use in a bath or soak or bath beads, powders, salts, and oils, kits, and methods of treatment using the same. Also disclosed are lozenges, suppositories, patches, and topical creams comprising glucosamine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in the treatment of joint conditions and methods of treatment using the same. In some embodiments the joint conditions include osteoarthritis.
US09012428B2 Uracyl spirooxetane nucleoside phosphoramidates
This invention relates to a stereochemically pure uracyl spirooxetane nucleoside phosphoramidate useful in the treatment of patients infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
US09012425B2 Methods for the treatment of Leber congenital amaurosis
The present invention relates to a method for treating a Leber congenital amaurosis in a patient harboring the mutation c.2991+1655 A>G in the CEP290 gene, comprising the step of administering to said patient at least one antisense oligonucleotide complementary to nucleic acid sequence that is necessary for preventing splicing of the cryptic exon inserted into the mutant c.2291+1655 A>G CEP290 mRNA.
US09012421B2 Bicyclic cyclohexose nucleic acid analogs
The present invention provides bicyclic cyclohexose nucleoside analogs and oligomeric compounds comprising these nucleoside analogs. These bicyclic nucleoside analogs are useful for enhancing properties of oligomeric compounds including nuclease resistance.
US09012419B2 Methods and compositions related to eosinophil regulation
Disclosed are compositions and methods for regulating eosinophils.
US09012417B2 Topical administration of NF-kappaB decoy to treat atopic dermatitis
A pharmaceutical composition for performing treatment against a skin disease, the pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one decoy and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The at least one decoy may be selected from the group consisting of an NF-κB decoy, a STAT-1 decoy, a GATA-3 decoy, a STAT-6 decoy, an AP-1 decoy and an Ets decoy. The at least one decoy may be an oligonucleotide including at least two decoys bonded to each other, the at least two decoys being selected from the group consisting of an NF-κB decoy, a STAT-1 decoy, a GATA-3 decoy, a STAT-6 decoy, an AP-1 decoy and an Ets decoy. The skin disease may be atopic dermatitis, psoriasis vulgaris, contact dermatitis, keloid, bedsore, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease.
US09012412B2 Dual SGLT1/SGLT2 inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I), or a form thereof, wherein A, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as defined herein, useful as dual SGLT1/SGLT2 inhibitors.
US09012410B2 Method of treating intrauterine inflammation
A method of treating intrauterine inflammation in a subject associated with intrauterine bacterial infection includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a toll-like receptor 4 antagonist. The therapeutically effective amount administered to the subject is an amount effective in reducing intrauterine inflammation in the subject.
US09012408B2 Method of preventing the development of rheumatoid arthritis in subjects with undifferentiated arthritis
The invention relates to methods and compositions for treating undifferentiated arthritis (UA) and/or preventing the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in subjects with UA by administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of soluble CTLA4 molecule.
US09012407B2 Therapies which act on neuropeptide S receptors
Compositions and methods that act on Neuropeptide S receptors (NPSR) (also known as “TGR23” or “vasopressin receptor-related receptor 1 (VRR1)”) to cause desired effects in the bodies of human or animal subjects. Neuropeptide S (NPS) and other agonists of the NPSR may be administered to cause arousal, awakening, alertness, spontaneous movement, bronchoconstriction, contraction of bronchial smooth muscle or other effects. Antagonists of the NPSR may be administered to cause decreased arousal, decreased awakening, decreased alertness, decreased spontaneous movement, sleep, somnolence, sedation, anxiolytic effects, normalized sleep patterns, normalized sleep stages, increased duration of sleep, bronchodilation, relaxation of broncheal smooth muscle or other effects.
US09012406B2 Light activated composite tissue adhesives
Disclosed herein are compositions comprising gelatin, collagen, and a chromophore that produces a reactive oxygen species upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation. These compositions have also been found to be strong tissue adhesives that crosslinks the composition and tissue and are effective in closing and sealing wounds, fixation of grafts/implants and anastomoses.
US09012403B2 Peptides as active agents to stabilize biological barriers
The present invention relates to compounds, in particular peptides which are capable of stabilizing barrier functions of epithelium and endothelium. The peptides and other compounds of the present invention are useful in the treatment and prevention of diseases or disorders associated with a localized or systemic breakdown of epithelial and endothelial barrier functions. Particular diseases and disorders to be treated and/or prevented with the peptides or other compounds, methods and uses provided herein are burns, acute lung injury (ALI), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), ventilator induced lung injury (VILI), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), acute kidney injury (AKI), sepsis, multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS), or edema.
US09012397B2 Method for treating disorders of the skin
A topical pharmaceutical composition for treating a skin disorder selected from the group consisting of Herpes viral infection, Varicella viral infection, rash, insect bites, jellyfish stings, burns, psoriasis, itching, skin allergic response, skin lesions as a result of drug or medical treatment side effects or complications, and hypopigmantation. The composition comprises a peptide of the formula pGLU—X—Y—Z, where X, Y and Z are amino acids, with or without an alkyl group, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
US09012393B2 Fibrin gel for controlled release of PDGF and uses thereof
The present invention relates, in general, to fibrin sealants, which contain platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) for controlled release in situ for therapeutic applications, including musculoskeletal disorders, soft tissue disorders and vascular diseases.
US09012389B2 Precursor polyelectrolyte complexes compositions
The invention relates to compositions and methods of treatment employing compositions comprising polyelectrolyte complexes. The compositions include a water-soluble first polyelectrolyte bearing a net cationic charge or capable of developing a net cationic charge and a water-soluble second polyelectrolyte bearing a net anionic charge or capable of developing a net anionic charge. The total polyelectrolyte concentration of the first solution is at least 110 millimolar. The composition is free of coacervates, precipitates, latex particles, synthetic block copolymers, silicone copolymers, cross-linked poly(acrylic) and cross-linked water-soluble polyelectrolyte. The composition may be a concentrate, to be diluted prior to use to treat a surface.
US09012385B2 Terpene derived compounds
This invention relates to terpene derived compounds and farnesene derived compounds, and to the use of such terpene derived compounds and farnesene derived compounds in lubricants, detergents, dispersants, functional fluids, fuels, polymer compositions, cold flow improvers, and the like.
US09012383B2 Molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate compositions and lubricating compositions containing the same
A novel molybdenum dithiocarbamate composition is produced by preparing a di-tridecylamine (DTDA) intermediate from a butylene feedstock comprising greater than 50% 2-butylene, and preparing a molybdenum dithiocarbamate composition from the DTDA intermediate. The resulting molybdenum dithiocarbamate composition are according to formula (1), wherein R1 to R4 are C11-C14 isoalkyl groups, and X represents oxygen and/or sulfur atoms, and R1 to R4 comprise, on average, greater than 98% C13:
US09012382B2 Lubricating oil composition
An internal-combustion engine lubricating oil composition has a P content of not greater than 0.09 mass %; a S content of not greater than 0.3 mass %; and a sulphated ash content of not greater than 1 mass %. It contains the following additives: as sole ashless, nitrogen-containing dispersant, and providing from 0.03 to 0.07 mass % of nitrogen in the lubricating oil composition, at least one ashless, nitrogen-containing derivative of a polyalkenyl-substituted mono- or dicarboxylic acid, anhydride or ester, the polyalkenyl-substituted mono- or dicarboxylic acid, anhydride or ester being made from a polyalkene exclusively by the thermal “ene” reaction; as sole overbased metal detergent, at least one overbased alkaline earth metal sulfonate; and at least one viscosity modifier.
US09012381B2 Lubricant composition using ionic liquid as a base oil and having excellent rust prevention properties
The invention provides a lubricant composition containing (A) an ionic liquid having an anion represented by formula 1: (Rf1-SO2) (Rf2-SO2) N− or formula 2: (Rf3) (Rf3) (Rf3) PF3− wherein Rf1 and Rf2 in formula 1 may be the same or different and are each F, CF3, C2F5, C3F7 or C4F9, and Rf3 in formula 2 may be the same or different and is CF3, C2F5, C3F7 or C4F9; and (B) a fatty acid amine salt in an amount of 0.1 to 5.0 mass %. The lubricant composition of the invention can favorably be used under a high vacuum or an ultra high vacuum, or under high temperatures, and exhibits excellent rust prevention properties.
US09012378B2 Apparatus, compositions, and methods of breaking fracturing fluids
Apparatus and compositions for reducing the viscosity of a gelled fluid is provided. In one embodiment, a viscosity reducing microbe is disposed in a capsule and added to the gelled fluid. The gelled fluid may include a thickening agent adapted to increase its viscosity. Upon release from the capsule, the microbe begins to digest the thickening agent in the gelled fluid and/or releases enzymes that that breakdown the thickening agent.
US09012377B2 Functionalized silicate nanoparticle composition, removing and exfoliating asphaltenes with same
Removing an asphaltene particle from a substrate includes contacting a silicate nanoparticle with a chemical group to form a functionalized silicate nanoparticle, the chemical group includes a first portion; and a second portion comprising an aromatic moiety, the first portion being bonded to the silicate nanoparticle; contacting the asphaltene particle with the functionalized silicate nanoparticle, the asphaltene particle being disposed on the substrate; interposing the functionalized silicate nanoparticle between the asphaltene particle and the substrate; and separating the asphaltene particle from the substrate with the functionalized silicate nanoparticle to remove the asphaltene particle. A composition includes a functionalized silicate nanoparticle comprising a reaction product of a silicate nanoparticle and an aromatic compound; and a fluid. The aromatic compound includes a chemical group that includes a first portion, the first portion being directly bonded to the silicate nanoparticle in the functionalized silicate nanoparticle; and a second portion including an aromatic moiety.
US09012376B2 Inulin as corrosion inhibitor
Methods of inhibiting corrosion of a metal surface in a well or pipeline are provided. The methods include the steps of: (a) forming a fluid of: (i) an aqueous acid solution; and (ii) inulin; and (b) introducing the fluid into the well or pipeline. The methods have wide application in various kinds of operations involved in the production or transportation of oil and gas, such as acid stimulation or remedial treatment in a pipeline.
US09012375B2 Array printing
The invention provides a method of printing, onto a substrate (12), an array (14) of spots of reagent compositions for use in a chemical and/or biochemical analysis. The method includes displacing an array of reagent composition containing capillary tubes (22) arranged alongside one another from an inoperative position to an operative position in which open ends of the capillary tubes (22) simultaneously impinge against a substrate and thereafter displacing the array of tubes (22) from the operative position back to the inoperative position. The invention extends to a printing apparatus (10), a method of printing a layered array of spots of reagent compositions, a method of introducing reagent compositions into the tubes, a reagent introducing device for introducing reagent compositions into the tubes and a printing installation which includes the printing apparatus (10) and the reagent introducing device.
US09012373B2 Systems and methods for processing fluids
Systems and methods for processing fluid samples are disclosed. Fluid sample processing is accomplished using a series of microfluidic bump arrays include an automated and integrated system for sorting particles from a biological sample, lysing those particles to expose total RNA or DNA, purifying the RNA or DNA, processing the RNA or DNA by chemical or enzymatic modification, to select RNA or DNA molecules by size, or to generate, optionally, a sequencing library. The sequencing library is suitable for use in next generation sequencing (“NGS”).
US09012370B2 Method for measuring chromosome, gene or specific nucleotide sequence copy numbers using SNP array
The present invention relates to a method for measuring the copy number of a chromosome, gene or specific nucleotide sequence, comprising the steps of: (a) mixing a homozygous DNA with a test sample DNA; (b) analyzing the DNA mixture by means of SNP array; and (c) determining the copy number of a chromosome, gene, or specific nucleotide sequence by measuring the difference in signal output from the homozygous DNA and the test sample DNA.
US09012368B2 System and method for generating and/or screening potential metal-organic frameworks
A system and method for systematically generating potential metal-organic framework (MOFs) structures given an input library of building blocks is provided herein. One or more material properties of the potential MOFs are evaluated using computational simulations. A range of material properties (surface area, pore volume, pore size distribution, powder x-ray diffraction pattern, methane adsorption capability, and the like) can be estimated, and in doing so, illuminate unidentified structure-property relationships that may only have been recognized by taking a global view of MOF structures. In addition to identifying structure-property relationships, this systematic approach to identify the MOFs of interest is used to identify one or more MOFs that may be useful for high pressure methane storage.
US09012362B2 Active compound combinations
The present invention relates to compositions, in particular within a fungicide composition, which comprises (A) a dithiino-tetracarboximide of formula (I) and a further fungicidally active compound (B). Moreover, the invention relates to a method for curatively or preventively controlling the phytopathogenic fungi of plants or crops, to the use of a combination according to the invention for the treatment of seed, to a method for protecting a seed and to the treated seed.
US09012360B2 Synergistic combinations of active ingredients
The present invention relates to novel active compound combinations comprising, firstly, at least one known compound of the formula (I) in which R1 and A have the meanings given in the description and, secondly, at least one further known active compound from groups (2) to (27) listed in the description, which combinations are highly suitable for controlling animal pests such as insects and unwanted acarids and also phytopathogenic fungi.
US09012359B2 Activating supports
Activating supports may be suitably prepared by the following procedure (a) providing a porous mineral oxide support material, (b) treating the support with a phosphorus-containing compound, (c) treating the support from step (b) with an organometallic compound, (d) heating the functionalized support from step (c) under an inert gas and then under an atmosphere comprising oxygen, (e) fluorinating the support with a fluorinating agent, and (f) recovering an activating support. The activating supports are suitable used in combination with single site catalysts for the polymerization of olefins. The supports are most preferably used in combination with metallocene complexes. The preparative route for the activating supports provides for supported polymerization catalyst systems having excellent activities.
US09012356B2 Method for producing polyacrylic acid (salt)-based water absorbent resin
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a water absorbent resin having improved physical properties, particularly, improved saline flow conductivity (SFC) and less amount of fine powder. The present invention provides a method for producing a polyacrylic acid (salt)-based water absorbent resin, the method comprising: a polymerization step of supplying as a base material an aqueous solution containing an acrylic acid and/or an acrylic acid salt as a monomer component and polymerizing the monomer in the presence of a polymerization initiator, wherein in the polymerization step, there is used a polymerization apparatus which comprises a polymerization part covered with a case, said polymerization part comprising at least a supply line for supplying the aqueous solution, an external gas supply port, and a gas discharge port, and has a structure that a liquid contact part in contact with the aqueous solution and a gas supplied from the outside of the polymerization apparatus are brought into contact with the aqueous solution during a polymerization, and assuming that a controlled temperature of the liquid contact part is set as TS, a temperature of the gas part is set as TG, and TT is (TS+TG)/2, the polymerization is carried out under temperature conditions satisfying the following Equations 1 to 3: 35° C.≦TS≦85° C.,  Equation 1: 40° C.≦TG≦90° C.,  Equation 2: 47° C.≦TT≦73° C.  Equation 3:
US09012355B2 Adsorbent for carbon dioxide, method of preparing the same, and capture module for carbon dioxide including the same
An adsorbent for carbon dioxide may include a composite metal oxide including a divalent first metal (M1), a trivalent second metal (M2), and at least one polyoxometalate (POM) ion selected from an anion represented by a first formula (e.g., Chemical Formula 1) and an anion represented by a second formula (e.g., Chemical Formula 2). A capture module for carbon dioxide may include the adsorbent.
US09012353B2 Palladium solid solution catayst and methods of making
Disclosed are three-way catalysts that are able to simultaneously convert nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons in exhaust gas emissions into less toxic compounds. Also disclosed are three-way catalyst formulations comprising palladium (Pd)-containing oxygen storage materials. In some embodiments, the three-way catalyst formulations of the invention do not contain rhodium. Further disclosed are improved methods for making Pd-containing oxygen storage materials. The relates to methods of making and using three-way catalyst formulations of the invention.
US09012348B2 Selective hydrogenation catalyst and methods of making and using same
A composition comprising a supported hydrogenation catalyst comprising palladium and an organophosphorous compound, the supported hydrogenation catalyst being capable of selectively hydrogenating highly unsaturated hydrocarbons to unsaturated hydrocarbons. A method of making a selective hydrogenation catalyst comprising contacting a support with a palladium-containing compound to form a palladium supported composition, contacting the palladium supported composition with an organophosphorus compound to form a catalyst precursor, and reducing the catalyst precursor to form the catalyst. A method of selectively hydrogenating highly unsaturated hydrocarbons to an unsaturated hydrocarbon enriched composition comprising contacting a supported catalyst comprising palladium and an organophosphorous compound with a feed comprising highly unsaturated hydrocarbon under conditions suitable for hydrogenating at least a portion of the highly unsaturated hydrocarbon feed to form the unsaturated hydrocarbon enriched composition.
US09012347B2 Method for preparing supported hybrid metallocene catalyst
The present invention relates to a preparation method of a metallocene catalyst. More particularly, the present invention relates to a preparation method of a supported hybrid metallocene catalyst, including the steps of treating a support having a water content of 4 to 7% by weight with trialkyl aluminum at a predetermined temperature; supporting alkyl aluminoxane on the support; and supporting a metallocene compound on the alkyl aluminoxane-supported support. According to the present invention, it is possible to prepare a supported hybrid metallocene catalyst which shows a high activity in the polymerization of olefins and enables the preparation of polyolefins having a high bulk density, by a simple process.
US09012345B2 Electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide conversion
Electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide conversion include at least one catalytically active element with a particle size above 0.6 nm. The electrocatalysts can also include a Helper Catalyst. The catalysts can be used to increase the rate, modify the selectivity or lower the overpotential of electrochemical conversion of CO2. Chemical processes and devices using the catalysts also include processes to produce CO, HCO−, H2CO, (HCO2)−, H2CO2, CH3OH, CH4, C2H4, CH3CH2OH, CH3COO−, CH3COOH, C2H6, (COOH)2, or (COO−)2, and a specific device, namely, a CO2 sensor.
US09012344B2 Electrocatalysts using porous polymers and method of preparation
A method of producing an electrocatalyst article using porous polymers. The method creates a porous polymer designed to receive transition metal groups disposed at ligation sites and activating the transition metals to form an electrocatalyst which can be used in a fuel cell. Electrocatalysts prepared by this method are also provided. A fuel cell which includes the electrocatalyst is also provided.
US09012337B2 Platen control
A system and method for maintain a desired degree of platen flatness is disclosed. A laser system is used to measure the flatness of a platen. The temperature of the platen is then varied to achieve the desired level of flatness. In some embodiments, this laser system is only used during a set up period and the resulting desired temperature is then used during normal operation. In other embodiments, a laser system is used to measure the flatness of the platen, even while the workpiece is being processed.
US09012327B2 Low defect chemical mechanical polishing composition
A low defect chemical mechanical polishing composition for polishing silicon oxide containing substrates is provided comprising, as initial components: water, a colloidal silica abrasive; and, an additive according to formula I.
US09012323B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, method of processing substrate, substrate processing apparatus and computer-readable recording medium
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, includes: alternately performing (i) a first step of alternately supplying a first raw material containing a first metal element and a halogen element and a second raw material containing a second metal element and carbon to a substrate by a first predetermined number of times, and (ii) a second step of supplying a nitridation raw material to the substrate, by a second predetermined number of times, wherein alternating the first and second steps forms a metal carbonitride film containing the first metal element having a predetermined thickness on the substrate.
US09012321B1 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes forming a sacrificial film as part of a process of forming a semiconductor device. The sacrificial film has a relatively high etch selectivity with respect to other materials of the semiconductor device so as to reduce loss of etching masks and improve the quality of a components (e.g., buried contacts) of the semiconductor device.
US09012318B2 Etching polysilicon
Methods and compositions for etching polysilicon including aqueous compositions containing nitric acid and ammonium fluoride, and apparatus formed thereby.
US09012311B2 Method for producing a semiconductor body having a recombination zone, semiconductor component having a recombination zone, and method for producing such a semiconductor component
In a method for producing a semiconductor body, impurities which act as recombination centers in the semiconductor body and form a recombination zone are introduced into the semiconductor body during the process of producing the semiconductor body. In a semiconductor component, comprising a semiconductor body having a front surface and an opposite rear surface, and also a recombination zone formed by impurities between the front and rear surfaces, wherein the impurities act as recombination centers, the surface state density at the front and rear surfaces of the semiconductor body is just as high as the surface state density at a front and rear surface of an identical semiconductor body without a recombination zone.
US09012310B2 Epitaxial formation of source and drain regions
Mechanisms for forming source/drain (S/D) regions of field effect transistors (FETs) are provided. The mechanisms eliminate dislocations near gate corners and gate corner defects (GCDs), and maintain transistor performance. The mechanisms described involve using a post-deposition etch to remove residual dislocations near gate corners after a cyclic deposition and etching (CDE) process is used to fill a portion of the recess regions with an epitaxially grown silicon-containing material. The mechanisms described also minimize the growth of dislocations near gate corners during the CDE process. The remaining recess regions may be filled by another silicon-containing layer deposited by an epitaxial process without forming dislocations near gate corners. The embodiments described enable gate corners to be free of dislocation defects, preserve the device performance from degradation, and widen the process window of forming S/D regions without gate corner defects and chamber matching issues.
US09012308B2 Integrated circuit structures containing a strain-compensated compound semiconductor layer and methods and systems related thereto
A method for pseudomorphic growth and integration of an in-situ doped, strain-compensated metastable compound base into an electronic device, such as, for example, a SiGe NPN HBT, by substitutional placement of strain-compensating atomic species. The invention also applies to strained layers in other electronic devices such as strained SiGe, Si in MOS applications, vertical thin film transistors (VTFT), and a variety of other electronic device types. Devices formed from compound semiconductors other than SiGe, such as, for example, GaAs, InP, and AlGaAs are also amenable to beneficial processes described herein.
US09012307B2 Two terminal resistive switching device structure and method of fabricating
A method of forming a two terminal device. The method includes forming a first dielectric material overlying a surface region of a substrate. A bottom wiring material is formed overlying the first dielectric material and a switching material is deposited overlying the bottom wiring material. The bottom wiring material and the switching material is subjected to a first patterning and etching process to form a first structure having a top surface region and a side region. The first structure includes at least a bottom wiring structure and a switching element having a first side region, and a top surface region including an exposed region of the switching element. A second dielectric material is formed overlying at least the first structure including the exposed region of the switching element. The method forms an opening region in a portion of the second dielectric layer to expose a portion of the top surface region of the switching element. A top wiring material including a conductive material is formed overlying at lease the opening region such that the conductive material is in direct contact with the switching element. A second etching process is performed to form at least a top wiring structure. In a specific embodiment, the side region of the first structure including a first side region of the switching element is free from a contaminant conductive material from the second etching process.
US09012306B2 Manufacturing of low defect density free-standing gallium nitride substrates and devices fabricated thereof
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a single crystal of nitride by epitaxial growth on a support (100) comprising a growth face (105), the method comprising the steps of formation of a sacrificial bed (101) on the support (100), formation of pillars (102) on said sacrificial bed, said pillars being made of a material compatible with GaN epitaxial growth, growth of a nitride crystal layer (103) on the pillars, under growing conditions such that the nitride crystal layer does not extend down to the support in holes (107) formed between the pillars, and removing the nitride crystal layer from the support.
US09012305B1 Wafer dicing using hybrid laser scribing and plasma etch approach with intermediate non-reactive post mask-opening clean
Methods of dicing semiconductor wafers, each wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits, are described. In an example, a method of dicing a semiconductor wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits involves forming a mask above the semiconductor wafer, the mask including a layer covering and protecting the integrated circuits. The mask is patterned with a laser scribing process to provide a patterned mask with gaps, exposing regions of the semiconductor wafer between the integrated circuits. Subsequent to patterning the mask, the exposed regions of the semiconductor wafer are cleaned with an anisotropic plasma process non-reactive to the exposed regions of the semiconductor wafer. Subsequent to cleaning the exposed regions of the semiconductor wafer, the semiconductor wafer is plasma etched through the gaps in the patterned mask to singulate the integrated circuits.
US09012304B2 Semiconductor die singulation method
In one embodiment, a method of singulating semiconductor die from a semiconductor wafer includes forming a material on a surface of a semiconductor wafer and reducing a thickness of portions of the material. Preferably, the thickness of the material is reduced near where singulation openings are to be formed in the semiconductor wafer.
US09012301B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor apparatus and electronic equipment
In the method of manufacturing a semiconductor apparatus of the present invention, after forming trench isolation regions 100c, 100f, and 100g on a surface of a semiconductor substrate 101 so as to isolate element regions on which the semiconductor elements are to be formed, a silicon nitride film (antioxidant film) 109 is formed so as to cover the trench isolation regions and to stick out from the trench isolation regions with partially overlapping element regions adjacent to the trench isolation regions, and a thermal oxide film 110 that is thicker than a thermal oxide film required in a semiconductor element of a predetermined size among a plurality of semiconductor elements, is formed on the element region using the antioxidant film as a mask.
US09012300B2 Manufacturing method for a shallow trench isolation
A manufacturing method for a shallow trench isolation. First, a substrate is provided, a hard mask layer and a patterned photoresist layer are sequentially formed on the substrate, at least one trench is then formed in the substrate through an etching process, the hard mask layer is removed. Afterwards, a filler is formed at least in the trench and a planarization process is then performed on the filler. Since the planarization process is performed only on the filler, so the dishing phenomenon can effectively be avoided.
US09012298B2 Methods for reproducible flash layer deposition
A method for reducing the leakage current in DRAM Metal-Insulator-Metal capacitors includes forming a flash layer between the dielectric layer and the first electrode layer. A method for reducing the leakage current in DRAM Metal-Insulator-Metal capacitors includes forming a capping layer between the dielectric layer and the second electrode layer. The flash layer and the capping layer can be formed using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. The precursor materials used for forming the flash layer and the capping layer are selected such they include at least one metal-oxygen bond. Additionally, the precursor materials are selected to also include “bulky” ligands.
US09012297B2 Methods of forming moisture barrier capacitors in semiconductor components
Structures and methods of forming moisture barrier capacitor on a semiconductor component are disclosed. The capacitor is located on the periphery of a semiconductor chip and includes an inner plate electrically connected to a voltage node, an outer plate with fins for electrically connecting to a different voltage node.
US09012295B2 Compressive polycrystalline silicon film and method of manufacture thereof
In one embodiment a method of forming a compressive polycrystalline semiconductive material layer is disclosed. The method comprises forming a polycrystalline semiconductive seed layer over a substrate and forming a silicon layer by depositing silicon directly on the polycrystalline silicon seed layer under amorphous process conditions at a temperature below 600 C.
US09012293B2 Sandwich damascene resistor
A method is provided for forming sandwich damascene resistors in MOL processes and the resulting devices. Embodiments include forming on a substrate a film stack including an interlayer dielectric (ILD), a first dielectric layer, and a sacrifice layer (SL); removing a portion of the SL and the first dielectric layer, forming a first cavity; conformally forming a layer of resistive material in the first cavity and over the SL; depositing a second dielectric layer over the layer of resistive material and filling the first cavity; and removing the second dielectric layer, the layer of resistive material not in the first cavity, and at least a partial depth of the SL.
US09012291B2 Bipolar transistor with embedded epitaxial external base region and method of forming the same
The present invention discloses a bipolar transistor with an embedded epitaxial external base region, which is designed to solve the problem of the TED effect with the prior art structures. The bipolar transistor with an embedded epitaxial external base region of the present invention comprises at least a collector region, a base region and an external base region on the collector region, an emitter on the base region, and sidewalls at both sides of the emitter. The external base region is grown through an in-situ doping selective epitaxy process and is embedded in the collector region. A portion of the external base region is located beneath the sidewalls. The present invention discloses a method of forming a bipolar transistor with an embedded epitaxial external base region. The bipolar transistor with an embedded epitaxial external base region of the present invention avoids the TED effect and reduces the resistance of the external base region of the device so that the performance of the device is improved. The method of forming a bipolar transistor with an embedded epitaxial external base region of the present invention achieves the aforesaid bipolar transistor with an embedded epitaxial external base region, and features concise steps, a low cost and simple operations, and the structure obtained has good performance.
US09012289B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device and its manufacturing method are disclosed. The semiconductor device comprises a gate, and source and drain regions on opposite sides of the gate, wherein a portion of a gate dielectric layer located above the channel region is thinner than a portion of the gate dielectric layer located at the overlap region of the drain and the gate. The thicker first thickness portion may ensure that the device can endure a higher voltage at the drain to gate region, while the thinner second thickness portion may ensure excellent performance of the device.
