Patents Represented by Law Firm Morrison
  • Top and tail system for leafy vegetables
    Patent number: 8322275
    Abstract: A leafy vegetable having a core end and a leafy end is processed after being harvested. The harvested leafy vegetable is transported to a trim area on a conveyor. A first cutting implement located in the trim area trims a portion of the core end. A second cutting implement located in the trim area trims a portion of the leafy end. The first and second cutting implements are spaced a set distance apart, which defines an amount of the leafy vegetable remaining after the portions of the core and leafy ends are trimmed. As the portions of the core and leafy ends of the leafy vegetable are being trimmed by the first and second cutting implements, a set of one or more nozzles located in the trim area sprays a rinsing liquid on cut sites on the leafy vegetable to rinse off natural juices exuding from the cut sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.
    Inventors: Narayan Dnyanadeo Patil, Serafin Albarran, William Christopher Johnson
  • Methods for producing soluble membrane-spanning proteins
    Patent number: 8323902
    Abstract: Methods for producing membrane-spanning polypeptides in high yields, with native conformation, and/or in soluble form include solubilizing in non-ionic or zwitterionic detergents, as well as use of promoters and expression vectors for expressing high yields of membrane-spanning polypeptides in bacterial cells. Mutated promoters provide tight control of membrane-spanning polypeptides in bacterial cell hosts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Genentech, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Ernst, Daniel Yansura, Hok Seon Kim
  • Histogram generation with mixed binning memory
    Patent number: 8327090
    Abstract: Memory is divided up during the gathering of histogram data so that a portion of the memory is configured for storing the high counts expected at the minimum and maximum codes/addresses, and at least one other portion is configured for storing the lower counts expected at other codes/addresses. By configuring memory portions in this manner, memory can be more efficiently allocated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Frank Jones, Eric Barr Kushnick
  • Single layer touch panel with segmented drive and sense electrodes
    Patent number: 8319747
    Abstract: A touch sensor panels having segmented electrodes for both the drive and sense lines. The touch sensor panel may include a number of columns of sense electrodes and a number of rows of drive electrodes. Each of the drive and sense electrodes are connected to one of the metal bus lines using a connecting trace. Pixels on the touch sensor panel are formed by the unique pairings of individual drive electrodes and their adjacent sense electrodes. Electrically, the mutual capacitance of one touch-sensing pixel can be distinguished from the mutual capacitance of another touch sensing pixel because the two mutual capacitances are formed with combinations of different drive electrodes and sense electrodes. In one embodiment, the drive electrodes and sense electrodes in adjacent columns are staggered horizontally with respect to each other by half a Y-pitch of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Porter Hotelling, Martin Paul Grunthaner, Marduke Yousefpor
  • Enhancing performance characteristics of organic semiconducting films by improved solution processing
    Patent number: 8318532
    Abstract: Improved processing methods for enhanced properties of conjugated polymer films are disclosed, as well as the enhanced conjugated polymer films produced thereby. Addition of low molecular weight alkyl-containing molecules to solutions used to form conjugated polymer films leads to improved photoconductivity and improvements in other electronic properties. The enhanced conjugated polymer films can be used in a variety of electronic devices, such as solar cells and photodiodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Guillermo C. Bazan, Alexander Mikhailovsky, Daniel Moses, Thuc-Quyen Nguyen, Jeffrey Peet, Cesare Soci
  • Biofuel production
    Patent number: 8318473
    Abstract: Methods, enzymes, recombinant microorganism, and microbial systems are provided for converting polysaccharides, such as those derived from biomass, into suitable monosaccharides or oligosaccharides, as well as for converting suitable monosaccharides or oligosaccharides into commodity chemicals, such as biofuels. Commodity chemicals produced by the methods described herein are also provided. Commodity chemical enriched, refinery-produced petroleum products are also provided, as well as methods for producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Bio Architecture Lab, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuo Yoshikuni, Yuki Kashiyama
  • Candidates against infection
    Patent number: 8318661
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of plasminogen/plasmin and its derivatives as agents for enhancing host defense against infection or other infectious diseases. The invention also relates to a method for screening of compounds which enhance host defense against infection by evaluating the host defense against bacterial arthritis and spontaneous otitis media in an animal model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Omnio Healer AB
    Inventors: Tor Ny, Jinan Li, Yongzhi Guo
