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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Minnesota (June 21)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 21 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Minnesota. *** SurModics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 20 -- SurModics, Eden Prairie, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,958,840) developed by Ralph A. Chappa, Prior Lake, Minn., for "method and apparatus for coating of substrates." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention relates to methods and apparatuses that reduce problems encountered during coating of a device, such as a medical device having a cylindrical shape. In an embodiment, the invention includes an apparatus including a bi-directional rotation member. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method with a bi-directional indexing movement. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating solution supply member having a major axis oriented parallel to a gap between rollers on a coating apparatus. In an embodiment, the invention includes a device retaining member. In an embodiment, the invention includes an air nozzle or an air knife. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method including removing a static charge from a small diameter medical device." The patent application was filed on Oct. 27, 2004 (10/976,193). 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=7,958,840.PN.&OS=PN/7,958,840&RS=PN/7,958,840 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Honeywell International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 20 -- Honeywell International, Morristown, N.J., has been assigned a patent (7,958,771) developed by Thomas M. Rezachek, Cottage Grove, Minn., for a photoacoustic sensor. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Various embodiments of the application provide a photoacoustic sensor, which includes: a gas cell having an opening; a light source to generate a radiation to radiate sample gas within the gas cell; a detector to detect the sample gas within the gas cell, and to generate electrical signals in response to acoustic signals generated by pressure fluctuations of the radiated sample gas caused by the radiation; and an active valve having a speaker aligned with the opening of the gas cell. The speaker having a voice coil and a diaphragm attached to the voice coil. A control signal is applicable for the speaker to control access of the gas cell. During sampling, the control signal causes the voice coil of the speaker to repeatedly or constantly lift the diaphragm from contact with the opening of the gas cell to allow sample gas enter the gas cell. While during detecting, the spring force of the voice coil causes the diaphragm in tight contact with the opening of gas cell to seal the gas cel." The patent application was filed on April 23, 2008 (12/108,430). 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=79,58,771&OS=79,58,771&RS=79,58,771 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Olsson Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 21 -- Tiffany E. Olsson, Bloomington, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,958,920) developed by Tiffany E. Olsson, Eden Prairie, Minn., for a "compact reusable shopping bag assembly." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A compact, user-friendly and reusable shopping bag assembly has a pocket with a cavity having a top opening accommodating a plurality of reusable auxiliary shopping bags. A primary shopping bag is hinged to the pocket for movement between a compact folded position adjacent a side of the pocket to an unfolded position for holding merchandise. A panel assembly having pockets for holding printed materials are attached to the front of the pocket." The patent application was filed on July 23, 2007 (11/880,430). 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=7,958,920.PN.&OS=PN/7,958,920&RS=PN/7,958,920 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Bercom International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 21 -- Bercom International, Chanhassen, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,959,030) developed by Mark W. Bergman, Minnetonka, Minn., for a "roller brush adaptable hand-held container having sidewall ramp portion." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention is a container comprising a bottom wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, a sidewall extending from the bottom wall, and a handle. The sidewall has a top section and a bottom section, a front section and a rear section, and an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the sidewall comprises a base portion extending from the inner surface of the bottom wall and a ramp portion extending at an acute angle from the base portion at the front section of the sidewall. The handle is connected to the outer surface of the sidewall adjacent both the top section and the rear section of the sidewall." The patent application was filed on April 29, 2005 (11/118,659). 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=7,959,030.PN.&OS=PN/7,959,030&RS=PN/7,959,030 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Target Brands Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 21 -- Target Brands, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (7,959,006) developed by Ryan McCoy, Falcon Heights, Minn., Daniel Joseph Hoyord, St. Paul, Minn., and Angela L. Baer, Minneapolis, for a "bag with elastic support members." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A bag has two handles extending from a containing structure that holds items. An elastic member is attached to each handle and each elastic member defines at least part of a passage. Arms of a bag rack assembly are placed through the passages defined by the elastic members so that the bag is supported on the bag rack by the elastic members." The patent application was filed on Nov. 21, 2008 (12/275,603). 