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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Texas (Aug. 22)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Texas. *** Horton Wison Deepwater Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Horton Wison Deepwater, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,997,829) developed by four co-inventors for an articulated flowline connection. The co-inventors are Ricky C. Brown, Cat Spring, Texas, Arcandra Tahar, Houston, Djoni Eka Sidarta, Houston, and Edward E. Horton III, Houston. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An articulated flowline connection, or coupling, between a flowline and a structure. In some embodiments, the coupling includes a housing and three cylindrical members, each disposed within the housing. The housing has a first longitudinal centerline. The first cylindrical member is rotatable relative to the housing about the first centerline, the first cylindrical member supporting the flowline, whereby the flowline is rotatable about the first centerline relative to the housing. The second cylindrical members are immovable relative to the structure. The housing and the first cylindrical member disposed therein are rotatable about a second axis normal to the first centerline relative to the second and third cylindrical members, whereby the flowline is rotatable about the second axis relative to the structure. In some embodiments, the flowline is also rotatable about a third axis normal to the first centerline and the second axis relative to the coupling." The patent application was filed on Aug. 31, 2009 (12/550,890). 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=79,97,829.PN.&OS=PN/79,97,829&RS=PN/79,97,829 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Instruments Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Texas Instruments, Dallas, has been assigned a patent (7,997,744) developed by David Rothenbury, Cedar Park, Texas, for an "electrically conductive protection layer and a microelectromechanical device using the same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A deformable hinge for use in microelectromechanical devices comprises a protection layer that is electrically conductive. The protection layer is on top of another hinge layer; and is more resistive than the hinge layer to the etchant used in during patterning and/or release processes during fabrication of the microelectromechanical device. As a result, the hinge layer can be protected from being damaged during the fabrication process." The patent application was filed on March 12, 2008 (12/046,588). 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=7997744.PN.&OS=PN/7997744&RS=PN/7997744 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Inventor Develops Patent for Runner Arm Training Apparatus ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Juan A. Cobo, Katy, Texas, has developed a patent (7,998,034) for a "runner arm training apparatus." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The runner arm training apparatus provides feedback to a user and help for a user in establishing a correct upper arm to lower arm, or elbow, angle. Typically, this angle is about 90 degrees. However, the apparatus may also be used to aid in preventing a 90-degree elbow bend, for perhaps a different athletic or rehabilitating pursuit." The patent application was filed on Nov. 18, 2010 (12/949,359). 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=7,998,034.PN.&OS=PN/7,998,034&RS=PN/7,998,034 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** 3M Innovative Properties Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- 3M Innovative Properties, St. Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (7,997,933) developed by Steven Feldman, Cedar Park, Texas, Alexander W. Barr, Austin, Texas, and Joseph N. Castiglione, Cedar Park, Texas, for an electrical connector system. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An electrical connector system includes an electrical connector and a plurality of termination devices. The electrical connector includes a plurality of free-standing interlocking plates defining a plurality of cavities and at least one electrical contact positioned within a cavity. Each cavity is sized for accepting a termination device. At least one of the plurality of free-standing interlocking plates is electrically conductive. The at least one electrical contact is electrically isolated from the interlocking plates and configured to mate with a socket contact of the termination device. Each termination device includes an electrically conductive outer shield element having a front end and a back end, the shield element having a latch member extending therefrom, an insulator disposed within the shield element, and a socket contact supported within and electrically isolated from the shield element by the insulator. The socket contact is configured for making electrical connections through the front end and back end of the shield element. The electrical connector and the plurality of termination devices are configured such that the socket contact of each termination device makes electrical contact with a corresponding electrical contact of the electrical connector and the shield element of each termination device makes electrical contact with the interlocking plates of the electrical connector when the electrical connector and the plurality of termination devices are in a mated configuration." The patent application was filed on Aug. 10, 2009 (12/538,637). 