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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Texas (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 Texas. *** CMC Steel Fabricators Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- CMC Steel Fabricators, Irving, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,996,973) developed by Gregory Don Moore, Magnolia, Argentina, James Edward Melton, Boerne, Texas, and Stephen Gary Weaver, Magnolia, Argentina, for a "single slitting process for recycling rail." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for recycling rail is provided wherein the rail is heated, and then slit into two pieces. The two pieces are passed through a single mill pass line such that each piece of the rail is deformed to have a generally uniform shape." The patent application was filed on July 21, 2010 (12/840,457). 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=79,96,973.PN.&OS=PN/79,96,973&RS=PN/79,96,973 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** 4Front Engineered Solutions Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- 4Front Engineered Solutions, Carrolton, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,996,943) developed by William Henry Wallis, New Berlin, Wis., L. Blake Whitley, Arlington, Texas, and Richard K. Hoofard, Dallas, for a "shimless frame support method and apparatus for dock levelers." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A frame of a dock leveler that positions a deck portion of the dock leveler so that the deck portion is level with a surrounding dock floor at a driveway end when mounted in a pit in the dock floor includes a pit supported portion placed on a floor of the pit, a deck supporting portion providing support to the deck portion, and an adjusting assembly connected to the pit supported portion and to the deck supporting portion and operable to move and hold the deck supporting portion so that the deck portion of the dock leveler is at a selected position with respect to the surrounding dock floor." The patent application was filed on Feb. 29, 2008 (12/040,496). 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=79,96,943.PN.&OS=PN/79,96,943&RS=PN/79,96,943 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Allegiance Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Allegiance, McGaw Park, Ill., has been assigned a patent (7,997,277) developed by four co-inventors for a "fenestrated extremity surgical drape." The co-inventors are Rogelio Reyes, El Paso, Texas, Mylena S. Holguin, Chicago, Art Sainz, Santa Teresa, N.M., and Jesus R. Loya, El Paso, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of forming a fenestrated extremity surgical drape includes providing improved seal integrity to reduce the occurrence of pathogenic contamination at the surgical site via migration through the seal. The seal has a non-linear configuration to eliminate uneven stress concentrations commonly located at the corners of rectilinear seals. An elastomeric apertured panel can be disposed between a film panel and a fiber/film laminate panel. These layers can be joined by a heat sealing operation along two spaced apart concentric seal locations ringing the aperture and a fenestration in the laminate panel. The assembly can then be affixed by adhering the underside(s) of one or more panels to a base drape, which has an opening aligned with the aperture and fenestration." The patent application was filed on Aug. 17, 2009 (12/542,305). 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=79,97,277&OS=79,97,277&RS=79,97,277 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Scott Laboratories Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Scott Laboratories, Lubbock, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,997,271) developed by Randall S. Hickle, Lubbock, Texas, and Samsun Lampotang, Gainesville, Fla., for an "apparatus and method for mask free delivery of an inspired gas mixture and gas sampling." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "This disclosure is of a mask-free device for supplying sufficient gas to a medical patient and for more accurately sampling the exhalation gas of the patient. The device includes a flexible body having lumens adapted to extend into the nares of a patient and adjacent the patient's mouth for collecting and transmitting a sampling of the patient's end tidal exhalation to a gas analyzer to analyze one or more component gases in that exhalation. The disclosure also discloses the transmittal of pressure from the nares of the patient to a pressure transducer for determining the respiratory phase of the patient and for controlling the volume of oxygen delivered to the patient. The body of the mask-free unit further includes conduits for delivering oxygen through diffuser orifices to positions adjacent the patient's nares and mouth. Finally, a controller is interconnected between the pressure transducer and the gas supply for increasing the delivery of gas during the inhalation phase of the patient's respiration and for decreasing said delivery upon the exhalation phase for the purpose of avoiding dilution of the exhalation sample." The patent application was filed on Dec. 19, 2006 (11/640,930). 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=79,97,271&OS=79,97,271&RS=79,97,271 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Inventor Develops Patent for Hair Coloring Foil and Method ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Tammie J. Tanner, Weatherford, Texas, has developed a patent (7,997,284) for "hair coloring foil and method." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for coloring hair using a hair coloring foil includes the following steps: providing a hair coloring foil that has a front surface and a top edge, first and second hair gripping hook strips positioned on the front surface of the foil adjacent to and in parallel with the top edge. The foil is positioned around a handle of a comb such it is positioned between the first and second hair gripping hook strips. The handle is pushed into the hair of a subject adjacent the roots of the hair, such that the first hair gripping hook strips grip a first set of hair strands by the roots, and the second hair gripping hook strip grips a second set of hair strands. A coloring agent is then applied to the second set of hair strands, and the foil is folded to enclose the second set of hair strands." The patent application was filed on Dec. 3, 2007 (11/949,281). 