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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Texas (June 7)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Texas. *** DBK Holdings Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- DBK Holdings, Dallas, has been assigned a patent (7,950,173) developed by Maya P. Jedlicka, Plano, Texas, for a "portable information sign device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A portable sign including three legs movable between deployed and collapsed positions and a flexible covering bearing text, graphics or both includes a biasing mechanism urging the legs toward the deployed position. A support within the biasing mechanism secures three springs with the coils facing outward, one extension from each spring embedded in an upper support member and another extension movable within a plane tangential to a periphery of a lower support member and received by a hollow portion of one of the legs." The patent application was filed on May 8, 2008 (12/151,705). 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=79,50,173.PN.&OS=PN/79,50,173&RS=PN/79,50,173 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Inventor Develops Patent for Shrinkage-preventing Apparatus for the Sheathing of a Tendon ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Felix L. Sorkin, Stafford, Texas, has developed a patent (7,950,197) for a "shrinkage-preventing apparatus for the sheathing of a tendon." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus for fixing the sheathing of an end of a tendon within an anchor body of a post-tension anchor system has an anchor body that has a cavity formed in an interior thereof, a tendon extending into the cavity that has a sheathing extending at least partially thereover and has a sheathed portion and an unsheathed portion, a pair of wedges in engagement with the unsheathed portion of the tendon in the cavity of the anchor body, and at least one wedge member engaged with the sheathed portion. The wedge member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is of a generally constant thickness and has an end adjacent the pair of wedges. The second portion has a first end and a second end, the second portion being of a decreasing thickness from the first end to the second end." The patent application was filed on Oct. 31, 2007 (11/933,041). 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=79,50,197.PN.&OS=PN/79,50,197&RS=PN/79,50,197 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Glasscraft Door Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Glasscraft Door, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,193) developed by John B. Plummer, Houston, and Marjorie Plummer, Spring, Texas, for a "decorative security panels for doors and windows." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A decorative security panel assembly for insertion into an opening of a door or an opening of a window. The assembly can include a polymer security with a low-moisture content of no more than five wt %, such that the polymer security grille does not produce condensation within the assembly. A seal can be disposed about the polymer security grille. A translucent panel can be disposed over each side of the polymer grille and engaged with the seal. An air space can be formed between the two translucent panels, with the polymer security grille disposed within the air space. A first frame can be engaged over one of the translucent panels, while a second frame is engaged over the second translucent panel, forming a frame assembly. The frame assembly can be inserted into an opening of a door or an opening in a structure." The patent application was filed on July 23, 2010 (12/842,928). 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=79,50,193.PN.&OS=PN/79,50,193&RS=PN/79,50,193 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Inventor Develops Patent for Sealing Trumpet for a Post-tension Anchorage System ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Felix L. Sorkin, Stafford, Texas, has developed a patent (7,950,196) for "sealing trumpet for a post-tension anchorage system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An anchorage for post-tension system has an anchor body with an interior passageway, a polymeric encapsulation extending over the anchor body so as to define a trumpet extending outwardly on one side of the anchor body, and an annular seal formed so as to extend inwardly relative to a wall of the trumpet. The annular seal is in liquid-tight sealing relation with an outer surface of a tendon extending through the interior passageway. A fixing element is formed within the interior passageway so as to fix a position of the sheathing on the tendon." The patent application was filed on Oct. 17, 2007 (11/874,078). 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=79,50,196.PN.&OS=PN/79,50,196&RS=PN/79,50,196 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Lennox Industries Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 6 -- Lennox Industries, Richardson, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,950,631) developed by Geethakrishnan Vasudevan, Irving, Texas, Robert B. Uselton, Plano, Texas, and Jesse Sanchez, Mansfield, Texas, for a water distribution tray. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A water distribution tray having an improvement comprising a first downwardly inclined surface therein commencing at a base of a water impingement pedestal within a first of a plurality of channels and ending at a corresponding first of a plurality of discharge apertures, wherein the first downwardly inclined surface has a first declension angle associated therewith, and a second downwardly inclined surface commencing at the base within a second of the plurality of channels and ending at a corresponding second of the plurality of discharge apertures, wherein the second downwardly inclined surface has a second declension angle associated therewith different from the first declension angle. A method of manufacturing is also provided." The patent application was filed on Oct. 22, 2007 (11/876,266). 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=7,950,631.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,631&RS=PN/7,950,631 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Integrico Composites Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Integrico Composites, Temple, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,950,591) developed by Chris Brough, Temple, Texas, Ryan Nielson, Temple, Texas, and Gershon Yaniv, Georgetown, Texas, for a "composite load bearing structure." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A composite load bearing member is provided comprising an elongated inner structural member and a thick polymeric composite outer member. An apparatus for producing the composite load bearing member is provided including devices for suspending the inner structural member within a mold cavity prior to and during injection of the polymeric composite outer member. A method of using the apparatus to produce the composite load bearing member is provided." The patent application was filed on Dec. 8, 2009 (12/633,369). 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=7,950,591.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,591&RS=PN/7,950,591 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Hewlett-Packard Development Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Hewlett-Packard Development, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,611) developed by Mark S. Tracy, Tomball, Texas, Jonathan R. Harris, Cypress, Texas, and Paul J. Doczy, Cypress, Texas, for a "computing device support system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A computing device comprising a support system extendable and retractable relative to a housing, the support system extending across a lateral dimension of the housing between a pair of housing sidewalls to support at least a portion of the housing in an elevated position relative to a support surface." The patent application was filed on April 12, 2007 (11/786,535). 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=7,950,611.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,611&RS=PN/7,950,611 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Textron Innovations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Textron Innovations, Providence, R.I., has been assigned a patent (7,950,605) developed by John V. Howard, Arlington, Texas, and Stephen E. Mildenstein, Keller, Texas, for a "torsionally de-coupled engine mount system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A torsionally de-coupled engine mount system for use in tilt rotor aircraft applications is disclosed, in which an engine is mounted at its forward end to a prop rotor gear box by means of a forward mount that is a simple adapter fitting, and at its aft end to a pylon assembly by an aft mount that is a simple bi-pod fitting. The forward mount counteracts forces and moments in six degrees of freedom, but the aft mount only counteracts lateral and vertical loads. The contribution from the engine to the overall dynamic response of the aircraft is tuned by selectively tailoring the size, shape, weight, and material of the forward mount. The engine mount system torsionally de-couples the engines from the prop rotors, thereby preventing rotor torque from being induced into the engines. In addition, the contribution from the engines to the overall dynamic response of the aircraft can be tuned by selectively tailoring the size, shape, weight, and material of the forward mounts between the engines and the transmissions." The patent application was filed on Sept. 28, 2009 (12/568,442). 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=7,950,605.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,605&RS=PN/7,950,605 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Kellogg Brown & Root Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Kellogg Brown & Root, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,609) developed by John J. Pothanikat, Missouri City, Texas, and Edward Earl Schauseil II, Sugar Land, Texas, for an "acoustic dampening pipe shoe." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A pipe support for dampening acoustic propagation from a pipeline is provided. The pipe support can include a support base and a movable base spatially arranged from the support base. One or more fasteners can be disposed through the movable base to the support base, thereby connecting the movable base to the support base. One or more acoustic isolators can be disposed between an upper surface of the support base and a lower surface of the movable base." The patent application was filed on July 18, 2008 (12/175,880). 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=7,950,609.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,609&RS=PN/7,950,609 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Inventor Develops Patent for Hose Controlled Sprinkler Device and Control Method ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- George Wayne Burkhardt, San Antonio, has developed a patent (7,950,599) for a "hose controlled sprinkler device and control method therefor." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A hose controlled sprinkler device, whose sequential liquid output states can be remotely controlled by a substantially unidirectional movement of a hose connected to the sprinkler device. The hose controlled sprinkler device includes a valve and at least one valve support. The valve includes a moveable member, a valve housing, an inlet connection configured for connection to the hose and an outlet connection. The valve is configured to have at least one liquid off state, a liquid on state, and a liquid off state output sequence at the outlet connection. The sequence is established by a pressurized liquid input at the inlet connection and further by a unidirectional movement of the movable member and the housing one about the other. The at least one valve support is connected to the valve and is configured to stabilize the valve above at least one of a ground and a lawn. The liquid output states of the hose controlled sprinkler device can be remotely controlled by the substantially unidirectional movement of the hose which is both connected to the inlet connection and supplies the inlet connection with a pressurized liquid. In other embodiments, a sprinkler is connected to the outlet connection of the hose controlled sprinkler device." The patent application was filed on Sept. 25, 2008 (12/284,782). 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=7,950,599.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,599&RS=PN/7,950,599 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Hoffner Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Brian D. Hoffner, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,554) developed by Brian Hoffner, Houston, Thomas M. Morin, Houston, and Cecil Going, Houston, for a "harness for firearm accessories." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A harness 10 for supporting at least two firearm accessories from a wearer's belt includes a primary support 20, a belt latch 22 for removably connecting the primary support to the belt, and a curvilinear rail 16 secured to the primary support opposite the belt latch for positioning about the thigh of the user. The rail 16 may support a handgun holster 12 and one or more other firearm accessories 14 each spaced along the rail. A strap 30 is provided for removably connecting the rail to the thigh of the wearer. A harness may also support a rail directly from the wearer's belt." The patent application was filed on Sept. 8, 2006 (11/518,570). 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=7,950,554.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,554&RS=PN/7,950,554 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** InnerLoc Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- InnerLoc, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,748) developed by Richard Alfred Coutermarsh, Kingwood, Texas, John Reid Eastman, Kingwood, Texas, and Mark Miller, Allen, Texas, for "internal hydraulic locking apparatus and methods for making and using same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An hydraulically activated internal locking apparatus is disclosed including an hydraulic fluid reservoir, an hydraulically activated locking system and a electronic control system, where the electronic control system is in electrical communication with the locking system and the reservoir is in fluid communication with the locking system so that the locking system can be transitioned from a locked state to an unlocked state when the electronic control system receives a unlock or lock code or instruction." The patent application was filed on Feb. 13, 2006 (11/352,921). 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=7,950,748&OS=7,950,748&RS=7,950,748 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Hydril USA Manufacturing Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Hydril USA Manufacturing, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,668) developed by Ryan Gustafson, Houston, and Jonathan Bowen, Houston, for a "remote operated actuator system for drill string internal blowout preventer." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An air swivel ring includes a non-rotating member having an air inlet, a rotating member having an air outlet, and a split seal having a first sealing surface and coupled to one of the non-rotating member and the rotating member so that the first sealing surface on the seal is disposed proximate a second sealing surface on the other of the non-rotating member and the rotating member." The patent application was filed on Feb. 19, 2010 (12/708,609). 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=7,950,668&OS=7,950,668&RS=7,950,668 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Nexteer (Beijing) Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Nexteer (Beijing) Technology, has been assigned a patent (7,950,669) developed by five co-inventors for a "method for providing an improved sealing system for high speed applications." The co-inventors are Keith A. Kozlowski, El Paso, Texas, Federico Villalobos, Chihuahua, Mexico, Sergio Molinar, Chihuahua, Mexico, Dennis R. Hansen, Freeland, Mich., and Jerry L. Eaton, Hemlock, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention provides a method that can be applied, for example, to seal a constant velocity joint. The invention includes a method comprising the steps of substantially sealing the constant velocity joint with the primary boot which includes first and second ends, fixedly associating the first end of the primary boot with the constant velocity joint, and slidably associating the second end of the primary boot with the shaft which extends from the constant velocity joint. In one aspect, the invention includes a primary boot having a body defining a substantially smooth interior surface and a secondary boot associated with the primary boot and spaced from the interior surface. In another aspect, the invention includes a constant velocity joint having an outer joint member, an inner joint member positioned in the outer joint member, a plurality of ball members positioned between said outer and inner joint members, and a shaft engaged with and extending from the inner joint member. The primary boot is fixedly associated with respect to the outer joint member and slidably associated with said shaft." The patent application was filed on March 31, 2008 (12/080,111). 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=7,950,669&OS=7,950,669&RS=7,950,669 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Texas Inventors Develop Patent for Utility Tray for Tripod ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- William Chase Almond, Kennedale, Texas, and Steven Scott Collins, Kennedale, Texas have developed a patent (7,950,335) for a "utility tray for tripod." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A removable tray assembly is disclosed for use with a tripod or easel. The tray assembly includes a shelf having a back edge, a front edge, and two side edges. The tray assembly also includes a pair of support tabs spaced from the back edge of the shelf by respective slots. The removable tray is attached to two legs of the tripod, with one leg passing through each slot. The support tabs contact the side of the tripod legs opposite the shelf and thereby support the shelf in a cantilever fashion." The patent application was filed on March 5, 2009 (12/398,261). 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=79,50,335&OS=79,50,335&RS=79,50,335 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Stinger Wellhead Protection Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Stinger Wellhead Protection, Oklahoma City, has been assigned a patent (7,950,410) developed by Bob McGuire, Moore, Okla., and L. Murray Dallas, Streetman, Texas, for a "gate valve with replaceable inserts and method of refurbishing same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A gate valve includes a valve body having a cylindrical passage defining a flow path through the valve, a gate for controlling fluid flow through the valve and a replaceable wear-resistant flow-path liner for in the flow path. The flow-path liner includes a plurality of replaceable wear-resistant inserts, including wear sleeves lining ports of the valve body, valve seats and a gate insert for a flow path bore through the gate. Each replaceable valve seat has a wiper ring for cleaning the gate when it opens and closes. By regularly inspecting and replacing worn-out inserts, the service life of the gate valve can be prolonged and the expense associated with replacing or rebuilding the valve body is avoided." The patent application was filed on Dec. 18, 2008 (12/338,190). 