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=7,997,933.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,933&RS=PN/7,997,933 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Lockheed Martin Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Lockheed Martin, Bethesda, Md., has been assigned a patent (7,997,921) developed by four co-inventors for "connecting elements having a stub surrounded by a hollow stalk with a flange." The co-inventors are Walter V. Werner, Pittsford, N.Y., Earl W. Stromberg, Roanoke, Texas, Wit Cezary Bushko, Medway, Mass., and George Hanna Ghanime, Ballston Spa, N.Y. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A plurality of connecting elements projects from a surface of an article. Each connecting element includes a first stalk and second hollow stalk projecting from the surface. The second stalk is generally coaxial with the first stalk and spaced apart from the first stalk defining a radial gap therebetween. The first stalk includes a cap section. The second stalk includes a stem projecting generally orthogonally, at a proximal end thereof, from the surface. A flange section having a first wall thickness extends from a distal end of the stem and has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the stem at the distal end. An engagement section extends from the flange section. A free end of the engagement section having a second wall thickness defines a distal end of the second stalk and has an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the flange section." The patent application was filed on Oct. 15, 2010 (12/905,665). 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=7,997,921.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,921&RS=PN/7,997,921 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Craniotech ACR Devices Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Craniotech ACR Devices, Dallas, has been assigned a patent (7,998,216) developed by Mohammed E. Elsalanty, Richardson, Texas, and Timothy D. Mulone, Dallas, for a "mandibular bone transport reconstruction plate." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "This device can be used to create new bone to fill a gap in the mandible after surgical excision. It uses a bone reconstruction plate as a distraction device. The reconstruction plate fixes the bone stumps on both sides of the bone gap. In the middle segment of the plate overlying the bone gap, the transport bone disc is carried on a transport unit that moves along a rail on the outer surface of the reconstruction plate." The patent application was filed on Feb. 1, 2007 (11/670,311). 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=7,998,216.PN.&OS=PN/7,998,216&RS=PN/7,998,216 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Oceaneering International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Oceaneering International, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,997,840) developed by Charles Robert Mynhier, Magnolia, Texas, and Charles Tyrrell, Houston, for a self locking tensioner. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention is directed to a self locking tensioner that can be used to place a piston or stud in tension. The present invention is directed to a tensioner comprising slip wedges positioned between a piston and a body which houses the piston and the slip wedges." The patent application was filed on May 25, 2009 (12/471,425). 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=7,997,840.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,840&RS=PN/7,997,840 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Jet Products Assigned Patent for Magnesium Oxide-based Construction Board ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Jet Products, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,998,547) developed by Michael E. Feigin, The Woodlands, Texas, and Tak Sing Choi, Huiyang, China, for a "magnesium oxide-based construction board." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A construction board is formed from a composition comprising one or more of the following ingredients: magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, a binding agent (e.g., perlite), wood shavings, recycled board scraps, and water. The construction board further includes fiberglass and polyester paper sheets on opposite sides of the construction board. A method of fabricating the construction board is also disclosed to include mixing magnesium chloride with water to form a solution, mixing the solution with magnesium oxide, perlite and a binding agent to form a paste, and pouring the paste onto a mold to form a construction board. The paste is poured onto a mold which is then passed through a series of rollers to spread out the paste evenly across the mold and to form the paste into the desired thickness. The resulting construction board is fire and water resistant and much more durable than conventional sheetrock." The patent application was filed on July 3, 2007 (11/772,987). 