U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in California (Feb. 16)

(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in California.

*** California Institute of Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,390) developed by Pin Wang, Pasadena, Calif., Lili Yang, Pasadena, Calif., and David Baltimore, Pasadena, Calif., for a "recombiant lentivirus comprising an E2 alphavirus glycoprotein that binds to DC-SIGN." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and compositions are provided for delivery of a polynucleotide encoding a gene of interest, typically an antigen, to a dendritic cell (DC). The virus envelope comprises a DC-SIGN specific targeting molecule. The methods and related compositions can be used to treat patients suffering from a wide range of conditions, including infection, such as HIV/AIDS, and various types of cancers." The patent application was filed on Jan. 15, 2010 (12/688,779). 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=8,372,390&OS=8,372,390&RS=8,372,390 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Global Filtration Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Global Filtration Systems, Dearborn Heights, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,372,330) developed by Ali El-Siblani, Dearborn Heights, Mich., and Alexandr Shkolnik, Los Angeles, for a "resin solidification substrate and assembly." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A solidification substrate assembly for making a three-dimensional object from a solidifiable material includes a solidification substrate assembly. In certain examples, the solidifiable material solidifies in contact with the solidification substrate, and the tilting of the substrate and/or or the use of a peeling member facilitates separation of the substrate from the solidified material. In other examples, the solidification substrate assembly includes a film that is adjacent to a rigid or semi-rigid layer. The solidifiable material solidifies in contact with the film, and a peeling member peels the film away from the solidified material. Intelligent solidification substrate assemblies are also described in which a force sensor determines when to expose the solidifiable material to solidification energy and/or whether to use a peeling member to separate the solidification substrate from a solidified objection section." The patent application was filed on Oct. 19, 2010 (12/907,853). 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=8,372,330&OS=8,372,330&RS=8,372,330 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Liguori Management Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Liguori Management, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (8,372,319) developed by four co-inventors for an "ophthalmic eyewear with lenses cast into a frame and methods of fabrication." The co-inventors are Daniel Liguori, San Diego, Saul Heiman, San Diego, Thomas Liguori, Poway, Calif., and Jerome Legerton, San Diego.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing spectacle lens eyewear using a block mold, front and back optical inserts, front and back optical insert gaskets, a protractor insert, a closing mechanism and a preformed frame, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a front optical insert from a look up table or computer program product and assembling the insert into the block mold; selecting a front optical insert gasket and assembling the gasket onto the front optical insert; assembling the frame front onto the front optical insert gasket; selecting a back optical insert gasket and assembling the gasket onto the back side of the frame front; selecting a back optical insert from a look up table or computer program product and assembling the insert onto the back optical insert gasket; assembling the protractor insert and adjusting the position of the back optical insert to the axis indicated on a look up table or computer program product; assembling the mold closing mechanism and securing the mold; filling the cavity through a first capillary tube; curing the closed mold to polymerize the lenses; removing the ophthalmic eyewear from the block mold and releasing the front and back optical inserts and insert gaskets; and removing the capillary tube housing and attaching earpieces." The patent application was filed on June 25, 2009 (12/492,053). 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=8,372,319&OS=8,372,319&RS=8,372,319 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Honeywell International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Honeywell International, Morristown, N.J., has been assigned a patent (8,373,110) developed by Ron Fang, Cerritos, Calif., and Toan Vu, Huntington Beach, Calif., for a "system and method for linear and angular measurements of a moving object." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and method for measuring linear and angular displacement of a moving object, such as an autonomous moving object. In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one optical mouse sensor mounted adjacent to and at a predetermined distance from a surface of the autonomous moving object or a working surface. A processor on the autonomous moving object is operatively coupled to the optical mouse sensor. The optical mouse sensor outputs linear and angular displacement values to the processor during movement of the autonomous moving object to determine a direction and distance traveled by the autonomous moving object." The patent application was filed on May 26, 2009 (12/472,014). 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=8,373,110&OS=8,373,110&RS=8,373,110 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Roche Diagnostics Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Roche Diagnostics Operations, Indianapolis, has been assigned a patent (8,372,352) developed by Frank A. Chan, Sunnyvale, Calif., for a "biosensor assembly with drum type container for analytical elements." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A drum type container for analytical elements comprises a casing defining a compartment with a plurality of portions for receiving respective ones of the analytical elements. The container further comprises a base assembly to which the casing is rotatably mounted. The base assembly includes a dispenser mechanism for dispensing the glucose test strips from the casing and a locking mechanism for maintaining an alignment of a selected one of the compartment portions with the dispensing mechanism." The patent application was filed on Dec. 21, 2011 (13/332,458). 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=8,372,352&OS=8,372,352&RS=8,372,352 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Abbott Cardiovascular Systems, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,332) developed by Yunbing Wang, Sunnyvale, Calif., and Lothar Kleiner, Los Altos, Calif., for "fabricating an implantable medical device from an amorphous or very low crystallinity polymer construct." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods of fabricating a polymeric implantable device with improved fracture toughness through annealing, nucleating agents, or both are disclosed herein. A polymeric construct that is completely amorphous or that has a very low crystallinity is annealed with no or substantially no crystal growth to increase nucleation density. Alternatively, the polymer construct includes nucleating agent. The crystallinity of the polymer construct is increased with a high nucleation density through an increase in temperature, deformation, or both. An implantable medical device, such as a stent, can be fabricated from the polymer construct after the increase in crystallinity." The patent application was filed on May 13, 2009 (12/465,570). 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=8,372,332&OS=8,372,332&RS=8,372,332 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** SyneCor Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- SyneCor, Chapel Hill, N.C., has been assigned a patent (8,372,325) developed by Michael S. Williams, Santa Rosa, Calif., Robert S. Langer, Newton, Mass., and Yadong Wang, Mableton, Ga., for a "highly convertible endolumenal prostheses and methods of manufacture." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Endolumenal prostheses that readily and extensively convert from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration are disclosed. Endolumenal prostheses may be fabricated from one or more shape memory polymers, a high modulus elastomer, a polymer that is both elastomeric and exhibits shape memory behavior, a hydrogel, or some combination thereof. Polymers used to fabricate the prostheses are selectively synthesized to exhibit desired characteristics such as crystallinity, strain fixity rate, strain recovery rate, elasticity, tensile strength, mechanical strength, cross-linking density, extent physical cross-linking, extent of covalent cross-linking, extent of interpenetrating networks, rate of erosion, heat of fusion, crystallization temperature, and acidity during erosion. The endolumenal prostheses convert to the deployed configuration following delivery to a treatment site, upon exposure to an initiator either present within the body naturally or introduced into the body." The patent application was filed on April 22, 2008 (12/148,895). 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=8,372,325&OS=8,372,325&RS=8,372,325 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Chevron USA Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Chevron USA, San Ramon, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,368) developed by Stephen J. Miller, San Ramon, Calif., for a "synthesis of a crystalline silicoaluminophosphate." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention is a method for synthesizing non-zeolitic molecular sieves which have a three dimensional microporous framework comprising [AlO.sub.2] and [PO.sub.2] units. In preparing the reaction mixture, a surfactant is used, coupled with non-aqueous impregnation to prevent acid sites from being destroyed by water during Pt impregnation. The superior SAPO exhibits higher activity and selectivity especially in catalytic hydroisomerization of waxy feeds, due to the presence of medium-sized silica islands distributed throughout the SAPO." The patent application was filed on Sept. 14, 2012 (13/616,371). 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=8,372,368&OS=8,372,368&RS=8,372,368 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Intel Assigned Patent for Integrated inductor ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Intel, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,373,074) developed by nine co-inventors for an integrated inductor. The co-inventors are Peter Hazucha, Beaverton, Ore., Edward Burton, Hillsboro, Ore., Trang T. Nguyen, Beaverton, Ore., Gerhard Schrom, Hillsboro, Ore., Fabrice Paillet, Hillsboro, Ore., Kaladhar Radhakrishnan, Gilbert, Ariz., Donald S. Gardner, Mountain View, Calif., Sung T. Moon, Hillsboro, Ore., and Tanay Karnik, Portland, Ore.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An inductor and multiple inductors embedded in a substrate (e.g., IC package substrate, board substrate, and/or other substrate) is provided herein." The patent application was filed on Nov. 3, 2009 (12/590,112). 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=8,373,074&OS=8,373,074&RS=8,373,074 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Rigel Pharmaceuticals Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Rigel Pharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,415) developed by Thomas Sun, Palo Alto, Calif., and Ray Lo, San Leandro, Calif., for a "wet granulation using a water sequestering agent." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Disclosed are tablets comprising hydrolytically stable formulations of (6-(5-fluoro-2-(3,4,5 -trimethoxyphenylamino)pyrimidin-4-ylamino)-2,2-dimethyl-3-oxo-2H-pyrido[- 3,2-b][1,4]oxazin-4(3H)-yl)methyl phosphate disodium salt (Compound 1) prepared by a wet granulation process." The patent application was filed on July 26, 2012 (13/559,097). 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=8,372,415&OS=8,372,415&RS=8,372,415 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Abbott Diabetes Care Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Abbott Diabetes Care, Alameda, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,351) developed by Kevin M. Ow-Wing, Castro Valley, Calif., for a "glucose monitoring system with wireless communications." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A glucose monitor having only a test strip reader and wireless transmission to a remote hand held calculation processor. All glucose data processing occurs in a remote hand held calculator processor with the glucose monitor providing only sensing and wireless transfer of data. In an embodiment, the glucose monitor includes a button for use in wirelessly pairing the monitor to a smart phone for data communication with a non-proprietary communication protocol, and a light source to communicate the progress of the pairing. In a further embodiment, the glucose monitor includes a switch coupled to the strip reader such that power is applied to the monitor when a test strip is inserted and power is removed with the withdrawal of the test strip. In another embodiment, inserting the test strip and activating the switch also places the glucose monitor into the pairing search mode to communication with a host remote processor." The patent application was filed on May 28, 2010 (12/789,721). 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=8,372,351&OS=8,372,351&RS=8,372,351 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Lawrence Livermore National Security Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Lawrence Livermore National Security, Livermore, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,373,133) developed by four co-inventors for a "gadolinium-doped water cerenkov-based neutron and high energy gamma-ray detector and radiation portal monitoring system." The co-inventors are Steven A. Dazeley, Oakland, Calif., Robert C. Svoboda, Davis, Calif., Adam Bernstein, Palo Alto, Calif., and Nathaniel Bowden, Oakland, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A water Cerenkov-based neutron and high energy gamma ray detector and radiation portal monitoring system using water doped with a Gadolinium (Gd)-based compound as the Cerenkov radiator. An optically opaque enclosure is provided surrounding a detection chamber filled with the Cerenkov radiator, and photomultipliers are optically connected to the detect Cerenkov radiation generated by the Cerenkov radiator from incident high energy gamma rays or gamma rays induced by neutron capture on the Gd of incident neutrons from a fission source. The PMT signals are then used to determine time correlations indicative of neutron multiplicity events characteristic of a fission source." The patent application was filed on May 20, 2010 (12/784,390). 