U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Illinois (Feb. 22)

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Illinois.

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Allstate Insurance Assigned Patent for Virtual Carpooling

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Allstate Insurance, Northbrook, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,900,354) developed by two co-inventors for virtual carpooling. The co-inventors are Lindsey Jo Thome, Chicago, Illinois, and Tara Cavallaro Kozlowski, Geneva, Illinois. The abstract states: "A system comprising a first computing device operated by a first driver, a second computing device operated by a second driver, and a server is disclosed. The server may determine one or more characteristics of the first driver based on at least one of listening preferences or telematics data of the first driver. Based on the one or more characteristics of the first driver, the server may assign the first driver to a conference. The server may receive a request from the second computing device for the second driver to participate in conferencing. The server may determine that the second driver has at least one characteristic that matches one of the one or more characteristics of the first driver and may assign the second driver to the conference with the first driver. The server may bridge the first driver and the second driver in the conference."

The patent application was filed on Feb. 11, 2015 (14/619,376). 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=9,900,354.PN.&OS=PN/9,900,354&RS=PN/9,900,354

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Assigned Patent for Methods for Scrubbing Confidential Data

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, Bloomington, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,898,622) developed by Paul Middleman, Bloomington, Illinois, for "systems and methods for scrubbing confidential data." The abstract states: "Methods and systems for scrubbing confidential insurance account information are provided. According to embodiments, a scrubbing server can receive a request to scrub confidential insurance data that includes the contents of an insurance account information database and an indication of the category of confidential data stored in the database. The scrubbing server can scrub the valid data contained in the received database, replacing confidential information with "scrambled" data that is not confidential. The scrubbing server can transmit the contents of the scrubbed database back to the requesting party."

The patent application was filed on June 28, 2017 (15/635,912). 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=9,898,622.PN.&OS=PN/9,898,622&RS=PN/9,898,622

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Caterpillar Assigned Patent for Sensorless Control of Switched Reluctance Machines

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Caterpillar, Peoria, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,899,946) developed by seven co-inventors for "sensorless control of switched reluctance machines." The co-inventors are Seok-hee Han, Dunlap, Illinois, Jackson Wai, Dunlap, Illinois, Ahmed Khalil, Dunlap, Illinois, Ernesto Inoa, Dunlap, Illinois, Sangameshwar Sonth, Peoria, Illinois, Jesse Gerdes, Dunlap, Illinois, and James Michael Thorne, Peoria, Illinois. The abstract states: "A control system for a switched reluctance (SR) machine having a rotor and a stator is provided. The control system may include a converter circuit in electrical communication between the stator and a common bus, and a controller configured to monitor a bus voltage of the converter circuit and a phase current of the SR machine. The controller may be configured to determine a phase voltage based on one or more of main pulses and any diagnostic pulses, determine an estimated flux based on the phase voltage and an associated mutual voltage, determine a rotor position based at least partially on the estimated flux, and control the SR machine based on the rotor position and a desired torque."

The patent application was filed on Feb. 10, 2016 (15/040,795). 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=9,899,946.PN.&OS=PN/9,899,946&RS=PN/9,899,946

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Caterpillar Assigned Patent for Controlling Brightness of Liquid Crystal Display

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Caterpillar, Peoria, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,898,971) developed by two co-inventors for "system, method, and apparatus to selectively control brightness of liquid crystal display." The co-inventors are Jeffrey A. Brush, Dunlap, Illinois, and Daniel J. Leach, East Peoria, Illinois. The abstract states: "The disclosure relates to a system, a method, and an apparatus to selectively control brightness of information displayed on a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). A graphics layer can be provided in a display area of the LCD, and a semi-transparent mask layer can be provided above the graphics layer. An information graphics layer can be provided above the semi-transparent mask layer. The information graphics layer can be controlled to selectively display predetermined information on the LCD at an intended brightness, while remaining information from the underlying graphics layer can be dimmed relative to the brightness of the display predetermined information by activation of the semi-transparent mask layer."

The patent application was filed on Aug. 10, 2016 (15/233,603). 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=9,898,971.PN.&OS=PN/9,898,971&RS=PN/9,898,971

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Assigned Patent for Categorizing Vehicle Treatment Facilities

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, Bloomington, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,898,784) developed by William J. Leise, Normal, Illinois, for a "method and system for categorizing vehicle treatment facilities into treatment complexity levels." The abstract states: "To generate a repair code when repairing a damaged vehicle, impact characteristics are received for the damaged vehicle and damaged vehicle parts are identified based on the impact characteristics. An extent of the damage is identified for each vehicle part and a repair code is assigned to the vehicle part based on the type of vehicle part, the type of vehicle, the extent of the damage to the vehicle part, etc. The repair code may be from a set of repair codes, where each repair code is generated for a particular type of vehicle part, type of vehicle, extent of damage to the vehicle part, etc., and each repair code corresponds to a cost estimate for repairing or replacing the damaged vehicle part. Each of the repair codes assigned to the damaged vehicle parts are provided to a treatment facility for treating the damaged vehicle."

The patent application was filed on Oct. 6, 2016 (15/287,178). 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=9,898,784.PN.&OS=PN/9,898,784&RS=PN/9,898,784

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Boeing Assigned Patent for Managing Decision Support Related Event Information

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Boeing, Chicago, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,898,702) developed by three co-inventors for a "method, computer program product, and apparatus for managing decision support related event information." The co-inventors are Kenneth G. Owens, University City, Missouri, William E. Krechel, St. Louis, Missouri, and Brian N. Slack, Lebanon, Illinois. The abstract states: "An apparatus for managing decision support related events and solutions includes a plurality of case management elements. Each of the case management elements is in communication with at least an associated one of a corresponding plurality of portal access controllers associated with a corresponding unit within an organization. Each of the case management elements includes at least a corresponding one of a plurality of solution elements. Each of the solution elements is configured to receive solution information from the at least one corresponding portal access controller and to communicate the solution information only with each other one of the solution elements. The solution information comprises data regarding a decision support related event associated with a case associated with the corresponding unit."

