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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Michigan (March 26)
[March 26, 2011]

U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Michigan (March 26)


(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Michigan.

*** Saturn Electronics & Engineering Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Auburn Hills, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,721) developed by David L. Seid, Conklin, Mich., Kevin Manthei, Marne, Mich., and Hamid Najmolhoda, Grand Rapids, Mich., for a fluid pressure control assembly.



The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Assembly of multiple individual fluid pressure control solenoid valves and an individual fluid temperature sensor so packaged relative to a respective one of the individual solenoid valves as to permit direct or indirect fluid temperature measurement at individual solenoid valves. The assembly can include a lead-frame support (e.g. a printed circuit board) having multiple individual fluid pressure control solenoid valves and an individual transmission oil temperature sensor disposed on the lead-frame support in an oil passage that communicates to an output flow port of a respective one of the individual solenoid valves to provide transmission oil temperature information to a transmission electronic control unit, wherein the transmission electronic control unit provides command signals to the individual solenoid valves in response to the individual transmission oil temperature input signals associated with an individual solenoid valve to achieve more accurate pressure control." The patent application was filed on June 8, 2007 (11/811,282). 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=49&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,909,726) developed by five co-inventors for a multi-speed transmission. The co-inventors are Andrew W. Phillips, Saline, Mich., Jeffrey Kenneth Baran, West Bloomfield, Mich., Clinton E. Carey, Monroe, Mich., Scott H. Wittkopp, Ypsilanti, Mich., and James M. Hart, Belleville, Mich.


The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes." The patent application was filed on Jan. 7, 2008 (11/970,159). 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=48&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Method for Vehicle Creep Torque Control ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,909,730) developed by Jonathan R. Schwarz, Clawson, Mich., Kevin S. Kidston, New Hudson, Mich., and Jon K. Logan, Howell, Mich., for a "method for vehicle creep torque control." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vehicle and a method of operation. The method of operating the vehicle may include a method of controlling a creep torque in a vehicle having a powertrain configured to provide variable creep torque. The method may comprise the steps of: detecting a vehicle creep torque condition, determining a brake torque, and adjusting a creep torque applied by the powertrain based on the brake torque." The patent application was filed on Nov. 2, 2007 (11/934,322). 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=47&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Admiral Tool & Manufacturing of Michigan Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Admiral Tool & Manufacturing of Michigan, Livonia, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,731) developed by six co-inventors for a "vehicle shift module assembly." The co-inventors are Wayne M. Avers, Northville, Mich., Steven Waldie, Brighton, Mich., Gregory A. Scout, Temperance, Mich., Daniel McCluskey, Harrison Township, Mich., Jeffrey Adelmann, Livonia, Mich., and Joe Carano, South Lyon, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A shift module assembly for controlling the movement of a vehicle transmission out of a park condition responsive to a condition of the ignition system of the vehicle and responsive to a position of the vehicle brake pedal includes a moveable swing arm adapted to selectively control the condition of the vehicle transmission. The swing arm is in a park position when the vehicle transmission is in the park condition. The swing arm is locked in an immobile position by a solenoid operated armature shaft when the swing arm is placed in the park position. The armature shaft is in direct contact with said swing arm when said swing arm is in the locked position. The armature shaft releases the swing arm from the locked position upon actuation of the vehicle ignition system and depression of the vehicle brake pedal. The swing arm includes a stress line that will cause the swing arm to break along the stress line before, the swing arm is moved out of the park position if excessive force is applied to the swing arm. In addition, the swing arm is capable of both rotational and rocking movement about a common pivot point." The patent application was filed on Aug. 6, 2008 (12/187,047). 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=46&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Joint Production Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Joint Production Technology, Macomb, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,548) developed by John R. Wirtanen, Shelby Township, Mich., and Robert B. Peuterbaugh, Macomb, Mich., for a "spherical internal motion cutting tool." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A rotary motion cutting tool having an axis of rotation for cutting at least a portion of the spherical surface on an internal surface of a workpiece includes a rotary slide, a rotary actuator, and an actuating plate with a rotary surface machined therein. The rotary slide is rotatably supported with respect to a rotary axis extending generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotary motion cutting tool. The rotary actuator is rotatably supported with respect to the rotary slide for rotation about a rotary actuator support axis spaced radially from, and generally parallel with, the rotary axis of the rotary slide. The actuating plate is driven in reciprocal movement along the axis of rotation for interaction with the rotary actuator. Reciprocal movement of the actuating plate translates through the rotary surface and rotary actuator into rotary movement of the rotary slide through an arc about the rotary axis. Synchronized rotary movement of first and second rotary slides through first and second arcs about the rotary axis is provided while maintaining the rotational balance with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotary motion cutting tool. A process of operating the rotary motion cutting tool is disclosed." The patent application was filed on April 26, 2007 (11/740,646). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.htm&r=53&f=G&l=50&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&co1=AND&p=2&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Spectrum Composites Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Spectrum Composites, Auburn Hills, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,685) developed by James R. Heim Sr., Kalamazoo, Mich., Thomas Kenny, Troy, Mich., and Robert Gilling, Caro, Mich., for a flexible service cart.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Service carts are provided that can be advantageously used to hold both diagnostic tools and repair tools and can be flexibly configured or customized for different work environments or worker preferences. The service carts include a cabinet having two side outer-walls, a back outer-wall, a bottom, and a top. The cabinet can include a plurality of configurable storage spaces with each storage space having a height that is approximately an integer multiple of a minimum storage space height. The cabinet can also be configured to provide electrical power into storage spaces in the cabinet. The cabinet top can comprise a plurality of slots adapted to hold mounting brackets adjustable along a length of the slots. The cabinet may include a fan that pulls air into the cabinet through a filter." The patent application was filed on April 18, 2006 (11/379,215). 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=50&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,911,792) developed by Zhenxian Liang, Canton, Mich., Chingchi Chen, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Michael W. Degner, Novi, Mich., for a "direct dipping cooled power module and packaging." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A power module package including a fully enclosed package comprising sidewalls; wherein at least one of said sidewalls includes a conductive substrate; wherein circuit elements are mounted on said conductive substrate on a first side comprising an inner side of said enclosed package; and, wherein a majority area of a second side of said conductive substrate is exposed, the power package has an improved interconnection configuration and compact power I/O terminals, offering low electrical parasitics, a plurality of individual power module packages can be attached seamlessly and positioned in a liquid coolant with multiple top portion open channels, as well as attached to a laminar power connector (busbar) to form various electrical power conversion topologies, the module offers low thermal resistance and low electrical parasitics, in addition to small volume, light weight and high reliability." The patent application was filed on March 11, 2008 (12/045,860). 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=18&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Lear Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Lear, Southfield, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,911,337) developed by four co-inventors for a "compass based car locator." The co-inventors are Ronald O. King, Brownstone, Mich., Riad Ghabra, Dearborn Heights, Mich., John Nantz, Brighton, Mich., and Yi Luo, Superior Township, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A remote keyless entry system is provided comprising a handheld remote keyless entry transmitter in selectable wireless communication with a car based entry system. The handheld remote keyless entry transmitter comprises an integrated electronic compass element and logic adapted to store a first compass direction when activated and directed towards a destination. The logic further is adapted to display a return compass direction and a return distance from the car based entry system when activated leaving the destination." The patent application was filed on March 7, 2008 (12/044,863). 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=21&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Dow Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Dow Global Technologies, Midland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,910,680) developed by five co-inventors for a "reactive (meth)acrylate monomer compositions and preparation and use thereof." The co -inventors are Jerry E. White, Lake Jackson, Texas, Jim D. Earls, Lake Jackson, Texas, Peter S. Martin, Houston, Texas, Mike B. McIntosh, Midland, Mich., and Richard M. Wehmeyer, Lake Jackson, Texas.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to new (meth)acrylate compositions, their preparation and their use in ultraviolet light curable applications such as coatings, inks and adhesives." The patent application was filed on April 25, 2007 (11/789,755). 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=32&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Whirlpool Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Whirlpool, Benton Harbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,912,559) developed by five co-inventors for a "software architecture system and method for operating an appliance in multiple operating modes." The co-inventors are Richard A. McCoy, Stevensville, Mich., Matthew P. Ebrom, Holland, Mich., Mark E. Glotzbach, Granger, Ind., Andrew D. Whipple, Saint Jospeh, Mich., and Patrick J. Glotzbach, Saint Joseph, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In one embodiment, a system for controlling a plurality of devices having at least two operating modes comprises a first software operating layer configured to control the operation of at least one of the devices in a first operational mode and a second software operating layer configured to control the operation of at least one of the devices in a second operational mode. In another embodiment, a control system for controlling a plurality of devices connected by a communications network comprises a user interface configured to receive the selection of a cycle of operation; a first system element isolated from the network and configured to implement the selected cycle of operation to define a first control state; and a second system element exposed to the network and configured to implement the selected cycle of operation to define a second control state." The patent application was filed on Sept. 29, 2009 (12/569,257). 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=15&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Guardian Industries Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Guardian Industries, Auburn Hills, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,911,699) developed by four co-inventors for an "optical diffuser with UV blocking coating." The co-inventors are Zhong Ming Wang, Ypsilanti, Mich., Pramod K. Sharma, Ann Arbor, Mich., Desaraju V. Varaprasad, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Thomas J. Taylor, Northville, Mich..

