Patents Examined by David M. Naff
  • Method of forming bone with porous ?tricalcium phosphate granules
    Patent number: 7390498
    Abstract: A porous ?-tricalcium phosphate material for bone implantation is provided. The multiple pores in the porous TCP body are separate discrete voids and are not interconnected. The pore size diameter is in the range of 20-500 ?m, preferably 50-125 ?m. The porous ?-TCP material provides a carrier matrix for bioactive agents and can form a moldable putty composition upon the addition of a binder. Preferably, the bioactive agent is encapsulated in a biodegradable agent. The invention provides a kit and an implant device comprising the porous ?-TCP, and a bioactive agent and a binder. The invention also provides an implantable prosthetic device comprising a prosthetic implant having a surface region, a porous ?-TCP material disposed on the surface region and optionally comprising at least a bioactive agent or a binder. Methods of producing the porous ?-TCP material and inducing bone formation are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Paresh S Dalal, Godofredo R Dimaano, Carol A Toth, Shailesh C Kulkarni
  • Lactic acid bacteria and its use in direct-fed microbials
    Patent number: 7384628
    Abstract: A composition comprising lactic acid bacteria that are selected from at least one of Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus lactis, and Lactobacillus brevis. The composition is suitable for administration to animals. Upon administration to an animal, the composition provides at least one of the following (a) improves performance in the animal and (b) reduces scours in animals. Also provided is a method of treating an animal in which the composition is administered to the animal. A method of forming a direct-fed microbial is also provided. A culture including the lactic acid bacteria is grown in a liquid nutrient broth. The lactic acid bacteria are separated from the liquid nutrient broth. The lactic acid bacteria can be freeze dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignees: Agtech Products, Inc., Merrick's, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Rehberger, Elizabeth A. Galbraith
  • Macroporous material in the form of plastic pearls
    Patent number: 7381552
    Abstract: The invention relates to a macroporous plastics bead material with an average particle diameter from 10 to 1000 ?m, containing a copolymer of a) 5-60 wt. % vinylically polymerizable monomers with a water solubility of at least 1% at 20° C., b) 1-40 wt. % vinylically polymerizable monomers with an additional functional group, which can enter into covalent bonds with the nucleophilic groups of the ligands in a polymer-like reaction, c) 10-40 wt. % hydrophilic, crosslinking radical-polymerizable monomers with two or more ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable groups and d) 10-60 wt. % vinylically polymerizable monomers with a water solubility of at most 1% at 20° C. are contained, as a rule with the monomers a) to d) adding up to 100%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Roehm GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Menzler, Hans-Ulrich Petereit, Christian Meier, Thomas Boller, Thomas Suefke, Klaus Schultes, Roger Recktenwald
  • Process for the heterotrophic production of microbial products with high concentrations of omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids
    Patent number: 7381558
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for growing the microflora Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, which includes the growing of the microflora in fermentation medium containing non-chloride containing sodium salts, in particular sodium sulfate. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the process produces microflora having a cell aggregate size useful for the production of food products for use in aquaculture. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Thraustochytrium, Schizochytrium, and mixtures thereof, and a component selected from flaxseed, rapeseed, soybean and avocado meal. Such a food product includes a balance of long chain and short chain omega-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventor: William R. Barclay
  • Use of selected lactic acid bacteria for reducing infantile colic
    Patent number: 7374924
    Abstract: The invention herein provides certain strains of lactic acid bacteria selected for their capability of promoting production of IL-10 and consequently proliferation of CD4+CD25+ TR cells, for prophylaxis and/or treatment of infant colic, a method of selecting such strains, and products containing such strains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Biogaia AB
    Inventors: Eamonn Connolly, Bo Mollstam
  • Use of placental alkaline phosphatase to promote skin cell proliferation
    Patent number: 7374754
    Abstract: Methods for stimulating proliferation of cells in the epidermis and dermis of mammalian skin are disclosed. The methods comprise the step of administering to an area of the skin a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of human placental alkaline phosphatase, or an active derivative. The composition can be administered topically or by injection. The invention also provides a regimen for restoring or maintaining the strength and thickness of aging skin, comprising periodically administering a composition by topical application. The invention further provides methods for stimulating proliferation of cells in the epidermis and dermis of transplanted skin. A composition for topical application is also provided by the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Essential SkinCare, LLC
    Inventor: Zoltan Kiss
  • Microorganism and production of carotinoid compounds thereby
    Patent number: 7374908