US09012285B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing same
A semiconductor device includes a first transistor including a first source/drain region and a first sidewall spacer, and a second transistor including a second source/drain region and a second sidewall spacer, the first sidewall spacer has a first width and the second sidewall spacer has a second width wider than the first width, and the first source/drain region has a first area and the second source/drain region has a second area larger than the first area.
US09012283B2 Integrated circuit (IC) chip having both metal and silicon gate field effect transistors (FETs) and method of manufacture
Field Effect Transistors (FETs), Integrated Circuit (IC) chips including the FETs, and a method of forming the FETs on ICs. FET locations are defined on a layered semiconductor wafer, preferably a Silicon On Insulator (SOI) wafer. One or more FET locations are defined as silicon gate locations and remaining as Replacement Metal Gate (RMG) FET locations with at least one of each on the IC. Polysilicon gates are formed in all FET locations. Gates in silicon gate locations are tailored, e.g., doped and silicided. Remaining polysilicon gates are replaced with metal in RMG FET locations. FETs are connected together into circuits with RMG FETs being connected to silicon gate FETs.
US09012282B2 Self-aligned liner method of avoiding PL gate damage
A self-align method of preparing semiconductor gates for formation of a silicide, such as a cobalt silicide (CoSi) layer, is disclosed. Deposition of silicon nitride (SiN) and low-temperature oxide (LTO) liner types, the SiN liner having an overhang structure, prevent damage to the gates while forming a self-aligned source. The undamaged gates are suitable for CoSi deposition.
US09012281B2 Semiconductor device fabrication methods
A semiconductor device includes a substrate having a first region and a second region, first and second gate electrodes disposed on the first and second regions, respectively, and first and second source/drain regions disposed on at least one side of the first and second gate electrodes, respectively. The device further includes first and second silicide regions in the first and second source/drain regions, respectively. A contact area between the first silicide region and the first source/drain region is differs in size from a contact area between the second silicide region and the second source/drain region. Methods of fabricating such devices are also provided.
US09012279B2 SiGe HBT and method of manufacturing the same
A SiGe HBT is disclosed, which includes: a silicon substrate; shallow trench field oxides formed in the silicon substrate; a pseudo buried layer formed at bottom of each shallow trench field oxide; a collector region formed beneath the surface of the silicon substrate, the collector region being sandwiched between the shallow trench field oxides and between the pseudo buried layers; a polysilicon gate formed above each shallow trench field oxide having a thickness of greater than 150 nm; a base region on the polysilicon gates and the collector region; emitter region isolation oxides on the base region; and an emitter region on the emitter region isolation oxides and a part of the base region. The polysilicon gate is formed by gate polysilicon process of a MOSFET in a CMOS process. A method of manufacturing the SiGe HBT is also disclosed.
US09012276B2 Variation resistant MOSFETs with superior epitaxial properties
Variation resistant metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFET) are manufactured using a high-K, metal-gate ‘channel-last’ process. Between spacers formed over a well area having separate drain and source areas, a recess in the underlying is formed using a crystallographic etch to provide [111] boundaries adjacent the source and drain regions. An ion implant step localized by the cavity results in a localized increase in well-doping directly beneath the recess. Within the recess, an active region is formed using an un-doped or lightly doped epitaxial layer, deposited at a very low temperature. A high-K dielectric stack is formed over the lightly doped epitaxial layer, over which a metal gate is formed within the cavity boundaries.
US09012269B2 Reducing warpage for fan-out wafer level packaging
Fan-out wafer level packaging includes an integrated circuit having a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a bond pad defined on the top surface. A layer of encapsulant substantially surrounds the side surfaces of the integrated circuit, the layer of encapsulant having a height substantially equal to a height of the integrated circuit. A bump is spaced apart from the integrated circuit, and a redistribution layer electrically couples the bond pad of the integrated circuit to the bump.
US09012267B2 Method of manufacturing a packaged circuit including a lead frame and a laminate substrate
Embodiments of the subject application provide for a circuit comprising: a lead frame having a first plurality of exposed terminals, the lead frame defining a plane; a laminate substrate in the plane defined by the lead frame, adjacent to the lead frame, and electrically coupled to the lead frame, the laminate substrate having a first surface including a second plurality of exposed terminals and a second surface opposite the first surface; a first one or more dies mounted on the lead frame and electrically coupled to the lead frame; and a second one or more dies mounted on the second surface of the laminate substrate and electrically coupled to the laminate substrate.
US09012266B2 Copper post solder bumps on substrates
A method comprises forming semiconductor flip chip interconnects having electrical connecting pads and electrically conductive posts terminating in distal ends operatively associated with the pads. We solder bump the distal ends by injection molding, mask the posts on the pads with a mask having a plurality of through hole reservoirs and align the reservoirs in the mask to be substantially concentric with the distal ends. Injecting liquid solder into the reservoirs and allowing it to cool provides solidified solder on the distal ends, which after mask removal produces a solder bumped substrate which we position on a wafer to leave a gap between the wafer and the substrate. The wafer has electrically conductive sites on the surface for soldering to the posts. Abutting the sites and the solder bumped posts followed by heating joins the wafer and substrate. The gap is optionally filled with a material comprising an underfill.
US09012265B2 Magnet assisted alignment method for wafer bonding and wafer level chip scale packaging
A high-precision alignment method with high throughput is proposed, which can be used for wafer-to-wafer, chip-to-wafer or chip-to-chip bonding. The scheme implements pairing patterned magnets predetermined designed and made using wafer level process on two components (wafer or chip). The magnetization in patterned magnet can be set at predetermined configuration before bonding starts. When, the two components are bought to close proximity after a coarse alignment, the magnetic force will bring the magnet pairs together and aligned the patterned magnet on one component with its mirrored or complimentary patterned magnets on the other component to minimize the overall the magnetic energy of the pairing magnet. A few patterned magnet structures and materials, with their unique merits are proposed as examples for magnet pair for the self-alignment purpose. This method enables solid contact at the bonding interface via patterned magnets under the magnetic force, which avoid the wafer drafting due to the formation of the liquid phases.
US09012263B1 Method for treating a bond pad of a package substrate
A method of making a package substrate having a copper bond pad and a location for receiving a semiconductor die having a remnant of one of a group consisting of HEDP and an HEDP derivative on a top surface of the copper bond pad. The semiconductor die is attached to the substrate. A wirebond connection is attached between the remnant and the semiconductor die.
US09012262B2 Method of direct tiling of an image sensor array
A method of making a tiled array of semiconductor dies includes aligning and flattening. One end of each semiconductor die has attached thereto a respective printed circuit board. The aligning aligns the semiconductor dies into the tiled array in such a way that the semiconductor dies rest on a vacuum plate and the one end of each die extends beyond an edge of the vacuum plate. The flattening flattens the semiconductor dies against the vacuum plate with a vacuum after the semiconductor dies are aligned.
US09012261B2 High productivity combinatorial screening for stable metal oxide TFTs
Methods for HPC techniques are applied to the processing of site-isolated regions (SIR) on a substrate to form at least a portion of a TFT device used in display applications. The processing may be applied to at least one of gate electrode deposition, gate electrode patterning, gate dielectric deposition, gate dielectric patterning, metal-based semiconductor material (e.g. IGZO) deposition, metal-based semiconductor material (e.g. IGZO) patterning, etch stop deposition, etch stop patterning, source/drain deposition, source/drain patterning, passivation deposition, or passivation patterning. The SIRs may be defined during the deposition process with uniform deposition within each SIR or the SIRs may be defined subsequent to the deposition of layers wherein the layers are deposited with a gradient in one or more properties across the substrate.
US09012252B2 Method for manufacturing a light emitting diode
This invention is about a method to be used in the fabrication of an electroluminescent diode and a diode fabricated with this method. The temperatures needed for the crystalline LEDs produced presently under specified temperatures in a furnace, will be provided within the semiconductor by the Joule effect. As an alternative to the commercial LEDs, whose costs are suitable only when they are produced in the order of centimeters, our process renders the fabrication of LEDs over very large surfaces of the order of meters, with the temperature raised by applying electric current without any requirements of high temperature furnace treatments. The effects of the chemical processes experienced during the Joule heating are permanent and the diode is able to luminesce.
US09012249B2 Organic light emitting diode display and method for manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting diode display comprises a display substrate including an organic light emitting element, an encapsulation substrate disposed to face the display substrate, a sealant disposed between edges of the display substrate and the encapsulation substrate for bonding and sealing the display substrate and the encapsulation substrate together, a filler filling in a space between the display substrate and the encapsulation substrate, first spacers formed on one surface of the display substrate contacting the filler, and second spacers formed on one surface of the encapsulation substrate contacting the filler. The display substrate and the encapsulation substrate are divided into a dropping area and a spreading area surrounding the dropping area and positioned relatively close to the sealant, and either or both of the first spacers and the second spacers have different shapes in the dropping area and in the spreading area.
US09012247B2 Method of manufacturing an ink-jet printhead
A method of manufacturing an ink jet printhead includes: providing a silicon substrate including active ejecting elements; providing a hydraulic structure layer; providing a silicon orifice plate having a plurality of nozzles for ejection of said ink; and assembling the silicon substrate with said hydraulic structure layer and said silicon orifice plate. Providing the silicon orifice plate comprises: providing a silicon wafer having a substantially planar extension delimited by a first and a second surfaces; performing a thinning step at the second surface so as to remove a central portion having a preset height; and forming in the silicon wafer a plurality of through holes, each defining a respective nozzle for ejection of the ink.
US09012246B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device and polishing apparatus
According to an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a wiring groove on an insulating film; forming a barrier metal layer and a metal layer; polishing the metal layer by applying a first load on the metal layer; and subsequently polishing the metal layer while applying a second load larger than the first load on the metal layer and spraying a gas onto a polishing pad. The polishing pad is in contact with the metal layer. The barrier metal layer covers an upper surface of the insulating film and an inner surface of the wiring groove, and the metal layer fills an inside of the wiring groove and covers the barrier metal layer.
US09012244B2 Method to form multiple trenches utilizing a grayscale mask
The present disclosure relates to a method to form a plurality of openings within a substrate with a single photo exposure and a single etch process. A photoresist layer is disposed over a substrate and aligned with a photomask, wherein the photomask comprises a transparent area, a grayscale area, and an opaque area. The photomask and substrate are exposed to radiation comprising a single illumination step to form a first 3-dimensional pattern within the photoresist layer. The 3-dimensional pattern comprises a first opening comprising a first thickness formed by transmitting the radiation through the transparent area with full intensity, and a second opening comprising a second thickness formed by transmitting the radiation through the grayscale area with partial intensity. The 3-dimensional pattern is transferred to form a plurality of openings of varying depths within the substrate through a single etch step.
US09012242B2 Multivalent fluorescent probes
Multivalent fluorescent probes and methods of using these multivalent fluorescent probes for in vitro and in vivo imaging are described.
US09012241B2 Rapid detection and identification of energetic materials with surface enhanced raman spectrometry (SERS)
In one embodiment, a system includes a plurality of metal nanoparticles functionalized with a plurality of organic molecules tethered thereto, wherein the plurality of organic molecules preferentially interact with one or more analytes when placed in proximity therewith. According to another embodiment, a method for detecting analytes includes contacting a fluid having one or more analytes of interest therein with a plurality of metal nanoparticles, each metal nanoparticle having a plurality of organic molecules tethered thereto, and detecting Raman scattering from an analyte of interest from the fluid, the analyte interacting with one or more of the plurality of organic molecules. In another embodiment, a method includes chemically modifying a plurality of cyclodextrin molecules at a primary hydroxyl moiety to create a chemical handle, and tethering the plurality of cyclodextrin molecules to a metal nanoparticle using the chemical handle. Other systems and methods for detecting analytes are also described.
US09012240B2 Hydrogel nanoparticle based immunoassay
An immunoassay device incorporating porous polymeric capture nanoparticles within either the sample collection vessel or pre-impregnated into a porous substratum within fluid flow path of the analytical device is presented. This incorporation of capture particles within the immunoassay device improves sensitivity while removing the requirement for pre-processing of samples prior to loading the immunoassay device. A preferred embodiment is coreshell bait containing capture nanoparticles which perform three functions in one step, in solution: a) molecular size sieving, b) target analyte sequestration and concentration, and c) protection from degradation. The polymeric matrix of the capture particles may be made of co-polymeric materials having a structural monomer and an affinity monomer, the affinity monomer having properties that attract the analyte to the capture particle. This device is useful for point of care diagnostic assays for biomedical applications and as field deployable assays for environmental, pathogen and chemical or biological threat identification.
US09012239B2 Polymer backbone element tags
Element tags based on novel metal-polymer conjugates are provided for elemental analysis of analytes, including ICP-MS. A polymer backbone is functionalized to irreversibly bind metals that are selected prior to use by the user. The polymer is further functionalized to attach a linker which allows for attachment to antibodies or other affinity reagents. The polymer format allows attachment of many copies of a given isotope, which linearly improves sensitivity. The metal-polymer conjugate tags enable multiplexed assay in two formats: bulk assay, where the average biomarker distribution in the sample is diagnostic, and single cell format to distinguish a rare (for example a diseased) cell in a complex sample (for example, blood).
US09012238B2 Devices for selective recruitment, isolation, activation, and/or elimination of various cell populations
Implantable devices comprise at least one or more targeting molecules that form a primary coating layer for selectively recruiting, isolating, activating, and/or eliminating any cells of interest, such as T cells, monocytes, and stem cells. The implantable devices can be utilized for selectively removing a particular subset of cells from bodily fluids of a patient. Various non-selective pharmaceutical agents and biological agents can be incorporated into the implantable devices so that cells of interest can be isolated for elimination or for activation/differentiation. Cell-type selectivity is conferred by the presence of cell-type-specific targeting molecules incorporated into the implantable device, preferably at the surface level to permit direct or indirect interaction between the cells of interest and targeting molecules of the implantable device. Related therapeutic methods for utilizing the implantable devices are also provided. These implantable devices can be manufactured as a stent, a catheter, a holding chamber, or any other device, and can be manufactured into any shape, including a conduit, a vessel, and a tubing.
US09012237B2 Innovative blood platelets biomarker for early diagnosis of alzheimer's disease
The present invention is directed to a method for early, non-invasive, rapid, efficient, reliable and accurate diagnose of Alzheimer's disease. The present invention particularly addresses obtaining blood samples, and stabilizing platelets from healthy persons and patients with probable cognitive impairment and/or Alzheimer's disease; extracting proteins from the platelets; identifying both monomeric and oligomeric tau proteins in the platelets with at least two monoclonal antibodies against the tau proteins, quantifying the amounts of the identified tau proteins, and comparing the amounts and protein profiles of the tau molecular species in the platelets of the healthy person and the patient.
US09012236B2 Universal sample preparation system and use in an integrated analysis system
The invention provides a system that can process a raw biological sample, perform a biochemical reaction and provide an analysis readout. For example, the system can extract DNA from a swab, amplify STR loci from the DNA, and analyze the amplified loci and STR markers in the sample. The system integrates these functions by using microfluidic components to connect what can be macrofluidic functions. In one embodiment the system includes a sample purification module, a reaction module, a post-reaction clean-up module, a capillary electrophoresis module and a computer. In certain embodiments, the system includes a disposable cartridge for performing analyte capture. The cartridge can comprise a fluidic manifold having macrofluidic chambers mated with microfluidic chips that route the liquids between chambers. The system fits within an enclosure of no more than 10 ft3. and can be a closed, portable, and/or a battery operated system. The system can be used to go from raw sample to analysis in less than 4 hours.
US09012235B2 Multi-sample particle analyzer and method for high throughput screening
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for analyzing a plurality of samples comprising obtaining with an autosampler a plurality of samples from a first plate having a plurality of sample wells wherein the autosampler has a plurality of probes for sampling a set of samples and wherein each probe of the plurality of probes is in communication with a separate flow cytometer via a separate conduit. The plurality of samples comprising particles is moved into a fluid flow stream for each separate conduit. Adjacent ones of the plurality of samples are separated from each other in the fluid flow stream by a separation gas, thereby forming a gas-separated fluid flow stream. The gas-separated fluid flow stream is independently guided to and through each separate flow cytometer.
US09012234B2 Mobile water analysis arrangement and method for determining an analyte in a water sample
A mobile water analyzing system for determining an analyte in a water sample includes a basic unit and a test element configured to be inserted into the basic unit. The test element includes a sample line with an inlet opening configured to receive the water sample, a measuring section forming a measuring track and configured to allow the determination of an analyte, a pump opening, and a key reagent disposed inside the sample line. The basic unit includes a test element receptacle configured to hold the inserted test element, an analyzer with an analyzer measuring track formed by the measuring section, and a pump actuator cooperatively connected with the pump opening.
US09012230B2 Fluorescent nanoprobe for detecting hydrogen peroxide and fabrication method thereof
The present disclosure relates to a sulfonated benzene compound emitting fluorescence by reaction with hydrogen peroxide, aqueous-dispersed fluorescent nanoprobes applicable for real-time detection of hydrogen peroxide, and a fluorescent nanoprobe fabrication method. The fluorescent nanoprobe contains the following sulfonated benzene compound and water.
US09012229B2 Capillary electrophoresis method for fine structural analysis of enoxaparin sodium
A capillary electrophoresis method for quantitatively analyzing characteristic oligosaccharide present in enoxaparin sodium is provided in this invention. The method may be used for quantitatively determining the contents of disaccharides, trisaccharides, tetrasaccharides and in particular oligosaccharides having a 1,6-anhydro ring, which are unique compounds for enoxaparin sodium, within an exhaustively digested enoxaparin sodium sample with a mixture of heparinase I, II, and III, so as to quantitatively determine the molar percentage of oligosaccharides having 1,6-anhydro ring in enoxaparin sodium. The method may be used for the pharmaceutical quality control of enoxaparin sodium during the manufacturing process.
US09012228B2 Disk-type microfluid system and method for checking blood status
Provided is a method for checking a blood status including: a step of supplying blood to the centrifugal container of a disk; a step of rotating the disk to centrifuge the blood cells and blood plasma in the centrifuge container, and detecting the actual moving distance per hour of the blood cells in the centrifugal container; and a step of establishing a first graph which represents the actual moving distance of the blood cells per hour, and a second graph which represents the theoretical moving distance of the blood cells per hour, and thereafter calculating the hematocrit of the blood cells and the viscosity of the blood plasma by comparing the first graph with the second graph.
US09012227B2 ω-Aminocarboxylic acids, ω-aminocarboxylic acid esters, or recombinant cells which produce lactams thereof
The present invention relates to a cell, which has been genetically modified relative to its wild type, so that in comparison with its wild type it is able to produce more ω-aminocarboxylic acids, more ω-aminocarboxylic acid esters or more lactams derived from ω-aminocarboxylic acids, starting from carboxylic acids or carboxylic acid esters. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for the production of a genetically modified cell, the cells obtainable by this method, a method for the production of ω-aminocarboxylic acids, of ω-aminocarboxylic acid esters or of lactams derived from ω-aminocarboxylic acids, the ω-aminocarboxylic acids, ω-aminocarboxylic acid esters or lactams derived from ω-aminocarboxylic acids obtainable by this method, a method for the production of polyamides based on ω-aminocarboxylic acids or based on lactams and the polyamides obtainable by this method.
US09012221B2 Method for producing platelets from megakaryocytes
The present invention relates to a method for producing platelets from mature megakaryocytes. More particularly, the invention relates to an ex vivo method for producing platelets, from mature megakaryocytes, said method comprising a step of subjecting a suspension of mature megakaryocytes to a flow having a minimal shear rate of 600 s−1 on a solid phase coated with Von Willebrand factor.
US09012217B2 Benzimidazole compounds differentiate a mammalian stem cell into mesodermal or cardiomyocyte cells
Methods and small molecule compounds for stem cell differentiation are provided. One example of a class of compounds that may be used is represented by the compound having the structure IA or IB in the form of free base or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate or N-oxide thereof: R1 is independently hydrogen or (C1-C6)alkyl; R2 is independently hydrogen, (C1-C6)alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl; R2′ is independently hydrogen, (C1-C6)alkyl, CF3 or C2F5; R3 is independently (C1-C6)alkyl, aryl, 2-tetrahydrofurylmethyl, an aliphatic tertiary amine, or 4-methoxybenzyl; or R2 and R3 may be joined together to form a 5 or 6 member ring lactone; R4 is independently hydrogen, (C1-C6)alkyl, a 2- or 4-R5-substituted aromatic ring selected from a 4-R5-phenyl or a 2-R5-5-pyridyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aliphatic tertiary amine or halogen; and R5, R5′, R6, R6′, R7, R7′, are each independently hydrogen, (C1-C6)alkyl, aryl, optionally substituted phenyl, heteroaryl, a heterocyclic ring, an aliphatic tertiary amine, or halogen.
US09012214B2 Recombinant measles viruses expressing epitopes of antigens of RNA viruses—use for the preparation of vaccine compositions
The invention relates to a recombinant measles virus expressing a heterologous amino acid sequence derived from an antigen of a determined RNA virus, the recombinant measles virus being capable of eliciting a humoral and/or cellular immune response against measles virus or against the RNA virus or against both measles virus and against the RNA virus. It also relates to the use of the recombinant measles virus for the preparation of immunogenic compositions.
US09012211B2 Harvested sample preparation personal box and system and method of harvested sample preparation
A harvested sample preparation system includes an operation isolator 3 in which aseptic manipulation is executed, a harvested sample preparation personal box 4 which can be connected with the operation isolator 3 and a storage 5 that stores a plurality of harvested sample preparation personal boxes 4. The harvested sample preparation personal box 4 includes a first housing chamber 4Aa and a second housing chamber 4Ab, and a fluid appropriate for cell culturing is supplied to the first housing chamber 4Aa from a fluid supply pipe 16 included by the storage 5 while cooling fluid is supplied to the second housing chamber 4Ab from a cooling fluid supply pipe 18. The harvested sample preparation system that prevents mix-up and cross-contamination with a simple configuration can be provided.
US09012210B2 Cell culture and mixing vessel
A mixing vessel (10) for containing a liquid, comprises a chamber having a lower chamber portion and an upper chamber portion wider than the lower portion, gas inlet means (14) for supplying gas to the lower portion and means for redirecting rising gas (24), such that, in use, rising gas in the form of bubbles, initially rises substantially vertically and is redirected in a substantially horizontal direction by the means for redirecting rising gas.
US09012209B2 CO2 optical sensor for detection and enumeration of microorganisms
A new device and method for detecting the presence of living microorganisms in test samples are described. The device includes a container having at least one section transparent to light with an incubation zone defined in the container, the incubation zone containing growth media in which the sample is cultured. A detection zone containing a matrix composed of a polymeric material which is substantially transparent to light, and at least one indicator reagent sensitive to carbon dioxide gas generated by the microorganisms in the incubation zone is located in the transparent section of the matrix. The matrix is configured to facilitate penetration of external light aimed at the transparent section of the container and interaction of the external light with the indicator reagent to yield interactive light that escapes through the transparent section of the container, said interactive light is being indicative of the presence and/or concentration of the microorganisms.
US09012207B2 Biosensors including metallic nanocavities
A biomolecular assay includes a substrate with a metallic layer on at least one surface thereof. The metallic film includes nanocavities. The nanocavities are configured to enhance signals that are representative of the presence or amount of one or more analytes in a sample or sample solution, and may be configured to enhance the signal by a factor of about two or more or by a factor of about three or more. Such signal enhancement may be achieved with nanocavities that are organized in an array, randomly positioned nanocavities, or nanocavities that are surrounded by increased surface area features, such as corrugation or patterning, or nanocavities that have quadrilateral or triangular shapes with tailored edge lengths, or with a plurality of nanoparticles. Methods for fabricating biomolecular substrates and assay techniques in which such biomolecular substrates are used are also disclosed.
US09012202B2 Cell-based arrays, methods of making, and methods of using
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for arrays, systems, and methods for the analyzing cells, methods of making arrays, and the like.
US09012201B2 Enrichment unit for biological components and an enrichment method
A biological component enrichment unit for the isolation, purification and/or determination of a biological component using particles (3) and/or another solid phase, which enrichment unit comprises at least one sample container (1, 15, 26, 32, 39) for the realization of the biological sample method. The enrichment unit comprises a lead-through structure (5), such as a bushing (21, 27) made up of one or several parts or a cover having one or several openings (25, 36). The lead-through structure and one or several sample containers can be brought into connection with one another so that, when the lead-through structure is placed on top of the sample container, a functional unit is formed for the realization of the biological method, such as for the binding of the component, the growing, isolation, purification, enrichment of the bacteria or cell or for another similar method.
US09012199B2 Recombinant carrier molecule for expression, delivery and purification of target polypeptides
Recombinant carrier molecules having amino acid sequences from thermostable enzymes and methods of use for expression, recovery and delivery of foreign sequences (peptides and polypeptides) produced in different systems (bacteria, yeast, DNA, cell cultures such as mammalian, plant, insect cell cultures, protoplast and whole plants in vitro or in vivo are provided. The recombinant carrier molecule using sequences from lichenase B (Lic B) were also made and used as part of carrier protein to express, recover and deliver a variety of target polypeptides of interest.
US09012194B2 Sophorolipids as protein inducers and inhibitors in fermentation medium
A method for producing sophorolipids having protein inducer and/or repressor activities having the steps of synthesizing the sophorolipid by fermentation of Candida bombicola in a fermentation media to form a natural mixture of lactonic sophorolipids and non-lactonic sophorolipids and then utilizing the natural mixture as a protein inducing agent, utilizing the natural mixture as a protein repressing agent, and/or utilizing the natural mixture as a combined protein induction/repressor agent. An application of the sophorolipid compound produced according to the method as a microbial media component.
US09012186B2 Hemicellulose-degrading enzymes
The present disclosure provides methods for the conversion of hemicellulose into fermentable sugars using enzymes isolated from Prevotella bryantii. Hemicellulose-degrading enzymes include an endoxylanase, a β-xylosidase, a bifunctional β-xylosidase and β-glucosidase, a bifunctional arabinofuranosidase and β-xylosidase, a glucuronidase, and an acetyl xylan esterase. The enzymes can be used to release sugars present in hemicellulose for subsequent fermentation to produce value-added products such as ethanol.
US09012179B2 Method for mass-producing antifreeze protein derived from polar yeast
The present invention relates to a method for mass-producing an antifreeze protein derived from a polar yeast, and more particularly, to a method for mass-producing an antifreeze protein derived from Leucosporidium sp., which is the polar yeast, for synthesizing a recombinant polynucleotide by optimizing and altering a gene, which codes the antifreeze protein derived from the polar yeast, for a yeast expression system, and for expressing same using the yeast expression system.
US09012178B2 Dipeptides to enhance yield and viability from cell cultures
The present invention relates to the culture of animal cells in serum-free culture medium. The present invention provides particular dipeptides that can improve recombinant protein production and cell viability in such cultures, especially in the absence of peptones.
US09012175B2 Mutant AOX1 promoters
A mutant Pichia pastoris alcohol oxidase 1 (AOX1) promoter of the wild type Pichia pastoris AOX1 promoter (SEQ ID No. 1) comprising at least one mutation selected from the group consisting of: a) a transcription factor binding site (TFBS), b) nucleotides 170 to 235 (−784 to −719), nucleotides 170 to 191 (−784 to −763), nucleotides 192 to 213 (−762 to −741), nucleotides 192 to 210 (−762 to −744), nucleotides 207 to 209 (−747 to −745), nucleotides 214 to 235 (−740 to −719), nucleotides 304 to 350 (−650 to −604), nucleotides 364 to 393 (−590 to −561), nucleotides 434 to 508 (−520 to −446), nucleotides 509 to 551 (−445 to −403), nucleotides 552 to 560 (−402 to −394), nucleotides 585 to 617 (−369 to −337), nucleotides 621 to 660 (−333 to −294), nucleotides 625 to 683 (−329 to −271), nucleotides 736 to 741 (−218 to −213), nucleotides 737 to 738 (−217 to −216), nucleotides 726 to 755 (−228 to −199), nucleotides 784 to 800 (−170 to −154) or nucleotides 823 to 861 (−131 to −93) of Seq ID No. 1, and combinations thereof.
