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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Texas (Jan. 14)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Texas. *** Hunt Energy Enterprises Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Hunt Energy Enterprises, Dallas, has been assigned a patent (8,347,658) developed by five co-inventors for a "method and system for passive electroseismic surveying." The co-inventors are Arthur Thompson, Houston, Alan Katz, Dallas, Robert England, Flower Mound, Texas, Mohammad Rahman, Dallas, and Naga P. Devineni, Irving, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation." The patent application was filed on March 27, 2012 (13/431,735). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=83,47,658.PN.&OS=PN/83,47,658&RS=PN/83,47,658 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,347,505) developed by Larry J. Urban, Santa Fe, Texas, Edward J. O'Malley, Houston, and Steve Rosenblatt, Houston, for a "method for fabricating a cylindrical spring by compressive force." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A spring for use in downhole tools delivers a high force over a long deflection in a relatively uniform fashion. The spring is a tubular shape that is preferably metallic and is preferably plastically deformed into an undulating walled tube either before assembly into a downhole tool or downhole after assembly to the downhole tool. Alternatively the shape can be machined. Spacer rings are used inside and outside the tube as it is compressed to obtain the desired corrugated wall pattern and to prevent localized buckling that can cause wall failure. The spring can conduct pressurized fluids and be rotationally locked to transmit torque and to facilitate milling out. Some machining internally and/or externally can assist in forming the desired corrugated wall shape." The patent application was filed on Oct. 13, 2008 (12/250,272). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=83,47,505.PN.&OS=PN/83,47,505&RS=PN/83,47,505 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Motion Computing Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Motion Computing, Austin, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,347,486) developed by Todd W. Steigerwald, Austin, Texas, and Jerry Mayfield, Georgetown, Texas, for a "method of forming an apparatus used for reducing electromagnetic interference." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Various methods are disclosed herein for forming an apparatus, which is configured to reduce the electromagnetic interference between a pair of antennas coupled to a wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the method includes extracting a shape of the apparatus from a thin sheet of conductive material, and folding the shape into a plurality of resonant circuit elements. In other embodiments, the apparatus is formed within various cavities of a mold; a liquefied substance may be inserted into the mold for filling the various cavities and forming a plurality of resonant circuit elements. In all embodiments, the plurality of resonant circuit elements are each configured to resonate at (or near) a carrier frequency of a signal transmitted by one of the pair of antennas." The patent application was filed on Dec. 22, 2011 (13/334,427). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=83,47,486.PN.&OS=PN/83,47,486&RS=PN/83,47,486 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Peerless Manufacturing Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Peerless Manufacturing, Dallas, has been assigned a patent (8,349,059) developed by Dani Fadda, Dallas, for a pocketed cyclonic separator. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A number of pocketed apparatus for separating various materials are described. A pocketed cyclonic separator that includes a cyclone chamber, which includes interior chamber walls, an inlet connected to the cyclone chamber, and one or more pocket separators, located on the interior chamber walls, is described. A substance may be introduced through the inlet into the cyclone chamber so as to create a rotational force sufficient to generate a cyclone in the cyclone chamber. Forces generated by the cyclone will cause heavier material in the substance to move towards the interior chamber walls when in use. The one or more pocket separators define one or more pockets that trap heavier material in the substance when in use." The patent application was filed on July 13, 2010 (12/835,407). 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=8,349,059&OS=8,349,059&RS=8,349,059 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Sentry Equipment Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Sentry Equipment, Oconomowoc, Wis., has been assigned a patent (8,349,038) developed by Mark Zeck, Snyder, Texas, for a "self optimizing odorant injection system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system is shown for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid containing system such as a natural gas pipeline or an LPG pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained at a pressure above ambient, but below the pressure of the pipeline. An injection conduit communicates the odorant tank with the pipeline. A hydraulic pressure booster is located in the injection conduit for pressurizing the chemical to a pressure above that of the pipeline, the hydraulic booster having a first side which communicates with the chemical in the injection conduit and another, isolated side which is exposed to hydraulic pressure but which is isolated from the chemical being injected. A flow control valve may be located within the injection conduit for metering chemical to be injected into the pipeline." The patent application was filed on March 19, 2009 (12/407,387). 