Document Document Title
US09040848B2 Open back junction box and method for pre-fab wiring
A bracket and open back junction box assembly allows simplified wiring at a construction site. An open back junction box including a detachable and reattachable rear cover plate is pre-assembled with a plaster ring, electrical device, and leads, at a prefab facility. A Metal Clad (MC) cable may be attached to the open back junction box and wires carried in the MC Cable may be connected to the leads. A mounting bracket is generally sandwiched between the open back junction box and the plaster ring for mounting to framing members at the construction site. Following assembly at the prefab facility, the prefab open back junction box is shipped to the construction site where the bracket and open back junction box assembly is mounted to framing members. Connections to wires carried by MC Cables are then facilitated by removing the rear cover plate to access the open back junction box interior.
US09040846B2 Shielded cable fixing structure
A shielded cable fixing structure includes a shielded cable that includes an electric wire, a braid for covering the electric wire, and a sheath for covering the braid, an insulation housing that receives a terminal fitting electrically connected to the electric wire, a pair of split shield shells in which the insulation housing is mounted, a groove-shaped portion press-formed on a section of each of the split shield shells to cover a wire lead-out port of the insulation housing, from which the electric wire is led out, and is recessed on an outer surface of each of the split shield shells, and a braid fixing member fixed on an annular mounting groove constituted by the groove-shaped portions of the split shield shells, in a state where the braid is disposed between the annular mounting groove and the braid fixing member.
US09040841B2 Axiocentric scrubbing land grid array contacts and methods for fabrication
A contact structure and assembly and a method for manufacturing the same for a microelectronics device includes first and second electrically conductive contacts being helically shaped. A carrier element is attached to and positioned between the first and second contacts. The first and second contacts are in electrical communication with each other, and the first and second contacts are in a mirror image relationship with each other. A pair of insulating substrates each include electrically conductive members. A contact point on each of the first and second contacts is attached and electrically communicating to respective electrically conductive members such that the first and second electrically conductive contacts between the pair of insulating substrates form an electrically conductive package. A metal layer on the carrier element provides electrical conductivity through a first opening defined by the carrier element between the first and second portions of the helix shaped contact.
US09040837B2 Wiring board and method for manufacturing the same
A wiring board includes a first multilayer wiring board having first conductive layers and having a surface, a second multilayer wiring board having second conductive layers and positioned such that the second multilayer wiring board has a surface facing the surface of the first multilayer wiring board, and an adhesive layer including an adhesive sheet and interposed between the first multilayer wiring board and the second multilayer wiring board such that the adhesive layer is adhering the first multilayer wiring board and the second multilayer wiring board. The first multilayer wiring board has a first pad on the surface of the first multilayer wiring board, the second multilayer wiring board has a second pad on the surface of the second multilayer wiring board, and the first pad and the second pad are positioned such that the first pad and the second pad face each other across the adhesive layer.
US09040835B2 Attenuation reduction grounding structure for differential-mode signal transmission lines of flexible circuit board
An attenuation reduction grounding structure of differential-mode signal transmission lines of a flexible circuit board includes a flexible substrate on which at least one pair of differential-mode signal lines, at least one grounding line, a covering insulation layer, and a thin metal foil layer are formed. At least one via hole extends through the thin metal foil layer and the covering insulation layer and corresponds to a conductive contact zone of the grounding line. The via hole is filled with a conductive paste layer to electrically connect the thin metal foil layer to the conductive contact zone of the grounding line to provide an excellent grounding arrangement. The thin metal foil layer includes a plurality of openings formed at locations corresponding to top angles of the differential-mode signal lines.
US09040833B2 Capacitive transparent conductive film and preparation method thereof
A capacitive transparent conductive film comprises: a transparent substrate, comprises a first surface and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface; a light-shield layer, formed at the edge of the first surface of the transparent substrate, the light-shield layer forms a non-visible region on the first surface of the transparent substrate; and a polymer layer, formed on the first surface of the transparent substrate, and covering the light-shield layer, the surface of the polymer layer is patterned to form a meshed trench, the trench is filled with conductive material to form a sensing region on the surface of the polymer layer. The capacitive transparent conductive film can effectively protect the conductive material and has low cost and good conductivity. A preparation method of the capacitive transparent conductive film is also provided.
US09040831B2 Manufacturing method for printed circuit board
A printed circuit board is manufactured by forming on a top surface of a support base, in a pattern having a predetermined width, a first metal layer for defining boundary ends between adjacent printed circuit boards in a printed circuit board assembly, forming on top of the first metal layer a wiring structure portion having an insulating layer and a conductive layer for each printed circuit board in the printed circuit board assembly, forming, in the wiring structure portion, grooves having a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the first metal layer to expose the first metal layer, forming a second metal layer on the wall surface of the grooves in the wiring structure portion, and cutting the first metal layer on the bottom surface of the grooves to separate each printed circuit board.
US09040828B2 Coated conductor with voltage stabilized inner layer
Disclosed are polymeric compositions with improved breakdown strength. The polymeric compositions contain a polyolefin and a voltage stabilizing agent. The voltage stabilizing agent contains a triazine. The triazine may include a substituent that enables keto-enol tautomerism, which provides the voltage stabilizing agent with additional energy dissipation capacity. The present polymeric compositions exhibit improved breakdown strength when applied as an insulating layer for power cable.
US09040827B2 LAN cable
A LAN cable includes an unshielded LAN cable including one or plural pairs of pair twisted wires and a sheath formed collectively covering a periphery of the pair twisted wires. The sheath includes a resin including nickel hydroxide at a mixing mass ratio of not less than 25% and not more than 60%.
US09040823B2 Low impedance boosted high speed data cable
A high speed video cable carries signals according to the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or DisplayPort standards, and includes a raw cable and a boost device. The raw cable includes coaxial lines of a characteristic cable impedance lower than the impedance implied in the standards. The correct impedance is observed at the sending end by series resistors mounted in the first cable connector. The resultant loss of signal is made up with the boost device mounted in the connector at the other end of the cable.
US09040820B2 Solar power inverter with sealing means
A solar power inverter having a sealing means includes: a main case having an opening on a front surface thereof, the opening open and closed by a main cover; an auxiliary case coupled to one side surface of the main case, and having a second opening on a front surface thereof, the second opening open and closed by an auxiliary cover; and a gasket interposed between the main case and the auxiliary case, wherein the main case and the auxiliary case are coupled to each other by coupling bolts which pass through the main case, the gasket and the auxiliary case.
US09040816B2 Methods and apparatus for forming photovoltaic cells using electrospray
Methods of forming a photovoltaic structures including nanoparticles are disclosed. The method includes electrospray deposition of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles can include TiO2 nanoparticles and quantum dots. In an example, the nanoparticles are formed on a flexible substrate. In various examples, the flexible substrate is light transparent. Photovoltaic structures and apparatus for forming photovoltaic structures are disclosed.
US09040814B2 Anti-reflective coating for photovoltaic cells
A surface of a photovoltaic cell is coated with a solution that includes barium titanate to reduce reflection of sunlight that is incident on the surface. The solution may include a base of polydimethylsiloxane and carbon nanotubes. The process may be used in the fabrication of new photovoltaic cell assemblies, or to retrofit existing assemblies in situ.
US09040812B2 Photovoltaic device including flexible substrate or inflexible substrate and method for manufacturing the same
A photovoltaic device including a substrate; a first electrode placed on the substrate; a second electrode which is placed opposite to the first electrode and which light is incident on; a first unit cell being placed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and including an intrinsic semiconductor layer including crystalline silicon grains making the surface of the intrinsic semiconductor layer toward the second electrode textured; and a second unit cell placed between the first unit cell and the second electrode.
US09040804B2 Electronic stringed instrument
An electronic stringed instrument has a bridge section attached to one end portion of each of a plurality of conductive strings; a string touch sensor detecting a pitch when the strings are respectively pressed against and conducted to a plurality of conductive metal frets; bridge saddles and insulation tubes, which insulate the strings from the bridge section; and electrically conductive tubes, serving as connection sections, respectively connected and conducted to the strings. While holding a string with a finger, the same string can be picked, and the string pushed by the finger can be pressed against the metal fret. Accordingly, the string can be operated without a sense of incongruity. Because the strings and the bridge section can be insulated even when the bridge section is formed of metal, musical sound information can be precisely and reliably detected, and a favorable musical performance can be achieved.
US09040802B2 Accompaniment data generating apparatus
An accompaniment data generating apparatus has a storing portion 15 for storing sets of phrase waveform data each related to a chord identified on the basis of a combination of chord type and chord root, and a CPU 9. The CPU 9 carries out a chord information obtaining process for obtaining chord information by which a chord type and a chord root are identified, and a chord note waveform data generating process for generating phrase waveform data indicative of chord notes of the chord root and the chord type identified by the obtained chord information in accordance with the obtained chord information by use of the sets of phrase waveform data stored in the storing portion 15, and outputting the generated data as accompaniment data.
US09040800B2 Musical tone signal generating apparatus
A musical tone signal generating apparatus has waveform memory WM which stores a plurality of compressed data sets obtained by compressing, by linear prediction, sample values obtained by sampling musical tones. The musical tone signal generating apparatus has cache circuit 740 which reads out compressed data from waveform memory WM within an assigned computing period in response to instructions to generate a musical tone, and decoding circuit 750 which decodes the compressed data and outputs the decoded data as the data indicative of a sample value. The musical tone signal generating apparatus has CPU 901 inputs tone pitch information indicative of a tone pitch of a musical tone which is to be generated, identifies waveform data which is to be read out by cache circuit 740 from waveform memory WM and determines, in accordance with the identified waveform data, the length of the computing period which is to be assigned.
US09040797B1 Multi-function ukulele chord wheel
A portable, multi-function Ukulele learning device is disclosed having three disks. In one embodiment, a larger inner disk is axially affixed at its center to a smaller disk on its obverse face and on its converse face. Both smaller disks define slots for exposing key, note, vamp or chords on the inner disk. The disclosed apparatus provides an efficient, unique means of teaching Ukulele users, or the users of other instrument, to play music.
US09040793B2 Protector for musical instrument and player
Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and apparatus for protecting a musical instrument and the player of said instrument. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes a first layer including a moisture permeable and wicking material configured to wick fluid and moisture across and through the layer. The first layer includes a first player-facing surface and a first musical instrument facing surface. The apparatus also includes a second layer including a second player-facing surface and a second musical instrument facing surface, wherein the second player-facing surface abuts the first musical instrument facing surface of the first layer. The second layer includes a moisture impermeable material configured to prevent the wicked fluid and moisture to come into contact with the musical instrument.
US09040789B2 Variety corn line FX6815
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated FX6815, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line FX6815 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line FX6815, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line FX6815, and plants produced according to these methods.
US09040788B1 Maize inbred PH1M9D
A novel maize variety designated PH1M9D and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1M9D with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1M9D through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1M9D or a locus conversion of PH1M9D with another maize variety.
US09040785B2 Variety corn line FX8609
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated FX8609, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line FX8609 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line FX8609, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line FX8609, and plants produced according to these methods.
US09040779B2 Soybean variety A1035446
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1035446. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1035446. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1035446 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1035446 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09040776B2 Genes regulating plant branching, promotors, genetic constructs containing same and uses thereof
The invention relates to genes coding for TCP family transcription factors and having a biological role in the development of axillary buds and branch growth. Furthermore, the invention relates to the promoters of the transcription of said genes, to the genetic constructs containing same and to the uses thereof, including the use of agents that modulate the expression of these genes in order to modify plant architecture.
US09040772B2 Compositions and methods for enhancing resistance to northern leaf blight in maize
The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and selecting maize plants with enhanced resistance to northern leaf blight. Maize plants generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.
US09040771B2 Nonhuman mammal whose mtDNA is from a nonhuman mammal resistant to a selected disease or disorder and whose nDNA is from a nonhuman donor mammal more susceptible to the selected disease or disorder
Provided herein are mitochondrial-nuclear exchanged cells and animals comprising mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from one subject and nuclear DNA (nDNA) from a different subject. Methods for producing a mitochondrial-nuclear exchanged animal and animals made by the methods are provided. Also provided are methods of screening for agents useful for treating a disease or disorder using mitochondrial-nuclear exchanged animals or cells, tissues or organs thereof.
US09040762B2 Catalysts for petrochemical catalysis
Metal oxide catalysts comprising various dopants are provided. The catalysts are useful as heterogenous catalysts in a variety of catalytic reactions, for example, the oxidative coupling of methane to C2 hydrocarbons such as ethane and ethylene. Related methods for use and manufacture of the same are also disclosed.
US09040758B2 Washing system for nitroaromatic compounds
A method of removing alkalinity and salt from a nitroaromatic product downstream of water washing to remove mineral acids and alkaline washing to remove salts of organic acids, comprises washing the product stream with an acidic aqueous solution, prior to the step of removing excess organic reactant, by steam stripping or distillation. Acid removed from the stripper or column is recycled back for use in the acidic washing. The acidic washing is done instead of the neutral washing step of the prior art. It removes residual salt and decreases the level of entrained colloidal water in the nitroaromatic product.
US09040755B2 Hydrogenation of styrene oxide forming 2-phenyl ethanol
A process for preparation of 2-phenyl ethanol by catalytic hydrogenation of styrene oxide using a catalyst consisting of Pd (II) on basic inorganic support is investigated. The present invention comprises development of new Pd based catalysts. The present method yields 2-phenyl ethanol in 98% selectivity at total conversion of styrene oxide. The present process represents an environment friendly alternative to conventionally used methods in industry and eliminates the reduction step for catalyst preparation. In the present invention the active catalyst is generated in situ during the hydrogenation of styrene oxide. In addition, Pd (II) supported catalysts do not catch fire (non pyrophoric), can be stored under ambient conditions and produce very less or no dust which makes said catalysts suitable for industrial application.
US09040748B2 Hydrocarboxylation of aqueous formaldehyde using a dehydrating recycle stream to decrease water concentration
Disclosed is a process for the production and purification of glycolic acid or glycolic acid derivatives by the carbonylation of aqueous formaldehyde. The water in the hydrocarboxylation zone is reduced via reaction with the ester bonds in a recycle stream comprising glycolic acid oligomers and/or methyl glycolate oligomers.
US09040746B2 Systems and processes for the production of isophthalic acid and terephthalic acid
Various embodiments of the present invention generally disclose systems and processes for the conversion of a feed stream comprising at least one C8 aromatic into a product stream comprising isophthalic acid and purified terephthalic acid (IPA/TA).
US09040742B2 Catalytic synthesis of vitamin A intermediate
The present invention relates to a process of production of a compound, which is useful as an intermediate (building block) in organic synthesis, especially in the synthesis of vitamin A or β-carotene and derivatives thereof, e.g. canthaxanthin, astaxanthin or zeaxanthin.
US09040739B2 Catalyst and method for synthesis of lactic acid and its derivatives
A catalyst for synthesis of lactic acid and it derivatives is provided. The catalyst includes SnY2.mH2O and at least one of NH4X or quaternary ammonium salts, wherein X and Y are selected from F—, Cl—, Br—, I—, CH3SO3—, C6H5SO3—, CH3C6H4SO3— or CN—, m represents an integer of 1 to 15. A method for synthesis of lactic acid and it derivatives with the above catalyst is also provided. By using the above catalyst and method, it is capable of converting carbohydrate-containing raw material to lactic acid and its derivatives directly in a more efficient and economical way.
US09040738B2 Intermediate compounds of tamiflu, methods of preparation and uses thereof
Chiral amino compounds, methods of preparation and uses thereof. Tamiflu can be obtained from the said compounds. Multi-substituted chiral tetrahydropyrrolyl amine which can be used as intermediate compounds of medicament can also be produced by the said compounds.
US09040736B2 Stabilized isocyanate group-containing ethylenically unsaturated compound
An object of the present invention is to improve the stability of an ethylenically unsaturated compound having an isocyanate group in the molecule by preventing a polymerization of the ethylenically unsaturated compound. The present invention relates to a stabilizing composition for an isocyanate group-containing ethylenically unsaturated compound, comprising: an isocyanate group-containing ethylenically unsaturated compound (A) which comprises one or more isocyanate groups and one or more ethylenically unsaturated groups in the molecule; and a stabilizing agent (B) which is a compound in which at least one of the ethylenically unsaturated groups in the compound (A) is replaced with an alkyl group which may have a substituent.
US09040733B2 Process for making nitriles
An improved multi-reaction zone process provides for improved nitrile product quality and yield. In a first reaction zone, 1,3-butadiene is reacted with hydrogen cyanide in the presence of a catalyst to produce pentenenitriles comprising 3-pentenenitrile and 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile. In a second reaction zone, 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile, recovered from the first reaction zone, is isomerized to 3-pentenenitrile. In an optional third reaction zone, 3-pentenenitrile recovered from the first and second reaction zones is reacted with hydrogen cyanide in the presence of a catalyst and a Lewis acid to produce adiponitrile. A portion of the first catalyst is purified and recycled. Zero valent nickel is added to the purified first catalyst before it is recycled.
US09040728B2 Crystallization of (20R) 19-nor-24-difluoro-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3
Disclosed are methods of purifying the compound (20R)-19-nor-24-difluoro-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to obtain the compound in crystalline form. The methods typically include the steps of dissolving a product containing the compound in a solvent comprising hexane and 2-propanol, cooling the solvent and dissolved product below ambient temperature for a sufficient amount of time to form a precipitate of crystals, and recovering the crystals.
US09040727B2 Histone deacetylase inhibitor of benzamides and use thereof
Disclosed in the present invention is a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor of benzamides and use thereof. The inhibitor has good efficacy in treating diseases caused by abnormal gene expression, such as tumors, endocrine disorders, immune system diseases, genetic diseases and nerve system diseases. The histone deacetylase inhibitor of benzamides is a compound of the following general chemical structural formula (I) or a salt thereof.
US09040726B2 Process for the preparation of quaternary N-alkyl morphinan alkaloid salts
An improved process for the N-alkylation of tertiary morphinan alkaloid bases to form the corresponding quaternary morphinan alkaloid derivatives.
US09040724B2 Diaryl sulfone compound, and manufacturing method for same
The present invention provides a diaryl sulfone compound represented by Formula (1) below: wherein R1 to R4 and R1′ to R4′ are the same or different; each represents hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, or halogen; and R5 is (thio)glycidyl, acryloyl, or the like; and a method for producing the same. According to the present invention, a novel compound useful as a monomer for producing synthetic resin having a high refractive index and excellent transparency for optical materials can be efficiently produced with a simple production process, using an inexpensive material as a starting material.
US09040721B2 Halogenated compounds for Photodynamic therapy
Halo-organic heterocyclic compounds are described, in which at least two halogen atoms are bound to a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic terminal moiety of the compound, with at least one of such halogen atoms being iodine or bromine. Also described are polymethine dyes based on these heterocyclic compounds, and dendrimeric compounds and conjugates of such polymethine dyes. The polymethine dyes are characterized by enhanced properties, e.g., brightness, photostability, sensitivity and/or selective affinity that make them useful to target cancer cells, pathogenic microorganisms, and/or other biological materials, in applications such as photodynamic therapy, photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT), cancer treatment, selective removal or attachment of biological materials, antimicrobial coating materials, and other diagnostic, theranostic, spectrum shifting, deposition/growth, and analytic applications.
US09040714B2 IRE-1α inhibitors
Compounds which directly inhibit IRE-1α activity in vitro, prodrugs, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts there-of. Such compounds and prodrugs are useful for treating diseases associated with the unfolded protein response or with regulated IRE1-dependent decay (RIDD) and can be used as single agents or in combination therapies.
US09040710B2 Aryloxy-phthalocyanines of group IV metals
The present disclosure relates to a compound comprising an aryloxy-phthalocyanine compound of Group IV metals, a method for preparing aryloxy-phthalocyanine compound of Group IV metals and an article of manufacture made therefrom.
US09040706B2 Pyrrolidine inhibitors of IAP
The invention provides novel inhibitors of IAP that are useful as therapeutic agents for treating malignancies where the compounds have the general formula I: wherein A, Q, X1, X2, Y, R1, R2, R3, R4, R4′, R5, R6 and R6′ are as described herein.
US09040703B2 Inhibitors of arginase and their therapeutic applications
Compounds according to Formula I and Formula II are potent inhibitors of Arginase I and II activity: where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, D, M, X, and Y are defined as set forth in the specification. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds and methods of their use for treating or preventing a disease or a condition associated with arginase activity.
US09040700B2 Method of producing polymeric phenazonium compounds
A process of making a polymeric phenazonium compound having the general formula: wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, R6, R8, and R9 are the same or different, and represent hydrogen, a low alkyl or a substituted aryl, R3 starts with NH2 and is diazotized followed by a polymerization, R5 and R8 may alternatively represent monomeric or polymeric phenazonium radicals, R7 is a carbon in the aromatic ring, Rx and Ry represent any combination of CH3, C2H5, and hydrogen, except that Rx and Ry cannot both be hydrogen, A is an acid radical, and n is an integer from 2 to 100, preferably from 2 to 20 is described. The polymeric phenazonium compound is usable as an additive in a metal plating bath comprising copper. The method includes the steps of a) dissolving an effective amount of an amino compound in a formic acid solution; b) adding a nitrite salt to diazotize the amino compound; and c) adding sulfamic acid to neutralize any excess nitrous acid that may be formed in step b), whereby a polymeric phenazonium compound is produced with a smaller quantity of unreacted monomer remaining in the end product than those produced using methods of the prior art.
US09040698B2 Method for preparing optically pure (+)-ambrisentan and (+)-darusentan
Disclosed is a method for preparing optically pure (+)-ambrisentan and (+)-darusentan, comprising: firstly catalyzing the asymmetric epoxidation of a β-unsaturated alkene using a chiral ketone derived from fructose or a hydrate thereof as a catalyst, and then subjecting the product to an epoxy compound ring-opening reaction and substitution reaction successively to obtain optically pure (+)-ambrisentan and (+)-darusentan.
US09040697B2 Process for the production of moxonidine
4,6-dichloro-2-methyl-5-(1-acyl-2-imidazolin-2-yl)-aminopyrimidine is reacted with methanol in the presence of a non-ionic organic base, and moxonidine is obtained directly from the reaction mixture.
US09040694B1 Compounds and methods useful for directing stem cell differentiation
The presently-disclosed subject matter relates to compounds of the formula: and methods for use thereof. The presently-disclosed subject matter relates methods of selectively differentiating a stem cell, and methods of screening for compounds useful for enhancing terminal differentiation of committed cardiac progenitor cells.
US09040688B2 Intermediates in the preparation of 1,4-diphenyl azetidinone
The process of the present invention relates to a method for the synthesis of a 1,4-diphenylazetidinone of formula (VIII) by using novel oxime intermediates.
US09040684B2 Cellulose interpolymers and method of oxidation
This invention provides cellulose ester interpolymers, and methods of oxidizing cellulose interpolymers and cellulose ester interpolymers. The invention also provides routes to access carboxylated cellulose ester derivatives with high acid numbers wherein the carboxyl group is attached directly to the cellulose backbone by a carbon-carbon bond. Through functionalization of an intermediate aldehyde, the corresponding cationic or zwitterionic cellulose ester derivatives can also be accessed. The interpolymers of the present invention have a number of end-use applications, for example, as binder resins in various types of coating compositions and as drug delivery agents.
US09040683B2 Cellulose interpolymers and method of oxidation
This invention provides cellulose ester interpolymers, and methods of oxidizing cellulose interpolymers and cellulose ester interpolymers. The invention also provides routes to access carboxylated cellulose ester derivatives with high acid numbers wherein the carboxyl group is attached directly to the cellulose backbone by a carbon-carbon bond. Through functionalization of an intermediate aldehyde, the corresponding cationic or zwitterionic cellulose ester derivatives can also be accessed. The interpolymers of the present invention have a number of end-use applications, for example, as binder resins in various types of coating compositions and as drug delivery agents.
US09040678B2 Functionalization and purification of molecules by reversible group exchange
Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods and compositions for functionalizing molecules, such as oligonucleotides, with functional groups, including polyhistidine tags useful in affinity methods. Some embodiments include methods for modifying and purifying complex mixtures of molecules by exchange of functional tags.
US09040675B2 Formulations for nucleic acid stabilization on solid substrates
The present disclosure generally relates to dry solid matrices for the extraction, stabilization, and storage of nucleic acids, particularly RNA, in a dry format under ambient conditions for a prolonged period of time. Methods for collecting and recovering the nucleic acids stored in the dry solid matrix are also described.
US09040672B2 Devices and methods for reducing matrix effects
Devices and methods are provided for reducing matrix effects in protein precipitated bioanalytical samples comprising: a support, and a sorbent associated with the support capable of binding matrix interfering agents present in the bioanalytical sample, wherein the device further comprises filtering means for removing precipitated protein particles. The filtering means is a size exclusion filter or a polymeric or inorganic monolith having a maximum pore size less than or equal to the diameter of the particles to be removed from the sample, and can be integral with the sorbent or associated with the sorbent. The sorbent is characterized by sufficient selectivity between the matrix interfering agents and analytes of interest to provide retention of the matrix interfering agents while providing elution of the analytes of interest (e.g., a reversed phase or a polar modified reversed phase). Typical devices incorporating these features include luer syringe filters, individual filter cartridges, multiwell plates, pipette tips, or inline columns for multiple or single use.
US09040667B2 Antibody cocktail
The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least three primary antibodies or fragments thereof, wherein the at least three antibodies or fragments thereof binds specifically to at least three different proteins, and wherein the at least three different proteins are AMCAR, CK 5/6, and HMWC. Methods for using the composition in diagnosis, prognosis, and assessing efficacy of treatment is further included as well as kits comprising said composition, and optionally, instructions of its use.
US09040666B2 Single-domain antigen-binding proteins that bind mammalian IgG
The present application relates to antigen-binding proteins that are capable of binding to mammalian IgG. The frame-work regions of the antigen-binding proteins of the application preferably correspond to those of antibodies naturally that are devoid of light chains as may e.g. be found in camelids. The application further relates to nucleic acids that encode such antigen-binding proteins, to immunoadsorbent materials that comprise such proteins, to the uses of such immunoadsorbent materials for the purification of mammalian IgG antibodies and for therapeutic apheresis.
US09040665B2 Controlled cross-linking processing of proteins
A method of forming a cross-linked protein structures includes preparing a solution of protein dissolved in a benign solvent and forming an intermediate protein structure from the solution. The intermediate protein structure can be cross-linked by providing for a specific ratio of chemical cross-linking agents to form the cross-linked protein structure. The solution can be prepared by adding a cross-linker of N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) at a ratio of two-to-one of NHS to EDC to alcohol. PBS buffer (20×) can be added to the solution until the volume ratio of PBS buffer (20×) to alcohol is about one-to-one. About 16 percent by weight of protein can be dissolved in the solution. The solution can be electrospun to form an intermediate protein structure. After a period of time, the protein structure can be cross-linked to form the cross-linked protein structure.
US09040663B2 Melanocortin receptor-specific peptides
The invention relates to melanocortin receptor-specific cyclic peptides of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where R1, R2, R3, R4a, R4b, R4c, R5, x and y are as defined in the specification. These compounds are particularly useful in the treatments of energy homeostasis and metabolism related (e.g. diabetes), food intake related and/or energy balance and body weight related diseases, disorders and/or conditions, including obesity, overweight and diseases, disorders and/or conditions associated with obesity and/or overweight, such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
US09040659B2 Methods and materials for removing metals in block copolymers
The present invention relates to a method for treating a block copolymer solution, wherein the method comprises: providing a solution comprising a block copolymer in a non aqueous solvent; and, treating the solution to remove metals using an ion exchange resin. The invention also relates to a method of forming patterns using the treated block copolymer.
US09040654B2 Process for manufacturing polycarbonate from dianhydrohexitol Dialkylcarbonate
A process for manufacturing a polycarbonate, having a glass transition temperature greater than or equal to 50° C., includes: a step (1) of introducing into a reactor a monomer of formula (I) and R1 and R2 being identical or different alkyl groups; a step (2) of introducing into the reactor at least one cyclic diol or a mixture of diols (B) including at least 20 mol % of cyclic diols; a subsequent step (3) of polycondensation via transesterification of the mixture of monomers including the monomers (A) and (B); a step (4) of recovering the polycarbonate formed during step (3).
US09040651B2 Poly(aryl ether sulfone) composition, and method of making
A poly(aryl ether sulfone) comprises units of formula (I): wherein Ar1 is a divalent C6-C15 aromatic group, Ar2 is a divalent C6-C15 aromatic group, Ar3 is a divalent C6-C15 aromatic group, and n is greater than 1; and a terminal group of formula (II) derived from a monofunctional phenoxide wherein is X is a hydrogen atom or an organic substituent having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; wherein the poly(aryl ether sulfone) has a hydroxyl group content greater than 0 and less than 50 parts per million (ppm), based on the poly(aryl ether sulfone) weight, a glass transition temperature of 180 to 290° C., a weight average molecular weight of 20,000 to 100,000, a halogen content of greater than 0 and less than 3000 ppm based on the poly(aryl ether sulfone) weight. The poly(aryl ether sulfone) is free of methoxy groups.
US09040647B2 Photochromic material
Provided are: a method for controlling the decoloration reaction rate and color density of a fast light-modulating material to levels suitable for practical use; and a fast light-modulating material having a decoloration reaction rate and a color density which are suitable for practical use. A polymer obtained by polymerizing a paracyclophane-bridged hexaarylbisimidazole compound having a radical-polymerizable group, and a copolymer obtained by copolymerizing the compound with a (meth)acrylic acid compound or a sensitizer having a radical-polymerizable group can achieve controlled decoloration reaction rates, photosensitivity and color tones.
US09040643B2 Bridged metallocene catalyst systems with switchable hydrogen and comonomer effects
The present invention provides polymerization processes utilizing an ansa-metallocene catalyst system for the production of olefin polymers. Polymers produced from the polymerization processes have properties that vary based upon the presence or the absence of hydrogen and/or comonomer in the polymerization process.
US09040641B2 Polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer, and method for preparing same
A polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer includes a polysiloxane unit. The polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer can have superior melt flowability and ductility while maintaining high transparency and low haze.
US09040639B2 Method for the continuous production of biodegradable polyesters
A process for the continuous production of a biodegradable polyester, wherea mixture of aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids or their liquid esters, and, optionally, further comonomers is mixed, without addition of a catalyst, to give a paste, and i) this mixture with at least a portion of the catalyst, is continuously esterified or, transesterified; ii) the transesterification or, esterification product obtained in i) is continuously precondensed with any remaining amount of catalyst to an intrinsic viscosity of from 20 to 70 cm3/g; iii) the product obtainable from ii) is continuously polycondensed to an intrinsic viscosity of from 60 to 170 cm3/g, and iv) the product obtainable from iii) is reacted continuously with a chain extender in a polyaddition reaction to an intrinsic viscosity of from 150 to 320 cm3/g. The invention further relates to biodegradable polyesters obtained_by this process.
US09040634B2 Polycarboxylic acid dye with low polymerization degree
The present invention provides a polycarboxylic acid dye with low polymerization degree, which is formed by using a macromolecule skeleton of polymaleic acid linked to an azo chromophore, an azo-metal complexation chromophore or an anthraquinone chromophore via a bridge group of amide or ester bond. The dye is useful for dyeing and printing leather, protein fiber, cellulose fiber and synthetic fiber.
