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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Michigan (Dec. 31)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Michigan. *** EcoMotors International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- EcoMotors International, Allen Park, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,337,359) developed by Peter Hofbauer, West Bloomfield, Mich., for a hybrid engine system. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A hybrid engine and coupling system for use with a vehicle or other load which employs a motor/generator unit connected through controllable couplers to a kinetic energy storage device and to one or more internal combustion engine modules in a programmed manner. Several embodiments provide varying configurations to satisfy various power and packaging design requirements." The patent application was filed on Aug. 27, 2009 (12/583,881). 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=8,337,359&OS=8,337,359&RS=8,337,359 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** BeachFit Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- BeachFit, Grand Haven, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,337,372) developed by Brenda Boterenbrood, Grand Haven, Mich., for "exercise device and methods of use." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention relates to an exercise device for use by a user on a selected surface material comprising a grasping member having a first end and a second end, a first tool head mounted to the first end of the grasping member and a second tool head mounted to the second end of the grasping member. Each of the first tool head and the second tool head has sufficient structural rigidity to be interacted with the surface material without significant deformation whereby a user can perform exercises upon the selected surface material by physically interacting the first tool head and second tool head with the surface material." The patent application was filed on Sept. 3, 2010 (12/875,784). 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=8,337,372&OS=8,337,372&RS=8,337,372 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Rogers Athletic Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Rogers Athletic, Clare, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,337,370) developed by Orley David Rogers, Sanford, Mich., and Timothy John Hockemeyer, Midland, Mich., for a weightlifting support assembly. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A weightlifting system includes a weight bar frame rack which includes a multitude of openings along an upright to receive a weight support assembly at various positions along the frame rack. The support assembly includes a multitude of studs which extend from an inner surface of a U-shaped support plate to engage the openings and provide a robust weight support which will bear a significant quantity of weight. In use, the weight support assembly is pushed into and down the upright such that that the studs engage and are guided by the openings. Concurrent therewith, a spring bias is overcome until a latch member encounters a lock opening to securely lock the support into the desired position. To remove the weight support assembly a lock trigger is retracted and the weight support assembly is lifted up and out of the openings. The entire locking and unlocking of the weight support assembly is readily performed with one hand." The patent application was filed on Jan. 5, 2006 (11/326,099). 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=8,337,370&OS=8,337,370&RS=8,337,370 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Axial Retention Assembly ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,337,111) developed by Russell M. Pajewski, Farmington Hills, Mich., and Robert Neil Paciotti, White Lake, Mich., for an axial retention assembly. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An axial retention assembly for axially retaining a retained member includes a retaining member and a retaining ring. The retaining member has a surface and an annular groove disposed on the surface, where the surface defines a cavity and the annular groove has a groove surface and an edge surface disposed between the surface and the groove surface. The retaining ring has a first portion at least partially disposed in the groove and opposing the groove surface, a second portion at least partially disposed in the cavity and opposing the retained member and the surface of the retaining member, and a recess portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion and opposing the edge surface. The recessed portion of the retaining ring does not contact the edge surface of the retaining member when the retained member exerts a predetermined force on the second portion of the retaining ring." The patent application was filed on Dec. 8, 2009 (12/633,524). 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=8,337,111&OS=8,337,111&RS=8,337,111 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Whirlpool Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Whirlpool, Benton Harbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,975) developed by seven co-inventors for a "plenum on front of refrigerator/freezer door." The co-inventors are Paul B. Allard, Stevensville, Mich., James W. Kendall, Mount Prospect, Ill., Steven J. Kuehl, Stevensville, Mich., Alan S. Lucas, Evansville, Ind., Andrew M. Tenbarge, Saint Joseph, Mich., John J. Vonderhaar, Saint Joseph, Mich., and Guolian Wu, Saint Joseph, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space. A door is disposed on the cabinet operable between an open position and a closed position. The door includes a forward wall and a rearward wall. An insulation layer is disposed between the forward wall and the rearward wall. An exterior skin is disposed adjacent to the forward wall and substantially covers the forward wall. A plenum is defined by the space between the exterior skin and the forward wall and is adapted to receive utility lines." The patent application was filed on March 12, 2009 (12/402,608). 