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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Michigan (May 13)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Michigan. *** Lear Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Lear, Southfield, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,434,818) developed by four co-inventors for a "vehicle seat having active head restraint." The co-inventors are Mladen Humer, Eastpointe, Mich., Nagarjun Yetukuri, Rochester Hills, Mich., Gerald Locke, Lake Orion, Mich., and Dale Smallwood, Clarkston, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vehicle seat assembly having a seatback frame, an upper armature that is movable relative to the seatback frame and a head restraint mounted on the upper armature. A linkage assembly operatively interconnects the upper armature and an impact body such that movement of the impact body relative to the seatback frame acts on the linkage assembly to move the upper armature relative to the seatback frame to cause the head restraint to move toward the occupant. The linkage assembly includes a linkage and a coupler movably connected to the linkage. The coupler includes a first member movably connected to the seatback frame and a second member movably connected to the first member at a location below the upper end of the impact body." The patent application was filed on June 22, 2012 (13/530,294). 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=8,434,818.PN.&OS=PN/8,434,818&RS=PN/8,434,818 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Vibracoustic North America Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Vibracoustic North America, Plymouth, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,434,749) developed by four co-inventors for a body mount assembly. The co-inventors are Timothy A. Rogge, Whitmore Lake, Mich., Neil Stewart Cummings, Ann Arbor, Mich., Mickey L. Love, Londonderry, N.H., and Robert James Ramm, Amherst, N.H. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A body mount for use in motor vehicles in which the mount is sandwiched between the subframe and body. The mount has an insert member with an oblong shape in the lateral displacement direction of the vehicle. The insert member is surrounded by a microcellular urethane body. The oblong shape increases the compression of the microcellular urethane body that can be used to respond to lateral forces. The lateral response rate can be stiffer than the fore and aft response rate. The isolation mount also can facilitate fine tuning thereof by selectively indenting a cup member surrounding the microcellular urethane body to adjust the vibration characteristics of the body mount." The patent application was filed on May 12, 2006 (11/433,914). 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=8,434,749.PN.&OS=PN/8,434,749&RS=PN/8,434,749 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Silver Street Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Silver Street, Shelby, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,434,835) developed by Craig A. Hardy, Hart, Mich., and Randall J. Seaver, Hart, Mich., for a "wall mounting system for movably mounting modular institutional furniture and fixtures." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A modular mounting system for institutional or classroom furniture or fixtures includes mounting rails that are attached to a wall surface in a horizontal orientation and that are vertically spaced. The mounting rails have a flat wall-mounting portion, with upper and lower T-shaped sections projecting therefrom, forming upper and lower U-channels and a central C-channel. The wall-mounting portion has a lower chamfered edge. Sections of mounting rail are aligned by a spline inserted into the C-channel. The system is infinitely adaptable to a wide range of changing uses for the classroom, with each element of the modular classroom furniture easily mounted to or removed from the mounting rail with only a screwdriver. The selectable elements include a flat panel accessory that rides between the upper and lower mounting rails, an accessory tray, and vertical rail members and casegoods in various configurations that attach to one or both rails." The patent application was filed on Jan. 10, 2011 (12/987,511). 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=8,434,835.PN.&OS=PN/8,434,835&RS=PN/8,434,835 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** TK Holdings Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- TK Holdings, Auburn Hills, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,434,819) developed by Michael D. Guerrero, Rochester, Mich., for an occupant safety system. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An occupant safety system for protecting the occupant of a vehicle seat, the system comprising a movable seat supporting member located under the vehicle seat, the supporting member being operatively connected to the vehicle seat so that the seat moves with the supporting member; and a driving member connected to the supporting member by an elongated linking member; wherein the driving member includes a movable actuator connected to the linking member; wherein the driving member is configured to drive the actuator in a rearward direction causing a corresponding rearward movement of the linking member, wherein movement of the linking member in the rearward direction pulls the supporting member and the vehicle seat in the rearward direction." The patent application was filed on Dec. 7, 2010 (12/962,416). 