The patent application was filed on Oct. 31, 2006 (11/554,784). 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=9,898,702.PN.&OS=PN/9,898,702&RS=PN/9,898,702

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Motorola Mobility Assigned Patent for Wake-Up Trigger

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Motorola Mobility, Chicago, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,898,309) developed by two co-inventors for a "wake-up trigger using MEMS wind turbines." The co-inventors are Francis Forest, Chicago, Illinois, and Scott Debates, Crystal Lake, Illinois. The abstract states: "A portable device includes micro-electro-mechanical systems ("MEMS") wind turbines integrated in the portable device. A gesture detection module receives signals generated by the MEMS wind turbines based on movement of the portable device that causes a wind force to be applied to the MEMS wind turbines. The gesture module then recognizes a gesture based on the signals generated from the wind force and initiates an action of the portable device that corresponds to the gesture (e.g., the device is awakened)."

The patent application was filed on June 15, 2015 (14/739,340). 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=9,898,309.PN.&OS=PN/9,898,309&RS=PN/9,898,309

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Yamtech Assigned Patent for Controlling Electronic Devices

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Yamtech, Bloomingdale, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,898,926) developed by Syed R. Naqvi, Bloomingdale, Illinois, for a "control device for controlling a plurality of electronic devices via a plurality of communication channels." The abstract states: "Techniques are described for controlling electronic devices via a plurality of communication channels. For example, a control device may undergo a programming process to enable communication between the control device and a particular electronic device via a first communication channel. After programming is complete, the control device is configured to transmit command(s) to the particular electronic device via the first communication channel. The control device is further configured to perform a pairing sequence with the particular electronic device via the first communication channel to enable control of the particular electronic device via the second communication channel. The control device may determine the proper pairing sequence to be performed and monitor whether the user has performed the proper pairing sequence using the control device. Upon successful completion of the pairing process, the control device is configured to transmit command(s) to the particular electronic device via the second communication channel."

The patent application was filed on Feb. 12, 2016 (15/043,257). 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=9,898,926.PN.&OS=PN/9,898,926&RS=PN/9,898,926

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Assigned Patent for Automatically Generating Escape Route

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, Bloomington, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,898,912) developed by 15 co-inventors for "systems and methods for automatically generating an escape route." The co-inventors are Jackie O. Jordan II, Bloomington, Illinois, John Donovan, Bloomington, Illinois, David Turrentine, Bloomington, Illinois, Torri Wollenschlager, Bloomington, Illinois, Bryan R. Nussbaum, Bloomington, Illinois, Deanna Stockweather, Normal, Illinois, Jeffrey W. Stoiber, Bloomington, Illinois, Kerstin Markwardt, Phoenix, Arizona, Gail L. Carlson, Bloomington, Illinois, Kyle C. Schiebel, Bloomington, Illinois, Troy Winslow, Bloomington, Illinois, Joseph P. Harr, Bloomington, Illinois, Ellakate Wagner, Bloomington, Illinois, Michael Harris Jr., Normal, Illinois, and Jennylind Sun, Bloomington, Illinois. The abstract states: "Methods and systems for generating escape routes are provided. With a home owner's or insured's permission, a smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may analyze data received from a plurality of smart devices disposed on, within, or proximate to a home, as well as data received from an insurance provider. If it is determined that an emergency situation necessitating an evacuation exists, the smart home controller or insurance provider remote processor may automatically generate escape routes to guide occupants to safety. The smart home controller may then transmit the generated escape routes to inform occupants of emergency situation and how to reach safety. The smart home controller and/or insurance provider may also issue commands to smart devices to ensure the safety of the generated escape routes. Insurance policies, premiums, or discounts may be adjusted based upon the escape route determination functionality."

The patent application was filed on Oct. 2, 2015 (14/873,864). 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=9,898,912.PN.&OS=PN/9,898,912&RS=PN/9,898,912

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Assigned Patent for Estimating Cost Using Autonomous Inspection Vehicle

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, Bloomington, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,898,558) developed by Nathan L. Tofte, Downs, Illinois, for "generating a model and estimating a cost using an autonomous inspection vehicle." The abstract states: "Disclosed systems and methods estimate a financial cost to remedy estimated damage to a building. A controllable inspection vehicle, such as an aircraft, may capture one or more images of the building. The one or more images may be utilized to generate a model of the building, which can be analyzed to estimate the damage to the building."

The patent application was filed on April 20, 2017 (15/492,798). 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=9,898,558.PN.&OS=PN/9,898,558&RS=PN/9,898,558

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Assigned Patent for Concealing Sensitive Data on Computing Device

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, Bloomington, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,898,610) developed by Jacob L. Hadsall, Bloomington, Illinois, for a "system and method for concealing sensitive data on a computing device." The abstract states: "A computer-implemented method may conceal sensitive data displayed within a viewport of a display of a client computing device, such as sensitive data relating to auto, home, life, or renters insurance, banking, and/or vehicle loans. In one aspect, the method may receive a user credential authenticating a user of the computing device and determine that a sensitive data flag has been triggered. The sensitive data flag may indicate that sensitive user data is displayed within a viewport of the computing device. The method may also initiate a biometric detection service, application, and/or functionality in response to determining that the sensitive data flag has been triggered and detect a first biometric identifier belonging to the user of the computing device. The method may further detect a second biometric identifier belonging to someone other than the user, and obscure the sensitive user data displayed within the viewport of the computing device."

