Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
  • Patent number: 6709664
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods that can be used in the treatment of wounds, burns, and photodamaged skin. Methods can be used for both humans and animals and involve the administration of compositions containing selegiline and/or desmethylselegiline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Somerset Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark G. Resnick
  • Patent number: 6703060
    Abstract: A process for producing an aged beverage, preferably a distilled spirit that is aged in contact with wood, in which raw or partially aged beverage is processed in a closed system with controlled heat and oxygen levels, and in contact with a beverage aging wood product. In certain embodiments ethyl acetate is added to the raw beverage prior to the aging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Kairos Corporation
    Inventors: Remy F. Gross, II, John P. Delmore, Walter E. Buske
  • Patent number: 6699495
    Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for using desmethylselegiline. In particular, the present invention provides novel compositions and methods for using desmethylselegiline for selegiline-responsive diseases and conditions. Diseases and conditions responsive to selegiline include those produced by neuronal degeneration or neuronal trauma and those due to immune system dysfunction. Desmethylselegiline is the R-(−) enantiomer of N-methyl-N-(prop-2-ynyl)-2-aminophenylpropane. Claimed compositions include both the R-(−) isomer and mixtures of the R-(−) and S(+) isomers. Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts may also be used. Effective dosages are a daily dose of at least about 0.015 mg/kg of body weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Somerset Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl D. Blume, Anthony R. DiSanto
  • Patent number: 6690154
    Abstract: A new system and method for high-speed testing of semiconductor devices is disclosed. The system utilizes bi-directional FET switches to hide the delay related to the distance signals have to travel between the test head electronics and the device under test. The effect is to increase the frequency with which a prior art tester can test a device. By placing the FET switches closer to the device under test, the device operates on the tester in the same electrical environment as it would in actual use. The device under test can be switched from receiving an input signal to driving an output signal in less time than the TL delay between the test head electronics and the device under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventors: Joe David Jones, Mitchell K. Alsup
  • Patent number: 6676613
    Abstract: The Chest-positioner/pad Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation System (CCPRS) provides improved resuscitation during one-person or two-person CPR. The simple, compact, portable and cost-effective system provides for manual, mechanical or electrical driven external chest compressions via a socket connection to a chest-positioner/pad unit. The chest-positioner/pad unit provides greater control of compression positioning providing adequate and reproducible chest compressions while preventing rib fractures and damage to vital internal organs. A module gives providers feedback to enable a provider to apply an appropriate compressive force in an appropriate direction, recurringly under emergency conditions. The present invention also provides improved blood circulation, oxygenation and gas exchange by expanding the chest past its normal relaxation point during diastole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Elroy T. Cantrell, Jon Spijkerman
  • Patent number: 6670605
    Abstract: Disclosed is a formation fluid analysis module which utilizes a down-hole mass spectrometer to determine the molecular constituents of formation fluids, as distinguished from drilling contaminants, and to provide information about the physical and chemical properties of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce H. Storm, Jr., David P. Fries
  • Patent number: 6653095
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the hydrogen peroxide content of a fluid. The method includes: (a) contacting the fluid with a catalyst so as to permit decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide present in the fluid to oxygen and water; permitting the oxygen liberated to pass to gas meter; and (c) measuring the volume of oxygen liberated utilizing the gas meter, wherein the volume of oxygen liberated provides a measure of the hydrogen peroxide content of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Alan Gwy, Philip Jeffrey Cunnah, Freda Hawkes, Dennis Hawkes, Richard Dinsdale
  • Patent number: 6649740
    Abstract: A hydratable oxidized keratin composition comprising one or more metal ion species capable of absorbing water to form a hydrogel. The keratin material is useful as a soil amendment providing organic and inorganic nutrients. The keratin material is also useful as a nutrient source in the bioremediation of toxic contaminants soils and liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Keraplast Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Smith, Scott F. Timmons, Mark E. Van Dyke, Cheryl R. Blanchard, Arlene J. Siller-Jackson
  • Patent number: 6646028
    Abstract: A process is provided for making a carbon-filled rubber having a uniform dispersion of nanometric-sized carbon black particles. Fluffy carbon black is received as a slurry in water and added to latex rubber before or during coagulation in an emulsion styrene butadiene rubber plant, or fluffy carbon black is similarly incorporated in rubber using a different type of rubber-manufacturing process. A uniform dispersion of smaller-than-usual carbon black particles in rubber is formed, which provides a black masterbatch rubber with superior mechanical and rheological properties. Ash and grit is removed from the fluffy carbon black slurry, which further improves the properties of the carbon-filled rubber by reducing defects in the rubber caused by the ash or grit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: CID Centro de Investigacion y Desarrollo Tecnologico, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Francisco Lopez-Serrano Ramos, Luis Enrique Mille Loera, Angel Garcia Garza
  • Patent number: 6642370
    Abstract: A mutation in an allele of the gene encoding the CD2BP1 protein is identified as a causative factor in familial recurrent arthritis. Methods of diagnosis and methods of screening for effectors of the mutated protein binding and function are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
