Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm John S. Pratt
  • Patent number: 6107281
    Abstract: Administration of one or more of glutathione, its disulfide dimer, ascorbate-2-phosphate, or N-acetyl-L-cysteine, with or without antioxidants, is suitable for the treatment of influenza virus infection, as well as prophylactic prevention of influenza virus infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignees: Nutri-Quest, Inc., Emory University
    Inventors: Dean P. Jones, Satoru Furukawa
  • Patent number: 6081206
    Abstract: A video camera mounted on a parking enforcement patrol vehicle and connected to a computer near the operator. The system is driven along a patrol route where parked vehicles are governed by a posted time limit. The system enforces the local parking regulation by automatically determining whether or not each parked car has been parked longer than the posted time limit. Violations are detected by applying a License Plate Recognition algorithm to the images. Each license plate number is time-tagged, geo-referenced and entered into a local database. When the patrol vehicle re-traces the patrol route after the posted parking time limit has expired, the database is searched to flag vehicles that were observed at the same location during the previous circuit and therefore in violation of the parking regulations. When the system detects a parking violation, it prints a parking citation that the operator affixes to the offending parked vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Visionary Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Kielland
  • Patent number: 6074370
    Abstract: A syringe apparatus and process for using the same is provided, the syringe apparatus having a barrel, a plunger movable within the barrel, a needle assembly attached to an end of the barrel and having a passageway therethrough, a deformable base positioned within the barrel, flexible supports included on the deformable base, a spring within the passageway of the needle assembly, a hollow needle passing through the passageway, an enlarged head on the needle, and a rupturable web on an end of the plunger, whereby when the plunger moves through the barrel toward the needle assembly, a fluid can be moved from the barrel through the hollow of the needle, and continued movement of the plunger flexes the supports and moves the deformable base downwardly until such time a sufficient force is imparted to the rupturable web by the enlarged head to tear the web, the deformable base then releasing the needle due to force applied by the spring to project the needle into the interior of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Syringe Development Partners L.L.C.
    Inventors: William B. S. Pressly, Sr., Charles A. Vaughn, Sr., G. Samuel Brockway, Thomas R. Ellis
  • Patent number: 6064906
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for determining prognosis in atrial fibrillation non-invasively detects electrical activity of the heart with external electrodes, such as with ECG leads. The diagnostic system, apparatus and method provide a non-invasive technique to classify the severity of atrial fibrillation according to measured values of at least one predetermined parameter of the fibrillation as observed in the frequency domain. One predetermined parameter which is measured for the purpose of classification is peak frequency. Another predetermined parameter used for atrial fibrillation classification is a change in power along the range of frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Langberg, Andreas Bollmann
  • Patent number: 5966454
    Abstract: Methods and system according to the present invention enable a highly streamlined and efficient fabric or textile sampling and design process particularly valuable in the design and selection of floor coverings, wall coverings and other interior design treatments. A digital library of fabric models is created, preferably including digitized full-color images and having associated a digital representation of positions that are located within and which characterize the models. Via an application implemented according to conventional software methods and running on conventional hardware having high resolution graphics processing capabilities, a user may navigate among the set of alternative models, and may modify the positions of the selected models to test out desired combinations of characteristics--such as poms or yarn ends, for models of floor coverings--and view the results in high resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Bentley Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn C. Thomas, Jay Van Vark
  • Patent number: 5950392
    Abstract: Truss elements of a structure that are prefabricated, but hinged so that trusses may be reduced in size for transportation and storage. The hinge is made up of a sheet of flexible material which is affixed to elements of the truss by press fit plates. This press fit hinge can be installed on the truss simultaneously with the other press fit plates used to construct the truss, thereby dramatically reducing the number of steps required to construct the truss while still providing the desired feature of the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Short & Paulk Supply Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan (Jay) P. Short, V, Jordan P. Short, IV, Hal Hand, Taylor Williamson
  • Patent number: 5919158