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A diffuser is provided in an illumination system, where the diffuser is capable of blocking significant amounts of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the diffuser includes a glass substrate which supports a UV coating(s) that blocks significant amounts of UV radiation thereby reducing the amount of UV radiation which can makes its way through the diffuser. In certain example embodiments, the coating may including particulate so that the coating may both diffuse visible light and perform UV blocking." The patent application was filed on Dec. 22, 2005 (11/314,735). 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=19&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Johnson Controls Technology Company Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Johnson Controls Technology Company, Holland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,911,358) developed by five co-inventors for a "system and method for enrollment of a remotely controlled device in a trainable transmitter." The co-inventors are Jeremy Bos, Coopersville, Mich., Carl Shearer, Hudsonville, Mich., David A. Blaker, Holland, Mich., John D. Spencer, Allendale, Mich., and Todd R. Witkowski, Zeeland, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A wireless control system is configured to be trainable to control any number of remotely controlled devices. The system can be configured to gather and learn information relating to a signal transmitted by the original transmitter in a manner that is blind to a user of the system. The system can be designed to learn signals automatically such that fewer steps are necessary for a user to train the system to control a particular remotely controlled device. The system can train to remotely controlled devices in this manner with little or no user action required." The patent application was filed on Aug. 28, 2006 (11/511,071). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=20&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Method and System for Managing an Automotive Electrical System ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,911,080) developed by Karin L. Turski, Rochester Hills, Mich., and Rod Niner, Royal Oak, Michi., for a "method and system for managing an automotive electrical system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An automotive electrical system and a method for managing an automotive electrical system including a battery are provided. A state of charge of the battery is determined. An electrical system function is prevented from being performed based on the determined state of charge of the battery." The patent application was filed on Oct. 29, 2008 (12/260,752). 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=27&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Thompson Surgical Instruments Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Thompson Surgical Instruments, Traverse City, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,843) developed by Dennis Lee Abernathie, Columbia, Mo., Anthony J. Mulac, East Jordan, Mich., and Daniel K. Farley, Traverse City, Mich., for a "elongateable surgical port and dilator." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A surgical port and dilator are useful for creating access to surgical sites having tortuous geometries and/or requiring relatively long and narrow access to the surgical site. The surgical port or dilator can be provided with an oblique distal end to facilitate placement and the displace tissue near angled surfaces. The surgical port can be inserted into the operative site following dilation in the same fashion as a conventional port. Once inserted, however, the surgical port may then be elongated to provide relatively long and narrow, elliptically- shaped access to the surgical site. The elongation of the port allows the surgeon access to long and narrow surgical sites, such as the spine, without having to expand radially. This reduces trauma to the patient. A locking means is also provided to hold the surgical port in the open position until a release mechanism is activated." The patent application was filed on June 30, 2004 (10/880,824). 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=45&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Donnelly Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Donnelly, Holland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,912,646) developed by Kevin C. McCarthy, Tucson, Ariz., Eugenie V. Uhlman, Tucson, Ariz., and Niall R. Lynam, Holland, Mich., for a "driver assistance system for vehicle." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A driver assistance system includes a global-positioning system generating an output indicative of the current geographical location of the vehicle equipped with the driver assistance system, a forward facing camera, and a video display screen. The forward facing camera captures video images forward of the vehicle as the equipped vehicle travels along a route of travel, and the video display screen displays the captured video images as the equipped vehicle travels along the route. The video display screen is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the driver is normally operating the vehicle. The driver assistance system, responsive to image processing of the video images and responsive to the output of the global-positioning system, generates a graphic overlay on the displayed video images that assists the driver's driving task as the vehicle travels along the route." The patent application was filed on Aug. 6, 2009 (12/536,935). 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=14&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** ADAC Plastics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- ADAC Plastics, Grand Rapids, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,911,321) developed by Robert L. Bingle, Zeeland, Mich., and Joseph Meinke, Gowen, Mich., for a "keyless entry system incorporating concealable keypad." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A keyless entry system has a handle housing and a grip cover defining a door handle grip, a keyless entry pad defining a plurality of keys, each identified with a corresponding symbol, a plurality of sensors in proximity to the keys for detecting an object in the vicinity of the keys, an illumination source to selectively backlight the sensors and symbols, and a light-controlling membrane extending over the keyless entry pad. Entering a keyless entry code into the keyless entry pad by selecting keys in a predetermined sequence enables a latch to be selectively disposed in either a locked condition or an unlocked condition. In ambient light, the light-controlling membrane renders the symbol invisible. When the illumination source backlights the sensor and the symbol, the light-controlling membrane renders the symbol visible." The patent application was filed on June 18, 2009 (12/486,827). 