U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Washington (April 23)

(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Washington.

*** Washington Inventor Develops Patent for Aerated Bathroom Fixture ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Timothy Teague, Stanwood, Wash., has developed a patent (8,156,577) for an aerated bathroom fixture.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Disclosed herein is a novel feature of a toilet for reducing the density of the fluid in the bottom portion of a bathroom fixture to eliminate spray when desired. When not desired, for example, when a user is seated upon the bathroom fixture, this feature may be deactivated. In one form, when the anti-spray feature is turned off, the bubbles will have substantially disappeared in less than a few seconds. The bathroom fixture (toilet) is provided with an air source, such as an air pump, compressed air cylinder, or compressor, coupled by way of an air line or hose to an air diffuser chamber. When the air source is activated, a substantial portion of the water in the air diffuser chamber will be displaced by the air provided by the air source. The vertical region of bubbles within the standing water reduces the density of the water in that region, such that splash is virtually eliminated." The patent application was filed on Nov. 3, 2010 (12/938,614). 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=8,156,577&OS=8,156,577&RS=8,156,577 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Washington Inventor Develops Patent for Torsionally Flexible Connecting Structure for Transportation Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Shane Chen, Camas, Wash., has developed a patent (8,157,274) for a "torsionally flexible connecting structure for transportation device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A twistable connecting structure for linking two wheeled assemblies (such as foot platforms) of a personal transportation device. This connecting structure has flexible elongated members linking the wheeled assemblies, and rigid support members bridging the gap between the elongated members. This configuration enables the connecting structure to twist without bending." The patent application was filed on Jan. 6, 2009 (12/349,426). 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=8,157,274&OS=8,157,274&RS=8,157,274 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Washington Inventor Develops Patent for Fishing Rod Holder ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Jeffrey D. Carnevali, Seattle, has developed a patent (8,156,681) for fishing rod holder.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A novel quick release fishing rod holder, the fishing rod holder is a base portion forming a longitudinal tube having a curved entry thereinto; and a split-arm fishing rod retainer assembly, including a split-barrel portion formed of a cooperating pair of opposing semi-tubular walls split along a longitudinal opening therebetween, and a torque restraint mechanism operable between the opposing semi-tubular walls adjacent to opposing ends thereof, and a split-leg portion sized to be received into the tube of the base portion through the curved entry thereinto, wherein the split-leg portion includes a pair of legs each having one of the semi-tubular walls of the split-barrel portion positioned at a distal end thereof, and a curved insertion portion cooperating with the curved entry into the tube of the base portion. A biasing mechanism is positioned for biasing apart the walls of the split-barrel portion." The patent application was filed on March 19, 2010 (12/661,580). 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=8,156,681&OS=8,156,681&RS=8,156,681 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** CareFusion 203 Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- CareFusion 203, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (8,156,937) developed by four co-inventors for a portable ventilator system. The co-inventors are Douglas F. DeVries, Kenmore, Wash., David Boyle, Monrovia, Calif., Michael Holmes, Corona, Calif., and Malcolm Williams, San Clemente, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A portable ventilator uses a Roots-type blower as a compressor to reduce both the size and power consumption of the ventilator. Various functional aspects of the ventilator are delegated to multiple subassemblies having dedicated controllers and software that interact with a ventilator processor to provide user interface functions, exhalation control and flow control servos, and monitoring of patient status. The ventilator overcomes noise problems through the use of a noise attenuating system comprising noise reducing pressure compensating orifices on the Roots blower housing and multiple noise reducing chambers. The ventilator is configured with a highly portable form factor, and may be used as a stand-alone device or as a docked device having a docking cradle with enhanced interface and monitoring capabilities." The patent application was filed on Sept. 23, 2005 (11/234,636). 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=8,156,937&OS=8,156,937&RS=8,156,937 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Washington Inventor Develops Patent for Modular Console System ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Jeffrey D. Carnevali, Seattle, has developed a patent (8,157,310) for a modular console system.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A reconfigurable vehicle console system having a plurality of interchangeable side panels of different lengths. The system also includes a plurality of interchangeable blank and equipment mounting face plates and quick disconnect clamps associated with each panel." The patent application was filed on April 13, 2009 (12/386,124). 