Patents Represented by Attorney M. A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5624507
    Abstract: The invention provides a process and apparatus for producing a quench gas mixture for increasing the cooling rate of an article. The quench gas mixture is produced by introducing helium gas into the bottom of a vessel containing a cryogenic liquid. Heat is transferred directly from the helium gas to the cryogenic liquid as the helium bubbles rise through the liquid to the surface. The resulting cryogenic vapor mixes with the helium gas in the ullage space at the top of the vessel, and the gas mixture is taken off from the ullage space and supplied to a cooling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Halvorson
  • Patent number: 5617997
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in atomizing methods and apparatus useful for combusting liquid fuel, such oil. The atomizing methods and apparatus consistently produce liquid fuel streams having vary narrow spray angles. The liquid fuel streams having very narrow spray angles can be produced even when a low liquid fuel flow rate is employed and even when a liquid fuel stream is atomized outside a liquid fuel passageway. The production of the constant narrow spray angle liquid fuel stream allows the atomizing apparatus to operate for a long period without causing fouling problems even if they are sufficiently recessed from internal openings of refractory ports defined in the furnace wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Kobayashi, Arthur W. Francis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5607513
    Abstract: A process for pipe cleaning using a cleaning module which is propelled through the pipe by a hydraulic fluid and has at least two cleaning tips attached in a particular alternating sequence. The hydraulic fluid is inspected to determine when no further abrasive cleaning is required. When such a determination is made, another tip is applied to finish the surface of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Peggy L. Sims
  • Patent number: 5601425
    Abstract: A combustion method is provided for carrying out combustion with reduced generation of nitrogen oxides. The combustion method involves partially combusting a fluid fuel stream with a low velocity oxidant and thereafter mixing and combusting the resulting product with a secondary oxidant stream diluted with ambient gas. The velocity of the secondary oxidant stream is either increased to reduce the nitrogen oxides emission level or adjusted to provide the desired secondary oxidant/low velocity oxidant ratio which is useful for further decreasing the formation of nitrogen oxides. Normally, increasing the ratio and/or velocity further decreases the nitrogen oxides emission level. When liquid fuel is employed, it is atomized with atomizing fluid in such a manner to produce a liquid fuel stream having a very narrow spray angle. The production of such a stream allows the burner to be operated without water cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Kobayashi, Arthur W. Francis, Jr., Hisashi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5589483
    Abstract: Inhibition of the enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase can delay the onset of senescence and inhibitors of the enzyme can be used to treat diseases caused or exacerbated by cellular senescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Geron Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. West
  • Patent number: 5583016
    Abstract: Nucleic acids comprising the RNA component of a mammalian telomerase are useful as pharmaceutical, therapeutic, and diagnostic reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Geron Corporation
    Inventors: Bryant Villeponteau, Junli Feng, Walter Funk, William H. Andrews
  • Patent number: 5569825
    Abstract: The invention relates to transgenic non-human animals capable of producing heterologous antibodies of multiple isotypes. Heterologous antibodies are encoded by immunoglobulin heavy chain genes not normally found in the genome of that species of non-human animal. In one aspect of the invention, one or more transgenes containing sequences that permit isotype switching of encoded unrearranged heterologous human immunoglobulin heavy chains are introduced into a non-human animal thereby forming a transgenic animal capable of producing antibodies of various isotypes encoded by human immunoglobulin genes. Such heterologous human antibodies are produced in B-cells which are thereafter immortalized, e.g., by fusing with an immortalizing cell line such as a myeloma or by manipulating such B-cells by other techniques to perpetuate a cell line capable of producing a monoclonal heterologous antibody.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: GenPharm International
    Inventors: Nils Lonberg, Robert M. Kay
  • Patent number: 5503805
