Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Howson and Howson
  • Patent number: 6179248
    Abstract: An aircraft is composed of two elongated inflated, flexible tubes diverging from each other from a nose of the aircraft toward a trailing edge. First and second membranes span the upper and lower surfaces of the tubes respectively to provide upper and lower airfoil surfaces. One of the two membranes is connected to a length of cable extending from the tip end of one tube to the tip end of the other at the trailing edge. Trim is provided by a fixed flap composed of flexible membrane stretched between the cable and another, parallel cable. The nose ends of the tubes are secured to a propulsion motor-mounting plate assembly at the nose end of the aircraft, and the opposite ends of the tubes are secured to plates at the ends of the trailing edge. The cables are secured to the plates at the ends of the trailing edge, and these plates are also used to support horizontal stabilizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Aereon Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Putman, Brian Smith
  • Patent number: 6174527
    Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant viral vector comprising a human VLDL receptor gene operatively linked to regulatory sequences directing its expression. The vector is capable of expressing the normal VLDL receptor gene product in hepatic cells in vivo or in vitro. This viral vector is usefuil in the treatment of metabolic disorders caused by the accumulation of LDL in plasma, such as familial hypercholesterolemia or familial combined hyperlipidemia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: James M. Wilson, Karen Kozarsky, Jerome Strauss, III
  • Patent number: 6174384
    Abstract: A medium-carbon steel is provided having a dispersed fine spherical graphite structure, having high mechanical strength, good processability, and good machinability, and having fine ZrC functioning as nucleation sites for graphite. The medium-carbon steel having a dispersed fine spherical graphite structure is manufactured by providing a composition containing 0.1 to 1.5% Si, 1.0% or less C, and 0.01 to 0.5% Zr. After the composition or a material of the composition (ingot) has been hot-rolled, or after the hot-rolled steel has been heat-treated at 750 to 1300° C. for 0.5 to 10 hours (solution heat treatment) after hot-rolling, or after the hot-rolled and heat-treated steel has further been water-quenched to deposit fine ZrC particles in the matrix, the steel is subjected to graphitization treatment by heat-treating at a temperature of 740° C. or below for 0.5 to 100 hours to grow graphite using ZrC as the nucleation site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Katsunari Oikawa, Toshihiko Abe, Shin-Ichi Sumi
  • Patent number: 6170770
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for coal gasification plant feedstock preparation. A raw feedstock slurry is fed to a hydrocyclone which separates and provides a primary carbonaceous-rich overflow. The primary overflow is further separated by a dewatering screen into a secondary carbonaceous-rich overflow and a media bleed slurry. The secondary overflow is crushed by a crusher and a portion of the media bleed slurry is added to the crushed secondary overflow for subsequent milling and conditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: John W. Rich, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6172198
    Abstract: This invention concerns PAPP-A, its immunodetection and the clinical benefits of such immunodetection. Specifically, the invention includes monoclonal antibodies against PAPP-A and the use of these antibodies to detect PAPP-A at a very early stage of pregnancy. The invention also covers the use of the monoclonal antibodies for the detection of specific types of cancer and Down's Syndrome pregnancies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignees: Northern Sydney Area Health Service
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Sinosich
  • Patent number: 6168918
    Abstract: Methods of detecting the presence of a plasmid DNA sequence integrated in a chromosomal DNA molecule of a eukaryotic cell in a sample that contains chromosomal DNA molecules of eukaryotic cells and free plasmid DNA molecules are disclosed. According to the invention, chromosomal DNA of eukaryotic cells which are free of deoxyadenosine methyltransferase, and free plasmid DNA molecules which are produced in cells that contain deoxyadenosine methyltransferase and which have a DpnI site, are digested with one or more restriction enzymes that cleave plasmid DNA sequences integrated in the chromosomal DNA and plasmid DNA molecules to produce DNA digestion segments that are then fractionated to produce a plurality of fractions. The DNA digestion segments in each fraction is digested with DpnI and plasmid DNA sequences are amplified using sets of primers that flank a DpnI site in the plasmid DNA sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: American Home Products Corp.
