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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in California (Aug. 23)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in California. *** Keen Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Keen, Portland, Ore., has been assigned a patent (7,997,009) developed by Rory W. Fuerst, Atherton, Calif., for a "footwear having an enclosed and articulated toe." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Articles of footwear having an enclosed articulated toe portion, including a molded midsole with an integrally-molded toe cap shaped to receive a foot therein and to enclose the toes of the foot. The toe cap terminates at a position adjacent to the base of the toes of the foot. The articles additionally include an outsole affixed to the bottom of the midsole and an upper which in some embodiments is co-molded with the midsole and toe cap." The patent application was filed on April 1, 2009 (12/416,688). 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=79,97,009.PN.&OS=PN/79,97,009&RS=PN/79,97,009 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Auri Footwear Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- Auri Footwear, Laguna Beach, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,997,010) developed by Ori Rosenbaum, Laguna Beach, Calif., for a shoe suspension system. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to a shoe suspension system. In one embodiment, the present invention is a sole of a shoe including a first spine with a first side and a second side, a first suspension portion connected to the first side of the first spine, and a second suspension portion connected to the second side of the first spine." The patent application was filed on Feb. 20, 2008 (12/034,467). 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=79,97,010.PN.&OS=PN/79,97,010&RS=PN/79,97,010 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Abbott Diabetes Care Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Abbott Diabetes Care, Alameda, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,996,988) developed by Yi Wang, San Ramon, Calif., and Benjamin J. Feldman, Oakland, Calif., for a "method of making a plurality of calibration-adjusted sensors." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods of making sensors, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose, in a biological fluid such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and may include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector. The sensor is calibration-adjusted, eliminating the need for a user to enter a calibration code or for the meter to read a calibration code." The patent application was filed on May 8, 2009 (12/463,192). 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=79,96,988.PN.&OS=PN/79,96,988&RS=PN/79,96,988 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Broadcom Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Broadcom, Irvine, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,996,987) developed by Wael William Diab, San Francisco, and Shimon Elkayam, Milton, United Kingdom, for a "single footprint family of integrated power modules." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and method for producing a family of power modules having a common footprint that enables the customer to flexibly choose a power module size without incurring the costs of a relayout of a system design. In one embodiment, a board layout can be designed using a selected power module footprint size that supports an installation of any of a plurality of power modules. The power module that is used in a board layout can be selected based on a measurement of an amount of power consumed by the one or more loads." The patent application was filed on Oct. 17, 2006 (11/581,354). 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=79,96,987.PN.&OS=PN/79,96,987&RS=PN/79,96,987 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventors Develop Patent for Bed Cover Lift ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Robert L. Calmes, Rocklin, Calif., and George W. Burger, Rocklin, Calif., have developed a patent (7,996,938) for a bed cover lift. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The lift is attachable to a foot end of a bed beneath a mattress. Elongate arms extend up from a base portion of the lift. Sheets or other bed covers are supported above an upper end of the elongate arms to define a clearance space beneath the upper ends of the elongate arms. The elongate arms are preferably provided as a pair of first arms and a pair of second arms which can be moved from a lowered position to a raised position by action of a driver. When the arms are raised the clearance space keeps the bed covers off of feet of a user resting on the bed." The patent application was filed on Feb. 23, 2010 (12/660,270). 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=79,96,938.PN.&OS=PN/79,96,938&RS=PN/79,96,938 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Amerigon Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Amerigon, Northville, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,996,936) developed by David Marquette, Farmington Hills, Mich., Dusko Petrovski, Washington, Mich., and Brian D. Comiskey, Coto de Caza, Calif., for an "operational schemes for climate controlled beds." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A climate controlled seat, bed or other assembly configured to receive a person includes a blower and two or more thermoelectric devices or other conditioning fluid modules. According to one embodiment of an operational scheme, a control system for the seat or bed is configured to continuously discharge air from the blower through the thermoelectric devices. In one arrangement, the thermoelectric devices are sequenced between an activated and a deactivated position. Consequently, the desired cooling and/or cooling effect can be maintained while reducing energy consumption of the climate control system." The patent application was filed on Jan. 31, 2011 (13/018,167). 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=7996936.PN.&OS=PN/7996936&RS=PN/7996936 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Spa Wall Mounted Water Jet Neck and Shoulder Massager ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Joseph G. Elnar, Riverside, Calif., has developed a patent (7,996,932) for a "spa wall mounted water jet neck and shoulder massager." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A spa wall mounted head rest directs a curved sheet of water against a user's neck and shoulders. The head rest is fed by two laterally spaced apart water flows and includes an internal manifold to uniformly direct the flows across a curved outlet. The resulting curved flow is uniformly directed against the user's neck and shoulders. The head rest has a curved back to allow mounting in a corner of the spa wall and includes an easily removable and replaceable head rest cover allowing easy maintenance." The patent application was filed on March 28, 2008 (7,996,932). 