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=8,373,133&OS=8,373,133&RS=8,373,133 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Spansion Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Spansion, Sunnyvale, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,373,148) developed by Zhida Lan, San Jose, Calif., Manuj Rathor, Milpitas, Calif., and Joffre F. Bernard, Santa Clara, Calif., for a "memory device with improved performance." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present resistive memory device includes first and second electrodes. An active layer is situated between the first and second electrodes. The active layer with advantage has a thermal conductivity of 0.02 W/Kcm or less, and is surrounded by a body in contact with the layer, the body having a thermal conductivity of 0.01 W/Kcm or less." The patent application was filed on April 26, 2007 (11/796,073). 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=8,373,148&OS=8,373,148&RS=8,373,148 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Merck Sharp & Dohme Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Merck Sharp & Dohme, Rahway, N.J., has been assigned a patent (8,372,402) developed by four co-inventors for a "mammalian receptor proteins DCRS5; methods of treatment." The co-inventors are Madaline Chirica, Dedham, Mass., Robert A. Kastelein, Portola Valley, Calif., Kevin Moore, Palo Alto, Calif., and Christi L. Parham, Menlo Park, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described." The patent application was filed on Jan. 13, 2012 (13/350,641). 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=8,372,402&OS=8,372,402&RS=8,372,402 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** DRTS Enterprises Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- DRTS Enterprises, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (8,372,326) developed by Shay Mamo, San Diego, for a "pressure compensated non-clogging drip emitter." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A drip emitter that utilizes one or more filters and one or more labyrinths wherein the labyrinth couples the filter(s) to one or more water retainment valves that leads to at least one pool. Prevents clogging by eliminating air into the labyrinth via a water retainment valve that is situated after at least an initial portion of a labyrinth within the drip emitter. Includes non-drain, anti-siphon and ventable versions. Includes a method of two shot injection molding for embodiments of the drip emitter that include non-drain, anti-siphon and ventable variants." The patent application was filed on May 1, 2009 (12/434,565). 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=8,372,326&OS=8,372,326&RS=8,372,326 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** University of California Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- The University of California, Oakland, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,380) developed by four co-inventors for an "in vivo imaging of sulfotransferases." The co-inventors are Jorge R. Barrio, Agoura Hills, Calif., Vladimir Kepe, Los Angeles, Gary W. Small, Los Angeles, and Nagichettiar Satyamurthy, Los Angeles.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Radiolabeled tracers for sulfotransferases (SULTs), their synthesis, and their use are provided. Included are substituted phenols, naphthols, coumarins, and flavones radiolabeled with .sup.18F, .sup.123I, .sup.124I, .sup.125I, or .sup.11C. Also provided are in vivo techniques for using these and other tracers as analytical and diagnostic tools to study sulfotransferase distribution and activity, in health and disease, and to evaluate therapeutic interventions." The patent application was filed on March 31, 2008 (12/594,197). 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=8,372,380&OS=8,372,380&RS=8,372,380 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** ADA-ES Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- ADA-ES, Littleton, Colo., has been assigned a patent (8,372,362) developed by four co-inventors for a "method and system for controlling mercury emissions from coal-fired thermal processes." The co-inventors are Michael Durham, Castle Rock, Colo., Nina Bergan French, Napa, Calif., Ramon E. Bisque, Golden, Colo., and Kenneth E. Baldrey, Denver.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present disclosure is directed to the use of elemental or speciated iodine to control total mercury emissions." The patent application was filed on Feb. 4, 2011 (13/021,427). 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=8,372,362&OS=8,372,362&RS=8,372,362 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Abbott Cardiovascular Systems, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,373,090) developed by four co-inventors for a "method and apparatus to prevent stent damage caused by laser cutting." The co-inventors are David C. Gale, Kennesaw, Ga., Yunbing Wang, Sunnyvale, Calif., Svava Maria Atladottir, Mountain View, Calif., and Klaus Kleine, Los Gatos, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Apparatus, method and system for cutting a polymeric stent including the use of a polymeric mandrel as a laser shielding device. The polymeric mandrel is allowed to roll freely within a polymeric tube that is cut into a polymeric stent." The patent application was filed on Sept. 4, 2009 (12/554,764). 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=8,373,090&OS=8,373,090&RS=8,373,090 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** SanDisk 3D Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- SanDisk 3D, Milpitas, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,373,150) developed by April D. Schricker, Palo Alto, Calif., Brad Herner, San Jose, Calif., and Mark H. Clark, Santa Clara, Calif., for a "memory cell that employs a selectively grown reversible resistance-switching element and methods of forming the same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In some aspects, a memory cell is provided that includes (1) a steering element above a substrate; and (2) a reversible resistance-switching element coupled to the steering element, wherein the reversible resistance-switching element is selectively formed by: (a) forming a material layer on the substrate; (b) etching the material layer; and (c) oxidizing the etched material layer to form a reversible resistance-switching material. Numerous other aspects are provided." The patent application was filed on March 1, 2011 (13/037,591). 