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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in California (Nov. 16)
[November 16, 2012]

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


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

*** Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics, Woodland Hills, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,739) developed by James R. Huddle, Chatsworth, Calif., for an "inertial navigation system error correction." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Methods and apparatus for: (a) the correction of one or more elements determined from a first set of continuous gyro and accelerometer measurements comprising using a second set of discontinuously measured higher accuracy accelerometer measurements doubly integrated in an inertial coordinate system, (b) determining relative movement of a vehicle using a first set of acceleration measurements that do not include components of acceleration caused by the Earth's gravitational field, and a second set of acceleration measurements that do include components of acceleration caused by the Earth's gravitational field; and (c) correcting errors in an inertial navigation system positioned in a vehicle comprising using independently measured changes in position of the vehicle relative to an inertial coordinate frame." The patent application was filed on Jan. 29, 2009 (12/362,383). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,739&OS=8,311,739&RS=8,311,739 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.



*** Second Sight Medical Products Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Second Sight Medical Products, Sylmar, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,634) developed by seven co-inventors for an "apparatus and method for electrical stimulation of human retina." The co-inventors are Alan Matthew Horsager, Los Angeles, Scott H. Greenwald, Seattle, Mark S. Humayun, Glendale, Calif., Matthew J. McMahon, Los Angeles, Ione Fine, Seattle, Robert J. Greenberg, Los Angeles, and Geoffrey M. Boynton, Seattle.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus and method for retinal stimulation are shown. The method comprises varied parameters, including frequency, pulse width, and pattern of pulse trains to determine a stimulation pattern and visual perception threshold." The patent application was filed on June 14, 2004 (11/818,373). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,634&OS=8,311,634&RS=8,311,634 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.


*** deCarta Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- deCarta, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,737) developed by Richard F. Poppen, San Jose, Calif., Eric Wels, Boulder Creek, Calif., and David Hunkins, San Francisco, for "automated prioritization of map objects." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Automatic map generation is enabled by assigning priorities to each city in a list of cities under consideration for display on a map. A mapping engine determines a reference count for each city, indicating how frequently the city appears in one or more corpora of documents. Based on the reference count, and optionally upon other data such as population and political importance, a priority score is assigned to each city. Each city is then assigned to one of a plurality of categories according to the city's priority score. A map is then generated including cities from a specified highest number of categories. In one embodiment, cities from a higher-scored category are presented in a more significant way, e.g., in capital letters, bold type, etc., than are those in the next-highest scored category." The patent application was filed on July 22, 2005 (11/187,638). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,737&OS=8,311,737&RS=8,311,737 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Pacesetter Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Pacesetter, Sylmar, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,648) developed by eight co-inventors for "cardiac access methods and apparatus." The co-inventors are Yougandh Chitre, Santa Clara, Calif., Gene A. Bornzin, Simi Valley, Calif., John R. Helland, Tallahassee, Fla., Eric Falkenberg, Las Vegas, Kevin L. Morgan, Simi Valley, Calif., Sheldon Williams, Green Valley, Calif., Michael Yang, Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Andrew W. McGarvey, Los Angeles.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A delivery apparatus for accessing the pericardial space of a heart including an elongated body defining a lumen and a piercing member that extends from a distal portion of the elongated body for piercing tissue of the heart. A spring expands from a distal end of the piercing member in response to the distal end of the piercing member passing through the tissue and into the pericardial space. An electrode located on the spring in order to sense signals indicative of a distal end of the spring passing through the tissue and into the pericardial space." The patent application was filed on Dec. 20, 2010 (12/973,800). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,648&OS=8,311,648&RS=8,311,648 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Nevro Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 - Nevro, Menlo Park, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,639) developed by Jon Parker, San Jose, Calif., Andre B. Walker, Monte Sereno, Calif., and Udai Singh, San Francisco, for "systems and methods for adjusting electrical therapy based on impedance changes." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "System and methods for adjusting electrical therapy based on impedance changes are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes applying a therapeutic electrical signal to a patient via an implanted portion of a patient stimulation system that includes a signal delivery device in electrical communication with a target neural population of the patient. The electrical signal is delivered in accordance with a signal delivery parameter having a first value. Using the implanted portion of the patient stimulation system, a change in an impedance of an electrical circuit that includes the signal delivery device is detected. Based at least in part on the detected impedance change, the method can further include automatically adjusting the value of the signal delivery parameter from the first value to a second value different from the first, without human intervention." The patent application was filed on July 8, 2009 (12/499,769). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,639&OS=8,311,639&RS=8,311,639 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** CSR Technology Holdings Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- CSR Technology Holdings, Sunnyvale, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,740) developed by Mangesh Chansarkar, Irvine, Calif., for an "use of accelerometer only data to improve GNSS performance." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention provides apparatus and methods for improving satellite navigation by assessing the dynamic state of a platform for a satellite navigation receiver and using this data to improve navigation models and satellite tracking algorithms. The dynamic state of the receiver platform may be assessed using only accelerometer data, and does not require inertial navigation system integration. The accelerometers may not need to be very accurate and may not need to be aligned and/or accurately calibrated. A method of accelerometer assisted satellite navigation may comprise: detecting a stationary condition of an accelerometer set; gross-calibrating the accelerometer set when in the stationary condition, wherein gross-calibrating includes determining a combined-bias of the accelerometer set; defining at least two acceleration levels using the combined-bias; collecting accelerometer data; categorizing the accelerometer data into one of the acceleration levels; and utilizing the categorized accelerometer data to enhance satellite navigation." The patent application was filed on Jan. 28, 2010 (12/695,934). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,740&OS=8,311,740&RS=8,311,740 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Second Sight Medical Products Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Second Sight Medical Products, Sylmar, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,635) developed by Robert J. Greenberg, Los Angeles, and Richard Williamson, Saugus, Calif., for a "field focusing and mapping in a visual prosthesis." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention is a system for mapping a high resolution image to a lower resolution electrode array and, by applying varying stimulus to neighboring electrodes, creating a perceived image greater in resolution than the electrode array. The invention is applicable to a wide range of neural stimulation devices including artificial vision and artificial hearing. By applying a sub-threshold stimulus to two neighboring electrodes where the sum of the stimuli is above the threshold of perception, a perception is created in neural tissue between the two electrodes. By adjusting the stimulus on neighboring electrodes, the location of stimulation can be altered. Further, noise can be applied to the stimulating electrode or its neighboring electrodes to reduce the threshold of stimulation." The patent application was filed on June 18, 2009 (12/487,498). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,635&OS=8,311,635&RS=8,311,635 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Apple Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 - Apple, Cupertino, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,657) developed by six co-inventors for a "method and apparatus for efficiently accounting for the temporal nature of audio processing." The co-inventors are Alan C. Cannistraro, San Francisco, William George Stewart, Cupertino, Calif., Roger A. Powell, Burlingame, Calif., Kevin Christopher Rogers, Albany, Calif., Kelly B. Jacklin, Cupertino, Calif., and Doug Wyatt, Sunnyvale, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Some embodiments of the invention provide a computer system for processing an audio track. This system includes at least on DSP for processing the audio track. It also includes an application for editing the audio track. To process audio data in a first interval of the audio track, the application first asks and obtains from the DSP an impulse response parameter related to the DSP's processing of audio data. From the received impulse response parameter, the application identifies a second audio track interval that is before the first interval. To process audio data in the first interval, the application then directs the DSP to process audio data within the first and second intervals." The patent application was filed on May 23, 2008 (12/126,808). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,657&OS=8,311,657&RS=8,311,657 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Cisco Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Cisco Technology, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,726) developed by five co-inventors for an "ad-hoc mobile IP network for intelligent transportation system." The co-inventors are Labhesh Patel, San Francisco, Sanjeev Kumar, San Francisco, Shmuel Shaffer, Palo Alto, Calif., Mukul Jain, San Jose, Calif., and Randall Paul Joseph Ethier, Burke, Va.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for intelligently managing a transportation network is provided. The method may include providing a roadside apparatus 18 to communicate with nodes 14A to 14D associated with vehicles 12A to 12D in a transportation network, the vehicle nodes being in a neighborhood range of the roadside apparatus. The roadside apparatus may dynamically detect the presence of a node 14A associated with a first vehicle 12A, and establish a mobile Internet Protocol (IP) network between the roadside apparatus and the first vehicle's node. The roadside apparatus 18 receives, in real-time, from the first vehicle's node 14A event data of events associated with the first vehicle 12A over the mobile IP network. The roadside apparatus 18 or nodes 14A to 14D may further receive or transmit real-time command data to control subsystems of a vehicle." The patent application was filed on Sept. 23, 2011 (13/241,966). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,726&OS=8,311,726&RS=8,311,726 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Boston Scientific Neuromodulation, Valencia, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,644) developed by Michael A. Moffitt, Valencia, Calif., and David K.L. Peterson, Saugus, Calif., for a "short duration pre-pulsing to reduce stimulation-evoked side-effects." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. At least one electrode is place in contact with tissue of a patient. A sub-threshold, hyperpolarizing, conditioning pre-pulse (e.g., an anodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to render a first region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal root fibers) less excitable to stimulation, and a depolarizing stimulation pulse (e.g., a cathodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to stimulate a second different region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal column fibers). The conditioning pre-pulse has a relatively short duration (e.g., less than 200 .mu.s)." The patent application was filed on May 18, 2010 (12/782,589). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,644&OS=8,311,644&RS=8,311,644 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Caterpillar Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Caterpillar, Peoria, Ill., has been assigned a patent (8,311,738) developed by Martin Joseph Nicolas Andre Eric Politick, Laval, Calif., and Yuri Levchenko, Pierrefonds, Calif., for a "boom-mounted machine locating system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A locating system for a machine having a boom is disclosed. The locating system has a first GPS unit and a second GPS unit. The first GPS unit is located on the boom." The patent application was filed on April 27, 2006 (11/411,889). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,738&OS=8,311,738&RS=8,311,738 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Sony Computer Entertainment America Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Sony Computer Entertainment America, Foster City, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,310,656) developed by Gary M. Zalewski, Oakland, Calif., for "mapping movements of a hand-held controller to the two-dimensional image plane of a display screen." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for use in controlling a system includes tracking three-dimensional movements of a hand-held controller for the system, mapping the tracked three-dimensional movements of the handheld controller onto a two-dimensional image plane of a screen of a display for the system, and displaying one or more images on the two-dimensional image plane of the screen based on the mapping of the tracked three-dimensional movements of the handheld controller. Some embodiments may include one or more sensors configured to track three-dimensional movements of a hand-held controller for the system, and a processor configured to perform the above mentioned steps." The patent application was filed on Sept. 28, 2006 (11/536,559). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,656&OS=8,310,656&RS=8,310,656 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Greatbatch Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 - Greatbatch, Clarence, N.Y., has been assigned a patent (8,311,628) developed by four co-inventors for an "integrated tank filter for a medical therapeutic device." The co-inventors are Robert A. Stevenson, Canyon Country, Calif., Warren S. Dabney, Orchard Park, N.Y., Christine A. Frysz, Orchard Park, N.Y., and Richard L. Brendel, Carson City, Nev.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A TANK filter is provided for a lead wire of an active medical device (AMD). The TANK filter includes a capacitor in parallel with an inductor. The parallel capacitor and inductor are placed in series with the lead wire of the AMD, wherein values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the TANK filter is resonant at a selected frequency. The Q of the inductor may be relatively maximized and the Q of the capacitor may be relatively minimized to reduce the overall Q of the TANK filter to attenuate current flow through the lead wire along a range of selected frequencies. In a preferred form, the TANK filter is integrated into a TIP and/or RING electrode for an active implantable medical device." The patent application was filed on May 24, 2011 (13/114,555). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,628&OS=8,311,628&RS=8,311,628 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Teledyne Scientific & Imaging Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, Thousand Oaks, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,310,632) developed by Young J. Chung, Calabasas, Calif., for "laminated structures using UV-curable adhesion promoters." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An adhesion promoter for enhancing the bond between adjacent layers of a multilayer structure to prevent delamination thereof is disclosed. The adhesion promoter comprises an aromatic polyimide-based UV-cured acrylate. Also disclosed are laminated structures including liquid crystal displays and bonded missile domes that utilize an adhesion promoter of the invention, and methods for fabricating such structures." The patent application was filed on May 4, 2010 (12/799,972). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,632&OS=8,310,632&RS=8,310,632 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Sony Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Sony, Tokyo and Sony Electronics, Park Ridge, N.J., have been assigned a patent (8,311,734) developed by Nikolaos Georgis, San Diego, Fredrik Carpio, San Diego, and Paul Jin Hwang, Burbank, Calif., for an "automatic speed limit adjust for road conditions." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A mobile computer that can be borne in a vehicle and that can receive position information may adjust a maximum speed limit to account for unfavorable weather or road conditions and cause the vehicle to automatically reduce speed below the adjusted maximum limit." The patent application was filed on July 1, 2008 (12/165,730). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,734&OS=8,311,734&RS=8,311,734 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Boston Scientific Neuromodulation, Valencia, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,638) developed by Daniel Aghassian, Glendale, Calif., for an "external charger for a medical implantable device using field inducing coils to improve coupling." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "By incorporating magnetic field-inducing position determination coils (PDCs) in an external charger, it is possible to determine the position of an implantable device by actively inducing magnetic fields using the PDCs and sensing the reflected magnetic field from the implant. In one embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source with a frequency equal to the charging coil. In another embodiment, the PDCs are driven by an AC power source at a frequency different from that of the charging coil. By comparing the relative reflected magnetic field strengths at each of the PDCs, the position of the implant relative to the external charger can be determined. Audio and/or visual feedback can then be communicated to the patient to allow the patient to improve the alignment of the charger." The patent application was filed on Oct. 15, 2009 (12/579,740). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,638&OS=8,311,638&RS=8,311,638 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Autonomic Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Autonomic Technologies, Redwood City, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,632) developed by five co-inventors for "devices, methods, and systems for harvesting energy in the body." The co-inventors are Benjamin David Pless, Atherton, Calif., Carl Lance Boling, San Jose, Calif., Barbara Gibb, Foster City, Calif., Adolf van der Heide, San Jose, Calif., and Brett M. Wingeier, San Francisco.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In some embodiments, the power generator for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy is described may include a compressible element adapted and configured to be placed in an environment having a variable compressive force such as varying ambient pressures. The compressible element may be compressed by a force applied by the variable pressure to the compressible element. The power generator may further include a transducer that may be coupled to the compressible element and that may convert mechanical energy from the compression of the compressible element to electrical energy. In some embodiments, the power generator may be adapted to be an implantable power generator for converting mechanical energy from a patient to electrical energy, such that the compressible element adapted and configured to be placed between two adjacent tissue layers of the patient and to be compressed by a force applied from the two adjacent tissue layers to the compressible element." The patent application was filed on Feb. 25, 2009 (12/392,938). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,632&OS=8,311,632&RS=8,311,632 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Western Digital Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Western Digital Technologies, Irvine, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,310,775) developed by Douglas M. Boguslawski, Lyons, Colo., and Kameron Kam-Wai Jung, Yorba Linda, Calif., for a "disk drive implementing a read channel optimization process." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk including a plurality of tracks, a head actuated over the disk, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is operable to: write a target track including a plurality of data wedges; determine optimization metrics for the data wedges of the plurality of data wedges as the data wedges are read; store the optimization metrics for the data wedges from the target track; and remove a first portion and a second portion of the optimization metrics such that a remaining portion of the optimization metrics remains. Further, the control circuitry is operable to calculate an average optimization metric value for the remaining portion of optimization metrics for use in read channel optimization." The patent application was filed on Sept. 30, 2010 (12/895,443). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,775&OS=8,310,775&RS=8,310,775 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Lightcraft Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Lightcraft Technology, Venice, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,310,663) developed by Newton Eliot Mack, Venice, Calif., and Philip R. Mass, Portland, Ore., for "methods and systems for calibrating an adjustable lens." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for calculating intrinsic properties and an entry pupil location of an adjustable camera lens is disclosed. The system includes a camera and a calibration target. Methods for calculating intrinsic properties and an entry pupil location of an adjustable camera lens are also disclosed." The patent application was filed on July 8, 2010 (12/832,480). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,663&OS=8,310,663&RS=8,310,663 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Xilinx Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Xilinx, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,659) developed by Cinti X. Chen, San Jose, Calif., and Joe W. Zhao, San Jose, Calif., for an "identifying non-randomness in integrated circuit product yield." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of analyzing integrated circuit (IC) product yield can include storing, within a memory of a system comprising a processor, parametric data from a manufacturing process of an IC and determining a measure of non-random variation for at least one parameter of the parametric data using a pattern detection technique. The processor can compare the measure of non-random variation to a randomness criteria and selectively output a notification indicating that variation in the parameter is non-random according to the comparison of the measure of non-random variation to the randomness criteria." The patent application was filed on Sept. 9, 2009 (12/556,071). 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=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,659&OS=8,311,659&RS=8,311,659 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** inMusic Brands Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- inMusic Brands, Cumberland, R.I., has been assigned a patent (8,311,656) developed by Chad M. Carrier, Whittier, Calif., for a "music and audio playback system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A music and audio playback system is implemented on a computer with a playback engine that enables the operator, typically a disk jockey, to apply a variety of effects. The system may store one or more snapshots, or a combination of settings for a plurality of controls that are applied by the playback engine. The settings that may be stored in a snapshot may be for effects, deck controls and/or mix settings. These snapshots allow for changes to settings for effects, mixing and playback to be made quickly, some of which would normally be difficult to perform. A sampler module permits a user to specify one or more samples that may be triggered for playback. The most frequently used samples may be designated as scratching files that may be quickly activated through the push of a button (or other control). A waveform display represents a window of audio samples around a current playback time. When two tracks are being played, only half of each waveform is shown. In particular, the bottom half of the waveform at the top, and the top half of the waveform at the bottom are shown. Certain effects that affect the playback of a current audio file, such as a reverse, repeat or brake effect, are performed as insert effects. As a result, the current play position in the current audio file continues to advance while the effect is performed, even thought the effect is applied to the audio data in the current audio file. The waveform display continues to update based on the continually updated current play position in the audio file." The patent application was filed on June 29, 2007 (11/824,383). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,656&OS=8,311,656&RS=8,311,656 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Pacesetter Assigned Patent for Mechanism for, and Method of, Attaching a Lead Conductor Cable to a Lead Electrode ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Pacesetter, Sylmar, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,646) developed by Matt Randle, El Cajon, Calif., Ravi Jain, Austin, Texas, and Peter Fong, Santa Clarita, Calif., for a "mechanism for, and method of, attaching a lead conductor cable to a lead electrode." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A cardio electrotherapy lead is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the lead includes a tubular body, a conductor cable and an electrode. The conductor cable longitudinally extends through the tubular body and includes a distal end. The electrode is located on the tubular body and includes an attachment mechanism mechanically coupling the lead distal end to the electrode." The patent application was filed on Feb. 17, 2011 (13/029,924). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,646&OS=8,311,646&RS=8,311,646 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Cisco Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Cisco Technology, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,292) developed by Dihong Tian, San Jose, Calif., and Wen-hsiung Chen, Sunnyvale, Calif., for a "context aware, multiple target image recognition." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "In one embodiment, an apparatus may receive at least one image in which multiple targets are represented. The apparatus may assign possible identities to the targets based on probabilities associated with the identities. The apparatus may base a probability of a target being one of the identities, at least in part, on an identity-specific context and on a conditional probability that the target is the identity given that each one of at least two other of the targets is another respective one of the identities. The identity-specific context may be information that relates to a determined identity. The apparatus may identify the targets based on the identities and on the probabilities associated with the identities." The patent application was filed on Feb. 9, 2009 (12/367,981). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,292&OS=8,311,292&RS=8,311,292 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Google Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Google, Mountain View, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,289) developed by six co-inventors for a "computer-implemented method for performing similarity searches." The co-inventors are Vincent Vanhoucke, Menlo Park, Calif., Salih Burak Gokturk, Mountain View, Calif., Dragomir Anguelov, San Francisco, Kuang-chih Lee, Union City, Calif., Munjal Shah, Palo Alto, Calif., and Ashwin Tengli, Bangalore, India.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A similarity search may be performed on the image of a person, using visual characteristics and information that is known about the person. The search identifies images of other persons that are similar in appearance to the person in the image." The patent application was filed on June 21, 2010 (12/819,901). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,289&OS=8,311,289&RS=8,311,289 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Apple Assigned Patent for DLL Having a Different Training Interval During a Voltage Change ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Apple, Cupertino, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,310,291) developed by Erik P. Machnicki, San Jose, Calif., James D. Ramsay, San Jose, Calif., and Sanjay Mansingh, Santa Clara, Calif., for a "DLL having a different training interval during a voltage change." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A delay locked loop (DLL) having an accelerated training interval during a voltage change. An integrated circuit (IC) includes a master DLL configured to generate a clock signal based upon a reference clock signal. The master DLL may train to the reference clock signal in response to a control signal. The IC also includes a control unit that is coupled to the master DLL and may provide the control signal at a first interval in response to receiving an indication that a supply voltage is being changed, and provide the control signal at a second interval in the absence of the indication." The patent application was filed on Nov. 17, 2010 (12/948,192). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,291&OS=8,310,291&RS=8,310,291 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Gehts Youliza B.V. LLC Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Gehts Youliza B.V. LLC, Dover, Del., has been assigned a patent (8,310,577) developed by Sarit Neter, Irvine, Calif., for a "method and apparatus for color compensation." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An imaging method and system that flexibly accesses light sensor elements and processes imaging signals. The imaging system comprises an array of pixel sensor cells, an array controller and a readout control circuit. The imaging system provides color compensation." The patent application was filed on Feb. 2, 2000 (09/495,971). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,577&OS=8,310,577&RS=8,310,577 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Yahoo! Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Yahoo!, Sunnyvale, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,312,108) developed by five co-inventors for a "hot within my communities." The co-inventors are Todd Sampson, Orlando, Fla., John Sampson, Orlando, Fla., Steve Ho, Apopka, Fla., Eric Marcoullier, San Francisco, and Neil Scott Rafer, San Francisco.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Embodiments of the invention are directed to identifying network resources or other topics that are of interest to members of multiple online communities to which a user belongs. Online communities include blogs, websites, games, e-commerce systems, messaging systems, wikis, etc. For each online community, click activity or other client behaviors are tracked and analyzed to determine statistical metrics about community activity, such as which articles, links, services, or other network resources are popular in the online community. At least some of the tracking or analysis can be performed by clients that access the online communities, by a server of each online community, and/or by a central tracking system. The results for each community may be further analyzed relative to each other. The results are provided for all communities with which a given user is associated. For example, a list of the most popular links in the user's selected online communities." The patent application was filed on May 22, 2007 (11/752,104). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,312,108&OS=8,312,108&RS=8,312,108 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Mori Seiki, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Mori Seiki, Yamato-Koriyama, Japan and Intelligent Manufacturing Systems International, San Francisco, have been assigned a patent (8,310,534) developed by Xiaodong Tian, Davis, Calif., and Makoto Fujishima, Yamatokoriyama, Japan, for a "three-dimensional model data confirming method, and three-dimensional model data confirming apparatus." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present invention relates to an apparatus for confirming three-dimensional model data or the like, capable of confirming easily, efficiently, and precisely whether three-dimensional model data including an attached object attached to a machine tool and at least a part of the machine tool good are accurate. An apparatus 1 for confirming three-dimensional model data is provided with: CCD cameras 13 and 14 for imaging an actual attached object attached to a machine tool 30 to generate actual image data of the attached object; a model-data storing section 17 for storing in advance model data which include the attached object attached to the machine tool 30 and at least a part of the machine tool 30 and which are previously created; a virtual image data generating section 19 for generating, by a computer process, two-dimensional image data, which are virtual image data of the attached object, based on the model data stored in the model-data storing section 17; and an image-data comparing section 21 for comparing, by a computer process, the actual image data of the attached object and the virtual image data thereof to determine whether these image data match." The patent application was filed on Aug. 31, 2007 (12/281,110). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,534&OS=8,310,534&RS=8,310,534 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Gtran Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Gtran, Camarillo, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,310,310) developed by Zhihao Lao, Camarillo, Calif., and Hehong Zou, Westlake Village, Calif., for a burst mode amplifier.