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=8,336,975&OS=8,336,975&RS=8,336,975 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Toyota Motor Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Toyota Motor, Erlanger, Ky., has been assigned a patent (8,337,160) developed by Yasuo Uehara, Ann Arbor, Mich., for a "high efficiency turbine system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A high efficiency turbine system which can increase a pressure differential between an upstream location and a downstream location. The turbine system includes a propeller attached to a shaft, which can both be located in a shroud. The shroud includes a projection, such as a brim, which protrudes inward and/or outward from the shroud. The projection includes brim units arranged asymmetrically and/or in repeating patterns to generate various vortex and swirl patterns. The brim units can have a different size, shape, width, and/or height than an adjacent brim unit. The brim units can be arranged in a non-parallel manner and can be rotatable. Furthermore, the brim units can form brim groups which can be arranged asymmetrically and/or in repeating patterns to generate various swirl patterns. The turbine system can also be used in a renewable energy system, which can be used to power electronic devices." The patent application was filed on Oct. 19, 2009 (12/581,763). 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=8,337,160&OS=8,337,160&RS=8,337,160 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** CertainTeed Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- CertainTeed, Valley Forge, Pa., has been assigned a patent (8,337,188) developed by four co-inventors for an "apparatus for making a shingle, and shingle made thereby." The co-inventors are Thomas Kevin MacKinnon, Daniel Island, S.C., Robert E. Dodd, Parma, Mich., Joong Youn Kim, Newtown Square, Pa., and Douglas H. Wylie, Richmond Hill, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus for making a shingle, together with the shingle made thereby, is provided, in which one or more thermoplastic materials are extruded or co-extruded to form an extrudate, with the extrudate being cut into a preliminary shingle shape, which is allowed to dissipate heat, and then is delivered to a compression mold, wherein the preliminary shingle shape is compression molded to substantially its final dimensions and is then discharged from the mold and allowed to cool." The patent application was filed on March 5, 2010 (12/718,351). 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=8,337,188&OS=8,337,188&RS=8,337,188 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,337,361) developed by eight co-inventors for a "multiple-ratio automatic transmission control method and system for ratio upshifts." The co-inventors are Yuji Fujii, Ann Arbor, Mich., Jahan Asgari, Dearborn, Mich., Davorin David Hrovat, Ann Arbor, Mich., Hong Jiang, Canton, Mich., Gregory Michael Pietron, Canton, Mich., Bradley Dean Riedle, Northville, Mich., Christopher John Teslak, Plymouth, Mich., and Hongtei Eric Tseng, Canton, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A speed ratio shaft control for multiple ratio vehicle transmission has controlled release of an off-going transmission clutch and controlled engagement of an on-coming transmission clutch during a speed ratio upshift, at least one clutch being a friction torque establishing clutch. A controller, using shift-timing software strategy, actively manages in real time a clutch torque level for each clutch so that transient torque disturbances in a transmission torque output shaft are mitigated." The patent application was filed on Aug. 30, 2010 (12/871,485). 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=8,337,361&OS=8,337,361&RS=8,337,361 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Radar Industries Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Radar Industries, Warren, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,337,113) developed by John J. Vrana, Rochester Hills, Mich., and Robert D. Kucinski, Clay, Mich., for a "stamped link for supporting an engine." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A torque arm for securing the position of a power train relative to a motor vehicle includes a first mount and a second mount. The first mount and the second mount are spaced by a body portion. The first mount is formed by a continuous ring defining a first central opening and is integral with the body portion. The second mount is formed by a loop defining a second central opening and the loop extends from the body portion at an opposite end of the body portion from the continuous ring." The patent application was filed on May 25, 2010 (12/786,657). 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=8,337,113&OS=8,337,113&RS=8,337,113 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Michigan Inventor Develops Patent for Pallets ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Ayyakannu Mani, Rochester Hills, Mich., has developed a patent (8,336,466) for pallets. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Enhanced pallets including a plurality of hollow blocks and a plurality of hollow cross members are provided. The pallets may be aluminum extruded pallets. The blocks and cross members are welded together to form a pallet. The blocks and cross members may have internal wall structures which, form one or more crush cells or crush zones. The crush cells or crush zones deform in a controlled manner on impact to reduce impact damage to the pallets. The pallets have a high load strength supporting capability and allow the pallets to withstand repeated or severe impacts while remaining functional." The patent application was filed on Oct. 14, 2004 (10/575,637). 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=83,36,466.PN.