Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm McCutchen, Doyle, Brown and Enersen LLP
  • Patent number: 6041123
    Abstract: A system of secure communications between multiple parties. This system uses an index/secure key combination for each party. The index key never changes its value. A secured central router with access to a master database uses index keys to look up corresponding secure keys in the master database. The central router uses the secure keys to decrypt messages sent by parties and reencrypt the messages for the recipients and, thus, acts as a conduit for secure communications between parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Allsoft Distributing Incorporated
    Inventor: Bryan Colvin, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6037949
    Abstract: Methods for defining smooth scalar fields on arbitrary polygonal meshes which can be consistently carried through the subdivision process involve computing mesh vertices after subdivision to a suitable resolution and computing scalar field values at the vertices corresponding to an arbitrary smooth surface, including the limit surface. The methods allow one to define and compute the value of scalar fields over an arbitrarily dense set of points on the limit surface. Applications of these techniques in computer graphics and computer animation include: (1) the definition of pseudo-coordinates for use in parametric shading including texture mapping; (2) the assignment of smoothly varying articulation weights over the control points of a model to more efficiently define the transformation of a highly detailed object or character under specific animation controls; and (3) the assignment of smoothly varying local parameters for specifying the local behavior of dynamic or quasi-static objects or surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Pixar Animation Studios
    Inventors: Anthony David DeRose, Michael Kass, Tien Gia Truong
  • Patent number: 6034668
    Abstract: The present invention relates to computer control devices and, more particularly, to devices for controlling the position of a cursor on a computer display. The invention permits improved technology for cursor control devices. Certain embodiments of devices according to the present invention offer an edge detection system that uniquely identifies the maximum and minimum edges for use in a cursor control device, utilizing improved grating plates. Certain embodiments offer more reliable switch cycle detection in a cursor control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Altra
    Inventor: Robert E. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6015087
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for issuing documents of value such as money orders, gift certificates, utility remittances, phone card, payroll, etc. An apparatus according to the disclosure may include a compartment for receiving substrates on which information associated with a document of value is printed, a code reader which reads codes uniquely associated with each substrate from the substrates, a printer that prints information on the substrates, and a control terminal for controlling the code reader and printer. The control terminal is configured for communication with the code reader and for detection and recordation of the codes uniquely associated with each substrate. The control terminal may detect and record deviations from an expected order of the codes uniquely associated with the substrates upon the substrates being received in the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Dean Alan Seifert, Earney Stoutenburg, Paul J. Vogt
  • Patent number: 6010627
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for concentrating a blood fraction. The device includes an ultrafiltration unit connected to a fluid delivery system for delivering the blood fraction to be concentrated into the ultrafiltration unit. The device also includes a purge fluid delivery system for expelling concentrate from the ultrafiltration unit. In one embodiment, the device accommodates multiple cycles of concentration. A blood fraction concentration method is also provided. The device and method of the present invention are particularly useful for preparing a plasma concentrate suitable for use in a coagulum-based wound sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Quantic Biomedical Partners
    Inventor: Andrew G. Hood, III
  • Patent number: 5988208
    Abstract: A gas containment and delivery system that can be efficiently and cost-effectively adapted to a wide variety of gas delivery needs. The system has a gas containment box that can be efficiently adapted to provide double containment for sections of toxic gas lines having gas delivery components such as valves, regulators, and gauges. The system may be either floor-mounted or wall-mounted, and can be used in a wide variety of semiconductor fabrication facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventors: Andrew Tudhope, David Jordan, Jerry Jones
  • Patent number: 5990288
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from biological samples, for example, from human pituitary glands or human postmenopausal urine, wherein the FSH is contaminated with other proteins, by use of dye-ligand affinity chromatography (DAC). This process may be used to generate affinity pure FSH suitable for therapeutic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Vitro Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Musick, Erik Van Horn
  • Patent number: 5979853
    Abstract: A speed rack guard for use in the field of restaurant and bar service is disclosed. The speed rack guard helps to reduce injuries to bartenders and other individuals working around speed racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: David Winthrop Emmons