US09012171B2 Systems and methods for measuring translation activity in viable cells
Systems for measuring protein translation and methods for measuring overall translation activity in viable cells or subcellular compartments is disclosed. The methods identify general ribosomal activity, if desired at sub-cellular resolution, thereby providing a signal indicating the rate of any of the steps of protein synthesis selected from initiation, elongation, termination or recycling. The translation system can be used to identify translation modulators in high-throughput-screening (HTS).
US09012170B2 Split peroxidases and methods of use
An imaging method utilizing a split peroxidase is described herein. Imaging methods involve contacting a cell with a split peroxidase and a substrate thereof to allow conversion of a substrate into a product via an enzymatic reaction catalyzed by the reconstitute split peroxidase. Also disclosed herein are split peroxidases, related products and kits.
US09012167B2 Quick method for detecting enzymes and microorganisms
The present invention concerns an in vitro method for detecting an enzyme or a microorganism in a biological sample, comprising the steps of: a1) concentrating the microorganisms present in the biological sample, optionally after a a0) culture step of the microorganisms; b1) placing in suspension the microorganisms concentrated at step a1) in a solution containing at least one chromogenic or fluorogenic substrate capable of releasing a chromophore or fluorophore after hydrolysis by the enzyme to be detected; c1) detecting potential release of the chromophore or fluorophore obtained at step b1); the release of the chromophore or fluorophore detected at step c1) indicating the presence of the enzyme to be detected.
US09012165B2 Assay for B-galactosidase activity
The invention is directed to an assay for acid β-galactosidase activity. The invention may include combining in oil a sample droplet with a 4-methylumbelliferyl-B-galactose to yield a reaction droplet; splitting the reaction droplet to yield a first daughter droplet and a second daughter droplet; combining the first daughter droplet with a stop buffer droplet to yield a first stopped reaction droplet; incubating the second daughter droplet; combining the second daughter droplet with a stop buffer droplet to yield a second stopped reaction droplet; and measuring 4-methylumbelliferone released in the first and second stopped reaction droplets.
US09012164B2 Bioluminescent assays utilising secreted luciferases
Disclosed herein are methods for determining the amount or activity of one or more luciferases and methods for measuring the luminescent signal generated by one or more luciferases in a sample, the methods comprising incubating the sample with a reactive substrate(s) of the luciferase(s) to be analyzed and a reducing agent to inactivate a first luciferase, wherein the first luciferase, in its native form, is a secreted luciferase.
US09012163B2 Modular point-of-care devices, systems, and uses thereof
The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications.
US09012162B2 Clinical diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis using a novel panel of human serum protein biomarkers
The inventors have proposed a novel panel of human serum protein biomarkers for diagnosing hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Presently there is no reliable non-invasive way of assessing liver fibrosis. A 2D-PAGE based proteomics study was used to identify potential fibrosis biomarkers. Serum from patients with varying degrees of hepatic scarring induced by infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) was analyzed. Several proteins associated with liver scarring and/or viral infection were identified. These proteins include the inter-α-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 fragments, complement factor H-related protein 1, CD5L, Apo L1, and β2GPI. Increased and decreased thiolester cleavage of a2M and Complement C3, respectively, was also detected. The concentrations of these novel biomarkers can be determined using an immunoassay where the concentrations would reflect the extent of fibrosis. A fibrosis scoring scale for each of the novel biomarkers is proposed. The additive result from the scores of all the novel biomarkers would give a more reliable indication of the degree of fibrosis rather than examining individual biomarkers.
US09012160B2 Monitoring skin metabolism products for evaluating burn injury
The present invention relates to methods and kits for evaluating the severity of a burn injury, which are based on the detection in a clinical fluid sample of skin metabolism products, such as collagen peptides which are released upon collagen degradation or synthesis.
US09012158B2 Method of diagnosing Sjogren's disease
Provided are methods and compositions for determining whether an individual has Sjögren's disease (SD). The method entails determining in a biological sample from the individual the presence of antibodies directed to salivary gland protein 1 (SP-1), parotid secretory protein (PSP), carbonic anhydrase 6 (CA6), or determining a combination of the antibodies. Determining that the individual has SD is based on the presence of the antibodies. The method provides for detection of early SD. Kits for antibody detection containing the antigens to which the antibodies of SD patients are directed are also provided.
US09012157B2 Determining immunoglobulins in non-blood body fluids of neonatal ungulates
Provided is a method for determining immunoglobulins in a neonatal ungulate. The method entails obtaining a sample of oral secretions from the neonatal ungulate and measuring an amount of immunoglobulins in the sample of oral secretions. The method is faster and more convenient than previously available methods for determining immunglobulins in neonatal ungulates, such as neonatal horses and cattle.
US09012156B2 Method for the selection of specific affinity binders by homogeneous noncompetitive assay
The invention generally relates to the field of immunochemistry including antibody therapy, diagnostics, and basic research and specifically relates to the area of selecting affinity molecules such as natural antibodies, including artificial antibodies, antibody mimics, and aptamers. The invention relates particularly to a method of selecting affinity molecules using a homogeneous noncompetitive assay in a high throughput process.
US09012154B2 Ficolin-3 assay
The present invention relates to methods for detecting Ficolin-3 dependent activation of the lectin pathway of complement, methods for identifying abnormalities in Ficolin-3, and methods for screening for deficiencies/and or identifying abnormalities in any downstream components of the Ficolin-3 dependent activation of the lectin pathway of 5 complement using an acetylated Ficolin-3 ligand, said methods generally comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sample of blood, serum, plasma, another body fluid or an extract thereof; (b) (optionally) preventing in the sample activation of the classical pathway and/or the alternative pathway and/or any non-Ficolin-3 mediated activation of the lectin pathway; (c) acetylating a molecule; (d) contacting said acetylated molecule 10 with said sample, in conditions that permit specific binding of Ficolin-3 to said acetylated molecule, and, (e) detecting and quantifying specific binding of the Ficolin-3 to said acetylated molecule, (f) determining in the sample complement activation and/or deposition by the detection of a C2, C3, C4 and/or a C5 cleavage product and/or by detecting any of the terminal complement complex components C6, C7, C8 or C9 or 15 the C5b-9 terminal complement complex as such. The present invention also provides assays and kits comprising the methods of the invention.
US09012153B2 Method for screening olfactory sensibility inhibitor
To provide a method for objectively evaluating or screening to identify a substance which is capable of suppressing or regulating olfaction. A method of evaluating or screening to identify an agent for suppressing olfactory sensitivity, including adding a test substance to a substrate having a voltage-dependent cation channel and evaluating or selecting a substance that inhibits an electrical activity caused by the cation channel. A method of evaluating or screening to identify an agent for suppressing olfactory sensitivity, including the following steps (1) to (4): (1) adding a test substance to a substrate having a voltage-dependent cation channel; (2) measuring electrical activity caused by the voltage-dependent cation channel; (3) comparing the electrical activity measured in step (2) with the corresponding electrical activity in a control group; and (4) evaluating or selecting the test substance that inhibits the electrical activity as an agent for suppressing olfactory sensitivity, based on the results obtained in step (3).
US09012151B2 Methods of diagnosis and risk stratification of adverse events in post myocardial infarction patients using pro-adrenomedullin
The invention provides methods for the diagnosis and risk stratification of adverse events in post-myocardial infarction patients by means of proADM, whereby a determination of the marker pro-adrenomedullin or partial sequence or a fragment thereof or contained in a marker combination (panel, cluster) is carried out on a post-myocardial infarction patient. The invention also provides a diagnostic device and a kit for the performance of the method of the method of the invention.
US09012150B2 Methods for evaluating ribonucleotide sequences
Methods for identifying ribonucleotide sequences, in vitro, using the ribosome-mediated translation, are provided.
US09012148B2 Method for evaluating and comparing immunorepertoires
Disclosed is a method for amplifying RNA and/or DNA from immune cell populations and using the amplified products to produce an immune response profile and evaluate the possible correlation between a normal or abnormal immune response and the development of a disease such as an autoimmune disease, cancer, diabetes, or heart disease.
US09012142B2 Sequence-specific detection of nucleotide sequences
A method for detecting the presence of a target nucleotide sequence in a sample of DNA is described herein in which a test sample comprising single stranded DNA is exposed to a DNA probe and a nicking endonuclease under conditions that would permit sequence-specific hybridization of the probe to a complementary target sequence. The probe comprises a sequence complementary to the target sequence to be detected and this sequence also includes a recognition sequence for the nicking endonuclease. If the sample contains the target sequence, the probe hybridizes to the target and is cleaved by the nicking endonuclease, which leaves the target intact. Observing the presence of probe cleaved by the nicking endonuclease indicates the presence of the target nucleotide sequence in the sample of DNA.
US09012134B2 CD127 expression inversely correlates with FoxP3 and suppressive function of CD4+ Tregs
The invention provides methods of isolating CD127lo/− immunosuppressive regulatory T cells which can be greatly enriched for FoxP3, methods of expanding the isolated cells, pharmaceutical compositions of such cells, and methods of their use in the treatment of autoimmune and other immune system mediated disorders.
US09012130B2 Method of fabricating capacitive touch panel
The present disclosure relates to a method of fabricating a capacitive touch pane where a plurality of groups of first conductive patterns are formed along a first direction, a plurality of groups of second conductive patterns are formed along a second direction, and a plurality of connection components are formed on a substrate. Each first conductive pattern is electrically connected to another adjacent first conductive pattern in the same group by each connection component and each group of the second conductive patterns is interlaced with and insulated from each group of the first conductive patterns. Next, a plurality of curved insulation mounds are formed to cover the first connection components. Then, a plurality of bridge components are formed to electrically connect each second conductive pattern with another adjacent second conductive pattern in the same group.
US09012123B2 Positive resist composition and pattern forming method using the same
A positive resist composition and a pattern forming method using the resist composition are provided, the resist composition including: (A) a resin containing a repeating structural unit represented by formula (I) as defined in the specification and being capable of decomposing by an action of an acid to increase the solubility in an alkali developer; (B) an acid generator; and (C) a mixed solvent containing at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of the following Group (a) and at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of the following Groups (b) to (d): Group (a): an alkylene glycol monoalkyl ether, Group (b): an alkylene glycol monoalkyl ether carboxylate, Group (c): a linear ketone, a branched chain ketone, a cyclic ketone, a lactone and an alkylene carbonate, and Group (d): a lactic acid ester, an acetic acid ester and an alkoxypropionic acid ester.
US09012122B2 Modified novolak phenolic resin, making method, and resist composition
A modified novolak phenolic resin is obtained by reacting a novolak phenolic resin containing at least 50 wt % of p-cresol with a crosslinker. This method increases the molecular weight of the existing novolak phenolic resin containing at least 50 wt % of p-cresol to such a level that the resulting modified novolak phenolic resin has heat resistance enough for the photoresist application.
US09012121B2 Colored toner and method for preparing the same
A method for preparing a colored toner. The method includes: 1) providing surface-treated colorant, polymerizing the colorant by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to produce polymer-grafted colorant particles and dispersing the colorant particles in an aqueous solution including a surfactant to yield a first emulsion; 2) providing surface-treated wax, polymerizing the wax by ATRP to produce polymer-grafted wax particles, and dispersing the wax particles in the aqueous solution including the surfactant to yield a second emulsion; and 3) agglutinating the first emulsion and the second emulsion.
US09012116B2 Toner and developer
A toner including a binder resin having a glass transition temperature (Tg) observed at least at one point from 25 to 65° C. in a differential scanning calorimeter at a rate of temperature increase of 5° C./min, wherein the toner has a structure in which a structure appearing as a high phase difference image is dispersed in a structure appearing as a low phase difference image in a two-dimensional phase difference image observed by tapping mode AFM, and an X-ray diffraction chart in which a peak originated from an crystalline resin is observed in a range of a diffraction angle 2θ of from 20 to 25°, and wherein a ratio (I1/I2) of an intensity of the peak originated from an crystalline resin to an intensity (I2) of a halo originated from an amorphous composition is from 0.2 to 1.
US09012115B2 Yellow toner
To provide a yellow toner having a colorant in a good dispersed state, obtained through excellent granulation performance and having stable developing performance, the yellow toner contains a binder resin, a wax and a colorant, and is characterized by containing as the colorant a compound represented by the following general formula (1) and a compound represented by the following general formula (2).
US09012113B2 White toner, method for producing the same, and development agent, recording medium, printed matter, and image forming apparatus using the same
White toner contains a binder resin, a white pigment, and a releasing agent, wherein the white pigment is coated with the releasing agent and dispersed in the binder resin.
US09012112B2 Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
An electrophotographic photosensitive member includes an undercoat layer having a structure represented by formula (1).
US09012106B2 Fluorine containing ionomer composite with ion exchange function, preparation method and use thereof
Provided is a composite which is comprised of one or more ion exchange resin(s) and a porous fluorine containing polymer membrane (2), wherein the porous membrane and the resin form a carbon-chain crosslinked structure, so that the film prepared from the composite is of good airtightness and stability, as well as high ion exchange capacity and high conductivity. The preparation method of the composite, the product prepared from this composite and the application thereof are also provided.
US09012103B2 Sensor integrated glass bulb temperature pressure relief device design for hydrogen storage systems
A TPRD for a high pressure storage vessel including an integrated pressure sensor cooperative with an activation mechanism and a method of monitoring a TPRD for use in a fuel cell system. The TPRD comprises a release piston, moveable between an open and a closed position, which controls the flow of gas from a fuel storage vessel through a gas outlet port. The thermally activated activation mechanism comprises a gas-inlet chamber and a liquid-filled bulb having an air bubble. Upon activation, the release piston moves from the closed position to the open position. The integrated pressure sensor detects the pressure within the TPRD. A difference in pressure between that of the fluid within the fuel storage vessel and the pressure within the TPRD provides indicia of impaired movement of the release piston.
US09012101B2 Fuel cell stacks
The patent relates to fuel cell systems and controlling fuel cell systems. One fuel cell system includes at least one fuel cell stack that includes multiple different serially arranged cells. The system also includes at least one component configured to effect an operating environment of the at least one fuel cell stack. The system further includes a controller configured to operate the at least one component at a primary control point relating to one or more parameters of the operating environment. The controller is further configured to temporarily adjust the at least one component to a secondary control point relating to the one or more parameters. The controller can then re-adjust the at least one component to the primary control point. The fuel cell system can achieve greater overall performance than can be obtained without the adjusting and re-adjusting.
US09012099B2 Measuring system for cells in a fuel cell stack
The present invention concerns an electrochemical system (100) including a stack of series connected electrochemical units (102). The system is controlled by a control circuit (104) and includes a plurality of differential amplifiers (114), each connected by two inputs to the terminals of an electrochemical unit, in order to supply a voltage representative of the potential difference present between the terminals of said electrochemical unit. Each representative voltage is sent to a control unit (106) arranged for converting said representative voltage into a numerical value transmitted to the control circuit. The system further includes, between each differential amplifier and the control unit, a buffer means (116) controlled by the control circuit. The buffer means is capable of saving the voltage representative of the potential difference present between the terminals of the electrochemical unit to which it is connected. The voltage is saved simultaneously by all of the buffer means.
US09012097B1 Regenerative fuel cell and hydrogen storage system
A regenerative fuel cell is provided by the present invention. In the methods and systems described herein, a source of fuel is partially oxidized to release protons and electrons, without total oxidation to carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. The partially oxidized fuel can be regenerated, by reduction, when the fuel cell is reversed. Other variations of the invention provide a convenient system for hydrogen storage, including steps for both release and recapture of hydrogen.
US09012096B2 Long life lithium batteries with stabilized electrodes
The present invention relates to non-aqueous electrolytes having electrode stabilizing additives, stabilized electrodes, and electrochemical devices containing the same. Thus the present invention provides electrolytes containing an alkali metal salt, a polar aprotic solvent, and an electrode stabilizing additive. In certain electrolytes, the alkali metal salt is a bis(chelato)borate and the additives include substituted or unsubstituted linear, branched or cyclic hydrocarbons comprising at least one oxygen atom and at least one aryl, alkenyl or alkynyl group. In other electrolytes, the additives include a substituted aryl compound or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl compound wherein the additive comprises at least one oxygen atom. There are also provided methods of making the electrolytes and batteries employing the electrolytes. The invention also provides for electrode materials. Cathodes of the present invention may be further stabilized by surface coating the particles of the spinel or olivine with a material that can neutralize acid or otherwise lessen or prevent leaching of the manganese or iron ions. In some embodiments the coating is polymeric and in other embodiments the coating is a metal oxide such as ZrO2, TiO2, ZnO, WO3, Al2O3, MgO, SiO2, SnO2 AlPO4, Al(OH)3, a mixture of any two or more thereof.
US09012095B2 Electrolyte and secondary battery
An electrolyte includes a solvent and an electrolyte salt. The solvent contains at least one selected from ester compounds, lithium monofluorophosphate, and lithium difluorophosphate, and at least one selected from anhydrous compounds. The ester compounds are chain compounds having ester moieties, such as (—O—C(═O)—O—R), at both ends. The anhydrous compounds are cyclic compounds having, for example, a disulfonic anhydride group, (—S(O═)2—O—S(O═)2—).
US09012093B2 Secondary battery
The present invention provides an electrolyte solution for a lithium ion secondary battery comprising 65 to 99% by volume of a phosphate ester compound, 0.01 to 30% by volume of a fluorinated carbonate compound, and 0.1 to 10% by volume of a halogenated phosphate ester compound and/or 0.1 to 30% by volume of a solvent having a specific dielectric constant of 15 or more, and a lithium ion secondary battery having the same.
US09012087B2 Device and electrode having nanoporous graphite with lithiated sulfur for advanced rechargeable batteries
Methods, systems and devices are implemented in connection with rechargeable batteries. One such device includes a cathode that has lithiated sulfur. The device also includes a porous structure having pores containing the lithium-sulfide particles introduced during a manufacturing stage thereof.
US09012086B2 Active material for rechargeable magnesium ion battery
A magnesium ion battery includes a first electrode including a substrate and an active material deposited on the substrate. Also provided is a second electrode. An electrolyte is located between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrolyte includes a magnesium compound. The active material includes indium and an intermetallic compound of magnesium and indium.
US09012085B2 Lithium battery
A lithium battery (1) including a positive electrode (10) containing low-crystallinity manganese dioxide having a specific surface area of 8 to 28 m2/g as a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode (11) containing metallic lithium or a lithium alloy as a negative electrode active material, and an organic electrolyte is provided. The lithium battery (1), due to said low-crystallinity manganese dioxide contained therein, has excellent storage characteristics at high temperatures of 100° C. or higher, large-current discharge characteristics, large-current pulse discharge characteristics, low-temperature discharge characteristics, and like characteristics, and in addition, is cost advantageous.
US09012081B2 Anode active material and secondary battery comprising the same
Disclosed are an anode active material for secondary batteries, capable of intercalating and deintercalating ions, the anode active material including a core including a crystalline carbon-based material, and a composite coating layer including one or more materials selected from the group consisting of low crystalline carbon and amorphous carbon, and a hydrophilic material containing oxide capable of intercalating and deintercalating ions, wherein the composite coating layer includes a matrix comprising one component selected from (a) the one or more materials selected from the group consisting of low crystalline carbon and amorphous carbon and (b) the hydrophilic material containing oxide capable of intercalating and deintercalating ions, and a filler including the other component, incorporated in the matrix, and a secondary battery including the anode active material.
US09012078B2 Method for producing battery electrode
The present invention provides a method for producing a battery electrode having a configuration in which an active material layer containing an active material 22 and a polymer material 24 is retained on a current collector 10, the method comprising a step of applying a paste for forming an active material layer 28 containing the active material 22 and the polymer material 24 in a solvent 26, to the current collector 10, and a step of forming an active material layer on the current collector 10 by drying the applied paste 28. An ionic polymer exhibiting cationic or anionic properties in the paste 28 is used as at least one kind of the polymer material 24, and an electric potential having an opposite polarity to that of the ionic polymer 24 is applied to the current collector 10 after the paste 28 has been applied to the current collector 10.
US09012076B2 Organic radical polyimide electrode active material, and electrochemical device comprising same
Disclosed herein is an organic radical polyimide, represented by Formula 1 below: The organic radical polyimide can be applied to a cathode, an anode or the like, and can be widely applied to an organic solar cell, an organic transistor, organic memory or the like. Further, the organic radical polyimide can be used to manufacture a secondary battery having high energy density because it has high radical density. Further, the organic radical polyimide can be formed into an ultrathin film such as a polymer film and can be used to manufacture a flexible next-generation battery because it does not include metal components and causes a stable oxidation-reduction reaction.
US09012072B2 Rechargeable magnesium battery
This invention generally relates to electrochemical cells utilizing magnesium anodes, new solutions and intercalation cathodes. The present invention is a new rechargeable magnesium battery based on magnesium metal as an anode material, a modified Chevrel phase as an intercalation cathode for magnesium ions and new electrolyte solution from which magnesium can be deposited reversibly, which have a very wide electrochemical window. The Chevrel phase compound is represented by the formula Mo6S8-YSeY in which y is higher than 0 and lower than 2 or by the formula MXMo6S8 in which M is selected from the group comprising of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), silver (Ag) and/or any other transition metal; further wherein x is higher than 0 and lower than 2.
US09012070B2 Secondary battery
A secondary battery including an electrode assembly; a pouch case accommodating the electrode assembly and including an unsealed part and a sealed part at a wing portion of the pouch case; and an electrode tab including a first side electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and a second side drawn out from the pouch case through the wing portion, and the unsealed part includes a first unsealed part at an outer periphery of the wing portion which is directed toward the second side of the electrode tab, and a second unsealed part at an inner periphery of the wing portion which is directed toward the electrode assembly, and the sealed part is between the first unsealed part and the second unsealed part.
US09012061B2 Method for producing polyolefin porous film, and laminated porous film
Provided is a method for reproducibly and efficiently producing a polyolefin porous film having a porous structure suitable for a separator for a battery without requiring a special apparatus. The method according to the present invention is a method for producing a polyolefin porous film, the method including conveying a raw material polyolefin sheet having pores into a furnace of a tenter type stretching machine, and tenter-stretching the sheet in a plurality of stretching regions in the furnace to produce a polyolefin porous film, wherein the plurality of stretching regions include at least two stretching regions having different film widening speeds, and the temperature of a stretching region having a high film widening speed is lower than that of a stretching region having a low film widening speed in the at least two stretching regions, and a stretching region having the highest film widening speed is situated in the front stage with respect to a stretching region having the lowest film widening speed.
US09012059B2 Secondary battery
A secondary battery includes at least two electrode assemblies, each electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate, a case accommodating the at least two electrode assemblies, electrode terminals electrically connected to the at least two electrode assemblies, a cap plate sealing the case and exposing the electrode terminals to the outside, and at least one insulation member between the at least two electrode assemblies, the insulation member defining a space between the at least two electrode assemblies.
US09012058B2 Lithium secondary battery
Disclosed is a lithium secondary battery. The lithium secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, a separator and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution. The separator includes a porous substrate, and a coating layer coated on at least one surface of the porous substrate and including a mixture of inorganic particles and a binder polymer. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution contains an ionizable lithium salt, an organic solvent, and a dinitrile compound having a specific structure. The lithium secondary battery is very safe without side reactions of the electrolyte solution. Therefore, the lithium secondary battery exhibits excellent cycle life and output performance characteristics.
US09012057B2 Battery cell assembly and method for manufacturing the battery cell assembly
A battery cell assembly is provided. The battery cell assembly includes a battery cell housing having first and second side members coupled together defining an interior region, and a battery cell disposed within the interior region. The battery cell assembly further includes a cable carrier assembly having a carrier member with a first aperture extending therethrough. The carrier member is disposed between first and second end portions of the first and second side members, respectively, and extends outwardly from the battery cell housing. A first cable extends from the interior region of the battery cell housing and through the first aperture of the carrier member to an electronic module disposed on the carrier member.
US09012056B2 High voltage battery pack apparatus for vehicle
Disclosed is a high voltage battery pack apparatus for a vehicle which includes a cooling device having first and second battery packs which are installed in a center console of the vehicle. The first and second battery packs may be uniformly cooled through a distribution duct to improve cooling performance which minimizes the number of cooling fans that are used. Since the number of cooling fans is minimized and a discharging duct is not used, weight reduction and cost savings can be achieved.
US09012055B2 Mechanical supports for improving resistance to mechanical stress in battery cells
The disclosed embodiments provide a battery cell. The battery cell includes a set of layers including a cathode with an active coating, a separator, and an anode with an active coating. The battery cell also includes a pouch enclosing the layers, wherein the pouch is flexible. The resistance of the battery cell to mechanical stress may be improved by removing material from one or more of the layers to form one or more apertures within the battery cell and placing a mechanical support in each of the apertures.
US09012051B2 Battery pack of improved safety
Disclosed is a battery pack including a battery module array including battery modules arranged in two or more rows, a pair of side support members (a front support member and a rear support member) configured to respectively support a front and a rear of the battery module array, lower end support members configured to support a lower end of the battery module array, two or more first upper mounting members coupled to upper ends of the side support members and to lower ends of the inverted battery modules, a second upper mounting member configured to vertically intersect the first upper mounting members, the second upper mounting member being coupled to upper ends of the first upper mounting members, and a rear mounting member located at a rear of the battery module array.
US09012048B2 Fuel cell system with ultrasonic detector
The invention relates to a fuel cell system, having at least one channel system (2) for a working fluid and having a device (12, 22) for adjusting the moisture content of the working fluid flowing in one direction (23) in the channel system (2), the device (12, 22) containing a sensor which represents the actual humidity in the channel system (2). The object of the invention is to develop a fuel cell system which allows reliable and dynamic measurement of the actual humidity. The invention consists in providing an ultrasonic detector (16, 17) for measuring actual humidity.
US09012047B2 Substrate for magnetic disk and magnetic disk
The shape and number of surface defects are controlled so that the occurrence of failure is suppressed in an HDD device in which a magnetic head with a very small flying height, such as a DFH head, is mounted.A magnetic disk substrate is characterized in that when laser light with a wavelength of 405 nm and a laser power of 25 mW is irradiated with a spot size of 5 μm and scattered light from the substrate is detected, the number of defects detected to have a size of 0.1 μm to not more than 0.3 μm is less than 50 per 24 cm2 and, with respect to the defects, there is no defect in which, in a bearing curve obtained by a bearing curve plot method using an atomic force microscope, a portion from an apex of the defect to 45% thereof is located in an area of defect height higher than a virtual line connecting from the apex of the defect to 45% thereof.
US09012045B2 Transparent composite pane for safety applications
Transparent composite pane for safety applications. The composite pane is composed of multiple layers which are arranged behind one another. At least one of the layers is composed of, a plate or plates arranged in a mosaic or in series, of monocrystalline magnesium aluminate spinel.
US09012043B2 Designed surfaces for use in medical implants or instruments
A medical implant device or component thereof comprising a metal substrate and a coating layer structure provided on the substrate. The coating layer structure comprises an outermost layer of a ceramic material. A bonding structure is deposited between the metal substrate and the coating layer structure. The bonding structure comprises a chromium rich layer, which is deposited onto the metal substrate surface and has a higher concentration of chromium than the metal substrate, as well as a gradient layer having a composition gradient from the chromium rich layer towards the surface of the device providing increasing proportions of a gradient material which has structural correspondence with the layer of the coating layer structure that is most adjacent to the bonding structure.
US09012041B2 Light-emitting element, light-emitting device, electronic device, and lighting device
A light-emitting element includes an EL layer between an anode and a cathode, and a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer between the cathode and the EL layer. The first layer provided between the cathode and the second layer is in contact with the cathode and the second layer, and includes a substance having a hole-transport property and an acceptor substance. The second layer provided between the first layer and the third layer is in contact with the first layer and the third layer, and includes a phthalocyanine-based material. The third layer provided between the second layer and the EL layer is in contact with the second layer and the EL layer, and includes an alkali metal, an alkaline-earth metal, a rare-earth metal, an alkali metal compound, an alkaline-earth metal compound, or a rare-earth metal compound.
US09012040B2 Anthracene derivative and an organic electronic device using the same
The present invention relates to a novel anthracene derivative and an organic electronic device using the same. An anthracene derivative that is represented by the following Formula 1: The anthracene derivative can act as a hole injecting, hole transporting, electron injecting and transporting, or light emitting material in an organic light emitting device and an organic electronic device. In particular, the anthracene derivative can act as a light emitting host. The organic electronic device according to the present invention has excellent characteristics in views of efficiency, the driving voltage, and the stability.