US09040631B1 Padding
The present invention provides padding which is suitable as bedding and clothing items having both exothermic property upon moisture absorption and bulkiness in high levels and being able to give comfortable environment to human body. The present invention relates to a padding containing 25 to 85% by weight of polyester fiber, characterized in that the padding contains 15 to 75% by weight of a cross-linked polyacrylate fiber of a magnesium salt type and/or a calcium salt type.
US09040625B2 Water/oil repellent composition, method for its production and article
To provide a water/oil repellent composition which can impart sufficient post-air-drying water/oil repellency to the surface of an article, and which presents a low environmental impact, and an article having its surface treated with the water/oil repellent composition. A water/oil repellent composition comprising a copolymer (A) having structural units based on a monomer (a), structural units based on a monomer (b), structural units based on a monomer (c) and/or structural units based on a monomer (d); and an aqueous medium (B) containing water, and a film-forming assistant (x) and/or a film-forming assistant (y). Monomer (a): a monomer having a C1-6 polyfluoroalkyl group, monomer (b): vinylidene chloride, monomer (c): a monomer, the homopolymer of which has a glass transition temperature of at least 20° C., monomer (d): a monomer having a crosslinkable functional group, film-forming assistant (x): a specific amide solvent, and film-forming assistant (y): a specific glycol solvent.
US09040624B2 Low VOC colorants with non tip drying
A colorant composition for tinting or coloring surface coverings or paint is. provided that has a low volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration, alkylphenoi ethoxylate surfactants (APE) free and hazardous air pollutants (HAPS) free. Additionally, the colorant composition has performance properties substantially equal to or better than tinters possessing high VOC concentrations. The colorant composition includes a colorant component, a dispersant including a polyamide, a surface active agent, water, and optional additives, The polyamide is a high molecular weight polyamide.having at least two anchoring amines, and the surface active agent includes phosphoric acid, phosphate esters, or salts thereof.
US09040621B2 Aqueous dispersions of microgel encapsulated particles utilizing hyperbranched acrylic polymers
An aqueous dispersion includes particles at least partially encapsulated in a microgel where the microgel is prepared from a hyperbranched acrylic polymer. In addition, a method for making an aqueous dispersion includes: (1) mixing in an aqueous medium: (a) particles, (b) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and (c) a water-dispersible hyperbranched acrylic polymer having ethylenic unsaturation; and (2) polymerizing the at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and water-dispersible hyperbranched acrylic polymer having ethylenic unsaturation to at least partially encapsulate the particles in a microgel.
US09040616B2 Bleed resistant, oil-extended olefin block copolymer composition with microcrystalline wax
Disclosed are oil-extended olefin block copolymer compositions with microcrystalline wax. The microcrystalline wax reduces oil-bleed while maintaining composition softness.
US09040615B2 Compositions of polyesters and fibrous clays
Compositions of thermoplastic polyesters containing dispersed nanoparticles of fibrous clay are made by polymerizing the polyester precursors in the presence of exfoliated fibrous clay that has not been organically modified. The compositions have good physical properties and can be melt molded into various articles. Many of these articles may be coated (painted) and are especially useful for appearance parts such as visible exterior automotive body parts.
US09040610B2 Self priming spackling compound
A self-priming spackling compound includes between about 35% by weight and about 65% by weight acrylic latex resin, between about 20% by weight and about 50% by weight filler material, and between about 1% by weight and about 20% by weight water. In certain aspects, the latex resin may have an average latex particle size of less than about 0.18 microns, a minimum film formation temperature of less than about 15 degrees Celsius, and/or a glass transition temperature (Tg) of less than about 25 degrees Celsius. To further enhance the self-priming performance of the spackling compound, the formulation may further comprise a colorant such as titanium dioxide.
US09040601B2 Crosslinked compositions, method of making them, and articles comprising them
The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one propylene-based polymer comprising less than 0.1 wt. % diene-derived units based on the weight of the propylene-based polymer, an antioxidant, and a co-agent. The composition can be at least partially crosslinked by electron beam irradiation in a dose of less than 200 kGy, and may be further formed into articles including fibers, yarns, films, and nonwovens, among others. The propylene-based polymer of the present invention may be a polymer blend formed by forming a reactor blend from of two or more polymers produced in two or more reactors.
US09040599B2 Polypropylene resin expanded particles and polypropylene resin in-mold foaming molded body
Polypropylene resin expanded particles include polypropylene resin as base material resin having at least two melting peaks on a DSC curve, the at least two melting peaks including (i) a lowest-temperature melting peak of 100° C. or more but 130° C. or less and (ii) a highest-temperature melting peak of 140° C. or more but 160° C. or less, so that the expanded particles: produce an in-mold foaming molded product at a very low mold heating steam pressure; exhibit low distortion, low shrinkage, and a wide range of heating condition for molding, even if the mold heating steam pressure is increased; have satisfactory moldability when the expanded particles are molded by using a mold having a complicated shape or a large mold; and maintain properties such as compressive strength, substantially unimpaired, when the expanded particles make the in-mold foaming molded product.
US09040597B2 Conversion of corn gluten meal into a solid article through the use of a non-toxic additive
Disclosed are fast-curing, inexpensive corn-gluten resin compositions, methods for making them, methods for forming them into solid articles. In some embodiments, the resin composition includes corn meal gluten and a non-toxic organic acid.
US09040596B2 Organo-copper reagents for attaching perfluorosulfonic acid groups to polyolefins
An ion conducting membrane for fuel cells involves coupling a compound having a sulfonic acid group with a polymeric backbone. Each of the compounds having a sulfonic acid group and the polymeric backbone are first functionalized with a halogen.
US09040589B2 Continuous administration of dopa decarboxylase inhibitors and compositions for same
Disclosed herein are compositions that include for example the arginine salt of carbidopa, and methods for treating neurological or movement diseases or disorders such as restless leg syndrome, Parkinson's disease, secondary parkinsonism, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's like syndrome, PSP, MSA, ALS, Shy-Drager syndrome and conditions resulting from brain injury including carbon monoxide or manganese intoxication, using substantially continuous administration of carbidopa or salt thereof together with administration of levodopa.
US09040588B2 Acetamide stereoisomer
The compound of formula (I) is a water-stable, long acting β2-selective adrenoceptor agonist useful as a bronchodilator in the treatment of bronchoconstriction associated with reversible obstructive airways diseases and the like. Processes for making the compound of formula (I), as well as related intermediates, are disclosed.
US09040586B2 Veterinary compositions for controlling ecto- and endoparasites in bovines, use of these compositions, use of IGR substances associated with microminerals, method for controlling ecto- and endoparasites in bovines and kit
Veterinary compositions are described for controlling ecto- and endo-parasites in animals, such as bovine. The compositions contain an IGR compound(s) or a benzoyl substituted urea(s) along with a mineral mix and at least one carrier.
US09040585B2 Small molecule antagonists of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3) and uses thereof
Disclosed are new members of a class of non-lipid small molecule inhibitors which interfere with the interaction between phosphoinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PIP3) and pleckstrin homology (PH) domains. These molecules target a broad range of PIP3-dependent signaling events in vitro and exert significant anti-tumor activity in vivo, with improved activity and selectivity toward particular PH domains. The small molecule inhibitors of the invention can be used alone or together with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) or other cancer medicament to treat cancer. Small molecule inhibitors of the invention act synergistically in combination with TRAIL and with other Akt inhibitors in treating cancer. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating cancer are provided.
US09040584B2 Compositions for topical delivery of prostaglandins to subcutaneous fat
Described herein are compositions comprising a prostaglandin FP receptor agonist (PFPRA) compound and a fatty acid ester (e.g., isopropyl myristate), optionally comprising an ointment base such as a hydrocarbon base (e.g., petroleum jelly) and/or an organic alcohol (e.g., propylene glycol), that, when topically applied to the skin, locally delivers a therapeutically effective amount of the PFPRA compound to subcutaneous fat under the skin, and methods of preparation. The therapeutic effect is, for example, reduction of the subcutaneous fat under the skin. Further provided are methods of reducing body fat in a subject comprising topically administering the composition to the subject.
US09040583B2 Treatment of disorders associated with G protein-coupled receptor 35 (GPR35)
Compounds are provided having agonistic activity against G protein-coupled receptor 35 (GPR35). The compounds are useful for providing antinociception, providing neuroprotection in case of stroke or ischemia, or treating gastric inflammation.
US09040581B1 Methods of treatment using D-serine
Methods of treatment using D-serine to target brain cells expressing GluN3 subunit-containing triheteromeric NMDARs are disclosed. The methods include inhibiting calcium ion uptake by brain cells, treating epilepsy, and treating seizures by artificially administering D-serine.
US09040577B2 Continuous administration of L-dopa, dopa decarboxylase inhibitors, catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitors and compositions for same
Provided herein, in part, is a method of treating a neurological or movement disorder in a patient in need thereof, comprising subcutaneously administering to said patient a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising levodopa and optionally carbidopa and optionally entacapone or tolcapone, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein said composition is administered substantially continuously, and compositions that can be used in the disclosed methods.
US09040573B2 Anti-fungal agent
An antifungal agent against a fungus of the genus Scytalidium (Scytalidium—dimidiatum, Scytalidium—hyalinum etc.), preferably an antifungal agent for superficial mycosis caused by a fungus of the genus Scytalidium as a pathogenic fungus, which contains luliconazole or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and/or lanoconazole or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as active ingredient(s).
US09040570B2 Compounds for anti-fungal treatment
Provided are methods of treating or preventing a fungal infection in a subject. The methods comprise selecting a subject with or at risk of developing a fungal infection and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of toremifene and fluconazole or derivatives thereof.
US09040569B2 Compositions and methods for treating or preventing pneumovirus infection and associated diseases
The present invention provides novel crystalline polymorphic forms of MDT-637, in particular, crystalline polymorphic forms with physicochemical properties specifically suited for drug production, amorphous formation, composite form, and methods of preparation thereof. The novel polymorphs described herein are useful for the treatment of respiratory disease, such as disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus.
US09040568B2 Pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of pain
This invention discloses a method of treatment of osteoarthritis pain by administration of a composition containing a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligand and a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype α4β2 allosteric modulator. The present application also relates to compositions comprising such compounds for use in treating pain and related disorders mediated by controlling neurotransmitter release in a subject.
US09040567B2 BAX agonist, compositions, and methods related thereto
The disclosure relates to BAX activators and therapeutic uses relates thereto. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of treating or preventing cancer, such as lung cancer, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound disclosed herein or pharmaceutically acceptable salt to a subject in need thereof.
US09040566B2 Adenosine A1 agonists for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension
The present invention relates to the use of selective adenosine A1 agonists, in particular the dicyanopyridines of formula (I), for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of glaucoma and ocular hypertension as well as the their use for the production of a medicament for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
US09040565B2 1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamides as anti-inflammatory agents
There are provided compounds of formula (I), wherein R1, R6, R8, Q2, Q3, Q3a, Q4, L and A have meanings given in the description, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, which compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases in which inhibition of the activity of a member of the MAPEG family is desired and/or required, and particularly in the treatment of inflammation and/or cancer.
US09040564B2 Stabilized composition
It is intended to provide a pharmaceutical composition which contains a proton pump inhibitor and is stable even if it is stored for a long time. It is also intended to provide a pharmaceutical composition which contains a proton pump inhibitor susceptible to acid, and does not dissolve in the stomach but dissolves in the intestine to release a primary drug product promptly. The object could be achieved by the pharmaceutical composition characterized in that a layer containing a proton pump inhibitor and ethyl cellulose, a layer containing an enteric polymer, and if necessary an intermediate layer composed of one or more layers are formed on a pharmacologically inactive core substance. The intermediate layer is composed of a water-insoluble polymer, a water-soluble polymer, a lubricant and the like.
US09040559B2 BETA2-adrenoceptor agonists
Compounds of formula in free or salt or solvate form, where Ar is a group of formula Y is carbon or nitrogen and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, X, n, p, q and r are as defined in the specification, their preparation and their use as pharmaceuticals, particularly for the treatment of obstructive or inflammatory airways diseases.
US09040558B2 Substituted benzylamino quinolines as cholesterol ester-transfer protein inhibitors
The invention is directed to novel substituted benzylamino quinolines, compounds comprising substituted benzylamino quinolines, methods of making substituted benzylamino quinolines, the use of substituted benzylamino quinolines for treating or preventing a variety of conditions or diseases associated with lipoprotein metabolism, and the use of substituted benzylamino quinolines as cholesterol ester-transfer protein inhibitors.
US09040551B2 Small molecule inhibitors of polynucleotide kinase/phosphatase, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase and uses thereof
The present invention generally relates to use of compounds and compositions as a chemosensitizers and/or radiosensitizers and/or inhibitors of PNKP phosphatase activity. The present invention provides pharmaceutical combinations and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, kits containing such compounds and/composition and methods of using such compounds and/or compositions.
US09040550B2 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds and their uses
The present invention provides 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds that inhibit the IgE and/or IgG receptor signaling cascades that lead to the release of chemical mediators, intermediates and methods of synthesizing the compounds and methods of using the compounds in a variety of contexts, including in the treatment and prevention of diseases characterized by, caused by or associated with the release of chemical mediators via degranulation and other processes effected by activation of the IgE and/or IgG receptor signaling cascades.
US09040548B2 Quinazoline derivatives as VEGF inhibitors
The invention relates to quinazoline derivatives of formula (I), wherein m is an integer from 1 to 3; R1 represents halogeno or C1-3alkyl; X1 represents —O—; R2 is selected from one of the following three groups: 1) C1-5alkylR3, wherein R3 is piperidinyl-4-yl which may bear one or two substituents selected from hydroxy, halogeno, C1-4alkyl, C1-4hydroxyalkyl and C1-4alkoxy; 2) C2-5alkenylR3, wherein R3 is as defined herein; 3) C2-5alkynylR3, wherein R3 is as defined herein; and wherein any alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group may bear one or more substituents selected from hydroxy, halogeno and amino; and salts thereof; processes for their preparation; pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient.
US09040541B2 4,6-disubstituted pyrimidines useful as kinase inhibitors
The present invention provides 4,6-disubstituted pyrimidine compounds useful as kinase inhibitors, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.
US09040538B2 Pyrimidines as novel therapeutic agents
The present invention features compounds having the Formula (Ia) and (Ib) (e.g., a compound of any of Formulas ((Ia-2)-(Ia-21)), including other tautomers, stereoisomers, E/Z stereoisomers, prodrugs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and compositions thereof. The invention also features methods for treating or preventing pain (e.g., neuropathic pain), inflammation, or epilepsy in a patient by administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula (Ia) or (Ib). The invention also features a method for treating or preventing pain (e.g., neuropathic pain), inflammation, or epilepsy in a patient that includes administering to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of Formula (IIa) or (IIb) (e.g., a compound of any of Formulas ((IIa-2)-(IIa-6)). The compounds described herein (e.g., a compound of Formulas (Ia), (Ib), (IIa), or (IIb)) can also be used as anticonvulsants.
US09040536B2 Substituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinoxalines as PDE9 inhibitors
The invention discloses quinoxaline derivatives or salts thereof having PDE9-inhibiting activity and being useful as treating agent of dysuria and the like, which are represented by the formula (I) in the formula, R1 and R2 each independently stands for hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, acyl, amino and the like, R3 stands for alkyl, aryl, saturated carbocyclic group, saturated heterocyclic group, acyl and the like, R4 stands for hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl or amino, R5 and R8 each independently stands for hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, cyano or nitro, R6 and R7 each independently stands for hydrogen, halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cyano, amino, carbocyclic group, heterocyclic group, COR9 or SO2R9, R9 stands for hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl, amino, pyrrolidin-1-yl, piperidin-1-yl, pyperazin-1-yl or the like, X stands for S or O, and A1, A2 and A3 each independently stands for N or C.
US09040535B2 Crystalline molecular comlpexes of tadalafil
Crystalline molecular complexes of tadalafil are disclosed. The crystalline molecular complexes include those of tadalafil and oxalic acid, tadalafil and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, tadalafil and 3-phenylpropanoic acid, tadalafil and malonic acid, tadalafil and methylparaben, and tadalafil and propylparaben. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the crystalline molecular complexes are also disclosed.
US09040534B2 [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazines as P2X7 modulators
The present invention is directed to a compound of Formula (I) and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I). Methods of making and using the compounds of Formula (I) are also within the scope of the invention.
US09040533B2 Oxime-substituted-quinoxaline-type piperidine compounds as ORL-1 modulators
The present disclosure relates to Oxime-Substituted Quinoxaline-Type Piperidine Compounds, such as those of Formula (I): and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R20, R21, Q, Y1, Z, A, B, and a are as defined herein; compositions comprising an effective amount of an Oxime-Substituted Quinoxaline-Type Piperidine Compound, and methods to treat or prevent a condition, such as pain, comprising administering to an animal in need thereof an effective amount of an Oxime-Substituted Quinoxaline-Type Piperidine Compound.
US09040525B2 Cyclic amide derivative
[Problem]To provide a GPR40 activating agent having, as an active ingredient, a novel compound having a GPR40 agonist action, a salt of the compound, a solvate of the salt or the compound, or the like, particularly, an insulin secretagogues and a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent against diabetes, obesity, or other diseases.[Means of Solving the Problem]A compound of Formula (1): (where n is 0 to 2; p is 0 to 4; h is 0 to 3; j is 0 to 3; k is 0 to 2; a ring B is an aryl group or a heteroaryl group; X is O, S, or —NR7—; J1 is —CR11aR11b— or —NR11c—; J2 is —CR12aR12b— or —NR12c—; and R1 to R12c are specific groups), a salt of the compound, or a solvate of the salt or the compound.
US09040524B2 Antifungal 5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]-benzodiazepines and 6H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]benzodiazepines substituted with bicycle benzene derivatives
The present invention is concerned with novel antifungal 5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo-[1,2-a][1,4]benzodiazepines and 6H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]benzodiazepines substituted with bicyclic benzene derivatives of Formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 have the meaning defined in the claims. The compounds according to the present invention are active mainly against dermatophytes and systemic fungal infections. The invention further relates to processes for preparing such novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds as an active ingredient as well as the use of said compounds as a medicament.
US09040523B2 Antifungal 5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[1,2-α][1,4]-benzodiazepines and 6H-pyrrolo[1,2-α][1,4]benzodiazepines substituted with benzene derivatives
The present invention is concerned with novel antifungal 5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo-[1,2-a][1,4]benzodiazepines and 6H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,4]benzodiazepines of Formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 have the meaning defined in the claims. The compounds according to the present invention are active mainly against dermatophytes and systemic fungal infections. The invention further relates to processes for preparing such novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds as an active ingredient as well as the use of said compounds as a medicament.
US09040522B2 6-(5-hydroxy-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)nicotinamide inhibitors of PHD
The present invention provides compounds of the formula: which are useful as inhibitors of PHD and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.
US09040520B2 Noribogaine salt ansolvates
Stable noribogaine salt ansolvates are useful for preparing pharmaceutical compositions and for alleviating nociceptive pain in a patient. Such ansolvates can be prepared by slurrying solvated forms, preferably MeOH solvated noribogaine hydrochloride in EtOH/water.
US09040517B2 Compounds as diacylglycerol acyltransferase inhibitors
This invention relates to novel compounds which are inhibitors of acyl coenzymeA: diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT-1), to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, to processes for their preparation, and to their use in therapy for the prevention or treatment of diseases related to DGAT-1 dysfunction or where modulation of DGAT-1 activity may have therapeutic benefit including but not limited to obesity, obesity related disorders, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperlipoproteinemia, chylomicronemia, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, hepatitis C virus infection and acne or other skin disorders.
US09040516B2 Uracil derivative and use thereof for medical purposes
The present invention provides: an uracil derivative represented by general formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof (in the formula, R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a C1-10 alkyl group, a C2-6 alkene group or a 3- to 6-membered saturated or 4- to 6-membered unsaturated aliphatic ring group which may contain 1 to 2 hetero atoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S; R2 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a cyano group, —NRcRd, —N═CHN(CH3)2, or an C1-3 alkyl group; Ar1 and Ar2 independently represent a 5- to 6-membered aromatic ring group which may contain 1 to 3 hetero atoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S; and L represents a 6-membered aromatic ring group which may contain 1 to 4 nitrogen atoms, a pyrazole group, a triazole group, or an imidazole group); and a therapeutic agent or prophylactic agent for various inflammatory diseases associated with elastase, comprises the compound or the like as an active ingredient.
US09040515B2 Aryl and heteroaryl fused lactams
This invention relates to compounds of general formula (I) in which R1, R2, U, V, L, M, R5, m, X, Y and Z are as defined herein, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and salts, and to methods of using such compounds, salts and compositions for the treatment of abnormal cell growth, including cancer.
US09040514B2 Chlorobis copper (I) complex compositions and methods of manufacture and use
A method of manufacturing an anhydrous copper complex of formula C12H10CICuN2O4 and methods of treating neuromuscular and other diseases, including but not limited to fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, pain, fatigue, sleeplessness, loss of fine motor control, speech loss, inflexibility, Alzheimer's, dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, depression, lyme disease, lyme disease co-infection, gastroparesis (GP), myopathy, chronic inflammation and/or incontinence. The anhydrous copper complex preferably is administered in a pharmaceutical and/or dietary supplement composition of the invention.
US09040513B2 Process for preparing platinum-carbene complexes
Described is a process for preparing platinum-carbene complexes.
US09040512B2 Phosphorus-containing metal complexes
The present invention relates, inter alia, to metal complexes having improved solubility, to processes for the preparaion of the metal complexes, to devices comprising these metal complexes and to the use of the metal complexes.
US09040506B2 7,11-methanocycloocta [B] quinoline derivative as highly functionalizable acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
New highly functionalizable Huprine derivatives of formula I: and a method for preparing such compounds and their use for treating neurological diseases in which the level of acetylcholine is affected such as Alzheimer's disease.
US09040505B2 Benzoquinone derivative E3330 in combination with chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer and angiogenesis
Disclosed are novel methods for the therapeutic treatment of cancer and angiogenesis. The enzyme Ape1/Ref-1, via its redox function, enhances the DNA binding activity of transcription factors that are associated with the progression of cancer. The present invention describes the use of agents to selectively inhibit the redox function of Ape1/Ref-1 and thereby reduce tumor cell growth, survival, migration and metastasis. In addition, Ape1/Ref-1 inhibitory activity is shown to augment the therapeutic effects of other therapeutics and protect normal cells against toxicity. Further, Ape1/Ref-1 inhibition is shown to decrease angiogenesis, for use in the treatment of cancer as well other pathologic conditions of which altered angiogenesis is a component.
US09040494B2 RNAi-mediated inhibition of frizzled related protein-1 for treatment of glaucoma
RNA interference is provided for inhibition of Frizzled Related Protein-1 mRNA expression, in particular, for treating patients having glaucoma or at risk of developing glaucoma.
US09040491B2 Compositions, methods and kits based on small nuclear RNAs
The present invention includes methods for modulating the expression of a gene or mRNA in a cell using small nuclear RNAs comprising specific sequence and structural features and further comprising a nucleic acid cargo.
US09040487B2 Cyclosporine emulsion
The present invention relates to a cyclosporine emulsion containing: i) a cyclosporine ii) a natural oil (long chain triglyceride) iii) a phosphatidylcholine, iv) glycerol, v) a pharmaceutically tolerable alkali salt of a free fatty acid, vi) a medium chain triglyceride-oil vii) optionally, hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment viii) water.
US09040482B2 Octapeptide compounds and therapeutic use thereof
The present invention relates to novel octapeptide compounds of general formula (I), R-AA1-cyclo(AA2-Tyr3-D-Trp4-AA5-Val6-Cys7)-Thr8-NH2  (I) As these products have a good affinity for certain sub-types of somatostatin receptors, they are particularly useful for treating the pathological states or diseases in which one (or more) of the somatostatin receptors is (are) involved. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing said products and their use for the preparation of a medicament.
US09040481B2 Methods for treating steatotic disease
Methods for treating fatty liver disease, e.g., hepatic steatosis, using peptide fragments of the C-terminal end of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), e.g., GLP-1(28-36).
US09040478B2 Derivatisation of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
The present invention relates to a compound which is a polysaccharide derivative of GCSF, or of a GCSF like protein, wherein the polysaccharide is anionic and comprises between 2 and 200 saccharide units. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel compounds, and methods for making the novel compounds.
US09040470B2 Lubricating oil composition for sliding section comprising aluminum material, and lubricating method
Provided are a lubricant composition capable of reducing friction between sliding parts at least one of which contains an aluminum-based material in a lubrication section, and a method for lubricating an aluminum-based member with the composition. The lubricant composition is for use in a lubrication section having sliding parts at least one of which contains an aluminum-based material, and contains a lubricant base oil and at least one of a phosphorus-containing carboxylic compound and a metal salt thereof (component (A)) at 0.001 to 1 mass % of the composition in terms of phosphorus. The composition may suitably be used as lubricant such as drive train lubricant for automatic or manual transmissions, grease, wet brake oil, hydraulic actuation oil, turbine oil, compressor oil, bearing oil, refrigerant oil, and the like used in apparatus having the sliding parts.
US09040468B2 Hydrolyzable particle compositions, treatment fluids and methods
A composition, treatment fluid and method using hydrolyzable fines. A treatment fluid, which may optionally include a high solids content fluid (HSCF) and/or an Apollonianistic solids mixture, includes a fluid loss control agent comprising a dispersion of hydrolyzable fines, optionally with one or more of a surfactant, plasticizer, dispersant, degradable particles, reactive particles and/or submicron particles selected from silicates, γ-alumina, MgO, γ-Fe2O3, TiO2, and combinations thereof.
US09040457B2 Phenylamidines having a high fungicidal activity and use thereof
New phenylamidines are described, having general formula (I): and their use for the control of phytopathogenic fungi.
US09040455B2 Method for controlling pests
To provide a method which shows excellent effects in controlling pests in a field of soybean, corn or cotton.A method for controlling weeds in a field of soybean, corn or cotton, wherein the field of soybean, corn or cotton is treated with at least one PPO-inhibiting compound selected from the group consisting of flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, saflufenacil, oxyfluorfen, fomesafen-sodium, and the compound of the formula (I): before, at or after seeding with a seed of soybean, corn or cotton treated with one or more fungicidal compounds selected from the group consisting of tolclophos-methyl, thiram, captan, carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl, and (RS)-2-methoxy-N-methyl-2-[alpha-(2,5-xylyloxy)-o-tolyl]ace tamide.
US09040448B2 Method of manufacturing spherical mesoporous silica containing dispersed silver nanoparticles, and spherical mesoporous silica manufactured by said method
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a spherical mesoporous silica structure containing silver nanoparticles dispersed therein by adding a silver nitrate solution to an aqueous surfactant solution and performing a sol-gel process and to spherical mesoporous silica prepared thereby. The spherical mesoporous silica is cost-effective compared to a conventional method that uses silver nanoparticles as a raw material, because the silver nitrate solution that is inexpensive compared to silver nanoparticles is used. Also, the spherical mesoporous silica can be with high productivity in large amounts, and thus is easily commercialized. Moreover, because silver nanoparticles are incorporated into the pores of the mesoporous silica, the silver nanoparticles are used stably and do not change color and odor. In addition, the spherical mesoporous silica exhibits various additional effects, including far-infrared ray emission and deodorization, attributable to silica.
US09040447B2 Hydroprocessing catalysts and methods for making thereof
A process for making an improved slurry catalyst for the upgrade of heavy oil feedstock is provided. In the process, a metal precursor solution comprising at least a water-soluble molybdenum compound and a water-soluble metal zinc compound is mixed under high shear mixing conditions to generate an emulsion. The emulsion is subsequently sulfided with a sulfiding agent ex-situ, or in-situ in a heavy oil feedstock to form the slurry catalyst. The in-situ sulfidation in heavy oil is under sufficient condition for the heavy oil feedstock to generate the sulfiding source needed for the sulfidation.
US09040446B2 Hydroprocessing catalysts and methods for making thereof
A method for preparing an improved slurry catalyst for the upgrade of heavy oil feedstock is provided. In one embodiment, the process comprises: sulfiding at least a metal precursor solution with at least a sulfiding agent forming a sulfided Group VIB catalyst precursor, the metal precursor solution having a pH of at least 4 and a concentration of less than 10 wt. % of Primary metal in solution; and mixing the catalyst precursor with a hydrocarbon diluent to form the slurry catalyst composition. The slurry catalyst prepared therefrom has a BET total surface area of at least 100 m2/g, a total pore volume of at least 0.5 cc/g and a polymodal pore distribution with at least 80% of pore sizes in the range of 5 to 2,000 Angstroms in diameter.
US09040445B2 Catalyst system
The present invention provides a catalyst system capable of catalyzing the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound, which system is obtainable by combining: a) a metal of Group VIB or Group VIIIB or a compound thereof, b) a bidentate phosphine, arsine or stibine ligand, and c) an acid, wherein said ligand is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said metal or said metal in said metal compound, and that said acid is present in at least a 2:1 molar excess compared to said ligand, a process for the carbonylation of an ethylenically unsaturated compound, a reaction medium, and use of the system.
US09040444B2 Semi continuous process for the synthesis of a catalyst for use in the manufacture of polyolefins
A semi-continuous process and system thereof, for the synthesis of a narrow particle size distribution Zeigler Natta procatalyst for use in the manufacture of polyolefins. The process comprises: (a) mixing a reaction mixture containing a titanium compound; (b) charging a first reactor with said reaction mixture; (c) removing excess reactants from said first reactor as a filtrate; (d) feeding said filtrate to at least one further reactor; and continuously removing excess reactants from said at least further reactor.
US09040442B2 Shaped or unshaped refractory or kiln furniture composition
The present description relates to a refractory composition including 70 weight percent to 98 weight percent particulate refractory material and 2 weight percent to 30 weight percent of a binder phase including reactive filler and a binder, the binder phase substantially includes solely reactive andalusite as reactive filler.
US09040441B2 Oxide sintered body and sputtering target
Provided are an oxide sintered body and a sputtering target that are ideal for the production of an oxide semiconductor film for a display device. The oxide sintered body and sputtering target that are provided have both high conductivity and high relative density, are capable of forming an oxide semiconductor film having a high carrier mobility, and in particular, have excellent direct-current discharge stability in that long-term, stable discharge is possible, even when used by the direct-current sputtering method. The oxide sintered body of the invention is an oxide sintered body obtained by mixing and sintering zinc oxide, tin oxide, and an oxide of at least one metal (M metal) selected from the group consisting of Al, Hf, Ni, Si, Ga, In, and Ta. When the in-plane specific resistance and the specific resistance in the direction of depth are approximated by Gaussian distribution, the distribution coefficient σ of the specific resistance is 0.02 or less.
US09040437B2 Elastic laminate
An elastic laminate has a coextruded film having an outer film layer formed of an elastic and sticky styrene-block copolymer and an inner film layer of lesser elasticity than the outer layer, an outer fleece or nonwoven web or overlay, an outer adhesive layer between the outer fleece web and the outer film layer adhering the outer fleece web to the outer film layer, an inner fleece or nonwoven web or overlay, and an inner adhesive layer between the inner fleece web and the inner film layer adhering the inner fleece web to the inner film layer. The inner adhesive layer forming between the inner fleece web and the inner film layer a bond that is weaker than a bond formed by the outer adhesive layer between the outer fleece web and the outer film layer such that on stretching the inner fleece layer separates locally from the inner film layer.
