Patents Examined by Barry S. Richman
  • Patent number: 4921684
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for synthesizing ammonia from an ammonia feed gas passing to an ammonia synthesis converter from a heat exchanger. The synthesis converter is close coupled through a channel to a heat exchanger and a conduit extends through the channel and is adapted to be connected to the tube side of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: C F Braun, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard J. Grotz, Fiske O. Parnkopf, G. Robert Prescott
  • Patent number: 4921674
    Abstract: A gravity feed apparatus has a plurality of deflecting baffles positioned within a treatment chamber to disperse a flow of plant seed within a treatment chamber and apply sprays of a chemical solution used to treat the plant seed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Quentin M. Enos
  • Patent number: 4921799
    Abstract: This invention provides a new fermentation method and apparatus for the same for producing a substance by a microbial action from a gaseous substrate, wherein the cells of a microorganism fixed to a carrier are held in a reactor, an aqueous solution is fed to said reactor so as to moisten at least part of the surface of said microbial cells, and said gaseous substrate is forced to pass through the interstices of said microbial cells, thereby causing direct reaction between the microorganism and the gaseous substrate and effecting efficient biosynthesis of methane, formic acid and other substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Shinko Kitaura, Yoshimasa Takahara, Shiro Nagai, Naomichi Nishio
  • Patent number: 4921644
    Abstract: Mucin coated Sepharose is used as a laboratory model to measure the affinity of a postulated lipid composition in liposome configuration for binding to mucin. The preferred lipid composition provides a first lipid moiety which projects a postive charged ion. A second lipid moiety enhances the positive charge by neutralizing all intermediate negative charges of the first lipid. The result is a liposome with strong postive charge areas which will bind to mucin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Technology Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Lau, W. Blair Geho
  • Patent number: 4921809
    Abstract: Certain polyethyleneimines are used to coat solid carriers used in immunoassays to improve the sensitivity of the assay over what is obtained without the coating. Use of the invention in enzyme immunoassays yields sensitivities equal to that of radioimmunoassays. A post-coating is also used after the solid carrier has had a layer of capture molecule applied and before the assay is performed, to improve even further the sensitivity, reliability and dynamic range of the assay results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Findley Adhesives, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Schiff, Gary Lehnus, Charles J. Wasserman, Henrietta M. Garlock
  • Patent number: 4921792
    Abstract: A system for continuous production and removal of a biological substance from a dispersed cell culture. The system comprises a reactor adapted to maintain the cell culture under incubating conditions and means for pumping limited volumes of the culture fluid from the reactor and through an external substance separation device adapted to extract the substance in a limited time on a continuous basis without collection of, or damage to, the dispersed cells. Less than 5% of the total culture fluid volume is outside the reactor (Volume outside or Vo) at any time and a given dispersed cell is outside the protective environment of the reactor for less than about two minutes, as expressed by the following relationship, ##EQU1## In preferred embodiments the external device comprises a plurality of substance-extracting, porous, hollow fibers through which the culture fluid, substance, and dispersed cells are continuously passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Miles Inc.