US09012039B2 Compound for organic photoelectric device and organic photoelectric device including the same
A compound for an organic photoelectric device and an organic photoelectric device including the same, the compound being represented by the following Chemical Formula 1:
US09012037B2 Hole transport materials
There is provided a hole transport compound having Formula I or Formula II: Ar1 is the same or different at each occurrence and can be phenylene, naphthylene, or binaphthylene. Ar2 is the same or different at each occurrence and can be phenyl, biphenyl, terphenyl, naphthyl, or binaphthyl. m and n are the same or different and are an integer greater than 0. T is the same or different at each occurrence and is a conjugated moiety including at least one triarylamino group. The T moiety is connected in a non-planar configuration.
US09012031B2 Steel fuel conveying pipe
To provide a steel fuel conveying pipe which has high resistance to corrosive fuel and maintains reliability without damaging a direct-injection engine, and connects a high-pressure pump and a direct-injection rail with each other in a gasoline direct-injection engine system, and a fuel conveying pipe suitable as a bypass pipe for coupling direct-injection rails with each other in a V-type gasoline engine. A steel fuel conveying pipe for conveying gasoline is characterized in that a Ni-plated layer is provided on the whole inner circumferential face of the fuel conveying pipe, and an anti-rust film layer composed of a Zn-plated layer and a Zn-based alloy-plated layer is further provided on the Ni-plated layer at at least one end of the fuel conveying pipe.
US09012027B2 Aqueous emulsion
The invention relates to an aqueous emulsion comprising at least a vinyl polymer, said vinyl polymer comprising: a) 45 to 99 wt % of itaconate ester monomers having formula (I), wherein R and R′ are independently an alkyl or an aryl group; b) 0.1 to 15 wt % of ionic or potentially ionic unsaturated monomers; c) 0 to 54 wt % of unsaturated monomers, different from a) and b); and 0.9 to 54.9 wt % by weight of total monomers of a chaser monomer composition added subsequently and polymerized after the polymerization of monomers a), b) and c); wherein a)+b)+c) and the chaser monomer composition add up to 100%; and wherein the aqueous emulsion contains less than 0.5 wt % free itaconate ester monomers of formula I based on the total weight of the aqueous emulsion.
US09012024B2 Barrier layer to SiOC alkali metals
The invention relates to a glazing comprising a transparent glass substrate containing ions of at least one alkali metal and a transparent layer made of silicon oxycarbide (SiOxCy) having a total thickness E with (a) a carbon-rich deep zone, extending from a depth P3 to a depth P4, where the C/Si atomic ratio is greater than or equal to 0.5, and (b) a carbon-poor surface zone, extending from a depth P1 to a depth P2, where the C/Si atomic ratio is less than or equal to 0.4, with P1
US09012020B2 Blends comprising epoxy resins and mixtures of amines with guanidine derivatives
The present invention provides a blend comprising one or more epoxy resins and a mixture which comprises 0.3 to 0.9 amine equivalent, per equivalent of epoxide of the epoxy resin used, of a hardener component a) and as hardener component b) a compound of the formula I, a process for preparing this blend, the use of the blend of the invention for producing cured epoxy resin, and an epoxy resin cured with the blend of the invention.
US09012018B2 Laser markable security film
A security film including a support (1) and a laser markable layer (3), wherein the laser markable layer includes i) a laser additive; ii) a polymer selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, polycarbonate and styrene acrylonitrile; iii) an initiator; and iv) at least 15 wt % of radiation curable compound based on the total dry weight of the laser markable layer, wherein the radiation curable compound has a viscosity of less than 100 mPa·s at 25° C. and at a shear rate of 100 s−1. A security document and a method for preparing the security film are also disclosed.
US09012017B2 Barrier layer-attached substrate, display component, and method for manufacturing display component
A barrier layer-attached substrate according to the present invention is the barrier layer-attached substrate for a display component comprising: a barrier layer-attached substrate in which the barrier layers are formed on the substrate; a plurality of display elements formed on the barrier layer of the barrier layer-attached substrate; and an upper multilayer sealing film formed on the display elements so as to cover the display elements. And the barrier layer-attached substrate is characterized in that a plurality of the barrier layers are formed on the substrate into a divided pattern. With the use of the barrier layer-attached substrate of the present invention, a long-life display component of the present invention can be manufactured.
US09012011B2 Web with molded articles on both sides
Injection molding parts onto a carrier web located between mold halves, each mold half having a cavity, resulting in molded articles having parts on both sides of the carrier web. Polymer flow into the cavities is assisted by application of ultrasonic energy to the mold. After the molding operation, mold halves are separated, and the carrier web is advanced, or indexed, to a next position for another molding sequence. Articles produced include lenses with part of the carrier web between lens halves, and a carrier web bearing an array of molded parts.
US09012007B2 Method for shaping a material with a reticular structure, plant for performing same and reticular material resulting from the method
A reticular tubular structure formed by extruded filaments of synthetic plastic material extending in two oppositely tilted directions with respect to an axial direction of the tubular reticular structure. The filaments cross one another to form a tubular net of interconnected rhomboid meshes, vertices of the rhomboid meshes being formed by crossover points between two filaments fused together, while sides of the rhomboid meshes are formed by said filaments outside the crossover points. The tubular reticular structure is molecularly oriented in both longitudinal and transverse directions thereof, and is calendered so that the crossover points, at the vertices of the rhomboid meshes, and the filaments, at the sides thereof, have the same common thickness.
US09012002B2 Hot-melt adhesive unit of an adhesive bonding arrangement
A hot-melt adhesive unit of an adhesive bonding arrangement for adhesively bonding a first component, for example a vehicle window, to a second component, for example a vehicle frame, wherein the hot-melt adhesive unit contains a hot-melt adhesive body having a base region and a head region, and the hot-melt adhesive body is at least partially bounded laterally in the base region thereof by a casing, and projects with the head region thereof, the head region forming the adhesive bond, beyond the casing.
US09011999B2 Coating composition including an unsaturated polymer
A coating composition is described. The coating composition preferably includes an unsaturated polymer such as, for example, an unsaturated polyester polymer; an ether component including one or more ether groups; and an optional liquid carrier. In preferred embodiments, the unsaturated polymer preferably has an iodine value of at least 10. The coating composition is useful in coating a variety of substrates, including planar metal substrates.
US09011995B2 Acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions
The present invention relates to an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, and more precisely, an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition which is prepared by copolymerization of a vinyl and/or acrylic monomer having a cross-linkable functional group and comprises 100 weight part of a high molecular weight (meth)acrylic copolymer which is prepared by copolymerization of a vinyl and/or acrylic monomer harboring a cross-linkable functional group and whose weight average molecular weight is 40˜100 times as high as the entanglement molecular weight, 5˜50 weight part of a low molecular weight (meth)acrylic copolymer which does not contain a cross-linkable functional group and whose weight average molecular weight is 2˜15 times as high as entanglement molecular weight, and 0.01˜10 weight part of a multifunctional cross-linking agent. The acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition of the present invention has reliable adhesion durability under high temperature and high humidity and at the same time reduces the light leakage due to the stress relaxation and enhances the cutting-efficiency of a polarizing plate.
US09011992B2 Optical compensation films based on stretched polymer films
The present invention provides uniaxially stretched polymer films that have a refractive index profile suitable for use as negative A-plates or biaxial birefringent plates in a liquid crystal display (LCD) device. These wave plates can be used to compensate for the phase retardations existing in various modes of LCDs including TN (twisted nematic), VA (vertically aligned), IPS (in-plane switching), and OCB (optically compensated bend), and therefore improving the viewing quality of the displays.
US09011991B2 Lengthy stretched film, and manufacturing method and use thereof
A lengthy stretched film made of a thermoplastic resin, having, over the width direction of at least 1300 mm, a value of an orientation angle θ to a take-up direction in a range of 40° to 50° and fluctuation thereof of 1.0° or less, and a value of an average Nz coefficient in a range of 1.3 to 2.0 and fluctuation thereof of 0.10 or less. A lengthy circularly polarizing plate constituted by laminating the lengthy stretched film with a lengthy polarizer. A reflective display type liquid crystal display device provided with the circularly polarizing plate constituted by trimming the lengthy circularly polarizing plate to a desired size.
US09011990B2 Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same
The invention relates to a liquid crystal display utilizing a vertically aligned state of liquid crystal molecules when no voltage is applied and to a method of manufacturing the same.The liquid crystal display includes a monofunctional monomer having a structure expressed by X-R (where X represents an acrylate group or a methacrylate group, and R represents an organic group having a steroid skeleton). A liquid crystal material is sandwiched between substrates which is then irradiated with ultraviolet rays to cure the monofunctional monomer, thereby forming a polymer film at an interface of a substrate. The monofunctional monomer has a hydrophobic skeleton such as an alkyl chain and a photoreactive group on one side of the skeleton.
US09011987B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display including a first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a thin film transistor disposed on the first substrate; an organic layer disposed on the thin film transistor; a pixel electrode disposed on the organic layer; a lower alignment layer disposed on the pixel electrode; a common electrode disposed on the second substrate; and an upper alignment layer disposed on the common electrode, wherein a first free radical included in the organic layer and a second free radical included in at least one of the lower alignment layer and the upper alignment layer are radical bonded.
US09011985B2 Method of manufacture of multilayer film
A process for producing a multilayer film which, even when bent, is less apt to decrease in barrier property or electrical conductivity. The process comprises forming a barrier film and a transparent conductive film on a resin film to produce a multilayer film. The barrier film is formed by a plasma enhanced CVD method which uses electric discharge between rolls. The transparent conductive film is preferably formed by physical vapor deposition. The resin film preferably is a polyester resin film or a polyolefin resin film.
US09011978B2 Method and apparatus for treatment of self-assemblable polymer layers for use in lithography
Treatment of a layer comprising self-assemblable polymer at a surface of a substrate is disclosed. In an embodiment, the treatment includes arranging a zone of temperature change to sweep across the layer, wherein a temperature of the layer within the zone differs from an initial temperature of the layer prior to passage of the zone.
US09011976B2 Titanium sheet covered with protective film superior in high temperature oxidation resistance and high temperature salt damage resistance, automobile exhaust system using same, and methods of production of same
The present invention provides a titanium sheet covered with a protective film superior in high temperature oxidation resistance and high temperature salt damage resistance and a method of production of the same and an automobile exhaust system using the same. The titanium sheet covered with a protective film is formed on its surface with a protective film of a thickness of 1 to 100 μm where flake-shaped metal Al with an average thickness of 0.1 to 5 μm and average width or average length of 1 to 50 μm or grain-shaped metal Al with an average size of 0.1 to 30 μm is dispersed in 20 to 60 mass % silicone resin or silicone grease and comprised of Si: 15 to 55 mass % and C: 10 to 45 mass % and having a balance of unavoidable impurities. Preferably the titanium sheet of the substrate contains one or both of 0.5 to 2.1 mass % of Cu and 0.4 to 2.5 mass % of Al. The method of production is to brush or spray the above composition of a silicone resin on a titanium sheet to form a protective film and heat it at 150 to 300° C. for 5 to 60 minutes.
US09011973B2 Methods for depositing oxygen deficient metal films
Methods of depositing an oxygen deficient metal film by chemical reaction of at least one precursor having a predetermined oxygen deficiency on a substrate. An exemplary method includes, during a metal oxide deposition cycle, exposing the substrate to a metal reactant gas comprising a metal and an oxygen reactant gas comprising oxygen to form a layer containing a metal oxide on the substrate. During an oxygen deficient deposition cycle, exposing the substrate to a metal reactant gas comprising a metal and an additional reactant gas excluding oxygen to form a second layer at least one of a metal nitride and a mixed metal on the substrate during a second cycle, the second layer being oxygen deficient relative to the layer containing the metal oxide; and repeating the metal oxide deposition cycle and the oxygen deficient deposition cycle to form the oxygen deficient film having the predetermined oxygen deficiency.
US09011970B2 Process for preparing articles having anti-fog layer by layer coating and coated articles having enhanced anti-fog and durability properties
A process for making an article having anti-fog properties.
US09011969B2 Low-E panel with improved dielectric layer and method for forming the same
Embodiments provided herein describe a low-e panel and a method for forming a low-e panel. A transparent substrate is provided. A metal oxynitride layer is formed over the transparent substrate. The metal oxynitride layer includes a first metal and a second metal. A reflective layer is formed over the transparent substrate.
US09011963B2 Compositions of low sodium salt and methods of making and using
The present invention is directed to salt compositions and methods used to make them. Embodiments may include methods for preparing salt compositions that include aerosolizing a melted salt composition to form droplets, where the droplets form rounded particles. Embodiments may further include solid compositions, including rounded salt particles, where the particles are formed by aerosolizing a melted salt composition. The particles can have semisolid interiors with void spaces.
US09011960B2 Low-fat water-in-oil emulsion containing substantial amounts of HOH triglycerides
The invention relates to water-in-oil emulsion comprising 50 to 85 wt. % of an aqueous phase and 15 to 50 wt. % of a fatphase, wherein said fat phase comprises HOH triglycerides in an amount of 8 to 50% of the total weight of the fat phase, and HHH triglycerides in an amount of 1 to 6% of the total weight of the fat phase, wherein at least 25% of said HHH triglycerides contain at least two different fatty acid residues, where “H” denotes a saturated fatty acid residue with 16 to 24 carbon atoms and “O” an oleic acid residue. The invention further relates to a process for the preparation of an edible water-in-oil emulsion according to the invention. The invention also relates to the use of a HHH triglyceride fat to promote inversion of an oil-in-water-emulsion comprising 15 to 50 wt % of a fat phase, into a water-in-oil emulsion, wherein said fat phase comprises HOH triglycerides.
US09011958B2 Stabilization of omega-3 fatty acids in saturated fat microparticles having low linoleic acid content
An omega-3 fatty acid supplementation fat blend includes one part by weight of an omega-3 enriching oil containing EPA and/or DHA fatty acids that has been combined and diluted with at least one-half part by weight of a low linoleic acid content oxidatively stabilizing saturated fat. The omega-3 supplementation fat blend is incorporated into stabilized aqueous suspensions including beverages and foods.
US09011957B2 Method for the preparation of oil-containing meat-based products comprising a reduced amount of additives
The present invention relates to oil-containing meal-based products, preferably emulsion-type meat-based products, minced or coarsely comminuted meal-based products, pale and fresh (raw) sausages, comprising besides the standard ingredients commonly foreseen for the particular meat-based products a reduced amount of additives selected from emulsifying agents, stabilizing agents and/or thickening agents. Preferably, the oil-containing meat-based products of the present invention contain a maximum of only one single additive selected from emulsifying agents, stabilizing agents and/or thickening agents. More preferably, the meat-based products of the present invention contain no additives, i.e. no emulsifying agents, no stabilizing agents and no thickening agents. Moreover, the present invention pertains to a process for preparing said oil-containing meat-based products.
US09011955B2 System for preparing coffee beverage
A system for preparing a coffee beverage, provided with a coffee making apparatus comprising a grinder for grinding coffee beans to obtain ground coffee, a coffee beverage preparation device arranged for, with supply of water to the ground coffee, preparing the coffee beverage, and a coffee outlet for dispensing the coffee beverage, a separate coffee bean package with an inner space which at least before use is filled with the coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package before use is closed off in itself such that the exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, a coffee bean inlet for supply of coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, and a connecting device for connecting the coffee bean package to the coffee making apparatus.
US09011954B2 Process for the manufacturing of frozen aerated products
Frozen aerated products are produced by i) providing two separate forming elements, ii) providing at least one open cavity on a surface each forming element, iii) providing filling devices for filling said cavities with a frozen aerated material, iv) filling two cavities, one on each moulding surface, with a frozen aerated material, wherein at least one of the cavities is filled with a frozen aerated product having an overrun of between 30% and 130%, this product is then allowed to expand outside its cavity, the two cavities are then moved opposite one another and the frozen aerated product in each cavity is pressed against the frozen aerated product in the other cavity.
US09011951B2 Cryogenic spray process
The invention relates to a spray crystallization process for making solid particles suitable for structuring an oil containing dispersion, solid particles obtainable by said process and use of said particles for structuring oil containing dispersions.
US09011943B2 Compositions and methods for alleviating skin disorders
The disclosure relates to the discovery that fractionated coconut oil is effective for alleviating existing skin disorders when applied topically to the skin of a person afflicted with such a disorder. The disclosure further relates to the discovery that fractionated coconut oil can be used to prevent or inhibit onset of a skin disorder or to reduce the severity of a skin disorder when administered prophylactically to the skin of a person. A cromolyn compound, a corticosteroid, or both, can be included in the composition.
US09011941B2 Combined allergy treatment and anti-drying compositions and related methods
Compositions and methods for alleviating an allergy condition while also reducing a drying effect of an allergy treatment composition or another anti-mucosal composition. In some embodiments and implementations, a composition may be provided comprising an allergy treatment composition comprising an antihistamine in a therapeutically effective amount for treating the allergy condition in the human having the allergy condition. The composition may further comprise an anti-drying composition comprising at least one of xylitol, erythiritol, mannitol, maltitol, tibitol, arabitol, ribose, and xylose in one or more therapeutically effective amounts for reducing nasal dryness caused by the allergy treatment composition. The composition may be delivered into at least one of the human's nose, eyes, mouth, and throat.
US09011935B2 Therapeutic composition and use
The use of liquid formulations in the preparation of a medicament for the prevention and treatment of oral, gastric and digestive infections and in particular for the prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia as well as liquid enteral and parenteral tube feeding compositions. The feeding compositions are suitable for use in the prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia.
US09011931B1 Wound dressing composition and method of use
A composition used to facilitate healing of cold sores, fever blisters and canker sore that includes potassium, rubidium, zinc, calcium and sodium is provided. This composition is compounded into a polyethylene glycol ointment containing allantoin (0.5 to 2 percent) and camphor (0.1 to 3 percent) and/or menthol (0.1 to 1 percent). In another embodiment, a method to treat cold sores, fever blisters and canker sores is provided by applying an effective amount of this composition to cold sores, fever blisters and canker sores of a subject in need of treatment thereof.
US09011925B2 Method for preparing polysaccharide nanocomposite particles and uses of the same
A method for preparing polysaccharide nanocomposite particles is provided. The method comprises providing a first solution comprising an active component and a polysaccharide; adding a cross-linking agent to the first solution to provide a second solution; and allowing the second solution to conduct the reaction to form polysaccharide nanocomposite particles. The polysaccharide nanocomposite particles thus prepared show good coating ratio and enhanced applicability. Also provided is a method for inducing cancer cell apoptosis in a subject, comprising administrating to the subject an effective amount of the polysaccharide nanocomposite particles.
US09011920B2 Transport-mediating colloidal pharmaceutical compounds
The invention relates to transport mediator-bonded colloids comprising pharmaceutical substances or fluorescence markers, to a method for the production thereof, and to a pharmaceutical preparation comprising said compounds.
US09011919B2 Compositions for targeted delivery of siRNA
The present invention is directed compositions for targeted delivery of RNA interference (RNAi) polynucleotides to hepatocytes in vivo. Targeted RNAi polynucleotides are administered together with co-targeted delivery polymers. Delivery polymers provide membrane penetration function for movement of the RNAi polynucleotides from outside the cell to inside the cell. Reversible modification provides physiological responsiveness to the delivery polymers.
US09011918B2 Biocompatible and biodegradable elastomeric polymers
Disclosed herein are biocompatible and biodegradable polymers which are useful in tissue engineering, wound healing, coatings, and drug delivery, the polymers comprising one or more ECM-mimetic peptides and one or more biodegradable moieties, wherein the moieties do not comprise an amino acid or residue thereof. Further disclosed herein are methods for making and using the disclosed biocompatible polymers.
US09011917B2 Method for enzymatic treatment, device and kit used the same
One embodiment provides a method for enzymatic treatment, including the steps of forming a closed space on a local tissue area with a device and infusing an enzyme solution into the closed space for enzymatic treatment. The method according to the embodiment is capable of treating the local tissue area with enzymes for enhancing cell proliferation in the treated tissue area and preventing damage of the adjacent normal tissues. A device and kit used for the method are also provided.
US09011914B2 Hetero-assembled hydrogels
A two-component, molecular-recognition gelation strategy that enables cell encapsulation without the need for environmental triggers is provided. The two components, which in one example contain WW and polyproline-rich peptide domains that interact via hydrogen bonds, undergo a sol-gel phase transition upon simple mixing. Hence, physical gelation is induced by the mixing of two components at constant environmental conditions, analogous to the formation of chemically crosslinked epoxies by the mixing of two components. Variations in the molecular-level design of the two components are used to predictably tune the association energy and hydrogel viscoelasticity. These hetero-assembly physical hydrogels encapsulate neural progenitor cells at constant physiological conditions within 10 seconds to create uniform 3D cell suspensions that continue to proliferate, differentiate, and adopt well-spread morphologies.
US09011909B2 Prebiotic suppositories
A composition for vaginal insertion is in the form of a softgel, a two-part gelatin capsule, a tablet, or a suppository. The composition is designed to promote the growth of native vaginal flora, but does not promote the growth of Gardenerella vaginalis and Candida albicans. The composition includes a prebiotic in a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and is essentially free of probiotics, lactoferrin, and plant extracts containing isoflavones.
US09011907B2 Coated pharmaceutical or nutraceutical preparation with enhanced pulsed active substance release
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical preparation comprising a) a core containing a pharmaceutically or nutraceutically active substance and a substance that acts in a modulatory manner with regard of the release of pharmaceutically or nutraceutically active substances; and b) a controlling layer surrounding the core comprising i) 55 to 92% by weight based on the total weight of (meth)acrylic copolymers present in the layer of one or a mixture of a plurality of (meth)acrylate copolymers composed of 80 to 98% by weight based on the weight of the (meth)acrylic copolymer of structural units derived from C1 to C4 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid and 2 to 20% by weight based on the weight of the (meth)acrylic copolymer of structural units derived from (meth)acrylate monomers with a quaternary ammonium group in the alkyl radical; and ii) 8 to 45% by weight based on the total weight of (meth)acrylic copolymers present in the layer of one or a mixture of a plurality of (meth)acrylate copolymers composed of more than 5 to 59% by weight based on the weight of the copolymer of structural units derived from acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and to tablets or capsules comprising same.
US09011900B2 Compositions including pyruvate for companion animals and methods of use thereof
The invention encompasses compositions and methods for maintaining or promoting a healthy body composition in a companion animal, which comprises feeding the animal an edible composition comprising one or more pyruvate in an amount effective to maintain or promote the healthy body composition, wherein maintaining or promoting the healthy body composition comprises controlling the animal's weight, for example, loss of weight or body fat, or increased percentage of lean muscle mass.
US09011898B2 Composition for active principles delivery containing a fatty acid excipient
Composition for delivery of at least one active principle at the implantation site of an implant device, including: at least one active principle, and at least a first excipient combined with the at least one active principle, wherein the at least a first excipient is selected among fatty acids with a linear or branched, saturated chain, including a number of carbon atoms between 14 and 36.
US09011897B2 Catheter lock solution comprising citrate and a paraben
This invention relates to compositions, methods, devices and kits relating to the infusion of a catheter lock solution into an indwelling catheter. Inventive compositions, methods, devices and kits aid in diminishing the effects of microbial infection in catheters and occlusion of the catheters. A lock solution provided by the invention includes citrate and a paraben. The solution preferably has a density suitable for retention of the solution in a catheter during the lock period. Another lock solution provided by the invention includes citrate, a paraben and a photo-oxidant, such as, for example, methylene blue.
US09011891B2 Water dispersible formulation for delivery of biocontrol fungi to reduce aflatoxin
A formulation containing conidia of non-toxigenic strains of fungi is a useful biocontrol agent for preventing toxin contamination in agricultural commodities, especially those for human and animal consumption such as peanuts, corn, cotton and tree nuts. The formulation of the invention is a water dispersible granule formulation suitable for spraying and includes non-toxigenic and/or non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains capable of inhibiting growth of fungi which produce aflatoxin and further capable of suppressing production of aflatoxin by the toxigenic fungi. A method of preparing the formulation is shown.
US09011890B2 Antibacterial sol-gel coating solution
Antibacterial sol-gel coating solutions are used to form articles. The antibacterial sol-gel coating solution includes at least one Ti or Si-containing compound that is capable of hydrolyzing to form a base film; a regulating agent capable of regulating the hydrolysis rate of the Ti or Si-containing compounds, an organic solvent, water, and at least one soluble compound of an antibacterial metal, such as Ag, Cu, Mg, Zn, Sn, Fe, Co, Ni, or Ce.
US09011885B2 Method of treating acne
The use, as a dermatological or cosmetic medicament, of compounds capable of transiently interacting with the AhR receptor (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) as agents for modulating skin functions such as sebaceous function, skin healing, skin atrophy termed “dermatoporosis”, estrogen deprivation and defense against infection, without inducing other toxic effects of the TCDD type.The compounds that interact with the AhR receptor are chosen in that they have a metabolism favorable to the dissociation of these effects, in particular by virtue of in situ production from a precursor and/or metabolization modulated in situ.
US09011884B2 Embolic devices
Described herein are apparatus, compositions, systems and methods for occluding vascular structures and vascular malformations with radiopaque hydrogel filaments. The filaments can contain no support members and can be CT and MR compatible. Methods of forming such filaments are also disclosed.
US09011883B2 Reducing post-operative adhesion formation with intraperitoneal glutamine
Intraperitoneal administration of glutamine to reduce adhesions in the peritoneum of a patient.
US09011880B2 Compounds and methods for treating cancer
The present invention provides a method of treating cancer involving administering an insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1 receptor) agonist and an anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent. Also provided are compounds for treating cancer comprising an IGF-1-receptor ligand coupled to an anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent. Also provided are compounds for treating cancer comprising an insulin-receptor ligand coupled to an anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent.
US09011879B2 Treatment of renal hypertension or carotid sinus syndrome with heated fluid sympathetic denervation or neuromodulation
Sympathetic nerves run through the adventitia surrounding renal arteries and are critical in the modulation of systemic hypertension. Hyperactivity of these nerves can cause renal hypertension, a disease prevalent in 30-40% of the adult population. Hypertension can be treated with neuromodulating agents (such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II inhibitors, or aldosterone receptor blockers), but requires adherence to strict medication regimens and often does not reach target blood pressure threshold to reduce risk of major cardiovascular events. A minimally invasive solution is presented here to reduce the activity of the sympathetic nerves surrounding the renal artery by locally delivering neurotoxic or nerve-blocking agents into the adventitia. Extended elution of these agents may also be accomplished in order to tailor the therapy to the patient.
US09011876B2 Live, attenuated respiratory syncytial virus
The present invention features live, attenuated respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) useful as vaccines against RSV infection and/or the development of severe RSV-associated illnesses. The disclosed viruses are attenuated to the extent of being nonpathogenic when administered to a subject but substantially retain the antigenic and immunogenic properties of wild-type RSV.
US09011869B2 Hybrid and tandem expression of Neisserial proteins
Two or more Neisserial proteins are joined such that they are translated as a single polypeptide chain. Hybrid proteins are represented by the formula NH2-A-[-X-L-]n-B—COOH where X is an amino acid sequence, L is an optional linker amino acid sequence, A is an optional N-terminal amino acid sequence, B is an optional C-terminal amino acid sequence, and n is an integer greater than I. Proteins where each of the n-X— moieties shares sequence identity to each other —X— moiety, the protein is a ‘tandem protein’.
US09011866B2 RNA interference that blocks expression of pro-apoptotic proteins potentiates immunity induced by DNA and transfected dendritic cell vaccines
An immunotherapeutic strategy is disclosed that combines antigen-encoding DNA vaccine compositions combined with siRNA directed to pro-apoptotic genes, primarily Bak and Bax, the products of which are known to lead to apoptotic death. Gene gun delivery (particle bombardment) of siRNA specific for Bak and/or Bax to antigen-expressing DCs prolongs the lives of such DCs and lead to enhanced generation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cell-mediated immune responses in vivo. Similarly, antigen-loaded DC's transfected with siRNA targeting Bak and/or Bax serve as improved immunogens and tumor immunotherapeutic agents.
