Patents Represented by Law Firm Flehr Hohbach Test Albritton and Herbert, LLP
  • Patent number: 6387764
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method of trench isolation used in the fabrication of semiconductor devices, wafers and the like. More specifically, the present invention related to a method of trench isolation using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with TEOS and ozone to deposit a trench fill oxide prior to growing a thermal oxide layer or liner on sidewalls of the trench. The method provides void-free as-deposited dielectric CVD films into gaps or trenches with non-vertical, vertical and or re-entrant profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Silicon Valley Group, Thermal Systems LLC
    Inventors: Todd O. Curtis, Vivek Rao, Kerem Kapkin
  • Patent number: 6387658
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polypeptides, nucleic acids and related molecules which have an effect on or are related to the cell cycle. Also provided herein are vectors and host cells comprising those nucleic acid sequences, chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention and to methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention. Further provided by the present invention are methods for identifying novel compositions which mediate cell cycle bioactivity, and the use of such compositions in diagnosis and treatment of disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ying Luo, Betty Huang
  • Patent number: 6384510
    Abstract: An electrostatic microactuator comprising a substrate and at least one comb drive assembly having a first comb member mounted on the substrate and a second comb member overlying the substrate. The first comb member has a plurality of first comb fingers. The second comb member has a plurality of second comb fingers. The second comb member is movable between a first position in which each second comb finger is not substantially fully interdigitated with an adjacent pair of first comb fingers and a second position in which each such second comb finger is substantially fully interdigitated with such adjacent pair of first comb fingers. Each of the second comb fingers is offset relative to the midpoint between the adjacent pair of first comb fingers when in the first position and is substantially centered on such midpoint when in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Iolon, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Grade, John H. Jerman
  • Patent number: 6383486
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel chimeric VEGF receptor proteins comprising amino acid sequences derived from the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors flt-1 and KDR, including the murine homologue to the human KDR receptor FLK-1, wherein said chimeric VEGF receptor proteins bind to VEGF and antagonize the endothelial cell proliferative and angiogenic activity thereof. The present invention is also directed to nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding these chimeric VEGF receptor proteins, host cells harboring such expression vectors, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising such proteins, methods of preparing such proteins and to methods utilizing such proteins for the treatment of conditions associated with undesired vascularization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Genentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Terri Lynn Davis-Smyth, Helen Hsifei Chen, Leonard Presta, Napoleone Ferrara
  • Patent number: 6382652
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a standing device for a stroller having an upper cross bar, a lower cross bar, and two rear wheels includes a pivotal rod having a first end and a second end respectively provided with a first C-shaped tube holder and a second C-shaped tube holder and a pivotal frame having a first end provided with a third C-shaped tube holder and a second end defined with a pivotal pin having a radial stop boss slanting to the first end of the frame. The second C-shaped tube holder of the pivotal rod is pivotally connected to the pivotal pin of the pivotal frame. The first C-shaped tube holder of the pivotal rod and the third C-shaped tube holder of the pivotal frame are respectively connected to the lower crossing bar and the upper cross bar such that the pivotal rod and the pivotal frame fold and support the stroller in cooperation with the rear wheels of the stroller when the stroller is in a collapsed and upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Kenny Cheng
  • Patent number: 6383788
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of calcium ion and/or sugars to minimize thermal aggregation of DNase and to the use of calcium ion to stabilize liquid solutions of DNase, the solutions having a pH of less than neutral. DNase is the active pharmaceutical principle and the solutions may contain other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients making them suitable for pharmaceutical administration. In the first instance, calcium ion/sugar minimizes the effects of thermal aggregation in the solution. In the second aspect, calcium ion stabilizes the lower pH solutions from protein precipitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Genentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Hak-Kim Chan, Igor Gonda, Steven J. Shire, Suzanne Sin-Mui Lo Weck
  • Patent number: 6378890
    Abstract: A standing device is used with a collapsible stroller that has an upper cross bar and a lower cross bar. The standing device includes a connecting rod having a first end pivotally connected to the stroller upper cross bar and a second end, a radial pivotal pin secured on a central portion of the stroller lower cross bar and extending in a horizontal direction, and a leg pivotally connected to the pivotal pin, extending in a slant direction from the pivotal pin down to the ground, and having a pivotal joint pivotally connected to the second end of the connecting rod. Connection is such that the leg is retracted to a position parallel to the lower cross bar when the stroller is unfolded, and the leg is pivotally moved to contact the ground by the connecting rod when the stroller is collapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Kenny Cheng
