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U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Michigan (Jan. 4)
[January 04, 2013]

U.S. Patents Awarded to Inventors in Michigan (Jan. 4)


(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Targeted News Service Targeted News Service ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- The following federal patents were awarded to inventors in Michigan.

*** Yazaki North America Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Yazaki North America, Canton, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,344,541) developed by Kang Li, Windsor, Canada, and Alain Grenier, Ann Arbor, Mich., for a "reverse current protection methods and systems for trailer tow." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A reverse current protection system for a vehicle electrical system that communicates with a trailer electrical system generally includes a mode determination module that receives a reverse current flow detection signal and that selectively determines a field effect transistor (FET) operating mode to be a reverse on mode based on the reverse current flow detection signal. A current flow control module generates a current flow control signal to a field effect transistor to control the field effect transistor based on the determined FET operating mode." The patent application was filed on March 14, 2007 (11/686,060). 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=8,344,541&OS=8,344,541&RS=8,344,541 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.



*** X-Rite Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- X-Rite, Grand Rapids, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,345,252) developed by four co-inventors for a "method and system for enhanced formulation and visualization rendering." The co-inventors are Jon Kenneth Nisper, Grand Rapids, Mich., Thomas M. Richardson, Ada, Mich., Marc S. Ellens, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Changbo Huang, San Francisco.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An apparatus for measuring a spatially under-sampled Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) of a surface. The apparatus may comprise a first light source directed to illuminate the surface from a first illumination direction, and a plurality of sensors positioned to receive light reflected by the surface. The plurality of sensors may comprise first, second and third sensors positioned to receive light reflected by the surface in first, second and third non-coplanar directions. In various embodiments, the apparatus may also comprise a computer in communication with the plurality of sensors. The computer is configured to convert light sensed by the plurality of sensors into a first appearance property of the surface considering the first, second, and third reflectance directions. A method of calculating xDNA, the vector sum of the observed reflectance intensity over a plurality of wavelengths and angles. Methods of using the calculated xDNA for formulating recipes for a surfaces colors. Furthermore, a method for using the calculated xDNA for rendering the surface color." The patent application was filed on March 10, 2009 (12/401,129). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PTXT&s1=8,345,252&OS=8,345,252&RS=8,345,252 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.


*** Gentex Assigned Patent for Electrochromic Device Having an Improved Fill Port Plug ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Gentex, Zeeland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,345,345) developed by eight co-inventors for an "electrochromic device having an improved fill port plug." The co-inventors are Steven J. Veenman, Grandville, Mich., William L. Tonar, Holland, Mich., Joel A. Stray, Hudsonville, Mich., Leroy J. Kloeppner, Jenison, Mich., David L. Poll, Holland, Mich., Gary J. Dozeman, Zeeland, Mich., Nalini C. Menon, Grand Rapids, Mich., and Kevin L. Ash, Grand Rapids, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An electrochromic device including: (a) a first substantially transparent substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (b) a second substrate having an electrically conductive material associated therewith; (c) an electrochromic medium contained within a chamber positioned between the first and second substrates which includes: (1) a solvent; (2) an anodic material; and (3) a cathodic material, wherein both of the anodic and cathodic materials are electroactive and at least one of the anodic and cathodic materials is electrochromic; (d) wherein a seal member, the first substrate, the second substrate, and/or the chamber includes a plug associated with a fill port; and (e) wherein the plug is at least partially cured with an antimonate photo initiator and/or is a one- or two-part plug which comprises a resin or mixture of resins that are substantially insoluble and/or substantially immiscible with an associated electrochromic medium while in the uncured state." The patent application was filed on Feb. 8, 2011 (13/022,912). 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=8,345,345&OS=8,345,345&RS=8,345,345 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Shadow Removal in an Image Captured by a Vehicle-based Camera Using an Optimized Oriented Linear Axis ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,345,100) developed by Wende Zhang, Shelby Township, Mich., Qi Wu, Pittsburgh, and Vijayakumar Bhagavatula, Pittsburgh, for a "shadow removal in an image captured by a vehicle-based camera using an optimized oriented linear axis." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method is provided for removing an illumination generated shadow in a captured image. Each pixel of the captured input image is plotted on a two dimensional logarithmic graph. A linear axis for the plurality of color sets is determined that is substantially orthogonal to a respective illumination direction of each respective color set. A log-chromaticity value of each plotted pixel is projected on the axis. An orientation of the linear axis is selected to minimize an illumination effect and provide optimum separation between each of the respective color sets on the linear axis. Edges in the input image and illumination invariant image domain are identified. The identified edges of the input image are compared to identify edges in the illumination invariant image domain. A determination is made whether a shadow edge is present in response to the comparison. A shadow-reduced image is generated for scene analysis by a vehicle vision-based system." The patent application was filed on July 6, 2010 (12/830,513). 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=8,345,100&OS=8,345,100&RS=8,345,100 Written by Satyaban Rath; edited by Hemanta Panigrahi.

*** Whirlpool Assigned Patent for Dual Heating Element of a Cooking Appliance ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Whirlpool, Benton Harbor, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,344,291) developed by Robert S. Donarski, Stevensville, Mich., for a "dual heating element of a cooking appliance." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A cooking appliance including a plurality of separately controlled cooking areas, a first heating element positioned below one of the plurality of separately controlled cooking areas, a second heating element positioned below the same separately controlled cooking area as the first heating element, and an infinite switch electrically coupled with the first heating element and operable to energize the first heating element to supply heat to the separately controlled cooking area when the infinite switch is located at a first position. The switch has an operational tolerance, and the first heating element is sized such that the separately controlled cooking area is maintained below a target cooking temperature when the infinite switch is located at the first position and is operating at an upper limit of the operational tolerance." The patent application was filed on June 1, 2010 (12/791,193). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=83,44,291.PN.&OS=PN/83,44,291&RS=PN/83,44,291 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Gentex Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Gentex, Zeeland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,344,288) developed by Michael J. Door, Wayland, Mich., and Craig R. Myers, Holland, Mich., for "heaters for automotive mirrors and rearview assemblies using the same." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vehicular rearview assembly with a heating element. The heating element is affixed behind and in thermal communication with the mirror element of the assembly. The heating element includes a plurality of heating zones that operate in alternation according to a pre-determined time-sequence. A peripheral area of the mirror element is heated up to at least as high a temperature as an inner area of the mirror element. Switching the heating zones on and off so as to have only one heating zone on at a time is determined by a controlling circuitry at least a portion of which may be separated from the assembly and disposed in a different part of the vehicle." The patent application was filed on Jan. 12, 2010 (12/686,019). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=83,44,288.PN.&OS=PN/83,44,288&RS=PN/83,44,288 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Ovonyx Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Ovonyx, Sterling Heights, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,344,350) developed by Wolodymyr Czubatyj, Warren, Mich., and Tyler Lowrey, West Augusta, Va., for a "phase change device with offset contact." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A programmable resistance memory combines multiple cells into a block that includes one or more shared electrodes. The shared electrode configuration provides additional thermal isolation for the active region of each memory cell, thereby reducing the current required to program each memory cell." The patent application was filed on April 25, 2011 (13/093,109). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=83,44,350.PN.&OS=PN/83,44,350&RS=PN/83,44,350 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Ovonyx Assigned Patent for Memory Device ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Ovonyx, Sterling Heights, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,344,348) developed by Guy Wicker, Southfield, Mich., and Wolodymyr Czubatyj, Warren, Mich., for a memory device.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "An electrical device includes a first electrode and a second electrode. A first active material is between the first electrode and second electrode. A second active material is between the first electrode and second electrode. A nonlinear electrode material is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The nonlinear electrode material is electrically in series with the first electrode, the first active material, the second active material, and the second electrode. The first electrode and the first active material undergo no chemical or electrochemical reaction when current passes between the first electrode and the second electrode." The patent application was filed on Oct. 2, 2008 (12/244,421). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=83,44,348.PN.&OS=PN/83,44,348&RS=PN/83,44,348 Written by Amal Ahmed; edited by Jaya Anand.