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=7996932.PN.&OS=PN/7996932&RS=PN/7996932 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Pool Drain Safety Devices and Related Methods ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Allison Sage Plette, Irvine, Calif., has developed a patent (7,996,931) for a "pool drain safety devices and related methods." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The novel enhanced pool safety device of the present disclosure increases safety around pools and prevents unnecessary drowning. The apparatus is disposed in a pool drain system and had been at least one blade connected to an axle and moved by the suction force provided by the filter system. As water moves from a pool to an intake duct via a drain, the combination of moving water and vacuum force turns blades, which cut foreign materials, such as hair, that comes through the drain grating. The cutting of these materials prevents loss of life that may arise as humans and other objects become entangled in pool drains." The patent application was filed on Sept. 7, 2006 (11/470,816). 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=7996931.PN.&OS=PN/7996931&RS=PN/7996931 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Abbott Cardiovascular Systems, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,998,090) developed by five co-inventors for a "guide wire with core having welded wire segments." The co-inventors are John A. Simpson, Carlsbad, Calif., Michael Plattner, Riverside, Calif., Frank Manning, Temecula, Calif., Ryan Grandfield, Murrieta, Calif., and Wayne E. Cornish, Fallbrook, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An intravascular guide wire having two core materials joined together without the use of a connector tube or sleeve, the core materials being stainless steel and pseudoelastic metal alloy, nitinol. The core materials are joined to each other through an intermediate transition piece made essentially of nickel, which is welded on either side to the two core materials. In a multi-segment intravascular guide wire, discrete, high modulus and medium modulus core portions of different materials are welded to a shapeable, low modulus distal core portion made of a third material having a flattened, shapeable section at a most distal end that is not welded to but made from the distal core portion, so the flattened, shapeable section can be deformed to create a steerable tip. Processes such as simultaneous resistance and friction welding can be used to join the core portions." The patent application was filed on March 17, 2009 (12/405,971). 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=79,98,090&OS=79,98,090&RS=79,98,090 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Norotos Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Norotos, Santa Ana, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,996,917) developed by Jonathon R. Prendergast, Newport Beach, Calif., for a "rotatable helmet mounting assembly." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A mounting assembly for universally rotatably adjusting a night vision device with respect to a helmet is provided that includes a first attachment mechanism for connection to the night vision device; a second attachment mechanism for connection to the helmet; and a universally rotatable joint for universally rotatably adjusting the night vision device with respect to the helmet." The patent application was filed on April 5, 2005 (11/100,141). 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=7996917.PN.&OS=PN/7996917&RS=PN/7996917 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Soil Moisture Sensing Apparatus for Preventing Overwatering ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Donald Murray, Oakland, Calif., has developed a patent (7,997,294) for a "soil moisture sensing apparatus for preventing overwatering." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A soil moisture sensing system includes a housing embedded in the soil and having a water chamber adapted to receive water from a water source. A controlled drainage assembly includes a semi-permeable membrane coupled to said water chamber for controllably releasing water from the water chamber. A magnetically actuated switch is coupled to a float in the water chamber to provide a control signal when the water level in the water chamber is at a predetermined level." The patent application was filed on July 30, 2008 (12/182,921). 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=79,97,294&OS=79,97,294&RS=79,97,294 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Siemens Medical Solutions USA Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Malvern, Pa., has been assigned a patent (7,998,076) developed by Patrick J. Phillips, Sunnyvale, Calif., James E. Chomas, San Francisco, and Ismayil M. Guracar, Redwood City, Calif., for an "advanced characterization of contrast agents with ultrasound." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Contrast agents are characterized with ultrasound. Flowing or unbound contrast agents are distinguished automatically from bound or relatively stationary contrast agents. The bound or relatively stationary contrast agents are highlighted on a display. A processor distinguishes different types of contrast agents or contrast agents in different binding states with relative signal strength or velocity. Attached contrast agents are differentiated from phagocytosed contrast agents. Monitoring absolute signal strength as a function of time may indicate binding. Any one or more of these features may be used." The patent application was filed on Sept. 27, 2005 (11/237,221). 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=79,98,076&OS=79,98,076&RS=79,98,076 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Roche Diagnostics Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Roche Diagnostics Operations, Indianapolis, has been assigned a patent (7,998,069) developed by Maury Zivitz, Indianapolis, Paul Galley, Indianapolis, and Lois Jovanovic, Santa Barbara, Calif., for a "mask algorithms for health management systems." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A device and method of providing information to a healthcare provider regarding the dosing of insulin is provided where the data is analyzed to produce a qualified set of points. The applied analysis is performed via parameters that are independent of patient input." The patent application was filed on Sept. 11, 2007 (11/853,467). 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=79,98,069&OS=79,98,069&RS=79,98,069 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** DexCom Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- DexCom, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (7,998,071) developed by five co-inventors for "systems and methods for replacing signal artifacts in a glucose sensor data stream." The co-inventors are Paul V. Goode Jr., Murrieta, Calif., James H. Brauker, San Diego, Apurv U. Kamath, Solana Beach, Calif., James Patrick Thrower, San Diego, and Victoria Carr-Brendel, San Diego. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system replaces some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently including signal estimation methods that particularly address transient signal artifacts. The system is also capable of detecting the severity of the signal artifacts and selectively applying one or more signal estimation algorithm factors responsive to the severity of the signal artifacts, which includes selectively applying distinct sets of parameters to a signal estimation algorithm or selectively applying distinct signal estimation algorithms." The patent application was filed on Oct. 14, 2009 (12/579,339). 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=79,98,071&OS=79,98,071&RS=79,98,071 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Siemens Medical Solutions USA Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Malvern, Pa., has been assigned a patent (7,998,074) developed by James E. Chomas, San Francisco, Kutay F. Ustuner, Mountain View, Calif., and Thilaka S. Sumanaweera, Los Altos, Calif., for an "image plane stabilization for medical imaging." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A medical imaging system automatically acquires two-dimensional images representing a user-defined region of interest despite motion. The plane of acquisition is updated or altered adaptively as a function of detected motion. The user-designated region of interest is then continually scanned due to the alteration in scan plane position. A multi-dimensional array is used to stabilize imaging of a region of interest in a three-dimensional volume. The user defines a region of interest for two-dimensional imaging. Motion is then detected. The position of a scan plane used to generate a subsequent two-dimensional image is then oriented as a function of the detected motion within the three-dimensional volume. By repeating the motion determination and adaptive alteration of the scan plane position, real time imaging of a same region of interest is provided while minimizing the region of interest fading into or out of the sequence of images." The patent application was filed on Sept. 29, 2008 (12/240,078). 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=79,98,074&OS=79,98,074&RS=79,98,074 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Biolase Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Biolase Technology, Irvine, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,997,279) developed by Jeffrey W. Jones, Robertson, Wyo., and Marcia Angela Van Valen, Aliso Viejo, Calif., for "methods for treating eye conditions." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye." The patent application was filed on Nov. 3, 2008 (12/264,112). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,97,279&OS=79,97,279&RS=79,97,279 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Pacific World Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Pacific World, Lake Forest, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,997,283) developed by Joseph Michael Fracassi, Lake Forest, Calif., and Jeanine Catherine Coppola, Irvine, Calif., for "artificial nails including application tabs." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A preformed artificial nail assembly comprising an artificial nail sized to correspond to at least a portion of said natural nail, and an application tab extending from the distal end of the artificial nail, the application tab having a neck portion and a body portion, said neck portion being disposed between the body portion and the distal end of the artificial nail, the body portion being disposed at an angle to the artificial nail such that the body may be readily grasped by the user to facilitate placement of the artificial nail on the natural nail. An embodiment includes an application tab that twists from its connection to the nail to the tab body." The patent application was filed on April 24, 2007 (11/739,371). 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=79,97,283&OS=79,97,283&RS=79,97,283 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Dye Precision Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Dye Precision, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (7,997,260) developed by four co-inventors for a paintball marker. The co-inventors are Eero Kaakkola, San Diego, Richard Corlett, San Diego, William Wing, San Diego, and Adam H. Thorp, San Diego. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A pneumatic paintball marker has, for example, a sleeve that controls the passage of air through the longitudinal barrel or opening within the marker. By sequentially filling separate chambers defined within the opening and the sleeve, the sleeve is able to translate axially through the opening in a sequential manner. When the sleeve is in a forward position, air is caused to be released through the barrel, propelling the paintball. A sear member engages the sleeve and prevents it from inadvertently moving to a forward position. Air filling the chambers returns the sleeve to the loading position." The patent application was filed on Oct. 5, 2007 (11/868,250). 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=79,97,260&OS=79,97,260&RS=79,97,260 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Barrx Medical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Barrx Medical, Sunnyvale, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,997,278) developed by David S. Utley, Redwood City, Calif., Robert Garabedian, Mountain View, Calif., and Michael P. Wallace, Pleasanton, Calif., for a precision ablating method. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods of ablating tissue in an alimentary tract are provided. The methods include advancing an ablation structure into an alimentary tract while supporting the ablation structure with an endoscope. The methods further include a step of moving at least part of the ablation structure with respect to the endoscope and toward a tissue surface, before activating the ablation structure to ablate a tissue surface." The patent application was filed on Nov. 23, 2005 (11/286,444). 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=79,97,278&OS=79,97,278&RS=79,97,278 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Ric Investments Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Ric Investments, Wilmington, Del., has been assigned a patent (7,997,272) developed by Fernando Isaza, Carlsbad, Calif., for a "ventilating apparatus and method enabling a patient to talk with or without a trachostomy tube check valve." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of operating a ventilator assembly having inhalation and exhalation passages communicating with one another, and a respiration assembly that can perform repetitive respiratory cycles. The method includes (a) connecting the conduit with an open end of an endotracheal tube positioned within the trachea so that the open end leads into the airway below the vocal cords, (b) repetitively cycling the respiration assembly so that during the inhalation phase, gas in the inhalation passage flows through the endotracheal tube and into the airway, and during the exhalation phase, an exhalation valve is maintained relatively closed and the exhaled gases flow pass the vocal cords and out of the mouth thereby facilitating the patient's ability to speak, and (c) monitoring ring the pressure within at least one of the passages during both phases for determining the pressure within the patient for use in operating the ventilator assembly." The patent application was filed on Sept. 11, 2006 (11/518,816). 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=79,97,272&OS=79,97,272&RS=79,97,272 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Intellivet Anesthesia Equipment Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Intellivet Anesthesia Equipment, Las Vegas, has been assigned a patent (7,997,268) developed by Robert Dean Leonard, Fallbrook, Calif., and David Robert Wilson, Platteville, Colo., for a "veterinary anesthesia monitor system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A veterinary anesthesia monitor system useful in establishing, maintaining, and reporting upon the anesthesia gas mixture delivered to or exhaled by a patient." The patent application was filed on Dec. 17, 2004 (11/015,412). 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=79,97,268&OS=79,97,268&RS=79,97,268 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Koninklijke Philips Electronics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Koninklijke Philips Electronics, Eindhoven, The Netherlands, has been assigned a patent (7,997,266) developed by four co-inventors for a "system and method for airway manipulation." The co-inventors are Andrew Frazier, Sunnyvale, Calif., Chad C. Roue, San Jose, Calif., Michael T. Dineen, Portola Valley, Calif., and Erik J.van der Burg, Los Gatos, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the airway, such as to treat obstructive sleep apnea. An implant is positioned within the body with respect to the airway. The spatial orientation of the airway is manipulated, directly or indirectly, to affect the configuration of the airway. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace the trachea in an inferior direction, resist superior displacement of the trachea and/or to alter the tracheal wall tension. The implant restrains the trachea in the manipulated configuration." The patent application was filed on Oct. 4, 2004 (10/958,205). 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=79,97,266&OS=79,97,266&RS=79,97,266 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Xyratex Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Xyratex Technology, United Kingdom, has been assigned a patent (7,997,289) developed by four co-inventors for "methods of and apparatus for cleaning and conveying a substrate." The co-inventors are Dave Frost, Scotts Valley, Calif., Sean Harbison, Scotts Valley, Calif., Yassin Mehmandoust, Scotts Valley, Calif., and Mike Frocappa, Scotts Valley, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Discs roll along an inclined track through a chamber to expose opposite disc sides for cleaning. Energized fluid directed against the opposite sides removes particles from the discs, the fluid and particles exiting the chamber. Stop pins control a time period for cleaning and transporting the discs by selectively blocking or releasing the discs. The discs are stopped at many sections of a transducer, the sections being tailored to provide various cleaning characteristics. Within the chamber, the chamber is configured to minimize particles that originate other than by being adhered to the disc at a time when the disc is introduced into the chamber. Internal chamber configuration also minimizes retention of particles so that particles removed from one disc do not linger in the chamber for possible transfer to a disc that is cleaned in the same chamber at a later time." The patent application was filed on Oct. 2, 2007 (11/866,396). 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=79,97,289&OS=79,97,289&RS=79,97,289 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Lam Research Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Lam Research, Fremont, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,997,288) developed by Mike Ravkin, Sunnyvale, Calif., Alex Kabansky, Santa Clara, Calif., and John de Larios, Palo Alto, Calif., for a "single phase proximity head having a controlled meniscus for treating a substrate." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for processing a substrate is described. The system includes a proximity head, a mechanism, and a liquid supply. The proximity head is configured to generate a controlled meniscus. Specifically, the proximity head has a plurality of dispensing nozzles formed on a face of the proximity head. The dispensing nozzles are configured to supply a liquid to the meniscus and the suction holes are added to remove a used liquid from the meniscus. The mechanism moves the proximity head or the substrate with respect to each other while maintaining contact between the meniscus and a surface of the substrate. The movement causes a thin layer of the liquid to remain on the surface after being contacted by the meniscus. The liquid supply is in fluid communication with the dispensing nozzles, and is configured to balance an amount of the liquid delivered to the meniscus with an amount of liquid removed from the meniscus, the amount of liquid removed from the meniscus including at least the thin layer of the liquid remaining on the surface of the substrate." The patent application was filed on July 6, 2007 (11/774,542). 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=79,97,288&OS=79,97,288&RS=79,97,288 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Portable Vaporizer ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Joshua Rosenthal, Sherman Oaks, Calif., has developed a patent (7,997,280) for a portable vaporizer. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to a hand-operated and portable vaporizing device that, through the application of heat, successfully volatilizes one or more constituents of various vaporizable substances, such as medicines, cigarettes, and plant materials, for the purpose of inhaling these volatilized constituents." The patent application was filed on Oct. 2, 2007 (11/866,224). 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=79,97,280&OS=79,97,280&RS=79,97,280 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Self-propelled Climbing Apparatus for Stripping, Trimming and Coating Palm Trees ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Edward L. Prout Jr., Campbell, Calif., has developed a patent (7,997,311) for a "self-propelled climbing apparatus for stripping, trimming and coating palm trees." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A self-propelled climbing apparatus for performing a maintenance operation on a palm tree comprises a climbing section that moves up and down the tree and a maintenance section that performs the desired operation. The climbing section has a main support frame with climbing mechanisms attached thereto. The climbing mechanism has upper and lower wheels that engage the trunk and are operated by a drive mechanism that rotates the wheels. Springs pull the upper and lower wheels toward each other to maintain their engagement with the trunk. The maintenance section rotatably and detachably mounts to a head support rail supported above the climbing section. In one embodiment, the maintenance section is a cutting head having a cutting mechanism at the upper end of a pivoting cutting arm to cut wrapping and/or fronds from the trunk. A tent assembly directs debris directly downward to prevent injury or damage and ease cleanup." The patent application was filed on Nov. 3, 2006 (11/592,440). 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=79,97,311&OS=79,97,311&RS=79,97,311 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Lucky Litter Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Lucky Litter, Chicago, has been assigned a patent (7,997,230) developed by four co-inventors for a manual litter box. The co-inventors are Alan Jay Cook, Chicago, Thomas Edward Devlin, Somerville, Mass., Leon Helfet, Camarillo, Calif., and Kevin John Augustyniak, Elma, N.Y. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A manual litter box provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the manual litter box is configured to use a disposable cartridge which may include a litter compartment and a waste compartment. In another embodiment, the cartridge may be non-compartmentalized. The cartridge may be disposable, thus eliminating the need for the user to clean the litter tray and handle heavy litter containers. In other embodiments, the system includes a rake assembly configured with a manual shuttle chassis drive assembly that is protected from contamination. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the manual litter box is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter." The patent application was filed on Oct. 16, 2009 (12/581,080). 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=79,97,230&OS=79,97,230&RS=79,97,230 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Hub-enclosed Tire Pump ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Kevin Manning, Oakland, Calif., has developed a patent (7,997,317) for a hub-enclosed tire pump. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A tire pump that is housed within the hub of a wheel is described. The pump includes a piston that moves axially with respect to the wheel's axle. The pump also includes a pressure switch configured to stop the pump when sufficient tire pressure is reached." The patent application was filed on Dec. 15, 2008 (12/335,211). 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=79,97,317&OS=79,97,317&RS=79,97,317 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Air Horn for Efficient Fluid Intake ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Leo Now, South San Francisco, Calif., has developed a patent (7,997,246) for an "air horn for efficient fluid intake." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method, device, and system for controlling a flow of a fluid moving through a pipe are presented. The device includes a truncated cone having a first diameter at an inlet and a second diameter at an outlet and a bracket attached to the truncated cone. The first diameter of the truncated cone is larger than the second diameter. The bracket is a curved sheet positioned around at least a part of the truncated cone and having an adjustable bracket diameter. The bracket diameter is measured from a center axis extending through a center of the truncated cone. Attaching the device to a fluid flow pipe reduces turbulence in the flow through the pipe, allowing a more streamlined fluid exit from the pipe. When used with an air intake pipe for an internal combustion engine, the device allows more horsepower and mileage to be extracted from the engine." The patent application was filed on Oct. 21, 2009 (12/603,463). 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=79,97,246&OS=79,97,246&RS=79,97,246 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Saborio Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Juan Carlos Saborio, San Matco, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,997,229) developed by Juan Carlos Saborio, and Andreana Louise Ososki, San Mateo, Calif., for a "water sprinkler for dogs." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A water sprinkler specifically designed for exercising and entertaining dogs that is composed of a highly-durable, non-toxic, flexible, plastic, or like material having perforations for water to spray. Dogs entertain themselves in water sprinklers, however, water sprinklers are often not durable and do not withstand dogs biting them. Dogs can also harm themselves by biting sharp material used to manufacture most standard water sprinklers. This invention is a durable rubber or similar material bone water sprinkler that connects to a standard garden water hose. Dogs can pick it up in their mouths to move it around, nip at the spraying water, and chew on the water sprinkler safely. The body of the sprinkler is shaped in a manner that encourages play even without water spraying from the perforations. The water sprinkler for dogs addresses the chewing and biting issue characteristic of dogs when playing with water sprinklers." The patent application was filed on Oct. 30, 2008 (12/289,552). 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=79,97,229&OS=79,97,229&RS=79,97,229 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Dana Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Dana, San Clemente, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,997,381) developed by Ryan Gordon, San Elijo Hills, Calif., for a speaker assembly. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A pivoting panel-mount speaker assembly comprises a speaker housing. The speaker housing has a perimeter flange portion, an exterior housing wall extending rearwardly from the perimeter flange portion, and an interior curved track extending rearwardly from the perimeter flange portion. The interior curved track has an outward facing convex surface and an inward facing concave surface. The speaker assembly further comprises a speaker unit having a transducer element and a speaker frame supporting the transducer element. The speaker frame has an outward facing surface configured to slidably engage the inward facing concave surface of the housing interior curved track. The speaker assembly further comprises a speaker support member attached to the speaker unit. The speaker support member also has an inward facing surface configured to slidably engage the outward facing convex surface of the housing interior curved track. The speaker assembly further comprises a circuit panel having speaker control circuitry mounted thereon. The circuit panel is mounted to the exterior housing wall at one or more circuit panel attachment points. The speaker unit and the speaker support member are pivotable around a pivot point that is forward of the transducer element." The patent application was filed on Feb. 20, 2007 (11/708,312). 