Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Richard S. Myers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6835216
    Abstract: Compounds, preferably 5-pyrimidinol and 3-pyridinol derivatives, that act as effective chain breaking antioxidants of both the lipid and water-soluble variety (analogous to the natural Vitamins E and C), many of which are more reactive toward peroxyl radicals than the most potent form of Vitamin E. These compounds may exhibit many chemopreventive effects associated with conditions in which free radical-mediated cellular damage or disruption is implicated and Vitamins E and C are shown to have protective effects. Additionally, these compounds should be excellent oxidation inhibitors as additives to fuels, lubricants, rubber, polymers, chemicals, solvents and foodstuffs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Derek A. Pratt, Luca Valgimigli, Gino A. DiLabio
  • Patent number: 6602598
    Abstract: A novel multi-layer stretch film comprising at least 3 layers and having excellent mechanical properties and stretch film performance, comprising at least one outer or skin layer that has little or no cling or blocking characteristics in an unstretched state, but has substantial blocking characteristics when stretched. The stretch wrap films of the present invention have little or no unwind noise when removed from a stretch wrap film roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: SLS Patent Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Simpson, Terry F. Jones, Charles M. Leonard
  • Patent number: 6579321
    Abstract: An implantable intervertebral disc prosthesis that comprises a disc member having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a perimeter surface. The disc includes an axis at least one slit defined in the perimeter surface; the slit being of sufficient depth and thickness to provide flexure. The slit terminates in a perimeter opening larger than the slit thickness. The perimeter opening (i.e., hole) acts as a pivot point and relieves stress. The disc prosthesis optionally comprises a cavity with an upper seat defined on the lower surface, a lower disc having an upper and lower surface and a lower seat defined on the upper surface, and a support ball. The support ball engages the seat on the upper disc and the seat on the lower disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Gordon, John M. Dawson
  • Patent number: 6575972
    Abstract: A clamp with helical coils or springs defining a cavity to receive and secure rod members. The clamp also comprises a connection and tightening device for constricting the first and second helical coils around the respective rod members. These clamps have multiple uses including use as a device for securing a bone. In such a case, this embodiment may comprise a first and second stabilization bar, a pin, a pin attachment device, and a clamp. In another embodiment of the present invention, a clamp comprises connectors with cavities to house the helical springs. The connection and tightening device secures and tightens the first and second connectors by causing the helical springs to constrict about the rod member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Gordon
  • Patent number: 6453598
    Abstract: An adjustable fishing rod stand or holder or fishing rod/fishing rod holder combination is disclosed. The holder is preferably comprises an elongated base, and elongated arm, and a cradle. The elongated arm preferably has a first end and a second end with the first end being attached to the base, and the arm extending traversely from and being rotatable extendable relative to the base. The cradle is for receiving and supporting the fishing rod in a holding position. The cradle should be pivotally attached to the second end of the elongated arm, allowing the fishing rod holder to support the fishing rod in variable, inclined upright positions suitable for fishing. The fishing rod/fishing rod holder of the present invention may be used to support a fishing rod on any surface, and optionally remains attached to the rod when the user transports the rod or casts the fishing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Kelly W. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6371977
    Abstract: A multi-layered composite comprising a protective layer, a retaining layer, a conductive layer and a filler layer intermediate the retainer and conductive layers. The filler layer is impregnated with liquid absorbent particles and/or fibers. An optional protective layer having specific characteristic for protection against extreme temperatures, physical impacts and the like is specifically disclosed for use in combination with the retainer, filler and conductive layers. The protective layer provides additional protection of the person from catastrophic events such as exposure of a person to fire and/or severe impact such as may be caused by gunfire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Aquatex Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Bumbarger, Thomas H. Bumbarger
  • Patent number: 6325127
    Abstract: An ultrasonic seam welding apparatus for seam welding at least two sheetlike work pieces piled one above the other by imparting ultrasonic osculation is expressed through the ultrasonic binding and cutting quill assembly. The ultrasound seaming and cutting apparatus comprises a receptive resonant horn or wheel for receiving a rotating anvil wheel and a cutting surface thereon. An apparatus and receiving component having overlapping surfaces and welding the components together with the use of ultrasound. An ultrasound emitter and wheel receives the high frequency current and converts it into mechanical ultrasonic vibrations having the same frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Kappler Protective Apparel & Fabrics