US09011864B2 Method of decreasing cytotoxic side-effects and improving efficacy of immunoconjugates
Disclosed are methods, compositions and kits for improving targeting, in particular tumor targeting, of immunoconjugates. The method and composition relies on the sequestration of non-target cells that also express the antigen the immunoconjugate targets. Sequestration of those non-target cells in a variety of ways is disclosed. The methods, compositions and kits allow appropriate sequestration of non-target cells while maintaining a high degree of effectiveness of the immunoconjugates against target cells.
US09011862B2 Inhibitors of the nitration of amyloid β peptides and their uses in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease
The present invention relates to a method for identifying an inhibitor of the aggregation of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), comprising the steps of a) contacting at least one Aβ -peptide and/or the nitrated forms thereof with at least one candidate inhibitor that potentially specifically binds to a region in said Aβ -peptide capable of being nitrated, and b) detecting said inhibitor specifically binding to said region in said Aβ -peptide through detecting a lack of or a reduced aggregation of said at least one Aβ -peptide. The present invention is further directed at improved methods for treating neuronal degradation and particularly Alzheimer's disease, based on said inhibitor. The present invention is further directed at methods for diagnosing the aggregation of Aβ -peptide in the context of neuronal degradation and particularly Alzheimer's disease.
US09011861B2 Therapeutic compositions for the treatment of dry eye disease
Described herein are materials and methods for treating dry eye disease in a subject.
US09011860B2 Compositions for inhibiting MASP-2 dependent complement activation
The present invention relates to anti-MASP-2 inhibitory antibodies and compositions comprising such antibodies for use in inhibiting the adverse effects of MASP-2 dependent complement activation.
US09011849B2 Ameliorating or therapeutic agent for chronic prostatitis, interstitial cystitis and/or urination disorders
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a medicinal agent which is useful for amelioration or treatment of chronic prostatitis, interstitial cystitis and/or urination disorders. The present invention relates to a novel medical use of an extract from inflamed tissues inoculated with vaccinia virus, and more particularly, it relates to an ameliorating or therapeutic agent for chronic prostatitis, interstitial cystitis and/or urination disorders containing the extract as an active ingredient. The medicinal agent of the present invention containing the extract as an active ingredient is extremely useful as a highly effective and highly safe ameliorating or therapeutic agent for chronic prostatitis, interstitial cystitis and/or urination disorders.
US09011846B2 Thrombin isolated from blood and blood fractions
Methods, apparatus, and compositions related to generating and using thrombin. Methods include preparing a solution comprising thrombin by precipitating fibrinogen from a liquid comprising whole blood or a blood fraction. Precipitated fibrinogen is removed from the liquid to form a post-precipitation liquid that is incubated with calcium and a plurality of beads to form a clot. A solution comprising thrombin is separated from the clot. Thrombin prepared thereby can be used as a tissue sealant and in methods of applying a tissue sealant to subject, including application of an autologous tissue sealant.
US09011838B2 Low/high dose probiotic supplements and methods of their use
Methods and compositions are hereby disclosed for reducing the numbers of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella or other pathogens in an animal. The methods include administering to the animal a lactic acid producing bacterium at a relatively low dosage in combination with a lactate utilizing bacterium, followed by administration of the lactic acid producing bacterium at a relatively high dosage. The disclosed methods help achieve pre-harvest food safety and enhance feed performance while keeping the total cost relatively low. The preferred lactic acid producing bacterium is Lactobacillus acidophilus/animalis and the preferred lactate utilizing bacterium is Propionibacterium freudenreichii.
US09011837B2 Tissue-engineered endothelial and epithelial implants repair multilaminate tubular airway structure
Endothelial implants restore vascular homeostasis after injury without reconstituting vascular architecture. Endothelial cells line the vascular epithelium and underlying vasa vasorum precluding distinction between cellular controls. Unlike blood vessels, the airway epithelium is highly differentiated and distinct from endothelial cells that line the bronchial vasa allowing investigation of the differential control tissue engineered cells may provide in airways and blood vessels. Through airway injury and cell culture models, tissue engineered implants of the bronchial epithelium and endothelium were found to promote synergistic repair of the airway through biochemical regulation of the airway microenvironment. While epithelial cells modulate local tissue composition and reaction, endothelial cells preserve the epithelium; together their relative impact was enhanced suggesting both cell types act synergistically for airway repair.
US09011836B2 Methods of treating pigs with Bacillus strains
Disclosed are methods of administering at least two Bacillus strains to a pig, such as female breeding stock, nursery pigs, or other pigs. The Bacillus strains inhibit Clostridium in litters borne to the pig. The Bacillus strains also are useful when administered to herds lacking symptoms of Clostridium infection. Administration of the Bacillus strains improves performance of female breeding stock and in piglets borne by the female breeding stock.
US09011834B1 Compositions and methods
Disclosed herein are therapeutic compositions containing non-pathogenic, germination-competent bacterial spores, for the prevention, control, and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, disorders and conditions and for general nutritional health.
US09011833B2 Vitamin E formulations of sulfamide NS3 inhibitors
The invention relates to new formulations of compounds having activity against HCV-associated disorders, new combinations, new methods of treatment and their use in therapy.
US09011829B2 Perfume compositions
Perfume compositions comprise between 10% and 30% in total weight of perfume ingredients selected from two groups, Group A, Group B, with the provisos that over 5% but less than 15% of the perfume composition must comprise Group A ingredients, and for compositions comprising less than 10% of Group A ingredients in the aggregate percentage of Group B ingredients present must be at least equal to the expression (2*/10−A %) where A % is the total percentage of Group A ingredients in the composition.
US09011823B2 Enhanced anti-carious dentifrices, rinses, lozenges, candies and chewing gums and methods of using same
Mouth rinses, dentifrices, lozenges, confections, chewing gums, and similar delivery vehicles containing non-toxic soluble calcium are used prior to administration of a fluoride-containing composition to increase the effectiveness of the fluoride therapy. An effective amount of calcium is released into the oral cavity and allowed to penetrate into the oral tissue. Calcium-bound fluoride deposits form in the oral tissue upon subsequent administration of the fluoride-containing composition to provide increased salivary, plaque and oral tissue fluoride concentrations.
US09011821B2 PLA2G16 as a target for antiviral compounds
In some aspects, the invention provides compositions and methods for inhibiting viral infection. In some aspects, the invention provides compositions and methods useful for identifying antiviral compounds.
US09011815B2 Organotemplate-free synthetic process for the production of a zeolitic material
The present invention relates to an organotemplate-free synthetic process for the production of a zeolitic material having a BEA framework structure comprising YO2 and optionally comprising X2O3, wherein said process comprises the steps of (1) preparing a mixture comprising seed crystals and at least one source for YO2; and (2) crystallizing the mixture; wherein Y is a tetravalent element, and X is a trivalent element, wherein the zeolitic material optionally comprises at least one alkali metal M, wherein when the BEA framework additionally comprises X2O3, the mixture according to step (1) comprises at least one source for X2O3, and wherein the seed crystals comprise zeolitic material having a BEA framework structure, preferably zeolite Beta.
US09011814B2 Process and apparatus for the production of synthesis gas
Reactive diluent fluid (22) is introduced into a stream of synthesis gas (or “syngas”) produced in a heat-generating unit such as a partial oxidation (“POX”) reactor (12) to cool the syngas and form a mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid. Carbon dioxide and/or carbon components and/or hydrogen in the mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid is reacted (26) with at least a portion of the reactive diluent fluid in the mixture to produce carbon monoxide-enriched and/or solid carbon depleted syngas which is fed into a secondary reformer unit (30) such as an enhanced heat transfer reformer in a heat exchange reformer process. An advantage of the invention is that problems with the mechanical integrity of the secondary unit arising from the high temperature of the syngas from the heat-generating unit are avoided.
US09011812B2 Process for preparing hydridosilanes
The present invention relates to a process for preparing hydridosilanes from halosilanes, in which a) i) at least one halosilane of the generic formula SinX2n+2 (where n≧3 and X=F, Cl, Br and/or I) and ii) at least one catalyst are converted to form a mixture comprising at least one halosilane of the generic formula SimX2m+2 (where m>n and X=F, Cl, Br and/or I) and SiX4 (where X=F, Cl, Br and/or I), and b) the at least one halosilane of the generic formula SimX2m+2 is hydrogenated to form a hydridosilane of the generic formula SimH2m+2, the hydridosilane of the generic formula SimH2m+2 is separated from partially halogenated hydridosilanes of the general formula SimH(2m+2−y)Xy (where 1
US09011811B2 Method of producing silicon carbide
A method of producing silicon carbide is provided. The method includes heating a cured product of a curable silicone composition in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature exceeding 1,500° C. but not more than 2,600° C. The method is capable of producing high-purity silicon carbide simply and at a high degree of productivity, and is capable of simply producing a silicon carbide molded item having a desired shape and dimensions.
US09011810B2 Method for synthesizing electrode material using polyol process
An electrode material obtained using a polyol process and a synthesis method is provided. The synthesis method includes steps of preparing a mixed solution by mixing a transition metal compound, a polyacid anionic compound and a lithium compound with a polyol solvent; and obtaining a resultant product by reacting the mixed solution in a heating apparatus. There is an advantage in that the electrode material, which has crystallinity due to a structure such as an olivine structure or a nasicon structure, can be synthesized using a polyol process at a low temperature without performing a heat treatment proces. The nanoelectrode material synthesized by the method has a high crystallinity, uniform particles, and a structure having a diameter ranging from several nanometers to several micrometers. Further, the electrode material has a high electrochemical stability.
US09011809B2 Ammonia oxidation catalyst, exhaust gas purification device using same, and exhaust gas purification method
An ammonia oxidation catalyst being superior in heat resistance and capable of suppressing by-production of N2O or NOx. The ammonia oxidation catalyst is made by coating at least two catalyst layers having a catalyst layer (lower layer) including a catalyst supported a noble metal on an inorganic base material including any of a composite oxide (A) having at least titania and silica as main components, alumina, and a composite oxide (B) consisting of alumina and silica; and a catalyst layer (upper layer) including a composite oxide (C) consisting of at least silica, tungsten oxide, ceria and zirconia, at the surface of an integral structure-type substrate, wherein a composition of the composite oxide (C) is silica: 20% by weight or less, tungsten oxide: 1 to 50% by weight, ceria: 1 to 60% by weight, and zirconia: 30 to 90% by weight.
US09011801B2 Fluidic interface
The invention provides for fluidic connections to be established between tubes, ports, fluidic components and fluidic devices. The leak-tight connections are formed through controlled, compressive forces and can be used for both low and high pressure applications.
US09011800B2 Method and apparatus for separating biological materials
According to various embodiments, a system can be provided to separate undifferentiated cells and/or stromal cells from a whole tissue sample. The whole tissue sample can be any appropriate tissue sample obtained directly from a patient. The tissue sample can be obtained during a selected operating procedure for immediate or quick application or re-application to the patient. Accordingly, autologous cells can be obtained intraoperatively for application to a patient substantially soon after obtaining a whole tissue sample.
US09011796B2 Device for analysing a chemical or biological sample
A device for analysing a clinical sample comprises at least one depot chamber for receiving one or more reagents and at least one process chamber, whereas the process chamber is integrated in a first support member and the depot chamber is integrated in at least a second support member, whereas the support members are arranged in that the process chamber is connectable with the depot chamber by a relative movement of the first and second support member with respect to each other. According to the invention, the device further includes a pump element for transferring the substances inside the device from one chamber to another.
US09011795B2 Valve unit, microfluidic device with the valve unit, and microfluidic substrate
Provided are a valve unit and a microfluidic device including the valve unit. The valve unit includes: a valve substance container containing a valve substance, the valve substance including a phase change material that is solid at ambient temperature and melts by absorbing energy; a valve connection path connecting the valve substance container to a channel forming a fluid passage; and a pair of drain chambers formed along the channel at both sides of the valve connection path.
US09011789B2 Treatment system for removing halogenated compounds from contaminated sources
A treatment system and a method for removal of at least one halogenated compound, such as PCBs, found in contaminated systems are provided. The treatment system includes a polymer blanket for receiving at least one non-polar solvent. The halogenated compound permeates into or through a wall of the polymer blanket where it is solubilized with at least one non-polar solvent received by said polymer blanket forming a halogenated solvent mixture. This treatment system and method provides for the in situ removal of halogenated compounds from the contaminated system. In one embodiment, the halogenated solvent mixture is subjected to subsequent processes which destroy and/or degrade the halogenated compound.
US09011788B2 Advanced fischer tropsch system
A Fischer Tropsch (“FT”) unit that includes an FT tube that is packed with a catalyst. The catalyst is designed to catalyze an FT reaction to produce a hydrocarbon. An insert that is positioned within the FT tube. The insert comprises at least one cross-piece that contacts an inner surface of the FT tube and at least one cross-fin extending from the cross-piece. There may be a corresponding second cross-fin adjacent each cross-fin. Both the cross-fins and the second cross-fins may be disposed radially outwardly such that the edge of the cross-fins are closer to the inner surface of the FT tube than is the base of the cross-fins.
US09011787B2 Sterilisation and decontamination device
A sterilization, sanitization and/or decontamination device 1 comprising at least a humidifier unit, an ozone generator unit 60, at least one discharge outlet 16 and a controller for controlling the humidifier and ozone generator units, the at least one discharge outlet 16 comprising at least two at least partially converging plates 72, 74 between which substances are discharged.
US09011786B2 Dry heat sterilizing systems using inductive heating
A dry heat sterilizing system for use in sterilizing non-ferromagnetic and/or ferromagnetic parts includes a sterilization chamber and at least one ferromagnetic structure within the sterilization chamber. At least one inductive EMF energy field generator inductively heats the at least one ferromagnetic structure during a sterilization operation. The at least one ferromagnetic structure is in thermal communication with the non-ferromagnetic and/or ferromagnetic part during a sterilization operation to transfer heat from the ferromagnetic structure to the non-ferromagnetic and/or ferromagnetic part.
US09011785B2 Exhaust-gas treatment unit having high-temperature-resistant component of high-grade steel with a cobalt-containing coating and method for producing such an exhaust-gas treatment unit
A high-temperature-resistant component for an exhaust-gas treatment unit, an exhaust-gas treatment unit and a method for producing such a unit, include providing the component or the exhaust-gas treatment unit with a surface layer intended to prevent the formation of chromium carbide bridges during a brazing process for producing the exhaust-gas treatment unit.
US09011783B2 Diesel oxidation catalyst
The invention relates to a catalyst for purifying the exhaust gases from diesel engines, in particular an oxidation catalyst which is particularly well suited for the purification of exhaust gases from heavy goods vehicles when further exhaust gas purification units such as a particle filter and/or a nitrogen oxide reduction catalyst are installed downstream thereof. The catalyst contains two catalytically active coatings which have different compositions and of which only one is in direct contact with the outflowing exhaust gas. The coating (1) which is in direct contact with the outflowing exhaust gas is platinum-rich and contains a total amount of noble metal (platinum and palladium) which is greater than that in the coating (2) which is not in direct contact with the outflowing exhaust gas. The platinum-rich coating (1) displays an extremely high oxidizing power, in particular in the NO oxidation, while the coating (2) which is not in direct contact with the outflowing exhaust gas ensures a good “heat-up performance” of the catalyst.
US09011780B1 Photocatalytic device for ductless heating and air conditioning systems
A photocatalytic device comprising an ultraviolet light source and a plurality of multi-metallic photocatalytic structures, such as hydrated quad-metallic catalyst surfaces, is mounted on a mini-split system. The photocatalytic device has curved reflectors that are positioned to reflect ultraviolet light against a face of the photocatalytic structures. The photocatalytic device has an exhaust deflection shield that directs airflow toward an intake of the mini-split or PTAC system.
US09011771B2 Method and apparatus for effecting automated movement of a magnet in an instrument for performing a magnetic separation procedure
Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for automated isolation of selected analytes, to which magnetically-responsive solid supports are bound, from other components of a sample. An apparatus for performing an automated magnetic separation procedure includes a mechanism for effecting linear movement of a magnet between operative and non-operative positions with respect to a receptacle device. A receptacle holding station within which a receptacle device may be temporarily stored prior to moving the receptacle to the apparatus for performing magnetic separation includes magnets for applying a magnetic field to the receptacle device held therein, thereby drawing at least a proton of the magnetically-responsive solid supports out of suspension before the receptacle device is moved to the magnetic separation station. An automated receptacle transport mechanism moves the receptacle devices between the apparatus for performing magnetic separation and the receptacle holding station.
US09011768B2 Device for treating blood in an extracorporeal circulation
A device for oxygenating blood during extracorporeal circulation includes a box-like body having a first end and a second end opposite thereto and defining therebetween a treatment chamber with an inner surface. The device further includes, in the treatment chamber, at least one exchange unit having at least one flat diaphragm that is impervious to blood and has a major axis and a minor axis. The diaphragm has a winding of hollow microporous fibers. The device further includes an inlet port and an outlet port axially aligned with one another in an alignment direction. A compartment is provided for accumulation and delivery of blood to be treated, another compartment for collecting treated blood, the compartments being located downstream of the inlet port and upstream of the outlet port, between the exchange unit and the inner surface of the treatment chamber. The diaphragm is disposed with the major axis parallel to the alignment direction.
US09011761B2 Ladle with transfer conduit
Disclosed is a transportable vessel for use in a factory for processing molten metal. The vessel is not connected to a reverbatory furnace and can be moved to different locations in the factory. The vessel includes a transfer conduit in communication with a cavity of the vessel. A molten metal pump can be positioned in the transfer conduit to move molten metal out of an outlet in communication with the transfer conduit and into another vessel without the need to tip or tilt the transportable vessel.
US09011759B2 Mobile workbench
Provided is a mobile workbench constructed so as to determine that an accident of some kind has occurred and to stop if the speed of the mobile workbench suddenly changes. A mobile workbench (A) travels on a material (Ca) to be processed and performs predetermined processing (welding) by using a processing tool (welding torch (B)) mounted thereon. The mobile workbench (A) comprises: a workbench main body (1); a plurality of wheels (4) which are provided on the workbench main body (1); a drive motor (3a) which drives the wheels (4); an acceleration sensor (10) which detects the acceleration acting on the workbench; and a control unit (12) which is constructed so as to determine that an abnormality has occurred and to stop the drive motor (3a) if a sudden change in speed is detected by the acceleration sensor (10).
US09011758B2 Method and system for controlling a cutting torch
A system for controlling a temperature of a flame of a torch for cutting a piece of material, comprising: a valve system fluidly connectable to an oxygen source and a fuel source for receiving a heating oxygen flow and a fuel flow, respectively, and the torch for propagating the heating oxygen and fuel flows thereto, the valve system comprising at least a first adjustable valve and a second adjustable valve for regulating the heating oxygen flow and the fuel flow, respectively; and a control unit comprising a memory and a processor configured for: receiving data indicative of a desired temperature for the flame; determining, from the data, a corresponding amount of heating oxygen and a corresponding amount of fuel adapted to provide the flame with the desired temperature; and adjusting the valves to provide the torch with the corresponding amount of heating oxygen and the corresponding amount of fuel.
US09011755B2 Exercise step using spirally shaped air-cushioning legs
Disclosed are embodiments of an exercise step that utilize spirally shaped air-cushioning legs. The direction of the spiral of the air-cushioning legs is alternated around the periphery of the exercise step to eliminate rotational creep. Flow regulators are utilized to control the flow of air from the top of each of the air-cushioning legs into an interior portion of the base of the exercise step. Spokes provide an air flow passage between the air flow regulators and the central air regulator, as well as providing structural support for the base. Rings are also used around the base that inner connect the spokes and provide additional support. Recessed portions of a lower plate of the base are welded to an upper plate during a blow molding process to add additional support to the base of the exercise step.
US09011748B2 Plastic component with a complex and bifurcated structure
A die for producing pressed, fiber-reinforced plastic components, as well as a method for producing the plastic component, and the plastic component itself. The plastic components comprising at least two structural parts which overlap one another a pressing direction such that the die comprises at least one upper die portion formed with a pressing unit for applying a pressing force in the pressing direction, and at least one lower die portion which cooperates with the upper die portion to form a cavity in which the plastic component is formed. A die insert is fitted in the die and can move by and with the upper die portion and is designed to transmit the pressing force to the at least one structural part of the plastic component which is overlapped by the other structural part of the plastic component in the pressing direction.
US09011746B2 Mold and method for molding parts requiring multiple mold inputs
The invention is a method for preparing a finished part in a mold wherein the finished part includes n mold inputs, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing a mold having n mold stations, (b) simultaneously adding a mold input at each mold station to create a finished part and n−1 part portions, (c) removing the finished part and each part portion from each mold station, (d) transferring the finished part to a finished part holding area and transferring each part portion to a different mold station, and (e) repeating steps (b) through (d).
US09011742B2 Manufacturing micro-structured elements
According to the invention, a micro-structured element is manufactured by replicating/shaping (molding or embossing or the like) a 3D-structure in a preliminary product using an replication tool (1). The replication tool comprises a spacer portion (1c) protruding from a replication surface (1a). The replica (the micro-structured element, for example the micro-optical element or micro-optical element component) may be made of epoxy, which is cured—for example UV cured—while the replication tool is still in place. The replication process may be an embossing process, where the deformable or viscous or liquid component of the preliminary product to be shaped is placed on a surface and then the replication tool is pressed against this surface. As an alternative, the replication process may be a molding process.
US09011741B2 Process for producing biopolymer nanoparticles
In a process for producing a biopolymer nanoparticles, biopolymer feedstock and a plasticizer are fed to a feed zone of an extruder and the biopolymer feedstock is processed using shear forces. A crosslinking agent is added to the extruder downstream of the feed zone. The process has a production rate of at least 1.0 metric tons per hour. The feedstock and the plasticizer are preferably added separately to the feed zone. The extruder may have single flight elements in the feed zone. The temperatures in the intermediate section of the extruder are preferably kept above 100 C. The screw configuration may include two or more steam seal sections. Shear forces in a first section of the extruder may be greater than shear forces in an adjacent downstream section of the first section. In a post reaction section, water may be added to improve die performance.
US09011737B2 Advanced control system and method for making polyethylene terephthalate sheets and objects
A system for making PET objects including a means for reacting a first PET precursor and a second PET precursor to produce a PET melt; a means for flowing the PET melt to a valve having at least two outlets; a means for flowing the PET melt from at least one of the at least two outlets to at least one die forming line and one pelletizing (cutter) line. A means for controlling individually the mass flow of the PET melt in each of the at least two system lines independently of the other and a means for forming the PET objects from the PET melt. The control scheme is a combination of a feed forward system as well as a feedback loop. The entire control scheme is part of the overall system PLC. The fine tuning of the pressure at the outlet of the die forming loop is controllers to less than +/−1 bar to obtain maximum control of formed part.
US09011735B2 Volume-labeled nanoparticles and methods of preparation
Compositions comprising nanosized objects (i.e., nanoparticles) in which at least one observable marker, such as a radioisotope or fluorophore, is incorporated within the nanosized object. The nanosized objects include, for example, metal or semi-metal oxide (e.g., silica), quantum dot, noble metal, magnetic metal oxide, organic polymer, metal salt, and core-shell nanoparticles, wherein the label is incorporated within the nanoparticle or selectively in a metal oxide shell of a core-shell nanoparticle. Methods of preparing the volume-labeled nanoparticles are also described.
US09011728B2 Method for producing conductive material, conductive material obtained by the method, electronic device containing the conductive material, and light-emitting device
The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a conductive material that has a low electric resistivity and that is obtained using an inexpensive and stable conductive material composition. A conductive material having a low electric resistivity can be obtained by a method including the step of heating a conductive material composition that contains at least one of a full-cured or semi-cured thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic resin, as well as silver particles. Such a conductive material is a conductive material that includes fused silver particles, and thermosetting resin fine particles that have an average particle diameter of 0.1 μm to 10 μm both inclusive and are dispersed in the fused silver particles. Further, in such a conductive material is a conductive material that includes fused silver particles, and a thermoplastic resin welded among the fused silver particles.
US09011727B2 Electrochromic devices and polymer compositions
Blending an electrically active, anodically coloring, electrochromic polymer with a non-electrochromic, non-electrically conductive binder polymer greatly enhances the performance of the anodically coloring, electrochromic polymer in an electrochromic device over time. In addition to improved physical characteristics of the blend, e.g., film build, durability etc, the coloristic properties, including color space and color strength, of the device comprising the blend are more durable than when using the neat polymer, and in certain instances, the color space and color intensity provided by the blend is superior to that available from the neat polymer.
US09011722B2 Halo-borate luminescent materials and preparation methods thereof
Halo-borate luminescent materials and preparation methods thereof are provided. The said luminescent materials are represented by the following general formula: Ca2-xBO3Cl1-yFy:xEu2+, with zM0, wherein M0 is selected from one of Ag, Au, Pt, Pd or Cu metal nano-particles; 0.001≦x≦0.1, 0≦y≦0.2, 0
US09011717B2 White phosphors, methods of making white phosphors, white light emitting LEDs, methods of making white light emitting LEDs, and light bulb structures
Phosphor compositions, white phosphor compositions, methods of making white phosphor compositions, tinted white phosphor compositions, methods of making tinted white phosphor compositions, LEDs, methods of making LEDs, light bulb structures, paints including phosphor compositions, polymer compositions including phosphor compositions, ceramics including phosphor compositions, and the like are provided.
US09011716B1 White fluorescent blended dye for leak detection
The present invention provides a white-fluorescing dye blend comprising at least one neutral blending oil, a perylene-based compound, naphthalimide-based compound, and a coumarin-based compound. This white-fluorescing dye blend has a substantial fluorescent response to illumination by the entire range of commonly available inspection lamps. The resultant blended dye is an all-purpose blend that is satisfactory for all automotive fluids and all inspection lamps.
US09011715B2 Process for manufacturing colloidal materials, colloidal materials and their uses
A colloidal material and a process for manufacturing it and uses of the colloidal material for manufacturing optic devices. The colloidal material is of formula AnXm, wherein A is an element selected from groups II, III or IV of the periodic table; X is a metal selected from groups V or VI; and in the selection of the pair (A, X), the groups of the periodic table of A and X, respectively, are selected from the following combinations: (group II, group VI), (group III, group V) or (group IV, group VI); and n and m are such that AnXm is a neutral compound. The colloidal compound may be CdS, InP, or PbS. The process includes a step of solution phase decomposition of a mixture of X and a carboxylate of formula A(R—COO)p in the presence of a non- or weakly-coordinating solvent, and injecting an acetate salt or acetic acid in the mixture; wherein p is an integer between 1 and 2; R is a linear or branched C1-30alkyl group.
US09011714B2 Liquid crystal composition, liquid crystal element, and liquid crystal display device
An object is to provide a novel liquid crystal composition that can be used for a variety of liquid crystal devices. Particularly, a novel liquid crystal composition is used to achieve a reduction in driving voltage of a liquid crystal element and a reduction in power consumption of a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal composition includes a polymerizable monomer represented by the general formula (G1), a nematic liquid crystal, and a chiral agent. In the general formula (G1), n and m are individually an integer from 1 to 20, and R1 and R2 individually represent hydrogen or a methyl group.
US09011707B2 Etching method using an at least semi-solid media
An etching method that uses an etch reactant retained within at least a semi-solid media (120, 220, 224, 230). The etch reactant media is applied to selectively etch a surface layer (106, 218, 222). The etch reactant media may be applied to remove metal shorts (222), smearing and eaves resulting from CMP or in failure analysis for uniform removal of a metal layer (218) without damaging the vias, contact, or underlying structures.
US09011702B2 Method for manufacturing electrode for power storage device and method for manufacturing power storage device
One of objects is to reduce the effect caused by the volume expansion of an active material. An embodiment is a method for manufacturing an electrode for a power storage device which includes an active material over one of surfaces of a current collector. The active material is formed by forming a conductive body functioning as the current collector; forming a mixed layer including an amorphous region and a microcrystalline region over one of surfaces of the conductive body; and etching the mixed layer selectively, so that a part of or the whole of the amorphous region is removed and the microcrystalline region is exposed. Thus, the effect caused by the volume expansion of the active material is reduced.
