[May 21, 2013] U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in California (May 21) Tweet (Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in California. *** University of California Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- The University of California, Oakland, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,439,915) developed by four co-inventors for an "apparatus and methods for magnetic alteration of anatomical features." The co-inventors are Michael R. Harrison, San Francisco, Richard J. Fechter, San Rafael, Calif., Arthur Moran, San Bruno, Calif., and Darrell Christensen, Petaluma, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods are disclosed for manipulating an anatomical feature within the body of the patient. An implant such as an internal jackscrew is implanted at the anatomical and has first and second attachment points that secure to spaced-apart locations on the anatomical feature, an internal rotor coupled to the jackscrew, and is configured to drive motion of the jackscrew to manipulate the anatomical feature. The system further includes an external rotor that is magnetically coupled to the internal rotor such that rotation of the external rotor at an exterior location to the patient's body affects a corresponding internal rotation of the internal rotor to manipulate the anatomical feature." The patent application was filed on Feb. 22, 2007 (11/677,700). 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=8,439,915&OS=8,439,915&RS=8,439,915 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Attachment Guide Comb Organizer ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Matthew Justin Michel, Los Angeles, has developed a patent (8,439,190) for an "attachment guide comb organizer." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A dummy hair clipper head, or dummy blade, which is a form conforming to those dimensions of a hair clipper's stationary blade which are necessary for its compatibility with attachment guide combs, is employed in an attachment guide comb organizer which comprises a plurality of interconnected forms, whereby a plurality of attachment guide combs can be stored and organized. By interconnecting the forms with either a rigid, contoured or flexible means, with the options of placing them within a container and of making them releasable, the organization and storage of a set of attachment guide combs can be customized. For the purposes of storage the form can be flexible and have a reduced structure from that of the stationary blade. The use of the form also makes possible a variety of new uses for attachment guide combs including a scissor comb, razor comb, and conduit comb." The patent application was filed on April 14, 2009 (12/422,993). 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=84,39,190.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,190&RS=PN/84,39,190 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Merit Medical Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Merit Medical Systems, South Jordan, Utah, has been assigned a patent (8,439,934) developed by four co-inventors for a "medical delivery device with a protective member." The co-inventors are Pankaj Satasiya, San Jose, Calif., William Webb, Huntersville, N.C., Jason Reynolds, Barnegat, N.J., and Robert R. Snider, Dallas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A delivery device for positioning and deploying an implantable device within a lumen is provided. The delivery device includes inner and outer tubular members slidable to each other between at least a first hold position and a second release position, a handle and a deployment mechanism adapted for an operator to use a first hand for operating the delivery device and moving the tubular members between the first and second positions. The delivery device further includes a protective member adapted for insulating at least a portion of the outer tubular member from the tendency of the operator to use his or her second hand to grab the outer tubular member during operations or from other external forces." The patent application was filed on Aug. 5, 2009 (12/535,980). 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=8,439,934&OS=8,439,934&RS=8,439,934 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Cabochon Aesthetics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Cabochon Aesthetics, Menlo Park, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,439,940) developed by four co-inventors for a "dissection handpiece with aspiration means for reducing the appearance of cellulite." The co-inventors are James E. Chomas, Denver, Adnan I. Merchant, Fremont, Calif., Robert L. Clark III, Hayward, Calif., and Ben F. Brian III, Menlo Park, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes. A tool is provided to aspirate excess fluid and tissue from the treatment area." The patent application was filed on Dec. 22, 2010 (12/975,966). 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=8,439,940&OS=8,439,940&RS=8,439,940 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Covidien Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Covidien, Mansfield, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,439,912) developed by James S. Cunningham, Boulder, Colo., and Eric Jones, Livermore, Calif., for a "de-tensioning mechanism for articulation drive cables." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. An end effector for treating tissue is supported by the elongated shaft. One or more tensile members extend at least partially through the elongated shaft. A proximal end of a tensile member is operatively coupled to at least one actuator and a distal end is operatively coupled to the end effector such that manipulation of the actuator induces movement of the tensile member to move the end effector. A de-tensioning mechanism is operatively associated with the tensile member to move the tensile member between a first relaxed configuration and a second stressed configuration. The de-tensioning mechanism includes a spacer insertable into a cavity defined in the housing to move the tensile member to the first relaxed configuration and removable from the cavity to move the at least one tensile member to the second stressed configuration." The patent application was filed on Feb. 26, 2010 (12/714,127). 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=8,439,912&OS=8,439,912&RS=8,439,912 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Stryker Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Stryker, Kalamazoo, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,439,946) developed by M. Todd Miller, San Jose, Calif., Chad Wayne Lewis, Layton, Utah, and David Eloy Quinones Morales, Arroyo, Puerto Rico, for a "suture anchor having a suture engaging structure and inserter arrangement." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A suture anchor and inserter arrangement, including a suture anchor for implanting in hard tissue, such as bone, and an inserter device for installing the suture anchor in hard tissue. The suture anchor carries thereon a suture-engaging structure formed as a loop, which loop defines an attachment location for a working suture associated with the inserter device so as to attach the working suture to the suture anchor." The patent application was filed on May 21, 2012 (13/476,525). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,439,946&OS=8,439,946&RS=8,439,946 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Trinity Orthopedics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Trinity Orthopedics, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (8,439,925) developed by James F. Marino, La Jolla, Calif., and Jamil Elbanna, San Diego, for a "transiliac-transsacral method of performing lumbar spinal interventions." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "This disclosure is directed to minimally-invasive devices, methods and systems for treating vertebral diseases and injuries using multiple therapeutic procedures through small access portals of sufficient dimension that minimize trauma to the patient. More particularly, disclosed herein are devices, methods and systems for an intraosseous transiliac-transsacral surgical approach through the iliac ala and sacral ala that can be used for a variety of surgical procedures within the lumbar spine." The patent application was filed on May 11, 2010 (12/778,057). 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=8,439,925&OS=8,439,925&RS=8,439,925 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** NiVasive Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- NiVasive, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (8,439,922) developed by five co-inventors for "systems and methods for holding and implanting bone anchors." The co-inventors are Benjamin Arnold, San Diego, Eric Dasso, Encinitas, Calif., Justin Doose, San Diego, Rich Mueller, Carlsbad, Calif., and Rob German, San Diego. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods for a guide assembly for introducing a bone anchor to an operative target site. The guide includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a distal anchor engaging end, a proximal end, and a central passage extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The inner sleeve may be situated in the central passage of the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve is movable being between a first position and a second position. The first position permits insertion of the bone anchor in the central passage. The second position releasably fixes the bone anchor to the guide assembly." The patent application was filed on Feb. 6, 2009 (12/322,815). 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=8,439,922&OS=8,439,922&RS=8,439,922 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Covidien Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Covidien, Mansfield, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,439,908) developed by David S. Utley, Redwood City, Calif., Michael P. Wallace, Pleasanton, Calif., and Brent C. Gerberding, San Jose, Calif., for an "ablation in the gastrointestinal tract to achieve hemostasis and eradicate lesions with a propensity for bleeding." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Devices and methods are provided for the ablation of regions of the digestive tract to achieve hemostasis and to eradicate chronically bleeding lesions as occur with gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG), radiation proctopathy and colopathy, arteriovenous malformations, and angiodysplasia. Ablation is typically provided in a wide-field manner, and in conjunction with sufficient pressure to achieve coaptive coagulation. Ablation, as provided the invention, starts at the mucosa and penetrates deeper into the gastrointestinal wall in a controlled manner. Ablation control may be exerted by way of electrode design and size, energy density, power density, number of applications, pattern of applications, and pressure. Control may also be provided by a fractional ablation that ablates some tissue within a target region and leaves a portion substantially unaffected. Embodiments of the device include an ablational electrode array that spans 360 degrees and an array that spans an arc of less than 360 degrees." The patent application was filed on July 3, 2008 (12/167,931). 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=8,439,908&OS=8,439,908&RS=8,439,908 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Sonoma Orthopedic Products Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Sonoma Orthopedic Products, Santa Rosa, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,439,917) developed by seven co-inventors for a "fracture fixation device, tools and methods." The co-inventors are Heber Saravia, Santa Rosa, Calif., Brian A. Hauck, Windsor, Calif., Trung Ho Pham, Santa Rosa, Calif., Charles L. Nelson, Santa Rosa, Calif., Arthur E. Anderson III, Sunnyvale, Calif., William W. Bowen, Willits, Calif., and Stephen R. McDaniel, Bodega Bay, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A bone fixation device is provided with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and having a flexible state and a rigid state, a plurality of grippers disposed at longitudinally spaced locations of the elongated body, a curved rigid hub connected to the elongated body, and an actuator operably connected to the grippers to deploy the grippers from a first shape to an expanded second shape. Methods of repairing a fracture of a bone are also disclosed. One such method comprising inserting a bone fixation device into an intramedullary space of the bone to place at least a portion of an elongate body of the fixation device in a flexible state on one side of the fracture and at least a portion of a curved rigid hub on another side of the fracture, and operating an actuator to deploy a plurality of grippers of the fixation device to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone." The patent application was filed on Feb. 22, 2011 (13/032,437). 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=8,439,917&OS=8,439,917&RS=8,439,917 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Zipline Medical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Zipline Medical, Los Altos, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,439,945) developed by Amir Belson, Los Altos, Calif., Eric Storne, Menlo Park, Calif., and Brian Beckey, Woodside, Calif., for "methods for biopsying tissue." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A biopsy incision closure device includes a base having a frame incorporated therein. Together, the base and frame define an opening for performing a biopsy incision when the device is placed over a tissue surface. The base is typically composed of an elastomeric material, and the frame comprises resilient inelastic members which can be used to close the opening in a highly uniform manner with minimum distortion and stress introduced into the tissue edges being drawn together." The patent application was filed on April 28, 2011 (13/096,602). 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=8,439,945&OS=8,439,945&RS=8,439,945 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Wright Medical Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Wright Medical Technology, Arlington, Tenn., has been assigned a patent (8,439,928) developed by Brad L. Penenberg, Los Angeles, Irina Timmerman, Bartlett, Tenn., and Christopher R. McKnett, Cordova, Tenn., for an "instrument for use in minimally invasive surgery." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An instrument for use in minimally invasive hip surgery, the instrument being for use in forming and using a portal incision in a hip arthroplasty procedure to implant an acetabular implant. In particular, the instrument is useful for both alignment and insertion/impaction of an acetabular shell. Furthermore, the instrument is suitable for assuring the shell is impacted with the proper abduction and version in left or right hips." The patent application was filed on Jan. 22, 2010 (12/692,294). 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=8,439,928&OS=8,439,928&RS=8,439,928 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Backboard Container Storage System ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Giacomo Michael Pasquale Strollo, San Diego, has developed a patent (8,439,209) for a "backboard container storage system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A user configurable container storage system using movable container-nest modules securely anchored to a backing allowing removal and insertion of the containers with one hand." The patent application was filed on March 25, 2011 (13/072,541). 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=84,39,209.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,209&RS=PN/84,39,209 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Combined Suitcase and Cushion Apparatus ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Susan L. Miranda, Santa Clarita, Calif., has developed a patent (8,439,174) for a "combined suitcase and cushion apparatus." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The combined suitcase and cushion apparatus provides a typical appearance for a portable suitcase, exteriorly. Within the top section provided by the first closure the second closure allows flap opening to reveal and release the mat. The mat is extendable from the top section to provide a cushioning material disposed above an inflatable chamber. Combining both forgiving resilient features provides a much more comfortable mat. Importantly, the first closure allows selective total separation of the top section. With this feature, the top section can be retained or separated for mat use. The apparatus provides all portability features to which users have become accustomed." The patent application was filed on Jan. 26, 2011 (13/014,571). 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=84,39,174.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,174&RS=PN/84,39,174 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Multi-chambered Container and Associated Method ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Virginia Graham, Rosemead, Calif., has developed a patent (8,439,228) for a "multi-chambered container and associated method." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A multi-chambered container for selectively storing and dispensing a plurality of items may include predetermined quantities of first and second items and a container having a divided cavity formed therein. The container may further have a spout formed at a top end thereof and in fluid communication with the cavity. Additionally, the container may have first and second mutually exclusive passageways extending from the cavity and terminating at the spout. A mechanism may be included for selectively dispensing one of the first and second items from the spout. Such a mechanism may channel one item along a corresponding passageway while prohibiting another item from being dispensed. The mechanism may be operated by rotating a cam and semicircular disc to position an opening on a simultaneously rotated wheel over the desired passageway. The mechanism may rotate the opening 180 degrees for every 360 degree rotation of the cam." The patent application was filed on Jan. 22, 2009 (12/321,576). 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=84,39,228.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,228&RS=PN/84,39,228 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Cardiva Medical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Cardiva Medical, Sunnyvale, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,439,944) developed by Zia Yassinzadeh, San Jose, Calif., for a "self-tensioning vascular occlusion device and method for its use." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Self-tensioning occlusion devices and systems provide percutaneous access and closure of vascular puncture sites. One device includes a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, an occlusion member, and a tensioning member. The occlusion member, for example an expansible member, is disposed on a distal end of the body. The tensioning member, such as a spring or coil, is slidably disposed over the body and proximal to the expansion member. Generally, during application, the tensioning member will be positionable against subcutaneous tissue so as to lodge and anchor the expansible member against the puncture site. In particular, the expansible member allows for sealing of the puncture site while the tensioning member applies and maintains tension to the expansible occluder so that it is seated against the puncture site at a vascular surface." The patent application was filed on July 6, 2009 (12/498,278). 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=8,439,944&OS=8,439,944&RS=8,439,944 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Laser Energy Source Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Martin A. Stuart, Burbank, Calif., has developed a patent (8,439,523) for a "laser energy source device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A laser device including a concave mirror converging beamlets from a plurality of high efficiency diode lasers to a focal point, an integrating convex mirror placed at or near the focal point reflects a first portion of the beamlets back to the concave mirror and allows a second portion through to a light transmitter. The second portion of beamlets exists the light transmitter as a homogenized uniform laser beam having substantially uniform convergence and focus." The patent application was filed on May 23, 2012 (13/478,605). 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=84,39,523.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,523&RS=PN/84,39,523 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Canon Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Canon, Tokyo, has been assigned a patent (8,439,504) developed by Sangwon Chae, Irvine, Calif., Hung Khei Huang, Irvine, Calif., and Yasuhiro Komori, Irvine, Calif., for "automatic mode switching between single and multiple projectors." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Control of a multiprojector system having multiple projectors arranged in a projector array. It is determined whether the projector array is positioned to form one object or two or more objects. A first keystone correction mode is selected if it is determined that the projector array is positioned to form one object. A second keystone correction mode is selected if it is determined that the projector array is positioned to form two or more objects. In the first keystone correction mode, a homography transformation for each of the projectors is derived so as to accommodate keystone correction of all projectors in the projector array involved in the projection of the single object. In the second keystone correction mode, a homography transformation for each of the projectors is derived so as to accommodate keystone correction of all projectors involved in the projection of each object." The patent application was filed on March 2, 2010 (12/716,248). 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=84,39,504.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,504&RS=PN/84,39,504 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Ruler and Method of Use ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Kynan W. Mann, Altadena, Calif., has developed a patent (8,438,744) for a "ruler and method of use." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A ruler includes a base which has a plurality of one-inch wide measurement stations which include numerical indicia. The numerical indicia can be selectively exposed or covered by an associated pivoting flap. When a measurement is made, the appropriate flap is opened so the numerical indicia can be utilized in making a measurement. The numerical indicia can include both fractional numbers and decimal numbers." The patent application was filed on April 4, 2011 (13/065,987). 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=84,38,744.PN.&OS=PN/84,38,744&RS=PN/84,38,744 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for High Speed Airship Structure ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Sunstar Im, Lancaster, Calif., has developed a patent (8,439,294) for a "high speed airship structure." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The structure provided multi-Levels of the center fuselage, two front wings, Extended mid-two wings and two rear wings with two vertical winglets. The fuselage has a cross section of half circle shaped fuselage. The first level comprises multi-fuel tanks, water tanks, Helium gas tanks, hydraulic, Pneumatic systems and plurality of the multi-landing gear bays and multi-cargo Compartments. The first level comprises a top cockpit and the plurality of the multi-passenger Cabins. The second level is comprises multi-central posts, multi-guy wires on the top center Beams, mid level, lower level center beams, leak proof sealed floor gates for the Multi-gas envelopes structure, under belly multi-pontoon air bags. The first level further comprises multi-jet power plants with multi-chute flaps. The second level may comprises, carbon fiber honey comb sandwich composite Multi-envelopes and multi-level soft gas envelopes." The patent application was filed on April 9, 2009 (12/384,802). 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=84,39,294.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,294&RS=PN/84,39,294 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventors Develop Patent for Electromagnet Battery Handler ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- William A. Reinman, Modesto, Calif., and Edward S. Heyman, Modesto, Calif., have developed a patent (8,438,723) for an electromagnet battery handler. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A device to transfer a tiny hearing aid battery to the battery compartment of a hearing aid. Pressure on a button at the top creates contact to a single AAA battery, thus energizing an electromagnet which then holds the hearing aid battery. When the pressure at the devices's top button is released, the AAA battery is turned off and the battery is released undisturbed in the hearing aid's battery compartment." The patent application was filed on April 1, 2011 (13/065,857). 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=84,38,723.PN.&OS=PN/84,38,723&RS=PN/84,38,723 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California, Russia Inventors Develop Patent for Flow Driven Engine ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Avigdor Steinberg, Sunnyvale, Calif., Yury Pleshov, Moscow, and Bao Tran, Saratoga, Calif., have developed a patent (8,439,641) for a flow driven engine. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for converting between fluid movement, such as wind, and mechanical rotation is disclosed. The system includes a support which is rotatable about a first axis orthogonal to the direction of fluid movement and at least one panel mounted on the support for rotation about a said axis. The panel includes a matrix of flaps (elementary panels) mounted on the panel framework for rotation about a multiple secondary axes; and retaining hardware serving to resist rotation of the said flaps during a first portion of the rotation cycle of the support and permitting the flaps to rotate freely during a second portion of said cycle. The panel provides a driving torque during said first portion of the cycle and moving freely to an orientation of minimum fluid resistance during said second portion." The patent application was filed on Dec. 31, 2011 (13/341,980). 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=84,39,641.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,641&RS=PN/84,39,641 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Speed Nut ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Brian Mellyn, Los Angeles, has developed a patent (8,439,620) for a speed nut. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A speed nut for engaging a member includes a housing including a first wall having a first opening therethrough for receiving the member and a second wall facing the first inner wall, the first and second walls defining a cavity therebetween; and a plurality of engagement elements arranged in the cavity about a longitudinal axis of the housing to form an opening therebetween, at least one of the engagement elements being freely movable in the cavity between a first position wherein an inner surface of the at least one engagement element is spaced from the longitudinal axis by a first distance for engaging the member and a second position wherein the inner surface of the at least one engagement element is spaced from the longitudinal axis by a second distance greater than the first distance for receiving the member through the opening." The patent application was filed on June 23, 2010 (12/821,930). 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=84,39,620.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,620&RS=PN/84,39,620 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Self-tapping and Self-aligning Insert to Replace Damaged Threads ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Carl Strom, Topanga, Calif., has developed a patent (8,439,617) for a "self-tapping and self-aligning insert to replace damaged threads." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A self-tapping insert is installed in a pre-existing bore hole in a workpiece by rotating the insert, causing cutting threads on the exterior of the self-tapping insert to cut new threads. Engagement threads on the exterior of the self-tapping insert engage the new threads to retain the self-tapping insert within the workpiece. The self-tapping insert may comprise internal threads which are used to replace damaged threads in the workpiece. The means of installing the self-tapping insert may include a drive bolt having threads which make up into those of the self-tapping insert's internal threads. The self-tapping insert is aligned within the bore hole by means of a detachable pilot, which is connected to the insert with attachment means. The attachment means include the pilot being attached to the drive bolt. The pilot may be attached to the drive bolt means of left-handed threads in an axially-centered aperture of the pilot and matching left-handed threads on the end of the drive bolt." The patent application was filed on Sept. 8, 2010 (12/877,967). 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=84,39,617.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,617&RS=PN/84,39,617 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Periodontal Interdental Delivery Tray and Periodontal Medicament Tray Syringe ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Michael Florman, Los Angeles, has developed a patent (8,439,676) for a "periodontal interdental delivery tray and periodontal medicament tray syringe." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to a periodontal interdental tray and to a periodontal medicament tray syringe that can be used in conjunction with the periodontal interdental tray of the present invention, or can be utilized by itself or in conjunction with other periodontal trays already on the market. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to treatment of periodontal disease, and in particular to a dental tray syringe and method for delivering medicaments into areas of the mouth either supragingival or subgingivally to treat the infected areas." The patent application was filed on July 23, 2010 (12/842,697). 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=84,39,676.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,676&RS=PN/84,39,676 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Cable Protection Sleeve for Building Framing ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Bruce H. Turner, Palo Alto, Calif., has developed a patent (8,438,803) for a "cable protection sleeve for building framing." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A sleeve for protecting a utility conduit or conduits passing through a hole in a stud used in building construction. A body portion forms a longitudinally extending hollow trough having side edges, wherein each said side edge portion has overlapable or interlockable fingers. The trough includes a circular side section, with a diameter defining a body width. This circular side section is changeable by compression with either the human hand or a conventional hand-tool to adapt the body width, and thus the sleeve, to coincide with a potential range of stud hole sizes. Engagement of the sleeve in the hole is achievable by placing an inserted end into the hole and pressing a worked end. A stop portion at the worked end stops insertion of the sleeve beyond the stud face, and a retention portion in the sleeve affirmatively retains the sleeve within the hole once thus inserted." The patent application was filed on Feb. 12, 2008 (12/029,595). 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=84,38,803.PN.&OS=PN/84,38,803&RS=PN/84,38,803 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Advanced Vision Engineering Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Advanced Vision Engineering, Indian Head, Md., has been assigned a patent (8,439,502) developed by Junzhong Liang, Fremont, Calif., for "algorithms and methods for determining aberration-induced vision symptoms in the eye from wave aberration." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Aberration-induced vision symptoms are determined by obtaining at least one wave aberration of an eye, calculating at least one point-spread function from the wave aberration, convolving the point-spread function of eye with at least one specially designed image for night vision diagnosis, and determining at least one aberration-induced vision symptom of the tested eye from the convolved images. The specially designed images are for vision diagnosis of aberration-induced glare, halo, ghost image, and starburst. The invention methods for specifying aberration-induced symptoms allow to find an optimized refractive corrections of defocus and astigmatism and to reduce vision symptoms caused by aberrations in the eye." The patent application was filed on March 8, 2006 (11/371,288). 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=84,39,502.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,502&RS=PN/84,39,502 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Method and Apparatus for a True Geometry, Durable Rotating Drill Bit ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Edward Vezirian, Redlands, Calif., has developed a patent (8,439,134) for a "method and apparatus for a true geometry, durable rotating drill bit." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A rotating cone drill bit includes a plurality of mud nozzles extending from the bit body, which are thermally fitted by controlling the temperature differential depending on the corresponding materials, the amount of fit desired, and the diameters of the elements to be fitted and which provide substantially obstruction-free mud paths toward the wellbore bottom. The bit has a plurality of reduced diameter cutter assemblies, each having a journal projecting from a corresponding leg. The journal has at least two cylindrical bearing surfaces and an annular groove formed therebetween and a spindle. An annular retention segment is rotatably mounted in the groove. The retention segment has an outer radial surface engaging a portion of one of the bearing surfaces of the cone, and an energy beam welding area fusing substantially the entire engaging surfaces of the retention segment and the cone." The patent application was filed on May 31, 2012 (13/485,525). 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=84,39,134.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,134&RS=PN/84,39,134 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Nebulizer Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Russell Wayne King, Sierra Madre, Calif., has developed a patent (8,439,030) for a nebulizer device. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An improved tee type nebulizer unit for medicinal use that delivers a mist of properly sized aerosol particles of medicament to the patient. A uniquely configured air flow baffle assembly, which is strategically positioned within the tee of the nebulizer unit, markedly increases the rate of liquid-to-aerosol conversion compared to prior art tee type nebulizer units. More particularly, due to the positioning and sizing of the air channeling pathways within the air flow baffle assembly, an increase in rate of aerosol mist production by factors of 200%-300% is realized." The patent application was filed on Nov. 11, 2009 (12/590,571). 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=84,39,030.