US09040436B2 Lightweight, durable apparel and laminates for making the same
Laminates are described having a durable outer film surface for use in making lightweight liquidproof articles, including articles of apparel, such as outerwear garments. A method of making the laminate and a lightweight outerwear garment having an abrasion resistant exterior film surface is described.
US09040435B2 Superhydrophobic aerogel that does not require per-fluoro compounds or contain any fluorine
Provided are superhydrophobic coatings, devices and articles including superhydrophobic coatings, and methods for preparing the superhydrophobic coatings. The exemplary superhydrophobic device can include a substrate component and one or more superhydrophobic coatings disposed over the substrate component, wherein at least one of the one or more superhydrophobic coatings has a water contact angle of at least about 150° and a contact angle hysteresis of less than about 1°. The one or more superhydrophobic coatings can include an ultra high water content acid catalyzed polysilicate gel, the polysilicate gel including a three dimensional network of silica particles having surface functional groups derivatized with a silylating agent and a plurality of pores.
US09040433B2 Photo resist trimmed line end space
One or more techniques or systems for forming a line end space structure are provided herein. In some embodiments, a first patterned second hard mask (HM) region is formed above a first HM region. Additionally, at least some of the first patterned second HM region is removed. In some embodiments, a first sacrificial HM region and a second sacrificial HM region are formed above at least one of the first patterned second HM region or the first HM region. Photo resist (PR) is patterned above the second sacrificial HM region, and a spacer region is deposited above the patterned PR and second sacrificial HM region. In some embodiments, at least some of at least one of the spacer region, the PR, or the respective sacrificial HMs is removed. In this way, a line end space structure associated with an end-to-end space is formed.
US09040432B2 Method for facilitating crack initiation during controlled substrate spalling
A method is provided in which a substrate including various materials of different fracture toughness (KIc) can be spalled in a controlled manner. In particular, a surface step region is formed within a surface portion of the substrate prior to formation of a stressor layer. The presence of the surface step region within the surface portion of the substrate controls the depth and ease at which crack initiation occurs within the substrate.
US09040431B2 Method for processing silicon wafer
A method for processing a silicon wafer is provided. The method includes allowing an etchant to flow along a surface of the silicon wafer to form a line in which a plurality of apertures are arranged in a flow direction of the etchant from an upstream side to a downstream side. The apertures arranged in the line include a first aperture formed on the most upstream side and a second aperture formed downstream of the first aperture in the flow direction of the etchant. The first aperture and the second aperture are subjected to different processes after being formed.
US09040429B2 Pattern formation method
A pattern formation method comprises a process of forming a resist pattern with an opening that exposes a first region of a glass film arranged on a substrate through a base film; a process of forming a neutralization film above the glass film; a process of forming a directed self-assembly material layer containing a first segment and a second segment above the glass film; a process of microphase separating the directed self-assembly material layer to form a directed self-assembly pattern containing a first part that includes the first segment and a second part that includes the second segment; and a process of removing either the first part or the second part and using the other as a mask to process the base film.
US09040428B2 Formation of metal nanospheres and microspheres
Hemispheres and spheres are formed and employed for a plurality of applications. Hemispheres are employed to form a substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface includes peaks of pillars which have a base attached to the lower surface. The peaks have a density defined at the upper surface by an array of hemispherical metal structures that act as a mask during an etch to remove substrate material down to the lower surface during formation of the pillars. The pillars are dense and uniform and include a microscale average diameter. The spheres are formed as independent metal spheres or nanoparticles for other applications.
US09040427B2 Method of plasma etching
A method of plasma etching a silicon carbide workpiece includes forming a mask on a surface of the silicon carbide workpiece, performing an initial plasma etch on the masked surface using a first set of process conditions, wherein the plasma is produced using an etchant gas mixture which includes i) oxygen and ii) at least one fluorine rich gas which is present in the etchant gas mixture at a volume ratio of less than 50%, and subsequently performing a bulk plasma etch process using a second set of process conditions which differ from the first set of process conditions.
US09040423B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. A substrate having a first area with a first poly layer and a second area with a second poly layer is provided. A nitride HM film is then deposited above the first poly layer of a first device in the first area and above the second poly layer in the second area. Afterwards, a first patterned passivation is formed on the nitride HM film in the first area to cover the nitride HM film and the first device, and a second patterned passivation is formed above the second poly layer in the second area. The second poly layer in the second area is defined by the second patterned passivation.
US09040419B2 Semiconductor package and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having a front surface and a back surface facing away from the front surface; a through electrode formed in the semiconductor chip and passing through the front surface and the back surface; and a contamination preventing layer formed in the semiconductor chip, the through electrode passing through the contamination preventing layer.
US09040418B2 Enhanced capture pads for through semiconductor vias
Method of forming a capture pad on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate having an active side and an inactive side and having a plurality of unfilled TSVs extending between the active side and the inactive side; filling the TSVs with a metal; defining capture pad areas on at least one of the active side and the inactive side adjacent to the TSVs, the defined capture pad areas comprising insulator islands and open areas; filling the open areas with the same metal to form a capture pad in direct contact with each of the TSVs, each of the capture pads having an all metal portion that follows an outline of each of the TSVs.
US09040416B2 Manufacturing method of metal wire and thin transistor array panel
A manufacturing method of a wire including: forming a lower layer on a substrate; forming a middle layer on the lower layer; forming an upper layer on the middle layer; forming, exposing, and developing a photoresist layer on the upper layer to form a photoresist pattern; and etching the upper layer, the middle layer, and the lower layer by using the photoresist pattern as a mask to form a wire such that the upper layer covers an end of the middle layer.
US09040414B2 Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device and methods directed toward preventing a leakage current between a contact plug and a line adjacent to the contact plug, and minimizing capacitance between adjacent lines.
US09040413B2 Using saturated and unsaturated ALD processes to deposit oxides as ReRAM switching layer
A nonvolatile memory device contains a resistive switching memory element with improved device switching performance and lifetime by custom tailoring the average concentration of defects in the resistive switching film and methods of forming the same. The nonvolatile memory element includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a resistive switching layer disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The resistive switching layer comprises a first sub-layer and a second sub-layer, wherein the first sub-layer has more defects than the first sub-layer. A method includes forming a first sub-layer on the first electrode layer by a first ALD process and forming a second sub-layer on the first sub-layer by a second ALD process, where the first sub-layer has a different amount of defects than the second sub-layer.
US09040409B2 Methods of forming solar cells and solar cell modules
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to processes for making solar cells by simultaneously co-firing metal layers disposed both on a first and a second surface of a bifacial solar cell substrate. Embodiments of the invention may also provide a method forming a solar cell structure that utilize a reduced amount of a silver paste on a front surface of the solar cell substrate and a patterned aluminum metallization paste on a rear surface of the solar cell substrate to form a rear surface contact structure. Embodiments can be used to form passivated emitter and rear cells (PERC), passivated emitter rear locally diffused solar cells (PERL), passivated emitter, rear totally-diffused (PERT), “iPERC,” Crystalline Reduced-cost Aluminum Fire-Through (CRAFT), pCRAFT, nCRAFT or other high efficiency cell concepts.
US09040408B1 Techniques for wafer-level processing of QFN packages
Semiconductor package devices, such as wafer-level package semiconductor devices, are described that have pillars for providing electrical interconnectivity. In an implementation, the wafer-level package devices include an integrated circuit chip having at least one pillar formed over the integrated circuit chip. The pillar is configured to provide electrical interconnectivity with the integrated circuit chip. The wafer-level package device also includes an encapsulation structure configured to support the pillar.
US09040407B2 Sidewalls of electroplated copper interconnects
A method including depositing an alloying layer along a sidewall of an opening and in direct contact with a seed layer, the alloying layer includes a crystalline structure that cannot serve as a seed for plating a conductive material, exposing the opening to an electroplating solution including the conductive material, the conductive material is not present in the alloying layer, applying an electrical potential to a cathode causing the conductive material to deposit from the electroplating solution onto the cathode exposed at the bottom of the opening and causing the opening to fill with the conductive material, the cathode includes an exposed portion of the seed layer and excludes the alloying layer, and forming a first intermetallic compound along an intersection between the alloying layer and the conductive material, the first intermetallic compound is formed as a precipitate within a solid solution of the alloying layer and the conductive material.
US09040406B2 Semiconductor chip with power gating through silicon vias
A semiconductor chip includes a substrate having a frontside and a backside coupled to a ground. The chip includes a circuit in the substrate at the frontside. A through silicon via (TSV) having a front-end, a back-end, and a lateral surface is included. The back-end and lateral surface of the TSV are in the substrate, and the front-end of the TSV is substantially parallel to the frontside of the substrate. The chip also includes an antifuse material deposited between the back-end and lateral surface of the TSV and the substrate. The antifuse material insulates the TSV from the substrate. The chip includes a ground layer insulated from the substrate and coupled with the TSV and the circuit. The ground layer conducts a program voltage to the TSV to cause a portion of the antifuse material to migrate away from the TSV, thereby connecting the circuit to the ground.
US09040399B2 Threshold voltage adjustment for thin body MOSFETs
A structure includes a substrate; a transistor disposed over the substrate, the transistor comprising a fin comprised of Silicon that is implanted with Carbon; and a gate dielectric layer and gate metal layer overlying a portion of the fin that defines a channel of the transistor. In the structure a concentration of Carbon within the fin is selected to establish a desired voltage threshold of the transistor. Methods to fabricate a FinFET transistor are also disclosed. Also disclosed is a planar transistor having a Carbon-implanted well where the concentration of the Carbon within the well is selected to establish a desired voltage threshold of the transistor.
US09040398B2 Method of fabricating seminconductor devices including self aligned refractory contacts
Methods of forming semiconductor devices are provided by forming a semiconductor layer on a semiconductor substrate. A mask is formed on the semiconductor layer. Ions having a first conductivity type are implanted into the semiconductor layer according to the mask to form implanted regions on the semiconductor layer. Metal layers are formed on the implanted regions according to the mask. The implanted regions and the metal layers are annealed in a single step to respectively activate the implanted ions in the implanted regions and provide ohmic contacts on the implanted regions. Related devices are also provided.
US09040397B2 Method of making graphene layers, and articles made thereby
There is provided a method for forming a graphene layer. The method includes forming an article that comprises a carbon-containing self-assembled monolayer (SAM). A layer of nickel is deposited on the SAM. The article is heated in a reducing atmosphere and coolded. The heating and cooling steps are carried out so as to convert the SAM to a graphene layer.
US09040396B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
An object is to provide a technique by which a semiconductor device including a high-performance and high-reliable transistor is manufactured. A protective conductive film which protects an oxide semiconductor layer when a wiring layer is formed from a conductive layer is formed between the oxide semiconductor layer and the conductive layer, and an etching process having two steps is performed. In a first etching step, an etching is performed under conditions that the protective conductive film is less etched than the conductive layer and the etching selectivity of the conductive layer to the protective conductive film is high. In a second etching step, etching is performed under conditions that the protective conductive film is more easily etched than the oxide semiconductor layer and the etching selectivity of the protective conductive film to the oxide semiconductor layer is high.
US09040395B2 Apparatus pertaining to solar cells having nanowire titanium oxide cores and graphene exteriors and the co-generation conversion of light into electricity using such solar cells
An apparatus comprising a plurality of solar cells that each comprise a nanowire titanium oxide core having graphene disposed thereon. By one approach this plurality of solar cells can comprise, at least in part, a titanium foil having the plurality of solar cells disposed thereon wherein at least a majority of the solar cells are aligned substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the titanium foil. Such a plurality of solar cells can be disposed between a source of light and another modality of solar energy conversion such that both the solar cells and the another modality of solar energy conversion generate electricity using a same source of light.
US09040391B2 Process for producing localised GeOI structures, obtained by germanium condensation
The invention relates to a process for making at least one GeOI structure by germanium condensation of a SiGe layer supported by a layer of silicon oxide. The layer of silicon oxide is doped with germanium, the concentration of germanium in the layer of silicon oxide being such that it lowers the flow temperature of the layer of silicon oxide below the oxidation temperature allowing germanium condensation of the SiGe layer.
US09040390B2 Releasable buried layer for 3-D fabrication and methods of manufacturing
A releasable buried layer for 3-D fabrication and methods of manufacturing is disclosed. The method includes forming an interposer structure which includes forming a carbon rich dielectric releasable layer over a wafer. The method further includes forming back end of the line (BEOL) layers over the carbon rich dielectric layer, including wiring layers and solder bumps. The method further includes bonding the solder bumps to a substrate using flip chip processes. The flip chip processes comprises reflowing the solder bumps and rapidly cooling down the solder bumps which releases the carbon rich dielectric releasable layer from the wafer.
US09040388B2 Chip assembly with a coreless substrate employing a patterned adhesive layer
A patterned adhesive layer including holes is employed to attach a coreless substrate layer to a stiffener. The patterned adhesive layer is confined to kerf regions, which are subsequently removed during singulation. Each hole in the patterned adhesive layer has an area that is greater than the area of a bottomside interconnect footprint of the coreless substrate. The patterned adhesive layer may include a permanent adhesive that is thermally curable or ultraviolet-curable. The composition of the stiffener can be tailored so that the thermal coefficient of expansion of the stiffener provides tensile stress to the coreless substrate layer at room temperature and at the bonding temperature. The tensile stress applied to the coreless substrate layer prevents or reduces warpage of the coreless substrate layer during bonding. Upon dicing, bonded stacks of a semiconductor chip and a coreless substrate can be provided without adhesive thereupon.
US09040387B2 Stacked microelectronic packages having patterned sidewall conductors and methods for the fabrication thereof
Embodiments of a method for fabricating stacked microelectronic packages are provided, as are embodiments of a stacked microelectronic package. In one embodiment, the method includes arranging microelectronic device panels in a panel stack. Each microelectronic device panel includes a plurality of microelectronic devices and a plurality of package edge conductors extending therefrom. Trenches are formed in the panel stack exposing the plurality of package edge conductors. An electrically-conductive material is deposited into the trenches and contacts the plurality of package edge conductors exposed therethrough. The panel stack is then separated into partially-completed stacked microelectronic packages. For at least one of the partially-completed stacked microelectronic packages, selected portions of the electrically-conductive material are removed to define a plurality of patterned sidewall conductors interconnecting the microelectronic devices included within the stacked microelectronic package.
US09040385B2 Mechanisms for cleaning substrate surface for hybrid bonding
Embodiments of mechanisms for cleaning a surface of a semiconductor wafer for a hybrid bonding are provided. The method for cleaning a surface of a semiconductor wafer for a hybrid bonding includes providing a semiconductor wafer, and the semiconductor wafer has a conductive pad embedded in an insulating layer. The method also includes performing a plasma process to a surface of the semiconductor wafer, and metal oxide is formed on a surface of the conductive structure. The method further includes performing a cleaning process using a cleaning solution to perform a reduction reaction with the metal oxide, such that metal-hydrogen bonds are formed on the surface of the conductive structure. The method further includes transferring the semiconductor wafer to a bonding chamber under vacuum for hybrid bonding. Embodiments of mechanisms for a hybrid bonding and a integrated system are also provided.
US09040382B2 Selective epitaxial growth of semiconductor materials with reduced defects
A semiconductor device includes a substrate formed of a first semiconductor material; two insulators on the substrate; and a semiconductor region having a portion between the two insulators and over the substrate. The semiconductor region has a bottom surface contacting the substrate and having sloped sidewalls. The semiconductor region is formed of a second semiconductor material different from the first semiconductor material.
US09040379B2 Semiconductor constructions and methods of forming semiconductor constructions
Some embodiments include methods in which first insulative material is formed across a memory region and a peripheral region of a substrate. An etch stop structure is formed to have a higher portion over the memory region than over the peripheral region. A second insulative material is formed to protect the lower portion of the etch stop structure, and the higher portion is removed. Subsequently, at least some of the first and second insulative materials are removed. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions having a first region with first features, and a second region with second features. The first features are closer spaced than the second features. A first insulative material is over the second region and an insulative structure is over the first insulative material. The structure has a stem joined to a bench. The bench has an upper surface, and the stem extends to above the upper surface.
US09040377B2 Low loss SiC MOSFET
A Vertical Multiple Implanted Silicon Carbide Power MOSFET (VMIMOSFET) includes a first conductivity semiconductor substrate, a first conductivity semiconductor drift layer on the top of the substrate, a multitude of second conductivity layers implanted in the drift layer. The body layer is where the channel is formed. A first conductivity source layer is interspaced appropriately inside of the second conductivity layers. A gate oxide of a certain thickness and another oxide of a different thickness, a greater thickness than the gate oxide, placed in between the body layers but in such way that its shape does not distort the gate oxide in the channel. A charge compensated body layer of the second conductivity formed outside of the channel region and only at specific high electric field locations in the structure. The device and the manufacturing method deliver a power SiC MOSFET with increased frequency of operation and reduced switching losses.
US09040375B2 Method for processing a carrier, method for fabricating a charge storage memory cell, method for processing a chip, and method for electrically contacting a spacer structure
A method for processing a carrier accordance with various embodiments may include: forming a structure over the carrier, the structure including at least two adjacent structure elements arranged at a first distance between the same; depositing a spacer layer over the structure, wherein the spacer layer may be deposited having a thickness greater than half of the first distance, wherein the spacer layer may include electrically conductive spacer material; removing a portion of the spacer layer, wherein spacer material of the spacer layer may remain in a region between the at least two adjacent structure elements; and electrically contacting the remaining spacer material.
US09040371B2 Integration of dense and variable pitch fin structures
Semiconductor devices and method for forming the same. Methods for forming fin structures include forming a protective layer over a set of mandrels in a variable fin pitch region; forming first sidewalls around a set of mandrels in a uniform fin pitch region; removing the set of mandrels in the uniform fin pitch region; removing the protective layer; forming second sidewalls around the first sidewalls in the uniform fin pitch region and the mandrels in the variable fin pitch region; removing the first sidewalls and the mandrels; and etching an underlying layer around the second sidewalls.
US09040370B2 Anti-fuses on semiconductor fins
A device includes a substrate, isolation regions at a surface of the substrate, and a semiconductor region over a top surface of the isolation regions. A conductive feature is disposed over the top surface of the isolation regions, wherein the conductive feature is adjacent to the semiconductor region. A dielectric material is disposed between the conductive feature and the semiconductor region. The dielectric material, the conductive feature, and the semiconductor region form an anti-fuse.
US09040365B2 Method for fabricating thin film transistor array substrate
A method of fabricating a thin film transistor array substrate is disclosed. The method includes: sequentially forming a first passivation layer, a photo acryl layer and a first transparent metal layer on the substrate provided with the source/drain electrodes and so on; forming a common electrode, which is disposed in the pixel region, and first through third contact holes, which are positioned in regions of the drain electrode, the gate pad and the data pad, respectively, using one of a half-tone mask and a diffractive mask; forming a second passivation layer on the substrate provided with the first through third contact holes; exposing the drain electrode, the gate pad and the data pad by removing the first and second passivation layers from the drain electrode region, the gate pad region and data pad region; and forming a pixel electrode on the second passivation layer opposite to the common electrode by forming a second transparent metal layer on the substrate and performing a third mask procedure for the second transparent metal layer.
US09040363B2 FinFET with reduced capacitance
An improved finFET structure, and method forming the same, including a plurality of fins etched from a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of gates above and perpendicular to the plurality of fins, each comprising a pair of spacers on opposing sides of the gates, and a gap fill material above the semiconductor substrate, below the gate, and between the plurality of fins, wherein the gate separates the gap fill material from each of the plurality of fins.
US09040360B1 Methods of manufacture of bottom port multi-part surface mount MEMS microphones
Methods for manufacturing multiple bottom port, surface mount microphones, each containing a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) microphone die, are disclosed. Each surface mount microphone features a substrate with metal pads for surface mounting the package to a device's printed circuit board and for making electrical connections between the microphone package and the device's circuit board. The surface mount microphones are manufactured from panels of substrates, sidewall spacers, and lids. Each MEMS microphone die is substrate-mounted and acoustically coupled to the acoustic port disposed in the substrate. The panels are joined together, and each individual substrate, sidewall spacer, and lid cooperate to form an acoustic chamber for its respective MEMS microphone die. The joined panels are then singulated to form individual MEMS microphones.
US09040353B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor light emitting device
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting device comprises a sealing step of sealing a semiconductor chip fixed on a lead frame with a sealing member, a removal step of removing the sealing member until a surface of the semiconductor chip becomes exposed, an irregularity formation step of forming fine irregularities on a bond surface formed in the removal step, and a bonding step of bonding a wavelength conversion member to the bond surface.
US09040349B2 Method and system for a semiconductor device package with a die to interposer wafer first bond
Methods and systems for a semiconductor device package with a die to interposer wafer first bond are disclosed and may include bonding a plurality of semiconductor die comprising electronic devices to an interposer wafer, and applying an underfill material between the die and the interposer wafer. A mold material may be applied to encapsulate the die. The interposer wafer may be thinned to expose through-silicon-vias (TSVs) and metal contacts may be applied to the exposed TSVs. The interposer wafer may be singulated to generate assemblies comprising the semiconductor die and an interposer die. The die may be placed on the interposer wafer utilizing an adhesive film. The interposer wafer may be singulated utilizing one or more of: a laser cutting process, reactive ion etching, a sawing technique, and a plasma etching process. The die may be bonded to the interposer wafer utilizing a mass reflow or a thermal compression process.
US09040348B2 Electronic assembly apparatus and associated methods
A method of fabricating an electronic assembly includes fabricating first and second interconnects. The first interconnect is adapted to interconnect a first die to a substrate. The second interconnect is adapted to interconnect the first die to a second die. The method further includes assembling the first die, the second die, and the substrate together such that the first die is disposed above the substrate, and the second die is disposed below the first die.
US09040346B2 Semiconductor package and methods of formation thereof
In one embodiment, a semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip having a first contact region on a first major surface and a second contact region on an opposite second major surface. The semiconductor chip is configured to regulate flow of a current from the first contact region to the second contact region. An encapsulant is disposed at the semiconductor chip. A first contact plug is disposed within the encapsulant and coupled to the first contact region. A second side conductive layer is disposed under the second major surface and coupled to the second contact region. A through via is disposed within the encapsulant and coupled to the second side conductive layer. The first contact plug and the through via form terminals above the first major surface for contacting the semiconductor package.
US09040345B2 Laser ablation technique for electrical contact to buried electrically conducting layers in diamond
A method of laser ablation for electrical contact to a buried electrically conducting layer in diamond comprising polishing a single crystal diamond substrate having a first carbon surface, implanting the diamond with a beam of 180 KeV followed by 150 KeV C+ ions at fluencies of 4×1015 ions/cm2 and 5×1015 ions/cm2 respectively, forming an electrically conducting carbon layer beneath the first carbon surface, and ablating the single crystal diamond which lies between the electrically conducting layer and the first carbon surface.
US09040340B2 Temperature grading for band gap engineering of photovoltaic devices
A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes depositing a p-type layer at a first temperature and depositing an intrinsic layer while gradually increasing a deposition temperature to a final temperature. The intrinsic layer deposition is completed at the final temperature. An n-type layer is formed on the intrinsic layer.
US09040339B2 Practical method of producing an aerogel composite continuous thin film thermoelectric semiconductor material
A method is disclosed of constructing a composite material structure, comprised of an aerogel precursor foundation, which is then overlaid throughout its interior with an even and continuous thin layer film of doped thermoelectric semiconductor such that electrical current is transmitted as a quantum surface phenomena, while the cross-section for thermal conductivity is kept low, with the aerogel itself dissipating that thermal conductivity. In one preferred embodiment this is achieved using a modified successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction in the liquid phase.
US09040338B2 Power semiconductor module with method for manufacturing a sintered power semiconductor module
Method of manufacturing sinterable electrical components for jointly sintering with active components, the components in planar shape being provided with at least one planar lower face meant for sintering, and an electrical contact area on the face opposite to the sintering face being available in the form of a metallic contact face, whose upper side is contactable by means of a commonly known method of the group: wire bonding or soldering or sintering or pressure contacting, the component being a temperature sensor, whose lower face is provided with a sinterable metallization on a ceramic body, said ceramic body having two electrical contact faces for continued electrical connection.
US09040335B2 Side vented pressure sensor device
A semiconductor sensor device has a pressure sensing die and at least one other die mounted on a substrate, and electrical interconnections that interconnect the pressure sensing die and the at least one other die. An active region of the pressure sensing die is covered with a pressure sensitive gel material, and a cap having a cavity is mounted over the pressure sensing die such that the pressure sensing die is positioned within the cavity. The cap has a side vent hole that exposes the gel covered active region of the pressure sensing die to ambient atmospheric pressure outside the sensor device. Molding compound on an upper surface of the substrate encapsulates the at least one other die and at least a portion of the cap.
US09040333B2 Method for fabricating power-generating module with solar cell
The invention discloses a method for fabricating power-generating module with solar cell. The method includes the steps of providing a flexible substrate; forming a solar cell unit on the flexible substrate by using a high density plasma at a temperature lower than about 150° C.; and forming a circuit unit on the flexible substrate; wherein the solar cell unit is coupled to the circuit unit, so as to provide the power needed for the operation of the circuit unit.
US09040330B2 Method of manufacturing organic light-emitting display apparatus
A deposition apparatus includes (i) a sheet including a slit area, first and second dummy slit areas, and a binding area; and (ii) a frame. The slit area has a plurality of patterning slits that are extended along a first direction and arranged along a second direction crossing the first direction. The first and second dummy slit areas are outside the slit area along the second direction and along the opposite direction to the second direction respectively and have a plurality of dummy slits. The binding area surrounds the slit area and the first and second dummy slit areas. The frame is attached to the binding area of the sheet and shields at least some of the plurality of dummy slits of the first and second dummy slit areas.
US09040327B2 Al(x)Ga(1-x)N-cladding-free nonpolar III-nitride based laser diodes and light emitting diodes
A method for fabricating AlxGa1-xN-cladding-free nonpolar III-nitride based laser diodes or light emitting diodes. Due to the absence of polarization fields in the nonpolar crystal planes, these nonpolar devices have thick quantum wells that function as an optical waveguide to effectively confine the optical mode to the active region and eliminate the need for Al-containing waveguide cladding layers.
US09040321B2 Method for manufacturing light emitting diode packages
A method for manufacturing LED packages includes steps: providing a lead frame including many pairs of first and second electrodes, and first and second tie bars, the first electrodes and second electrodes each including a main body and an extension electrode protruding outward from the main body; forming many molded bodies to engage with the pairs of the first and second electrodes, the first and second main bodies being embedded into the molded bodies, and the first and second extension electrodes being exposed out from a corresponding molded body; preforming many first grooves at a bottom of each molded body; disposing LED dies in the corresponding receiving cavities; and cutting the molded bodies along edges thereof defining the first grooves in a first direction and then along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to obtain many individual LED packages.
US09040320B2 Manufacturing method of organic light emitting display device
A manufacturing method of an organic light emitting display device is disclosed which includes: forming a thin film transistor on each sub-pixel region which is defined in a substrate; forming a passivation layer on the substrate provided with the thin film transistor; forming a first electrode of an organic light emitting diode in each sub-pixel region of the passivation layer; forming a bank pattern in boundaries of the sub-pixel region of the passivation layer; forming a photoresist pattern, which exposes a first sub-pixel region, on the bank pattern; forming an organic light emission layer on the first electrode within the first sub-pixel region and an organic material layer on the photoresist pattern by depositing an organic material on the entire surface of the substrate provided with the photoresist pattern; and removing the photoresist pattern and the organic material pattern using a detachment film.
US09040312B2 Method for producing ferroelectric thin film
It is possible to produce a ferroelectric thin film controlled to have the preferential crystal orientation in the (100) plane with a simple process without providing a seed layer or a buffer layer. A ferroelectric thin film is produced on a lower electrode by irradiating a surface of the lower electrode of a substrate having the lower electrode where the crystal plane is oriented in a (111) axis direction, with an atmospheric pressure plasma, coating a composition for forming a ferroelectric thin film on the lower electrode, and heating and crystallizing the coated composition.
US09040310B2 Antibody-nanoparticle conjugates and methods for making and using such conjugates
Disclosed herein are antibody-nanoparticle conjugates that include two or more nanoparticles (such as gold, palladium, platinum, silver, copper, nickel, cobalt, iridium, or an alloy of two or more thereof) directly linked to an antibody or fragment thereof through a metal-thiol bond. Methods of making the antibody-nanoparticle conjugates disclosed herein include reacting an arylphosphine-nanoparticle composite with a reduced antibody to produce an antibody-nanoparticle conjugate. Also disclosed herein are methods for detecting a target molecule in a sample that include using an antibody-nanoparticle conjugate (such as the antibody-nanoparticle conjugates described herein) and kits for detecting target molecules utilizing the methods disclosed herein.
US09040308B1 Sample collection and analysis
Management of the health status of an animal colony using a plurality of blood collection cards and the analysis of dried blood from members of the colony that has been collected on the cards. Members of the colony may be removed from the colony as a result of the analysis.
US09040307B2 Fluorescent pH detector system and related methods
Fluorescent pH detector and methods for measuring pH using the fluorescent pH detector.
US09040305B2 Method of analysis for determining a specific protein in blood samples using fluorescence spectrometry
The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single particle analyzer, methods of using the analyzers and analyzers systems to analyze samples, either for single particles, e.g., protein molecules, or for multiple particles (multiplexing), methods of doing business based on the use of the analyzers or analyzer systems of the system, and electronic media for storing parameters useful in the analyzers and analyzer systems of the invention.
US09040303B2 Apparatus for measuring volume of a fluid
An apparatus for measuring a volume of fluid includes at least one emitter configured to project a signal toward a predetermined position of a sample container, at least one receiver configured to receive the signal after the signal interacts with the sample container and a fluid transfer device in communication with the receiver and sample container. A change in the signal received by the receiver indicates when the fluid has dropped below the predetermined position. The apparatus determines a volume of fluid that the fluid transfer device has removed from the sample container when the receiver detects that the fluid has dropped below the predetermined position.
US09040302B2 Genetically modified Streptococcus thermophilus bacterium
Methods and compositions for targeted delivery of biotherapeutics are provided. The compositions comprise bile-sensitive St. thermophilus bacteria modified to release a biotherapeutic agent following bile exposure. Biotherapeutic agents released by the St. thermophilus bacteria disclosed herein include AQ and AQR rich peptides. Methods of the invention comprise administering to a subject a St. thermophilus bacterium modified to release a biotherapeutic agent following bile exposure. Administration of the St. thermophilus bacterium promotes a desired therapeutic response. The bacterium may be modified to express and release AQ or AQR rich peptides which subsequently inhibit cellular apoptosis or reduce mucosal damage. Thus, methods of the invention find use in treating or preventing a variety of gastrointestinal disorders including C. difficile infection and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
US09040301B2 Separator device, deposition device and system for handling of somatic plant embryos
Methods and devices for separating fluid-suspended plant somatic embryos and embryogenic tissue based on differences in their fluid drag properties are disclosed. Deposition method and device for depositing plant somatic embryos into embryo receiver comprising growth substrate by means of a fluid jet is disclosed. An automated system for processing plant somatic embryos from the bioreactor to the growth substrate is also disclosed.
US09040299B2 Generating a mucin-producing cell from an umbilical cord amniotic membrane epithelial stem cell
The present invention relates to the generation of a mucin-producing cell using stem/progenitor cells obtained from the amniotic membrane of umbilical cord and therapeutic uses of such mucin-producing cells.
