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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in California (June 15)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in California. *** Alpha and Omega Semiconductor Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Alpha and Omega Semiconductor, Sunnyvale, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,461,004) developed by Francois Hebert, San Mateo, Calif., and Tao Feng, Santa Clara, Calif., for a "configuration of high-voltage semiconductor power device to achieve three dimensional charge coupling." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "This invention discloses semiconductor device that includes a top region and a bottom region with an intermediate region disposed between said top region and said bottom region with a controllable current path traversing through the intermediate region. The semiconductor device further includes a trench with padded with insulation layer on sidewalls extended from the top region through the intermediate region toward the bottom region wherein the trench includes randomly and substantially uniformly distributed nano-nodules as charge-islands in contact with a drain region below the trench for electrically coupling with the intermediate region for continuously and uniformly distributing a voltage drop through the current path." The patent application was filed on April 12, 2011 (13/066,373). 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=8,461,004&OS=8,461,004&RS=8,461,004 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** MoSys Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- MoSys, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,995) developed by Jeong Y. Choi, Palo Alto, Calif., for a "method of forming a MIM capacitor." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An embedded memory system includes an array of random access memory (RAM) cells, on the same substrate as an array of logic transistors. Each RAM cell includes an access transistor and a capacitor structure. The capacitor structure is fabricated by forming a metal-insulator-metal capacitor in a dielectric layer. The embedded RAM system includes fewer metal layers in the memory region than in the logic region." The patent application was filed on July 30, 2010 (12/804,855). 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=8,460,995&OS=8,460,995&RS=8,460,995 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** MyoScience Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- MyoScience, Redwood City, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,461,108) developed by Michael Hsu, Oakland, Calif., and Lisa Elkins, Woodside, Calif., for "subdermal tissue remodeling using myostatin, methods and related systems." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods of tissue remodeling or altering a surface of a skin of a patient are provided. A method includes increasing myostatin activity in a target tissue. Methods can include increasing myostatin activity in a target tissue in addition to various tissue remodeling techniques, including cryogenic cooling of target tissue for tissue remodeling." The patent application was filed on March 9, 2009 (12/400,698). 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=8,461,108&OS=8,461,108&RS=8,461,108 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Burnham Institute Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Burnham Institute, La Jolla, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,461,119) developed by Elena B. Pasquale, San Diego, Mitchell Koolpe, San Diego, and Keith K. Murai, Candiac, Canada, for "agents that modulate Eph receptor activity." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Novel agents are described that bind to Eph receptors. Methods of using these agents to modulate the activity of Eph receptors, stimulate apoptosis, and deliver therapeutic agents are also described. Methods of screening for agents capable of selectively binding to Eph receptors are also described." The patent application was filed on Aug. 29, 2003 (10/652,407). 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=8,461,119&OS=8,461,119&RS=8,461,119 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Human Matrix Sciences Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Human Matrix Sciences, Visalia, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,461,113) developed by Thomas Mitts, Visalia, Calif., and Felipe Jimenez, San Bernardino, Calif., for "elastin digest compositions and methods utilizing same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides compositions for the therapeutic and/or cosmetic treatment of Elastin comprising tissues. Therapeutic and cosmetic compositions comprising an elastin digest stimulate the endogenous production of Elastin and appear to enhance the elasticity of the skin and provide an external supply of peptide precursors of Elastin that penetrate into the tissue to which it is applied. The present invention describes compositions containing an elastin digest derived from proteolytic digestion of insoluble elastin derived from mammalian ligaments with a protein digesting composition, such as proteinase K. The elastin digest is a mixture of elastin peptides wherein the elastin peptide mixture comprises peptides of the sequence GXXPG, wherein X represents one of the natural amino acids. The elastin digest of the present invention may also comprise epitopes of cytokines, growth factors and di-peptides. Methods of using these elastin digest comprising compositions for treating tissues in need of increased elasticity and or Elastin are described." The patent application was filed on June 12, 2009 (12/483,494). 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=8,461,113&OS=8,461,113&RS=8,461,113 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Soraa Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Soraa, Fremont, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,461,071) developed by Mark P. D'Evelyn, Goleta, Calif., for a "polycrystalline group III metal nitride with getter and method of making." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A gettered polycrystalline group III metal nitride is formed by heating a group III metal with an added getter in a nitrogen-containing gas. Most of the residual oxygen in the gettered polycrystalline nitride is chemically bound by the getter. The gettered polycrystalline group III metal nitride is useful as a raw material for ammonothermal growth of bulk group III nitride crystals." The patent application was filed on Dec. 9, 2009 (12/634,665). 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=8,461,071&OS=8,461,071&RS=8,461,071 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Reviva Pharmaceuticals Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Reviva Pharmaceuticals, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,461,154) developed by Laxminarayan Bhat, Cupertino, Calif., Prabhu Prasad Mohapatra, Logan, Utah, and Kouacou Adiey, San Jose, Calif., for "methods of utilizing arylpiperazine derivatives." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides arylpiperazine derivatives having Formula I which can be advantageously used for treating schizophrenia and related psychoses such as acute manic, bipolar disorder, autistic disorder and depression. ##STR00001##" The patent application was filed on May 7, 2012 (13/465,549). 