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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Massachusetts (Aug. 8)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Massachusetts. *** Brooks Automation Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Brooks Automation, Chelmsford, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,988,399) developed by Peter van der Meulen, Newburyport, Mass., for a "mid-entry load lock for semiconductor handling system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In a system having a number of semiconductor processing modules sharing a common vacuum environment, a mid-entry load lock is provided to permit insertion and removal of wafers into the vacuum environment at a point between various other robotic handlers, process modules, and load locks. This arrangement permits increased flexibility in scheduling when multiple wafers are processed concurrently." The patent application was filed on Oct. 29, 2008 (12/260,818). 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=79,88,399.PN.&OS=PN/79,88,399&RS=PN/79,88,399 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Handy & Harman Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Handy & Harman, Rye, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (7,988,396) developed by Tad A. Weiss, Westhampton, Mass., Richard Belinda, Westfield, Mass., and Joseph A. Pieciak Jr., West Springfield, Mass., for a deck screw. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A fastener for composite material having a dense composition employs a head which has a socket and a recessed underside and a lower rim. The shank has an upper portion with an enlarged diameter and a left hand thread while the lower portion has a tri-lobed configuration and is traversed by a right hand thread. The right hand thread may have a plurality of notches which, in one embodiment, are arranged in a spiral array." The patent application was filed on Oct. 11, 2007 (11/973,906). 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=79,88,396.PN.&OS=PN/79,88,396&RS=PN/79,88,396 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Eastern Wind Power Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Eastern Wind Power, Cambridge, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,988,413) developed by Jonathan Haar, Cambridge, Mass., for a "vertical axis wind turbine." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vertical axis wind turbine includes an upstanding support structure, a plurality of generators disposed on the support structure, a central shaft in rotatable communication with the generators and positioned along a central axis of the vertical-axis wind turbine, a plurality of struts extending from the central shaft, and a plurality of blades, each blade positioned at an end of a corresponding strut and oriented substantially vertically. The vertical axis wind turbine optionally includes strut ailerons, blade extension elements, or blade ailerons to increase the efficiency and duty cycle of the wind turbine." The patent application was filed on April 23, 2010 (12/766,578). 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=79,88,413.PN.&OS=PN/79,88,413&RS=PN/79,88,413 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Callaway Golf Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Callaway Golf, Carlsbad, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,988,901) developed by David M. Melanson, Northampton, Mass., for a "method for treating thermoplastic polyurethane golf ball covers." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of forming a golf ball is disclosed herein. The method includes placing a golf ball precursor product with a cover comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane material and a dendritic polymer in a solution containing an isocyanate functionality reactive material. The precursor product is then removed and heated to remove solvent to prepare the precursor product for finishing." The patent application was filed on Dec. 17, 2009 (12/641,191). 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=7988901.PN.&OS=PN/7988901&RS=PN/7988901 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** U.S. Army Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- The U.S. Army has been assigned a patent (7,988,930) developed by nine co-inventors for a portable chemical sterilizer. The co-inventors are Christopher Doona, Oxford, Mass., Maria Curtin, Easton, Mass., Florence Feeherry, Wellesley, Mass., Satish Kandlikar, Rochester, N.Y., David Baer, San Antonio, Kenneth Kustin, San Diego, Irwin A. Taub, Framingham, Mass., Barbara Taub, legal representative, Framingham, Mass., and Albert T. McManus, Floresville, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A portable, lightweight, easy-to-carry, reusable, durable, and environmentally-friendly assembly for sterilizing contaminated equipment using conditions of a chemical sterilant, heat, and humidity generated in situ without requiring external electricity, fuels, or other exogenous energy sources for operation. The carry assembly includes a plastic carry-case or insulated aluminum pressure vessel having an inner chamber for accepting microbiologically contaminated objects, a vessel disposed in the chamber for serving as a reaction chamber and/or boiler, a chemical combination which upon mixing generates at least minimally sufficient conditions of the sterilant, heat, and humidity to effect sterilization of the objects, and outlet valves mounted on the carry-case for controllably venting pressures above ambient air pressure." The patent application was filed on June 4, 2009 (12/478,155). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7988930.PN.&OS=PN/7988930&RS=PN/7988930 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Cambridge, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,985,336) developed by Eli Weinberg, Needham, Mass., and Jeffrey T. Borenstein, Newton, Mass., for "systems, methods and devices relating to a cellularized nephron unit." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to bioartificial devices and systems that mimic kidney or nephron function and methods of making them." The patent application was filed on Aug. 5, 2010 (12/851,050). 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=79,85,336.PN.&OS=PN/79,85,336&RS=PN/79,85,336 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Navilyst Medical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Navilyst Medical, Marlborough, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,988,679) developed by Katie Daly, Boston, and Kristian DiMatteo, Waltham, Mass., for a "pressure responsive slit valve assembly for a plurality of fluids and uses thereof." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A pressure responsive slit valve assembly is designed to be used in a variety of configurations of medical devices to manage contemporaneous and pressure responsive fluid communications between such devices and a plurality of fluid sources. The pressure responsive slit valve assembly of the present invention includes a valve housing adapted to receive fluids from at least two sources and a pressure responsive slit valve means corresponding to each fluid sources." The patent application was filed on March 18, 2003 (10/390,854). 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=79,88,679&OS=79,88,679&RS=79,88,679 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Eli Lilly Assigned Patent for Needle-free Injection Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Eli Lilly, Indianapolis, has been assigned a patent (7,988,660) developed by eight co-inventors for a needle-free injection device. The co-inventors are Timothy D. Byland, Maple Grove, Minn., James Matthew Collins, Arlington, Mass., Mark James Fisher, Highland Park, Ill., John Grimley, Kenosha, Wis., Mehran Mojarrad, Westfield, Ind., John Michael O'Fallon, Lowell, Mass., Craig Field Sampson, Lake Bluff, Ill., and James G. Tappel, Cincinnati. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A fluid injecting device (30) generally including a fluid delivery assembly (32) and a needle-free injecting assembly (34). The fluid delivery assembly (32) delivers or transfers the fluid medicine from a cartridge (40) into the needle-free injecting assembly (34) for injecting into a patient. A drive train (112) applies a force to a piston (64) inside the cartridge (40) during the delivery of the fluid to the needle-free injecting assembly (34) to prevent adhesion or static friction between the piston (64) and the cartridge (40). In addition, sensors can be used to help ensure the proper amount of dosage is transferred to the needle-free injecting assembly, conserve power, reduce leakage during disassembly, among other functions." The patent application was filed on Dec. 19, 2006 (12/091,176). 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=79,88,660&OS=79,88,660&RS=79,88,660 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Zimmer Spine Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Zimmer Spine, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (7,988,623) developed by James J. Pagliuca, Millis, Mass., and Gene P. DiPoto, Upton, Mass., for an "apparatus and methods for shielding body structures during surgery." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus for shielding a body structure during surgical procedures which is configured for insertion into the internal passage of a support structure, and includes an elongated body portion with a distal tip portion configured to cover the body structure without substantially displacing the body structure. The apparatus also includes a mounting portion at a proximal end portion thereof for mounting the apparatus within the internal passage of the support structure, and a member connected to the mounting portion to release the mounting portion with respect to the internal passage of the wall portion." The patent application was filed on May 30, 2006 (11/421,044). 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=79,88,623&OS=79,88,623&RS=79,88,623 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Los Alamos National Security Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Los Alamos National Security, Los Alamos, N.M., has been assigned a patent (7,988,887) developed by Hsing-Lin Wang, Los Alamos, N.M., Sea Ho Jeon, Dracut, Mass., and Nathan H. Mack, Los Alamos, N.M., for "metal-polymer composites comprising nanostructures and applications thereof." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Metal-polymer composites, and methods of making and use thereof, said composites comprising a thermally-cured dense polyaniline substrate; an acid dopant; and, metal nanostructure deposits wherein the deposits have a morphology dependent upon the acid dopant." The patent application was filed on Aug. 19, 2009 (12/543,640). 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=7988887.PN.&OS=PN/7988887&RS=PN/7988887 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Massachusetts Institute of Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,989,151) developed by Rajesh Menon, Cambridge, Mass., for a "resolution enhancement in optical lithography via absorbance-modulation enabled multiple exposures." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method to enhance resolution in optical lithography via absorbance-modulation involves exposing an opaque absorbance modulation layer (AML) to a first waveform having wavelength, 8.sub.1, with the first exposure forming a first set of transparent regions in the opaque AML and forming a first pattern made of a set of exposed regions in a photoresist layer. Next, the AML is restored to its original opaque state. Next, the restored AML is re-exposed to the first waveform having wavelength, 8.sub.1, with the exposure forming a second set of transparent regions in the opaque AML and forming a second pattern having a set of exposed regions in a photoresist layer. The first and second patterns in the photoresist layer form a final pattern with enhanced resolution and decreased spatial period than the first pattern. In another scenario, instead of exposing the AML to a first waveform, two waveforms are used (the second being complimentary to the first) to ensure that the transmitted image has sharper edges compared to the original image." The patent application was filed on Nov. 30, 2006 (11/565,051). 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=7,989,151&OS=7,989,151&RS=7,989,151 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Gillette Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Gillette, Boston, has been assigned a patent (7,989,117) developed by four co-inventors for fuel compositions. The co-inventors are Zhiping Jiang, Westford, Mass., Andrew G. Gilicinski, Westborough, Mass., Javit A. Drake, Waltham, Mass., and Anna Maria Bofinger, Nashua, N.H. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Fuel compositions, methods of making the compositions, and fuel cell systems including a fuel composition are disclosed. In some embodiments, a fuel composition includes a polymer, and a fuel such as methanol, wherein the composition has a hardness of at least about 2 grams peak force, as determined by penetration test using a texture analyzer." The patent application was filed on March 5, 2009 (12/398,264). 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=7,989,117&OS=7,989,117&RS=7,989,117 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** MicroCHIPS Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- MicroCHIPS, Bedford, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,985,386) developed by John T. Santini Jr., North Chelmsford, Mass., and Norman F. Sheppard Jr., New Ipswich, N.H., for an "implantable medical device for diagnostic sensing." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An implantable medical device is provided for use with an external detector to detect an analyte in vivo. In one embodiment, the device consisting essentially of a substrate; a plurality of discrete reservoirs located in the substrate, each reservoir having at least one opening; a reacting component contained in each reservoir; and at least one non-degradable barrier layer covering each reservoir opening, the barrier layer being permeable to an analyte to be detected, wherein the reacting component remains inside the reservoirs and can react with the analyte to be detected, and wherein the device is adapted for implantation into the body of a patient." The patent application was filed on Sept. 29, 2008 (12/240,728). 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=7,985,386.PN.&OS=PN/7,985,386&RS=PN/7,985,386 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** American River Nutrition Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- American River Nutrition, Hadley, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,989,006) developed by Barrie Tan, Amherst, Mass., for "annatto extract compositions, including geranyl geraniols and methods of use." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Annatto extract composition (AEC), including cis and trans geranyl geraniols (GG) and tocopherol-free C-5 unsubstituted tocotrienols (T3), increases the de novo synthesis of intermediate isoprenoid and distal protein products, including endogenous coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), dolichols (DL) and all subsequent GG-prenylated and DL-glycosylated proteins, including GG-porphyrinated hemes. This intermediate and distal product replenishment by AEC reverses maladies of myotoxicity (of both drug and non-drug origins), including maladies that affect the muscle, kidney, eye, GI tract and skin, nerve, blood, and CoQ10-related syndromes of energetics and LDL protection. AEC anabolically increases the endogenous de novo CoQ10 synthesis via GG elongation/prenylation of side-chain and conversely CoQ10 catabolically increases the endogenous de novo GG synthesis via beta-oxidation of CoQ10. Also, such AEC decreases de novo synthesis and increases disposal of triglycerides (TG) in humans via PPAR activation and SREBP deactivation. Such drop in TG by AEC reverses maladies of insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MS), prediabetes, diabetes and diabetes-related cardiovascular diseases (CVD). GG activates PPAR and down regulates SREBP transcription factors. This AEC, containing GG, inhibits cancer growth whether or not GG involvement in protein prenylation is required." The patent application was filed on Aug. 27, 2007 (11/845,744). 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=7,989,006&OS=7,989,006&RS=7,989,006 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Boston Scientific Scimed Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Boston Scientific Scimed, Maple Grove, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,988,987) developed by Shrirang V. Ranade, Arlington, Mass., for "medical devices containing crazed polymeric release regions for drug delivery." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A medical device that contains (a) at least one polymeric release region that either contains crazing or which is adapted to undergo crazing as a result of stresses (e.g., mechanical, chemical or thermal) that are applied during the implantation or insertion of the medical device into a patient; and (b) and a therapeutic agent disposed beneath or within the polymeric release region." The patent application was filed on Jan. 25, 2005 (11/042,038). 