The patent application was filed on Aug. 24, 2015 (14/833,263). 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=9,898,610.PN.&OS=PN/9,898,610&RS=PN/9,898,610

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Northwestern University Assigned Patent for Methods for Detection of Zinc

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,897,595) developed by three co-inventors for "compositions and methods for the detection of zinc." The co-inventors are Emily L. Que, Chicago, Illinois, Thomas V. O'Halloran, Chicago, Illinois, and Teresa K. Woodruff, Chicago, Illinois. The abstract states: "The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for the detection of zinc. In particular, compositions and methods are provided to detect changes in cellular zinc concentration and to correlate them to cellular phenomena."

The patent application was filed on Oct. 1, 2014 (14/503,914). 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=9,897,595.PN.&OS=PN/9,897,595&RS=PN/9,897,595

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Sears Brands Assigned Patent for Method for Facilitating Purchase of Product

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Sears Brands, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,898,771) developed by seven co-inventors for a "system and method for facilitating the purchase of products determined to be useful in the performance of a task." The co-inventors are James Yu, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Jason Ruud, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Greg Franczyk, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Robert Roy, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Brian Jordan, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Tony Liu, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and Kelly Wical, Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The abstract states: "A retailer computer system facilitates the purchase of products that are determined to be useful in the performance of a task by presenting to a consumer a first user interface by which the consumer may select a task from a repository of tasks, each task stored in the repository of tasks having documented instructions, such as a recipe, for performing the task, by presenting in a web page the documented instructions of the selected task, by using one or more keywords within the documented instructions of the selected task to select at least one product from an electronic product catalog, the selected at least one product being one or more of a part, such as a recipe ingredient, and a tool, such as an appliance, usable in performing the task, and by presenting to the consumer a second user interface for allowing the consumer to purchase via use of an online retail channel the selected at least one product."

The patent application was filed on July 14, 2014 (14/330,894). 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=9,898,771.PN.&OS=PN/9,898,771&RS=PN/9,898,771

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Assigned Patent for Concealing Sensitive Data on Computing Device

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, Bloomington, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,898,619) developed by Jacob L. Hadsall, Bloomington, Illinois, for a "system and method for concealing sensitive data on a computing device." The abstract states: "A computer-implemented method may conceal sensitive data displayed within a viewport of a display of a client computing device, such as sensitive data relating to auto, home, life, or renters insurance, banking, and/or vehicle loans. In one aspect, the method may receive a user credential authenticating a user of the computing device and determine that a sensitive data flag has been triggered. The sensitive data flag may indicate that sensitive user data is displayed within a viewport of the computing device. The method may also initiate a biometric detection service, application, and/or functionality in response to determining that the sensitive data flag has been triggered and detect a first biometric identifier belonging to the user of the computing device. The method may further detect a second biometric identifier belonging to someone other than the user, and obscure the sensitive user data displayed within the viewport of the computing device."

The patent application was filed on Aug. 24, 2015 (14/833,275). 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=9,898,619.PN.&OS=PN/9,898,619&RS=PN/9,898,619

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Fast Model Holdings Assigned Patent for Preserving Video Clips from Handheld Device

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Fast Model Holdings, Chicago, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,900,497) developed by two co-inventors for a "system and method for preserving video clips from a handheld device." The co-inventors are Albert Tsai, Chicago, Illinois, and David Yip, Evanston, Illinois. The abstract states: "A system and method for recording video that combines video capture, touch-screen and voice-control technologies into an integrated system that produces cleanly edited, short-duration, compliant video files that exactly capture a moment after it has actually occurred The present invention maintains the device in a ready state that is always ready to capture video up to N seconds or minutes in the past (where N depends on available system memory). This enables the user to run the system indefinitely without having to worry about running out of storage. Touch gestures and voice commands actually initiate captures without having to actually monitor the system itself thereby allowing for complete focus on the live action itself. When the user sees something happen, he or she can use an appropriate voice or touch command to cause the system to create a video media file based on time points derived from the user's commands."

The patent application was filed on Dec. 26, 2016 (15/390,652). 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=9,900,497.PN.&OS=PN/9,900,497&RS=PN/9,900,497

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Tribune Publishing Assigned Patent for Online Information System

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Tribune Publishing, Chicago, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,898,547) developed by three co-inventors for an "online information system with backward continuous scrolling." The co-inventors are Daniel Krecichwost, Clarendon Hills, Illinois, Jeremy Wayne Majors, Chicago, Illinois, and Dennis J. Huh, Chicago, Illinois. The abstract states: "A web page may be rendered for display on a client device. The rendered web page may be based on a first document. It may be determined that a first scroll position of the rendered web page is above a first threshold scroll position. Possibly responsive to determining that the first scroll position of the rendered web page is above the first threshold scroll position, a second document may be requested and received from a server device. The web page may be re-rendered for display on the client device. The re-rendered web page may include content from the second document followed by content from the first document."

The patent application was filed on July 31, 2014 (14/448,610). 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=9,898,547.PN.&OS=PN/9,898,547&RS=PN/9,898,547

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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RTC Industries Assigned Patent for Continuous Display Shelf Edge Label Device

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- RTC Industries, Rolling Meadows, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,898,712) developed by four co-inventors for "continuous display shelf edge label device." The co-inventors are Bradley Thomas Johnson, Crystal Lake, Illinois, John Wesley Swafford Jr., Palatine, Illinois, Michael Alvin Lembke, Roselle, Illinois, and Joseph Christian Ernest, Woodstock, Illinois. The abstract states: "A method and apparatus for providing information along a shelf edge of a retailer is described. On a display configured to be oriented along an edge of a shelf of a retailer, a first user interface including first information about a first product on the shelf is provided. At least one second user interface including at least one second information about at least one second product on the shelf is provided on the display. An individual is permitted to edit a parameter of the first user interface and/or the at least one second user interface. The parameter may include at least one of: a size of the user interface on the display, a shape of the user interface on the display, and a location of the user interface on the display. The first information and the at least one second information may be outputted concurrently to the display."