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=8,461,154&OS=8,461,154&RS=8,461,154 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Spansion Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Spansion, Sunnyvale, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,461,053) developed by Tung-Sheng Chen, Cupertino, Calif., and Shenqing Fang, Fremont, Calif., for a "self-aligned NAND flash select-gate wordlines for spacer double patterning." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for double patterning is disclosed. In one embodiment the formation a pair of select gate wordlines on either side of a plurality of core wordlines begins by placing a spacer pattern around edges of a photoresist pattern is disclosed. The photoresist pattern is stripped away leaving the spacer pattern. A trim mask is placed over a portion of the spacer pattern. Portions of the spacer pattern are etched away that are not covered by the trim mask. The trim mask is removed, wherein first remaining portions of the spacer pattern define a plurality of core wordlines. A pad mask is placed such that the pad mask and second remaining portions of the spacer pattern define a select gate wordline on either side of the plurality of core wordlines. Finally at least one pattern transfer layer is etched through using the mad mask and the first and second remaining portions of the spacer pattern to etch the select gate wordlines and the plurality of core wordlines into a poly silicon layer." The patent application was filed on Dec. 17, 2010 (12/971,818). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,461,053&OS=8,461,053&RS=8,461,053 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Kythera Biopharmaceuticals Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Calabasas, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,461,140) developed by Robert M. Moriarty, Michiana City, Ind., Nathaniel E. David, Los Angeles, and Nadir Ahmeduddin Mahmood, Calabasas, Calif., for "synthetic bile acid compositions and methods." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Bile acids and related compositions and methods of synthesis and use. More specifically, deoxycholic acid and related compositions, said compositions being free of all moieties of animal origin and free of pyrogenic moieties." The patent application was filed on June 1, 2012 (13/486,955). 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=8,461,140&OS=8,461,140&RS=8,461,140 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Intermolecular Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Intermolecular, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,461,044) developed by David E. Lazovsky, Los Gatos, Calif., Sandra G. Malhotra, Santa Clara, Calif., and Thomas R. Boussie, Menlo Park, Calif., for a "formation of a masking layer on a dielectric region to facilitate formation of a capping layer on electrically conductive regions separated by the dielectric region." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A masking layer is formed on a dielectric region of an electronic device so that, during subsequent formation of a capping layer on electrically conductive regions of the electronic device that are separated by the dielectric region, the masking layer inhibits formation of capping layer material on or in the dielectric region. The capping layer can be formed selectively on the electrically conductive regions or non-selectively; in either case, capping layer material formed over the dielectric region can subsequently be removed, thus ensuring that capping layer material is formed only on the electrically conductive regions. Silane-based materials, can be used to form the masking layer. The capping layer can be formed of an conductive material, a semiconductor material, or an insulative material, and can be formed using any appropriate process, including conventional deposition processes such as electroless deposition, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition." The patent application was filed on April 27, 2012 (13/458,754). 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=8,461,044&OS=8,461,044&RS=8,461,044 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Applied Materials Assigned Patent for Methods and Apparatus for Aligning a Substrate in a Process Chamber ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Applied Materials, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,461,022) developed by Blake R. Koelmel, Mountain View, Calif., Bruce E. Adams, Portland, Ore., and Theodore P. Moffitt, Hillsboro, Ore., for "methods and apparatus for aligning a substrate in a process chamber." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and apparatus for aligning a substrate in a process chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus may include a process chamber having an interior volume for processing a substrate therein; and a substrate positioning system configured to determine a substrate position within the interior volume, wherein the substrate positioning system determines the substrate position in two dimensions by the interaction of a first position and a second position along an edge of a substrate with two beams of electromagnetic radiation provided by the substrate positioning system. In some embodiments, a method for aligning a substrate may include placing a substrate in the interior volume of a process chamber; directing electromagnetic radiation into the interior volume in a first beam along a first path and in a second beam along a second path; and determining the position of the substrate in two dimensions by interaction of the first and second beams of electromagnetic radiation with an edge of the substrate proximate a first position and a second position." The patent application was filed on April 20, 2010 (12/763,400). 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=8,461,022&OS=8,461,022&RS=8,461,022 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Astex Pharmaceuticals Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Astex Pharmaceuticals, Dublin, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,461,123) developed by Pasit Phiasivongsa, Brentwood, Calif., and Sanjeev Redkar, Hayward, Calif., for an "oligonucleotide analogues incorporating 5-aza-cytosine therein." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Oligonucleotide analogues are provided that incorporate 5-aza-cytosine in the oligonucleotide sequence, e.g., in the form of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (decitabine) or 5-aza-cytidine. In particular, oligonucleotide analogues rich in decitabine-deoxyguanosine islets (DpG and GpD) are provided to target the CpG islets in the human genome, especially in the promoter regions of genes susceptible to aberrant hypermethylation. Such analogues can be used for modulation of DNA methylation, such as effective inhibition of methylation of cytosine at the C-5 position. Methods for synthesizing these oligonucleotide analogues and for modulating nucleic acid methylation are provided. Also provided are phosphoramidite building blocks for synthesizing the oligonucleotide analogues, methods for synthesizing, formulating and administering these compounds or compositions to treat conditions, such as cancer and hematological disorders." The patent application was filed on Feb. 9, 2010 (12/703,096). 