Patents Represented by Law Firm Vinson & Elkins
  • Patent number: 7818270
    Abstract: An energy tracking and reporting system can receive data inputs from multiple sources regarding one or more properties. A central database receives the information and correlates the information for numerous outputs. Information received by the central database can include, for example, property location, property size, property type and property use. Also, occupancy information, energy sources, utilities servicing the property, weather, ISO, environmental guidelines, and the traded or other standard price for the utilities can be stored. The system can calculate a number of factors from the data and return values to the central database. The system can track data trends and store additional information for budgeting, user reporting and certification compliance reporting. Modules can analyze the market rates, calculate efficiency benchmarks, analyze the data stored on the central database and provide the user with multiple tables and charts analyzing all of the factors that tie into energy usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventors: Margaret M. Carey, Douglas L. Pfeister, Christopher Putnam
  • Patent number: 6376192
    Abstract: A method of DNA library screening includes homologous recombination in E. coli utilizing lambda phage recombination functions. Inserting a positive selection marker such as antibiotic resistance into the target sequence by homologous recombination facilitates isolation of target sequences and requires only about 58-100 base pairs of total homology, thus allowing the use of synthetic fragments of DNA for targeting. DNA vector is designed for genomic library construction that features a novel genetic selection for inserts, automatic subcloning of isolated genomic clones and the presence of a negative selection marker adjacent to the genomic inserts to facilitate later gene targeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Baylor College of Medicine
    Inventors: Stephen J. Elledge, Pumin Zhang, Mamie Li
  • Patent number: 5891630
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying molecular structures within a sample substance using an array having a plurality of test sites upon which the sample substance is applied. Each test site includes a probe formed therein to bond with an associated target molecular structure. An electrical signal is applied to the test site and the electrical properties of the test sites are detected to determine which probes have bonded to an associated target molecular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventors: Mitchell D. Eggers, Michael E. Hogan, Kenneth Loren Beattie, John Shumaker, Daniel J. Ehrlich, Mark Hollis
  • Patent number: 5670322
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying molecular structures within a sample substance using an array having a plurality of test sites upon which the sample substance is applied. Each test site includes a probe formed therein to bond with an associated target molecular structure. An electrical signal is applied to the test site and the electrical properties of the test sites are detected to determine which probes have bonded to an associated target molecular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventors: Mitchell D. Eggers, Michael E. Hogan, Kenneth Loren Beattie, John Shumaker, Daniel J. Ehrlich, Mark Hollis
  • Patent number: 5647961
    Abstract: A system for decontaminating and separating individual refrigerants from a mixture of refrigerants contaminated with solids, liquids and non-condensible gasses, includes three stages. In the first stage, solid and liquid contaminants are removed. In the second stage, the mixture of refrigerants passes through a condensation column where successive condensation stages remove individual refrigerants from the mixture of refrigerants. The remaining mixture of refrigerants passes through a third stage where non-condensible gas contaminants are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Tom Nicol
    Inventor: Spencer G. Lofland
  • Patent number: 5534152
    Abstract: An improved liquid filtering assembly used in applications such as filtering solvents for use in a liquid chromatography system. The filter assembly uses a filter cup having a large surface area which can be quickly removed and changed. The filter assembly also allows for the liquid to be drawn close to the bottom of the liquid reservoir. The filter assembly includes a coupling nut into which the tubing is secured on one side and an expansion member is secured on the other side. A seal ring is located around a portion of the expansion member. The expansion member urges the seal ring against the interior surface of the filter cup to secure the filter cup to the filter assembly. When the filter cup becomes clogged, the expansion member can be loosened to allow an operator to remove the clogged filter cup, replace it with a new filter cup, and then tighten the expansion member. Thus, the filter assembly can be reused simply by replacing the filter cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Upchurch Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans G. Schick
  • Patent number: 5533940
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive belt, in particular suitable for a continuously variable transmission, the configuration of the drive belt being such that the tilting of the transverse elements of the drive belt in the pulley of the continuously variable transmission is largely overcome. The drive belt can be produced in a relatively simple and cheap way, offers a higher efficiency and less wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Van Doorne's Transmissie B.V.