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=7,988,987&OS=7,988,987&RS=7,988,987 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Ortho-clinical Diagnostics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Raritan, N.J., has been assigned a patent (7,988,972) developed by four co-inventors for "immunoreactive peptides from Epstein-Barr virus." The co-inventors are Richard S. Smith, Salt Lake City, Gary R. Pearson, Sedona, Ariz., D. Elliot Parks, Del Mar, Calif., and Susan Pothen Varghese, Melrose, Mass. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) specific polypeptides ETFTETWNRFITHTE (SEQ. ID NO: 1), GMLEASEGLDGWIHQ (SEQ. ID NO:2), HQQGGWSTLIEDNIP (SEQ. ID NO:3), and KQKHPKKVKQAFNPL (SEQ. ID NO:4) are among those disclosed. Also disclosed are the use of these polypeptides for the production of polypeptide-specific antibodies and the diagnosis and treatment of EBV-associated disease." The patent application was filed on Dec. 14, 2007 (11/957,251). 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=7,988,972&OS=7,988,972&RS=7,988,972 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Clemson University Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Clemson University, Clemson, S.C., has been assigned a patent (7,985,451) developed by five co-inventors for a "method of manufacturing ultrahydrophobic substrates." The co-inventors are Igor A. Luzinov, Central, S.C., Philip J. Brown, Williamston, S.C., Killugudi L. Swaminatha Iyer, Nedlands, Australia, Viktor Z. Klep, Central, S.C., and Bogdan V. Zdyrko, Leverett, Mass. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A process for modification of a substrate so as to form an ultrahydrophobic surface on the substrate is provided. Surface-modified substrates that can be formed according to the disclosed processes are also provided. The process includes attachment of a multitude of nano- and/or submicron-sized structures to a surface to provide increased surface roughness. In addition, the process includes grafting a hydrophobic material to the surface in order to decrease the surface energy and decrease wettability of the surface. The combination of increased surface roughness and decreased surface energy can provide an ultrahydrophobic surface on the treated substrate." The patent application was filed on March 31, 2006 (11/396,308). 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=7,985,451.PN.&OS=PN/7,985,451&RS=PN/7,985,451 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Acceleron Pharma Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Acceleron Pharma, Cambridge, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,988,973) developed by Matthew L. Sherman, Newton, Mass., for "activin-ActRII antagonists and uses for increasing red blood cell levels." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for increasing red blood cell and/or hemoglobin levels in vertebrates, including rodents and primates, and particularly in humans." The patent application was filed on Dec. 18, 2007 (12/002,872). 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=7,988,973&OS=7,988,973&RS=7,988,973 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Genzyme Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Genzyme, Cambridge, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,985,418) developed by four co-inventors for an "aliphatic amine polymer salts for tableting." The co-inventors are Hitesh R. Bhagat, Wayland, Mass., Jeffrey M. Goldberg, Framingham, Mass., Abizer I. Harianawala, Lexington, Mass., and Louis Brenner, Brookline, Mass. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The tablets, compositions and methods of the present invention, comprising a carbonate salt of an aliphatic amine polymer and s monovalent anion can prevent or ameliorate acidosis, in particular acidosis in patients with renal disease. The tablets and compositions of the present invention maintain a disintegration time of no greater than 30 minutes at 37.degree. C. and at pH of at least 1 for a period of at least ten weeks at 60.degree. C. Furthermore, the tablets are stable for extended periods of time without the need for specialized storage conditions." The patent application was filed on Oct. 27, 2005 (11/262,291). 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=7,985,418.PN.&OS=PN/7,985,418&RS=PN/7,985,418 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Acushnet Assigned Patent for Multi-layer Core Golf Ball having Opposing Hardness Gradient with Steep Gradient Outer Core Layer ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Acushnet, Fairhaven, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,988,570) developed by Michael J. Sullivan, Barrington, R.I., Derek A. Ladd, Acushnet, Mass., and Brian Comeau, Berkley, Mass., for a "multi-layer core golf ball having opposing hardness gradient with steep gradient outer core layer." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A golf ball comprising an inner core having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a substantially homogenous composition such that the geometric center has a hardness of 56 to 80 Shore C and the outer surface has a hardness of 50 to 75 Shore C. An outer core layer is disposed about the inner core and has an outer surface having a hardness of 85 to 98 Shore C and an inner surface having a hardness of 68 to 78 Shore C and being formed from a second substantially homogenous rubber composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the second outer surface is greater than the hardness of the inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient of +7 to +30 Shore C, and the hardness of the first outer surface is lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of -1 to -15 Shore C." The patent application was filed on Sept. 27, 2010 (12/891,283). 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=7,988,570.PN.