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=8,461,123&OS=8,461,123&RS=8,461,123 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Applied Biosystems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Applied Biosystems, Carlsbad, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,934) developed by Chien-Wei Chang, Belmont, Calif., Lori Hennessy, San Mateo, Calif., and Dennis Wang, Dublin, Calif., for a "method for direct amplification from crude nucleic acid samples." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present teachings relate to improved methods, kits, and reaction mixtures for amplifying nucleic acids. In some embodiments a novel direct buffer formulation is provided which allows for the direct amplification of the nucleic acids in a crude sample with minimal sample purification." The patent application was filed on April 3, 2012 (13/438,436). 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=8,460,934&OS=8,460,934&RS=8,460,934 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** SunPower Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- SunPower, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,963) developed by David D. Smith, Campbell, Calif., for a "trench process and structure for backside contact solar cells with polysilicon doped regions." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A solar cell includes polysilicon P-type and N-type doped regions on a backside of a substrate, such as a silicon wafer. A trench structure separates the P-type doped region from the N-type doped region. Each of the P-type and N-type doped regions may be formed over a thin dielectric layer. The trench structure may include a textured surface for increased solar radiation collection. Among other advantages, the resulting structure increases efficiency by providing isolation between adjacent P-type and N-type doped regions, thereby preventing recombination in a space charge region where the doped regions would have touched." The patent application was filed on Sept. 10, 2010 (12/879,847). 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=8,460,963&OS=8,460,963&RS=8,460,963 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Ultratech Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Ultratech, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,959) developed by Yun Wang, Saratoga, Calif., and Andrew M. Hawryluk, Los Altos, Calif., for a "fast thermal annealing of GaN LEDs." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods of performing fast thermal annealing in forming GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are disclosed, as are GaN LEDs formed using fast thermal annealing having a time duration of 10 seconds or faster. An exemplary method includes forming a GaN multilayer structure having a n-GaN layer and a p-GaN layer that sandwich an active layer. The method includes performing fast thermal annealing of the p-GaN layer using either a laser or a flash lamp. The method further includes forming a transparent conducting layer atop the GaN multilayer structure, and adding a p-contact to the transparent conducting layer and a n-contact to the n-GaN layer. The resultant GaN LEDs have enhanced output power, lower turn-on voltage and reduced series resistance." The patent application was filed on Aug. 24, 2011 (13/199,276). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,460,959&OS=8,460,959&RS=8,460,959 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Penumbra Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Penumbra, Alameda, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,312) developed by four co-inventors for a "system and method for treating ischemic stroke." The co-inventors are Arani Bose, New York, Vikas Gupta, San Leandro, Calif., Sean Donohue, Half Moon Bay, Calif., and Delilah Hui, American Canyon, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A thromboembolic removal system for treating ischemic stroke, including a guide and occlusion catheter, a delivery and aspiration catheter, an aspiration pump, a thromboembolic receiver, and a thromboembolic separator." The patent application was filed on March 28, 2011 (13/073,645). 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=84,60,312.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,312&RS=PN/84,60,312 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Trinity Orthopedics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Trinity Orthopedics, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (8,460,308) developed by James F. Marino, La Jolla, Calif., and Jamil Elbanna, San Diego, for an "insertion and reduction tool for pedicle screw assembly." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Disclosed are devices, methods and systems for manipulating a pedicle screw assembly and for inserting and reducing a rod relative to the pedicle screw assembly. The system can include a cannula assembly having a reduction cannula with an internal bore extending between a proximal region and a distal region and an insertion cannula co-axially positioned within the internal bore of the reduction cannula. The insertion cannula includes a pair of opposed prongs extending distally from a distal region of the insertion cannula, wherein each prong is interposed between a pair of flexible projecting elements. The pair of opposed prongs of the insertion cannula and the distal region of the reduction cannula are aligned to collectively define an opening that is sized and shaped for receiving a spinal rod. The device also can include an annular collar mounted on the proximal region of the reduction cannula and rotatably coupled to a proximal region of the insertion cannula. The cannula assembly can also be a pivoting cannula assembly." The patent application was filed on Oct. 14, 2009 (12/579,294). 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=84,60,308.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,308&RS=PN/84,60,308 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** DexCom Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- DexCom, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (8,460,231) developed by eight co-inventors for an "integrated delivery device for continuous glucose sensor." The co-inventors are James H. Brauker, Cement City, Mich., Mark A. Tapsak, Orangeville, Pa., Sean T. Saint, San Diego, Apurv U. Kamath, San Diego, Paul V. Neale, San Diego, Peter C. Simpson, Encinitas, Calif., Michael Robert Mensinger, San Diego, and Dubravka Markovic, San Diego. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor, including a receiver, a medicament delivery device, and optionally a single point glucose monitor are provided. Manual integrations provide for a physical association between the devices wherein a user (for example, patient or doctor) manually selects the amount, type, and/or time of delivery. Semi-automated integration of the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components aids the user (for example, patient or doctor) in selecting, inputting, calculating, or validating the amount, type, or time of medicament delivery of glucose values, for example, by transmitting data to another component and thereby reducing the amount of user input required. Automated integration between the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components provides for full control of the system without required user interaction." The patent application was filed on July 11, 2011 (13/180,396). 