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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Texas (Sept. 27)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Texas. *** 2Masterminds Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- 2Masterminds, Grandbury, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,020,337) developed by Richard A. Batton, Granbury, Texas, and Jeffrey A. Dow, Dewey, Okla., for an "automatically setting fishing hook assembly." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The automatically setting fishing hook assembly includes two hooks pivotally secured to a common shaft with their bends oriented opposite one another. The shanks of the hooks are offset from the shaft by short arms that pivot on the shaft. A coil spring is installed on the shaft between the hooks, with the opposite ends of the spring engaging the shanks of the hooks to urge the bends of the hooks outwardly from one another. A latch is affixed to the shank of one hook, and engages the shank of the other hook to hold the two hooks together. The latch is disengaged from the second hook when a fish strikes the assembly, with the bends of the two hooks springing apart to automatically set the two hooks in the mouth of the fish to reduce the chance of the fish slipping the hooks and escaping." The patent application was filed on April 16, 2010 (12/662,446). 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=80,20,337.PN.&OS=PN/80,20,337&RS=PN/80,20,337 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** General Electric Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- General Electric, Niskayuna, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (8,020,308) developed by Byungwoo Lee, Rexford, N.Y., Yanyan Wu, Houston, and Nicholas Joseph Kray, Blue Ash, Ohio, for a "non-destructive inspection system having self-aligning probe assembly." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An inspection system comprises a sensor configured to acquire inspection data of the object, a motion control device, a joint assembly coupled to the motion control device, and a probe housing coupled to the joint assembly and configured to hold the sensor. The inspection system further comprises a compliant element coupled to the probe housing and configured to cooperate with the joint assembly and the motion control device to position the sensor relative to the object. A self-aligning probe assembly is also presented." The patent application was filed on May 29, 2009 (12/475,101). 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=80,20,308.PN.&OS=PN/80,20,308&RS=PN/80,20,308 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent for Method of Constructing an Expandable Packer ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,020,294) developed by Jean-Louis Pessin, Houston, Pierre-Yves Corre, Eu, France, and Guillaume Boutillon, Abbeville, France, for a "method of constructing an expandable packer." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A technique involves a packer formed as an expandable packer with an internal expandable bladder. The expandable bladder is formed with a section that is radially enlarged relative to an axial end of the expandable bladder when the bladder is in a relaxed state. The bladder configuration enables use of a reduced expansion ratio while still allowing expansion of the packer to a desired large diameter." The patent application was filed on Sept. 3, 2008 (12/203,376). 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=80,20,294.PN.&OS=PN/80,20,294&RS=PN/80,20,294 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** AirWay Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 26 -- AirWay Technologies, Carrollton, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,020,276) developed by W. Keith Thornton, Dallas, for a "system and method for custom-orienting a medical mask to an oral appliance." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In one embodiment, a medical mask includes a body and an orientation structure. The body includes a first polymer, is configured to cover portions of a user's face comprising the user's mouth and at least portions of the user's nose comprising the nostrils, and is further configured to contact the user's face surrounding the covered portions of the user's face to substantially prevent gas from escaping between the body and the contacted portions of the user's face. The orientation structure is configured to receive an oral appliance post to establish and maintain a custom orientation between the medical mask and the oral appliance post and the orientation structure includes a deformable material which includes a second polymer capable of transitioning between deformable and non-deformable states." The patent application was filed on Nov. 29, 2007 (11/947,291). 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=80,20,276.PN.&OS=PN/80,20,276&RS=PN/80,20,276 Written by Ruby Maibam; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Mattersight Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Mattersight, Lake Forest, Ill., has been assigned a patent (8,023,639) developed by four co-inventors for a "method and system determining the complexity of a telephonic communication received by a contact center." The co-inventors are Kelly Conway, Lake Bluff, Ill., David Gustafson, Lake Forest, Ill., Douglas Brown, Austin, Texas, and Christopher Danson, Austin, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of determining the complexity of a telephonic communication received by a contact center is provided. The method comprises the step of establishing a call rule based on one or more of a call duration threshold, a non-interaction threshold, a distress event threshold, a third party dialog threshold, and a call transfer threshold. A recorded telephonic communication is received and call attributes associated with the telephonic communication are determined. The call attributes include one or more of the following: call duration data, non-interaction data, distress event data, third party dialog data and call transfer data. The established call rule is compared to the call attributes of the telephonic communication, and data indicative of the complexity of the telephonic communication is generated." The patent application was filed on March 28, 2008 (12/079,685). 