The patent application was filed on March 15, 2013 (13/836,680). 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=9,898,712.PN.&OS=PN/9,898,712&RS=PN/9,898,712

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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GOGO Assigned Patent for Optimizing Modems Usage on Vehicle

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- GOGO, Chicago, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,900,823) developed by five co-inventors for "optimizing usage of modems for data delivery to devices on vehicles." The co-inventors are Bryan Adrian Lauer, Hinckley, Illinois, Rukmani Loganathan, Bartlett, Illinois, Sajit Sasi, Chicago, Illinois, Pat Walsh, Naperville, Illinois, and Anand Chari, Bartlett, Illinois. The abstract states: "A method of for optimizing modem usage on a vehicle. The method includes determining that the vehicle is in one of a plurality of port states, where each of the plurality of port states being indicative of the vehicle being located proximate to a vehicle port. The method includes, based on the determination that the vehicle is in the one of the plurality of port states, causing a modem that is (i) operating in a bi-directional mode, and (ii) fixedly connected to the vehicle to be in a receive-only state. The method includes causing an establishment of a wireless communication link at the modem in the receive-only state. Further, the method includes using the wireless communication link as a forward link over which data is able to be received onto the vehicle while the vehicle is in the one of the plurality of port states."

The patent application was filed on March 18, 2016 (15/075,032). 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=9,900,823.PN.&OS=PN/9,900,823&RS=PN/9,900,823

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Federal Signal Assigned Patent for Tone Generation

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Federal Signal, Oak Brook, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,900,705) developed by four co-inventors for tone generation. The co-inventors are Scott Cassidy, Crown Point, Indiana, Lonnie Moravetz, Lincoln, Nebraska, David L. Corey, Crown Point, Indiana, and Robert Steiert, Crete, Illinois. The abstract states: "A tone generation system includes a square wave signal generator configured to generate a first series of square wave signals to replicate a fundamental frequency of a desired mechanical tone, and a second series of square waves signals to replicate a second harmonic of the desired mechanical tone. An amplifier is configured to receive the first and second series of square waves, and a speaker is connected to receive an output signal from the amplifier."

The patent application was filed on Jan. 23, 2014 (14/162,296). 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=9,900,705.PN.&OS=PN/9,900,705&RS=PN/9,900,705

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Assigned Patent for Scalable Computer-Telephony Integration System

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, Bloomington, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,900,434) developed by four co-inventors for a "method and system for a scalable computer-telephony integration system." The co-inventors are Aaron C. Kammeyer, Clinton, Illinois, Randall J. Kirchner, Normal, Illinois, Christopher L. Ward, Normal, Illinois, and Louis A. Littell, Normal, Illinois. The abstract states: "Methods, systems, apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable media are described for a scalable computer-telephony integration system. Various aspects may include storing sets of call agent login information for several call agents within the computer-telephony integration system and across several independent computing systems in a contact center login database. Additionally, various aspects may include generating several contact center service categories and sets of contact information for each contact center service category, which may be stored in a contact center directory database. When an incoming call is received from a customer, various aspects may include obtaining customer call information from the customer and generating a customer call key, which may be stored as a reference to the customer call information in a contact center customer call information database. The call key may be used to reduce an amount of data electronically transferred between call agents during telephone call transfers."

The patent application was filed on Nov. 29, 2016 (15/363,464). 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=9,900,434.PN.&OS=PN/9,900,434&RS=PN/9,900,434

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Caterpillar Assigned Patent for Operator Assist Algorithm for Earth Moving Machine

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Caterpillar, Peoria, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,896,820) developed by two co-inventors for an "operator assist algorithm for an earth moving machine." The co-inventors are Joseph L. Faivre, Edelstein, Illinois, and Bradley Krone, Dunlap, Illinois. The abstract states: "A system and method are provided for assisting a machine operator in controlling a work tool of the machine. In an embodiment, the work tool is set at a first height and the machine is travelling at a first machine speed, resulting in a first work tool or machine load. Based on these factors, a first work tool control mode or second work tool control mode is chosen. In the first work tool control mode, the work tool is manually controlled within a load limit and a work tool height limit, whereas in the second work tool control mode, the work tool load is controlled toward the first work tool load. Based on operator inputs and machine state, as well as other factors such as ground surface, the machine may switch between control modes, or out of automatic work tool control entirely."

The patent application was filed on June 29, 2016 (15/196,092). 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=9,896,820.PN.&OS=PN/9,896,820&RS=PN/9,896,820

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Caterpillar Assigned Patent for Tilt Bucket Recessed Pivot Design

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Caterpillar, Peoria, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,896,818) developed by four co-inventors for a "tilt bucket recessed pivot design." The co-inventors are Julia Kay Nitti, Aurora, Illinois, Neil Racelis Bautista, Aurora, Illinois, David Worth, Naperville, Illinois, and Giedre Simanskaite, Lisle, Illinois. The abstract states: "A tilting bucket assembly comprises an adapter subassembly including a two coupler members defining a coupler distance, a base plate attached to the coupler members that defines a first recess, a torsion tube that defines a second recess, and a bucket subassembly that is pivotally connected to the adapter subassembly, the bucket subassembly including a spill guard including a stop portion configured to contact the adapter subassembly, and a tilting mechanism, wherein the first recess and second recess clear the tilting mechanism and the spill guard when the base plate contacts the stop portion of the spill guard."