US09011698B2 Method and devices for sonicating liquids with low-frequency high energy ultrasound
A method and devices comprise a low frequency high energy ultrasound system having at least one sonotrode projecting into a reactor vessel through which the liquid passes via at least one inlet orifice and at least one outlet orifice. To avoid cavitation at the sonotrode, in a close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure/amplitude combination close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line is generated at which considerably reduced or no cavitation occurs and in the adjacent region in the vessel at least in a region and at least at times a pressure/amplitude combination is maintained below the pressure-amplitude characteristic line at which cavitation is generated. A device has an inlet orifice arranged such that the liquid impacts directly onto the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface, and is shaped that in the close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line prevails.
US09011697B2 Fluid treatment using plasma technology
A method for the treatment of fluid including the step of exposing the fluid to a pulsed plasma discharge. The pulsed plasma discharge will be generated using a suitable electrode configuration to generate the plasma discharge in the fluid. Apparatus useful in the method may include a vessel, at least two electrodes for generating a plasma discharge in water, and a flow inlet and a flow outlet to allow water to be passed through the vessel. Also described is an in-line water treatment, where a pulsed plasma discharge is used in a pipe carrying moving water. Plasma based fluid treatment system may have many advantages in comparison to other treatment methods, such as very minimal maintenance, low operating power, and minimal pressure loss through the device.
US09011695B2 Porous magnetic sorbent
The invention relates to the field of producing polymer sorbents having magnetic properties, and can be used for removing petroleum products from a water surface. A magnetic porous sorbent for removing thin petroleum films from a water surface is proposed, said sorbent being produced on the basis of industrial synthetic divinyl rubber, as a result of the modification thereof by an oxidative chlorophosphorylation reaction with subsequent immobilization of magnetite FeO nanoparticles; and a method for producing a magnetic material is proposed, said method comprising the formation of FeO nanoparticles by an ion deposition method directly within a porous polymer matrix. The sorbent has a good sorption capacity in relation to thin petroleum films.
US09011694B2 Method for the synthesis of tetravalent manganese feroxyhite for arsenic removal from water
The present invention refers to a method for the synthesis of an adsorbing material consisting of a single-phase tetravalent manganese feroxyhite (ō-Fe(1-x)MnxOOH), in which a percentage of 0.05 to 25% of iron atoms has been isomorphically substituted by Mn(IV) atoms. Its production takes place in a continuous two-stage flow reactor at weakly acidic conditions (pH 4-7) and high redox (300-800 mV). The material can be used for the removal of both pentavalent and trivalent arsenic as well as other heavy metals form water. More specifically, its adsorption capacity and selectivity depending on the trivalent and pentavalent arsenic water content, are determined by the manganese percentage and the compact or hollow morphology of its structural unit which can be both controlled by the parameters of the synthesis procedure.
US09011691B2 Extraction solvent control for reducing stable emulsions
Disclosed herein are methods for recovering diphosphite-containing compounds from mixtures comprising organic mononitriles and organic dinitriles, using liquid-liquid extraction. Also disclosed are treatments to enhance extractability of the diphosphite-containing compounds.
US09011687B2 Method and apparatus for producing autologous clotting components
A method and apparatus for obtaining various components of a multi-component material. Generally, a component of a whole blood sample may be concentrated from a patient and re-introduced to the same patient. For example, a clotting component, such as thrombin, from a whole blood sample may be extracted and concentrated in an apparatus and collection to be reapplied or reintroduced into a patient.
US09011685B2 Fuel filter of an internal combustion engine
A fuel filter of an internal combustion engine including a filter housing having a lowermost housing base and a topmost removable housing lid. The filter housing has one raw fuel inlet and one pure fuel outlet. A replaceable annular filter insert mounts there in the filter housing, fuel flowing through it from outside towards inside. The filter subdivides an interior space of the filter housing into a raw zone and a pure zone. A supporting body is arranged in the interior of the annular filter insert, a first flow channel and a second flow channel extending therethrough. The first flow channel connects at one end to the pure zone and at the other end to the pure fuel outlet. The second flow channel connects at one end to the raw zone via a vent throttle or a vent valve and at the other end to a reservoir return in the filter housing. The raw fuel inlet is in the housing base and a flow channel leads from the raw fuel inlet to a portion of the raw zone of the interior space of the filter housing which is, during operation, topmost.
US09011677B2 Quick static decanter for prethickening water treatment sludge, and plant including such a decanter
The invention relates to a static decanter (D) for prethickening liquid sludge in a water treatment plant, in particular wastewater, comprising an inclined bottom (8), the decanter being provided with a liquid sludge supply pump (13), a device for injecting a polymer in the liquid sludge, an overspill discharge (23) and a pump (26) for extracting the prethickened sludge from the decanter. The decanter further includes a means for accelerating the sludge decantation, a means (M) for adjusting the concentration of suspended material in the prethickened sludge at the outlet, and capable of maintaining the concentration of the prethickened sludge extracted from the decanter at a substantially constant level despite the concentration variations at the inlet, and a means (M3) for adjusting the level of the sludge blanket (V) and capable of maintaining said level at the lowest possible level.
US09011674B2 Process for treating a hydrocarbon-containing feed
A process is provided in which a first hydrocarbon-containing composition is provided where the first hydrocarbon-containing composition comprises hydrocarbons having a boiling range from 25° C. to 538° C. and from 0.1 wt. % to 5 wt. % sulfur, where at least 40 wt. % of the sulfur is contained in hydrocarbons having a boiling point of less than 343° C. where at least 40 wt. % of the sulfur contained in hydrocarbons having a boiling point less than 343° C. is contained in benzothiophenic compounds, and the first hydrocarbon-containing compound is hydrotreated to produce a second hydrocarbon-containing compound.
US09011671B2 Coal processing method by using characteristics of sub-critical and supercritical water
A coal processing method includes adding coal powder, water and catalyst into a series of tandem reactors and processing therein, wherein the coal powder, water and catalyst are added into the first reactor of the series of tandem reactors; and the temperature and pressure of the series reactors is alternatively arranged in sub-critical state and supercritical state of water from the first reactor, the total product from the previous reactor is used as the feed of the next reactor without any further separation.
US09011670B2 Three-dimensional metal ion sensor arrays on printed circuit boards
An electronic device includes a substrate and a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is disposed in a well over the substrate and includes a working electrode, an inner filling solution disposed thereover, and an ion-selective membrane. The working electrode is in contact with the substrate and the ion-selective membrane is disposed over the inner filling solution and substantially seals the well.
US09011669B2 Apparatus and method for electrochemical modification of liquids
An apparatus for electrochemical modification of liquid streams employing an electrolytic cell which includes an anode compartment defined by an anode structure where oxidation is effected, containing a liquid electrolyte anolyte, and a cathode compartment defined by a cathode structure where reduction is effected containing a liquid electrolyte catholyte. In addition, the electrolytic cell includes at least one additional compartment arranged at least partially between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment and separated from the anode compartment and the cathode compartment by a separator structure arranged to supports ionic conduction of current between the anode structure and the cathode structure.
US09011667B2 Nanotube assembly, bipolar plate and process of making the same
One embodiment of the invention includes an assembly of metal oxide comprising valve metal oxide nanotubes.
US09011666B2 Composition for metal electroplating comprising leveling agent
A composition comprising a source of metal ions and at least one leveling agent obtainable by condensing at least one trialkanolamine of the general formula N(R1—OH)3 (Ia) and/or at least one dialkanolamine of the general formula R2—N(R1—OH)2 (Ib) to give a polyalkanolamine(II), wherein the R1 radicals are each independently selected from a divalent, linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and the R2 radicals are each selected from hydrogen and linear or branched aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, or derivatives obtainable by alkoxylation, substitution or alkoxylation and substitution of said polyalkanolamine(II).
US09011657B2 Combination of breathalyser and electrochemical saliva drug test
A device combining a fuel-cell-type breathalyzer with an electrochemical saliva drug test. The saliva drug tester comprises a disposable test strip-electrode module assembly and an analyzer module. The saliva is squeezed out of an absorbent swab when the test strip is inserted into the electrode module. The electrode module can also carry information that is read and evaluated by the analyzer, e.g. for verification of the electrode module.
US09011655B2 Device for generating cold plasma in a vacuum chamber and use of said device for thermo-chemical processing
A device for generating a cold plasma in a vacuum enclosure includes a cathode body having hollow chambers for confining the plasma. Magnets are placed around each hollow chamber for creating a magnetic field forcing electrons to rotate about the field lines. The cathode body cooperates with an element for circulating a coolant to extract the heat generated by an intense ion bombardment at each of the hollow chambers.
US09011652B2 Rotary target backing tube bonding assembly
A rotary sputtering target bonded to a backing tube such that the bonding material is applied only proximate the ends of the rotary sputtering target and is also between the target and the backing tube to form a gap between the rotary sputtering target and the backing tube and a device for bonding a rotary sputtering target to a backing tube.
US09011651B2 Apparatus and method for the electrolysis of water
An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and/or oxygen, the apparatus comprising: (i) at least one lithographically-patternable substrate having a surface; (ii) a plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes embedded in said surface; (iii) at least one counter electrode in proximity to but not on said surface; (iv) means for collecting evolved hydrogen and/or oxygen gas; (v) electrical powering means for applying a voltage across said plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes and said at least one counter electrode; and (vi) a container for holding an aqueous electrolyte and housing said plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes and said at least one counter electrode. Electrolytic processes using the above electrolytic apparatus or functional mimics thereof are also described.
US09011649B2 Thin film deposition method
The subject of the invention is a process for obtaining a substrate coated on at least part of its surface with at least one film of oxide of a metal M the physical thickness of which is 30 nm or less, said oxide film not being part of a multilayer comprising at least one silver film, said process comprising the following steps: at least one intermediate film of a material chosen from the metal M, a nitride of the metal M, a carbide of the metal M and an oxygen-substoichiometric oxide of the metal M is deposited by sputtering, said intermediate film not being deposited above or beneath a titanium-oxide-based film, the physical thickness of said intermediate film being 30 nm or less; and at least part of the surface of said intermediate film is oxidized using a heat treatment, during which said intermediate film is in direct contact with an oxidizing atmosphere, especially air, the temperature of said substrate during said heat treatment not exceeding 150° C.
US09011648B2 Conversion of carbon dioxide into useful organic products by using plasma technology
The present invention relates to a method of conversion of carbon dioxide into organic products using plasma technology comprising the steps of (a) providing a reaction chamber; (b) introducing a counterpart molecule and carbon dioxide into the reaction chamber; (c) initiating a plasma in the reaction chamber; and (d) converting the carbon dioxide into organic products, wherein the organic products do not contain formic acid and formaldehyde, and wherein the counterpart molecule consists of water molecule.
US09011647B2 Plasma-assisted treatment of coal
A process for the plasma-assisted treatment of coal in which coal is directly converted to heavy hydrocarbons. The first step in the process is direct conversion of coal to aliphatic hydrocarbons under plasma conditions in the presence of light hydrocarbons, such as natural gas. In the second process step, the aliphatic hydrocarbons are upgraded to a liquid fuel. The energy for the process can be provided by radio frequency energy, such as microwave energy, that is powered by a renewable energy source. The process has flexibility to adjust aromatic content in the fuel to match fuel specification requirements.
US09011645B2 Method for preparing a seam area for a PMC base fabric
A process for preparing a seam area for a paper machine clothing (PMC) base fabric includes the steps of: forming the PMC base fabric by flat-weaving, the PMC base fabric including warp yarns extending in machine direction and weft yarns extending in cross machine direction and interwoven with the warp yarns, the weft yarns including first weft yarns and a second weft yarn, the second weft yarn being a multifilament yarn, the warp yarns, the first weft yarns, and the multifilament yarn being woven together on a loom in an original weaving process, the multifilament yarn being positioned in an anticipated seam area; and folding over the PMC base fabric, after weaving the multifilament yarn with the warp yarns, to form a seam loop of the PMC base fabric such that the multifilament yarn is a first one of the weft yarns on a sheet side of the seam loop.
US09011641B2 Fibrous structures and methods for making same
Fibrous structures that exhibit a Free Fiber End Count greater than the Free Fiber End Count of known fibrous structures in the range of free fiber end lengths of from about 0.10 mm to about 0.75 mm as determined by the Free Fiber End Test Method, and sanitary tissue products comprising same and methods for making same are provided.
US09011640B2 Method for obtaining cellulose from biomass comprising lignocellulose
The invention relates to a method for obtaining cellulose by separating lignin from a biomass comprising lignocellulose in the form of plants or plant parts, wherein the biomass comprising lignocellulose is solubilized in a boiler in an alkaline medium comprising alkanol amine, and dissolved lignin is separated from the resulting raw cellulose. Said method is characterized in that the biomass comprising lignocellulose is not from a wood source, and is solubilized at a temperature of less than approximately 170° C. in a solubilizing agent based on alkanol amine and water, wherein the weight ratio of alkanol amine to water is set to 80:20 to 20:80, and raw cellulose thus produced is separated from the waste lye using a typical method. Said method is particularly advantageous for obtaining cellulose from annual plants, particularly wheat straw. The method is advantageously improved in that the solubilization takes place in the presence of a catalyst, particularly of anthrachinon. An advantageous bleaching process may be performed subsequently. Said method is characterized by great economic efficiency, particularly due to the high reclamation rates of the alkanol amine used, and leads to lower environmental impact in wastewater, and to reduced disposal costs. The design of the method leads to a greater yield of cellulose and largely prevents degradation of alkanol amine, particularly monoethanol amine (MEA).
US09011638B2 Chip sorting apparatus
A method of chip sorting comprises providing a chip holder having a first surface; providing multiple chips on the first surface; providing a chip receiver having a second surface, wherein the second surface faces the first surface; attaching the multiple chips to the second surface; decreasing an adhesion between the multiple chips and the first surface; and separating the multiple chips from the first surface after the step of decreasing the adhesion between the multiple chips and the first surface.
US09011629B2 Adhesive for electronic components, and manufacturing method for semiconductor chip mount
An adhesive for electronic components, including a curable compound, a curing agent, and an inorganic filler, wherein A1 and A2/A1 fall within a range surrounded by solid lines and a dashed line in Fig. 1A wherein a viscosity at 5 rpm measured at 25° C. using an E type viscometer is A1 (Pa·s) and a viscosity at 0.5 rpm measured at 25° C. using an E type viscometer is A2 (Pa·s), the range including values on the solid lines but not including values on the dashed line, and a blending amount of the curing agent is 5 to 150 parts by weight and a blending amount of the inorganic filler is 60 to 400 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the curable compound.
US09011627B2 Method of manufacturing high permittivity low leakage capacitor and energy storing device
A method is provided for making a high permittivity dielectric material for use in capacitors. Several high permittivity materials in an organic nonconductive media with enhanced properties and methods for making the same are disclosed. A general method for the formation of thin films of some particular dielectric material is disclosed, wherein organic polymers are utilized to produce low conductivity dielectric coatings. Additionally, a method whereby the formation of certain transition metal salts as salt or oxide matrices is demonstrated at low temperatures utilizing mild reducing agents. Further, a circuit structure and associated method of operation for the recovery and regeneration of the leakage current from the long-term storage capacitors is provided in order to enhance the manufacturing yield and utility performance of such devices.
US09011625B2 Nonwoven composite containing an apertured elastic film
An elastic nonwoven composite that contains an elastic film laminated to one or more nonwoven web materials is provided. The composite is formed by passing the film through a nip to bond the film to the nonwoven web material(s). Concurrent with bond formation, apertures are also formed in the elastic film. The apertures are of a size sufficient to provide a desired level of texture, softness, hand feel, and/or aesthetic appeal to the composite without having a significant adverse effect on its elastic properties. Aperture and bond formation are accomplished in the present invention by selectively controlling certain parameters of the lamination process, such as film content, bonding pattern, degree of film tension, bonding conditions, etc.
US09011622B2 High-pressure tank with permeation barrier
The present invention relates to a high-pressure tank made from fiber-reinforced plastic for, in particular, gaseous media, wherein, on its inner wall, the tank is equipped completely or partially with a substantially permeation-tight foil made of metal, wherein the metal has a high elastic range and a low thermal expansion coefficient, and the foil has a thickness of ≦0.5 mm. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing tanks of this type.
US09011616B2 Optimizing the shape of a composite structure
The shape of a laminated composite structure is optimized using finite element analysis. The optimized shape minimizes the weight of the structure while satisfying minimum strength and stiffness requirements.
US09011613B2 System and method for annealing nuclear fission reactor materials
Illustrative embodiments provide systems, methods, apparatuses, and applications related to annealing nuclear fission reactor materials.
US09011610B2 Solid fast draining/drying rinse aid for high total dissolved solid water conditions
The present invention is a solid rinse aid composition and methods of making and using the same. Applicants have surprisingly found that the crystal modifier sodium xylene sulfonate (short chain alkyl benzene or alkyl naphthalene sulfonates) at higher percentage can act as a solidification agent. The solid rinse aid composition generally includes an short chain alkyl benzene or alkyl naphthalene sulfonates solidification agent and an effective amount of a surfactant which can include a sheeting agent component, defoamer component and/or association disruption agent. The solid rinse aid composition may be phosphate-free, aminocarboxylate-free, and GRAS if desired.
US09011609B2 Ironing method and ironing apparatus
An ironing apparatus includes an ironing die and an ironing punch, an injection port for injecting gas or liquid to the metal plate at a high pressure to remove substance adhered to the metal plate therefrom, a suction port for sucking the adhered substance removed from the metal plate, and a protrusion mount portion with a protrusion for preventing dispersion of the gas or the liquid. An ironing method for ironing the metal plate having the single surface or both surfaces coated with the organic resin film includes the steps of injecting the gas or the liquid from the injection port to the metal plate at the high pressure to remove the adhered substance from the metal plate, and sucking and collecting the adhered substance removed from the metal plate from the suction port. The adhered substance such as the hair may be removed by the aforementioned invention.
US09011604B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
In a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, a depression is formed in a semiconductor substrate made of silicon or silicon compound semiconductor, and foreign substances including a protection layer in the depression is removed with a cleaning solution. The cleaning solution includes a mixed solution of hydrogen peroxide water to which a chelator is added, a basic solution, and water.
US09011600B2 Chemical vapour deposition system and process
A chemical vapour deposition system, including: a process tube for receiving at least one sample, the process tube being constructed of silicon carbide, impregnated with silicon, and coated with silicon carbide; a pumping system to evacuate the process tube to high vacuum; one or more gas inlets for introducing one or more process gases into the evacuated process tube; and a heater to heat the process tube and thereby heat the one or more process gases and the at least one sample within the process tube to cause a material to be deposited onto the at least one sample within the process tube by chemical vapour deposition.
US09011598B2 Method for making a composite substrate and composite substrate according to the method
The present invention provides methods for fabricating a composite substrate including a supporting substrate and a layer of a binary or ternary material having a crystal form that is non-cubic and semi-polar or non-polar. The methods comprise transferring the layer of a binary or ternary material from a donor substrate to a receiving substrate.
US09011597B2 Method for preparing a composite material from waste and resulting material
A method for preparing a composite material from a waste appearing as sludge is provided. The method comprises a step consisting in putting said waste appearing as sludge in contact with a dry cement mixture. Also provided are the thereby obtained composite material and the use of such a method for treating and/or inertizing wastes and notably industrial and/or radioactive wastes.
US09011593B2 Process for the manufacture of self-binding pigmentary particles, dry or in aqueous suspension or dispersion, containing inorganic matter and binders
The present invention is directed to a process for the preparation of an aqueous suspension of self-binding pigmentary particles comprising the following stages: (a) forming one or more aqueous suspensions of at least one inorganic matter comprising calcium carbonate; (b) forming or obtaining one or more aqueous solutions or suspensions or emulsions of at least one binder; and (c) co-grinding the aqueous suspension or suspensions obtained in stage a) with the aqueous solutions or suspensions or emulsions obtained in stage b) in a mill so as to obtain an aqueous suspension of self-binding pigmentary particles.
US09011589B2 Magenta dyes and their preparation methods and applications
The present invention relates to a class of magenta dyes, their preparation methods and applications. The magenta dyes include the compounds which simultaneously contain carboxyl group, sulfonic acid group and the carbonyl propyl sulfurylsulfonic acid on the anthrapyridone skeleton, showing in the form of general formula (I) or their mixtures. In the general formula (I): A may be cation M4, or substituted or unsubstituted benzyl group, or substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl methyl; M1, M2, M3 are respectively cation or cationic groups; Sulfonic acid group (SO3M2)m may located any position of the benzene ring, of which m is an integer of 0-2. As containing carboxyl (or carboxylic benzyl ester or naphthoate), sulfonic acid groups and carbonyl propyl sulfuryl simultaneously, the magenta dyes of the present invention feature outstanding tone, brightness, light resistance, water resistance, ozone resistance as well as solubility and solution stability, etc.
US09011586B2 Microcoating comprising siloxanes
The invention relates to a binding agent comprising an aqueous, film-forming, polymeric siloxane. The invention also relates to a coating agent that is produced using said binding agent and to a workpiece that is coated with said coating agent.
US09011584B2 End of service life indicator for respirator
A device includes a cartridge containing a filter material. An insert extends through at least a portion of the filter material. The insert has gas sample path with an opening to provide a sample of air that is representative of the saturation of the filter material. A return path may be included in the insert to return sampled gas to the filter material. A gas mask contains a gas sensor and coupled to the cartridge, which may be replaced when saturated.
US09011583B2 Article for CO2 capture having heat exchange capability
An article comprising a plurality of intersecting walls having outer surfaces that define a plurality of cells extending from one end to a second end, wherein the walls forming each cell in a first subset of cells are covered by a barrier layer to form a plurality of heat exchange flow channels, and wherein the walls forming each cell in a second subset of cells different from the first subset of cells, comprise a CO2 sorbent and form reaction flow channels. Heat exchange flow channels allow quick and uniform heating and cooling of the sorbent body. The article may be useful, for example, for removing CO2 from a gas stream.
US09011581B1 Venting array and manufacturing method
The invention relates to a vent array comprising a plurality of venting regions comprising a porous PTFE matrix material and a nonporous material comprising a substrate material having a plurality of perforations, wherein the substrate material fills the pores of a porous PTFE matrix material to form nonporous regions, the nonporous regions interconnecting the plurality of venting regions.
US09011580B2 Hydrogen purifier
Techniques are generally described herein for the design and manufacture of hydrogen generation apparatuses and systems. Other embodiments may also be disclosed and claimed. Some methods described herein pressing together a first end plate, one or more intermediate plates, and a second end plate using a press to form a hydrogen purifier module, and placing a plurality of clips around the hydrogen purifier module to hold the first end plate, the one or more intermediate plates, and the second end plate together.
US09011579B2 Air treatment apparatus and systems comprised thereof
This disclosure describes embodiments of an air treatment apparatus that stimulates formation of large moisture droplets from small moisture droplets found in air flowing in power generating systems to a turbo-machine. In one example, the embodiments generate a field that promotes contact between the smaller moisture droplets. This contact can increase the size of moisture droplets to facilitate condensation of moisture out of the air.
US09011577B2 Methods of filtering multiple contaminants, mitigating contaminant formation, and recycling greenhouse gases using a humic and fulvic reagent
A highly alkalized humic and fulvic filter reagent for the removal of multiple contaminants from a gas is provided. The contaminants removed from the gas stream may include, but are not limited to, Carbon Dioxide, Sulfur Oxide, Nitrogen Oxides, Hydrogen Sulfides, radionuclides, mercaptans, ammonia, toxic metals, particulates, volatile vapors, and organics. The present invention further includes the disposal of the filter reagent by way of using the highly alkalized humic and fulvic filter for soil fertility, releasing the carbon dioxide from the filter reagent, converting the liquid filter reagent into a solid for disposal or for use as a contaminant removal filter for waters, wastes, and chemicals.
US09011575B2 Gas treatment
This invention proposes a method of removing pollutants from high temperature gases prior to their introduction in to a heat exchanger of a steam generating boiler within a power generation system. The method places a filter system (100) in a hot gas flow path upstream of a waste-heat boiler. The filter system has at least two banks of substantially hollow elongate filters (110), each of which filters particles from the gas flow as it flows from an external surface thereof to an internal surface thereof. Valves (104, 106) enable each bank of filters to be isolated from the hot gas flow path. The method included periodically isolating at least one bank of filters while passing hot gasses through at least another of the banks of filters, and cleaning the isolated bank of filters. After cleaning the filters (110) lime is injected into the flow path so that it coats the outer surface of the filters (110) to produce a loose lime coating thereon.
US09011574B2 Method for leaching of copper and molybdenum
A method for leaching copper and molybdenum from an ore, residue and/or concentrate containing such, in which more than 1% w/w of the total molybdenum is present as a sulfide and in which more than 1% w/w of the total copper is present as an oxide, the method comprising the steps of: exposing the ore, residue and/or concentrate to an aqueous solution of chlorine (I)-based oxidizing species of a pH of at least 3.0; oxidizing the molybdenum by the chlorine-based oxidizing species thereby providing a treated ore, residue and/or concentrate and a reduced aqueous solution of chlorine-based oxidizing species; leaching the treated ore, residue and/or concentrate by exposing the treated ore, residue and/or concentrate to an aqueous ammoniacal ammonium carbonate solution to form a pregnant leach solution containing both copper and molybdenum; and passing the pregnant leach solution containing both copper and molybdenum to a means for metal recovery.
US09011573B2 Process for recycling of steel industry iron bearing by-products, pellet obtained in that process and use thereof
The present invention relates to a process for the recycling of steel industry iron bearing by-products into a shape suitable for feeding into a direct reduction furnace, comprising the steps of mixing and grinding 50 to 99 wt % of ore and pellet fines and 1 to 50 wt % of slurry, mill scale and/or bag house dust, pelletizing the mixture and indurating the pellets so obtained by heating for 5-60 minutes at a temperature in the range of 1100-1350° C.; and a pellet produced from Iron bearing waste material and having compression strength of at least 2.8 kN and/or a drop number of at least 3.
US09011570B2 Articles containing copper nanoparticles and methods for production and use thereof
Articles containing a matrix material and plurality of copper nanoparticles in the matrix material that have been at least partially fused together are described. The copper nanoparticles are less than about 20 nm in size. Copper nanoparticles of this size become fused together at temperatures and pressures that are much lower than that of bulk copper. In general, the fusion temperatures decrease with increasing applied pressure and lowering of the size of the copper nanoparticles. The size of the copper nanoparticles can be varied by adjusting reaction conditions including, for example, surfactant systems, addition rates, and temperatures. Copper nanoparticles that have been at least partially fused together can form a thermally conductive percolation pathway in the matrix material.
US09011569B2 Particulate filter
A wall flow type particulate filter (24) adapted to be arranged in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine in which combustion is performed in an excess of oxygen carries a solid acid. The solid acid has an acid strength which is higher than the acid strength of sulfurous acid and lower than the acid strength of sulfuric acid.
US09011560B2 Various methods and apparatuses for an ultra-high heat flux chemical reactor
Various processes and apparatus are discussed for an ultra-high heat flux chemical reactor. A thermal receiver and the reactor tubes are aligned to 1) absorb and re-emit radiant energy, 2) highly reflect radiant energy, and 3) any combination of these, to maintain an operational temperature of the enclosed ultra-high heat flux chemical reactor. Particles of biomass are gasified in the presence of a steam carrier gas and methane in a simultaneous steam reformation and steam biomass gasification reaction to produce reaction products that include hydrogen and carbon monoxide gas using the ultra-high heat flux thermal energy radiated from the inner wall and then into the multiple reactor tubes. The multiple reactor tubes and cavity walls of the receiver transfer energy primarily by radiation absorption and re-radiation, rather than by convection or conduction, to the reactants in the chemical reaction to drive the endothermic chemical reaction flowing in the reactor tubes.
US09011554B2 High-performance multi-component prosthetic foot
Prosthetic feet are described comprising a curvilinear spring element, including a rounded portion transitioning between upper and lower extensions, the upper extension including a mounting section/region between the curved portion and a distal end of the upper extension. At least one leaf spring element spans a gap between the upper and lower extension sections, and a resilient footbed is attached to the lower extension. Such feet are typically set within a cosmetic cover for and fit within a shoe for use.