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=8,023,639.PN.&OS=PN/8,023,639&RS=PN/8,023,639 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** International Business Machines Assigned Patent for System and Method for Solving the "Birthday Problem" with Watermarking ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- International Business Machines, Armonk, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (8,023,693) developed by four co-inventors for a "system and method for solving the "birthday problem" with watermarking." The co-inventors are Thomas A. Bellwood, Austin, Texas, James M. Gasiewski, Woodside, Calif., Donald E. Leake Jr., Vestal, N.Y., and Jeffrey B. Lotspiech, Henderson, Nev. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and method are provided for facilitating the playing of a watermarked video having the "birthday problem". Consumers send the problem disc to an authorization center where the disc is analyzed to determine if it is a legitimate disc. The authorization center generates a digital certificate uniquely associated with the disc and with the video and embeds the digital certificate into the disc. The digital certificate will cause a video player to play the video without checking for the watermark." The patent application was filed on May 31, 2008 (12/131,073). 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=8,023,693.PN.&OS=PN/8,023,693&RS=PN/8,023,693 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,023,690) developed by Rocco DiFoggio, Houston, Raman Viswanathan, Houston, and Jeffery W. Fontenot, Houston, for an "apparatus and method for imaging fluids downhole." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The disclosure, in one aspect, provides a method for providing an image of a fluid that includes passing light through the fluid, detecting light passing through the fluid at at least one wavelength and producing signals corresponding to the detected light, and processing the signals to provide the image of the fluid." The patent application was filed on Jan. 31, 2007 (11/669,616). 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=8,023,690.PN.&OS=PN/8,023,690&RS=PN/8,023,690 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Siemens Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Siemens, Munich, Germany, has been assigned a patent (8,020,863) developed by Klaus Konig, Constance, Germany, Meinhard Nattermann, Grand Prairie, Texas, and Armin Zimmermann, Constance, Germany, for a "method and device for transporting a flat object." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and a device transport a flat object, especially a mail item, over a conveyor path. The transport device has two conveyor elements, a thickness sensor and a gap-altering device. With the aid of the thickness sensor the thickness of the object is measured, before the object reaches the conveyor path. With the aid of the gap-altering device the gap between the two conveyor elements is set to a computed value. The effect of this setting is that after the setting the gap is smaller than the measured thickness and the difference between the measured thickness and the gap is smaller than a predetermined limit. This setting is concluded before the subject matter reaches the conveyor path. The two conveyor elements clamp the object for a time between themselves and transport the clamped object over the conveyor path." The patent application was filed on Sept. 2, 2008 (12/202,934). 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=8,020,863&OS=8,020,863&RS=8,020,863 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Florida, Texas Inventors Develop Patent for Screen Assemblies Utilizing Screen Elements Retained in Perforated Supports ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Ari M. Hukki, Boynton Beach, Fla., and Glenn T. Lilie, Pearland, Texas, have developed a patent (8,020,705) for a "screen assemblies utilizing screen elements retained in perforated supports." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A screen retention mechanism for use with vibratory separators is disclosed. The screen retention mechanism includes a structural frame mounted to a vibratory separator into which a plurality of lightweight and flexible screen elements are inserted into multiple tows of perforated screen supports. The perforated screen supports are bonded to the structural frame and are aligned parallel to the direction in which solids are conveyed by a vibratory motion. The invention further features an improved retention mechanism whereby screen elements are conveniently and selectively restrained." The patent application was filed on Aug. 20, 2007 (11/894,107). 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=8,020,705.PN.&OS=PN/8,020,705&RS=PN/8,020,705 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Applied Materials Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Applied Materials, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,020,689) developed by five co-inventors for a "break-away positioning conveyor mount for accommodating conveyor belt bends." The co-inventors are Michael R. Rice, Pleasanton, Calif., Eric A. Englhardt, Palo Alto, Calif., Robert B. Lowrance, Los Gatos, Calif., Martin R. Elliot, Round Rock, Texas, and Jeffrey C. Hudgens, San Francisco. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A break-away mounting system for a continuous-motion, high-speed position conveyor system is disclosed. A support cradle may be suspended from a conveyor belt such that the support cradle maintains a fixed position and orientation relative to at least one point on the conveyor belt without inducing appreciable stress on the conveyor belt, the support cradle, or the coupling between the conveyor belt and the support cradle. The mount may include a leading rotatable bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a first key attached to the conveyor belt, the rotatable bearing adapted to accommodate rotational forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt. The mount may also include a slide bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a second key attached to the conveyor belt, the slide bearing adapted to accommodate longitudinal forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt." The patent application was filed on April 24, 2009 (12/430,032). 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=8,020,689.PN.&OS=PN/8,020,689&RS=PN/8,020,689 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** KCI Licensing Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- KCI Licensing, San Antonio, has been assigned a patent (8,020,225) developed by John H. Vrzalik, San Antonio, and Cesar Z. Lina, Universal City, Texas, for a "side rail pad/panel method for patient support apparatus." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and apparatus to occlude openings and spaces of side rails are provided. One embodiment includes a pad body panel having attachment openings each defining a pivot axis. The embodiment includes follower slots in the pad body panel each to receive a bracket pivot of a pivot arm, each follower slot having a configuration centered on the attachment opening of the pivot axis." The patent application was filed on June 15, 2009 (12/484,771). 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=8020225.PN.&OS=PN/8020225&RS=PN/8020225 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Inventors Develop Patent for Bag Dispensing Receptacle for Plunging Apparatus ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Michael David Falcon, Austin, Texas, and Ernest William Falcon, Allen, Texas, have developed a patent (8,020,223) for a "bag dispensing receptacle for plunging apparatus." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The field of the invention relates generally to a plunging system including, inter alia, a plunger having a handle and a plunger member, the handle having first and second opposed ends with the plunger member being coupled to the second end of the handle; and a receptacle, having a top portion coupled to a body portion, the body portion including a recess defining support regions cincturing the recess, and a body portion coupled to a neck portion, the neck portion including a second recess defining a second supporting region cincturing the second recess, with a segment of the top portion in superimposition with the recess of the body portion defining a chamber, with the receptacle being coupled to the first end of the handle such that the handle is positioned within the recess of the neck portion, with the chamber comprising a plurality of bags positioned therein that may be dispensed from the receptacle." The patent application was filed on March 9, 2009 (12/381,206). 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=8020223.PN.&OS=PN/8020223&RS=PN/8020223 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Inventors Develop Patent for Bag Dispensing Receptacle for Plunging Apparatus ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Michael David Falcon, Austin, Texas, and Ernest William Falcon, Allen, Texas, have developed a patent (8,020,222) for a "bag dispensing receptacle for plunging apparatus." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The field of the invention relates generally to a plunging system including, inter alia, a plunger having a handle and a plunger member, the handle having first and second opposed ends with the plunger member being removably coupled to the second end of the handle; and a receptacle, having a top portion coupled to a body portion, the body portion including first and second recesses defining first and second support regions, the first support region cincturing the first recess and second support region cincturing the first support region and the first and second recesses, with a segment of the top portion in superimposition with the second recess defining a chamber, with the receptacle being coupled to the first end of the handle such that the handle is positioned within the first recess, with the chamber comprising a plurality of bags positioned therein that may be dispensed from the receptacle." The patent application was filed on May 28, 2008 (12/156,017). 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=8020222.PN.&OS=PN/8020222&RS=PN/8020222 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Waters Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Brent A. Waters, Dallas, has been assigned a patent (8,020,217) developed by David M. Moore, Garland, Texas, and Peggy Razor Clevinger, Garland, Texas, for an "infant wrap and method for use." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An infant wrap and a method for using such a wrap are provided. In one example, the wrap includes a main body folded with an outer surface of part of the main body facing itself to form at least a partial pouch. The wrap further includes a neck portion having first and second ends coupled to an upper edge of the main body to define a neck hole for the user, and a hood attached to a lower edge of the main body. Fasteners may be used to removably couple various portions of the baby wrap." The patent application was filed on Oct. 15, 2008 (12/287,823). 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=8020217.PN.