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=7,998,547&OS=7,998,547&RS=7,998,547 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Shell Oil Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Shell Oil, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,998,247) developed by John Charles Saukaitis, Katy, Texas, and Alan Anthony Del Paggio, Spring, Texas, for a "gas separation membrane comprising a substrate with a layer of coated inorganic oxide particles and an overlayer of a gas-selective material, and its manufacture and use." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A gas separation membrane and a method of manufacturing such gas separation membrane that comprises a porous substrate treated with a layer of metal-coated inorganic oxide particles and with the layer of such metal-coated inorganic oxide particles being coated with an overlayer of a gas-selective material." The patent application was filed on May 13, 2010 (12/779,412). 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=7,998,247.PN.&OS=PN/7,998,247&RS=PN/7,998,247 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** ExxonMobil Upstream Research Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- ExxonMobil Upstream Research, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,998,227) developed by Frank F. Mittricker, Houston, for a "method for utilizing gas reserves with low methane concentrations for fueling gas turbines." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention is directed to a method of fueling gas turbines from natural gas reserves with relatively low methane concentrations. The invention permits the use of such reserves to be used to fuel gas turbines to generate electric power. The method of the invention includes providing a natural gas comprising not more than about 40 percent methane on a volume basis and mixing the methane of the natural gas with hydrogen gas to provide a hydrogen enhanced methane/hydrogen gas blend which has sufficient hydrogen to provide flame stability during burning. Thereafter, if required, the hydrogen enhanced methane/hydrogen gas blend is dehydrated to remove a sufficient amount of water to provide a flame stable hydrogen enhanced dehydrated methane/hydrogen gas blend. The hydrogen enhanced natural gas blend is used to fuel gas turbine generators." The patent application was filed on Dec. 10, 2004 (11/008,882). 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=7,998,227.PN.&OS=PN/7,998,227&RS=PN/7,998,227 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Novartis Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Novartis, Basel, Switzerland, has been assigned a patent (7,998,198) developed by four co-inventors for an "accommodative IOL with dynamic spherical aberration." The co-inventors are Robert Angelopoulos, Fort Worth, Texas, Xin Hong, Fort Worth, Texas, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Fort Worth, Texas, and Mutlu Karakelle, Fort Worth, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention is generally directed to accommodative intraocular lenses (IOLs) that exhibit a dynamic spherical aberration as a function of accommodative power. By way of example, in one aspect, the present invention provides an intraocular lens (IOL) having an anterior optical element, a posterior optical element, and a mechanism for coupling the anterior and posterior elements so as to allow axial movement of those elements relative to one another for providing accommodation when the lens is implanted in a patient's eye. Each of the anterior and the posterior elements includes at least one aspherical surface, where the asphericities of the surfaces are adapted to provide a combined spherical aberration that varies with accommodation." The patent application was filed on Feb. 4, 2009 (12/365,609). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,998,198.PN.&OS=PN/7,998,198&RS=PN/7,998,198 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Inventors Develop Patent for Method for Making a Flexible Fishing Lure That Traps Air ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Nyles Kelley Jones Jr., Deer Park, Texas, and Nyles Kelley Jones Sr., La Porte, Texas, have developed a patent (7,998,394) for a "method for making a flexible fishing lure that traps air." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for making an integrally molded flexible fishing lure, comprising: creating a mold of a lure design, having a head integral with an egg sack, a body integral with the egg sack, and a tapered tail integral with the body. The head, body and tail have a smooth surfaces with a plurality of concentric ridges. At least two air trapping cavities are disposed in the body for trapping and retaining air during lure movement. A polymer comprising polypropylene, polyethylene, urethane, elastomer, or combinations thereof, is poured into the mold, the mold is cured, and the integrally molded flexible fishing lure is removed from the mold forming a lure with air trapping cavities." The patent application was filed on Aug. 1, 2008 (12/184,592). 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=7,998,394&OS=7,998,394&RS=7,998,394 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Novartis Assigned Patent for Off-axis Anti-reflective Intraocular Lenses ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Novartis, Basel, Switzerland, has been assigned a patent (7,998,197) developed by Xiaoxiao Zhang, Fort Worth, Texas, and Kamal K. Das, Arlington, Texas, for an "off-axis anti-reflective intraocular lenses." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Exemplary embodiments provide a coated intraocular lens that has a lens body with a first refractive index and an anti-reflective coating. The coating covers at least a portion of the lens body and has a second index of refraction that is less than the first index of refraction of the lens body. The anti-reflective coating reduces the intensity of reflections produced from off axis light incident on the lens body by at least a factor of 2.5 times and enhancing light transmission." The patent application was filed on July 11, 2008 (12/171,760). 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=7,998,197.PN.&OS=PN/7,998,197&RS=PN/7,998,197 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Instruments Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Texas Instruments, Dallas, has been assigned a patent (7,998,865) developed by Joe G. Tran, Flower Mound, Texas, Brian K. Kirkpatrick, Allen, Texas, and Alfred J. Griffin Jr., Dallas, for "systems and methods for removing wafer edge residue and debris using a residue remover mechanism." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system (500) removes wafer edge residue from a target wafer (508). A wafer holding mechanism (502) holds and rotates the target wafer (508). A residue remover mechanism (504) mechanically interacts or abrades an edge surface of the target wafer (508) and removes strongly adhered residue from the edge surface of the target wafer (508). The residue remover mechanism (504) controls coverage of the mechanical interaction and magnitude of the mechanical interaction." The patent application was filed on May 31, 2005 (11/141,534). 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=79,98,865&OS=79,98,865&RS=79,98,865 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Inventor Develops Patent for Protecting the Eyes of Contact Lens Wearers ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Keith K. Donley, Port Aransas, Texas, has developed a patent (7,998,405) for "protecting the eyes of contact lens wearers." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The eyes of a contact lens wearer are protected from the effects of a liquid disinfecting solution by providing a contact lens container having a catalyst therein and a container of the disinfecting solution of unusual design. The openings of the contact lens container and the solution container are configured so only the contact lens container is able to receive solution from the solution container. This prevents the user from directly removing disinfecting solution from the solution container and thereby prevents the user from directly applying the disinfecting solution to the eye." The patent application was filed on July 9, 2007 (11/825,783). 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=7,998,405&OS=7,998,405&RS=7,998,405 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Fina Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Fina Technology, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,998,265) developed by Paul J. Buras, Lyons, France, William D. Lee, Humble, Texas, and James R. Butler, League City, Texas, for an "asphalt compositions and the preparation thereof." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Asphalt compositions and methods of forming such are described herein. The asphalt compositions and methods of forming such are generally adapted to enable open air processing while producing asphalt compositions that exhibit properties capable of meeting SUPERPAVE.TM. specifications." The patent application was filed on Sept. 22, 2010 (12/887,977). 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=7998265.PN.&OS=PN/7998265&RS=PN/7998265 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Catalyst Partners Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Catalyst Partners, Chico, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,998,269) developed by Lloyd Byron Spangle, Claremore, Okla., and Landreth L. Moran, Chico, Texas, for a cement blend. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A cement includes a cement mixture and a permeable, micro-cluster silica material present in an amount from about 10 percent to about 30 percent by weight of the cement mixture. The cement blend may be used in casing a borehole when appropriate fluid loss agents are included in the cement blend. Additionally, a cement additive is added to a cement mixture to provide the cement blend. This cement additive can be formulated in a kit form." The patent application was filed on June 1, 2007 (12/095,263). 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=7998269.PN.&OS=PN/7998269&RS=PN/7998269 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** William Marsh Rice Universtiy Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- William Marsh Rice Universtiy, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,998,271) developed by Ammar S. Alkhawaldeh, Hillsboro, Ore., Matteo Pasquali, Houston, and Michael S. Wong, Houston, for "solvents and new method for the synthesis of CdSe semiconductor nanocrystals." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "New methods for the synthesis of nanocrystals/quantum dots are disclosed. The methods comprise use of reasonably-priced and commercially available heat transfer fluids (such as Dowtherm.RTM. A) as solvents to synthesize CdSe nanocrystals. Separation of nucleation and growth is achieved by quenching the reaction solution with relatively cold (room temperature) solvent to lower the solution temperature. Quenching may be followed by raising the solution temperature, to allow controlled growth to take place." The patent application was filed on Nov. 19, 2004 (10/595,817). 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=7,998,271&OS=7,998,271&RS=7,998,271 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Texas Inventor Develops Patent for Pipeline Remediation Method with Wire Rope Pig ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Benton Frederick Baugh, Houston, has developed a patent (7,998,276) for a "pipeline remediation method with wire rope pig." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of remediating deposits within a pipeline by a pig within the pipeline which sealingly engages the internal diameter of the pipeline, holding back on the movement of the pig with a wire rope, pumping down the pipeline, providing a first passageway through the pig for pumping through flow restrictions on the pig to increase the velocity of the flow to enhance the effectiveness of the remediation, providing a second passageway through the pig with less flow restriction than the first passageway for flow through the pig during retrieval, and providing a selector valve for alternately directing flow through the pig to the first passageway and to the second passageway each time the flow is stopped and restarted." The patent application was filed on May 6, 2008 (12/151,215). 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=7,998,276.PN.&OS=PN/7,998,276&RS=PN/7,998,276 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** University of Texas System Assigned Patent for Particulate Matter Sensor with a Heater ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- The University of Texas System, Austin, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,998,417) developed by Matthew Hall, Austin, Texas, for a "particulate matter sensor with a heater." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus to detect particulate matter. The apparatus includes a sensor electrode, a shroud, and a heater. The electrode measures a chemical composition within an exhaust stream. The shroud surrounds at least a portion of the sensor electrode, exclusive of a distal end of the sensor electrode exposed to the exhaust stream. The shroud defines an air gap between the sensor electrode and the shroud and an opening toward the distal end of the sensor electrode. The heater is mounted relative to the sensor electrode. The heater burns off particulate matter in the air gap between the sensor electrode and the shroud." The patent application was filed on Aug. 22, 2008 (12/196,478). 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=7,998,417&OS=7,998,417&RS=7,998,417 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Tokyo Electron Assigned Patent for Electron Beam Enhanced Surface Wave Plasma Source ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Tokyo Electron, Tokyo, has been assigned a patent (7,998,307) developed by Lee Chen, Cedar Creek, Texas, and Paul Moroz, Marblehead, Mass., for an "electron beam enhanced surface wave plasma source." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A plasma processing system is described for generating plasma with a ballistic electron beam using a surface wave plasma (SWP) source, such as a radial line slot antenna (RLSA) during semiconductor device fabrication. The antenna comprises a resonator plate having a partially open, electrically conductive layer coupled to a surface of the resonator plate. For example, the electrically conductive layer is formed at an interface between the resonator plate and the plasma, and a direct current (DC) voltage is applied to the electrically conductive layer." The patent application was filed on Sept. 12, 2006 (11/518,884). 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=7,998,307.PN.&OS=PN/7,998,307&RS=PN/7,998,307 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- ExxonMobil Chemical Patents, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,998,281) developed by five co-inventors for an "apparatus and method of cleaning a transfer line heat exchanger tube." The co-inventors are James N. McCoy, Houston, Arthur R. Di Nicolantonio, Seabrook, Texas, Blair H. Margot, Madinat Yanbu Al-Sinatyah, Saudi Arabia, Subramanian Annamalai, Houston, and Stephen J. Vande Stouwe, Houston. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus for on-line cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of a transfer line exchanger tube is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis, the housing further including a first inlet for introducing a flushing fluid to the transfer line exchanger tube, the first inlet disposed proximate the first end of the housing, a second inlet for providing a product effluent comprising hydrocarbons and an outlet for placing in fluid communication with an inlet of the transfer line exchanger tube and a critical flow nozzle or flow control orifice, the critical flow nozzle or flow control orifice in fluid communication with the first inlet of the housing. Systems and processes for cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of a transfer line exchanger are also disclosed." The patent application was filed on Dec. 5, 2006 (11/634,301). 