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=7,997,381.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,381&RS=PN/7,997,381 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** University of Southern California Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- The University of Southern California, Los Angeles, has been assigned a patent (7,997,728) developed by David Huang, South Pasadena, Calif., SriniVas R. Sadd, Pasadena, Calif., and Ou Tan, Pasadena, Calif., for a "mapping and diagnosis of macular edema by optical coherence tomography." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention discloses a method for comparing the detection of clinically significant diabetic macular edema by an optical coherence tomography (OCT) grid scanning protocol and biomicroscopic examination. Also provided are computer implemented, automated systems for performing the method thereof and computer readable media encoding the method thereof." The patent application was filed on May 1, 2007 (11/743,135). 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=7,997,728&OS=7,997,728&RS=7,997,728 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Thornbury Investments Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Thornbury Investments, Valencia, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,997,216) developed by Thomas R. Thornbury, Los Angeles, and Jaime Landa, West Hills, Calif., for "outdoor furniture with protective layers." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An article of furniture comprising, in combination: a core body consisting of first plastic foam material, a first layer extending at one or more of the top and sides of the core, and attached to the core, consisting of plastic soft material, a second layer covering the first layer and covering the top and sides of the body, and which is a waterproof plastic film material, and an outer exposed sheet removably covering said second layer, and consisting of an upholstery material or the like." The patent application was filed on Feb. 12, 2007 (11/704,855). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,997,216.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,216&RS=PN/7,997,216 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Hewlett-Packard Development Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Hewlett-Packard Development, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,997,714) developed by Zeying Ma, San Diego, Kai-Kong Iu, San Diego, and Gregg A. Lane, San Diego, for a "matting liquid for ink-jet printing." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and associated methods for printing matte and glossy images on a glossy media substrate including an ink set that includes at least one pigmented ink-jet ink including an anionic surface charged pigment dispersed in a first liquid vehicle and a substantially colorless matting liquid with at least one matting agent dispersed or solvated in a second liquid vehicle. Additionally, when the pigmented ink-jet ink is printed on the glossy media substrate alone, the pigmented ink-jet ink has a glossy appearance, and wherein when the colorless matting liquid is overprinted or underprinted with respect to the pigmented ink-jet ink on the glossy media substrate, the pigmented ink-jet ink combined with the matting liquid exhibits a visually perceptible matte appearance compared to the glossy appearance of the ink-jet ink printed alone." The patent application was filed on April 27, 2007 (11/796,323). 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=7,997,714&OS=7,997,714&RS=7,997,714 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** FUJIFILM Dimatix Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- FUJIFILM Dimatix, Lebanon, N.H., has been assigned a patent (7,997,684) developed by four co-inventors for a flexible printhead circuit. The co-inventors are Kevin von Essen, San Jose, Calif., Antai Xu, Cupertino, Calif., Andreas Bibl, Los Altos, Calif., and John A. Higginson, Santa Clara, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A flexible circuit for use within a printhead assembly and to connect a printhead body to an external circuit includes a substantially planar portion having one or more layers of conductive material and having a top surface substantially parallel to a top surface of the printhead body. One or more integrated circuits can be mounted onto the planar portion. Multiple leads extend from each integrated circuit, the leads electrically connected to the printhead body. One or more arms are attached to, and substantially perpendicular to, the planar portion, each arm including one or more external connectors configured to connect to the external circuit." The patent application was filed on Nov. 14, 2008 (12/271,707). 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=7,997,684&OS=7,997,684&RS=7,997,684 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Steelcase Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Steelcase, Grand Rapids, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,997,211) developed by 10 co-inventors for a wall mounted workstation. The co-inventors are Erik R. Peterson, Spring Lake, Mich., Dan R. Tatman, Jenison, Mich., Matthew R. Adams, Mountain View, Calif., Aaron A. Henningsgaard, Palo Alto, Calif., Matthew D. Inouye, Foster City, Calif., Jonathan I. Kaplan, Palo Alto, Calif., Branko Lukic, Menlo Park, Calif., Phillip N. Sharp, Mountain View, Calif., Paul J. Silberschatz, San Francisco, and Altay J. Sendil, Pacifica, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A workstation support assembly comprises a support assembly, a post assembly rotationally supported by the support assembly and including a post member, a computer monitor support assembly operably coupled for rotation with a first end of the post member, and a keyboard support assembly operably coupled for rotation with a second end of the post member, wherein rotation of the keyboard support assembly forces rotation of the post member and the monitor support assembly, and wherein rotation of the monitor support assembly does not force the rotation of the keyboard support assembly. Other aspects of the workstation comprise a four-bar linkage support arm that includes a cable management member extending therethrough for receiving and guiding wires within an interior passage of the support arm, a lockable pneumatic cylinder located within the support arm and adapted to lock the support arm at a given vertical position, a housing assembly that spans the distance between vertical studs within commercial wall structures, thereby eliminating the requirement for additional mounting structures, and a keyboard support assembly that includes a cam assembly for locking an adjustable keyboard in a storage position, and a storage compartment for slidably receiving a computer mouse therein when the keyboard support is in the storage position." The patent application was filed on June 12, 2007 (11/761,581). 