&OS=PN/8020217&RS=PN/8020217 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Edison Nation Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Edison Nation, Charlotte, N.C., has been assigned a patent (8,021,284) developed by Gregory Bruce, Galveston, Texas, for an exercise device . The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An exercise device is provided for enabling a user to obtain a full body workout. By attaching the device at selected positions on the hands, feet, arms, legs, or torso, different muscle groups of a user's body can be isolated for training and strengthening purposes. The exercise device includes two or more pieces of tubing material fitted together in a telescoping manner. Pressurized air within the tubing provides a user with resistance to movement in order to tone and strengthen the muscles. At one end of the telescoping tubing material is a handgrip and at the other end is a strap of a suitable resilient or elastic material that allows a user to securely place a foot or hand in for exercise purposes." The patent application was filed on June 21, 2007 (11/821,040). 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=8,021,284.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,284&RS=PN/8,021,284 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,020,437) developed by four co-inventors for a "method and apparatus to quantify fluid sample quality." The co-inventors are Lang Zhan, Pearland, Texas, Dhandayuthapani Kannan, Missouri City, Texas, James G. Filas, Saint Cloud, France, and Graham Birkett, Paris. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention relates to fluid sampling in a test that is used to determine physical and chemical characteristics of the fluids in a subterranean reservoir. The method reconstructs the entire pressure history of the fluid parcel that is captured in the fluid samplers during a test. Using this reconstructed pressure history of the samples, the quality of the samples, particularly, whether there is a phase change in the samples during the test, can be accurately quantified." The patent application was filed on June 26, 2007 (11/768,403). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,020,437.PN.&OS=PN/8,020,437&RS=PN/8,020,437 Written by Anjali Jha; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent for Expandable Reamer Apparatus ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,020,635) developed by Steven R. Radford, The Woodlands, Texas, for an expandable reamer apparatus. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated." The patent application was filed on March 30, 2010 (12/749,884). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,020,635&OS=8,020,635&RS=8,020,635 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Smith International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Smith International, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,020,638) developed by Sudarsanam Chellappa, Houston, and Zhou Yong, Spring, Texas, for a "seal with dynamic sealing surface at the outside diameter." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A seal assembly for sealing between a journal shaft and a rotating cone cutter of a drill bit. In an embodiment, the seal assembly comprises a seal gland positioned between the journal shaft and the cone cutter. In addition, the seal assembly comprises an annular seal body disposed about the journal shaft within an annular recess. The seal body comprises a dynamic sealing surface at its outer diameter D.sub.1 that forms a dynamic seal with the sealing surface of the recess and a static sealing surface at its inner diameter D.sub.2 that forms a static seal with an outer bearing surface of the journal shaft." The patent application was filed on Oct. 30, 2006 (11/554,141). 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=8,020,638&OS=8,020,638&RS=8,020,638 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Applied Biosystems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Applied Biosystems, Carlsbad, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,020,790) developed by Jon Kemppainen, Austin, Texas, and Gary J. Latham, Austin, Texas, for a "biological sample disruption techniques." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Improved ball mill disruption techniques. In different embodiments, disrupting particles that are not substantially spherical are used. In other embodiments, roughened disrupting particles are used. In other embodiments, larger disrupting particles are used. In each instance, improved disruption can be achieved." The patent application was filed on Oct. 21, 2004 (10/576,661). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,020,790.PN.&OS=PN/8,020,790&RS=PN/8,020,790 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent for Method and Apparatus for Supporting a Downhole Component in a Downhole Drilling Tool ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,020,634) developed by four co-inventors for a "method and apparatus for supporting a downhole component in a downhole drilling tool." The co-inventors are Robert Utter, Anchorage, Alaska, Ian Silvester, Houston, Kyel Hodenfield, Sugar Land, Texas, and Steven J. Pringnitz, Katy, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus for supporting a retrievable downhole component within a drill collar includes a sleeve that is positionable about the downhole component and is mounted within the drill collar. The sleeve is adapted to limit the lateral movement of the downhole component. The sleeve includes a series of fins or is lined with an energy absorbing material which protects the component from shock and vibration while at the same time enables the component to be retrieved should the drill string become stuck in the borehole." The patent application was filed on Oct. 5, 2005 (11/244,267). 