&OS=PN/83,36,466&RS=PN/83,36,466 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,336,511) developed by five co-inventors for a "method and system for controlling a cam phaser." The co-inventors are Kenneth J. Cinpinski, Ray, Mich., Donovan L. Dibble, Utica, Mich., Gregory J. York, Fenton, Mich., Joshua Cowgill, Brighton, Mich., and Joseph R. Dulzo, Novi, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and control module includes a control hold duty cycle module generating a control hold duty cycle signal and a voltage correction module generating a voltage correction signal. The control module also includes a correction module generating a corrected proportional correction signal based on a proportional correction signal and the voltage correction signal, and generating a corrected integral correction signal based on an integral correction signal and the voltage correction signal. The control module also includes a force determination module controlling a duty cycle to a phaser operator based upon the control hold signal, the corrected proportional correction signal and the corrected integral correction signal." The patent application was filed on May 5, 2009 (12/435,782). 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=83,36,511.PN.&OS=PN/83,36,511&RS=PN/83,36,511 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Pfizer Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Pfizer, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (8,337,850) developed by ten co-inventors for 4-1BB binding molecules. The co-inventors are Bianca Ahrens, Munchen, Germany, Sangita M. Baxi, San Diego, Timothy Scott Fisher, San Diego, Richard Michael Jerome, East Hampstead, N.H., Kathrin Ladetzki-Baehs, Planegg, Germany, Theodore Oliphant, Galesburg, Mich., Leslie Lynne Sharp, San Diego, Michael Tesar, Augsberg, Germany, Libbey Anne Yates, Dardenne Prairie, Mo., and Moritz Zulley, Munchen, Germany. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present disclosure provides isolated binding molecules that bind to human 4-1BB, nucleic acid molecules encoding an amino acid sequence of the binding molecules, vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules, host cells containing the vectors, methods of making the binding molecules, pharmaceutical compositions containing the binding molecules, and methods of using the binding molecules or compositions." The patent application was filed on Sept. 9, 2011 (13/228,532). 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=8,337,850&OS=8,337,850&RS=8,337,850 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Canada, Michigan Inventors Develop Patent for Garment Closure System ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Angela Jodie Gomes Seguin, Belle River, Canada, and Marc A. Bay, Farmington Hills, Mich., have developed a patent (8,336,116) for a garment closure system. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A garment having a ventilated garment closure system including a vented zipper is provided. A first flap is disposed on a first side of a vented zipper, and a second flap disposed on a second side of the vented zipper." The patent application was filed on April 28, 2008 (12/111,019). 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=83,36,116.PN.&OS=PN/83,36,116&RS=PN/83,36,116 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Aisin Seiki Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Aisin Seiki, Aichi-ken, Japan, has been assigned a patent (8,336,259) developed by five co-inventors for a "vehicle door opening/closing apparatus." The co-inventors are Toshihiko Ishida, Niwa-gun, Japan, Katsuhisa Yamada, West Bloomfield, Mich., Yasuhiro Yamakawa, Toyohashi, Japan, Tsuyoshi Kamiya, Anjo, Japan, and Shinji Kazama, Kariya, Japan. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vehicle door opening/closing apparatus includes a drum unit disposed on the side of one face of an inner panel constituting a vehicle door and including a take-up drum capable of taking up a length of cable disposed between the vehicle and the vehicle door, a drive unit disposed on the side of the other face of the inner panel and configured to drive the take-up drum, a power transmission mechanism configured for transmitting a rotational drive force of the drive unit to the take-up drum, with allowing engagement and disengagement between take-up drum and the drive unit, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the drive unit to the drum unit, with the inner panel being clamped there between." The patent application was filed on Feb. 26, 2009 (12/679,261). 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=83,36,259.PN.&OS=PN/83,36,259&RS=PN/83,36,259 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Schaeffler Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Schaeffler Technologies, Herzogenaurach, Germany, has been assigned a patent (8,336,512) developed by Jesse Myers, Waterford, Mich., and Joseph Moon, Clawson, Mich., for a "camshaft phaser for a concentric camshaft." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A camshaft adjuster for a concentric camshaft assembly of an internal combustion engine is provided. The adjuster includes a stator that is connected to the timing gear, a rotor located within the stator and connected to the outer camshaft. The rotor includes a plurality of vanes that extend into spaces created between inwardly directed projections of the stator to define first and second sets of chambers on each side of the vanes. Front and rear sidewalls are connected to the stator and form the front and rear walls of the chambers. An outer cover connects to the stator to the inner camshaft. Radial loads acting on the timing gear are transmitted from the stator to the rotor and into the outer camshaft." The patent application was filed on Oct. 1, 2009 (12/571,668). 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=83,36,512.PN.