  • Substituted arylsulfonamides as antiviral agents
    Patent number: 8318761
    Abstract: The invention relates to substituted arylsulfonamides of formula (I) and methods for their preparation as well as their use for the production of medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, especially for use as antiviral agents, particularly against cytomegaloviruses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Aicuris GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Niels Svenstrup, Holger Zimmermann, Dagmar Karthaus, Andreas Goeller, Dirk Heimbach, Kerstin Henninger, Dieter Lang, Daniela Paulsen, Bernd Riedl, Rudolf Schohe-Loop, Joachim Schuhmacher, Tobias Wunberg
  • Markers for pre-cancer and cancer cells and the method to interfere with cell proliferation therein
    Patent number: 8318686
    Abstract: A novel family of human mitochondrial RNAs, referred to as chimeric RNAs, which are differentially expressed in normal, pre-cancer and cancer cells, are described. Oligonucleotides targeted to the chimeric RNAs are provided. The described oligonucleotides or their analogs can be used for cancer diagnostics and cancer therapy as well as for research. In one embodiment of this invention, these oligonucleotides hybridize with the sense or with the antisense mitochondrial chimeric RNAs, and the result of the hybridization is useful to differentiate between normal proliferating cells, pre-cancer cells and cancer cells. In another embodiment of the invention, the compositions comprise oligonucleotides that hybridize with the human chimeric RNAs resulting in cancer cell and pre-cancer cell death, while there is no effect in normal cells, constituting therefore, a novel approach for cancer therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Andes Biotechnologies S.A.
    Inventors: Luis O. Burzio, Jaime E. Villegas, Veronica A. Burzio
  • Mesa type semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
    Patent number: 8319317
    Abstract: Problems with a conventional mesa type semiconductor device, which are deterioration in a withstand voltage and occurrence of a leakage current caused by reduced thickness of an insulation film on an inner wall of a mesa groove corresponding to a PN junction, are solved using an inexpensive material, and a mesa type semiconductor device of high withstand voltage and high reliability is offered together with its manufacturing method. A stable protection film made of a thermal oxide film is formed on the inner wall of the mesa groove in the mesa type semiconductor device to cover and protect the PN junction, and an insulation film having negative electric charges is formed to fill a space in the mesa groove covered with the thermal oxide film so that an electron accumulation layer is not easily formed at an interface between an N? type semiconductor layer and the thermal oxide film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignees: SANYO Semiconductor Co., Ltd., SANYO Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Seki, Naofumi Tsuchiya, Akira Suzuki, Kikuo Okada
  • Enhanced optical coherence tomography for anatomical mapping
    Patent number: 8319974
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for anatomical mapping utilizing optical coherence tomography. In the present invention, 3-dimensional fundus intensity imagery can be acquired from a scanning of light back-reflected from an eye. The scanning can include spectral domain scanning, as an example. A fundus intensity image can be acquired in real-time. The 3-dimensional data set can be reduced to generate an anatomical mapping, such as an edema mapping and a thickness mapping. Optionally, a partial fundus intensity image can be produced from the scanning of the eye to generate an en face view of the retinal structure of the eye without first requiring a full segmentation of the 3-D data set. Advantageously, the system, method and apparatus of the present invention can provide quantitative three-dimensional information about the spatial location and extent of macular edema and other pathologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Knighton, Shuliang Jiao, Giovanni Gregori, Carmen A. Puliafito
  • Cooling apparatus and image formation apparatus
    Patent number: 8320789
    Abstract: In an image formation state, to cool a recording sheet on a route from a fixer to a paper ejection roller, a blast fan assumes a first position restrained by a first fixture. Also, in another state, to cool a recording sheet on the catch tray, the blast fan assumes a second position restrained by a second fixture. To transition from the image formation state to another state, the blast fan sends a strong blast in a reverse direction from the normal blast direction. A bias is generated on the blast fan due to the resulting reactive force, the blast fan becomes free from the restraint of the first fixture, and shifts from the first position to the second position. Conversely, to transition from another state to the image formation state, a strong blast is sent in the same direction as the normal blast direction, and the blast fan shifts from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Takatsu, Satoru Sasaki, Akinori Kimata, Natsuyo Higashi, Hirotada Seki
  • Simulation apparatus and program
    Patent number: 8321043