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=8,020,634&OS=8,020,634&RS=8,020,634 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent for Submersible Pumping System ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,020,624) developed by Murat Ocalan, Cambridge, Mass., and Steven Dornak, Damon, Texas, for a submersible pumping system. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A technique is provided for pumping fluids in a subterranean wellbore. A submersible pumping system can be deployed in a wellbore for moving desired fluids within the wellbore. The pumping system energizes the desired fluid movement by reciprocating a working fluid between expandable members." The patent application was filed on Feb. 17, 2007 (11/676,275). 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=8,020,624&OS=8,020,624&RS=8,020,624 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Chevron U.S.A. Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Chevron U.S.A., San Ramon, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,020,633) developed by George R. Buck, Midland, Texas, and Eric Roberto Upchurch, Long Beach, Calif., for a "simultaneous drilling and open hole wireline logging for drilling rigs." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of logging a wellbore comprises drilling a first wellbore to a depth using a drilling rig and drilling a second wellbore to a depth using the drilling rig. While the second wellbore is being drilled a logging operation is conducted in the first wellbore using the drilling rig. The logging operation can be conducted in the first wellbore via a wireline logging tool." The patent application was filed on Aug. 2, 2010 (12/848,530). 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=8,020,633&OS=8,020,633&RS=8,020,633 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent for Solid Gas Migration Control Additives Based on Latex Powders for Cementing Applications ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,020,618) developed by Barlet-Gouedard Veronique, Chatenay Malabry, France, Ermel Michel, St. Lambert des Bois, France, and Daniel Sylvie, Missouri City, Texas, for a "solid gas migration control additives based on latex powders for cementing applications." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Solid latex powders are employed as additives to control gas migration during the cementation of subterranean wells. Preferably, the latex additives are based on vinyl-acetate or styrene-butadiene based polymers. The additives are particularly useful in low-temperature applications. Methods to prepare cement slurries comprising the latex additives, and methods pertaining to the cementation of subterranean wells are also presented." The patent application was filed on Dec. 27, 2007 (11/965,255). 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=8,020,618&OS=8,020,618&RS=8,020,618 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Weatherford/Lamb Assigned Patent for Equalized Load Distribution Slips for Spider and Elevator ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Weatherford/Lamb, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,020,627) developed by David Shahin, Houston, and Karsten Heidecke, Houston, for an "equalized load distribution slips for spider and elevator." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus for supporting a tubular that more evenly distributes stress along the contact length of a tubular. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a tubular is provided. The apparatus includes a bowl having a longitudinal opening extending therethrough and an inner surface for receiving a gripping member. The gripping member is movable along the surface of the bowl for engaging the tubular. The apparatus is configured so that an upper portion of the gripping member will engage the tubular before the rest of the gripping member engages the tubular." The patent application was filed on Jan. 15, 2010 (12/688,674). 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=8,020,627&OS=8,020,627&RS=8,020,627 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent for Drill Bit with Continuously Sharp Edge Cutting Elements ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,020,641) developed by Robert M. Welch, The Woodlands, Texas, Eric E. McClain, Spring, Texas, and L. Allen Sinor, Conroe, Texas, for a "drill bit with continuously sharp edge cutting elements." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of optimizing drill bit design and an optimized drill bit for drilling a well into an earth formation comprising a bit body; a number of blades spaced around the bit body, each blade having a curved outer edge and a forward face; a first row of cutter pockets recessed into the face along the outer edge of each blade; a second group of cutter pockets recessed into the face of each blade offset from the first row; and a plurality of cutting elements, each cutting element being brazed into a different one of the cutter pockets." The patent application was filed on Oct. 13, 2008 (12/250,445). 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=8,020,641&OS=8,020,641&RS=8,020,641 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Weatherford/Lamb Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Weatherford/Lamb, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,020,625) developed by Lev Ring, Houston, and Carel W.I. Hoyer, Calgary, Canada, for a "monobore construction with dual expanders." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and apparatus of expanding tubing. The method may include expanding a first portion of an expandable tubing into contact with a surrounding tubing using an upper expander; expanding a second portion of the expandable tubing that extends beyond the surrounding tubing using a lower expander; and further expanding the first portion of the expandable tubing using the lower expander, thereby expanding the surrounding tubing. The apparatus may include a fluted expander coupled to a first end of the expandable tubing; and a collapsible cone disposed inside the expandable tubing." The patent application was filed on April 23, 2009 (12/428,839). 