&OS=PN/83,36,512&RS=PN/83,36,512 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** LG Chem Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- LG Chem, Seoul, South Korea, has been assigned a patent (8,341,449) developed by four co-inventors for "battery management system and method for transferring data within the battery management system." The co-inventors are Vaughan Daniel, Ann Arbor, Mich., Michael Trader, Royal Oak, Mich., JongMin Park, Sterling Heights, Mich., and David C. Robertson, Royal Oak, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A battery management system is provided. The system includes a battery monitoring device having a microprocessor and a hardware component. The microprocessor identifies a non-modifiable node ID from the hardware component. The microprocessor also obtains operational parameters associated with the at least one battery cell. The microprocessor computes a network ID for the battery monitoring device based on the non-modifiable node ID. The system further includes a main controller that communicates with the battery monitoring device via a communication bus utilizing the network ID." The patent application was filed on June 24, 2010 (12/822,285). 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=8,341,449&OS=8,341,449&RS=8,341,449 Written by Neha Bharti; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Mod-Tec Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Mod-Tec, Grandville, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,271) developed by Martin Helmus, Grandville, Mich., for a "fan filter mounting frame." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The fan filter mounting frame is useful in installation of equipment in a cell of suspension grid systems when the equipment is passed through and is placed in a corner of the cell. The equipment is supported partially directly by the grid and partially indirectly by the grid through an adapting frame insert. The frame insert is connected between the equipment and the suspension grid system and may have two legs that meet at an apex, a first leg extending along a first grid rail and a second leg extending along an adjacent second grid rail. Each of the two legs also extends between its respective rail and the equipment, supporting the equipment on the respective suspension grid rails. Thus, the grid system may be in its design position or condition prior to and during placement and replacement of the equipment without disruption." The patent application was filed on April 7, 2009 (12/419,786). 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=83,36,271.PN.&OS=PN/83,36,271&RS=PN/83,36,271 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Rodenhouse Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Rodenhouse, Grand Rapids, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,275) developed by Robert H. Rodenhouse, Grand Rapids, Mich., for a "plaster/stucco application and restoration methods and fastener system for use in those and other methods." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "According to the present invention, a fastener system is provided having an anchor (20) and a washer (40). The anchor includes an upset stud shaft (28) to which the washer is attached. The fastener system is preferably used in the inventive method of restoring/applying cladding such as plaster or plaster-like materials such as stucco. According to the inventive method, the anchors of the fastening system are driven into the building structure before application of a moisture barrier membrane. After application of the membrane, a support mesh (90) is secured to the anchors using the washers (40). This allows the membrane to provide a watertight seal around the fasteners. The inventive method may be used in new construction or restoration." The patent application was filed on Feb. 10, 2003 (10/485,613). 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=83,36,275.PN.&OS=PN/83,36,275&RS=PN/83,36,275 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Trico Products Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Trico Products, Rochester Hills, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,158) developed by six co-inventors for a "windshield wiper assembly having an optimized airfoil." The co-inventors are Aaron Stankiewicz, Shelby Township, Mich., Rolando Lozano, Oxford, Mich., Mitica Polocoser, Wayne, Mich., Kyle Moll, Oxford, Mich., George Hojnacki, Commerce, Mich., and Christopher A. Weber, Troy, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A wiper assembly having a wiping element for contact with a windshield within a predetermined attack angle range of .+-.10.degree. perpendicular relative to the surface to be wiped. The wiper assembly further includes two elongated beams that are engaged to the wiping element and apply a downward force thereto. The wiper assembly also includes a connecting member mounted to the elongated beams. The wiper assembly also includes an airfoil that has an attachment portion attached to the elongated beams and an upper portion that is attached to the attachment portion. The upper portion includes a wing having a facing surface and a trailing surface that extend outwardly from the upper portion at converging angles to improve wind lift resistance and reduce drag." The patent application was filed on Feb. 26, 2010 (12/660,414). 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=83,36,158.PN.&OS=PN/83,36,158&RS=PN/83,36,158 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Whirlpool Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Whirlpool, Benton Harbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,322) developed by five co-inventors for a "distributed refrigeration system with optional storage module and controller." The co-inventors are Nihat O. Cur, St. Joseph, Mich., Steven John Kuehl, Stevensville, Mich., John Joseph Vonderhaar, St. Joseph, Mich., Diego Barone, Bergamo, Italy, and Lorenzo Bianchi, Varese, Italy. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A distributed refrigeration appliance system in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling including multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can also include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger and arranged for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a secondary cooling medium circuit. The refrigeration system can also have more than one refrigeration machine providing cooling to the secondary refrigeration loop." The patent application was filed on June 28, 2007 (11/769,989). 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=83,36,322.PN.