TMCnet News
U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Michigan (July 19)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Michigan. *** Sloan Valve Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 18 -- Sloan Valve, Franklin Park, Ill., has been assigned a patent (7,975,324) developed by four co-inventors for a "pressurized dual flush system." The co-inventors are Ming Ge, Farmington Hills, Mich., Amer Mansour, West Bloomfield, Mich., Jerry Sobolewski, Canton, Mich., and Phil Wenzel, Wixom, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A dual flush volume pressurized flush device. A pressurized tank includes a tray for controllably retaining water during a flush event. The tray retains a certain volume of water when a reduced flush is activated, such that the entire volume of the tank is not flushed. In a full flush event, the activation causes substantially the entire volume of the tank to be flushed, including the volume of water inside the tray. A controllable water retention tray valve is positioned in the tray and provides a controllable release for the water in the tray." The patent application was filed on July 30, 2008 (12/221,018). 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=7975324.PN.&OS=PN/7975324&RS=PN/7975324 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 18 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,975,383) developed by eight co-inventors for a "double hydroformed tube with integral reinforcement." The co-inventors are Lou Ratsos, Commerce Township, Mich., James Lowe, Temperance, Mich., John Reed, Hudson, Ohio, Lawrence Queener, Pinckney, Mich., Sergio Angotti, Canton, Mich., Ramakrishna Koganti, Canton, Mich., Bryan Mikula, Dexter, Mich., and Dean Gericke, Brighton, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A hydroforming process forms a hydroformed automotive component as a multiple cell member having an integral internal rib separating the cells and reinforcing the hydroformed component to increase the strength of a hydroformed component with a given size and shape. The tubular blank can be manufactured through a roll-forming process or by welding two structural tubular members, to form a tubular blank that has multiple cells with an internal rib separating the cells. The hydroforming process injects fluid under pressure into each of the cells to expand the tubular blank into the shape defined by the die holding the blank. The internal web separating the cells of the blank becomes an integral internal reinforcement spanning the component to enhance the strength, rigidity and stiffness of the component. Providing differential pressure on the multiple cells can stretch and twist the internal rib for positioning internally as desired." The patent application was filed on July 28, 2006 (11/495,470). 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=79,75,383.PN.&OS=PN/79,75,383&RS=PN/79,75,383 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Lear Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Lear, Southfield, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,975,360) developed by Eric Veine, Wixom, Mich., Gerald Locke, Lake Orion, Mich., and Mark A. Farquhar, Ortonville, Mich., for a "head restraint support component for a vehicle seat." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vehicle seat assembly is provided with a seat frame adapted to be mounted within a vehicle. The seat frame has a tubular upper cross member. A bracket member is mounted to the tubular upper cross member of the seat frame. The bracket member has a pair of fulcrum bushings integrally formed therein. The bracket member is attached to onto the tubular upper cross member by an interference fit. At least one support rod is sized to be received within each of the pair of fulcrum bushings. At least one head restraint post is sized to be received within the at least one support rod. An active head restraint is mounted to the at least one head restraint post." The patent application was filed on Jan. 19, 2010 (12/689,448). 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=79,75,360.PN.&OS=PN/79,75,360&RS=PN/79,75,360 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Delphi Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Delphi Technologies, Troy, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,975,537) developed by Da Yu Wang, Troy, Mich., and Sheng Yao, Macomb, Mich., for "systems and methods for sensing an ammonia concentration in exhaust gases." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods for determining an NH.sub.3 concentration in exhaust gases from an engine are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes generating a first signal from an NH.sub.3 sensor fluidly communicating with the exhaust gases. The method further includes generating a second signal from an air humidity sensor disposed proximate to an air intake manifold of the engine indicating a humidity level. The method further includes determining an air/fuel ratio associated with the engine. The method further includes determining an NH.sub.3 deviation value in a calibration table based on the second signal and the air/fuel ratio, utilizing a controller. The method further includes determining an NH.sub.3 concentration value based on the first signal and the NH.sub.3 deviation value, utilizing the controller. The NH.sub.3 concentration value is indicative of the NH.sub.3 concentration in the exhaust gases. The method further includes storing the NH.sub.3 concentration value in a memory device, utilizing the controller." The patent application was filed on April 25, 2008 (12/109,405). 