Patents Examined by Jon P. Weber
  • Patent number: 8969030
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a process to produce biodiesel and/or fuel oil from microbial oilseed and/or algal biomass and/or from sugar cane residues and derivatives. The products according to the present invention are appropriate for direct use in motors and to generate energy or steam. The integrated process of the present invention comprises the use, as raw materials, of microbial oil-producing biomass obtained from sugar cane residues and derivatives, which is integrated with algal biomass and/or glycerol and are processed by steps of production of oil-producing microbial biomass from filamentous fungi and/or yeasts, steps of simultaneous production of algal biomass by fully using residues, CO2 and residual broth of said production of microbial biomass, as well as steps of extraction and transesterification of lipids contained in the biomass, with reuse of the residual glycerol thus produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ouro Fino Participacoes e Empreendimentos Ltda
    Inventor: Dolivar Coraucci Neto
  • Patent number: 8969027
    Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kansas State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Stefan H. Bossmann, Deryl L. Troyer, Matthew T. Basel
  • Patent number: 8969011
    Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration device comprising a sintered porous polymer matrix comprising at least one concentration agent that comprises an amorphous metal silicate and that has a surface composition having a metal atom to silicon atom ratio of less than or equal to 0.5, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); (b) providing a sample comprising at least one microorganism strain; and (c) contacting the concentration device with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the concentration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Manjiri T. Kshirsagar, Andrew W. Rabins
  • Patent number: 8962268
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the survival prognosis of patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides methods which measure kinase activity by studying phosphorylation levels in response to a kinase inhibitor and profiles in samples obtained from patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. The present invention also provides methods for predicting the response of a patient diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer to a medicament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Pamgene B.V.
    Inventors: Richard De Wijn, Robby Ruijtenbeek, Maria Helena Hilhorst
  • Patent number: 8962270
    Abstract: Described and illustrated herein are systems and exemplary methods of operating an analyte measurement system having a meter and a test strip. In one embodiment, the method may be achieved by applying a first test voltage between a reference electrode and a second working electrode and applying a second test voltage between the reference electrode and a first working electrode; measuring a first test current, a second test current, a third test current and a fourth test current at the second working electrode after a blood sample containing an analyte is applied to the test strip; measuring a fifth test current at the first working electrode; estimating a hematocrit-corrected analyte concentration from the first, second, third, fourth and fifth test currents; and annunciating the hematocrit-corrected analyte concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: LifeScan Scotland Limited
    Inventors: Michael Malecha, Adam Craggs
  • Patent number: 8962267
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining or predicting the response of a patient diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer to targeted pharmacotherapy. The present invention also aims to provide methods and devices for predicting the response of patients diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer to specific medicaments. More specifically, the present invention provides methods which measure kinase activity by studying phosphorylation levels and profiles and inhibitions thereof by drugs in samples of said patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: Pamgene B.V., Stichting Het Nederlands Kanker Instituut
    Inventors: Richard De Wijn, Robby Ruijtenbeek, Maria Helena Hilhorst, Michael Maria Van Den Heuvel, Houke Marian Klomp
  • Patent number: 8962313
    Abstract: Disclosed are: a method for culture of disease antigen specific CTLs and ??T cells in one culture step conveniently and efficiently; and a pharmaceutical agent and a therapeutic/prophylactic method both of which use a cell produced by the method. Blood is collected and peripheral blood mononuclear cells are separated from the blood. Aminobisphosphonate and a disease antigen are added to the peripheral blood mononuclear cells at the beginning of culture, and the cell culture is carried out for a predetermined period to proliferate/induce disease antigen specific CTLs and ??T cells simultaneously until the numbers of the cells reach values that are effective for the treatment of a disease. The CTLs and the ??T cells thus produced are used for the treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Medinet Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mie Nieda, Mai Tomiyama, Masato Muto
  • Patent number: 8962689
    Abstract: The present invention relates in general to medium chain dicarboxylic acids, their derivatives and their uses. In particular, the present invention relates to a composition comprising medium chain dicarboxylic acids and to the use of medium chain dicarboxylic acids and their derivatives for the preparation of products to treat or prevent metabolic disorders. The composition of the present invention can particularly well be used to treat or prevent hyperglycemia, for example diabetes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Geltrude Mingrone, Catherine Mace
  • Patent number: 8956833
    Abstract: Genetically manipulated cells, lysates of such cells, systems, and methods of use thereof are provided, where one or more enzymes in a pathway of interest are genetically modified to incorporate a peptide sequence that provides for relocation of the protein, e.g., to the periplasm, so as to sequester the enzyme, and where the enzyme controls flux in the pathway of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignees: GreenLight Biosciences, Inc., The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventor: James R. Swartz
  • Patent number: 8956871
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a cell culture system and a serum-free method for cultivating cells. The cell culture system includes a substratum, wherein the substratum has a surface. A polymer is disposed on the surface of the substratum, wherein the polymer is prepared by polymerizing a first monomer with a second monomer. The first monomer has a structure as represented by Formula (I), and the second monomer has a structure as represented by Formula (II): wherein, R1 is hydrogen or methyl; R2 is methyl, ethyl, or —CH2CH2OCH3; R3 is hydrogen or methyl; and, R4 is hydrogen, —CH2CH2OCOCHCHCOOH, —CH2CH2OCOCH2CH2COOH, or —CH2CH2COOH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Pei-Ju Lin, Guilhem Tourniaire, Yi-Chen Chen, Kathryn Swindells, Bin-Ru She, Hsiang-Chun Hsu, Chih-Ching Liao, Su-Yo Lin