  • Patent number: 6381463
    Abstract: A cellular network includes a receiver configured to receive inbound information from a mobile station. A correlator is coupled to the receiver and configured to correlate the inbound information against expected information to generate a correlator signal. An interpolator is coupled to the correlator and configured to interpolate the correlator signal to generate an interpolator signal. A memory is coupled to the interpolator and configured to store the interpolator signal. A processor is coupled to the memory and configured to process the interpolator signal to determine a position of the mobile station. Additional embodiments track the position of the mobile station based on cellular hand off and mobile station position over time. The cellular network can transfer the mobile station from the microcellular network to the macrocellular network if the mobile station is moving rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Interwave Communications International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jerome C. Tu, Pi-Hui Chao
  • Patent number: 6381049
    Abstract: A four-port Wavelength-Division-Multiplexing (WDM) element is disclosed that can be employed for various purposes in optical communication networks, particularly in bi-directional fiber optic lines. In one embodiment, one four-port WDM element is used with one optical amplifier to provide bi-directional propagation on the same fiber. In another embodiment, the four-port element is used in conjunction with optical attenuators to provide for gain equalization of channels and the flexibility to add or remove channels. In yet another embodiment, input and output ports are added to current-art elements thereby enabling bi-directional operation to be achieved with equipment that does not provide such capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Ditech Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Xu, Sami T. Hendow
  • Patent number: 6379573
    Abstract: During the formation of a spherical cavity in a substrate, self-limiting etching behavior of an isotropic etchant can be utilized when a tape is used as an etch mask. Such a self-limiting behavior is due to the presence of gas bubbles (consisted of SiF4 and NO, etch by-products) which close the etch window and limit the mass transport of the etchant to this silicon surface. Because of that, the spherical cavity size depends mostly on the size of the etch-mask opening, and is independent of the etching time. This self-limiting etching behavior precisely controls the dimension and uniformity of the spherical cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: University of Honolulu
    Inventors: Eun Sok Kim, Cheol-Hyun Han
  • Patent number: 6380154
    Abstract: Method and compositions are provided which are useful for delivering a biologically active substance to a localized site in vivo and for altering the physical dimensions of a body tissue. These method and compositions employ protein polymers having varying ratios of elastin-like collagen-like, keratin-like repeating units and repeating units which promote protein crystallization such as silk-like repeating units. By varying the length of segments of the repeating units and/or the concentration of the protein polymers in the composition, the rate of delivery of a biologically active substance to a localized site can be greatly varied. Moreover, because the compositions are capable of acquiring a non-liquid form under normal physiological conditions, they find use as biocompatible tissue augmentation products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Cappello, Erwin R. Stedronsky
  • Patent number: 6379928
    Abstract: Novel vectors are disclosed for expressing and secreting heterologous polypeptides from filamentous fungi. Such vectors are used in novel processes to express and secrete such heterologous polypeptides. The vectors used for transforming a filamentous fungus to express and secrete a heterologous polypeptide include a DNA sequence encoding a heterologous polypeptide and a DNA sequence encoding a signal sequence which is functional in a secretory system in a given filamentous fungus and which is operably linked to the sequence encoding the heterologous polypeptide. Such signal sequences may be the signal sequence normally associated with the heterologous polypeptides or may be derived from other sources. The vector may also contain DNA sequences encoding a promoter sequence which is functionally recognized by the filamentous fungus and which is operably linked to the DNA sequence encoding the signal sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Michael Berka, Daniel Cullen, Gregory Lawrence Gray, Kirk James Hayenga, Virgil Bryan Lawlis
  • Patent number: 6379350
    Abstract: An electrosurgical aspiration instrument that permits aspiration of an area being treated by the instrument. The instrument is coupled at a proximal end to a power source and includes an energy application surface area at a distal end. The power source supplied energy to the energy application surface area such that the distal end of the instrument may apply energy to the treatment area to modify the characteristics of biological material, such as biological tissue in the area. An aspiration lumen is formed through the instrument with an opening through the energy application surface area. The energy application surface area is configured to reduce blockage of the opening. Accordingly, aspiration may be performed simultaneously with electrosurgical treatment whereby unwanted matter such as by-products, biological debris and excess fluid is removed from the treatment area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Oratec Interventions, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh R. Sharkey, Bruno Strul, Daren L. Stewart, John Ashley, Ramiro L. Reyes