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=79,97,284&OS=79,97,284&RS=79,97,284 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Inventor Develops Patent for Rim Shield Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Joseph A. Babineaux Sr., Baytown, Texas, has developed a patent (7,997,662) for a rim shield device. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A rim shield device for covering a rim of a tire featuring a circular base having a raised side along its outer edge; a plurality of channels disposed on the base extending radially from the center to the raised side; a cable disposed in each channel, the second end of each cable extends out of its respective channel; a hook disposed on the second end of each cable; and a tightening system comprising a spring-loaded button disposed in the center of the base, the first ends of each of the cables are engaged in the spring-loaded button, the spring-loaded button can move between an in position and an out position, an inner spring of the spring-loaded button biases the spring-loaded button in the out position, wherein in the out position the cables are effectively shortened in length and in the in position the cables are effectively lengthened." The patent application was filed on Aug. 12, 2010 (12/855,607). 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=7,997,662&OS=7,997,662&RS=7,997,662 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Halliburton Energy Services Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Halliburton Energy Services, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,997,380) developed by five co-inventors for a "low frequency acoustic attenuator." The co-inventors are Abbas Arian, Houston, Gary L. Fickert, Houston, Joakim O. Blanch, Houston, Vimal V. Shah, Sugarland, Texas, and Eugene Linyaev, Houston. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An attenuation apparatus, system, and method are disclosed. The attenuator is attached to a pipe and includes a housing that includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The attenuator includes one or more masses, to resonate when exposed to waves including acoustic frequency components." The patent application was filed on June 22, 2004 (10/873,087). 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=7,997,380.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,380&RS=PN/7,997,380 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Loki Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Loki, Rolla, Mo., has been assigned a patent (7,999,445) developed by Jason Baird, Rolla, Mo., and Sergey Shkuratov, Lubbock, Texas, for a "ferroelectric energy generator with voltage-controlled switch." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A ferroelectric energy generator system comprises an explosive unit, a ferroelectric element, a first and a second output terminal, and a voltage-controlled switch. The explosive unit may include an explosive charge and a detonator which in combination may supply a shock wave. The ferroelectric element may include a third output terminal coupled to the voltage-controlled switch and a fourth output terminal coupled to the second output terminal. Upon receiving the shock wave, the ferroelectric element may be compressed and depolarized and, as a result, may generate a pulse of voltage between the third and the fourth output terminals. When the voltage reaches a breakdown level, the voltage-controlled switch may close and quickly deliver electric current to a load coupled to the ferroelectric energy generator system." The patent application was filed on July 13, 2009 (12/501,729). 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=7,999,445.PN.&OS=PN/7,999,445&RS=PN/7,999,445 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Inventor Develops Patent for Portable Intaglio Printing Press ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Paul L. Whelan, Plano, Texas, has developed a patent (7,997,196) for a "portable intaglio printing press." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention is directed to a novel intaglio printing press and a method for intaglio print making using the intaglio printing press described herein. The present invention is comprised generally of two assemblies: a press bed assembly and a print head assembly. The print head assembly serves as a first class lever within a pair of surfaces of a press bed assembly that define runway. The runway structure of the press bed assembly confines the force applied to the print head assembly and translates that force into a pressure directed to the print paper covered and inked artwork. The print paper and inked artwork are positioned proximate to the lower surface and the print head portion of the print head assembly is situated between the artwork and the upper surface. The print head assembly comprises one or more lever handles, a compression roller and one or more track roller. The lever handle(s) provide a torque lever for receiving a manually exerted downward force and to provide a handle for moving the print head assembly along the runway, thereby making compression passes across the artwork. The track roller and compression roller are secured a predetermined distance from each other and within a housing that forces the compression roller against the print paper and inked artwork at the lower surface of the runway and simultaneously forces the track roller (or bearings) against the upper surface of the runway. Printmaking proceeds one pass at a time across the lateral extent of the print paper covered artwork." The patent application was filed on April 10, 2007 (11/786,292). 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=7,997,196.