&OS=PN/83,36,322&RS=PN/83,36,322 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Whirlpool Assigned Patent for Hybrid Multi-evaporator Central Cooling System for Modular Kitchen ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Whirlpool, Benton Harbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,321) developed by Nihat O. Cur, St. Joseph, Mich., and Steven John Kuehl, Stevensville, Mich., for a "hybrid multi-evaporator central cooling system for modular kitchen." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A distributed refrigeration appliance system for use in a residential kitchen and other locations in a dwelling and includes multiple separate refrigeration appliance modules, a central cooling system and a cooling circuit. The system can also include one or more satellite stations having a heat exchanger and arranged for supplying chilled air to one or more refrigeration appliance modules. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can include a thermal cascade cooling device to cool the module to lower temperatures than the cooling circuit can attain. One or more refrigeration appliance modules can be refrigeration/storage modules that can provide refrigerated, unconditioned or heated storage space. The central cooling system can be a vapor compression system having a refrigerant circuit connecting the modules. Alternately, the central cooling system can cool a secondary cooling medium circuit. The refrigeration system can also have more than one refrigeration machine providing cooling to the secondary refrigeration loop." The patent application was filed on June 28, 2007 (11/769,811). 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=83,36,321.PN.&OS=PN/83,36,321&RS=PN/83,36,321 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Ranir Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Ranir, Grand Rapids, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,155) developed by Scott P. Crossman, Rockford, Mich., and Dai Xiaoguo, Wenzhou Zhejiang, China, for a "replacement head for electric toothbrush." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A replacement head for an electromagnetic toothbrush drive includes a mechanical linkage assembly for converting linear drive motion into rotational movement of the brush head. The mechanical linkage assembly includes a fixed shaft and a lever arm that extend between a movable bottom member and a fixed top member, and a link member rotatably connected to the top member and the brush head. The lever arm pivots about a fulcrum formed in the top member, and engages the link member. When the bottom member oscillates as a results of the actuation of the electromagnet in the drive unit, the lever arm pivots about the fulcrum and drives the link member to rotate in an arc shaped pattern. The rotation of the link member consequently rotates the brush head." The patent application was filed on March 18, 2010 (12/726,701). 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=83,36,155.PN.&OS=PN/83,36,155&RS=PN/83,36,155 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** LTC Roll & Engineering Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- LTC Roll & Engineering, Clinton Township, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,356) developed by Andrew Michael Ligda, Shelby Township, Mich., for an "apparatus and process for reducing profile variations in sheet metal stock." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus and process for reducing variations in the profile of a sheet metal stock are shown and described. The process includes the use of two passes, each comprising two smoothing surfaces. The smoothing surfaces of each pass are mateable to define a profile between the smoothing surfaces. The profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the first pass is substantially the inverse of the profile defined between the smoothing surfaces of the second pass. As a sheet metal is processed between the first and second passes, it is formed with the first profile and the second profile thereby reducing variations in the profile of the sheet metal." The patent application was filed on May 6, 2011 (13/102,454). 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=83,36,356.PN.&OS=PN/83,36,356&RS=PN/83,36,356 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,300) developed by five co-inventors for a "system and method for regenerating a particulate filter accompanied by a catalyst." The co-inventors are Jeffrey Scott Hepburn, Birmingham, Mich., Helmut Hans Ruhland, Eschweiler, Germany, Moritz Klaus Springer, Hagen, Germany, Thomas Lorenz, Cologne, Germany, and Georg Louven, Neuwied, Germany. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for filtering and oxidizing particulate matter produced by a gasoline direct injection engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, engine cylinder air-fuel is adjusted to allow soot to oxidize at an upstream particulate filter while exhaust gases are efficiently processed in a downstream catalyst." The patent application was filed on Dec. 15, 2009 (12/638,511). 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=83,36,300.PN.&OS=PN/83,36,300&RS=PN/83,36,300 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Pall Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Pall, Port Washington, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (8,337,701) developed by Charles J. Martin, Dexter, Mich., and Jeffrey J. Toma, Ann Arbor, Mich., for an intravenous filter. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Intravenous fluid filter devices including a filter comprising spaced apart first and second filter elements comprising hydrophilic membranes and providing inside-out flow, and methods of using the devices, are disclosed." The patent application was filed on March 14, 2011 (13/047,124). 