TMCnet News
U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Michigan (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 Michigan. *** Michigan Inventor Develops Patent for Magnetic Fishing Lure Holder ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 22 -- John S. Gesik, Ada, Mich., has developed a patent (7,997,024) for a "magnetic fishing lure holder." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A fishing lure holder apparatus adapted for attachment to a fishing boat includes an elongated frame with first and second flanges. The fishing lure holder also includes spaced-apart magnetic holders positioned in the first and second flanges, some for magnetically retaining hooks of fishing lures with a remainder of the first fishing lures hanging downward, some also generating a magnetic field thereabove for magnetically retaining fishing hooks above the flange. One set of magnetic holders also generates a magnetic field for magnetically retaining a fishing pliers tool. The apparatus also includes holes indicating a position of the magnetic holders, and for marking a position of the embedded magnets, which can't otherwise be seen." The patent application was filed on April 27, 2009 (12/430,289). 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=79,97,024.PN.&OS=PN/79,97,024&RS=PN/79,97,024 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Marketing Displays Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Marketing Displays, Farmington Hills, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,996,980) developed by David U. Hillstrom, Novi, Mich., and Brian J. Hillstrom, Rockford, Minn., for a "sign stand with rolling base." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A portable sign stand with wheels or rollers, an adjustable weighted base member, and a sign display member. The base member has one or more compartments so that liquid or solid ballast can be added to stabilize the sign stand in windy conditions. The upper and lower wall members of the otherwise hollow base member are joined together at one or more locations where the sign display member is connected to the base member. The base member can be made by blow molding techniques. Wheels are provided on one edge of the base member in order to allow the sign stand to be rolled and easily moved to different positions. Axle members secure the wheels to the base member. One or more resilient members can be used to connect the sign display member to the base member." The patent application was filed on Sept. 4, 2009 (12/554,653). 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=79,96,980.PN.&OS=PN/79,96,980&RS=PN/79,96,980 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Federal-Mogul World Wide Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Federal-Mogul World Wide, Southfield, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,996,952) developed by Patrick Horstman, Royal Oak, Mich., and Alan J. Stahlhut, Valparaiso, Ind., for a "wiper arm assembly having a locking catch." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A wiper arm assembly and method of assembly thereof includes a mounting head and a wiper arm configured for relative rotation during assembly from a disassembled position to a shipping position, wherein the wiper arm and mounting head are locked against rotation toward the disassembled position once in the shipping position. The mounting head and wiper arm have locking surfaces configured for locked engagement with one another while in the shipping position. The locking surfaces are brought into engagement with one another by a force imparted by a spring while rotating the mounting head relative to the wiper arm from the disassembled position toward the shipping position. When in the shipping position, the locking surfaces confront each other and prevent the mounting head and the wiper arm from rotating back toward the disassembled position from the shipping position." The patent application was filed on Oct. 24, 2007 (11/877,929). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,96,952.PN.&OS=PN/79,96,952&RS=PN/79,96,952 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Armaly Sponge Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Armaly Sponge, Walled Lake, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,996,950) developed by John W. Armaly Jr., Grosse Pointe, Mich., for a sponge product. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A multi-surface sponge product includes a foraminous portion adhered to an abrasive portion to form a unitary product, each portion and the resulting product having a pair of sidewalls and in cross-section or side elevation having the form of a parallelogram. The sidewalls form gripping areas and the angled forward and reward end opposite ends of the parallelogram shaped body form wedges. The multi-surface body is low profile and various edges and corners thereof enable the foraminous and abrasive portions to be selectively used to engage corners of many differently configured surfaces to be cleaned, to either scrub the surface or simply clean or absorb fluid, depending on which portion of the product is emplaced in the edge or in a corner." The patent application was filed on July 19, 2007 (11/880,060). 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=79,96,950.PN.