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,196&RS=PN/7,997,196 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Inventor Develops Patent for Self-fastening Headrest Cover ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Raul Resendez, San Antonio, has developed a patent (7,997,646) for a self-fastening headrest cover. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A removable headrest cover for a seat is described having improved features for securing and attaching the cover to a headrest. The improved features include integrated elastic elements that serve to secure the cover to a headrest, eliminating the need for engaging receptacles on the seat. The positioning and placement of attachment points for the elastic provide versatility to the headrest cover that allows it to be used with many different seat configurations. Methods for efficiently manufacturing and packaging the cover are also described." The patent application was filed on June 1, 2010 (12/791,721). 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=7,997,646&OS=7,997,646&RS=7,997,646 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Texas Inventor Develops Patent for Rail Car Door Closer System with Wing Closers ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Melvin Gary Clark, Pipe Creek, Texas, has developed a patent (7,997,210) for a "rail car door closer system with wing closers." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An improved rail car door closer system is provided wherein the movement of a number of appropriately positioned closer wing plates into contact with a number of open rail car hopper doors, is accomplished with hydraulic cylinders and motors. The system incorporates components that direct both the rotation of the wing closers (around a cylindrical frame so as to position the wing closers in and out of position for door closure), and the translation of the wing closers (along the longitudinal cylindrical frame so as to effect the actual closing of the hopper doors). The system is arranged to close more than one door at a time and in the preferred embodiment includes three simultaneously operated door closer wing structures. The heavy duty cylindrical frame incorporates a number of cylindrical outer segments sized to fit around and on the inner cylindrical frame. The segments are directed to rotate and translate on the inner cylindrical frame. Heavy duty coil springs are used to link the movable outer segments, one to the other, and to serve as force dampening structures during operation of the system. A double acting hydraulic cylinder is arranged to direct the translational movement of the closer wings while a low speed hydraulic motor is used to direct their rotational movement. The system may operate manually through the use of a number of hydraulic valves or may be operated semi-automatically through a programmed sequence of closer wing movements." The patent application was filed on Feb. 5, 2010 (12/701,460). 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=7,997,210.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,210&RS=PN/7,997,210 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Brien Holden Vision Institute Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sydney, Australia, has been assigned a patent (7,997,727) developed by four co-inventors for a "method and apparatus for controlling peripheral image position for reducing progression of myopia." The co-inventors are Arthur Ho, Coogee, Australia, Earl Leo Smith III, Houston, Padmaja Sankaridurg, Maroubra, Australia, and Brien Anthony Holden, Kingsford, Australia. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling optical aberrations to alter relative curvature of field by providing optical devices and methods comprising the repositioning of peripheral off-axis focal points relative to the retina to produce stimulus for influencing the progression of refractive error while simultaneously controlling the position of the central focal point near to the retina to provide clear central vision and simultaneously providing zones of controlled peripheral defocus and other optical aberrations to improve peripheral vision for select directions of gaze." The patent application was filed on Jan. 11, 2010 (12/685,083). 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=7,997,727&OS=7,997,727&RS=7,997,727 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Composite Cooling Solutions Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Composite Cooling Solutions, Fort Worth, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,997,562) developed by five co-inventors for "tower/frame structure and components for same." The co-inventors are James A. Bland, Rhome, Texas, Jesse Q. Seawell, Granbury, Texas, Dustin L. Troutman, Hopewell, Pa., Shane E. Weyant, Bedford, Pa., and Charles J. Bardo, Keller, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A tower/frame structure of interconnected columns and beams (which may be used in a cooling tower) and novel columns, beams, connection mechanisms and other components are provided. In one embodiment, a column and a beam are constructed of pultruded composite fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials. The beam includes two sidewall extensions or flanges (each having one or more attachment apertures) at one end and which are integral with the beam for connection to the column (having one or more corresponding attachment apertures). The dimension/spacing between the inner walls of the two flanges substantially equals or is slightly larger than the outer dimension of the column. The attachment holes are aligned and a fastener is inserted through the extensions and column for attaching the column and beam. The C-shaped end of the beam substantially conforms to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the column. Additional plastic components, such as a firewall and toe/trim member, for use in a cooling tower are also provided." The patent application was filed on Sept. 21, 2009 (12/563,860). 