Patents Represented by Law Firm Vinson & Elkins
  • Method for preventing and treating peripheral neuropathy by administering selegiline
    Patent number: 6743824
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for alleviating the symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy. The neuropathy may be the result of a genetically inherited condition, systemic disease or exposure to a toxic agent. A reduction or elimination of symptoms is obtained by administering the drug selegiline. The invention is also directed to a method for treating patients with cancer by administering a chemotherapeutic agent known to have a toxic affect on peripheral nerves together with selegiline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Somerset Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: George Bobotas
  • Audible feedback from positional guidance systems
    Patent number: 6741883
    Abstract: A computer-based system generating audible feedback to assist with guidance of at least one trackable point in space is provided. Surgical embodiments include generating audible feedback (to supplement visual and tactile feedback) to a surgeon moving the tip of a probe, for example, in a surgical field with respect to a volume of interest such as a tumor. Other surgical embodiments include generating audible feedback to assist with the precise insertion of a pedicle screw. In such surgical embodiments, as a surgeon moves a probe or instrument within the surgical field, a computer analyzes the current position of the probe and/or instrument in space with respect to a system of fiducial markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Houston Stereotactic Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip L. Gildenberg
  • Valve for use with capillary tubing
    Patent number: 6729350
    Abstract: A multi-port valve useful in chromatography or other analytical chemistry processes utilizes a ferrule and clamp assembly to connect a number of tubes or capillaries to a common port in the valve. The use of the clamping assembly, as opposed to conventional connectors such as nuts and/or bolts, permits the capillary ends to be positioned in extremely close proximity to the valve rotor and to each other, thus minimizing the volume between two capillaries when they are in brought into fluid communication with each other. At the same time, the clamps allow for easier connection and disconnection of the tubes or capillaries from the valve body. An operator can twist a screw to tighten the clamp and create a sealed connection without the need for special tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Upchurch Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans G. Schick
  • Magnetic sensor system useful for detecting tool joints in a downhole tubing string
    Patent number: 6720764
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting ferrous changes passing axially through a cylindrical space. In one embodiment, the method comprises surrounding the cylindrical space with a nonmagnetic cylinder having an outer wall and a cylindrical axis; creating an alternating magnetic field in the cylindrical space, the magnetic field created by a rotatable permanent magnet; monitoring the magnetic field with magnetic flux sensors placed outside the outer walls; and detecting changes in the magnetic field as ferrous matter passes axially through the cylindrical space. In other embodiments, the apparatus identifies ferrous changes as the tool joints that connect a jointed tubing string as the tubing string is moved in or out of a well bore, or as the presence or absence of a coiled tubing string in the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Thomas Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Mahendran S. Relton, John S. Burrington, Jason P. MacInnis, Jonathan J. Falcon
  • Apparatus and methods for applying time lapse VSP to monitor a reservoir
    Patent number: 6715551
    Abstract: Subterranean reservoir monitoring method, computer system with programming code for implementing the method, and computer readable media and data signal embodying such programming code, the method including one or more of: (a) reservoir screening; (b) reservoir modeling; (c) generating model seismic data from a model; (d) model modification based on current VSP data; (e) repeating step (c) and step (d) until differences between the model and VSP data are as desired; (f) obtaining model production data from a reservoir model, and if necessary modifying the model and returning to step (c); (g) generating seismic model data for time t; and (h) comparing seismic model data with actual seismic data for time t, and if necessary modify the reservoir model and return to step (f) or modify the model of the subteranean and return to step (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Curtis, Nicida L. Maerefat, Bruce E. Cornish
  • Methods for treating photodamaged skin by administering selegiline or desmethylselegiline
    Patent number: 6709664
