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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in California (Sept. 26)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in California. *** International Business Machines Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 25 -- International Business Machines, Armonk, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (8,021,950) developed by five co-inventors for a "semiconductor wafer processing method that allows device regions to be selectively annealed following back end of the line (BEOL) metal wiring layer formation." The co-inventors are Wagdi W. Abadeer, Essex Junction, Vt., Lilian Kamal, Saratoga, Calif., John J. Ellis-Monaghan, Grand Isle, Vt., Jeffrey P. Gambino, Westford, Vt., and Tom C. Lee, Essex Junction, Vt. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Disclosed are embodiments of a semiconductor wafer processing method that allow device regions to be selectively annealed following back end of the line (BEOL) metal wiring formation without degrading wiring layer reliability. In the embodiments, a semiconductor device is formed adjacent to the top surface of a wafer such that it incorporates a selectively placed infrared absorbing layer (IAL). Then, following BEOL metal wiring formation, the bottom surface of the wafer is exposed to an infrared light having a wavelength that is transparent to the wafer. The infrared light is absorbed by and, thereby heats up the IAL to a first predetermined temperature (e.g., a dopant activation temperature, a temperature required for a state change, etc.). The resulting heat is transferred from the IAL to an adjacent region of the semiconductor device without raising the temperature of the metal wiring above a second predetermined temperature (e.g., a temperature that could degrade the metal wiring) that is lower than the first predetermined temperature." The patent application was filed on Oct. 26, 2010 (12/911,940). 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=8,021,950.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,950&RS=PN/8,021,950 Written by Ankita Das; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Hewlett-Packard Development Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 25 -- Hewlett-Packard Development, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,021,935) developed by eight co-inventors for a "thin film device fabrication process using 3D template." The co-inventors are Ping Mei, Palo Alto, Calif., Hao Luo, San Jose, Calif., Albert Hua Jeans, Mountain View, Calif., Angeles Marcia Almanza-Workman, Sunnyvale, Calif., Robert A. Garcia, Palo Alto, Calif., Warren Jackson, San Francisco, Carl P. Taussig, Redwood City, Calif., and Craig M. Perlov, San Mateo, Calif.. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A fabrication process for a device such as a backplane for a flat panel display includes depositing thin film layers on a substrate, forming a 3D template overlying the thin film layers, and etching the 3D template and the thin film layers to form gate lines and transistors from the thin film layers. An insulating or passivation layer can then be deposited on the gate lines and the transistors, so that column or data lines can be formed on the insulating layer." The patent application was filed on Oct. 1, 2008 (12/243,073). 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=8,021,935.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,935&RS=PN/8,021,935 Written by Ankita Das; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Broadcom Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 25 -- Broadcom, Irvine, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,927) developed by Reza-Ur Rahman Khan, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., and Sam Ziqun Zhao, Irvine, Calif., for a "die down ball grid array packages and method for making same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of forming a ball grid array (BGA) package is provided. The method includes coupling an integrated circuit (IC) die to a heat spreader in an opening of a substrate, the opening of the substrate extending through the substrate, such that a portion of the heat spreader is accessible through the opening and coupling a first surface of a second substrate to the IC die via a bump interconnect. The second surface of the second substrate has an array of contact pads capable of coupling to a board." The patent application was filed on July 23, 2010 (12/842,627). 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=8,021,927.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,927&RS=PN/8,021,927 Written by Ankita Das; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Compactor Device for Hydraulic Hammer ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Alan S. Rackham, Foresthill, Calif., has developed a patent (8,021,079) for a "compactor device for hydraulic hammer." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A compactor device for attaching to a shaft of a hydraulic hammer or the like comprising a base, an outer receiving tube and inner receiving component attached to the top of the base, wherein the inner receiving component is for clamping onto the shaft of the hydraulic hammer. The compactor device is for compacting all materials, such as dirt, sand, and/or aggregate material." The patent application was filed on Jan. 29, 2009 (12/362,408). 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=80,21,079.PN.&OS=PN/80,21,079&RS=PN/80,21,079 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** J.S. Redpath Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- J.S. Redpath, North Bay, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,098) developed by Randy E. Grenon, Sudbury, Calif., for a "portable raise climbing system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: " A portable raise climbing system is provided that comprises a starter box for interfacing with an existing raise climb track, a raise climber that is deployed by the system onto the existing track for normal raise excavation operations, and a transporter. The transporter is configured to carry the raise climber from site to site by interfacing with moving equipment. The moving equipment preferably includes a front hydraulic quick connect/disconnect lift system, e.g. front-end loader, forklift, plough, scooptram, etc." The patent application was filed on June 19, 2008 (12/142,276). 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=80,21,098.PN.&OS=PN/80,21,098&RS=PN/80,21,098 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Dental Cleanser and Stain Prevention Apparatus ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Karen L. Ross, Camarillo, Calif., has developed a patent (8,021,067) for a "dental cleanser and stain prevention apparatus." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A dental apparatus for cleansing and stain preventing on-the-go is provided in multiple embodiments. One embodiment allows a user to dispose of the apparatus after use. Another embodiment allows a user to seal and refill the dental apparatus for repeated use. Further, packaging of various types allows a user to house the dental apparatus in multiple ways." The patent application was filed on Oct. 26, 2010 (12/902,813). 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=80,21,067.PN.