The patent application was filed on Aug. 17, 2016 (15/239,583). 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=9,896,818.PN.&OS=PN/9,896,818&RS=PN/9,896,818

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Chamberlain Group Assigned Patent for Barrier Operator Feature Enhancement

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Chamberlain Group, Oak Brook, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,896,877) developed by two co-inventors for a "barrier operator feature enhancement." The co-inventors are James J. Fitzgibbon, Batavia, Illinois, and Robert R. Keller Jr., Park Ridge, Illinois. The abstract states: "A barrier operator feature enhancement device is designed to provide one or more features found in modern barrier operator devices and to incorporate those features into a previously installed barrier operator system. To facilitate ease of use, the barrier operator feature enhancement device can communicate with a large variety of barrier operators. Such communication may be wireless or wired, depending on the communication protocol implemented by a particular previously installed barrier operator. To facilitate the ease of installation, the device is designed to configure itself to operate with the communication protocol of the previously installed barrier operator. Once configured to be able to communicate with the previously installed barrier operator, the feature enhancement device works with the barrier operator to provide one or more additional features to enhance the capabilities of the previously installed barrier operator."

The patent application was filed on May 5, 2017 (15/587,786). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=9,896,877.PN.&OS=PN/9,896,877&RS=PN/9,896,877

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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USG Interiors Assigned Patent for Acoustical Ceiling Tile

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- USG Interiors, Chicago, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,896,807) developed by two co-inventors for an acoustical ceiling tile. The co-inventors are Mark H. Englert, Libertyville, Illinois, and William A. Frank, Lake Villa, Illinois. The abstract states: "An acoustical tile including: 8 to 25 wt % mineral wool, 9 to 15 wt % starch binder, 9 to 15 wt % cellulosic fiber, wherein preferably the cellulosic fiber is newsprint, and 40 to 65 wt % perlite, wherein the weight ratio of the starch to the cellulosic fiber is 0.6 to 1.3:1, and a process for making the acoustical tile."

The patent application was filed on Sept. 25, 2015 (14/866,055). 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=9,896,807.PN.&OS=PN/9,896,807&RS=PN/9,896,807

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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International Engine Intellectual Property Assigned Patent for Reducing Turbocharger Ice Damage

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- International Engine Intellectual Property, Lisle, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,896,996) developed by two co-inventors for "reducing turbocharger ice damage." The co-inventors are William John Papke, Downers Grove, Illinois, and Paul Gottemoller, Princeville, Illinois. The abstract states: "The present technology provides methods and systems for reducing ice buildup in a closed engine breather system. The systems comprise an air inlet duct, a compressor wheel and a compressor cover. The compressor cover comprises a breather gas port. The breather gas port is placed in the compressor cover at a location within close proximity to the leading edge of the compressor wheel so that the compressor wheel is capable of removing ice that accumulates at the breather gas port. The present technology also provides methods that include providing an air inlet duct, a compressor wheel, and a compressor cover with a breather gas port in the compressor cover. In this manner the compressor wheel can grind or shave off ice that accumulates at the breather gas port."

The patent application was filed on Nov. 25, 2013 (14/089,399). 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=9,896,996.PN.&OS=PN/9,896,996&RS=PN/9,896,996

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Northwestern University, Dow Corning Assigned Patent for Method of Reducing Friction

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, and Dow Corning, Midland, Michigan, have been assigned a patent (9,896,640) developed by seven co-inventors for a "method of reducing friction and wear between surfaces under a high load condition." The co-inventors are Andreas Stammer, Pont-a-Celles, Belgium, Manfred Jungk, Geisenheim, Germany, Herbert Stoegbauer, Huenfelden, Germany, Yip-Wah Chung, Wilmette, Illinois, Tobin J. Marks, Evanston, Illinois, Qian Jane Wang, Mount Prospect, Illinois, and Thomas J. Zolper, Cuba City, Wisconsin. The abstract states: "A method of using lubricant compositions to reduce wear between two surfaces exposed to a load condition of at least 1 GPa is provided. The lubricant compositions comprise polysiloxane base oils having alkylaryl or a combination of alkyl and aryl functionality. The polysiloxane base oils may be defined according to the formula: ##STR00001## wherein R, R', and R'' are independently selected, such that R is an alkyl group having between 1-3 carbon atoms, R' is an alkylaryl group comprising alkyl functionality with 3-12 carbon atoms and aryl functionality with 6 to 12 carbon atoms, R'' is an alkyl group having between 1-3 carbon atoms or an alkylaryl group comprising alkyl functionality with 3-12 carbon atoms and aryl functionality with 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and m and n are integers, such that 8<(m+n)<500."

The patent application was filed on Nov. 27, 2013 (14/647,498). 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=9,896,640.PN.&OS=PN/9,896,640&RS=PN/9,896,640

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Litetronics International Assigned Patent for Removable Louver

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Litetronics International, Bedford Park, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,897,288) developed by two co-inventors for "removable louver or lens holder for a ceiling support grid and method of use." The co-inventors are Robert Sorensen, Harvey, Illinois, and Raghu Rao, Romeoville, Illinois. The abstract states: "Technologies are described for a louver or lens holder having a rectangular or square frame with parallel first side edge and a second side edges. At least one extension extends from the first side edge and at least one retractable support arm is configured to be extended from, and retracted into, the second side edge. The louver or lens holder is configured to be inserted into a ceiling support grid and to be held therewith."