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=7,950,410.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,410&RS=PN/7,950,410 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Applied Nanotech Holdings Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Applied Nanotech Holdings, Austin, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,950,271) developed by James Novak, Austin, Texas, and Prabhu Soundarrajan, Valencia, Calif., for a "gated beta-molybdenum oxide sensor." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus for sensing an analyte gas is provided. The apparatus may include a signal amplifier that may include a thin film transistor that may include a semiconducting film that may include a metal oxide capable of chemical interaction with the analyte gas, such as carbon monoxide. The apparatus may be tuned for detecting the analyte gas by varying the gate voltage of the transistor." The patent application was filed on April 15, 2008 (12/103,628). 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=7,950,271.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,271&RS=PN/7,950,271 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Wallace Group Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Wallace Group, Waco, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,950,266) developed by four co-inventors for a "method and apparatus for fluid pressure testing." The co-inventors are Carl Kuhnle, Waco, Texas, David Monteith, Thomasville, Ga., Robert E. Wallace, Waco, Texas, and Jessie L. Garrett Jr., Apopka, Fla. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and apparatus for testing the functionality of automatic air valves positioned at high points of a pipeline system are provided. The invention generally provides a testing flange and a process for performing various fluid pressure tests to determine whether automatic air valves are properly releasing and/or stabilizing air within a pipeline system." The patent application was filed on Jan. 14, 2008 (12/013,552). 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=7,950,266.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,266&RS=PN/7,950,266 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Halliburton Energy Services Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Halliburton Energy Services, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,277) developed by four co-inventors for an "apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler." The co-inventors are Cyrus A. Irani, Houston, Vincent P. Zeller, Flower Mound, Texas, Charles M. MacPhail, Little Elm, Texas, and Don H. Perkins, Allen, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler. The apparatus includes a housing (302) having a longitudinal passageway and defining first and second chambers (338, 348). A piston (346) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway between the first and second chambers (338, 348). A valving assembly (356) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The valving assembly (356) is operable to selectively prevent communication of pressure from a pressure source of the fluid sampler to the second chamber (348). The valving assembly (356) is actuated responsive to an increase in pressure in the first chamber (338) which longitudinally displaces the piston (346) toward the valving assembly (356) until at least a portion of the piston (346) contacts the valving assembly (356), thereby releasing pressure from the pressure source into the second chamber (348) and longitudinally displacing the piston (346) away from the valving assembly (356)." The patent application was filed on Aug. 13, 2009 (12/541,136). 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=7,950,277.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,277&RS=PN/7,950,277 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Ellis Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Stanley W. Ellis, Bakersfield, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,950,530) developed by Jerry McNaughton, Houston, and Stanley W. Ellis, for a "sludge and sediment removal system by remote access." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A compound conduit containing inner and outer conduits with apertures in the former that are angled to direct jets of fluid in a rearward direction from the inner conduit into the annular space is used to draw sludge or undesirable material from a vessel without imposing a vacuum on the system. In conjunction with the compound conduit is a rotary tube seal that allows the conduit to be mounted to an orifice in a tank wall and pivoted or rotated over a range of angles. A tubing drive mechanism grasps the tubing at locations well removed from the distal end and causes the tubing to travel in the direction of the tubing axis. The gripping members in the mechanism engage the sides of the tubing and are capable of shifting position relative to each other to accommodate changes in the curvature of the tubing." The patent application was filed on Feb. 16, 2006 (11/357,660). 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=7950530.PN.&OS=PN/7950530&RS=PN/7950530 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Smith International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Smith International, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,476) developed by Scott D. McDonough, Houston, and Amardeep Singh, Houston, for a "drill bit and cutter element having chisel crest with protruding pilot portion." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A rolling cone drill bit includes a cutter element having a cutting portion with a chisel crest and a pilot portion extending beyond the chisel crest. The pilot portion includes a cutting surface that may be generally conical, or form a second chisel crest. The cutting tip of the pilot portion is supported by buttress portions which emerge from and extend beyond the flanks of the chisel crest to provide additional strength and support for the material of the pilot portion that extends beyond the height of the chisel crest." The patent application was filed on Nov. 16, 2009 (12/618,997). 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=7950476.PN.