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=8,349,038&OS=8,349,038&RS=8,349,038 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Medtronic Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Medtronic, Minneapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,349,003) developed by Mark Shu, Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Chris Coppin, Carlsbad, Calif., and Louis A. Campbell, Austin, Texas, for a "suture locking assembly and method of use." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A suture locking assembly for use with a heart valve repair device. The suture locking assembly including a rim and a suture band. The rim defines a first flange and a second flange spaced from the first flange. The rim is configured to extend at least partially around a periphery of the heart valve repair device. The suture band is maintained between the first flange and the second flange. The suture locking assembly is configured to securely maintain a suture segment that is pulled from a first position to a second position relative the suture locking assembly, the second position being at least partially defined near an outer periphery of the rim." The patent application was filed on April 12, 2011 (13/085,183). 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=8,349,003&OS=8,349,003&RS=8,349,003 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** General Electric Assigned Patent for Systems and Method for Heating and Drying Solid Feedstock in a Gasification System ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- General Electric, Schenectady, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (8,349,036) developed by Steven Craig Russell, Houston, and Judeth Brannon Corry, Manvel, Texas, for "systems and method for heating and drying solid feedstock in a gasification system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for heating and drying a quantity of coal feedstock being channeled to a gasifier includes a first heat exchanger coupled in flow communication with the gasifier for transferring heat from an input stream to an output stream of heat transfer fluid, and a second heat exchanger positioned downstream from the first heat exchanger for receiving the output stream of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger, said second heat exchanger transfers heat from the output stream of heat transfer fluid to a stream of heating gas." The patent application was filed on Jan. 6, 2010 (12/652,835). 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=8,349,036&OS=8,349,036&RS=8,349,036 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Spine Wave Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Spine Wave, Shelton, Conn., has been assigned a patent (8,349,014) developed by Peter Barreiro, West Haven, Conn., Dennis Ty, Milford, Conn., and Michael E. Landry, Austin, Texas, for an "expandable device for distracting spinal tissue surfaces." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An expandable interbody fusion device includes superior and inferior endplates that are configured to receive a sequentially inserted stack of interlocking expansion members or wafers. The like-configured wafers include features on their top and bottom surfaces that interlock the wafers in multiple degrees of freedom so that the wafer stack is not disrupted when the fusion device is fully expanded. One of the interlocking features includes a plurality of prongs projecting from an upper surface of the wafers and into a recess defined in the lower surface of an adjacent previously inserted like-configured wafer. The prongs and recesses are configured to prevent retrograde movement of each new wafer in a direction opposite the direction of insertion. Other interlocking features prevent movement in the direction of insertion, transverse to the insertion direction and vertically within the stack." The patent application was filed on June 22, 2011 (13/166,375). 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=8,349,014&OS=8,349,014&RS=8,349,014 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** CommScope Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- CommScope, Hickory, N.C., has been assigned a patent (8,348,517) developed by nine co-inventors for a "shutter for a fiber optic component and a fiber optic component including the shutter." The co-inventors are Ronald Mudd, Richardson, Texas, Joseph Livingston, Frisco, Texas, Brad Billman, Denton, Texas, Thomas Crain, Melissa, Texas, Aly Fahd, Dallas, Gary Gibbs, Wylie, Texas, Jeffrey Dale Nielson, Wylie, Texas, Gil Ruiz, McKinney, Texas, and Wade James Womack, Allen, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A fiber optic component includes a body having at least one receptacle configured to receive a fiber optic connector, a shutter base mounted to the body at a mounting location adjacent to the at least one receptacle, and a first shutter connected to the shutter base by a first hinge. The first shutter, first hinge and shutter base are unitarily formed, and the first shutter is shiftable from a first position biased against the body and covering the at least one receptacle to a second position biased to an angularly spaced position relative to the first position." The patent application was filed on Feb. 16, 2010 (12/706,071). 