Patents Represented by Law Firm Flehr Hohbach Test Albritton and Herbert, LLP
  • Use of cytokines and mitogens to inhibit pathological immune responses
    Patent number: 6358506
    Abstract: The invention is generally related to methods of treating autoimmune diseases, including both antibody-mediated and cell-mediated disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventor: David A. Horwitz
  • Master three-phase induction motor with satellite three-phase motors driven by a single-phase supply
    Patent number: 6356041
    Abstract: A motor system utilizes a master three-phase induction motor driven by a single-phase power supply which the motor has six-windings connected in a symmetrical double DELTA or double WYE configuration with appropriate running capacitors to provide when the motor is running a balanced three-phases of voltage potentials. The potentials have been tapped off to run satellite three-phase induction motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Otto J. M. Smith
  • Detection of nucleic acid amplification reactions using bead arrays
    Patent number: 6355431
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting and quantifying a target nucleic acid using a variety of both signal amplification and target amplification techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Illumina, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Chee, Kevin Gunderson
  • Peptides comprising repetitive units of amino acids and DNA sequences encoding the same
    Patent number: 6355776
    Abstract: Novel polypeptides comprising repetitive units of amino acids, as well as synthetic genes encoding the subject polypeptides are provided. The subject polypeptides are characterized by comprising repetitive units of amino acids, where the repetitive units are present in naturally occurring proteins, particularly naturally occurring structural proteins. The subject polypeptides find use in a variety of applications, such as structural components of prosthetic devices, synthetic fibers, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Franco A. Ferrari, Charles Richardson, James Chambers, Stuart Causey, Thomas J. Pollock, Joseph Cappello, John W. Crissman
  • Method and apparatus for image compression
    Patent number: 6353685
    Abstract: An image compression apparatus for compressing image data provided to an input terminal and providing compressed data to an output terminal includes a 4×4 weighted digital cosine transformer (DCT) coupled to the input terminal and configured to convert the image data into weighted frequency data. A zigzag circuit is coupled to the DCT and configured to zigzag process the frequency data and generate create zigzag data. A Q-factor estimator is coupled to the DCT and configured to estimate the frequency data and generate a Q-factor. A DC coding circuit is coupled to the zigzag circuit and configured to code the zigzag data and generate a DC code. A quantization circuit is coupled to the zigzag circuit and the Q-factor estimator and configured to quantize the zigzag data based on the Q-factor and generate quantized data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Divio, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Hung-Yao Wu, Wei-Chun Lee, Chia-Hung Chen, Der-Ren Chu, Sophia Wei-Chun Kao, Kang-Huai Wang, Ren-Yuh Wang
  • Free floating shield and semiconductor processing system
    Patent number: 6352592
    Abstract: A protective shield and a semiconductor processing system including a protective shield is provided. The shield includes a frame assembly including a pair of spaced end walls and a pair of side walls extending between and mounted to the end walls, and a plurality of shield bodies carried by the frame assembly. Each of the shield bodies includes a base having a continuous unit frame, a perforated sheet carried by said continuous frame, a plenum between the base and the perforated sheet, and a gas delivery device for delivering an inert gas to the plenum at a flow rate such that the gas diffuses through the perforated sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Silicon Valley Group, Thermal Systems LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence Duane Bartholomew, Jay Brian DeDontney, Christopher A. Peabody
  • Helix thruster
    Patent number: 6349628
    Abstract: Helical thruster having a housing, a piston movable axially within the housing between retracted and extended positions, and an output member rotatively mounted on the housing. Pressurized fluid is applied to the piston to drive the piston from the retracted position toward the extended position, and the output member rotates as the piston travels toward the extended position. In one disclosed embodiment, the piston is non-rotating, and a helical driving connection between the piston and the output member imparts rotation to the output member as the piston travels toward the extended position. In another disclosed embodiment, the piston rotates as it travels toward the extended position, and the output member rotates with the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Universal Propulsion Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Clinton B. Heineken
  • Electrical wiring device and method
    Patent number: 6351365