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=8,157,310&OS=8,157,310&RS=8,157,310 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Boeing Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Boeing, Chicago, has been assigned a patent (8,156,887) developed by five co-inventors for a "flap malfunction detection system." The co-inventors are Kee How Tan, Bothell, Wash., Seiya Sakurai, Seattle, Gary D. Oakes, Renton, Wash., Philip Belanger, Redmond, Wash., and Jack S. Noble, Shoreline, Wash.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "According to an embodiment, a flap malfunction indicator assembly for notifying an observer making a walk-around inspection of an aircraft of a malfunction of one or more connection points coupling a flap assembly to an aircraft wing includes a support mounted to the flap assembly having a perimeter defining an area, an indicator arm pivoted to the support and movable between a first stowed position in which a major portion of the arm is arranged substantially entirely within the area and a second deployed position in which a major portion of the arm is arranged substantially outside the area, a frangible pin or fastener securing the indicator arm to the support in the first stowed position, a trigger element mounted for rotation about a first pivot, an elongated pull linkage coupling the trigger element with a flap assembly, the pull linkage being supported for movement relative to the first pivot to cause rotation of the trigger element when malfunction of a flap assembly occurs, and a spring assembly at the support having one portion exerting a biasing force against a portion of the indicator arm located outside of the area, the spring assembly driving the indicator arm into the second deployed position when the frangible pin or fastener is broken." The patent application was filed on Nov. 7, 2008 (12/291,194). 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=8,156,887&OS=8,156,887&RS=8,156,887 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Washington Inventor Develops Patent for Wireless Rat Trap Movement Detection System ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- David Slotnick, Bellevue, Wash., has developed a patent (8,156,683) for a "wireless rat trap movement detection system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and method of detecting and signaling the activation of a spring-loaded rat trap located at a remote location. The system includes a wireless transmitter mounted inside a transmitter unit upon which a spring loaded rat trap is placed. When a rat is caught by the trap, the rat drags the trap over the top surface of the transmitter unit causing activation of one or more switches located on the top surface. The switch is coupled to the wireless transmitter that sends a signal to a wireless receiving unit located in the vicinity. Coupled to the receiving unit is a light or sound alarm that is activated when a signal is received from the transmitter unit indicating that the trap has been moved over the transmitter unit. The system may be used with one or more transmitter units so that system may be used to monitor rat infestation one or multiple locations." The patent application was filed on July 9, 2010 (12/833,800). 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=8,156,683&OS=8,156,683&RS=8,156,683 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Washington Inventor Develops Patent for Headwear Comprising Rearview Mirrors ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- William J. Tronvig, Aberdeen, Wash., has developed a patent (8,156,575) for a "headwear comprising rearview mirrors." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Headwear wearable by a user is provided having rearview mirrors mounted thereon or incorporated therein via robust mounting structures or mechanisms. The rearview mirrors can be attached to the headwear such that the mirrors are movable between a stowed or collapsed configuration in which the mirror is at least partially hidden from the user's view and a deployed configuration in which a viewing surface of the mirror is positioned to provide a rear view image to the user. The headwear may be goggles, helmets or other structures wearable on the head of a user. Rearview mirrors mountable to headwear are also provided." The patent application was filed on June 10, 2010 (12/813,260). 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=8,156,575&OS=8,156,575&RS=8,156,575 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston, Kennewick, Wash., has been assigned a patent (8,156,851) developed by John C. Julian, Richland, Wash., Gary R. Brockman, Kennewick, Wash., and Trent R. Wetherbee, Kennewick, Wash., for a "proportional length food slicing system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "This invention includes a system for cutting food products, such as potatoes, into proportional length pieces. In a one embodiment, the system includes a cutting assembly, sensors upstream of the cutting assembly and a programmable logic controller. The cutting assembly preferably includes a housing defining a passageway, at least two separately actuatable stops extendable into the passageway to provide an abutment to hold the food product in place, and at least two separately actuatable blades for slicing the food product into pieces. The controller cooperates with the sensors to determine the length of each food product and, based on a length determinative algorithm, selectively actuate one of the stops and at least one of the blades to determine how many times the food product will be sliced and location of the cut(s) relative to the leading end of the food product." The patent application was filed on Aug. 3, 2010 (12/849,684). 