Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Dunlap, Codding & Rogers, P.C.
  • Method for forming a decorative cover
    Patent number: 6460241
    Abstract: A sheet of material formed about a flower pot to provide a decorative cover wherein a portion of the sheet of material near an outer peripheral surface thereof extends above an upper end of the flower pot and such portion is crimped to assist in holding the sheet of material formed about the flower pot. The crimping is accomplished by forming overlapping folds in the crimp portion of the sheet of material or by connecting the crimp portion to a portion of the flower pot by way of a bonding material or by way of a drawstring or ribbon or by way of reinforcing members in the sheet of material or by way of a shrinkable material formed in the sheet of material for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Method of wrapping a potted plant with a sleeve having tabs
    Patent number: 6460291
    Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a bonding material disposed upon an inner or outer portion of the sleeve for attaching the sleeve to the pot or item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Method for packaging a potted plant
    Patent number: 6460315
    Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is placed in a cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Craig, Joseph G. Straeter, Donald E. Weder
  • Method for forming a cover about a flower pot
    Patent number: 6457296
    Abstract: A method of covering a pot wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve which comprises a base portion tapered to fit a pot and may have a skirt having an edge and having a lower end having excess material therein for forming a bottom. The cover may be bondingly connected to or crimped about the pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Method of covering a flower pot and floral grouping
    Patent number: 6457225
    Abstract: A method of covering a flower pot with a floral grouping disposed therein. In the method, a sheet of material with a sheet extension connected to the outer peripheral edge of the sheet of material and extending a distance therefrom is formed about the flower pot to a position wherein the sheet of material extends about substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of the flower pot to provide a decorative covering and the sheet extension is formed about the floral grouping to a position wherein the sheet extension extends about a portion of the floral grouping to provide a protective covering. A portion of the sheet of material is then crimped to form a crimped portion in the sheet of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Flexible vase
    Patent number: 6453612
    Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter, Joseph G. Straeter, Michael J. King, Franklin J. Craig, Michael R. Klemme
  • Method of covering a pot or floral grouping with a sleeve having a biconcave lower end
    Patent number: 6453611
    Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a biconcave lower end, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear, or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve. The biconcave lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Hyaluronate synthase gene and uses thereof
    Patent number: 6455304
    Abstract: Disclosed are DNA sequences encoding hyaluronic acid synthase that are employed to construct recombinant cells useful in the production of hyaluronate synthase and hyaluronic acid (HA). In preferred aspects, chromosomal DNA encoding the HA synthase gene, hasA, was cloned from a Streptococcus pyogenes genomic library. These vectors were used to transform host cells such as E. coli and acapsular Streptococci to produce hyaluronic acid. Resultant transformants were screened to identify colonies which have incorporated HA synthase DNA in a form that is being actively transcribed into the corresponding HA synthase enzyme. These colonies were selected and employed in the production of hyaluronic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
    Inventors: Paul H. Weigel, Paul L. DeAngelis, John Papaconstantinou
  • Process for producing holographic material
    Patent number: 6454895
    Abstract: Processes for producing a holographic material wherein the holographic image is formed on a polished, substantially smooth surface of a printing element and then transferred the holographic image to a substrate. A coating is applied to the smooth surface of the printing element to provide a coated surface, the coated surface is embossed or engraved to provide the holographic image, and the holographic image is then transferred to a substrate via a bonding material, thereby producing the holographic material. The holographic material may be used to provide a decorative cover for an object or item, such as a floral grouping or a potted plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Test for detecting substances which alter the conformational structure of zinc fingers
    Patent number: 6451618
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and kit for analyzing a sample, preferably a liquid environmental sample, which may comprise a toxic xenobiotic element or compound, i.e., an environmental pollutant. The method and kit preferably utilize a portion of a molecule comprising a peptide zinc binding domain, known as a zinc finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
    Inventor: Jay S. Hanas
  • Plant wrapper
    Patent number: 6449900
    Abstract: A wrapper for flower pots. The wrapper is a segmented sheet with each segment having a lower portion sized to surround a pot and an upper portion detachable from the lower portion via a detaching element such as perforations. The sheet can be formed about a pot and the adjacent edges of the segment joined and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Subsurface pesticide injection and fluid extraction system
    Patent number: 6446383