  • Patent number: 8956826
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide novel multi-targeted microbiological screening and monitoring methods having substantial utility for monitoring and control of microbial growth and contaminants, microbiological processes, predictive microbiology, and for exposure and risk assessment. Microbial markers shared by both target and index microbes are used in novel methods for microbial monitoring, monitoring of microbial performance potential, trend analysis, and statistical process control (SPC) in processes or systems that are receptive to a plurality of genetically distinct microbes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Institute for Environmental Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Mansour Samadpour
  • Patent number: 8956637
    Abstract: This invention provides novel nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates and structures comprising such substrates for use in various medical devices, as well as methods and uses for such substrates and medical devices. In one particular embodiment, methods for enhancing cellular functions on a surface of a medical device implant are disclosed which generally comprise providing a medical device implant comprising a plurality of nanofibers (e.g., nanowires) thereon and exposing the medical device implant to cells such as osteoblasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Nanosys, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Dubrow, Lawrence A. Bock, R. Hugh Daniels, Veeral D. Hardev, Chunming Niu, Vijendra Sahi
  • Patent number: 8951773
    Abstract: The present invention provides a production method for biofuel based on a technology to convert carbon-dioxide as a carbon source through photosynthesis by photosynthetic microorganisms to biomass and produce biofuel of the biomass. The production method for biofuel of the present invention comprises a culturing process (S1) of culturing in a culture solution photosynthetic microorganisms which store oils, fats and carbohydrates in cells of the photosynthetic microorganisms, an oil and fat conversion process (S2) of converting the carbohydrates stored in the cells of the photosynthetic microorganisms cultured in the culture apparatus to oils and fats, an extraction process (S3) of extracting the oils and fats out of the cells of the photosynthetic microorganisms, and a reforming process (S4) to reform the extracted oils and fats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation, euglena Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kato, Ko Yamashita, Yukio Fukushima, Ken Amano, Takashi Kaneko, Iwao Ueda, Nobuo Aoki, Kengo Suzuki, Ryo Arashida, Ryohei Nakano
  • Patent number: 8951784
    Abstract: A cell culture bioreactor having a culture chamber for cell growth, a culture medium reservoir mounted externally to the culture chamber, a fluid circulation mechanism for moving culture medium from the reservoir through the culture chamber, and an aerating mechanism for introducing air into and removing air from the culture chamber is provided. The cell culture bioreactor comprises a manifold mechanism mounted at the top end of the culture chamber, a fluid circulation mechanism fluidly connected to the culture medium reservoir, for receiving culture medium from the culture medium reservoir and distributing culture medium into the culture chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sepragen Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Richard Gould, Hrair Kirakossian
  • Patent number: 8951748
    Abstract: Methods and kits are disclosed for detecting microorganisms that produce glucose oxidase. The method includes providing a culture medium and a hydrogen peroxide indicating reagent comprising a chromogenic substrate that can provide a detectable chromogenic reaction indicating the presence of a microorganism that produces glucose oxidase, and additional methods are disclosed for differentiating microorganisms by the detection of an additional chromogenic reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen B. Roscoe, Michael J. Svarovsky, Stephanie J. Moeller
  • Patent number: 8945941
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a method for the preparation of samples for MALDI MS imaging. Certain embodiments relate to a method of matrix deposition for samples, wherein tissue sections are prepared via a synergistic combination of fixation with matrix. In certain embodiments, tissue is fixed with cold solvent, according to well-established histology protocols, and in the presence of matrix, allowing for high resolution spatial mapping of protein, lipid, sugar, and/or nucleic acid distribution. In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to fixation with matrix of whole organisms. In certain embodiments, animals are perfused with fixation and matrix mixtures, which allows for direct mass spectrometry analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: Brandeis University, The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Agar, Nathalie Y. R. Agar
  • Patent number: 8945905
    Abstract: A waste capture media formulation comprising a bacteria package. The bacteria package does not include a bacteria that produces a urease enzyme. The formulation further comprises an absorbent media, an odor suppressant, a binding agent, a mineral source, a masking agent, and an aqueous surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Russell L. Brandt, Elizabeth A. Battilana
  • Patent number: 8946256
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for treating vitiligo and promoting the formation of collagen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Biocosmeceuticals, LLC
    Inventor: Sarah Bacus
  • Patent number: 8945892
    Abstract: A method for the continuous liquefying of organic solids in a fermenter, wherein an outwardly directed flow of solids is produced in a dammed-up liquid, the solids are added in the lower region of the fermenter and the solid fermentation residues are essentially collected and removed below the level of the dammed-up liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Leibniz-Institut fuer Agrartechnik Potsdam-Bornim E.V. (ATB)
    Inventors: Jan Mumme, Bernd Linke, Rainer Toelle
  • Patent number: 8945894
    Abstract: A method for directing, enhancing, and accelerating mesenchymal stem cell functions using alternating electric current. Mesenchymal stem cells are preferentially directed to either osteoblast or chondrocyte lineages, but not to the adipocyte lineage. when exposed to alternating electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Courtney M. Creecy, Rena Bizios