US09040298B2 Method of selecting stem cells having high chondrogenic differentiation capability
Thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1), TSP-2, interleukin 17B receptor (IL-17BR) and heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) associated with stem cell activity and use thereof.
US09040292B2 Constant-temperature equipment
Provided is constant-temperature equipment wherein maintenance is facilitated with the least failure, and highly reliable culturing and testing can be carried out. Mechanical and electrical structures are eliminated from the inside of a temperature-controlled chamber (15) by using a non-contact magnetic arrangement as a drive transmission for a sample table (5) and a sample table drive (6), thus reducing failure and enhancing maintainability. In addition, a conveyor (11) is provided with a pass box to minimize change in atmosphere during conveying. The sample table drive (6) and the conveyor (11) can be attached removably to the temperature-controlled chamber (15) to permit sterilization at high temperature.
US09040291B2 Constant-temperature equipment
Constant-temperature equipment wherein mechanical and electrical structures are eliminated from the inside of a temperature-controlled chamber (15) by using a non-contact magnetic arrangement as a drive transmission for a sample table (5) and a sample table drive mechanism (6), thus reducing failure and enhancing maintainability. In addition, a conveyance mechanism (11) is provided with a pass box adjacent which sliding shielding plates (9) are stacked vertically, and the shielding plates (9) are linked with the conveyance mechanism (11) by an engaging mechanism provided in the conveyance mechanism (11) to allow the plates to be opened and closed by a travel mechanism (12), thus simplifying the structure and minimizing change in atmosphere during conveying. The sample table drive mechanism (6) and the conveyance mechanism (11) can be attached removably to the temperature-controlled chamber (15) to permit sterilization at high temperature.
US09040289B2 Gravity assisted compost reactor
A composting system is provided that uses gravity and natural thermal convection to yield a compact, modular, plug-flow compost reactor requiring minimal aeration and agitation energy. The compost reaction takes place in a self-supporting containment unit which is mounted at an angle with respect to its supporting base pad such that minimal external energy is required to mix and transport the composting material during its residence time within the container. The system uses natural convection to supplement external energy in the introduction of air into and through the material. Furthermore, the configuration of the containment unit and its supporting structures allow rapid deployment of compost facilities with minimal permanent civil work and minimal space requirements in a manner that enables subsequent relocation of the equipment.
US09040286B2 Diagnosis and treatment of cancer
Provided herein are methods for diagnosing cancer by determining the level of expression of SETDB1 in a biological sample. Also provided herein are methods for treating cancer by administering an inhibitor of SETDB1 to a subject in need thereof.
US09040285B2 Sensing device for sensing a fluid
A sensing device including an inlet port for receiving a fluid, a measurement chamber for sensing the fluid, a fluid channel coupling the inlet port and the measurement chamber for transporting the fluid from the inlet port to the measurement chamber, and a fluid stop unit for stopping and controllably releasing the flow of fluid between the inlet port and the measurement chamber.
US09040282B2 Producing dicarboxylic acids using polyketide synthases
The present invention provides for a polyketide synthase (PKS) capable of synthesizing a dicarboxylic acid (diacid). Such diacids include diketide-diacids and triketide-diacids. The invention includes recombinant nucleic acid encoding the PKS, and host cells comprising the PKS. The invention also includes methods for producing the diacids.
US09040280B2 Protease variants
The present invention relates to proteases having at least 75% identity to a protease derived from Thermoascus aurantiacus and comprises at least one modification in the amino acid sequence thereof. These protease variants have improved thermostability. The invention also relates to DNA encoding these proteases, methods of their production, as well as the use thereof.
US09040276B2 DNA binding protein-polymerase chimeras
The invention relates to compositions and methods directed to chimeric DNA polymerases, which comprise a mutated DNA binding polypeptide domain and a mutated or wild-type DNA polymerase polypeptide domain.
US09040274B2 Method for increasing protein thermal stability
The invention provides a simple and effective method for increasing thermal stability of a wide range of proteins, comprising fusing a self-assembling amphipathic peptide to the C- or N-terminal of target proteins. The fusion protein can have a half life up to 26 times longer than that of the wild type protein.
US09040271B2 Method for producing renewable fuels
According to the present invention, organic material is converted to biogas through anaerobic digestion and the biogas is purified to yield a combustible fluid feedstock comprising methane. A fuel production facility utilizes or arranges to utilize combustible fluid feedstock to generate renewable hydrogen that is used to hydrogenate crude oil derived hydrocarbons in a process to make transportation or heating fuel. The renewable hydrogen is combined with crude oil derived hydrocarbons that have been desulfurized under conditions to hydrogenate the liquid hydrocarbon with the renewable hydrogen. The present invention enables a party to receive a renewable fuel credit for the transportation or heating fuel.
US09040270B2 De-fatted soy production process and value added by-products from de-fatted soy flour
An improved process for producing de-fatted soy utilizing a de-fatted soy flour and for producing value added by-products from de-fatted soy flour wherein soybeans are de-hulled and the de-hulled stream ground to a flour consistency. The ground soy flour is mixed with water and other additives to produce a vitamin and mineral enriched stream that is then filtered to various value added by-products. In a preferred embodiment the vitamin and mineral enriched stream is filtered through a 0.1-1.0 micron membrane to produce a de-fatted soy product stream and a fatted soy product stream. The fatted soy product stream can be dried to produce dry, less than 12% water by weight, product B for use in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. The de-fatted soy product can be filtered through reverse osmosis (RO) filtration unit to obtain a vitamin and mineral enriched product stream that can be dried to powder form and used as a food supplement additive I. If desired the full fatted soy flour or the de-fatted soy product stream can be combined with whole stillage from an ethanol process and used in producing various other value added products.
US09040269B2 Metabolically engineered cells for the production of resveratrol or an oligomeric or glycosidically-bound derivative thereof
A recombinant micro-organism producing resveratrol by a pathway in which phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) produces trans-cinnamic acid from phenylalanine, cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) produces 4-coumaric acid from said trans-cinnamic acid, 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL) produces 4-coumaroyl CoA from said 4-coumaric acid, and resveratrol synthase (VST) produces said resveratrol from said 4-coumaroyl CoA, or in which L-phenylalanine- or tyrosine-ammonia lyase (PAL/TAL) produces 4-coumaric acid, 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL) produces 4-coumaroyl CoA from said 4-coumaric acid, and resveratrol synthase (VST) produces said resveratrol from said 4-coumaroyl CoA. The micro-organism may be a yeast, fungus or bacterium including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, E. coli, Lactococcus lactis, Aspergillus niger, or Aspergillus oryzae.
US09040267B2 Polyhydroxyalkanoate production method
Provided are processes for the production and high efficiency processing of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from carbon sources comprising carbon-containing gases or materials.
US09040264B2 Recombinant cyanobacterium expressing a transcription factor domain protein
The invention provides microorganisms such as cyanobacteria genetically engineered to express proteins that include transcription factor domains for upregulation of lipid biosynthetic pathways. In addition to expression a gene encoding a transcription factor domain protein, the recombinant microorganisms can express at least one exogenous gene that encodes a polypeptide for the production of a fatty acid, fatty acid derivative, or triglyceride. Also included are methods of producing a fatty acid, fatty acid derivative, or triglyceride using the engineered microorganisms described herein as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding novel transcription factor domain proteins.
US09040259B2 Production of polyketides and other natural products
The present invention relates to production of polyketides and other natural products and to libraries of compounds and individual novel compounds. One important area is the isolation and potential use of novel FKBP-ligand analogs and host cells that produce these compounds. The invention is particularly concerned with methods for the efficient transformation of strains that produce FKBP analogs and recombinant cells in which cloned genes or gene cassettes are expressed to generate novel compounds such as polyketide (especially rapamycin) FKBP-ligand analogs, and to processes for their preparation, and to means employed therein (e.g. nucleic acids, vectors, gene cassettes and genetically modified strains).
US09040257B2 Basidiomycetous yeast mutant
The present invention provides a host for genetic recombination useful in the production of heterologous proteins in a large scale, by suppressing the production of extracellular polysaccharides in the basidiomycetous yeasts. Cryptococcus sp. S-2 D11 strain (FERM BP-11482) which is characterized in that the production of extracellular polysaccharides is suppressed as compared with the parent strain.
US09040250B2 Binding interaction of proanthocyanidins with bacteria and bacterial components
A composition having proanthocyanidin compounds having an average degree of polymerization of at least about 6. A method of administering to an immunosuppressed patient or a patient diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock a composition having a proanthocyanidin. A method of administering to a patient diagnosed with a gram negative bacterial infection a composition having proanthocyanidin compounds having an average degree of polymerization of at least about 6.
US09040248B2 Kits for detecting and monitoring endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)
Described herein are compositions, a system, and kits for detection of endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) in environmental samples, such as samples of water including but not limited to waste water treatment plant effluent, using a live-cell fluorescence-based nuclear translocation reporter system. Upon binding of a ligand to a fluorescent-labeled reporter protein, the protein (and therefore the fluorescence) is translocated in a ligand level-dependent manner from the cytoplasm to the nucleus of live mammalian cells; this translocation is detectable as diffuse (cytoplasmic) fluorescence converting to localized, brightly fluorescent nuclei. The described kits can be used to reliably detect very low levels of EDC contamination, including in high throughput analysis systems as described.
US09040246B2 Methods of making antibodies that bind polypeptides involved in the process of bone remodeling
This invention relates, in part, to unique and newly identified genetic polynucleotides involved in the process of bone remodeling, variants and derivatives of the polynucleotides and corresponding polypeptides, uses of the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives, and methods and compositions for the amelioration of symptoms caused by bone remodeling disorders. Disclosed in particular are the isolation and identification of polynucleotides polypeptides variants and derivatives involved in osteoclast activity, validation of the identified polynucleotides for their potential as therapeutic targets and use of the polynucleotides, polypeptides, variants and derivatives for the amelioration of disease states and research purposes.
US09040245B2 Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm
Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of one or more helminthic coproantigens in a sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of roundworm, whipworm and/or hookworm in a fecal sample from a mammal and may also be able to distinguish between one or more helminth infections. Confirmation of the presence or absence of roundworm, whipworm and/or hookworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.
US09040243B2 Method for detecting and/or quantifying human DNA
The present invention relates to a method, kit and use of various nucleic acid sequences for deleting and/or quantifying one or more nucleic acids of a genome in a sample. Wherein the nucleic acid is amplified and the locus that is amplified is a multi copy locus within the genome, the multicopy locus has copies on at least two different chromosomes and the amplification product is detected and/or quantified.
US09040242B2 Method to amplify nucleic acids to generate fluorescence labeled fragments of conserved and arbitrary products
Disclosed herein are methods for the identification of the species, serotype, and strain of a microorganism. Also disclosed are primers for use in detecting such microorganisms and kits comprising such primers.
US09040239B2 Composition and methods of oxygenation of nucleic acids containing 5-methylpyrimidine
5-methylpyrimidine oxygenases and their use in the modification of nucleic acids are described.
US09040237B2 Sensor arrays and nucleic acid sequencing applications
Embodiments of the present invention provide devices methods for sequencing DNA using arrays of reaction cavities containing sensors to monitor changes in solutions contained in the reaction cavities. Additional embodiments provide devices and methods for sequencing DNA using arrays of reaction cavities that allow for optical monitoring of solutions in the reaction cavities. Test and fill reaction schemes are disclosed that allow DNA to be sequenced. By sequencing DNA using parallel reactions contained in large arrays, DNA can be rapidly sequenced.
US09040235B2 Method for sequencing RNA by in-source decay using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometer
An analytic method is provided for obtaining much sequence information by causing in-source decay of modified RNA and non-modified RNA and generating many fragment ions. Particularly, a method for analysis wherein a matrix that efficiently causes decomposition by in-source decay of RNA of 20 bases or longer is used in an apparatus that has a laser of a wavelength commonly used in MALDI-TOF MS. A specimen containing RNA is subjected to matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry that uses 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone as a matrix to obtain fragment ions derived from the RNA. The difference in mass between the peaks of ions in the fragment ions is used to analyze the sequence of the RNA.
US09040233B2 Methods for detecting a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Methods for detecting an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in a subject are disclosed. The methods include detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells that specifically recognize an Mtb polypeptide. The methods include in vitro assays for detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells in a biological sample, and in vivo assays that detect a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. The methods can also include detecting Mtb polypeptides and polynucleotides. Reagents for the detection of an Mtb infection are also disclosed.
US09040232B2 Method for pattern formation, method and composition for resist underlayer film formation, and resist underlayer film
Provided by the present invention is a method including: (1) forming a resist underlayer film on the upper face side of a substrate to be processed using a composition for forming a resist underlayer film, the composition containing (A) a compound having a group represented by the following formula (1); (2) forming a resist coating film by applying a resist composition on the resist underlayer film; (3) exposing the resist coating film by selectively irradiating the resist coating film with a radiation; (4) forming a resist pattern by developing the exposed resist coating film; and (5) forming a predetermined pattern on the substrate to be processed by sequentially dry etching the resist underlayer film and the substrate using the resist pattern as a mask.
US09040224B2 Resist composition, method of forming resist pattern and compound
A resist composition which generates acid upon exposure and exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid, including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid, and a photo-decomposable quencher (D0) containing a compound represented by general formula (d0) shown below. In the formula, R1 represents a hydrocarbon group of 4 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent; Y1 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; R2 and R3 each independently represents a substituent of 0 to 20 carbon atoms other than a fluorine atom; one of R2 and R3 may form a ring with Y1; Mm+ represents an organic cation having a valency of m; and m represents an integer of 1 or more.
US09040223B2 Resist composition, patterning process and polymer
An additive polymer comprising recurring styrene units having an ester group bonded to a CF3—C(OR2)—R3 group (wherein R2 is H, acyl or acid labile group, R3 is H, CH3 or CF3) such as 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol is added to a polymer capable of increasing alkali solubility under the action of acid to formulate a resist composition. The resist composition can minimize outgassing from a resist film during the EUV lithography and form a resist film having a hydrophilic surface sufficient to prevent formation of blob defects on the film after development.
US09040215B2 Amine compound, electrophotographic photoconductor, image forming method, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge
To provide an amine compound, represented by General Formula (I) below: [In General Formula (I), R1 and R2 represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, which may be identical or different; m and n are an integer of 1 or 0; Ar1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group; Ar2 and Ar3 represent a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group; and Ar1 and Ar2 or Ar2 and Ar3 may bind to each other to form a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group including a nitrogen atom.]
US09040211B2 Mask and method of manufacturing a substrate using the mask
A mask includes a substantially transparent portion. The mask further includes a halftone portion abutting the substantially transparent portion, a light transmittance of the halftone portion being greater than 0% and less than 100%. The mask further includes a blocking portion abutting the halftone portion, a light transmittance of the blocking portion being less than the light transmittance of the halftone portion.
US09040209B2 Multi-layer polyelectrolyte membranes
A multilayer polyelectrolyte membrane for fuel cell applications includes a first perfluorocyclobutyl-containing layer that includes a polymer having perfluorocyclobutyl moieties. The first layer is characteristically planar having a first major side and a second major side over which additional layers are disposed. The membrane also includes a first PFSA layer disposed over the first major side of the first layer and a second PFSA layer disposed over the second major side of the first layer.
US09040207B2 Method for operating a high-temperature fuel cell
In a method for operating a high-temperature fuel cell, which in normal mode of generating electrical power is supplied with liquid fuel, preferably diesel oil, and is preceded on the anode side by a reformer for liquid fuel, where at least part of the hot anode exhaust gas is recirculated into the anode circuit via a recirculation line. Upstream of a compressor preceding the reformer the liquid fuel is sprayed or injected into the hot anode exhaust gas, the quantity of air needed for reforming the liquid fuel being added to the mixture of anode exhaust gas and fuel. On change-over from normal operational mode to standby mode without power generation, the supply of liquid fuel and air is stopped and the gas mixture present in the anode circuit be permanently circulated. A defined amount of air being introduced into the anode circuit in order to remove deposits and contaminations in the high-temperature fuel cell following standby operation.
US09040203B2 Lithium battery
A lithium battery including: a positive electrode including an overlithiated lithium transition metal oxide having a layered structure; a negative electrode including a silicon-based negative active material; and an electrolyte between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, the electrolyte including an electrolytic solution including a fluorinated ether solvent in an amount of 3 vol % or more based on the total volume of the electrolytic solution.
US09040202B2 Composite material tape for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery using the same
A composite material tape and a lithium secondary battery using the same are provided. The composite material tape includes an organic base and at least one inorganic element dispersed within the organic base. The composite material tapes of the present invention exhibit improved Insulative and heat-resistant characteristics.
US09040200B2 Titania-graphene anode electrode paper
A method for forming a nanocomposite material, the nanocomposite material formed thereby, and a battery made using the nanocomposite material. Metal oxide and graphene are placed in a solvent to form a suspension. The suspension is then applied to a current collector. The solvent is then evaporated to form a nanocomposite material. The nanocomposite material is then electrochemically cycled to form a nanocomposite material of at least one metal oxide in electrical communication with at least one graphene layer.
US09040199B2 Positive electrode active material particles for lithium ion secondary batteries, positive electrode using the same, and lithium ion secondary battery
Positive electrode active material particles for lithium ion secondary batteries include: a core particle including a first olivine-structured, lithium-containing phosphate compound which includes Fe and/or Mn and Li; and a shell layer attached to the surface of the core particle. The shell layer includes a second olivine-structured, lithium-containing phosphate compound which includes Fe and/or Mn and Li. At least the core particle includes a phosphorous compound represented by the formula (1): MemPnOp, where Me is Fe and/or Mn, 0
US09040196B2 Alkaline primary battery
An alkaline primary battery includes: a positive electrode 2 containing manganese dioxide; an alkaline electrolyte containing zinc oxide; a gelled negative electrode 3 containing zinc alloy particles, the alkaline electrolyte, and a gelling agent; and a negative electrode current collector 6 inserted in the gelled negative electrode. The gelled negative electrode 3 has a predetermined malleability such that when 4.0 g of the gelled negative electrode 3 formed into a cylindrical shape with a diameter of 15 mm is extended with 200 g of a load through 10 g of a flat plate, and then an upper surface of the extended gelled negative electrode 3 is approximated to a circle, this circle has a diameter ranging from 24 mm to 36 mm, both inclusive.
US09040194B2 Electrode structure and battery device manufacturing method
An electrode is provided with a metal terminal extending from a battery module main body, a bolt which has an expanded section configuring a retaining section at a rear end portion and penetrates the metal terminal upward, and an insulating body which insulates the metal terminal and the battery module case one from the other. The insulating body is provided with a drop preventing section which abuts at least a lower surface of the expanded section of the bolt and prevents the bolt from dropping from the metal terminal.
US09040188B2 Jelly roll and electrode assembly having the same
Embodiments of the present invention facilitate a winding process and enable auxiliary current collectors to be securely fixed to a main current collector, thereby minimizing deformation during battery charging and discharging and maintaining sufficient strength. The jelly roll includes a first auxiliary current collector, a second auxiliary current collector, a mandrel insulating layer, and an electrode plate. The first auxiliary current collector and the second auxiliary current collector are spaced apart from each other and each has a mandrel protrusion on an opposite end portion. The mandrel insulating layer insulates the auxiliary current collectors from each other and insulates the auxiliary current collectors from an exterior. The electrode plate is formed by layering a separator, a first electrode plate, a separator and a second electrode plate and is wound on an external surface of the mandrel insulating layer.
US09040187B2 Battery pack with cells of different capacities electrically coupled in parallel
The disclosed embodiments provide a battery pack for use with a portable electronic device. The battery pack includes a first set of cells with different capacities electrically coupled in a parallel configuration. Cells within the first set of cells may also have different thicknesses and/or dimensions. The first set of cells is arranged within the battery pack to facilitate efficient use of space within a portable electronic device. For example, the first set of cells may be arranged to accommodate components in the portable electronic device.
US09040186B2 Method and device to measure temperature of a prismatic cell of automotive battery
Apparatuses and methods of use are provided that include a battery cell comprising a flexible resistive thermal device. The resistive thermal device includes a flexible conductive circuit that is positioned on or adjacent to the surface of the battery cell. Resistance measured in the conductive circuit is correlated with a temperature of the battery cell thereby allowing control of a cooling system and/or the charging/discharging rates of the battery cell to be adjusted in response to temperature. Flexibility of the resistive thermal device also accommodates dimensional changes in the battery cell.
US09040183B2 Connecting structure for secondary battery and battery pack including the same
A connecting structure for a secondary battery for electrically connecting a core pack where two or more unit cells are electrically connected and a protection circuit module made of the unit cells of the core pack and a PCB substrate. The connecting structure includes a metal plate having an electrode connecting unit connected to an electrode of each unit cell of the core pack and a circuit connecting unit connected to the protection circuit module; and a circuit terminal unit electrically connected to the circuit connecting unit by being located in a connection hole formed in the PCB substrate of the protection circuit module so that the upper and lower portions of the PCB substrate communicate with each other. The circuit connecting unit is coupled and electrically connected to the circuit terminal unit by means of a connection method which allows selective connection and separation.
US09040182B2 Power storage device cell, manufacturing method therefor, and electric storage device
A power storage device cell is configured to include a capacitor positive electrode, a lithium positive electrode, and a common negative electrode in which electrode layers are formed on a collector foil in which penetration holes are formed, and such that the capacitor positive electrode and the lithium positive electrode are directly connected; each of the electrode layers of the common negative electrode is formed of a carbon-based material in which graphite particles and hard carbon particles are mixed, and the proportion of the hard carbon particles in the carbon-based material is from 5% by weight to 70% by weight.
US09040176B2 Organic light-emitting device
An organic light-emitting device including: a substrate; a display unit on the substrate; and an encapsulation layer covering the display unit, the encapsulation layer having an alternating stack structure of an organic layer and an inorganic layer, and the organic layer including a polymer polymerized from monomers of Formula 1 and Formula 2:
US09040172B2 Materials for organic electroluminescent devices
The present invention describes novel indenofluorene derivatives which can preferably be employed as matrix materials for phosphorescent dopants or as electron-transport materials, in particular for use in the emission and/or charge-transport layer of electroluminescent devices. The invention furthermore relates to polymers which comprise these compounds as structural units and to a process for the preparation of the compounds according to the invention and to electronic devices which comprise same.
US09040170B2 Electroluminescent device with quinazoline complex emitter
An OLED device comprises a cathode, an anode, and located therebetween a light-emitting layer containing a host material and a tris-C^N-cyclometallated complex of Ir or Rh wherein at least one of the ligands comprises a substituted quinazoline moiety. The device provides useful emission and stability attributes.
US09040168B2 Galvannealed steel sheet having excellent formability and exfoliation resistance after adhesion and production method thereof
The galvannealed steel sheet includes: a galvannealed layer formed on at least one surface of a steel sheet and contains includes an amount of 0.05 mass % to 0.5 mass % of Al, an amount of 6 mass % of 12 mass % of Fe, and the balance composed of Zn and inevitable impurities; and a mixed layer formed on a surface of the galvannealed layer and includes a composite oxide of Mn, Zn, and P and an aqueous P compound, wherein the composite oxide includes 0.1 mg/m2 to 100 mg/m2 of Mn, an amount of 1 mg/m2 to 100 mg/m2 of P, and Zn, and a P/Mn ratio is 0.3 to 50, and wherein the total size of an area of the mixed layer in which an attached amount of P is equal to or more than 20 mg/m2 is 20% to 80% of a surface area of the mixed layer.
US09040167B2 Method for the production of a flat steel product and flat steel product
A flat steel product having a base layer of a steel material and a multilayer coating applied thereto, and a method for producing the flat steel product. The method having the following steps: providing a steel base layer; applying a zinc layer to the base layer by electrolytic coating; applying an aluminum layer to the surface of the zinc layer, wherein no treatment is made to the surface of the zinc layer in regard to the oxides and sulfides present thereon at the end of the electrolytic zinc coating step or occurring during the course of the aluminum coating step; applying a magnesium layer to the aluminum layer; and subsequently heat treating the flat steel product in such a way that an MgZn2 layer forms in the coating above the Al layer.
US09040166B2 Hot-pressed member
A hot-pressed member includes a steel sheet, a Ni-diffusion region present in a surface layer of the steel sheet, and an intermetallic compound layer and a ZnO layer which are provided in order on the Ni-diffusion region, the intermetallic compound layer corresponding to a γ phase present in a phase equilibrium diagram of a Zn—Ni alloy, wherein a spontaneous immersion potential indicated in a 0.5 M NaCl aqueous air-saturated solution at 25° C.±5° C. is −600 to −360 mV based on a standard hydrogen electrode.
US09040162B2 Films matted on one side and the use thereof
The invention relates to multi-layer elastic thermoplastic films, which consist of at least one layer of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPE-U), at least one further layer of thermoplastic polyurethane which is blended with modified acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (MABS), and optionally at least one support layer of thermoplastic polymer which is incompatible with TPE-U, and to the use thereof.
US09040161B2 Protective sheet for solar cell module, and solar cell module
A protective sheet for a solar cell module that includes a cycloolefin resin layer laminated to one surface of a substrate film with a polyolefin resin layer disposed therebetween, wherein the polyolefin resin layer and the cycloolefin resin layer are formed by co-extrusion molding.
US09040148B2 Method for obtaining a part made of a composite for the purpose of limiting the edge effects
The invention relates to method for obtaining a part made of a composite of fibers embedded in a resin matrix which comprises a body and an edge. The method comprises a first step of stacking plies of fibers and further comprises a step of curing the plies. The method further comprises prior to the curing step, the step of covering the edge with at least one additional ply, in order to compensate for the migration of the resin during curing.
US09040144B2 Filtering film structure
A filtering film structure includes a film, a conductive layer and a dielectric layer. The film includes a plurality of holes. The conductive layer is disposed on the inner surface of the holes, and the dielectric layer is disposed on the conductive layer. When applying a voltage to the conductive layer, an electrical charge layer forms on the surface of the dielectric layer.
US09040143B2 Low-E housewrap
A low-E housewrap having improved energy efficiency protection against air infiltration and moisture build-up in buildings. The aforementioned low-E housewrap material utilizing existing framing openings or without increasing the wall profile of a building. The present invention provides a low-E housewrap material which may be implemented on traditional 2×4 framing having R-15 mass insulation material within existing or newly constructed framing cavities. The material of the present invention also meets requirements for serving as a water resistive barrier as defined by ICC AC38.
US09040140B2 SMT tape
A SMT tape includes a carrier tape, a number of separation pads, a number of workpieces, and a package tape. The carrier tape includes a package surface and defines a number of receiving grooves in the package surface and arranged along a length direction of the carrier tape. The separation pads are received in the receiving grooves and fixed to bottom surfaces of the receiving grooves respectively. Each separation pad includes a separation surface opposite to a bottom surface of the corresponding receiving groove and a number of protrusions protruding up from the separation surface. The workpieces are respectively received in the receiving grooves. Each workpiece includes a main body and an adhesive layer positioned between the corresponding separation pad and the main body. The package tape is adhered to the package surface and seals the receiving grooves.
US09040136B2 Flexible pipe
The invention relates to a flexible pipe comprising at least one polymer layer, and at least one armoring layer unbounded to said polymer layer, wherein at least one polymer layer is a cationic clay containing polymer layer of a polymer material comprising a polymer matrix and from about 0.1 to about 5% by weight of at least one cationic clay silicate.Preferred cationic clay silicates comprise kaolinite; smectite; Illite; chlorite; and synthetic cationic clays. The cationic clay silicate may e.g. be an organo-cationic clay.The cationic clay silicate may preferably be exfoliated and/or intercalated in the polymer matrix.The polymer layer may preferably comprise an inner liner, a thermally insulating layer, an anti-wear layer and/or an outer sheath or a sub-layer thereof.
US09040135B2 Polyphenylsulfone-polytetrafluoroethylene blend for anti-wear tapes in flexible oil pipes
The invention relates to an improved blend of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for producing friction-reducing tapes (anti-wear tapes) used as a friction-reducing intermediate layer in flexible fluid pipes, e.g. oil pipes.
US09040131B2 Diamond window component for a laser tool
A component for a laser tool, the component comprising: a tubular body defining an internal channel and an aperture; and a window disposed across the aperture and bonded to the tubular body around the aperture, wherein the window is diamond, and wherein the tubular body comprises a material having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion α of 14×10−6 K−1 or less at 20° C. and a thermal conductivity of 60 Wm−1K−1 or more at 20° C.
US09040129B2 Protective film of polarizer, polarizer and method for producing it, and liquid crystal display device
A protective film to a polarizer including a cellulose acylate and satisfying the following requirement (1) or (2): (1): The surface of the film has a pH of from 3.0 to 4.5. (2): The surface of the film has a pH of more than 4.5 and at most 6.0, and the film has a moisture permeability of at least 2800 g/m2·day.
US09040127B2 Low temperature silicon carbide deposition process
Methods for formation of silicon carbide on substrate are provided. Atomic layer deposition methods of forming silicon carbide are described in which a first reactant gas of the formula SinHaXb wherein n=1-5, a+b=2n+2, a>0, and X=F, Cl, Br, I; and a second reactant gas of the formula MR3-bYb, wherein R is a hydrocarbon containing substituent, Y is a halide, hydride or other ligand and b=1-3 are sequentially deposited on a substrate and then exposed to a plasma. The process can be repeated multiple times to deposit a plurality of silicon carbide layers.
US09040123B2 Pattern formation method
According to the embodiments, a pattern formation method includes a process of formation of a self-assembly material layer containing at least a first segment and a second segment on a substrate having a guide layer, a process of formation of a neutralization coating on the self-assembly material layer, and a process of formation of a self-assembly pattern including a first region containing the first segment and a second region containing the second segment following phase separation of the self-assembly material layer.
US09040122B2 Electrostatic abrasive particle coating apparatus and method
A method of applying particles to a backing having a make layer on one of the backing's opposed major surfaces. The method including the steps of: supporting the particles on a feeding member having a feeding surface such that the particles settle into one or more layers on the feeding surface; the feeding surface and the backing being arranged in a non-parallel manner; and translating the particles from the feeding surface to the backing and attaching the particles to the make layer by an electrostatic force.
US09040115B2 Retardation compensators of negative C-type for liquid crystal display
Disclosed is a negative C-type retardation compensator for a liquid crystal display. The negative C-type retardation compensator for the liquid crystal display includes polyarlate having a thio group or a sulfur oxide group in a polymer main chain thereof. Accordingly, the retardation compensator has an absolute value of negative retardation that is larger in a thickness direction that a retardation compensator which includes polyarylate having no thio group or sulfur oxide group in a polymer main chain thereof even though the retardation compensator having the thio group or sulfur oxide group and the retardation compensator having no thio group or sulfur oxide group are the same as each other in thickness. Thereby, the negative C-type retardation compensator for liquid crystal displays is capable of being desirably applied to the liquid crystal displays.
US09040109B2 Cross-linked biopolymers, related compositions and methods of use
The present invention provides stabilized oil-in-water emulsions with an extended range of chemical, thermal and/or mechanical stabilities, and method(s) for their preparation. Such preparations provide an environmentally-protective biopolymer component exhibiting improved adherence to the dispersed phase, reducing or eliminating dissociation therefrom under such conditions, for use in the context of a range of food, pharmaceutical, personal care, health care, cosmetic and other end-use applications.