&OS=PN/80,21,067&RS=PN/80,21,067 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Space Systems/Loral Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Space Systems/Loral, Palo Alto, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,069) developed by Varouj G. Baghdasarian, Cupertino, Calif., for a "redundant radial release apparatus." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A redundant release apparatus having a multi-segment split spool with a central bore adapted to axially restrain a tensioned member. Two tensioned tapes are overlappingly wound around the spool segments thereby preventing radial movement of the spool segments. Overlapping winding design of each of the tapes provide predictable unwinding dynamics upon release. The multiple segments require less radial motion for release of the tensioned member." The patent application was filed on June 23, 2008 (12/215,041). 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=80,21,069.PN.&OS=PN/80,21,069&RS=PN/80,21,069 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** LeMond Fitness Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- LeMond Fitness, Woodinville, Wash., has been assigned a patent (8,021,070) developed by four co-inventors for an "apparatus for positioning a component of an exercise device." The co-inventors are Robert J. Bingham, Everett, Wash., Ryan P. Selby, Palo Alto, Calif., Neil P. Everson, Woodinville, Wash., and Paul A. Robertson, Bothell, Wash. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An exercise device including at least one positionable component configured to be positioned by a user. The exercise device includes a frame to which a collar is mounted. The positionable component includes a member that is slidably received within the collar and may be positioned by sliding the member to a selected position. A locking assembly is coupled to the collar and is operable to lock the member in a selected position within the collar, to release the member from the locked position, and when released, to allow the member to slide within the collar. The locking assembly includes a cam pivotably mounted to the collar and a cam follower assembly selectively biased by the cam against a portion of the member disposed inside the collar. The locking assembly also includes a pair of engagement members disposed inside the collar opposite the cam against which the cam biases the member." The patent application was filed on Dec. 1, 2009 (12/628,829). 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=80,21,070.PN.&OS=PN/80,21,070&RS=PN/80,21,070 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** AB Sciex Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- AB Sciex, Framingham, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,021,056) developed by six co-inventors for a microfluidic connections. The co-inventors are Don W. Arnold, Livermore, Calif., Kenneth R. Hencken, Pleasanton, Calif., Sammy S. Datwani, Dublin, Calif., Patrick Pak-Ho Leung, Belmont, Calif., Douglas R. Cyr, Livermore, Calif., and Jason E. Rehm, Alameda, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A junction is made between a first microfluidic substrate (12) having an elongate component (303) protruding from it and a second microfluidic substrate (22) having a corresponding conduit (261). Each of the substrates has a pair of alignment features, for example planar orthogonal surfaces (13, 15; 23, 25) or grooves (141, 151; 241, 251) in opposite sides of the substrate. The substrates are placed on an alignment jig 6 having location features (63, 65) corresponding to the alignment features. The elongate component can be surrounded by a compressible gasket 40). The substrates are pushed towards each other so that the elongate component enters the conduit and the gasket, if any, is compressed. A fluid-tight junction results so long as the substrates are maintained in the necessary position, either by permanent means, or, if a junction which can be disassembled is needed, by maintaining pressure between the substrates. Novel apparatus and novel microfluidic assemblies, including microfluidic chips having grooves in their sides, are described." The patent application was filed on Sept. 1, 2010 (12/874,055). 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=80,21,056.PN.&OS=PN/80,21,056&RS=PN/80,21,056 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Roller Bearing Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Roller Bearing, Oxford, Conn., has been assigned a patent (8,021,053) developed by Alex Habibvand, Orange, Calif., for a "rotary wing aircraft ball bearing." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In a rotary wing aircraft tail rotor head assembly having a ball bearing on a spindle at the head of a rotor wing, the ball bearing contains slug ball separators between the balls in the bearing. The separator may be made from PEEK, PTFE, or polyimide. The ball-to-ball separation between two balls of like diameter provided by the separator may about 3.2 to about 64% of the diameter of one of the balls. A separator may have an annular configuration that defines a passage therethrough, the passage having two ends and the interior of the separator being tapered to define a maximum diameter at each end and a minimum diameter therebetween. The taper of the chamfered surface of the slug ball separator may define a conical angle of about 75.degree. to about 120.degree.. A ball bearing as described herein may also be used in a rotary wing aircraft swashplate having a stationary plate, a rotating plate; and a thrust bearing between the stationary plate and the rotating plate." The patent application was filed on Feb. 8, 2007 (11/704,762). 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=80,21,053.PN.&OS=PN/80,21,053&RS=PN/80,21,053 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California, Texas Inventors Develop Patent for Fabrication of Optical Devices and Assemblies ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Kenneth Noddings, Manhattan Beach, Calif., Daniel Marshall Andrews, Austin, Texas, Thomas Alan Bishop, Austin, Texas, and Michael Anthony Olla, Austin, Texas, have developed a patent (8,021,058) for a "fabrication of optical devices and assemblies." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of forming a waveguide or an optical assembly includes molding a waveguide material, optionally in alignment with one or more optical components. The one or more optical components are aligned in a precision mold that is also used to form the waveguide. A cladding and encapsulation material can also be molded. The molded materials can be used to hold the components together in alignment in a single assembly. A connector structure can be molded as part of the assembly or can be prefabricated and incorporated into the molded assembly to facilitate connecting the assembly to other components without requiring active alignment or polishing of optical fiber ends." The patent application was filed on Aug. 18, 2008 (12/193,596). 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=80,21,058.PN.&OS=PN/80,21,058&RS=PN/80,21,058 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** National Semiconductor Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- National Semiconductor, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,042) developed by Mehmet Aslan, Sunnyvale, Calif., and John W. Branch, Seattle, for a "beta variation cancellation in temperature sensors." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus and method for canceling variations in the beta for a bipolar junction transistor so that the diode equation can be employed to accurately measure the temperature of the transistor based at least in part on a ratio of two target collector currents and two measurements of the base-emitter voltage of the transistor. If the determined collector current of the transistor is relatively equivalent to one of the first and second target collector currents, the transistor's base-emitter voltage is measured and stored. An analog feedback circuit can be employed to change the determined collector current to be relatively equivalent to the first and second target collector currents. The analog feedback circuit can include an optional sample and hold component to further reduce power consumption and reduce noise. A digital circuit can be employed to change the determined collector current to be relatively equivalent to the first and second target collector currents. Additionally, the transistor can be remotely located in another integrated circuit." The patent application was filed on June 23, 2010 (12/803,289). 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=80,21,042.PN.&OS=PN/80,21,042&RS=PN/80,21,042 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Taylor Made Golf Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Taylor Made Golf, Carlsbad, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,245) developed by Todd P. Beach, San Diego, for a "method for making a golf club face." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An improved face for a golf club head includes shallow and deep markings configured to provide a pleasing appearance when viewed head on, and to frame the central region of the impact surface of the face when viewed at address. Use of only shallow markings in the central region of the impact surface prevents existence of stress fractures resulting from use of deep markings in the central region. This allows for a face thinner than those incorporating conventional grooves in the central regions of their impact surfaces, resulting in both superior resistance to cracking and improved C.O.R. Specified methods of manufacture are particularly suited for making clubs incorporating these shallow and deep markings." The patent application was filed on July 7, 2009 (12/459,797). 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=8,021,245.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,245&RS=PN/8,021,245 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Rotary Striking Surface in a Golf Putter ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- James S. Burrell, Norco, Calif., has developed a patent (8,021,243) for a "rotary striking surface in a golf putter." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A putter club head is provided with an elongate cavity communicating to the exterior through a rectangular opening in the striking face thereof spaced above the club head lower surface so that the portion of the club head between the cavity opening and the lower surface forms a lower shielding structure to deflect any plant growth in the path of a putting stroke. A conforming cylindrical roller is then mounted for rotation within the cavity to provide a ball striking surface on its periphery generally elevated above the bottom surface to a height corresponding to the elevation of the contact periphery of a golf ball resting thereon. In this manner little or no spin is imparted to the ball when struck by the roller since the lower club surface shields the roller from any moments imparted by the growth covering the green." The patent application was filed on July 21, 2010 (12/804,428). 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=8,021,243.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,243&RS=PN/8,021,243 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Blammo Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Blammo, Alhambra, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,236) developed by Philip Stephen Bloom, Pasadena, Calif., and Bing Yeh, Alhambra, Calif., for an "amusement ride system and method." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An amusement ride system includes: a shooting device adapted to shoot a projectile; an aiming facility operable by a user to aim the shooting device; and a triggering device operable by the user to fire the shooting device. The user rides the vehicle, aims the shooting device, and fires the device to shoot the projectile. A method for a ride includes: providing a shooting device; providing a plurality of projectiles; and aiming and shooting the projectiles utilizing the shooting device." The patent application was filed on Nov. 4, 2009 (12/612,234). 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=8,021,236.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,236&RS=PN/8,021,236 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Walker Digital Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Walker Digital, Stamford, Conn., has been assigned a patent (8,021,231) developed by four co-inventors for "problem gambling detection in tabletop games." The co-inventors are Jay S. Walker, Ridgefield, Conn., Daniel E. Tedesco, Shelton, Conn., James A. Jorasch, New York, and Russell P. Sammon, San Francisco. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A gaming establishment may determine the existence of problem gamblers within its halls by monitoring player behavior with one or more sensors from an array of sensors. The player's behavior is then compared to normal behavior and/or problem gambling behavior to determine if the player is potentially a problem gambler. Behavior patterns that may be tracked are player movement, player betting patterns such as tracking player rate of play, facial expressions, physical clues, nonverbal clues, and the like." The patent application was filed on June 6, 2006 (11/422,376). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,231.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,231&RS=PN/8,021,231 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Oakley Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Oakley, Foothill Ranch, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,020,989) developed by four co-inventors for a wireless interactive headset. The co-inventors are James Jannard, Eastsound, Wash., Carlos Reyes, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Colin Baden, Irvine, Calif., and Sumner Lane Bruns, Annapolis, Md. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A wearable wireless audio device includes a support, an electronics circuit, and a speaker. The support includes a first ear stem and an orbital, and is configured to support at least one lens in a wearer's field of view. The electronics circuit is supported by the support and is configured to receive at least one digital audio file and generate an audio signal indicative of the at least one digital audio file. The speaker is supported by the support, and is directed toward at least one of the wearer's ears. The speaker is configured to convert the audio signal into sound. The speaker has a speaker face, and the speaker is configured to rotate from a first position in which the speaker face is substantially parallel to a yz-plane to a second position in which the speaker is inclined at an angle with respect to the yz-plane. The speaker is coupled to the support with a speaker pivot, and is configured to rotate about the speaker pivot while maintaining the speaker face substantially parallel to a yz-plane. The speaker is configured to move along an axis substantially parallel to a z-axis with respect to the support." The patent application was filed on Oct. 9, 2007 (11/869,704). 