&OS=PN/7,988,570&RS=PN/7,988,570 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Hasbro Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Hasbro, Pawtucket, R.I., has been assigned a patent (7,988,561) developed by Lee M. Lenkarski, Belchertown, Mass., and Joseph DeCarolis, Bristol, Conn., for a "base frame for game using an electric probe in adaptable configurations." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A revised universal base structure which is adapted for use in manufacturing various different versions of an electromechanical game using the same base structure. The base structure provides a network or grid of recessed areas above which a ground plate may extend. The recessed areas are formed as small squares and various small playing pieces are receivable in the recesses so that they can be retrieved by players during the course of game play. However, the base structure can be used with various uniquely different ground plates and unique upper boards to form various different embodiments of the differing games." The patent application was filed on Sept. 28, 2007 (11/863,695). 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=7,988,561.PN.&OS=PN/7,988,561&RS=PN/7,988,561 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Acushnet Assigned Patent for Multi-layer Core Golf Ball ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Acushnet, Fairhaven, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,988,569) developed by Michael J. Sullivan, Barrington, R.I., and Derek A. Ladd, Acushnet, Mass., for a "multi-layer core golf ball." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Golf balls having a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core contains a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The outer core layer is thin relative to the center and outer core layer. In one embodiment, the relatively hard intermediate core layer has a surface hardness of 80 to 90 Shore C which is greater than the center hardness and surface hardness of the outer core layer. In another embodiment, the cover includes an inner cover layer having a surface hardness of 60 Shore D or greater and an outer cover layer having a surface hardness of 20 to 70 Shore D." The patent application was filed on Jan. 27, 2010 (12/694,644). 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=7,988,569.PN.&OS=PN/7,988,569&RS=PN/7,988,569 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** IGT Assigned Patent for Method and System for Monitoring Gaming Device Play and Determining Compliance Status ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- IGT, Reno, Nev., has been assigned a patent (7,988,551) developed by seven co-inventors for a "method and system for monitoring gaming device play and determining compliance status." The co-inventors are Jay S. Walker, Ridgefield, Conn., James A. Jorasch, New York, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Boston, Stephen C. Tulley, Monroe, Conn., Daniel E. Tedesco, Shelton, Conn., Robert C. Tedesco, Fairfield, Conn., and Dean P. Alderucci, Westport, Conn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "After a player purchases a contract providing insurance against gambling losses, a server or other device in communication with a gaming device (e.g., a "player tracking" server, "slot accounting" server and/or other computer device) may operate to (i) receive game play data in association with one or more plays of the gaming device, (ii) determine a compliance status based on the received game play data and one or more play requirements associated with the contract, and (iii) provide a refund amount due to the player based on the compliance status. Before providing any refund, the server or other device may store a status indicator relating to the one or more plays indicating whether the play was compliant with the contract. Furthermore, an alert may be provided to the player if a particular play is not compliant with the contract." The patent application was filed on May 15, 2006 (11/434,309). 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=7,988,551.PN.&OS=PN/7,988,551&RS=PN/7,988,551 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Acushnet Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Acushnet, Fairhaven, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,988,571) developed by Steven Aoyama, Marion, Mass., for "golf ball with polygonal dimple groupings." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention concerns a golf ball having dimple groupings comprised of multiple angular spiral shaped arms that are arrayed to form polygonal perimeters, wherein the number of arms equals the number of perimeter sides. This allows greater symmetry about the dimple grouping center, thereby improving the consistency of the aerodynamic performance of the ball. In another unique feature of the present invention, the angular shape of the arms facilitates the formation of polygonal shaped dimple groupings, which can fit closely together to cover a greater proportion of the ball's surface, preferably more than about 85% surface coverage, thereby further enhancing aerodynamic performance." The patent application was filed on Sept. 15, 2008 (12/210,553). 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=7,988,571.PN.&OS=PN/7,988,571&RS=PN/7,988,571 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Univeristy of Massachusetts, Yale University Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- The Univeristy of Massachusetts, Boston, and Yale University, New Haven, Conn., have been assigned a patent (7,985,583) developed by four co-inventors for a "chlamydomonas intraflagellar transport 88 (IFT-88)." The co-inventors are George B. Witman, Grafton, Mass., Gregory J. Pazour, Framingham, Mass., Joel L. Rosenbaum, Branford, Conn., and Douglas G. Cole, Pullman, Wash. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention relates to various intraflagellar transport (IFT) polypeptides and the nucleic acids that encode them. The new IFT particle polypeptides and nucleic acids can be used in a variety, of diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods." The patent application was filed on June 9, 2009 (12/481,536). 