*** Dow Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Dow Global Technologies, Midland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,343,328) developed by fifteen co-inventors for a brine purification. The co-inventors are Bruce Hook, Lake Jackson, Texas, Dan Tirtowidjojo, Lake Jackson, Texas, Frank Koester, Bremervoerde, Germany, Sunil K. Chaudhary, Missouri City, Texas, Anil Mehta, Lake Jackson, Texas, Jean Chauvel Jr., Lake Jackson, Texas, Christopher P. Christenson, Seguin, Texas, Timothy Frank, Midland, Mich., Celio Lume Pereira, Stade, Germany, Steve Gluck, Lake Jackson, Texas, Glenn Lord, Lake Jackson, Texas, David West, Houston, Christine Lundstroem, Drochtersen, Germany, Annett Horn, Hammah, Germany, and Istvan Lengyel, Lake Jackson, Texas.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Process and apparatus for reducing organic content of brine comprising subjecting a brine solution to at least two purification treatments selected from electrochemical treatment, chlorinolysis, or other chemical oxidation treatment, carbon adsorption, extraction, biological treatment and chrystallizing treatment; wherein the organic content of purified brine is sufficiently low to enable sense of the purified brine in an industrial process." The patent application was filed on Aug. 18, 2008 (12/670,020). 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=8,343,328&OS=8,343,328&RS=8,343,328 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,346,424) developed by Andrew M. Zettel, Ann Arbor, Mich., John F. Van Gilder, Webberville, Mich., and Saul Scott, Brighton, Mich., for a "method of monitoring in-use performance ratios of onboard diagnostic systems for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of monitoring an onboard diagnostic system for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle includes incrementing the denominator of an N/D ratio for the onboard diagnostic system only when a total time criteria, a vehicle speed criteria and an idle criteria are satisfied after an internal combustion engine of the vehicle has been fueled. The diagnostic system performance is summarized into a single N/D ratio. When an underperforming ratio is identified, the system controls the engine to provide more engine operation and subsequent diagnostic observability. The denominator of the N/D ratio is compared to a verification denominator to identify vehicles that are typically operated in a manner such that an engine-on cycle does not begin, or is not identified, until very near the end of the drive cycle, thereby preventing the denominator and a numerator of the N/D ratio from incrementing, and thereby providing a false passing performance ratio." The patent application was filed on Nov. 9, 2010 (12/942,261). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,346,424.PN.&OS=PN/8,346,424&RS=PN/8,346,424 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for Method of Smoothing Output Torque ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,346,418) developed by five co-inventors for a "method of smoothing output torque." The co-inventors are Adam J. Heisel, Garden City, Mich., Christopher E. Whitney, Highland, Mich., John L. Lahti, Novi, Mich., Lan Wang, Troy, Mich., and Goro Tamai, West Bloomfield, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method of output torque smoothing for a hybrid powertrain having an electric machine and a spark ignition engine with a first cylinder and a second cylinder includes commanding a fuel-cut transition, including consecutively initiating and completing deactivation of the first cylinder and initiating and completing deactivation of the second cylinder. The fuel-cut transition is characterized by an absence of retarding spark to the first cylinder and second cylinder. Fuel is supplied to the first cylinder until the first cylinder completes deactivation and to the second cylinder until the second cylinder completes deactivation. The electric machine captures a first torque from the first cylinder by generating electricity until the first cylinder completes deactivation and captures a second torque from the second cylinder by generating electricity until the second cylinder completes deactivation." The patent application was filed on Nov. 30, 2009 (12/627,184). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,346,418.PN.&OS=PN/8,346,418&RS=PN/8,346,418 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** EcoMotors International Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- EcoMotors International, Allen Park, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,344,576) developed by Will Robert Hippen, Santa Barbara, Calif., Franz Laimboeck, Goleta, Ga., and Peter Hofbauer, West Bloomfield, Mich., for an electric motor rotor.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A rotor for use in an electrical motor which includes an anti-expansion ring centrally mounted on the rotor to restrict the extent rotor elements mounted on a rotatable shaft may expand outward due to centrifugal forces generated when the motor is operated. Such motors are suited for use in high rotational speed environments such as electrically controlled turbochargers." The patent application was filed on June 1, 2010 (12/791,832). 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=8,344,576&OS=8,344,576&RS=8,344,576 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Continental Teves Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Continental Teves, Auburn Hills, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,346,439) developed by four co-inventors for a "safety method and device for vehicle rollover prediction using estimated lateral vehicle velocity." The co-inventors are Robert Andres, Clarkston, Mich., Patrick Messi, Rochester Hills, Mich., Eric Mertz, Rochester, Mich., and Holger Faisst, Sinzing, Germany.