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=8020989.PN.&OS=PN/8020989&RS=PN/8020989 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Oakley Assigned Patent for Eyeglass Earstem with Enhanced Performance ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Oakley, Foothill Ranch, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,020,988) developed by Steven Ogren, Yorba Linda, Calif., and Ryan Anthony Calilung, Irvine, Calif., for an "eyeglass earstem with enhanced performance." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An earstem for an eyeglass is provided that can exhibit a dampening effect as the earstem is over-rotated or deflected from a deployed position to a deflected position. In some embodiments, the earstem can comprise a suspension component and a rigid elongate body. The suspension component can be attached to the rigid elongate body along a posterior portion of the suspension component. The rigid elongate body can pivot relative to the frame to a deployed position and further, beyond the deployed position. However, pivoting of the rigid elongate body beyond the deployed position causes deflection of the suspension component, which dampens further pivoting of the rigid elongate body." The patent application was filed on Nov. 6, 2009 (12/614,342). 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=8020988.PN.&OS=PN/8020988&RS=PN/8020988 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Applied Materials Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Applied Materials, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,215) developed by Steven M. Zuniga, Soquel, Calif., Andrew J. Nagengast, Sunnyvale, Calif., and Jeonghoon Oh, Sunnyvale, Calif., for a "carrier head with retaining ring and carrier ring." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A carrier head that has a housing, a base assembly, a retaining ring, a carrier ring, and a flexible membrane is described. The base assembly is vertically movable relative to the housing. The retaining ring is connected to and vertically movable relative to the base assembly and has a lower surface configured to contact a polishing pad and an inner surface configured to circumferentially surround the edge of a substrate to retain the substrate. The carrier ring is connected to and vertically fixed relative to the base assembly, circumferentially surrounds the retaining ring to prevent lateral motion of the retaining ring, and has a bottom surface configured to contact a polishing pad." The patent application was filed on Feb. 1, 2010 (12/698,009). 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=8,021,215.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,215&RS=PN/8,021,215 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Applied Materials Assigned Patent for Substrate Holder with Liquid Supporting Surface ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Applied Materials, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,211) developed by Hung Chih Chen, Sunnyvale, Calif., Yin Yuan, Sunnyvale, Calif., and Stephen Jew, San Jose, Calif., for a "substrate holder with liquid supporting surface." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a substrate transferring system. One embodiment of the present invention provides a substrate holder comprising a pedestal plate, a basin wall extending from a top surface of the pedestal plate, wherein the basin wall has a substantially leveled top surface, the basin wall and the pedestal plate define a basin configured to retain a liquid therein, and a liquid port opening to the basin, wherein the liquid port is configured to flow a liquid to the basin and allow the liquid to overflow from the basin wall, and a top surface of the overflow liquid in the basin is configured to support a substrate without contacting the basin wall or the pedestal plate." The patent application was filed on April 18, 2008 (12/105,798). 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=8,021,211.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,211&RS=PN/8,021,211 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Hy-Energy Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Hy-Energy, Newark, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,020,426) developed by Karl J. Gross, Fremont, Calif., for a "gas sorption tester for rapid screening of multiple samples." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus determines gas sorption properties of a large number of material samples simultaneously. The apparatus includes a switchable manifold of low-volume conduits and an array of sensors, where each low-volume conduit fluidly couples a single sample of gas-sorbing material to a dedicated detector. The switchable manifold is also configured to fluidly couple the samples to a vacuum source or a dosing gas source. Because of the very low internal volume of the conduits, essentially all gas released from a particular sample is accurately detected by the corresponding detector, either through sorption of the released gas, by measuring pressure, or by other means. In this way, a very accurate measurement of the quantity of gas released by the sample is made. In one embodiment, the array of sensors includes hydride-based sensors, which contain a material that forms an optically and/or electrically responsive hydride upon exposure to hydrogen-containing gas." The patent application was filed on Aug. 28, 2008 (12/200,835). 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=8,020,426.PN.&OS=PN/8,020,426&RS=PN/8,020,426 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Applied Materials Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Applied Materials, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,020,427) developed by David K. Carlson, San Jose, Calif., and Satheesh Kuppurao, San Jose, Calif., for "methods and apparatus for insitu analysis of gases in electronic device fabrication systems." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods are disclosed that include adjusting a pressure level of a sample gas in a testing chamber, for example, using a pressurized inert reference gas, and determining a composition of the adjusted sample gas. By adjusting the pressure level of the sample gas, the composition of the sample gas may be determined more accurately than otherwise possible. Numerous other aspects are disclosed." The patent application was filed on July 9, 2010 (12/833,936). 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=8,020,427.PN.&OS=PN/8,020,427&RS=PN/8,020,427 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Child's Storybook Play Structure ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Anne L. Manrique, Los Angeles, has developed a patent (8,021,207) for a "child'S storybook play structure." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A storybook kit for a child's play structure includes poles removably attached to one another and arranged to form a three-dimensional box-like structure of a size to permit a child to fully enter therein. A plurality of panels are attached to the poles. The panels have graphic representations thereon corresponding to at least a portion of a story or illustration depicted in an accompanying storybook. Three dimensional objects may be positionable within, or removably attached to the panels, and which correspond to objects in the storybook to enhance the play experience. Multiple structures may be placed side-by-side so that a child can move from one structure to another, and thus from one portion of the story to the next." The patent application was filed on Dec. 18, 2008 (12/338,047). 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=8,021,207.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,207&RS=PN/8,021,207 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Xerox Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Xerox, Norwalk, Conn., has been assigned a patent (8,020,975) developed by six co-inventors for a "continuous particle transport and reservoir system." The co-inventors are Meng H. Lean, Santa Clara, Calif., John J. Ricciardelli, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Michael J. Savino, Tappan, N.Y., Osman T. Polatkan, North Haledon, N.J., Fred R. Stolfi, Shrub Oak, N.Y., and Eric Lindale, Kennett Square, Pa. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Various configurations and applications of traveling wave grids are disclosed. Systems for transporting particles to feed apertures, and/or for transporting particles from storage reservoirs are described. The systems are particularly useful for transporting toner particles in printing systems." The patent application was filed on June 28, 2005 (11/167,951). 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=8020975.PN.&OS=PN/8020975&RS=PN/8020975 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Erlanger, Ky., has been assigned a patent (8,020,430) developed by Jared Michael Farnsworth, Sacramento, Calif., for "passive leak detection devices and systems for detecting gas leaks." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A passive leak detection device may include a pressure switch, a check valve and a balance valve. The pressure switch may include an electric input lead, an electric output lead, a balance chamber and an inlet chamber. A pressure differential between the balance chamber and the inlet chamber may be operable to couple the electric input lead to the electric output lead. The inlet chamber may be fluidly coupled to a fluid port. The balance chamber may be fluidly coupled to the fluid port with a check valve disposed there between. The balance chamber may be fluidly coupled to a balance valve. When the balance valve is closed and fluid is flowing out of the fluid port, the pressure differential from the inlet chamber to the balance chamber is operable to couple the electric output lead to the electric input lead thereby indicating of a leak." The patent application was filed on Oct. 9, 2008 (12/248,240). 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=8,020,430.PN.&OS=PN/8,020,430&RS=PN/8,020,430 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** AB Sciex Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- AB Sciex, Framingham, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,021,130) developed by nine co-inventors for an "apparatus and method for handling fluids at nano-scale rates." The co-inventors are Gregory A. Votaw, Durham, N.C., Charles A. Buckner, Chapel Hill, N.C., Daniel M. Hartmann, East Lansing, Mich., William Karsh, Belmont, Mass., Frank Anthony Montefusco, Durham, N.C., Joshua T. Nevill, El Cerrito, Calif., Mehul Patel, Ambler, Pa., David W. Wyrick, Durham, N.C., and Hugh C. Crenshaw, Durham, N.C. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Apparatus and Method for Handling Fluids at Nano-Scale Rates. A linear displacement pump produces non-pulsatile liquid flow rates as low as the nl/mm range. The pump includes a servo motor, a gear reduction, a lead screw, a linear stage, a barrel, and a plunger extending into the barrel and coupled to the stage. A microfluidic interconnect device can be coupled to the barrel. One or more of these pumps can be disposed in a thermally controlled pump assembly that includes a pump housing, a thermally conductive body disposed in the housing and including first and second opposing sides, and a temperature regulating element such as a thermoelectric device disposed in thermal contact with the thermally conductive body on a side thereof opposite to the barrel or barrels of the pumps." The patent application was filed on Aug. 10, 2006 (11/719,518). 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=8,021,130.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,130&RS=PN/8,021,130 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** LG Electronics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- LG Electronics, Seoul, South Korea, has been assigned a patent (8,020,413) developed by seven co-inventors for a "foreign materials filtering apparatus and washing machine having the same." The co-inventors are Sang-Hee Yoo, Gyeongsangnam-Do, South Korea, Jong-Deuk Bae, Gyeongsangnam-Do, South Korea, Bo-Young Chang, Gyeongsangnam-Do, South Korea, Young-Bae Park, Gyeongsangnam-Do, South Korea, Ji-Maeng Kim, Gyeongsangnam-Do, South Korea, Soo-Jin Jung, Gyeongsangnam-Do, South Korea, and Ae-Na Jo, Gyeongsangnam-Do, South Korea. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In a foreign materials filtering apparatus and a washing machine having the same, owing to a detachable mounting structure between a handle and a front filter and between a rear filter and the front filter, foreign materials collected in a foreign materials filtering space can be easily cleaned. Accordingly, can be solved the conventional problem that a net filter has to be kept inside out at the time of a cleaning process, resulting in causing a user's hands to become dirty. Also, can be solved the conventional problem that there is a difficulty in removing foreign materials from the net filter due to a fibrous characteristic of the net filter." The patent application was filed on March 4, 2008 (12/041,823). 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=8,020,413.PN.&OS=PN/8,020,413&RS=PN/8,020,413 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** New York, California Inventors Develop Patent for Method and System for the Small-scale Production of Liquified Natural Gas from Low-pressure Gas ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- David Vandor, Tarrytown, N.Y., and Ralph Greenberg, Santa Rosa, Calif., have developed a patent (8,020,406) for a "method and system for the small-scale production of liquified natural gas (LNG) from low-pressure gas." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and system for the small-scale production of LNG. The method comprising: configuring a prime mover to be operable communication with a multi-stage compressor; configuring the prime mover to be in fluid communication with an ammonia absorption chiller; configuring the ammonia absorption chiller to be in fluid communication with the multi-stage compressor; operating the ammonia absorption chiller using waste heat from a prime mover; pre-cooling a first stream of natural gas using cooled fluid from the ammonia absorption chiller; cooling a first portion of the first stream of natural gas, using an expansion valve, into a two-phase stream; cooling a second portion of the first stream to liquefied natural gas, using the two-phase stream as a cooling fluid; delivering the second portion of the first stream as LNG to a low-pressure LNG tank; cooling a third portion of the first stream of natural gas in a turbo-expander; separating liquid heavies out of the third portion of the first stream of natural gas; and delivering the liquid heavies to a pressure tank." The patent application was filed on Nov. 5, 2007 (11/934,845). 