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=79,75,537&OS=79,75,537&RS=79,75,537 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,976,430) developed by four co-inventors for a "driver intention detection algorithm for transmission control." The co-inventors are Chunhao J. Lee, Troy, Mich., Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Troy, Mich., Paul G. Otanez, Troy, Mich., and Daekyun Kim, Rochester Hills, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and method for providing TCC control and/or transmission gear shift control by considering the rate of change of the accelerator pedal or throttle position. The method determines whether the rate of change of the throttle position exceeds a predetermined positive rate of change or a predetermined negative rate of change and, if so, releases the TCC to provide TCC control. Alternatively, or additionally, the method can provide a transmission gear down-shift or up-shift depending on which direction the throttle position is changing. Once the TCC and/or gear shift control has been initiated, the method can start a timer and then return to normal TCC and/or gear shift control after the timer has expired. The TCC and/or gear shift control can also return to normal if the rate of change of the throttle position indicates that the throttle is being returned to its previous position." The patent application was filed on Jan. 30, 2008 (12/022,712). 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=79,76,430.PN.&OS=PN/79,76,430&RS=PN/79,76,430 Written by Ankita Das; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,976,424) developed by five co-inventors for a eight speed transmission. The co-inventors are Andrew W. Phillips, Saline, Mich., James M. Hart, Belleville, Mich., Scott H. Wittkopp, Ypsilanti, Mich., Clinton E. Carey, Monroe, Mich., and Madhusudan Raghavan, West Bloomfield, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may be either clutches or brakes." The patent application was filed on March 11, 2008 (12/045,802). 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=79,76,424.PN.&OS=PN/79,76,424&RS=PN/79,76,424 Written by Ankita Das; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,976,419) developed by Chip Hartinger, Brighton, Mich., Steve A. Frait, Milan, Mich., and James T. Gooden, Canton, Mich., for a "control of the flow rate in a transmission oil cooler." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for controlling a flow rate in a vehicle transmission includes a source of fluid exiting a torque converter, an oil cooler, a source of control pressure, and a valve for regulating a rate of fluid flow from the torque converter to the cooler in response to the control pressure." The patent application was filed on Dec. 11, 2008 (12/332,427). 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=79,76,419.PN.&OS=PN/79,76,419&RS=PN/79,76,419 Written by Ankita Das; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,976,425) developed by four co-inventors for a "eight speed automatic transmission." The co-inventors are Scott H. Wittkopp, Ypsilanti, Mich., James M. Hart, Belleville, Mich., Andrew W. Phillips, Saline, Mich., and Clinton E. Carey, Monroe, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may be either clutches or brakes." The patent application was filed on March 19, 2008 (12/051,025). 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=79,76,425.PN.&OS=PN/79,76,425&RS=PN/79,76,425 Written by Ankita Das; edited by Jaya Anand. *** American Axle & Manufacturing Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- American Axle & Manufacturing, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,976,423) developed by Paul J. Valente, Berkley, Mich., for a "pre-load mechanism for helical gear differential." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A differential assembly for a vehicle includes a differential casing rotatable about an axis. The differential casing defines a cavity. A pair of side gears is disposed within the differential casing cavity. First and second pairs of pinion gears are rotatably positioned in the cavity in driving engagement with the side gears. A thrust block has circumferentially spaced apart recesses. Rotation of the thrust block is restricted by the first and second pairs of pinion gears being in communication with the recesses. A spring biases the thrust block into engagement with one of the side gears." The patent application was filed on Sept. 23, 2010 (12/889,056). 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=79,76,423.PN.&OS=PN/79,76,423&RS=PN/79,76,423 Written by Ankita Das; edited by Jaya Anand. *** American Axle & Manufacturing Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- American Axle & Manufacturing, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,976,422) developed by Daniel G. Corless, Allen Park, Mich., for a "differential with cross pin retention system and method for assembly." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A differential assembly includes a retainer for a cross pin having a bore aligned with a bore formed in a differential housing. The cross pin retainer is positionable at partially-inserted and fully-inserted positions within the cross pin and differential bores. At a first rotational orientation, the cross pin retainer is positionable in its partially-inserted position to temporarily retain the cross pin within the differential housing. At a second rotational orientation, the cross pin retainer is positionable in its fully-inserted position to retain the cross pin within the differential housing. Features of the cross pin retainer cooperate with surfaces formed in the differential housing to allow the cross pin retainer to be fixedly positioned and secured within the differential housing." The patent application was filed on Jan. 18, 2010 (12/688,962). 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=79,76,422.PN.&OS=PN/79,76,422&RS=PN/79,76,422 Written by Ankita Das; edited by Jaya Anand. *** DexCom Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- DexCom, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (7,976,492) developed by eight co-inventors for an "integrated delivery device for continuous glucose sensor." The co-inventors are James H. Brauker, Cement City, Mich, Mark A. Tapsak, Orangeville, Pa., Sean T. Saint, San Diego, Apurv U. Kamath, San Diego, Paul V. Neale, San Diego, Peter C. Simpson, Encinitas, Calif., Michael Robert Mensinger, San Diego, and Dubravka Markovic, San Diego. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor, including a receiver, a medicament delivery device, and optionally a single point glucose monitor are provided. Manual integrations provide for a physical association between the devices wherein a user (for example, patient or doctor) manually selects the amount, type, and/or time of delivery. Semi-automated integration of the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components aids the user (for example, patient or doctor) in selecting, inputting, calculating, or validating the amount, type, or time of medicament delivery of glucose values, for example, by transmitting data to another component and thereby reducing the amount of user input required. Automated integration between the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components provides for full control of the system without required user interaction." The patent application was filed on Aug. 6, 2009 (12/536,852). 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=7,976,492.PN.&OS=PN/7,976,492&RS=PN/7,976,492 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,975,757) developed by four co-inventors for a "vehicle HVAC and RESS thermal management." The co-inventors are Mark D. Nemesh, Troy, Mich., Matthew J. Martinchick, Farmington, Mich., Kulwinder Singh, Lake Orion, Mich., and Wissam Ibri, Sterling Heights, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A HVAC and RESS thermal management system and a method of operation for a vehicle having a passenger compartment, a power plant and a battery pack is disclosed. The system comprises a RESS coolant circuit and a power plant coolant circuit. The RESS coolant circuit directs a coolant through the battery pack and includes a pump, a coolant heating branch has a coolant-to-coolant heat exchanger, and a coolant routing valve that will selectively direct the coolant through the coolant heating branch. The power plant coolant circuit includes a heater core branch having a HVAC pump, a coolant heater, a heater core located in a HVAC module to provide heat to the passenger compartment, and the coolant-to-coolant heat exchanger, with the coolant-to-coolant heat exchanger providing heat transfer between the coolant in the coolant heating branch and the coolant in the heater core branch." The patent application was filed on July 21, 2008 (12/176,432). 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=7,975,757.PN.&OS=PN/7,975,757&RS=PN/7,975,757 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Coulomb Friction Damped Disc Brake Rotors ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,975,750) developed by eight co-inventors for a "coulomb friction damped disc brake rotors." The co-inventors are Omar S. Dessouki, Beverly Hills, Mich., Brent D. Lowe, Milford, Mich., Mark T. Riefe, Brighton, Mich., Matthew T. Doescher, Berkley, Mich., Anil K. Sachdev, Rochester Hills, Mich., Mark W. Verbrugge, Troy, Mich., James G. Schroth, Troy, Mich., and Michael D. Hanna, West Bloomfield, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A Coulomb friction damped disc brake rotor, wherein damping is provided Coulomb friction in generally coextensive relation with the braking surfaces of the one or more rotor cheeks. The Coulomb friction damped disc brake rotor has at least one interfacial boundary formed in at least one rotor cheek disposed in generally coextensive relation to the braking surface thereof. The interfacial boundary provides a mechanically distinguishable surface boundary between two surfaces which are in mutual contact such that a state of Coulomb friction exists therebetween." The patent application was filed on Oct. 8, 2004 (10/961,813). 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=7,975,750.PN.&OS=PN/7,975,750&RS=PN/7,975,750 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Pennsylvania, Michigan Inventors Develop Patent for Apparatus for Facilitating Circulation ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Thomas Raley, Hanover, Pa., Phillip March, Holland, Mich., Mark Brummel, Jenison, Mich., Eldon Nyhof, Zeeland, Mich., John Lindahl, Fruitport, Mich., and Jerry Kulas, Holland, Mich., have developed a patent (7,976,486) for an "apparatus for facilitating circulation." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A circulation facilitating apparatus comprising a pneumatic assembly and first and second leg assemblies. The pneumatic assembly comprises a pump assembly, a control assembly, an air controller assembly and an energizing assembly. The control assembly controls the pump assembly. The control assembly includes a microprocessor and a system for programming the microprocessor. The programming system programs at least a cycle time and at least a hold time. The air controller assembly is coupled to the pump assembly. Each leg assembly includes a bladder, an air passage assembly and a housing. A treatment method is likewise disclosed." The patent application was filed on Oct. 10, 2006 (11/545,809). 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=7,976,486&OS=7,976,486&RS=7,976,486 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Apparatus and Method for Throttle Control of Internal Combustion Engines ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,975,669) developed by four co-inventors for an "apparatus and method for throttle control of internal combustion engines." The co-inventors are Pochuan B. Hsing, Sterling Heights, Mich., Jia-Shiun Chen, Plymouth, Mich., Kuo-Huey Chen, Troy, Mich., and Yeupin P. Yeh, Rochester, Mich., The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A throttle control valve is provided. It includes a valve housing having an inlet end, an outlet end. A valve body located within the housing has a sealing end and a spindle. The sealing end has a teardrop shaped cross-section for cooperating with the valve housing." The patent application was filed on July 28, 2009 (12/510,506). 