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=8,434,819.PN.&OS=PN/8,434,819&RS=PN/8,434,819 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Johnson Controls Technology Assigned Patent for Channel for Slide-on-rod Visors ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Johnson Controls Technology, Holland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,434,811) developed by six co-inventors for a "channel for slide-on-rod visors." The co-inventors are Brent D. Rockafellow, Holland, Mich., Thomas S. Hodgson, Holland, Mich., Stacy G. Frye, Holland, Mich., Bryan T. Jones, Holland, Mich., Philip A. Lehman, West Olive, Mich., and Kenneth D. Kreuze, Holland, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "This invention relates to a vehicle visor, comprising a visor pivot rod, a carrier on the visor pivot rod, a spring mechanism inside the carrier, and an open channel with a first end and a second end, wherein at least a portion of the carrier extends into the interior." The patent application was filed on Oct. 15, 2009 (13/123,430). 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=8,434,811.PN.&OS=PN/8,434,811&RS=PN/8,434,811 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,434,823) developed by five co-inventors for a reclining seat assembly. The co-inventors are Robert Du, Canton, Mich., Paul G. Ferraiuolo, Allen Park, Mich., Jerry R. Brown, Northville, Mich., Brian Haidar, Livonia, Mich., and Jerry J. Naujokas, Canton, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An eccentric free pivot for a reclining seat assembly may include a seat cushion, a seatback, a gear system, an input mechanism, a rod, and an eccentric pivot. The gear system may pivotally couple the seat cushion to the seatback. A rod extending generally across the seat assembly may be coupled to the gear system on one side and the eccentric pivot on the other side. When the gear system and/or input mechanism rotate the rod and eccentric pivot, this rotation causes the side of the seatback opposite the gear system and/or input mechanism to move up and down." The patent application was filed on July 17, 2009 (12/505,441). 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=8,434,823.PN.&OS=PN/8,434,823&RS=PN/8,434,823 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent for Vehicle Visor having Mirror Assembly ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,434,812) developed by four co-inventors for a "vehicle visor having mirror assembly." The co-inventors are Chi Li, Farmington Hills, Mich., John Andrew Stakoe, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Changhong Chen, Canton, Mich., and Haibo Wang, Windsor, Canada. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vehicle visor is provided that includes a mirror assembly. The visor body has a first side and a second side and pivots between a stowed position and a downward use position. The visor body further includes a mirror assembly located on the visor body. The mirror assembly includes a conversation mirror that is extendable from a first side of the visor body for viewing from the first side of the visor body, and is stowable within the visor body for viewing through an aperture from the second side of the visor body. The mirror may serve as a vanity mirror." The patent application was filed on July 11, 2011 (13/179,779). 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=8,434,812.PN.&OS=PN/8,434,812&RS=PN/8,434,812 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Tenneco Automotive Operating Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Tenneco Automotive Operating, Lake Forest, Ill., has been assigned a patent (8,434,772) developed by five co-inventors for a "damper tube reinforcement sleeve." The co-inventors are Daniel T. Keil, Temperance, Mich., Ben Schaller, Toledo, Ohio, Christopher Conrad, Ann Arbor, Mich., Laxman Subramaniam, Canton, Mich., and Michal Nowak, Sint-Truiden, Belgium. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A strut assembly includes an upper mount assembly, a shock absorber and a knuckle. The upper mount assembly is attached to a piston rod which is a part of the shock absorber. The knuckle is attached to an outer tube of the shock absorber which can be a reserve tube of a dual-tube shock absorber or a pressure tube of a single tube shock absorber. A reinforcement member increases the strength of the outer tube in the area that interfaces with the knuckle and the area that is directly above the knuckle." The patent application was filed on June 23, 2011 (13/167,056). 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=8,434,772.PN.&OS=PN/8,434,772&RS=PN/8,434,772 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Dedoes Industries Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Dedoes Industries, Walled Lake, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,434,649) developed by Sebastien Gouverneur, Royal Oak, Mich., and Scott Boboltz, Okemos, Mich., for a paint can dispenser. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A dispenser for a paint container having an access opening. The dispenser includes a main lid which is attachable to the paint can access opening and includes a threaded stem. A flow restrictor is threadably mounted to the threaded stem so that rotation of the flow restrictor relative to the stem axially displaces the flow restrictor along the stem. A turret is rotatably mounted to the main lid and includes a dispensing opening. The turret is mounted to the main lid so that the turret is locked against axial movement but freely rotatable relative to the main lid. The turret includes at least one axially extending slot which slidably receives an outwardly extending tab from the flow restrictor so that rotation of the turret axially displaces the flow restrictor along the stem." The patent application was filed on Jan. 11, 2010 (12/685,122). 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=8,434,649.PN.&OS=PN/8,434,649&RS=PN/8,434,649 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Gentherm Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Gentherm, Northville, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,434,314) developed by Brian Comiskey, Coto de Caza, Calif., and John Terech, Milan, Mich., for "climate control systems and methods." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly includes activating a heating element positioned within the seat assembly beneath a seat covering. A fluid module that includes a fluid supply device and a thermoelectric element is activated to direct heated air from the fluid module to a space adjacent the seat assembly through a distribution system formed at least partially in the seat cushion. After a period of time, the heating element is deactivated." The patent application was filed on Nov. 8, 2010 (12/941,779). 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=84,34,314.PN.&OS=PN/84,34,314&RS=PN/84,34,314 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Vanair Manufacturing Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Vanair Manufacturing, Michigan City, Ind., has been assigned a patent (8,435,011) developed by Jeffrey Scott Rohl, Three Oaks, Mich., for an "integrated compressor and pump unit and vehicles equipped therewith." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An integrated compressor and pump unit suitable for installation on a vehicle and draw rotary power from a power source of the vehicle. The unit includes a compressor unit and a separate pump unit. The compressor unit has a rotary input shaft coupled to a rotary compressing device of the compressor unit. The pump unit is mounted to the compressor unit and has a rotary input shaft coupled to a rotary pumping device of the pump unit. The pump unit is secured to the compressor unit and rotary motion is transferred from the rotary input shaft of the compressor unit to the rotary input shaft of the pump unit such that the rotary compressing and rotary pumping devices operate in unison and in series." The patent application was filed on May 7, 2010 (12/776,078). 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=8,435,011&OS=8,435,011&RS=8,435,011 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Barnes Group Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Barnes Group, Bristol, Conn., has been assigned a patent (8,434,340) developed by four co-inventors for a "method for forming a stamped metal part." The co-inventors are Eugenio Ferreira Cunha, San Paolo, Brazil, Emira Meka, Sterling Heights, Mich., James Bernabe, Southington, Conn., and Jason Sicotte, Bristol, Conn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An improved stamped metal part and method for making the same." The patent application was filed on Dec. 18, 2009 (12/642,262). 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=84,34,340.PN.&OS=PN/84,34,340&RS=PN/84,34,340 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,434,295) developed by Thomas Leone, Ypsilanti, Mich., Al Berger, Brownstown, Mich., and Jeff Doering, Canton, Mich., for a "system and method for reducing NOx emissions in an apparatus having a diesel engine." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for increasing temperature of an aftertreatment device configured to treat emissions from a diesel engine includes adjusting intake valve closure timing." The patent application was filed on July 14, 2008 (12/172,352). 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=84,34,295.PN.&OS=PN/84,34,295&RS=PN/84,34,295 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Eaton Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Eaton, Cleveland, has been assigned a patent (8,434,302) developed by seven co-inventors for a "hydraulic system including open loop and closed loop valve control schemes." The co-inventors are Duqiang Wu, Eden Prairie, Minn., G. Clark Fortune, Farmington Hills, Mich., Aaron H. Jagoda, St. Louis Park, Minn., John Ryan Kess, Bloomington, Minn., Thomas J. Stoltz, Allen Park, Mich., Paul Brenner, Chaska, Minn., and Benjamin Morris, Ann Arbor, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An exemplary hydraulic system includes a digital valve operable to fluidly connect a hydraulic load to a pressure supply. A digital controller is operably connected to the digital valve. The digital controller stores a target value of a hydraulic system operating parameter and is configured to formulate a pulse width modulated control signal based on the target value. The digital controller transmits the control signal to the digital valve for controlling the operation of the valve." The patent application was filed on April 13, 2009 (12/422,911). 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=84,34,302.PN.