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=8,337,701&OS=8,337,701&RS=8,337,701 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Whirlpool Assigned Patent for Dishwasher with Separate Sump for Concentrated Fluid Supply ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Whirlpool, Benton Harbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,337,631) developed by six co-inventors for a "dishwasher with separate sump for concentrated fluid supply." The co-inventors are Boma M. Brown-West, Somerville, Mass., Kristopher L. Delgado, Stevensville, Mich., Janice M. Kaeding, Lawrence, Mich., Jamie M. McQueen, Overland Park, Kan., Sathish A. Sundaram, Benton Harbor, Mich., and Tremitchel Wright, Elkhart, Ind. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A dishwasher includes a main sump that holds the main wash fluid supply, and a separate sump formed in the bottom wall of the tub away from the main sump. The separate sump holds a concentrated wash fluid supply. The separate sump supplies wash fluid for washing periods in which a highly concentrated chemistry mixture is desired." The patent application was filed on March 8, 2010 (12/719,141). 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=8,337,631&OS=8,337,631&RS=8,337,631 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Whirlpool Assigned Patent for Non-integrated Bulk Dispenser and Method of Operating a Dishwasher having Same ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Whirlpool, Benton Harbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,337,628) developed by Paul E. Beshears Jr., Stevensville, Mich., and Sathish A. Sundaram, Saint Joseph, Mich., for a "non-integrated bulk dispenser and method of operating a dishwasher having same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A removable non-integrated treating chemistry dispensing cartridge assembly may emit a signal in response to a predetermined amount of treating chemistry being detected and in response to a predetermined amount of illumination being detected." The patent application was filed on Nov. 23, 2010 (12/952,571). 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=8,337,628&OS=8,337,628&RS=8,337,628 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Nucor Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Nucor, Charlotte, N.C., has been assigned a patent (8,337,643) developed by Weiping Sun, Canton, Mich., for a "hot rolled dual phase steel sheet." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A hot rolled steel sheet having a dual phase microstructure with a martensite phase of less than 35% by volume and a ferrite phase of more than 50% by volume and a composition containing by percent weight: 0.01.ltoreq.C.ltoreq.0.2; 0.3.ltoreq.Mn.ltoreq.3; 0.2.ltoreq.Si.ltoreq.2; 0.2.ltoreq.Cr+Ni.ltoreq.2; 0.01.ltoreq.Al.ltoreq.0.10; Mo less than about 0.2%, 0.0005.ltoreq.Ca.ltoreq.0.01, with the balance iron and incidental ingredients. Hot rolled sheet for cold rolling, the silicon range may be from about 0.05% to about 2%, and the amount of molybdenum may be up to 0.5%. Also, the hot rolled steel sheet has a tensile strength of at least 500 megapascals, a hole expansion ratio more than about 50%, and a yield strength/tensile strength ratio less than 70%." The patent application was filed on July 22, 2008 (12/177,844). 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=8,337,643&OS=8,337,643&RS=8,337,643 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Eaton Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Eaton, Cleveland, has been assigned a patent (8,337,696) developed by Mark Anthony Quintel, Kalamazoo, Mich., Craig Lee Imanse, Schoolcraft, Mich., and Christopher Scott Rau, Battle Creek, Mich., for a "method for making a bag filter housing." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A spinning method for making a seamless filter housing 50 with an elliptical bottom 52 and a bottom opening 58 for a drain port. An inlet port 62 is added after fabrication along with any optional sensor ports 64. The seamless filter housing 50 made with this process." The patent application was filed on Jan. 28, 2010 (12/695,210). 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=8,337,696&OS=8,337,696&RS=8,337,696 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,910) developed by Raymond E. Kalisz, Livonia, Mich., and Michael G. Orlowsky, Sterling Heights, Mich., for an "active bolster with integrated tear seam." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An active bolster is provided on an generally-planar interior trim panel. An invisible tear seam in the panel follows a closed path that is spaced away from a peripheral edge of the panel. An inflatable bladder has a rim bonded to the panel along an inward edge of the tear seam. A bowl-shaped reaction frame has a cavity receiving the inflatable bladder and has a rim bonded to the panel along an outward edge of the tear seam, so that the inflatable bladder is contained between the reaction frame and the interior trim panel. Inflation of the inflatable bladder causes the interior trim panel to tear at the tear seam causing the portion of the interior trim panel within the closed path to separate and expand away from the reaction frame into the passenger compartment." The patent application was filed on Oct. 3, 2011 (13/251,652). 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=8,336,910.PN.&OS=PN/8,336,910&RS=PN/8,336,910 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,657) developed by Brandon G. Dobbins, Grosse Pointe Shores, Mich., and Edgar Edward Donabedian, Livonia, Mich., for a "support structure for inverter system controller module." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A hybrid-electric vehicle has an engine compartment defined by a transverse rail extending generally parallel to a lateral axis of the vehicle, first and second side rails extending forwardly from the transverse rail, and a hood extending over the engine compartment. A hybrid-electric transmission is located in the engine compartment and an inverter system controller module (ISCM) is supported on an equipment shelf extending between the hybrid electric transmission and the hood. The equipment shelf includes an inclined portion attached to the transverse rail and extending upwardly and forwardly at an oblique angle; a generally horizontal tray projecting forwardly from the inclined portion above the hybrid electric transmission; and a lateral brace extending from a forward end of the tray laterally to the first side rail. The junction between the inclined portion and the tray forms a deformation trigger that absorbs crash loads." The patent application was filed on Feb. 12, 2010 (12/705,005). 