    Inventors: Jurgen Trawinski, Detmar Redeker
  • Patent number: 4919890
    Abstract: A dry type analysis element for detecting a specific constituent in a liquid is provided. The dry type analysis element comprises a light-transmissive support having thereon at least one water-penetrative layer, at least one of said water-penetrative layer(s) containing a composition capable of interacting with said specific constituent in said liquid, wherein said composition contains a leuco dye comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented formula [I] and salts of these compounds ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, R.sup.2 represents a substituted or unsubustituted alkyl group, and R.sup.3 represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group,and said leuco dye is dissolved in a hydrophobic solvent to form a solution that is contained in said water-penetrative layer as a dispersion in a hydrophilic medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fuminori Arai, Fusae Osada
  • Patent number: 4919909
    Abstract: A reactor for single-layer, exothermic catalytic synthesis in the gaseous phase under pressure, is made up of a main casing under high pressure, comprising a cylindrical part and two hemispherical ends containing an enclosure for the catalyst carrier, including a single catalyst layer concentric to the body of force and whose external wall is covered with an insulator, a space being located between the internal wall of the main casing under high pressure resting on a helical metal winding from one end of the casing to the other, said main casing under high pressure and the enclosure for the catalyst carrier being provided with means for introducing and withdrawing gas streams, located at the ends of the main axis and arranged facing each other on the hemispherical ends. The enclosure for the catalyst carrier furthermore is equipped with a vertical pipe for filling and emptying the catalyst. The reactor can be used for synthesizing ammonia and methanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Societe Chimique de la Grande Paroisse
    Inventors: Pierre Lesur, Christian Faury, Guy Lafleur, Andre Papillon
  • Patent number: 4919891
    Abstract: A sensor comprising a sensing element capable of sensing a component in an aqueous medium and an overcoating at least partially covering the sensing element. The overcoating comprises a water insoluble, component permeable, cross-linked cellulosic material and an effective amount of an opaque agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Masao Yafuso, Henry K. Hui, Cheng F. Yan, William W. Miller
  • Patent number: 4918894
    Abstract: A refractory supporting end anchor for the end of a refractory lined conduit, and a lined conduit having a series of the anchors at the end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Page
  • Patent number: 4919892
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting oil and other lighter-than-water contaminants in an effluent stream in a sewage system. The apparatus includes a disposable detector which floats in the effluent stream and detects oil and other contaminants having a specific gravity lighter than the water by absorbing the oil and such contaminants in an oleophilic material, permitting the oil and other contaminants to rise and collect in a collection tube. The acidity of pH of the effluent being monitored is determined by routing a portion of the effluent stream across a litmus paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Inventor: Arnold D. Plumb
  • Patent number: 4919895
    Abstract: Perfluorocarbon emulsion formulations are oxygenated prior to use by means of a portable oxygenation system. The blood substitute is in a closed container or bag. An oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the bag from a separate container. The bag is continuously agitated for a sufficient time to increase the pO.sub.2 of the perfluorocarbon emulsion formulations to a desired pressure, e.g., to at least 600 mmHg. In one embodiment, the system used for oxygenation of the perfluorocarbon emulsion formulations comprises a small tank for gas having an inlet port and an outlet port fitted with shut-off valves. The outlet port is adapted to be connected to a filter which, in turn, is adapted to be connected to the inlet port of a three-way valve. The primary outlet of the three-way valve is adapted to mount a hypodermic needle which is adapted to be pushed through a rubber septum in a port of the bag to communicate with the interior of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Alpha Therapeutic Corporation
    Inventors: Charles M. Heldebrant, Kim C. Crowe, George R. Groveman, Charles H. Davis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4920049
    Abstract: The process provides the enzymatic phosphorylation of glucose to FDP by means of yeast immobilized by glutaraldehyde and the separation of FDP by ultrafiltration. A suspension of glutaraldehyde-treated yeast is fed to a fermenter, with addition of a nutrient mixture consisting of dextrose (1M), sodium phosphate (0.5 M), magnesium chloride (10 mM) and phosphoric acid until pH 6.5. The mixture is re-circulated through a hollow fiber ultrafiltration unit to separate the FDP that forms during the phosphorylation reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Inventors: Guglielmo M. Bisso, Federico Melelli
  • Patent number: 4917870