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=22&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Pioneer Surgical Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Pioneer Surgical Technology, Marquette, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,859) developed by six co-inventors for a "bone plate system and methods." The co-inventors are Lawrence Mosca, Marquette, Mich., Matthew Peter Gephart, Marquette, Mich., Brian Janowski, Marquette, Mich., Brad Fredin, Ishpeming, Mich., Francis Korhonen, Negaunee, Mich., and Matthew N. Songer, Marquette, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Bone plate systems and retainers are provided for surgical implants and bone repair. The bone plate is multi-tiered for receiving bone anchors or screws for securing multiple bones or bone fragments in a desired relationship. The plate includes bores for receiving the screws, and the bores may permit and define a translation path for the screws relative to the plate. The retainers are held in a recess in the bores to prevent screw back-out. Once the screw is seated with the plate, the retainer rests over a top surface of the screw to impede screw back-out from the plate. The retainer may expand to permit driving a screw therethrough and may contract once the screw is seated within the plate so the retainer is in a configuration for preventing back-out. Tools and methods are also provided for implantation and removal of the plates and the screws." The patent application was filed on Oct. 26, 2005 (11/259,714). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=44&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** General Motors Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- General Motors, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,912,149) developed by four co-inventors for "synchronization and segment type detection method for data transmission via an audio communication system." The co-inventors are Elizabeth Chesnutt, Troy, Mich., Sethu K. Madhavan, Erie, Pa., Iqbal Surti, Troy, Mich., and Jijin Yin, Los Angeles.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and method for asynchronous data communication over a cellular communications network that allows the transmission of different types of data frames over a voice channel using a vocoder. The data frames include a synchronization signal and data segment, with the synchronization signal being selected in accordance with an attribute of the data segment so that, upon receipt of the data frame, the synchronization signal can be used by the demodulating modem to determine not only where the data segment begins, but also to identify what type of data segment is in the received data frame. The synchronization signals used have low cross-correlation and an auto-correlation function that approximates a unit impulse function to provide reliable transmission through the vocoder." The patent application was filed on May 3, 2007 (11/744,065). 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=16&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** IMRA America Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- IMRA America, Ann Arbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,912,100) developed by six co-inventors for a "femtosecond laser processing system with process parameters, controls and feedback." The co-inventors are Lawrence Shah, San Ramon, Calif., James M. Bovatsek, San Jose, Calif., Alan Y. Arai, Fremont, Calif., Tadashi Yamamoto, Fremont, Calif., Rajesh S. Patel, Fremont, Calif., and Donald J. Harter, Ann Arbor, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A femtosecond laser based laser processing system having a femtosecond laser, frequency conversion optics, beam manipulation optics, target motion control, processing chamber, diagnostic systems and system control modules. The femtosecond laser based laser processing system allows for the utilization of the unique heat control in micromachining, and the system has greater output beam stability, continuously variable repetition rate and unique temporal beam shaping capabilities." The patent application was filed on Dec. 19, 2008 (12/339,744). 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=17&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Gas Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Gas Technologies, Walloon Lake, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,910,787) developed by Nathan A. Pawlak, Marquette, Mich., Walter Breidenstein, Boyne Falls, Mich., and Robert W. Carr, Bloomington, Minn., for a "method and system for methanol production." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus and method of producing methanol includes reacting a heated hydrocarbon-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas in a reactor; to provide a product stream comprising methanol; and transferring heat from the product stream to the hydrocarbon-containing gas to heat the hydrocarbon containing gas. After removing methanol and CO.sub.2 from the product stream, unprocessed hydrocarbons are mixed with the hydrocarbon containing gas for reprocessing through the reactor. Reactor byproducts are injected into the ground to increase the output of a hydrocarbon producing well." The patent application was filed on Sept. 25, 2006 (11/526,824). 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=31&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Plastipak Packaging Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Plastipak Packaging, Plymouth, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,910,184) developed by Ronald L. Uptergrove, Northville, Mich., for a "printing plastic containers with digital images." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A plastic container having curved surfaces and digital printing is disclosed. An embodiment of the container provides a hollow plastic container including a multiple color, single-cured digital image on a first curved surface having a non-constant radius of curvature, and a second curved surface having a non-constant radius of curvature that is spaced from the first curved surface, such that the first and second curved surfaces are on opposed surfaces." The patent application was filed on April 27, 2010 (12/768,196). 