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=8,348,517&OS=8,348,517&RS=8,348,517 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,348,642) developed by Willam E. Brennan, Richmond, Texas, Bill Grant, Austin, Texas, and Mark Milkovisch, Cypress, Texas, for an "active mud valve system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A downhole tool pumping apparatus comprising a body and an active valve block. The body comprises a cavity housing a reciprocating piston defining first and second chambers within the cavity. The active valve block comprises a plurality of active valves, wherein the plurality of active valves includes a first active valve fluidly connected to the first chamber of the body, the plurality of active valves includes a second active valve fluidly connected to the second chamber of the body, and each of the plurality of active valves is configured to be actively actuated between open and closed positions." The patent application was filed on March 27, 2009 (12/412,551). 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=8,348,642&OS=8,348,642&RS=8,348,642 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Gandy Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Gandy Technologies, Conroe, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,348,542) developed by Kris L. Church, Montgomery, Texas, for a "connection system for tubular members." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A tubular connector system for joining two pipe ends without the necessity of rotating the pipe ends. A coupling has opposing tapered ends. Each of the tapered ends slopes inwardly from an inner extent to an outer extent to form a respective mouth opening of the body. Each tapered end of the coupling has a contoured surface which is made up of a series of alternating helical spline wedges. The wedges are oppositely tapered from an inner extent to an outer extent, whereby the helical spline wedges form an alternating series of lands and grooves on the body as viewed from the respective mouth openings. The two opposing pipe ends have mating engagement surfaces which engage and mate with the contoured surfaces of the coupling as one pipe end is pushed toward the other during assembly." The patent application was filed on April 18, 2011 (13/089,064). 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=8,348,542&OS=8,348,542&RS=8,348,542 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Mentor Worldwide Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Mentor Worldwide, Santa Barbara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,349,007) developed by Eric Peter Berg, Grapevine, Texas, and Anita Marie Falcon, Bedford, Texas, for a "breast implants having drug-eluting reservoirs and methods therefor." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A breast implant includes an implant shell having an outer surface and defining a first fluid reservoir, and a porous membrane overlying the outer surface of the implant shell and defining a second fluid reservoir. The breast implant includes a filling tube having a first conduit in communication with the first reservoir and a second conduit in communication with the second reservoir. The breast implant includes an injection dome coupled with the filling tube and having a first fluid chamber in communication with the first conduit and a second fluid chamber in communication with the second conduit. The injection dome includes an upper end having an injection cover, a lower end including a support base, the first fluid chamber located adjacent the injection cover, the second fluid chamber located adjacent the support base, and a diaphragm dividing the first and second fluid chambers from one another." The patent application was filed on Dec. 29, 2009 (12/648,435). 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=8,349,007&OS=8,349,007&RS=8,349,007 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Cameron International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Cameron International, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,347,970) developed by Delbert Edwin Vanderford, Cypress, Texas, and Kenneth Melvin Reed, Humble, Texas, for a wellhead tubular connector. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods are provided that may include employing a lockscrew to provide radial and axial force in connecting tubular members in a mineral extraction system. The lockscrew may be angled relative to the tubular members, at an angle that is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. Further, the lockscrew may have an end portion which mates with a slot in a locking segment, and the lockscrew and locking segment may be moved from an unlocked to a locked position. In a locked position, the lockscrew exerts force axially downward and radially inward to push the locking segment against a tubular member, locking the member in place. The interconnection between the lockscrew and the locking segment may enable easier installation and may utilize parts which may be easier to manufacture. Furthermore, the angle of the lockscrew may provide improved support for tubular members." The patent application was filed on Nov. 19, 2009 (12/622,394). 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=8,347,970&OS=8,347,970&RS=8,347,970 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Cameron International Assigned Patent for Seal System and Method ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Cameron International, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,347,966) developed by Dennis P. Nguyen, Pearland, Texas, and Thomas E. Taylor, Houston, for a "seal system and method." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system in some embodiments includes a system, having a seal assembly, including an inner energizing ring, an outer energizing ring, a load ring disposed between the inner energizing ring and the outer energizing ring, a sealing element, and a lock ring. Further other embodiments provide a method of sealing, including rotating an inner energizing ring in a direction to move the inner energizing ring in a first axial direction to seat a seal, rotating an outer energizing ring in the direction to wedgingly engage and set a lock ring in a radial direction, and rotating a load ring in the direction to move the load ring in a second axial direction to set the lock ring." The patent application was filed on May 19, 2008 (12/669,561). 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=8,347,966&OS=8,347,966&RS=8,347,966 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** 4S Oilfield Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- 4S Oilfield Technologies, Fort Worth, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,347,955) developed by Michael Sewell, Keene, Texas, and Amy C. Stephens, Hudson Oaks, Texas, for a plunger lift mechanism. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Method and apparatus for a plunger lift mechanism with a main channel disposed between a first and second valve. The first valve is closed by engaging a sealing member to a first seat at a proximal end of the main channel and the second valve consequently closes to with a sealing member engaging a second seat at a distal end of the main channel. An amount of pressure accumulates on a first side of the plunger lift to overcome a pressure on a second side of the plunger lift to force the plunger lift to traverse a well bore and evacuate any fluids present above the plunger lift." The patent application was filed on Feb. 5, 2010 (12/701,369). 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=8,347,955&OS=8,347,955&RS=8,347,955 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** ExxonMobil Upstream Research Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- ExxonMobil Upstream Research, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,347,956) developed by thirteen co-inventors for a "wellbore method and apparatus for completion, production and injection." The co-inventors are Charles S. Yeh, Spring, Texas, David C. Haeberle, Cypress, Texas, Michael D. Barry, The Woodlands, Texas, Michael T. Hecker, Tomball, Texas, Jon Blacklock, Katy, Texas, Ted A. Long, Sugar Land, Texas, Hans Brekken, Algard, Norway, Arthur H. Dybevik, Sandnes, Norway, Lars Faret, Sandnes, Norway, Ole Sveinung Kvernstuen, Sandnes, Norway, Terje Moen, Sandnes, Norway, Knut H. Nesland, Algard, Norway, and Kjartan Roaldsnes, Kvernaland, Norway. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection." The patent application was filed on April 20, 2012 (13/452,259). 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=8,347,956&OS=8,347,956&RS=8,347,956 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,347,968) developed by four co-inventors for a "single trip well completion system." The co-inventors are Julien Debard, Houston, Felix Estilette Jr., Missouri City, Texas, Dinesh R. Patel, Sugar Land, Texas, and Bryan Stamm, Houston. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A completion system that is usable with a well may include a packer, a screen, an isolation valve and an annulus communication valve. The screen communicates well fluid between an annulus of the well and an interior passageway of the completion system. The isolation valve is radially disposed inside the screen to control communication through the screen between the annulus and the interior passageway. The annulus communication valve is located downhole of the packer and uphole of the screen to control communication with the annulus of the well. The packer, screen, isolation valve and the annulus communication valve are adapted to be run downhole as a unit into the well as a single trip completion." The patent application was filed on Nov. 19, 2009 (12/621,896). 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=8,347,968&OS=8,347,968&RS=8,347,968 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent for Non Frangible Perforating Gun System ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,347,962) developed by six co-inventors for a "non frangible perforating gun system." The co-inventors are Timothy Sampson, Spring, Texas, Anna Schwartz, Raanana, Israel, Mark Sloan, Bellville, Texas, Avigdor Hetz, Houston, Jason McCann, Cypress, Texas, and Meir Mayseles, Haifa, Israel. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A shaped charge assembly for use in a perforating gun that further comprises a charge carrier, and gun housing. The charge carrier substantially encapsulates the closed portion of the shaped charge and extends from the outer periphery of the shaped charge to the inner diameter of the associated gun housing. Encapsulating the shaped charge substantially reduces the introduction of debris into the wellbore resulting from detonation of the perforating gun shaped charges. The charge carrier can include a multiplicity of shaped charges therein." The patent application was filed on July 13, 2006 (11/485,908). 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=8,347,962&OS=8,347,962&RS=8,347,962 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,347,969) developed by Benjamin R. Orr, Midlothian, Texas, Edward T. Wood, Kingwood, Texas, and Aubrey C. Mills, Magnolia, Texas, for an "apparatus and method for compensating for pressure changes within an isolated annular space of a wellbore." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Pressure relief devices comprise a chamber having a piston disposed therein. One side of the piston defines a hydrostatic chamber in fluid communication with an outside environment, such as an isolated wellbore annulus, through a port. The other side of the piston defines a sealed or isolated chamber. The pressure relief device permits changes in pressure in the isolated wellbore annulus to be distributed into the chambers so as to either reduce the pressure within the isolated wellbore annulus or increase the pressure within the wellbore annulus, both of which lessen the likelihood that the change in pressure within the isolated wellbore annulus will damage wellbore components disposed therein." The patent application was filed on Oct. 19, 2010 (12/925,307). 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=8,347,969&OS=8,347,969&RS=8,347,969 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Cameron International Assigned Patent for Self-sealing Chemical Injection Line Coupling ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Cameron International, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,347,916) developed by David R. June, Houston, for a "self-sealing chemical injection line coupling." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A chemical injection line connector includes first and second couplings configured to automatically seal shut when the members are disengaged. A method for blocking contamination or pressure transfer of chemical injection lines includes securing first and second couplings to corresponding ends of a chemical injection line and automatically sealing the couplings shut when the couplings are disengaged." The patent application was filed on Oct. 23, 2008 (12/741,366). 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=8,347,916&OS=8,347,916&RS=8,347,916 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Schlumberger Technology Assigned Patent for Controlling Transient Underbalance in a Wellbore ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Schlumberger Technology, Sugar Land, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,347,963) developed by five co-inventors for "controlling transient underbalance in a wellbore." The co-inventors are Ashley B. Johnson, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Lawrence A. Behrmann, Houston, Wenbo Yang, Sugar Land, Texas, Fokko Harm Cornelis Doornbosch, Sola, The Netherlands, and Ian C. Walton, Sugar Land, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of perforating a well includes selecting a desired transient underbalanced condition, configuring a perforating gun string to achieve the transient underbalanced condition, deploying the perforating gun is a wellbore, and firing the perforating to achieve the transient underbalanced condition." The patent application was filed on Sept. 18, 2009 (12/562,862). 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=8,347,963&OS=8,347,963&RS=8,347,963 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Weatherford/Lamb Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Weatherford/Lamb, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,347,964) developed by four co-inventors for "releasing and recovering tool." The co-inventors are Jerry W. Fisher, Tomball, Texas, Thomas M. Redlinger, Houston, Carl J. Wilson, Hockley, Texas, and Mary L. Laird, Magnolia, Texas. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Apparatus and methods for selectively releasing a first wellbore component to a second wellbore component using a disconnect device. The method includes coupling a disconnect device to a workstring and a downhole tool; performing a downhole operation using the downhole tool, and selectively releasing an upper portion of the disconnect device from a lower portion of the disconnect device, thereby releasing the downhole tool from the workstring. The method may also include reconnecting the upper portion of the disconnect device to the lower portion of the disconnect device. The disconnect device is capable of transferring torque to the wellbore component." The patent application was filed on Feb. 23, 2012 (13/403,118). 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=8,347,964&OS=8,347,964&RS=8,347,964 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Francis Services Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Francis Services, Luling, La., has been assigned a patent (8,347,972) developed by seven co-inventors for a "torque wrench system having multiple torque stations." The co-inventors are Dale Francis, Luling, La., Nicholas Francis, Luling, La., William P. Bernard, Luling, La., Oswald J. Bernard, Luling, La., Lan Hiscox, Houston, Brian Compton, Cypress, Texas, and Arthur Jones, Houston. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed." The patent application was filed on April 17, 2012 (13/448,536). 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=8,347,972.PN.&OS=PN/8,347,972&RS=PN/8,347,972 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Weatherford/Lamb Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Weatherford/Lamb, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,347,983) developed by five co-inventors for a "drilling with a high pressure rotating control device." The co-inventors are Carel W. Hoyer, London, Don M. Hannegan, Fort Smith, Ark., Thomas F. Bailey, Houston, Melvin T. Jacobs, Fort Smith, Ark., and Nicky A. White, Poteau, Okla. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressured Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the facture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs." The patent application was filed on July 31, 2009 (12/462,266). 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=8,347,983.PN.