    Inventors: C. Satishchandran, Richard Benjamin Ciccarelli, Catherine Julia Pachuk
  • Patent number: 6168923
    Abstract: Improved vaccine compositions and methods of making same are provided, which vaccines are characterized by an antigen from a pathogen and an effective adjuvanting amount of Interleukin-12. These IL-12 adjuvanted vaccines are capable of increasing the vaccinated host's cell mediated immune response to provide an increased and protective immune response to the pathogen. Also disclosed are methods for vaccinating hosts by administering a vaccine containing an antigen from a pathogenic microorganism and co-administering an adjuvanting amount of IL-12. Vaccines or therapeutic compositions directed against a cancer may also be adjuvanted with IL-12 according to this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignees: The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Phillip Scott, Giorgio Trinchieri
  • Patent number: 6168496
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a fabric-covered spring toy having a helical body which is decorated both on its outside and on its confronting helical surfaces. In the method, a fabric tube is everted using a lanyard to pull one end of the tube through the tube center to produce the fabric tube. Everting produces a tube with a decorative surface on the outer face. The resulting fabric covered spring body can be sewn to other fabric structures such as simulated animal body parts, for incorporation into an animal-like product having a semi-soft, flexible body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: James Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Yip Wing Kay Thomas
  • Patent number: 6161246
    Abstract: A combination bathing implement for use in cleansing and exfoliating skin and as a bath toy, or holder of soap or like products. The bathing implement includes a sponge component and a removable component. The sponge component can be, for instance, a ball-shaped mesh sponge, and the toy component can be, for instance, a water-friendly stuffed toy, a shaped solid soap product, or a container of a fluent soap, shampoo or lotion product. A loop component extends from the sponge component so that the other component is attachable to and removable from the sponge component. The loop component is appropriately sized so that it can be used as a handle to manipulate the sponge component during bathing. Alternatively, the implement can be utilized as a surface and article cleaning implement and be sold in combination with a container of cleaning product. The implement is also capable of being worn in a person's hair or as a bracelet around a person's wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Verve, Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven Trachtenberg
  • Patent number: 6159710
    Abstract: A polynucleotide molecule useful for stably producing a gene product includes a polynucleotide sequence encoding the gene product (or alternatively a gene transcript) flanked by a 5' sequence and a 3' of an intron. Methods and compositions using this molecule permit enhanced recombinant expression of the gene product and are particularly useful in stabilizing unstable mRNA transcripts, permitting the stable production of desirable genes encoded thereby. Vectors and host cells containing this molecule are useful in the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology
    Inventors: Nigel W. Fraser, Janice M. Zabolotny, Claude F. Krummenacher
  • Patent number: 6156228
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fire-resistant hydraulic fluids. More particularly, the invention relates to fire-resistant hydraulic fluid compositions comprising the combination of a trialkoxyalkyl-phosphate, a diluent selected from the group consisting of a natural triglyceride, a synthetic ester, and a polypropylene glycol, and a high molecular weight polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Houghton International, Inc.