    Abstract: An infusion cannula for use in clearing and preventing condensation on the posterior surface of an artificial lens during the fluid-gas exchange portion of a pars plana vitrectomy is described. The infusion cannula directs the flow of gas entering the eye toward the posterior surface of the lens. The moisture content of the gas supplied to the infusion cannula is minimized in order to increase the effectiveness with which condensation is removed or prevented. Additionally, the temperature of the gas supplied to the infusion cannula is controlled to further increase the effectiveness with which condensation is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: David A. Saperstein, Michael D. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5877230
    Abstract: A method for the anionic photoinitiation of polymerization or crosslinking of a substrate by irradiating a mixture of a substrate and a photoinitiator, where the photoinitiator is an inorganic transition metal complex which releases on irradiation a polymerization initiating substance consisting essentially of an anionically charged nucleophile that initiates the polymerization or crosslinking reaction, under conditions that allow the anion to initiate polymerization. FIG. 3 is plot of percentage polymerization of ethyl .alpha.-cyanoacrylate containing different concentration of Reineckate's anion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignees: University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc., The University of Georgia
    Inventor: Charles R. Kutal
  • Patent number: 5862643
    Abstract: A raised flooring system and methods of forming components of such a system are disclosed. The present flooring system utilizes thin sheet metal, typically galvanized steel, to form a first strip having a plurality of pedestals formed in a spaced apart relation on the strip and connected via wings extending from the first strip to wings extending from a second strip, thereby forming an overall rectilinear, grid-like pattern of pedestals. The pedestals are used to maintain floor panels above a network of channels in which conduit, cables, hoses, pipe and other materials can be routed. The pedestals are punched and formed from strips of sheet metal and have an overall shape generally that of a tower supported by two legs that may have rounded edges for increased load-bearing capacity. The wings that are designed to interlock with corresponding wings from another strip may also be formed from the pedestal-bearing strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Guilford (Delaware) Inc.
    Inventor: Jan J. Schilham
  • Patent number: 5858296
    Abstract: A method for preparing mimics of a wide variety of drugs and other biologlly active molecules using molecular imprinting techniques, and the mimics produced thereby, is disclosed. Specifically, the mimic is designed by: (i) polymerization of functional monomers around a known drug or biologically active molecule (the template) that exhibits a desired activity; (ii) removal of the template molecule; and then (iii) polymerization of a second class of monomers in the void left by the template, to provide a new organic molecule which exhibits one or more desired properties which are similar to that of the template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Yissum Research Development Co. of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Inventor: Abraham Jacob Domb
  • Patent number: 5832878
    Abstract: A multichannel, multipurpose sample collection and drug delivery system for freely-moving laboratory animals includes several sampling and/or infusion devices mounted on a powered turntable above the cage but out of the animal's sight. Rotation of the tether as the animal moves is detected by magnetic switches, which cause the turntable to turn in the direction taken by the animal. Fluid or electrical swivels are entirely eliminated; the animal experiences almost zero torque on the tether. As the swivel normally limits the number of fluid or electrical connections in traditional systems, eliminating the swivel removes this constraint. Multiple probes can now be placed in alert, freely moving animals to sample several brain regions simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: Robert Wingfield Bonsall, Milburn Spencer Emery, Jay Michael Weiss
  • Patent number: 5727418
    Abstract: A sheet metal working tool particularly adapted for vehicle body repair comprising a slide hammer assembly attached to a suction cup from which air is drawn through the assembly. The tool incorporates a compressed air-operated vacuum ejector functioning on the venturi principle into a stop on the end of the slide hammer assembly opposite the suction cup. The exhaust stream is effectively muffled and diffused through a collar of hard, rugged, porous material that fits within a channel in the surface of the vacuum ejector/stop and that completely covers the port through which the exhaust exists the vacuum ejector/stop. The suction cup is reinforced by an internally located stiffener, and shock loads that may damage the threaded connections among components of the tool are damped by a shock absorbing hose connected to the vacuum ejector/stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Body Buddy, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Strozier
  • Patent number: 5713168
    Abstract: A junction box that organizes and provides access to electrical, data, telecommunications or other service lines routed through numerous channels formed between a false floor and an existing floor is disclosed. The housing of the junction box can be placed at virtually any point upon a false floor so that equipment disposed about the false floor can access outlets provided within the housing and connected to electrical, data, telecommunications cables or other service lines. Additionally, a hatch with a cable protector may be provided to cover the junction box while allowing cables to enter into the box for connection to the appropriate outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Guilford (Delaware), Inc.
