Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm James M. Ritchey
  • Patent number: 5925623
    Abstract: In the generation of cytofectin:polynucleotide complexes for transfection of cells, formulations, counterions, and reaction conditions for maximizing the transfection include using a cationic amine compound that has the general structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are a pair of same or different lipoyl moieties selected from a group consisting of an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkanoyl, alkenoyl, or alkynoyl groups and for R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 at least two are hydroxylated, ether containing, or acyloxy containing alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl groups or at least one amine bonded halogen containing moiety selected from a group consisting of a halogenated alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group or a mixture of at least one halogen containing moiety selected from a group consisting of a halogenated alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group and at least one hydroxylated, ether containing, or acyloxy containing alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group, and X.sup.- is an oxyanion or halide counterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael H. Nantz, Michael J. Bennett, Rajiv P. Balasubramaniam, Alfred M. Aberle, Robert W. Malone
  • Patent number: 5913796
    Abstract: For use with an envelope inserter, a sheet packet hold-down apparatus, comprising a stopping mechanism or guide for stopping the leading edge of the sheets, a hold-down button of substantially hemispherical shape, wherein the hold down button is positioned before the stopping mechanism or guide, a bias device for resiliently supporting the hold-down button, and a conveyor apparatus for transporting the sheets to the stopping mechanism or guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: International Billing Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan D. Emigh
  • Patent number: 5906304
    Abstract: A rack that adjustably attaches to an inboard wall panel of a boat for securing water sport equipment in the cockpit of the boat. The device is configured so that the rack adjustably attaches to the inboard wall panel and rests flush against the floor of a boat. The device is designed to secure a variety of water sport equipment so as to protect the water sport equipment, the boat and the passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Dominic Baldacchino
  • Patent number: 5906021
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a selected surface, usually fluid-wetted or submerged, has a membrane element. The membrane element comprises a generally concave lower surface that clings, when in motion, to the selected surface by a first force and a generally convex upper surface. The membrane element has a means associated with the generally convex upper surface which generates a second force which, when in motion, causes the lower surface and the selected surface to be pressed more closely together. particularly embodied as a generally wing shaped cross-sectional profile, wherein the generally wing shaped cross-sectional profile is produced with at least one ring wall comprised of a series of rods projecting up from the generally convex upper surface of the membrane and often a plurality of ring walls formed from projecting rods. An elongated handle, usually a float, is affixed to the membrane element upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel Coffey
  • Patent number: 5895328
    Abstract: A swing training apparatus for sensing centrifugal force created from a swing of a handheld sport implement and producing a signal for a predetermined level of centrifugal force. The apparatus comprises a housing holding a battery affixed to a sliding member that is slidably positioned within the housing. An adjustable force signal mechanism is electrically connected to the battery. A spring holds the sliding member and battery in a signal nonactuating position within said housing until sufficient centrifugal force, created by the swinging sport implement, slides the sliding member within the housing into a signal actuating position, thereby actuating said signal mechanism to produce a signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Pete Pahio
  • Patent number: 5892071
    Abstract: For use in transporting biologically active species into and through membrane barriers, a symmetrical cationic diamine compound having the general structure ##STR1## wherein m=1-10; R.sub.1 is a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a hydroxylated alkyl or alkenyl group, or an ether containing alkyl or alkenyl group; R.sub.2 is an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or an alkyl or alkenyl containing acyl group; R.sub.3 is a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a hydroxylated alkyl or alkenyl group, or an ether containing alkyl or alkenyl group; R.sub.4 is a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a hydroxylated alkyl or alkenyl group, or an ether containing alkyl or alkenyl group; and X.sup.- is an anion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: The Reagents of The University of California
    Inventors: Michael H. Nantz, Michael J. Bennett, Robert W. Malone
  • Patent number: 5890909
    Abstract: For aiding in educating children concerning vehicle safety, an instructional toy vehicle and method of use are disclosed. The toy vehicle is equipped with a functioning shoulder strap seat belt. Included is a crash dummy and instructions describing safety information that illustrate the use of a seat belt and the results of not wearing such a restraining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: William C. Gladish
  • Patent number: 5869715
    Abstract: For use in transporting biologically active species into and through membrane barriers, a cationic amine compound is utilized that has the general structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are a pair of same or different lipoyl moieties selected from a group consisting of an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkanoyl, alkenoyl, or alkynoyl groups and for R.sub.1 R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 at least two are hydroxylated, ether containing, or acyloxy containing alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl groups or at least one amine bonded halogen containing moiety selected from a group consisting of a halogenated alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group or a mixture of at least one halogen containing moiety selected from a group consisting of a halogenated alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group and at least one hydroxylated, ether containing, or acyloxy containing alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group, and X.sup.- is an anion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Reagents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael H. Nantz, Michael J. Bennett, Rajiv P. Balasubramaniam
  • Patent number: 5850654
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a selected surface, usually fluid-wetted or submerged, has a membrane element. The membrane element comprises a lower surface and an upper surface. The membrane element has a means associated with the upper surface which generates a force which, when in motion, causes the lower surface and the selected surface to be pressed more closely together, particularly embodied as a "wing" cross-sectional profile for added cleaning force and structural support. The lower surface is often textured to create and control fluid motion related inter-surfacial attractive and fluid shearing forces used in the cleaning motion. A perimeter scraping edge surrounds at least a portion of the membrane element. An elongated handle, usually a float, is affixed to the membrane element upper surface. In addition to a slightly concave outer region of the lower surface, the membrane element lower surface may have a concave central region and one or more fluid release apertures piercing the membrane element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel Coffey