&OS=PN/79,96,950&RS=PN/79,96,950 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. *** Thetford Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Thetford, Ann Arbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,996,929) developed by five co-inventors for a flush toilet. The co-inventors are Mark D. Good, Wauconda, Ill., Michael Juska, Ann Arbor, Mich., Jason Smith, West Bloomfield, Mich., Noah Dorsey, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Brian Kelly, Mason, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A toilet system includes a toilet and a pump assembly. The toilet has a bowl and a base. The base has a hopper for receiving waste from the bowl. The pump assembly is operative for pumping a source of flush water to the bowl and for pumping the waste from the hopper. A first flexible conduit interconnects the pump assembly and the bowl. A second flexible conduit interconnects the pump assembly and the hopper. The pump assembly is flexibly interconnected to the toilet for independent positioning relative to the toilet." The patent application was filed on March 6, 2008 (12/043,565). 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=7996929.PN.&OS=PN/7996929&RS=PN/7996929 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent for Multi-stroke Internal Combustion Engine ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Michigan, has been assigned a patent (7,997,237) developed by Gopichandra Surnilla, West Bloomfield, Mich., for "multi-stroke internal combustion engine." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An example engine method utilizes a first intake valve actuated by a first camshaft once every four piston strokes and a second intake valve actuated by a second camshaft once every four piston strokes, but out of phase with the first intake valve actuation, to provide two-stroke operation. Transitions between two and four stroke operation are provided by deactivation and activation of the second intake valve. In this way, the engine may be selectively operated in a two stroke cycle or a four stroke cycle by activating or deactivating one of the intake valves while another of the intake valves continues to operate." The patent application was filed on Sept. 10, 2008 (12/208,205). 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=79,97,237&OS=79,97,237&RS=79,97,237 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Eaton Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Eaton, Cleveland, has been assigned a patent (7,997,307) developed by Robert Philip Benjey, Dexter, Mich., for a "fill nozzle positioning apparatus." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus for positioning a fill nozzle includes an elongated fill pipe assembly. An annular seal is operatively connected within the fill pipe assembly and defines a center aperture. The annular seal is sized to seal around the fill nozzle. First and second annular restrictions are provided within the fill pipe assembly. The first and second annular restrictions define first and second apertures that are sized to sufficiently restrict lateral movement of the fill nozzle within the fill pipe assembly to maintain sealing contact of the annular seal around the fill nozzle." The patent application was filed on Oct. 30, 2007 (11/929,088). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=79,97,307&OS=79,97,307&RS=79,97,307 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,997,251) developed by Paul A. Bauerle, Fenton, Mich., Jonathan Packard, Madison Heights, Mich., and Joseph M. Stempnik, Warren, Mich., for "systems and methods for electronic throttle control." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An engine control system includes a status determination module that determines states of first and second throttle position sensors (TPSs), wherein a fault state includes when one of the first and second TPSs is one of outside of a predetermined range and out of correlation with the other of the first and second TPSs, for greater than a first predetermined period. A throttle actuation module opens a throttle when an engine manifold absolute pressure (MAP) is less than a predetermined MAP threshold, at least one of the first and second TPSs is in the fault state, and the other one of the first and second TPSs is within a second predetermined period from transitioning to the fault state." The patent application was filed on March 10, 2009 (12/401,021). 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=79,97,251&OS=79,97,251&RS=79,97,251 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,997,252) developed by Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Dearborn, Mich., Gopichandra Surnilla, West Bloomfield, Mich., and Nate Trask, Dearborn, Mich., for an "engine and exhaust heating for hybrid vehicle." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders and an electric motor configured to rotate the engine is provided. The method includes, during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to substantially before a peak torque timing. The method further includes adjusting motor torque output of the electric motor to maintain engine idle speed." The patent application was filed on July 22, 2010 (12/841,855). 