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=39&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Preforms and Methods of Making the Same ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,910,038) developed by four co-inventors for "preforms and methods of making the same." The co-inventors are Hamid G. Kia, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Ingrid A. Rousseau, Clinton Township, Mich., Elisabeth J. Berger, Farmington Hills, Mich., and John N. Owens, Franklin, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for making a preform includes creating a pressure differential between an inside and an outside of a perforated shape memory polymer mandrel in its temporary shape. The pressure differential is such that pressure outside the perforated shape memory polymer mandrel is greater than pressure inside the perforated shape memory polymer mandrel. The perforated shape memory polymer mandrel has i) a predetermined preform shape as the temporary shape and ii) a shrunken shape as its permanent shape, wherein the shrunken shape is configured such that it is removable from the predetermined preform shape. The method further includes depositing, as the pressure differential is maintained, at least one material onto a surface of the perforated shape memory polymer mandrel. The at least one material is set in the predetermined preform shape, thereby forming the preform." The patent application was filed on Nov. 24, 2008 (12/276,983). 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=40&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** University of Michigan Assigned Patent for Small Molecule Antagonists of XIAP Family Proteins ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,910,621) developed by seven co-inventors for a "small molecule antagonists of XIAP family proteins." The co-inventors are Jianyong Chen, Ann Arbor, Mich., Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska, Ann Arbor, Mich., Dajun Yang, Rockville, Md., Shaomeng Wang, Saline, Mich., Haiying Sun, Ann Arbor, Mich., Liang Xu, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Zengjian Hu, Gaithersburg, Md.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to naturally occurring and chemically synthesized small molecule antagonists of XIAP family proteins. In particular, the present invention provides embelin and other XIAP inhibitors and methods of using these compounds as antagonists of the anti-apoptotic effects of XIAP family member proteins. The present invention also provides methods for treating diseases and pathologies (e.g., neoplastic diseases)." The patent application was filed on March 22, 2005 (10/594,200). 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=35&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** MKP Structural Design Associates Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- MKP Structural Design Associates, Dexter, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,910,193) developed by Zheng-Dong Ma, Ann Arbor, Mich., for "three-dimensional auxetic structures and applications thereof." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) or auxetic structures, including three-dimensional auxetic structures, are disclosed and applied to various applications. One such structure comprises a pyramid-shaped unit cell having four base points A, B, C, and D defining the corners of a square lying in a horizontal plane. Four stuffers of equal length or different lengths extend from a respective one of the base points to a point E spaced apart from the plane. Four tendons of equal length or different lengths, but less than that of the stuffers, extend from a respective one of the base points to a point F between point E and the plane. In three-dimensional configurations, a plurality of unit cells are arranged as tiles in the same horizontal plane with the base points of each cell connected to the base points of adjoining cells, thereby forming a horizontal layer. A plurality of horizontal layers are then stacked with each point E of cells in one horizontal layer being connected to a respective one of the points F of cells in an adjacent layer. Particularly for typical applications, the structure may further including a pair of parallel plates made sandwiching a plurality of horizontal layers of unit cells." The patent application was filed on Nov. 10, 2008 (12/267,867). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=38&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Whirlpool Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25 -- Whirlpool, Benton Harbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,936) developed by four co-inventors for a "dishwasher final steam rinse method." The co-inventors are Brooke L. Lau, Saint Joseph, Mich., Julio C.Moreira, Stevensville, Mich., Michelle L. Oakes, Flagstaff, Ariz., and Ryan K. Roth, Saint Joseph, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An overall dishwasher operation cycle includes a washing cycle and a final rinse cycle including steam generation. During the final rinse cycle, a dishwasher tub is filled with fluid, heated and utilized to rinse dishware within the dishwasher. After partially draining the tub, a heating element is actuated so as to transform fluid in the tub into steam for cleansing dishware within the dishwasher. After the steam cycle, the final rinse cycle is completed, with the dishwasher being drained. Optionally, when a heated dry cycle is actuated, the heating element continues to operate to provide drying heat to dishware for a period of time before being deactivated. With this arrangement, a single heating element is utilized for heating washing fluid for washing, rinsing and steam generation, as well as for the heated dry cycle." The patent application was filed on Dec. 19, 2008 (12/339,827). 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=41&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Donnelly Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- Donnelly, Holland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,910,859) developed by four co-inventors for a "heater pad for a mirror reflective element." The co-inventors are Donald C. Byers, Marne, Mich., Hamid Habibi, Holland, Mich., Niall R. Lynam, Holland, Mich, and Ian A. McCabe, Holland, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A heater pad for a variable reflectance mirror reflective element of a vehicular mirror assembly includes a flexible substrate, an electrically conductive heating element, and first and second electrically conducting elements. The first electrically conducting element is in electrical connection with a transparent second surface electrically conductive coating of the equipped mirror reflective element and the second electrically conducting element is in electrical connection with a third surface electrically conductive coating of the equipped mirror reflective element when the equipped mirror reflective element is normally equipped with the heater pad. The electrically conducting elements and the heating element are electrically isolated from one another. The heating element and the first and second electrically conducting elements terminate at an electrical connector that is configured to electrically conductively connect with a wire harness that provides electrical connection to at least one of a power source and a control circuit." The patent application was filed on Sept. 17, 2010 (12/884,292). 