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An integrator circuit cancels a DC offset component related to an average DC value of a burst mode input signal from the output of an amplifier. The integrator circuit outputs an average DC value of the input signal in a response time that is shorter than the preamble of a burst mode signal. The integrator output signal remains stable within selected amplitude limits for a length of time corresponding to the data portion of a burst mode signal. A transimpedance amplifier embodiment of the invention comprises a TIA gain stage, an integrator, and a voltage-controlled current course. Other embodiments comprise an amplifier for converting single-ended input signals to differential output signals, an amplifier for differential output offset cancellation, a monolithic semiconductor integrated circuit die, and a packaged semiconductor integrated circuit device." The patent application was filed on March 4, 2011 (13/041,180). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,310&OS=8,310,310&RS=8,310,310 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Local Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Local, Irvine, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,312,125) developed by Adam Rioux, Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., and Mark Roah, Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., for a "system and method for bulk web domain generation and management." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and method for enabling networked computer users to bulk create and manage multiple web domains is disclosed. A particular embodiment includes collecting, by use of a processor, a set of domain names for bulk content development, at least one domain name of the set of domain names being derived from a user-provided keyword; filtering the set of domain names based on network search matching; automatically submitting at least one domain name of the set of domain names for purchase by a domain purchase agent; applying a template to pages of a plurality of sites, each site corresponding to a domain name of the set of domain names; and inserting a plurality of content items into the pages of the plurality of sites, at least one of the plurality of content items being an original content item retrieved from an original content portal." The patent application was filed on March 12, 2010 (12/661,238). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,312,125&OS=8,312,125&RS=8,312,125 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Microsoft Assigned Patent for IP Block Activity Feedback System ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Microsoft, Redmond, Wash., has been assigned a patent (8,312,119) developed by Eliot C. Gillum, Los Gatos, Calif., for an "IP block activity feedback system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and method for providing information concerning the use of processing devices coupled to a network. Each device has an IP address the system and method: determines whether a user is authorized to receive information about the use of the processing device by reference to the IP address; verifies the authority of the user to receive information about the processing device; and provides aggregated usage information about activities based on the address of the processing device. The information provided can be email protocol command metadata." The patent application was filed on March 1, 2005 (11/069,444). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,312,119&OS=8,312,119&RS=8,312,119 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Apple Assigned Patent for Asynchronous Notifications for Concurrent Graphics Operations ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Apple, Cupertino, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,310,491) developed by Michael James Elliott Swift, Mountain View, Calif., Kenneth Christian Dyke, Sunnyvale, Calif., and Richard Schreyer, Sunnyvale, Calif., for "asynchronous notifications for concurrent graphics operations." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and an apparatus for notifying a display driver to update a display with a graphics frame including multiple graphics data rendered separately by multiple graphics processing units (GPUs) substantially concurrently are described. Graphics commands may be received to dispatch to each GPU for rendering corresponding graphics data. The display driver may be notified when each graphics data has been completely rendered respectively by the corresponding GPU." The patent application was filed on June 7, 2007 (11/811,337). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,491&OS=8,310,491&RS=8,310,491 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** California Institute of Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,310,677) developed by four co-inventors for "micro-cavity gas and vapor sensors and detection methods." The co-inventors are Andrea M. Armani, Pasadena, Calif., Tsu-Te J. Su, Boca Raton, Fla., Richard C. Flagan, Pasadena, Calif., and Scott E. Fraser, La Canada, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Micro-cavity gas or vapor sensors and gas or vapor detection methods. Optical energy is introduced into a resonant micro-cavity having a deformable coating such as a polymer. The coating swells or expands when it is exposed to or absorbs a gas or vapor, thereby changing the resonant wavelength of optical energy circulating within the micro-cavity/coating. Expansion or swelling of the coating may be reversible such that it contracts when gas or vapor diffuses from the coating. The coating deformation and/or a change of one or more optical properties of the optical energy circulating within the micro-cavity are used to detect the presence of the gas or vapor or molecules or particulates thereof." The patent application was filed on Jan. 30, 2012 (13/361,076). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,677&OS=8,310,677&RS=8,310,677 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Power Integrations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Power Integrations, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,310,326) developed by Marvin C. Espino, San Jose, Calif., for a "method and apparatus for adjusting displacement current in an energy transfer element." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Example methods include calculating a first number of turns of a shield winding included in an energy transfer element of a power supply. A first number of turns of the shield winding is calculated for the power supply to have a low noise current in an input conductor of the power supply. The method then includes increasing the first number of turns to a second number of turns. The power supply is then operated, which generates a first voltage waveform of a voltage between the input conductor and an output conductor of the power supply. An impedance is then inserted between the shield winding and the input conductor. The noise current is reduced by adjusting a value of the impedance until a second voltage waveform of the voltage between the input conductor and the output conductor reverses polarity to be the opposite of a polarity of the first voltage waveform." The patent application was filed on Feb. 29, 2012 (13/408,785). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,326&OS=8,310,326&RS=8,310,326 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Bank of America Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Bank of America, Charlotte, N.C., has been assigned a patent (8,312,106) developed by Nicholas Carozza, El Sobrante, Calif., for "optimizing the efficiency of an image retrieval system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Aspects of this disclosure relate a system for retrieving images that may include one or more mainframe computer sites or Logical Partitions (LPARS) one or more servers operatively connected to the LPARS, and one or more databases operatively connected one or more of the LPARS. The system may also include a processor that may be configured to perform a method for generating electronic cash letters. The method for generating electronic cash letters may include reading a primary input key file assigned to the cash letter job, wherein the primary input key file includes a set of keys and each key corresponds to an image stored in one of the databases. The method may further include splitting the keys in the primary input key file into individual key files. The method may further include attaching a key processor subtask to each of the individual key files and running the key processor subtasks concurrently and independently of one another, wherein each of the key processor subtasks connects to one of the servers via TCP/IP protocol and retrieves the images from the particular database to which the keys in individual key files correspond." The patent application was filed on Nov. 23, 2009 (12/623,503). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,312,106&OS=8,312,106&RS=8,312,106 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Apple Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Apple, Cupertino, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,255) developed by M. Evans Hankey, San Francisco, Emery Sanford, San Francisco, and Christopher D. Prest, Mountain View, Calif., for a "headset with microphone and connector co-location." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An electronic device is provided that includes a housing and a connector assembly coupled to the housing. The connector assembly can include a microphone port. The electronic device can further include a microphone mounted within the housing and a channel that fluidically couples the microphone to the microphone port. A joint connector and microphone assembly is also provided. The assembly can include a microphone with a top surface and side surfaces. The top surface of the microphone can include a microphone input. The assembly can include a microphone boot mounted to the microphone such that the boot interfaces with a portion of the top surface and the side surfaces to form a seal around the microphone input. The microphone boot can include a connector sealing portion and an aperture for fluidically coupling the microphone input to a microphone port. The assembly can include a connector plate mounted to the connector sealing portion." The patent application was filed on June 28, 2007 (11/823,922). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,255&OS=8,311,255&RS=8,311,255 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Sony Assigned Patent for System and Method for Effectively Performing Enhanced Mobile-Device Location Procedures ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Sony, Tokyo, and Sony Electronics, Park Ridge, N.J., have been assigned a patent (8,310,397) developed by Yi Zhou, San Diego, for a "system and method for effectively performing enhanced mobile-device location procedures." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and method for effectively performing enhanced device location procedures to determine the current physical location of a mobile device includes a plurality of satellites that wirelessly transmit satellite beacon signals, a plurality of base stations that wirelessly transmit pilot signals, and a plurality of access points that wirelessly transmit access-point beacon signals. A location detector of the mobile device coordinates a device location procedure by measuring the satellite beacon signals, the pilot signals, and the access-point beacon signals to generate corresponding satellite information, base station information, and access point information. The location detector analyzes the satellite information, the base station information, and the access point information to select an optimal system configuration from the most effective satellites, base stations, and access points. The location detector then utilizes the optimal system configuration to accurately calculate the current physical location of the mobile device." The patent application was filed on Sept. 30, 2009 (12/586,992). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,397&OS=8,310,397&RS=8,310,397 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Link-A-Media Devices Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Link-A-Media Devices, Santa Clara, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,310,386) developed by Jason Bellorado, Santa Clara, Calif., and Marcus Marrow, Santa Clara, Calif., for a "digital control of a read-back signal gain." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system for controlling a dynamic range of an analog to digital converter (ADC) signal is disclosed. The system includes an ADC configured to receive an ADC input signal and output ADC samples; an error computation block coupled to the output of the ADC and configured to compute an error based at least in part on a target and the ADC samples, wherein the target has a constraint that is indicative of a desired dynamic range of the ADC input signal; and an analog front end coupled to the input of the ADC, wherein the analog front end comprises a variable gain amplifier whose gain is adjusted based at least in part on the error." The patent application was filed on Jan. 5, 2011 (12/985,244). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,386&OS=8,310,386&RS=8,310,386 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Stellar Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Stellar, Irvine, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,310,540) developed by Paul DeKeyser, Irvine, Calif., for a "loop recording with book marking." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A methods in which a camera can store discrete segments of imaged data, using a sensor in the camera to capture image data, using multiple portions of a memory as a loop in which to record the segments in approximately real time, and protecting the multiple portions from being overwritten by subsequent recording in the loop. Recorder continues to record the image data immediately after ending at least one of the segments or immediately after protecting at least one of the segments. Protected data or segments can be wirelessly transmitting a first one of the segments to a memory, and releasing a corresponding one of the multiple portions of memory from protection. Recorder and signal switch are located or as part of an accessory, such as a pair of glasses." The patent application was filed on June 29, 2007 (11/770,920). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,540&OS=8,310,540&RS=8,310,540 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Brocade Communications Systems Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Brocade Communications Systems, San Jose, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,225) developed by Jitendra Kumar Singh, Los Gatos, Calif., Lyndon Siao, San Jose, Calif., and Narada Jared Hess, Menlo Park, Calif., for a scalable key archival.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A solution for scalable key archival includes, at a network device, determining whether a key management device that is not part of a current key management device configuration has been newly added to a network. The method also includes, if the key management device has been newly added to the network, determining whether the network device has a first application program interface (API) or device driver for communicating with the key management device. The method also includes, if the network device does not have the first API, obtaining the API. The method also includes creating a binding between a virtual device driver of the network device and the key management device via the first API, the network device having a second API for communications between the virtual device driver and a security processor of the network device. The security processor communicates with the key management device using the second API." The patent application was filed on Aug. 17, 2009 (12/542,662). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,225&OS=8,311,225&RS=8,311,225 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Apple Assigned Patent for Method for Reducing Graphics Rendering Failures ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Apple, Cupertino, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,310,494) developed by Ian Hendry, San Jose, Calif., Jeffry Gonion, Campbell, Calif., and Jeremy Sandmel, San Mateo, Calif., for a "method for reducing graphics rendering failures." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and electronic device employing the method of processing a frame of graphics for display is provided that includes developing a frame in a first software frame processing stage following a first vertical blanking (VBL) heartbeat, issuing a command indicating the first stage is complete, and performing a final software frame processing stage without waiting for a subsequent VBL heartbeat. The method may alternatively include performing the final software frame processing stage regardless as to whether a target framebuffer is available, performing all but final hardware frame processing stages regardless as to whether the target framebuffer is in use, and performing the final hardware processing stage if the target framebuffer is not in use." The patent application was filed on Nov. 24, 2008 (12/313,718). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,494&OS=8,310,494&RS=8,310,494 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** FaceDouble Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- FaceDouble, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (8,311,294) developed by Charles A. Myers, La Jolla, Calif., and Alex Shah, San Diego, for an "image classification and information retrieval over wireless digital networks and the internet." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method and system for matching an unknown facial image of an individual with an image of a celebrity using facial recognition techniques and human perception is disclosed herein. The invention provides a internet hosted system to find, compare, contrast and identify similar characteristics among two or more individuals using a digital camera, cellular telephone camera, wireless device for the purpose of returning information regarding similar faces to the user The system features classification of unknown facial images from a variety of internet accessible sources, including mobile phones, wireless camera-enabled devices, images obtained from digital cameras or scanners that are uploaded from PCs, third-party applications and databases. Once classified, the matching person's name, image and associated meta-data is sent back to the user. The method and system uses human perception techniques to weight the feature vectors." The patent application was filed on Sept. 8, 2009 (12/555,789). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,311,294&OS=8,311,294&RS=8,311,294 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Qualcomm Mems Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Qualcomm Mems Technologies, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (8,310,758) developed by eight co-inventors for "printable static interferometric images." The co-inventors are Mark W. Miles, San Jose, Calif., Brian W. Arbuckle, Danville, Calif., Ion Bita, San Jose, Calif., Manish Kothari, Cupertino, Calif., Patrick F. Brinkley, San Mateo, Calif., Gang Xu, Cupertino, Calif., Nassim Khonsari, Redwood City, Calif., and Jonathan C. Griffiths, Fremont, Calif.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A static interferometric image device including a plurality of solidified liquid layers is formed over a substrate by an inkjet process such that the layers are lateral to one another. In some embodiments, the substrate includes pre-defined cavities, and the liquid layers are formed in the cavities. In other embodiments, the substrate includes a substantially planar, stepped, or continuously transitioning surface, and the solidified liquid layers are formed on the surface. Optical fillers or spacers are provided for defining interferometric gaps between absorbers and reflectors in the display device, based at least partially on an image that the display device is designed to display." The patent application was filed on Aug. 11, 2011 (13/207,874). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,310,758&OS=8,310,758&RS=8,310,758 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Harman International Industries Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 16 -- Harman International Industries, Northridge, Calif., has been assigned a patent (8,311,232) developed by Sean Olive, Valley Village, Calif., for a "method for predicting loudspeaker preference." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A general model is provided for predicting a loudspeaker preference rating, where the model's predicted loudspeaker preference rating is calculated based upon the sum of a plurality of weighted independent variables that statistically quantify amplitude deviations in a loudspeaker frequency response. The independent variables selected may be independent variables determined as maximizing the ability of a loudspeaker preference variable to predict a loudspeaker preference rating. A multiple regression analysis is performed to determine respective weights for the selected independent variables. The weighted independent variables are arranged into a linear relationship on which the loudspeake 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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