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,030&RS=PN/84,39,030 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Ribbed Telescope Mirrors with Thermal Gradient Control ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Richard A. Schwartz, Hawthorne, Calif., has developed a patent (8,439,509) for "ribbed telescope mirrors with thermal gradient control." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Ribbed mirrors allowing heat to be conducted past the glass during optical polish and application of coatings and methods of fabricating same. The method comprises placing a bridge of thermally conductive material in thermal contact with the mirror plate and the supporting rib at the interior angle. The preferred thermally conductive material is room temperature vulcanizing silicone. However, the room temperature vulcanizing silicone can be mixed with a powdered heat conductor such as diamond dust, aluminum oxide and silicon carbide. Alternatively, the thermally conductive fillet can be made from a segment of thermally conductive rigid material, such as copper, diamond, beryllium, silver and aluminum having an exterior angle matching the interior angle and a thermally conductive plastic such as room temperature vulcanizing silicone or thermally conductive grease, silicone or epoxy applied to surfaces of the exterior angle." The patent application was filed on Aug. 17, 2007 (11/840,787). 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=84,39,509.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,509&RS=PN/84,39,509 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Internal Combustion Engine ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Edwin M. Fernandez, Phillips Ranch, Calif., has developed a patent (8,439,010) for an internal combustion engine. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An engine includes an engine block comprising a cylinder, an intake and exhaust port, and two linearly opposing pistons reciprocatingly mounted relative to two opposing crankshafts. A pair of piston sleeves are reciprocatingly mounted in the cylinder around each piston and connected relative to their respective crankshafts. Each piston sleeve includes a slotted port in communication with either the intake or exhaust port. A pair of sleeve couplers are pivotably connected to their respective piston sleeves and eccentrically rotatable relative to their respective crankshafts. A pair of eccentric inserts include an outside circumferential surface concentrically offset from an inside circumferential surface aperture. Each inside circumferential surface aperture is pivotable about its respective crankshaft. Each outside circumferential surface is rotatable relative to its respective sleeve coupler. A pair of phase couplers are helically moveable about their respective crankshafts and are also pivotably fixed and slidable relative to their respective eccentric inserts." The patent application was filed on Nov. 3, 2010 (12/938,966). 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=84,39,010.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,010&RS=PN/84,39,010 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Portable Vibratory Concrete Float ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Scott Brening, Loomis, Calif., has developed a patent (8,439,600) for a "portable vibratory concrete float." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vibratory device for use with a concrete finishing tool having a float pad is disclosed. The vibratory device has a mounting plate, a housing attached to the mounting plate, a motor, and a power source. The mounting plate is attached to a top side of the float pad. The housing is attached to said mounting plate. The motor is positioned in the housing and is operatively attached to the mounting plate. The power source is positioned in the housing and is in communication with the motor. Optionally, a counterweight is positioned in the housing and is attached to the motor. The actuation of the motor causes the mounting plate and the float pad to vibrate." The patent application was filed on Jan. 17, 2012 (13/351,605). 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=84,39,600.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,600&RS=PN/84,39,600 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Nokia Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Nokia, Espoo, Finland, has been assigned a patent (8,438,702) developed by four co-inventors for a "flexible hinge for electronic devices." The co-inventors are Jeffrey Allen Apgar, Escondido, Calif., Karthikeyan Govindhasamy, San Diego, Shan Feng Chang, Taoyan, Taiwan, and John Hwang, La Verne, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus comprises a flexible hinge comprising first and second layers; the first layer comprising an elastomer and the second layer comprising a composite fabric." The patent application was filed on Jan. 6, 2011 (12/985,991). 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=84,38,702.PN.&OS=PN/84,38,702&RS=PN/84,38,702 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Fluid Powered Bath Accessory ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Bruce Houman, Corona, Calif., has developed a patent (8,439,588) for a "fluid powered bath accessory." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A fluid-powered bath brush that uses the kinetic energy of moving water to operate skin-cleaning attachments. In one embodiment, the bath brush comprises a brush head member having at least one brush head housing, a water wheel, a first drive gear, a second drive gear and a brush element rotatably mounted thereon, an adaptor with an outlet side adapted to be connected to a showerhead and an inlet side adapted to be connected to a first fluid-dispensing means that carries water to the showerhead and contains a diverter which diverts the flow of water from the first fluid-dispensing means to the showerhead to the flow of water from the first fluid-dispensing means to the brush head member and a flexible second fluid-dispensing means containing at least two tubes for carrying water connecting the brush head member and the adaptor." The patent application was filed on March 7, 2012 (13/414,330). 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=84,39,588.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,588&RS=PN/84,39,588 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Zamtec Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Zamtec, Dublin, Ireland, has been assigned a patent (8,439,493) developed by eighteen co-inventors for a "wide format printer with printheads supplied by multiple ink conduits connected by a bypass line." The co-inventors are Robert Rosati, San Diego, David Petch, San Diego, David Burney, San Diego, Jim Sykora, San Diego, Kenneth A. Regas, San Diego, Andy Bound, San Diego, Neil Doherty, San Diego, Scott Dennis, San Diego, Ben Jones, San Diego, Oksana Buyda, San Diego, Locson Tonthat, San Diego, Andrew Buyda, San Diego, Patrick Kirk, San Diego, Loren Hunt, San Diego, Jason Dewey, San Diego, Jim Trinchera, San Diego, Bill Cressman, San Diego, and Ron Zech, San Diego. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A wide format printer that has an ink supply, a feed line coupled to the ink supply, a return line coupled to the ink supply, a plurality of printheads collectively spanning a paper path more than 432 mm (17 inches) wide, each of the printheads being fluidically coupled to the first and second conduits and, a bypass line coupling the feed line to the return line." The patent application was filed on July 29, 2010 (12/845,761). 