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=79,97,252&OS=79,97,252&RS=79,97,252 Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Dow Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Dow Global Technologies, Midland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,997,118) developed by six co-inventors for "scrub testing devices and methods." The co-inventors are Jodi M. Mecca, Midland, Mich., John Keith Harris, Midland, Mich., Irina V. Graf, Midland, Mich., Eric Robert Traub, Saginaw, Mich., Paul L. Morabito, Midland, Mich., and Linda A. Moore, Midland, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention provides, in one embodiment, a device for performing scrub testing on a plurality of samples simultaneously, including a plurality of scrubbing devices. A stage is provided which positions the plurality of samples in contact with the plurality of scrubbing devices. The scrubbing devices can individually be provided with different weights to produce different forces on the samples. A motion producing device produces one or both of linear and rotational motion between the brushes and the samples. The scrubbing devices are held in the stage so as move freely vertically." The patent application was filed on Sept. 26, 2008 (12/239,282). 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=7,997,118.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,118&RS=PN/7,997,118 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,997,110) developed by Jon T. Carter, Farmington, Mich., and Paul E. Krajewski, Troy, Mich., for "cleaning dies for hot forming of aluminum sheets." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In substantial volume production operations involving hot blow forming or hot stamping of aluminum alloy sheet workpieces, debris largely comprised of particles of aluminum alloy material adheres to critical forming surfaces of the heated steel tools. This debris mars forming surfaces and causes defects in aluminum alloy parts formed against them. Such aluminum-rich debris may be reactively transformed to change its adherent properties and removed from tool surfaces without removing the heated tool from production. In one embodiment, a hot sacrificial magnesium sheet may be formed on the tool(s) to alloy with aluminum debris and carry it from the forming surface." The patent application was filed on Jan. 30, 2009 (12/362,611). 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=7,997,110.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,110&RS=PN/7,997,110 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** 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. *** Haworth Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Haworth, Holland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,997,652) developed by four co-inventors for a "tilt control mechanism for a chair." The co-inventors are Richard N. Roslund, Jenison, Mich., Matthew Rutman, Howell, Mich., VijayKrishna Gundarapu, Holland, Mich., and Naveen Guntur, Holland, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A tilt control mechanism for an office chair includes a spring assembly therein which controls the tilt tension on the back assembly. The tilt control mechanism includes a control plate mounted to the control shaft on which the uprights are mounted, wherein the control plate rotates in combination with the uprights. This control plate is located within the control body and cooperates with a front stop assembly and a back stop assembly to vary the limits of forward and rearward tilting of the seat and back assemblies. Also, the tilt control mechanism includes a pneumatic actuator assembly having fixed and rotatable cam blocks. The rotatable cam block rotates relative to the fixed block such that the rotatable cam block is driven downwardly to depress the control valve of the pneumatic cylinder and thereby vary the height of the seat assembly." The patent application was filed on June 15, 2010 (12/802,859). 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=7,997,652&OS=7,997,652&RS=7,997,652 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,997,643) developed by Sanjay M. Shah, Troy, Mich., and Elaine M. Garcia, Rochester Hills, Mich., for a "roof assembly for a vehicle." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A roof assembly for a vehicle that includes a center roof panel made from a lightweight material like aluminum, a surrounding attachment flange made from a more formable and stronger material like steel, and a junction that connects the roof panel and the attachment flange together. The aluminum-based roof panel may reduce the overall weight of the assembly, while the steel-based attachment flange may improve its metal forming and attachment capabilities." The patent application was filed on June 26, 2009 (12/492,540). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,997,643&OS=7,997,643&RS=7,997,643 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for on Demand Morphable Automotive Body Moldings and Surfaces ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,997,632) developed by Alan L. Browne, Grosse Pointe, Mich., Nancy L. Johnson, Northville, Mich., and Ivan G. Sears, Rochester Hills, Mich., for "on demand morphable automotive body moldings and surfaces." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A morphable vehicle member utilizing at least one active material to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The change in at least one attribute is a change in a shape dimension, a shape orientation, an expansion, a contraction, a morphing, a yield strength property, a flexural modulus or a combination. Preferably, the change in at least one attribute in the morphable vehicle member is reversible. Also disclosed herein are methods for the morphable vehicle member utilizing at least one active material to change at least one attribute on demand in response to an activation signal." The patent application was filed on June 7, 2007 (11/759,308). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,997,632&OS=7,997,632&RS=7,997,632 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Chrysler Group Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Chrysler Group, Auburn Hills, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,997,658) developed by Louis D. DeLellis, South Lyon, Mich., John E. Schambre, Canton, Mich., and Michael O. Forker, Novi, Mich., for a "four point seat restraint system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A restraint system is disclosed for securing a passenger to a seat in a motor vehicle. The restraint system is composed of a four point restraint belt removably attached to a vehicle seat having a plurality of vertical straps and attachment mechanisms for connecting said straps across the passenger's chest and lap. Each of the vertical straps has a first end removably attached to latches located in the front of the seat back and a second end removably attached to a latch located behind the vehicle seat." The patent application was filed on June 20, 2005 (11/156,407). 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=7,997,658&OS=7,997,658&RS=7,997,658] Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Intier Automotive Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Intier Automotive, Newmarket, Canada, has been assigned a patent (7,997,653) developed by five co-inventors for a stand up seat. The co-inventors are Robert J. Szybisty, Livonia, Mich., Xiao Jun Wei, Canton, Mich., Ephraim Mark DeDios Lapingcao, Everett, Wash., Jeffrey P. Carroll, West Bloomfield, Mich., and Selvakumaresan Veluswamy, Farmington Hills, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back that is moveable between a first vertical position and a second vertical position forward and upward of the first vertical position. The vehicle seat assembly has a track assembly providing fore and aft adjustment. The vehicle seat assembly further includes at least one pivot assembly operatively coupled to the track assembly and pivotally mounted to a floor of a motor vehicle. The pivot assembly pivots the vehicle seat assembly between the seating position and a stand-up position. A stand-up link slidingly couples the pivot assembly and the seat back. A link lock locks to present a solid link between the pivot assembly and the seat back. The solid link guides the seat back between the first vertical position and the second vertical position as the vehicle seat assembly moves between the seating position and the stand-up position." The patent application was filed on April 5, 2007 (12/294,538). 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=7,997,653&OS=7,997,653&RS=7,997,653 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Sandvik Intellectual Property Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Sandvik Intellectual Property, Sandviken, Sweden, has been assigned a patent (7,997,660) developed by Kenneth Monyak, Abingdon, Va., Daniel Mouthaan, Williamsburg, Mich., and Joseph Fader, Abingdon, Va., for a "hybrid retainer sleeve for tool inserted into block." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A sleeve utilizing two methods of retention--a friction fit and a rear retention feature--is disclosed. The sleeve includes a circumferentially compressible portion that provides a friction fit when inserted into a bore and includes a projected portion around an end circumference that is used to mate with the rear of a tool block and urges the sleeve (and the tool) rearward. The disclosure also relates to a tool and block assembly, a method of retaining a tool in a holder and a mining machine incorporating the sleeve." The patent application was filed on Sept. 2, 2008 (12/202,540). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=7,997,660&OS=7,997,660&RS=7,997,660 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- GM Global Technology Operations, has been assigned a patent (7,997,620) developed by Ke Dong, Troy, Mich., Jenne-Tai Wang, Rochester, Mich., and Tito R. Huffman, Eastpointe, Mich., for a "adaptive load-limiting seat belt buckle presenter." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An adaptive load-limiting seat belt buckle presenter includes a plow assembly movable within a tube and connected to the buckle by cables. Movement of the plow assembly presents the buckle at various positions relative to the occupant. The plow assembly has a plurality of plow elements that engage with the tube to plow troughs in the tube when an occupant restraining load moves the plow assembly within the tube. A plow actuator mechanism selects a number of the plurality of plow elements to be engaged or not engaged with the tube to thereby adapt the load-limiting capability of the presenter. A controller and various sensors cooperate to operate an adjusting motor for translating the plow assembly within the tube to present the buckle at a desired position and to also operate a rotary actuator to select the number of plow elements that will be engaged or not engaged." The patent application was filed on March 10, 2010 (12/720,717). 