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=84,60,231.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,231&RS=PN/84,60,231 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Medtronic Vascular Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Medtronic Vascular, Santa Rosa, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,238) developed by Peiwen Cheng, Santa Rosa, Calif., and Justin Peterson, Santa Rosa, Calif., for a "drug delivery catheter with soluble balloon coating containing releasable microspheres and delivery method." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A drug delivery catheter and method for delivering microcapsules or microspheres containing a drug, pharmacological or other bioactive agent includes a balloon catheter having a coating on the balloon of a soluble biocompatible polymer containing a plurality of microcapsules or microspheres containing a drug or other agent. The balloon is porous to allow it to be inflated with a solvent fluid that passes through the porous wall of the balloon and dissolves the polymer, releasing the microspheres." The patent application was filed on March 22, 2010 (12/728,860). 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=84,60,238.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,238&RS=PN/84,60,238 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Hansen Medical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Hansen Medical, Mountain View, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,236) developed by six co-inventors for a "fiber optic instrument sensing system." The co-inventors are Matthew J. Roelle, Sunnyvale, Calif., Neal A. Tanner, Mountain View, Calif., Robert G. Younge, Portola Valley, Calif., Christopher Carlson, Menlo Park, Calif., Federico Barbagli, San Francisco, and David Camarillo, San Francisco. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems are described herein that improve control of a shapeable or steerable instrument using shape data. Additional systems use such shape data for improved mapping or adjusting models of the instrument. Such systems include robotic medical systems for controlling a shapeable instrument within an anatomical region having a controller, one or more actuators, and a localization system for guiding one or more shapeable instruments." The patent application was filed on June 24, 2010 (12/822,876). 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=84,60,236.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,236&RS=PN/84,60,236 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** OtisMed Assigned Patent for Arthroplasty Devices and Related Methods ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- OtisMed, Alameda, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,302) developed by Ilwhan Park, Walnut Creek, Calif., and Charlie W. Chi, Milpitas, Calif., for "arthroplasty devices and related methods." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and apparatuses for forming customized arthroplasty jigs are disclosed. Some of the apparatuses may comprise a plurality of rapid production machines and an automated mechanical system. The automated mechanical system may be configured to transport a first arthroplasty jig blank to a first rapid production machine and a second arthroplasty jig blank to a second rapid production machine. The first rapid production machine may be configured to form a first arthroplasty jig from the first arthroplasty jig blank, and the second rapid production machine may be configured to form a second arthroplasty jig from the second arthroplasty jig blank, the second arthroplasty jig having a different configuration from the first arthroplasty jig." The patent application was filed on Dec. 18, 2006 (11/641,382). 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=84,60,302.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,302&RS=PN/84,60,302 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Ethicon Endo-Surgery Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, has been assigned a patent (8,460,292) developed by Csaba Truckai, Saratoga, Calif., and John H. Shadduck, Menlo Park, Calif., for an "electrosurgical instrument and method." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An electrosurgical working end and method for sealing and transecting tissue. An exemplary working end provides curved jaw members that are positioned on opposing sides of the targeted anatomic structure. The working end carries a slidable extension member having flange portions with inner surfaces that slide over the jaw members to clamp tissue therebetween. The working end carries an independent slidable cutting member that is flexible to follow the curved axis of the jaws. The electrosurgical surfaces of the jaws include partially-resistive bodies for carrying a current or load which modulates ohmic heating in the engaged tissue to prevent charring and desiccation of tissue to create a high strength thermal seal." The patent application was filed on Dec. 12, 2011 (13/323,032). 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=84,60,292.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,292&RS=PN/84,60,292 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** iStep Global Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- iStep Global, Encinitas, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,161) developed by five co-inventors for a "proprioception training and exercise apparatus." The co-inventors are John Cole, Encinitas, Calif., David C. Pratson, Bonsall, Calif., Tien Le, Oceanside, Calif., Axel Mnich, Oceanside, Calif., and Jeff Harlan, Corona, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An exercise apparatus includes a substantially flat, rigid platform for supporting a user during exercise. An inflatable tubular support having an upper portion with a first radial outside diameter, and a lower portion with a second radial outside diameter that is greater than the first radial outside diameter, is coupled to the platform by a fastener. The tubular support defines a central opening that communicates between the platform and a support surface. The platform includes a venting structure for releasing air from the central opening during use. The inflatable support includes an intermediate portion between the upper portion and the lower portion of the tubular support, the intermediate portion including a support feature to restrain the intermediate portion from radial expansion induced by an air pressure internal to the integral inflatable support." The patent application was filed on Nov. 9, 2010 (12/942,841). 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=84,60,161.