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=29&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** University of Michigan Assigned Patent for Reactive Coatings for Regioselective Surface Modification ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,928) developed by Joerg Lahann, Ann Arbor, Mich., Himabindu Nandivada, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Hsien-Yeh Chen, Ann Arbor, Mich., for "reactive coatings for regioselective surface modification." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Reactive polymer coatings that undergo regioselective reactions with target biomolecules are provided. The polymers of the coatings are deposited via chemical vapor deposition and comprise one or more functional groups that exhibit regioselective bonding with a functional group or a target molecule. Such polymers include poly-xylylenes having functional groups such as alkynes or azides. The regioselective bonding of the reactive polymers provide stable immobilization of target molecules and/or ligands and can create biofunctional surfaces having a wide range of applications." The patent application was filed on March 26, 2007 (11/691,210). 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=42&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** PulverDryer USA Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- PulverDryer USA, Galesburg, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,577) developed by William Graham, Gordons Bay, South Africa, Levi New, Kalamazoo, Mich., and Wayne Arthur Case, Portland, Ore., for a "system and method for pulverizing and extracting moisture." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A venturi receives incoming material through an inlet tube and subjects the material to pulverization. The material, as it undergoes pulverization, is further subject to moisture extraction and drying. An airflow generator, coupled to the venturi, generates a high speed airflow to pull the material through the venturi and into an inlet aperture in the airflow generator. The airflow generator directs the received pulverized material to an outlet where the material may be subsequently separated from the air." The patent application was filed on April 1, 2009 (12/416,545). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.htm&r=52&f=G&l=50&d=PTXT&s1=20110322.PD.&s2=%28MI.ASST.%29&co1=AND&p=2&OS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI&RS=ISD/03/22/2011+AND+AS/MI Written by Rajat Puri; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Innotec Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- Innotec, Zeeland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,482) developed by seven co-inventors for an "electrical device having boardless electrical component mounting arrangement." The co-inventors are Thomas J. Veenstra, Zeeland, Mich., Paul T. Vander Kuyl, Holland, Mich., Matthew S. Weeda, Hudsonville, Mich., Michael L. Lanser, Holland, Mich., Kyle A. Israels, Zeeland, Mich., Jason R. Mulder, Zeeland, Mich., and Mark W. Vander Pol, Edgerton, Minn.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An electrical device such as an LED light assembly includes a conductive circuit and one or more electrical components connected to the circuit. The electrical components and the circuit are at least partially overmolded with a thermoplastic polymer material to encapsulate the components. The material utilized to cover the circuit and/or electrical components may also be utilized to form a housing or other structure of a finished part." The patent application was filed on Aug. 21, 2007 (11/842,606). 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=7909482.PN.&OS=PN/7909482&RS=PN/7909482 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Vehicular Steering Wheel and Column Assembly including Torsional Damper Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,909,361) developed by Kenneth L. Oblizajek, Troy, Mich., and Carl T. Wright, Highland, Mich., for a "vehicular steering wheel and column assembly including torsional damper device." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A steering wheel and column assembly is provided for deployment on a vehicle. In one embodiment, the steering wheel and column assemblies comprises: (i) a steering column housing, (ii) a rotatable steering assembly, and (iii) a torsional damper device. The rotatable steering assembly includes a steering column shaft, which is rotatably coupled to the steering column housing, and a steering wheel, which is fixedly coupled to the steering column shaft. The torsional damper device includes a stator body, which is fixedly coupled to the steering column housing, and a rotor body, which is fixedly coupled to the rotatable steering assembly. The rotor body frictionally engages the stator body to produce a predetermined coulomb torque frictional resistance." The patent application was filed on June 10, 2008 (12/136,676). 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=7909361.PN.&OS=PN/7909361&RS=PN/7909361 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Dematic Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- Dematic, Grand Rapids, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,155) developed by four co-inventors for a conveyor systems. The co-inventors are Clinton R. Lupton, Caledonia, Mich., Kenneth D. Kane, Grand Rapids, Mich., Phillip C. Butler, Middleville, Mich., and Charles J. DeWildt, Wyoming, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods for accumulating articles on transport conveyors, for efficiently merging articles, and for automatically controlling sortation speed are disclosed. Transport conveyor beds upstream of an accumulation conveyor bed may be controlled to more densely pack articles, as well as to more timely deliver articles to the downstream subsystem when accumulation terminates. Slugs of articles in a merge subsystem may be released based on a prioritization scheme that heavily weighs the ability of the slug to attach to the next-most downstream slug. A combination of closed and open-looped control of the slug's movement may be used to accurately position slugs on the merge bed. A downstream sortation speed may be automatically adjusted based on the amount of merge traffic." The patent application was filed on Sept. 8, 2008 (12/206,011). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=7909155.PN.