Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Hunton & Williams
  • Glycerol vaporization method
    Patent number: 8148582
    Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention relates to a vaporization method of aqueous glycerol solutions in a fluidized bed containing an inert solid. The invention provides a method for vaporizing, in a single step, an aqueous glycerol solution and simultaneously eliminating the impurities present in this solution or generated during the evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Arkema France
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Dubois
  • Methods and means for removal of a selected DNA sequence
    Patent number: 8148607
    Abstract: A method is described for the exact removal of a selected subfragment from a DNA molecule by intrachromosomal recombination between two directly repeated DNA sequences using a rare-cleaving double stranded break inducing DNA endonuclease expressed under control of a micro-spore specific promoter. This method can be applied in a method for the exact exchange of a target DNA fragment for a DNA fragment of interest in plant cells and plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer CropScience N.V.
    Inventors: Kathleen D'Halluin, Rene Ruiter
  • Phosphorylated waxy potato starch
    Patent number: 8148517
    Abstract: The invention relates to potato starches having an amylose content of less than 10% by weight, a phosphate content in the C6 position of between 35 and 100 nmol of phosphate per milligram of starch and a content of side chains having a DP of from 12 to 19 which is elevated as compared with that in potato starch from corresponding wild-type potato plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer Cropscience AG
    Inventors: Stephan Soyka, Jens Pilling, Claus Frohberg
  • Compounds that inhibit (block) bitter taste in composition and methods of making same
    Patent number: 8148544
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that specific human taste receptors in the T2R taste receptor family respond to particular bitter compounds present in, e.g., coffee. Also, the invention relates to the discovery of specific compounds and compositions containing that function as bitter taste blockers and the use thereof as bitter taste blockers or flavor modulators in, e.g., coffee and coffee flavored foods, beverages and medicaments. Also, the present invention relates to the discovery of a compound that antagonizes numerous different human T2Rs and the use thereof in assays and as a bitter taste blocker in compositions for ingestion by humans and animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Senomyx, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Li, Andrew Patron, Catherine Tachdjian, Hong Xu, Qing Li, Alexey Pronin, Guy Servant, Lan Zhang, Thomas Brady, Vincent Darmohusodo, Melissa Arellano, Victor Selchau, Brett Weylan Ching, Donald S. Karanewsky, Paul Brust, Jing Ling, Wen Zhao, Chad Priest
  • Printer and method of adjusting conveying distance of recording sheet
    Patent number: 8149257
    Abstract: A printer includes printing unit provided on a conveying path of a recording sheet and sheet feed unit provided on the downstream and upstream sides of the printing unit in a conveying direction of a recording sheet. The printer includes a platen roller, a first sheet feed roller, a second sheet feed roller, a first branch transmission gear group, a second branch transmission gear group, and thrust amount adjusting unit. A tooth trace of one of the gears of each of the first and second branch transmission gear groups has an inclination angle with respect to an axial direction, and the first and second branch transmission gear groups are formed of first and second idler gears including inclined gear portions of which inclined directions of tooth traces are the same as each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zenko Motoki, Minoru Sato, Hitoshi Funaki, Keigo Wakana
  • Fe-based amorphous magnetic alloy and magnetic sheet
    Patent number: 8147622
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an Fe-based amorphous magnetic alloy and method that includes 4 at. % or less of a low temperature annealing-enabling element M and 10 at. % or less of nickel (Ni). The total amount of the low temperature annealing-enabling element M and nickel (Ni) may be 2 at. % or more and 10 at. % or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Alps Green Devices Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisato Koshiba, Keiko Tsuchiya, Kinshiro Takadate
  • Cotton variety FM 840B2F
    Patent number: 8143499
    Abstract: The cotton variety FM 840B2F is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety FM 840B2F with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of FM 840B2F and to plants of FM 840B2F reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from FM 840B2F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: Bayer CropScience AG, Cotton Seed International Proprietary Limited
    Inventor: Michael Swindle
  • (3-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9 -carbazol-9-yl)-acetic acid derivatives
    Patent number: 8143304
    Abstract: The present invention relates to (3-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-acetic acid derivatives of Formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as described in the description and their use as prostaglandin receptor modulators, most particularly as prostaglandin D2 receptor modulators, in the treatment of various prostaglandin-mediated diseases and disorders, to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and to processes for their preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Actelion Pharmaceutical Ltd.
