Patents Represented by Law Firm Dunlap & Codding
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 an arcuate upper end
    Patent number: 6430869
    Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to cover a pot and an upper portion which can surround a plant disposed in the pot and which can be detached after the protective function of the upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern has an arcuate upper boundary in the flattened condition which when opened, gives the sleeve the appearance of having an upper edge which is parallel to the upper rim of the pot disposed within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • 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
  • Process for producing holographic material
    Patent number: 6432244
    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: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Decorative assembly for a floral grouping
    Patent number: 6427380
    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 a 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 a 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 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter, Joseph G. Straeter, Michael J. King
  • Pot cover with preset folds
    Patent number: 6427381
    Abstract: A cover for covering a flower pot is provided. The cover includes a planar base, a sidewall extending from an outer periphery of the base, and a securing member for securing the sidewall to the flower pot. The sidewall is movable relative to the base between a substantially flattened position wherein the sidewall is in a substantially coplanar relation with respect to the base and an upright position wherein the sidewall and the base cooperate to define a pot receiving space. The sidewall has a plurality of folds formed therein so as to cause the sidewall to take a predetermined shape upon moving the sidewall from the flattened position to the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust Int'l. Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder