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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in North Carolina (July 26)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in North Carolina. *** H2Local Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 25 -- H2Local, Huntersville, N.C., has been assigned a patent (7,980,046) developed by Ali Reza Yousefpour, Waxhaw, N.C., Robert Wesley Brown, Charlotte, N.C., and Daniel Pompei Cedrone, Huntersville, N.C., for an "apparatus for cleaning, filling, and capping a container." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus for filling a container includes an enclosure (11) having an opening for receiving a container (14). The apparatus may include a shuttle assembly (15), a wash station (20), a fill station (21), and a seal station (16) contained within the enclosure (11). The shuttle assembly (15) may include a frame structure (23) and a shuttle (22). The shuttle (22) may advance along a path of travel and facilitate the washing, filling, and sealing of the container (14). The apparatus may be employed in a method for consecutively washing, filling, and sealing at least one container in an enclosed housing. The method includes the steps of providing at least one container, washing the container, filling the container, and sealing the container. The method may be conducted along a path of travel." The patent application was filed on Feb. 20, 2009 (12/390,098). 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=79,80,046.PN.&OS=PN/79,80,046&RS=PN/79,80,046 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Survival Armor Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Survival Armor, Fort Myers, Fla., has been assigned a patent (7,979,917) developed by Kurt J. Osborne, Charlotte, N.C., for a "rear break away ballistics vest." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A rear break away ballistics vest (1) having a front section (36) and a back section (11) that are securable to one another. The front section (36) has a first side front section (16), a second side front section (17) and an upper front section (18). The back section (11) has a first side back section (13), a second side back section (14) and a back section cover (12) secured to the back section (11). A release strap (44) is located on the front section (36) to permit a user to quickly and easily remove the rear break away ballistics vest (1) with one hand. A first shoulder strap (4) and a second shoulder strap (5) are connected to the front section (36) and extend to the back section (11). A first clip (38) is located on the back section (11) to release the first shoulder strap (4) from the first clip (38). Similarly, a second clip (39) is located on the back section (11) to release the second shoulder strap (5) from the second clip (39)." The patent application was filed on May 8, 2007 (11/745,528). 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=7979917.PN.&OS=PN/7979917&RS=PN/7979917 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Piedmont Global Solutions Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Piedmont Global Solutions, Oak Ridge, N.C., has been assigned a patent (7,979,931) developed by Byron Wade Wurdeman, Elkin, N.C., for "hospital beds with a rotating sleep surface that can translate into a chair configuration." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vehicle for use in hospitals, and the like, giving better mobility, steering, braking and passenger handling while providing comfort to the passengers from the time they lay down until they are standing on the side through the rotation and tilting ability of the frame." The patent application was filed on July 29, 2010 (12/846,203). 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=7979931.PN.&OS=PN/7979931&RS=PN/7979931 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Barosense Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Barosense, Redwood City, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,981,162) developed by four co-inventors for a "satiation devices and methods." The co-inventors are Richard S. Stack, Chapel Hill, N.C., Richard A. Glenn, Chapel Hill, N.C., William L. Athas, Durham, N.C., and Michael S. Williams, Santa Rosa, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis positionable at the gastro-esophageal junction region, preferably below the z-line. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed such that an opening at its proximal end receives masticated food from the esophagus, and such that the masticated food passes through the pouch and into the stomach via an opening in its distal end." The patent application was filed on Jan. 5, 2004 (10/751,751). 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=7,981,162.PN.&OS=PN/7,981,162&RS=PN/7,981,162 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** TearScience Assigned Patent for Inner Eyelid Treatment for Treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- TearScience, Morrisville, N.C., has been assigned a patent (7,981,146) developed by four co-inventors for an "inner eyelid treatment for treating meibomian gland dysfunction." The co-inventors are Donald R. Korb, Boston, Stephen M. Grenon, Durham, N.C., Timothy R. Willis, Raleigh, N.C., and Benjamin Tyson Gravely, Raleigh, N.C. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Heat is applied to the inside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. Temperatures at the meibomian glands reach desired levels more quickly and efficiently when heating the inside of the eyelid. Reaching such higher temperature levels may be instrumental in removing obstructions in the meibomian glands. Less time may also be required to reach desired temperature levels when applying heat to the inside of the eyelid. A force may also be applied to the outside of the patient's eyelid to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions." The patent application was filed on Jan. 17, 2008 (12/015,558). 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=7,981,146.PN.&OS=PN/7,981,146&RS=PN/7,981,146 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** TearScience Assigned Patent for Treatment of Meibomian Glands ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- TearScience, Morrisville, N.C., has been assigned a patent (7,981,145) developed by Donald R. Korb, Boston, Timothy R. Willis, Raleigh, N.C., and Stephen M. Grenon, Hillsborough, N.C., for a "treatment of meibomian glands." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In one embodiment consistent with the present invention a method of treating mammalian meibomian glands involves clearing the glands by applying a regulated heat to an eyelid containing the meibomian glands to a temperature adequate to melt obstructions in the meibomian glands to put the obstructions in a fluid or suspension (melted) state and maintaining the heat for a time period adequate to melt the obstructions. The glands can then be mechanically treated to express fluid from the glands, wherein the treating is carried out either during the time period or after the time period but while the obstruction remains in a fluid state. Subsequent pharmacological treatment of the glands by use a pharmacological agent (topical or systemic) can then be used to assist in maintaining proper flow of lipids from the glands. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract." The patent application was filed on Sept. 29, 2006 (11/541,418). 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=7,981,145.PN.&OS=PN/7,981,145&RS=PN/7,981,145 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** TearScience Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- TearScience, Morrisville, N.C., has been assigned a patent (7,981,147) developed by four co-inventors for an "outer eyelid heat and pressure treatment for treating meibomian gland dysfunction." The co-inventors are Donald R. Korb, Boston, Stephen M. Grenon, Durham, N.C., Timothy R. Willis, Raleigh, N.C., and Benjamin Tyson Gravely, Raleigh, N.C. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Heat is applied to the outside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force may also be applied to the outside of the patient's eyelid to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions or occlusions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands while reducing the amount of time to reach desired temperature levels and/or aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment." The patent application was filed on Jan. 17, 2008 (12/015,576). 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=7,981,147.PN.&OS=PN/7,981,147&RS=PN/7,981,147 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** TearScience Assigned Patent for Methods for Treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Employing Fluid Jet ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- TearScience, Morrisville, N.C., has been assigned a patent (7,981,095) developed by four co-inventors for "methods for treating meibomian gland dysfunction employing fluid jet." The co-inventors are Stephen M. Grenon, Hillsborough, N.C., Lyle Paul, Russell, Ky., Steven Roe, San Mateo, Calif., and Donald R. Korb, Boston. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "According to the present invention, there is provided a method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction in a mammal wherein an occlusion blocks at least a portion of the flow of naturally occurring secretion out of a gland channel orifice. The invention comprises selecting a device capable of delivering a jet of heated medium. The device is positioned such that when the jet is it is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid, proximate to the gland channel orifice, a jet of heated medium is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid proximate to the gland channel orifice at a pressure of from about 2 psi to about 30 psi. Application of the jet of heated medium is maintained for sufficient time to loosen, break up, fracture, soften or liquefy at least a portion of the occlusion such that at least a portion of the occlusion is removed. In an exemplary embodiment, the medium is water heated to a temperature of between about 42.degree. C. and about 46.degree. C. Depending on the particular type and composition of the obstruction, the fluid jet operates to melt or soften the obstruction and to milkingly move the corpus of the softened obstruction up the gland channel from the end opposite the meibomian gland orifice and out of the gland orifice. Repeated application of the heated fluid jet may also be necessary to soften and/or express the obstruction." The patent application was filed on Sept. 29, 2006 (11/541,291). 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=7,981,095.PN.&OS=PN/7,981,095&RS=PN/7,981,095 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** CareFusion 303 Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- CareFusion 303, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (7,981,101) developed by Mary K. Walsh, Raleigh, N.C., for a "medical vial adapter with reduced diameter cannula and enlarged vent lumen." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vented vial adapter for reconstitution of a medicament in a vial includes a vent lumen and a medicament lumen. The vent lumen has a cross-sectional area equal to or greater than that of the medicament lumen so that the fluid flow rate through the vent lumen is equal to or greater than that of the medicament lumen. As a result aerosols of the medicament outside the adapter are avoided as is the withdrawal of air bubbles from the vial as the reconstituted medicament is withdrawn from the vial. To maintain the diameter of the sharpened cannula of the vial adapter as small as possible, the vent lumen includes a concave wall facing the medicament lumen and a convex outer wall. In one embodiment, the vent lumen is in the shape of a polygon." The patent application was filed on Dec. 30, 2005 (11/325,831). 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=7,981,101.PN.&OS=PN/7,981,101&RS=PN/7,981,101 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Becton, Dickinson and Co. Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Becton, Dickinson and Co., Franklin Lakes, N.J., has been assigned a patent (7,981,076) developed by seven co-inventors for a reconstituting infusion device. The co-inventors are Vincent J. Sullivan, Cary, N.C., Ge Jiang, Thousand Oaks, Calif., Matthew S. Ferriter, Chapel Hill, N.C., Kenneth G. Powell, Raleigh, N.C., P. Spencer Kinsey, Vernon, Conn., Carl R. Sahi, Coventry, Conn., and John M. Polidoro, Coventry, Conn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained multi-component substance infusion device which provides one or more substantially hidden patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir assembly that includes a rigid bladder portion used in conjunction with a non-distensible bladder film, such as a metallized film. The device can be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact and a pressurization system provides a pressure to the contents of a fluid reservoir assembly. Improvements to dry powdered formulations for reconstitution for preferred use in the device are also disclosed." The patent application was filed on Sept. 8, 2005 (11/222,204). 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=7,981,076&OS=7,981,076&RS=7,981,076 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Becton, Dickinson and Co. Assigned Patent for Injection Device with Secondary Reservoir ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Becton, Dickinson and Co., Franklin Lakes, N.J., has been assigned a patent (7,981,081) developed by Ronald W. Marsh, Hackettstown, N.J., Mark Follman, Glen Rock, N.J., and Edward P. Browka, Chapel Hill, N.C., for an "injection device with secondary reservoir." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and apparatus for injecting fluid into areas having high density tissue that creates a high backpressure resistance on the injection device is disclosed. The high backpressure resistance is overcome through a mechanical advantage achieved by using a secondary reservoir having a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of a primary reservoir. Exemplary injection device reservoir housings may comprise a primary reservoir, a secondary reservoir, a check valve, a septum penetrating cannula, travel limits, a pen needle connecting portion, sliding seal guide ribs, a sliding seal, a pen needle assembly, a needle stop, and a patient needle." The patent application was filed on Oct. 30, 2009 (12/588,853). 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=7,981,081&OS=7,981,081&RS=7,981,081 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Martin Marietta Materials Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Martin Marietta Materials, Raleigh, N.C., has been assigned a patent (7,980,165) developed by Stephen Misencik, Raleigh, N.C., and Paul E. Peterson Jr., Apex, N.C., for a "modular blast-resistant panel system for reinforcing existing structures." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Various embodiments of the present invention provide a blast-resistant reinforcement assembly and/or system for engaging a surface of an existing structure to protect the structure from an applied force, such as an explosive detonation. The assembly includes one or more energy absorbing panels that may be attached to the structure. The energy absorbing panels include a core material configured to absorb some portion of the applied force by pulverizing in response to the applied force. In some embodiments, the energy absorbing panels also include one or more ballistic-resistant composite panels configured to protect the core material and the underlying existing structure from debris. Some embodiments further provide one or more energy deflecting panels engaged with the plurality of energy absorbing panels so as to be disposed between the energy absorbing panels and the location of the applied force for at least partially deflecting the applied force." The patent application was filed on Oct. 3, 2007 (11/866,801). 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=79,80,165&OS=79,80,165&RS=79,80,165 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Technip France Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Technip France, Courbevoie, France, has been assigned a patent (7,980,190) developed by Jang Kim, Spring, Texas, Jim O'Sullivan, Houston, and Atle Steen, Holden Beach, N.C., for a "deep draft semi-submersible LNG floating production, storage and offloading vessel." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "he present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and system of a deep-draft semi-submersible hydrocarbon, such as for liquefied natural gas (LNG), floating production and storage vessel that can include a pontoon containing hydrocarbon tanks, fixed ballast at the bottom in a double-bottom portion, and segregated ballasted tanks with variable ballast located generally above the fixed ballast portion that can assist in keeping the pontoon submerged during various storage levels. Multiple vertical columnar supports can penetrate the pontoon from top to bottom and extend above the water surface to support a deck, including various topside structures. An intermediate double-deck on the top of the pontoon can provide access to the tanks, for example, through the vertical columnar supports. The double bottom structure, deck, and vertical columnar supports can provide overall structural integrity." The patent application was filed on Oct. 8, 2008 (12/247,355). 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=79,80,190&OS=79,80,190&RS=79,80,190 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** North Carolina Inventor Develops Patent for Bottomless Measuring Cup ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Jody Barton, Cornelius, N.C., has developed a patent (7,980,131) for a bottomless measuring cup. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A bottomless measuring cup system having a tubular container with a hollow interior and opposite open ends and a plunger having a base adapted to slidingly fit within the hollow interior of the container." The patent application was filed on Jan. 6, 2009 (12/349,377). 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=7,980,131.PN.&OS=PN/7,980,131&RS=PN/7,980,131 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Bentz Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Christopher Kent Bentz, Wilmington, N.C., has been assigned a patent (7,980,202) developed by Christopher Kent Bentz, and Garet Itz, Austin, Texas, for an "apparatus for preventing entanglement of multiple lines fed from separate reels." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus for preventing entanglement of lines fed from separate reels has at least two reels mounted on separate axles. A separate line is wound around each reel. Each axle is mounted on one of at least two rotatable split shaft members. Each split shaft member is connected to one of at least two non-rotating controls by means of one of at least two non-rotating brake rods, arranged such that operating one or another of said controls results in one or another of said reels being made to contact a fixed portion of the apparatus and brought to a halt or, if already halted, released and positioned so as to permit the line wound thereon to resume being fed out. The lines, each of which is separately fed out and retracted onto a respective one of the reels, are fed through holes formed in a faceplate mounted on one end of the assembled said split shaft members such that crossing of the lines tends to cause said faceplate, along with the split shaft members and the two reels, to rotate and disentangle said lines. One embodiment is a pet leash apparatus for exercising two or more pets." The patent application was filed on Jan. 11, 2008 (12/008,701). 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=79,80,202&OS=79,80,202&RS=79,80,202 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Amtai Medical Equipment Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Amtai Medical Equipment, Raleigh, N.C., has been assigned a patent (7,979,932) developed by Jyh-Wei Liang, Raleigh, N.C., for an operating table. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An operating table includes a base, a support post standing on the base, and a bed. The bed has a head section, a back section, a hip section and a foot section. The back section and the foot section respectively connect with ends of the hip section through pivot joints and are pivotable relative to the hip section upward and downward. The foot section has a rear section and a front section connecting with each other, and is pivotable either upward to an angle of less than 135 degree with respect to the hip section. The rear section is detachable separately, and an angle of the front section with respect to the hip section is adjustable via a pivot joint. The foot section can be shortened to support downward weight of the patient reliably. Moreover, a surgeon can adjust angles between the patient's legs and hip easily during the operation." The patent application was filed on May 15, 2009 (12/466,752). 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=7979932.PN.&OS=PN/7979932&RS=PN/7979932 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Abbott Laboratories Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill., has been assigned a patent (7,980,491) developed by Prashant P. Kakade, Sunnyville, Calif., Robert C. Williams III, Raleigh, N.C., and Perry Genova, Chapel Hill, N.C., for a nozzle-based atomization system. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An improved atomization system for aerosolizing liquids including a vortexing nozzle and a flat or protruding face on the nozzle exit orifice. The system can also include a diverging mouthpiece insert. The present invention can produce a high fine particle fraction and modest throat deposition in conjunction with reduced aerosol plume velocity and impact force." The patent application was filed on Feb. 25, 2008 (12/036,730). 