    Abstract: A device and method for efficiently synthesizing diverse molecular products on substrates. A parent vessel 200 contains a suspension of substrates. The suspension is pressurized with argon and transferred to a plurality of reaction vessels 201-209 in one or more reaction vessel banks where monomer addition reactions take place. Optionally, the substrates may be tagged with a tag monomer. A vortexing motor 300 vortexes the contents of reaction vessels 201-209 during monomer addition reactions to enhance synthesis. After the desired monomer and/or tag monomer addition reaction, the suspension is pressurized with argon and transferred back to parent vessel 200 for mixing. Thereafter, the suspension may be pressurized with argon and reallocated among reaction vessels 201-209 for further synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Affymax Technologies N.V.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Sugarman, Richard P. Rava, Haim Kedar
  • Patent number: 5485719
    Abstract: A method and system for supplying compressed air to a process plant using a combustor-turbine unit directly coupled to a bull gear meshing with pinions on which are mounted gas compression stages and expansion stages. Some stages compress a stream of air supplied to the combustor-turbine unit for combustion and to the process plant. Other stages expand or compress other gas streams directed to the combustor-turbine unit or to external applications. Direct energy transfers and intercooling and aftercooling after compression stages enhance the efficiency of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. Wulf
  • Patent number: 5481230
    Abstract: A phase modulator circuit and method for generating an output signal having individually positionable edges is described. The phase modulator includes a programmable pulse generator, such as an interval counter, or a delay for producing the output signal, and a control value source, such as a memory, for delivering a sequence of control values to the generator. The control values determine the time between successive output pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Chang, Dan H. Wolaver, J. Howell Mitchell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5409760
    Abstract: Camouflage materials that are highly visible to humans but inconspicuous to dichromatic animals are provided. The camouflage materials emit, or simulate emission, of light at or about the neutral point of a dichromatic animal. One kind of camouflage material contains a coloring agent, which limits photopic light emissions from the material to occur at or about the neutral point. Another kind of camouflage material contains at least two coloring agents, which limit photopic light emissions to at least two bands of wavelengths. The respective proportions and spectral properties of these coloring agents are chosen so that the combination of photopic light emitted by camouflage materials incorporating them simulates the appearance of monochromatic light at or about the neutral point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Ocutech, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Neitz, Don H. Anderson, Lincoln V. Johnson, Gregory S. Hageman
  • Patent number: 5340543
    Abstract: A chromatography device for separating sample fluids from carrier fluids and analyzing the sample is configured so that it is a modular unit. This modularity enables repairs to be quickly effected on the unit and also greatly simplifies the task of accessing the components of the chromatography cartridge. The modular chromatography cartridge is comprised of separation columns for separating the sample fluid from the carrier fluid. The cartridge additionally includes detectors for detecting distinguishing characteristics of fluids exiting the column. Further, the cartridge preferably includes valve assemblies for directing the flow of the carrier fluid and sample fluid throughout the cartridge and restrictors for adjusting the flow rate of the fluids as they flow through the cartridge. All of the components of the cartridge are configured upon a manifold. The manifold has a means for attaching the cartridge to fluid sources and support structure. The manifold enables the system to exhibit its modularity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: The Foxboro Company
    Inventors: Raymond Annino, Edward L. Lewis, Dale E. Lueck, Matthew L. Phillips, Richard Villalobos
  • Patent number: 5314813
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rational, elegant means of producing, loading and using Class I molecules to specifically activate CD8 cells in vitro, and their therapeutic applications in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including cancer, tumors or neoplasias, as well as viral, retroviral, autoimmune, and autoimmune-type diseases. The present invention also relates to vectors, cell lines, recombinant DNA molecules encoding human .beta.2 microglobulin or Class I MHC molecules in soluble and insoluble form, and methods of producing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Scripps Research Institute
    Inventors: Per A. Peterson, Michael Jackson, Pierre Langlade-Demoyen
  • Patent number: 5305642
