Patents Represented by Attorney Mark A. Litman & Assoc. P.A.
  • Patent number: 6478988
    Abstract: The present invention relates to naphthopyrans, particularly 3,3-[substituted]-naphtho[2,1-b]pyrans and 2,2-[substituted]-naphtho[1,2-b]pyrans and particularly to novel substitution on the 3-position and 2-position, respectively, of these naphthopyrans. It has been found that there are classes and types of substitution on the 3-position and 2-position (especially combinations of 3,3-substitution and 2,2-substitution) which are novel. Some of these substitutions provide particularly desirable properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: BMC Vision-Ease Lens, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Hughes, J. Thomas Ippoliti
  • Patent number: 6471208
    Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game comprises: placing a wager to participate in a game comprising a first and second gaming segment, wherein outcomes of the first gaming segment are based on random symbol selection; playing the first game segment, wherein if a predetermined qualifying outcome is achieved, awarding the player a first payout; playing a second game segment if the player obtains a predetermined qualifying outcome in the first game segment; the second segment randomly determines a factor as a determined factor; and awarding the player a second payout that is equal to the determined factor multiplying at least one of: a) the wager placed to participate in said game; b) the first payout amount; and d) the wager placed to participate in said game and the first payout amount. Apparatus used for playing the wagering game may include a panel display with randomly displayed factors for use in the second gaming segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Yoseloff, Russell B. Dunn
  • Patent number: 6464581
    Abstract: A video slot reel game is provided with a supply of symbols for the play of video gaming formats. The supply of symbols appears as an image of a continuous strip or continuous element of images in a virtual continuous loop or extended strip. For example, a continuous loop may contain 1000 symbols, the loop progresses through a first column in a video slot image (exposing the desired number of frames within the strip of the loop, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 frames exposed for active play), the forward part of the strip of the loop is then returned to another column to expose the desired number of frames, and then the forward part of the loop is again returned to the video screen in still another column to expose another desired number of play active frames. This manner of providing the frames in a continuous (or at least extended) strip or loop provides both additional imagery and an opportunity for varying the probabilities of the game easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Yoseloff, Russell B. Dunn
  • Patent number: 6464662
    Abstract: A class of customizable injection devices or delivery instruments whose basic form is a stiff tube with holes of user-selectable size at several user-selectable places is described. The use of this device includes a method of selection and construction of a particular device from such a class of devices for a particular treatment procedure using computer-assisted means. Thus, the user may make selections among available or creatable choices (such as selection of hole size, selection of hole location, number of holes, etc.), and a method can be practiced for making such user-selection serve the goals of delivery of materials such as drugs, cells, or of devices sufficiently small and numerous to be delivered in fluid suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Image-Guided Neurologics, Inc.
    Inventors: Raghu Raghavan, Raju R. Viswanathan, Timothy Poston
  • Patent number: 6463317
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and a device for treating hemodynamically significant aneurysms especially in the intracranial and extracranial circulation regions using either X-ray fluoroscopy or real-time magnetic resonance (MR) imaging guidance. An MR-visible parachute-shaped occlusion device, e.g., containing multiple elongated filamentary loops made of a memory metal, elastomeric hydrogel or other expansile material, is deployed into the aneurysm by radial expansion of the expansile material outwardly into contact with the interior aneurysm surface. The device is firmly positioned against the interior aneurysm surface using a coating which adheres to that interior aneurysm surface. The device may be filled with a hardenable polymer for permanent and complete aneurysm occlusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: John Kucharczyk, Richard Latchaw
  • Patent number: 6454266
    Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game, such as a casino table game or video game, including a playing card wagering game method involves each player placing a multiple part bet, such as a two, a three or a four-part bet. At least one game symbol is designated as wild. A certain position in the order of play is reached (such as with cards being dealt by the dealer, two face down to the dealer and three face down to each player), and the player is given an opportunity to withdraw at least one part of the multiple part bet from risk, although at least one part of the multiple part bet must remain at risk during the play of the game. Players evaluate their position in the game and the dealer or the program for the game gives each player the choice of withdrawing or leaving a first part of the bet. The game is then completed. For example in a card game, the player's cards are shown, and all remaining bets, which were not withdrawn, are resolved according to a pay table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Breeding, Mark L. Yoseloff, Russell B. Dunn
  • Patent number: 6454651