US09040107B2 Method for making a high-protein dairy product
A dairy-based yogurt product having a protein level above 15%, sometimes more than 25%, with a smooth and rich texture and no grittiness. The yogurt product includes a particular selection of dairy proteins and other ingredients to raise the gelation temperature of the dairy proteins and avoid causing gelation or precipitation during pasteurization. Additionally, pasteurization temperatures, times and methods are selected to avoid gelation. Starting dairy proteins generally have relatively higher pH levels and low total acidity (TA) levels to help reduce gelation during pasteurization. Ingredients such as buffering agents and sequestering agents may be utilized to help raise the gelation temperature, as well as higher sugar levels which can control hydration of the proteins.
US09040102B2 Composition comprising longan arillus extract or combined extract comprising the same for treating neurodegenerative disease
This disclosure relates to a composition for prevention or treatment of neurodegenerative disease comprising longan arillus extract, or combined extract comprising longan arillus. The composition exhibits remarkably excellent prevention or treatment effect of neurodegenerative disease by containing longan arillus extract or combined extract comprising longan arillus, and particularly, it may effectively prevent or treat neurodegenerative disease by significantly protecting dopaminergic neurons from neurotoxicity due to MPTP selectively acting on dopaminergic nervous system and neurotoxicity due to aggregation of alpha-synuclein proteins.
US09040101B2 Method to treat diabetes utilizing a gastrointestinal microbiome modulating composition
Compositions and methods for treating diabetes are presented herein. In particular, the present disclosure teaches compositions and methods for treating diabetes utilizing a gastrointestinal microbiome modulating composition.
US09040099B1 Botanical composition and method for treating pain and discomfort of various conditions
A botanical composition made from a plurality of plant materials selected from Gota Kola (Centella asiatica), Turmeric Root (Curcuma longa), White Willow (Salix alba), Rosehips (Rosa canina), Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis), and Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), or phytochemicals or extracts or oils derived from the plant materials has beneficial application in addressing retinopathy and recurring peripheral neuropathy. The botanical composition can include a number of additional agents such as antioxidants, benfotiamine, thiamine (vitamin B1), and lipoic acid.
US09040098B2 Soluble canola protein isolate production (“nutratein”)
Canola protein isolates are provided which contain both albumin and globulin protein fractions that are soluble, transparent and heat stable in an acidic aqueous environment. The canola protein isolates are completely soluble in water at low pH, low in phytic acid and useful in products for human consumption, pet foods and aquaculture.
US09040097B2 Compositions for improving skin appearance
Compositions for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, reducing the effects of aging and/or improving the appearance of skin. The composition may include at least one fluorinated perfluorocarbon; stem cells from at least one plant species; and at least one peptide complex that reduces release of acetylcholine. Other embodied compositions include at least one collagen stimulating peptide; at least one anti-inflammatory compound; and at least one skin tightening agent.
US09040096B2 Jasmonic acid compounds in cocoa products
The invention provides methods for isolating and enhancing the levels of jasmonates from cacao plant sources. In a preferred embodiment, jasmonic acid and 12-hydroxy jasmonate sulfate are detected in various cocoa products, and the levels of these compounds can be manipulated to increase the beneficial health effects of a food product made with the cocoa products The invention includes methods to prepare edible products containing cocoa jasmonates.
US09040095B2 Colon cleansing of residual stool and secretions during colonoscopy
This invention relates, e.g., to a composition comprising two or more of: (a) N-acetylcysteine and/or (b) simethicone and/or (c) a docusate salt. In one embodiment of the invention, the amounts of (a) and/or (b) and/or (c) are effective, when the composition is administered into a colon of a subject undergoing colonoscopy, to cleanse a region of the colon in the visual field of the colonoscope so that the region contains no adherent stool or intestinal secretions obscuring the visual field. Methods for using this or other compositions of the invention, e.g. to cleanse the colon of a subject in order to enhance visualization of the colon during a colonoscopy, are also described, as are kits for carrying out methods of the invention.
US09040093B2 Bone graft materials containing calcium phosphate and chitosan
Described herein are materials and methods for increasing the osteoconductivity of a bone graft material, reducing the risk of infection at a surgical site, and increasing hemostasis. The bone graft materials described herein contain calcium phosphate and a form of chitin. In another embodiment the bone graft materials further comprises collagen. Chitin has been demonstrated to provide increased rate of new calcium phosphate growth, increased hemostasis, as well as antimicrobial properties. Various methods for manufacturing the bone graft materials described herein are also contemplated.
US09040087B2 Frozen compositions and methods for piercing a substrate
Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.
US09040082B2 Compositions and methods for treatment of chronic fatigue
Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of chronic fatigue in human patients comprising a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant in a daily low-dosage amount in combination with therapeutically effective daily amounts of micronutrients, comprising acetyl L-carnitine, L-tyrosine, N-acetyl cysteine, and alpha-lipoic acid. The CNS and micronutrient components may be in an oral dosage composition containing a low dosage amount of CNS stimulant such as about 2.5 mg methylphenidate HCl together with about 60-250 mg acetyl L-carnitine, 50-200 mg L-tyrosine, 60-250 mg N-acetyl cysteine, and 25-100 mg alpha-lipoic acid.
US09040077B2 Patch and patch preparation
The present invention provides to a patch and a patch preparation having low stretchability, which can be continuously adhered to the skin for a long time without undesirable detachment and marked falling off from the skin due to various factors during adhesion, and specifically provides a low stretchable patch and a patch preparation containing a support and an adhesive layer formed on one surface of the support, wherein a ratio P of the total length W (mm) of curved sections of a planar outer shape of the patch to the total length S (mm) of straight-line sections of the planar outer shape of the patch (W/S) is not more than 1.22, and, when the curved sections are approximated by a circular arc, the radius R (mm) of the circular arc is not less than 0.5 mm.
US09040076B2 Switchable adhesives
The present invention provides switchable adhesives comprising a mixture, in proportions by weight, of 20% to 98% of an adhesive, 2% to 80% of curable molecules and 0.05% to 10% of photoinitiator in which the weight proportion of the adhesive is calculated on the basis of its dry weight and wherein the adhesive includes an internal cross-linker for cross-linking the adhesive during drying to provide a cohesive strength of between 5 and 100 N/12.7×12.7 mm measured according to FINAT test method No. 18. Preferably, the adhesive and curable molecules are mutually soluble when dry, or the curable molecules and adhesive may be uniformly dispersed in each other. Preferably the amount of adhesive in the mixture is in the range 40% to 98% by weight, more preferably 60% to 95% by weight, even more preferably 70% to 85% by weight. Preferably the proportion of curable molecules in the mixture ranges from 2% to 60% by weight, more preferably 5% to 40% by weight, even more preferably 15% to 30 by weight. Preferably, the photoinitiator is present in the mixture in the proportions 0.5% to 5% by weight, more preferably 1% to 3% by weight. Such switchable adhesives are useful in medical dressings and other removable sheet products, and may be simply prepared by stirring the adhesive, the curable molecules and the photoinitiator together at room temperature.
US09040072B2 Use of coupling agents to improve the interface in absorbable polymer composites
A composite having a poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) coupling agent, a filler, and a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer matrix is disclosed. The composites are useful for biomedical applications such as, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and implantable medical devices.
US09040069B2 Process for manufacturing a stationary state of crystalline polymer of a biodegradable polymer matrix carrying an active substance and a polymer matrix produced thereby
A method for manufacturing a stationary state of polymer crystallinity of an active substance charged polylactide matrix for a stent, comprising the steps of: preparing the active substance charged polylactide matrix containing (a) a polylactide in amorphous or semicrystalline modification or with amorphous domains, and (b) at least one active substance on a surface or in a cavity of the stent communicating with the surface; and heating of the active substance charged polylactide matrix to a temperature ranging from TG-20° C. to TS-10° C., where TG represents a glass transition temperature and TS a melting temperature of the crystallites of the polylactide.
US09040061B2 Topical formulation for administering a compound
Embodiments of topical formulations for administering compound I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof are disclosed. Embodiments of methods for using the topical formulations in the treatment of dermatological disorders such as cutaneous collagen vascular diseases, e.g., cutaneous lupus, also are disclosed.
US09040058B2 Fermentation media free of animal-derived components for production of diphtheria toxoids suitable for human vaccine use
The present invention relates to a fermentation medium for cultivating Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The present invention also relates to the use of the fermentation medium in processes for obtaining diphtheria toxin from the Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria being cultivated and the preparation of vaccines using the diphtheria toxin obtained in the processes. The present invention further relates to a purification and detoxification processes specifically adapted for preparing a diphtheria toxoid for inclusion into a vaccine.
US09040055B2 Conjugation of streptococcal capsular saccharides
Three conjugation methods for use with the capsular saccharide of Streptococcus agalactiae. In the first method, reductive animation of oxidized sialic acid residue side chains is used, but the aldehyde groups are first aminated, and then the amine is coupled to a carrier via a linker. In the second method, sialic acid residues and/or N-acetyl-glucosamine residues are de-N-acetylated to give amine groups, and the amine groups are coupled to a carrier protein via a linker. In the third method, linkage is via galactose residues in the capsular saccharide rather than sialic acid residues, which can conveniently be achieved using galactose oxidase.
US09040054B2 Hypoallergenic molecules
The present invention relates to a hypoallergenic molecule consisting of Bet v Ia or an allergen having at least 40% identity to Bet v Ia comprising mutations of at least four amino acid residues in the region of amino acids 100 to 125 of Bet v Ia or its corresponding region of the allergen having at least 40% identity to Bet v 1a.
US09040052B1 Precision Medicine by targeting rare human PCSK9 variants for cholesterol treatment
The invention relates to human targets of interest (TOI), anti-TOI ligands, kits compositions and method.
US09040051B2 Marker genes for regulatory T cells from human blood
The present invention provides novel marker genes for the specific identification and characterization of human suppressive and/or regulatory T cells including natural, adaptive, and expanded CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T cells in healthy individuals as well as tumor patients or patients with autoimmune diseases.
US09040050B2 Combination treatment of CD38-expressing tumors
The invention relates to novel method for the treatment of cancer using a combination therapy comprising an antibody that binds CD38, a corticosteroid and a non-corticosteroid chemotherapeutic agent.
US09040046B2 Sodium pump antibody agonists and methods of treating heart disease using the same
Antibodies that are agonists of sodium pump (Na+/K+ ATPase; NKA) activity are provided. In particular, antibodies that specifically bind epitopes on the beta-1 (β1) subunit of NKA are disclosed. These antibodies have the ability to increase the activity of the catalytic alpha subunit of NKA upon β1 subunit binding. Due to their activity, the antibodies also have the ability to trigger a positive inotropic effect in cardiac tissues (i.e., increase cardiac contraction). The present invention thus includes, but is not limited to, NKA β1 subunit peptide epitopes, antibodies that specifically bind the epitopes, methods of agonizing NKA activity through administration of the peptides or the antibodies, and methods of treating and/or preventing heart disease through administration of the peptides or the antibodies.
US09040044B2 Compositions and methods for treating and diagnosing cancer
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing and treating cancer. In particular, the present invention identifies LGR5 as a protein over-expressed in solid tumor stem cell. The present invention further identifies an interaction between RSPO1 and LGR5 as an alternative pathway for the activation of beta-catenin signaling. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides biomolecules that disrupt functional signaling via a LGR protein, including, in certain embodiments, molecules that inhibit the interaction between one or more RSPO proteins and one or more LGR proteins, such as LGR5. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating cancer comprising disrupting functional LGR signaling and inhibiting growth of a solid tumor comprising solid tumor stem cells.
US09040041B2 Modified FC molecules
The present invention relates to Fc variants with optimized Fc receptor binding properties, methods for their generation, Fc polypeptides comprising Fc variants with optimized Fc receptor binding properties, and methods for using Fc variants with optimized Fc receptor binding properties.
US09040035B2 Treatment of pain using placental stem cells
Provided herein are methods of treatment of an individual having pain, e.g., neuropathic pain, comprising administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of tissue culture plastic adherent placental stem cells (PDAC™).
US09040030B2 Mascara compositions containing an oil-dispersible micronized wax and a water-dispersible wax
The invention relates to a composition comprising at least one water-dispersible wax and at least one oil-dispersible micronized wax which, if desired, can be prepared at room temperature.
US09040026B2 Body wash with sunscreen system and method
A body wash composition includes sunscreen or UV screen materials. The body wash composition is formulated so that it may be applied during normal hygiene activities, such as washing. However, the composition applies an effective level of sunscreen or UV screen material to the body such that the sunscreen or UV screen continues to provide effective solar protection even after rinsing or washing of the human body. Further, the material is a non-greasy, easy to apply material that may be used during showering activities in a manner similar to using a bar soap or cleanser. The composition includes a variety of materials that assist in the processing and storage of the body wash. Effective amounts of solar protective material include octyl methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate, and titanium dioxide. Testing shows that the product provides a solar protective level of at least approximately 14 even after multiple rinsings. Further embodiments have achieved a solar protective level of at least approximately 17.
US09040017B2 Liver-receptor imaging injection, dispensing method and pharmaceutical composition thereof
The present invention is related to a pharmaceutical composition for a liver-receptor imaging injection, the pharmaceutical composition including a bi-functional compound which has a ASGPR specificity, wherein the bi-functional compound includes a backbone of alpha-amino acid (or the derivatives thereof) and a poly-galactosamine chain (or a poly-lactose chain) connected to the alpha-amino acid. Thereby, the pharmaceutical composition can quantify potential of liver storage ability and evaluate severity of the course of liver disease. A liver-receptor imaging injection using the same and the one-step dispensing method thereof are also provided to improve defects of iodine-labeled and overcome disadvantages of the reduced labeling-yield and the instability after autoclave sterilization.
US09040016B2 Diagnostic kit and methods for radioimaging myocardial perfusion
A method of radioimaging a myocardial perfusion, the method including in sequence: administering to a subject a low dose of a first radiopharmaceutical; subjecting the subject to a physical stress; administering to the subject at a peak of said physical stress a medium or high dose of a second radiopharmaceutical; and immediately radioimaging using a 3D non-coincidence imaging method a heart of the subject, thereby radioimaging a myocardial perfusion.
US09040013B2 Method of preparing functionalized graphene
A method of preparing functionalized graphene, comprises treating graphene with an alkali metal in the presence of an electron transfer agent and coordinating solvent, and adding a functionalizing compound. The method further includes quenching unreacted alkali metal by addition of a protic medium, and isolating the functionalized graphene.
US09040009B2 Kinetically stable chlorinated polysilanes and production thereof
Kinetically stable halogenated polysilanes include mixture of compounds having respectively at least four silicon atoms bound together, the substituents thereof comprising chlorine, and chlorine and hydrogen, and in the composition thereof, the atomic ratio of substituent to silicon is at least 1:1, wherein a) the kinetically stable halogenated polysilanes have a kinetically high stability in relation to oxidative splitting by chlorine, and the degree of conversion at temperatures of 120° C. within 10 hours with an excess of chlorine gas at 1013 hPa does not exceed 30 mol %, and b) the kinetically stable halogenated polysilanes have a percentage of branching points in the polysilane molecules of more than 8 mol %.
US09040007B2 Gas treatment by catalytic ozone oxidation
In one embodiment, a catalyst for ozone oxidation of pollutant components dispersed in a gas is provided. The ozone oxidation catalyst has a porous body formed from a metal body, a ceramic, or polymeric fibers coated with metal. A catalytic noble metal composition is deposited on the surface of the porous body. The catalytic noble metal composition is formed from particles of a noble metal supported by a mesoporous molecular sieve.
US09040006B1 Catalyzed SCR filter and emission treatment method
Provided is a catalyst article for simultaneously remediating the nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and gaseous hydrocarbons present in diesel engine exhaust streams. The catalyst article has a soot filter coated with a material effective in the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) of NOx by a reductant, e.g., ammonia.
US09040004B2 Method and device for cleaning exhaust gases by way of fluidized bed reactors
The invention relates to a method for cleaning exhaust gases, in which an exhaust gas and a sorbent are combined in a fluidized bed reactor. In a subsequent filter system, solid matter is segregated, and thereafter, up to 99 per cent of the sorbent is re-channeled into the fluidized bed reactor, wherein the gas is subjected to a rotation around the flow axis in the fluidized bed reactor.
US09040001B2 Microtiter plate temperature control
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for efficiently providing accurate temperature control of a microtiter cold plate and precise alignment of the microtiter cold plate with a microtiter plate.
US09039998B2 Bioprinting station, assembly comprising such bioprinting station and bioprinting method
Bioprinting station (1) comprising:—a Bioprinting device (4) adapted to deposit a pattern of biological material (2) onto an area of interest (3a) of a substrate (3),—an imaging system (15) adapted to acquire an image of the substrate (3) and to reveal on the acquired image the area of interest (3a) with respect to a remaining part (3b) of the substrate (3), the acquired image of the substrate (3) being processed so as to detect the revealed area of interest (3a) on the acquired image and to determine the pattern corresponding to the area of interest (3a) detected on the acquired image.
US09039996B2 Silicon substrate optimization for microarray technology
A micro device includes a substrate and a structure configured to bind to an object or a material, or not to bind to an object or material. The structure has a roughness based on a roughness of the object or material. For example, a microarray includes a substrate and a well positioned in the substrate and configured to bind to a type of bead. The well has a roughness based on a roughness of the type of bead to which the well is configured to bind. The roughness of the well is controlled by controlling a position and number of striations in the side of the well. In another example, a moveable component of a micro device may have a roughness different from a roughness of an adjacent component, to reduce the likelihood of the moveable component sticking to the adjacent component.
US09039994B2 Biomarkers for myocardial ischemia
This invention relates, e.g., to a method for determining if a subject has myocardial ischemia, comprising (a) providing a blood sample obtained from a subject suspected of having myocardial ischemia; (b) determining in the sample the amount of one or more of the following proteins: (i) Lumican and/or (ii) Extracellular matrix protein 1 and/or (iii) Carboxypeptidase N; and (c) comparing the amount(s) of the protein(s) to a baseline value that is indicative of the amount of the protein in a subject that does not have myocardial ischemia, wherein a statistically significantly increased amount of the protein(s) compared to the baseline value is indicative of myocardial ischemia. Other proteins indicative of myocardial ischemia are also described, as are methods for treating a subject based on a diagnostic procedure of the invention, and kits for carrying out a method of the invention.
US09039991B2 Biosensors and bio-measurement systems using the same
A biosensor is provided. The biosensor is used to sense a biological sample and has a code representing features of the biosensor. The biosensor includes a substrate and a conductive layer. The conductive layer is disposed on a first side of the substrate and includes a first conductive loop and a second conductive loop. The first conductive loop is formed between a first node and a second node and has a first impedance. The second conductive loop is formed between the second node and a third node and has a second impedance. The code is determined according to a comparison result between the second impedance and the first impedance.
US09039989B2 Disinfection cap for disinfecting a male luer end of an infusion therapy device
The present invention extends to a disinfection cap for disinfecting a male luer end of an infusion therapy device. The disinfection cap can include an internal reservoir containing an antimicrobial or saline solution which is sealed with a flexible septum to prevent the solution from evaporating. The septum can include one or more slits or pierceable seams that allow a male luer end of an infusion therapy device to be inserted through the septum and into the solution. While the male luer is inserted through the septum, the solution contacts both the inner and outer surfaces of the male luer. Because the septum reduces evaporation of the solution and prevents the solution from leaking out of the cap, the solution remains in contact with the male luer for a longer duration then when typical disinfection caps are used thereby increasing the effectiveness of the disinfectant.
US09039988B2 Stackable cartridges for bulk feeders
A set of vertically stackable interacting cartridges for improving the delivery of biocide of a bulk feeder by positioning the stackable cartridges in a stacked condition within a chamber in the bulk feeder wherein the stackable cartridges are maintained in vertical interacting flow alignment with each other to provide enhanced control of the delivery of the biocide carried within each of the stackable cartridges without replacing the control valves of the bulk feeder.
US09039987B2 Mass transfer packing element and method of making the same
A ceramic mass transfer packing element that includes a planar end surface which intersects an internal wall's geometric plane at an acute angle is disclosed. A process for making the packing element and an apparatus that uses the packing element are also disclosed.
US09039986B2 Chemical reactor with a plate heat exchanger
A steam cooled chemical reactor (1) comprising a vertical vessel (2), a plate heat exchanger embedded in a catalytic bed, to cool the catalytic bed by evaporation of a cooling water flow, wherein a water inlet and a steam outlet are located underneath the heat exchanger, and the plates and related piping are arranged so that the path of the cooling flow comprises a first ascending path from bottom to top of the catalytic bed, and a second descending path from top to the bottom of catalytic bed, and wherein internal evaporation channels of the plates provide the second descending or the first ascending path, and water upcomers or respectively steam downcomers provide the other of said first and second path.
US09039983B1 Catalyzed SCR filter and emission treatment system
Provided is a catalyst article for simultaneously remediating the nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and gaseous hydrocarbons present in diesel engine exhaust streams. The catalyst article has a soot filter coated with a material effective in the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) of NOx by a reductant, e.g., ammonia.
US09039982B2 Catalyzed SCR filter and emission treatment system
Provided is a catalyst article for simultaneously remediating the nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and gaseous hydrocarbons present in diesel engine exhaust streams. The catalyst article has a soot filter coated with a material effective in the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) of NOx by a reductant, e.g., ammonia.
US09039981B2 Exhaust gas purification apparatus of an internal combustion engine
A laminated body composed of a holding member and an inner cylinder is arranged between a heat generation element, which is electrically energized to generate heat, and a case which covers the heat generation element, and the inner cylinder has an upstream side end portion extended to a more upstream side than an upstream side end face of said heat generation element and an upstream side end face of said holding member to form an extension portion, which is formed with a protruding portion protruding to an inner side in a diametrical direction. A flow of an exhaust gas, which flows backwards after colliding with the heat generation element, will be obstructed by said protruding portion. As a result, the backflow exhaust gas stops flowing into a gap between the case and the inner cylinder.
US09039980B2 Slurry bubble column reactor
A slurry bubble column reactor with a gas distribution arrangement comprising an upper sparger, a lower sparger, and an open-ended tube. Gas from the lower sparger enters the tube and lowers the density of slurry in the tube. The difference in slurry density causes the slurry in the tube to rise, causing slurry outside the tube to move down, maintaining circulation and flushing catalyst from the vessel wall.
US09039979B2 Apparatus and method of reacting polymers passing through metal ion chelated resin matrix to produce injectable medical devices
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and process for forming medical devices from an injectable composition. The apparatus includes a supply assembly configured to maintain and selective dispense a first precursor and a second precursor, a mixing assembly configured to mix the first and second precursors, and at least one catalyzing element including a transition metal ion to aid in the polymerization of the first and second precursors. The process includes dispensing a volume of the first precursor and a volume of the second precursor into a mixing assembly and mixing the first and second precursors. The first and second precursors each possess a core and at least one functional group known to have click reactivity with each other. The mixed precursors are contacted with a transition metal catalyst to produce a flowable composition for use as a medical device.
US09039976B2 MEMS sensors with closed nodal anchors for operation in an in-plane contour mode
A MEMS sensor includes at least one closed nodal anchor along a predetermined closed nodal path on at least one surface of a resonant mass. The resonant mass may be configured to resonate substantially in an in-plane contour mode. Drive and/or sense electrodes may be disposed within a cavity formed at least in part by the resonant mass, the closed nodal anchor, and a substrate.
US09039972B2 Apparatus for monitoring thrombus formation
An apparatus for monitoring thrombus formation wherein anticoagulated blood is flown through a channel simulating a blood vessel while releasing the anticoagulant treatment or promoting blood coagulation to thereby monitor thrombus formation. This apparatus for monitoring thrombus formation comprises: a thrombus formation chamber in at least a part of which a thrombus formation inducer inducing thrombus formation is provided; an inlet tube which is connected to the thrombus formation chamber and through which blood is flown into the thrombus formation chamber; and a drug tube which is connected to the inlet tube and through which a drug releasing the anticoagulant treatment or a drug promoting blood coagulation is supplied.
US09039968B2 Smart home system and operation method thereof
A smart home system having a controller which controls an ozone generator, gas supply outlets connected to gas supply outlets of the ozone generator via a pipe, and solenoid valves which control opening and closing of the gas supply outlets. The controller is connected with each of the solenoid valves and controls opening and closing of each of the solenoid valves. An operation method for the system discloses driving the ozone generator by the controller to generate ozone, controlling opening of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives an external signal for opening the solenoid valves, reducing opening level of the solenoid valves when a gas flow sensor detects that the ozone flow rate passing through the gas inlet is greater than the flow rate threshold, and controlling closing of the solenoid valves by the central processor when the central processor receives a signal for closing the solenoid valves.
US09039967B2 Antiseptic applicators and packaging techniques
This disclosure describes example antiseptic applicators that may be used in combination with one or more cleansing, antimicrobial and/or antiseptic agents to reduce or eliminate contaminates on a surface. According to some embodiments, the disclosure describes that the applicators may contain an impermeable layer and a permeable layer, where the impermeable layer prevents contaminates for transferring from a user's hand to the permeable layer and the surface.
US09039964B2 Copper alloy sheet, and method of producing copper alloy sheet
Provided is one aspect of copper alloy sheet containing 4.5% by mass to 12.0% by mass of Zn, 0.40% by mass to 0.90% by mass of Sn, 0.01% by mass to 0.08% by mass of P, as well as 0.005% by mass to 0.08% by mass of Co and/or 0.03% by mass to 0.85% by mass of Ni, the remainder being Cu and unavoidable impurities. The copper alloy sheet satisfies a relationship of 11≦[Zn]+7×[Sn]+15×[P]+12×[Co]+4.5×[Ni]≦17. The one aspect of copper alloy sheet is produced by a production process including a finish cold rolling process at which a copper alloy material is cold-rolled. An average grain size of the copper alloy material is 2.0 μm to 8.0 μm, circular or elliptical precipitates are present in the copper alloy material, and an average particle size of the precipitates is 4.0 nm to 25.0 nm, or a percentage of precipitates having a particle size of 4.0 nm to 25.0 nm makes up 70% or more of the precipitates.
US09039958B2 Metal melting apparatus
A refractory well (16) for melting scrap metal pieces into a molten metal bath, comprises an inlet (18) for introducing metal into said well, the inlet being located so as to cause a circular flow of molten metal in said well, an outlet (19) for the flow of metal from said well and an electromagnetic pump (22) located beneath the refractory well for pumping said molten metal from said well through said outlet.
US09039957B2 Target material refinement device and target supply apparatus
A target material refinement device may include a refinement tank to accommodate a target material, a heating section to heat the interior of the refinement tank, and an oxygen-atom removing section to remove oxygen atoms present in the target material.
US09039956B2 Cooling system for hot-rolled steel strip
Provided is a cooling system for a hot-rolled steel strip capable of increasing the cooling rate for rapidly cooling a rolled steel immediately after rolling and suitable for an apparatus for manufacturing a hot-rolled steel strip having a fine-grained structure. For this purpose, guides (16A, 16B) having guiding surfaces (16a, 16b) to guide a rolled steel (W) exiting work rolls (12A, 12B) in the conveyance direction are provided at exits of the work rolls in a final stand (Sn) of a finish rolling mill line in a manner that the guides can follow a change in the diameter of the work rolls, a number of injection holes (21A, 21B) are formed in the guides, and a number of rolled steel cooling nozzles (23A, 23B) are provided to spray a large amount of cooling water through the injection holes directly onto the rolled steel.
US09039955B2 Powder material impregnation method and method for producing fiber-reinforced composite material
When a molded fabric body (X) is impregnated with a powder (K) of a predetermined material, there are performed a first step of dispersing the powder (K) in a liquid to prepare a slurry, and a second step of burying the molded fabric body (X) made of fiber bundles in the slurry and vibrating the slurry by use of a predetermined vibrator (M). Furthermore, in the second step, the vibrator (M) is moved along a surface of the molded fabric body (X). As a result, it is possible to improve the rate of impregnation of the powder (K) more than that in the conventional cases, irrespective of the shape of the molded fabric body (X).
US09039953B2 Method for producing a three-dimensional object
A method serves to produce a three-dimensional object by additive construction in direct construction sequence from solidifiable material, which is either present in the starting state in a fluid phase or can be liquefied, where multiple material components are discharged alternately in a programmable manner by means of multiple discharge units and configure different parts of the object joined to one another as a result of the discharge, where the geometric proportions obtained during discharge already correspond to the object, and because the material components form between them either edge regions merging into one another without boundaries or boundary regions of the different material components abutting one another without joining, a method and an object produced therewith can be provided, in which boundary and edge regions are formed “as if from one piece” between different material components even in the case of complex geometries.
US09039950B2 Method for the production of a layered or stacked inorganic/organic composite material
The invention relates to a method for the production of a layered or stacked inorganic/organic composite material, a predominantly inorganic material being provided and a polymer material being provided, characterized in that the predominantly inorganic material has a glass transition temperature or melting temperature lower than 500° C., that the predominantly inorganic material and the polymer material are each molten, and that the predominantly inorganic material and the polymer material are coextruded from the melt and thus form the composite material.
US09039949B2 Method of molding gas hydrate pellet
A method is for molding a gas hydrate pellet for improving convenience of handling of a natural gas hydrate during transportation and storage, and thereby improving the practical use of the natural gas hydrate. Gas hydrate slurry is fed in a compression chamber, and pressure and compression are applied to the gas hydrate slurry by advancing a compression plunger. At that time, a stroking speed of the compression plunger is set minimum, preferably less than a value expressed by a stroke length of the compression plunger at compression×10−2 (m/min. By advancing the compression plunger at low speed, binding between particles of the gas hydrate is tightened, thereby the gas hydrate pellet with increased shearing strength can be molded.
US09039946B2 Reversibly thermochromic compositions
The present invention pertains to a reversibly thermochromic system comprising a substituted or an unsubstituted 6,11-dihydroxy-naphthacene-5,12-dione and a base and to a reversibly thermochromic composition comprising the reversibly thermochromic system and a carrier material and to novel substituted 6,11-dihydroxy-naphthacene-5,12-diones.
US09039944B2 Sputtering target
A sputtering target including a sintered body including In, Ga and Mg, the sintered body including one or more compounds selected from a compound represented by In2O3, a compound represented by In(GaMg)O4, a compound represented by Ga2MgO4 and a compound represented by In2MgO4, and having an atomic ratio In/(In+Ga+Mg) of 0.5 or more and 0.9999 or less and an atomic ratio (Ga+Mg)/(In+Ga+Mg) of 0.0001 or more and 0.5 or less.
US09039943B2 Conductive paste and electronic device and solar cell including an electrode formed using the conductive paste
According to example embodiments, a conductive paste includes a conductive component that contains a conductive powder and a titanium (Ti)-based metallic glass. The titanium-based metallic glass has a supercooled liquid region of about 5K or more, a resistivity after crystallization that is less than a resistivity before crystallization by about 50% or more, and a weight increase by about 0.5 mg/cm2 or less after being heated in a process furnace at a firing temperature. According to example embodiments, an electronic device and a solar cell may include at least one electrode formed using the conductive paste according to example embodiments.