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=7985583.PN.&OS=PN/7985583&RS=PN/7985583 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** General Hospital Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- General Hospital, Boston, has been assigned a patent (7,985,587) developed by Bruce A. Morgan, Lexington, Mass., Jiro Kishimoto, Yokohama, Japan, and Robert Burgeson, Marblehead, Mass., for "methods of culturing dermal papilla cells." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention features methods of promoting hair growth in a subject. The methods include inducing or mimicking the effects of Wnt promoted signal transduction, e.g., by increasing the level of Wnt protein or administering an agent which mimics an effect of Wnt promoted signal transduction, e.g., by administering lithium chloride. Methods of inhibiting hair growth are also provided." The patent application was filed on Feb. 2, 2007 (11/701,835). 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=7985587.PN.&OS=PN/7985587&RS=PN/7985587 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Invention Science Fund I Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Invention Science Fund I, Bellevue, Wash., has been assigned a patent (7,985,578) developed by six co-inventors for "systems for genome selection." The co-inventors are W. Daniel Hillis, Encino, Calif., Roderick A. Hyde, Redmond, Wash., Edward K.Y. Jung, Bellevue, Wash., Robert Langer, Newton, Mass., Nathan P. Myhrvold, Medina, Wash., and Lowell L. Wood Jr., Bellevue, Wash. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems, methods, compositions and apparatus relating to genome selection are disclosed." The patent application was filed on March 11, 2010 (12/661,277). 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=7985578.PN.&OS=PN/7985578&RS=PN/7985578 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Princeton University Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Princeton University, Princeton, N.J., has been assigned a patent (7,988,840) developed by Lotien Richard Huang, Brookline, Mass., James Christopher Sturm, Princeton, N.J., and Robert Hamilton Austin, Princeton, N.J., for a "method for continuous particle separation using obstacle arrays asymmetrically aligned to fields." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to methods and devices for separating particles according to size. More specifically, the present invention relates to a microfluidic method and device for the separation of particles according to size using an array comprising a network of gaps, wherein the field flux from each gap divides unequally into subsequent gaps. In one embodiment, the array comprises an ordered array of obstacles in a microfluidic channel, in which the obstacle array is asymmetric with respect to the direction of an applied field." The patent application was filed on Dec. 15, 2006 (11/640,111). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7988840.PN.&OS=PN/7988840&RS=PN/7988840 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Chromatan Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Chromatan, Dedham, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,988,859) developed by Oleg Shinkazh, Dedham, Mass., for a "countercurrent tangential chromatography methods, systems, and apparatus." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "This invention relates to a breakthrough in the art of chromatography allowing 1) larger scale of operation; 2) faster processing time; 3) disposability; 4) reduction of media/resin expenses; and 5) a reduction of capital equipment investment. In this invention, the chromatography column is replaced by a module that consists of two or more interconnected tangential flow filters and static mixers. The chromatography resin flows through this module in a single pass, while similar operations to a regular chromatographic process are performed on the resin (binding, washing, elution, regeneration, and equilibration). The buffers for these operations are pumped into the module in a countercurrent direction to the flow of resin, and permeate solutions from later stages are recycled back into previous stages. This creates concentration gradients in the permeate solutions of the tangential flow filters in the countercurrent direction to resin flow, thus saving buffer volume and increasing process efficiency." The patent application was filed on March 14, 2009 (12/404,299). 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=7988859.PN.&OS=PN/7988859&RS=PN/7988859 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Massachusetts Institute of Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,985,594) developed by five co-inventors for a "biradical polarizing agents for dynamic nuclear polarization."The co-inventors are Robert G. Griffin, Newton, Mass., Kan-Nian Hu, Silver Spring, Md., Timothy M. Swager, Newton, Mass., Changsik Song, Brighton, Mass., and Eric Dane, Somerville, Mass. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides methods for performing dynamic nuclear polarization using biradicals with a structure of formula (I) as described herein. In general, the methods involve (a) providing a frozen sample in a magnetic field, wherein the frozen sample includes a biradical of formula (I) and an analyte with at least one spin half nucleus; (b) polarizing the at least one spin half nucleus of the analyte by irradiating the frozen sample with radiation having a frequency that excites electron spin transitions in the biradical; (c) optionally melting the sample to produce a molten sample; and (d) detecting nuclear spin transitions in the at least one spin half nucleus of the analyte in the frozen or molten sample. The present invention also provides biradicals with a structure of formula (I) with the proviso that Q.sub.1 and Q.sub.2 are different when X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 are --O--. The present invention also provides methods for making biradicals with a structure of formula (IA) as described herein." The patent application was filed on May 10, 2007 (12/300,529). 