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=8,156,851&OS=8,156,851&RS=8,156,851 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Washington Inventors Develop Patent for Method and Means for Assembly of High Precision Ultra-high Speed Crystal Scanning Heads ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Matthew David Moore, Everett, Wash., and Joanna Aleksandra Szydlo-Moore, Everett, Wash., have developed a patent (8,156,985) for a "method and means for assembly of high precision ultra-high speed crystal scanning heads." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Demand is growing for affordable advanced sensor systems for use in counter-terrorism, criminal forensic analysis, and medical diagnosis. Next generation, million RPM class laser interferometry and spectrometry scanning systems are the ideal solution for this need due to their inherent ability to detect and identify microscopic quantities of evidence and resolve microscopic detail however a means to produce these systems with sufficient precision efficiently and inexpensively has been elusive. The scanning head is the heart of the system and in order for scanning heads of million RPM rotational speed class to be precisely aligned and balanced at operational speed they must be assembled while rotating. To facilitate this, a fully integrated feed-back based assembly system that measures and corrects optical alignment and balance of the scanning head during final assembly has been devised that subsequently enables economical high-precision, high production rate assembly." The patent application was filed on March 7, 2008 (12/074,850). 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=8,156,985&OS=8,156,985&RS=8,156,985 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Agri Control Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Agri Control Technologies, Fargo, N.D., has been assigned a patent (8,156,750) developed by John Michael Butorac, Kettle Falls, Wash., and Timothy Thomas Pearson, Fergus Falls, Minn., for a "dynamic superheat control for high efficiency refrigeration system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vapor compression refrigeration system including components capable of determining the superheat at a compressor inlet is provided. The vapor compression refrigeration system may include sensors capable of making measurements from which the superheat at the compressor inlet may be determined. The vapor compression refrigeration system may be operable to compare the determined superheat level at the inlet to the compressor to a desired superheat level and generate a new evaporator discharge superheat level target for one or more evaporators operatively interconnected to the compressor to affect the superheat at the compressor inlet. The vapor compression refrigeration system may be operable to broadcast the new evaporator discharge superheat level target to the one or more evaporators over a communications bus. The vapor compression refrigeration system may update and broadcast the evaporator discharge superheat level target at programmed intervals." The patent application was filed on July 29, 2008 (12/181,423). 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=8,156,750&OS=8,156,750&RS=8,156,750 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Boeing Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Boeing, Chicago, has been assigned a patent (8,157,528) developed by Vyacheslav Khozikov, Seattle, Shengyi Liu, Sammamish, Wash., and George M. Roe, Seattle, for an "active directional control of airflows over rotorcraft blades using plasma actuating cascade arrays." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods of constructing plasma actuating cascade arrays for actively controlling airflow over rotorcraft blades are described herein. These methods may include providing plasma actuating cascade arrays that include dielectrics and electrodes. The electrodes and dielectrics are electrically operated to generate plasma clusters, and to induce directional airflows in response to the plasma clusters. The methods may also include configuring the plasma actuating cascade arrays based, at least in part, on characteristics of the rotorcraft blades and characteristics of flight regimes and scenarios." The patent application was filed on April 29, 2009 (12/432,451). 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=8,157,528&OS=8,157,528&RS=8,157,528 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Hewlett-Packard Development Assigned Patent for Security Printing and Detecting Systems and Methods ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Hewlett-Packard Development, Houston, has been assigned a patent (8,157,293) developed by four co-inventors for "security printing and detecting systems and methods." The co-inventors are Jayprakash C. Bhatt, Corvallis, Ore., Matthew Thornberry, Corvallis, Ore., Tienteh Chen, San Diego, and Erick B. Kinas, Camas, Wash.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of security printing can comprise the steps of printing a transparent ink onto a portion of a coated substrate resulting in printed region and an unprinted region, where the transparent ink is devoid of dyes, pigments, ceramics, metallics, and fluorescents; illuminating both the printed region and the unprinted region of the substrate, where the printed region scatters more light than the unprinted region creating a contrast; and detecting the contrast with a sensor that is sensitive to detecting light scattering differences between the printed region and the unprinted region." The patent application was filed on April 17, 2007 (11/787,897). 