  • Patent number: 6375274
    Abstract: A plastic wheel (22) and wheel mounting sleeve (27, 27a, 27b, 27c) used to releasably secure the wheel (22) onto an axle (23). The wheel mounting sleeve (27) preferably includes two resilient, radially displaceable, axially extending, cantilevered fingers (46, 47) which are cantilevered from and extend axially in opposite directions on the sleeve (27). An axle-engaging shoulder (42) is provided on a radially inwardly extending lug (55) on one finger (46), while a wheel-engaging shoulder (43) is provided on a radially outwardly extending lug (61) on the other resilient finger (47). The respective shoulders (42, 43) cooperate with oppositely facing shoulders (58, 62) so as to releasably latch the sleeve (27) to the axle (23) and the wheel (22) to the sleeve (27). Assembly can be accomplished without any tools and a screwdriver can be used to disassemble the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: GEO Plastics
    Inventor: Michael A. Morris
  • Patent number: 6377721
    Abstract: A biosensor, sensor array, sensing method and sensing apparatus are provided in which individual cells or randomly mixed populations of cells, having unique response characteristics to chemical and biological materials, are deployed in a plurality of discrete sites on a substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the discrete sites comprise microwells formed at the distal end of individual fibers within a fiber optic array. The biosensor array utilizes an optically interrogatable encoding scheme for determining the identity and location of each cell type in the array and provides for simultaneous measurements of large numbers of individual cell responses to target analytes. The sensing method utilizes the unique ability of cell populations to respond to biologically significant compounds in a characteristic and detectable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: David R. Walt, Laura C. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6376816
    Abstract: A tubular thin film resistance heater including a substrate (10) having an electrically non-conductive surface on which is deposited a thin film electrical conductor (12), such as tin oxide. A pair of electrical terminals (14, 16), preferably bus bars, are electrically connected at spaced apart locations on the conductor (12), such as at longitudinal spaced opposed ends or at circumferentially spaced opposed edges of the conductor (12). The thin film conductor (12) is molecularly bonded to the substrate (10) for durability and efficient heat transfer. A method of forming a tubular thin film resistance heater also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventors: Richard P. Cooper, Scott A. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6375785
    Abstract: Device for manufacturing cushions filled with a gaseous medium from synthetic tubular foil. The device comprises supply means for supplying flexible tubular foil in a supply direction, perforation means situated at a first station for making a row of perforations in the tubular foil, introduction means situated at the first station for introducing a gaseous medium, and sealing means situated at the first station for making a transverse seal on either side of the row of perforations for closing off the tubular foil and sealing off the row of perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignees: Case Packaging Sales Europe BV, Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Pieter Theodorus Joseph Aquarius
  • Patent number: 6374453
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner of the type which includes a canister which when upright the vacuum cleaner is operated as an upright vacuum cleaner, or, when tilted down, the vacuum cleaner is operated as a canister-type vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Young S. Kim
  • Patent number: 6372720
    Abstract: Described herein are liposome complexes and the individual components thereof for intracellular and/or intranuclear delivery of substances. Methods of use of the provided liposome complexes and components are also described. Generally, the liposome complexes described herein include a non-cationic lipid, a fusogenic peptide and a substance to be delivered to the cell and/or nucleus. In some of the liposome complexes described herein, the fusogenic peptide does not contain multiple positive charges at neutral pH and above. In these liposome complexes, two additional components are used in assembling the liposome complex with DNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Longmuir, Alan J. Waring, Sherry M. Haynes
  • Patent number: 6371235
    Abstract: A collapsible vehicle having a frame, a non-steerable wheel assembly and a steerable wheel assembly. The frame includes a longitudinal member, a transverse member, an upright member proximal to one end of the longitudinal member, and a steering member proximal to another end of the longitudinal member. The longitudinal member and the transverse member define a base plane. The non-steerable wheel assembly includes a non-steerable-wheel movable between a storage position within the periphery of the frame to a deployed position outside the periphery of the frame and extending below the base plane. The steerable wheel assembly includes a steerable wheel movable between a storage position within the periphery of the frame to a deployed position outside the periphery of the frame and extending below the base plane. A method of using the collapsible vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Warren R. Wisecarver