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,161&RS=PN/84,60,161 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Cutera Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Cutera, Brisbane, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,280) developed by four co-inventors for "localized flashlamp skin treatments." The co-inventors are Scott A. Davenport, Half Moon Bay, Calif., Gregory J. R. Spooner, Kensington, Calif., David A. Gollnick, San Francisco, and Steven Christensen, Fremont, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A flashlamp device having a small diameter waveguide is disclosed for use in localized dermatological applications. A preferred waveguide has a curvilinear wall surface. The waveguide is supported by a plurality of spaced apart thermally-conductive elements in contact with the curvilinear wall surface allowing sufficient cooling of the waveguide while minimizing the amount of high angle light stripped from the waveguide at points of contact with the contact elements." The patent application was filed on April 28, 2006 (11/414,441). 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=84,60,280.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,280&RS=PN/84,60,280 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** EndoSee Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- EndoSee, Los Altos, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,182) developed by four co-inventors for a "method and apparatus for hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy." The co-inventors are Xiaolong Ouyang, Palo Alto, Calif., Paul D. Indman, San Jose, Calif., Robert K. Deckman, San Bruno, Calif., and Shih-Ping Wang, Los Altos, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and devices are described for performing a combined hysteroscopy and endometrial sampling. Techniques for improving visual images include forward facing fluid ports for clearing tissue debris and LED positioning and design. Manufacturability is improved through separately formed tip and shaft pieces. User interface features are described including user-friendly handle-mounted buttons as well the use of an interactive integrated touch screen display. The handle and display can be mated to a docking station for storage and recharging batteries." The patent application was filed on May 17, 2012 (13/474,429). 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=84,60,182.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,182&RS=PN/84,60,182 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** AMS Research Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- AMS Research, Minnetonka, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,460,169) developed by four co-inventors for "adjustable tension incontinence sling assemblies." The co-inventors are Robert E. Lund, St. Michael, Minn., Jason Westrum Ogdahl, Minneapolis, Jessica Lynn Roll, Minnetonka, Minn., and Kelly Ann Chapman, Altadena, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems for providing support to body tissue to alleviate incontinence are disclosed that comprise an elongated incontinence sling having a central support portion adapted to be positioned to support any one of the urethra or anus and first and second sling end portions extending from the central support portion through body tissue and a tension adjustment mechanism acting on or within one or both of the sling end portions. The sling tension adjustment mechanism is attached to and extends through an adjustment spacing between sling intermediate ends within at least one sling end portion. The adjustment spacing is lengthened to decrease sling tension and shortened to increase sling tension." The patent application was filed on June 22, 2007 (12/305,874). 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=84,60,169.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,169&RS=PN/84,60,169 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** ConforMIS Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- ConforMIS, Bedford, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,460,304) developed by five co-inventors for "joint arthroplasty devices and surgical tools." The co-inventors are Wolfgang Fitz, Sherborn, Mass., Philipp Lang, Lexington, Mass., Daniel Steines, Lexington, Mass., Konstantinos Tsougarakis, Sunnyvale, Calif., and Rene Vargas-Voracek, Sunnyvale, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty." The patent application was filed on Oct. 27, 2009 (12/606,844). 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=84,60,304.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,304&RS=PN/84,60,304 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Infusion Innovations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Infusion Innovations, La Jolla, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,252) developed by David K. Stroup, El Cajon, Calif., for "devices, assemblies, and methods for controlling fluid flow." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Connector assemblies are provided for controlling flow in a fluid line that include an outer shell, an inner housing, and a tubular member. The inner housing is disposed within the outer shell and includes a boss disposed adjacent a first end of the outer shell. The inner housing is movable axially within the outer shell between first and second positions when a device is connected to the first end. The tubular member is carried by the inner housing and includes a fluid passage extending between a second end of the outer shell. The tubular member moves axially as the inner housing moves between the first and second positions, and cam features on the outer shell and the tubular member cause the tubular member to rotate as the inner housing moves between the first and second positions, thereby opening a fluid path between the fluid passage and the first end." The patent application was filed on June 20, 2011 (13/163,999). 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=84,60,252.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,252&RS=PN/84,60,252 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Abbott Diabetes Care, Deltec Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Abbott Diabetes Care, Alameda, Calif., and Deltec, St. Paul, Minn., have been assigned a patent (8,460,243) developed by Timothy T. Goodnow, Pleasanton, Calif., Michael L. Blomquist, Blaine, Minn., and Jay G. Johnson, Maple Plain, Minn., for a "glucose measuring module and insulin pump combination." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A combination glucose measuring and insulin pumping device is described. The two major components, a glucose measuring module and an insulin pump, are held together by a quick attach and release mechanism. Communication between the glucose measuring module and the insulin pump is by a wireless modality. The glucose measuring module determines the glucose level in a sample, and wirelessly transmits the data to the insulin pump, where the data are stored in a memory, and are available for visual display on the insulin pump, and for incorporation into selection of appropriate protocols for the rate of insulin infusion by the pump into the patient." The patent application was filed on June 10, 2003 (10/458,914). 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=84,60,243.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,243&RS=PN/84,60,243 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Nidus Medical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Nidus Medical, Atherton, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,181) developed by Vahid Saadat, Atherton, Calif., Ruey-Feng Peh, Mountain View, Calif., and Edmund Tam, Mountain View, Calif., for "epicardial access and treatment systems." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Epicardial access and treatment systems are described herein where such devices may utilize multiple expanding frame members coupled to a flexible or rigid deployment catheter shaft. The multiple frame members may extend distally to collapse into a low-profile configuration and may further expand or open radially to create a working or surgical field under direct visualization and defined by the frame members and surrounding membrane while retracting any surrounding tissue. Moreover, the distal ends of each frame member may be tapered such that the frame members may close tightly relative to one another forming an atraumatic end. Any number of therapeutic tools can be passed through the catheter for performing any number of procedures on the tissue." The patent application was filed on Jan. 16, 2009 (12/355,378). 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=84,60,181.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,181&RS=PN/84,60,181 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Medtronic MiniMed Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Medtronic MiniMed, Northridge, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,244) developed by Chad Srisathapat, Sun Valley, Calif., and Afshin Bazargan, Simi Valley, Calif., for a "reservoir compartment adapter for infusion device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides a reservoir compartment adapter for use with a fluid delivery device. The adapter includes a first end adapted for coupling with a fluid delivery device, a second end adapted for coupling with a connector, and a structure between the first end and the second end including an interior space for receiving the reservoir, wherein an extended reservoir compartment for accommodating the reservoir is adapted to be formed when the first end is coupled to the fluid delivery device, and the reservoir is adapted to be secured in the extended reservoir compartment when the connector is coupled to the second end. The adapter allows a user of a delivery device accommodating reservoirs of a certain size to manage periods where increased medication dosage is needed without the burden of carrying a larger delivery device for accommodating reservoirs filled with the increased dosage." The patent application was filed on Dec. 30, 2008 (12/346,757). 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=84,60,244.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,244&RS=PN/84,60,244 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Figure 8 Surgical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Figure 8 Surgical, Palo Alto, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,295) developed by four co-inventors for "systems and methods for sternum repair." The co-inventors are William Thomas McClellan, Morgantown, W.Va., John F. Krumme, Woodside, Calif., Scott H. Heneveld, Whitmore, Calif., and Johnny T. Chang, Providence, R.I. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention provides systems and methods for sternum repair. A sternum repair device may include a central body, which may include a plurality of bands and buckles, such that a band extends from the central body and is received by a buckle component. The band may wrap around the sternum and the device may be tightened to keep the separate sternum pieces together." The patent application was filed on Sept. 22, 2010 (12/888,357). 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=84,60,295.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,295&RS=PN/84,60,295 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Stryker Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Stryker, Kalamazoo, Mich., and Stryker NV Operations, Dublin, Ireland, have been assigned a patent (8,460,313) developed by Andrew Huffmaster, Fremont, Calif., for a laser-cut clot puller. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A device for removing blood clots and methods of making and using the same. The clot pulling device may include a first spine, a second spine disposed parallel to the first spine, and a basket disposed between and coupled to the spines. In addition, a pushing member may be coupled to the first spine and extend proximally therefrom." The patent application was filed on Aug. 12, 2011 (13/208,680). 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=84,60,313.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,313&RS=PN/84,60,313 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** OtisMed Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- OtisMed, Alameda, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,303) developed by Ilwhan Park, Walnut Creek, Calif., for "arthroplasty systems and devices, and related methods." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems for manufacturing arthroplasty jigs are disclosed. The systems include positioning components for positioning an arthroplasty jig blank in a machining device (e.g., a computer numerical control (CNC) machine). Arthroplasty jig blanks that may be used in the systems can include an arm fixture component configured to be coupled to the positioning component. Coupling the arm fixture component to the positioning component positions the jig blank body for machining by the machining device. In addition, positioning components, arthroplasty jig blanks, and methods for making arthroplasty jig blanks are disclosed." The patent application was filed on Oct. 25, 2007 (11/924,425). 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=84,60,303.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,303&RS=PN/84,60,303 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Maquet Cardiovascular Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Maquet Cardiovascular, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,331) developed by Albert K. Chin, Palo Alto, Calif., for a "tissue dissector apparatus and method." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Surgical apparatus and method includes a cannula that houses an endoscope and supports a dilating element near a distal end of the cannula. The dilating element has a dimension which is greater than the diameter of the cannula for enlarging a surgical cavity in tissue as the cannula is advanced through tissue at a surgical site to provide working space adjacent a target vessel within which surgical instruments may be conveniently manipulated. The dilating element of oval sided shape permits surrounding tissue to be pushed away or otherwise displaced away from the target vessel atraumatically. A locking mechanism is disposed on the cannula, which accepts a succession of mating dilating elements of progressively larger dimensions for successive insertion and enlargement of a surgical cavity as required. In one embodiment, the dilating element is made of rigid plastic, and in another embodiment, the dilating element is made of resilient material that may be confined within a retractable sheath which, in the extended position, encases and compresses the dilating element to a smaller dimension and which, in a retracted position, allows the dilating element to resiliently expand and enlarge the surgical cavity." The patent application was filed on April 22, 2011 (13/092,826). 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=84,60,331.