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=8,157,293&OS=8,157,293&RS=8,157,293 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Aurora Sun Alliance Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Aurora Sun Alliance, Mount Vernon, Wash., has been assigned a patent (8,157,477) developed by Jeff Horan, Mt. Vernon, Wash., and Matt Anderson, Oak Harbor, Wash., for a "trenching and drain installation system and method." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for trench and drain installation. The system utilizes an implement driven trenching assembly and a backfill pipe installation assembly. The implement driven trenching assembly digs a trench utilizing a circular trenching blade which is hydraulically operated and is mounted onto a front loader plate. The backfill pipe installation assembly uses a backfill hopper to simultaneously install drainage pipe above the trench floor and envelop the drainage pipe in backfill material to maintain the drainage pipe at a constant height above the trench floor." The patent application was filed on April 16, 2009 (12/425,301). 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=8,157,477&OS=8,157,477&RS=8,157,477 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** NASA, Boeing Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- NASA and Boeing, Chicago, have been assigned a patent (8,157,207) developed by Vinod G. Mengle, Bellevue, Wash., and Russell H. Thomas, Yorktown, Va., for "jet engine nozzle exit configurations, including projections oriented relative to pylons, and associated systems and methods." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Nozzle exit configurations and associated systems and methods are disclosed. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment includes a jet engine exhaust nozzle having an internal flow surface and an exit aperture, with the exit aperture having a perimeter that includes multiple projections extending in an aft direction. Aft portions of individual neighboring projections are spaced apart from each other by a gap, and a geometric feature of the multiple can change in a monotonic manner along at least a portion of the perimeter. Projections near a support pylon and/or associated heat shield can have particular configurations, including greater flow immersion than other projections." The patent application was filed on Aug. 9, 2009 (11/836,517). 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=8,157,207&OS=8,157,207&RS=8,157,207 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Boeing Assigned Patent for Composite Barrel Sections for Aircraft Fuselages and Other Structures, and Methods and Systems for Manufacturing Such Barrel Sections ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Boeing, Chicago, has been assigned a patent (8,157,212) developed by four co-inventors for a "composite barrel sections for aircraft fuselages and other structures, and methods and systems for manufacturing such barrel sections." The co-inventors are Robert D. Biornstad, Renton, Wash., Bruce C. Blankinship, Mt. Vernon, Wash., Terry J. George, Wichita, Kan., and William H. Ingram, Puyallup, Wash.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Composite sections for aircraft fuselages and methods and systems for manufacturing such sections are disclosed herein. A composite section configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a skin and at least first and second stiffeners. The skin can include a plurality of unidirectional fibers forming a continuous surface extending 360 degrees about an axis. The first stiffener can include a first flange portion bonded to an interior surface of the skin and a first raised portion projecting inwardly and away from the interior surface of the skin. The second stiffener can include a second flange portion bonded to the interior surface of the skin and a second raised portion projecting inwardly and away from the interior surface of the skin. A method for manufacturing a section of a fuselage in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes positioning a plurality of uncured stiffeners on a mandrel assembly. The method can further include applying a plurality of fiber tows around the plurality of uncured stiffeners on the mandrel assembly." The patent application was filed on Sept. 23, 2008 (12/236,355). 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=8,157,212&OS=8,157,212&RS=8,157,212 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Trinity Industries Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Trinity Industries, Dallas, has been assigned a patent (8,157,471) developed by four co-inventors for "combined guardrail and cable safety systems." The co-inventors are Peter Bergendahl, Angelholm, Sweden, Don J. Gripne, Olympia, Wash., Charles R. Norton, Farmington, Utah, and Elzard Sikkema, Murray, Utah.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A combined guardrail and cable safety system is disclosed. In one aspect, the present invention teaches a safety barrier including a plurality of cable posts spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to a roadway. At least two cables are releasably engaged with and supported by the cable posts. The cable posts and the two cables cooperate with each other to prevent a vehicle from leaving the roadway. A plurality of guardrail posts are spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to the roadway longitudinally spaced from the plurality of cable post. A guardrail beam is fixedly coupled to the plurality of guardrail posts and including slots. The two cables extend from the cable posts through respective slots formed in the guardrail beam permitting each cable to engage a respective cable anchor bracket securely fastened to a portion of the guardrail beam." The patent application was filed on Feb. 11, 2011 (12/703,981). 