    Abstract: A high precision pressure transducer system for checking the reliability of a second pressure transducer system used to monitor the level of a fluid confined in a holding tank. Since the response of the pressure transducer is temperature sensitive, it is continually housed in an battery powered oven which is configured to provide a temperature stable environment at specified temperature for an extended period of time. Further, a high precision temperature stabilized oscillator and counter are coupled to a single board computer to accurately determine the pressure transducer oscillation frequency and convert it to an applied pressure. All of the components are powered by the batteries which during periods of availability of line power are charged by an on board battery charger. The pressure readings outputs are transmitted to a line printer and a vacuum florescent display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Thomas C. Piper, John P. Morgan, Norman J. Marchant, Steven M. Bolton
  • Patent number: 5290687
    Abstract: Novel bacteria strains and plants are described which produce and secrete chitinase and other proteins as the result of the introduction of foreign DNA linked to a sequence encoding chitinase, an enzyme capable of degrading chitin present in fungi and nematodes. The bacterial strains have utThis invention was made with Government support under Grant No. 1S1-8560311 awarded by the National Science Foundation. The Government has certain rights in this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: DNA Plant Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Trevor Suslow, Jonathan D. G. Jones
  • Patent number: 5264565
    Abstract: Chimeric G-protein linked receptors are constructed which retain ligand binding specificity yet gain the ability to elevate intracellular free calcium as a result of agonist binding. This easily assayed function is provided by the insertion of or replacement with sequences substantially homologous to the i3 loop of a second G-protein-linked receptor. Such receptors are employed, for example, in methods of screening for compounds capable of acting as agonists or antagonists of G-protein-linked receptors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Affymax Technologies, N.V.
    Inventors: Bruce P. England, Ronald W. Barrett
  • Patent number: 5155810
    Abstract: An adapter is connected between a peripheral controller and an intelligent peripheral device. The adapter allows the peripheral device to communicate with the controller. The adapter has control logic rather than a microprocessor for transmitting and receiving data. The control logic is comprised of combinatorial logic circuitry and a command register. The command register allows the controller to configure the cominatorial logic circuitry in order to control adapter operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Bull HN Information Systems Inc.
    Inventors: John L. McNamara, Jr., Donald J. Rathbun
  • Patent number: 5101490
    Abstract: A peripheral device controller has an EEPROM which stores microinstructions to be placed in a random access memory control store. The EEPROM also stores peripheral configuration information. This information is obtained by polling the peripheral devices connected to the controller and storing the resulting information in the EEPROM. Upon powering up, the microinstructions stored in the EEPROM are transferred to the control store via execution of instructions held in a boot PROM. The controller, therefore, provides a fast control store while maintaining permanence of the microinstructions after power is extinguished. Means are also provided to update the control store and EEPROM. The EEPROM may upon CPU command be updated with new microinstructions held in main memory or obtained from peripheral devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Bull HN Information Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Edward F. Getson, Jr., John W. Bradley, Joseph P. Gardner, Alfred F. Votolato
  • Patent number: 5081609
    Abstract: A controller connected between a system bus and peripheral devices has at least two microprocessors. One controls the data transfers with the peripheral devices, and the other controls data transfers with the system bus. The microprocessors share a data buffer and control store. This sharing is possible because of the controller timing means which synchronizes exclusive access to the shared components of the controller. When first initialized, the microprocessors are directed to execute a test instruction which points them to the beginning of their set of microinstructions. Once pointed to their set of microinstructions, normal operation may begin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Bull HN Information Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Edward F. Getson, Jr., John W. Bradley, Joseph P. Gardner, Alfred F. Votolato
  • Patent number: 4888727
    Abstract: A controller controls data transfers between a data processing system bus and peripheral devices. In the controller, data buffers are divided into page frames. Paging circuitry provides for allocation and deallocation of pages to and from the data buffer. Included in the page circuitry is a paging RAM. The paging RAM and other paging circuitry components allow contiguously addressed pages of data to be stored in noncontiguous locations in the data buffer. There may be more than one data buffer and these data buffers may be exclusively seized by microprocessors in the controller via seizing logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Bull HN Information Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Edward F. Getson, Jr., John W. Bradley, Joseph P. Gardner, Alfred F. Votolato