US09039941B2 Conductive paste for screen printing
There is provided a conductive paste for screen printing. The conductive paste includes: metal nanoparticles (Y) having an average particle diameter of 1 to 50 nm and protected with a polymer compound having a branched polyalkyleneimine chain and a polymer chain selected from the group consisting of a polyoxyalkylene chain, a polymer chain composed of a polyvinyl alcohol, a polymer chain composed of a water-soluble poly(meth)acrylic acid, a polyacylalkyleneimine chain having a hydrophilic substituent, and a polymer chain composed of a polyacrylamide; metal particles (Z) having an average particle diameter of 200 to 600 nm; a deprotecting agent (A) for the metal nanoparticles; and an organic solvent (B). An aliphatic monocarboxylic acid having 6 to 10 carbon atoms is used as the deprotecting agent (A) for the metal nanoparticles. A polyalkylene glycol is used as the organic solvent (B).
US09039938B2 Coatings containing functionalized graphene sheets and articles coated therewith
Coatings are provided containing functionalized graphene sheets and at least one binder. In one embodiment, the coatings are electrically conductive.
US09039936B2 Thiophene derivative, method for producing same, and polymer of thiophene derivative
A novel polymer which has high solubility and good processability and is suitable as an electrically conductive material, and a novel compound which is a starting material of the polymer. The novel compound to be used as a starting material is a thiophene derivative represented by formula (I) shown below, In the formula (I), A is S; and B is R2 (R2 is an alkylene group having a carbon number of 2 to 3 and optionally having a substituent), provided that A and B are intramolecularly cyclized to form, together with the thiophene group, a bicyclic heterocyclic structure. The novel polymer that is produced by polymerizing the thiophene derivative is suitable as an electrically conductive material.
US09039924B2 Cooling agent for cold packs and food and beverage containers
Safe, stable, non-toxic and recyclable cooling compositions comprising solid particulate compounds that undergo an endothermic process when mixed with water such that the resulting mixture is useful for cooling surfaces, liquids and solids. The compositions always include one or more compounds from a group consisting of endothermic compounds that contain potassium; one or more compounds from a group of endothermic compounds that contain nitrogen; and at least one compound from a group consisting of ammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, ammonium pyrophosphate and ammonium metaphosphate such that the compound or mixture of compounds in this group is at least 1% by weight of the final composition.
US09039921B2 Freestanding films with electric field-enhanced piezoelectric coefficients
A method to produce low-temperature sinterable powders which are then subsequently used to fabricate freestanding piezoelectric films with very large electric-field-enhanced piezoelectric response is provided. The −d31 coefficient for PMN-PT layers can be as high as 2000 pm/V, larger than that of commercial single crystalline PMN-PT bulk materials, at 10 kV/cm (or 20 V over the 20-micron film thickness). In contrast to single crystals, the polycrystalline freestanding films are easy to fabricate and can be made into any size. The films are also easily miniaturized. The method can be applied to nearly any piezoelectric material.
US09039920B2 Permanent magnet and manufacturing method thereof
There are provided a permanent magnet and a manufacturing method thereof enabling carbon content contained in magnet particles to be reduced in advance before sintering even when wet milling is employed. Coarsely-milled magnet powder is further milled by a bead mill in a solvent together with an organometallic compound expressed with a structural formula of M-(OR)X (M represents V, Mo, Zr, Ta Ti W or Nb, R represents a substituent group consisting of a straight-chain or branched-chain hydrocarbon, X represents an arbitrary integer) so as to uniformly adhere the organometallic compound to particle surfaces of the magnet powder. Thereafter, a compact body of compacted magnet powder is held for several hours in hydrogen atmosphere at 200 through 900 degrees Celsius to perform hydrogen calcination process. Thereafter, through sintering process, a permanent magnet 1 is formed.
US09039916B1 In situ oxide removal, dispersal and drying for copper copper-oxide
A method for removing copper-oxide from copper powder, the method comprising: providing a copper powder defined by each particle having a copper core and a copper-oxide layer surrounding the copper core; disposing the particles in an etching solution in a container, wherein the etching solution removes the copper-oxide layer from each particle; decanting the etching solution and by-products; washing the particles; disposing the washed particles in an organic solvent; coating each copper core with an organic material from the organic solvent; dispersing the particles in the organic solvent; and providing the copper powder as dispersed copper cores that are absent a copper-oxide layer and have an organic coating, wherein the steps of dispersing in the etching solution, decanting, washing, disposing in the organic solvent, coating, and dispersing are performed in situ with the plurality of particles disposed in liquid, absent any exposure of the copper cores to air.
US09039906B2 Method for producing an antireflection coating
A method for producing an antireflection coating on a substrate is specified. A first nanostructure in a first material is formed using by means of a first plasma etching process. The first material is the material of the substrate or the material of a layer made of a first organic material applied onto the substrate. A layer made of a second material is applied onto the first nanostructure, the second material is an organic material. A second nanostructure is formed in the layer made of the second material using a second plasma etching process. The second material has a higher etching rate than the first material when carrying out the second plasma etching process.
US09039905B2 Method of forming a lighting system
A method of forming a lighting system comprises providing a cavity having at least a first array of first optical elements and a second array of second optical elements that have a different shape than the first array, filling the cavity with a curable resin, applying a secondary optical element to the curable resin in alignment with the first optical array, curing the resin to form a cured assembly, and removing the cured assembly from the cavity.
US09039904B2 Method for treating wastewaters
The invention relates to a method for treating wastewater containing nitroaromatics and nitrohydroxyaromatics, as for example arises in the production of nitroaromatics or in the production of nitrohydroxyaromatics, by a two-stage method consisting of pre-reduction and wet oxidation.
US09039903B2 Method of conditioning a body of water by delivering different dispersant combinations through a floating generally spherical dispenser system
A dispenser system for delivering various combinations of dispersants to a body of water with the various combinations of dispersants supplied to the body of water through the interchanging of dispensing cartridges which are attachable to a main dispensing cartridge where a condition for interchanging of dispensing cartridges may be triggered by an event.
US09039897B2 Method and system for treating wastewater and sludges by optimizing sCO2 for anaerobic autotrophic microbes
The present invention describes a method of optimizing CO2 concentration to increase the specific growth rate of Anammox bacteria and methanogens in wastewater and sludge treatment, as well as novel systems and methods of treating wastewater and sludge. The specific growth rate or doubling time of the Anammox bacteria and methanogens were determined to be sensitive to dissolved CO2 concentration. Optimizing dissolved CO2 concentration increases the specific growth rate of the Anammox bacteria, which may be used as an alternative biological nitrogen removal process for the treatment of domestic wastewater. In the method and system of treating sludge, the CO2 stripper returns biogas with low CO2 concentration to the headspace of an anaerobic digester in order to lower the headspace CO2 concentration and therefore, the soluble CO2 concentration. The lower soluble CO2 concentration increases the specific growth rate of the methanogens for a more efficient anaerobic digestion process.
US09039896B2 Device for removing protein-based substances
The present invention relates to a means of dialysis for removing protein-bound substances from a biological fluid, especially blood or blood plasma, which contains at least one means for solubilizing protein-binding substances to be removed into the biological fluid and/or dialysis fluid, and to a process for removing protein-bound substances from a biological fluid.
US09039895B1 Oil spill clean-up vessel with ice displacement capabilities
An oil spill clean-up apparatus and method, and more specifically to a self-contained oil spill clean-up vessel with ice displacement capabilities. One preferred oil spill clean-up system includes a vessel subsystem, an ice displacement subsystem, and an oil spill skimming subsystem. Preferred oil spill clean-up systems may include at least one storage subsystem. Preferred oil spill clean-up systems may include an oil/water separation and removal subsystem.
US09039892B2 Nano catalytic dewaxing of heavy petroleum wastes (>C-23 alkanes)
A catalyst comprising of nano nickel-silica catalyst for dewaxing of heavy petroleum feed at a temperature 200-350° C. at 8 bar and 30 bar hydrogen pressure and in the presence of hydrogen is designed for petrochemical industries. According to a specific aspect of the invention, the nano catalyst is designed and employed to convert heavy hydrocarbon feeds of high viscosity index to low pour point and good stability in a single step.
US09039890B2 Two-stage, close-coupled, dual-catalytic heavy oil hydroconversion process
A process for the production of high yields of high quality products from heavy hydrocarbonaceous feedstock comprising a two-stage, close-coupled process, wherein the first stage comprises a thermal-catalytic zone into which is introduced a mixture comprising the feedstock, coal, dispersed catalyst, and hydrogen; and the second, close-coupled stage comprises a catalytic-hydrotreating zone into which substantially all the effluent from the first stage is directly passed and processed under hydrotreating conditions.
US09039889B2 Upgrading of hydrocarbons by hydrothermal process
A hydrocarbon feedstock upgrading method is provided. The method includes supplying the hydrocarbon feedstock, water and a pre-heated hydrogen donating composition to a hydrothermal reactor where the mixed stream is maintained at a temperature and pressure greater than the critical temperatures and pressure of water in the absence of catalyst for a residence time sufficient to convert the mixed stream into a modified stream. The hydrogen donating composition is pre-heated and maintained at a temperature of greater than about 50° C. for a period of at least about 10 minutes. The modified stream includes upgraded hydrocarbons relative to the hydrocarbon feedstock. The modified stream is then separated into a gas stream and a liquid stream and the liquid stream is separated into a water stream and an upgraded hydrocarbon product stream.
US09039888B2 Methods and apparatus for detecting molecular interactions using FET arrays
Methods and apparatuses relating to large scale FET arrays for analyte detection and measurement are provided. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes.
US09039885B1 Electrolytic systems and methods for making metal halides and refining metals
Disclosed are electrochemical cells and methods for producing a halide of a non-alkali metal and for electrorefining the halide. The systems typically involve an electrochemical cell having a cathode structure configured for dissolving a hydrogen halide that forms the halide into a molten salt of the halogen and an alkali metal. Typically a direct current voltage is applied across the cathode and an anode that is fabricated with the non-alkali metal such that the halide of the non-alkali metal is formed adjacent the anode. Electrorefining cells and methods involve applying a direct current voltage across the anode where the halide of the non-alkali metal is formed and the cathode where the non-alkali metal is electro-deposited. In a representative embodiment the halogen is chlorine, the alkali metal is lithium and the non-alkali metal is uranium.
US09039884B2 Electrostatic coalescing device
The invention concerns an electrostatic coalescing device that includes a vessel or a pipe through which a mixture of fluids flows. At least one metal electrode plate and transformer are arranged inside the pipe/vessel. The electrode plate and transformer are fully enclosed by insulation, and the transformer is energized from an external alternating low voltage source/power supply located outside the vessel/pipe. The transformer includes a first end of a high voltage winding connected electrically to the metal plate within the insulation.
US09039883B2 Method and apparatus for manipulating single cells and small aggregates thereof
A well, in particular an open well (14) with an upper end having a vertical axis (101), for containing a liquid and particles contained within said liquid, characterized by comprising at least two manipulation electrodes (1, 2, 3, 31, 32, 36, 17, 40, 41) able to be powered by electrical voltages, in particular alternating electrical voltages, so as to manoeuvre particles within the well by means of the dielectrophoretic effect. A platform comprising a plurality of wells as described above and a method for using said well.
US09039882B2 Metal material with a bismuth film attached and method for producing same, surface treatment liquid used in said method, and cationic electrodeposition coated metal material and method for producing same
A metal material is provided with a bismuth coating which enables the subsequent coating to be accomplished at a high throwing power, and has excellent corrosion resistance, coating adhesion and is able to be produced with reduced damage to the environment. The metal material has a surface and a bismuth-containing layer deposited on at least a part of the surface of the metal material, wherein the percentage of bismuth atoms in the number of atoms in the surface layer of the metal material with a bismuth coating is at least 10%.
US09039880B2 Device and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a device that decreases deformation during manufacturing of the device, provides a firm joint without use of an adhesive, and allows chemical modification of a channel during manufacturing of the device. The device includes two joined substrates, and a concavity is formed on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the two substrates so as to make a channel, where the two substrates are joined together by a covalent bond via a crosslinking agent (A), and the crosslinking agent (A) is exposed on an inner wall surface of the channel.
US09039879B2 Gas sensor and method of manufacturing thereof
In a gas sensor sensing a specific gas component contained in gas to be measured, oxygen ion conductive solid electrolyte is used in a sensing element for sensing the specific gas component. A terminal unit is used, which comprises a pair of insulators, each having an inner side surface, disposed to pinch and hold the base end portion of the sensing element on the pair of electrode-mounted surfaces of the sensing element. The terminal unit comprises two pairs of metal terminals and a spring member. The metal terminals electrically contact electrode pads of the sensing element, pair by pair, respectively, and are disposed on the inner side surfaces of the insulators. The spring members press the pair of insulators at one or more positions of electrode-mounted surfaces of the sensing element in a width direction so that the insulators are pressed to be opposed to each other.
US09039877B2 Electrode strip and sensor strip and manufacture method thereof and system thereof
The present disclosure relates to an electrode strip, a sensor strip, a system thereof and a manufacturing method thereof. The sensor strip includes a first reactive film, a second reactive film and a vent hole. The first reactive film includes a substrate, a first electrode layer and a first insulation layer. The first end of the first insulation layer is concaved to a first depth to form a first reactive area. The second reactive film includes a second electrode layer and a second insulation layer. The first end of the second insulation layer is concaved to a second depth to form a second reactive area. The vent hole penetrates the second insulation layer, the second electrode layer and the first insulation layer so as to connect the first reactive area and the second reactive area.
US09039876B2 Test strip ejector for medical device
A test strip ejector system for receiving and ejecting a fluid testing medical device test strip includes a mechanism assembly supported by the device whereby user actuation of the mechanism assembly induces displacement of the test strip in at least a test strip ejection direction to eject the test strip. The mechanism assembly includes a power source and an electric motor such as a piezo-electric linear micro motor connected to the power source. The electric motor has an armature displaced when the electric motor is energized. A digital display/user interface is provided. Selection of an ejection function presented on the digital display/user interface initiates operation of the electric motor and displacement of the armature thereby displacing the test strip in the ejection direction. An operating system including a microprocessor is connected to the display/user interface. The microprocessor controls direction of operation and operating speed of the motor.
US09039873B2 Manufacturing apparatus
The present invention provides a manufacturing apparatus which can realize so-called sequential substrate transfer and can improve throughput, even when one multi-layered thin film includes plural layers of the same film type. A manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a transfer chamber, three sputtering deposition chambers each including one sputtering cathode, two sputtering deposition chambers each including two or more sputtering cathodes, and a process chamber for performing a process other than sputtering, and the three sputtering deposition chambers, the two sputtering deposition chambers, and the process chamber are arranged around the transfer chamber so that each is able to perform delivery and receipt of the substrate with the transfer chamber.
US09039870B2 Method for producing alkaline (meth)acrylamides
The invention relates to a method for producing alkaline amides or imides of ethylenically unsaturated C3 to C6 carboxylic acids by reacting amines that contain at least one primary and/or secondary amino group and at least one tertiary amino group with ethylenically unsaturated C3 to C6 carboxlic acids to form an ammonium salt and said ammonium salt is subsequently converted into the alkaline amide or imide by means of microwave radiation, with the proviso that the primary and/or secondary amino group is devoid of alkoxy groups.
US09039867B2 Method for detaching a semiconductor chip from a foil
A method for detaching a semiconductor chip from a foil uses a die ejector comprising plates having a straight supporting edge and an L-shaped supporting edge comprises: lifting of the plates to a height H1 above the surface of a cover plate; lowering of a first pair of plates with L-shaped supporting edge; optionally, lowering of a second pair of plates with L-shaped supporting edge; lifting of the plates that have not yet been lowered to a height H2>H1; staggered lowering of plates that have not yet been lowered, with at least one or several plates not being lowered; optionally, lowering of the plates that have not yet been lowered to a height H3
US09039863B2 Substrate processing apparatus, substrate processing method, and computer readable storage medium storing substrate processing program
Disclosed is a liquid processing apparatus capable of accurately determining a holding state of a substrate without being influenced by, for example, material or surface condition of a substrate. The liquid processing apparatus includes a substrate holding unit that holds a substrate, a camera that photographs a region where a peripheral edge portion of substrate is present when substrate is properly held by the substrate holding unit, and a control unit that determines a holding state of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit based on an image photographed by the camera.
US09039862B2 Bonding using hot-melt adhesives
The invention relates to the use of a hot-melt adhesive having high hardness for adhesive bonding of metal films or foils, paper films or foils, and/or plastic films or foils. The invention further relates to a method for adhesively bonding a metal film or foil, paper film or foil, and/or plastic film or foil onto a substrate.
US09039857B2 Sheet pasting method and sheet pasting tool
An adherend surface of an adherend is stuck with a protection sheet being in substantially the same shape as the adherend surface and including base and adhesive layer by a method including: sticking the sheet on a first surface of a sticking tool foldable along a symmetry-axis position of the sheet; folding the tool with the sheet such that a second surface opposite to the first surface comes inside; peeling the sheet to a folded portion of the tool to expose a portion of the adhesive layer with the tool folded; pressing the exposed portion of the adhesive layer against the adherend surface to stick a portion of the sheet on the adherend; and moving the tool along the adherend surface to expose a remaining portion of the adhesive layer and pressing the remaining portion against the adherend surface to stick a remaining portion of the sheet on the adherend.
US09039855B2 Apparatuses and methods for making absorbent articles
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for assembling diapers, each including a chassis connected with front and back elastic belts. As discussed in more detail below, opposing end regions of the chassis are connected with regions of the elastic belts where the elasticity of the elastic belts has been removed or deactivated. An elastic laminate may be formed by continuously bonding elastic strands between a first continuous substrate layer and a second continuous substrate layer such that the elastic strands are bonded to both the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer in heavy-bond regions. And the elastic strands are bonded to the first substrate layer and/or the second substrate layer with in light-bond regions. The elastic strands are then intermittently deactivated by cutting the strands into one or more discrete pieces in the light-bond regions. The discrete pieces retract and remain in the light-bond regions.
US09039850B2 Aluminum alloy material for forging
An aluminum alloy forging material of the present invention is constituted by an aluminum alloy cast product obtained by subjecting an aluminum alloy ingot having a structure in which a secondary dentrite arm spacing (DAS) is 40 μm or less and an average grain diameter of crystallized substances is 8 μm or less to homogenization treatment for holding the ingot for one hour or more under temperature conditions of 450 to 510° C., wherein the ingot is obtained by continuously casting a molten aluminum alloy having an alloy composition consisting of: Si: 0.80 to 1.15 mass %; Fe: 0.2 to 0.5 mass %; Cu: 3.8 to 5 mass %; Mn: 0.8 to 1.15 mass %; Mg: 0.5 to 0.8 mass %; Zr: 0.05 to 0.13 mass %; and Ti contained in such an amount that a sum of Ti and Zr is 0.2 mass % or less, and the balance being Al and inevitable impurities, wherein the alloy composition satisfies a Cu/Mg ratio of 8 or less, Ti is added in a form of an Al master alloy (5Ti-1B mother alloy) in which Ti and B are contained at a ratio of 5:1, and a Ti/Zr ratio satisfies 0.3 or higher.
US09039849B2 Preparation method of nanocrystalline titanium alloy at low strain
Provided is a method of preparing a nanocrystalline titanium alloy at low strain to have better strength. The present invention is characterized in that an initial microstructure is induced as martensites having a fine layered structure, and then a nanocrystalline titanium alloy is prepared at low strain by optimizing process variables through observation of the effects of strain, strain rate, and deformation temperature on the changes in the microstructure.
US09039847B2 High strength cold rolled steel sheet and method for manufacturing the same
A multiphase steel sheet has a steel composition containing, in percent by mass, more than 0.015% to less than 0.100% of carbon, less than 0.40% of silicon, 1.0% to 1.9% of manganese, more than 0.015% to 0.05% of phosphorus, 0.03% or less of sulfur, 0.01% to 0.3% of soluble aluminum, 0.005% or less of nitrogen, less than 0.30% of chromium, 0.0050% or less of boron, less than 0.15% of molybdenum, 0.4% or less of vanadium, 0.02% or less of titanium, wherein [Mneq] is 2.0 to 2.8, the balance being iron and incidental impurities.
US09039844B2 Steam cleaning apparatus
A steam cleaning apparatus including a main body having a main switch, a steam cleaning head coupled to the main body, and a position sensitive switch having a first state when the steam apparatus is in a substantially vertical storage position and a second state when the steam cleaning apparatus is in a tilted, cleaning position, the position sensitive switch being connected in electrical series with the main switch such that when the position-sensitive switch is in the first state the position-sensitive switch interrupts the flow of electrical current from the main switch and when the position-sensitive switch is in the second state, electrical power is supplied by the main switch.
US09039843B2 Cleaning system for a beverage machine, preferably a coffee machine
The invention relates to a cleaning system for coffee machines, comprising a cleaning device for periodically cleaning the coffee- and/or milk-carrying components using a cleaning liquid, which contains cleaning agent in the form of balls or tablets dissolved therein, wherein the cleaning device is provided with a time- and/or product-cycle-dependent controller and a metering apparatus (1) for the cleaning agent (10) that interacts with the controller. Thus, it is possible to program the cleaning process in a customized manner according to the mode of operation and to carry out the cleaning process fully automatically according to the program. The metering of the cleaning agent (10) according to the program ensures an always optimal cleaning effect together with sparing use of cleaning agents. Simple and safe handling is achieved by using ball- or tablet-shaped cleaning agents.
US09039842B2 Moving handrail sanitizing device
A device for cleaning and sanitizing a moving handrail, such as those found on escalators and moving walkways. The device can automatically and continuously sanitize a handrail as it moves past or through the device, thereby preventing the spread of germs and viruses and encouraging users to make contact with the handrail for safety reasons without worrying about disease transmission.
US09039838B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device and substrate processing apparatus
Provided is a substrate processing apparatus. The apparatus includes: a process vessel, a heater, a source gas supply system, an oxygen-containing gas supply system, a hydrogen-containing gas supply system, a pressure regulator, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the parts so as to perform: (a) forming an oxide film on a substrate by alternately repeating: (a-1) forming a layer by supplying a source gas into the process vessel accommodating the substrate; and (a-2) changing the layer into an oxide layer by supplying an oxygen-containing gas and an hydrogen-containing gas into the process vessel, the inside of the process vessel being under a heated atmosphere having a low pressure; and (b) modifying the oxide film formed on the substrate by supplying the oxygen-containing gas and the hydrogen-containing gas into the process vessel, the inside of the process vessel being under the heated atmosphere having the low pressure.
US09039835B2 Apparatus for producing multicrystalline silicon ingots by induction method
An apparatus for producing multicrystalline silicon ingots by the induction method comprises an enclosure, which includes means for start-up heating of silicon and a cooled crucible enveloped by an inductor. The crucible has a movable bottom and four walls consisting of sections spaced apart by vertically extending slots, means for moving the movable bottom, and a controlled cooling compartment arranged under the cooled crucible. The inside face of the crucible defines a melting chamber of a rectangular or square cross-section. The walls of the cooled crucible extend outwards at least from the inductor toward the lowest portion of the cooled crucible to thereby expand the melting chamber, and the angle β of expanding the melting chamber is defined by the equation β=arctg[2·(k−1.35·10 3·b)/d], where d is the dimension of the smaller side of the rectangle or of the side of the square of the cross-section of the melting chamber at the inducer level, b is the dimension of the adjoining side of the cross-section of the melting chamber at the inducer level, k is an empirical coefficient, which is 1.5 to 2. The apparatus makes it possible to decrease silicon melt spills and to increase the quality of multicrystalline silicon thus produced.
US09039831B2 Non-aqueous rapid setting drywall compound and method of use
A non-aqueous drywall compound being the combination of a first component mixture of acetone, a non-aqueous liquid adhesive containing ethyl cyanoacrylate, and a powder containing calcium sulfate hemihydrate (plaster of Paris), the mixture being a pliable putty capable of adhering to gypsum wallboard or similar work surfaces. The second component of the drywall compound is an accelerator or activator containing acetone and toluene. The first component is applied to a defect in a work surface using a spreading tool and the second component is then applied to the exposed surface of the first component, such as by spraying or brushing, whereupon the drywall compound cures, hardens or sets within less than ten minutes to a state capable of being sanded into a smooth, hard surface and painted.
US09039829B2 Scale-shaped filmy fines dispersion
Provided is a scale-shaped filmy fines dispersion. More specifically, scale-shaped filmy fines are subjected to a treatment for keeping the scale-shaped filmy fines from easily settling out. In the case of a metallic pigment using the scale-shaped filmy fines, the scale-shaped filmy fines are dispersed in the ink. As a result, nozzle clogging can be prevented, and the obtained print can achieve abundant metallic luster. The scale-shaped filmy fines dispersion contains, in a solvent, scale-shaped filmy fines obtained by finely grinding a simple metal, an alloy, or a metal compound. The scale-shaped filmy fines have a mean length of 0.5 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less, a maximum length of 10 μm or less, a mean thickness of 5 nm or more and 100 nm or less, and an aspect ratio of 20 or more.
US09039824B2 Thermal ink jet ink composition
An inkjet ink includes an organic solvent, a resin, a surfactant, and a colorant. The ink has a decap time of at least about 1 minute.
US09039822B2 Ceramic inks for inkjet printers
Ceramic inkjet inks comprising ceramic inorganic pigments having average particle size between 0.1 and 0.8 μm, an organic medium and a dispersant, the dispersant being the reaction product of a polyethyleneimine with a homo- or co-polyester based on lactic acid, and method for decorating green or fired ceramic bodies by the use of the above ceramic inkjet inks.
US09039821B2 Methods and compositions for coating aluminum substrates
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for coating aluminum substrates. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of applying a coating on an aluminum substrate including contacting the aluminum substrate with a first solution. The first solution can include a zinc metal salt, a sugar acid or alkali metal salt thereof, and an alkali metal hydroxide. The method can also include contacting the aluminum substrate with a second solution. The second solution can include a molybdate salt, an alkanolamine, and a fluorine acid. Other embodiments are also included herein.
US09039819B2 Compacted air flow rapid fluid evaporation system
A total water desalination system is disclosed that includes a centrifugal separator, a feed-water device controlled by a relative humidity sensor, an air pump, an evaporator core, an air dryer, a non-particulate coalescent air filter, and an air flow/brine gravity separating tank. The evaporator core typically contains multiple conical processing chambers and introduces a physical dynamic that increases the surface area of the water, using low-level thermal energy to vaporize micron-size water particles into a gaseous state, suitable for reconstitution into desalinated (or lower salt content) water. The evaporator core operation principles are based on creating a highly dynamic environment that separates impurities from sea, brackish, river, or turbid water; evaporating the water into a residual clean vapor, and returning the vapor to water composition with high efficiency.
US09039818B2 Method for processing air
A method and apparatus for processing air. The apparatus comprises an air separation module, a first input, a first output, a second output, and a flow control system. The air separation module is configured to generate an inert gas. The first input for the air separation module is configured to receive first air. The first output for the air separation module is configured to output the inert gas from the air separation module. The second output for the air separation module is configured to output separated air from the air separation module. The flow control system is configured to control a flow of air in the air separation module that increases a rate at which the air separation module reaches a desired operating temperature for generating the inert gas using a number of ports in the flow control module.
US09039816B2 Dynamic control of desiccant concentrations in a water recovery device
A system and method to recover water from an ambient airstream. Dehumidification of the airstream is also achieved by removal of the water. A device of the system includes a chamber having a group of trays that hold respective amounts of liquid desiccant in each tray, the concentration of the liquid desiccant may be dynamically changed based on changes within the system. A foam media absorbs the desiccant to increase an exposed surface of the desiccant to the airstream. Fans and valves are used to control airflow through the device. A charge cycle circulates air through the device to remove water vapor from the airstream. A subsequent extraction cycle removes water collected in the liquid desiccant by a condenser communicating with the chamber. A controller is used to integrate and manage all system functions and input variables to achieve a high efficiency of operational energy use for water collection.
US09039814B2 System and method for welding a plurality of small diameter palladium alloy tubes to a common base plate in a space efficient manner
The tube assemblies are joined together into a matrix by a plate. The plate has a first surface, an opposite second surface and a plurality of holes. Each hole has a countersunk region that descends into the plate from the first surface. Tube assemblies are provided. Each tube assembly has a first end, an opposite second end, and a flare structure. The flare structure is sized to be fully received within the countersunk region. The tube assemblies extend through the holes in the plate. The flare structure of each tube assembly is welded to the plate within the countersunk region of each hole through which each tube assembly passes.
US09039812B2 Exhaust substance removal
In one implementation, a substance removal apparatus may include a collection unit and a removal unit. The collection unit may have a structure forming a channel and an inlet to receive an exhaust from a print system. The removal unit may separate a substance from the exhaust and transfer heat from the exhaust to the print system. The removal unit may include a heat exchanger and an impaction mechanism.
US09039809B2 System and method for reducing mineral buildup on drift eliminators of a cooling tower
A method directed to reducing mineral buildup on drift eliminators of a cooling tower by allowing irrigation of the drift eliminators of the cooling tower with fluid in the basin of the cooling tower to reduce mineral buildup.
US09039803B2 Lignin-based multipurpose fertilizers
Methods for converting waste streams from the wood pulping industry to high-value fertilizers are described. For example, isolated lignin and lignosulphonate or waste streams containing lignin and lignosulphonate can be converted to methylol derivatives and treated with further reagents to produce controlled release fertilizers, hydrogel fertilizers, and soil stabilizers.
US09039801B2 Filter holding frame with filter gasket
In one embodiment, a filter holding frame assembly includes a frame having a plurality of walls forming a quadrilateral ring and a gasket. The frame has a plurality of flanges, and each flange is coupled to a respective one of the walls and extends into the ring. The gasket has a connection portion coupled to a sealing portion. The connection portion has a substantially u-shaped cross-section coupled to the flange. The sealing portion has a flexible sealing element that extends away from the connection portion. In another embodiment, a gasket includes a connection portion coupled to a sealing portion. The connection portion has a substantially u-shaped cross-section configured to receive a filter holding frame and includes a bottom. The sealing portion comprises a first flexible sealing element that extends outwards from the connection portion. The bottom of the connection portion does not extend to the end of the sealing portion.
US09039798B2 Super-hard construction and method for making same
A method for making a super-hard construction comprising a first structure comprising a first material joined to a second structure comprising a second material, in which the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and Young's moduli of the materials of each material are substantially different from each other. The method includes forming an assembly comprising the first material, the second material and a binder material arranged to be capable of bonding the first and second materials together, the binder material comprising metal; subjecting the assembly to a sufficiently high temperature for the binder material to be in the liquid state and to a first pressure at which the super-hard material is thermodynamically stable; reducing the pressure to a second pressure at which the super-hard material is thermodynamically stable, the temperature being maintained sufficiently high to maintain the binder material in the liquid state; reducing the temperature to solidify the binder material; and reducing the pressure and the temperature to an ambient condition to provide the super-hard construction.
US09039790B2 Hydroprocessing of fats, oils, and waxes to produce low carbon footprint distillate fuels
Methods for making a fuel composition comprising contacting one or more components of a hydroprocessing feedstock, for example both a fatty acid- or triglyceride-containing component and a paraffin-rich component, with hydrogen under catalytic hydroprocessing conditions are disclosed. The methods are effective to upgrade the component(s) and provide a hydroprocessed biofuel. A representative method utilizes a single-stage process in which hydrogen-containing recycle gas is circulated through both a hydrodeoxygenation zone and a hydrocracking zone in series.