US09011550B2 Method of mending a groin defect
A method of mending a groinal defect such as an indirect inguinal hernia, a direct inguinal hernia, and/or a femoral hernia. A space between the external oblique aponeurosis and the internal oblique aponeurosis is dissected superiorly and laterally to create a site for receiving a lateral portion of a prosthetic repair patch. Dissection medially and inferiorly between the two aponeuroses leads to a transversalis fascia, which is explored downwardly and, at the pubic bone, dissected to reach the preperitoneal space of Retzius. A medial portion of a prosthetic repair patch may be positioned in the space of Retzius with a lateral portion of the prosthetic repair patch positioned in the dissected space between the two aponeuroses. So positioned, the prosthetic repair patch protects the myopectineal orifice that is susceptible to each of the indirect inguinal hernia, direct inguinal hernia, and femoral hernia.
US09011543B2 Methods for augmenting or repairing intervertebral discs with allogenic/xenogenic implants
Allogenic or xenogenic materials are used to provide intervertebral disc nucleus implants and/or annular plugs. The allogenic or xenogenic materials comprise natural disc annulus material, which may have a portion of the anterior longitudinal ligament attached. The tissue may be used “as is” without an additional core or covering, or it may be used in combination with other materials. The material may be rolled, folded, layered and/or sutured, stapled, or glued to provide a solid plug of natural biological material. The implant may be provided as a dehydrated, substantially rod-shaped segment having a diameter less than the diameter of the hydrated material, and may have one or more ends of the dehydrated rod terminate with a further reduced diameter portion, preferably a point.
US09011535B2 Methods for ligament reconstruction
Methods and devices are provided for fixing a ligament graft in a bone tunnel. In general, the methods and devices involve affixing a ligament graft within a bone tunnel using an adhesive. A fixation device can be inserted through the ligament graft in a direction transverse to an axis of the tunnel to maintain the ligament graft in contact with the adhesive. The fixation device can be removed when the adhesive is cured such that the ligament graft is fixed in the tunnel.
US09011531B2 Method and apparatus for repairing a mitral valve
A method for repairing a mitral valve, the method comprising: positioning a crossing guidewire across the mitral valve, the crossing guidewire passing through the annulus of the mitral valve at a first location and passing through the annulus of the mitral valve at a second location; using the crossing guidewire to position a spanning implant across the mitral valve, with the spanning implant extending from the first location to the second location; anchoring the spanning implant at the first location; tensioning the spanning implant so as to draw the first location and the second location together; and anchoring the spanning implant at the second location.
US09011530B2 Partially-adjustable annuloplasty structure
Apparatus and methods are described including an annuloplasty structure configured for implantation along an annulus of an atrioventricular valve of a heart of a subject. The structure includes a coiled element comprising at least one first portion thereof which is flexible and longitudinally compressible, and at least one second portion thereof in series with the first portion, the second portion being flexible and less longitudinally compressible than the first portion. Other applications are also described.
US09011526B2 Tubular extracellular matrix prosthetic valve
A seamless prosthetic valve having an outer abluminal surface, a triple walled intermediate portion, and at least one valve leaflet that is configured to selectively restrict fluid flow through the valve, the valve leaflet being formed by suturing the triple walled intermediate portion at a first commissure connection point.
US09011522B2 Device and method for temporary or permanent suspension of an implantable scaffolding containing an orifice for placement of a prosthetic or bio-prosthetic valve
In a surgical method for improving cardiac function, an implantable scaffold or valve support device is inserted inside a patient's heart and attached to the heart in a region adjacent to a natural mitral or other heart valve. The scaffold or valve support device defines an orifice and, after the attaching of the scaffold or valve support device to the heart, or temporary support while native valve leaflets and/or subvalvular structures are captured, a prosthetic or bio-prosthetic valve seated in the orifice, and the native valve may be retracted into the scaffold/replacement assembly to create a gasket for sealing the complex.
US09011517B2 Side branch stent graft
A stent graft has a tubular side arm which can be angled proximally and distally and from side to side. The wall of the stent graft in the vicinity of the side arm has a loose fold of the graft material and the side arm is fastened to the loose fold of graft material. The tubular side arm has an inner end and an outer end and is fastened into the loose fold of graft material by a circumferential fastening around the tubular side arm between the inner end and the outer end so that the tubular side arm extends partially within the tubular body of the stent graft and partially outside the tubular body of the stent graft. The loose fold of graft material can be formed by the graft material defining a recess in the wall of the stent graft. To enable movement or angulation proximally and distally and from side to side the loose fold of graft material is provided both proximally and distally of the tubular side arm and circumferentially to each side of the tubular side arm.
US09011514B2 Emergency vessel repair prosthesis deployment system
A deployment device to deploy a prosthesis for interconnecting vessel portions of a body vessel is described herein. The device includes a support frame and an actuation member coupled to the support frame. The actuation member is movable between a first and a second position. A retaining member is movable between a closed and a open position. In the closed position, the retaining member forms a chamber to retain a length of a prosthesis in a compressed configuration. In the open position, the retaining member is positioned to allow the prosthesis to move to an expanded configuration. Movement of the actuation member to the second position causes movement of the retaining member to the open position. One or more retractable cuffs can be positioned over the ends of the prosthesis for selectively retaining the corresponding prosthesis ends in the compressed configuration.
US09011513B2 Catheter having hydraulic actuator
Catheter for delivery of a medical device such as a stent or filter includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member movable relative to the inner tubular member. The outer tubular member is disposed at the distal end of the inner tubular member. The inner tubular member includes a fluid lumen defined therein, the fluid lumen having a fluid flow port directed to the exterior surface of the inner tubular member. A pressure chamber is defined by the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member, a proximal seal and a distal seal, and is in fluid communication with the fluid flow port, wherein fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force on the proximal seal to move the outer tubular member in a proximal direction allowing the medical device constrained by the outer tubular member to be released.
US09011509B2 Individually optimized performance of optically stimulating cochlear implants
Method and apparatus for optically stimulating neurons of a plurality of auditory nerve pathways of a person to provide auditory sensations for the person including generating a plurality of pulsed light signals having one or more successive pulses; delivering the plurality of pulsed light signals to one or more auditory nerve pathways of the cochlea of the person; selectively controlling the plurality of light signals to optically stimulate and trigger nerve action potentials (NAPs) in the one or more auditory nerve pathways, wherein the selectively controlling includes empirically testing the delivering of the plurality of light signals and determining which optical-stimulation parameters used during the testing are most effective for optically stimulating the auditory nerve pathways of the person, and using results of the testing such that the delivering includes delivering the plurality of light signals with the optical-stimulation parameters that were determined to be most effective for optically stimulating.
US09011508B2 Broad wavelength profile to homogenize the absorption profile in optical stimulation of nerves
The present invention provides an apparatus that includes an infrared (IR) light source having two or more wavelengths (e.g., a relatively broad wavelength-profile light source and/or a light source with a plurality of relatively narrowband wavelengths), wherein the different wavelengths have different tissue-penetration depths. The IR light provides optical stimulation of nerves to generate nerve-action potentials (NAPs) in one or more individual nerve cells, and/or compound nerve-action potentials (CNAPs) in a nerve bundle. In some embodiments, the stimulation of NAPs and CNAPs is used to restore hearing. In some embodiments, the broad wavelength profile extends the physical volume of tissue that is stimulated, thus homogenizing the spatial light-absorption profile of the stimulation light used, e.g., for optical triggering of NAPs and CNAPs in the cochlea.
US09011507B2 Compression plate kit and methods for repairing bone discontinuities
A compression plate kit that allows for manual compression of a bone discontinuity includes a bone plate, two or more reduction fasteners in the form of screws or pins, for example, and a compression clamp. The compression clamp can include engagement members configured to engage the reduction screws or pins, thereby allowing a practitioner to compress a bone discontinuity by manually closing the compression clamp. One or more implementations of a kit of the present invention can provide a practitioner with physical or tactile feedback during the compression of a bone discontinuity, and thus, provide the practitioner with the ability to better control the compression and spacing of bone portions during a reduction. One implementation of the kit includes a coupler for coupling the upper portions of the reduction fasteners together for selective fine tuning adjustments.
US09011506B2 Bone screw
A bone screw comprises a threaded portion. The threaded portion has a first thread including a first front surface (11), a first back surface (12) and a crest. A second thread including a second front surface (16) and a second back surface (17) is formed on at least part of the crest of the first thread. Because of the presence of the second thread, a contact area between the screw and a bone and an axial pullout force-bearing area are both significantly increased, without significantly influencing the bending resistance, so that the mechanical property of the screw is entirely improved.
US09011503B2 Joint arthrodesis and arthroplasty
An implantable fixation system for fusing a joint between a first bone and a second bone. The system may include an anchor, standoff, bolt, and cortical washer. The system may be implanted across the joint along a single trajectory, the length of the system adjustable to provide compressive force between the anchor and the cortical washer. The system may be implanted across a tibiotalar joint with the anchor positioned in the sinus tarsi. A spacing member may be inserted between the two bones and the fixation system implanted to extend through an opening in the spacing member. The spacing member may be anatomically shaped and/or provide deformity correction. An ankle arthroplasty system may include a tibial plate, a talar plate, and a bearing insert. The plates may be anchored to the tibia and talus along a single trajectory. The ankle arthroplasty system may be revisable to a fusion system.
US09011502B2 Medical device inserters and processes of inserting and using medical devices
An apparatus for insertion of a medical device in the skin of a subject is provided, as well as methods of inserting medical devices.
US09011498B2 Devices and methods for correcting spinal deformities
The present application discloses methods for treating a spinal deformity. In one embodiment, an elongated member is attached to vertebral members with fasteners. A separate fastener may attach the elongated member to each of the vertebral members. The elongated member may apply a force to limit growth on one side of the vertebral members, such as a convex side of a scoliotic spine. Each fastener may be constructed to limit a direction of growth of the vertebral member thereby applying a specific, corrective force to the vertebral member. The fasteners may allow relative motion between adjacent vertebral members without losing the attachment between the vertebral members and the fasteners. The net result may be controlled modulation of growth to reduce and/or eliminate the spinal deformity through redirection of growth potential.
US09011490B2 Suture retention device
A suture retention device is provided for retaining a suture. The device includes a body with a channel and two retention members within the channel. The retention members are movable between an unlocked state to a locked state in which the suture is restrained with respect to the body.
US09011485B2 Implantable biodegradable wound closure device and method
An implantable biodegradable device consisting of an inner button attached to a cylindrical segment, and an outer button attached to a retainment feature. The cylindrical segment is threaded on one end, with a surface groove. The retainment feature consists of radial strips with bent ends. The diameter of the radial strips is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylinder. The bent ends fit into the groove. An insertion tool can attach to the threads in the cylinder and push the inner button through a wound, then, holding the inner button in place, push the outer button toward the inner button until the bent ends engage with the groove. The top of the threaded end of the cylindrical segment is adjacent to the back surface of the outer button when the bent ends of the retainment feature are engaged with the groove.
US09011478B2 Embolic filters with a distal loop or no loop
The invention provides a device for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the walls of a vessel in a patient's body, comprising a filter element and a self-expanding radial element associated with the filter element. The filter element is expandable from a collapsed configuration when the filter element is restrained to an expanded configuration when the filter element is unrestrained. The filter element comprises a self-expanding material having pores. The filter element has proximal and distal portions and a central portion, and has a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximal facing opening. The self-expanding radial element is distal of the filter element, and the self-expanding radial element is adapted to maintain the filter element centered in the lumen.
US09011477B2 Intragastric device
Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, monitoring, and retrieving the same are provided.
US09011475B1 Puncture apparatus
A puncture apparatus includes a puncture needle for puncturing living body tissue, an axial portion, a puncture member including an interlock portion interlocking the puncture needle and the axial portion, an elongated urethral-insertion member insertable into the urethra, an elongated vaginal-insertion member insertable into the vagina; and a supporting member supporting the puncture member, the urethral-insertion member and the vaginal-insertion member. The distal end of the puncture needle includes a sharp needle tip, and the needle is bent in an arc shape centered on the axial portion. The axial portion is freely rotatable on the supporting member, and the supporting member restricts the positional relation between the puncture member and the urethral-insertion member such that when the puncture member rotates and punctures the living body tissue, the needle tip passes a far-position side from the center of the puncture needle compared with the urethral-insertion member or an extended line of such member.
US09011474B2 Laparoscopic instrument and trocar systems and related surgical method
Laparoscopic instruments and trocars are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. A generally C-shaped trocar provides increased work space between the hands of the surgeon as well as S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the trocar when laparoscopic instrument-trocar units are placed through the umbilicus. In order to facilitate retraction of intra-abdominal structures during a laparoscopic procedure, an angulated needle and thread with either one-or two sharp ends is provided. Alternatively, an inflatable unit having at least one generally C-shaped trocar incorporated within the unit's walls can be placed through the umbilicus following a single incision. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments may be placed through the generally C-shaped trocars to facilitate access to intra-abdominal structures.
US09011473B2 Dissection handpiece and method for reducing the appearance of cellulite
A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes.
US09011472B2 Surgical tool with hydrodynamic dissipation brake
Systems and methods are provided for passively dissipating a rotational speed of a fluid-driven rotatable shaft. In particular, a dissipation member is provided for dissipating the rotational speed of a shaft having an end effector formed thereon. As the rotational speed of the shaft increases, the dissipation member will apply a counter-torque to the shaft, thereby limiting the rotational speed of the shaft. In an exemplary embodiment, the counter-torque has a non-linear dependence on the rotational speed of the shaft, such that the counter-torque increases at a rate greater than a rate of increase in the rotational speed.
US09011471B2 Surgical instrument with pivoting coupling to modular shaft and end effector
A surgical instrument comprises a body and a shaft assembly. The body includes an energy source such as an ultrasonic transducer. The shaft assembly comprises an end effector and a transmission member such as an acoustic waveguide. The end effector may include a harmonic blade and a pivoting clamp member. One or both of the body or the shaft assembly includes a pivot feature. The pivot feature is operable to secure the shaft assembly to the body. The pivot feature may include a bar defining a pivot axis about which the shaft assembly pivots to secure the shaft assembly to the body. The pivot axis may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis defined by the shaft assembly. The pivot feature may also include a pivoting cover configured to cover a recess in the body in which a proximal portion of the shaft assembly is received.
US09011468B2 Independent gripper
The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.
US09011464B2 Self-centering clip and jaw
An apparatus for applying surgical clips to tissue includes a handle assembly having a trigger and a shaft extending therefrom. The shaft includes at least one surgical clip therein. Each clip includes a pair of legs connected by a crossbar. Each of the pair of legs has an inwardly and an outwardly facing surface, the outwardly facing surface having a raised profile protruding therefrom and extending longitudinally therealong. A jaw assembly is disposed at a distal end of the shaft and includes first and second opposed jaws moveable between a spaced apart and an approximated position. Each jaw defines a recess extending longitudinally along opposing inner surfaces thereof. Each recess defines a longitudinally extending groove having a profile substantially complementary to the raised profile of the legs of the clips. The legs of each clip are positionable at least partially within respective grooves of the recesses of the jaws.
US09011459B2 Provisional tibial prosthesis system
The present disclosure provides a provisional tibial prosthesis system for a set of prosthetic knee joints for implantation in a natural knee, the provisional tibial prosthesis system including a bearing component and a bearing support, the spacing of the bearing component from the bearing support is adjustable to allow for representation of a variety of different sized final tibial prostheses. In this system, only one provisional bearing component corresponding to each level of constraint is needed and shims are used to adjust the spacing of the bearing component from the bearing support. The shims are slidably insertable between the bearing component and the bearing support in an anterior/posterior direction to allow for adjustment of the spacing of the bearing component from the bearing support. The number of provisional components needed during knee surgery is reduced and adjustment of the system only requires the knee join to be distracted by a distance equal to the height of a particular shim.
US09011455B2 Method for sculpting the surface of a joint
Methods and devices for sculpting bones, particularly in preparation for implanting prosthetic devices to replace articulating bone joint surfaces. Improved bone removal devices including burr mills driven by gears and loop drives are provided. Reciprocating cutters and belt cutters are also provided. Some devices have either integral or removable expandable portions to vary the force and bone resection depth. Devices can have irrigation ports and plenums to remove bone fragments. Some cutters are dual cutters, adapted to remove bone in two or more regions, such as the knee joint, simultaneously.
US09011454B2 Suture passer with radiused upper jaw
Described herein are suture passers that may be used for repair of the meniscus of the knee. These suture passers typically include an elongate body having a pair of arms. One or more of the arms may be radiused at the distal end region relative to the long axis of the device, to better fit between a target tissue and a body non-target tissue (e.g., the curvature of the femoral condyle). The arms may form a distal-facing opening that is configured to fit the target tissue. One arm may be movable in the axial direction (e.g., the direction of the long axis of the device), while the other arm may be bendable. A tissue penetrator may be housed within one of the arms to extend across the distal opening between the arms. Thus, a suture may be passed from a first side of the tissue to a second side.
US09011453B2 Bone preserving intraoperative downsizing system for orthopaedic implants
An orthopaedic implant system includes a set of provisional orthopaedic implants having different implant sizes. Each provisional implant facilitates an intraoperative selection of the next-smallest implant size without removing the provisional implant from the bone. All of the implant sizes share a common sagittal configuration of distal and anterior bone contacting surfaces, but have variable sagittal configurations only in the posterior bone contacting surfaces. Thus, where a relatively larger femoral provisional component is mounted to a femur, changing to a smaller provisional component (i.e., “downsizing”) can be accomplished by recutting only two of five original femoral cuts. Cut slots provided in each provisional implant are sized and positioned to correspond to the posterior bone contacting surface geometry of the next-smallest provisional implant size, so that the cut slots can be used to further resect posterior femoral surfaces to accept the next-smallest implant component size.
US09011452B2 Positioning apparatus and method for a prosthetic implant
A positioning apparatus for guiding resection of a patient tissue and guiding placement of a prosthetic implant component in a desired implant position with respect to the resected patient tissue and method of use are described. A locating block includes a mating surface contoured for mating contact with the patient tissue. A cutting plane indicator provides a physical indication of a desired cutting plane for the resection. A placement indicator is spaced apart from the locating block and includes a component-contacting feature. An elongate spacing arm is operative to space the placement indicator apart from the locating block. The spacing arm is configured to place the component-contacting feature of the placement indicator at a predetermined placement position in three-dimensional space relative to the patient tissue. The placement position predetermination is at least partially based upon pre-operative imaging of the patient tissue.
US09011445B2 Rongeur and method for stiffening, grasping and removing tissue from a region of the spine
Rongeur and method for removing intervertebral disk tissue from a spinal column of a patient. A pair of bipolar electrodes on an elongated shaft is placed in proximity to the intervertebral disk tissue. Without withdrawing the instrument from the spinal column, the electrodes are activated with a source of RF energy to stiffen the intervertebral disk tissue, a source of saline solution is supplied to the intervertebral disk tissue and the intervertebral disk tissue is grasped with a grasping tool affixed in conjunction with the distal portion of the elongated shaft biting off a portion of the intervertebral disk tissue having been stiffened. The instrument is withdrawn from the spinal column of the patient to remove the portion of the intervertebral disk tissue. The inserting step, the placing, activating, supplying, grasping, and withdrawing steps are repeated until a desired portion of the intervertebral disk tissue has been removed.
US09011444B2 Surgical reaming instrument for shaping a bone cavity
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for shaping bone voids during revision procedures of total knee replacements. The systems disclosed herein generally include a cannulated reamer assembly, a reaming guide assembly, a guide tube assembly, a trial stem assembly, and an optional insertion/removal tool. Metaphyseal reconstruction devices can be used to fill the bone voids in conjunction with the systems and methods disclosed herein.
US09011442B2 Disposable surgical hemispherical cutter for convex and concave surfaces
A disposable reamer designed to improve bone and tissue removal efficiency is described. The reamer device comprises a reamer body shell, a series of reamer blades and a reamer shaft interface. The reamer body shell has a hemispherical structure having a concave interior surface and a convex outer surface. The series of reamer blades have a cutting portion comprised of a series of discrete cutting edges that is bent at an angle from the planar portion of the blade. The reamer blades are positioned along the curved concave interior surface of the hemispherical shell or along the curved convex outer surface of the shell. The reamer blades are positioned along the hemispherical shell such that their leading edges lie parallel to and tangent a bisecting plane.
US09011439B2 Selectively absorbable/biodegradable, fibrous composite constructs and applications thereof
A family of selectively absorbable/biodegradable, fibrous composite constructs includes different combinations of biostable and absorbable/biodegradable yarns assembled as initially interdependent, load-bearing components, transitioning to exhibit independent functional properties during in vivo end-use. The family of constructs consists of two groups, one group is made of fiber-reinforced composites of high compliance, absorbable matrices of segmented polyaxial copolyesters reinforced with multifilament yarn constructs, which are combinations of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers and at least one absorbable/biodegradable fiber selected from silk fibers and multifilament yarns made from linear segmented, l-lactide copolyesters and poly (3-hydroxyalkanoates, are useful in orthopedic, maxillofacial, urological, vascular, hernial repair and tissue engineering applications. The second group is made of coated and uncoated, warp-knitted mesh constructs for use in hernial, vascular, and urological tissue repair and tissue engineering.
US09011437B2 Electrosurgical cutting and sealing instrument
A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise a jaw member comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to supply energy from a power source to captured tissue. The surgical instrument comprises a tissue-cutting element to transect the captured tissue. The surgical instrument may have a indicator to provide feedback signals during the operational stroke. The feedback signals assist in regulating the rate of distal translation of the tissue-cutting element.
US09011435B2 Method for manufacturing vessel sealing instrument with reduced thermal spread
An electrosurgical vessel sealing instrument having a first and a second opposing jaw member at a distal end thereof, wherein each jaw member includes a jaw housing, an inner tissue engaging surface, and an insulating layer disposed therebetween. The instrument includes the ability to move the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. The jaws include a tissue-contacting seal plate having obverse and reverse surfaces. A series of ribs extend from the reverse surface of the seal plate into an insulating layer, which, in turn, is affixed to a jaw housing. The ribbed structure of the seal plate reduces thermal spread and edge cutting during vessel sealing procedures, leading to improved surgical outcomes.
US09011434B2 Multi-functional medical device and related methods of use
A medical device including an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may further include an end-effector disposed at the distal end of the elongate member. The end-effector may include a plurality of arms pivotally connected to one another, wherein each arm includes a tissue-contacting surface, a first portion of the tissue-contacting surface including a plurality of ridges configured to grasp tissue. Further, the tissue-contacting surface may include a channel oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the medical device.
US09011432B2 Irrigation catheter device and ablation system
An irrigation catheter device, in particular an ablation catheter, including a catheter body in which a central lumen extends from a proximal region into a distal region, wherein a large number of irrigation channels extend away from the lumen, the outlet openings of which out of the catheter body are distributed across the distal end region thereof, wherein sensors are assigned to the central lumen and/or the individual irrigation channels for pressure measurement and/or to measure the flow velocity, to which evaluation means are connected, which are designed to determine the open or closed state of a portion of the irrigation channels on the basis of measured values registered by the sensors.
US09011429B2 Flexible probe with adjustable tip
An instrument includes a handle portion, an actuator, a shaft, a rigid member, and an angular control mechanism. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end with an electrode region, and a flexible region in between. Moving the actuator causes portions of the flexible region distal of a pivot region to bend such that an angular orientation and a radial offset of the electrode region reach a maximum angular orientation and a maximum radial offset, respectively, when the actuator reaches the end position. A distal portion of the rigid member defines the pivot region. Moving the rigid member along the shaft causes the pivot region to translate. The maximum radial offset varies depending on the position of the pivot region. The angular control mechanism is configured to control the angular orientation such that the maximum angular orientation is same regardless of the position of the rigid member.
US09011428B2 Electrosurgical device with internal digestor electrode
An electrosurgical wand is described, for treating a target tissue using electrosurgical energy, which has an elongate shaft with a handle end and a distal end. A first active electrode surface is disposed on the distal end of the shaft and a first digester electrode surface is recessed away from the first active electrode surface and electrically connected with the first active electrode surface. An aspiration aperture is also disposed adjacent the first active electrode surface and fluidly connected with an aspiration lumen, wherein the first digester electrode surface is disposed within the aspiration lumen.
US09011423B2 Systems and methods for selecting, activating, or selecting and activating transducers
Transducer-based systems can be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Selection of a plurality of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause visual display of a corresponding activation path in the graphical representation. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers. Activation requests for a set of transducers can be denied if it is determined that a transducer in the set of transducers is unacceptable for activation.
US09011422B2 Hepatic neuromodulation to treat fatty liver conditions
According to some embodiments, a method of treating conditions affecting a liver of a subject is provided. The method may include delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery.
US09011415B2 Pivot point arm for a robotic system used to perform a surgical procedure
A pivot port that can provide a pivot point for a surgical instrument. The pivot port may be held in a stationary position by a support arm assembly that is attached to a table. The pivot port may include either an adapter or a ball joint that can support the surgical instrument. The pivot port allows the instrument to pivot relative to a patient.
US09011414B2 Systems and methods for hernia repair
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a minimally invasive implant-based ventral hernia repair system including a first and second elongated member in which the second elongated member extends through the internal channel of the first elongated member. A set of arm members are moveably coupled to the distal end of the first elongated member. A set of tension members extends lengthwise along the arm members and is rigidly coupled between the distal most segment of each arm member and the second elongated member. The degree of tension in the tension members corresponds to the configuration of the arm members with respect to the first elongated member. The proximal translation of the second elongated with respect to the first elongated member causes tension on the tension members, which thereby articulates the arm members into a radial extended configuration in which the arm members extend radially and substantially perpendicular to the first elongated member.
US09011411B2 Methods for treatment of bladder cancer
Apparatus and methods for treatment of an internal cavity are provided. The internal cavity is coated with a treatment solution. The treatment solution can include a solidifiable matrix with or without a drug or combination of drugs incorporated therein, or a drug solution without a solidifiable matrix. The treatment solution is coated onto at least a portion of the internal cavity, and acts as a slow-release drug delivery system.
US09011404B2 Pull-on absorbent article and method of making the same
A pull-on absorbent article including a front outer cover to be worn around a wearer's front side, a rear outer cover to be worn around the wearer's rear side, and an absorbent assembly fixed to the front and the rear outer cover so as to bridge them and having a pair of side seals. The length of each of the front and the outer cover in the longitudinal direction of the article is uniform in the lateral direction and larger than that of the side seals so that the front and the outer cover have extension portions that extend downward from the side seals. The extension portions of the front and/or the rear outer cover have an elasticized region extensible in the lateral direction in a region located laterally outward of each side edge of the absorbent assembly.
US09011402B2 Disposable absorbent insert for two-piece wearable absorbent article
A wearable absorbent article having features for the containment and absorption of bodily exudates. The article may comprise an outer cover and an absorbent insert. The outer cover may be formed of durable or semi-durable materials and be launderable. The insert may be disposable. The insert may have containment and absorption features that prevent soiling of the outer cover by the wearer's exudates, so that the outer cover may be reused after an exudation event and change of inserts. The insert and/or the outer cover may have features to enhance containment, absorption, economy of materials and/or fit that make them asymmetric about their respective lateral axes, and may have features that direct a user to install the insert and/or the outer cover with correct front-rear orientation relative the wearer. Articles of commerce including packages of outer covers and/or inserts in varying combinations of numbers and features are also described.
US09011397B2 Absorbent article with highlighted active barrier
An absorbent article is configured for controlled deformation when insulted by a user and includes an absorbent body having a body-facing surface, a garment-facing surface, and a first graphic visible at the body-facing surface; and a deformable top component positioned adjacent to the body-facing surface, the top component having a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, a longitudinally-extending centerline, a transverse-extending centerline, and a peripheral edge, wherein the top component includes an attached region and a cantilevered region, and wherein the cantilevered region includes a translucent portion through which the first graphic is at least partially visible. The article also includes a fluid shrinkable string attached to the deformable top component in a pattern capable of providing forces to the top component when insulted by a user.
US09011394B2 Sheet structure having at least one colored surface
The present invention relates to a sheet structure for application to a region of the human body, including the face, the structure comprising: a colored matrix; a first substrate situated on a first side of the matrix, a first surface of the sheet structure being defined by the first substrate; and a second substrate situated on a second side of the matrix, opposite the first, a second surface of the sheet structure being defined by the second substrate; the first and second substrates having different opacities, and at least one of the first and second substrates having an opacity that is low enough to enable the subjacent colored matrix to show through in such a manner that the first and second surfaces of the matrix appear to be of different colors.
US09011393B2 Systems, methods, and devices for restoring lymphatic flow associated with a subcutaneous defect in a patients body
Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed that help to restore lymphatic flow associated with a subcutaneous defect in a patient's body by approximating portions of the subcutaneous defect using reduced pressure and a tissue-approximating device. The tissue approximating device may include a curved member that is formed from a semi-rigid material and defines a concave space that goes over the subcutaneous defect. A flange portion is formed on the curved member. A reduced-pressure aperture is formed on the curved member for providing reduced pressure to the concave space. The tissue-approximating device also includes a spacer member disposed on a tissue-facing side of the curved member and aligned substantially with the reduced-pressure aperture. Other systems, devices, and methods are disclosed.
US09011389B2 Supporting sleeve for a container with a flange
The invention relates to a sleeve for an injection device comprising a container having an outer flange, said sleeve being provided with one inner radial projection intended to prevent the proximal movement of said outer flange with respect to said sleeve once said container is received within said sleeve, said sleeve being further provided with one inner longitudinal projection extending distally from said inner radial projection and intended to limit the radial movement of said outer flange, said inner radial projection and inner longitudinal projection being provided on a longitudinal leg connected to said sleeve by a deformable bridge allowing radial deflection of said longitudinal leg outwardly when a distal pressure is exerted on said inner radial projection, and inwardly when a proximal pressure is exerted on said inner radial projection. The invention also pertains to an injection device comprising such a sleeve.
US09011388B2 Passive safety portal device
A portal access assembly includes an inserter that has a needle, a cap moveable along the length of the needle and an infuser having a cannula through which the needle extends. A safety mechanism inside the cap allows the needle to be moved relative to the cap so long as the shaft of the needle biases against an edge of one of the legs of the mechanism. After the cannula is properly positioned in the implanted port to establish a fluid path between the port and the infuser, the needle is removed by being pulled upwards until it no longer biases the one leg of the mechanism. At which time the safety mechanism fixedly captures the needle inside the cap to prevent the contaminated tip of the needle from being exposed to the environment. At the same time, the cap is detached from the infuser.
US09011385B2 Apparatus for the removal of needles of syringes
An apparatus for the removal of needles of syringes is provided with two gripping devices adapted to withhold a syringe and the respective needle, respectively, and an actuating device for moving the two gripping devices with respect to each other with a roto-translating motion about and along a longitudinal axis of the syringe in order to unscrew the needle from the syringe itself.
US09011384B2 Outer ear bone anchor
An outer ear bone anchor to be stabilized within a person's external auditory canal includes: a body; and a plurality of anchor pins, each of the anchor pins including a first end and a second end such that, when the first end of each of the anchor pins is secured to the external auditory canal, the second end of each of the plurality of anchor pins stabilize the body within the external auditory canal. A method of delivering medication to a person's middle ear or inner ear, the method comprising the steps of: securing an outer ear bone anchor in the person's external auditory canal; securing an inner catheter to the outer ear bone anchor, the inner catheter extending to the person's middle ear or inner ear; and passing medication through inner catheter to the person's middle ear or inner ear.
US09011382B2 Vascular access device blood sealing and exposure prevention
An extravascular system for accessing the vasculature of a patient including a catheter having an interior surface, a needle disposed within the catheter, and/or a needle cap defining at least one capillary space and including a flexible seal surrounding the at least one capillary space. The flexible seal may engage the interior surface of the catheter. A method of controlling exposure to a liquid from an extravascular system including providing a wicking material positioned adjacent to a flow channel such that any fluid located external to the flow channel is retained by the wicking material. The wicking material may be incorporated into any extravascular system where exposure to liquids is undesirable.
US09011380B2 Catheter for introduction of medications to the tissues of a heart or other organ
A positionable, direct-injection catheter that can access a specific region of the heart or other organ. The catheter is provided with one or two needle shafts, which may be located within respective sheaths that extend axially along the interior of the lumen of a main catheter shaft. Each needle shaft carries, at a distal end thereof a penetrable element or “needle” that is normally retracted within the distal tip of the main shaft during travel to the target organ, but is subsequently deployed by action of a handle-mounted trigger mechanism to extend the needles into the organ's wall. Each extended needle is curved to relative to the shaft's axis to enter the organ wall in a flattened trajectory that both reduces the chance of puncture through the wall and anchors the needles into the wall during injection (for reduced chance of pullout under pressure). A plurality of apertures which provide for more complete agent delivery rapidly, while maintaining a low delivery velocity to effect treatment delivery in as short a period of time as possible without the problems caused by high velocity delivery. The needles are typically arranged to exit the tip at contralateral orientations relative to each other.
US09011378B2 Device for increasing cerebral blood flow
A device for regulating cerebrospinal fluid in a cerebrospinal fluid space includes a cerebrospinal conduit having a distal end for insertion into the cerebrospinal fluid space in fluid communication with the cerebrospinal fluid. An actively oscillatably changeable sealed fluid volume can be in fluid communication with the cerebrospinal conduit. The changeable sealed fluid volume can be in a sealed fluid path extending to the distal end of the cerebrospinal conduit and is capable of actively oscillating in a changing fluid volume size for oscillating the cerebrospinal fluid in and out of the distal end of the cerebrospinal conduit and cerebrospinal fluid space.
US09011376B2 Drug delivery device with electrically controlled volume changing means
The present invention provides a drug delivery device comprising a drug reservoir chamber (15) containing a substance (16) to be delivered in fluid connection with a drug administration means (17) and (18), and a hydraulic control chamber (9) containing an electrically controlled, non-gassing, volume changing means (13), a coupling means (14) coupling said hydraulic control chamber (9) to said drug chamber (15), the arrangement being such that a change in the electrical control means (11) causes a change in the volume of the volume changing means (13), the volume change being conveyed by the coupling means (14) to the drug chamber (15) such that the substance (16) is expelled from the drug chamber (15) towards the drug administration means (17) and (18).
US09011375B2 Medicament delivery device
A medicament delivery device includes a housing; a drive force mechanism slidable in the housing's distal part; a member connected to the drive force mechanism for holding it in a loaded state and axially movable in relation to the distal part a predetermined distance by the housing's proximal part when the parts are moved toward each other; and an actuation member to be biased in relation to the distal part from a non-operating position partially protruding from the distal part to an operating position confined within the distal part. The actuation member can release the drive force mechanism from its loaded state, and is resiliently connected to the distal part such that it is always recoiled after being biased regardless of whether the actuation mechanism is released. The drive force mechanism is released only after the holding member moves and the actuation member is biased from non-operating to operating position.
US09011373B2 Method of accessing a carotid artery of a patient
Methods for easy, atraumatic access to areas of the vasculature that are otherwise difficult to access, using steerable guide catheters constructed with components that are selected to provide optimal navigability, torque transfer, and push ability for a variety of typical percutaneous access routes. The catheter wall thickness in the deflecting segment of the guide catheter is about 1 French (⅓ mm) or less, and includes a slotted deflection tube, and this construction allows a very tight turning radius which in turn enables guide catheter access to regions of the vasculature that are otherwise inaccessible.
US09011371B2 Method and apparatus for detecting occlusions in an ambulatory infusion pump
An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on a series of measurements of one or more variables, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system.
US09011364B2 Methods and systems for establishing retrograde carotid arterial blood flow
Interventional procedures on the carotid arteries are performed through a transcervical access while retrograde blood flow is established from the internal carotid artery to a venous or external location. A system for use in accessing and treating a carotid artery includes an arterial access device, a shunt fluidly connected to the arterial access device, and a flow control assembly coupled to the shunt and adapted to regulate blood flow through the shunt between at least a first blood flow state and at least a second blood flow state. The flow control assembly includes one or more components that interact with the blood flow through the shunt.
US09011363B2 Tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube
The invention is a tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube. The tube has a distal end and a proximal end and a tube lumen. A medial flange is located at the distal end of the tube and has 2 or more retention elements and a space between each retention element. A lateral flange is located at the proximal end of the tube. The outside diameter of the medial flange is greater than the outside diameter of the lateral flange and the diameter of the medial flange is between about 2.0 and 5.0 mm and the diameter of the lateral flange is between about 1.75 mm and 4.0 mm.
US09011361B2 Lacrimal implant detection
This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus comprising a lacrimal implant insertable at least partially into a lacrimal punctum. The lacrimal implant comprises an implant core, and an implant body. The implant body includes a cavity sized and shaped to receive the implant core. At least one of the implant core and the implant cavity includes a detection device configured to allow automatic detection of the lacrimal implant with a separate detector device.
US09011356B2 Multiple position foot massaging device
A foot massaging device having a plurality of parallel cylindrical rollers mounted within a frame. The frame includes adjustment slots allowing the rollers to be relocated within the frame to present various massaging configurations. The foot massaging device is adjustable by seating the rearwardly disposed rollers between a raised and lowered position to configure the rollers to contact different portions of a user's foot.
US09011354B2 Hip and knee actuation systems for lower limb orthotic devices
A lower limb orthotic device includes a thigh link connected to a hip link through a hip joint, a hip torque generator including a hip actuator and a first mechanical transmission mechanism interposed between the thigh link and the hip link, a shank link connected to the thigh link through a knee joint, a knee torque generator including a knee actuator and a second mechanical transmission mechanism interposed between the thigh link and the shank link, and a controller, such as for a common motor and pump connected to the hip and knee torque generators, for regulating relative positions of the various components in order to power a user through a natural walking motion, with the first and second mechanical transmission mechanisms aiding in evening out torque over the ranges of motion, while also increasing the range of motion where the torque generators can produce a non-zero torque.
US09011353B2 Foot manifolds, apparatuses, systems, and methods for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site on a foot
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site on a foot are provided. An apparatus may include an insole and a tissue contacting surface covering at least a portion of the insole. At least one portion of the tissue contacting surface is removable to form a void. The apparatus may also include a reduced-pressure interface for receiving reduced pressure from a reduced-pressure source, and at least one flow channel fluidly coupled to the reduced-pressure interface and the void.
US09011351B2 Guidewire insertion aid
[Issue] To provide a guidewire insertion aid which is very easy to operate because a lubricated guidewire can be easily fed out.[Means of Resolution] A guidewire insertion aid 11 according to the present invention is used for feeding out a guidewire 1 inserted in a housing 2 in order to insert said guidewire into the lumen of a piece of medical equipment. The insertion aid 11 comprises: a main body 21, a housing support part 22 and a guidewire support part 26. A sliding contact part 28 is disposed between the housing support part 22 and the guidewire support part 26. The sliding contact part 28 extends in the lengthwise direction of the main body and has a sliding contact surface 28 for the guidewire 1. A feed-out member 51 is provided on the main body 21 and has a water-retentive water-retention member 52. The feed-out member 51 is disposed with the water-retention member 52 side thereof facing towards the sliding contact surface 29. The feed-out member 51 can be displaced while the guidewire 1 is held between said feed-out member and the sliding contact part 28.
US09011346B2 Systems and methods for monitoring the circulatory system
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensor is used to detect heart and vascular characteristics of a user, and provide a BCG output indicative of the detected cardiovascular characteristics. The BCG output can be used for various purposes, such as detecting arterial aging. Secondary sensors can be used in conjunction with the BCG and can be used to determine the central arterial blood pressure, when used in conjunction with a peripheral blood pressure measurement.
US09011345B2 Method for measuring fluid flow in a non-conductive pipe
A microradio is provided with a hysteretic switch to permit an optimum range increasing charging cycle, with the charging cycle being long relative to the transmit cycle. Secondly, an ensemble of microradios permits an n2 power enhancement to increase range with coherent operation. Various multi-frequency techniques are used both for parasitic powering and to isolate powering and transmit cycles. Applications for microradios and specifically for ensembles of microradios include authentication, tracking, fluid flow sensing, identification, terrain surveillance including crop health sensing and detection of improvised explosive devices, biohazard and containment breach detection, and biomedical applications including the use of microradios attached to molecular tags to destroy tagged cells when the microradios are activated. Microradio deployment includes the use of paints or other coatings containing microradios, greases and aerosols. Moreover, specialized antennas, including microcoils, mini dipoles, and staircase coiled structures are disclosed, with the use of nano-devices further reducing the size of the microradios.
US09011332B2 Analyte monitoring device and methods of use
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.
US09011331B2 Analyte monitoring device and methods of use
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.
US09011325B2 Tissue retractor stay
A surgical stay includes an elastomeric elongated member having a first closed end and a second end and a tissue retention member coupled to the first end thereof. The tissue retention member extends outwardly from the first end of the elongated member. A substantial portion of the length of the elongated member is hollow. The elongated member and the tissue retention member are integrally molded so that no openings are present therebetween.
US09011324B2 Access assembly including one or more foldable caps
An access assembly is provided including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end in mechanical cooperation with a foldable cap member having a first set of lumens extending the length of the tubular member. The access assembly also includes a first ring secured at the proximal end of the tubular member and a second ring secured at the distal end of the tubular member. The foldable cap member is configured to fold in at least one direction to expose a second set of lumens extending the length of the tubular member.
US09011321B2 Capsule camera with variable illumination of the surrounding tissue
The invention relates to an ingestible capsule and method for in vivo imaging and/or treatment of one or more diseased areas of interest within the gastrointestinal tract of an animal or human being. The capsule comprises an image sensor; a lens system for focusing images onto the image sensor; at least one light source for illumination of the tissue area of interest, the at least one light source optionally being capable of providing optical therapeutic treatment to the diseased areas; a variable lens system located in front of the at least one light source, wherein the variable lens system comprises beam steering means and focusing means for directing and focusing the light beams from the at least one light source onto the diseased tissue areas; a control unit in communication with the image sensor, the at least one light source, and variable lens system, the control unit comprising image storing means, processing means and image transmission means; wherein the control unit correlates stored images received from the image sensor as the capsule travels through the gastrointestinal tract and controls the beam steering means and focusing means of the variable lens system to ensure that the light beams from the at least one light source are directed and focused onto the diseased tissue areas; a power source for powering the image sensor, the at least one light source and the control unit; and a non-digestible, transparent outer protective shell configured to pass through the gastrointestinal tract, housing within the image sensor, the lens system, the at least one light source, the variable lens system, the control unit and the power source.
US09011317B2 Gentle hemorrhoid treatment offering a substantially painless healing
The teachings provided herein are directed to a methods and devices for treating a hemorrhoid in a subject in a manner that produces substantially less post-procedural pain in the subject, the method minimizing or avoiding a removing or a necrosis of a rectal tissue fold.
US09011314B2 System and method for implanting a catheter
A system for implanting a catheter in a urethra. The system includes a catheter having a valve disposed at a distal portion of the catheter. The valve may be operable in response to an external magnetic field. The system also includes a tool having a tip member extending into an opening at the distal portion of the catheter to couple the tool to the catheter. the system also includes an element extending from the tool. The catheter has an internal path that provides a conduit for the element to be extended through the valve to engage a proximal portion of the catheter. The tool is adapted use the element to stress the catheter and stiffen the catheter along the length of the catheter. Stiffening the catheter facilitates implantation of the catheter in the urethra by enabling pull forces, push forces, and torque forces to be transmitted from the tool through the catheter to the proximal portion of the catheter without undue stress on the urethra. The element is extendible and retractable to position the catheter between stressed and relaxed states while maintaining engagement to the catheter proximal portion. The tool, element and tip member are removable from the catheter after implantation of the catheter in the urethra.
US09011313B2 Movable wall portion attachment mechanism of incubator
According to the present invention, a movable wall portion for forming the outer circumference of an infant accommodation space can pivot forward about a portion of a region including the lower end portion and its vicinity of the movable wall portion from a substantially erect position to the outside of the infant accommodation space. The movable wall portion can move backward from a midway position in forward movement to the final backward moving position by its own weight while abrupt backward movement is suppressed by a damper. The present invention can provide a movable wall portion attachment mechanism of an incubator which does not produce a large sound or a large vibration when closing the movable wall portion, with a small chance that wall portions such as wall portions on the incubator base side, the movable wall portion or the like will be damaged.
US09011311B2 Ambulatory lung assist device with implanted blood pump and oxygenator
The present disclosure provides a system for oxygenating blood. The system may include an implantable blood pump that may draw a supply of blood from the circulatory system of a mammalian subject, such as a human being. The blood pump may provide the supply of blood to an adaptor, where the supply of blood may be supplied to either or both of a first branch or second branch. The first branch may lead to an external blood oxygenator. The oxygenator may oxygenate the blood, and the blood may be returned to the circulatory system of the mammalian subject. The second branch may bypass the oxygenator and may connect to the circulatory system of the mammalian subject. In this regard, while the blood is supplied to the second branch, the oxygenator may be disconnected and blood may be prevented from entering the first branch.
US09011310B2 Method and system for treatment of neuromotor dysfunction
Effective systems and methods for improving neural communication impairment of a vertebrate being and affecting motor activity of a peripheral body part including a first signal-providing component configured to provide pulsed peripheral stimulation signals at the peripheral body part, a second signal-providing component configured to provide a pulsed motor cortex stimulation signal to a motor cortex area, a substantially DC signal-providing component configured to provide direct current spinal stimulation signal at a neural spinal junction and a controller component configured to control timing of the pulsed peripheral stimulation signals and the pulsed motor cortex stimulation signal.
US09011305B2 Gripper wraps
Embodiments of the current invention are directed towards solving the need for weightlifting wraps which prevent slippage, increase rebound potential, allow simpler application, and provide greater stability. An embodiment of the invention comprises: gripper wraps made of stretchable material; the gripper wraps having exposed rubber strands on one outer surface of the gripper wraps; the exposed rubber strands arranged in an offset lattice configuration, wherein the exposed rubber strands have a coefficient of friction sufficient to grip the previous layer of wrap.
US09011302B2 Thigh exercise device
A thigh exercise device includes a curved track, two foot pedal assemblies movably attached to the curved track and respectively having a guide pulley, and two resistance assemblies each having two pulleys rotatably mounted on the curved track and a resistance band wound around the pulleys and the guide pulley of one of the foot pedal assemblies. When the foot pedal assemblies are moved along the curved track, the resistance bands can be pulled tight by the guide members of the foot pedal assemblies such that a user can strengthen thigh muscles through the tension provided by the resistance bands.
US09011300B2 Weighted exercise device providing multiple grips
Weighted and stackable exercise device includes a body defining a hollow cavity opening at a first edge thereof. The body has a side wall having at least one cut-out. An outwardly projecting rim is arranged on the tubular portion of the body. A handle is arranged in the cavity. The rim provides a first grip for a user during use of the exercise device and the handle provides a second grip for the user. By providing different grips on the same weighted exercise device, a user can safely and efficiently perform a larger variety of exercises in comparison to using conventionally shaped exercise devices that include only a single type of grip. The user can also pass their fingers and hand from an exterior of the device through each cut-out and over the rim to grip the device in another manner and perform even more and different exercises using the exercise device.
US09011299B2 Adjustable dumbbells
A weight lifting system includes a handle unit having a handle bar, two head units attached to two end sections of the handle bar in a manner that allows the two head units to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the handle bar, two screw rods disposed through holes in the two head units into hollow sections in the handle bar, wherein the two screw rods have threads of opposite directions, two thread-engaging mechanisms fixedly disposed at the two end sections of the handle bar to fit snugly on the threads of the two screw rods, and a lock mechanism disposed in a head unit for controlling rotation of the handle bar; and a plurality pairs of weight discs, wherein each of the weight discs has a center hole configured to accommodate one of the two screw rods.
US09011298B2 Exercise apparatus having spring assemblies capable of engaging a slidable weight bar assembly for enhanced concentric and eccentric working of muscle
Exercise apparatus having a slidable weight bar assembly with hand brake assemblies is provided for engaging and disengaging the weight bar assembly with a support frame. The exercise apparatus can be configured as a squat machine or a bench press. The exercise apparatus can include an adjustable back support that facilitates proper positioning and support of the operator's upper and lower back while performing squat exercises. The exercise apparatus can further include spring assemblies that increase the kinetic load during downward movements of the slidable weight bar assembly. Alternatively, the spring assemblies can be incorporated into exercise apparatus having a slidable weight bar assembly without the hand brake system.
US09011290B2 Method for operating a vehicle drive train during a starting process
A method of operating a vehicle drive-train during a starting process. The drive-train has a drive mechanism which can couple a continuously-variable power-branched transmission in which a plurality of transmission ratios can be engaged. The transmission ratios can be varied continuously by adjusting a variator, the transmission driving a drive output. A force flow between the drive mechanism and the drive output can be produced by a frictional shifting element by appropriately adjusting the transmission capacity of the shifting element. When a start command is issued, a starting transmission ratio is engaged in the area of the transmission device. During the engagement of the starting transmission ratio the transmission capacity of the frictional shifting element is adjusted to values greater than zero.
US09011289B2 Transmission clutch assembly
A clutch assembly is disclosed that combines a positively engaging dog clutch and one way clutch. The two devices are design such that the one way clutch never interferes with the engagement or disengagement of the dog clutch. In one embodiment, the one way clutch transmits torque in particular rotational positions and the dog teeth are circumferentially placed such that they do not engage in any of these positions. In another embodiment, the dog clutch piston, to which the teeth are secured, is permitted to rotate enough to accommodate any interference between dog teeth during engagement. In either embodiment, the teeth faces that transmit torque in the same direction as the one way clutch may be angled such that torque in that direction tends to disengage the dog clutch.
US09011282B2 Bicycle sprocket for use with a multi-gear rear cassette
A rear bicycle sprocket for use with a multi-gear rear cassette is provided. The sprocket includes a chain engaging portion and a mounting portion having generally annular shape about a central axis and a plurality of support arms, integrally formed with the chain engaging portion and with the mounting portion. The sprocket further includes a plurality of space maintaining protrusions, each space maintaining protrusion extending axially forwardly from an axially forward surface of a corresponding support arm and integrally formed therewith. A multi-gear rear cassette having a plurality of sprockets coaxially mounted together wherein the plurality of sprockets includes the rear bicycle sprocket mounted axially rearmost and a bicycle including the multi-gear rear cassette are further provided.
US09011277B2 Ball-striking training apparatus
An apparatus for an athlete to train or practice ball-striking techniques. The apparatus comprises a base, a stand, an arm, and a bearing assembly connected to a tethered ball via a rope. The athlete may strike or volley the ball in order to produce a substantially circular orbit about the bearing assembly, indicating proper form and technique. If the athlete strikes the ball with improper form or technique, the ball may orbit the bearing assembly in a substantially non-circular orbit, such as an oval. The ball may be any suitable ball from a number of sports where correct form and technique for striking or volleying a ball is desired. By way of example, the ball may be preferably a soccer ball, a volley ball, a baseball, among others.
US09011274B1 Fox sharpshooter putter grip
The Fox Sharpshooter putter grip is a putter grip that has two unique features. First it contains a chart to help the golfer to determine the how hard to strike the golf ball when putting. Second it features a cap containing a bubble level to help the golfer to hold the putter shaft vertically, which will give the golfer a consistent vertical line with which to compare to the slope of the green. This will help the golfer to determine which direction the ball will roll (the break.) When the chart and the bubble level are used together, they help the golfer to “read” a putt with great accuracy. The Fox Sharpshooter putter grip conforms to USGA rules when the cap with the bubble level is removed.
US09011273B2 Multi-piece solid golf ball
A golf ball has a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer and a cover whose respective surface hardnesses have been set so as to satisfy certain specific relationships. In addition, the respective initial velocities measured for the core, a sphere composed of the core peripherally covered by the envelope layer (envelope layer-encased sphere), a sphere composed of the core peripherally covered by the envelope layer and the intermediate layer (intermediate layer-encased sphere), and the ball itself have been set so as to satisfy certain specific relationships. This golf ball is able to exhibit an excellent flight performance not only when struck by mid head-speed golfers, but even when struck by low head-speed golfers, in addition to which it also has a good feel at impact and an excellent durability to repeated impact.
US09011268B2 Manufacturing method and golf club head
This invention provides a method of manufacturing a golf club head including a face surface. This manufacturing method includes a step of forming a plurality of recessed portions in the face surface, included in a first member, to extend in the toe-to-heel direction, a fixing step of fixing, to the recessed portions, second members which are formed by a material different from that of the first member, and fill the recessed portions, and after the fixing step, a scoreline forming step of forming at least one scoreline in each of the second members, while not forming the scoreline in a portion, between the recessed portions, of the face surface of the first member.
US09011266B2 Golf club head
A golf club head comprises a loft angle no less than 18°, a striking face, a sole portion, and a top portion having an exterior surface. In an imaginary vertical plane spaced from a face center by no more than 10 mm and perpendicular to an imaginary striking face plane, an imaginary line segment has a length of 25 mm, a first endpoint located in the imaginary striking face plane, a second endpoint located above the exterior surface, and forms an angle θ with the striking face plane between 55° and 65°. The line segment is tangent to the exterior surface at a first point. A second point is located on the imaginary line segment and spaced from the first point by no less than 1 mm. The second point is spaced from the exterior surface by a gap distance that is no greater than 0.15 mm.
US09011264B2 Tiltable/adjustable golf practice device
A tiltable/adjustable golf practice device includes multiple height adjusters mounted on the respective corners of the teeing ground. By means of lifting or lowering the height adjusters, the teeing ground can be tilted to simulate the landform of a real golf course in accordance with the requirement of a user in practice. The tiltable/adjustable golf practice device is free from any electronic control or hydraulic device so that the manufacturing cost is greatly lowered. Also, a user can freely remove the tiltable/adjustable golf practice device so that the application of the tiltable/adjustable golf practice device is facilitated.
US09011263B2 Portable mechanical golf tee device
A portable, lightweight mechanical golf tee device includes a tee box, a golf ball reservoir that includes a container for a plurality of golf balls and a ball stop. The golf ball reservoir is connected to the tee box. The portable mechanical golf tee device includes a tee activation mechanism that is connected to the tee box and upon user actuation, the tee activation mechanism actuates a tee mechanism, the tee mechanism provides placement of the golf ball from the golf ball reservoir.
US09011262B2 Billiard table ball pick-up box
Disclosed is a billiard table ball pick-up box, comprising a bottom bracket and a side cover located above the bottom bracket, wherein the side cover comprises a cover plate, a left side plate and a right side plate located on both sides of the cover plate, and a scoreboard located on the top of the cover plate. The left side plate, the right side plate and the scoreboard are all hinged with the cover plate, or one side of the left side plate and the right side plate is spliced with both sides of the cover plate respectively. The side cover of the present utility model can be unfolded to be flat or disassembled during transport, so that the same container can accommodate more side covers, thus reducing the transportation cost.
US09011259B2 People mover
A people moving system having a people pod and a cable support system attached to the people pod. The cable support system supports the people pod in the air and includes cables that are each connected at one end to the people pod and each connected to their own respective motor/winch system at the other ends. A computer control system is in signal communication with the motor/winch systems and allows the same to move the people pod in three (3) dimensions.
US09011256B2 Damper device
A damper device configured with an input element, an intermediate element to which power is transferred from the input element through a first elastic body, and an output element to which power is transferred from the intermediate element through a second elastic body. One of the output element and the intermediate element has a protruding portion projecting in an axial direction. The other one of the output element and the intermediate element has a cutout portion corresponding to the protruding portion. The protruding portion has a restricting portion that is engaged with the cutout portion in a rotation direction so as to restrict rotation of the intermediate element relative to the output element, and a support portion that is engaged with the cutout portion so that the intermediate element is supported by the output element in a radial direction.
US09011254B2 Gaming via peer-to-peer networks
A method includes discovering, via a device, a peer-to-peer gaming service of a peer-to-peer network offered by a peer device, wherein the peer-to-peer gaming service facilitates a user of the device to select, access, and play a plurality of specific networked games of the peer device, wherein the specific networked games are not already installed on the device, selecting, via the device, a networked game from the plurality of specific networked games of the peer device, and downloading a program by the device, wherein the program is configured to execute the selected networked game on a processor of the device, wherein downloading the program comprises downloading the program from a third party computing arrangement and receiving from the peer device, authentication for access to the third party computing arrangement, wherein the authentication limits the downloaded program for play of the networked game with only the peer device.
US09011251B2 Wagering game with shared payoff based on multiple player selections
The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal whereby multiple players make selections and accumulate bonus awards as the game is passed from one player to another. Play continues until a game-terminating object is selected. At that time, each player that participated in the wagering game receives his or her accumulated awards plus any awards won by subsequent players.