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=8,020,406.PN.&OS=PN/8,020,406&RS=PN/8,020,406 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Corbin Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Stampp W. Corbin, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (8,020,415) developed by Stampp W. Corbin, and Eric A. Warner, Oceanside, Calif., for a locking pill bottle. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A tamper-resistant pill bottle for securely storing a quantity of medication. The pill bottle includes a receptacle, a cap for fitting over the receptacle, and a combination lock integral with the cap for releasably locking the cap to the receptacle. The combination lock includes a series of combination wheels that partially protrude through a sidewall of the cap and can be rotatably manipulated by a user. The combination for the combination lock can be set by a user upon receipt of the pill bottle. The pill bottle further includes an inconspicuous defeat mechanism integral with the cap for allowing the pill bottle to be opened, preferably by a pharmacist, if a user forgets the combination of the combination lock." The patent application was filed on June 4, 2009 (12/478,057). 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=8,020,415.PN.&OS=PN/8,020,415&RS=PN/8,020,415 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Geothermic Solution Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Geothermic Solution, Las Vegas, has been assigned a patent (8,020,382) developed by Bohdan Zakiewicz, Santa Monica, Calif., for a "closed loop, hot dry rock heat recovery process." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention is a closed loop system of heat recovery in hot dry rock or in water-containing formations for generation of electrical power. Recovery of heat from such formations is accomplished by way of multiple horizontal levels of generally radially drilled bores from a central shaft. Heat transfer is accomplished either by way of terminal end heat exchangers or by way of heat transfer to conduits extending from the central shaft." The patent application was filed on Dec. 23, 2008 (12/342,431). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft1.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=8,020,382.PN.&OS=PN/8,020,382&RS=PN/8,020,382 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Abbott Cardiocascular Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Abbott Cardiocascular Systems, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,328) developed by Jeong S. Lee, Diamond Bar, Calif., for a "rapid exchange infusion catheter." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An infusion catheter and method, with an elongated shaft having a guidewire lumen which has a proximal section and a common distal section extending to a distal port at a distal end of the shaft, and an infusion lumen which is in fluid communication with the distal port of the guidewire lumen and which joins the common distal section of the guidewire lumen at a location distal to the guidewire proximal port. A restricted passage from the infusion lumen to the common distal section of the guidewire lumen has a smaller transverse dimension than the guidewire lumen and a guidewire slidably disposed in the guidewire lumen." The patent application was filed on March 5, 2007 (11/682,104). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft1.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=8,021,328.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,328&RS=PN/8,021,328 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Nvidia Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Nvidia, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,194) developed by Ross F. Jatou, San Jose, Calif., Charlie J. Shu, San Ramon, Calif., and Nandan Subraman, Milpitas, Calif., for a "controlled impedance display adapter." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A display adapter for a digital connector and an analog connector. The display adapter includes a PCB (printed circuit board). A first connector and a second connector are both mounted on the PCB. The first connector and second connectors can be VGA, DVI-I, DVI-D, or HDMI format. The PCB is configured to communicatively couple video signals between the first connector having one format and the second connector having a different format." The patent application was filed on Dec. 28, 2007 (12/005,744). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,194.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,194&RS=PN/8,021,194 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Multidirectional Turbine Engine ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Kamyar Brothers, Los Angeles, has developed a patent (8,020,365) for a multidirectional turbine engine. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A gas turbine engine comprising a compressor, a combustion chamber, and at least two turbines mounted oppositely to the combustion chamber, such that the gas turbine engine is capable of generating multidirectional thrust." The patent application was filed on June 13, 2008 (12/139,332). 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=8,020,365.PN.&OS=PN/8,020,365&RS=PN/8,020,365 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Apple Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Apple, Cupertino, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,198) developed by Way Chet Lim, Petaluma, Calif., Cameron Frazier, San Carlos, Calif., and Kevin Walsh, Burlingame, Calif., for a low-profile power adapter. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A low-profile power adapter is disclosed. In one embodiment, a low profile power adapter is facilitated by improved approaches to construct and assembly of a power adapter plug for the power adapter. According to one aspect, a base for a power adapter plug of a power adapter can include a metal base connected to a blade (or prong) of the power adapter plug. The metal base can provide mechanical support to the blade as well as electrical connectivity to an internal terminal for the power adapter plug. According to another aspect, internal terminals used by a power adapter plug of a power adapter can be flexibly positioned on the power adapter plug, thereby facilitating interconnection with electrical components used by the power adapter. A molded base can be formed around the metal base leaving the blade and terminals exposed." The patent application was filed on June 6, 2008 (12/135,044). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,198.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,198&RS=PN/8,021,198 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Biosense Webster Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,327) developed by Thomas V. Selkee, Claremont, Calif., for a "steering mechanism for bi-directional catheter." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A bi-directional catheter with nearly double the throw in its catheter tip deflection defines a puller wire travel path having a U-turn a pulley which minimizes the offset angle between the puller wire and the longitudinal axis of the control handle while maximizing the travel distance of that puller wire for any given distance traveled by the pulley drawing the puller wire. In particular, the control handle of the catheter which includes a steering assembly having a lever arm carrying a pair of pulleys for drawing corresponding puller wires to deflect the tip section of the catheter. The pulleys are rotatably mounted on opposing portions of the lever arm such that one pulley is moved distally as the other pulley is moved proximally when the lever arm is rotated. Because each puller wire is trained on a respective pulley, rotation of the lever arm causes the pulley that is moved proximally to draw its puller wire to deflect the tip section in the direction of the off-axis lumen in which that puller wire extends." The patent application was filed on Jan. 16, 2009 (12/355,667). 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=8,021,327.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,327&RS=PN/8,021,327 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Portaero Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Portaero, Cupertino, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,320) developed by Don Tanaka, Saratoga, Calif., Joshua P. Wiesman, Boston, and David C. Plough, Portola Valley, Calif., for a "self-sealing device and method for delivery of a therapeutic agent through a pneumostoma." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A pneumostoma management system includes a pneumostoma management device for maintaining the patency of a pneumostoma and a drug delivery device for pneumostoma care. The drug delivery device may be used to introduce therapeutic agents into the pneumostoma for direct treatment of the pneumostoma, treatment of the lung by way of collateral ventilation, and/or treatment of non-lung tissues by diffusion into the bloodstream. The drug delivery device includes a therapeutic agent dispenser for supplying a therapeutic agent and a propellant at positive pressure, an outlet and a connector for correctly positioning the outlet relative to a pneumostoma management device. The drug delivery device includes a self-centering and self-sealing connector for engaging the pneumostoma management device." The patent application was filed on Feb. 18, 2009 (12/388,470). 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=8,021,320.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,320&RS=PN/8,021,320 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Nvidia Assigned Patent for Controlled Impedance Display Adapter ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Nvidia, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,193) developed by Ross F. Jatou, San Jose, Calif., Charlie J. Shu, San Ramon, Calif., and Nandan Subraman, Milpitas, Calif., for a "controlled impedance display adapter." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A display adapter for a digital connector and an analog connector. The display adapter includes a PCB (printed circuit board). A first connector and a second connector are both mounted on the PCB. The first connector and second connectors can be VGA, DVI-I, DVI-D, or HDMI format. The PCB is configured to communicatively couple video signals between the first connector having one format and the second connector having a different format." The patent application was filed on April 25, 2005 (11/114,347). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,021,193.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,193&RS=PN/8,021,193 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Allergan Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Allergan, Irvine, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,323) developed by Anubhav Arora, Goleta, Calif., Samir Mitragotri, Goleta, Calif., and Ahmet Tezel, Goleta, Calif., for a "soft tissue augmentation by needle-free injection." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention relates to needle-free apparatus that can be used to augment soft tissue. More specifically, the needle-free injectors of the present invention allow injection of more viscous materials such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other polymers that are useful as dermal fillers. The needle-free injectors of the present invention allow injection of such materials to fill the undesired lines, wrinkles, and folds of a patient. The present invention also relates to kits comprising such needle-free injectors and a quantity of dermal filling material. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of augmenting soft tissue using needle-free apparatus." The patent application was filed on July 25, 2008 (12/179,843). 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=8,021,323.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,323&RS=PN/8,021,323 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Telelumen Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Telelumen, Saratoga, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,021) developed by Steven Paolini, Saratoga, Calif., for an "authoring, recording, and replication of lighting." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods permit use of efficient solid state emitters for broad spectrum continuous spectrum lighting defined by illumination data. The illumination data, which can be sold as a commercial product, can be recorded or authored and include spectral, temporal, and spatial information. Intensities of individual emitters such as LEDs can be controlled through a combination of pulse width modulation (PWM) and amplitude modulation (AM) of drive currents. The combination of PWM and AM permits fine tuning of the spectrum of emissions and creation of free space optical data channels." The patent application was filed on June 26, 2008 (12/215,463). 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=8,021,021.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,021&RS=PN/8,021,021 Written by Ankita Das; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Irvine, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,000) developed by Jerry B. Lowe, San Clemente, Calif., for a flat projection television. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A flat projection television comprising an imagine engine mounted adjacent a top of an enclosure and optically coupled to a collimator mirror, a flat mirror, a mirror assembly comprising a plurality of cylindrical mirrors, and a diffuser screen. The image engine includes a cylindrical lens which expands an outgoing image horizontally. The image engine projects the image downward from the top of the enclosure toward the bottom of the enclosure where the horizontally expanding image encounters the collimator mirror which collimates the expanding beam bringing the horizontal lines back into parallel with one another. The collimator mirror also reflects the collimated image towards the front of the enclosure where it encounters the flat mirror oriented to deflect the image upward into the mirror box location of the enclosure at an appropriate angle. As the image is projected from the flat mirror, it encounters the cylindrical mirrors of the mirror assembly which expand each horizontal line of the image to present a fully expanded and complete image on the diffuser screen." The patent application was filed on May 11, 2009 (12/464,008). 