Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Bart S. Hersko
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Patent number: 6821281Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided as a system to enhance skin appearance and health, in which skin is cleaned (or exfoliated) and conditioned by use of microelements affixed to a base element or hand-held patch. The dimensions of the microelements are controlled so as to remove a certain number of layers of skin cells and to accumulate those skin cells, along with other foreign substances, into areas between the microelements. In addition, a conditioning compound or therapeutic active can be applied to the exfoliated skin to enhance the skin. Moreover, the amount of accumulated skin cells represents a self-limiting maximum quantity that cannot be substantially exceeded regardless of the number of attempts by a user to re-use the microstructure apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2001Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Faiz Feisal Sherman, Vladimir Gartstein
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Patent number: 6706942Abstract: Environmentally degradable molded or extruded articles comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate C4C6 copolymer composition having short annealing cycle times are provided. Such short annealing cycle times are achieved by compositions having a percentage of C6 units of 2-8%. Desirable annealing cycle times are obtained for molded or extruded articles, particularly for tampon applicators.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Jean Jiangun Zhao, Isao Noda, Gary Wayne Gilbertson, Drew Clifton McAvoy, Brian Francis Gray, David Harry Melik
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Patent number: 6699963Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for grinding a plastic material to produce superfine particles and compositions, such as suspensions and dry powders, resulting from such process. Common ice is the abrasive for grinding.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Isao Noda, William Maxwell Allen, Jr.
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Patent number: 6663820Abstract: A method for manufacturing microneedle structures is disclosed using soft lithography and photolithography, in which micromold structures made of a photoresist material or PDMS are created. The micromold manufacturing occurs quite quickly, using inexpensive materials and processes. Once the molds are available, using moldable materials such as polymers, microneedle arrays can be molded or embossed in relatively fast procedures. In some cases a sacrificial layer is provided between the forming micromold and its substrate layer, for ease of separation. The microneedles themselves can be solid projections, hollow “microtubes,” or shallow “microcups.” Electrodes can be formed on the microneedle arrays, including individual electrodes per hollow microtube.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Francisco Arias, Faiz Feisal Sherman, Grover David Owens
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Patent number: 6656253Abstract: An apparatus for removing particles from air, including an inlet for receiving a flow of air, a first chamber in flow communication with the inlet, wherein a charged spray of semiconducting fluid droplets having a first polarity is introduced to the air flow so that the particles are electrostatically attracted to and retained by the spray droplets, and an outlet in flow communication with the first chamber, wherein the air flow exits the apparatus substantially free of the particles. The first chamber of the apparatus further includes a collecting surface for attracting the spray droplets, a power supply, and a spray nozzle connected to the power supply for receiving fluid and producing the spray droplets therefrom. The apparatus may also include a second chamber in flow communication with the inlet at a first end and the first chamber at a second end, wherein particles entrained in the air flow are charged with a second polarity opposite the first polarity prior to the air flow entering the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Alan David Willey, Vladimir Gartstein, Chinto Benjamin Gaw
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Patent number: 6652478Abstract: A hollow microneedle with a substantially sharp edge is provided that includes at least one longitudinal blade at the top surface or tip of the microneedle to aid in penetration of the stratum corneum of skin. In a preferred embodiment, there are two such longitudinal blades that are constructed on opposite surfaces at approximately a 180° angle along the cylindrical side wall of the microneedle. Each edged blade has a cross-section that, when viewed from above the microneedle top, has an isosceles triangle profile. The blade's edge can run the entire length of the microneedle from its very top surface to its bottom surface where it is mounted onto the substrate, or the edge can be discontinued partway down the length of the microneedle. A star-shaped solid microneedle also is provided having at least one blade with a relatively sharp edge to assist in penetrating the stratum corneum of skin.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Vladimir Gartstein, Dragan Danilo Nebrigic, Grover David Owens, Faiz Feisal Sherman, Vadim Vladimirovich Yuzhakov, Francisco Arias