    Abstract: The installation which is used for the preparation of starch glues comprises a vessel (1) having a substantially vertical axis (XY); that vessel is equipped with stirring means (2) acting at its lower level; it comprises furthermore pipes (8, 9, 10 and 11) to supply the vessel with all the constituents of the glue to be manufactured, the starch being introduced pneumatically in the form of powder through a pipe (12). The pipe (12) passes through the wall of the vessel from the outside to the inside of a level close to the lower portion of the vessel and in the vicinity of the stirring means (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Roquette Freres
    Inventors: Michael Roetynck, Michel Clabaux
  • Patent number: 4918003
    Abstract: A disposable package is adapted to simulate the steam permeability and other qualities of the linen pack previously used to test the functioning of a steam sterilizer using a biological test device. The biological test device comprises spores on an appropriate carrier, either in a self-contained biological device or as a spore strip. The biological test device is placed within applicant's specially constructed package and the package is placed within the sterilizer, which is then cycled through a conventional sterilization cycle. During the sterilization cycle, applicant's package simulates the standard sterilizer linen pack previously used for such tests. After the sterilization cycle, sterility of the spore preparation is evaluated by incubating the spores in a culture medium to determine whether the spore population has been adequately destroyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Propper Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Louise Macaro, John Dyckman, Thomas A. Augurt, Andrew Zwarun
  • Patent number: 4918020
    Abstract: A method for analyzing marker dye present in the parts per million range in gasoline is provided using a solid-phase extraction technique with formation of the colored complex in the extraction column as well as a method for detecting the adulteration of gasoline containing the marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: Anthony V. Nowak
  • Patent number: 4918024
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for determination of dicyanodiamide in a plant matrix, i.e. in a plant or a part of a plant. It involves a series of steps including extracting any dicyanodiamide from the plant matrix as well as purifying the dicyanodiamide obtained of interfering substances. Next, the dicyanodiamide obtained is reacted with 3-hydroxy-2-butanone in a non-aqueous, alcoholic hydrochloric acid medium to form 2-guanidino-4,5-dimethyloxazole, and then any 2-guanidino-4,5-dimthyloxazole formed is isolated using liquid-liquid extraction. Finally, any isolated 2-guanidino-4,5-dimethyloxazole is purified by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the amount of 2-guanidino-4,5-dimethyloxazole is determined spectrophotometrically at a wavelength of 260 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Ulrich Rust
  • Patent number: 4918008
    Abstract: Protein hydrolysates are described; they may be obtained by the enzymatic decomposition of whey protein, lactalbumin, .alpha.-lactalbumin, .beta.-lactoglobulin, lysozyme, lactoferrin or serum albumin. These products are suitable for pharmaceutical purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Kailash K. Gauri
  • Patent number: 4917867
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and transporting dual biological samples such as blood and urine comprising an impact resistant outer container having a soft foam cushioning pad disposed across the bottom, and a thicker protective collar of dense foam placed on top of the cushioning pad. The protective collar defines bores extending therethrough and sized to receive a tamper resistant sealed specimen vial and lid assembly, a pair of blood sampling tubes, and a multi-sample sterile syringe assembly. An instruction manual, tamper evidencing sealing tapes, and a non-alcoholic swab are enclosed in the outer container, along with an upper cushioning pad similar to that at the bottom of the container. The outer container is then closed with a lid and sealed in a temper evidencing wrapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Forensic Applications Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Jensen, Donald H. Nichols, D. Gary Hemphill
  • Patent number: 4918021
    Abstract: A technique and an apparatus are disclosed for the detection of cancer using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Specifically, NMR parameters for protons of lipid methyl and/or methylene groups are determined and compared against a corresponding value for healthy patients. In the preferred embodiments, an NMR spectrometer is employed to provide a spectrum for non-water components of blood, blood serum or blood plasma and the width of the methyl and/or methylene groups is measured at half-height as a determination of spin-spin relaxation time (T.sub.2) which is the parameter used for purposes of comparison with healthy controls. Suppression of the water proton signal is employed where necessary in order to obtain a suitable spectrum for the non-water component protons. In the event that a positive reading is obtained, the level of plasma triglycerides is determined and if it is high, the patient's bodily fluid sample is further subjected to C-13 nuclear magnetic spectroscopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: The Beth Israel Hospital Association
    Inventor: Eric T. Fossel