    Inventor: Paulus M. Smeets
  • Patent number: 5532128
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying molecular structures within a sample substance using an array having a plurality of test sites upon which the sample substance is applied. Each test site includes a probe formed therein to bond with an associated target molecular structure. An electrical signal is applied to the test site and the electrical properties of the test sites are detected to determine which probes have bonded to an associated target molecular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Houston Advanced Research Center
    Inventors: Mitchell D. Eggers, Michael E. Hogan, Kenneth L. Beattie, John Shumaker, Daniel J. Ehrlich, Mark Hollis
  • Patent number: 5527877
    Abstract: A laser-sinterable powder product has been prepared having unique properties which allow the powder to be sintered in a selective laser sintering machine to form a sintered part which is near-fully dense. For most purposes, the sintered part is indistinguishable from another part having the same dimensions made by isotropically molding the powder. In addition to being freely flowable at a temperature near its softening temperature, a useful powder is disclosed that has a two-tier distribution in which substantially no primary particles have an average diameter greater than 180 .mu.m, provided further that the number average ratio of particles smaller than 53 .mu.m is greater than 80%, the remaining larger particles being in the size range from 53 .mu.m to 180 .mu.m. A powder with slow recrystallization rates, as evidenced by non-overlapping endothermic and exothermic peaks in their differential scanning calorimetry characteristics for scan rates of on the order of 10.degree. C. to 20.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: DTM Corporation
    Inventors: Elmer D. Dickens, Jr., Biing L. Lee, Glenn A. Taylor, Angelo J. Magistro, Hendra Ng, Kevin McAlea, Paul F. Forderhase
  • Patent number: 5524249
    Abstract: Power is conserved in a video subsystem by inactivating a pixel clock (PCLK) and reducing frequency of a memory clock (MCLK) responsive to an indication of user inactivity. The inactivation of PCLK reduces the power consumed in the RAMDAC, frame buffer, phase lock loop (PLL) clock circuit, and to a smaller extent, the video controller. Reducing the frequency of MCLK conserves power in the video controller and the PLL, In order to maintain the integrity of the data in the frame buffer, the refresh rate programmed by the video controller is increased to offset the reduction of the MCLK frequency. Significant power savings can be accomplished with minimal BIOS or video controller programming and minimal transfer of state information prior to power-down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Abdel H. Suboh
  • Patent number: 5522581
    Abstract: A pneumatically operated balancing hoist includes a housing forming a chamber therein and an inlet for communicating with the chamber. Slidably positioned in the housing is a piston. A rotating cable drum moves longitudinally within the housing with the piston. The rotating cable drum contains one or more longitudinal openings. When the rotating cable drum is moved longitudinally, rod mechanisms slidably and longitudinally engage the cable drum through one or more longitudinal openings, causing a flywheel located at one end of the housing to rotate. When the rotation of the cable drum exceeds a predetermined speed, one or more brake shoes pivotably mounted to the flywheel will move outwardly to contact a braking surface located on the interior of the housing to stop the rotation of the cable drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Zimmerman International Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Kulhavy
  • Patent number: 5520762
    Abstract: A wound dressing delivery system is disclosed that includes a film which is to be applied to a patient's wound; a protective cover, which is adjacent to the film; an adhesive layer on one surface of the film; a tab located to one end of the adhesive layer; a release liner covering the adhesive layer and tab; and a tape which is used to connect the release liner with the protective cover. Additionally, a method of manufacturing a wound dressing delivery system is disclosed. The method of manufacturing includes the steps of casting a film onto a protective cover, coating the film with an adhesive layer, placing a tab on one end of the adhesive layer, placing a release liner over the adhesive layer, and connecting the release liner and the protective cover with a tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Wilshire Technologies, Inc. (Wilshire Medical Products Division)
    Inventors: Mark J. Rasmussen, Tod H. Shultz, Michael B. Killeen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5509952
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of increasing the attachment bond strength between a first and second object comprising respective first and second materials. Each of the first and second materials has a respective first coefficient of thermal expansion at an assembly temperature, and a second coefficient of thermal expansion at an operational temperature. The method has various steps (FIG. 4). An attachment surface of the first material is configured to be nonplanar (FIG. 3a, 36, 37). The second material is brought to a contact point with the attachment surface of the first material (FIG. 3b, 46). The first and second materials are heated at the contact point to the assembly temperature whereby at least one of the materials is caused to flow in response to the heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Alcatel Network Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Moore, David L. Ma, Robert L. Bontz, Harry B. Bonham, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5506953
    Abstract: A video controller uses memory-mapping to address registers in the video controller to enhance speed of the computer system. The memory-map registers may be mapped to a high address area located within the address space of the frame buffer or to a low address area below one megabyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Giang H. Dao
  • Patent number: 5502944
    Abstract: A medication dispenser for use in a hospital or other medical setting comprises a plurality of containers for holding medication units, packaging apparatus for containing one or more medication units in a package and robotics for manipulating a selected container to transfer one or more medication units from the container directly to said package. Since medication is directly transferred from the container to the package, no cross-contamination occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Owen Healthcare, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Kraft, Lisa W. Rogers, Van Hoskins, Lou Waters, Robert Meyers, Kenneth E. Reynolds, Stuart S. Crader, David Loebig
  • Patent number: 5504920
    Abstract: A method and system for accommodating multiple video controllers. The method includes communicating a plurality of primitive commands to a video controller having a configuration of a predetermined type. Further, the method includes electronically determining the type of the configuration, and generating a vector table comprising a plurality of device-specific routines. Each entry in the vector table may point to a device-specific routine for hardware acceleration of a primitive command or to a default routine which sets the video controller in a specific mode which can be operated by a set of colordepth-specific routines which operate on any video controller set to the specific mode. In response to a primitive from the operating environment, common code, which is device and colordepth independent, will access a routine via the vector table. If the vector table does not access a hardware accelerated routine, colordepth specific code is used to execute the primitive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Kent E. Biggs, Mark A. Lobodzinski
  • Patent number: 5496400
    Abstract: An improved, substantially anhydrous, cross-linking agent is disclosed for use in asphalt compositions of the type used for roofing and paving materials. The cross-linking agent comprises a blend of tall oil, a strong base, an anhydrous organic solvent, and fatty amines and is substantially free of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Vinzoyl Petroleum Co.
    Inventors: Michael P. Doyle, Jimmy L. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5495986
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of processing waste material and a blend stock which provides a suitable fuel and includes the steps of grinding the waste material in a tank containing the blend stock with the grinding being in at least part provided by the coaction between a rotating impeller and a stationary plate so that the degree to which the waste material is ground is controlled by controlling the spacing between the plate and the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Ricky W. Davenport
  • Patent number: 5494480
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for boning carcass portions of an animal for slaughter. Said carcass portions are in particular abdominal sections on part of the inner surface of which lies a row of more or less encapsulated ribs forming the bone parts which are to be removed. When the method is performed, each abdominal section is held in place and supported, each abdominal section being passed along a number of processing units. According to the invention, the ribs are weakened locally between the ends, and then bent over at a subsequent processing unit so that they break at the location of the weakened areas. By this method, it is possible to remove by machine at least one of the two rib parts formed in this manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventor: Bob Passchier
  • Patent number: D377529
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Adela Nyqvist-Mayer