  • Patent number: 5847315
    Abstract: An ignitable solid gas generating composition comprises a polyalkylammonium binder, usually polyvinylamine nitrate or polyethyleneimmonium nitrate, an oxidizer mixture comprising ammonium nitrate and a first additive which produces an eutectic melt which is liquid at a temperature well below the melting point of the ammonium nitrate as well as that of the first additive, and an additional quantity of the ammonium nitrate and a second additive. Further, combustion modifier additives may be added to the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Ecotech
    Inventors: Arthur Katzakian, Jr., Henry Cheung, Charles E. Grix, Donald C. McGehee
  • Patent number: 5842183
    Abstract: For use with the production of a billing document, a system and method for printing billing information on the billing document comprises a computer controlled system, suitable programming, that establishes a target mail date, determines the eligibility of the billing document for inclusion in the system, verifies that the billing document will be mailed on the target mail date, and changes the billing information printed on the billing document if the verification process determines that the billing document will not be mailed on the target mail date.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: International Billings Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank W. Delfer, III, Lino E. Carnesecca, Glenna M. Johnston, Cindy M. Spear
  • Patent number: 5829953
    Abstract: A billing statement system comprising a billing statement having a plurality of sheets or pages of multiple lengths or which are otherwise of multiple sizes and/or shapes. The billing statement preferably comprises a plurality of sheets wherein at least one sheet is of different, generally larger, size than the other sheets, and in which the larger sheet has a first region with a consumer's mailing address on one side and a provider's mailing address on the reverse side, and a second region which contains detail or summary information on the charges due. The billing statement system includes a collator apparatus for collating billing statements having a plurality of sheets of multiple lengths, and a folder apparatus for folding collated billing statements having a plurality of sheets of multiple lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: International Billing Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Fehringer, Christian E. Tammi, Marc J. Fagan, Daniel M. Saldana, Charles E. Preston, Jonathan D. Emigh, Steve Johnson, Chris Jones
  • Patent number: 5824812
    Abstract: Amine containing compounds and their use in the generation of cytofectin:polynucleotide complexes for transfection of cells, formulations, counterions, and reaction conditions for maximizing the transfection include using cationic amine compounds that have the general structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are a pair of same or different lipoyl moieties selected from a group consisting of an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkanoyl, alkenoyl, or alkynoyl groups and for R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 at least two are hydroxylated, ether containing, or acyloxy containing alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl groups or at least one amine bonded halogen containing moiety selected from a group consisting of a halogenated alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group or a mixture of at least one halogen containing moiety selected from a group consisting of a halogenated alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group and at least one hydroxylated, ether containing, or acyloxy containing alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group, and X.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael H. Nantz, Michael J. Bennett, Rajiv P. Balasubramaniam, Alfred M. Aberle, Robert W. Malone
  • Patent number: 5816773
    Abstract: A collating apparatus for collation of a plurality of pages or sheets having varying lengths or widths. A plurality of sheets of different lengths are provided to a collating tray with a stopper adjacent one end. The leading edge of each of the plurality of sheets registers against the stopper. When all of sheets have entered the collator tray and registered against the stopper, a plurality of pinch rollers are brought together on the front or leading edge of the stack of sheets, removing the stack of sheets from the collating tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: International Billing Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Fehringer, Christian E. Tammi, Marc J. Fagan, Daniel M. Saldana, Charles E. Preston
  • Patent number: 5816629
    Abstract: A sliding door deadbolt assembly containing a self-retracting finger pull mechanism is described. Provided is a latch assembly having a self-latching deadbolt assembly for mounting to a sliding door and latching with a strike plate mounted in a door frame and a self-retracting finger pull mechanism for accessing the sliding door from within a surrounding framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Grodon Lock Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph G. Donald
  • Patent number: 5774885
    Abstract: A billing system for combining into a statement pack, fitted within a minimum number of master mailing envelopes, individual user billing statements and other desired inserts. Each billing statement is comprised of one or more constituent documents, from the same or different service providers that are to be delivered to a common mailbox. Postal coding information is utilized for determining which user billing statements are delivered to the common mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: International Billing Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank W. Delfer, III
  • Patent number: 5754434
    Abstract: A bulk mailing system for controlling and processing mailing envelopes containing selected combinations of documents and inserts comprises a programmable computer controller, a plurality of printers, a controller interfaced collator for merging document pages from the printers, a document folder, and a controller interfaced inserter for filling the mailing envelopes with the selected combinations of document pages and inserts. Associated with the inserter are devices for marking the edges of envelopes with desired information indicia and for wetting and sealing the flaps of selected envelopes. Further, the controller verifies that the correct document forms, inserts, and mailing envelopes are matched and inserted into the mailing envelopes. Additionally, the controller selects and includes any desired combination of enclosures and inserts in the mailing envelopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: International Billing Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank W. Delfer, Charles B. Clupper, Steven L. Mulkey, Jonathan D. Emigh
  • Patent number: 5744625
    Abstract: For use transporting biologically active species into and through membrane barriers, a symmetrical cationic diamine compound having the general structure ##STR1##
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: The Reagents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael H. Nantz, Michael J. Bennett, Robert W. Malone
  • Patent number: 5729954
    Abstract: A flap opening apparatus wherein envelopes are sequentially conveyed past a jet nozzle, which delivers timed blasts of air to open the flaps of each envelope. A computer controller tracks the position of the envelopes by a shaft encoder, and activates the jet nozzle when each envelope is correctly positioned. The opened flaps of the envelopes are held in an open position by a plate so that mail materials may be inserted into the envelopes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: International Billing Services
    Inventors: George G. Lines, James W. Hart, Jonathan D. Emigh
  • Patent number: D408494
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Michael C. Parise