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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in California (Feb. 18)(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in California. *** Stanford University Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,861) developed by Albert C. Koong, Los Altos, Calif., and Douglas E. Feldman, Mountain View, Calif., for "inhibitors of the unfolded protein response and methods for their use." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Compounds that are inhibitors of the unfolded protein response and endonuclease IRE1 are provided, together with compositions comprising such compounds, and methods for their use in the treatment of various disorders, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes. Also provided are packaged pharmaceuticals comprising these compositions. The compositions may be administered in combination with another therapeutic agent." The patent application was filed on Feb. 27, 2007 (12/280,793). 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=8,372,861&OS=8,372,861&RS=8,372,861 Written by Neha Bharti; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Hansen Medical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Hansen Medical, Mountain View, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,019) developed by Alex S. Goldenberg, San Francisco, Randall L. Schlesinger, San Mateo, Calif., and Eric A. Schultheis, San Jose, Calif., for an "apparatus and method for sensing force on a robotically controlled medical instrument." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A medical system comprises a medical probe including an elongated probe body, a lumen extending within the probe body, an axially flexible section, and a push-pull member slidably disposed within the lumen. The system comprises a ditherer mechanically coupled to the member for cyclically displacing it axially back and forth within the lumen, such that the ends of the probe body are axially displaced relative to each other via the axially flexible section. The system further comprises a sensor for sensing a force axially applied to the distal end of the probe body. A method comprises introducing a medical probe into a patient, axially dithering the distal end of the medical probe back and forth relative to the proximal end of the medical probe, and sensing a force applied between tissue of the patient and the distal end of the medical probe while the distal end is axially dithered." The patent application was filed on Dec. 17, 2009 (12/641,145). 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=8,372,019&OS=8,372,019&RS=8,372,019 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Quantason Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Quantason, Los Angeles, has been assigned a patent (8,372,006) developed by Joseph O'Ruanaidh, Hamilton, N.J., Christopher J. Vecchio, Philadelphia, and Edmond Rambod, Los Angeles, for a "method for detecting and locating a target using phase information." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention is a method for detecting and locating a target using phase information obtained from an array of microphones or other sensors." The patent application was filed on June 16, 2010 (12/802,867). 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=8,372,006&OS=8,372,006&RS=8,372,006 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Covidien Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Covidien, Mansfield, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,014) developed by six co-inventors for a "post-operative bacteria test strip spool and method." The co-inventors are Frank J. Viola, Sandy Hook, Conn., Michael A. Stolz, North Haven, Conn., Robert J. Beetel, Hamden, Conn., Katherine Jordan, Storrs, Conn., Alicia Joy Farrell, Enfield, Conn., and Emily Grace-Anne Gumkowski, Redondo Beach, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for testing body fluids is disclosed. The method includes providing a media-dispensing apparatus, placing at least the distal opening of the elongated tubular member adjacent body fluid (e.g., near a patient's abdomen) or adjacent a medical device such that a portion of the media strip contacts body fluid or the medical device, and advancing the media strip such that the portion of the media strip that contacted the body fluid or the medical device advances at least through the second lumen. Additionally, the step of cutting the media strip with a cutting instrument is also disclosed." The patent application was filed on Feb. 18, 2011 (13/030,655). 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=8,372,014&OS=8,372,014&RS=8,372,014 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Solatube International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Solatube International, Vista, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,371,078) developed by Paul Jaster, Carlsbad, Calif., for a "sunlight collection system and apparatus." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In some embodiments, a sunlight collection system has an upper portion with prismatic elements and a lower cylindrical portion extending from the periphery of the upper portion down to terminate in an open lower end through which light can pass. In certain embodiments, a prism ring is positioned within the cylindrical portion and is configured to refract sunlight entering the sunlight collection system." The patent application was filed on March 9, 2012 (13/417,111). 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=8,371,078&OS=8,371,078&RS=8,371,078 Written by Neha Bharti; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Israelachvili Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Jacob Israelachvili, Santa Barbara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,371,182) developed by Jacob Israelachvili, for "mounting systems for a surface forces apparatus." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A mounting system for samples and instruments for use with a measuring device such as a surface forces apparatus has a housing and a sample mount assembly positioned within the housing. The sample mount assembly has a pivot arm having a first edge and a flexing section. A spring has a first end coupled to the pivot arm. A first sample holder is coupled to the second end of the spring. A second sample holder is positioned in proximity to the first sample holder." The patent application was filed on June 11, 2012 (13/493,954). 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=83,71,182.PN.&OS=PN/83,71,182&RS=PN/83,71,182 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Cardiac Pacemakers Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Cardiac Pacemakers, Saint Paul, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,372,012) developed by Viktoria Averina, Roseville, Minn., Yi Zhang, Plymouth, Minn., and Yousufali Dalal, Northridge, Calif., for a "system and method for generating a trend parameter based on respiration rate distribution." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods provide for assessing the heart failure status of a patient and, more particularly, to generating a trend parameter based on a distribution of the patient's respiration rate. Systems and methods provide for detecting, using an implantable device or a patient-external device, patient respiration and computing a respiration rate based on the detected patient respiration. A distribution of the respiration rate is calculated, and a trend parameter based on the respiration rate distribution is generated. The trend parameter is indicative of a patient's heart failure status. An output signal indicative of the patient's heart failure status may be generated based on the trend parameter." The patent application was filed on April 28, 2010 (12/769,020). 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=8,372,012&OS=8,372,012&RS=8,372,012 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Stanford University Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Stanford University, Palo Alto, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,374,068) developed by Yuzuru Takashima, Cupertino, Calif., and Lambertus Hesselink, Atherton, Calif., for "focusing and imaging compatible objective lenses for pixel-based and/or bit-based optical data recording and retrieval." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A low cost and lightweight interchangeable lens system is provided. The lens system includes two aspheric elements that is usable both for page-based and bit-based data storage systems. The lens system has a large field of view up to .+-.50 degrees and a high numerical aperture up to 0.8. The invention reduces cost and weight of the objective lenses and is usable with the servoing technology. The invention provides a long working distance of 20% of the focal length and provides sufficient physical space to accommodate media and aberration corrections, which enable a media interchangeable and compatible system among the both optical recording formats." The patent application was filed on Feb. 27, 2009 (12/380,577). 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=8,374,068&OS=8,374,068&RS=8,374,068 Written by Neha Bharti; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Meggitt Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Meggitt, San Juan Capistrano, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,371,160) developed by Tom Kwa, San Jose, Calif., and Don L. Danielson, Palo Alto, Calif., for a "weatherized direct-mount absolute pressure sensor." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A piezoresistive sensor assembly is provided that has a flex circuit having at least one air flow aperture formed therein. A sensor die is coupled to an absolute support and the flex circuit. The sensor die has a diaphragm that deflects in response to air flow that flows through the air flow aperture and is incident on the diaphragm. The sensor die includes one or more gages positioned on or in the diaphragm." The patent application was filed on Dec. 16, 2009 (12/639,665). 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=83,71,160.PN.&OS=PN/83,71,160&RS=PN/83,71,160 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** SD3 Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- SD3, Tualatin, Ore., has been assigned a patent (8,371,196) developed by five co-inventors for a "motion detecting system for use in a safety system for power equipment." The co-inventors are Stephen F. Gass, Wilsonville, Ore., Robert L. Chamberlain, Raleigh, N.C., J. David Fulmer, Tualatin, Ore., Joel F. Jensen, Redwood City, Calif., and Benjamin B. Schramm, Los Gatos, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of controlling a woodworking machine having a movable cutting tool. The method monitors a signal for a change indicative of a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, senses movement of the cutting tool, and performs an action to mitigate the dangerous condition when the signal change and movement of the cutting tool are both detected. A woodworking machine including a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between a person and a working portion of the machine and then to perform some action to mitigate the dangerous condition is also disclosed. A motion detection system is adapted to detect motion of the working portion and to disable the reaction system when the working portion is not moving." The patent application was filed on Nov. 7, 2011 (13/373,180). 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=83,71,196.PN.&OS=PN/83,71,196&RS=PN/83,71,196 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Plastpro 2000 Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Plastpro 2000, Los Angeles, has been assigned a patent (8,371,079) developed by Pao Yu An, Tustin, Calif., Albert Lin, Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., and Tong Mingyong, Wukang Town, China, for a "reinforced mull post assembly." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A composite reinforced mull post is disclosed for use in an entryway assembly. The mull post may engage a door on one side and a side light window on the other side. The mull post may comprise a one or two piece outer portion and one or more internal reinforcing members. The outer portion may comprise a plurality of interlocking pieces. The pieces may include a stop portion and a support portion, each with interlocking ribs. A first internal reinforcing member may be formed of engineered material such as a wood laminate, and a second reinforcing member may comprise a channel that extends partially around the first reinforcing member. The reinforcing member may include orthogonal portions conterminously received within a correspondingly shaped central chamber formed by the housing formed by the joined interlocking pieces." The patent application was filed on July 29, 2011 (13/194,784). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,371,079&OS=8,371,079&RS=8,371,079 Written by Neha Bharti; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Intuity Medical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Intuity Medical, Sunnyvale, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,015) developed by six co-inventors for a "body fluid sampling device with pivotable catalyst member." The co-inventors are Raul Escutia, Palo Alto, Calif., Jeffrey L. Emery, Redwood City, Calif., Craig M. Litherland, Cupertino, Calif., Jeffrey M. Jones, Sunnyvale, Calif., Gregory C. Loney, Los Altos, Calif., and Michael F. Tomasco, Los Altos, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: " An integrated monitoring and body fluid sampling device constructed to permit digital as well as alternate-site body fluid sampling and analysis, the device comprising: a housing; at least one skin-penetration member; and a member constructed for the application of circumferential or vacuum pressure to an appendage; wherein the member is detachably or retractably connected to the housing in a manner such that the integrated monitoring and body fluid sampling device can perform digital or alternate-site body fluid sampling and analysis. Additional arrangements and techniques are also described. " The patent application was filed on Aug. 28, 2006 (11/510,784). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,015&OS=8,372,015&RS=8,372,015 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Aero-X Golf Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Aero-X Golf, Carlsbad, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,371,961) developed by David L. Felker, Escondido, Calif., Douglas C. Winfield, Madison, Ala., and Rocky Lee, Philadelphia, for a "low lift golf ball." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas comprising at least first areas containing a plurality of first dimples and second areas containing a plurality of second dimples, the areas together forming a spherical polyhedron shape, the first dimples comprising truncated spherical dimples having a first, truncated chord depth and the second dimples comprising spherical dimples having a second, spherical chord depth, the first dimples are of larger radius than the second dimples and have a truncated chord depth which is less than the spherical chord depth of the first dimples, and the total surface area of all first areas being less than the total surface area of all second areas." The patent application was filed on April 22, 2010 (12/765,802). 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=8,371,961&OS=8,371,961&RS=8,371,961 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Empire Technology Development Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Empire Technology Development, Wilmington, Del., has been assigned a patent (8,371,128) developed by Ezekiel Kruglick, Poway, Calif., for a "thermal management with electrocaloric effect layer." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Techniques described herein are generally related to a thermal management with an electrocaloric effect layer. Example embodiments include systems, articles, methods and apparatus, as well as other embodiments that are described and claimed." The patent application was filed on Nov. 17, 2009 (12/620,477). 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=83,71,128.PN.&OS=PN/83,71,128&RS=PN/83,71,128 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Biosynthetic Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Biosynthetic Technologies, Irvine, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,301) developed by Jakob Bredsguard, Irvine, Calif., Jeremy Forest, Tustin, Calif., and Travis Thompson, Anaheim, Calif., for an "estolide compositions exhibiting high oxidative stability." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Provided herein are estolide compositions having high oxidative stability, said compositions comprising at least one compound of formula: ##STR00001## in which n is an integer equal to or greater than 0; m is an integer equal to or greater than 1; R.sub.1, independently for each occurrence, is selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; R.sub.2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4, independently for each occurrence, are selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched. Also provided herein are uses for the compositions and methods of preparing the same." The patent application was filed on May 30, 2012 (13/483,602). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,301&OS=8,372,301&RS=8,372,301 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Rain Bird Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Rain Bird, Azusa, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,371,065) developed by Gerald E. Peterson, Riverside, Calif., for a "root watering system and method therefor." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A root watering system has a porous body and an end assembly connected to the porous body. The end assembly has a fluid emitter and integrally defines an inlet passage for directing fluid to the fluid emitter for providing fluid to the porous body. The assembly also may be fitted with an integral valve." The patent application was filed on Aug. 3, 2007 (11/833,706). 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=8,371,065&OS=8,371,065&RS=8,371,065 Written by Neha Bharti; edited by Jaya Anand. *** People Innovate for Economy Foundation Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- People Innovate for Economy Foundation, Alhambra, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,371,895) developed by Peter Ar-Fu Lam, Torrance, Calif., for a toy play set. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A toy play set comprising user designed base plate and structure plates, story telling media, a master doll and accessory toy articles is provided for a child to rebuild a toy playing scene after reading a scene base story, and then for the child to build the play set according to his/her imaginative capability. Interactive audio and/or visual responses are provided when a master toy member touches an accessory toy member for providing further fun in playing the custom designed story scene based play set." The patent application was filed on Aug. 11, 2004 (10/915,772). 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=8,371,895&OS=8,371,895&RS=8,371,895 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Pro Performance Sports Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Pro Performance Sports, Carlsbad, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,371,965) developed by Thomas A.M. Quinn, Carlsbad, Calif., for a miniature door-mounted basketball hoop. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A miniature basketball hoop has a pair of spaced apart hooks on the top of a backboard to hook the backboard over the top of a door. The hoop includes a break-away rim mounted to the front of the backboard, and sound dampening material on the rear face of the backboard, so as to minimize sound when a ball hits the backboard or rim during use." The patent application was filed on May 25, 2010 (12/786,646). 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=8,371,965&OS=8,371,965&RS=8,371,965 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Maui Toys Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Maui Toys, Los Angeles, has been assigned a patent (8,371,970) developed by Brian Kessler, Los Angeles, for "bouncing ball amusement device having reduced transparency." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A ball amusement device including an outer shell of transparent or semi-transparent plastic or elastomer or plastomer having good bounce characteristics, and at least one liquid within the shell. The outer shell may be configured to reduce the transparency to light through the ball." The patent application was filed on May 12, 2009 (12/464,667). 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=8,371,970&OS=8,371,970&RS=8,371,970 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Activision Publishing Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Activision Publishing, Santa Monica, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,371,940) developed by Paul Robinson, Woodland Hills, Calif., Dan Nelson, Woodland Hills, Calif., and Brian Bright , Woodland Hills, Calif., for a multi-player music game. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A video game allows dynamic transitions in the number of players. A player may join other players already playing the game without interrupting the play of the existing players, and a player may cease playing the game without interrupting the play of players who continue playing. The video game uses a method including providing game play for at least one game player including displaying video information based on game program instructions and inputs from a controller. The method also includes determining whether a further player is joining the video game, and if the further player is joining the video game, displaying player specific information associated with the further player to the video information. The method also includes determining whether a player is quitting the video game, and if the player is quitting the video game, removing display of the player specific information associated with the player." The patent application was filed on May 5, 2010 (12/774,670). 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=8,371,940&OS=8,371,940&RS=8,371,940 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Zoom Focus Eyewear Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Zoom Focus Eyewear, Van Nuys, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,371,905) developed by Roberto Rosillo, Van Nuys, Calif., Roxanne Gonzalez, Van Nuys, Calif., and Stephen Kurtin, Sherman Oaks, Calif., for "magnetically attached spectacle lens with hidden magnets and method." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A magnetically attached spectacle lens wherein magnets are embedded in the rear surface of the lens in a circumferential groove near the periphery of the lens. The magnets are spaced around the periphery of the lens, and are held in the groove by preferably a wicked in cyanoacrylate adhesive. The spaces between the magnets are preferably filled with a light activated potting compound. Prior to installation of the magnets, the inside of the groove is painted, preferably by spraying, with an opaque paint whereby the magnets are hidden from the view of onlookers. During fabrication, after magnet installation, any overspray from the painting step is removed by using a solvent preferably applied by moistened swabs or cloth." The patent application was filed on March 8, 2011 (12/932,841). 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=8,371,905&OS=8,371,905&RS=8,371,905 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Amazon Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Amazon Technologies, Reno, Nev., has been assigned a patent (8,371,855) developed by Edward J. Gayles, Tracy, Calif., and Laurent An Minh Nguyen, Los Altos, Calif., for sharing electronic books. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for sharing electronic books may include receiving a request to borrow an electronic book. The request may be received from a borrowing user's electronic book reader. The method may also include generating a borrowing user's license for the electronic book. The method may also include transmitting a copy of the electronic book to the borrowing user's electronic book reader. The method may also include transmitting the borrowing user's license to the borrowing user's electronic book reader." The patent application was filed on Sept. 30, 2008 (12/242,507). 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=8,371,855&OS=8,371,855&RS=8,371,855 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** RealRyder Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- RealRyder, Santa Monica, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,371,992) developed by four co-inventors for a bicycling exercise apparatus. The co-inventors are Colin Irving, Pacific Palisades, Calif., John J. Harrington, Los Angeles, Brian C. Stewart, Oregon, Ore., and Michael S. Lofgren, Tualatin, Ore. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus permitting a user to perform a simulated bicycling exercise is provided. The design includes a frame and a first mounting point and a second mounting point configured to maintain the frame. A seat is connected to the frame and configured to support the user. A wheel is positioned in association with said frame and pedals configured to interact with the wheel, and the frame is configured to pivot about the first mounting point and second mounting point in response to leaning by the user. Handlebars may be provided that enable further force application and enhance the leaning or pivoting in the bicycle riding simulation experience." The patent application was filed on April 15, 2011 (13/066,497). 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=8,371,992&OS=8,371,992&RS=8,371,992 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Disney Enterprises Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Disney Enterprises, Burbank, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,371,952) developed by Edward A. Nemeth, Hermosa Beach, Calif., and David W. Crawford, Long Beach, Calif., for a "round ride with contoured and rotating track." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A round ride that creates a rotating ride experience with a varying frequency of vehicle elevations. The round ride includes a central hub assembly with a hub and a hub drive that rotates the hub about a central axis at a hub rotation rate. The drive assembly includes support arms extending outward from the hub, upon which are mounted passenger vehicles. The support arms are pivotally mounted to the hub. The round ride includes a track structure with a ring-shaped running surface extending about the central axis and with a track drive rotating the running surface about the central axis at a track rotation rate in the same or differing direction and rate as the hub. The vehicles are vertically supported by the running surface which is contoured to define a series of hills and valleys, and the running surface and the hub are independently rotated about the central axis." The patent application was filed on Jan. 4, 2011 (12/984,383). 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=8,371,952&OS=8,371,952&RS=8,371,952 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Siemens Industry Assigned Patent for Membrane Cleaning with Pulsed Airlift Pump ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Siemens Industry, Alpharetta, Ga., has been assigned a patent (8,372,276) developed by five co-inventors for a "membrane cleaning with pulsed airlift pump." The co-inventors are Fufang Zha, West Ryde, Australia, Gerin James, Hazelbrook, Australia, Joseph Edward Zuback, Camarillo, Calif., Peter Zauner, Faulconbridge, Australia, and Roger William Phelps, Kings Langley, Australia. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of cleaning a membrane surface immersed in a liquid medium with a fluid flow, including the steps of providing a randomly generated intermittent or pulsed fluid flow along the membrane surface to dislodge fouling materials therefrom. A membrane module is also disclosed comprising a plurality of porous membranes (6) or a set of membrane modules (5) and a device (11) for providing a generally randomly generated, pulsed fluid flow such that, in use, said fluid flow moves past the surfaces of said membranes (6) to dislodge fouling materials therefrom." The patent application was filed on Nov. 17, 2011 (13/298,575). 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=8,372,276&OS=8,372,276&RS=8,372,276 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Warrior Sports Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Warrior Sports, Warren, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,371,967) developed by four co-inventors for a "lacrosse stick pocket and related method of manufacture." The co-inventors are Matthew M. Winningham, Royal Oak, Mich., Adam D. Paquette, Leominster, Mass., Jessica L. Hanson, Royal Oak, Mich., and Richard J. Janisse, Windsor, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A lacrosse head pocket includes an elongated single layer runner with multiple cross pieces. The single layer runner can be constructed from a material, such as a polymeric material, molded over the cross pieces. The cross pieces and/or runner can include speed lace loops with which a net lace can be joined. A related method includes providing cross pieces, overmolding a polymeric material over the cross pieces to form a single layer runner, where the overmolded material is the only structure extending between and connecting the cross pieces, and where the cross pieces are transverse to the runners. Another method includes providing a pocket base overmolding the base with a polymeric material to cover portions of it, and forming connection elements between different portions independently of any other components of the pocket base." The patent application was filed on June 18, 2012 (13/526,088). 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=8,371,967&OS=8,371,967&RS=8,371,967 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Bally Gaming Assigned Patent for Gaming Method Having Dynamically Changing Image Reel Symbols ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Bally Gaming, Las Vegas, has been assigned a patent (8,371,929) developed by Mark N. Iverson, Reno, Nev., Stephen E. Patton, Reno, Nev., and Michael W. Stragey, Corona, Calif., for "gaming method having dynamically changing image reel symbols." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for dynamically changing the graphical content on mechanical slot machine reels is disclosed herein. The system includes mechanical slot reels, flexible display panels, and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the spinning mechanical reels in a slot machine. In one method for dynamically changing graphical reel content, new image content is placed on the reels at any time, even while the reels are spinning. The method may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary reel." The patent application was filed on July 1, 2011 (13/175,760). 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=8,371,929&OS=8,371,929&RS=8,371,929 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Zajac Optimum Output Motors Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Zajac Optimum Output Motors, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,371,103) developed by John Zajac, San Jose, Calif., for a "valve assembly and method for high temperature internal combustion engines." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Valve assembly and method in which a valve member is connected to an elongated lever arm for controlling communication between two chambers in an internal combustion engine. The valve assembly is disposed at least partially within one of the chambers, and the valve member is moved between open and closed by an actuator connected to the lever arm. In some disclosed embodiments, a pilot valve is opened to equalize pressure on both sides of the valve member prior to moving the valve member toward the open position. In others, where a piston in an expansion cylinder is driven by hot, expanding gases from a separate combustion chamber, the exhaust valve is closed before the piston has completed its exhaust stroke, and pressure is allowed to build up in the expansion cylinder to a level corresponding to the pressure in the combustion chamber before the valve member is moved toward the open position." The patent application was filed on June 16, 2009 (12/485,522). 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=83,71,103.PN.&OS=PN/83,71,103&RS=PN/83,71,103 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Sartorius Stedim North America Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Sartorius Stedim North America, Bohemia, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (8,371,132) developed by Jonathan Cutting, Fairfield, Calif., Isabelle Gay, Peypin, France, and Oscar Werner Reif, Hannover, Germany, for "systems and methods for use in freezing, thawing, and storing biopharmaceutical materials." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for use in freezing, thawing, transporting or storing biopharmaceutical materials which includes a container, a holder and plurality of heat transfer members. The container is configured to hold biopharmaceutical materials therein. The holder has a cavity for receiving the container and includes an interior surface bounding the cavity. A plurality of pockets contact outer surfaces of the container and is received in the cavity. Each pocket of the plurality of pockets includes a pocket cavity. A heat transfer member actively controls the temperature of biopharmaceutical materials held in the container and is received in the pocket cavity." The patent application was filed on March 18, 2010 (12/726,513). 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=83,71,132.PN.&OS=PN/83,71,132&RS=PN/83,71,132 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** IGT Assigned Patent for Gaming System, Gaming Device and Method for Providing a Multiple Dimension Cascading Symbols Game with a Time Element ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- IGT, Reno, Nev., has been assigned a patent (8,371,930) developed by Brian F. Saunders, Sunnyvale, Calif., and Scott A. Caputo, Santa Clara, Calif., for "gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple dimension cascading symbols game with a time element." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids arranged at different depths. The multiple symbol display position grids at different depths provides that one or more of the symbols of at least a first symbol display position grid at a first depth are displayed to a player while one or more of the symbols of at least a second symbol display position grid at a second depth are not displayed to the player. When one or more symbols are removed from the first symbol display position grid at the first depth, before and/or after shifting the remaining displayed symbols from the first symbol display position grid into created empty symbol display positions of the first symbol display position grid, one or more symbols from the second symbol display position grid at the second depth become exposed." The patent application was filed on July 21, 2011 (13/187,642). 