&OS=PN/8,347,983&RS=PN/8,347,983 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Textron Innovations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Textron Innovations, Providence, R.I., has been assigned a patent (8,348,192) developed by Cheng-Ho Tho, Arlington, Texas, and Michael R. Smith, Colleyville, Texas, for a "crash attenuation system for aircraft." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A crash attenuation system for an aircraft, the system having an airbag carried by the aircraft and inflatable generally adjacent an exterior of the aircraft. The airbag has at least one vent for releasing gas from the interior of the airbag. A gas source is in fluid communication with the interior of the airbag for inflating the airbag with gas generated provided by the first gas source. A vent valve is provided for controlling a flow of gas through each vent, each vent valve being selectively configurable between an open state, in which gas can pass through the associated vent from the interior of the airbag, any number of intermediate states, in which the vent is partially open, and a closed state, in which gas is retained within the interior of the airbag." The patent application was filed on Oct. 22, 2007 (12/679,563). 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=8,348,192.PN.&OS=PN/8,348,192&RS=PN/8,348,192 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Revalesio Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Revalesio, Tacoma, Wash., has been assigned a patent (8,349,191) developed by Anthony B. Wood, Dallas, for a "diffuser/emulsifier for aquaculture applications." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of treatment of water in an aquatic environment. Water is first pumped from a reservoir to a first mixing station. An inert gas is introduced into the pumped water at the first mixing station to provide inert gas saturated water, which inert gas saturated water will displace undesired gasses in the water in the reservoir. The inert gas saturated water is then pumped to a sparging column such that the inert gas and undesired gasses will be released from the inert gas saturated water to provide depleted water." The patent application was filed on Feb. 15, 2011 (13/028,058). 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=8,349,191.PN.&OS=PN/8,349,191&RS=PN/8,349,191 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Baker Hughes Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Baker Hughes, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,347,989) developed by Robert J. Buske, The Woodlands, Texas, and Rudolf C. Pessier, Galveston, Texas, for a "hole opener with hybrid reaming section and method of making." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A hole opener having a hybrid reaming section for reaming subterranean wellbores may include a tubular reamer body having a longitudinal axis and upper and lower ends, a rolling cutter mount coupled to the body, a rolling cutter rotatably coupled to the mount, and a fixed blade coupled to the body adjacent the mount. A method of forming a hybrid reamer tool for downhole use may include providing a tubular stem having couplers on the upper and lower ends, coupling a reamer body having an outer periphery to the stem between the stem upper and lower ends, coupling a rolling cutter mount to the outer periphery of the reamer body, the mount having a rolling cutter rotatably coupled thereto, and coupling a fixed blade to the outer periphery of the reamer body adjacent the rolling cutter mount." The patent application was filed on Oct. 6, 2009 (12/574,513). 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=8,347,989.PN.&OS=PN/8,347,989&RS=PN/8,347,989 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** M-I Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- M-I, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,349,193) developed by Gary E. Fout, Cypress, Texas, for a sand screw dryer. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus and process for separating drilling fluid from drill cuttings are disclosed. The separations are performed in a drying auger unit, including: an inclined housing having side walls joined by a bottom and having an inlet end and an outlet end; at least one inlet for feeding a cuttings slurry to the inlet end; a helical auger located in the housing for transporting drill cuttings from the inlet end of the housing to the outlet end of the housing, and a drive for rotating the auger, an elevated pan disposed in and extending the length of the housing and having an arcuate cross section with a radius greater than a radius of the helical auger, wherein the pan is disposed proximate at least a lower quadrant of the helical auger; the housing further comprising a liquid recovery zone adjacent to the pan for transporting drilling fluids, separated from the drill cuttings during transport along the pan by the helical auger, to a liquid collection zone disposed adjacent to the inlet; an outlet for recovering drilling fluids from the liquid collection zone; and at least one fluid inlet nozzle for injecting a fluid into the liquid recovery zone to facilitate transport of any solids in the liquid recovery zone to the liquid collection zone; and at least one outlet for recovering drill cuttings having a reduced content of drilling fluids." The patent application was filed on Jan. 7, 2010 (12/683,786). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,349,193.PN.