    Abstract: A wiring device for use with a wire having a conductor disposed within insulation. The wiring device includes a housing of an electrical insulating material provided with a recess adapted to receive the wire. A cutting blade is carried by the insulated housing for severing the wire in the recess into first and second wire portions. A first electrical contact is carried by the housing for making electrical contact with the conductor of the first wire portion. A second electrical contact is carried by the housing and electrically connected to the first electrical contact for making electrical contact with the conductor of the second wire portion so that the conductors of the first and second wire portions can be electrically reconnected after being severed by the cutting blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: ABM Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: Ronald W. Gilcrease
  • Method and structure for efficient data verification operation for non-volatile memories
    Patent number: 6349056
    Abstract: An improved flash EEPROM memory-based storage subsystem includes one or more flash memory arrays, each with three data registers and a controller circuit. During a flash program operation, one data register is used to control the program operation, a second register is used to hold the target data value, and a third register is used to load the next sector's data. Subsequent to a flash program operation, a sector's data are read from a flash array into the first data register and compared to the target data stored in the second register. When the data is verified good, the data from the third register is copied into the first and second registers for the next program operation. This creates an improved performance system that doesn't suffer data transfer latency during program operations that require data verification after the program operation is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Sandisk Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin M. Conley, Daniel C. Guterman, Carlos J. Gonzalez
  • Dental light controller and concentrator
    Patent number: 6345982
    Abstract: A light shield device (13) which is attached to light wands (30) of various diameters to filter and redirect reflected light. The shield has a planar part (13) with an attached retainer column (20) mounted in an off-center location, a see-through mirror (16) in a central location, and a reflective Fresnel lens configuration (14) at its outer perimeter. The device is formed of plastics which filter some radiation. The shield permits an operator to monitor light applications without harmful eye irritations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Darcy M. Dunaway
    Inventor: Alvin Meyer
  • Method and system for controlling access share storage devices in a network environment by configuring host-to-volume mapping data structures in the controller memory for granting and denying access to the devices
    Patent number: 6343324
    Abstract: The invention provides structure and method for controlling access to a shared storage device, such as a disk drive storage array, in computer systems and networks having a plurality of host computers. A method for controlling access to a hardware device in a computer system having a plurality of computers and at least one hardware device connected to the plurality of computers. The method includes the steps of associating a locally unique identifier with each the plurality of computers, defining a data structure in a memory identifying which particular ones of the computers based on the locally unique identifier may be granted access to the device; and querying the data structure to determine if a requesting one of the computers should be granted access to the hardware device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Walter A. Hubis, William G. Deitz
  • Analog clock driven by radio signals with automatic resetting means
    Patent number: 6343050
    Abstract: An analog clock with a contiguous digital display is driven by radio signals from a WWVB or other time keeping radio station. To avoid using magnetic or optical feedback of the position of the hands of the analog clock if an erroneous time is shown (for example because of replacing the battery), the user of the clock physically resets the digital display to the analog setting (which of course is erroneous). Then an associated microprocessor speeds up or slows down the running of the analog clock until a match is made to the actual radio time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Moneray International Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph Tak Ming Kwok
  • Process and apparatus for individual adjustment of the temperature set points of a plurality of VAV devices through a network server
    Patent number: 6338437
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for individual adjustment of the temperature set points of a plurality of VAV devices (27, 29) in an HVAC system. The process includes the step of directly, or indirectly through a network server (61), coupling each of a plurality of computers (34) located in a plurality of offices or spaces (22) for input of a temperature set point based signal. The computers (34) are coupled to the VAV devices (27, 29) such that a selected computer can be used to adjust the temperature set point of only VAV devices (27, 29) located in the same space (22) as the selected computer (34). Such coupling can be wired or wireless, based upon the use of computer networks (36, 42) which are connected to the VAV devices (27, 29) directly or through the building HVAC control network (32) or through a network server (61), which also is accessed by the building control computer (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Acutherm L.P.