    Inventors: Heinz Fretz, Julien Pothier, Philippe Risch
  • System and method for establishing or modifying an account with user selectable terms
    Patent number: 8145522
    Abstract: Techniques for administering an account with a financial institution are disclosed. The financial institution may establish the account for the account holder. An account holder may execute purchase transactions using the account. A first and second affiliate may be associated with the account. Rewards information associated with the first affiliate may be calculated based on use of the account for purchase transactions. A compensation, to be provided by the financial institution to the second affiliate, may be calculated based on use of the account for purchase transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
    Inventors: Mary Carter Warren, Donna M. Barrett, Donald H. Schmitt, Karen R. Ehemann
  • Bearing structure for a reciprocating shaft in a reciprocating saw
    Patent number: 8141444
    Abstract: A reciprocating shaft assembly in a reciprocating saw moves in a reciprocal motion and drives a saw blade via a blade holder. At least one bore is formed in an end of the reciprocating shaft assembly opposite the blade holder. A pin fixed to the saw passes through the bore and acts as a bearing to support the reciprocating shaft assembly in its reciprocating motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Lagaly, Thomas Amold Mooty, James Pierce Nichols, Jr., Earl Roger Clowers, Matthew George Popik
  • Vacuum cleaner dirt receptacle and exhaust filter cover
    Patent number: 8141202
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner housing member having a rigid frame, a grate and a flexible cover. The rigid frame has an outer perimeter and an opening therethrough. The grate is mounted in the opening and has an inner surface, an outer surface, one or more air passages extending from the inner surface to the outer surface, and an outer perimeter wall defining the peripheral edge of the grate. The flexible cover extends over at least one of the one or more air passages and is positioned over at least a portion of the outer surface, extends around at least a portion of the outer perimeter wall, and is positioned over at least a portion of the inner surface. A vacuum cleaner including the housing members similar to the foregoing member is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Hawkins, Gregory W. Luebbering, Richard J. Eisenmenger
  • Cotton variety FM 1740B2F
    Patent number: 8143498
    Abstract: The cotton variety FM 1740B2F is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety FM 1740B2F with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of FM 1740B2F and to plants of FM 1740B2F reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from FM 1740B2F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: Bayer CropScience Ag, Cotton Seed International Proprietary Limited
    Inventor: Michael Swindle
  • Sample rack system
    Patent number: 8142740
    Abstract: A rack for an automated processing system. The rack includes a number of wells adapted to hold at least a first sample container having a first size, and a second sample container having a second size. The second size, which may be a diameter, a height, or both, is substantially different from the first size. A structure joins the wells. The rack is adapted to fit in an automated processing system that is adapted to remove both the first sample container and the second sample container from the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Qiagen Gaithersburg, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Austin Self, James Hal Godsey
  • Methods for increasing the resistance of plants to hypoxic conditions
    Patent number: 8143192
    Abstract: Methods are provided for increasing the resistance of plants to hypoxic or anoxic conditions. Such methods may be applied to increase the penetrance of plant roots in the growth medium or into soil. The methods according to the invention may include providing plants with a stress tolerance gene. Similar effects can be obtained by applying chemical compounds, including neonicotinoid compounds, to the plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer Cropscience N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Metzlaff, Marc De Block
  • System and method for offering risk-based interest rates in a credit instutment
    Patent number: 8145549
    Abstract: A system and method for communicating an offer to apply for a credit instrument is provided. A processing allows for processing credit history data. A calculating step allows for calculating a first plurality of interest rates based on the credit history data. A determining step allows for determining a second plurality of interest rates based on the first plurality of interest rates, wherein the second plurality of interest rates corresponds to a plurality of credit risk scores. Finally, a communicating step allows for communicating the offer to apply for a credit instrument in an initial communication with an offeree, the offer disclosing the second plurality of interest rates. An apparatus that calculates the interest rates used in the offer is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
    Inventor: Jayanta Das
  • Anti-graffiti treatment
    Patent number: 8137475
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use, in anti-graffiti treatments, and preferably in graffiti-suppressing treatments, of a particular dicarboxylic acid diester having improved treatment efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Rhodia Operations
    Inventors: Jean-Emille Zanetto, Valérie Legros, Valérie Billebaud, Sylvie Touzet
  • Immunostimulatory regimen comprising administering type 1 interferon and agonistic anti-CD40 antibody
    Patent number: 8137672
    Abstract: A synergistic adjuvant is provided comprising synergistically effective amounts of at least one type 1 interferon and at least one CD40 agonist, wherein these moieties may be in the same or separate compositions. In addition, fusion proteins and DNA conjugates which contain a type 1 interferon/CD40 agonist/antigen combination are provided. The use of these compositions, protein and DNA conjugates as immune adjuvants for treatment of various chronic diseases such as HIV infection and for enhancing the efficacy of vaccines (prophylactic and therapeutic) is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: Ross Kedl, Phillip J. Sanchez, Catherine Haluszczak
  • Computational method for drug discovery and receptor design
    Patent number: 8140268
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of predicting the mutual affinity of two molecules for each other in solution, by computing the configuration integrals of the free molecules and their bound complex as sums over local energy wells. The invention makes accurate calculations computationally tractable for a range of molecular systems by several means, including restraining the conformations of selected molecular components, and using a single conformation representative of an energy well to correct an efficient but less accurate energy model toward a slower but more accurate model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: VeraChem, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Jason Potter, Hillary Sue Rodman Gilson, Michael Kenneth Gilson
  • Analogues of GLP-1
    Patent number: 8138305
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to peptide analogues of glucagon-like peptide-1, the pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, to methods of using such analogues to treat mammals and to pharmaceutical compositions useful therefore comprising said analogues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ipsen Pharma S.A.S.
    Inventor: Zheng Xin Dong
  • Human T1R2 nucleic acid sequences and polypeptides
    Patent number: 8138322
    Abstract: Binding assays for identifying compounds that modulate human T1R2 polypeptide associated taste are disclosed. These assays detect the specific binding of compounds to a human T1R2 polypeptide or the modulation of the specific binding of a compound that specifically binds to a human T1R2 polypeptide. The binding assays may include the use of detectable labels, e.g., radionuclides, enzymes, fluorophases, and the like. Compounds identified in these binding assays have putative application as T1R2 taste modulators, particularly sweet taste, and potentially are useful additives in compositions for human or animal consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Senomyx, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Elliot Adler, Xiaodong Li, Lena Staszewski, Shawn O'Connell, Sergey Zozulya