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=8,336,657&OS=8,336,657&RS=8,336,657 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** SAF-HOLLAND Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- SAF-HOLLAND, Holland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,902) developed by Eric M. Terpsma, Holland, Mich., Roger L. Jansen III, Holton, Mich., and Richard T. Polanic, Hudsonville, Mich., for a hitch coupler. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A hitch coupler includes a frame that includes a back plate, a first plate connected to the back plate, a second plate connected to the back plate at a position spaced from the first plate extending between the first plate and the second plate and cooperating therewith to define an interior space, and a third plate connected to the back plate spaced from the second plate, wherein the first, second and third plates each include an aperture extending therethrough. The frame also includes a pin extending through the first, second and third apertures, such that the pin extends through the interior space and is adapted to slide within the apertures between an extended position and a retracted position, and a spring member biasing the pin towards the extended position." The patent application was filed on June 30, 2010 (12/827,685). 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=8,336,902.PN.&OS=PN/8,336,902&RS=PN/8,336,902 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Ford Motor Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Ford Motor, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,338,044) developed by four co-inventors for a "system and method for detecting a fuel cell anode gas composition." The co-inventors are Milos Milacic, New Boston, Mich., Falko Berg, Canton, Mich., Jordan John Masters, Schafhof, Germany, and Suriyaprakash Ayyangar Janarthanam, Westland, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In at least one embodiment, a purge system for a fuel cell stack is provided. The system comprises a blower, a differential pressure sensor and a purge valve. The blower delivers a recirculated gas back to the stack at varying electrical power levels and blower speeds. The differential pressure sensor senses pressure of the recirculated gas across the blower. The purge valve purges the recirculated gas based on at least one of a blower power level, a blower speed, and the pressure of the recirculated gas." The patent application was filed on Jan. 15, 2009 (12/354,181). 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=8,338,044.PN.&OS=PN/8,338,044&RS=PN/8,338,044 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent for Insert Molded TPO Chute for Automotive air Bag System ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,908) developed by Raymond E. Kalisz, Livonia, Mich., and Kenneth J. Kwasnik, Shelby Township, Mich., for an "insert molded TPO chute for automotive air bag system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An automotive air bag system for a vehicle includes an instrument panel substrate comprised a first moldable thermoplastic characterized by a first melting temperature. The instrument panel substrate has a substantially smooth outer surface for facing a passenger compartment of the vehicle. A chute is comprised a second moldable thermoplastic characterized by a second melting temperature lower than the first melting temperature. The chute includes an in-mold tear seam and a hinge for an air bag deployment door and a passageway for guiding an inflating air bag to the deployment door. The chute is attached to an inner surface of the instrument panel substrate by insert molding in which injection of the first moldable thermoplastic causes a partial melting of the second moldable thermoplastic." The patent application was filed on Aug. 8, 2011 (13/204,942). 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=8,336,908.PN.&OS=PN/8,336,908&RS=PN/8,336,908 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Nissan North America Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Nissan North America, Franklin, Tenn., has been assigned a patent (8,337,975) developed by Thomas Mally, Farmington Hills, Mich., for a vehicle panel. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vehicle panel basically includes a skin layer, a substrate layer and a foam material. The skin layer includes an inbound facing side and an outbound facing side. The substrate layer includes an inbound facing side and an outbound facing side, with the inbound facing side of the substrate layer overlying and spaced from the outbound facing side of the skin layer to form a space therebetween. The foam material includes a first foam layer disposed in the space between the skin layer and the substrate layer and a second foam layer overlying the outbound facing side of the substrate layer, with the first and second foam layers being interconnected as a unitary member through at least one opening in the substrate layer." The patent application was filed on Jan. 21, 2009 (12/356,848). 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=8,337,975.PN.&OS=PN/8,337,975&RS=PN/8,337,975 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Systems for and Methods of Facilitating a Lateral Maneuver by a Vehicle ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,336,912) developed by Alan L. Browne, Grosse Pointe, Mich., Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Oakland Township, Mich., and Mark A. Kramarczyk, Sterling Heights, Mich., for "systems for and methods of facilitating a lateral maneuver by a vehicle." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for and method of facilitating or enabling a lateral maneuver by a vehicle, including and utilizing a plurality of selectively engaged low friction components, such as rollers, bearings, balls, or high durometer high abrasion resistant low loss modulus rubber treads, and an actuator, such as at least one inflatable bladder, pivotal support strut, or active material element, drivenly coupled to the components." The patent application was filed on Oct. 11, 2009 (12/577,196). 