    Inventors: Rosauro V. Holgado, Richard Adams, Chan Talaty
  • Patent number: 6156218
    Abstract: A method for preventing formation of a "bridge" is provided for electrolessly plated nickel or gold between copper patterns. A circuit board having a copper pattern is immersed in a pretreatment solution containing thiosulfate for electroless nickel plating, or the pretreatment solution is sprayed over the board. The pretreatment solution may be incorporated with an additive, such as a pH adjustor, complexing agent, surfactant or corrosion inhibitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Japan Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Toshikazu Okubo, Yoshiyuki Hisumi
  • Patent number: 6153315
    Abstract: The surface roughness of a sputtering target is controlled and the amount of residual contaminants, the hydrogen content, and the thickness of a surface damage layer are reduced, in order to homogenize the thickness of a film formed on a substrate by sputtering and prevent and suppress nodule production to reduce particle production during sputtering. A sputtering target with the surface roughness (Ra) not more than 1.0 .mu.m, the total amount of contaminants, metal elements with a high melting point other than the major component and alloy components and Si, Al, Co, Ni, and B, not more that 500 ppm, the hydrogen content of the surface not more than 50 ppm, and the thickness of a surface damage layer not more than 50 .mu.m is provided, which is manufactured by precision machining, preferably, with the use of a diamond turning tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Japan Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yamakoshi, Hirohito Miyashita, Kazuhiro Seki
  • Patent number: 6153214
    Abstract: Gel sheets suitable for use as wound dressings can be made by thoroughly wetting with an aqueous liquor a textile material which comprises at least 50 percent by weight of a water-swellable fiber and subsequently pressing the thusly-formed swollen sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Tencel Limited
    Inventor: Jo Ann Horsler
  • Patent number: 6148773
    Abstract: A retractable animal leash assembly including a housing suitable for being held in one hand is disclosed, with a freely moveable, but, if desired, lockable leash being arranged partially coiled within the housing, this housing mounting a brake key operable by the holding hand for momentarily blocking the portion of the leash located outside the holding at a desired length with a brake lock mechanism for holding the brake key in the locking position. This brake lock mechanism comprises a two-armed lever arranged to be moved between two positions on the housing reachable by the same finger/thumb of the holding hand, the handling of this pivoted lever occurring in an ergonomically optimal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Flexi-Bogdahn Technik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Manfred Bogdahn
  • Patent number: 6145650
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for transferring empty blow molded containers with precisely timed and directed blasts of air to a trimmer. The transfer apparatus includes a first set of air nozzles for transferring multiple bottles at a time from a wheel discharge takeaway conveyor to an index bucket chain of a trimming machine. The containers are blown across a transfer bridge assembly and are prevented from rebounding out of the index bucket chain due to the construction of the bridge assembly and the use of a second set of air nozzles. The second set of air nozzles are located above a path of travel of the transferred containers and fire bursts of air directed downward and forward onto the containers on the transfer bridge and index bucket chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company L.P.
    Inventors: Gary Christ, Garry Montague
  • Patent number: 6145795
    Abstract: A stand intended to protect an underlying surface from juices discharging from a pumpkin, while providing pedestals for the support and display of the pumpkin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Sheerlund Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. McAdam, Emerson M. Reyner, II
  • Patent number: 6143527
    Abstract: Chain reaction cloning methods and reagents and kits for performing such methods are provided. Chain reaction cloning allows ligation of double-stranded DNA molecules by DNA ligases and bridging oligonucleotides. Double-stranded nucleic acid molecules are denatured into single-stranded molecules. The ends of the molecules are brought together by hybridization to a template. The template ensures that the two single-stranded nucleic acid molecules are aligned correctly. DNA ligase joins the two nucleic acid molecules into a single, larger, composite nucleic acid molecule. The nucleic acid molecules are subsequently denatured so that the composite molecule formed by the ligated nucleic acid molecules and the template cease to hybridize to each. Each composite molecule then serves as a template for orienting unligated, single-stranded nucleic acid molecules. After several cycles, composite nucleic acid molecules are generated from smaller nucleic acid molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: American Home Products Corporation
    Inventors: Catherine J. Pachuk, Manoj Samuel, C. Satishchandran
  • Patent number: 6140465
    Abstract: A murine cDNA clone encoding a BIN1-Associated U1-specific protein (Bau) are provided. Also provided are methods of using the nucleic acid sequences, polypeptides, and antibodies directed against same in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers, hyperplastic disease states, or degenerative diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology
    Inventor: George C. Prendergast
  • Patent number: 6138546
    Abstract: A hand operated cutting apparatus and method of cutting mat board, glass, and other related sheet-like framing material. The apparatus has a cutting head assembly which includes a plurality of interchangeable and adjustable blade holding units. Each blade holding unit provides a different type of cut, such as a beveled, straight edge, or V-groove cut. Most of the blade holding units are intended for use with mat board, but some can be used to cut and trim sheet-like glass or plastic framing material. Each blade holding unit is also capable of vertical adjustment relative to the workpiece so that various depths of cut can be provided. The method of cutting a mat board permits the mat board to be positioned face up on the base board of the cutting apparatus and does not require flipping or taping of the mat board during V-groove cutting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: John Knoell & Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Hursey