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=7,997,562&OS=7,997,562&RS=7,997,562 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent for Sealing Feed Through Lines for Downhole Swelling Packers ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,997,338) developed by six co-inventors for a "sealing feed through lines for downhole swelling packers." The co-inventors are Anthony P. Foster, Katy, Texas, Robert O. Castillo, Stafford, Texas, Ammar Munshi, Houston, Edward T. Wood, Kingwood, Texas, Gregory C. Badke, Houston, and Nervy Enrique Faria, Houston. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A swelling element on a packer has a trough formed on a longitudinal axis. The control line or cable or conduit that needs to run along the string where the packer is mounted is first wrapped in a preferably non-swelling underlayment that can be a loose scroll or have its seam sealed. A swelling cover is placed over the underlayment using a seam that can be longitudinal or spiral to allow rapid deployment. The covering assembly for the control line or conduit is placed in the slot of the swelling element of the packer. The line or cable continues out opposed ends and can be secured to the tubular string with clamps. The control line can also be covered with a swelling material and forced into a groove that runs the length of the packer swelling element." The patent application was filed on March 11, 2009 (12/401,994). 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=7,997,338&OS=7,997,338&RS=7,997,338 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent for Multi-function Indicating Tool ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,997,344) developed by Thomas G. Corbett, Willis, Texas, for a multi-function indicating tool. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A crossover tool assembly is run in with a packer and after the packer is set it is released from the packer for independent movement. The assembly is picked up to allow spring loaded dogs to come out so that upon setting down weight the crossover assembly has an outer assembly that is supported on the packer mandrel. The crossover mandrel can then be set down and picked up to operate a j-slot mechanism in the crossover. Relative movement induced by the j-slot with the outer assembly of the crossover supported by the dogs allows a return path within the crossover to be opened or closed independent of any contact with the packer mandrel." The patent application was filed on Sept. 11, 2007 (11/853,288). 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=7,997,344&OS=7,997,344&RS=7,997,344 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Marvell International Assigned Patent for Device for Servicing an Inkjet Print Head on a Hand Held Printer ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Marvell International, Bermuda, has been assigned a patent (7,997,683) developed by James Mealy, Austin, Texas, Jonathan Neal Andrews, McMinnville, Ore., and Asher Simmons, Corvallis, Ore., for a "device for servicing an inkjet print head on a hand held printer." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A hand-held printer that includes an inkjet array having a plurality of inkjets is disclosed. The hand-held printer may include an inkjet cap sized to cooperatively engage the inkjet array, wherein the inkjet cap is movable between and open position and a closed position, and a plurality of wipers carried by the inkjet cap, wherein each of the plurality of wipers is configured to engage one of the plurality of inkjets as the inkjet cap moves from the open position to the closed position; and wherein each of the plurality of wipers includes a gasket configured to form a seal adjacent to one of the plurality of inkjets." The patent application was filed on March 3, 2008 (12/041,460). 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=7,997,683&OS=7,997,683&RS=7,997,683 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** APS Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- APS Technology, Wallingford, Conn., has been assigned a patent (7,997,357) developed by four co-inventors for a "system and method for damping vibration in a drill string." The co-inventors are Mark Ellsworth Wassell, Kingwood, Texas, William Evans Turner, Durham, Conn., Daniel E. Burgess, Middletown, Conn., and Carl Allison Perry, Middletown, Conn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers." The patent application was filed on April 24, 2008 (12/109,328). 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=7,997,357.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,357&RS=PN/7,997,357 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Weatherford/LAMB Assigned Patent for Permanent Downhole Deployment of Optical Sensors ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Weatherford/LAMB, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,997,340) developed by four co-inventors for a "permanent downhole deployment of optical sensors." The co-inventors are Francis X. Bostick III, Houston, David G. Hosie, Sugar Land, Texas, Michael Brian Grayson, Sugar Land, Texas, and Ram K. Bansal, Houston. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention involves methods and apparatus for permanent downhole deployment of optical sensors. Specifically, optical sensors may be permanently deployed within a wellbore using a casing string. In one aspect, one or more optical sensors are disposed on, in, or within the casing string. The optical sensors may be attached to an outer surface of the casing string or to an inner surface of the casing string, as well as embedded within a wall of the casing string. The optical sensors are capable of measuring wellbore parameters during wellbore operations, including completion, production, and intervention operations." The patent application was filed on Dec. 4, 2009 (12/631,541). 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=7,997,340&OS=7,997,340&RS=7,997,340 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Kellogg Brown & Root Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Kellogg Brown & Root, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,997,541) developed by John J. Pothanikat, Missouri City, Texas, and Edward Earl Schauseil II, Sugar Land, Texas, for "systems and methods for supporting a pipe." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods for supporting a pipe are provided. An insulated pipe system can include a pipe, a first isolator disposed about at least a portion of the pipe, wherein the first isolator comprises aerogel, and a second isolator disposed about at least a portion of the first isolator; at least one clamp adapted to support the pipe and the isolators; at least one support base; and at least one support member, wherein the support member connects the clamp to the support base." The patent application was filed on Oct. 2, 2008 (12/244,574). 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=7,997,541&OS=7,997,541&RS=7,997,541 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Smith International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Smith International, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,997,358) developed by seven co-inventors for a "bonding of cutters in diamond drill bits." The co-inventors are Saul N. Izaguirre, Spring, Texas, Thomas W. Oldham, Georgetown, Texas, Kumar T. Kembaiyan, The Woodlands, Texas, Gary Chunn, Conroe, Texas, Anthony Griffo, The Woodlands, Texas, Robert Denton, Pearland, Texas, and Brian A. White, The Woodlands, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A bit body formed of a mixture of matrix material and superabrasive powder and including pockets lined with superabrasive-free matrix material, and a method for forming the same, are provided. The pockets are shaped to receive cutting elements therein. The superabrasive-free matrix material enhances braze strength when a cutting element is brazed to surfaces of the pocket. The method for forming the drill bit body includes providing a mold and displacements. The displacements are coated with a mixture of superabrasive free matrix-material and an organic binder. The mold is packed with a mixture of matrix material and superabrasive powder and the arrangement heated to form a solid drill bit body. When the solid bit body is removed from the mold, pockets are formed by the displacements in the bit body and are lined with the layer of superabrasive-free matrix material. The superabrasive material may be diamond, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, SiC or TiB.sub.2 in exemplary embodiments." The patent application was filed on Oct. 20, 2009 (12/582,212). 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=7,997,358.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,358&RS=PN/7,997,358 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Robertson Intellectual Properties Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Robertson Intellectual Properties, Arlington, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,997,332) developed by Michael C. Robertson, Arlington, Texas, for a "method and apparatus to remove a downhole drill collar from a well bore." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of severing a drill string or other tubular string that includes lowering a torch into the drill string, positioning the torch at a joint in the drill string, such that the joint may have a pin component engaged with a box component, igniting the torch to produce cutting fluids, and directing the cutting fluids into the joint in a direction that is along a length of the drill string to cut the joint." The patent application was filed on April 27, 2010 (12/799,546). 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=7,997,332&OS=7,997,332&RS=7,997,332 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent for Downhole Fluid Filter ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,997,341) developed by Stephane Briquet, Houston, Kevin Zanca, Houston, and Wade Evans II, Rosenberg, Texas, for a downhole fluid filter. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising a tool having a sample flow line an inlet disposed with the tool and configured to establish fluid communication between the formation and the sample flow line to draw a fluid sample into the sample flow line, and an active filter positioned in the sample flow line and providing a filter flow route and a bypass flow route in the sample flow line." The patent application was filed on Feb. 2, 2009 (12/363,991). 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=7,997,341&OS=7,997,341&RS=7,997,341 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent for Mobile Coiled Tubing Straightening Tool ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,997,347) developed by L. Michael McKee, Friendswood, Texas, for a "mobile coiled tubing straightening tool." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A handheld tool for straightening coiled tubing in a continuous manner. The tool is configured to straighten coiled tubing that has undergone plastifying deformation, for example, during winding about a coiled tubing reel. The tool is of enhanced mobility and may be employed to provide a straightened portion of coiled tubing without resorting to intermittent reverse kinking or corrugating of the coiled tubing. Rather, the substantially continuous character of the straightened portion of coiled tubing is well suited for stably and reliably accommodating a downhole tool for use within a well during hydrocarbon recovery applications." The patent application was filed on Jan. 16, 2009 (12/355,101). 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=7,997,347&OS=7,997,347&RS=7,997,347 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** PDTI Holdings Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- PDTI Holdings, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,997,355) developed by five co-inventors for an "apparatus for injecting impactors into a fluid stream using a screw extruder." The co-inventors are Adrian Vuyk Jr., Houston, Jim B. Terry, Houston, Gordon Allen Tibbitts, Murray, Utah, Nathan J. Harder, Magnolia, Texas, and Gregory G. Galloway, Conroe, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An injection system and method is described. In several exemplary embodiments, the injection system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, a system and method for excavating a subterranean formation. In at least one example, an apparatus is provided that includes a source of impactors comprising at least some ferritic material capable of influence by magnetic fields. An injector is coupled to the source and includes a screw extruder, a screw positioned within a barrel, and at least one magnetic circuit is positioned outside of the barrel." The patent application was filed on July 3, 2007 (11/773,355). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,997,355.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,355&RS=PN/7,997,355 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Weatherford/Lamb Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Weatherford/Lamb, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,997,336) developed by Jonathan P. Sokol, Houston, Scott McIntire, Houston, and Michael Stulberg, Angleton, Texas, for a "method and apparatus for retrieving an assembly from a wellbore." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and apparatus for retrieving an assembly having a whipstock and an anchor from a wellbore. A method of retrieving an assembly having a whipstock coupled to an anchor from a wellbore may comprise the steps of releasing the whipstock from the anchor in the wellbore, re-engaging the whipstock to the anchor, and retrieving the whipstock with the anchor from the wellbore. An apparatus for use in a wellbore may comprise a whipstock, a latch coupled to the whipstock, and an anchor operable to be selectively retrieved from the wellbore using the latch." The patent application was filed on Aug. 1, 2008 (12/184,785). 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=7,997,336&OS=7,997,336&RS=7,997,336 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent for Expandable Reamers for Earth-boring Applications and Methods of Using the Same ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,997,354) developed by six co-inventors for an "expandable reamers for earth-boring applications and methods of using the same." The co-inventors are Steven R. Radford, The Woodlands, Texas, Scott S. Shu, Spring, Texas, Les T. Shale, Willis, Texas, Mark E. Morris, Coraopolis, Pa., Mark R. Kizziar, Lafayette, La., and Anton F. Zahradnik, Sugarland, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Expandable reamer tools include an outer body, a fluid passageway extending through the outer body, and at least one blade configured to slide relative to the outer body between a retracted position and an expanded position in a direction oriented at an acute angle of less than ninety degrees (90.degree.) to a longitudinal axis of the outer body. In some embodiments, the tools may include a moveable inner sleeve member configured to selectively allow hydraulic fluid pressure within the fluid passageway to act directly on the at least one blade. Methods for enlarging a borehole using such expandable reamer tools and methods for removing such expandable reamer tools from a borehole are also disclosed." The patent application was filed on Dec. 3, 2007 (11/949,627). 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=7,997,354.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,354&RS=PN/7,997,354 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (7,997,359) developed by Jimmy W. Eason, The Woodlands, Texas, and James L. Overstreet, Tomball, Texas, for an "abrasive wear-resistant hardfacing materials, drill bits and drilling tools including abrasive wear-resistant hardfacing materials." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An abrasive wear-resistant material includes a matrix material and a plurality of -40/+80 ASTM mesh dense sintered carbide pellets. A rotary drill bit having an exterior surface and an abrasive wear-resistant material disposed on at least a portion of the exterior surface of the bit body is provided. Methods for applying an abrasive wear-resistant material to a surface of a drill bit are also disclosed." The patent application was filed on Sept. 27, 2007 (11/862,719). 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=7,997,359.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,359&RS=PN/7,997,359 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent for Dynamic Scale Removal Tool and Method of Removing Scale using the Tool ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,997,343) developed by Zafer Erkol, Sugar Land, Texas, and Gokturk Tunc, Stafford, Texas, for a "dynamic scale removal tool and method of removing scale using the tool." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A scale removal tool with adjustably positionable fluid dispensing arms. The scale removal tool may be configured for delivery to within a hydrocarbon well via coiled tubing. Thus, fluid may be driven through the coiled tubing and through the tool at the fluid dispensing arms. The fluid may thereby be jetted at high pressure toward scale at the wall of the well in order to achieve its removal. In the case of a well having scale of varying thicknesses, the fluid dispensing arms may be dynamically positioned and repositioned while downhole in the well, depending on scale thickness." The patent application was filed on May 22, 2008 (12/125,120). 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=7,997,343&OS=7,997,343&RS=7,997,343 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent for Through Tubing Perforating Gun ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,997,353) developed by Luis Ochoa, Sugar Land, Texas, for a "through tubing perforating gun." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus for perforating wells has perforating charges and a means for retaining the perforating charges in a first array The first array has a first maximum cross sectional area; and means for expanding the perforating charges into a second three dimensional array The second array has a second maximum cross sectional area larger than the first maximum cross sectional area. Also an apparatus for perforating wells has a plurality of perforating charges and a means for retaining the perforating charges in a first array The first array has a primary axis and a first maximum cross sectional area and the perforating charges having firing directions oriented approximately perpendicular to the primary axis; and means for expanding the perforating charges into a second array, the second array has a second maximum cross sectional area larger than the first." The patent application was filed on July 18, 2008 (12/175,935). 