&OS=PN/7950476&RS=PN/7950476 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Stream-Flo Industries Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Stream-Flo Industries, Edmonton, Canada, has been assigned a patent (7,950,466) developed by Doyle W. Rodgers, Longview, Texas, Randy P. Nichols, Humble, Texas, and Henry Lang, The Woodlands, Texas, for a "wellhead system and connector for wellheads." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A wellhead system, connector, and method of assembling a wellhead system. The connector includes a member having a set of left-hand threads and a set of right-hand threads on its interior surface. The connector provides a quick connection to threads on wellhead components such as a tubing head and a casing head." The patent application was filed on Feb. 5, 2008 (12/026,456). 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=7950466.PN.&OS=PN/7950466&RS=PN/7950466 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent for Technique and System for Completing a Well ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,950,454) developed by Dinesh R. Patel, Sugar Land, Texas, and Axel Destremau, Houston, for a "technique and system for completing a well." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A technique that is usable with a well includes running a screen assembly and a service tool as a unit into a well and using the service tool in connection with a sand control operation. The use of the service tool in connection with the sand control operation includes operating at least one valve of the screen assembly. The technique includes withdrawing the service tool from the well after the sand control operation and running a completion into the well to operate the valve(s) of the screen after the withdrawal." The patent application was filed on July 9, 2008 (12/169,715). 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=7950454.PN.&OS=PN/7950454&RS=PN/7950454 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Shell Oil Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Shell Oil, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,453) developed by ten co-inventors for a "downhole burner systems and methods for heating subsurface formations." The co-inventors are Walter Farman Farmayan, Houston, Steven Paul Giles, Damon, Texas, Joseph Phillip Brignac Jr., Katy, Texas, Abdul Wahid Munshi, Houston, Faraz Abbasi, Sugarland, Texas, Lloyd Anthony Clomburg, Houston, Karl Gregory Anderson, Missouri City, Texas, Kuochen Tsai, Katy, Texas, and Mark Alan Siddoway, Katy, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A gas burner assembly for heating a subsurface formation includes an oxidant conduit, a fuel conduit, and a plurality of oxidizers coupled to the oxidant conduit. At least one of the oxidizers includes a mix chamber for mixing fuel from the fuel conduit with oxidant from the oxidant conduit, an igniter, and a shield. The shield includes a plurality of openings in communication with the oxidant conduit. At least one flame stabilizer is coupled to the shield." The patent application was filed on April 18, 2008 (12/106,134). 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=7950453.PN.&OS=PN/7950453&RS=PN/7950453 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Whirlpool Assigned Patent for Tangling Detection for an Automatic Washer ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Whirlpool, Benton Harbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,950,255) developed by Farhad Ashrafzadeh, Stevensville, Mich., Kalyanakrishnan Vadakkeveedu, College Station, Texas, and Raveendran Vaidhyanathan, Saint Joseph, Mich., for a "tangling detection for an automatic washer." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and apparatus for determining the degree of tangling of fabric items during a wash process based on at least one of the motor speed or motor current." The patent application was filed on May 19, 2010 (12/782,931). 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=7,950,255.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,255&RS=PN/7,950,255 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent for Using a Biphasic Solution as a Recyclable Coiled Tubing Cleanout Fluid ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,950,459) developed by four co-inventors for "using a biphasic solution as a recyclable coiled tubing cleanout fluid." The co-inventors are Philip F. Sullivan, Bellaire, Texas, Gary John Tustin, Sawston, United Kingdom, Yiyan Chen, Sugar Land, Texas, and Lijun Lin, Sugar Land, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and apparatus for forming a fluid for use within in a subterranean formation including combining a partitioning agent and viscosifying polymer into a fluid, introducing the fluid into the subterranean formation, and recovering at least a portion of the fluid at a uppermost surface of the subterranean formation. Methods and apparatus of forming a fluid for use within in a subterranean formation including combining a partitioning agent and viscosifying polymer into a fluid, introducing the fluid into the subterranean formation at a temperature of about 45.degree. C. or higher, and recovering at least a portion of the fluid at a uppermost surface of the subterranean formation at a temperature of about 45.degree. C. or lower." The patent application was filed on Jan. 15, 2009 (12/354,500). 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=7950459.PN.&OS=PN/7950459&RS=PN/7950459 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Weatherford/Lamb Assigned Patent for Apparatus and Methods of Cleaning and Refinishing Tubulars ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Weatherford/Lamb, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,450) developed by Burt Martin, Bellaire, Texas, and Simon John Harrall, Houston, for an "apparatus and methods of cleaning and refinishing tubulars." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for cleaning and/or altering an inside surface and shape of a tubular is disclosed. The method includes placing a surface finishing tool in the tubular, energizing the surface finishing tool, and causing extendable assemblies therein to extend radially to contact an inside diameter of the tubular. Moving the surface finishing tool axially and/or rotationally while the extended members are in contact with the inside diameter of the tubular cleans debris from the inside surface of the tubular. In another aspect of the invention, the tool burnishes the inside diameter of the tubular, thereby altering the surface characteristics and rounding the tubular." The patent application was filed on July 6, 2004 (10/885,155). 