The patent application was filed on June 13, 2016 (15/181,171). 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=9,897,288.PN.&OS=PN/9,897,288&RS=PN/9,897,288

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Deere & Co. Assigned Patent for Coupler Assembly

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Deere and Co., Moline, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,896,817) developed by four co-inventors for a "coupler assembly for releasably coupling a work machine to work tool and method thereof." The co-inventors are Daniel M. Sulzer, Dubuque, Iowa, Arun Narayanan, Pune, India, Gregory A. Kittle, Rockford, Illinois, and Cory A. Ott, Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The abstract states: "A coupler assembly for coupling a work tool to a work machine. The assembly includes a body, a first locking mechanism, and a second locking mechanism. The first locking mechanism is pivotable about a pivot from a first position to a second position and is configured to be coupled to the work tool in the first position and decoupled in the second position. The second locking mechanism includes a pin having a first end and a second end, a tab coupled to the pin proximate the second end, and a spring disposed between the first end and the second end. The second locking mechanism is axially and pivotably movable about an axis such that the second locking mechanism includes a locked position and an unlocked position. As the first locking mechanism moves from the second position to the first position, the second locking mechanism automatically moves to the locked position."

The patent application was filed on March 31, 2015 (14/674,451). 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=9,896,817.PN.&OS=PN/9,896,817&RS=PN/9,896,817

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Caterpillar Assigned Patent for Controlling Emissions from Multi-Engine Power System

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Caterpillar, Peoria, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,896,982) developed by five co-inventors for a "system for controlling the total emissions produced by a multi-engine power system." The co-inventors are Yanchai Zhang, Dunlap, Illinois, Michael A. Snopko, Washington, Illinois, Perry D. Converse, Lafayette, Indiana, Vijay Janardhan, Dunlap, Illinois, and Insu Chang, Peoria, Illinois. The abstract states: "A power system for powering a load is provided. The power system includes a plurality of power sources with each power source including an engine. A SCR system is associated with the engine of at least one of the plurality of power sources. A controller is in communication with the plurality of power sources. The controller is configured to receive engine operation information, emission output information associated with each engine and conversion efficiency information associated with the SCR system and selectively apportion the power demand presented by the load between each of the plurality of power sources based on minimizing total engine emissions across the plurality of power sources and using the engine operation information, the emission output information and the conversion efficiency information."

The patent application was filed on Aug. 22, 2016 (15/243,158). 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=9,896,982.PN.&OS=PN/9,896,982&RS=PN/9,896,982

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Aria Controls Assigned Patent for Electronic Direct Current Transformer

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Aria Controls, Golden Valley, Minnesota, has been assigned a patent (9,899,833) developed by two co-inventors for an "electronic direct current transformer." The co-inventors are Gary William Box, Golden Valley, Minnesota, and John Albert Perlick, Libertyville, Illinois. The abstract states: "An electronic direct current (DC) transformer apparatus and method of using it to convey unregulated off grid DC power to one or more load devices that in total use power at a level of at least 1 kW. The resonant frequency is at least 20 kHz, the unregulated energy-transfer efficiency is at least 75 percent, and the power distributing efficiency from source to load device is at least 75 percent."

The patent application was filed on Feb. 12, 2015 (14/621,328). 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=98,99,833.PN.&OS=PN/98,99,833&RS=PN/98,99,833

Written by Sudarshan Harpal; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Caterpillar Assigned Patent for Hydraulic System Having Energy Recovery

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Caterpillar, Peoria, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,897,120) developed by six co-inventors for a "hydraulic system having energy recovery." The co-inventors are Jiao Zhang, Naperville, Illinois, Tonglin Shang, Bolingbrook, Illinois, Peter Spring, Reutingen, Switzerland, Pengfei Ma, Naperville, Illinois, Randal Peterson, Peoria, Illinois, and Rustu Cesur, Forest Park, Illinois. The abstract states: "A hydraulic system for a machine is disclosed. The system may have a pump and a motor driven by pressurized fluid from the pump. An accumulator is configured to receive fluid discharged from the motor and to discharge fluid to the motor. The system may include a first valve to selectively communicate the higher pressure of conduits coupled between the pump and motor to the accumulator. A second valve and a third valve can be used to facilitate charging and discharging of the accumulator. The system may include a controller configured to implement a plurality of modes of operation, which each mode of operation may include a different combination of motor deceleration and motor acceleration segments during which the accumulator receives and discharges fluid, respectively. An input may be used to determine the segment of the work cycle."

The patent application was filed on June 29, 2015 (14/753,600). 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=9,897,120.PN.&OS=PN/9,897,120&RS=PN/9,897,120

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Fluid Handling Assigned Patent for Sensorless Adaptive Pump Control

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Fluid Handling, Morton Grove, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,897,084) developed by three co-inventors for "sensorless adaptive pump control with self-calibration apparatus for hydronic pumping system." The co-inventors are Andrew A. Cheng, Wilmette, Illinois, James J. Gu, Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and Graham A. Scott, Prospect Heights, Illinois. The abstract states: "The present invention provides apparatus that features a signal processor or processing module configured to receive signaling containing information about an adaptive or self-calibrating set point control curve and a varying equivalent system characteristic curve based at least partly on an instant pump pressure and a flow rate using an adaptive moving average filter, and equivalent hydronic system characteristics associated with the instant pump pressure and the flow rate to corresponding motor power and speed reconstructed and remapped using a discrete numerical approach, and determine an adaptive pressure set point, based at least partly on the signaling received."

The patent application was filed on July 24, 2014 (14/339,594). 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=9,897,084.PN.&OS=PN/9,897,084&RS=PN/9,897,084

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Northwestern University, Protabit, California Institute of Technology Assigned Patent for Engineered Recombinant Enzymes

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, Protabit, Pasadena, California, and California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, have been assigned a patent (9,896,700) developed by eight co-inventors for "engineered recombinant enzymes for methane oxidation." The co-inventors are Amy C. Rosenzweig, Winnetka, Illinois, Thomas J. Lawton, Chicago, Illinois, Alex Nisthal, Pasadena, California, Jan S. Kostecki, Pasadena, California, Heidi K. Privett, Pasadena, California, Frederick Lee, Pasadena, California, Barry Olafson, Pasadena, California, and Athanasios D. Dousis, Pasadena, California. The abstract states: "Provided herein are soluble engineered polypeptides for oxidizing hydrocarbons, and methods of use, manufacture, and design thereof. In particular, soluble, polypeptides capable of oxidizing methane to methanol (e.g., hydroxylation) are provided."