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=84,39,493.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,493&RS=PN/84,39,493 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Massachusetts, California Inventors Develop Patent for Devices and Methods for Detecting Rates of Change of Torque ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Ivan J. Garshelis, Dalton, Mass., Ryan J. Kari, San Diego, and Stijn P. L. Tollens, San Diego, have developed a patent (8,438,937) for "devices and methods for detecting rates of change of torque." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Sensors for outputting signals indicative of a rate of change of torque experienced by a magnetized member in response to a change in torque experienced by the member are described. Such sensors include at least one sense element capable of detecting a change in a magnetic parameter of a magnetized region of the member positioned proximate to the sense element in response to a change in torque applied to the member. Devices for detecting and/or measuring rates of changes in or of torque that employ one or more of these sensors are also described, as are various applications for such devices." The patent application was filed on Nov. 16, 2010 (12/946,887). 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=84,38,937.PN.&OS=PN/84,38,937&RS=PN/84,38,937 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Textured Tile System and Installation Method ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Joe Dvoracek, Burbank, Calif., has developed a patent (8,439,596) for a "textured tile system and installation method." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A detectable warning tile is a molded sheet having generally planar top and bottom surfaces, the top surface having a plurality of spaced apart truncated domes in relief thereon, the bottom surface having a grid pattern of depressions therein. Partitions rising from the bottom surface are positioned within the interior of the domes and are integral therewith. The bottom surface may have an adhesive layer for bonding with a solid under-surface. Alternately, anchors may be engaged with the bottom surface for securing the tile in a uncured cement, concrete or blacktop surface." The patent application was filed on Aug. 6, 2012 (13/567,254). 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=84,39,596.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,596&RS=PN/84,39,596 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Disposable Litter Device and System ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Maureen Stratton, Burbank, Calif., has developed a patent (8,438,994) for a "disposable litter device and system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A disposable litter device comprising a liner layer including closure means; litter; and a litter enclosure region about a portion of the liner layer, wherein the litter enclosure region includes a closure layer and the liner layer such that the litter is retained between the closure layer and the liner layer, and wherein the enclosure region includes opening means." The patent application was filed on Feb. 28, 2007 (11/680,543). 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=84,38,994.PN.&OS=PN/84,38,994&RS=PN/84,38,994 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Lightweight High Load Capacity Folding Utility Cart with Unique Support Structure and Ergonomic Handle ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Richard Elden, Carson, Calif., has developed a patent (8,439,374) for a "lightweight high load capacity folding utility cart with unique support structure and ergonomic handle." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A lightweight cart which weighs less than three pounds but has a structural design which enables the cart to retain and transport objects which weigh over one hundred and ten pounds. The cart can fold down to two inches for storage, a flat thickness which is at least one inch less thick than conventional foldup carts." The patent application was filed on Jan. 7, 2011 (12/930,457). 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=84,39,374.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,374&RS=PN/84,39,374 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Grill Cleaning Assembly ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- William C. Kingdon, Moreno Valley, Calif., has developed a patent (8,438,691) for a grill cleaning assembly. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A grill cleaning assembly for cleaning the bottom side of a grill includes an arm that has a first end and a second end. A blade has an attached end, a free end, a top side, a bottom side, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The blade has a trapezoidal cross-section taken perpendicular to a line which extends through the attached and free ends such that the top side has a lesser width extending between the first and second lateral edges than the bottom side. Each of the first and second lateral edges slopes from a top end to a bottom end of the trapezoidal shape. The free end is configured to be inserted between a pair of bars of a grill and such that either the first or second lateral edges abuts and is moved across a lower side of the bars." The patent application was filed on Oct. 10, 2011 (13/269,660). 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=84,38,691.PN.&OS=PN/84,38,691&RS=PN/84,38,691 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Washington, California, Indiana, Idaho Inventors Develop Patent for Mobile Lighting Apparatus ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- George Michael Roe, Seattle, Leonard Elliott Klebanoff, Dublin, Calif., Gerald W. Rea, Underwood, Ind., Robert A. Drake, Nashville, Ind., Terry A. Johnson, Livermore, Calif., Steven John Wingert, Boise, Idaho, Thomas A. Damberger, Fair Oaks, Calif., Thomas J. Skradski, Oakland, Calif., Christopher James Radley, El Dorado Hills, Calif., James M. Oros, Carmichael, Calif., Paul G. Schuttinger, Orangevale, Calif., David J. Grupp, Sacramento, Calif., and Stephen Carl Prey, Elk Grove, Calif., have developed a patent (8,439,534) for a mobile lighting apparatus. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A mobile lighting apparatus includes a portable frame such as a moveable trailer or skid having a light tower thereon. The light tower is moveable from a stowed position to a deployed position. A hydrogen-powered fuel cell is located on the portable frame to provide electrical power to an array of the energy efficient lights located on the light tower." The patent application was filed on May 6, 2010 (12/775,085). 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=84,39,534.PN.&OS=PN/84,39,534&RS=PN/84,39,534 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** California Inventors Develop Patent for Method and Apparatus for Video Digest Generation ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Michael Bronstein, Santa Clara, Calif., Alexander Bronstein, San Jose, Calif., Shlomo Selim Rakib, Cupertino, Calif., and Asaf Matatyaou, San Carlos, Calif., have developed a patent (8,442,384) for a "method and apparatus for video digest generation." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Automated video digest system and method. The system decomposes video and audio portions of video media into low-level descriptors, producing a large number of such descriptors for each video image and scene. These descriptors are optimized to be both compatible with rapid automated descriptor creation, and also to have some positive or negative statistical correlation with the viewing preferences of typical human viewers. By comparing the number of descriptors correlated with positive human viewing preferences, versus the number of descriptors correlated with negative human viewing preferences, the automated system may analyze an unknown video program and make educated guesses as to which portions of the program are likely to be most interesting to the viewer on playback. Less interesting portions may be skipped or fast-forwarded though. The method may also be optimized to individual viewers. Such methods are useful for controlling the playback of digital video recorders and other systems." The patent application was filed on July 16, 2008 (12/174,558). 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=8,442,384&OS=8,442,384&RS=8,442,384 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Correction of Unfocus and Misfocus Via Origin-centered Discrete Fractional Fourier Transform ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Lester F. Ludwig, Belmont, Calif., has developed a patent (8,442,341) for "correction of unfocus and misfocus via origin-centered discrete fractional fourier transform." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method corrects unfocus and misfocus in original image data using an origin-centered two-dimensional discrete fractional Fourier transform. The origin-centered two-dimensional discrete fractional Fourier transform numerically corrects a modeled evolution of an image propagating through a medium, aligning a propagation model centerline with the center of image data and the center an index-shifted numerical fractional Fourier transform operation. A zero transform-image domain origin is accordingly aligned to the center of modified image data. The corrective fractional Fourier transform power may be determined automatically or by human operator. The image correction can be applied to lens-systems or other systems obeying Fourier optics including electron microscopes, particle beams, radiation accelerators. The invention can be incorporated into cameras, film processing, photo editing software, websites, video recorders, video editing systems, surveillance systems, conferencing systems, image processing algorithms, optical computing systems, and other types of system, products and service facilities." The patent application was filed on Jan. 9, 2012 (13/346,459). 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=8,442,341&OS=8,442,341&RS=8,442,341 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** ASML Netherlands Assigned Patent for Methods and System for Model-based Generic Matching and Tuning ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- ASML Netherlands, Veldhoven, The Netherlands, has been assigned a patent (8,443,307) developed by Yu Cao, Cupertino, Calif., Hanying Feng, Fremont, Calif., and Jun Ye, Palo Alto, Calif., for "methods and system for model-based generic matching and tuning." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to a method for tuning lithography systems so as to allow different lithography systems to image different patterns utilizing a known process that does not require a trial and error process to be performed to optimize the process and lithography system settings for each individual lithography system. According to some aspects, the present invention relates to a method for a generic model-based matching and tuning which works for any pattern. Thus it eliminates the requirements for CD measurements or gauge selection. According to further aspects, the invention is also versatile in that it can be combined with certain conventional techniques to deliver excellent performance for certain important patterns while achieving universal pattern coverage at the same time." The patent application was filed on Nov. 5, 2009 (12/613,285). 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=8,443,307&OS=8,443,307&RS=8,443,307 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** California, Texas Inventors Develop Patent for Methods and Systems for Claims Management Facilitation ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- David S. Trandal, Santa Barbara, Calif., and David Brahm, The Woodlands, Texas, have developed a patent (8,442,844) for "methods and systems for claims management facilitation." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to product claims management solutions, and in particular, to methods and systems for maintaining purchase records and product repair, replacement, and refund claims processing. The user experience in performing claims management is simplified and enhanced over existing methods." The patent application was filed on Jan. 18, 2011 (13/008,166). 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=8,442,844&OS=8,442,844&RS=8,442,844 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for Mode Switching User Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Kenneth P. Kiraly, Menlo Park, Calif., and Subram Narasimhan, Saratoga, Calif., have developed a patent (8,442,560) for a "mode switching user device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An item-providing system supplies items to a user device for consumption at the user device via communication infrastructure. In one representative implementation, a user device includes a mode switching wireless communication module. The mode switching wireless communication module is adapted to receive a first paging signal via a first communication protocol when in a first mode of operation and adapted to receive a second paging signal via a second communication protocol when in a second mode of operation. The user device also includes a to-do list processing module. In response to receiving one of the first or second paging signal, the to-do list processing module sends a request to a remote network device. The request requests that one or more instructions be sent from the remote network device." The patent application was filed on Oct. 29, 2008 (12/260,884). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,442,560&OS=8,442,560&RS=8,442,560 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** California Inventor Develops Patent for System and Method for Communications in a Multi-platform Environment ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 21 -- Gregory Peacock, Carmel Valley, Calif., has developed a patent (8,442,506) for a "system and method for communications in a multi-platform environment." The abstra 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. -1125601 (c) 2013 Targeted News Service [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]