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=7,959,006.PN.&OS=PN/7,959,006&RS=PN/7,959,006 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Southeast Directional Drilling Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 21 -- Southeast Directional Drilling, Casa Grande, Ariz., has been assigned a patent (7,958,950) developed by Mark Osadchuk, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Steven L. Ugrich, Bovey, Minn., for a "reamer and methods for directional drilling." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A reamer for underground boring is provided. The reamer includes at least: (a) a center mandrel, wherein the center mandrel defines a mandrel axis; (b) a plurality of radial members extending radially from the center mandrel; (c) a plurality of cutting heads, wherein each of the cutting heads: (i) is supported by at least one of the radial members; (ii) is arcuately spaced-apart around the center mandrel from the other cutting heads; (iii) has a rounded surface; and (d) a plurality of cutting teeth on the rounded surface of each of the cutting heads. A method of horizontal drilling with the reamer is also provided." The patent application was filed on April 26, 2010 (12/767,085). 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=7,958,950.PN.&OS=PN/7,958,950&RS=PN/7,958,950 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Zareba Security Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 21 -- Zareba Security, Plymouth, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,959,131) developed by four co-inventors for a deflection sensing system. The co-inventors are James B. Easley, Orono, Minn., Gerald W. Grabowski, Plymouth, Minn., Donald G. Dalland, Mantorville, Minn., and Doug Tvedt, Owatonna, Minn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The system incorporates wire deflection, taut wire detection for perimeter security applications. Generally, the system of the invention provides intrusion detection by an internal mechanism. The internal mechanism can detect wire deflection in any direction. In turn, given a sufficient amount of wire deflection, a security system is signaled. However, the force required to sufficiently deflect the wires is high enough so as to minimize nuisance alarms. The internal mechanism is generally held within a structure so that it is protected from tampering. As such, the internal mechanism is also kept separate from the wire array so that it is protected from attempts by an intruder to isolate the wire array." The patent application was filed on Nov. 8, 2007 (11/937,257). 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=7959131.PN.&OS=PN/7959131&RS=PN/7959131 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Eleos Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 21 -- Eleos, Omaha, Neb., and Smith Holdings, South San Francisco, Calif., have been assigned a patent (7,960,364) developed by Dayton T. Reardan, Shorewood, Minn., Larry J. Smith, Omaha, Neb., and Robert E. Klem, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., for "methods for modulating the efficacy of nucleic acid based therapies." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Covalently reactive antigen analogs are disclosed herein. The antigens of the invention may be used to stimulate production of catalytic antibodies specific for predetermined antigens associated with particular medical disorders. The antigen analogs may also be used to permanently inactivate endogenously produced catalytic antibodies produced in certain autoimmune diseases as well as in certain lymphoproliferative disorders. Also provided are methods for modulating the efficacy of nucleic acid based therapeutics." The patent application was filed on Dec. 11, 2009 (12/636,452). 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=7960364.PN.&OS=PN/7960364&RS=PN/7960364 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Target Brands Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 21 -- Target Brands, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (7,959,166) developed by six co-inventors for a "shopping cart with a base and a basket." The co-inventors are William D. Splain, Brooklyn Park, Minn., Robert D. Peota, Minneapolis, Alexandre Hennen, Cambridge, Mass., Allan Cameron, Natick, Mass., Mark T. Ryan, Haskell, Okla., and David L. Pruitt Jr., Brookland, Ark. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of assembling shopping carts includes providing a basket defining including rear upright frame members. Each rear upright frame member defines includes a lower connecting portion. The method further includes providing a first base and providing a second base. The first base includes a pair of first base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of the lower connecting portions. The second base includes a pair of second base supports each configured to be removably secured to one of lower connecting portions, and the second base is shaped differently than the first base. The method includes selecting one of the first base and the second base having a desired base size and shape, and removably securing the basket to the selected one of the first base and the second base including coupling each lower connecting portion with one of the first base supports and second base supports." The patent application was filed on Sept. 8, 2010 (12/877,978). 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=7,959,166&OS=7,959,166&RS=7,959,166 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold Assigned Patent for Automated Banking Machine System and Method ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 21 -- Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, North Canton, Ohio, has been assigned a patent (7,959,067) developed by five co-inventors for an "automated banking machine system and method." The co-inventors are Atta Mateen, Minnetonka, Minn., David E. Kolinski-Schultz, Canton, Ohio, Dale H. Blackson, Canton, Ohio, Mark D. Smith, North Canton, Ohio, and Natarajan Ramachandran, Uniontown, Ohio. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An automated banking machine (152) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a keypad (172), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a code reading device (180), a display (182), a cash acceptor (184), a check acceptor (186) and a biometric reader (188). The banking machine operates responsive to indica read from user cards. The banking machine operates responsive to instructions executed by at least one processor (190) in the machine. The banking machine is operative responsive to reading gaming tickets or other items through operation of the code reading device, and/or a biometric feature reading device, to dispense cash or provide other value to users. The banking machine is also operative to cause value to be transferred by users for the purchase of gaming items. Other transactions may be conducted, including redeeming or changing forms of value including forms of value that can be used within a gaming establishment (154)." The patent application was filed on April 3, 2007 (11/732,397). 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=7959067.PN.&OS=PN/7959067&RS=PN/7959067 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** ADC Telecommunications Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 21 -- ADC Telecommunications, Eden Prairie, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,959,361) developed by Yu Lu, Eden Prairie, Minn., and Randy Reagan, Morristown, N.J., for a "hardened fiber optic connection system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A fiber optic connector and a fiber optic adapter are disclosed that are manually connectable and disconnectable with each other by a slideable latching means. The fiber optic connector includes an end defining a plug portion. The plug portion holds a ferrule and also directly engages a port on the fiber optic adapter. The plug portion includes a protrusion which also forms a latch catch. The port of the fiber optic adapter includes a flexible retention latch within a slot. The slot engages the protrusion and thus rotationally aligns the fiber optic connector and adapter. The flexible retention latch snaps into and out of the latch catch when the plug portion of the fiber optic connector is slid into and out of the port of the fiber optic adapter thus providing the slideable latching means. Angled retaining surfaces are provided on the retention latch and the latch catch that engage each other. Angles defining the angled retaining surfaces are chosen to provide desired holding and release characteristics. A sealing means and a threaded connection means are also provided between the fiber optic adapter and connector." The patent application was filed on July 26, 2010 (12/843,692). 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=7959361.PN.&OS=PN/7959361&RS=PN/7959361 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Minnesota Inventor Develops Patent for Snap Assembly Friction Hinge ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 21 -- James B. Easley, Orono, Minn., has developed a patent (7,958,599) for a "snap assembly friction hinge." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A friction hinge includes a socket made up of a compressible elastomer insert sleeve inside a relatively rigid cup substrate. The insert sleeve defines an opening with a lip around the opening, and a relatively rigid ball or other center portion can be snap assembled through the lip and opening to center itself in the socket. A mount portion extends through the opening off the ball/center portion, and hand pressure on the mount portion can adjust the angular position of the joint. The size of the ball/center portion relative to the size of the cup substrate causes dimensional compression of the insert sleeve, such as about 15% of its thickness. The compression of the insert sleeve creates a controlled friction force on the ball/center portion, so the snap assembly friction hinge works consistently over a long time and over wide temperature ranges." The patent application was filed on Feb. 13, 2009 (12/371,402). 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=7958599.PN.&OS=PN/7958599&RS=PN/7958599 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Target Brands Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 21 -- Target Brands, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (7,959,068) developed by four co-inventors for a "transaction product with gelatinous substance." The co-inventors are Ted C. Halbur, Lino Lakes, Minn., Adam W. Reynolds, Minneapolis, Timothy P. Clegg, Manhatten Beach, Calif., and Primoz Samardzija, Marina del Ray, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A transaction product includes a housing, a gelatinous substance and an account identifier. The housing defines a storage cavity and is configured to be selectively opened and closed to provide selective access to the storage cavity. The gelatinous substance is selectively enclosed within the storage cavity, and, upon removal of the gelatinous substance from the storage cavity, the gelatinous substance is configured to selectively flow in a plurality of different directions. The account identifier links the transaction product to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal such that value can be added to or deducted from the at least one of the account and the record using the account identifier. Other product, cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed." The patent application was filed on Aug. 23, 2007 (11/843,855). 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=7959068.PN.&OS=PN/7959068&RS=PN/7959068 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. 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