    Abstract: It is intended to provide a process for conveniently and efficiently producing large amounts of astaxanthin and canthaxanthin from a material which can be easily obtained. A microorganism Thraustochytrium sp. CHN-3 (FERM P-18556) capable of producing astaxanthin and canthaxanthin, which belongs to the genus Labyrinthula and the Thraustochytrium species, is cultured and thus astaxanthin and canthaxanthin are accumulated in the microbial cells. Then the cells are separated from the medium and astaxanthin and canthaxanthin are collected from the separated cells by extracting with a solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventor: Yukiho Yamaoka
  • Method for separating biological material from a fluid using magnetic particles
    Patent number: 7371830
    Abstract: Magnetic particles are prepared containing a magnetic core coated with a glass layer having a substantially pore-free glass surface or having pores with a diameter of less than 10 nm. The particles are used for separating biological material such as nucleic acids. A preferred process of preparing the particles is by forming a mixture of magnetic cores with a sol formed from an alcohol and a metal alkoxide, spray-drying the mixture to coat the cores with a layer of gelled sol, and heating the coated cores to obtain the magnetic glass particles. Preferably, the particles have an average particle size of less than 100 ?m. The magnetic core may be a composite material containing a mica core and magnetite particles immobilized on the mica core, and the glass layer may contain boron oxide. Magnetic core materials include magnetite (Fe3O4) and Fe2O3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Kleiber, Thomas Walter, Herbert Harttig, Christop Lesniak, Martin Mennig, Michael Riedling, Helmut Schmidt
  • Multilayer device for tissue engineering
    Patent number: 7371400
    Abstract: The invention provides for translating two-dimensional microfabrication technology into the third dimension. Two-dimensional templates are fabricated using high-resolution molding processes. These templates are then bonded to form three-dimensional scaffold structures with closed lumens. The scaffolds can serve as the template for cell adhesion and growth by cells that are added to the scaffolds through the vessels, holes or pores. These scaffolds can be formed by layering techniques, to interconnect flat template sheets to build up a fully vascularized organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Borenstein, Kevin R. King, Hidetomi Terai, Joseph P. Vacanti
  • Implant with structure allowing injection of polymer for attaching implant to tissue
    Patent number: 7361369
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for bone implants that allow for the directed application of an osteogenic compound. The implant is preferably constructed of a biodegradable polymer formed into a structure having micro-architectural features and includes features that allow for in-situ application of a liquid biodegradable polymer to securely attach the implant to the surrounding tissue. The implant is constructed with a nozzle connected to a fluid supply that can be injected through a central channel and one or more distribution channels. The implant is designed so as to provide structural support to the damaged area. The implant and the fluid supply are preferably biodegradable polymers that contain an osteogenic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventor: Michael A. K. Liebschner
  • Process for producing a substrate for attachment of cells
    Patent number: 7358089
    Abstract: A process for production of a substrate for attachment of cells at certain positions and a substrate for attachment of cells. A support structure comprising a hydrophobic resin base material and a hydrophilic polymer layer formed on the hydrophobic resin base material. Areas of the hydrophilic polymer layer and a chemical reaction product present on a boundary surface between the hydrophilic polymer layer and the hydrophobic resin base material are removed, so as to expose areas of the hydrophobic resin base material at which cells will attach, by irradiating the support structure with UV radiation emitted from a light source via a pattern mask. The exposed areas are depressions with a controlled shape matched to the mask pattern, each of the depressions having a bottom surface which is formed by exposure of the hydrophobic resin base material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Ushiodenki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinji Suzuki
  • Method of delivering a bioactive agent with porous ?-tricalcium phosphate granules
    Patent number: 7357941
    Abstract: A porous ?-tricalcium phosphate material for bone implantation is provided. The multiple pores in the porous TCP body are separate discrete voids and are not interconnected. The pore size diameter is in the range of 20-500 ?m, preferably 50-125 ?m. The porous ?-TCP material provides a carrier matrix for bioactive agents and can form a moldable putty composition upon the addition of a binder. Preferably, the bioactive agent is encapsulated in a biodegradable agent. The invention provides a kit and an implant device comprising the porous ?-TCP, and a bioactive agent and a binder. The invention also provides an implantable prosthetic device comprising a prosthetic implant having a surface region, a porous ?-TCP material disposed on the surface region and optionally comprising at least a bioactive agent or a binder. Methods of producing the porous ?-TCP material and inducing bone formation are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Paresh S Dalal, Godofredo R Dimaano, Carol A Toth, Shailesh C Kulkarni
  • Processing tissue to produce a biopolymer scaffold for tissue engineering
    Patent number: 7354702