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=7950450.PN.&OS=PN/7950450&RS=PN/7950450 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Texas Inventors Develop Patent for Time Keeping System for Turn-based Games ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Omar Syed, Murphy, Texas, and Aamir Syed, Murphy, Texas, have developed a patent (7,950,845) for a "time keeping system for turn-based games." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "We present a time keeping system for turn-based games which accepts time controls used in fast games but allows the game to be played in a correspondence manner similar to slow games. This gives players the enjoyment of playing fast games with time pressure but at a pace that is convenient for their busy schedule." The patent application was filed on June 3, 2010 (12/793,531). 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=7,950,845.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,845&RS=PN/7,950,845 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** BP Corporation North America Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- BP Corporation North America, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,451) developed by Mark W. Alberty, Houston, for "annulus mud flow rate measurement while drilling and use thereof to detect well dysfunction." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and apparatus are described that combine a measurement of the physical velocity of material within the annulus of a well between the drill pipe and the wall of the well with a measurement of the area of the flow as determined from a measurement of distance between the drill pipe and the wall of the hole to determine the actual material volumetric flow rate. Changes in volumetric flow rate at one or more points along the well can be used to determine the occurrence and location of well dysfunctions. This knowledge can then be used to make decisions about treating well dysfunctions which will lead to more efficient use of drilling rig time." The patent application was filed on April 10, 2009 (12/421,849). 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=7950451.PN.&OS=PN/7950451&RS=PN/7950451 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Smith International Assigned Patent for Percussion Drilling Assembly having a Floating Feed Tube ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Smith International, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,475) developed by five co-inventors for a "percussion drilling assembly having a floating feed tube." The co-inventors are Shantanu Swadi, Cypress, Texas, Lance Underwood, Cypress, Texas, Jack Marshall, Lost Creek, W.Va., Charles Dewey, Houston, and Kevin Harrington, Houston. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A percussion drilling assembly for boring into the earth is disclosed. The percussion drilling assembly includes a top sub, a casing coupled to the top sub, and a feed tube assembly disposed within the top sub and the casing. The feed tube assembly includes a non-rigid coupling having a throughbore and a tubular body disposed therein. The tubular body is translatable in the radial position and/or rotatable relative to a longitudinal centerline extending through the non-rigid coupling." The patent application was filed on May 27, 2008 (12/127,396). 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=7950475.PN.&OS=PN/7950475&RS=PN/7950475 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Smith International Assigned Patent for Non-azimuthal and Azimuthal Formation Evaluation Measurement in a Slowly Rotating Housing ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Smith International, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,473) developed by Junichi Sugiura, Houston, for a "non-azimuthal and azimuthal formation evaluation measurement in a slowly rotating housing." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A steering tool configured for making azimuthal and non-azimuthal formation evaluation measurements is disclosed. In one embodiment a rotary steerable tool includes at least one formation evaluation sensor deployed in the steering tool housing. The steering tool may include, for example, first and second circumferentially opposed formation evaluation sensors or first, second, and third formation evaluation sensors, each of which is radially offset and circumferentially aligned with a corresponding one of the steering tool blades. The invention further includes methods for geosteering in which a rotation rate of the steering tool housing in the borehole (and therefore the rotation rate of the formation evaluation sensors) is controlled. Steering decisions may be made utilizing the formation evaluation measurements and/or derived borehole images." The patent application was filed on Nov. 24, 2008 (12/276,485). 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=7950473.PN.&OS=PN/7950473&RS=PN/7950473 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugarland, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,950,462) developed by Zhijun Xiao, Sugar Land, Texas, Marieliz Garcia-Lopez de Victoria, Sugar Land, Texas, and Francis Tuedor, Katy, Texas, for "scale inhibitors compatible with sandstone acidizing." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods are given for making scale inhibitors, that were previously incompatible with fluids containing fluoride ion, compatible with fluids containing fluoride ion. Examples of such scale inhibitors include phosphonates and phosphino-polycarboxylates. The method is replacing alkali metal and alkaline earth metal cations, present in salts or bases, or as counter ions of the scale inhibitors, with hydrogen or ammonium ions. Methods of inhibiting scale formation and of dissolving scales are also given." The patent application was filed on April 23, 2010 (12/765,938). 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=7950462.PN.&OS=PN/7950462&RS=PN/7950462 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Halliburton Energy Services Assigned Patent for Casing Deformation and Control for Inclusion Propagation ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Halliburton Energy Services, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,456) developed by four co-inventors for "casing deformation and control for inclusion propagation." The co-inventors are Travis W. Cavender, Angleton, Texas, Roger L. Schultz, Ninnekah, Okla., Grant Hocking, London, and Robert Pipkin, Duncan, Okla. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Casing deformation and control for inclusion propagation in earth formations. A method of forming at least one inclusion in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: installing a liner within a casing section in a wellbore intersecting the formation; and expanding the liner and the casing section, thereby applying an increased compressive stress to the formation. Another method of forming the inclusion includes the steps of: installing an expansion control device on a casing section, the device including at least one latch member; expanding the casing section radially outward in a wellbore, the expanding step including widening at least one opening in a sidewall of the casing section, and displacing the latch member in one direction; and preventing a narrowing of the opening after the expanding step, the latch member resisting displacement thereof in an opposite direction." The patent application was filed on June 9, 2010 (12/797,256). 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=7950456.PN.&OS=PN/7950456&RS=PN/7950456 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent for Non-spherical Well Treating Particulates and Methods of using the Same ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,455) developed by four co-inventors for "non-spherical well treating particulates and methods of using the same." The co-inventors are Phillip B. Kaufman, Conroe, Texas, D.V. Satyanarayana Gupta, The Woodlands, Texas, Allan R. Rickards, Tomball, Texas, and Christopher J. Stephenson, Houston. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Non-spherical particulates are useful in the stimulation of subterranean formations. A proppant pack composed of the non-spherical particulates exhibits greater porosity than a corresponding proppant pack composed of spherical particulates. Non-spherical particulates which are hollow and non-porous may further be at least partially filled with a chemical treatment agent including water-soluble or oil-soluble chemical treatment agents." The patent application was filed on Jan. 14, 2008 (12/013,775). 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=7950455.PN.&OS=PN/7950455&RS=PN/7950455 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Welldynamics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Welldynamics, Spring, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,950,461) developed by Kirby G. Schrader, Magnolia, Texas, Alfred R. Curington, The Woodlands, Texas, and Bharathwaj Kannan, Sg. Bera Seria, Brunei, for a "screened valve system for selective well stimulation and control." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A well system includes a valve interconnected in a casing string and selectively configurable between first and second configurations via a line external to the casing string, the valve in the first configuration being operable to selectively permit and prevent fluid flow between the casing string exterior and interior, and in the second configuration to selectively filter and prevent fluid flow between the casing string exterior and interior. A method of selectively stimulating a formation includes: positioning a casing string in a wellbore intersecting the formation, the casing string including a valve operable via an external line to selectively permit and prevent fluid flow between the casing string interior and exterior; and stimulating an interval set of the formation by opening the valve, flowing a stimulation fluid from the casing string into the interval set, and then configuring the valve to filter formation fluid which flows into the casing string." The patent application was filed on Nov. 21, 2008 (12/275,666). 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=7950461.PN.&OS=PN/7950461&RS=PN/7950461 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** S & N Pump Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- S & N Pump, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,452) developed by Jeff Lutz, Tomball, Texas, for an "anti-fouling system for offshore drilling structures." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An anti-fouling system for offshore drilling structures which injects metallic ions into seawater pumping systems. An ion generator may be positioned at various positions including the strainer basket of one or more of the seawater pumps or at various positions in the system. As well, ion generators may be skid mounted and/or otherwise centrally located and connected by controllable valves to various treated water injection points, whereby the flow rates are determined and ion concentrations are maintained at desired levels throughout the system, regardless of different pumping rates." The patent application was filed on Oct. 31, 2006 (11/554,745). 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=7950452.PN.&OS=PN/7950452&RS=PN/7950452 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Smith International Assigned Patent for Dual Stripper Rubber Cartridge with Leak Detection ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Smith International, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,474) developed by Trung Leduc, Houston, and Russell Lewis, Humble, Texas, for a "dual stripper rubber cartridge with leak detection." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method to detect leaks in a rotating control device includes positioning a leak detection device in communication with a chamber located between an upper sealing element and a lower sealing element of the rotating control device, and signaling with the leak detection device when a pressure of the chamber exceeds a selected critical pressure." The patent application was filed on July 7, 2010 (12/831,865). 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=7950474.PN.&OS=PN/7950474&RS=PN/7950474 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Halliburton Energy Services Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Halliburton Energy Services, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,469) developed by Ronald W. McGregor, Carrollton, Texas, and David G. Dearing, Lewisville, Texas, for a "modular well tool system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A well tool is adapted to couple to at least one of a wireline service tool and a tubing string and has an adapter component engaging portion adapted to couple to an adapter component. At least a first and a second interchangeable adapter components are operable to couple to the adapter component engaging portion. The first adapter component is adapted to perform a first function and the second adapter component is adapted to perform a second function." The patent application was filed on March 16, 2010 (12/725,190). 