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=8,371,930&OS=8,371,930&RS=8,371,930 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Bally Gaming Assigned Patent for Progressive Controller and TCP/IP in a Gaming System ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Bally Gaming, Las Vegas, has been assigned a patent (8,371,944) developed by Bryan M. Kelly, Alamo, Calif., and Matthew F. Kelly, Scottsdale, Ariz., for a "progressive controller and TCP/IP in a gaming system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A gaming system is disclosed herein that provides game play in exchange for monetary input per game played. The gaming system includes: a game server, a plurality of game units connected to the game server via a network, and a progressive controller. The progressive controller enables time based progressive gaming in which a progressive award is incremented by time unit. The progressive controller manages the progressive award that is incremented over time at random intervals rather than being incremented by coin input." The patent application was filed on Aug. 6, 2012 (13/568,098). 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=8,371,944&OS=8,371,944&RS=8,371,944 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Sabritec Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Sabritec, Irvine, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,371,877) developed by John Kooiman, Mission Viejo, Calif., for an "electrical connector with printed circuit board subassembly." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An electrical connector and method of forming the same are provided, where the electrical connector includes a printed circuit board configured to exhibit a first length L, a first width W, a thickness T, and a slot of a slot-width approximately equal to T, the slot also exhibiting a slot-length at least approximately equal to one-half of L. The printed circuit board includes at least a first signal trace, a second signal trace, and a ground plane, where the printed circuit board is configured to electrically isolate the first signal trace and the second signal trace from the ground plane. The first signal trace is configured to make electrical contact with at least a first electrically conductive cable. The electrical connector also includes at least a first contact pin affixed to the printed circuit board and coupled to the second signal trace." The patent application was filed on May 5, 2010 (12/774,535). 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=8,371,877&OS=8,371,877&RS=8,371,877 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Warrior Sports Assigned Patent for Lacrosse Stick Pocket and Related Method of Manufacture ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Warrior Sports, Warren, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,371,966) developed by four co-inventors for a "lacrosse stick pocket and related method of manufacture." The co-inventors are Matthew M. Winningham, Royal Oak, Mich., Adam D. Paquette, Leominster, Mass., Jessica L. Hanson, Royal Oak, Mich., and Richard J. Janisse, Windsor, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A lacrosse head pocket includes an elongated single layer runner with multiple cross pieces. The single layer runner can be constructed from a material, such as a polymeric material, molded over the cross pieces. The cross pieces and/or runner can include speed lace loops with which a net lace can be joined. A related method includes providing cross pieces, overmolding a polymeric material over the cross pieces to form a single layer runner, where the overmolded material is the only structure extending between and connecting the cross pieces, and where the cross pieces are transverse to the runners. Another method includes providing a pocket base overmolding the base with a polymeric material to cover portions of it, and forming connection elements between different portions independently of any other components of the pocket base." The patent application was filed on March 11, 2011 (13/046,122). 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=8,371,966&OS=8,371,966&RS=8,371,966 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Disney Enterprises Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Disney Enterprises, Burbank, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,371,227) developed by Edward A. Nemeth, Hermosa Beach, Calif., and David W. Crawford, Long Beach, Calif., for an "omnimover ride system with crossing paths." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A ride system with crossing ride paths. A first omnimover assembly is provided that includes a continuous vehicle chain movable along a first ride path and includes vehicles vertically supported above the track at a first height. A second omnimover assembly is provided with a continuous vehicle chain movable along a second ride path that differs from the first ride path and crosses over the first ride path when viewed in plan view. The second omnimover assembly includes vehicles vertically supported below the upper vehicle track at a second height, which may be the same as the first height such that passengers perceive a risk of a collision at the path intersections. The upper track is at a higher elevation than the lower track such that cross overs occur without interference. A synchronization mechanism is provided that synchronizes the movement of the upper and lower vehicle chains." The patent application was filed on July 14, 2011 (13/182,648). 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=83,71,227.PN.&OS=PN/83,71,227&RS=PN/83,71,227 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand. *** Disney Enterprises Assigned Patent for Rider-controlled Swing Ride ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Disney Enterprises, Burbank, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,371,951) developed by Edward A. Nemeth, Hermosa Beach, Calif., and David W. Crawford, Long Beach, Calif., for a rider-controlled swing ride. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A swing ride for providing lateral movement to a plurality of passenger vehicles. The ride includes a center hub rotating about its axis. The ride includes, for each of the passenger vehicles, a vehicle support assembly attached to rotate with the hub. The vehicle support assembly includes a flexible support member attached at a first end to the hub and at a second end to one of the vehicles. The vehicle support assembly includes a fulcrum assembly defining a fulcrum or pivot point for the support member between the first and second ends such that the member has a flexible and variable-length flexible arm attached to the vehicle. The fulcrum assembly is selectively positionable to move the fulcrum point in response to user input at the vehicle such that the passenger interactively moves the fulcrum point and thus moves the vehicle laterally inward and outward relative to the spinning hub." The patent application was filed on Dec. 13, 2010 (12/966,160). 