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=8,020,625&OS=8,020,625&RS=8,020,625 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Texas Inventor Develops Patent for Truck-mounted Pumping System for Treating a Subterranean Formation Via a Well with a Mixture of Liquids ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Randal L. Decker, Midland, Texas, has developed a patent (8,020,615) for a "truck-mounted pumping system for treating a subterranean formation via a well with a mixture of liquids." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An efficient truck-mounted injection system for injecting a combined aqueous or hydrocarbon-based liquid stream and a liquid carbon dioxide stream via a well into a subterranean formation." The patent application was filed on Jan. 5, 2010 (12/655,678). 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=8,020,615&OS=8,020,615&RS=8,020,615 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent for Well Treatment to Inhibit Fines Migration ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,020,617) developed by Sudhir Shenoy, Houston, and Mehmet Parlar, Sugar Land, Texas, for a "well treatment to inhibit fines migration." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of treating a formation with a well treatment fluid comprising a clay stabilizer comprising a polyamine ether before or during a well treatment such as cleanup, gravel packing, fracturing, or the like. The stabilizer can continue to inhibit fines migration in the treatment zone even after an aqueous fluid without the stabilizer, e.g. a production fluid or injection fluid, displaces the original treatment fluid. When the stabilizer is used in a viscoelastic system (VES) with an acid blend component, the viscosity of the VES is essentially unchanged relative to the VES alone without the stabilizer." The patent application was filed on Aug. 20, 2008 (12/194,818). 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=8,020,617&OS=8,020,617&RS=8,020,617 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** DTC International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- DTC International, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,020,623) developed by William C. Parks, Utopia, Texas, Dana C. Beebe, Houston, and Chester W. Kronke, Houston, for a "control module for subsea equipment." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A subsea control module for providing control of subsea equipment is provided. The design allows for replacement and retrieval of a subsea control module with a single remotely operated vehicle ("ROV") deployment from a vessel. The subsea control module can provide distributed electrical and hydraulic control functions via multiple directional control valve modules, multiple pilot valve modules, and a central electronic control module. Each directional control and pilot perform a set of functions so that replacement of a single module does not require disassembly of any other components) or hydraulic connection. Similarly, each pilot valve module can include a set of pilot valves, pressure transducers, solenoids and electronic circuitry to perform a limited set of functions so that failure of a single pilot valve module does not result in failure of the entire subsea control module. The central electronic control module can provide electrical signals to each pilot valve module which can provide hydraulic signals to each directional control valve module and to off-board hydraulics through a subsea equipment receptacle mated with the subsea control module." The patent application was filed on Aug. 11, 2008 (12/189,680). 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=8,020,623&OS=8,020,623&RS=8,020,623 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Robertson Intellectual Properties Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Robertson Intellectual Properties, Arlington, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,020,619) developed by Michael C. Robertson, Arlington, Texas, and William Boelte, New Iberia, La., for a "severing of downhole tubing with associated cable." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods for severing tubing having a cable extending along its length include lowering a first cutting torch into the tubing to a desired location, igniting the first cutting torch, and directing cutting fluids in a circumferential arc to form a first cut in the tubing and sever the cable. A second cutting torch can be lowered and positioned relative to the first cut, and ignited to direct cutting fluids radially to cut the tubing all around the circumference, enabling retrieval of the tubing. The need for precise positioning and alignment of the torches to sever both the cable and tubing is thereby eliminated." The patent application was filed on March 26, 2008 (12/055,434). 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=8,020,619&OS=8,020,619&RS=8,020,619 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,020,632) developed by Keith A. Moriarty, Houston, for a "method and system for wellbore communication." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A communication system for a casing while drilling system is provided. The casing while drilling system is adapted to advance a bottom hole assembly into a subsurface formation via a casing. The communication system comprises a high frequency modulator and a transducer. The modulator is positioned in the bottom hole assembly and adapted to generate a mud pulse by selectively restrict mud flow passing therethrough. The transducer is adapted to detect the mud pulse generated by the modulator." The patent application was filed on July 15, 2008 (12/173,707). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,020,632&OS=8,020,632&RS=8,020,632 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent for Downhole Applications of Composites having Aligned Nanotubes for Heat Transport ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,020,621) developed by Rocco DiFoggio, Houston, and Roger Fincher, Conroe, Texas, for a "downhole applications of composites having aligned nanotubes for heat transport." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In one aspect, an apparatus is disclosed that includes an anisotropic nanocomposite element in thermal communication with a heat-generating element for conducting heat away from the heat-generating element along a selected direction. In another aspect, a method of conveying heat away from a heat-generating element is disclosed that includes transferring heat from the heat-generating element to an anisotropic nanocomposite element that is configured to conduct heat along a selected direction, and transferring heat received by the anisotropic nanocomposite element to a heat-absorbing element." The patent application was filed on Aug. 2, 2007 (11/833,015). 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=8,020,621&OS=8,020,621&RS=8,020,621 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent for Methods of Producing Flow-through Passages in Casing, and Methods of Using Such Casing ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,020,620) developed by seven co-inventors for "methods of producing flow-through passages in casing, and methods of using such casing." The co-inventors are John Daniels, Oklahoma City, George Waters, Oklahoma City, Mark Norris, Cults, United Kingdom, J. Ernest Brown, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Ian D. Bryant, Houston, Kevin Mauth, Kingwood, Texas, and Jason Swaren, Sugar Land, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods of making and using wellbore casing are described, one method comprising providing a plurality of flow-through passages in a portion of a casing while the casing is out of hole; temporarily plugging the flow-through passages with a composition while out of hole; running the casing in hole in a wellbore intersecting a hydrocarbon-bearing formation; and exposing the composition to conditions sufficient to displace the composition from the flow-through passages while in hole. Methods of using the casing may include pumping a stimulation treatment fluid through the casing string and into a formation through the flow-through passages in the first casing joint; plugging the flow-through passages in the first casing section; and exposing a second casing joint of the casing string to conditions sufficient to displace the composition from the flow-through passages in the second casing joint." The patent application was filed on Sept. 9, 2010 (12/878,498). 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=8,020,620&OS=8,020,620&RS=8,020,620 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent for Annealing of Materials Downhole ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,020,622) developed by Bennett M. Richard, Kingwood, Texas, for an "annealing of materials downhole." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A downhole annealing system includes a component to be annealed; a steam generating catalyst in proximity to the component; and a reactant fuel selectively communicative with the catalyst to produce an exothermic reaction and method." The patent application was filed on Jan. 21, 2008 (12/017,237). 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=8,020,622&OS=8,020,622&RS=8,020,622 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Francis Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Dale Francis, Luling, La., has been assigned a patent (8,020,626) developed by seven co-inventors for a "torque wrench system having multiple torque stations." The co-inventors are Dale Francis, Houston, Nicholas Francis, Luling, La., William P. Bernard, Luling, La., Oswald J. Bernard, Luling, La., Lan Hiscox, Houston, Brian Compton, Cypress, Texas, and Arthur Jones, Houston. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed." The patent application was filed on May 4, 2009 (12/434,861). 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=8,020,626&OS=8,020,626&RS=8,020,626 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Smith International Assigned Patent for Thermally Stable Polycrystalline Diamond Materials, Cutting Elements Incorporating the Same and Bits Incorporating Such Cutting Elements ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Smith International, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,020,644) developed by Madapusi K. Keshavan, The Woodlands, Texas, for a "thermally stable polycrystalline diamond materials, cutting elements incorporating the same and bits incorporating such cutting elements." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A cutting element is provided including a substrate and a TSP material layer over the substrate. The TSP material layer includes at least a property having a value that varies through the layer." The patent application was filed on April 12, 2010 (12/758,680). 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=8,020,644&OS=8,020,644&RS=8,020,644 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent for Cutting Removal System for PDC Drill Bits ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,020,639) developed by Michael R. Wells, Lakewood, Colo., and Tim K. Marvel, The Woodlands, Texas, for a "cutting removal system for PDC drill bits." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The blades of a PDC bit have a nozzle between them preferably oriented laterally across the plane of the cutters on the blade and more preferably in a trough disposed adjacent the row of cutters. The cutting is less likely to adhere to the bit surface because the trough abruptly spaces back the bit surface and the spray being oriented radially preferably into the trough gets between the bit surface and the cutting before it can adhere to the bit surface using the fluid energy to drive the cutting into the junk slot." The patent application was filed on Dec. 22, 2008 (12/341,525). 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=8,020,639&OS=8,020,639&RS=8,020,639 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Smith International Assigned Patent for Impregnated Drill Bits and Methods of Manufacturing the Same ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Smith International, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,020,640) developed by Gregory T. Lockwood, Pearland, Texas, and Jonan Fulenchek, Tomball, Texas, for an "impregnated drill bits and methods of manufacturing the same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A drill bit that includes a body having a lower end face for engaging a rock formation is disclosed. The end face has a plurality of raised ribs extending from the face of the bit body and separated by a plurality of channels therebetween. At least one of the plurality of ribs has a leading portion and a trailing portion, the leading portion comprising a first matrix material impregnated with super abrasive particles and the trailing portion comprising a second matrix material impregnated with super abrasive particles, wherein the first and second matrix materials differ from each other." The patent application was filed on May 16, 2008 (12/122,526). 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=8,020,640&OS=8,020,640&RS=8,020,640 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Applied Materials Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Applied Materials, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,020,750) developed by seven co-inventors for a "method of attaching components to fluid delivery systems using diffusion bonding." The co-inventors are Mark Crockett, Foster City, Calif., John W. Lane, San Jose, Calif., Micahel DeChellis, Austin, Texas, Chris Melcer, Sunnyvale, Calif., Erica Porras, San Jose, Calif., Aneesh Khullar, Sunnyvale, Calif., and Balarabe N. Mohammed, Union City, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A space-conserving integrated fluid delivery system which is particularly useful for gas distribution in semiconductor processing equipment. The invention also includes an integrated fluid flow network architecture, which may include, in addition to a layered substrate containing fluid flow channels, various fluid handling and monitoring components. The layered substrate is diffusion bonded, and may be partially integrated or fully integrated into a processing chamber which also includes diffusion bonded layers." The patent application was filed on Oct. 24, 2006 (11/586,103). 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=8,020,750&OS=8,020,750&RS=8,020,750 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Texas Inventor Develops Patent for Apparatus for Fastening and/or Separating Container Portions ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Gary Emmott, Houston, has developed a patent (8,020,751) for an "apparatus for fastening and/or separating container portions." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus for at least partially separating at least two container portions includes first and second container portions. At least one tear line extends at least partially between the first and second portions and at least partially defines the first portion. The first portion is at least partially separable from the second portion along the tear line(s). At least one releasable adhesive spot at least partially holds the first portion down prior to the at least partial separation of the first portion from the second portion." The patent application was filed on Aug. 10, 2007 (11/891,340). 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=8,020,751&OS=8,020,751&RS=8,020,751 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Texas Inventor Develops Patent for Variable Geometry Flexible Support Systems and Methods for Use ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 27 -- Robert E. Rodgers Jr., Canyon Lake, Texas, has developed a patent (8,021,275) for "variable geometry flexible support systems and methods for use thereof." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame having a base portion and having first and second right support elements and first and second left support elements; a crank system comprising first and second crank coupling locations, the crank system being supported by the frame; a right foot support member; a left foot support member; a right guide element coupled to the right foot support member and; a left guide element coupled to the left foot support member; a first flexible support system comprising a first flexible element, the first flexible element coupled to the first and second right support elements and the right guide element and coupled to the first crank coupling location; and a second flexible support system comprising a second flexible element, the second flexible element coupled to the first and second left support elements and the left guide element and coupled to the second crank coupling location, wherein alternating motion of the right and left foot support members causes the first and second crank coupling locations to rotate." The patent application was filed on Feb. 1, 2010 (12/697,944). 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=8,021,275.PN.&OS=PN/8,021,275&RS=PN/8,021,275 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; 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. -1062743 (c) 2011 Targeted News Service |