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=7,975,669&OS=7,975,669&RS=7,975,669 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Continental Automotive Systems US Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Continental Automotive Systems US, Auburn Hills, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,975,719) developed by Matthias Nederegger, Rochester Hills, Mich., and Hugo Ritzenthaler, Rochester Hills, Mich., for an "auxiliary side hose connection for dual chamber fuel tank." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A hose connection (51) includes mounting structure (32) and suction structure (46) having an axis (B). The suction structure is mounted to the mounting structure such that the suction structure can rotate with respect to the mounting structure about the axis. The hose connection includes a hose (26') coupled to the suction structure." The patent application was filed on July 17, 2007 (11/826,595). 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=7,975,719.PN.&OS=PN/7,975,719&RS=PN/7,975,719 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Spark Timing and Control during Transitions between Spark Ignited Combustion and Homogenous Charge Compression Ignition ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,975,668) developed by six co-inventors for a "spark timing and control during transitions between spark ignited combustion and homogenous charge compression ignition." The co-inventors are Vijay Ramappan, Novi, Mich., Allen B. Rayl, Waterford, Mich., Jun-Mo Kang, Ann Arbor, Mich., Peter Kafarnik, Eltville-Erbach, Germany, Matthew A. Wiles, Royal Oak, Mich., and Hanho Yun, Oakland Township, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A control system for an engine comprises an air per cylinder (APC) generating module that generates measured and desired APC values. A combustion transition module selectively transitions the engine from spark ignition (SI) combustion to homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion and from HCCI combustion to SI combustion. A spark control module selectively retards spark during the transitions based on a ratio of the measured APC value and the desired APC value. Alternately, spark retard can be based on measured and desired engine torque representing values (ETRVs)." The patent application was filed on Aug. 12, 2008 (12/190,079). 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=7,975,668&OS=7,975,668&RS=7,975,668 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Dual-equal Cam Phasing with Variable Overlap ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,975,663) developed by Richard Stephen Davis, Lake Orion, Mich., for a "dual-equal cam phasing with variable overlap." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A cam phaser assembly may include a drive plate assembly, a cavity plate, and a driven plate assembly. The drive plate assembly may include a drive plate and a first vane fixed for rotation with the drive plate. The cavity plate may be rotationally driven by the drive plate and may define first and second chambers. The first vane may extend into the first chamber. The driven plate assembly may be rotationally driven by the drive plate assembly and may include a driven plate and a second vane fixed for rotation with the driven plate that extends into the second chamber." The patent application was filed on April 15, 2008 (12/103,356). 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=7,975,663&OS=7,975,663&RS=7,975,663 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California, Michigan Inventors Develop Patent for Retractable Step ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Bradley E. Watson, Barrie, Calif., Charles J. Chuba, Howell, Mich., Ben Yang, Maple, Calif., John Harding, Gormley, Calif., Christopher J. Kuntze, Clarkston, Mich., Trevor Thompson, Puslinch, Calif., have developed a patent (7,976,042) for a retractable step. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A step assembly includes an upper housing adapted to be fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A step is movable relative to the upper housing between a stowed position and a deployed position. A single arm is pivotal with respect to the upper housing and pivotal with respect to the step in order to form a three-bar linkage for moving the step between the stowed and deployed positions." The patent application was filed on Aug. 20, 2007 (11/841,280). 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=7,976,042&OS=7,976,042&RS=7,976,042 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Method for Controlling Engine Intake Airflow ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,975,672) developed by Jun-Mo Kang, Ann Arbor, Mich., Chen-Fang Chang, Troy, Mich., and Jyh-Shin Chen, Troy, Mich., for a "method for controlling engine intake airflow." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An internal combustion engine includes a controllable throttle and controllable engine valves and is selectively operative in one of a plurality of combustion modes. An engine control method includes monitoring engine operation, determining a desired air flow, estimating a cylinder air charge, and estimating an intake air partial pressure. The throttle control device and engine valves are controlled based upon the intake air partial pressure and the cylinder air charge to achieve the desired air flow." The patent application was filed on Aug. 5, 2008 (12/185,872). 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=7,975,672&OS=7,975,672&RS=7,975,672 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Delphi Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Delphi Technologies, Troy, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,975,536) developed by four co-inventors for a "method to detect the presence of a liquid-cooled engine supplemental heater." The co-inventors are Eric Bommer, Davison, Mich., Kenneth M. Simpson, Swartz Creek, Mich., Michael E. List, Grand Blanc, Mich., and Warren Huang, Toronto. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for detecting an engine block heater includes block heater detection logic and a data table containing calibration thresholds. The method determines a time-series of delta (.DELTA.) engine coolant temperatures (ECT), which represent the respective differences between a start-up ECT and a plurality of operating ECT values measured thereafter. The method integrates the time-series to obtain a .DELTA. ECT integral. The method also maintains an integrated engine speed parameter accumulated over the course of the detection period. Throughout the detection period, the method retrieves a threshold value from the table based on the integrated engine speed (Y-axis) versus an elapsed time (X-axis) since the detection period began. When the calculated .DELTA. ECT integral value exceeds the retrieved threshold, the method determines that the block heater was operated, which can thereafter be used to suppress sensor rationality testing or reporting of results thereof." The patent application was filed on June 24, 2008 (12/145,112). 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=7,975,536.PN.&OS=PN/7,975,536&RS=PN/7,975,536 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Intertec Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Intertec Systems, Plymouth, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,976,057) developed by Gregg S. Evans, Windsor, Calif., Andrew L. Dargavell, Oxford, Mich., for "automotive milled PSIR scoring with interlaced interfaces." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An automotive Passenger Side Inflatable Restraint (PSIR) hidden door system contained in an automotive instrument panel and a method of scoring the PSIR door system. The system includes forward and rearward doors hingedly connected at first and second hinges, respectively, to a PSIR airbag chute. The system further includes a common tear line of reduced material thickness integrally joining the forward and rearward doors. The common tear line has a substantially non-linear shape with first and second linear ends." The patent application was filed on Feb. 10, 2010 (12/703,231). 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=7,976,057&OS=7,976,057&RS=7,976,057 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** General Electric Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- General Electric, Schenectady, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (7,976,026) developed by seven co-inventors for "methods and apparatus to facilitate sealing in rotary machines." The co-inventors are Nikhil Kumar Verma, Karnataka, India, Imdad Imam, Schenectady, N.Y., Vineet Ghate, Bangalore, India, Sean Douglas Feeny, Ballston Spa, N.Y., William Edward Adis, Scotia, N.Y., Shorya Awtar, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Jason Paul Mortzheim, Gloversville, N.Y. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and seal assembly for a rotary machine including a rotary component and a stationary component is provided. The method includes providing a seal housing including a front plate and a back plate that is spaced from the front plate such that a cavity is defined between the front plate and the back plate. The method also includes coupling a plurality of flexible compliant plates to at least one of the seal housing and the stationary component such that the compliant plates are spaced from the front plate and the back plate within the cavity, and coupling at least one projection to at least one of the seal housing and the compliant plates such that the at least one projection facilitates reducing flow through at least one of a first axial gap and a second axial gap that are defined between the seal housing and the compliant plates." The patent application was filed on April 30, 2007 (11/796,815). 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=7,976,026&OS=7,976,026&RS=7,976,026 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,975,534) developed by Mike M. Mc Donald, Macomb, Mich., and William C. Albertson, Clinton Township, Mich., for a "crankshaft reversal detection systems." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A crankshaft reversal detection system includes a sensor module and a control module that communicates with the sensor module. The sensor module detects position of a belt tensioner that communicates with a crankshaft driven accessory drive belt. The control module determines a rotational direction of the crankshaft pulley based on the position of the belt tensioner." The patent application was filed on Aug. 4, 2008 (12/185,338). 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=7,975,534.PN.&OS=PN/7,975,534&RS=PN/7,975,534 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Whitesell International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Whitesell International, Taylor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,975,522) developed by Richard P. Ward, Canton, Mich., Jorge E. Gonzalez, Canton, Mich., and Richard Gregory Bahlow, Ann Arbor, Mich., for a "fastener manufacturing assembly and method." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention is an assembly and method for continuously manufacturing fasteners. A die press actuated at a first speed receives the contoured wire into a die having a piercing element for piercing an aperture and a cutting element for cutting a fastener from the wire. A guide receives the fasteners from the die press and a drive unit engages the fasteners oriented by the guide and conveys the fastener to an elevated height relative to a tapping device. The guide redirects the fasteners by a first router. The fasteners are gravity fed into the first router and redirected to one of the tapping devices. Each tapping device has a tapping element for forming internal ribs in the aperture of the fastener. The tapping devices each actuates at a second speed that in aggregate is generally equal to the first speed of the die press." The patent application was filed on Feb. 29, 2008 (12/040,433). 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=7,975,522.PN.