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=8,371,951&OS=8,371,951&RS=8,371,951 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Honeywell International Assigned Patent for Turbo Compressor/journal Foil Bearings with Axial Retainers ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Honeywell International, Morristown, N.J., has been assigned a patent (8,371,799) developed by Adonis Kosta Spathias, Glendora, Calif., Keith Alan Hurley, Garden Grove, Calif., and Hokuto Olson, Aliso Viejo, Calif., for a "turbo compressor/journal foil bearings with axial retainers." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus and method for maintaining separation of two journal foil bearing assemblies, where each journal foil bearing assembly comprises one or more foils with lugs formed thereon for insertion into axial grooves of a bore, the means comprising a pin for insertion into each groove so that an edge of the lug that is inserted into the groove abuts the pin and is prevented from axially drifting along the bore. The pin provides a broad area along the lug edge so that the lug edge does not cut into the pin." The patent application was filed on Jan. 13, 2010 (12/687,042). 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=8,371,799&OS=8,371,799&RS=8,371,799 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Nordson Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Nordson, Westlake, Ohio, has been assigned a patent (8,372,238) developed by Thomas V. Bolden II, Fremont, Calif., Louis Fierro, Clearwater, Fla., and James D. Getty, Vacaville, Calif., for a "multiple-electrode plasma processing systems with confined process chambers and interior-bussed electrical connections with the electrodes." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Apparatus for treating products with plasma generated from a source gas. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a plurality of juxtaposed electrodes arranged in adjacent pairs inside the vacuum chamber, and a plasma excitation source electrically coupled with the electrodes. The apparatus may include conductive members extending into the interior of each electrode to establish a respective electrical connection with the plasma excitation source. The apparatus may include a gas distribution manifold and multiple gas delivery tubes coupled with the gas distribution manifold. Each gas delivery tube has an injection port configured to inject the source gas between each adjacent pair of electrodes. The apparatus may further include flow restricting members that operate to partially obstruct a peripheral gap between each adjacent pair of electrodes, which restricts the escape of the source gas from the process chamber between each adjacent pair of electrodes." The patent application was filed on May 20, 2008 (12/123,954). 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=8,372,238&OS=8,372,238&RS=8,372,238 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Chevron USA Assigned Patent for Systems and Methods for Producing a Crude Product ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Chevron USA, San Ramon, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,266) developed by Goutam Biswas, Danville, Calif., and Darush Farshid, Larkspur, Calif., for "systems and methods for producing a crude product." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods for hydroprocessing a heavy oil feedstock, the system employs a plurality of contacting zones and separation zones and an interstage solvent deasphalting unit. The contacting zones operate under hydrocracking conditions, employing a slurry catalyst for upgrading the heavy oil feedstock, forming upgraded products of lower boiling hydrocarbons. In the separation zones which operates at a temperature within 20.degree. F. and a pressure within 10 psi of the pressure in the contacting zones, upgraded products are removed overhead and optionally, further treated in an in-line hydrotreater. At least a portion of the non-volatile fractions recovered from at least one of the separation zones is sent to the interstage solvent deasphalting unit, for separating unconverted heavy oil feedstock into deasphalted oil and asphaltenes. The deasphalted oil stream is sent to one of the contacting zones for further upgrade." The patent application was filed on Sept. 18, 2008 (12/233,171). 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=8,372,266&OS=8,372,266&RS=8,372,266 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Abbott Diabetes Care Assigned Patent for Small Volume in Vitro Analyte Sensor and Methods of Making ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Abbott Diabetes Care, Alameda, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,261) developed by eight co-inventors for a "small volume in vitro analyte sensor and methods of making." The co-inventors are Benjamin J. Feldman, Oakland, Calif., Adam Heller, Austin, Texas, Ephraim Heller, Piedmont, Calif., Fei Mao, Fremont, Calif., Joseph A. Vivolo, San Francisco, Jeffery V. Funderburk, Stevenson Ranch, Calif., Fredric C. Colman, Woodside, Calif., and Rajesh Krishnan, San Leandro, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent." The patent application was filed on Sept. 29, 2009 (12/569,020). 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=8,372,261&OS=8,372,261&RS=8,372,261 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Hydro Green Energy Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Hydro Green Energy, Westmont, Ill., has been assigned a patent (8,371,801) developed by four co-inventors for "systems for improved fluid flows through a turbine." The co-inventors are Frederick E. Becker, Reading, Mass., Kerry N. Oliphant, Sandy, Utah, Andrew R. Provo, Sharon, Vt., and Tsukasa Yoshinaka, Town of Mount Royal, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for installing and extracting a flowing water turbine below the surface of the water includes a flow inducer assembly for improving the conversation of the kinetic energy of a waterway to mechanical energy. The flow inducer assembly includes a nozzle that may be shaped as a cowling and a outlet diffuser. The system may be useful in a number of settings, including, but not limited to, streams, rivers, dams, ocean currents, or tidal areas that have continuous or semi-continuous water flow rates and windy environments." The patent application was filed on Nov. 13, 2009 (12/618,408). 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=8,371,801&OS=8,371,801&RS=8,371,801 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi. *** Boeing Assigned Patent for Method and Apparatus for Low-bulk Toughened Fabrics for Low-pressure Molding Processes ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Boeing, Chicago, has been assigned a patent (8,372,231) developed by Thomas Karl Tsotsis, Orange, Calif., for a "method and apparatus for low-bulk toughened fabrics for low-pressure molding processes." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and apparatus for manufacturing. A fiber layer and a first porous bonding layer are formed to form a unidirectional lay-up of fibers. The unidirectional lay-up of fibers is heated under pressure to form a unidirectional composite tape. A first plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape is laid down to build a first layer from the unidirectional composite tape. A second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape is laid down to build a second layer from the unidirectional composite tape on the first layer at a predetermined angle from the first layer. At least one of the first and second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape are slit while laying down the first and second plurality of lengths of the unidirectional composite tape. A composite fabric is formed from the first and second layer." The patent application was filed on Sept. 11, 2009 (12/558,461). 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=8,372,231&OS=8,372,231&RS=8,372,231 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Applied Materials Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Applied Materials, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,210) developed by Garrett H. Sin, San Jose, Calif., Terry Kin-Ting Ko, Millbrae, Calif., and Sidney P. Huey, Milpitas, Calif., for a "post CMP scrubbing of substrates." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A cleaning method is provided for brush cleaning a surface of a substrate. The method comprises scrubbing a first surface of the substrate with a brush having a first surface geometry; and then scrubbing the first surface of the substrate with a brush having a second surface geometry, wherein the first and the second surface geometries are different. Numerous other aspects are provided." The patent application was filed on Oct. 11, 2008 (12/249,927). 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=8,372,210&OS=8,372,210&RS=8,372,210 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Quantum Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Quantum Global Technologies, Dublin, Pa., has been assigned a patent (8,372,211) developed by five co-inventors for a "method and apparatus for showerhead cleaning." The co-inventors are Joseph F. Sommers, San Jose, Calif., Jiansheng Wang, Union City, Calif., David Do, Milpitas, Calif., Satyanarayana Adamala, Fremont, Calif., and Ronald Trahan, Beverton, Ore. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and apparatus for ex-situ cleaning of a chamber component part. In one embodiment, a system for cleaning component parts in a cleaning chemistry is provided. The system comprises a wet bench set-up comprising a cleaning vessel assembly for holding one or more component parts to be cleaned during a cleaning process and a detachable cleaning cart detachably coupled with the cleaning vessel assembly for supplying one or more cleaning chemistries to the cleaning vessel assembly during the cleaning process." The patent application was filed on Sept. 14, 2010 (12/881,503). 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=8,372,211&OS=8,372,211&RS=8,372,211 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Applied Materials Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Applied Materials, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,205) developed by six co-inventors for "reducing electrostatic charge by roughening the susceptor." The co-inventors are Soo Young Choi, Fremont, Calif., Beom Soo Park, San Jose, Calif., Quanyuan Shang, Saratoga, Calif., John M. White, Hayward, Calif., Dong-Kil Yim, Sungnam, South Korea, and Chung-Hee Park, Seoul, South Korea. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A substrate support and method for fabricating the same are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, a substrate support includes an electrically conductive body having a substrate support surface that is covered by an electrically insulative coating. At least a portion of the coating centered on the substrate support surface has a surface finish of between about 200 to about 2000 micro-inches. In another embodiment, a substrate support includes an anodized aluminum body having a surface finish on the portion of the body adapted to support a substrate thereon of between about 200 to about 2000 micro-inches. In one embodiment, a substrate support assembly includes an electrically conductive body having a substrate support surface, a substrate support structure that is adapted to support the conductive body and the conductive body is covered by an electrically insulative coating." The patent application was filed on July 15, 2005 (11/182,168). 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=8,372,205&OS=8,372,205&RS=8,372,205 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Cree Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Cree, Goleta, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,204) developed by four co-inventors for a "susceptor for MOCVD reactor." The co-inventors are Shuji Nakamura, Santa Barbara, Calif., Steven DenBaars, Goleta, Calif., Max Batres, Santa Barbara, Calif., and Michael Coulter, Santa Barbara, Calif. The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A susceptor for holding semiconductor wafers in an MOCVD reactor during growth of epitaxial layers on the wafers is disclosed. The susceptor comprises a base structure made of a material having low thermal conductivity at high temperature, and has one or more plate holes to house heat transfer plugs. The plugs are made of a material with high thermal conductivity at high temperatures to transfer heat to the semiconductor wafers. A metalorganic chemical vapor deposition reactor is also disclosed utilizing a susceptor according to the present invention." The patent application was filed on July 6, 2006 (11/483,387). 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=8,372,204&OS=8,372,204&RS=8,372,204 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar. *** Dooley Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 18 -- Daniel P. Dooley, Oklahoma City, has been assigned a patent (8,371,646) developed by Ravi K. Sawhney, Thousand Oaks, Calif., for a "portable table and seating combination." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A portable table and seating combination is disclosed. The combination includes at least a first portion of a hinge attached to a tabletop portion. The tabletop portion includes at least a top surface, and a plurality of edge portions extending from the top surface. The top surface in combination with the plurality of edge portions forms a seating confinement compartment. The combination further includes at least a retractable leg support attached to the tabletop portion. The retractable leg support resides adjacent the seating confinement compartment, and in an extended position the retractable leg support, supports the tabletop portion at a predetermined distance above a surface. The combination also includes at least a seating portion configured for confinement within the seating confinement compartment. 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