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=7,997,211.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,211&RS=PN/7,997,211 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Apparatus for Reducing Drag on a Nautical Vessel ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Dan Nicolaus Costas, Culver City, Calif., has developed a patent (7,997,221) for an "apparatus for reducing drag on a nautical vessel." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention is an apparatus and method for reducing the drag that a vessel hull experiences when moving through the water by interposing air bubbles between the skin of the hull and the stream of water that the vessel is moving through. The invention delivers compressed air to the bottom of the vessel without the need for a high energy air compressor." The patent application was filed on March 22, 2010 (12/728,661). 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=7,997,221.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,221&RS=PN/7,997,221 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Hewlett-Packard Development Assigned Patent for Thermal Ink-jet Including Polymer Encapsulated Pigment ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Hewlett-Packard Development, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,997,713) developed by Hui Liu, San Diego, and Paul Bruinsma, San Diego, for a "thermal ink-jet including polymer encapsulated pigment." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention is drawn to thermal ink-jet inks including a polymer encapsulated pigment, and systems and methods that use the same. Such polymer encapsulated pigments are the result of polymerization at the surface of the pigment using a plurality of monomers, where about 6 wt % to about 15 wt % of the monomers are acidic." The patent application was filed on March 23, 2007 (11/726,938). 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=7,997,713&OS=7,997,713&RS=7,997,713 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Wurm Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Charles Richard Wurm, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,997,640) developed by Charles Richard Wurm, for an aerodynamic flex fender. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The presented application is a system to improve the aerodynamic shape of a moving vehicle by covering and closing the wheel well openings. The covers described open and close as necessary to accommodate steering wheel movements. The improved aerodynamics reduces turbulence and improves vehicle-operating efficiency." The patent application was filed on July 28, 2010 (12/804,721). 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=7,997,640&OS=7,997,640&RS=7,997,640 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Method and Apparatus for Lifting Go-karts ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Richard Scott Miller, Bakersfield, Calif., has developed a patent (7,997,558) for a "method and apparatus for lifting go-karts." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A lifting apparatus which removably attaches to the front tubular bumper of a go-kart, allowing a person lifting the front of the go-kart to lift more easily and without excessive bending of the back. The lifting apparatus has a handle member, and a bumper engagement structure which depends from the handle member. The bumper engagement structure is configured to removably attach to the parallel-oriented upper tube and lower tube which make up the front bumper of the go-kart." The patent application was filed on March 23, 2010 (12/729,574). 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=7,997,558&OS=7,997,558&RS=7,997,558 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Petrie Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Thomas H. Petrie, Fort Collins, Colo., has been assigned a patent (7,997,603) developed by Thomas H. Petrie, and Ross Shafer, Petaluma, Calif., for "bicycle components mounting methods and apparatus." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and apparatus may permit the mounting of bicycle components (16) such as seats, handlebars, and the like, to bicycles. A bicycle component mount (3) may be isolated from the structure of a bicycle. Forces generated at various points on the bicycle's structure may be substantially impeded or eliminated from transmission through an isolated bicycle component mount (3). Multidimensional motion of a bicycle component mount (3) may include rotational, translational, and rototranslational motion with progressive elastomeric resistance in multiple directions. A bicycle component mount (3) may exhibit movement about its own center of mass (12). Motions of a rider on a bicycle may be biomechanically compensated for by a bicycle component mount (3) to facilitate rider comfort, promote efficient transfer of rider motion to the operation of a bicycle, and decrease wear on bicycle components (16)." The patent application was filed on Aug. 31, 2007 (12/675,385). 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=7,997,603&OS=7,997,603&RS=7,997,603 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Gurney Clamp, Detachable Equipment Stand and Associated Transport Cart ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Darren Stout, Fullerton, Calif., has developed a patent (7,997,592) for a "gurney clamp, detachable equipment stand and associated transport cart." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A Gurney Clamp, Detachable Equipment Stand and Associated Transport Cart is disclosed. The combination of these devices makes the transportation of patients and health status monitoring equipment more controlled, reliable and safe. The clamp is specifically configured to be attachable to the safety rails on a conventional gurney. Once installed, the clamp will provide a secure mounting point to attach the detachable equipment stand to the gurney. The stand is configured to be capable of holding a wide variety of patient monitoring equipment in an upright manner so that the equipment data can be easily viewed. The stand can be quickly and easily shifted back and forth between its mounting location at the gurney clamp, and its mounting location on the associated transport cart. When the stand is attached to the equipment cart, it provides the equipment with a secure, portable storage location." The patent application was filed on June 26, 2006 (11/475,817). 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=7,997,592.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,592&RS=PN/7,997,592 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Palo Alto Research Center Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Palo Alto Research Center, Palo Alto, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,997,680) developed by Steven E. Ready, Los Altos, Calif., and William S. Wong, San Carlos, Calif., for a "method for the printing of homogeneous electronic material with a multi-ejector print head." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Printing systems are disclosed that produce homogenous, smooth edged printed patterns (such as integrated circuit (IC) patterns) by separating pattern layouts into discrete design layers having only parallel layout features, and by printing each design layer using individual print solution droplets deposited onto the substrate. A printhead alignment operation includes positioning the printhead and printing a spot onto the substrate from each ejector, determining a vertical offset between an expected location of each spot along a vertical axis and the actual location of the spot along the vertical axis, calculating a linear fit line for the vertical offset of each spot plotted against an expected location of the spot along a horizontal axis, calculating the slope of the linear fit line, and rotating the printhead relative to the substrate according to an angle defined by the slope of the linear fit line." The patent application was filed on May 25, 2010 (12/787,371). 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=7,997,680&OS=7,997,680&RS=7,997,680 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Black & Decker Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Black & Decker, Towson, Md., has been assigned a patent (7,997,593) developed by Oleksiy P. Sergyeyenko, Brockville, Calif., and Kevin W. Covell, Parkton, Md., for a blower cart. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In various exemplary embodiments, a cart for holding and transporting a portable blower includes one or more of the following: a rotary member configured to receive a housing of a portable blower; a cylindrical base member for supporting the rotary member; a tubular member attached at a lower end thereof to the rotary member and the base member in such a way as to permit the rotary member to be rotatable while supported on the base member; a handle attached to an upper end of the tubular member; and at least one wheel attached to the cart for guiding the cart over a surface. The cart may also include a tube locking member for adjusting the height of the tubular member, a cord retention system for securing the cord of the blower in place, a stand for holding the cart upright, and a tool storage member." The patent application was filed on Aug. 14, 2008 (12/191,376). 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=7,997,593&OS=7,997,593&RS=7,997,593 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, has been assigned a patent (7,998,946) developed by Philip A. Beachy, Ruxton, Md., James K. Chen, Mountain View, Calif., and Anssi Jussi Nikolai Taipale, Espoo, Finland, for "regulators of the hedgehog pathway, compositions and uses related thereto." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention makes available, inter alia, methods and reagents for modulating smoothened-dependent pathway activation. In certain embodiments, the subject methods can be used to counteract the phenotypic effects of unwanted activation of a hedgehog pathway, such as resulting from hedgehog gain-of-function, ptc loss-of-function or smoothened gain-of-function mutations." The patent application was filed on March 28, 2008 (12/079,776). 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=7,998,946.PN.&OS=PN/7,998,946&RS=PN/7,998,946 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Rygaard Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Christopher A. Rygaard, Huntsville, Ala., has been assigned a patent (7,997,537) developed by Christopher A. Rygaard, Sunnyvale, Calif., and Danilo Viazzo, Dublin, Calif., for a "conformal airlock assembly and method." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A conformal airlock assembly for ingress and egress through a door from a high pressure environment to a low pressure environment. The airlock assembly includes a flexible, gas impermeable membrane that cooperates with a support wall in an airtight manner to form an interior pocket over the door on one side of the wall. A gas displacement system, in flow communication with the interior pocket, is selectively operable to flow air out of the interior pocket, collapsing the membrane toward a collapsed condition. An actuation system coupled to the flexible membrane is operable to displace the flexible membrane, in the collapsed condition, away from the one side of the support wall. Such displacement of the airtight membrane creates a low pressure space in the pocket that is selected to be sufficiently proximate that of the low pressure environment. Hence, the door may be opened to permit ingress and egress therethrough without a large pressure differential." The patent application was filed on Oct. 11, 2007 (11/871,014). 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=7,997,537&OS=7,997,537&RS=7,997,537 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Traffix Devices Assigned Patent for Roll-up Sign Mounting Bracket ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Traffix Devices, San Clemente, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,997,547) developed by Geoffrey B. Maus, Mission Viejo, Calif., for a "roll-up sign mounting bracket." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A bracket for mounting an article, such as a roll-up fabric sign, on a mast, includes a body and a clamp on the body for securing the bracket at a desired location on the mast. A receptacle on the body is provided for receiving a portion of the article. The bracket body may be secured in first and second different orientations on the mast at the desired location, the first operational orientation being one in which the receptacle is positioned forwardly of a forward surface of the mast, for receiving the article portion, and the second non-operational orientation being one in which substantially no portions of the bracket body are positioned forwardly of the mast forward surface." The patent application was filed on Nov. 5, 2007 (11/935,074). 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=7,997,547&OS=7,997,547&RS=7,997,547 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Harman International Industries Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Harman International Industries, Northridge, Calif., has been assigned a patent (7,997,552) developed by four co-inventors for a suspension system. The co-inventors are Mark Engebretson, Huntington Beach, Calif., Mary Vosse, Culver City, Calif., Harald Kanz, North Hills, Calif., and Yoshiyuki Takeuchi, Pine Mountain Club, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system is provided for suspending a plurality of line array loudspeakers. The suspension system includes a rigging bar having an engaging member, such as a pivotal member, positioned near one end of the r 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. -1058595 (c) 2011 Targeted News Service |