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=7985594.PN.&OS=PN/7985594&RS=PN/7985594 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Cormend Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Cormend Technologies, Wilmington, Del., has been assigned a patent (7,988,727) developed by William P. Santamore, Medford, N.J., and Jeanne M. Lesniak, Natick, Mass., for a "prevention of myocardial infarction induced ventricular expansion and remodeling." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for direct therapeutic treatment of myocardial tissue in a localized region of a heart having a pathological condition. The method includes identifying a target region of the myocardium and applying material directly and substantially only to at least a portion of the myocardial tissue of the target region. The material applied results in a physically modification the mechanical properties, including stiffness, of said tissue. Various devices and modes of practicing the method are disclosed for stiffening, restraining and constraining myocardial tissue for the treatment of conditions including myocardial infarction or mitral valve regurgitation." The patent application was filed on Oct. 4, 2004 (10/958,063). 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=7,988,727&OS=7,988,727&RS=7,988,727 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Smith & Nephew Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Smith & Nephew, Memphis, Tenn., has been assigned a patent (7,988,732) developed by four co-inventors for "sheaths for implantable fixation devices." The co-inventors are Raymond C. Bojarski, Attleboro, Mass., Paul Alexander Torrie, Marblehead, Mass., Fraser Harvie, East Kilbride, United Kingdom, and Steven W. Ek, Bolton, Mass. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Sheaths for implantable fixation devices are disclosed. Sheaths have a flexible body with a perforated wall, an open end, a closed end, and a body interior sized and shaped to receive the fixation device." The patent application was filed on May 10, 2010 (12/776,506). 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=7,988,732&OS=7,988,732&RS=7,988,732 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Boston Scientific Scimed Assigned Patent for Surgical Clip with a Self-releasing Fluid Reservoir ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Boston Scientific Scimed, Maple, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,988,702) developed by Jeffrey M. Wendlandt, Newton, Mass., for a "surgical clip with a self-releasing fluid reservoir." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention generally relates to surgical clips. A surgical clip comprises a first piece comprising a first base and a first projection extending from the first base, a second piece comprising a second base, a second projection extending from the second base wherein the second projection further comprises a top surface, at least one side surface and a bottom surface, the surfaces defining a reservoir therein, and the first and the second piece are detachably connectable. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir is self-releasing to deliver therapeutic materials when the first piece and second piece are connected." The patent application was filed on Feb. 25, 2005 (11/066,324). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,988,702&OS=7,988,702&RS=7,988,702 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** DePuy Spine Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- DePuy Spine, Raynham, Mass., has been assigned a patent (7,988,698) developed by four co-inventors for a spinal rod approximator. The co-inventors are William S. Rosenberg, Overland Park, Kan., Thomas V. Doherty, Hesperia, Calif., Mark C. Boomer, Phoenix, and Bryan S. Jones, West Roxbury, Mass. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Spinal implants, spinal rod approximators for seating a stabilizing rod in a rod-receiving portion of a spinal implant, and methods for using the same are provided. In one embodiment, a spinal rod approximator is provided including an elongate member having a grasping member formed on a distal end thereof, and a rod pusher member slidably mated to or mounted on the elongate member. The grasping member is effective to grasp a portion of a spinal implant, and the pusher member is effective to grasp and engage a stabilizing rod and push the rod into a rod-receiving portion of the spinal implant being grasped by the grasping member." The patent application was filed on Jan. 28, 2003 (10/352,687). 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=7,988,698&OS=7,988,698&RS=7,988,698 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Theken Spine Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Theken Spine, Akron, Ohio, has been assigned a patent (7,988,695) developed by Justin Dye, Mansfield, Mass., for an articulated delivery instrument. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An articulated delivery instrument for the proper positioning and placements of inserts, for example, an insert such as a lumbar interbody fusion device ("LIF"). The instrument may comprise a body and a first member slidingly coupled to the body. A rotating member for releasably retaining an insert may be pivotally coupled to a distal end of the body and the first member. A first actuator may function to translate the first member relative to the body. Translation of the first member relative to the body may rotate the rotating member relative to the instrument. A second actuator may function to transition the rotating member between release and retention of the insert." The patent application was filed on Dec. 21, 2006 (11/614,540). 