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=7,998,281&OS=7,998,281&RS=7,998,281 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** ConocoPhillips Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- ConocoPhillips, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,998,451) developed by five co-inventors for a sulfur degassing process. The co-inventors are Alfred E. Keller, Ponca City, Okla., Nathan A. Hatcher, Buda, Texas, Sriram Ramani, Katy, Texas, Terry D. Pruitt, Ponca City, Okla., and Michael D. Smith, Bartlesville, Okla. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A process is disclosed for removing hydrogen sulfide from liquid sulfur including: passing a liquid sulfur feed comprising liquid sulfur and hydrogen sulfide to a vaporizer; vaporizing at least a portion of the liquid sulfur feed in the vaporizer to thereby form a first vapor stream comprising gaseous sulfur and gaseous hydrogen sulfide; partially condensing the first vapor stream in a condenser to form a liquid product stream comprising liquid sulfur and a second vapor stream comprising hydrogen sulfide; wherein the liquid product stream has a lower concentration of hydrogen sulfide than the liquid sulfur feed." The patent application was filed on Dec. 30, 2008 (12/346,347). 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=7,998,451&OS=7,998,451&RS=7,998,451 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Texas Inventor Develops Patent for Drain Tube Stripper ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Robert C. Kleimann Sr., Columbus, Texas, has developed a patent (7,998,168) for a drain tube stripper. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A drain tube stripper containing two handles pivotally joined at one end. The second end of each handle contains a roller. The rollers meet when the handles are pressed together. The handles are of unequal length. A drain tube, e.g., surgical drain, can be stripped of fluid and material buildup by placing the open rollers over the tube and pressing the handles together. The rollers thereby pinch the drain tube and the rollers allow the device to be moved along the drain tube pushing fluid and material ahead of the rollers. The drain tube stripper allows the tube to enter between the rollers from the side and exit from the side of the opposing handle. The tube drain stripper may also contain a guide component to minimize entanglement of the drain and the device is rolled along the drain tubing." The patent application was filed on May 22, 2009 (12/436,403). 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=7,998,168&OS=7,998,168&RS=7,998,168 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Olympus Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Olympus, Tokyo, has been assigned a patent (7,998,148) developed by six co-inventors for endoscopic instruments. The co-inventors are Pankaj Jay Pasricha, Houston, Hideki Shimonaka, Hachioji, Japan, Koichi Kawashima, Hachioji, Japan, Takayuki Suzuki, Yokohama, Japan, Tsuyoshi Tsukagoshi, Fuchu, Japan, and Yoshio Onuki, Hino, Japan. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An endoscopic instrument used to form an artificial valve for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)." The patent application was filed on June 30, 2006 (11/427,836). 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=79,98,148&OS=79,98,148&RS=79,98,148 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Inventors Develop Patent for Method and Apparatus for Body Work ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Nilda Tull, Arlington, Texas, and William Rich, Arlington, Texas, have developed a patent (7,998,099) for a "method and apparatus for body work." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides a method and apparatus for obtaining and maintaining correct alignment of body structure. In one embodiment of the invention, a head band is utilized that places light pressure on the erector spinae and sub occipital muscles below the occiput to relax the muscles that caused the counter clockwise rotation and light pressure is maintained to correct the misalignment of the atlas and occipital condyles. In another embodiment of the invention, the atlas is centered by applying manual gentle pressure to relax the muscles that caused the counter-clockwise rotation. Once relaxed, light pressure is manually applied to correct the misalignment of the atlas and occipital condyles. Gentle pressure can also be applied to the muscles that tightened as a result of the misplaced atlas until the muscles relax. The relaxation of muscles in this manner tends to also allow other misplaced body structure to return to its original position once the buildup of fasciitis is manually released. Moreover, an individual can be taught how to use the method and apparatus of the present invention to thereby maintain correct body structure and relaxed muscles." The patent application was filed on Dec. 10, 2008 (12/331,533). 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=79,98,099&OS=79,98,099&RS=79,98,099 Written by Rajat Puri; 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. -1058529 (c) 2011 Targeted News Service |