&OS=PN/84,34,302&RS=PN/84,34,302 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** U.S. Navy Assigned Patent for Protective Ballistic Shield ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- The U.S. Navy has been assigned a patent (8,434,395) developed by four co-inventors for a protective ballistic shield. The co-inventors are Frank Petrosillo, West Milford, N.J., Daniel Gennarelli, East Hanover, N.J., Louis Campanile, Denville, N.J., and Chad Young, Macomb, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A protective shield may include an inboard shield assembly having an inboard shield and an inboard base. The inboard shield may include a forward plate fixed at an angle to a center plate and a rear plate fixed at an angle to the center plate. The center plate may include a window opening and a window fixed over the window opening. The protective shield may also include an outboard shield assembly having an outboard shield and an outboard base. The outboard shield may include a forward plate fixed at an angle to a center plate and a rear plate fixed at an angle to the center plate. The center plate may include a window opening and a window fixed over the window opening. A splice plate may connect portions of the inboard and outboard bases." The patent application was filed on Jan. 6, 2010 (12/652,852). 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=84,34,395.PN.&OS=PN/84,34,395&RS=PN/84,34,395 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Donnelly Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Donnelly, Holland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,434,919) developed by Kenneth Schofield, Holland, Mich., for an "adaptive forward lighting system for vehicle." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An adaptive forward lighting system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor having a field of view forward of the direction of travel of the controlled vehicle. A control processes image data to determine, at least in part, at least one of (i) the presence of an object of interest in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor, (ii) the location of an object of interest in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor, and (iii) a characteristic of an object of interest in the forward field of view of the imaging sensor. A beam pattern of a vehicle headlamp of the controlled vehicle is adjusted responsive, at least in part, to the processing of the image data. The control receives vehicle data via a vehicle communication bus. The control, responsive to processing of image data, is operable to provide at least one other function." The patent application was filed on April 20, 2012 (13/452,130). 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=8,434,919&OS=8,434,919&RS=8,434,919 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Multi-speed Transmission ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,435,153) developed by four co-inventors for a multi-speed transmission. The co-inventors are Andrew W. Phillips, Rochester, Mich., James M. Hart, Belleville, Mich., Scott H. Wittkopp, Ypsilanti, Mich., and Clinton E. Carey, Highland, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio." The patent application was filed on Nov. 14, 2011 (13/295,782). 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=8,435,153&OS=8,435,153&RS=8,435,153 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,434,386) developed by four co-inventors for "cooling a power transfer unit." The co-inventors are James Thomas Gooden, Canton, Mich., Shaun Gordon Knowles, Canton, Mich., Anthony Paskus, Rochester Hills, Mich., and Andrew Christopher Posa, Plymouth, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for cooling a power transfer unit includes a case enclosing said unit and including an outer surface, a chamber bounded by said outer surface, an inlet for carrying coolant from a source of pressurized coolant into the chamber, and an outlet for carrying coolant from the chamber." The patent application was filed on May 13, 2011 (13/106,945). 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=84,34,386.PN.&OS=PN/84,34,386&RS=PN/84,34,386 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Brunswick Bowling & Billards Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Brunswick Bowling & Billards, Lake Forest, Ill., has been assigned a patent (8,435,128) developed by four co-inventors for a "bowling lane with mural image." The co-inventors are Joy Eling, Grand Haven, Mich., Troy Recknagel, Muskegon, Mich., Kurt Harz, Lisle, Ill., and John Roush, Kansas City, Mo. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A bowling lane with a mural image is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of bowling lane panels are provided, wherein each bowling lane panel depicts a different portion of a mural image. The plurality of bowling lane panels are assembled and secured onto a surface such that the assembly of the plurality of bowling lane panels forms the mural image. In another embodiment, a bowling center is provided with at least two bowling lanes. Each bowling lane depicts a mural image, and the mural images on the various bowling lanes form a composite multi-lane mural image." The patent application was filed on Jan. 29, 2010 (12/657,866). 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=8,435,128&OS=8,435,128&RS=8,435,128 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Dual Clutch Multi-speed Transmission ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,434,380) developed by Craig S. Ross, Ypsilanti, Mich., for a "dual clutch multi-speed transmission." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A transmission includes an input member, an output transfer gear, first and second shaft members, a countershaft, a reverse shaft member, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output gear." The patent application was filed on Nov. 10, 2009 (12/615,990). 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=84,34,380.PN.&OS=PN/84,34,380&RS=PN/84,34,380 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Eight Speed Automatic Transmission ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,435,152) developed by four co-inventors for an "eight speed automatic transmission." The co-inventors are Clinton E. Carey, Highland, Mich., James M. Hart, Belleville, Mich., Andrew W. Phillips, Rochester, Mich., and Scott H. Wittkopp, Ypsilanti, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An eight speed automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets and five torque transmitting devices. Three of the planetary gear sets are simple and one planetary gear set is compound. Each of the plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members: a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet carrier having a plurality of planet gears rotatably disposed thereon. Three of the torque transmitting devices are clutches and two of the devices are brakes. Eight embodiments of the transmission having different arrangements of the planetary gear sets, clutches and brakes are disclosed." The patent application was filed on April 16, 2012 (13/447,934). 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=8,435,152&OS=8,435,152&RS=8,435,152 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Vibration Absorber ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,435,123) developed by four co-inventors for a vibration absorber. The co-inventors are Shushan Bai, Ann Arbor, Mich., Paul G. Otanez, Troy, Mich., Vijay A. Neelakantan, Rochester Hills, Mich., and Donald L. Dusenberry, Farmington Hills, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for absorbing vibration created by operation of an engine of the present invention includes a first plate driven by an engine shaft and a torque transmitting device for transferring torque from the engine shaft to a transmission input shaft. The system includes a first vibration absorber and a second vibration absorber. The first vibration absorber includes at least one selectively moveable mass. The second vibration absorber includes at least one biasing member and generally opposing ends. The first vibration absorber is configured to absorb vibrations created at a first harmonic of the engine and the second vibration absorber is configured to absorb vibrations created at multiple harmonics of the engine." The patent application was filed on Jan. 14, 2011 (13/006,924). 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=8,435,123&OS=8,435,123&RS=8,435,123 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Whirlpool Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Whirlpool, Benton Harbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,434,401) developed by Lukasz D. Skalski, Benton Harbor, Mich., and Tiemen T. Van Dillen, Varese, Italy, for a "liquid flow control and beverage preparation apparatus." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension." The patent application was filed on April 5, 2012 (13/439,910). 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=84,34,401.PN.&OS=PN/84,34,401&RS=PN/84,34,401 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,435,148) developed by Steven P. Moorman, Dexter, Mich., for a "hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission having electronic transmission range selection with failure mode control." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid that communicates with an electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) subsystem. The ETRS subsystem includes an ETRS valve, a park mechanism, first and second mode valve assemblies, a latch valve assembly, and a plurality of solenoids. The ETRS subsystem is configured to provide desired operating conditions during a plurality of potential failure conditions." The patent application was filed on Dec. 9, 2010 (12/964,545). 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=8,435,148&OS=8,435,148&RS=8,435,148 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Guardian Industries Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Guardian Industries, Auburn Hills, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,434,904) developed by Jemssy Alvarez, Gregory, Mich., for "insulated glass units incorporating emitters, and/or methods of making the same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Certain example embodiments relate to an improved IGU with first and second glass substrates, spaced apart and defining a gap therebetween. An edge seal is provided around a periphery of the first and second substrates, the edge seal forming an hermetic seal in certain example instances. An emitter is disposed in the gap defined by the first and second glass substrates. A conductive interface is provided through the edge seal, and is arranged to interface with the emitter and to provide electrical current to the emitter. The conductive interface in certain example embodiments may include one or more bus bars, one or more pattered thin film lines, etc." The patent application was filed on Dec. 6, 2010 (12/926,713). 