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=7,988,695&OS=7,988,695&RS=7,988,695 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Yale University Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Yale University, New Haven, Conn., has been assigned a patent (7,988,707) developed by Manohar M. Panjabi, Concord, Mass., for a dynamic spine stabilizer. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A dynamic spine stabilizer moves under the control of spinal motion providing increased mechanical support within a central zone corresponding substantially to the neutral zone of the injured spine. The dynamic spine stabilizer includes a support assembly and a resistance assembly associated with the support assembly. The resistance assembly generates greater increase in mechanical force during movement within the central zone and lesser increase in mechanical force during movement beyond the central zone. A method for using the stabilizer is also disclosed." The patent application was filed on Jan. 7, 2009 (12/349,937). 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=7,988,707&OS=7,988,707&RS=7,988,707 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** W.L. Gore & Associates Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz., has been assigned a patent (7,988,690) developed by Andrzej J. Chanduszko, Chandler, Ariz., David R. Widomski, Wakefield, Mass., and Carol A. Devellian, Topsfield, Mass., for a "welding systems useful for closure of cardiac openings." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A welding element is provided for applying heat, chemicals, pressure, or any combination thereof to tissues inside a patient's body, e.g., a patent foramen ovale. In one aspect, the welding element is connected to a radio frequency energy source and includes an electrode and a locator. The locator facilitates positioning of the welding element and is capable of moving from an open position to a clamping position. In another aspect, a needle is provided for transseptal puncturing before the application of heat. In yet another aspect, the welding element is configured as a coil. The welding element can be made of Nitinol." The patent application was filed on Jan. 27, 2005 (11/044,657). 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=7,988,690&OS=7,988,690&RS=7,988,690 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Zimmer Spine Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- Zimmer Spine, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (7,988,700) developed by four co-inventors for a "surgical instrument for moving vertebrae." The co-inventors are Alan E. Shluzas, Millis, Mass., Stephen J. Anderson, Holliston, Mass., James J. Pagliuca, Millis, Mass., and John D. Unger, Wrentham, Mass. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A surgical instrument extendable through a cannula for moving a first bone portion relative to a second bone portion includes a first portion having a longitudinal axis engageable with a first member connected with to the first bone portion. A second portion is engageable with a second member connected with the second bone portion. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion from a first position toward a second position to move the first and second bone portions away from each other. An actuator connected with the second portion moves the second portion relative to the first portion in a direction extending transverse to the longitudinal axis." The patent application was filed on March 10, 2008 (12/045,446). 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=7,988,700&OS=7,988,700&RS=7,988,700 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** A123 Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8 -- A123 Systems, Waltham, Mass., and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass., have been assigned a patent (7,988,746) developed by seven co-inventors for a "battery structures, self-organizing structures and related methods." The co-inventors are Yet-Ming Chiang, Framingham, Mass., William D. Moorehead, Virginia Beach, Va., Antoni S. Gozdz, Marlborough, Mass., Richard K. Holman, Belmont, Mass., Andrew L. Loxley, Roslindale, Mass., Gilbert N. Riley Jr., Marlborough, Mass., and Michael S. Viola, Burlington, Mass. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An energy storage device includes a first electrode comprising a first material and a second electrode comprising a second material, at least a portion of the first and second materials forming an interpenetrating network when dispersed in an electrolyte, the electrolyte, the first material and the second material are selected so that the first and second materials exert a repelling force on each other when combined. An electrochemical device, includes a first electrode in electrical communication with a first current collector; a second electrode in electrical communication with a second current collector; and an ionically conductive medium in ionic contact with said first and second electrodes, wherein at least a portion of the first and second electrodes form an interpenetrating network and wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes comprises an electrode structure providing two or more pathways to its current collector." The patent application was filed on Sept. 20, 2010 (12/886,035). 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=7,988,746.PN.&OS=PN/7,988,746&RS=PN/7,988,746 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. For more information about Targeted News Service products and services, please contact: Myron Struck, editor, Targeted News Service LLC, Springfield, Va., 703/304-1897; [email protected]; http://targetednews.com. -1056967 (c) 2011 Targeted News Service |