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=8,336,912.PN.&OS=PN/8,336,912&RS=PN/8,336,912 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership, Plymouth, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,886) developed by Alexander Berdichevsky, Farmington Hills, Mich., Sumit Moondra, Manchester, N.H., and Anthony D. Joquico, Macomb, Mich., for a contaminant exclusion seal. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A seal assembly for sealing a space between a rotating shaft and a housing. In this regard, the seal assembly includes a rotating component connected to the shaft, and a stationary component connected to the housing. A first seal is connected to the rotating component and a second seal is connected to the stationary component. The first seal includes at least one dispersion member that generates a fluid disturbance in a region adjacent the space during rotation of the rotating component and a discontinuity that provide a pathway for a contaminant to exit the space." The patent application was filed on Feb. 13, 2008 (12/030,601). 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=8,336,886.PN.&OS=PN/8,336,886&RS=PN/8,336,886 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** GM Global Technology Assigned Patent for Arrangement for Housing a Device in an Interior of a Vehicle ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,336,941) developed by Thomas A. Jones, Macomb, Mich., Timothy Saunders, Warren, Mich., and Raymond A. Beaufait, Macomb, Mich., for an "arrangement for housing a device in an interior of a vehicle." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An arrangement for housing a device in an interior of a vehicle is disclosed herein. The arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a trim component that is configured to be mounted within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The trim component defines a cavity. The cavity is configured to substantially conform to the device, to engage with multiple surfaces of the device, and to support the device in a generally horizontal orientation. The trim component further defines an opening to the cavity. The arrangement further includes a retaining body that is connected to the trim component. The retaining body is configured to inhibit egress of the device from the cavity through the opening when the device is positioned within the cavity." The patent application was filed on June 29, 2011 (13/172,526). 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=8,336,941.PN.&OS=PN/8,336,941&RS=PN/8,336,941 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Numatics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Numatics, Novi, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,852) developed by Shane LaHousse, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Gustavo Villegas, Novi, Mich., for a "cartridge valve and manifold assembly." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: " cartridge valve and valve manifold assembly having a valve manifold with at least one valve receptacle for threadlessly receiving and seating a cartridge valve. A threadless valve nose engages the cartridge valve with the manifold to provide an increased diameter central orifice for improved fluid flow." The patent application was filed on July 21, 2010 (12/840,389). 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=8,336,852.PN.&OS=PN/8,336,852&RS=PN/8,336,852 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Trijicon Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Trijicon, Wixom, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,336,776) developed by four co-inventors for "aiming system for weapon." The co-inventors are Anthony Horvath, Temperance, Mich., Aaron Adkins, White Lake, Mich., Richard Willard, San Diego, and Paul Stoltz, Boulder, Colo. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An aiming system for use with a weapon is provided and may include a processor, at least one sensor in communication with the processor, and a memory in communication with the processor. The aiming system may also include a display in communication with the processor that displays a corrected-aiming point based on at least one simulated bullet trajectory and at least one simulated bullet impact location determined by the processor." The patent application was filed on May 20, 2011 (13/112,365). 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=8,336,776.PN.&OS=PN/8,336,776&RS=PN/8,336,776 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Access Business Group International, Michigan State University Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 31 -- Access Business Group International, Ada, Mich., and Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., have been assigned a patent (8,337,914) developed by eleven co-inventors for a "dietary food supplement containing natural cyclooxygenase inhibitors and methods for inhibiting pain and inflammation." The co-inventors are Muraleedharan G. Nair, Okemos, Mich., David L. Dewitt, Okemos, Mich., Haibo Wang, Fresno, Calif., David W. Krempin, Temecula, Calif., Dipak K. Mody, Temecula, Calif., David G. Groh, Temecula, Calif., Mary A. Murray, Irvine, Calif., Marc Lemay, Long Beach, Calif., Yong Qian, San Diego, Audra J. Davies, Long Beach, Calif., and Robin Dykhouse, Newport Beach, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention describes food supplements that contain one or more fruit extracts useful for pain relief and anti-inflammation. The food supplements may be used to inhibit inflammation mediated by cyclooxygenase and more particularly by cyclooxygenase-2." The patent application was filed on Sept. 21, 2004 (10/945,609). 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=8,337,914.PN.&OS=PN/8,337,914&RS=PN/8,337,914 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. 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. -1109654 (c) 2012 Targeted News Service |