US09039789B2 Method for manufacturing lithium secondary battery, method for manufacturing stacked battery, and method for manufacturing composite body
The whole of a conductive material layer is formed on a bonding surface of an outer film having flexibility and barrier properties to prepare a composite body in which the conductive material layer is integrated with the outer film. A current collector is located within an application region, and at least a part of an electrode terminal is located outside the application region. A positive electrode active material precursor layer, an electrolyte precursor layer, and a negative electrode active material precursor layer are added to the composite body with plane positions thereof aligned with that of the current collector. These precursor layers are subjected to a crosslinking process. The application regions are applied, and the outer films are bonded, to seal a cell. The crosslinking process may be omitted.
US09039783B2 Method for the improvement of mesh implant biocompatibility
The present invention provides a method of fixating a mesh implant to a tissue of a subject comprising attaching said mesh implant to said tissue, covering said mesh implant by an antiadhesive barrier, wherein said antiadhesive barrier is attached to said mesh implant by a biocompatible adhesive.
US09039782B2 Production of tissue engineered digits and limbs
The invention pertains to methods of producing artificial composite tissue constructs that permit coordinated motion. Biocompatable structural matrices having sufficient rigidity to provide structural support for cartilage-forming cells and bone-forming cells are used. Biocompatable flexible matrices seeded with muscle cells are joined to the structural matrices to produce artificial composite tissue constructs that are capable of coordinated motion.
US09039779B2 Adjustable lateral articulating condyle
An elbow prosthesis is provided and may include a first stem component attached to one of a humerus and an ulna, a second stem component attached to the other of the humerus and the ulna, and a joint disposed between and coupling the first stem component and the second stem component to permit relative movement between the first stem component and the second stem component about a first axis. The elbow prosthesis may additionally include a condyle extending from the joint and including an axis of rotation that is eccentric from the first axis.
US09039777B2 Modular junction seal of an orthopedic implant
A method of forming an orthopedic implant, the method comprising the steps of providing a first implant component and a second implant component, the first implant component having a stem and a second implant component including a head defining a female taper sized to receive the stem; coupling the stem to the female taper of the head; forming a modular injunction between the stem and head; applying a seal to the modular injunction to limit bodily fluid from contacting the modular injunction; and forming the orthopedic implant.
US09039776B2 Intervertebral-disc prosthesis
The intervertebral disc prosthesis comprises first and second plates (3, 4) designed to be attached on one of the two vertebrae adjacent to the intervertebral disc to be replaced, and a compression pad arranged between the first and second plates. Each plate comprises first attaching means including two attaching portions (14a, 14b) positioned symmetrically on either side of the anteroposterior median plane of said plate, second attaching means including two attaching portions (15a, 15b) positioned symmetrically on either side of a first plane inclined by an angle comprised between 50° and 70° relative to the anteroposterior median plane of said plate, and third attaching means opposite the second attaching means relative to the anteroposterior median plane and including two attaching portions (16a, 16b) positioned symmetrically on either side of a second plane inclined by an angle of approximately 90°, relative to the anteroposterior median plane of said plate.
US09039772B2 Image-based patient-specific medical spinal surgery method and spinal prosthesis
The present invention relates to an image-based, patient-specific medical spinal surgery technique and to a spinal prosthesis used in the surgery, and particularly, to an image-based, patient-specific medical spinal surgery technique and to a spinal prosthesis which are intended to solve a problem of damage to a spine caused by installing a spinal prosthesis used in spinal surgery, by introducing an image of a patient to manufacture an insertable spinal prosthesis that is customized for a shape of a spine of an individual patient in a polymer-based material.
US09039769B2 Intervertebral nucleus and annulus implants and method of use thereof
The invention encompasses devices and methods for treating one or more damaged, diseased, or traumatized intervertebral discs to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. Specifically, the invention encompasses intervertebral nucleus and annulus implants that are resistant to migration in and/or expulsion from an intervertebral disc space. The invention further encompasses kits including the implantable devices of the invention and associated delivery tools to treat annular and nuclear tissue.
US09039767B2 Method and inserter for interbody fusion
An elongate inserter has a distal end releasably connected to an expandable interbody fusion device and a proximal end including a trigger actuator. The interbody fusion device comprises a superior endplate and an inferior endplate that are movable in an expansion direction relative to each other in the intradiscal space. The inserter includes a lifting platform and an elevator that define cooperatively engaging ramps and ramps surfaces that upon operation of the trigger actuator cause the superior and inferior endplates to move relatively away from each other. A driver is supported by the inserter for pushing an insert into the expanded device between the superior and inferior endplates.
US09039766B1 Wave spring for a spinal implant
A spinal implant includes a wave spring configured to surround a nucleus. The spring may be formed from a shape memory material. The implant may further include an artificial nucleus configured to simulate a disc nucleus.
US09039761B2 Ocular implant delivery assemblies with distal caps
Ocular implant delivery assemblies are provided which include a cannula having a lumen extending therethrough, a proximal end, a proximal end opening, a distal end, a distal end opening, and a lumen extending through the cannula. A cap is provided having a closed distal end, being in contact with the outer wall of the cannula, and covering the distal end and the distal end opening of the cannula, the cap being structured to allow the distal end and the distal end opening of the cannula to pass through the cap as the cannula is passed into an eye. An ocular implant is located in the lumen. The implant may be sealed in the cannula without the addition of a liquid carrier or it may be contained in a liquid carrier medium in the cannula. The implant may be made up of a number of microparticles having different compositions or different forms. The assembly also includes a sleeve located on the proximal end of the cannula and suitable for coupling the assembly to a syringe containing a pushing gel.
US09039759B2 Repositioning of prosthetic heart valve and deployment
A collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a stent and a valve assembly. The stent has an annulus section with a relatively small cross-section, and an aortic section with a relatively large cross-section. The valve assembly, including a cuff and a plurality of leaflets, is secured to the stent in the annulus section such that the valve assembly can be entirely deployed in the native valve annulus and function as intended while at least a portion of the aortic section is held by the delivery device in a manner that allows for resheathing. The configuration of the prosthetic valve is such that the valve leaflets can fully coapt and the valve can function properly even when the stent and/or valve assembly become distorted upon deployment or use.
US09039756B2 Repositionable endoluminal support structure and its applications
An endoluminal support structure includes strut members interconnected by pivot joints to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve within a body lumen.
US09039755B2 Helical hybrid stent
An expandable helical stent with a securement is provided. The stent is formed from flat or tubular metal in a helical coiled structure which has an undulating pattern. The main stent component may be formed of a single helically coiled component. Alternatively, a plurality of helically coiled ribbons may be used to form a stent heterogeneous in design, material, or other characteristi. The helical tubular structure may be secured with a securement, such as a weld, interlock or a polymer, to maintain the helical coils in a tubular configuration. The helical coils of the main stent component may be spaced apart or nestled to each other. The nestling of the undulation of adjacent helical coils contributes to maintaining the tubular shape of the helically coiled stent. In addition, the nestling of helical coils may prevent the polymer layer from sagging at any point between cycles of the helical coils.
US09039751B2 Endoprosthesis delivery system
Endoprothesis delivery systems and methods for making an using the same. An example medical endoprosthesis delivery system may include an inner member. An outer member may at least partially surround the inner member. The inner member and the outer member may be configured so that an implantable medical endoprosthesis can be disposed therebetween. A coupling device may be coupled to a portion of the outer member so that, when there is substantially no slack in the coupling device, as the coupling device moves in a proximal direction the portion of the outer member moves in the proximal direction. An adjustable stop may be coupled to the coupling device so that, when there is slack in the coupling device, as the adjustable stop is moved in the proximal direction, the amount of slack in the coupling device can be reduced.
US09039746B2 Solid state light emitting devices including adjustable melatonin suppression effects
Solid state light emitting devices include multiple LED components providing adjustable melatonin suppression effects. Multiple LED components may be operated simultaneously according to different operating modes according to which their combined output provides the same or similar chromaticity, but provides melatonin suppressing effects that differ by at least a predetermined threshold amount between the different operating modes. Switching between operating modes may be triggered by user input elements, timers/clocks, or sensors (e.g., photosensors). Chromaticity of combined output of multiple LED components may also be adjusted, together with providing adjustable melatonin suppression effects at each selected combined output chromaticity.
US09039739B2 Suture anchor
A suture anchor comprising a one piece blank folded to form a body. The body has a floor, a first sidewall extending from one end of the floor and a second sidewall extending from an opposite end of the floor. A recess is defined by the floor, first sidewall and second sidewall. A crossbar extends inwardly from the second sidewall across the recess such that a free end of the crossbar is normally disposed distally of a transverse edge of the body. The crossbar is flexible such that when a distally directed force is applied, the free end of the crossbar is positionable in the recess. The free end of the crossbar is engageable with the transverse edge to limit the proximal motion of the crossbar from a proximally directed force.
US09039735B2 Apparatus and methods for sealing a vascular puncture
Apparatus for sealing a puncture communicating with a blood vessel includes a porous carrier formed from lyophilized hydrogel or other material. The plug may include at least first and second hydrogel precursors and a pH adjusting agent carried by the porous carrier in an unreactive state prior to exposure to an aqueous physiological environment. Once exposed to bodily fluids, the carrier expands as the lyophilized material hydrates to enhance and facilitate rapid hemostasis of the puncture. When the plug is placed into the puncture, the natural wetting of the plug by bodily fluids (e.g., blood) causes the first and second precursors to react and cross-link into an adhesive or “sticky” hydrogel that aids in retaining the plug in place within the puncture.
US09039734B2 Implantable biodegradable wound closure device
A biodegradable device for maintaining the alignment of the edges of a trocar defect, consisting of two bases joined by a connector, a first base to be positioned below the defect and a second base above. The first base has a threaded hole from its upper surface but not through the lower surface. The connector attached to the bases such that there is a hole aligned with the threaded hole in the first base allowing a device to mate with the threads in the first base. The second base has a hole aligned with the hole in the connector and wide enough to allow a device to mate with the threads in the first base. The device is arranged so the distance between the lower surface of the second base and upper surface of the first base holds but does not compress the fascia around the trocar defect.
US09039733B2 Shape memory polymer foams for endovascular therapies
A system for occluding a physical anomaly. One embodiment comprises a shape memory material body wherein the shape memory material body fits within the physical anomaly occluding the physical anomaly. The shape memory material body has a primary shape for occluding the physical anomaly and a secondary shape for being positioned in the physical anomaly.
US09039727B2 Temporary vascular filter
The present invention provides a method of deploying a medical filter within a channel in a patient's body and filter systems which can be used in such a method. Such a filter may include a radially expandable body 52 having an opening 56 in a proximal length thereof. In one method, the filter is urged along a length of the channel with the filter body in a radially reduced configuration. This body is expanded to substantially fill the lumen of the vessel and orient the opening in the body proximally. Body fluid is permitted to enter the filter body through the proximally oriented opening and pass distally through the distal length of the body so that the distal length of the body filters from the body fluid particulate material entrained therein. The proximal length of the body can be drawn into the retrieval catheter, thereby effectively closing the proximally oriented opening within the catheter to retain the particulate material within the enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the filter body 52 is formed of a porous, resilient fabric having pores therein and the proximal opening 56 is at least five times the size of such pores.
US09039725B1 Systems and methods for treating pulmonary hypertension
A system for treating heart disease, such as pulmonary hypertension or right heart failure, including an implantable component and external components for monitoring the implantable component is provided. The implantable component may include a compliant member, e.g., balloon, coupled to a reservoir via a conduit. Preferably, the compliant member is adapted to be implanted in a pulmonary artery and the reservoir is adapted to be implanted subcutaneously. The external components may include a clinical controller component, monitoring software configured to run a clinician's computer, a patient monitoring device, and a mobile application configured to run on a patient's mobile device.
US09039723B2 Surgical puncture access
A surgical device mitigates over-puncture with a bias spring that biases a leading, cutting edge in the opposite direction of the anticipated over-puncture. An associated locking mechanism is configured to release the force of the bias spring in a direction counter to the direction of insertion when the tension force of tissue against the cutting edge is released. Thus, when an opening in the tissue forms, the tension is released and the cutting edge can move opposite to the direction of insertion of the surgical device at the same time that an applied force drives the instrument in the direction of insertion. In this manner, the spring and locking mechanism cooperate to move the cutting edge opposite to the direction of insertion as soon as an incision is made.
US09039717B2 Tissue management apparatus for vascular access
Tissue management methods can include inserting a clamping device into a vessel and clamping a vessel wall via the clamping device. Tissue can be dilated about the clamping device and an anastomotic device provided to the vessel.
US09039715B2 Apparatus for entrapping and extracting objects from body cavities
A retrieval apparatus for entrapping and retaining an object located in a body for its extraction therefrom is described. The retrieval apparatus includes a snare and a snare control assembly. The snare has a proximal section and a distal section, and comprises a plurality of filaments extending from a proximal end of the proximal section towards the distal section, and then returning to the proximal end to form a plurality of loops. In the deployed state, the loops are interlaced to each other within the proximal section and are free and not interleaved within the distal section. Segments of the filaments of the distal section are bent with respect to segments of the filaments of the proximal section such that the retrieval snare in the contracted, state forms a hollow cavity extending from die distal section towards the proximal section.
US09039714B2 Device to assist delivery of fetal head at cesarean section
In various cases, an obstetrical device is provided for assisting a cesarean section delivery of a neonate having a fetal presenting part well seated within the mother's pelvis. Generally, the device comprises a tubular tail having an internal lumen and a hollow head extending from a distal end of the tail and having an internal chamber fluidly connected to the lumen. The head includes at least one aperture extending through an exterior wall. The device is operable to position the head near or in contact with the fetal presenting part to provide air into an area near and/or between contact surfaces of the fetal presenting part and a vagina and/or a cervix of the mother. Providing the air will reduce or release a suction formed between the contact surfaces such that the well seated fetal presenting part can be easily separated from the vagina and/or the cervix.
US09039713B2 Releasably attached snare loop retrieval device and method of using the same
A retrieval device with releasably attached loops is disclosed. Attachment portions on one or both ends of the shaft of the snare device may allow one or more loops to be coupled or de-coupled from the shaft. The retrieval device may further comprise a delivery conduit configured to receive both a snare shaft and a guidewire in one or more lumens.
US09039712B2 Shape modification system for a cooling chamber of a medical device
The present invention provides a medical device having an catheter body defining proximal and distal portions, and a guidewire lumen at least partially disposed within and movable within the catheter body. The medical device may include an expandable element defining a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is coupled to the distal portion of the catheter body and the distal end is coupled to the guidewire lumen. In addition, an actuator element may be coupled to the guidewire lumen for longitudinal movement thereof, and a tensioning element may further be coupled to the guidewire lumen to bias the guidewire lumen and/or the expandable element towards a particular geometric configuration.
US09039710B2 Prosthetic inserter
A prosthetic inserter includes an inserter head having at least first and second bosses, at least one of the bosses movable from a first position to a second position, that couple the inserter to a femoral provisional component via a pair of corresponding apertures, such as drill holes, within the articulating surfaces of a selected one of a series of femoral provisional components. Each provisional component of the series is capable of having different aperture distances measured between a respective pair of apertures. The bosses of the inserter are biased into an engagement position in which the inserter can be secured to a femoral provisional component to eliminate the need for an external engagement force to be supplied to the inserter.
US09039705B2 Medical treatment apparatus and control method of medical treatment device
A medical treatment device to treat body tissues for conjugation, includes at least a pair of holding members configured to hold the body tissues, an energy output portion provided in at least one of the holding members and connected to an energy source to form a joined portion by supplying energy to the body tissues held by the pair of holding members and joining the body tissues, and a conjugation coating portion to a region from a neighborhood of a joined portion to coat joined surfaces with a substance capable of preventing fluid from invading during or after the body tissues being joined by adding the energy to the body tissues.
US09039700B2 Irrigated ablation catheter with contact force sensing mechanism
A catheter is configured to indicate contact force between the catheter and tissue. The catheter includes an elongate deformable shaft having proximal and distal ends. The catheter includes an inner tip member projecting outwardly from the distal end, the inner tip member defining a fluid delivery lumen extending therethrough, and an outer tip member coupled to the distal end and disposed about the inner tip member. The inner and outer tip members define a gap therebetween in fluid communication within the fluid delivery lumen and the tip members are configured such that the size of the gap varies in response to contact of the outer tip member with the tissue. The catheter further includes first and second fluid sensing tubes defining ports upstream and downstream from the gap; wherein a difference in fluid pressure between the ports is indicative a contact force between the catheter and the external surface.
US09039698B2 Radio frequency ablation system with tracking sensor
An RF ablation system has a hollow conductive coaxial cable comprising inner and outer coaxial tubular conductors, and an ablating member mounted at the distal end portion of the cable for delivery of radio frequency energy including microwaves to the target body tissue. The inner conductor has a central lumen and extends at least up to the ablating member. At least one electromagnetic tracking sensor coil with a magnetic core is located in the central lumen at the distal end portion of the cable, close to the distal tip of the cable, and connected to a signal processing unit. An electromagnetic field generator positioned in the vicinity of a patient undergoing treatment generates an electromagnetic field which induces a voltage in the sensor coil. The signal processing unit uses the induced voltage to calculate the position and orientation of the distal end portion or tip of the catheter in a patient's body.
US09039693B2 Handheld medical devices including microwave amplifier unit at device handle
A system includes a microwave signal generator and a medical device. The medical device includes a handle assembly, a microwave-signal-amplifying module, and a probe. The microwave-signal-amplifying module includes a microwave amplifier unit. The microwave amplifier unit is adapted to amplify a high-frequency input signal to generate a high-frequency output signal. The microwave amplifier unit is disposed within the handle assembly. The probe extends distally from the distal end of the handle assembly and is operably coupled to an output of the microwave-signal-amplifying module.
US09039686B2 Steerable laser probe
A steerable laser probe may include a handle, and inner bore of the handle, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed within the inner bore of the handle and the housing tube. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. A surgeon may aim the steerable laser probe by varying a rotational position of the handle and an amount of compression of the actuation structure.
US09039685B2 Robotic surgery system including position sensors using fiber bragg gratings
A surgical instrument is provided, including: at least one articulatable arm having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one joint region disposed between the distal and proximal ends; an optical fiber bend sensor provided in the at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm; a detection system coupled to the optical fiber bend sensor, said detection system comprising a light source and a light detector for detecting light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor to determine a position of at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm based on the detected light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor; and a control system comprising a servo controller for effectuating movement of the arm.
US09039684B2 Power regulated medical underskin irradiation treatment system for manual movement
A system and method for controllably releasing radiation in percutaneous radiation treatment is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a laser is coupled to an optical fiber that is inserted below the skin or into a vascular lumen to a predetermined point. The fiber is connected to a source of electromagnetic radiation such as a laser, non-coherent radiation source, high power laser diode, LED, and an ultrasonic source. Radiation is then delivered to the treatment site while the fiber is simultaneously drawn out to the entry point. The fiber is manually withdrawn and during this time the radiation is administered in a manner appropriate for the vein being treating in regards to power or energy level. To maintain a constant proper energy density, the speed of withdrawal is measured and sent to a controlling mechanism. The controlling mechanism modifies the power emitted, pulse length or pulse rate to ensure that the vein or tissue receives a consistent dose of energy during manual withdrawal. In one preferred embodiment, an imaging device provides the controlling device with position and time information so that speed information from fiber or catheter surface textural properties or based on one or more bar code like markings. In another preferred embodiment, additional information is collected, such as vein diameter prior to treatment, position of the distal end of the fiber, and/or impact measurements such as vibration or temperature during treatment, and the controlling mechanism adjusts output power or pulse rate in response to measurements to maintain a desired power density at all position during the manual withdrawal.
US09039681B2 Minimally invasive surgical training using robotics and telecollaboration
A medical system that allows a mentor to teach a pupil how to use a robotically controlled medical instrument. The system may include a first handle that can be controlled by a mentor to move the medical instrument. The system may further have a second handle that can be moved by a pupil to control the same instrument. Deviations between movement of the handles by the mentor and the pupil can be provided as force feedback to the pupil and mentor handles. The force feedback pushes the pupil's hand to correspond with the mentor's handle movement. The force feedback will also push the mentor's hand to provide information to the mentor on pupil's movements. The mentor is thus able to guide the pupil's hands through force feedback of the pupil handles to teach the pupil how to use the system.
US09039677B2 Apparatus for treating obesity by extracting food
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for treating obesity. A tube is positioned that passes through a patient's abdominal wall into the upper digestive system of the patient. The patient is allowed to carry out his/her everyday affairs including ingesting food. After the patient has ingested food, the food is extracted by pumping it out of the upper digestive system through the tube. The present invention is less invasive than current surgical procedures for reducing weight and allows patients to live a normal and active lifestyle without experiencing adverse side effects.
US09039674B2 Treating bacteria with electric fields
Cells that are in the process division are vulnerable to damage by AC electric fields that have specific frequency and field strength characteristics. The selective destruction of rapidly dividing cells can therefore be accomplished by imposing an AC electric field in a target region for extended periods of time at particular frequencies with particular filed strengths. Some of the cells that divide while the field is applied will be damaged, but the cells that do not divide will not be harmed. This selectively damages rapidly dividing cells like bacteria, but does not harm normal cells that are not dividing. Since the vulnerability of the dividing cells is strongly related to the alignment between the long axis of the dividing cells and the lines of force of the electric field, improved results can be obtained when the field is sequentially imposed in different directions.
US09039671B2 Absorbent pad and absorbent article
An absorbent pad and an absorbent article configured that engagement members are arranged at both corners of a ventral-side portion and a back-side portion on an outer sheet of the absorbent pad; a waist band including a belt-shaped body with hook materials and engagement portions attached to both end portions thereof, first and second ventral-side engagement portions across which the engagement members at the ventral-side portion of the absorbent pad are engaged, and first and second back-side engagement portions across which the engagement members at the back-side portion of the absorbent pad are engaged; and hook materials capable of engaging with the engagement members of the absorbent pad are attached to internal surfaces of the first and second ventral-side engagement portions and the first and second back-side engagement portions.
US09039670B2 Refastenable training pant with offset and thin seam
An absorbent article including a chassis having a front waist portion and a back waist portion, front side panels having an inside surface and an outside surface, back side panels having an inside surface and an outside surface, and seams adapted to attach the front side panels to the back side panels in an overlapped configuration offset toward the front waist portion, the seams made up of one or more fastening components attached to the outside surface of each of the back side panels.
US09039669B1 Disposable pull-on garment
An absorbent article having a longitudinal centerline, a front region, a crotch region, and a back region. The absorbent article has a main portion, a side portion, and a waist portion. The waist portion has a belt portion that has a front belt portion having elastomeric material and a back belt portion having elastomeric material. The front belt portion has a first elastic section and a second elastic section, each section having force zones. The back belt portion has a third elastic section and a fourth elastic section, each section having force zones. The force zones in the portions alternate between a high force zone and a low force zone in at least one belt portion.
US09039667B1 Hemostatic device and method
A method of arresting blood flow from a bleeding wound including the steps of (1) providing a solid hemostatic tablet preferably including potassium ferrate and a cation ion exchange resin pressure formed into a tablet for delivery onto a bleeding wound, the tablet defining a proximal portion and a distal portion, (2) applying the proximal portion against the bleeding wound to improve the rate of adhesion to a bleeding wound surface, and then (3) applying pressure against the tablet over the wound site. After the seal is formed from the interaction of blood or exudates with the proximal portion of the tablet, the distal portion of the tablet delaminates from the proximal portion to form a reservoir to stop further bleeding and to provide antimicrobial protection and healing. The tablet may be applied to any surface orientation and take any shape and thickness possible.
US09039665B2 Filament-based catheter
A membrane-free perfusion catheter comprising an exchange surface having a filament structure, a delivery unit for delivery of perfusion fluid to a lumen of the filament structure in a manner to allow for an exchange of substances between a medium surrounding the lumen and the perfusion fluid via the filament structure, and a drain unit for draining the medium surrounding the exchange surface and/or for draining the perfusion fluid delivered to the lumen of the filament structure after the exchange of substances between the medium surrounding the lumen and the perfusion fluid via the filament structure.
US09039658B2 Medical catheter assembly including a balloon bolster
A medical catheter assembly including either a reinforced balloon bolster or the combination of a balloon bolster and a wire-basket bolster. According to one embodiment, the medical catheter assembly is a low-profile replacement PEG device comprising a feeding tube, an external bolster, an end cap and an internal bolster. The internal bolster comprises a first expandable structure and a second expandable structure. In one embodiment, the first expandable structure is a balloon and the second expandable structure comprises reinforcing members. In another embodiment, the first expandable structure is a balloon and the second expandable structure is a wire basket bolster. The feeding tube has a feeding lumen and an inflation lumen, extending parallel longitudinally. The external bolster is fixed to the external end of the feeding tube and has a feeding lumen aligned with that of the tube and an inflation lumen aligned with that of the tube.
US09039656B2 Medication safety enhancement for secondary infusion
A system and method determine when fluid is not flowing properly from a secondary infusion source during a secondary infusion. The system includes an upstream pressure sensor and a processor programmed to receive signals from the sensor and analyze the signals to determine if secondary fluid flow is proper. The processor samples the output signals from the upstream pressure sensor and analyzes the sampled signals to determine if a pressure rise in the infusion line has occurred when the secondary infusion is initiated. If a pressure rise, indicating that fluid from the secondary container has begun flowing into the infusion line, has not been detected, the processor is programmed to provide a signal indicating that attention should be given to the infusion set up.
US09039655B2 Medication injection site and data collection system
A medication delivery apparatus for use with a medication container includes a housing, a fluid conduit at least partially extending within the housing and configured to deliver medication within the medication container to a patient, a medication port extending from the housing and configured to be coupled to a fluid outlet of the medication container, the medication port being fluidically coupled to the fluid conduit, and at least one sensor disposed within the housing to generate information characterizing administration of the medication for processing by a remote data collection system. The housing can have a size and shape that enables it to be supported by a first hand of a user while the user administers the medication from the medication container via the medication port using a second hand of the user. Related apparatus, systems, and techniques are also described.
US09039654B2 Medicine delivery device having detachable pressure sensing unit
A fluid medicament delivery device includes a patient attachment unit and a separate indicator unit. The patient attachment unit includes a housing and a fluid channel located therein, wherein at least a portion of the fluid channel includes a flexible member substantially coterminous with the housing. The separate indicator unit is adapted to be detachably coupled to the housing of the patient attachment unit and includes a first sensing element for contacting the flexible member when the indicator unit is coupled to the housing to sense a flexure of the flexible member.
US09039653B2 Retention systems and methods
A system for retaining a fluid delivery device, the fluid delivery device may include a reservoir and a plunger arm operatively connected to a plunger head arranged for movement within the reservoir, the plunger arm having an arm portion operatively engageable with a drive member configured to move the plunger arm and the plunger head when the plunger arm and the plunger head are connected to the drive member. The system may include a rigid member arranged for movement and a bias member configured to urge the rigid member toward the plunger arm to force the plunger arm against the drive member to operatively engage the plunger arm to the drive member.
US09039652B2 Apparatus and methods for treating intracorporeal fluid accumulation
A fluid management system for the treatment of ascites, pleural effusion or pericardial effusion is provided including an implantable device including a pump, control circuitry, battery and transceiver; a charging and communication system configured to periodically charge the battery and communicate with the implantable device to retrieve performance data; and monitoring and control software, suitable for use with conventional personal computers, for configuring and controlling operation of the implantable device and charging and communication system. The implantable device includes a number of features that provide automated movement of fluid to the bladder with reduced risk of clogging, with no patient involvement other than occasional recharging of the battery of the implantable device. The monitoring and control software is available only to the treating physician, such that the physician interacts with the implantable device via the charging and communication system.
US09039648B2 Dialysis system with enhanced features
A dialysis system includes a dialysis fluid cassette-based membrane blood pump; a dialyzer in fluid communication with the blood pump: first and second dialysis fluid cassette-based balance chambers each having (i) a fresh dialysis fluid compartment in fluid communication with the dialyzer and (ii) a spent dialysis fluid compartment; a dialysis fluid cassette-based fresh dialysis fluid membrane pump in fluid communication with the fresh dialysis fluid compartments of the first and second balance chambers; a dialysis fluid cassette-based spent dialysis fluid membrane pump in fluid communication with the dialyzer and the spent dialysis fluid compartments of the first and second balance chambers; and arterial and venous lines in fluid communication with the dialyzer for patient connection, the arterial and venous lines each including a contact used for electrically detecting a patient access disconnection.
US09039647B2 Regional citrate anticoagulation
A system or method automates and optimizes citrate anticoagulant supplementation in a blood filtration circuit during CRRT. A processor-based control system interfaces with a blood filtration circuit to detect patient blood flow into the circuit, detect fluid loss through a hemofilter, and sense vital electrolyte concentrations in the blood flow, and in response, control the addition of citrate, substitution fluid, and electrolyte supplements to ensure stability of plasma concentrations in post-dilution flow returned to the patient. The controller executes the method embodied as process control algorithms for calculating an optimal citrate flow rate as a function of selected, detected, and calculated system parameters. Citrate may be added to the circuit separately, or as part of a substitution solution or a dialysate.
US09039645B2 Orthopedic device providing access to wound site
Orthopedic device for treating neuropathic ulcers and other injuries while allowing easy access to the wound site on the plantar surface of a patient's foot includes a base portion and a sole that is either movably connected or removably connected to either the base or to a strut member. The base or strut is maintained in position on the lower leg while the sole may be rotated, slid, or completely removed for allowing inspection and access to the plantar surface of the patient's foot.
US09039638B2 Test unit for carrying out a one-time testing of a body fluid
A test unit for carrying out blood analysis includes a lancing element that can be pricked into a body part which has a capillary channel for transporting the body fluid that leads from a lancing member to a target site. A pretensioned distal sterile cover and a liquid permeable proximal sterile cover are proposed for the lancing element that is advantageously formed as a deep-drawn component.
US09039637B2 Flexible cytology coil
A medical device for collecting cells includes a delivery tube having a flexible wire disposed within a lumen of the tube. The flexible wire includes a rigid proximal portion and a flexible distal portion. The flexible distal portion includes a cell collecting portion that can be advanced out of the needle and into a body cavity. The flexible nature of the wire will allow it to generally fill the body cavity to increase the contacted surface area and the amount of cells that are collected. The wire can then be retracted back into the needle for removal from the patient's body.
US09039635B2 Surgical biopsy system with remote control for selecting an operational mode
A surgical biopsy system is provided for removing at least one tissue sample from a surgical patient. The surgical biopsy system comprises an elongated, hollow piercer and a cutter rotatably and axially positionable relative to the piercer. The piercer has a lateral port for receiving the tissue sample into the piercer. The surgical biopsy system further comprises a power transmission source operatively connected to the cutter for rotating and translating the cutter, a control unit, and a display mounted in a display frame for showing an operator a plurality of operational modes of the surgical biopsy system. The surgical biopsy system further comprises at least one control button operatively connected to the control unit by a circuit and remotely located from the control unit. The operator may actuate the control button(s) to select any one of the operational modes and the selected operational mode is visually identifiable on the display.
US09039634B2 Biopsy device tissue sample holder rotation control
A biopsy device includes a cutter defining a cutter lumen and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. In one example, the tissue sample holder includes a rotatable manifold, and has a plurality of chambers that are each configured to separately hold tissue samples. A tissue sample holder rotation mechanism is operable to rotate the manifold to successively index each of the chambers with the cutter lumen. A sensing system is configured to sense the rotational position of the manifold. A controller in communication with both the sensing system and the rotation mechanism is operable to control the rotation mechanism based at least in part on the position of the manifold as sensed by the sensing system. The sensing system may include a sensor in a fixed position and a rotating encoder wheel on a shaft that is used to rotate the manifold.