    Abstract: A method of scoring a video wagering game is disclosed. The method includes placing a wager to participate in a video wagering game, and playing a first segment of the game. The first segment is played until a set of predetermined conditions has been met. A payout value is assigned to a winning outcome of the first segment. When the predetermined conditions have been met, the player plays a second segment of the game. The outcome of the second segment determines a factor that is at least equal to one. The payout value assigned to the first segment is multiplied by the factor to determine the game payout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Yoseloff
  • Patent number: 6432662
    Abstract: Chemiluminescent detection of molecules of synthetic or natural origin such as proteins and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), as well as other biologic molecules, is increasingly replacing radioactive detection as the method of choice where sensitivity is critical. In such assays, luminescence is customarily achieved by the oxidation of a luminol or isoluminol substrate in the presence of an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen peroxide source, such as perborate, and a peroxidase catalyst such as horseradish peroxidase. To obtain useful levels of luminescence (e.g., detectable levels) by customary techniques, a luminescent enhancer is also present during oxidation. It has been found in the practice of the present invention that azine enhancers have contained an impurity which reduces the properties of the chemiluminescent assay working solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Pierce Chemical Company
    Inventors: Paul D. Davis, Kelli D. Feather-Henigan, Kimberly Hines
  • Patent number: 6420514
    Abstract: The removal of certain reaction impurities in the manufacture of polysulfone polymers has been found to reduce the undesirable coloration in the final resin. Control of synthesizing reactions, manufacturing processes, and/or purification of specific ingredients assists in the removal of specific, undesirable impurities. The yellowness index, as determined by ASTM D1925 or ASTM E313, in the commercial grades of polysulfone resins has consistently been well above 1.0 for commercial polysulfone resins. The present invention provides polysulfone polymers after processing (e.g., injection molding) where the yellowness index is below 1.00, below 0.75, below 0.50, and even below 0.25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Vision - Ease Lens, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin L. Hage, Edward A. Travnicek
  • Patent number: 6413548
    Abstract: Various materials, including generally non-compatible materials may be provided from a single delivery system by a unique encapsulation system. An encapsulation system is advantageously constructed as a core of aqueous liquid having at least 5% by weight water therein, and an encapsulant surrounding the core to form a stable encapsulated particle, the encapsulant comprising at least one layer of hydrophobic particles in contact with and surrounding the core, the core and hydrophobic particles providing an encapsulated system that has an average weight average particle diameter of from 0.05 to 25 micrometers and can support its own weight. The encapsulation system may be provided by a novel method of manufacture comprising providing a mass of hydrophobic particles having average mass diameter size of between 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Aveka, Inc.
    Inventors: Monica A. Hamer, James J. Marti, William A. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 6409930
    Abstract: A process for the formation of an article having multiple electrical circuits comprises: providing a first sub-element comprising in sequence a first metal layer of copper in electrical contact with a second metal layer of aluminum in electrical contact with a third metal layer of copper; etching an electrical circuit design in the first metal layer and in a separate etch step, etching away at least 10%, but less than 100% of the second metal layer to provide electrical connections between the first metal layer and the third metal layer; etching an electrical circuit design into the third metal layer; adhering an etched surface comprising the circuit design of the first or third metal layer to a first surface of a support layer to form a circuit board. The process may etch the first and third metal layers simultaneously or sequentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: BMC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Whitehurst, Paul D. Wyatt, Jose F. Brenes, Jeffrey M. Borning, Bruce A. Finger
  • Patent number: 6407263
    Abstract: The salt of a sulfonated succinic acid is cyclized, then converted to novel sulfonated hydroxamic acids by reaction with hydroxylamine (which is added or formed in situ), and the novel hydroxamic acid is then cyclized to the sulfo-N-hydroxysuccinimide salt. This synthetic procedure is simple, direct, and more rapid than present procedures for synthesis of the succinimide. Novel sulfo-hydroxamic acid intermediates are formed during this procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Pierce Chemical Company
    Inventors: Marty Carey Wilkes, Martin Lee Bremmer
  • Patent number: 6403227
    Abstract: An improved coating comprising a coating on a substrate is described. The coating comprises a crosslinked polymeric material derived from an alkine-bridged bis-(aminosilane) or comprising a mixture of the alkine-bridged bis-(amino-silane) and an epoxysilane. The alkine bridged bis-(aminosilane) may have the general formula: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from alkyl groups of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or phenyl groups, R4 is selected from hydrogen, phenyl groups, and alkyl of from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and m is 1, 2, 3 or 4. The alkine bridged bis-(aminosilane) is itself a novel compound. A novel coating composition comprises a coating composition comprising a solution comprising and epoxysilane and an alkine-bridged bis-(amino-silane), especially where the alkine-bridged bis-(amino-silane) has the general formula: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from aliphatic groups or aromatic groups which complete a silane, and m is 1, 2, 3 or 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Vision-Ease Lens. Inc.