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=8,373,150&OS=8,373,150&RS=8,373,150 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** University of California Assigned Patent for Microfluidic System and Method for Using Same ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- The University of California, Oakland, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,358) developed by four co-inventors for a "microfluidic system and method for using same." The co-inventors are Alexander Groisman, San Diego, Edgar Gutierrez, San Diego, Eugene Tkachenko, San Diego, and Mark H. Ginsberg, San Diego.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In a microfluidic system, a magnetic clamp for sealing a flexible microchannel chip includes a base formed from a magnetically-attractable material. The base supports a window for viewing the face of the microfluidic chip. A ring with magnets uniformly distributed around it is disposed over the base. A transparent disk attached to the top of the ring has an inlet and an outlet for introducing and removing a fluid medium into a cavity defined the disk, the window, the center opening of the ring and the base. An elastomer cushion is attached to the inner surface of the disk. The magnetic force between the base and the magnets on the ring compresses the cushion against the microfluidic chip so that the microchannels are sealed against the window with a uniform and reproducible pressure." The patent application was filed on Aug. 23, 2010 (12/861,686). 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=8,372,358&OS=8,372,358&RS=8,372,358 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Cool Planet Biofuels Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Cool Planet Biofuels, Camarillo, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,311) developed by Michael Cheiky, Thousand Oaks, Calif., Rajashekharam Malyala, Camarillo, Calif., and Ronald A. Sills, Houston, for a "process for biomass conversion to synthesis gas." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Biomass is processed through a biomass fractioning system that creates, through the application of selective temperature ramps and pressure shocks, a series of useful volatile components and BMF char, wherein the BMF char is reacted sacrificially with any one stream of methane, carbon dioxide, steam or oxygen to create highly pure synthesis gas with a controllable range of compositions. The resulting synthesis gas may be used in any desired manner, including conversion to oxygenates such as methanol and dimethyl ether, and to hydrocarbons." The patent application was filed on March 23, 2012 (13/428,522). 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=8,372,311&OS=8,372,311&RS=8,372,311 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** KLA-Tencor Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- KLA-Tencor, Milpitas, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,373,144) developed by Mark A. McCord, Los Gatos, Calif., Paul F. Petric, Pleasanton, Calif., and Allen Carroll, San Jose, Calif., for a "quasi-annular reflective electron patterning device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "One embodiment relates to an electron-beam apparatus for writing a pattern on a target substrate. The apparatus includes a plurality of arrays of actively-controlled pixel elements at a surface of a reflective electron patterning device. The plurality of arrays of actively-controlled pixel elements are arranged so that there is an area without any actively-controlled pixel elements in a region surrounding an optical axis of the objective lens. The plurality of arrays may be arranged to each lie on a circle centered on the optical axis. Other features, aspects and embodiments are also disclosed." The patent application was filed on Aug. 31, 2010 (12/873,158). 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=8,373,144&OS=8,373,144&RS=8,373,144 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Hand Held Products Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Hand Held Products, Skaneateles, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (8,373,108) developed by four co-inventors for an "indicia reading terminal operative for processing of frames having plurality of frame featurizations." The co-inventors are Edward C. Bremer, Victor, N.Y., William H. Havens, Syracuse, N.Y., Chen Feng, Snohomish, Wash., and Ynjiun P. Wang, Cupertino, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to an indicia reading terminal operative to capture and process a succession of frames of image data during an operator activated read attempt. The succession of frames can comprise alternating frames, wherein the alternating frames can have first and second frame featurizations. The frames having the first frame featurization can have a first window position and the frames of the second featurization can have a second window position. In one embodiment, exposure of frames of the first featurization can be controlled according to a first exposure control process and exposure of frames of the second featurization can be controlled according to a second exposure control process. In one embodiment, gain that is applied to image signals of frames of the first featurization can be controlled according to a first gain control process and gain that is applied to image signals of frames of the second featurization can be controlled according to second gain control process." The patent application was filed on Aug. 12, 2009 (12/540,253). 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=8,373,108&OS=8,373,108&RS=8,373,108 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Chevron USA Assigned Patent for Multiphase Contact and Distribution Apparatus for Hydroprocessing ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Chevron USA, San Ramon, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,354) developed by seven co-inventors for a "multiphase contact and distribution apparatus for hydroprocessing." The co-inventors are Ralph E. Killen, San Francisco, Craig Boyak, El Cerrito, Calif., Steven X. Song, Albany, Calif., Abdenour Kemoun, Pleasant Hill, Calif., Steve Souers, Ocean Springs, Miss., Krishniah Parimi, Alamo, Calif., and Zackory Akin, Pleasant Hill, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and apparatus for mixing, cooling, and distributing multiphase fluid mixtures within a reactor, wherein reactor internal apparatus of the present invention provides not only improved fluid mixing and distribution to each underlying catalyst bed surface, but also offers other advantages including: decreased mixing tray height; easier maintenance, assembly and disassembly; and decreased amounts of fabrication material. In an embodiment, fluid may be evenly distributed to a catalyst bed from a fluid distribution unit comprising a nozzle tray including a plurality of nozzles, wherein the nozzles include at least one liquid inlet disposed tangentially to an inner surface of the nozzle." The patent application was filed on July 19, 2010 (12/839,222). 