&OS=PN/7909155&RS=PN/7909155 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Johnson Controls Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- Johnson Controls Technology, Holland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,408) developed by Frederick Wilkinson, Fowlerville, Mich., John Taylor, Ypsilanti, Mich., and Ajay Sonar, Farmington Hills, Mich., for an "easy lift mechanism for vehicle seats." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and apparatus for actuating a folding vehicle seat. The apparatus includes a handle remotely and functionally connected to the vehicle seat for moving the seatback from a folded position to an upright or design position. The handle is pivotally mounted on a support bracket and attached to an actuator member interconnecting the handle and the seatback. The actuator member transfers the motion of the handle to a generally "L-shaped" arm which is pivotally mounted to the vehicle seat below the seatback. The L-shaped arm rotates toward the back of the seat as the handle is lifted. As the L-shaped arm moves, it catches a stop or extension member located on the seatback and moves the seatback toward the upright position." The patent application was filed on Nov. 7, 2008 (12/289,983). 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=7909408.PN.&OS=PN/7909408&RS=PN/7909408 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,909,403) developed by seven co-inventors for a "manipulable seat bolster utilizing active material actuation." The co-inventors are Jennifer P. Lawall, Waterford, Mich., Steven E. Morris, Fair Haven, Mich., Diane K. McQueen, Leonard, Mich., Nancy L. Johnson, Northville, Mich., Alan L. Browne, Grosse Pointe, Mich., Paul W. Alexander, Ypsilanti, Mich., and Nilesh D. Mankame, Ann Arbor, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A manipulable seat bolster including an active material actuator configured to selectively cause or enable a condition, such as the geometric configuration, or position of the bolster to be modified, when the active material is activated." The patent application was filed on Feb. 24, 2009 (12/392,100). 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=7909403.PN.&OS=PN/7909403&RS=PN/7909403 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** TK Holdings Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- TK Holdings, Auburn Hills, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,360) developed by Brandon Scott Marriott, Waterford, Mich., and Thomas Wayne Messner, Grand Blanc, Mich., for an "airbag module for bus and motor coach." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A bus includes a plurality of bus seats with a side airbag module mounted to each of the plurality of bus seats. The bus includes a plurality of sensors configured to detect a collision event and a side airbag control module configured to determine which side airbag modules to deploy based on information received from the plurality of sensors. The control module is configured to selectively deploy one or more of the side airbag modules." The patent application was filed on Sept. 25, 2008 (12/232,915). 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=7909360.PN.&OS=PN/7909360&RS=PN/7909360 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for System and Method for Integrating a Torque Vectoring Differential with a Stability Control System ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,909,126) developed by Edmund F. Gaffney, White Lake, Mich., for a "system and method for integrating a torque vectoring differential with a stability control system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and apparatus are provided for integrating a torque vectoring differential (TVD) and a stability control system in a motor vehicle. The integrated system is utilized for more efficiently correcting understeer and/or oversteer slides in a motor vehicle. In correcting these slides, the integrated system utilizes the TVD to rotate two wheels on opposite sides of the motor vehicle at different rates to create a yaw moment at the vehicle's center of gravity until the TVD reaches a saturation point and the understeer or oversteer slide is not corrected. Once the saturation point is reached without correcting the understeer or oversteer slide, the stability control system is employed to selectively apply one or more of the vehicle's brakes in a further effort to correct the understeer or oversteer slide." The patent application was filed on May 5, 2008 (12/115,370). 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=7909126.PN.&OS=PN/7909126&RS=PN/7909126 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Power Systems for Hybrid Electric Vehicle ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (7,909,124) developed by Alan G. Holmes, Clarkston, Mich., for a "power systems for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV)." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) power system is provided that includes a vehicle electrical system (VES), an inverter-controller unit (ICU) and an AC electric motor/generator unit (MGU). The VES includes a first DC voltage source and a second DC voltage source coupled in series with the first DC voltage source. The VES also includes a first electrical load coupled across the first DC voltage source, and a second electrical load coupled across the second DC voltage source. The ICU is coupled across the first DC voltage source and the second DC voltage source and is designed to convert DC power from the first DC voltage source and the second DC voltage source to generate AC power for the AC electric MGU. Together the DC voltage sources can replace a conventional high-voltage DC voltage source. In some implementations, techniques are provided for "charge balancing" the first DC voltage source and the second DC voltage source without expensive devices." The patent application was filed on April 2, 2008 (12/061,437). 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=7909124.PN.&OS=PN/7909124&RS=PN/7909124 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Synergy Product Development Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- Synergy Product Development, Grand Rapids, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,402) developed by Zooey C. Chu, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Shun Jie Ju, Dong Guan, China, for a "back support for a seat." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An self adjusting back support assembly for a seat is provided comprising a plurality of pivotally adjustable back support members juxtaposed one another such that each of said back support members is able to pivot about an axis contained wholly within an adjacent back support member allowing the back support assembly to adopt a serpentine contour substantially following a contour of an occupant's back." The patent application was filed on Sept. 16, 2008 (12/211,453). 