    Inventor: Carol A. Wise
  • Patent number: 6638722
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of DNA amplification with a first primer that has a random sequence of nucleotides at its 3′ end and a generic sequence 5′ of the random nucleotides, as well as a second primer with the generic sequence of the first primer. The disclosure further relates to a method of precipitating DNA on a solid medium to improve DNA amplification. In a preferred embodiment, the presently disclosed methods are used for high-throughput genotyping of DNA samples, such as bloodstains or trace amounts of DNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Invitrogen Corporation
    Inventors: Wan Ji, Keqin Gregg, Bonnie Reus, Jon Kemppainen, Kristen Taylor, Scott Davis
  • Patent number: 6632665
    Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes the genomic sequence encoding a human 3′-5′ exonuclease. A human exonuclease independent of DNA polymerase is produced in host cells from recombinant vectors. Methods of use include inhibition of exonuclease activity to increase incorporation of nucleotide analogs into DNA in rapidly dividing cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Wake Forest University
    Inventor: Fred W. Perrino
  • Patent number: 6615156
    Abstract: An absolute position detector that interprets, rather than avoids, abnormal sensory states. Different combinations of sensors in an array are activated as a marker travels along a path. The current activation/deactivation state of the array is converted into a digital signal that is reliably indicative of the current absolute position of the marker along the path. In a preferred embodiment, a dynamic magnetic field is provided whose current condition represents the current absolute position of a moving marker. As the marker moves, the condition of the field changes to activate different groups of Hall Effect devices in an array. The activated groups may comprise one or more Hall Effect devices in the array, depending on the condition of the field as created by the position of the marker. The current activation/deactivation state of the array is then converted, advantageously via truth table logic, into a digital signal representative of the current position of the marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: EIM Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn H. Elliott, Gerald W. Scalf, Jason R. Lowery
  • Patent number: 6594901
    Abstract: The present invention discloses novel methods for producing raised and sculpted ornamentation or designs on metal, including metal pieces such as jewelry. Also disclosed are pieces of metal, including jewelry, produced by using the disclosed methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Zoltan David
  • Patent number: 6593279
    Abstract: Acid based micro-emulsions are disclosed comprising water, an acid blend, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a co-solvent, a solvent and an oxidizer. The micro-emulsions have particular utility in cleaning oil sludges and drilling mud residues from well cuttings, well formations and down hole and surface oil well drilling and production equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Integrity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Von Krosigk, William M. Duncan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6593711
    Abstract: A motorized assembly comprises first and second bridge circuits across which respective drive motors are connected. At least one auxiliary motor or actuator is connected between one arm of the first bridge circuit and one arm of the second bridge circuit and electronic control means are arranged to control the operation the drive motors and the or each auxiliary motor or actuator by operating electronic switches of the bridge circuits and an electronic switch connected in series with the or each auxiliary motor or actuator. Such an arrangement obviates the requirement for independent control circuitry for controlling the operation of the or each auxiliary motor or actuator, resulting in a reduction in the overall cost of the motorized assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: PG Drives Technology Limited
    Inventor: Richard Peter Brereton
  • Patent number: 6585746
    Abstract: A hair transplantation method and apparatus utilizes a stereotactic robot, which includes a robotic arm, having a hair follicle introducer associated with the robotic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Philip L. Gildenberg
  • Patent number: RE38392
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the identification of metastatic sequences. Cells from a cell line or an animal tissue are treated to form a cell line predisposed to metastasis. Treated cells are implanted in an animal of at a primary site and incubated for a period of time sufficient for the cells to proliferate and develop metastases at secondary sites. Expressed sequences from cells at the primary and secondary sites are amplified by differential display polymerase chain reaction and compared. Differentially expressed sequences are identical identified and can be cloned and sequenced. These sequences can be used as probes in the diagnosis of metastatic disorders, as probes to isolate metastatic sequences and as a therapeutic agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Baylor College of Medicine
    Inventor: Timothy C. Thompson
  • Patent number: D486264
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Helen of Troy, L.P.
    Inventor: Ruben Enriquez
  • Patent number: RE38490
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the identification of metastatic sequences. Cells from a cell line or an animal tissue are treated to form a cell line predisposed to metastasis. Treated cells are implanted in an animal of at a primary site and incubated for a period of time sufficient for the cells to proliferate and develop metastases at secondary sites. Expressed sequences from cells at the primary and secondary sites are amplified by differential display polymerase chain reaction and compared. Differentially expressed sequences are identical identified and can be cloned and sequenced. These sequences can be used as probes in the diagnosis of metastatic disorders, as probes to isolate metastatic sequences and as a therapeutic agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Baylor College of Medicine
    Inventor: Timothy C. Thompson