&OS=PN/8,349,193&RS=PN/8,349,193 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Samsung Electronics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Samsung Electronics, Seoul, South Korea, has been assigned a patent (8,352,821) developed by Aris Papasakellariou, Houston, Soeng Hun Kim, Suwon si, South Korea, and Gert-Jan Van Lieshout, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, for a "method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving scheduling assignments in a communication system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus and method for generating a Scheduling Assignment (SA), which reduces a probability of an incorrect action by a User Equipment (UE) in response to a reception of the SA, in a communication system wherein a base station transmits the SA being a first type or a second type and including at least one Information Element (IE). The method includes setting at least one bit in the at least one IE with an arbitrary value, if the SA is of the first type; setting the at least one bit in the at least one IE with a predetermined value, if the SA is of the second type; and setting any remaining bits in the at least one IE with arbitrary values." The patent application was filed on Sept. 16, 2009 (12/560,876). 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=8,352,821&OS=8,352,821&RS=8,352,821 Written by Neha Bharti; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Halliburton Energy Services Assigned Patent for Roller Cone Drill Bit with Lubricant Pressure Relief Mechanism and Method ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Halliburton Energy Services, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,347,986) developed by Seth Garrett Anderele, Spring, Texas, for a "roller cone drill bit with lubricant pressure relief mechanism and method." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Roller cone drill bits may be provided with pressure relief mechanisms operable to control lubricant pressure within respective lubricant systems. Each lubricant system may be enclosed and isolated from downhole well fluids. Portions of each pressure relief mechanism may be completely surrounded by lubricant to increase downhole life of associated operating mechanisms and to produced more repeatable and more reliable opening and closing of the pressure relief mechanism. The downhole drilling life of bearing surfaces, fluid seals and other supporting structures associated with roller cones mounted on support arms of such roller cone drill bits may be substantially increased. Each pressure relief mechanism may be locked in a closed position to assist with filling the respective lubricant system with lubricant." The patent application was filed on July 7, 2010 (12/831,766). 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=8,347,986.PN.&OS=PN/8,347,986&RS=PN/8,347,986 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Halliburton Energy Services Assigned Patent for Mulitmodal Geosteering Systems and Methods ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Halliburton Energy Services, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,347,985) developed by Michael S. Bittar, Houston, Jennifer Market, Spring, Texas, and Clive Menezes, Conroe, Texas, for a "mulitmodal geosteering systems and methods." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Multimodal geosteering systems and methods are disclosed. Some disclosed tool embodiments include first and second transmitter-receiver arrangements that make geosteering measurements using different forms of energy (such as acoustic and electromagnetic energy) to provide geosteering measurements that at least indicate a boundary direction but may also indicate a boundary distance. Some disclosed method embodiments include: determining a direction to a bed boundary using measurements with different energy types; and adjusting a drilling direction based at least in part on said determination. Combinations of (or selections between) the different measurements may be made based on, inter alia, measurement range, resolution, and contrast. Some disclosed system embodiments include a memory and a processor. The memory stores geosteering display software that configures the processor to generate an image with different regions based on the different types of geosteering measurements. Characteristics such as opacity, resolution, and intensity may visually distinguish the different regions." The patent application was filed on April 25, 2008 (12/679,502). 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=8,347,985.PN.&OS=PN/8,347,985&RS=PN/8,347,985 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Open Text Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Open Text, Luxembourg, has been assigned a patent (8,352,680) developed by Conleth S. O'Connell Jr., Austin, Texas, Maxwell J. Berenson, Austin, Texas, and N. Issac Rajkumar, Austin, Texas, for a "method and system for file-system based caching." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and system for file-system based caching can be used to improve efficiency and security at network sites. In one set of embodiments, the delivery of content and storing content component(s) formed during generation of the content may be performed by different software components. Content that changes at a relatively high frequency or is likely to be regenerated between requests may not have some or all of its corresponding files cached. Additionally, extra white space may be removed before storing to reduce the file size. File mapping may be performed to ensure that a directory within the cache will have an optimal number of files. Security at the network site may be increased by using an internally generated filename that is not used or seen by the client computer. Many variations may be used is achieving any one or more of the advantages described herein." The patent application was filed on Sept. 9, 2011 (13/228,714). 