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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Pennsylvania (June 6)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Pennsylvania. *** Cook Medical Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 5 -- Cook Medical Technologies, Bloomington, Ind., has been assigned a patent (7,951,065) developed by Rodney W. Bosley Jr., Chester Springs, Pa., and Marvin O. Andrews, Bloomington, Ind., for a "tension free pelvic floor repair." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A kit and method for supporting a pelvic floor of a person with stress urinary incontinence or other symptoms. The method involves using barbed sutures as part of a sling for supporting the pelvic floor or urethra of a person experiencing stress urinary incontinence or other symptoms. A surgeon implants the sling along with the barbed sutures, using one of several known methods. The barbed sutures may be interwoven with the sling and the supports for the sling, so that once the sling and its supports are placed into the patient, barbs of the sutures will resist movement. The sutures may also be woven into the supports to resist movement." The patent application was filed on June 18, 2007 (11/820,093). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,51,065&OS=79,51,065&RS=79,51,065 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Tyco Healthcare Group Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 5 -- Tyco Healthcare Group, New Haven, Conn., has been assigned a patent (7,951,071) developed by Michael P. Whitman, New Hope, Pa., John E. Burbank, Ridgefield, Conn., and David A. Zeichner, Oxford, Conn., for a "moisture-detecting shaft for use with an electro-mechanical surgical device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a moisture sensor disposed within the outer sheath configured to detect moisture within the outer sheath. Another flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one flexible drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a coupling connected to a distal end of the outer sheath configured to couple to a surgical attachment. A sleeve includes an elongated shaft configured to receive a flexible shaft therein and a securing arrangement configured to selectively and variably retain the elongated shaft in any one of a number of longitudinal positions along the flexible shaft. A surgical system includes an electro-mechanical driver, an elongated, flexible sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the flexible sheath, a surgical attachment coupled to the at least one drive shaft, the electro-mechanical driver configured to drive the surgical attachment, a shape-retaining sleeve, at least a portion of the flexible sleeve being disposed in the shape-retaining sleeve, the shape-retaining sleeve configured to maintain the at least portion of the flexible sheath in a predetermined shape, and an arrangement variably securing the shape-retaining member to the flexible sheath in any one of a number of longitudinal positions along the flexible sheath." The patent application was filed on March 15, 2002 (10/099,634). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,51,071&OS=79,51,071&RS=79,51,071 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** ArthroCare Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 5 -- ArthroCare, Austin, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,951,141) developed by four co-inventors for "systems and methods for electrosurgical intervertebral disc replacement." The co-inventors are Lewis Sharps, Bryn Mawr, Pa., David C. Hovda, Mountain View, Calif., Brian E. Martini, Menlo Park, Calif., and Maria B. Ellsberry, Fremont, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid or saline-rich tissue to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for contracting a portion of the nucleus pulposus of a vertebral disc by applying a high frequency voltage between an active electrode and a return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, where contraction of the portion of nucleus pulposus inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure." The patent application was filed on Aug. 9, 2010 (12/852,974). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,951,141.PN.&OS=PN/7,951,141&RS=PN/7,951,141 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Hyperion Catalysis International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Hyperion Catalysis International, Cambridge, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,951,351) developed by Jun Ma, Lexington, Mass., and Howard Tennent, Kennett Square, Pa., for a "method for preparing uniform single walled carbon nanotubes." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods of preparing single walled carbon nanotubes from a metal catalyst having deposited thereon fullerenes are provided. Fullerenes are deposited onto a metal catalyst precursor or metal catalyst. In the presence of a carbon containing gas, the metal catalyst precursor/fullerene composition is then exposed to conditions suitable for reducing the metal catalyst precursor, for subliming the fullerene and for growing single walled carbon nanotubes. The fullerenes form the end caps for the resulting single walled carbon nanotubes, which are uniform in diameter." The patent application was filed on March 29, 2007 (11/693,261). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,951,351.PN.&OS=PN/7,951,351&RS=PN/7,951,351 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- ExxonMobil Research & Engineering, Annandale, N.J., has been assigned a patent (7,951,340) developed by four co-inventors for a "mitigation of refinery process unit fouling using high-solvency-dispersive-power (HSDP) resid fractions." The co-inventors are Glen B. Brons, Phillipsburg, Chris A. Wright, Vienna, Va., George A. Lutz, Brick, N.J., and Mark A. Greaney, Upper Black Eddy, Pa. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Atmospheric and/or vacuum resid fractions of a high solvency dispersive power (HSDP) crude oil are added to a blend of crude oil to prevent fouling of crude oil refinery equipment and to perform on-line cleaning of fouled refinery equipment. The HSDP resid fractions dissolve asphaltene precipitates and maintain suspension of inorganic particulates before coking affects heat exchange surfaces." The patent application was filed on Oct. 12, 2010 (12/902,324). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,951,340.PN.&OS=PN/7,951,340&RS=PN/7,951,340 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** E.I. du Pont de Nemours Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- E.I. du Pont de Nemours, Wilmington, Del., has been assigned a patent (7,951,311) developed by Paul Douglas Vernooy, Hockessin, Del., Alfred T. Walker, Oxford, Pa., and Kenneth Warren Hang, Hillsborough, N.C., for a non-lead resistor composition. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A non-lead composition for use as a thick-film resistor paste in electronic applications. The composition comprises particles of Li.sub.2RuO.sub.3 of diameter between 0.5 and 5 microns and a lead-free frit. The particles have had the lithium at or near primarily the surface of the particle at least partially exchanged for atoms of other metals." The patent application was filed on Oct. 23, 2009 (12/604,468). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,951,311.PN.&OS=PN/7,951,311&RS=PN/7,951,311 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Boehringer Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Boehringer Technologies, Phoenixville, Pa., has been assigned a patent (7,951,124) developed by four co-inventors for a "growth stimulating wound dressing with improved contact surfaces." The co-inventors are John R. Boehringer, Wynnewood, Pa., John Karpowicz, Chester Springs, Pa., Amitabha Mitra, Voorhees, N.J., and Christopher L. Radl, Malvern, Pa. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A wound contact device comprising a permeable material and a wound contact layer having voids extending through the contact layer to a depth in the permeable material. The wound contact layer can comprise a thin sheet or film forming a generally flat and smooth wound contact surface having essentially no discontinuities or gaps. The wound contact layer can comprise a thin sheet of highly calendered fabric forming a wound contact surface having a mean surface roughness in the range of about 0 microns to about 200 microns. In progressive wound healing, an embodiment of the wound contact device having the fabric contact surface is used in earlier healing stages and an embodiment of the wound contact device with film contact surface is used in later healing stages. The wound contact device is particularly useful in wound dressings for use in suction-assisted wound therapy." The patent application was filed on July 6, 2007 (11/825,397). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,951,124.PN.&OS=PN/7,951,124&RS=PN/7,951,124 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Siemens Energy Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Siemens Energy, Orlando, Fla., has been assigned a patent (7,951,500) developed by Stephen E. Veyo, Murrysville, Pa., and Raymond A. George, Pittsburgh, for an "anode gas stack start-up heater and purge gas generator." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In one embodiment the present invention provides for an anode side gas flow heater for a fuel cell generator that comprises a recirculating anode gas flow 28, at least one burner 24, and an energy source 22. The energy source heats the burner, the anode gas flow passes over the at least one burner and is heated, and the heated anode gas flow is then passed through the anode side of the fuel cell generator 4, where the fuel cell generator is heated." The patent application was filed on May 25, 2006 (11/440,819). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,951,500&OS=7,951,500&RS=7,951,500 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** SpineCore Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- SpineCore, Summit, N.J., has been assigned a patent (7,951,202) developed by James D. Ralph, Seaside Park, N.J., and Thomas N. Troxell, Pottstown, Pa., for "spacer device and insertion instrument for use in anterior cervical fixation surgery." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An intervertebral spacer has curvate upper and lower rough surfaces that stimulate bone growth and is formed from a porous material that facilitates bone growth thereinto. The spacer has a plurality of smooth linear grooves to facilitate insertion of the spacer into an intervertebral space using a spacer insertion tool that has a scissor-style body. Each of the insertion tool's arm's heads has an inner surface having a pair of smoothed linear protrusions that fit within the linear grooves of the spacer when the heads are closed about the spacer. When the spacer is held, spaces are present between the spacer's rough surfaces and the heads' inner surfaces so that when the protrusions are longitudinally slid from the grooves to leave the spacer in the intervertebral spacer, the rough surfaces are not disturbed." The patent application was filed on Dec. 17, 2008 (12/316,891). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7951202.PN.&OS=PN/7951202&RS=PN/7951202 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Pennsylvania Inventor Develops Patent for Method and Apparatus for Closing an Open End of a Product, and Product Formed thereby ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Peter Danko, York, Pa., has developed a patent (7,951,252) for a "method and apparatus for closing an open end of a product, and product formed thereby." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method/apparatus closes and finishes an open end of a product that can be fused together with heat. The apparatus includes a bending stage, a fusing stage, and a pressing/cooling stage, which all can be integrally formed, with the bending stage positioned upstream of the fusing stage, and the pressing/cooling stage positioned downstream of the fusing stage. The apparatus can further include a trimming stage positioned upstream of the bending stage for preparing the ends of a panel. The product has a pair of spaced layers with edges that form an open end. Either one or both of the layers can be heated and rolled toward the other layer while being heated so that they contact and fuse together. The layers can overlap and fuse at their contact surfaces, or the edges can abut to form a butt joint, or the edges can overlap slightly." The patent application was filed on Oct. 1, 2003 (10/674,417). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7951252.PN.&OS=PN/7951252&RS=PN/7951252 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Lifting Up Life Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Lifting Up Life, West Wilmington, Pa., has been assigned a patent (7,951,054) developed by Donna Snow, New Castle, Pa., and Robert Ayres, Wilmington, Pa., for a "rehabilitation and exercise apparatus." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A therapeutic and/or exercise apparatus is provided for use in connection with structured, multiaxial, multi-pattern movement that aids in rehabilitation or enhances conditioning. The apparatus generally includes a base and a posture bar that is attached to and extends upwardly from the base. The posture bar is affixed to a top surface of the base and can be removable or collapsible for ease of storage. The top surface of the base also includes a recess therein for receiving one of a variety of controlled motion devices such as a rotary disk that moves freely or is restrained by resistance means or other proprioceptive tools. This feature provides a much more balanced exercise process while also naturally working the entire set of muscle groups related to the exercise rather than simply isolating a single motion or muscle." The patent application was filed on Oct. 27, 2008 (12/258,697). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,951,054.PN.&OS=PN/7,951,054&RS=PN/7,951,054 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Synthes USA Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Synthes USA, West Chester, Pa., has been assigned a patent (7,951,176) developed by seven co-inventors for a bone plate. The co-inventors are Mark P. Grady Jr., West Chester, Pa., Rene Haag, Berwyn, Pa., Scott Didomenico, Warrington, Pa., Kenny Koay, West Chester, Pa., Jeff W. Mast, Reno, Nev., Brett R. Bolhofner, St. Petersburg, Fla., and Keith A. Mayo, Gig Harbor, Wash. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: " The present invention is directed to a bone plate and its method of use for reducing a bone fracture, the bone plate having a longitudinal axis, the bone plate comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, a first hole for engaging a head of a first bone anchor. The first hole is configured and adapted to fix a shaft of the first bone anchor along a first axis. A second hole is spaced apart from the first hole along the longitudinal axis. The second hole is for engaging a head of a second bone anchor, and is configured and adapted to fix a shaft of the second bone anchor along a second axis. The first hole and the second hole are configured such that the first axis and the second axis define a single plane and intersect at a point below the lower surface. The shafts of the first and second bone anchors may touch or nearly touch at the point of intersection, such that the first and second bone anchors form a truss." The patent application was filed on May 11, 2004 (10/843,113). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7951176.PN.&OS=PN/7951176&RS=PN/7951176 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Alcoa Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Alcoa, Pittsburgh, has been assigned a patent (7,951,468) developed by five co-inventors for a "method of unidirectional solidification of castings and associated apparatus." The co-inventors are Men G. Chu, Export, Pa., Ho Yu, Murrysville, Pa., Alvaro Giron, Murrysville, Pa., Kenneth Joseph Kallaher, Trafford, Pa., and Jeffrey J. Shaw, New Kensington, Pa. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Molten metal is injected uniformly into a horizontal mold from a feed chamber in a horizontal or vertical direction at a controlled rate, directly on top of the metal already within the mold. A cooling medium is applied to the bottom surface of the mold, with the type and flow rate of the cooling medium being varied to produce a controlled cooling rate throughout the casting process. The rate of introduction of molten metal and the flow rate of the cooling medium are both controlled to produce a relatively uniform solidification rate within the mold, thereby producing a uniform microstructure throughout the casting, and low stresses throughout the casting. A multiple layer ingot product is also provided comprising a base alloy layer and at least a first additional alloy layer, the two layers having different alloy compositions, where the first additional alloy layer is bonded directly to the base alloy layer by applying the first additional alloy in the molten state to the surface of the base alloy while the surface temperature of the base alloy is lower than the liquidus temperature and greater than eutectic temperature of the base alloy -50 degrees Celsuis." The patent application was filed on March 31, 2008 (12/059,620). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,951,468&OS=7,951,468&RS=7,951,468 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** American Piledriving Equipment Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- American Piledriving Equipment, Kent, Wash., has been assigned a patent (7,950,877) developed by Kingsley S. Evarts, Pittsburg, for "clamp systems and methods for pile drivers and extractors." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A clamp assembly for securing a vibratory device to a pile comprising a frame, first and second clamp members, and an actuator. The frame is adapted to be secured to the vibratory device. The first clamp member is supported by the frame and comprises a first engaging surface defining peaks and valleys and comprising a first surface layer formed on the peaks and valleys defined by the first engaging surface. The second clamp member is supported by the frame and comprises a second engaging surface defining peaks and valleys and comprising a second surface layer formed on the peaks and valleys defined by the second engaging surface. The actuator member is arranged to displace at least one of the first and second clamp members such that first and second engaging surfaces engage the pile such that the pile is gripped by between first and second clamp members. At least one of the first and second surface layers defines a thickness dimension of at least approximately 0.0025 inches, and at least one of the first and second surface layers defines a grit of at least approximately 180 Emery." The patent application was filed on May 3, 2010 (12/772,335). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7,950,877.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,877&RS=PN/7,950,877 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Voith Patent Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Voith Patent, Heidenheim, Germany, has been assigned a patent (7,951,269) developed by four co-inventors for an advanced dewatering system. The co-inventors are Jeffrey Herman, Bala Cynwyd, Pa., Thomas Thoroee Scherb, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Luiz Carlos Silva, Campo Limpo, Brazil, and Hubert Walkenhaus, Kerpen, Germany. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "System for drying a tissue or hygiene web. The system includes a permeable structured fabric carrying the web over a drying apparatus. A permeable dewatering fabric contacts the web and is guided over the drying apparatus. A mechanism is used to apply pressure to the permeable structured fabric, the web, and the permeable dewatering fabric at the drying apparatus. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way." The patent application was filed on Sept. 28, 2007 (11/863,938). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7951269.PN.&OS=PN/7951269&RS=PN/7951269 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Pennsylvania Inventor Develops Patent for Multi-functional Athletic Training System ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Jason Brader, Center Valley, Pa., has developed a patent (7,951,045) for a "multi-functional athletic training system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A multi-functional athletic training system for automating many currently manually implemented tasks and performing reaction time, football receiver pattern, and shuttle/split training exercises, including one or more identical training domes, a touchpad unit, and a handheld control unit. In each mode of operation, different cue methods such as MANUAL VISUAL, MANUAL VISUAL & AUDIBLE, CADENCE and PAD may be selected to vary and train the athlete to respond to different starting cues." The patent application was filed on July 6, 2009 (12/498,033). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,951,045.PN.