&OS=PN/7,975,522&RS=PN/7,975,522 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Nissan North America Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Nissan North America, Franklin, Tenn., has been assigned a patent (7,975,496) developed by Ronald S. Eisenhour, West Bloomfield, Mich., and Charles Sprunger, Saline, Mich., for a "vehicle air conditioning system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vehicle air conditioning system includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a humidity sensor and a controller. The compressor is configured to compress refrigerant and the condenser is fluidly coupled to the compressor to receive the refrigerant from the compressor. The evaporator is fluidly coupled to the condenser to receive the refrigerant from the condenser and fluidly coupled to the compressor to supply the refrigerant to the compressor. The humidity sensor is positioned proximate the evaporator to detect moisture density of air passing through the evaporator towards a vehicle passenger compartment. The controller is operatively coupled to the humidity sensor and the compressor to cycle the compressor on and off to maintain the moisture density in the air being cooled by the evaporator and sensed by the humidity sensor below a predetermined moisture density threshold." The patent application was filed on Aug. 11, 2008 (12/189,507). 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=7,975,496.PN.&OS=PN/7,975,496&RS=PN/7,975,496 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, Ann Arbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,976,039) developed by Ajay M. Hirve, Canton, Mich., and Mikhal el Arculli, Canton, Mich., for a "upper support apparatus for a vehicle suspension." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An upper support apparatus for use in a suspension system of a vehicle is disclosed, wherein the apparatus includes an upper support plate defining at least one aperture, the upper support plate coupled to a body of the vehicle. The upper support apparatus further includes a resilient member coupled to an underside of the upper support plate, wherein at least one portion of the resilient member is adapted to protrude through the at least one aperture and wherein the at least one portion of the resilient member prevents direct contact between the upper support plate and the body of the vehicle." The patent application was filed on Aug. 21, 2009 (12/545,269). 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=7,976,039&OS=7,976,039&RS=7,976,039 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Complete Automation Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Complete Automation, Lake Orion, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,975,935) developed by Kenneth Matheis Jr., Lake Orion, Mich., for a "cost effective paint system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A paint system includes at least one modular paint delivery system module, each module having a shipping container configured for transport via a transport infrastructure, and at least one paint delivery system preassembled into an operational paint circulation unit and configured to be shipped and operated within the shipping container. A method for deploying a system includes building at least one modular paint delivery system module at a building site, each module having a shipping container configured for transport via a transport infrastructure, and at least one paint delivery system preassembled into an operational paint circulation unit and configured to be shipped to and operated within the shipping container at an installation site, transporting the module to the installation site location from the building site via the transport infrastructure, and connecting at least one resource connection and at least one distribution piping to the module at the installation site location." The patent application was filed on April 11, 2008 (12/101,584). 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=7,975,935&OS=7,975,935&RS=7,975,935 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Lear Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Lear, Southfield, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,976,103) developed by Steve Gamache, Canton, Mich., Gerald Patrick, Shelby Township, Mich., and Suresh Veeramachaneni, Rochester Hills, Mich., for a "seat assembly having a switch and method of operation." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A seat assembly and a method of control. The seat assembly includes a power recliner assembly that allows a seat back to pivot with respect to a seat bottom. The power recliner assembly includes a motor for rotating a recliner mechanism. A switch assembly is electrically coupled to the motor and disables operation of the motor when in an open condition." The patent application was filed on Sept. 23, 2008 (12/236,039). 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=7,976,103&OS=7,976,103&RS=7,976,103 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** BWI Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- BWI, Luxembourg, has been assigned a patent (7,976,109) developed by David F. Reuter, Beavercreek, Ohio, E. Wayne Lloyd, Lebanon, Ohio, and Deron C. Littlejohn, West Bloomfield, Mich., for a "failsafe operation of a hybrid brake system for a vehicle." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A hybrid brake apparatus for a vehicle includes a front hydraulically actuated brake circuit, a rear electrically actuated brake circuit, and a controller. The front hydraulically actuated brake circuit includes a master cylinder for providing pressurized fluid to the front brake circuit in response to an input applied to the master cylinder for applying a frictional front braking force. The rear electrically actuated brake circuit is controllable in response to the input for providing a frictional rear braking force. The rear brake circuit is controlled in accordance with a first predetermined relationship between the input and rear braking force during normal operation of the front brake circuit. If the controller detects a degradation of front braking force, the rear brake circuit is controlled in accordance with a second predetermined relationship between the input and the rear braking force, to thereby compensate for the degradation of front braking force." The patent application was filed on Oct. 8, 2003 (10/681,638). 