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=8,372,354&OS=8,372,354&RS=8,372,354 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Dynavax Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Dynavax Technologies, Berkeley, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,413) developed by Karen L. Fearon, Lafayette, Calif., and Dino Dina, Oakland, Calif., for an "immunomodulatory polynucleotides and methods of using the same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention provides immunomodulatory polynucleotides and methods for immunomodulation of individuals using the immunomodulatory polynucleotides." The patent application was filed on Dec. 21, 2007 (11/963,663). 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=8,372,413&OS=8,372,413&RS=8,372,413 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Genetech Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Genetech, South San Francisco, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,396) developed by four co-inventors for antibody formulations. The co-inventors are James Andya, Millbrae, Calif., Shiang C. Gwee, Pacifica, Calif., Jun Liu, Pacifica, Calif., and Ye Shen, San Francisco.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present application describes antibody formulations, including monoclonal antibodies formulated in histidine-acetate buffer, as well as a formulation comprising an antibody that binds to domain II of HER2 (for example, Pertuzumab), and a formulation comprising an antibody that binds to DR5 (for example, Apomab)." The patent application was filed on Sept. 4, 2009 (12/554,194). 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=8,372,396&OS=8,372,396&RS=8,372,396 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** University of California Assigned Patent for Method and Apparatus for Electrokinetic Co-generation of Hydrogen and Electric Power from Liquid Water Microjets ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- The University of California, Oakland, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,374) developed by four co-inventors for a "method and apparatus for electrokinetic co-generation of hydrogen and electric power from liquid water microjets." The co-inventors are Richard J. Saykally, Piedmont, Calif., Andrew M. Duffin, Oakland, Calif., Kevin R. Wilson, Oakland, Calif., and Bruce S. Rude, Berkeley, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and apparatus for producing both a gas and electrical power from a flowing liquid, the method comprising: a) providing a source liquid containing ions that when neutralized form a gas; b) providing a velocity to the source liquid relative to a solid material to form a charged liquid microjet, which subsequently breaks up into a droplet spay, the solid material forming a liquid-solid interface; and c) supplying electrons to the charged liquid by contacting a spray stream of the charged liquid with an electron source. In one embodiment, where the liquid is water, hydrogen gas is formed and a streaming current is generated. The apparatus comprises a source of pressurized liquid, a microjet nozzle, a conduit for delivering said liquid to said microjet nozzle, and a conductive metal target sufficiently spaced from said nozzle such that the jet stream produced by said microjet is discontinuous at said target. In one arrangement, with the metal nozzle and target electrically connected to ground, both hydrogen gas and a streaming current are generated at the target as it is impinged by the streaming, liquid spray microjet." The patent application was filed on March 5, 2008 (12/529,884). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,372,374&OS=8,372,374&RS=8,372,374 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Mannkind Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Mannkind, Valencia, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,393) developed by Thomas M. Kundig, Zurich, Switzerland, and John J.L. Simard, Northridge, Calif., for a "method of inducing a CTL response." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Disclosed herein are methods for inducing an immunological CTL response to an antigen by sustained, regular delivery of the antigen to a mammal so that the antigen reaches the lymphatic system. Antigen is delivered at a level sufficient to induce an immunologic CTL response in a mammal and the level of the antigen in the mammal's lymphatic system is maintained over time sufficient to maintain the immunologic CTL response. Also disclosed is an article of manufacture for delivering an antigen that induces a CTL response in an animal." The patent application was filed on May 3, 2006 (11/418,397). 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=8,372,393&OS=8,372,393&RS=8,372,393 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Genentech Assigned Patent for Humanized Anti-factor D Antibodies and Uses ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Genentech, South San Francisco, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,403) developed by six co-inventors for a "humanized anti-factor D antibodies and uses thereof." The co-inventors are Ling-Ling An, Boyds, Md., Sek Chung Fung, Gaithersburg, Md., Robert F. Kelley, San Bruno, Calif., Henry B. Lowman, El Granada, Calif., Sanjaya Singh, Sandy Hook, Conn., and Herren Wu, Boyds, Md.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention relates to humanized anti-human Factor D monoclonal antibodies, their nucleic acid and amino acid sequences, the cells and vectors that harbor these antibodies and their use in the preparation of compositions and medicaments for treatment of diseases and disorders associated with excessive or uncontrolled complement activation. These antibodies are useful for diagnostics, prophylaxis and treatment of disease." The patent application was filed on May 1, 2012 (13/461,253). 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=8,372,403&OS=8,372,403&RS=8,372,403 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Luminex Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Luminex, Austin, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,372,340) developed by five co-inventors for an "apparatus and methods for integrated sample preparation, reaction and detection." The co-inventors are Dylan Hilmer Bird, San Francisco, Jesus Ching, Saratoga, Calif., Bruce A. Johnson, San Jose, Calif., Keith E. Moravick, Mountain View, Calif., and Bruce Richardson, Los Gatos, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Cartridges for the isolation of a biological sample and downstream biological assays on the sample are provided. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid sample is isolated from a biological sample and the nucleic acid sample is amplified, for example by the polymerase chain reaction. The cartridges provided herein can also be used for the isolation of non-nucleic acid samples, for example proteins, and to perform downstream reactions on the proteins, for example, binding assays. Instruments for carrying out the downstream biological assays and for detecting the results of the assays are also provided." The patent application was filed on Feb. 23, 2011 (13/033,129). 