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and method of activating a restraint system of a vehicle is described. The method includes generating a vehicle speed signal that represents a longitudinal speed of a vehicle, generating a lateral acceleration signal that represents a lateral acceleration of the vehicle, filtering the lateral acceleration signal to generate a filtered lateral acceleration signal, comparing the filtered lateral acceleration signal to a predetermined lateral acceleration enable threshold, estimating a lateral speed of the vehicle based on the vehicle speed signal when the filtered lateral acceleration exceeds the predetermined lateral acceleration enable threshold, and activating a restraint system of the vehicle based in part on the estimated lateral velocity." The patent application was filed on Sept. 24, 2009 (12/565,882). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,346,439.PN.&OS=PN/8,346,439&RS=PN/8,346,439 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent for Plug-in Electric Vehicle Interlock ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,346,423) developed by Dale Scott Crombez, Livonia, Mich., for a "plug-in electric vehicle interlock." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "To prevent damage of a cord set used to charge a plug-in electric vehicle when the vehicle is driven away while the cord set is attached, an interlock can be provided to disable the vehicle. Such interlock may be based on a protective door over the charging receptacle being open or detection that a cord set is plugged in. However, in the event that the vehicle is in an activated state, the interlock is prevented from disabling the vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. That is, undesirable disabling of the vehicle is prevented when either there is no indication of a cord set being coupled to the vehicle or the vehicle is in an activated state." The patent application was filed on June 7, 2010 (12/795,289). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,346,423.PN.&OS=PN/8,346,423&RS=PN/8,346,423 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,344,577) developed by Richard J. Osborne, Shelby Township, Mich., Yucong Wang, West Bloomfield, Mich., and Qigui Wang, Rochester Hills, Mich., for a "solid phase welding of aluminum-based rotors for induction electric motors." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Squirrel cage rotors of aluminum end rings solid state welded to aluminum conductor bars for use in electric motors and methods of making them are described. In one embodiment, the method includes: providing a laminated steel stack having a plurality of longitudinal slots; placing a plurality of aluminum conductor bars in the longitudinal slots, the conductor bars having first and second ends extending out of the longitudinal slots; contacting the first and second ends of the conductor bars with a pair of aluminum end rings under pressure; and oscillating the first and second ends of the conductor bars, the end rings, or both to form an oscillation friction weld." The patent application was filed on Aug. 31, 2010 (12/872,036). 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=8,344,577&OS=8,344,577&RS=8,344,577 Written by Arpi Sharma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent for Method and System for Initiating Starting of an Engine in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,346,421) developed by five co-inventors for a "method and system for initiating starting of an engine in a hybrid electric vehicle." The co-inventors are Paul S. Bryan, Belleville, Mich., Christopher A. Lear, Dearborn, Mich., Mike P. Lindlbauer, Canton, Mich., Linda K. Ringlein, Berkley, Mich., and William David Treharne, Ypsilanti, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A system and method is provided for initiating starting of an engine in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) for a first time since a vehicle drive start request. Based on a predetermined fluid temperature and a powertrain fluid temperature from at least one of the powertrain elements in the HEV, it is determined whether energy from the engine is demanded. When the energy from the engine is demanded, the engine is started to provide energy for at least one of heating of a cabin compartment in the HEV and lubrication of a portion of powertrain elements in the HEV." The patent application was filed on March 23, 2010 (12/729,424). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,346,421.PN.&OS=PN/8,346,421&RS=PN/8,346,421 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent for Hybrid Electric Vehicle Thermal Management System ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,346,422) developed by Elaine Chen, Dearborn, Mich., for a "hybrid electric vehicle thermal management system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "The present disclosure relates to thermal management systems and methods for operating a vehicle, such as a hybrid electric vehicle. The systems determine a sunload and set calibrated thresholds and modified temperatures for deriving conditions for sending engine climate commands according to the sunload readings. The calibrations and modifications are designed to yield better vehicle fuel economy." The patent application was filed on May 24, 2010 (12/786,415). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,346,422.PN.&OS=PN/8,346,422&RS=PN/8,346,422 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** GM Global Technology Operations Assigned Patent for System and Method for Predicting Vehicle Energy Consumption ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, has been assigned a patent (8,346,420) developed by Steven A. Tarnowsky, West Bloomfield, Mich., and Edward D. Tate Jr., Grand Blanc, Mich., for a "system and method for predicting vehicle energy consumption." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method is provided for generating projected vehicle energy consumption information for a second vehicle using statistical information describing a driving history of a driver of a first vehicle. Statistical information is determined from collected vehicle performance values while the driver operates the first vehicle, and is archived in at least one memory location. The archived statistical information is correlated with a vehicle specification describing a performance capability of the second vehicle. A message is processed that includes the projected vehicle energy consumption information for the second vehicle. A vehicle is provided for generating the projected vehicle energy consumption information, and includes at least one memory location, sensors for measuring vehicle performance values of the vehicle describing a driver history of the first vehicle, and a controller adapted for automatically determining the statistical information. A controller is also provided adapted for executing the method." The patent application was filed on March 23, 2010 (12/729,275). 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=8,346,420.PN.&OS=PN/8,346,420&RS=PN/8,346,420 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** GM Global Technology Operations, Daimler, Chrysler Group, Bayerische Motoren Werke Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- GM Global Technology Operations, Detroit, Daimler, Stuttgart, Germany, Chrysler Group, Auburn Hills, Mich., and Bayerische Motoren Werke, Munich, Germany, have been assigned a patent (8,346,449) developed by Anthony H. Heap, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Kee Yong Kim, Ann Arbor, Mich., for a "method and apparatus to provide necessary output torque reserve by selection of hybrid range state and input speed for a hybrid powertrain system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for controlling a powertrain system includes determining a current transmission operating range state and engine state, determining at least one potential transmission operating range state and engine state, providing at least one operator torque request, determining preferability factors associated with the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and potential transmission operating range states and engine states, wherein determining preferability factors associated with potential transmission operating range states includes assigning biasing costs to operator torque requests which reside within a pre-determined range of possible operator torque requests for at least two of the potential transmission operating range states, preferentially weighting the preferability factors for the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and selectively commanding changing the transmission operating range state and engine state based upon stheaid preferability factors and the operator torque request." The patent application was filed on Sept. 23, 2008 (12/236,410). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,346,449.PN.&OS=PN/8,346,449&RS=PN/8,346,449 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent for System and Method for Remotely Controlling Vehicle Components from a Nomadic Communication Device or Computer ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,346,432) developed by seven co-inventors for a "system and method for remotely controlling vehicle components from a nomadic communication device or computer." The co-inventors are John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Novi, Mich., Robert Bruce Kleve, Farmington, Mich., Steven Yellin Schondor, Dearborn, Mich., Thomas Lee Miller, Ann Arbor, Mich., Brian Bennie, Sterling Heights, Mich., Dae Wook Kwon, Troy, Mich., and Paul Aldighieri, Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A method for remotely controlling one or more vehicle components includes receiving over a telecommunications network signals originating from a remote terminal. The signals include remote operation instructions for remotely operating a vehicle entertainment system component. The remote operation instructions are executed. Operation status identifiers transmitted over a vehicle data bus are received from the vehicle entertainment system component. Based on the operation status identifiers, an operating status of the vehicle entertainment system component is determined. A return signal including an operation status message and an instruction for displaying the operation status message at the remote terminal is generated. The signal is transmitted to the remote terminal for display." The patent application was filed on Sept. 23, 2009 (12/565,228). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,346,432.PN.&OS=PN/8,346,432&RS=PN/8,346,432 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,346,433) developed by Jianbo Lu, Livonia, Mich., Keith Mattson, Livonia, Mich., and Joe Meyers, Farmington Hills, Mich., for a "system for dynamically determining vehicle rear/trunk loading for use in a vehicle control system." The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A control system (18) and method for an automotive vehicle (10) includes a pitch rate sensor (37) generating a pitch rate signal, a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36) generating a longitudinal acceleration signal, and a yaw rate sensor (28) generating a yaw rate signal. A safety system (44) and the sensors are coupled to a controller. From the sensors, the controller (26) determines an added mass and a position of the added mass, a pitch gradient and/or a pitch acceleration coefficient that takes into account the added mass and position. The controller controls a vehicle system in response to the added mass and the position of the added mass, the pitch gradient and/or pitch acceleration coefficient variables." The patent application was filed on May 9, 2012 (13/467,312). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,346,433.PN.