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=7,976,109&OS=7,976,109&RS=7,976,109 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Electrically Heated Particulate Filter Restart Strategy ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,975,469) developed by Eugene V. Gonze, Pinckney, Mich., Michael J. Paratore Jr., Howell, Mich., and Frank Ament, Troy, Mich., for an "electrically heated particulate filter restart strategy." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A control system that controls regeneration of a particulate filter is provided. The system generally includes a propagation module that estimates a propagation status of combustion of particulate matter in the particulate filter. A regeneration module controls current to the particulate filter to re-initiate regeneration based on the propagation status." The patent application was filed on May 15, 2007 (11/803,679). 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=7,975,469.PN.&OS=PN/7,975,469&RS=PN/7,975,469 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Exhaust Manifold Assembly ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,975,473) developed by Kenneth L. Marotta, Macomb, Mich., and Robert H. Beck, East China, Mich., for an exhaust manifold assembly. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An exhaust manifold may include a manifold body and a flange. The manifold body may include a first tube that forms an exhaust gas inlet. The flange may be coupled to the manifold body and may fix the manifold body to an engine. The flange may include a first aperture having first and second portions located along an axial extent of the first aperture. The first portion may extend to a first end surface of the flange and the second portion may extend to a second end surface of the flange. The first portion may have a first radial width that is less than a second radial width of the second portion. The second portion may receive an end of the first tube therein. The first tube may be fixed to the flange at a location within the first aperture between the first portion and the second end surface." The patent application was filed on Oct. 10, 2007 (11/869,812). 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=7,975,473.PN.&OS=PN/7,975,473&RS=PN/7,975,473 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Michigan Inventor Develops Patent for Signage System ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Stanley J. Baryla Sr., Midland, Mich., has developed a patent (7,975,413) for a signage system. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Signage member can be installed for display in sign support member mounted on a wall. Multiple sign support members can be abutted with one or more fastener(s). Such fastener(s) can have a tall nut and tall screw about one end and a threaded hole and short screw about another. One or more signage member(s) may be stored behind the displayed signage member." The patent application was filed on March 8, 2006 (11/370,406). 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=7,975,413.PN.&OS=PN/7,975,413&RS=PN/7,975,413 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** P-tec Products Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- P-tec Products, Zeeland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,975,447) developed by Kalvin K. Vanden Bosch, West Olive, Mich., and Brian R. Dykstra, Zeeland, Mich., for a decorative trim assembly. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A decorative trim assembly is provided for decorating a building exterior. The assembly includes a plurality of trim modules that may be assembled together to form various trim subassemblies. Each trim module includes a decorative portion and at least one rail portion coupled to the decorative portion. The rail portions have end portions and define channels having heights and widths that permit other rail portions to be inserted and retained therein. Some of the rail portions may be cut to facilitate joining with other rail portions, and screw blocks, angle adapters, and end caps are provided to further facilitate the assembly of various trim modules to one another and to the building's exterior. Additionally, customizable trim modules permit the insertion and removal of various emblems, characters, symbols, or the like from the trim modules." The patent application was filed on Nov. 13, 2008 (12/270,352). 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=7,975,447.PN.&OS=PN/7,975,447&RS=PN/7,975,447 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Michigan Inventor Develops Patent for System, Article and Method for Prepping/Flattening a Floor ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Kyle C. LaRocque, Ortonville, Mich., has developed a patent (7,975,449) for a "system, article and method for prepping/flattening a floor." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An article, system and method for flattening a three dimensional depression within a substrate floor. A straight edge is applied in a progressive X and Y grid fashion across the depression, with varying levels of shims defining contact locations, thereby establishing a floor template identifying common depths of depression at overlapping perimeter defined boundaries. One or more thermo-polymer sheets is resized to define an outer perimeter matching that of a perimeter boundary. A subset thickness of the sheet is incised around its outer perimeter to establish a feathering effect upon the sheet prior to it overlaying the boundary perimeter and prior to sizing and application of additional overlapping sheets up to an outermost boundary corresponding to a shallowest depression." The patent application was filed on Oct. 13, 2008 (12/250,232). 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=7,975,449.PN.