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,331&RS=PN/84,60,331 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Refocus Ocular Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Refocus Ocular, Dallas, has been assigned a patent (8,460,325) developed by six co-inventors for "apparatuses and methods for forming incisions in ocular tissue." The co-inventors are Mark A. Cox, Dallas, Douglas C. Williamson, Coppell, Texas, Jack C. Griffis III, Decatur, Texas, Gary A. Richardson, Rochester, N.Y., Andrew J. Scherer, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., and Timothy J. Payne, Santa Ana, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A surgical tool includes a surgical blade configured to be moved to form an incision. The surgical tool also includes a wire configured to cause movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool further includes an actuator configured to shorten a length of the wire to cause the movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction and then in a second direction in response to a single shortening of the wire. Also, the wire could represent a first wire, the surgical tool could include a second wire, and the surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction in response to shortening the first wire and to move the surgical blade in a second direction in response to shortening the second wire." The patent application was filed on Dec. 7, 2011 (13/314,011). 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=84,60,325.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,325&RS=PN/84,60,325 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Impact Sports Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Impact Sports Technologies, Las Vegas, has been assigned a patent (8,460,199) developed by Nikolai Rulkov, San Diego, Mark Hunt, San Diego, and Donald Brady, Las Vegas, for a "monitoring device with an accelerometer, method and system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A monitoring device for monitoring the vital signs of a user is disclosed herein. The monitoring device is preferably comprises an article, an optical sensor, an accelerometer and processor. The optical sensor preferably comprises a photodetector and a plurality of light emitting diodes. A sensor signal from the optical sensor is processed with a filtered accelerometer output signal from the accelerometer to create a filtered vital sign signal used to generate a real-time vital sign for a user." The patent application was filed on Dec. 7, 2011 (13/314,149). 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=8,460,199.PN.&OS=PN/8,460,199&RS=PN/8,460,199 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Siesta Medical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Siesta Medical, Los Gatos, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,322) developed by eight co-inventors for "suture passer systems and methods for tongue or other tissue suspension and compression." The co-inventors are Erik Van Der Burg, Los Gatos, Calif., Peter Martin, Mountain View, Calif., Chris Feezor, San Jose, Calif., Mark Hirotsuka, San Jose, Calif., Jasper Jackson, Newark, Calif., Christopher T. Cheng, Los Altos, Calif., Michael Kolber, Los Gatos, Calif., and Adam H. Liston, Davis, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Suture passer systems for tissue suspension and tissue compression, and more particularly for tongue suspension, are described. The system can include at least a first elongate tubular body or shaft, a needle having a lateral bias carried by the elongate body, and a retrieval element operably connected to the elongate tubular body. The needle can have a substantially straight configuration when located within the elongate tubular body, and be configured to exit an opening at or near a distal end of the elongate tubular body and assume a laterally biased or curved shape to form a path through tissue. The needle is configured to carry a suture. The retrieval element can be configured to retrieve the suture carried by the needle after the needle has formed a curved or otherwise angled path through tissue. The system can also include one or more bone anchors to secure the suture loops. Methods of placing one or more suture loops into tissue, such as the base of the tongue, are also described." The patent application was filed on March 31, 2011 (13/077,813). 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=84,60,322.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,322&RS=PN/84,60,322 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Senorx Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Senorx, Tempe, Ariz., has been assigned a patent (8,460,204) developed by four co-inventors for a "biopsy device with inner cutting member." The co-inventors are Richard L. Quick, Mission Viejo, Calif., Frank R. Louw, Carlsbad, Calif., Paul Lubock, Laguna Niguel, Calif., and Martin V. Shabaz, Lake Forest, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention is directed to devices and methods for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a patient's target site. The device includes a probe member with a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture, and a tissue cutting member which is rotatable disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture. The longitudinal edges of the aperture are preferably sharpened to engage the cutting edges of the tissue cutting member. Vacuum may be provided in the inner lumen of the cutting member to transport tissue therethrough. Rotation, rotational oscillation and/or longitudinal reciprocation of the tissue cutting member is effective to separate a tissue specimen from surrounding tissue. An accessing cannula having an tissue receiving aperture may be concentrically disposed within the probe member and about the tissue cutting member. The tissue cutting edge of the tissue cutting member preferably is longitudinally oriented and may have a cutting angle less than 90.degree. with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tissue cutting member." The patent application was filed on June 3, 2010 (12/793,465). 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=84,60,204.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,204&RS=PN/84,60,204 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Edwards Lifesciences Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,366) developed by Stanton Rowe, Newport Beach, Calif., for a "transcatheter heart valve with micro-anchors." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for treating defective heart valve are disclosed herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a transcatheter heart valve is disclosed that includes an expandable shape memory stent and a valve member supported by the stent. A plurality of micro-anchors can be disposed along an outer surface of the stent for engaging native tissue. The transcatheter heart valve can be configured to be advanced into a dilated valve annulus via a balloon catheter. The balloon can be inflated to expand the transcatheter heart valve from a collapsed diameter to an over-expanded diameter such that the micro-anchors engage tissue along the surrounding valve annulus. After engaging the tissue, the balloon can be deflated and the shape memory stent can retract or recoil toward its predetermined recoil diameter. As the stent recoils, the surrounding tissue is pulled inward by the stent such that the diameter of the valve annulus is reduced." The patent application was filed on July 18, 2011 (13/185,254). 