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=7950469.PN.&OS=PN/7950469&RS=PN/7950469 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,950,472) developed by Rocco DiFoggio, Houston, and Jinsong Zhao, Houston, for a "downhole local mud weight measurement near bit." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for detecting a change in a wellbore fluid includes estimating at least two pressure differences in the wellbore fluid and estimating a change in a density of the fluid using the at least two pressure differences. The density change may be estimated by the equation, .DELTA..rho.=(.DELTA.P.sub.before.sub.--.sub.influx-.DELTA.P.sub.after.su- b.--.sub.influx)/(g.times..DELTA.TVD), wherein .DELTA.P is a fluid pressure difference between two points along the wellbore, .rho. is a mean value of density of the fluid between the two points, g is gravity and .DELTA.TVD is a vertical distance between the two points. The method may include estimating a density change using an estimated inclination of the wellbore. An apparatus for estimating density changes includes at least two axially spaced apart pressure sensors. The sensor positions may be switched to estimate a correction term to reduce a relative offset between the two pressure sensors." The patent application was filed on Feb. 17, 2009 (12/372,282). 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=7950472.PN.&OS=PN/7950472&RS=PN/7950472 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Chevron U.S.A., Los Alamos National Security Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Chevron U.S.A., San Ramon, Calif., and Los Alamos National Security, Los Alamos, N.M., have been assigned a patent (7,950,460) developed by five co-inventors for "controlling the pressure within an annular volume of a wellbore." The co-inventors are Robert E. Hermes, Los Alamos, N.M., Manuel E. Gonzalez, Kingwood, Texas, Brian C. Llewellyn, Kingwood, Texas, James B. Bloys, Katy, Texas, and Don M. Coates, Santa Fe, N.M. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated." The patent application was filed on Dec. 17, 2009 (12/641,272). 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=7950460.PN.&OS=PN/7950460&RS=PN/7950460 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Harbison-Fisher Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Harbison-Fisher, Crowley, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,950,449) developed by Charles David Willis, Granbury, Texas, for a "stress and torque reducing tool." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A stress and torque reducing tool has a plunger that reciprocates inside of a body. The tool is connected between the pump and the sucker rod string and reduces stress transmitted therebetween. The body and plunger have longitudinally extending surfaces located at the plunger upper end portion, which surfaces cooperate and limit rotation of the body with respect to the plunger. An upper fluid port is located in an upper end of the body, while one or more lower fluid ports are located in a lower end of the body." The patent application was filed on June 26, 2008 (12/147,006). 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=7950449.PN.&OS=PN/7950449&RS=PN/7950449 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Whirlpool Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Whirlpool, Benton Harbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,950,086) developed by Farhad Ashrafzadeh, Stevensville, Mich., Kalyanakrishnan Vadakkeveedu, College Station, Texas, and Raveendran Vaidhyanathan, St. Joseph, Mich., for an "adaptive water level adjustment for an automatic washer." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus and method for determining the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and fabric items during a wash process, and a method for setting the liquid level in the automatic washer based on the degree of engagement between a clothes mover and the fabric items." The patent application was filed on Nov. 29, 2006 (11/605,981). 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=7950086.PN.&OS=PN/7950086&RS=PN/7950086 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Freescale Semiconductor Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 7 -- Freescale Semiconductor, Austin, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,950,144) developed by four co-inventors for a "method for controlling warpage in redistributed chip packaging panels. The co-inventors are Lakshmi N. Ramanathan, Chandler, Ariz., George R. Leal, Cedar Park, Texas, Douglas G. Mitchell, Tempe, Ariz., and Betty H. Yeung, Chandler, Ariz. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method is disclosed for controlling warpage in an integrated electronic panel assembly including a plurality of die embedded within an encapsulant. The method comprises determining a number of build-up layers required for the integrated panel assembly. Each build-up layer contributes an amount of concavity to the integrated electronic panel assembly. A level of global convex warpage on the integrated panel assembly is then predicted, wherein the global convex warpage is provided by the presence of an embedded ground plane (EGP) alone within the integrated panel assembly and in the absence of any build-up layers. The embedded ground plane includes openings therein for accepting at least one die within a corresponding opening and it contributes a fixed amount of global convex warpage. An amount of local convex warpage to be introduced into the integrated electronic panel assembly is then determined, which together with the fixed amount of global convex warpage provides a combined convex warpage to the integrated electronic panel assembly. Accordingly, the global and local convex warpage counteract the concavity to be introduced subsequently by a build-up layer processing and is sufficient to enable subsequent planar processing of a completed integrated electronic panel assembly." The patent application was filed on April 30, 2008 (12/112,489). 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=7,950,144.PN.&OS=PN/7,950,144&RS=PN/7,950,144 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. For more information about Targeted News Service products and services, please contact: Myron Struck, editor, Targeted News Service LLC, Springfield, Va., 703/304-1897; [email protected]; http://targetednews.com. -1050276 (c) 2011 Targeted News Service |