US09039632B2 Quantitative, non-invasive, clinical diagnosis of traumatic brain injury using VOG device for neurologic optokinetic testing
A portable VOG device is disclosed that will facilitate the effective and efficient screening for TBI in military personnel in forward deployed military settings or remote locations using minimally trained staff. This includes the establishment of a protocol including optokinetic testing that will provide cost effective pre-screening of military personnel prior to deployment to establish a baseline of brain function prior to possible future injury. The efficiency of the device will promote subsequent follow-up screening to assess the effectiveness of prescribed TBI treatment. Further protocols for diagnosis and rehabilitation applications using the same device will allow more advanced usage for clinicians providing ongoing evaluation and treatment.
US09039630B2 Method of detecting a sacral nerve
A method of detecting the presence of a sacral nerve in a human subject includes providing an electrical stimulus within an intracorporeal treatment area of the human subject; detecting a physical response of at least one of an external sphincter of the bladder and an external sphincter of the anus; and providing an indication to a user if the detected physical response corresponds to the provided electrical stimulus.
US09039629B2 Carbon dioxide monitoring system
A CO2 monitoring system (20) is described which is operable to monitor the CO2 content of respiratory gases during intubation, CPR, or ventilation treatment of a patient. The patient's respiratory gases are sensed for CO2 content (17) and characteristics of a CO2 waveform are detected (30), such as waveform baseline, waveform amplitude, waveform frequency, waveform slope, waveform rhythm, and waveform corners. One or more of the waveform characteristics are analyzed in consideration of the type of respiration treatment being performed to identify an abnormal respiratory condition. These abnormal conditions may include the intubation tube located in the esophagus, ineffective CPR, or an airway obstruction, for example. When an abnormal condition is identified (34) a visual or audible alarm (40) is issued to alert a caregiver to tend to the patient.
US09039626B2 Medical device with means to improve transmission of torque along a rotational drive shaft
The present invention provides minimally invasive imaging probe/medical device having a frictional element integrated therewith for reducing non-uniform rotational distortion near the distal end of a medical device, such as an imaging probe which undergoes rotational movement during scanning of surrounding tissue in bodily lumens and cavities.
US09039625B2 Head unit, ultrasonic probe, electronic instrument, and diagnostic device
A head unit for an ultrasonic probe includes a connecting section, an element chip and a storing section. The connecting section is configured to electrically connect the head unit to a probe main body of the ultrasonic probe. The element chip includes an ultrasonic element array having a substrate defining a plurality of openings arranged in an array pattern and a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements with each of the ultrasonic transducer elements being provided in each of the openings. The element chip is configured to be electrically connected to a processing device of the probe main body through the connecting section. The storing section is configured to store operation setting information of the processing device to be output to the processing device through the connecting section.
US09039623B2 Compound scanning head for an ultrasonic scanning apparatus
In one embodiment, the invention is directed to an ultrasound transducer whose holding device moves along a guide track while the transducer on the end of the holding device oscillates about a known position during ultrasound transmission and receiving. In this embodiment, most refractive eye components including zonules and their connection points can be imaged.
US09039621B2 Non-invasive ultrasonic gingival tissue diagnosis
Disclosed are various embodiments for echoperiodontal imaging. In one embodiment, a system includes a transducer configured to transmit a series of ultrasonic signals at a plurality of corresponding locations along soft tissue of a jaw and receive a plurality of echo signals; and an imaging system controller configured to obtain a plurality of echo signal data of the soft tissue and a plurality of transducer positions, where each echo signal data corresponds to one of the plurality of transducer position.
US09039619B2 Methods for treating skin laxity
A method and system for ultrasound treatment of skin laxity are provided. Methods and systems can include ultrasound imaging of the region of interest for localization of the treatment area, delivering ultrasound energy at a depth and pattern to achieve the desired therapeutic effects, and/or monitoring the treatment area to assess the results and/or provide feedback. The exemplary treatment method and system can be configured for producing arrays of sub-millimeter and larger zones of thermal ablation to treat the epidermal, superficial dermal, mid-dermal and deep dermal components of tissue.
US09039615B2 Method and apparatus for directed device placement in the cerebral ventricles or other intracranial targets
Apparatus for directed cranial access to a site includes a guidepiece and a receptacle. The receptacle includes lower and upper parts. The guidepiece includes a body having a bore defining an alignment axis. The guidepiece is dimensioned to fit rotatably within the receptacle. The bore is dimensioned to accept an imaging device, and an adaptor is provided, dimensioned to accept a device to be placed at the site. The imaging device is inserted into the bore and the guidepiece is swiveled until the image shows that the axis is aligned along an optimal trajectory to the site, the guidepiece is locked, and the imaging device is withdrawn. Then the adaptor is inserted into the bore, and the device is inserted through the adaptor along the established trajectory to the site. After placement of the device, the adaptor, guidepiece, and receptacle are removed while the device is held in place.
US09039614B2 Methods, systems and devices for measuring fingertip heart rate
A system and method of tracking activity includes a motion sensor, a light source and a light detector. The light detector is configured to capture an amount of the light that is reflected back to the light detector, at least a first portion of the light reflected back to the light detector is reflected from a blood vessel disposed under a skin of a user when the user places the skin over the heart rate monitor location on the housing. A processor is in communication with the motion sensor and the light detector and can process the reflected light to identify heart beats of the user and produce an indication of a heart rate. The indication of the heart rate can be displayed on the display screen as an option, in addition to the metrics that quantify the motion data.
US09039608B2 Method and system for automatically maintaining an operator selected roll orientation at a distal tip of a robotic endoscope
In a robotic endoscope system, the orientation of a captured camera view at a distal tip of a robotic endoscope and displayed on a screen viewable by an operator of the endoscope is automatically maintained at a roll orientation associated with a setpoint so as not to disorient the operator as the endoscope is moved, flexed and its tip turned in different orientations. A processor generates a current commanded state of the tip from operator input and modifies it to maintain the setpoint roll orientation. To generate the modified current commanded state, the current commanded roll position and velocity are constrained to be a modified current commanded roll position and velocity that have been modified according to a roll angular adjustment indicated by a prior process period commanded state of the tip and the setpoint. The processor then commands the robotic endoscope to be driven to the modified commanded state.
US09039606B2 Encapsulated medical device guidance system, and a method of controlling the same
An encapsulated medical device guidance system, and a method of controlling the system, in which a magnetic generator acts on a magnet built into a capsulated medical device, and generates a magnetic field for controlling the position and/or posture of the capsulated medical device, and a control unit has a dynamic torque estimation unit to estimate a dynamic torque to be applied to the encapsulated medical device in a target posture, controls a magnetic field generated from the magnetic field generator so that a magnetic torque generated by the magnetic field generator becomes proportional to a dynamic torque estimated by the dynamic torque estimation unit, and controls the posture of a capsule endoscope by considering gravity applied to the capsule endoscope itself.
US09039605B2 Endoscope
To provide excellent illumination over entire range from near view to distant view to achieve clear observation over entire range from near view to distant view.Provided is an endoscope including an imaging optical system 3 provided in insertion portion at a distal end thereof and for observing an object to be observed, and a plurality of illumination optical systems 2a, 2b provided in the insertion portion 1 and for distributing the illuminating light emitted from a light source to the object to be observed, the illumination optical systems being directed in the same direction each other to illuminate the same field of view, wherein at least one of the plurality of illumination optical systems is a first illumination optical system 2a having a convex lens, and at least one of the others is a second illumination optical system 2b having a concave lens.
US09039604B2 Endoscope system and method of controlling endoscope system
An endoscope system including an endoscope insertion part to be inserted into a body cavity via a trocar stabbed in a body wall, the endoscope system comprising: a detecting device detecting whether a tip of the endoscope insertion part has been drawn inside the trocar; and a trocar cleaning device cleaning the inside of the trocar by supplying a predetermined fluid into the trocar when it is detected by the detecting device that the tip of the endoscope insertion part has been drawn inside the trocar.
US09039596B2 Sling assemblies for treating urinary incontinence and methods related thereto
A surgical fastener for use in surgical procedures comprises a first member, a second member, and an anchor. Surgical materials may be secured within the surgical fastener. Methods of securing the surgical fastener to an anatomical structure are disclosed herein.
US09039593B2 Systems and methods for delivering radiation therapy
Described here are conformable brachytherapy applicators. The conformable brachytherapy applicators generally follow the contour of tissue surfaces so that distances between radiation sources and target tissues can be precisely determined and radiation dose clouds can be readily shaped. Systems and methods for using the conformable brachytherapy applicators are also described.
US09039592B2 Radiopharmaceutical delivery device
A device for delivery of a radiopharmaceutical and, in some embodiments, delivery of a pharmaceutical agent are provided herein. A fluid path set comprising a confluence valve, a four-way valve, and one or more tubing sections which are designed to place some combination of a radiopharmaceutical source, a medical fluid source, and a pharmaceutical agent source in sterile fluid communication with a patient or a waste receptacle. Also provided are holders for the fluid path set, and a sterile fluid delivery kit comprising the holder and fluid path set. A fluid delivery system may accept the holder with the fluid path set installed and various sources of radiopharmaceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and medical fluids. The fluid delivery system allows for automated mixing and delivery of exact amounts of these agents to a patient while improving efficiency and safety, and reducing waste.
US09039590B2 Internally reinforced header bag
Systems, devices, and methods are described for providing a bag having an internally reinforced header. A reinforcing material is combined with a bag material to provide strength to the reinforced header. The reinforcing material and the bag material are aligned during manufacturing such that the reinforcing material is positioned in a header area of a bag formed by folding the bag material. A seal that passes through both the reinforcing material and the bag material retains the reinforcing material within the bag header. A bag handle may then be punched into the header through the bag material and the reinforcing material.
US09039587B2 Multitasking machine tool
In a multitasking machine tool, a first tool post including a tool spindle configured to allow a tool to be detachably attached thereto is configured to be slidable in predetermined directions, while a second tool post is configured to allow a tool to be detachably attached thereto. A tool-change part includes at least one gripper configured to hold a tool to be attached to the second tool post. An automatic tool changer is configured to detachably attach the tool-change part (as well as to change the tool installed) to the tool spindle of the first tool post positioned in a first tool-change region. Change of the tool attached to the second tool post is carried out by a motion (sliding and/or rotation of the tool spindle) of the first tool post (with the tool-change part attached to the tool spindle thereof) located in a second tool-change region.
US09039580B1 Manual treadmill and methods of operating the same
A manually operated treadmill is provided. The treadmill includes a treadmill frame, a front shaft rotatably coupled to the treadmill frame, a rear shaft rotatably coupled to the treadmill frame, a running belt including a contoured running surface upon which a user of the treadmill may run, wherein the running belt is disposed about the front and rear shafts such that force generated by the user causes rotation of the front shaft and the rear shaft and also causes the running belt to rotate about the front shaft and the rear shaft without the rotation of the running belt being generated by a motor, and a one-way bearing assembly configured to prevent rotation of the running surface of the running belt in one direction.
US09039578B2 Exercise device with latching mechanism
An exercise device includes a first frame, a second frame that is pivotally connected to the first frame and movable relative to the first frame between a storage position and an operating position, and a latching mechanism that selectively holds the second frame in the storage position. The latching mechanism includes a seat having a seat engagement surface, a seat engagement member selectively positioned on the seat engagement surface to hold the second frame in the storage position, and a lever that selectively rotates the seat engagement member off of the seat to allow the second frame to move from the storage position to the operating position.
US09039577B2 Elliptical trainer
An elliptical treadmill has a main framework, guiding wheel set, rocker bar, upper connecting rod, pedal assembly and a crank set. Of which, the crank sets are fitted with first and second swinging arms arranged in pair at interval. The top of the first and second swinging arms is fixed by two pin joint members separately onto preset spaced locations of the upper connecting rod. The bottom of said first swinging arm is pivoted on the front side of the pedal linked to the lower connecting rod, while the bottom of said second swinging arm is pivoted on the rear side of the pedal. When the upper connecting rod shifts circumferentially along the rotary guiding wheel, the first and second swinging arms could swing by taking the pin joint member as a rotary pivot, increasing the swinging range and the step pitch during rotary shift of the pedal assembly.
US09039575B2 Sports training ladder
A sports training agility ladder is usable in a flat ladder position with the ladder rungs on or close to the ground. The ladder may also be moved into and used in a hurdle position where a bridge or center section of each rung is raised up off of the ground. The ladder accordingly provides advantages of an agility ladder and of hurdles. Each rung may have permanently attached left and right tubes forming a frame. Left and right elastic cords may extend through the left and right tubes. The ladder is consequently easily and compactly folded up for storage and transport, and quickly and easily unfolded for use in either the ladder position or the hurdle position.
US09039574B2 Exercise ring
A flexible ring is disclosed comprising one or more coiled springs and/or polymeric ring(s). In some embodiments, the coiled spring envelopes one or more inner coiled springs. In other embodiments, one or more handles circumscribe a portion of the outer coiled spring. Various embodiments of the present invention substitute flexible polymeric members for the coiled spring. In other embodiments, a disc is substituted for the polymeric ring(s).
US09039571B2 Method and system for engine control
Methods and systems are provided for controlling an engine system with a variable cam timing device. In one example, the variable cam timing device is operated to adjust engine valve timing differently at engine stop based on whether the engine stop is in response to an operator request or in response to an automatic controller initiated engine stop without an operator request.
US09039568B2 Methods and systems for extending regenerative braking
Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an electrical load may be automatically activated to consume electrical energy produced during driveline braking so that driveline braking may be extended. The electrical load may be a windscreen heater or other device.
US09039565B2 Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
US09039561B2 Multi-ratio transmission
A multi-stage transmission with eight forward and one reverse gear, including drive and output shafts, planetary gearsets, gear stage, shift elements and shafts. The drive shaft couples the carrier of gearset (P1) and can couple shaft (5) via clutch (15). Shaft (5) couples the ring and sun gears of respective gearsets (P2, P3). The ring gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (6), which couples the sun gear of gearset (P2). Shaft (3) couples the sun gear of gearset (P1) and the ring gear of gearset (P3) and can couple the housing via brake (03). The carrier of gearset (P2) couples shaft (4), which can couple the output shaft via gear stage (S1) and clutch (24). The carrier of gearset (P3) couples shaft (7), which can couple the output shaft via gear stage (S2) and clutch (27), and clutch (46, 56, 45) engages to block gearset (P2).
US09039557B2 Powered dispensing tool
A powered dispensing tool includes a housing, a motor at least partially positioned within the housing, a rack operably coupled to the motor for powered translation, and a transmission selectively operably coupling the motor and the rack. The transmission includes an output shaft rotatable in response to rotation of the motor, and an output member drivably coupled to the rack and supported on the output shaft for relative rotation therewith. The transmission also includes a clutch member coupled for co-rotation with the output shaft and movable along the output shaft between a first position, in which the clutch member is engaged with the output member for transferring torque from the output shaft to the output member, and a second position, in which the clutch member is disengaged from the output member to inhibit torque transfer between the output shaft and the output member.
US09039556B2 Transmission-integrated electromechanical device
A transmission assembly for use in a motor vehicle is provided. The transmission assembly has a case for housing components of the transmission and an electromechanical device operable to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. The electromechanical device is disposed within the transmission case. The case may have a main housing portion and a bell housing portion, with the electromechanical device housed in the main housing portion, in some variations. A transmission shaft may be rotatably supported within the case and configured to be connected to an engine of the motor vehicle. A connecting device may continuously interconnect the electromechanical device with the transmission shaft.
US09039554B2 Power transmission belt
A power transmission belt comprising cord, elastomeric undercord, at least one pair of opposing v-shaped pulley contact surfaces, and having discontinuous fiber embedded in the undercord, some of which protrude from a contact surface. The fiber comprises deformable polymer, such as nylon, and the fiber protrusions are substantially erect with respect to the surface and substantially straight or slightly bowed, especially near the free end, and the fiber protrusions are deformed from an original cross-sectional shape, which may be substantially round or oval or the like, to an elongated, oval, oblong, kidney, or flattened circle shape. The protruding fiber length is at least two fiber diameters.
US09039552B2 Secondary assembly drive of an internal combustion engine and method for operating same
A secondary assembly drive of an internal combustion engine and a method for operating same are provided. The secondary assembly drive includes, in two drive planes, an assembly drive (2) and a starter drive (12) and permits, in addition to a normal operating mode, the following operating modes: —starting of the internal combustion engine, —boosting of the internal combustion engine, —air-conditioning, and —deactivation of the assembly drive (2).
US09039550B1 Arrow vane
Each vane for an arrow is both tapered or rounded at the leading edge, and shaped to provide better adherence to the arrow. With the injection molding of each vane, a proper, rounded, smooth shape is achieved. When combined with a bottom surface of the vane having indentations therein, good adherence of the vane to the shaft of the arrow is achieved.
US09039544B2 Golf ball and golf ball manufacturing method
When manufacturing golf balls having a structural component which is a molded and vulcanized material obtained by vulcanizing a rubber composition containing, as the essential ingredients, a base rubber and an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, the distinguishability of structural components such as cores can be enhanced by including also a soluble pigment within, and thereby coloring, the rubber composition. Moreover, vulcanized rubber powder obtained by rendering processing scrap and waste from such cores into powder can be easily decolorized by liquid washing to remove the pigment, thus enabling advantageous use of the vulcanized rubber powder as a compounding ingredient in the manufacture of other golf ball cores without affecting the color tone of the manufactured balls.
US09039543B2 Golf club head
A head 1 is provided with a head body h1 and an adherend s1. The adherend s1 has a cast resin 53 formed by casting, a metal part 51, and a vibration absorber 55. The cast resin 53 has a formed surface formed by the metal part 51. The cast resin 53 further may have a formed surface formed by the vibration absorber 55. A base material of the cast resin 53 is an epoxy resin, for example. The cast resin 53 may have a cutting surface PL1. The cutting surface PL1 may be a joint surface of the adherend to the head body h1. Preferably, a loss tangent tan δ of the vibration absorber 55 is 0.07 or greater and 0.25 or less.
US09039542B2 Wood-type golf club
Provided is a golf club having a head disposed at a front end of a shaft and a grip disposed at a back end of the shaft. A club weight is not larger than 290 g. A product of a ratio (head weight/club weight) of a head weight to the club weight, and a ratio (LG/LS) of a distance LG from the front end of the shaft to a center of gravity of the shaft to a full length LS of the shaft, is not smaller than 0.365.
US09039537B2 Light gun and method for determining shot position
In a method for determining a shot position of a light gun on a display screen, a current image is captured by an image capturing device of the light gun. The method detects a screen area in the current image, calculates coordinates of an aimed point of the light gun on the display screen when the screen area has been detected, and transmits the coordinates of the aimed point of the light gun to a host computer so that a shot result of the light gun is displayed on the display screen by the host computer according to the coordinates of the aimed point of the light gun on the display screen.
US09039531B2 Rumble motor movement detection
A control device comprises an electric motor and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the electric motor and selectively change a state of the control device responsive to the signal.
US09039525B2 Game providing device, game providing method and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing game program
The present invention provides a game providing device that generates image information including a plurality of objects that are capable of being selected by the player; sets a processing method of each of the objects; receives a selection of an object or a plurality of objects from among the objects; and performs the processing method set for the selected object.
US09039523B2 Avatar as security measure for mobile device use with electronic gaming machine
A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system is configured to establish a secure communication session between an electronic gaming machine and a portable electronic device. The system can confirm that a communication session is secure by displaying pre-selected content unique to the portable electronic device. The content can be continuously displayed on the EGM during the active communication session to indicate that the session is secure.
US09039520B2 Payout systems and methods
Various embodiments of payout systems and methods are disclosed. One embodiment, among others, comprises providing a defined payout amount and a party adjustable payout volatility for a video gaming device, and responsive to party input, modifying the payout volatility while maintaining the defined payout amount.
US09039519B2 Electronic gaming device with auto-play functionality
Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more auto-play game functionality. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the one or more auto-play game functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the one or more auto-play game functionality.
US09039518B2 Single sign-on for wager gaming players over a wide-area network
When the player identifies herself to a gaming machine at a casino, for example by inserting a player tracking card into the card reader, she is, at generally the same time, logging onto a game provider's backend system (the game provider being different from the casino operator). This concurrent sign-on to the game provider's system is done in a non-intrusive, transparent, and passive manner. The player is not distracted from the normal steps leading to game play on the machine until she is ready to redeem points with the game provider or for some reason additional authentication is needed from the player. By virtue of this single sign-on to the game provider network, in addition to continuing game play across different casinos, the player can publish events to the Internet, such as on social networking sites, take advantage of offers targeted specifically for her, or facilitate responsible gaming programs.
US09039514B2 Regulated games: multi-act games
Creative multi-act games for the younger generation of casino players accustomed to creative simulation games such as “The Sims®” and familiar TV characters such as the cast of “Friends”. Stories unfold through acts that have been staged by the player by selecting and placing acting objects. A palette of betting opportunities may be provided in each act in accordance with the staged act to allow the player(s) to place bets. A typical storyboard may include three acts: (a) a construction act, (b) a testing act and (c) a destruction or resolution act. The unfolding of acts may be non-linear and several players may participate simultaneously, sharing the opportunity to affect a storyboard's direction through decision-making.
US09039512B2 Gaming system and method for providing a game which populates symbols along a path
In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to a game including a path of different symbol display positions. The gaming system generates one or more symbols (and/or one or more awards) at one or more of the symbol display positions of a matrix or grid. The gaming system then randomly forms a path including a plurality of the symbol display positions and determines an award for the player based on which symbol display positions are included in the formed path.
US09039511B2 Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing group event with individual group event eligibility timers
A gaming system and method which provides a community group event to a plurality of players at a plurality of the gaming devices in the gaming system. Each gaming device participating in the group event is associated with an individual group event eligibility timer. Such individual group event eligibility timers regularly decrement based on time and may increment based on one or more aspects of the player's gaming experience, such as wagers placed. If the individual group event eligibility timer associated with a gaming device participating in the group event lapses before the conclusion of a group event timer or mode, that gaming device is eliminated from the group event. Upon the conclusion of the group event, a group event award is shared amongst the players at the remaining or non-eliminated gaming devices (i.e., the gaming devices associated with individual group event eligibility timers with any amount of remaining time).
US09039510B2 Game system, and jackpot drawing apparatus and game apparatus constituting the same
In a game system or a drawing machine for a jackpot game, a drawing unit of the drawing machine for a jackpot game performs jackpot drawing in a manner that a player who plays a particular game apparatus among a plurality of game apparatuses is not determined as a winning player of a jackpot award, when a sum of an apparatus-specific jackpot balance amount indicated by game apparatus's own apparatus-specific jackpot balance amount data stored in an apparatus-specific jackpot balance amount storage unit and an apparatus-specific maximum loss amount indicated by a game apparatus's own apparatus-specific maximum loss amount data stored in the apparatus-specific maximum loss amount storage unit, is equal to or more than a payout amount indicated by payout amount data stored in a payout amount storage unit.
US09039508B1 Multi-mode multi-jurisdiction skill wagering interleaved game
Methods and apparatus for a gaming system are provided. The gaming system enables a player to engage in various types of gaming depending on the jurisdiction in which the player is located. For example, depending on the jurisdiction of a player's device, the gaming system may allow the player to wager using real world currency, or virtual currency. If the player's device is located in a jurisdiction that allows gambling using real world currency, the gaming system may allow the player to place wagers using real world currency. Alternatively, if the player's device is located in a jurisdiction that does not allow gambling using real world currency, the gaming system may limit the player to placing wagers using virtual currency.
US09039507B2 Integrating social communities and wagering games
A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some examples, the operations include detecting a side wager placed by a social network user accounts connected to a communal wagering game, detecting that a jurisdictional rule prohibits a characteristic of the side wager, and altering the characteristic of the side wager to comport with the jurisdictional rule. In some examples, the operations can further include determining a request by a first of the social network user accounts to transact an exchange of one or more non-cash items associated with the communal wagering game with a second of the social network user accounts, and transacting the exchange.
US09039504B2 Games having biotechnological content
Systems and methods for use in playing biotic games having a biologically active material as a component. Various games that provide for one or more human players to interact with biologically active materials are disclosed. The game apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge having a chamber in which a biologically active component such as a single-celled organism or a biologically active compound is contained. A stimulus controller accepts instructions from a human user and provides a stimulus to the biologically active component. A response receiver accepts a signal indicative of a response of the biologically active component. A display is provided to display to the user information indicative of the response of the biologically active component, and a game score. A computer-based game controller includes a set of pre-defined rules of play that define a game and that comprise pre-defined rules of scoring for the game.
US09039503B2 Longitudinally split fabric air duct
An air duct assembly includes upper and lower pliable sheets that can be assembled in a sequence that makes the assembly easier to install and later easier to remove for periodic cleaning. To install the assembly, the upper sheet can be installed first by inserting the edges of the upper sheet within a pair of tracks and then fastening the upper sheet to a vertical supply air duct. An optional airflow modifier (e.g., filter, airflow turning vane, or noise attenuator) can be install where the supply air duct connects to the upper sheet. Once the upper sheet is suspended from the tracks and fastened to the main supply air duct, the lower sheet can be installed separately. Pliable end panels and pliable fasteners (e.g., zipper or VELCRO fastener) can make most of the air duct assembly machine washable. The upper and lower sheets can have different degrees of air permeability.
US09039500B2 Air passage device
An air passage device for installation into a mounting opening (50) in a wall (51) for components generating waste heat, such as a switch box, includes a base housing (21; 221) with a fan support (25) and a design cover (80; 280), wherein the design cover (80; 280) has on an air inlet side a covering device (100) constructed as a fan grid (10; 210) with sheet elements (90, 90′; 290, 290′). At least one swivellable sheet element (90) or at least one flexible, tongue-shaped side wall section (235), separated from the remaining side wall surface by slits (332, 333) running transversely to the longitudinal direction of the side wall, is formed in the region of the upper side wall of the design cover (80; 280) facing away from the swivel axis (26; 226) for swivelling the design cover (80; 280), wherein the sheet element (90) and the tongue-shaped side wall section (235) are formed between the design cover (80; 280) and the base housing (21; 221) as a detachable and lockable detent connection (40; 240), that can be operated by a finger.
US09039496B2 Grinding disk
A grinding disk in particular for rotary fine machining of surfaces has a support plate and a drive connector connecting the grinding disk to a rotary drive machine. The drive connector is provided at a top side of the support plate. An elastically deformable cushion is disposed at a bottom side of the support plate. The cushion is covered with a working medium or with an adhesive coating for detachable attachment of a working medium disk. A cover is disposed on the support plate so as to define an axial intermediate spacing, wherein the cover is embodied as a mechanically loadable structural part and is connected fixedly at least to an outer rim of the support plate. Primarily radially extending ribs are disposed between the support plate and the cover and connected at least at some locations with the support plate and the cover.
US09039490B2 Method of shaping an edge of an aerofoil
An apparatus for shaping an edge of an aerofoil, the apparatus having first and second brushes and each brush having a plurality of bristles. A first motor rotates the first brush about a first axis and a second motor rotates the second brush about a second axis. The axes are arranged substantially parallel to the bristles of the respective brush. A support structure holds the first brush such that the first axis intersects a first surface of the edge of the aerofoil and holds the second brush such that the second axis intersects a second surface of the edge of the aerofoil. There are means to produce relative movement the first and second brushes and the aerofoil such that the first and second brushes move longitudinally along the edge of the aerofoil to shape the edge of the aerofoil.
US09039488B2 Pin driven flexible chamber abrading workholder
Flat-surfaced workpieces such as semiconductor wafers or sapphire disks are attached to a rotatable floating workpiece holder carrier that is supported by a pressurized-air flexible elastomer sealed air-chamber device and is rotationally driven by a lug-pin device. The rotating wafer carrier rotor is restrained by a set of idlers that are attached to a stationary housing to provide rigid support against abrading forces. The abrading system can be operated at the very high abrading speeds used in high speed flat lapping with raised-island abrasive disks. The range of abrading pressures is large and the device can provide a wide range of torque to rotate the workholder. Vacuum can also be applied to the elastomer chamber to quickly move the wafer away from the abrading surface. Internal constraints limit the axial, lateral and circumferential motion of the workholder. Wafers can be quickly attached to the workpiece carrier with vacuum.
US09039486B2 Texturing of a storage cell for reduced friction retention of a data storage cartridge
Described are embodiments of an invention for a method and a tool to produce a textured surface on the retention tab of a storage cell. The tool has a form that fits within the storage cell. The form has a hard material with a hard surface with contacts a surface of the retention tab within the storage cell. The movement of the hard surface across the surface of the retention tab produces a textured surface on the retention tab. The textured interface between a notch of a data storage cartridge and a retention tab of a storage cell provides a consistent and low friction force that retains the data storage cartridge within the cell but allows the accessor to easily remove the data storage cartridge when needed.
US09039480B2 Action figures with slide devices and methods of use
In some embodiments, a kit includes a slide device and an action figure coupled to the slide device. The kit also includes a tool configured to modify a shape of a base material such that a path that has a non-zero height is defined within the base material. The action figure and the slide device can collectively slide down at least a portion of the path when disposed on the path. The base material can be, for example, snow or sand. In some embodiments, the tool can include tool body having a length dimension, a width dimension and a height dimension. The length dimension can be greater than the width dimension and the height dimension can be greater than at least half a height dimension of the slide device and the action figure collectively. A handle can be coupled to the tool body.
US09039476B2 Method of manufacturing flexible display device
A method of manufacturing a flexible display device includes: forming a soft substrate on a carrier substrate; forming a thin film layer comprising a display region on the soft substrate; removing a thin film layer excess portion of the thin film layer beyond an edge of the soft substrate; and separating the soft substrate and the carrier substrate.
US09039475B2 Manufacturing method of light emitting devices
A manufacturing method of light emitting devices, comprises a substrate-forming step of forming a planar-shaped substrate, a frame-forming step of forming a closed frame on the substrate, an element-mounting step of mounting multiple light emitting elements in an inside of the frame, a sealing step of injecting a liquid material that is to be a sealing member to the inside of the frame so as to seal the multiple light emitting elements, and a dividing step of dividing the multiple light emitting elements together with the substrate and the sealing member so as to obtain multiple light emitting devices with the sealing member exposed from a side surface thereof.
US09039474B2 Magnetically adjusting color-converting materials within a matrix and associated devices, systems, and methods
Magnetically adjusting color-converting particles within a matrix and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. A magnetic-adjustment process can include applying a magnetic field to a mixture including a non-solid matrix and a plurality of color-converting particles (e.g. magnetically anisotropic color-converting particles). The magnetic field can cause the plurality of color-converting particles to move into a generally non-random alignment (e.g., a generally non-random magnetic alignment and/or a generally non-random shape alignment) within the non-solid matrix. The non-solid matrix then can be solidified to form a solid matrix. A magnetic-adjustment process can be performed in conjunction with testing and/or product binning of solid-state radiation transducer devices. For example, a position, direction, strength, or duration of a magnetic field used to perform a magnetic-adjustment process can be controlled according to optical output collected from a solid-state radiation transducer device. Measuring the optical output and performing the magnetic-adjustment process can be at least partially concurrent.
US09039467B2 Electrical crimp contact device
The invention relates to an electrical contact device and, in particular, a crimp contact device for a cable. The crimp contact device includes a cable conductor connection region and a cable insulation crimp region. The cable insulation crimp region includes a fixing device disposed along an inner surface thereof.