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=7,997,353&OS=7,997,353&RS=7,997,353 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Centerline Supply Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Centerline Supply, Grand Prairie, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,997,033) developed by Jeff Tumlinson, Fort Worth, Texas, and Foy Barrett, Grand Prairie, Texas, for a "pultruded fiberglass sign panel system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Pultruded fiberglass sign panels having overall and cross-section designs useful for replacing aluminum alloy highway signs are disclosed. The construction materials of the pultruded fiberglass sign panels consist of a glass roving; glass reinforcement matt; and a resin matrix. The glass content of the sign panels contain recycled or virgin glass, preferably about 16% by weight or 35% by volume of recycled or virgin glass. The resin matrix comprises thermoset isophthalic polyester that is about 42% to about 44% by weight or about 60% to about 62% by volume. The glass reinforcement matt used in the pultruded fiberglass sign panel comprises a hybrid E/A glass reinforcement matt and the pultruded fiberglass sign panel has a panel width of about 6 inches to about 36 inches, and a length of about 1 foot to about 50 feet. Two or more sign panels can be fastened together to produce a multi-panel system for making highway sign blanks. A first sign panel is fastened substantially adjacent to the second sign panel along the first or second edge forming a substantially flat sign surface on one side of the multi-panel system and a mounting surface on the opposite side of the substantially flat sign surface. The first sign panel is fastened substantially adjacent to the second sign panel using a fastener." The patent application was filed on June 14, 2006 (11/453,165). 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=7,997,033.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,033&RS=PN/7,997,033 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** International Business Machines Assigned Patent for Managing Content at a Portable, Content Adjustable Personal Identification Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- International Business Machines, Armonk, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (7,997,481) developed by Johnny M. Shieh, Austin, Texas, for a "managing content at a portable, content adjustable personal identification device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In one embodiment, at least one information control device manages the content displayed on multiple separate portable, content adjustable personal identification devices. The information control device automatically selects at least one content specification for transmission to any portable, content adjustable personal identification devices moving either into or out of a particular area delimited by a boundary secured by the information control device. The information control device then transmits the selected content specification for detection by portable, content adjustable personal identification devices, wherein the content specification directs display of identification content on each of the portable, content adjustable personal identification devices." The patent application was filed on May 21, 2008 (12/124,432). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,997,481&OS=7,997,481&RS=7,997,481 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Holladay Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Montie W. Holladay, College Station, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,997,165) developed by Montie W. Holladay, College Station, Texas, and David W. Ripple, Bryan, Texas, for a "sucker rod coupling extractor." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A prior art sucker rod tong is improved to remove a coupling completely from a sucker rod assembly comprising sucker rods joined end to end by couplings. The prior art sucker rod tong has a rotatable jaw assembly and a lower backup wrench adapted to cooperate to unscrew a coupling joining first and second rods, where the coupling remains screwed to the second rod after it is unscrewed from the first rod. The improvement comprises a coupling extractor for unscrewing the coupling from the second rod so that the coupling can be replaced. The coupling extractor comprises a shaft having an extractor end portion on each end of the shaft and a shield around each extractor end portion, wherein the coupling extractor is designed and sized to fit within and to be rotated by the jaw assembly. The extractor end portion engages the inside wall of the coupling to unscrew the coupling from the second rod. The extractor end portion is preferably a tapered, left-handed spiral fluted easy-out extractor. The improvement preferably further comprises an upper backup wrench movably connected to the sucker rod tong for holding the second sucker rod when the second sucker rod is above the coupling." The patent application was filed on Nov. 16, 2010 (12/947,569). 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=7,997,165.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,165&RS=PN/7,997,165 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Jamak Fabrication-Tex Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Jamak Fabrication-Tex, Weatherford, Texas, has been assigned a patent (7,997,439) developed by four co-inventors for a "flexible bakeware having a multi-piece carrier system." The co-inventors are Steve Meeks, Mineral Wells, Texas, Russell T. DeBlassie, Weatherford, Texas, Jeannie Holmes, Weatherford, Texas, and Samuel W. Heath Jr., Fort Worth, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A flexible bakeware compound includes a flexible baking container having a basin and a first carrier member disposed in an upper portion of the basin. A second carrier member is also disposed in the upper portion of the basin such that the second carrier member is capable of movement relative to the first carrier member." The patent application was filed on Dec. 29, 2004 (11/025,125). 