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=8,434,904&OS=8,434,904&RS=8,434,904 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Low Content Control System for a Dual Clutch Transmission ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,434,603) developed by four co-inventors for a "low content control system for a dual clutch transmission." The co-inventors are Philip C. Lundberg, Keego Harbo, Mich., Bret M. Olson, Whitelake, Mich., Robert L. Moses, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Kevin Michael Dougan, Plymouth, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, first and second actuator control devices in downstream fluid communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, and first and second clutch control devices in downstream fluid communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. A first valve is in downstream fluid communication with the first and second actuator control devices. A second valve is in downstream fluid communication with the first valve, the first clutch control device and the second clutch control device, and the second valve is moveable between two positions by the first and second clutch control devices. Selective activation of combinations of the control devices allows for a pressurized fluid to engage the dual clutch and an actuator in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio." The patent application was filed on Feb. 17, 2010 (12/707,494). 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=8,434,603&OS=8,434,603&RS=8,434,603 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Utica Enterprises Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- Utica Enterprises, Shelby Township, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,434,214) developed by Timothy J. Marx, Macomb, Mich., for "vehicle body assembly apparatus having triaxial position sensing." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Vehicle body assembly apparatus (10) includes a sensor assembly (11) having a lateral Y axis slide assembly (20), a longitudinal X axis assembly (22) and a vertical Z axis assembly (24) that respectively include magnetostrictive type linear sensors for sensing X, Y and Z locations of a vehicle body to control vehicle body assembly. Signals of the X, Y and Z locations are sent to a controller (12) that operates a robot (14r) that supports an end effector." The patent application was filed on July 26, 2011 (13/190,789). 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=8,434,214&OS=8,434,214&RS=8,434,214 Written by Neha Bharti; edited by Jaya Anand. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,434,607) developed by five co-inventors for a "compact torque transmitting assembly." The co-inventors are Anton W. Nausieda, White Lake, Mich., Michael H. Welch, Davisburg, Mich., Charles S. Davis, Livonia, Mich., Tami A. Curtis, South Lyon, Mich., and Zhipeng Han, Canton, Mich. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A torque transmitting device for transmitting torque between a first and second members includes an annular piston that defines an axis and an apply plate translatable along the axis between an unengaged position and an engaged position. The apply plate has a first end disposed radially inward of a second end and is in contact with the piston. An apply disc is rotationally coupled to the first member and is translatable between unengaged and engaged positions. The apply disc is disposed radially outward of the piston. A backing disc is rotationally and axially fixed to the first member and disposed radially outward of the piston. A friction plate is disposed between the apply disc and the backing disc. The friction plate has a first end disposed radially inward of a second end and is rotationally coupled to the second member. The friction plate is disposed radially outward of the piston." The patent application was filed on Feb. 23, 2010 (12/711,043). 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=8,434,607&OS=8,434,607&RS=8,434,607 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 13 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,436,269) developed by David R. Sigler, Shelby Township, Mich., and Michael J. Karagoulis, Okemos, Mich., for "welding electrode with contoured face." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Welding electrodes with a welding face for contact with a metal surface for electrical resistance welding are provided with concentric contoured rings formed into the face. The rings may, for example, be ridges upstanding in the face or grooves depressed into the face. The contoured rings may be radially spaced with relatively flat (depending on the curvature of the face) intervening rings. When the electrode is pressed into contact with the surface of the workpiece for delivery of a welding current, the features of the concentric rings penetrate surface oxides or other conductivity barriers. When ongoing welding operations have eroded the contoured rings they may be rapidly reformed in the weld face in a surface re-dressing operation." The patent application was filed on Sept. 28, 2006 (11/536,001). 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=8,436,269&OS=8,436,269&RS=8,436,269 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. 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