    Abstract: In a simulation apparatus, a difference data generation part compares a simulation result of an existing sound generator with a simulation result of a virtual sound generator, and generates difference data representing a difference between the simulation result of the existing sound generator and the simulation result of the virtual sound generator. A characteristic correction part corrects a measurement result of the existing sound generator based on the difference data, and generates virtual sound generator prediction data representing the sound generation characteristic of the virtual sound generator according to the corrected measurement result of the existing sound generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Hirofumi Onitsuka
  • Image processing system, image processing method, image processing apparatus, information processing apparatus and recording medium
    Patent number: 8320005
    Abstract: An image processing system includes an image processing apparatus and an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus transmits to the image processing apparatus, a job and storage location information indicating a storage location of base data of data included in the job, collectively. Receiving the job and the storage location information, the image processing apparatus records the job and the storage location information in a memory, with interconnections between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Shin Ohba
  • Cleaner head
    Patent number: 8316503
    Abstract: Agitating apparatus for a surface treating appliance includes a rotatable body having a plurality of grooves formed therein, an agitating member located within each groove so that at least one side edge of the agitating member protrudes outwardly from the body, and a connecting member located within each groove for connecting the agitating member to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Thomas James Dunning Follows, Stephen Benjamin Courtney
  • Fractional scanner for dermatological treatments
    Patent number: 8317780
    Abstract: A dermatological treatment device is disclosed for generating a matrix of two dimensional treatment spots on the tissue. A handpiece carrier a laser which generates a beam of laser pulses. The pulses are focused onto the tissue with a lens system. A diffractive element is positioned between the laser and the lens system for splitting the laser beam into a plurality of sub-beams. A scanner translates the beam over the diffractive element to generate the two dimensional spot pattern. The laser has a semi-monolithic resonator design with one integral end minor defining the output coupler and a second, independent mirror for adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Cutera, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Davenport, David A. Gollnick
  • Methods for assaying percentage of glycated hemoglobin
    Patent number: 8318501
    Abstract: The invention provides enzymatic methods for direct determination of percentage of glycated hemoglobin in blood samples without the need of a separated measurement of total hemoglobin content in blood samples. The methods utilizes one or two different types of oxidizing agents which selectively oxidize low-molecular weight reducing substances and high-molecular weight (mainly hemoglobin) reducing substances in blood samples, coupled with enzymatic reactions catalyzed by proteases, fructosyl amino acid oxidase, and peroxidase. The invention provides kits for performing the methods of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Chong-Sheng Yuan, Abhijit Datta, Limin Liu
  • Method of producing metal nanoparticles continuously and metal nanoparticles produced thereby
    Patent number: 8317894
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method of producing metal nanoparticles continuously, and metal nanoparticles produced thereby. The method comprises: (a) preparing a metal precursor solution by dissolving a metal precursor in alcohol; (b) continuously putting the metal precursor solution into a reactor having supercritical conditions, thereby producing metal nanoparticles; (c) cooling the solution obtained in step (b); and (d) separating and collecting the metal nanoparticles from the solution obtained in step (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jaehoon Kim, Jae Duck Kim, Jong Min Park, Hong Gon Kim, Byoung Koun Min
  • Layered sheets and processes for producing the same
    Patent number: 8318298
    Abstract: Provided herein is a process for producing a layered sheet. The process involves preparing a cell dispersed urethane composition by a mechanical foaming method. The cell dispersed urethane composition is applied to a base material sheet and cured to produce a polyurethane foam layer of uniform thickness. A releasing sheet may be utilized to make the thickness of the polyurethane foamed layer uniform. Also, provided herein is a layered sheet produced by the above process. The polyurethane foamed layer may have spherical fine cells having an average cell diameter of 20 to 300 ?m. The polyurethane foamed layer may have a specific gravity of 0.2 to 0.5. The polyurethane foamed layer may also have a Asker C hardness of 10 to 50 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Hirose, Takeshi Fukuda
  • Vacuum cleaner
    Patent number: D671696
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Dyson Limited
    Inventors: James Dyson, Peter David Gammack, Paul Dawson, Paul Barry Reid, Adam James Bates