    Abstract: A subsurface pesticide injection and fluid extraction system for use in combination with a structure having a footing formed in a base soil, a stem wall formed on the footing and defining a perimeter of the structure, a fill material disposed on the base soil within the perimeter of the stem wall, and a concrete slab formed on the fill material is provided. The concrete slab has openings extending therethrough. The subsurface pesticide injection and fluid extraction system comprising includes a tubular conduit disposed within the fill material of the structure such that portions of the tubular conduit are disposed adjacent the openings of the concrete slab. The tubular conduit has a sidewall, a first end, a second end, and a plurality of pores extending through the sidewall of the tubular conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Tom Hoshall
  • Floral wrapper having printed design with shaded and highlighted areas
    Patent number: 6442894
    Abstract: A method of forming a decorative cover, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover for a floral grouping or flower pot from a sheet of material having a printed pattern thereon wherein the printed pattern contains shaded and highlighted areas which provide the printed pattern with a visual perception of depth and thus a three-dimensional appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Process for producing holographic material
    Patent number: 6444072
    Abstract: Processes for producing a holographic material wherein the holographic image is formed on a polished, substantially smooth surface of a printing element and then transferred the holographic image to a substrate. A coating is applied to the smooth surface of the printing element to provide a coated surface, the coated surface is embossed or engraved to provide the holographic image, and the holographic image is then transferred to a substrate via a bonding material, thereby producing the holographic material. The holographic material may be used to provide a decorative cover for an object or item, such as a floral grouping or a potted plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Polymer grafting by polysaccharide synthases
    Patent number: 6444447
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methodology for polymer grafting by a polysaccharide synthase and, more particularly, polymer grafting using the hyaluronate synthase from Pasteurella multocida. The present invention also relates to coatings for biomaterials wherein the coatings provide protective properties to the biomaterial and/or act as a bioadhesive. Such coatings could be applied to electrical devices, sensors, catheters and any device which may be contemplated for use within a mammal. The present invention further relates to drug delivery matrices which are biocompatible and may comprise combinations of a biomaterial or a bioadhesive and a medicament or a medicament-containing liposome. The biomaterial and/or bioadhesive is a hyaluronic acid polymer produced by a hyaluronate synthase from Pasteurella multocida.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
    Inventor: Paul L. DeAngelis
  • Plant sleeve having an expandable portion
    Patent number: 6438898
    Abstract: A sleeve comprising a lower portion preferably having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a floral grouping or plant. The sleeve may have a protective upper portion which can be detached from the lower portion of the sleeve once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed. The sleeve has one or a plurality of horizontally or diagonally positioned expansion elements for allowing expansion of the base portion and/or skirt portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Sleeve with trapezoidal lower end
    Patent number: 6438897
    Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a trapezoidal lower end, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which when employed, to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear, or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve. The trapezoidal lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Method of covering a pot or floral grouping with a sleeve having a rounded lower end
    Patent number: 6438896
    Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a rounded lower end, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear, or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve. The rounded lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Method for making curled decorative grass
    Patent number: 6436324
    Abstract: Curled decorative grass having a variety of configurations and methods for making such decorative grass is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as a packing material, an animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil and a media for plants. The curled decorative grass is produced by curling a substantially flat sheet of material and thereafter cutting the resulting curled sheet of material; or by cutting a pre-curled material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter, Joseph G. Straeter, Franklin J. Craig, Michael J. King, Michael R. Klemme, Sonny K. Burnside
  • Floral sleeve having a shrinkable element
    Patent number: 6430870
    Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion and skirt portion. The sleeve comprises a shrinkable element constructed of a material shrinkable by heating or other means, wherein when the shrinkable element is caused to shrink, a constricted area is formed in the sleeve to help secure the sleeve in a position about a pot, floral grouping, or growing medium disposed therein. The sleeve may have an upper portion which can surround and protect a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed, thereby allowing the skirt portion to extend from the base portion. The sleeve may have a plurality of expansion elements in the base portion, or may lack such expansion elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder