Patents Examined by Jeffrey Siew
  • Patent number: 6677510
    Abstract: The subject invention provides plants with excellent resistance to powdery mildew. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention provides dogwood (Cornus florida) cultivars that are resistant to infestation with powdery mildew. Specifically exemplified herein are culitvars identified as ‘Jean's Appalachian Snow’, ‘Kay's Appalachian Mist’, and ‘Karen's Appalachian Blush’. The present invention also provides materials and methods for identifying, characterizing, and/or producing powdery mildew resistant plants. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention provides polynucleotide sequences, and patterns of polynucleotide sequences, which are associated with resistance to powdery mildew. These polynucleotides are characteristic of the powdery mildew resistant plants as described herein. Such polynucleotides are particularly useful in identifying and characterizing plant having resistance to powdery mildew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: University of Tennesse
    Inventors: Mark T. Windham, Robert N. Trigiano, Willard T. Witte
  • Patent number: 6673536
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems, particularly computer systems, for determining the relative specificity with which a particular polynucleotide molecule hybridizes to a polynucleotide probe. For example, the methods and systems of the invention enable a user to compare the specificity with which different polynucleotides hybridize to a given probe and/or rank these polynucleotides according to their specificity to that probe. The methods and systems of the invention also enable a user to compare the specificity with which a particular polynucleotide hybridizes to different probes, and/or rank those different probes according to their specificity for that particular polynucleotide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Rosetta Inpharmatics LLC.
    Inventors: Roland Stoughton, Julja Burchard, Stephen H. Friend
  • Patent number: 6673541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for the amplification of DNA, this method being particularly useful for the amplification of the DNA or the whole genome of a single cell, chromosomes or fragments thereof. Described is also the use of the method in DNA analysis for medical, forensic, diagnostic or scientific purposes, like comparative genomic hybridization (CGH)-, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-, single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP)-, DNA sequence-, “loss of heterozygosity” (LOH)-, fingerprint- and/or restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Micromet AG
    Inventors: Christoph Klein, Oleg Schmidt-Kittler
  • Patent number: 6673534
    Abstract: Methods for detecting allelic variants of the myostatin (growth and differentiation factor-8) gene are provided. Specifically provided are methods of identifying subjects having or having a predisposition for increased muscle mass as compared to subjects having wild-type myostatin. Increased muscle mass is particularly desirable for identification of animals used to produce food products, including bovine, porcine, ovine, avian and piscine species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
    Inventors: Se-Jin Lee, Alexander C. McPherron
  • Patent number: 6670128
    Abstract: The present invention provide methods for utilizing spent leukodepletion filter devices as a source of material for the isolation and analysis of genomic DNA (gDNA), including polymorphism, genotyping, and pharmacogenomic studies. Cellular retentate with the filter contains leukocytes, which are lysed to release the nuclei. The nuclei are lysed or ruptured to release genomic DNA, which is then isolated and used for subsequent analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Whatman, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin A. Smith, Galina N. Fomovskaia, Mikhail A. Fomovsky, Neil J. Butt, Matthew Baker
  • Patent number: 6670133
    Abstract: Integrated systems, apparatus, software, and methods for performing biochemical analysis, including DNA sequencing, genomic screening, purification of nucleic acids and other biological components and drug screening are provided. Microfluidic devices, systems and methods for using these devices and systems for performing a wide variety of fluid operations are provided. The devices and systems of are used in performing fluid operations which require a large number of iterative, successive or parallel fluid manipulations, in a microscale, or sealed and readily automated format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Knapp, John Wallace Parce, Luc J. Bousse, Anne R. Kopf-Sill
  • Patent number: 6670153
    Abstract: Microfluidic devices with improved channel and reservoir configurations are provided. More specifically, efficient microfluidic devices for the performance of temperature mediated reactions are provided. These reactions can be performed in an ease of use and efficient manner so as to enable high through put of multiple samples. Methods for performing temperature mediated reactions using the microfluidic devices with improved channel and reservoir configurations have also been provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Caliper Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Seth R. Stern
  • Patent number: 6670131
    Abstract: There is disclosed a nucleic acid detection apparatus including a nucleic acid immobilized electrode constituted by immobilizing a nucleic acid probe to a conductor, a plurality of vessels for bringing the nucleic acid probe into contact with a subject substance, a counter electrode disposed on a bottom surface or a inside surface of the vessel, and an electric circuit for applying a voltage between the nucleic acid immobilized electrode and the counter electrode. A nucleic acid is detected by inserting the nucleic acid immobilized electrode into each vessel containing the subject substance, and using the counter electrode disposed on the bottom surface or inside surface of the vessel to electrically control reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Koji Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6670121
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the qualitative and quantitative determination of differentially expressed mRNA molecules. Said methods are used especially to determine all possible mRNA molecules present in a cell or a tissue, and to compare them with other cells or tissues, with other conditions (stages of disease or development), or with stages of treatment for these conditions. The method provided for in the invention therefore makes it possible, for example, to establish a comprehensive map of the different mRNA molecules present in a defined mRNA population and subsequently to use the preferably digital information obtained in this way in data base analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Biofrontera Pharmaceuticals GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Hoffmann, Hermann Lübbert, Stefan Zwilling