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods that can be used in the treatment of wounds, burns, and photodamaged skin. Methods can be used for both humans and animals and involve the administration of compositions containing selegiline and/or desmethylselegiline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Somerset Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark G. Resnick
  • All natural accelerated aging of distilled spirits
    Patent number: 6703060
    Abstract: A process for producing an aged beverage, preferably a distilled spirit that is aged in contact with wood, in which raw or partially aged beverage is processed in a closed system with controlled heat and oxygen levels, and in contact with a beverage aging wood product. In certain embodiments ethyl acetate is added to the raw beverage prior to the aging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Kairos Corporation
    Inventors: Remy F. Gross, II, John P. Delmore, Walter E. Buske
  • Methods for treating multiple sclerosis employing desmethylselegiline
    Patent number: 6699495
    Abstract: Methods and pharmaceutical compositions for using desmethylselegiline. In particular, the present invention provides novel compositions and methods for using desmethylselegiline for selegiline-responsive diseases and conditions. Diseases and conditions responsive to selegiline include those produced by neuronal degeneration or neuronal trauma and those due to immune system dysfunction. Desmethylselegiline is the R-(−) enantiomer of N-methyl-N-(prop-2-ynyl)-2-aminophenylpropane. Claimed compositions include both the R-(−) isomer and mixtures of the R-(−) and S(+) isomers. Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts may also be used. Effective dosages are a daily dose of at least about 0.015 mg/kg of body weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Somerset Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl D. Blume, Anthony R. DiSanto
  • High-frequency tester for semiconductor devices
    Patent number: 6690154
    Abstract: A new system and method for high-speed testing of semiconductor devices is disclosed. The system utilizes bi-directional FET switches to hide the delay related to the distance signals have to travel between the test head electronics and the device under test. The effect is to increase the frequency with which a prior art tester can test a device. By placing the FET switches closer to the device under test, the device operates on the tester in the same electrical environment as it would in actual use. The device under test can be switched from receiving an input signal to driving an output signal in less time than the TL delay between the test head electronics and the device under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventors: Joe David Jones, Mitchell K. Alsup
  • Chest mounted cardio pulmonary resuscitation device and system
    Patent number: 6676613
    Abstract: The Chest-positioner/pad Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation System (CCPRS) provides improved resuscitation during one-person or two-person CPR. The simple, compact, portable and cost-effective system provides for manual, mechanical or electrical driven external chest compressions via a socket connection to a chest-positioner/pad unit. The chest-positioner/pad unit provides greater control of compression positioning providing adequate and reproducible chest compressions while preventing rib fractures and damage to vital internal organs. A module gives providers feedback to enable a provider to apply an appropriate compressive force in an appropriate direction, recurringly under emergency conditions. The present invention also provides improved blood circulation, oxygenation and gas exchange by expanding the chest past its normal relaxation point during diastole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Elroy T. Cantrell, Jon Spijkerman
  • Method and apparatus for the down-hole characterization of formation fluids
    Patent number: 6670605
    Abstract: Disclosed is a formation fluid analysis module which utilizes a down-hole mass spectrometer to determine the molecular constituents of formation fluids, as distinguished from drilling contaminants, and to provide information about the physical and chemical properties of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce H. Storm, Jr., David P. Fries
  • Hydrogen peroxide monitoring
    Patent number: 6653095
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the hydrogen peroxide content of a fluid. The method includes: (a) contacting the fluid with a catalyst so as to permit decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide present in the fluid to oxygen and water; permitting the oxygen liberated to pass to gas meter; and (c) measuring the volume of oxygen liberated utilizing the gas meter, wherein the volume of oxygen liberated provides a measure of the hydrogen peroxide content of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Alan Gwy, Philip Jeffrey Cunnah, Freda Hawkes, Dennis Hawkes, Richard Dinsdale
  • Hydratable form of keratin for use as a soil amendment
    Patent number: 6649740