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=8,352,680&OS=8,352,680&RS=8,352,680 Written by Neha Bharti; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Weatherford/Lamb Assigned Patent for System and Method for Managing Heave Pressure from a Floating Rig ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Weatherford/Lamb, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,347,982) developed by Don M. Hannegan, Fort Smith, Ark., Thomas F. Bailey, Houston, and Simon J. Harrall, Houston, for a "system and method for managing heave pressure from a floating rig." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a drill string or tubular is lifted off bottom and suspended on the rig, such as when tubular connections are made during MPD, tripping, or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. In one embodiment, a liquid and a gas interface moves along a flow line between a riser and a gas accumulator as the tubular moves up and down. In another embodiment, a pressure relief valve or adjustable choke allows the movement of fluid from the riser when the tubular moves down, and a pump with a pressure regulator moves fluid to the riser when the tubular moves up. In other embodiments, a piston connected with the rig or the riser telescoping joint moves in a fluid container thereby communicating fluid either into or out of the riser annulus." The patent application was filed on April 16, 2010 (12/761,714). 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=8,347,982.PN.&OS=PN/8,347,982&RS=PN/8,347,982 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Smith International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Smith International, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,347,990) developed by Gregory T. Lockwood, Pearland, Texas, Youhe Zhang, Spring, Texas, and Yuelin Shen, Houston, for a "matrix bit bodies with multiple matrix materials." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A drill bit may include a bit body having a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom, the bit body comprising a first matrix region and a second matrix region, wherein the first matrix region is formed from a moldable matrix material having carbide particles with a unimodal particle size distribution; and at least one cutting element for engaging a formation disposed on at least one of the plurality of blades." The patent application was filed on Nov. 18, 2009 (12/621,402). 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=8,347,990.PN.&OS=PN/8,347,990&RS=PN/8,347,990 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Mastercard International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Mastercard International, Purchase, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (8,348,153) developed by four co-inventors for "methods for providing long term storage and retrieval of customized transaction card images." The co-inventors are Tom Ferrara, Webster Groves, Mo., Billy Wu, Plano, Texas, Anna Whelan, Florissant, Mo., and Peter Weinberger, New Fairfield, Conn. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides a method for providing long term storage of customized transaction card images, comprising the steps of approving or rejecting a selected customized image, marking the customized image as approved or rejected, packaging the customized image into an image file for a transaction card issuer, sending the image file to the transaction card issuer via a secure transfer process, and sending the image file to long term storage." The patent application was filed on April 28, 2008 (12/111,180). 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=8,348,153.PN.&OS=PN/8,348,153&RS=PN/8,348,153 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Toppan Photomasks Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 14 -- Toppan Photomasks, Round Rock, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,347,793) developed by David S. Cummins, Georgetown, Texas, Curt A. Jackson, Austin, Texas, and James N. Cook Jr., Round Rock, Texas, for an "apparatus for transport of equipment and method for manufacture thereof." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of manufacture may include providing a first platform having a substantially planar first surface and a second platform having a substantially planar second surface substantially parallel to the first surface. The method may further include mechanically coupling the second surface and first surface via a plurality of compression springs allowing movement of the second platform relative to the first platform. Additionally, the method may include mechanically coupling at least one weight sensor to the second platform configured to measure a portion of weight of a load upon the apparatus. Moreover, the method may include communicatively coupling a compression spring control module to at least one compression spring of the plurality of compression springs and the at least one weight sensor configured to tune the at least one compression spring based at least on the portion of weight of the load measured by the at least one weight sensor." The patent application was filed on April 28, 2010 (12/769,344). 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=8,347,793&OS=8,347,793&RS=8,347,793 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. For more information about Targeted News Service products and services, please contact: Myron Struck, editor, Targeted News Service LLC, Springfield, Va., 703/304-1897; [email protected]; http://targetednews.com. -1110953 (c) 2013 Targeted News Service |