&OS=PN/8,346,433&RS=PN/8,346,433 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Johnson Controls Technology Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Johnson Controls Technology, Holland, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,346,397) developed by six co-inventors for an "airflow adjustment user interfaces." The co-inventors are Gregory Ralph Harrod, Wichita, Kan., Amanda L. Slavens, Guthrie, Okla., Jedidiah O. Bentz, Wichita, Kan., Grant E. Carmichael, Grand Rapids, Mich., Bradley A. Beers, Dorr, Mich., and Nathan T. Ostrye, Wichita, Kan.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The graphical user interfaces also may be designed to present information that facilitates user understanding of system operations. In certain embodiments, the controllers may allow users to adjust airflow values within a wide range of values. In these embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include slide bars for adjusting the airflow values." The patent application was filed on Sept. 15, 2009 (12/560,216). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,346,397.PN.&OS=PN/8,346,397&RS=PN/8,346,397 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** DexCom Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- DexCom, San Diego, has been assigned a patent (8,346,338) developed by five co-inventors for a "system and methods for replacing signal artifacts in a glucose sensor data stream." The co-inventors are Paul V. Goode Jr., Cherry Hill, N.J., James H. Brauker, Addison, Mich., Apurv U. Kamath, San Diego, James Patrick Thrower, Oakland, N.J., and Victoria Carr-Brendel, San Diego.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system replaces some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently including signal estimation methods that particularly address transient signal artifacts. The system is also capable of detecting the severity of the signal artifacts and selectively applying one or more signal estimation algorithm factors responsive to the severity of the signal artifacts, which includes selectively applying distinct sets of parameters to a signal estimation algorithm or selectively applying distinct signal estimation algorithms." The patent application was filed on Jan. 27, 2011 (13/014,910). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,346,338.PN.&OS=PN/8,346,338&RS=PN/8,346,338 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Ford Motor Assigned Patent ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Ford Motor, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,346,381) developed by five co-inventors for a "computerized system and method for recommending part materials." The co-inventors are Raja Shekar Sohmshetty, Canton, Mich., Nicholas P. Warrick, Livonia, Mich., Shawn Michael Morgans, Chelsea, Mich., Zhiyong Cedric Xia, Canton, Mich., and Michael James Freeman, Allen Park, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A computer-implemented method for recommending one or more materials used in designing and manufacturing parts may include receiving data from at least three data sources. The data sources may include a sourcing, manufacturing, and design data source. The data source data may be standardized to obtain a collection of data including a dataset of materials for consideration in recommending one or more materials for use in one or more parts. The method may also include receiving optimization metrics and constraints for the dataset of materials. Optimization values for each material based on the dataset of materials and the one or more optimization metrics may be determined. An optimization algorithm on each material may be performed based at least on the optimization values and the constraints to obtain one or more recommended materials from the dataset of materials for use in a design of one or more parts." The patent application was filed on Oct. 20, 2009 (12/582,215). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,346,381.PN.&OS=PN/8,346,381&RS=PN/8,346,381 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

*** Ford Global Technologies Assigned Patent for Method and Apparatus for Communication between a Vehicle Based Computing System and a Remote Application ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 4 -- Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, Mich., has been assigned a patent (8,346,310) developed by seven co-inventors for a "method and apparatus for communication between a vehicle based computing system and a remote application." The co-inventors are David P. Boll, Grosse Pointe Park, Mich., Nello Joseph Santori, Canton, Mich., Joseph N. Ross, Ypsilanti, Mich., Mark Shaker, Southfield, Mich., Micah J. Kaiser, Westland, Mich., Brian Woogeun Joh, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Mark Schunder, Dearborn, Mich.

The abstract of the patent published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office states: "A vehicle-based computing apparatus includes a computer processor in communication with persistent and non-persistent memory. The apparatus also includes a local wireless transceiver in communication with the computer processor and configured to communicate wirelessly with a wireless device located at the vehicle. The processor is operable to receive, through the wireless transceiver, a connection request sent from a nomadic wireless device, the connection request including at least a name of an application seeking to communicate with the processor. The processor is further operable to receive at least one secondary communication from the nomadic device, once the connection request has been processed. The secondary communication is at least one of a speak alert command, a display text command, a create phrase command, and a prompt and listen command." The patent application was filed on Feb. 5, 2010 (12/701,019). The full-text of the patent can be found at http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=8,346,310.PN.&OS=PN/8,346,310&RS=PN/8,346,310 Written by Kusum Sangma; edited by Anand Kumar.

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