The patent application was filed on March 9, 2016 (15/065,266). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=9,896,700.PN.&OS=PN/9,896,700&RS=PN/9,896,700

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Caterpillar Assigned Patent for Adapter for Isolation Mount Design

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Caterpillar, Peoria, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,897,158) developed by seven co-inventors for an "adapter for an isolation mount design." The co-inventors are Brett D. Ellen, Peoria Heights, Illinois, Daniel Joshua Smith, Pekin, Illinois, Wen Zhong, West Lafayette, Indiana, Hong Lian, Peoria, Illinois, Matt Schwarzendruber, Peoria, Illinois, Ross Paul Wietharn, Peoria, Illinois, and James D. Neirynck, Neponset, Illinois. The abstract states: "An isolation mount assembly comprises a resilient member defining a central aperture that defines a load axis and an annular depression about the load axis, and an adapter plate including an outer mechanical attachment structure that defines a first thickness and an inner attachment structure that is closer to the load axis than the outer attachment structure along a direction that is perpendicular to the load axis and that defines a second thickness. The inner attachment structure is disposed in the annular depression and the second thickness is at least twice the first thickness."

The patent application was filed on June 29, 2016 (15/197,305). 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=9,897,158.PN.&OS=PN/9,897,158&RS=PN/9,897,158

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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UOP Assigned Patent for Methods for Removing Impurities from Hydrocarbons

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- UOP, Des Plaines, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,896,631) developed by four co-inventors for "methods for removing impurities from hydrocarbons." The co-inventors are Gregory J. Gajda, Mount Prospect, Illinois, Bart Dziabala, Hickory Hills, Illinois, Belma Demirel, Clarendon Hills, Illinois, and Thomas Pereira, Chicago, Illinois. The abstract states: "Methods are provided for producing hydrocarbons. A method for producing hydrocarbons may include a method of removing impurities from a hydrocarbon stream using a strong base resin. The strong base resin absorbs at least a portion of the impurities from the hydrocarbon stream to provide a purified hydrocarbon stream. Further, the method for producing hydrocarbons may include feeding the purified hydrocarbon stream to a reaction zone comprising a catalyst to form a reaction zone effluent stream."

The patent application was filed on Dec. 10, 2014 (14/566,212). 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=9,896,631.PN.&OS=PN/9,896,631&RS=PN/9,896,631

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Caterpillar Assigned Patent for Valve Having Opposing Right-Angle Actuators

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Caterpillar, Peoria, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,897,228) developed by two co-inventors for a "valve having opposing right-angle actuators." The co-inventors are Dennis Ray Barber, Plainfield, Illinois, and Matthew J. Beschorner, Plainfield, Illinois. The abstract states: "A valve is disclosed for use with a hydraulic circuit including a valve block, a central bore and an actuator passage formed in the valve block, and at least one of a supply and a drain passage. The valve also includes a control spool movable to selectively connect the actuator passage and at least one of the supply passage and the drain passage. The control spool includes a base end, and a tip end with a tapered outer surface. The valve also includes a first actuator configured to selectively direct pilot fluid to the tip end of the control spool, and a second actuator configured to selectively direct pilot fluid to the base end of the control spool. The first and second actuators each include a primary axis oriented generally orthogonal to an axis of the control spool, and are located at opposing sides of the control spool."

The patent application was filed on Nov. 6, 2015 (14/934,576). 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=9,897,228.PN.&OS=PN/9,897,228&RS=PN/9,897,228

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Ecolab USA Assigned Patent for Methods of Polishing Sapphire Surfaces

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Ecolab USA, Naperville, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,896,604) developed by three co-inventors for "methods of polishing sapphire surfaces." The co-inventors are Kim Marie Long, Naperville, Illinois, Michael A. Kamrath, Aurora, Illinois, and Sean McCue, Chicago, Illinois. The abstract states: "Described herein are compositions, kits and methods for polishing sapphire surfaces using compositions having colloidal aluminosilicate particles in an aqueous acidic solution. In some aspects, the methods for polishing a sapphire surface may include abrading a sapphire surface with a rotating polishing pad and a polishing composition. The polishing composition may include an amount of a colloidal aluminosilicate and may have a pH of about 2.0 to about 7.0."

The patent application was filed on March 12, 2014 (14/206,947). 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=9,896,604.PN.&OS=PN/9,896,604&RS=PN/9,896,604

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Elevance Renewable Sciences Assigned Patent for Methods of Making Sulfurized Derivatives

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Elevance Renewable Sciences, Woodridge, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,896,424) developed by three co-inventors for "methods of making sulfurized derivatives." The co-inventors are Stephen A. Di Biase, River Forest, Illinois, Syed Q.A. Rizvi, Painesville, Ohio, and Georgeta Hategan, Plainfield, Illinois. The abstract states: "This disclosure relates to sulfurized derivatives made from functionalized monomers. The disclosure relates to lubricants, functional fluids, fuels, dispersants, detergents and functional compositions (e.g., cleaning solutions, food compositions, etc.)"