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=7,997,620&OS=7,997,620&RS=7,997,620 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Radar Industries Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Radar Industries, Warren, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,997,599) developed by Mark S. Zmyslowski, Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich., and Robert D. Kucinski, Clay, Mich., for a "suspension system for a vehicle." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A suspension system of the present invention pivotally supports a wheel of a motor vehicle. An upper control arm and a lower control arm are cooperable with a spindle, which supports the wheel. A vibration damper is cooperable with the upper control arm. A link interconnects the lower control arm and one of the terminal ends of the vibration damper thereby defining a common axis bisecting the link. The vibration damper moves along the common axis to absorb vibration transferred from a road surface and through the wheel." The patent application was filed on July 29, 2010 (12/845,896). 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=7,997,599&OS=7,997,599&RS=7,997,599 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Mahle Engine Components USA Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Mahle Engine Components USA, Muskegon, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,997,185) developed by John C. Lahrman, Muskegon, Mich., and Steven J. Sytsma, Muskegon, Mich., for a piston ring. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A piston has a body with a first circumferentially disposed groove. A first ring is movably disposed within the first groove. The first ring defines an inner circumferential groove. A blocking ring is at least partially located in the groove of the first ring and the groove of the piston. One or more vent passages may connect a first volume in the piston to a second volume outside the piston." The patent application was filed on March 24, 2008 (12/054,101). 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=7,997,185.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,185&RS=PN/7,997,185 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 (7,997,069) developed by Eugene V. Gonze, Pinckney, Mich., Michael J. Paratore Jr., Howell, Mich., and Yongsheng He, Sterling Heights, Mich., for an "ash reduction system using electrically heated particulate matter filter." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A control system for reducing ash comprises a temperature estimator module that estimates a temperature of an electrically heated particulate matter (PM) filter. A temperature and position estimator module estimates a position and temperature of an oxidation wave within the electrically heated PM filter. An ash reduction control module adjusts at least one of exhaust flow, fuel and oxygen levels in the electrically heated PM filter to adjust a position of the oxidation wave within the electrically heated PM filter based on the oxidation wave temperature and position." The patent application was filed on June 26, 2007 (11/823,109). 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=7,997,069.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,069&RS=PN/7,997,069 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,997,063) developed by four co-inventors for a "controlled air-fuel ratio modulation air fuel sensor input." The co-inventors are Eva Thanasiu, Trenton, Mich., Christian Thomas Goralski Jr., St. Paul, Minn., Robert Joseph Jerger, Dexter, Mich., and Shane Elwart, Ypsilanti, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method is described for identifying fuel composition from an index ratio of oxygen sensors upstream and downstream of a catalyst of the engine. Different index ratios are achieved for different fuel compositions, and thus it is possible to identify fuel composition, such as fuel alcohol content, based on changes in the index ratio." The patent application was filed on Oct. 29, 2007 (11/926,382). 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=7,997,063.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,063&RS=PN/7,997,063 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; 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. *** Michigan Inventor Develops Patent for Handle Bar Extension ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 23 -- Keith Louis Gillis, Traverse City, Mich., has developed a patent (7,997,162) for a handle bar extension. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The instant invention is a handlebar extension that attaches to the top of a standard motorcycle or comparable vehicle allowing the user to secure the handlebars while positioning the handlebars at an elevated position and moving them forward, away from the rider. This is achieved by the presences of offset openings in the second component of the handle bar extensions. The handlebar extension attaches to existing openings of the motorcycle while the offset feature gives a height and distancing factor. The extensions have a plurality different size opening to accommodate a variety of different handlebars. The extensions themselves have a plurality of sizes as well to accommodate different applications." The patent application was filed on Sept. 7, 2005 (11/221,077). 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=7,997,162.PN.&OS=PN/7,997,162&RS=PN/7,997,162 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. -1058611 (c) 2011 Targeted News Service |