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=8,157,471&OS=8,157,471&RS=8,157,471 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Intermec IP Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Intermec IP, Everett, Wash., has been assigned a patent (8,157,340) developed by Bruce McKay Morton, Lake Stevens, Wash., Hans Nordstrom, V. Frolunda, Sweden, and Borje Gillholm, Kungsbacka, Sweden, for an "apparatus and method for thermal printers that employ a battery or other portable power source." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A thermal printer includes a capacitor and a power converter operable to step a voltage of a power source, and coupled to charge the capacitor. Printing is controlled based at least in part on a charge state of the capacitor. Delays in charging the capacitor may be avoided where a current line of print data is blank. Operation may be curtailed where the voltage of the power source is below a threshold." The patent application was filed on Dec. 28, 2006 (11/617,622). 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=8,157,340&OS=8,157,340&RS=8,157,340 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** General Electric Assigned Patent for Baffle seal for Gas Turbine Engine Thrust Reverser ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- General Electric, Schenectady, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (8,157,270) developed by four co-inventors for a "baffle seal for gas turbine engine thrust reverser." The co-inventors are Chi-Ling Michael Tsou, Renton, Wash., Carl Francis Holdren, Hamilton, Ohio, William Andrew Bailey, Cincinnati, and Dean Thomas Lenahan, Cincinnati.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A baffle seal for a thrust reverser of a gas turbine engine includes a seal body of a resilient material. The seal body has a relatively flat central portion with opposed front and back sides. A raised sealing rim extends at least partially around the central portion. An outer periphery of the sealing rim extends beyond an outer periphery of the central portion so as to define an exposed sealing surface." The patent application was filed on Dec. 29, 2010 (12/981,047). 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=8,157,270&OS=8,157,270&RS=8,157,270 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Washington Inventor Develops Patent for Keyboard ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Dean A. Craine, Bellevue, Wash., has developed a patent (8,161,545) for a "keyboard with programmable username and password keys and system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A computer input system and method that includes a plurality of username keys and a plurality of password keys that can be selectively programmed by the user. When the user is required to enter a username or password to use the computer, a software program, a file, a network or a website, the user moves the cursor on the display to the proper field and touches one of the pre-programmed username and password keys to automatically input the username and password. The system includes a software program that creates a username and password recording page in which the user enters different usernames and passwords and then assigns them to different username keys and password keys on the keyboard. The system also creates a protected asset menu page that allows the user to list different protected assets and the combination of username and password keys needed to use, open or access them. The keyboard may include a security feature that prevents unauthorized use of the keyboard." The patent application was filed on Jan. 29, 2009 (12/362,265). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,161,545.PN.&OS=PN/8,161,545&RS=PN/8,161,545 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** LG Electronics Assigned Patent for Method for Processing Targeting Descriptor in Non-real-time Receiver ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- LG Electronics, Seoul, South Korea, has been assigned a patent (8,161,512) developed by seven co-inventors for a "method for processing targeting descriptor in non-real-time receiver." The co-inventors are Jong Yeul Suh, Seoul, South Korea, Kwan Suk Kim, Seoul, South Korea, Gomer Thomas, Arlington, Wash., Jae Hyung Song, Seoul, South Korea, Jin Pil Kim, Seoul, South Korea, Ho Taek Hong, Seoul, South Korea, and Joon Hui Lee, Seoul, South Korea.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) Receiver Targeting service is disclosed herein. A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) Receiver Targeting service, the method comprises receiving broadcast signal including first signaling information and second signaling information, identifying an NRT service based on the first signaling information, parsing a Receiver Targeting Descriptor from the second signaling information, determining validity of the NRT service or an NRT content based on a targeting_criterion_type_code included in the Receiver Targeting Descriptor, and downloading the NRT service or the NRT content when a receiver determines the NRT service or the NRT content to be valid." The patent application was filed on Dec. 9, 2009 (12/654,075). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,161,512.PN.&OS=PN/8,161,512&RS=PN/8,161,512 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** LG Electronics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- LG Electronics, Seoul, South Korea, has been assigned a patent (8,161,513) developed by six co-inventors for a "method for receiving a broadcast signal and broadcast receiver." The co-inventors are Jong Yeul Suh, Seoul, South Korea, Gomer Thomas, Arlington, Wash., Jae Hyung Song, Seoul, South Korea, Jin Pil Kim, Seoul, South Korea, Ho Taek Hong, Seoul, South Korea, and Joon Hui Lee, Seoul, South Korea.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of receiving a broadcast signal including an NRT service, the method comprises receiving a broadcast signal including first signaling information and second signaling information, identifying the NRT service based on the first signaling information, parsing the second signaling information to identify an Internet Protocol (IP) address of an NRT service signaling channel, receiving the NRT service signaling channel by accessing the IP address, and downloading a desired NRT service based on the NRT service signaling channel." The patent application was filed on Dec. 9, 2009 (12/654,079). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,161,513.PN.&OS=PN/8,161,513&RS=PN/8,161,513 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Northwestern University Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., has been assigned a patent (8,156,610) developed by four co-inventors for a writing assist device. The co-inventors are Kara McKenzie, Albany, Calif., Craig Miller, Lake Stevens, Wash., Stacey Mosley, Levittown, Pa., and Jonathan Saathoff, McHenry, Ill.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A writing assist device includes a hand-receiving body having an exterior surface with a convex contour for ergonomically receiving the palm and/or fingers of the hand of a user from underneath and a base adapted to easily move by pushing or pulling on a writing surface to allow writing by the user. The body includes an inclined channel for receiving a writing instrument, such as a pen or pencil, and a securing element to releasably secure the writing instrument at an inclined angle in the channel. The channel is disposed on the body such that the thumb and index finger of the user lie on opposite sides of the channel during writing in manner that generally resembles the natural gripping of a pen or pencil between the thumb and index finger of an able-bodied person to impart a more natural feeling of writing control. A removable, stretchable cover can be placed on the exterior surface of the body for the comfort of the user before the user places his/her hand on the device." The patent application was filed on Feb. 26, 2008 (12/072,491). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,156,610.PN.&OS=PN/8,156,610&RS=PN/8,156,610 Written by Shabnam Sheikh; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Invention Science Fund I Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Invention Science Fund I, Bellevue, Wash., has been assigned a patent (8,157,147) developed by twelve co-inventors for a "surgical stapling instrument with chemical sealant." The co-inventors are Edward S. Boyden, Cambridge, Mass., Roderick A. Hyde, Redmond, Wash., Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Livermore, Calif., Eric C. Leuthardt, St Louis, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Medina, Wash., Dennis J. Rivet, Portsmouth, Va., Michael A. Smith, Phoenix, Clarence T. Tegreene, Bellevue, Wash., Thomas A. Weaver, San Mateo, Calif., Charles Whitmer, North Bend, Wash., Lowell L. Wood Jr., Bellevue, Wash., and Victoria Y.H. Wood, Livermore, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Embodiments include a surgical device and a method. An embodiment of the surgical instrument includes at least one grasping jaw, the at least one grasping jaw being adapted to deliver surgical staples by a force generated from a force generator mechanism that is contained within the at least one grasping jaw or is in a proximity to the at least one grasping jaw. Another embodiment includes at least one grasping jaw, at least one actuation mechanism adapted to deliver surgical staples, the actuation mechanism being located in a proximity to or contained within the at least one grasping jaw, the surgical staples containing at least one shape-transforming material, at least one sensor, at least one chemical tissue sealant and at least one cutter. A method includes: grasping a body tissue with at least one grasping jaw, adjusting a configuration of the grasping in response to a signal or a datum or an image, and releasing a surgical staple/fastener in response to the signal, datum or image." The patent application was filed on July 27, 2010 (12/804,740). 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=8,157,147&OS=8,157,147&RS=8,157,147 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Merlin Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Merlin Technology, Renton, Wash., has been assigned a patent (8,157,023) developed by James W. Burrows, Seattle, Guenter W. Brune, Bellevue, Wash., and John E. Mercer, Kent, Wash., for a "boring tool tracking fundamentally based on drill string length, pitch and roll." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A boring tool moves having a pitch orientation, a yaw orientation and a roll orientation and is steerable underground using the roll orientation. A maximum drill string curvature is established for steering. The boring tool is advanced over a path segment. An averaged roll characteristic is determined for movement of the boring tool along the path segment. A path segment pitch orientation is established based on at least one measured pitch orientation along the path segment. Using the maximum drill string curvature in combination with the averaged roll characteristic and the path segment pitch orientation, the yaw orientation is determined. The averaged roll characteristic is determined based on a series of incremental roll measurements that are spaced across the path segment. A set of coupled ordinary differential equations is used to characterize movement of the boring tool." The patent application was filed on June 2, 2011 (13/151,517). 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=8,157,023&OS=8,157,023&RS=8,157,023 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Washington State University Research Foundation, Multiform Harvest Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Washington State University Research Foundation, Pullman, Wash., and Multiform Harvest, Seattle, have been assigned a patent (8,158,089) developed by four co-inventors for "compositions and methods for wastewater treatment." The co-inventors are Tianxi Zhang, Pullman, Wash., Keith E. Bowers, Seattle, Joseph H. Harrison, Puyallup, Wash., and Shulin Chen, Pullman, Wash.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Particular aspects provide a method for recovering phosphate, comprising: obtaining an effluent or wastewater, etc. having calcium-sequestered phosphate; adding to the effluent or wastewater a calcium chelating or sequestration agent suitable to chelate or sequester Ca.sup.++ ions from the calcium-sequestered phosphate to facilitate release of phosphate from the calcium-sequestered phosphate; transferring, facilitated by said Ca.sup.++ ion capture and in the presence of sufficient concentrations of NH.sub.4.sup.+ and Mg.sup.2 ions, of the phosphate into struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate or MgNH.sub.4PO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O), or hydrated magnesium ammonium complex of phosphate; and recovering the struvite, or the formed hydrated magnesium ammonium complex. Preferably, the method further comprises acidification of the effluent or wastewater to facilitate release of Ca.sup.++ ions from the calcium-sequestered phosphate and chelation of sequestration of the Ca.sup.++ ions by the calcium chelating or sequestration agent. Additional aspects provide a phosphate-containing fertilizer comprising struvite, and methods for making same." The patent application was filed on July 14, 2008 (12/172,884). 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=8,158,089&OS=8,158,089&RS=8,158,089 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Homax Products Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- Homax Products, Bellingham, Wash., has been assigned a patent (8,157,135) developed by Donald J. Stern, Clackamas, Ore., and James A. Tryon, Seattle, for an "aerosol spray texture apparatus for a particulate containing material." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An aerosol device for dispensing texture material for matching existing acoustical ceiling texture. The device comprises a container, a valve assembly, a dispensing nozzle, a hardenable material, and pressurized inert gas as a propelling mechanism. The hardenable material and pressurized inert gas are placed into the container. When the valve assembly is opened, the inert gas forces the hardenable material out of the container through the dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzle diverts at least a portion of the hardenable material exiting the container to develop a spray suitable for the application of the hardenable material onto the ceiling surface being textured. The hardenable material preferably comprises at least water, filler, binder, and polystyrene particles. The inert gas is preferably nitrogen." The patent application was filed on Jan. 27, 2009 (12/360,833). 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=8,157,135&OS=8,157,135&RS=8,157,135 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** RIC Investments Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 23 -- RIC Investments, Wilmington, Del., has been assigned a patent (8,156,972) developed by six co-inventors for a "system and method for filling a portable liquified gas storage/delivery system." The co-inventors are Ricky Dean Burns, Alpharetta, Ga., Tory D. Werne, Woodstock, Ga., Michelle Marut, Export, Pa., Paul McGroary, Gibsonia, Pa., Mark Hoeveler, Botthell, Wash., and Aashi Vel, Cambridge, Mass.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A liquefied gas storage/delivery system and method that includes a liquefied gas storage system. The liquefied gas storage system includes a housing containing a storage vessel suited to contain a supply of liquefied gas, such as liquid oxygen (LOX). A rotatable turntable is provided on an exterior surface of the housing. An interface shaped to match the shape of at least a portion of a portable liquid storage/delivery device is provide in or on the turntable. A connector is disposed in the interface that couples to a corresponding connector on the portable liquid storage/delivery device. The two connectors are coupled by placing the portable liquid storage/delivery device in the interface and rotating the turntable." The patent application was filed on April 16, 2008 (12/103,976). 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=8156972.PN.&OS=PN/8156972&RS=PN/8156972 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

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