    Inventor: Randy Mac Waldrop
  • Patent number: 6312956
    Abstract: A composition comprising a nuclear localization sequence and a peptide nucleic acid oligomer (NLS-PNA) is described. Uses of the composition include, but are not limited to: regulation of gene expression, gene therapy, and the production of pharmaceutical nucleic acids and proteins. In addition, the NLS-PNA is useful for scientific and therapeutic transfection and expression of nucleic acids in cells types that previously were resistant to transfection and therapy including quiescent cells, differentiated cells, embryonic stem cells, and eukaryotic cells with intact nuclear membranes. The NLS-PNA can be combined with a membrane transport sequence (MTS) forming a novel compound referred to as an MTS-NLS-PNA wherein the MTS provides transport through the cytoplasmic membrane of a cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventor: Kirk B. Lane
  • Patent number: 6305547
    Abstract: A carrier or container for transporting food or beverages having a built-in audio system. The exterior of the carrier includes indicia which, in the preferred embodiment, is associated with a well-known theme, character or personality. The audio system includes a recording device and transmitting device for enabling a user to record and audibly transmit an audio message or personal greeting. The audio system further includes a storage medium for enabling the user to store a pre-recorded audio message which is associated with the indicia on the exterior of the carrier. In this manner, the message may simulate the voice of the character or person depicted by the indicia. The carrier further includes a handle or strap for enabling the user to easily transport the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Karen M. Curran
  • Patent number: 6277844
    Abstract: The invention provides compounds of the formula (I): wherein R1 is an amino or an alkyl group, optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from C1-C6 alkyl group; R2 is H or halogen; R3 is H, halogen, hydroxyl group, or alkyl group; R4 is H or halogen; and R5 is halogen, preferably chlorine; and salts and prodrugs thereof; and a method of using these compounds for the treatment of cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventors: Sydney Spector, Neil L. Spector
  • Patent number: 6265055
    Abstract: A novel multi-layer stretch film comprising at least 7 layers and having excellent mechanical properties and stretch film performance, comprising two outer, or skin layers that have moderate to high controlled cling and low blocking characteristics, and at least five internal layers to assist in producing mechanical strength and stretchability. The resins used in the film composition include polypropylene (PP), ethylene propylene copolymers, low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (mPE), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), and/or ultralow density polyethylene (ULDPE). The resins also may be blended to achieve a desired range of physical or mechanical properties of the final film product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventors: David Simpson, Terry Jones
  • Patent number: 6254896
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the in situ manufacture of plant extracts from living plants. Since the plant remains intact, a flower or other component of the plant can be extracted one or more times. Following the extraction process, the plant is typically able to continue with its lifecycle. Such extracts have a variety of uses including use for, but not limited to: herbal and homeopathic medicines, hair and skin treatments, and cosmetics. The present invention also relates to apparatus useful for manufacturing plant extracts from living plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Brent W. Davis
  • Patent number: 6224628
    Abstract: Haptics for an intraocular lens are attached to a flexible, deformable optic which is capable of being rolled for insertion through a small incision in the cornea. The outer periphery of the optic is circular. The haptics include a pair of stems extending radially on diametrically opposite sides of the optic. The stems are rectangular in cross section, having greater width than thickness to permit greater flexibility anterior to posterior than superior to inferior. A flexible support bar is mounted at the end of each stem, each bar being bisected by its stem respectively, and being shaped like an arc concentric with the optic. The support bar has greater depth than width, in order to permit greater flexibility proximally and distally than anteriorly and posteriorly. The haptics have a haptic arm mounted in cantilever fashion at the ends of each support bar, each of the arms terminating in a circular or lobular footplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: ThinOptX, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne B. Callahan, J. Scott Callahan
  • Patent number: D449928
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventors: Michael L. Dorris, Levi Montgomery
  • Patent number: D457720
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventors: Michael L. Dorris, Levi Montgomery
  • Patent number: D462833
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventors: Michael L. Dorris, Levi Montgomery