    Inventor: Martin L. Hage
  • Patent number: 6398645
    Abstract: A method of playing a video bingo game comprises providing for a video variant of Bingo in which the player is provided with a multiple number of Bingo Cards on the video screen. The Player may elect to play one or more of the cards displayed on the screen. At least some of the various bingo cards, even if not in elected play by the player, may remain on the screen during the play of the elected cards. The player may play the same amount or different amounts on the individual hands selected, and play of the hands is based upon the same bingo balls drawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Yoseloff
  • Patent number: 6391916
    Abstract: Novel C3-substituted cyclodeca-1,5-diynes can be prepared through novel synthetic procedures using starting (E)-C3-substituted-4-(aryl- or heteroarylmethylidene)cyclodeca-1,5-diynes reagents. Both the C3-substituted cyclodeca-1,5-diyn-3-enes and the starting reagents have improved thermal stability compared to unsubstituted counterparts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Wei-Min Dai, Anxin Wu, Yuk Ha Lee, Wataru Hamaguchi, Sei-ichi Nishimoto, Ling Zhou, Atsushi Ishii
  • Patent number: 6390621
    Abstract: Multifocal ophthalmic lenses may be manufactured by either injection molding and casting methodologies. The use of two opposed tools (mold faces) with relatively centered faces, but with significantly differing diameters can be used to provide multifocal ophthalmic lenses. The process is surprisingly capable of providing multifocal lenses with good control of the thickness of the lenses, with relatively thin center thicknesses (e.g., less than 4.7 mm, or less than 3.5 mm) and relatively thin edge thicknesses (e.g., 0.5 to 2.5 or to 2.0 mm). The tool faces (the molds for the front and rear surfaces) may be readily replaced within the mold to enable manufacture of a wide range of lens prescriptions with minimum down time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Vision-Ease Lens, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Maki, Jeffrey L. VerMurlen, David C. Olund
  • Patent number: 6386973
    Abstract: A method of playing a hybrid live casino and video wagering game and an apparatus for playing that game, including a game of poker comprises: a) dealing a number of playing cards to a player(s) at a live casino gaming table to form an original hand. The player(s) has made a wager on a game such as a poker game being played with that original hand or places a wager at any time before seeing one or more cards of the hand; b) from a separate, virtual deck of playing cards, dealing one card that is a display card, displayed on a video monitor that can be seen by the player(s); c) at any time during play of the game, revealing on the monitor the value of the display card, the display card establishing a fact that cards of equal rank or value to the display card are Wild Cards for the purpose of establishing a rank or value (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Yoseloff
  • Patent number: 6387473
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an ink jet receiving sheet for ink-jet printers comprising a support and at least two ink receiving layers, wherein the ink receiving layer farthest from the support comprises a first non-ionic surfactant having a dynamic surface tension lower than or equal to 27 dyne/cm2, and in that the other ink receiving layer(s) comprise(s) a second non-ionic surfactant having a dynamic surface tension higher than or equal to 30 dyne/cm2. The ink jet receiving sheet of the invention provides minimum bleed, no mottle and good glossiness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Ferrania S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alain Dominique Sismondi, Stefania Ghirardo, Giuseppe Loviglio
  • Patent number: 6365057
    Abstract: A process for the formation of an article having multiple electrical circuits comprises: providing a first sub-element comprising in sequence a first metal layer of copper in electrical contact with a second metal layer of aluminum in electrical contact with a third metal layer of copper; etching an electrical circuit design in the first metal layer and in a separate etch step, etching away at least 10%, but less than 100% of the second metal layer to provide electrical connections between the first metal layer and the third metal layer; etching an electrical circuit design into the third metal layer; adhering an etched surface comprising the circuit design of the first or third metal layer to a first surface of a support layer to form a circuit board. The process may etch the first and third metal layers simultaneously or sequentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: BMC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Whitehurst, Dennis D. Mattson, Paul D. Wyatt, Charles Ring, Michael J. Dufresne, Jose F. Brenes, Bruce A. Finger, David R. Zeipelt
  • Patent number: 6348305
    Abstract: A photographic element comprising a film support base, an adhesion promoting layer, a subbing layer and at least one light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer, wherein the adhesion promoting layer is close to the support and contains a silane compound and a polyurethane, and the subbing layer, selected within the group consisting of a hydrophilic colloidal layer or a layer comprising a continuous gelled network of inorganic particles, is positioned between the adhesion promoting layer and the emulsion layer. The present invention also refers to a photographic element comprising a film support base having coated on one side thereof at least one light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer and on the opposite side thereof an adhesion promoting layer and at least one auxiliary layer, wherein the adhesion promoting layer is close to the support and contains a silane compound and a polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Ferrania, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paola Puppo, Alberto Valsecchi, Carlo Barlocco