  • Patent number: 5976790
    Abstract: Disclosed are new methods comprising the use of in situ hybridization to detect abnormal nucleic acid sequence copy numbers in one or more genomes wherein repetitive sequences that bind to multiple loci in a reference chromosome spread are either substantially removed and/or their hybridization signals suppressed. The invention termed Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) provides for methods of determining the relative number of copies of nucleic acid sequences in one or more subject genomes or portions thereof (for example, a tumor cell) as a function of the location of those sequences in a reference genome (for example, a normal human genome). The intensity(ies) of the signals from each labeled subject nucleic acid and/or the differences in the ratios between different signals from the labeled subject nucleic acid sequences are compared to determine the relative copy numbers of the nucleic acid sequences in the one or more subject genomes as a function of position along the reference chromosome spread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Daniel Pinkel, Joe W. Gray, Anne Kallioniemi, Olli-Pekka Kallioniemi, Frederick Waldman, Masaru Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 5967877
    Abstract: A flexible support structure shaped to conform to the cup portion of breast-supporting garments is described. The support structure may be constructed from a polyurethane foam or similar material and comprises a rib molded onto the lower U-shaped edge to provide support and yet sufficient flexibility. The present support structure thus eliminates the need for underwire structures and allows ease of manufacture, eliminates damage caused to the fabric by conventional underwire structures, and also provides enhanced comfort to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Jack E. Howard
  • Patent number: 5966120
    Abstract: A system for providing efficient constant bit rate distribution of variable bit-rate encoded video programs while facilitating the distribution of encoded video programs, along with Auxiliary Data of a general character, to one or more receivers. At a particular receiver, a customized augmented video program is created by inserting selected portions of the Auxiliary Data into a selected encoded video program. The encoded video portion of the augmented video program can be transmitted, decoded and displayed in real time, while the Auxiliary Data need not be transmitted in real time but can be stored locally at the receiver for real-time presentation at a later time. Real time presentation might include insertion into the video program while non real-time presentation might include insertion into non-video applications separate from the video program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Imedia Corporation
    Inventors: Efraim Arazi, Adam S. Tom, Paul Shen, Edward A. Krause
  • Patent number: 5955275
    Abstract: Methods for identifying nucleic acid sequences that affect a cellular phenotype are disclosed. The method uses a reporter gene whose level of expression correlates with the phenotype in conjunction with a method or device for measuring the level of reporter expression. An expression library is introduced into the cells, and those cells exhibiting changes in reporter expression level are selected. Expression library inserts from the selected cells are isolated, thereby providing a sub-library enriched for sequences that affect the phenotype reflected by the reporter. Further rounds of sub-library introduction and cell selection may be carried out to provide additional enrichment Sequences identified using this method may be used to ascertain the identity of additional molecules involved in generating the cellular phenotype.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Arcaris, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Alexander Kamb
  • Patent number: 5956088
    Abstract: A method for increasing channel utilization for a data channel transmitting a multiplex of a set of one or more encoded program streams, each program stream in being decodeable by a corresponding decoder, each corresponding decoder including a corresponding decoder buffer, the decoder buffers having a maximum allowable size, the method comprising selecting encoded pictures to be modified, said selecting according to a criterion which includes preventing any underflow of any decoder buffer, modifying each said selected encoded picture to form a corresponding modified encoded picture, said modified encoded picture having less data than said selected encoded picture, and transmitting the corresponding modified encoded pictures through the channel in place of the selected encoded pictures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Imedia Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Shen, Efraim Arazi, Edward A. Krause, Adam S. Tom
  • Patent number: 5953710
    Abstract: Methods and credit or debit card systems are disclosed that allow the available credit to be determined by someone other than the card issuer and that allow a limit to be set on the number of expenditures that can be made. The methods and systems can be used to provide a mechanism for supervising credit or debit card usage. Methods and systems are disclosed which include a child's credit card account linked to a parent's credit or debit card account. The parent may change the child's available credit without changing the total combined available credit for the child's and the parent's accounts. In addition, an expenditure counter figure associated with the child's account is disclosed which can be used by the parent to enable the child to make an unlimited number of purchases, a limited number of purchases, or no purchases. The parent may make a single payment for both the child's and the parent's credit card accounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Stephen S. Fleming