    Inventors: James R. Kline, Matthew L. Costick
  • Unitary multi-cell partition and carton or tray containing the same and method
    Patent number: 6336556
    Abstract: A unitary multi-cell partition for packaging articles for use with a multi-sided carton or tray having a circumscribed space therein. The partition is formed of molded pulp and is capable of being disposed in the space and is adapted to receive the articles within the cells of the partition. The partition comprises a plurality of wall portions which are inclined from the vertical when the partition is free standing and free of the space in the carton or tray. The plurality of wall portions are arranged to provide a plurality of vertically disposed spaced-apart cells. The wall portions have upper and lower extremities and hinge portions joining certain of said upper extremities of the wall portions and joining certain of the lower extremities of the wall portions to permit bending of certain of the wall portions with respect to other of the wall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Regale Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory W. Gale
  • Bacterial polypeptide expression employing tryptophan promoter-operator
    Patent number: 6333174
    Abstract: Methods for the controllable expression in high yields of heterologous proteins under the control of a modified tryptophan promoter-operator system are disclosed. The system employed involves sequential resort to tryptophan repression and derepression, as well as deletion of an attenuator function native to the tryptophan operon. Means are also disclosed for effecting deletions at any given point within a gene fragment and for the ready identification of transformant bacteria via triple ligation procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Genentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis G. Kleid, Daniel G. Yansura, Herbert L. Heyneker, Giuseppe F. Miozzari
  • Atomic-level electronic network and method of fabrication
    Patent number: 6331454
    Abstract: An insulated lattice is prepared with a plurality of lattice oriented atoms to create a substantially planar surface having a lattice arrangement. Any unsatisfied chemical bonds are terminated along the substantially planar surface by placing atoms at the site of the unsatisfied chemical bonds to terminate the unsatisfied chemical bonds and insulate the surface to form a platform. In one aspect of the invention, the insulator atoms are removed at predetermined locations. Atoms to form the atomic chain are placed at predetermined locations on the insulated lattice platform to form a first atomic chain which behaves as one of a conductor, a semiconductor and an insulator. A second atomic chain is also placed at predetermined locations on the insulated lattice platform so that the second chain behaves as another of a conductor, a semiconductor and an insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignees: Board of Regents of the Leland Stanford Junior University, Research Development Corp
    Inventors: Toshishige Yamada, Yoshihiro Takiguchi, Dehuan Huang, Yoshihisa Yamamoto
  • Method and system for increasing cryopump capacity
    Patent number: 6330801
    Abstract: A cryopump in which the surface area of the condensing or adsorbing panels is increased without materially increasing the dimensions by applying a porous or roughened layer on the surface of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventors: Francis J. Whelan, Keith E. Reidy
  • Rotary electrostatic microactuator
    Patent number: 6329737
    Abstract: A rotary electrostatic microactuator that includes a substantially planar substrate and a rotatable member overlying the substrate for rotation about an axis of rotation extending perpendicular to the planar substrate. First and second spaced-apart springs and a plurality of comb drive assemblies are included. Each of the comb drive assemblies has a first comb drive member mounted on the substrate and a second comb drive member. Each of the first and second comb drive members are provided with arcuate comb drive fingers. Each of the first and second springs has a first end portion secured to the substrate and a second end portion secured to at least one of the second comb drive members for suspending the second comb drive members and the rotatable member over the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Iolon, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Jerman, John D. Grade
  • Current-efficient suppressors
    Patent number: 6328885
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the current efficiency of suppressor and suppress-like pretreatment devices is disclosed for the purpose of suppressing a high concentration of eluent without the detrimental effects of excess heat generation. The method and apparatus may be used in ion chromatography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Kannan Srinivasan, Victor Berber Barreto, Christopher A. Pohl, James R. Thayer, Nebojsa Avdalovic
  • Composite structure and devices made from same and method
    Patent number: 6329069
    Abstract: A composite structure comprising a body having a surface and cladding covering at least a part of said surface of the body and being in intimate contact with the surface. The body and cladding are formed of different materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Surface Genesis, Inc.
    Inventors: Gholam Reza Zadno Azizi, Raj Subramaniam, Mir A. Imran, Jeffrey W. Simpson