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=8,372,340&OS=8,372,340&RS=8,372,340 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** AdaptiveARC Assigned Patent for Plasma Assisted Gasification System ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- AdaptiveARC, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,166) developed by Christian H. A. Juvan, Cupertino, Calif., for a "plasma assisted gasification system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A controlled zone gasification reactor for a plasma assisted gasification reaction system is disclosed for converting fuel, such as, but not limited to, biomass, to syngas to replace petroleum based fuels used in power generation. The system may be a modular system housed within a frame facilitating relatively easy transportation. The system may include a reactor vessel with distinct reaction zones that facilitate greater control and a more efficient system. The system may include a syngas heater channeling syngas collected downstream of the carbon layer support and to the pyrolysis reaction zone. The system may also include a syngas separation chamber configured to produce clean syngas, thereby requiring less filtering. The system may further include an agitator drive assembly that prevents formation of burn channels with in the fuel." The patent application was filed on Nov. 15, 2010 (12/946,522). 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=83,72,166.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,166&RS=PN/83,72,166 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** DePuy Spine Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- DePuy Spine, Raynham, Mass., has been assigned a patent (8,372,119) developed by Daniel Huan Kim, Mountain View, Calif., and Michael Carl Michielli, Medway, Mass., for "dual rod cross connectors and inserter tools." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An implantable spinal cross connector is provided for connecting one or more spinal fixation devices, and more preferably for connecting two spinal fixation rods that are implanted within a patient's spinal system. In general, an exemplary cross connector in accordance with the present invention includes an elongate body with at least one rod-receiving recess formed therein, and a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the elongate body and that is effective to lock a spinal fixation rod within the rod-receiving recess(es). The present invention also provides an inserter tool to facilitate implanting a spinal implant or device, such as a spinal cross connector." The patent application was filed on Oct. 9, 2008 (12/248,389). 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=83,72,119.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,119&RS=PN/83,72,119 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Nobles Medical Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Nobles Medical Technologies, Fountain Valley, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,089) developed by four co-inventors for "suturing devices and methods for closing a patent foramen ovale." The co-inventors are Anthony A. Nobles, Fountain Valley, Calif., Benjamin G. Brosch, Mission Viejo, Calif., Steven E. Decker, Anaheim, Calif., and Michael J. Mullen, Kingston, United Kingdom.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for closing a patent foramen ovale. Some of the disclosed apparatuses include an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, with first and second suture clasp arms adapted to hold end portions of a suture when in an extended position. A first suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a proximal-to-distal direction to engage the suture end held by the first suture clasp arm, and a second suture catch mechanism is slidably housed in the elongate body and moves in a distal-to-proximal direction to suture end held by the second suture clasp arm. The first suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum primum to deliver a suture thereto, and the second suture clasp arm can be positioned around the septum secundum to deliver a suture thereto." The patent application was filed on July 19, 2012 (13/552,849). 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=83,72,089.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,089&RS=PN/83,72,089 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** AngioDynamics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- AngioDynamics, Latham, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (8,372,064) developed by four co-inventors for an "articulatable device for delivering therapeutic energy to tissue." The co-inventors are Valerie L. Douglass, Mountain View, Calif., Robert M. Pearson, San Jose, Calif., James G. Lovewell, San Leandro, Calif., and David A. Blau, Cupertino, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A device for delivering therapeutic energy to tissue is provided. The device includes a proximal segment and a distal segment having one or more electrodes for delivering the therapeutic energy to the tissue. An articulating segment connects the proximal segment and the distal segment such that the distal segment is articulatable with respect to a longitudinal axis of the proximal segment. In one aspect of the invention, the articulating segment includes a living hinge. In another aspect of the invention, at least one electrically conductive articulating cable runs along the articulating segment, wherein the articulating cable is used both to articulate the distal segment and to deliver the therapeutic energy to the one or more electrodes." The patent application was filed on Nov. 7, 2008 (12/267,307). 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=83,72,064.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,064&RS=PN/83,72,064 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Kovio Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Kovio, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,194) developed by seven co-inventors for "methods of forming a doped semiconductor thin film, doped semiconductor thin film structures, doped silane compositions, and methods of making such compositions." The co-inventors are Fabio Zurcher, Brisbane, Calif., Wenzhuo Guo, Cupertino, Calif., Joerg Rockenberger, Redwood City, Calif., Vladimir K. Dioumaev, Mountain View, Calif., Brent Ridley, San Carlos, Calif., Klaus Kunze, Albuquerque, N.M., and James Montague Cleeves, Redwood City, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods for forming doped silane and/or semiconductor thin films, doped liquid phase silane compositions useful in such methods, and doped semiconductor thin films and structures. The composition is generally liquid at ambient temperatures and includes a Group IVA atom source and a dopant source. By irradiating a doped liquid silane during at least part of its deposition, a thin, substantially uniform doped oligomerized/polymerized silane film may be formed on a substrate. Such irradiation is believed to convert the doped silane film into a relatively high-molecular weight species with relatively high viscosity and relatively low volatility, typically by cross-linking, isomerization, oligomerization and/or polymerization. A film formed by the irradiation of doped liquid silanes can later be converted (generally by heating and annealing/recrystallization) into a doped, hydrogenated, amorphous silicon film or a doped, at least partially polycrystalline silicon film suitable for electronic devices. Thus, the present invention enables use of high throughput, low cost equipment and techniques for making doped semiconductor films of commercial quality and quantity from doped "liquid silicon."." The patent application was filed on Jan. 25, 2008 (12/020,481). 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=83,72,194.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,194&RS=PN/83,72,194 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Intelligent Energy Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Intelligent Energy, Long Beach, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,170) developed by Richard Root Woods, Irvine, Calif., Brook Forest Porter, Playa Vista, Calif., and Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Huntington Beach, Calif., for a "fuel steam reformer system and reformer startup process." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A hydrogen generation system is disclosed that has a vaporization section receiving and vaporizing fuel along with water and passing the vapor to a reformer catalyst section heated by a combustor section which generates reformate gas and is fueled by off-gas from a H.sub.2 purification unit along with a combustion air source. The off-gas outlet feeds the combustor section in the reformer assembly to heat the catalyst section and the vaporization section. An H.sub.2 storage unit connected to the H.sub.2 purification unit pure H.sub.2 outlet receives the pure H.sub.2. The storage unit has an outlet selectively connectable to the reformer assembly process inlet during startup without the need for a spark igniter. The startup process includes generating heat in the combustor section of the reformer assembly by passing H.sub.2 from the H.sub.2 storage unit through the vaporization section, the reformer catalyst section, the H.sub.2 purification unit and through the off-gas connection to the combustor section, then introducing water and fuel through the vaporization section and reformer catalyst section to generate reformate gas when the system is warmed, passing the reformate gas through the H.sub.2 purification unit to the off-gas connection to the combustor section, and establishing a back pressure on the reformer catalyst section and vaporizer section to decrease the hydrogen flow from the H.sub.2 storage unit until the system is fully sustainable without addition of H.sub.2 from the H.sub.2 storage unit." The patent application was filed on Jan. 14, 2010 (12/687,625). 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=83,72,170.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,170&RS=PN/83,72,170 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** ArthroCare Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- ArthroCare, Austin, Texas, has been assigned a patent (8,372,067) developed by Jean Woloszko, Austin, Texas, and Duane W. Marion, Santa Clara, Calif., for "electrosurgery irrigation primer systems and methods." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods are provided for priming or purging an electrosurgical fluid irrigation system. The electrosurgical system can include a high frequency power supply, a fluid delivery system, a handheld device having one or more electrodes, and one or more connectors for connecting the handheld device to the fluid delivery system and the RF generator. The electrosurgical system may be configured to deliver RF current and irrigation fluid until a threshold current level is detected, which is indicative of a continuous flow of fluid at the electrode and purging completion. The systems and methods of purging an electrosurgical system may further include dynamically controlling an RF output and fluid delivery system in accordance with varied parameters of detected threshold current levels." The patent application was filed on Dec. 9, 2009 (12/633,916). 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=83,72,067.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,067&RS=PN/83,72,067 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** NxThera Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- NxThera, Maple Grove, Minn., has been assigned a patent (8,372,065) developed by Michael Hoey, Shoreview, Minn., and John H. Shadduck, Tiburon, Calif., for "systems and methods for treatment of BPH." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe from the urethra. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can aspirate tissue from the prostate. Yet another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can rotate during delivery of vapor and aspiration of tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered." The patent application was filed on Nov. 6, 2009 (12/614,226). 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=83,72,065.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,065&RS=PN/83,72,065 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Stryker Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Stryker, Kalamazoo, Mich., and Stryker N.V. Operations, Dubin, Ireland, have been assigned a patent (8,372,062) developed by eight co-inventors for a "detachable aneurysm neck bridge." The co-inventors are Richard Murphy, Sunnyvale, Calif., Michael P. Wallace, Pleasanton, Calif., Tri Tran, Fremont, Calif., Kim Nguyen, San Jose, Calif., Hanh Ho, San Jose, Calif., My Doan, San Jose, Calif., Robert M. Abrams, Los Gatos, Calif., and Harold F. Carrison, Pleasanton, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In one embodiment, a neck bridge for bridging the neck of an aneurysm includes a junction region, a number of radially extending array elements attached to the junction region, and a cover attached to one or both of the junction region and an array element. The array elements are configured to be positioned within the aneurysm after the neck bridge is deployed from a delivery device. In a second embodiment, the neck bridge includes a junction region and a braided or mesh-like structure secured to the junction region. The braided or mesh-like structure is made from an elastic material." The patent application was filed on Aug. 15, 2012 (13/586,280). 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=83,72,062.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,062&RS=PN/83,72,062 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Forever Young International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Forever Young International, Henderson, Nev., has been assigned a patent (8,372,130) developed by Daniel L. Young, Escondido, Calif., for a "temperature controlled facial mask with area-specific treatments." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A temperature controlled cosmetic treatment facial mask with area-specific treatments of the present invention includes a substantially planar mask body which is formed with cut-outs for a person's eyes, nose, and mouth. The mask may include a number of large and small area treatment zones in combination with asymmetrical treatment zones suitable for treatment of specific and localized skin conditions. The treatments zones are coated with skin treatments, such as compounds, lotions, gels, and the like as are known in the facial treatment, cosmetics, spa and medical industry. The mask may include a self-heating or cooling substrate to provide temperature control to the face mask and each mask may include heating areas, cooling areas, or both. A system is also provided that includes an imaging device that feeds its output to a central computer system having an image analyzer, CPU, memory and Look Up Table, and face map for determining specific treatment requirements for the particular patient. An output from the central computer system is provided to a treatment deposition device which deposits various treatments onto an intermediate membrane layer to generate a custom temperature controlled facial mask with area-specific treatments for that particular patient." The patent application was filed on Jan. 23, 2009 (12/321,757). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=83,72,130.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,130&RS=PN/83,72,130 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Spartek Medical Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Spartek Medical, Concord, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,122) developed by seven co-inventors for a "low profile spinal prosthesis incorporating a bone anchor having a deflectable post and a compound spinal rod." The co-inventors are Charles J. Winslow, Lafayette, Calif., Steven T. Mitchell, Pleasant Hill, Calif., John J. Flynn, Walnut Creek, Calif., James F. Zucherman, San Francisco, Ken Y. Hsu, San Francisco, Henry A. Klyce, San Francisco, and H. Adam R. Klyce, Berkeley, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A bone anchor comprising a self-centering ball-joint suitable for use in a spine stabilization prosthesis which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. The bone anchor has a deflectable ball-rod partially received in a socket of a housing formed in the head of the bone anchor. A centering rod received partially in the ball-rod and partially within the housing operates to align the ball-rod with the longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. Deflection of the ball-rod bends the centering rod which in turn applies a restoring force upon the ball-rod. The centering rod includes an inner-superelastic core and an outer polymer sheath." The patent application was filed on April 29, 2011 (13/098,280). 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=83,72,122.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,122&RS=PN/83,72,122 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Applied Materials Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Applied Materials, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,203) developed by four co-inventors for an "apparatus temperature control and pattern compensation." The co-inventors are Juan Chacin, Palo Alto, Calif., Aaron Hunter, Santa Cruz, Calif., Craig Metzner, Fremont, Calif., and Roger N. Anderson, Sunnyvale, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A film formation system 10 includes a processing chamber 15 bounded by sidewalls 18 and a top cover 11. In one embodiment, a susceptor 16 is rotatably disposed in the system 10, and overlaps with a first peripheral member 205 disposed around the sidewalls 18. A radiant heating system 313 is disposed under the susceptor 305 to heat the substrate 19. In another embodiment, the top cover 11 has equally spaced pyrometers 58 for measuring the temperature of the substrate 19 across a number of zones. The temperature of the substrate 19 is obtained from pyrometric data from the pyrometers 58." The patent application was filed on Sept. 30, 2005 (11/242,299). 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=83,72,203.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,203&RS=PN/83,72,203 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** NuVasive Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- NuVasive, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (8,372,081) developed by Andrew Schafer, Ramona, Calif., and Rob German, San Diego, for a "vertebral distraction assembly and related methods." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A spinal distraction assembly is provided for distracting the disc space between a pair of vertebrae, the vertebrae each having been implanted with a bone anchor. The spinal distraction assembly includes a first anchor engaging element and a second anchor engaging element. The first anchor engaging element includes a body having a channel extending through the longitudinal axis of the body. The second anchor engaging element includes a guide bar. The guide bar is dimensioned to translate through the body channel. Anchor engaging arms extend laterally from each of the body and guide bar." The patent application was filed on Feb. 20, 2009 (12/378,936). 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=83,72,081.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,081&RS=PN/83,72,081 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Advanced Cardiovascular Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,372,137) developed by Carla Rosa Pienknagura, San Carlos, Calif., for an "intravascular stent with inverted end rings." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implanting in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen. The invention provides for an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. A plurality of inverted cylindrical end rings can be coupled at least in part to a plurality of adjacent cylindrical rings in the form of mirror images such that a symmetrical configuration is present on at least one of a proximal end and a distal end of the stent. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen. The inverted end ring configuration of the stent aims at reducing the stent-to-shoulder distance as well as delivering therapeutic drug to the peri-stent area while maintaining a pristine stent deployment." The patent application was filed on June 2, 2011 (13/151,921). 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=83,72,137.PN.&OS=PN/83,72,137&RS=PN/83,72,137 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Koletry Processing Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 16 -- Koletry Processing, Dover, Del., has been assigned a patent (8,372,093) developed by Gregory Piccionelli, Westlake Village, Calif., and Ted Rittmaster, Westlake Village, Calif., for "systems and processes for controlling gastric bands based on geographic location." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and process employs a gastric band device having an adjustable restriction amount that is adjustable based on at least one first control signal. The system and process also employs at least one of a wireless receiver and location detection electronics configured for providing at least one second signal. In addition, a controller is configured to provide at least one first control signal to the gastric band device based at least in part on at least one second control signal from at least one of the wireless receiver and the location detection electronics. The controller may be configured to provide at least on For more information about Targeted News Service products and services, please contact: Myron Struck, editor, Targeted News Service LLC, Springfield, Va., 703/304-1897; editor@targetednews.com; http://targetednews.com.

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