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=84,60,366.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,366&RS=PN/84,60,366 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Abbott Laboratories Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill., has been assigned a patent (8,460,339) developed by Steven C. Anderson, Mountain View, Calif., for a "multi element biased suture clip." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A suture clamp comprising a plurality of elements positioned together in a row, each element of the plurality of elements having a lower portion separated from an upper portion by a flexible neck, each element of the plurality of elements including a slot having an outwardly facing opening, the slots from the plurality of elements configured to accept a suture element through the row of elements and secure the suture element. A method of clamping a suture, including applying a biasing force to at least one element into the first position to provide access to the outwardly facing opening of the slot, passing the suture through a tissue layer, receiving the suture into the slot through the outward facing opening, and removing the biasing force to form a tortuous path between adjacently positioned elements of the plurality of elements." The patent application was filed on Aug. 26, 2010 (12/869,014). 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=84,60,339.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,339&RS=PN/84,60,339 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Incept Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Incept, San Mateo, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,336) developed by four co-inventors for "systems and methods for vascular filter retrieval." The co-inventors are Jeff A. Krolik, Campbell, Calif., Amr Salahieh, Campbell, Calif., Jackson F. Demond, Santa Cruz, Calif., and Farhad Khosravi, San Mateo. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Apparatus and methods for retrieving a vascular filter from a vessel are provided wherein a retrieval adapter is delivered to a treatment site concurrently along with an interventional device to reduce the number of steps required to remove the vascular filter. The retrieval adapter also reduces the possibility of entangling the vascular filter with a stent disposed within the vessel during removal of the vascular filter. A separate retrieval catheter is also described for use in conjunction with the retrieval adapter." The patent application was filed on Aug. 17, 2011 (13/211,576). 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=84,60,336.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,336&RS=PN/84,60,336 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** MicroVention Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- MicroVention, Tustin, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,332) developed by Tai D. Tieu, Fountain Valley, Calif., and George Martinez, Brea, Calif., for a "system and method of detecting implant detachment." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and method of detecting implant detachment within the body of a patient. The activation of the heater coil causes the degradation, melting or reduction of a component that brings the heater coil into or out of electrical contact with another component, or causes the individual loops of the coil to contact each other, thereby resulting in a notable change in resistance in the circuit supplying the heater coil with electricity." The patent application was filed on June 4, 2012 (13/488,225). 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=84,60,332.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,332&RS=PN/84,60,332 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Vibrynt Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Vibrynt, Redwood City, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,321) developed by fourteen co-inventors for "devices, tools and methods for performing minimally invasive abdominal surgical procedures." The co-inventors are Matthew B. Newell, Portola Valley, Calif., Pankaj Rathi, Mountain View, Calif., Robert M. George, San Jose, Calif., Marlo Dreissigacker, Redwood City, Calif., Narvel M. Brooks III, Palo Alto, Calif., Shuji Uemura, San Francisco, Theodore M. Bender, Oakland, Calif., Joshua Makower, Los Altos, Calif., Dane A. Johnson, San Francisco, Brian K. Shiu, Sunnyvale, Calif., Pablo G. Acosta, Newark, Calif., Timothy A. Limon, Cupertino, Calif., Beverly Huss, Menlo Park, Calif., and Crystine M. Lee, San Rafael, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods, systems, devices and assemblies are provided for treating a patient by: making an incision or puncture though the patient's skin over the abdominal cavity; establishing an initial tract through an opening formed by the incision or puncture; advancing an instrument through the tract; contacting a distal end portion of the instrument against an inner surface of the abdominal cavity; driving at least one stitching needle through the inner surface of the abdominal cavity; continuing the driving until the at least one stitching needle exits the inner surface of the abdominal cavity; anchoring a suture carried by each of the at least one stitching needle to a suture anchor at an exit location, respectively; and applying tension to each of the sutures." The patent application was filed on March 4, 2011 (13/041,093). 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=84,60,321.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,321&RS=PN/84,60,321 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Stanford University Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,316) developed by Fletcher T. Wilson, San Francisco, and Rhunjay J. Yu, Mountain View, Calif., for "systems and methods for endoluminal valve creation." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of manipulating tissue at a vessel includes advancing a device distally relative to an opening at an interior surface of the vessel, and into a first wall portion of a vessel until an entirety of the device is within the wall of the vessel, the device having a distal end, a proximal end, and a cutting element coupled to the proximal end, and using the cutting element to increase a size of the opening by retracting the device proximally." The patent application was filed on Feb. 25, 2011 (13/035,818). 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=84,60,316.PN.&OS=PN/84,60,316&RS=PN/84,60,316 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Tran Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 15 -- Bao Tran, Saratoga, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,460,216) developed by Ross John Miller, Sunnyvale, Calif., for "systems and methods of analyzing vibrations imparted to tissues and teeth." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods are disclosed for performing dental diagnostics by inducing vibrations in a first dental object using a vibratory transducer; picking up at a receiver vibrations tran 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. -1128430 (c) 2013 Targeted News Service |