Patents Examined by John P. Weber
  • Patent number: 6489450
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an effective method for the refolding of denatured proteins in solution so that properly folded, biologically active protein in solution is recovered in high yield. The refolding takes place at pressures between about 0.25 kbar to about 3.5 kbar, advantageously at about 1.5 kbar to about 3 kbar. Typically a chaotropic agent is present at a concentration which is not effective for denaturing protein at atmospheric pressure, and optionally, oxidation-reduction reagents can be incorporated in the refolding solution so that native intramolecular disulfide bonds can be formed where that is desired. The method is applicable to substantially all proteins, especially after solubilization and/or denaturation of insoluble protein aggregates, inclusion bodies, or abnormal oligomeric (soluble) aggregates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: University Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore W. Randolph, John F. Carpenter, Richard St. John
  • Patent number: 6168949
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the aerobic multiplication of micro-organisms. A tank with a conical bottom shape holds the fermentation broth and a circulating pump outside the tank circulates the fermentation broth from the bottom of the tank to the top. A heat exchanger maintains the desired process temperature. In accordance with the invention, the apparatus includes at least one atomizing nozzle contained within a vortex chamber for the fine atomization of the fermentation broth and for the mixing with process gas in the top of the tank above the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth in the lower portion of the tank is at a quiescent state without mechanical agitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Karl Rubenberger
  • Patent number: 5952215
    Abstract: An enzyme composition and its use for isolating cells or cell clusters from tissue is disclosed. The composition includes two purified collagenase enzymes and an endoprotease. The ratio of the total FITC casein activity of the enzyme composition to the Wunsch units of activity of the masses of collagenase I and collagenase II is about 85:1 to about 3,900:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Francis E. Dwulet, Marilyn E. Smith
  • Patent number: 5866430
    Abstract: A methodology and devices for detecting or monitoring or identifying chemical or microbial analytes are described. The methodology comprises four basic steps: (1) The gas or liquid medium to be monitored or analyzed is brought into contact with a bioconcentrator which is used to bind with or collect and concentrate one or more analytes. (2) The bioconcentrator-analyte complex is then exposed to radiation of one or more predetermined wavelengths to produce Raman scattering spectral bands. (3) At least a portion of the Raman spectral bands are collected and processed by a Raman spectrometer to convert the same into an electrical signal. And (4) the electrical signal is processed to detect and identify, qualitatively and/or quantitatively, the analyte(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Ann E. Grow
  • Patent number: 5736518
    Abstract: Compounds of general formula A--B--C in which: A is a monovalent radical of a L-ring molecule; B is a bivalent radical of a L-.alpha.-aminoacid; and C is a monovalent radical of a L-aromatic molecule. The compounds show an anti-hypertensive, analgesic, immuno-modulating and antiinflammatory activity, they are resistant to enzyme hydrolysis and they can be used for the preparation of drugs for oral administration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Polifarma S.p.A.
    Inventors: Vincenzo Politi, Giovanni Di Stazio, Andrea Margonelli, Giovanna De Luca
  • Patent number: 5711983
    Abstract: A biomass is provided which consists essentially of cells of dinoflagellates of the class Dinophyceae which have been cultivated to produce high cell mass and high DHA content. Biomass consisting of cells of Crypthecodinium cohnii is preferred. The cells are cultivated in an aerobic fermentor to achieve a cell density of a least 10 grams biomass per liter of nutrient solution by maintaining in the fermentor a dissolved oxygen level of at least about 10% of air saturation, and by inducing a stationary phase with a limiting nitrogen source in the nutrient solution. Under these conditions a single cell oil which contains at least 20% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the triglyceride form at a concentration of at least about 1.5 grams per liter of nutrient solution is produced in the biomass. The biomass is suitable as an aquaculture feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: David John Kyle, Sue Ellen Reeb, Valerie Jacqueline Sicotte
  • Patent number: 5342753
    Abstract: An apparatus for resisting coagulation of blood, includes a blood container having disposed therein antibody to blood coagulation factors for resisting coagulation of blood. The apparatus further includes a needle and a holder for the needle which are both operatively associated with the blood container. The blood coagulation factor antibody inhibits coagulation of the blood drawn by the needle into the blood container so that an uncoagulated blood sample is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: William I. Smith, Jr.