  • Patent number: 5949948
    Abstract: A compressed video playback system which eliminates playback mode transition artifacts. Transitions between various playback modes are effected in such a manner that transition artifacts are eliminated by delaying playback mode transitions until appropriate frames of data are detected for propagation to the compressed video decoder. In addition, compressed video data retrieval methods are improved for supporting multi-speed playback modes in both forward and reverse directions in an optimal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Imedia Corporation
    Inventors: Edward A. Krause, Paul Shen, Adam S. Tom
  • Patent number: 5948321
    Abstract: Methods for preparing homogeneous magnetic fluid compositions capable of forming ordered one dimensional structures or two dimensional lattices in response to externally applied magnetic fields are disclosed. The compositions are prepared using improved co-precipitation methods in which the steps of the procedure have been tuned to reduce sample heterogeneity. Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4 particles are coated with a surfactant and dispersed in a continuous carrier phase to form a homogeneous magnetic fluid composition. The ability of the composition to generate ordered structures can be tested by holding a magnet near a thin film of the compositions and observing the formation of colors in the region near the magnet. Methods for controlling the characteristic spacing of the ordered structures formed by the composition are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventors: Chin-Yih Rex Hong, Herng-Er Horng, Hong-Chang Yang, Wai Bong Yeung
  • Patent number: 5949070
    Abstract: A scanning force microscope is disclosed which includes integrated optics for viewing the optical lever arm, probe and sample to be examined. The scanning force microscope includes a simplified mounting of laser and related adjustments and the locating of a detector independent of the scanner, to improve ease of handling and providing convenient locations for adjustments. In one preferred embodiment of the scanning force microscope, the surface of samples may be imaged while the cantilever portion of the scanner is immersed in liquids without special set-up or special adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald C. Gamble
  • Patent number: 5926205
    Abstract: Selective video-on-demand access is provided to a virtually unlimited number of subscribers by partitioning the video program into an ordered sequence of N segments and providing the subscribers concurrent access to each of the N segments. A data stream representative of the video program is partitioned into N subsequences, each representative of one of the N segments. The data of each of the N subsequences is organized as an ordered sequence of elements. The elements of each of the N subsequences are interleaved and the interleaved data stream is continuously transmitted over a video program distribution medium at a rate which renders the data representing each segment concurrently available to any subscriber having a receiver capable of selecting, assembling, and displaying the data of a particular segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Imedia Corporation
    Inventors: Edward A. Krause, Paul Shen, Adam S. Tom
  • Patent number: 5877812
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the size of data rate fluctuations that occur in forming a multiplex of a set of program streams, each program stream in said set being decodeable by a corresponding decoder, each corresponding decoder including a corresponding decoder buffer, said decoder buffers having a maximum allowable size, said method comprising varying the formation of the different program streams in said set to minimize the memory requirement of the decoder buffers. In one embodiment, for the case of the streams being segments of a program, varying includes varying the segment length. In another embodiment, varying includes adjusting the relative alignment of the program streams. Different embodiments of adjusting include inserting program material such as a pause at selected points in time, causing decoder buffers to underflow at selected points in time, and varying the rate of decoding and display at selected points in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Imedia Corporation
    Inventors: Edward A. Krause, Adam S. Tom, Paul Shen
  • Patent number: 5876439
    Abstract: An adjustable intrastromal device adapted for implantation in the cornea and formed of a flexible hollow shell composed of a material such as a silicone or urethane polymer, with a chamber that may be filled with a biocompatible material such as saline or gel. Preferably, the device has more than one compartment, each of which is water-tight and distinct from the other compartments. Each compartment contains a predetermined amount of the biocompatible fluid described, and the device is implanted in the cornea in surrounding relation to the optical zone of the cornea. Increased volume displaced by the ring results in greater flattening of the central anterior corneal curvature thus correcting myopia. Preferably, the myopia is slightly overcorrected resulting in more flattening of the cornea than necessary for optimal vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: MicoOptix, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Y. Lee