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=7980491.PN.&OS=PN/7980491&RS=PN/7980491 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** F.C. Patents Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- F.C. Patents, Ocala, Fla., has been assigned a patent (7,980,317) developed by Joseph Frank Preta, Tampa, Fla., William Monty Simmons, Lenoir, N.C., and Floyd Stanley Salser Jr., Ocala, Fla., for a "smart monitor for fire hydrants." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Disclosed is a smart monitor for monitoring fire hydrants and comprising an electronic module associated with an operating nut and nut shaft. The electronic module is configured to monitor the fire hydrant operating nut to determine when the fire hydrant has been activated. When a hydrant is activated, the electronic module performs at least one of the following functions: stores activation time data, records sound data, records image data, turns on a signaling device, determines possible flow rate by counting the number of turns the operating nut has been turned, records elapsed time since hydrant activation, estimates consumption based on time data and possible flow rate data, transmits activation data to a remove receiver. Embodiments of the smart monitor also include a receiver configured for receiving a signal from remote transmitter for activating the signaling device." The patent application was filed on March 17, 2008 (12/050,160). 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=7,980,317.PN.&OS=PN/7,980,317&RS=PN/7,980,317 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** PPG Industries Ohio Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- PPG Industries Ohio, Cleveland, has been assigned a patent (7,980,097) developed by four co-inventors for "methods and systems for controlling temperature of a bushing." The co-inventors are Pu Gu, Gastonia, N.C., Timothy S. McAbee, Forest City, N.C., James C. Peters, Shelby, N.C., and Mark Patrick DeLong, Clemmons, N.C. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Various embodiments of the present invention relate to glass fiber forming bushings, to methods of controlling the temperature of bushings having multiple segments, to systems of controlling the temperature of bushings having multiple segments, and to other systems and methods. In one embodiment, a method of controlling the temperature of a bushing having multiple segments comprises forming a plurality of filaments from a bushing comprising at least two segments, gathering the filaments into at least two ends, measuring the size of each of the at least two ends, comparing the measured size of the at least two ends to a desired end size, adjusting the amount of current passing through the at least two bushing segments in response to the end size comparisons." The patent application was filed on Oct. 31, 2006 (11/590,088). 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=7,980,097.PN.&OS=PN/7,980,097&RS=PN/7,980,097 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Bank of America Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Bank of America, Charlotte, N.C., has been assigned a patent (7,980,464) developed by seven co-inventors for a "bank card fraud protection system." The co-inventors are Helen Sarris, Burlington, N.J., Timothy B. Byrd, Charlotte, N.C., Rhonna J. Clark, Charlotte, N.C., Chuan Bin Lin, Richardson, Texas, Daniel P. Shnowske, Waxahachie, Texas, William Treadwell, Addison, Texas, and Mian Zhou, Dallas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods are provided for protecting against bank card fraud and related crimes by providing a distress/fraud trigger at bank card machines, such as automated teller machines and point-of-sale terminals. The trigger initiates certain heightened-security processes designed to stop the crime, control damage, and help apprehend the criminal. For example, in one embodiment, the trigger involves the cardholder inputting a "panic" personal identification code into the bank card machine. The panic personal identification code indicates to a party involved in the bank card transaction that a fraudulent transaction may be taking place. The heightened-security processes may include, for example, displaying that the bank card machine is out-of-order, dispensing money with a GPS tracking device, requesting additional identification steps, instituting delay tactics, notifying on-site personnel, or forwarding audio or video information from the bank card machine to a bank's command center in real time or near real time." The patent application was filed on Dec. 23, 2008 (12/343,036). 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=7980464.PN.&OS=PN/7980464&RS=PN/7980464 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Cree Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Cree, Durham, N.C., has been assigned a patent (7,980,743) developed by Ban P. Loh, Durham, N.C., for an "LED backlighting for displays." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A display system including a display panel having a first major surface and a second major surface and a lighting system adapted to provide uniform luminance proximal to the display panel is disclosed. The lighting system includes an illuminating substrate having a first major surface with reflective coating and a second major surface. The illuminating substrate defines an array of mounting holes, each hole occupied by an LED module. An array of light emitting diode (LED) modules are affixed to the illuminating substrate, each module including at least one light emitting diode adapted to emit light. The lighting system can also include a diffusant layer which can be optically coupled to the illuminating substrate by soft optical gel and is placed close to or made to contact the display panel. The optical gel may contain phosphors or other optical substance for added optical performance to the lighting system. The diffusant layer has beveled edges at critical angle of refraction or coated with reflective material to minimize light loss at its edges. Each of the LED modules includes at least one LED chip, conductive traces connected to the LED chip and a heat sink." The patent application was filed on June 14, 2005 (11/153,724). 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=7,980,743.PN.&OS=PN/7,980,743&RS=PN/7,980,743 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Ipour Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Ipour, Charlotte, N.C., has been assigned a patent (7,980,431) developed by John Barksdale, Charlotte, N.C., for an extendable pour cap. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An extendable pour cap includes a base adapted for attaching to a neck of a container. A flexible spout extends from the base, and is adapted for communicating with an open mouth of the container. The flexible spout has integrally-formed bellows designed for converting the spout between a compressed condition and an extended condition. A first closure element is designed for removably securing a first closure cap over the flexible spout when compressed. A second closure element is designed for removably securing a second closure cap over the flexible spout when compressed." The patent application was filed on Dec. 1, 2009 (12/592,644). 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=7980431.PN.&OS=PN/7980431&RS=PN/7980431 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** North Carolina Inventor Develops Patent for Cashiers Check Verification System ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Howard C. Epstein, Dunn, N.C., has developed a patent (7,980,463) for a "cashiers check verification system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention discloses a method and system for the verification of a cashier's check. The method and system involves a verification machine-readable code that can be verified online for authenticity and status. It can further be used to authorize payment." The patent application was filed on July 8, 2008 (12/169,167). 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=7980463.PN.&OS=PN/7980463&RS=PN/7980463 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Parata Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Parata Systems, Durham, N.C., has been assigned a patent (7,980,419) developed by four co-inventors for a "device for dispensing caps useful in system and method for dispensing prescriptions." The co-inventors are Demetris P. Young, Durham, N.C., George Raymond Abrams Jr., Cary, N.C., Joseph C. Moran Jr., Durham, N.C., and Jeffrey P. Williams, Hillsborough, N.C. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A device for singulating open-ended caps includes: a housing configured to retain a plurality of open-ended caps, the housing having an open lower end; an outer ring positioned below the housing; a drum fixed to and positioned within the outer ring to form a drum assembly, the drum including a hub having a substantially circular wall and a platform that extends radially outwardly from the wall to contact the outer ring, the hub and outer ring forming a circular gap therebetween, the platform being positioned below much of the gap and including a discontinuity; a mounting structure with an exit aperture fixed relative to the housing; and a rotary drive unit mounted to the drum that rotates the drum assembly about an axis of rotation." The patent application was filed on March 30, 2007 (11/693,929). 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=7980419.PN.&OS=PN/7980419&RS=PN/7980419 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Purolator Filters Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 26 -- Purolator Filters, Fayetteville, N.C., has been assigned a patent (7,980,396) developed by Brian Scott Crawford, Bessemer City, N.C., for a "truss type high pressure center support for liquid filtration." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A central support for a liquid filter is described. The support has a truss element disposable centrally in the liquid filter to provide a crush-resistant structure supporting a filter media of the liquid filter, elongated straight members of the truss element, connected at joints to form a coplanar cross section, and longitudinal members of the truss element, connecting the coplanar cross section and additional coplanar cross sections in a column-like configuration. The contact surfaces of the truss element for interfacing with the filter media are adapted to spread forces on the filter media over a desired surface area." The patent application was filed on July 1, 2008 (12/165,910). 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=7980396.PN.&OS=PN/7980396&RS=PN/7980396 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. 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