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Patent number: 6607586Abstract: An apparatus for removing particles from air, including an inlet for receiving a flow of air, a first chamber in flow communication with the inlet, wherein a charged spray of semi-conducting fluid droplets having a first polarity is introduced to the air flow so that the particles are electrostatically attracted to and retained by the spray droplets, and an outlet in flow communication with the first chamber, wherein the air flow exits the apparatus substantially free of the particles. The first chamber of the apparatus further includes a collecting surface for attracting the spray droplets, a power supply, and a spray nozzle connected to the power supply for receiving fluid and producing the spray droplets therefrom. The apparatus may also include a second chamber in flow communication with the inlet at a first end and the first chamber at a second end, wherein particles entrained in the air flow are charged with a second polarity opposite the first polarity prior to the air flow entering the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Alan David Willey, Vladimir Gartstein, Marta Lea Verhoff, Mehmet Suha Yazici
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Patent number: 6607579Abstract: An apparatus for removing particles from air, including an inlet for receiving a flow of air, a first chamber in flow communication with the inlet, wherein a charged spray of semi-conducting fluid droplets having a first polarity is introduced to the air flow so that the particles are electrostatically attracted to and retained by the spray droplets, and an outlet in flow communication with the first chamber, wherein the air flow exits the apparatus substantially free of the particles. The first chamber of the apparatus further includes a collecting surface for attracting the spray droplets, a power supply, and a spray nozzle connected to the power supply for receiving fluid and producing the spray droplets therefrom. The apparatus may also include a second chamber in flow communication with the inlet at a first end and the first chamber at a second end, wherein particles entrained in the air flow are charged with a second polarity opposite the first polarity prior to the air flow entering the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Alan David Willey, Vladimir Gartstein, Chinto Benjamin Gaw, Marta Lea Verhoff, James Henry Saunders, Jean Angela Jefferson, Robert Scott Youngquist
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Patent number: 6591124Abstract: A strip-like microneedle device is provided that includes an array of hollow microneedles, a diaphragm pump to extract interstitial fluid from skin, and a sensor that detects the concentration of the fluid. The microneedle device can be interfaced to an external sensor to produce a reading, or can be self-contained. One version uses an attachable/detachable microneedle array as a single-use, disposable unit. The device is portable, and is used by placing one finger on the microneedle array, and actuating the diaphragm pump with another finger, thereby obtaining the fluid sample. Solid coated or transparent microneedles could instead be used as an in-situ sensor, with either electrodes or an optical sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Faiz Feisal Sherman, Francisco Arias, Vladimir Gartstein, Grover David Owens, Milan Marcel Jevtitch, Chow Chi Huang
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Patent number: 6569990Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The present invention further relates to a plastic article comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the biodegradable copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure wherein R1 is H, or C1 or C2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Isao Noda
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Patent number: 6565532Abstract: An array of microneedles is provided to apply semi-permanent or permanent markings to skin, or to apply semi-permanent subcutaneous makeup or other cosmetic compounds to skin. The microneedles can apply identifications or other tattoo-like graphics, and will not enter into the dermal layer of the skin so that the application procedure is painless. The microneedle array is also useful for delivering specific compounds or actives into the skin, such as cosmetic compounds or nutrients, or various skin structure modifiers that can be delivered subcutaneously without having to visit a cosmetic surgery clinic.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Vadim Vladimirovich Yuzhakov, Vladimir Gartstein, Grover David Owens
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Patent number: 6506783Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition that inhibits the growth of tumors and cancers in mammals and can be used to treat viral infections that comprises a fungicide is disclosed. The particular fungicide used is a benzimidazole derivative having the formula: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of H, carboxyl (—CO2H), hydroxyl, amino or esters (—CO2R′) wherein R′ is selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, haloalkyl, alkenyl, and cycloalkyl wherein the alkyl groups have from 1-8 carbons or CH3CH2(OCH2CH2)n—or CH3CH2CH2(OCH2CH2CH2)n—or (CH3)2CH—(OCH(CH3)CH2)n—wherein n is from 1-3, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or mixtures thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1997Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: James Berger Camden
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Patent number: 6498188Abstract: Methods for the treatment of cancers or viral infections in mammals are disclosed that include administration of an N-chlorophenylcarbamate, or an N-chlorophenylthiocarbamate, or a salt thereof. Such compounds may be used in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent and/or a potentiator.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2000Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: James Berger Camden