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=7909402.PN.&OS=PN/7909402&RS=PN/7909402 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Arcent International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- Arcent International, Plymouth, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,393) developed by Christopher S. Autterson, Novi, Mich., for a "reclosable fastener riser/spacer, and methods of constructing and utilizing same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A plastic spacer/riser to increase useable height of a reclosable fastening system, such as 3M.TM. Dual Lock.TM. or Velcro.RTM. hook and loop products. The spacer/riser is adapted to be held in place on an external substrate with hot-melt glue, sonic welds, pressure-sensitive adhesives, acrylic foam tape, or screws." The patent application was filed on Feb. 24, 2010 (12/712,016). 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=7909393.PN.&OS=PN/7909393&RS=PN/7909393 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Global IP Holdings Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- Global IP Holdings, Sterling Heights, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,379) developed by Larry J. Winget, Leonard, Mich., and Darius J. Preiser, Macomb, Mich., for a "kit and bulkhead assembly for cargo vehicles." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A kit from which a plurality of parts are selected and arranged in a cargo vehicle to obtain bulkhead assembly for the cargo vehicle is provided. The assembly partitions or divides a cargo area from a driver area in the vehicle. The kit includes a reinforced composite first panel of a cellular core sandwich-type for positioning proximate a first side of and within the vehicle. The kit also includes a reinforced composite second panel of a cellular core sandwich-type. The second panel includes a first portion for positioning proximate a second side of and within the vehicle, a door portion disposed between the first panel and the first portion and a living hinge portion disposed between the first and door portions to allow the door portion of the second panel to pivot between open and closed positions to allow the driver to move between the areas in the open position of the door portion." The patent application was filed on Sept. 18, 2008 (12/212,700). 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=7909379.PN.&OS=PN/7909379&RS=PN/7909379 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Kellogg Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- Kellogg, Battle Creek, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,189) developed by David C. Ours, Marshall, Mich., Randall L. Cary, Battle Creek, Mich., and Gary W. Gunia, Portage, Mich., for a "bulk transport system for dense products." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A bulk packaging support structure for supporting a radially flexible container during filling includes first and second foldable members each having a bottom portion and a side portion. The side portion includes a first wall section that is pivotally connected to the bottom portion along a primary fold line. The side portion further includes a second wall section that is pivotally connected to the first wall section along a secondary fold line that extends perpendicular to the primary fold line. The first and second foldable members are releasibly engaged with one another such that the bottom portion of the first foldable member is disposed between the second wall section and the bottom portion of the second foldable member." The patent application was filed on Feb. 16, 2006 (11/356,253). 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=7909189.PN.&OS=PN/7909189&RS=PN/7909189 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Ausco Products Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- Ausco Products, Benton Harbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,147) developed by Ray F. Schnell, Saint Joseph, Mich., for a "low drag failsafe brake." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A brake adapted to be rotationally coupled with a shaft and in communication with a fluid source and a negative pressure source, the brake including a housing defining a chamber therein. A disc assembly is positioned within the chamber and includes a plurality of stationary discs carried by the housing and a plurality of rotating discs carried by the shaft. The rotatable discs and stationary discs are positioned for engagement. A piston is movable to cause the stationary discs to engage the rotatable discs. A first fluid input is in communication with the fluid source, providing a constant supply of fluid to the chamber. A second fluid input is in communication with the fluid source, providing fluid when the stationary and rotating discs are caused to engage." The patent application was filed on Feb. 14, 2007 (11/705,693). 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=7909147.PN.&OS=PN/7909147&RS=PN/7909147 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,417) developed by Dexin Wang, Livonia, Mich., Rena Basch, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Yitzong Chern, Troy, Mich., for a "braking control system for vehicle." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A braking control system and method for a vehicle improves vehicle stability and steerability. When a braking torque is being applied and a road disturbance is detected, the braking torque may be reduced as the vehicle traverses the road disturbance. Subsequently, when the road disturbance has been traversed, the braking control system may allow the application of braking torque as requested by a braking device. The reduction in braking torque when traversing road disturbances minimizes the physical impact experienced by the vehicle wheels." The patent application was filed on Dec. 1, 2006 (11/565,879). 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=7909417.PN.&OS=PN/7909417&RS=PN/7909417 Written by Ankresh Ranjan; edited by Anand Kumar, in collaboration with Contify.

*** Lear Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 26 -- Lear, Southfield, Mich., has been assigned a patent (7,909,407) developed by four co-inventors for a vehicle seat connection. The co-inventors are Eugene S. Dudash, Wixom, Mich., Don Bernhardt, Walled Lake, Mich., Jeff Frelich, Commerce, Mich., and Raymond E. Scott, Troy, Mic For more information about Targeted News Service products and services, please contact: Myron Struck, editor, Targeted News Service LLC, Springfield, Va., 703/304-1897; [email protected]; http://targetednews.com.

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