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=7997439.PN.&OS=PN/7997439&RS=PN/7997439 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Louisiana, Texas Inventors Develop Patent for Method for Inspection of Metal Tubular Goods ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- George M. Sfeir, Lafayette, La., Jeffrey S. Banks, Crosby, Texas, and Dennis L. Rogers, Houston, have developed a patent (7,997,138) for a "method for inspection of metal tubular goods." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for predicting the performance of tubular goods includes using a computer readable three-dimensional representation of tubular good which includes computer readable measurements of discrete segments of the wall of said tubular acquired by ultrasonic detection means, along with associated data representing the position of discrete segment and optionally ovality data to predict the effect of stress conditions, including tensile, bending, collapse, burst and aging forces upon said tubular and optionally analyzing sequential inspection of the same tubular good over a period of time predict when failure is likely to occur, and to avoid failure while maximizing the use of the tubular good." The patent application was filed on June 29, 2009 (12/494,053). 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=7,997,138.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,138&RS=PN/7,997,138 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,997,472) developed by four co-inventors for a "friction stir welding using an adhesive, copper, tin and zinc interlayer." The co-inventors are Robert T. Szymanski, St. Clair Township, Mich., Sri Krishna Chimbli, Houston, Mark T. Hall, Troy, Mich., and Yen-Lung Chen, Troy, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "When a friction stir weld tool penetrates the interface of two workpieces of dissimilar metal alloy materials, the resultant weld of the different alloy materials may produce a weak weld joint. Such weak joints are often experienced, for example, when attempting to form spot welds or other friction stir welds between a magnesium alloy sheet or strip and an aluminum alloy sheet or strip. It is discovered that suitable coating compositions including an adhesive placed at the interface of assembled workpieces can alter the composition of the friction stir weld material and strengthen the resulting bond. In the example of friction stir welds between magnesium alloy and aluminum alloy workpieces, it is found that combinations of an adhesive with copper, tin, zinc, and/or other powders can strengthen the magnesium-containing and aluminum-containing friction stir weld material." The patent application was filed on April 6, 2009 (12/418,663). 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=7,997,472&OS=7,997,472&RS=7,997,472 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Crane Merchandising Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Crane Merchandising Systems, Bridgeton, Mo., has been assigned a patent (7,997,484) developed by Bryan W. Godwin, Round Rock, Texas, James M. Canter, Austin, Texas, and William Hamilton Harris Jr., Woodside, Calif., for a "rich content management and display for use in remote field assets." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A field asset such as a vending machine includes a coin acceptor, a bill validator, and a card reader all operatively connected to a shared bus. A rich content display device displays color graphics and an extended function adapter (EFA) coupled to the shared bus includes a rich content agent (RCA) to manage rich content displayed on the display. The RCA may include a content management agent (CMA) coupled to a rich content player that executes rich content file for display on the display device. The EFA may include a cashless agent to generate procedural state information. The CMA detects the procedural state information and controls the presentation of rich content on the display device based at least in part on the detected procedural state information. The EFA may include an analytic agent to determine a substantive state of the vending machine including an inventory state and an environmental state." The patent application was filed on Dec. 18, 2006 (11/612,312). 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=7,997,484&OS=7,997,484&RS=7,997,484 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Rochester Gauges Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Rochester Gauges, Dallas, has been assigned a patent (7,997,132) developed by Herbert G. Ross Jr., Argyle, Texas, and Carl Alan Taylor, Frisco, Texas, for a "capacitive sensor assembly for determining relative position." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A capacitive sensor assembly for detecting relative movement or position between objects, such as liquid level in a tank or reservoir, movement of one machine component with respect to another, and so on, includes one or more antenna probes connected to an integrated chip normally associated with touch-screen displays. Each antenna probe operates independently and may be formed as insulated conductive wires or conductive traces between layers of a stiff or flexible substrate, such as a PCB, with the substrate material serving as the insulating layers. Each antenna probe has a different length representing different measurement positions or locations between the objects being measured to provide dynamic calibration of the measurement under changing environmental conditions." The patent application was filed on June 9, 2008 (12/135,421). 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=7,997,132.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,132&RS=PN/7,997,132 Written by Anjali Jha; 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. -1058628 (c) 2011 Targeted News Service |