    Abstract: A hydratable oxidized keratin composition comprising one or more metal ion species capable of absorbing water to form a hydrogel. The keratin material is useful as a soil amendment providing organic and inorganic nutrients. The keratin material is also useful as a nutrient source in the bioremediation of toxic contaminants soils and liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Keraplast Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Smith, Scott F. Timmons, Mark E. Van Dyke, Cheryl R. Blanchard, Arlene J. Siller-Jackson
  • Rubber and carbon black
    Patent number: 6646028
    Abstract: A process is provided for making a carbon-filled rubber having a uniform dispersion of nanometric-sized carbon black particles. Fluffy carbon black is received as a slurry in water and added to latex rubber before or during coagulation in an emulsion styrene butadiene rubber plant, or fluffy carbon black is similarly incorporated in rubber using a different type of rubber-manufacturing process. A uniform dispersion of smaller-than-usual carbon black particles in rubber is formed, which provides a black masterbatch rubber with superior mechanical and rheological properties. Ash and grit is removed from the fluffy carbon black slurry, which further improves the properties of the carbon-filled rubber by reducing defects in the rubber caused by the ash or grit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: CID Centro de Investigacion y Desarrollo Tecnologico, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Francisco Lopez-Serrano Ramos, Luis Enrique Mille Loera, Angel Garcia Garza
  • Genetic marker for autoimmune disorder
    Patent number: 6642370
    Abstract: A mutation in an allele of the gene encoding the CD2BP1 protein is identified as a causative factor in familial recurrent arthritis. Methods of diagnosis and methods of screening for effectors of the mutated protein binding and function are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
    Inventor: Carol A. Wise
  • Method for rapid amplification of DNA
    Patent number: 6638722
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of DNA amplification with a first primer that has a random sequence of nucleotides at its 3′ end and a generic sequence 5′ of the random nucleotides, as well as a second primer with the generic sequence of the first primer. The disclosure further relates to a method of precipitating DNA on a solid medium to improve DNA amplification. In a preferred embodiment, the presently disclosed methods are used for high-throughput genotyping of DNA samples, such as bloodstains or trace amounts of DNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Invitrogen Corporation
    Inventors: Wan Ji, Keqin Gregg, Bonnie Reus, Jon Kemppainen, Kristen Taylor, Scott Davis
  • Human gene encoding 3?-5? exonuclease
    Patent number: 6632665
    Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes the genomic sequence encoding a human 3′-5′ exonuclease. A human exonuclease independent of DNA polymerase is produced in host cells from recombinant vectors. Methods of use include inhibition of exonuclease activity to increase incorporation of nucleotide analogs into DNA in rapidly dividing cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Wake Forest University
    Inventor: Fred W. Perrino
  • Method for identifying metastatic sequences
    Patent number: RE38392
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the identification of metastatic sequences. Cells from a cell line or an animal tissue are treated to form a cell line predisposed to metastasis. Treated cells are implanted in an animal of at a primary site and incubated for a period of time sufficient for the cells to proliferate and develop metastases at secondary sites. Expressed sequences from cells at the primary and secondary sites are amplified by differential display polymerase chain reaction and compared. Differentially expressed sequences are identical identified and can be cloned and sequenced. These sequences can be used as probes in the diagnosis of metastatic disorders, as probes to isolate metastatic sequences and as a therapeutic agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Baylor College of Medicine
    Inventor: Timothy C. Thompson
  • Hair dryer
    Patent number: D486264
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Helen of Troy, L.P.
    Inventor: Ruben Enriquez
  • Method for identifying metastatic sequences
    Patent number: RE38490
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the identification of metastatic sequences. Cells from a cell line or an animal tissue are treated to form a cell line predisposed to metastasis. Treated cells are implanted in an animal of at a primary site and incubated for a period of time sufficient for the cells to proliferate and develop metastases at secondary sites. Expressed sequences from cells at the primary and secondary sites are amplified by differential display polymerase chain reaction and compared. Differentially expressed sequences are identical identified and can be cloned and sequenced. These sequences can be used as probes in the diagnosis of metastatic disorders, as probes to isolate metastatic sequences and as a therapeutic agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Baylor College of Medicine
    Inventor: Timothy C. Thompson