  • Patent number: 6667165
    Abstract: Methods for improving sensitivity and specificity of polynucleotide synthesis are disclosed. The method includes reversibly blocking thermophilic polymerase activity with non-nucleic acid polyanions in a temperature dependent manner. The methods control target specific primer extension throughout all stages of a DNA or RNA amplification reaction. Corresponding compositions and kits are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventor: Lars-Erik Peters
  • Patent number: 6664377
    Abstract: Compounds and methods for treating prostate cancer are provided. The inventive compounds include polypeptides containing at least a portion of a prostate tumor protein. Vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions for immunotherapy of prostate cancer comprising such polypeptides, or DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, are also provided, together with DNA molecules for preparing the inventive polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Corixa Corporation
    Inventor: Jiangchun Xu
  • Patent number: 6664103
    Abstract: The present invention provides nano-scale devices, including electronic circuits, using DNA molecules as a support structure. DNA binding proteins are used to mask regions of the DNA as a material, such as a metal is coated onto the DNA. Included in the invention are DNA based transistors, capacitors, inductors and diodes. The present invention also provides methods of making integrated circuits using DNA molecules as a support structure. Methods are also included for making DNA based transistors, capacitors, inductors and diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Integrated Nano-Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Michael Connolly
  • Patent number: 6656693
    Abstract: An article of manufacture including an organic structure and inorganic atoms bonded to specific locations on the organic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ravi F. Saraf, Hemantha K. Wickramasinghe
  • Patent number: 6656682
    Abstract: A nucleic acid-immobilized substrate which comprises a carrier comprising a base material and a compound having a carbodiimide group or an isocyanate group carried by the base material, and the same kind or different kinds of nucleic acids immobilized in the form of dots through the carbodiimide group or the isocyanate group at a plurality of sites on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Osamu Suzuki, Tatsuo Ichihara, Namiko Shiohata, Yoshiyuki Matsumura
  • Patent number: 6653070
    Abstract: A genomic analysis process is disclosed, in particular for analysing and localising hereditary properties in the genome. This process has applications in a large number of fields, in particular in medicine, agriculture, forensic medicine and fundamental research. This genomic analysis process is characterised in that the amplification products of microsatellites form genomic DNA samples are immobilised. The genomic DNA samples are separated on defined positions of the matrix, before or after being amplified into individual microsatellite markers, the individual positions are evaporated in a mass spectrometer and their molecular weight is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: GAG Bioscience Zentrum fur Umweltforschung und Technologie
    Inventor: Alexander Olek
  • Patent number: 6653134
    Abstract: Methods of treating a human patient having a disease, disorder or condition of the central nervous system are disclosed. The methods include obtaining a bone marrow sample from a human donor, isolating stromal cells from the bone marrow sample, and administering the isolated stromal cells to the central nervous system of the human patient, wherein the presence of the isolated stromal cells in the brain effects treatment of the disease, disorder or condition. Stromal cells which are isolated may be cultured in vitro, they may be genetically engineered to produce therapeutic compounds, and/or they may be pre-differentiated prior to administration into the central nervous system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: CP Hahnemann University
    Inventors: Darwin J. Prockop, David G. Stokes, S. Ausim Azizi
  • Patent number: 6653080
    Abstract: Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for assaying a sample for a target polynucleotide and/or an amplification product therefrom are provided. The methods comprise contacting a sample suspected of containing the target polynucleotide with a polynucleotide that can bind specifically thereto; this polynucleotide is conjugated to a substrate, preferably an encoded bead conjugate. An amplification reaction can first be used to produce the amplification product from the target polynucleotide so that it can be used to indirectly assay for the target polynucleotide. An amplification product detection complex and method of forming the same are also provided. The methods are particularly useful in multiplex settings where a plurality of targets are present. Amplification product assay complexes and amplification product assay arrays are also provided, along with methods of forming the same. Kits comprising reagents for performing such methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Quantum Dot Corporation
    Inventors: Marcel P. Bruchez, Jennifer Lai, Vince Phillips, Andrew R. Watson, Edith Wong
  • Patent number: 6649746
    Abstract: The invention provides a bioproduction of glutamine rich peptides. These peptides are used for rehydration and nutrition therapy in patients and for enhanced nutrition in animals. The peptides may be used as individual peptides or combined with other peptides in oligopeptides or proteins. Compositions of glutamine rich peptides and nucleic acid sequences for producing such peptides, as well as methods of production and use, are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Michael P. Timko, Richard L. Guerrant
  • Patent number: 6645720
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of primers in polymerase chain reaction assays for the detection of fungal pathogens Colletotrichum acutatum, Alternaria spp., and Cladosporium carpophilum. Specific primers are identified as being useful for the identification of fungal isolates using PCR based techniques. Also described are novel extraction buffer solutions for use in isolating DNA from an organism, methods of extracting DNA from tissue, and methods of performing PCR analysis on DNA extracted from tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Syngenta Participations AG
    Inventors: Charles Jason Barnett, James Joseph Beck, Christy Violet Perry
  • Patent number: 6642001
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods for detection, quantitation and analysis of nucleotides of interest in nucleic acid sequences of interest using single base extension and fluorescence resonance energy transfer and generic donor molecule-labeled detection probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research
    Inventors: Stacey Bolk, Joel N. Hirschhorn, James S. Ireland, Eric S. Lander