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Patent number: 6498201Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic compositions for making a liquid impermeable moisture vapor permeable layer by coating the composition onto a substrate. The thermoplastic compositions comprise preferred thermoplastic polymers and suitable hydrophilic plasticizers that also enhance the moisture vapor permeability of films or layers made from the thermoplastic compositions. The layers made from the thermoplastic compositions of the present invention can find a variety of applications wherein moisture vapor permeability is desirable, such as within absorbent articles for example diapers, sanitary napkins, panty liners and incontinence products, and also protective bedding covers, protective clothing and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2000Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Italo Corzani, Gianfranco Palumbo
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Patent number: 6495612Abstract: The present invention relates to shape-formed three dimensional articles which are moisture vapour permeable and liquid impermeable and comprise liquid impermeable formed structures having an enhanced moisture vapour permeability and comprising thermoplastic compositions having a higher processability. The shape-formed three dimensional articles of the present invention can find a variety of applications wherein moisture vapour permeability combined with liquid imperviousness are desirable.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Italo Corzani, Gianfranco Palumbo
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Patent number: 6482843Abstract: Benzimidazole derivatives and salts and prodrugs thereof are disclosed, together with methods for the treatment of cancers or viral infections in warm blooded animals by administration of these compounds. Such compounds may be used in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent and/or a potentiator.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: James C. Quada, Jr., Joseph K. Agyin, James Berger Camden
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Patent number: 6479526Abstract: This invention is a method of treating cancer, both carcinomas and sarcomas, and viral infections, in particular HIV through the administration of a pharmaceutical composition containing a benzimidazole derivative. The composition is also claimed. The benzimidazole derivative is selected from the group consisting of: wherein X is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl of less than 7 carbon atoms or alkoxy of less than 7 carbon atoms; n is a positive integer of less than 4; Y is hydrogen, chlorine, nitro, methyl, ethyl or oxychloro; R is hydrogen, alkylaminocarbonyl wherein the alkyl group has from 3 to 6 carbon atoms, or an alkyl group of from 1 to 8 carbon atoms and R2 is 4-thiazolyl, NHCOOR1 wherein R1 is aliphatic hydrocarbon of less than 7 carbon atoms, prodrugs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and mixtures thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2002Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: James Berger Camden
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Patent number: 6471903Abstract: An array of hollow microneedles is constructed of molded plastic, in which a micro-machining technique is used to fabricate the molds used in a plastic microforming process. The molds are detachable and can be re-used. The preferred process for making the plastic arrays of microneedles is a microinjection technique. In the microinjection method, a molten plastic substance is injected between two micro-machined molds that contain microhole and micropillar arrays. Once the desired shape of the microneedle array has been formed, the mold and the plastic material are cooled down. Next, the molds are separated and the plastic microneedle array is detached from the mold structures.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Faiz Feisal Sherman, Vadim Vladimirovich Yuzhakov, Vladimir Gartstein, Grover David Owens
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Patent number: 6462062Abstract: Benzimidazole derivatives and salts and prodrugs thereof are disclosed, together with methods for the treatment of cancers or viral infections in warm blooded animals by administration of these compounds. Such compounds may be used in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent and/or a potentiator.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: James Berger Camden, James C. Quada, Jr., Joseph K. Agyin
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Patent number: 6451574Abstract: The present invention relates to Proteinase K variants having a modified amino acid sequence of wild-type Proteinase K amino acid sequence, the wild-type amino acid sequence comprising a first loop region, a second loop region, a third loop region, a fourth loop region, a fifth loop region and a sixth loop region; wherein the modified amino acid sequence comprises different amino acids than that occurring in wild-type Proteinase K (i.e., substitution) at specifically identified positions in one or more of the loop regions whereby the Proteinase K variant has decreased adsorption to, and increased hydrolysis of, an insoluble substrate as compared to the wild-type Proteinase K. The present invention also relates to DNA sequences encoding such Proteinase K variants. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising such Proteinase K variants for cleaning a variety of surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1997Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Philip Frederick Brode, III, Bobby Lee Barnett, Donn Nelton Rubingh