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=8,021,000.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,000&RS=PN/8,021,000 Written by Ankita Das; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Warsaw Orthopedic Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Warsaw Orthopedic, Warsaw, Ind., has been assigned a patent (8,021,430) developed by Gary Karlin Michelson, Venice, Calif., for an "anatomic spinal implant having anatomic bearing surfaces." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present application is directed to an interbody spinal implant having a structural configuration that provides for maintaining the normal anatomic relationship of two adjacent vertebrae of the spine. The spinal implant is sized to fit within the disc space created by the removal of disc material between two adjacent vertebrae and conform wholly, or in part, to the disc space created. The spinal implant of the present invention has first and second sides with upper and lower bearing surfaces that form a support structure for bearing against the end plates of the adjacent vertebrae. The upper and lower bearing surfaces of the first and second sides are shaped to create an anatomic fit with the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae." The patent application was filed on Sept. 7, 2010 (12/807,489). 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=8,021,430.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,430&RS=PN/8,021,430 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Council of Scientific & Industrial Research Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, New Delhi, India, has been assigned a patent (8,021,442) developed by six co-inventors for a "process for the preparation of common salt of high purity from brines in solar salt pans." The co-inventors are Arvind Kumar, Bhavnagar, India, Indrajit Mukhopadhyay, Bhavnagar, India, Pushpito Kumar Ghosh, Bhavnagar, India, Vadakke Puthoor Mohandas, Bhavnagar, India, Jignesh Jasvantrai Shukla, Bhavnagar, India, and Rahul Jasvantrai Sanghavi, Bhavnagar, India. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The process of the invention is an improvement over the existing process of producing salt of high purity from alum-treated brine disclosed recently in the prior art. More particularly, the invention rectifies the ratio of Ca.sup.2+ to Mg.sup.2+ from a value <1 to a value in the range of 2-3 desired by chlor-alkali and soda ash industries. The improved process involves the adjustment of pH of clarified brine with aqueous HCl so as to carry out salt crystallization at a pH of 6.5 instead of at the natural pH of 7. The pH adjustment reduces the Mg.sup.2+ impurity in salt while slightly raising the Ca.sup.2+ impurity in the salt and thereby achieving the desired ratio." The patent application was filed on Sept. 29, 2008 (12/240,762). 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=8,021,442.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,442&RS=PN/8,021,442 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Medtronic Assigned Patent for Prosthesis Heart Valve Fixturing Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Medtronic, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,021,421) developed by five co-inventors for a "prosthesis heart valve fixturing device." The co-inventors are Thomas J. Fogarty, Portola Valley, Calif., Michael J. Drews, Sacramento, Calif., Ernest Lane, Huntington Beach, Calif., Neil Holmgren, Chicago, and Federico Guiterrez, Pacifica, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A biologically implantable prosthesis is disclosed. The prosthesis can have a circumferentially expandable wall and elements that prevent the wall from collapsing once the wall is expanded. Methods of making and using the prosthesis are also disclosed." The patent application was filed on Aug. 22, 2003 (10/646,639). 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=8,021,421.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,421&RS=PN/8,021,421 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Medtronic Vascular Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Medtronic Vascular, Santa Rosa, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,021,420) developed by Mark Dolan, Santa Rosa, Calif., for a "prosthetic valve delivery system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A prosthetic valve delivery system for percutaneously delivering and deploying a prosthetic valve within an existing valve is disclosed. The delivery system includes a stented prosthetic valve having a balloon-expandable stent portion with a prosthetic valve disposed therein and at least one self-expanding stent portion. The delivery system further includes a dual balloon catheter having a first balloon on which the stented prosthetic valve is disposed during delivery and a second balloon. Upon delivery within the existing valve, the self-expanding stent portion contacts the existing valve and the first balloon expands the balloon-expandable stent portion to a first diameter such that the stented prosthetic valve is in a first stage deployment configuration. The second balloon then expands the balloon-expandable stent portion to a second diameter, greater than the first diameter, such that the stented prosthetic valve is in a second stage deployment configuration being fully deployed within the existing valve." The patent application was filed on March 12, 2009 (12/403,114). 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=8,021,420.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,420&RS=PN/8,021,420 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Cook Medical Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Cook Medical Technologies, Bloomington, Ind., has been assigned a patent (8,021,419) developed by David E. Hartley, Wannanup, Australia, and Timothy A.M. Chuter, San Francisco, for a stent graft. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A stent graft (10; 40; 80) has a tubular body (12; 42; 82) of a biocompatible material and at least two fenestrations (18, 20; 48, 50; 84, 86, 88). The at least two fenestrations (10, 20; 48, 50; 84, 86, 88) are adjacent each other and each has a tube {24, 26; 54, 55; 90, 92, 94) extending into the tubular body (1 2; 42; 82). The tubes (24, 26; 54, 55; 90, 92, 94) are joined inside the tubular body (12; 42; 82) into a single larger tube (30; 60; 96) to facilitate catheterization." The patent application was filed on Aug. 20, 2007 (12/377,438). 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=8,021,419.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,419&RS=PN/8,021,419 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Intervertebral Disk Prosthesis with Elastomeric Insert ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Mark Spoonamore, Los Angeles, has developed a patent (8,021,427) for an "intervertebral disk prosthesis with elastomeric insert." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Described herein is an inter 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. -1062646 (c) 2011 Targeted News Service |