&OS=PN/7,951,045&RS=PN/7,951,045 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Pennsylvania Inventors Develop Patent for Device for Shoulder and Arm Warm Up Exercising and Methods for Using Same ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Craig Castor, Venetia, Pa., and Eric Cardwell, Pittsburgh, have developed a patent (7,951,020) for a "device for shoulder and arm warm up exercising and methods for using same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A device for throwing and swinging sports comprises a semi-transparent bottle into which varying amounts of a media may be added. One embodiment of that bottle is generally concave in cross-section for better gripping and includes markings on at least one side for showing different filling levels. A gripping element extends from a middle of the bottle sidewall. One such element is a baseball, real or simulated. Other embodiments include a softball, a football-sized element and/or a racket handle. In order to assist the user with timed workouts, an optional cap may include a built-in clock for signaling when to switch from one exercise to another. Methods for exercising with this device are also disclosed." The patent application was filed on Oct. 15, 2008 (12/287,982). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,951,020.PN.&OS=PN/7,951,020&RS=PN/7,951,020 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** New Illuminations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- New Illuminations, Wilmington, Del., has been assigned a patent (7,951,007) developed by Scott Wolinsky, North Wales, Pa., for a "method and apparatus using insertably-removable auxiliary devices to play games over a communications link." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and apparatus that identifies and safely couples an insertably-removable auxiliary device (IRAD) to a processor so that games can be played over a communications link without damaging the IRAD or the processor. An auxiliary connector, into which the IRAD is inserted, is not connected to the processor until after the identity of the IRAD is determined. The processor resides in a communications device, such as a wireless telephone, walkie-talkie, toy, or the like. Upon the activation of an auxiliary mode, a user is prompted to insert an IRAD into the auxiliary connector. An IRAD used to play a game can be an auxiliary keypad, an auxiliary processor, an auxiliary display, a supplemental program module that stores computer-readable code, an electronic board game, an auxiliary graphical user interface (GUI) (e.g., auxiliary steering wheel, auxiliary joystick, virtual reality viewer), or a headset including a microphone and speaker." The patent application was filed on June 20, 2007 (11/765,852). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,951,007.PN.&OS=PN/7,951,007&RS=PN/7,951,007 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Lutron Electronics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Lutron Electronics, Coopersburg, Pa., has been assigned a patent (7,950,827) developed by Dragan Veskovic, Allentown, Pa., for an "electrically controllable window treatment system to control sun glare in a space." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for reducing sun glare through an opening into a space, the system comprising an electrically controllable window treatment operable to alter the amount of daylight entering the space through the opening; a first sensor mounted within the space and characterized by a sensor gain, the first sensor operable to sense a level of illumination in the space; and a control system operable: to compare the sensed illumination level in the space to a dead-band having upper and lower thresholds; to adjust during a time period when glare from the sun can occur through the opening at least one of: (a) the upper threshold of the dead-band, (b) the lower threshold of the dead-band, and (c) the sensor gain of the first sensor; and to adjust the window treatment in response to the sensed level of illumination to reduce the sun glare." The patent application was filed on Aug. 14, 2009 (12/541,673). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7950827.PN.&OS=PN/7950827&RS=PN/7950827 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Brasscorp Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Brasscorp, Canada, has been assigned a patent (7,950,818) developed by Donald L. Klipstein, Upper Darby, Pa., and Jack Brass, Toronto, for a "LED lamps and LED driver circuits for the same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "LED lamp has LEDs aimed rearwards with either a concave mirror to the rear of each LED, or one concave mirror to the rear of two or more LEDs, collecting the light from the LEDs to form a forward projecting beam. LEDs may be high power types that require heatsinking. LED lamp may have a lens forward of each LED to collimate the radiation produced by the LEDs into a beam, where at least one lens has at least one aspheric curved surface. LED lamp may have a transparent reflective optic to collimate the radiation produced by each LED into a beam. For an inspection lamp, the LEDs typically have a peak wavelength of 395 to 415 nanometers for seeing the area being irradiated but not so visible as to overwhelm fluorescence of fluorescent materials to be detected. Other wavelengths may be used. LED inspection lamp has a combination of LEDs of different wavelengths or a combination of at least one LED and at least one other light source such that the lamp produces radiation suitable for detection of materials to be detected and adequately illuminates the area being irradiated. LED lamp has LEDs that produce a beam of suitable radiation with a width of 10 degrees or less without additional optics. LED inspection lamp has head attached to a flexible member, with head serving as heatsink for one or more high power LEDs. Current regulator circuits are also disclosed." The patent application was filed on Feb. 13, 2009 (12/371,063). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7950818.PN.&OS=PN/7950818&RS=PN/7950818 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Hon Hai Precision Industry Assigned Patent for N-IN-1 Card Connector Utilizing FPC for Improved Co-planarity ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Hon Hai Precision Industry, New Taipei, Taiwan, has been assigned a patent (7,950,964) developed by Terrance F. Little, York, Pa., for a "N-IN-1 card connector utilizing FPC for improved co-planarity." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A card connector includes a first housing extending along a front-to-rear direction and defining a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other in a vertical direction thereof. Multiple groups of terminals are mounted on the first housing with tails projecting out of the first surface. A second housing extends along a transverse direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction and is fixed on the first housing. A group of converting terminals are mounted on the second housing with solder tails projecting out of the second surface and connecting portions projecting out of the first surface. A flexible printed circuit defines an input end and an output end thereof. The flexible printed circuit is attached to the first surface of the first housing with the tails of the multiple groups of terminals connecting with the input end and connecting portions of the converting terminals connecting with the output end." The patent application was filed on June 30, 2010 (12/826,703). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7,950,964.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,964&RS=PN/7,950,964 Written by Ankita Das; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Hon Hai Precison Ind. Assigned Patent for Electrical Socket having Contact Terminals Floatably Arranged ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Hon Hai Precison Ind., New Taipei, Taiwan, has been assigned a patent (7,950,933) developed by Tod M. Harlan, Mechanicsburg, Pa., for an "electrical socket having contact terminals floatably arranged therein." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides an electrical socket comprising a wafer defining a plurality of slots extending between an upper face and a lower face of the wafer; an upper frame mounted on the upper face of the wafer, a lower frame mounted on the lower face of the wafer, and a plurality of contacts each having a base portion floating received in corresponding slots. The upper frame defines a plurality of interior walls to form a plurality of first openings. The lower frame defines a plurality of interior walls to form a plurality of second openings. The contact comprises an upper contacting arm extending through a corresponding first opening and beyond an upper surface of the upper frame, and a lower contacting arm extending through a corresponding second opening and beyond a lower surface of the lower frame." The patent application was filed on Aug. 4, 2010 (12/849,814). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7,950,933.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,933&RS=PN/7,950,933 Written by Ankita Das; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Tyco Electronics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Tyco Electronics, Berwyn, Pa., has been assigned a patent (7,950,944) developed by Christopher Scott Hertzler, Carlisle, Pa., Osenaga Osagie, Harrisburg, Pa., and Kyle Thompson, Lancaster, Pa., for an "electrical connector having a locking collar." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An electrical connector is provided for mating with a mating connector. The electrical connector includes a housing and an electrical contact held by the housing. The housing has a mating end that faces the mating connector when the electrical connector is mated with the mating connector. The housing includes a body having a retaining flange. A locking collar is movably mounted on the body of the housing. The locking collar includes a locking element and an inwardly directed shoulder having an opening extending therethrough. The locking element is configured to engage the mating connector to lock the electrical connector to the mating connector. The shoulder engages the retaining flange of the body when the locking collar is fully engaged with the mating connector. The retaining flange of the body is configured to engage the locking element of the locking collar to retain the locking collar on the body of the housing." The patent application was filed on Aug. 20, 2009 (12/544,875). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7,950,944.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,944&RS=PN/7,950,944 Written by Ankita Das; edited by Jaya Anand. 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