    Abstract: A method of forming and preserving a bioremodelable, biopolymer scaffold material by subjecting animal tissue, particularly fetal or neo-natal tissue, to chemical and mechanical processing. The process includes, but is not limited to, harvesting the tissue, optionally extracting growth and differentiation factors from the tissue, inactivating infective agents of the tissue, mechanically expressing undesirable components from the tissue, delipidizing the tissue, washing the tissue, optionally drying the tissue, optionally cross-linking the tissue not necessarily in the order described. The resulting product, EBM, is characterized by its microbial, fungal, viral and prion inactivated state. EBM is strong, bioremodelable, drapable and does not undergo calcification. EBM supplants previous inventions because of its unique method of preparation and broad applicability in tissue reengineering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: TEI Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianwu Dai, Eugene Bell, Vladimir Russakovsky
  • Positronium-mediated method for identifying a contaminant gas in a gaseous mixture
    Patent number: 7351525
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an in vitro method to identify a contaminant gas in a specimen comprising a mixture of gases as a function of the decay rate of at least one species of positronium. The positronium is obtained by directing the positrons from a positron source in to a vessel that contains a specimen containing the mixture of gases comprising a contaminant gas to be identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Alert Tech Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Gerald Smith
  • Selection and use of lactic acid bacteria for reducing inflammation in mammals
    Patent number: 7344867
    Abstract: Strains of lactic acid bacteria selected for their capability of reducing inflammation, such as intestinal bowel disease, a method of selecting such strains, and products containing such strains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Eamonn Connolly
  • Method for using an adjuvant composition with herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, ovicides and fungicides to control pests, insects and fungi
    Patent number: 7341735
    Abstract: An adjuvant is disclosed for use with systemic herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, ovicides and fungicides for application on animals, birds, trees, plants, fruits and vegetables to enhance the action and effect of the systemic herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, ovicides and fungicides. The adjuvant comprises at least one surfactant and at least one high terpene containing natural oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Oro Agri, Inc.
    Inventor: Erroll M. Pullen
  • Lipid-encapsulated polyanionic nucleic acid
    Patent number: 7341738
    Abstract: Methods for the preparation of a lipid-nucleic acid composition are provided. According to the methods, a mixture of lipids containing a protonatable or deprotonatable lipid, for example an amino lipid and a lipid such as a PEG- or Polyamide oligomer-modified lipid is combined with a buffered aqueous solution of a charged therapeutic agent, for example polyanionic nucleic acids, to produce particles in which the therapeutic agent is encapsulated in a lipid vesicle. Surface charges on the lipid particles are at least partially neutralized to provide surface-neutralized lipid-encapsulated compositions of the therapeutic agents. The method permits the preparation of compositions with high ratios of therapeutic agent to lipid and with encapsulation efficiencies in excess of 50%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Sean C. Semple, Sandra K. Klimuk, Troy Harasym, Michael J. Hope, Steven M. Ansell, Pieter Cullis, Peter Scherrer, Dan Debeyer
  • Injectable microspheres for tissue construction
    Patent number: 7338657
    Abstract: The present invention relates to injectable compositions comprising biocompatible, hydrophilic, non-toxic and substantially spherical microspheres associated with stem cells useful for tissue construction and generation. The invention also relates to methods of tissue construction and generation, for the treatment of various tissue damage and defects, using the injectable compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: BioSphere Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Vogel, Egisto Boschetti
  • Generation of nitric oxide in vivo from nitrite, nitrate or nitrosothiols endogenous in blood
    Patent number: 7335383
    Abstract: A material includes a surface and a reactive agent that is located at the surface of the material, covalently attached to a backbone of the material, and/or located within the material. The reactive agent has nitrite reductase activity, nitrate reductase activity, and/or nitrosothiol reductase activity. The reactive agent also converts at least one of nitrites, nitrates and nitrosothiols to nitric oxide when in contact with blood. A reproducible nitrosothiol sensor is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Mark E. Meyerhoff, Melissa M. Reynolds, Bong K. Oh
  • Biological method for removing organic polymers
    Patent number: 7332325
    Abstract: A biological method for removing organic polymers is provided. The method includes the cultivation of a bacterial strain Pseudomonas nitroreducens TX1. The deposit numbers are PTA-6168 at ATCC and BCRC910228 at Bioresources Collection and Research Center in Taiwan (Republic of China). A nitrogen source and inorganic salts are required for bacterial growth. Moreover, the method also provides the information of the supply of air and the water content in soils when this invention is applied to the removal of organic polymers in soils. In addition, the viability of cultivated bacteria is not affected by endogenous bacteria in soils and able to maintain the capacity of degrading organic polymers in the method. The present invention is able to remove the organic polymers in a wide range of amounts effectively and useful in the bioremediation of contamination from organic polymers in both soils and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: National Central University
    Inventors: Shir-Ly Huang, Dy-Hwa Tseng, His-Jien Chen