The patent application was filed on Aug. 19, 2016 (15/241,799). 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=9,896,424.PN.&OS=PN/9,896,424&RS=PN/9,896,424

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Rexam Beverage Can Assigned Patent for Can End Tear Panel

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Rexam Beverage Can, Chicago, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,896,237) developed by three co-inventors for a "can end tear panel with decorative relief features." The co-inventors are Michael R. Gogola, Itasca, Illinois, Jonathan P. Meyer, Chicago, Illinois, and Rex Villasin, Schaumburg, Illinois. The abstract states: "An ecology stay-on tab beverage can end has a center panel having a public side and an opposing product side. The center panel has a displaceable tear panel defined by a frangible score groove and a non-frangible hinge portion of the center panel located between a first end and a second end of the frangible score which retains the displaceable tear panel to the center panel subsequent to opening. The displaceable tear panel has a symbol thereon. The symbol conveys information to a user and is formed by a relief feature on the tear panel. The symbol and the relief feature are spaced at least 0.050 inches radially inwardly of the frangible score groove such that no portion of the symbol and the relief feature are closer than 0.050 inches to the frangible score."

The patent application was filed on Aug. 12, 2015 (14/824,692). 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=9,896,237.PN.&OS=PN/9,896,237&RS=PN/9,896,237

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Illinois Tool Works Assigned Patent for Reclosable Package

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Illinois Tool Works, Glenview, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,896,241) developed by six co-inventors for a "reclosable package or bag with scented zipper." The co-inventors are David J. Anzini, Middletown, New York, Rusty Koenigkramer, Nanuet, New York, Victor Matias, New Braunfels, Texas, Eric Plourde, Frankfort, Illinois, Steven Ausnit, New York, and Jose Manuel Septien Rojas, Scarborough, United Kingdom. The abstract states: "The zipper for a reclosable package wherein the zipper includes fragrance-carrying oil within an internal zipper volume or storage volume thereby confining the scent while the zipper and the package are closed. When the zipper is opened, the scent is allowed to escape to the consumer."

The patent application was filed on July 31, 2012 (14/385,324). 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=9,896,241.PN.&OS=PN/9,896,241&RS=PN/9,896,241

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Cook Medical Technologies Assigned Patent for Stent Attachment for Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Cook Medical Technologies, Bloomington, Indiana, has been assigned a patent (9,895,217) developed by five co-inventors for a "stent attachment for endovascular aneurysm repair." The co-inventors are Jichao Sun, West Lafayette, Indiana, Natalie M. Abell, Chicago, Illinois, Neal E. Fearnot, West Lafayette, Indiana, Alan R. Leewood, Lafayette, Indiana, and James D. Purdy, Lafayette, Indiana. The abstract states: "The technology described herein relates to a stent graft and a method of making the stent wherein the stent comprises interconnected struts and is connected to the graft material by applying at least one band of polymer so as to cover at least a portion of at least some of the struts. A stent supported area is created by the stent's attachment to the graft material and the at least one band of polymer is applied so as to leave the majority of the stent supported area uncovered by the at least one band of polymer."

The patent application was filed on June 13, 2008 (12/667,378). 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=98,95,217.PN.&OS=PN/98,95,217&RS=PN/98,95,217

Written by Diptimayee Mishra; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Fenwal Assigned Patent for Methods for Controlling Plasma Flow Rates

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Fenwal, Lake Zurich, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,895,700) developed by three co-inventors for "systems and methods for controlling plasma flow rates for therapeutic exchange procedures." The co-inventors are Lan T. Nguyen, Vernon Hills, Illinois, Jonathan Prendergast, Palatine, Illinois, and John T. Foley, Wheeling, Illinois. The abstract states: "Systems and methods are provided for improving the flow rate of plasma being removed from a blood separation chamber during a blood separation procedure. The system includes a blood separation chamber in which plasma is separated from cellular blood components and an outlet line for removing the separated plasma from the blood separation chamber. A primary optical sensor assembly is associated with the blood separation chamber to directly monitor the interior of the blood separation chamber. A secondary optical sensor assembly is associated with the outlet line to monitor the separated plasma in the outlet line, with each optical sensor assembly checking for the presence of cellular components in the separated plasma. If the primary optical sensor assembly detects such a condition while the secondary optical sensor assembly does not, then a controller may take steps to resolve the conflict and continue the procedure."

The patent application was filed on Oct. 27, 2014 (14/524,513). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=9,895,700.PN.&OS=PN/9,895,700&RS=PN/9,895,700

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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Klein Tools Assigned Patent for Marking Material

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- Klein Tools, Lincolnshire, Illinois, has been assigned a patent (9,895,773) developed by five co-inventors for a "method and system for marking a material using a laser marking system." The co-inventors are Bradley Kunas, Villa Park, Illinois, John Hankus, Chicago, Illinois, Dave Colin Evans, Ontario, Canada, Joseph William Banderob, Ontario, Canada, and Robert C. Easton, Ontario, Canada. The abstract states: "A laser marking system for marking a length of material includes a laser device for emitting a marking beam. A motor moves the length of material relative to the laser device. A sensing system detects a predetermined movement of the length of the material and provides a speed signal and a distance signal, and a controller is provided in operative communication with the sensing system and the laser device for receiving the speed signal and the distance signal and responsively directing the marking beam of the laser system onto the length of material in a predetermined pattern."

The patent application was filed on June 5, 2012 (13/488,808). 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=9,895,773.PN.&OS=PN/9,895,773&RS=PN/9,895,773

Written by Ranjan Behera; edited by Sudarshan Harpal.

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General Hospital, New York University, University of California Assigned Patent for Citrate Containing Beverage

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 22 -- General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, New York University, New York, University of California, Oakland, California, have been assigned a patent (9,895,396) developed by four co-inventors for a citrate containing beverage. The co-inventors are David S. Goldfarb, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, Brian Eisner, Needham, Massachusetts, John Asplin, Chicago, Illinois, and Marshall L. Stoller, San Francisco, California. The abstract states: "Provided are beverage compositions comprising a urine citrate increasing component and a urine oxalate reducing component. The beverage compositions may be provided in a ready-to-drink form or may be provided in a concentrate form. Also provi

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