&OS=PN/7,975,449&RS=PN/7,975,449 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** ArvinMeritor Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- ArvinMeritor Technology, Troy, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,975,812) developed by David G. Gonska, Beverly Hills, Mich., and Scott A. Jenkinson, Davisburg, Mich., for a "wheel hub for camshaft serviceability." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A wheel hub includes a hub flange that extends about the wheel hub. The hub flange includes a removed section that is aligned with a camshaft assembly. An insert is used to fill the removed section. The insert is selectively removable from the hub flange to provide access to the removed section such that the camshaft assembly can be removed from a brake assembly via the removed section without having to remove the wheel hub from an axle assembly." The patent application was filed on Oct. 17, 2007 (11/873,708). 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=7975812.PN.&OS=PN/7975812&RS=PN/7975812 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Chrysler Group Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Chrysler Group, Auburn Hills, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,975,796) developed by Dongfeng Guo, Troy, Mich., for a "reduced friction differential disconnect for a motor vehicle." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An axle disconnect system for selectively connecting or disconnecting a wheel-side shaft and a differential-side shaft having a common axis of rotation in a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. In the axle disconnect an output gear is splined to the wheel-side shaft on an outside diameter of the wheel-side shaft, and a translatable collar is splined to the output gear on an outside diameter of the output gear. The collar is arranged to be translated along the common axis of rotation for splined connection with the differential-side shaft while retaining the splined connection with the output gear." The patent application was filed on June 30, 2008 (12/164,929). 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=7975796.PN.&OS=PN/7975796&RS=PN/7975796 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Nissan Technical Center North America Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Nissan Technical Center North America, Farmington Hills, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,976,256) developed by Darren Womack, Windsor, Canada, and William G. Bowes, Macomb Township, Mich., for a track slot fastener. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A fastener assembly secures loads to a track in a truck bed and is retainable within a track slot of the track. The fastener assembly may include a retainer adapted to fit at least partly within a track slot and a rotatable handle operating on the retainer, the rotatable handle being rotatable between at least an engagement position and a release position. A pressure applicator is positioned between the track and the rotatable handle, the pressure applicator having a bottom surface for applying a pressure on a top surface of the track in response to the position of the rotatable handle. The pressure applicator includes at least one projection projecting from an interior region of the bottom surface and adapted to engage a positioning scallop of the track." The patent application was filed on June 23, 2008 (12/144,288). 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=7,976,256.PN.&OS=PN/7,976,256&RS=PN/7,976,256 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** TI Group Automotive Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- TI Group Automotive Systems, Warren, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,975,870) developed by William J. Laule, Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., James R. Osborne, Davisburg, Mich., And Michael R. Rivenburgh, Clarkston, Mich., for a "ring seal having sealing lobes." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A ring seal includes a body portion and a tail portion extending from the body portion. The body portion has, when viewed in cross-section and in an uncompressed state, an axially outboard surface and an axially inboard surface. The outboard surface defines a first sealing lobe, and the inboard surface defines a second sealing lobe that shares an axial centerline with the first sealing lobe." The patent application was filed on Aug. 29, 2007 (11/847,063). 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=7975870.PN.&OS=PN/7975870&RS=PN/7975870 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Prime Solution Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 19 -- Prime Solution, Allegan, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,975,854) developed by Joseph Dendel, Allegan, Mich., for a rotary fan press. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system (10) for extracting liquid from a mass comprising a portable platform (12) having an upper surface (14), a system mass input (16), a polymer feeding and blending system (18) on the upper surface (14), a liquid extraction assembly (40) on the upper surface (14), and piping (22) having a first section (24) between the system mass input (16) and the polymer feeding and blending system (18), and a second section (26) between the polymer feeding and blending system (18) and the liquid extraction assembly (40). The system is configured to have mass inputted into the system mass input (16), transport the mass to the polymer feeding and blending system (18) through the first section (24) of the piping, inject polymer into the mass in the polymer feeding and blending system (18), and transport the mass from the polymer feeding and blending system (18) to the liquid extraction assembly (40). Pressure from the mass forced into the liquid extraction assembly (18) forces liquid in the mass to exit the mass." The patent application was filed on Oct. 28, 2005 (12/091,184). 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=7975854.PN.&OS=PN/7975854&RS=PN/7975854 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. 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. -1054760 (c) 2011 Targeted News Service |