    Inventor: Jan J. Schilham
  • Patent number: 5695696
    Abstract: Floor mats and methods for producing such mats having wear resistant phosphorescent borders that emit light after removal of ambient light so that the mat edges are visible in the event of a power failure in the facility where the mat is used. The mat border may also contain a bright pigment in the border regions and a contrasting pigment in other regions to make the border visually distinctive under normal lighting conditions. The mats may be produced from solid or foamed polyvinyl chloride materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventors: Connie Daniel Hensler, Gilbert Searle Nowell, James Richard May, Walter Ivkovich, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5694696
    Abstract: A scraper plane and plane insert that substitutes, in the place of a conventional plane iron or blade and cap iron, a bracket formed by bending sheet mild steel to form two arms, one of which is secured to the frog and the other of which holds a scraper blade in a substantially upright position. Small adjustments in the angle between the scraper blade and plane sole can be made by actuating a micro-adjustment mechanism that forms a bridge between the support arm and securing arm of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Lee Valley Tools Ltd.
    Inventors: Leonard G. Lee, John S. Lynn, Charles Paul Hamler
  • Patent number: 5675950
    Abstract: A raised flooring system and methods of forming components of such a system are disclosed. The present flooring system utilizes thin sheet metal, typically galvanized steel, to form a first strip having a plurality of pedestals formed in a spaced apart relation on the strip and connected via wings extending from the first strip to wings extending from a second strip, thereby forming an overall rectilinear, grid-like pattern of pedestals. The pedestals are used to maintain floor panels above a network of channels in which conduit, cables, hoses, pipe and other materials can be routed. The pedestals are punched and formed from strips of sheet metal and have an overall shape generally that of a tower supported by two legs that may have rounded edges for increased load-bearing capacity. The wings that are designed to interlock with corresponding wings from another strip may also be formed from the pedestal-bearing strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Guilford (Delaware), Inc.
    Inventor: Jan J. Schilham
  • Patent number: 5673522
    Abstract: A junction box that organizes and provides access electrical, data, telecommunications or other service lines routed through numerous channels formed between a false floor and an existing floor is disclosed. The housing of the junction box can be placed at virtually any point upon a false floor so that equipment disposed about the false floor can access outlets provided within the housing and connected to electrical, data, telecommunications cables or other service lines. Additionally, a hatch with a cable protector may be provided to cover the junction box while allowing cables to enter into the box for connection to the appropriate outlet. In another embodiment, a flange surrounds the top edge of the junction box housing and has holes through which pedestals or posts that support a false floor may insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Guilford, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan J. Schilham
  • Patent number: 4787127
    Abstract: A combination woodworking machine for attachment to an electric plunge router, which may be configured as a horizontal boring and slot mortising machine, an overarm router and a router table. An x-y-z table is mounted on a column supported by feet, and a plunge router with its base removed is mounted in various orientations on the column by sliding it onto steel dowels mounted on the column. An electronic speed control reduces the router speed for boring, and an electronic digital readout provides accurate measurement of horizontal movement of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Inventor: Jerrold R. Beall
  • Patent number: 4542891
    Abstract: A combination woodworking bench and press for gluing veneered panels or assembling and gluing case good carcasses. A bench top of torsion box construction is supported by a trestle-type stand having rods or tubes for supporting movable pressing cauls and movable battens. Lower battens are supported on such rods during positioning in the press configuration, and work pieces are pressed between the bench top and movable cauls, which are also of torsion box structure. Pressure is applied by clamping the ends of pairs of battens positioned above and below the cauls and bench top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Inventor: Ian J. Kirby
  • Patent number: RE36798
    Abstract: The instant invention concerns a wood preservative composition comprising a synergistically effective amount of (a) a cuprammonium compound and (b) tebuconazole to preserve wood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Hickson International, Plc
    Inventors: Gareth Williams, Judith A. Cornfield, Janet Brown, Neil P. Ryan