Patents Examined by LaToya Cross
  • Patent number: 6756231
    Abstract: A compound represented by the following formula (I) or (II): wherein, in the formula (I), R1, R2, R3, and R4 independently represent methyl group or ethyl group; and in the formula (II), R5, R6, R7, and R8 independently represent methyl group or ethyl group and X− represents an anion, and a reagent for measurement of nitric oxide which comprises said compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignees: Daiichi Pure Chemicals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Nagano, Hirotatsu Kojima, Kazuya Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 6750179
    Abstract: For well plug treatment to plug an abandoned well, a well plug additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a well plug fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of plugging the well further including the step of injecting the fluid into the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Boyce D. Burts, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6730517
    Abstract: Fully automated modular analytical systems with integrated instrumentation for analysis of biopolymer samples, such as nucleic acids, proteins, peptides and carbohydrates, are provided. Analytical methods of detection and analysis, such as mass spectrometry, radiolabeling, mass tags, chemical tags and fluorescence chemiluminescence, are integrated with robotic technology and automated chemical reaction systems to provide a high-throughput, accurate Automated Process Line (APL).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Sequenom, Inc.
    Inventors: Hubert Köster, Ping Yip, Jhobe Steadman, Dirk Reuter, Richard MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6723285
    Abstract: A system to detect spoilage of a food product is described in this invention. The present invention can be used to see if a food product is spoiled, by mixing a part of the food product with an indicator of food spoilage within a separate transparent compartment of the food container, which is visible to the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: Natali Chen, Nadav Chen, Naaman Chen
  • Patent number: 6723287
    Abstract: There is disclosed a measuring system that is for use with an automatic chemical analyzer and accomplishes accurate measurement reproducibility and low cost. The system has a turntable on which plural reaction cells are arranged circumferentially. A light source and a spectroscopic detector are located on opposite sides of the reaction cell in a detection position. The amount of light transmitted through the cell is measured. A motor having an encoder is connected to the turntable. The output signal from the detector corresponding to each reaction cell is accepted in response to the output signal from the encoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: JEOL Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Ootatsume, Kiyoshi Kawashima, Minoru Inatsugu
  • Patent number: 6723289
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with a vessel capable of receiving fluid specimens for clinical analysis and diagnosis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between the fluid specimen and humans or the environment, the present invention features a cap which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device, and may include a plurality of striations which were discovered to further improve penetrability of the cap. In this way, substances can be dispensed into or withdrawn from the vessel without having to physically separate the cap from the vessel. Also featured are fluid transfer devices and caps having surface ribs and/or grooves which aid in creating passageways for venting displaced air from a penetrated collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Mordi I Iheme, Daniel L. Kacian, Mark R. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6716396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with a vessel capable of receiving fluid specimens for clinical analysis and diagnosis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between the fluid specimen and humans or the environment, the present invention features a cap which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device, and may include a plurality of striations which were discovered to further improve penetrability of the cap. In this way, substances can be dispensed into or withdrawn from the vessel without having to physically separate the cap from the vessel. Also featured are fluid transfer devices and caps having surface ribs and/or grooves which aid in creating passageways for venting displaced air from a penetrated collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce W. Anderson, Nick M. Carter, Mordi I. Iheme, Shirley J. Johnson, Daniel L. Kacian, James P. Light, Gus G. Tseo
  • Patent number: 6716798
    Abstract: For conformance treatment to plug an opening in subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation, a conformance additive including a dry mixture of water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a reinforcing material of fibers and/or comminuted plant materials. The method of forming a conformance fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of conforming the formation further including the step of injecting the fluid into the formation to plug the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Boyce D. Burts, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6699720
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an interference-eliminating membrane for use in detecting uric acid in a sample, comprising a compound for inhibiting or shading uric acid interfering substances, or derivatives thereof, and a carrier having an absorption property and permeability for the sample; and a process for preparing the interference-eliminating membrane. The present invention also provides a test strip for use in detecting uric acid in a sample, comprising a reagent reaction layer or optional interference-eliminating membranes and/or support layers; and a kit comprising the test strip of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Development Center for Biotechnology
    Inventors: Tsai Yun Lee, Yi Chih Lei, Shi-Yuan Sheu, Yu Fen Tsai, Tai-Guang Wu, Hung-Hsiu Ho, Ming-Yen Kuo, Jiuan J. Liu, Tong H. Chang, Hsueh-Fang Chen, Liahng-Yirn Liu
  • Patent number: 6689317
    Abstract: Immunoassay analytical test apparatus for allergy diagnosis, which apparatus comprises a zone for receiving a sample containing an analyte, a zone for receiving a mobile phase (the zone may be the same as the sample receiving zone, or different thereto), a detection means for permitting detection of the analyte by immunoreaction, a first flow path for flow of the analyte in the mobile phase from the sample receiving zone to the detection means, and a second flow path permitting flow of a mobile phase to the detection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Clinical Diagnostic Chemicals Limited
    Inventor: John Rees
  • Patent number: 6689618
    Abstract: A single reagent system and a method to detect and measure oxidizing adulterants in bodily fluid being screened for drugs of abuse are disclosed. The system comprising a strip containing 0.05 to 0.2 micromole/25 sq. mm. of a benzidine derivative and is used to detect sodium hypochlorite (bleach), chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, sodium bromide, sodium iodide, sodium nitrite, and pyridinium chlorochromate adulterants in urine, sweat, saliva, blood or other bodily fluids during screening for drugs of abuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Shuenn Tzong Chen
  • Patent number: 6660528
    Abstract: A method for determining the number of contaminating particles in a process chamber is described. While the method is particularly suited for detecting particles in a metal etch chamber, the present invention novel method can be utilized in any other semiconductor process chambers as long as there is a particle contamination problem. The method is carried out by conducting at least two particle dislodging cycles each including a step of flowing at least one process gas used in the process into the chamber at a flow rate of at least 30 sccm, and then evacuating the at least one process gas from the chamber to a pressure of not higher than 1 mTorr. Typical process gas that can be utilized in a metal etch chamber includes Cl2, BCl3 and Ar. The process gas should be flown into the etch chamber until a chamber pressure of at least 6 mTorr is reached, and preferably until at least a chamber pressure of 8 mTorr is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Horng-Wen Chen, Jeng-Fieng Lu, Chiang-Jen Peng
  • Patent number: 6656429
    Abstract: A test pack for testing the adequacy of air removal in a prevacuum sterilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Propper Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Dyckman
  • Patent number: 6638896
    Abstract: The Invention relates to fluids and techniques to optimize/enhance the production of hydrocarbon from subterranean formations (e.g., “completion fluids”), in particular, fluids and techniques are. disclosed and claimed which remove wellbore damage and near-wellbore damage in the form of coating formed from drilling and production-related operations (“filtercake”); the techniques can be applied either by themselves or in conjunction with other completion operations, such as gravel packing; preferred embodiments are chelating agent and enzyme systems in a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond J. Tibbles, Mehmet Parlar, Frank F. Chang, Diankui Fu, Jonathan Mark Davison, Elizabeth W. A. Morris, Antje M. Wierenga, Palathinkara S. Vinod
  • Patent number: 6635604
    Abstract: A brine for use during drilling operations, preferably a completion brine, comprising an amount of a low molecular weight water-soluble organic compound effective to reduce the crystallization point of the brine. The low molecular weight water soluble organic compound can be a variety of compounds, with preferred compounds being ethylene glycol, tripropylene glycol bottoms, and combinations thereof. A method of lowering the crystallization point of the brine using a low molecular weight water soluble organic compound also is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: William S. Halliday, Dennis K. Clapper
  • Patent number: 6632674
    Abstract: A method for testing gas detection instruments includes providing at least two reagents, immobilizing at least one of the reagents into a matrix material, heating the matrix material until the matrix permits movement of the reagent and generating a gas responsive to chemical reaction between the reagents. The gas is introduced into the sensor portion of the gas detection instrument to test the same. The reagents may each be immobilized on the matrix material with the heating serving to soften or melt the matrix material to permit chemical interaction. In a preferred embodiment, the heating is effected at about 90 to 150° C. The method may be employed to generate carbon monoxide or other gases of interest. Corresponding apparatus is provided. The apparatus may be structured to be inserted into or receive the gas detection instrument or have its output in communication therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Industrial Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: P. Richard Warburton
  • Patent number: 6627443
    Abstract: The present invention relates to new color compositions which are especially suitable to be used in oxygen indicators. The compositions comprise iron(II), an agent containing pyrogallol entities and an organic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Fresenius Kabi AB
    Inventors: Åke Stenholm, Lars Karlsson, Anders Löfgren, Bo Nystrom, Otto Skolling
  • Patent number: 6623979
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting a fluid specimen, locally analyzing the specimen to qualitatively detect specified chemical components at concentrations above threshold levels, and providing machine readable test results for facilitating data collection and reporting. The apparatus includes an assaying device comprised of a cup for collecting a fluid specimen and a cap carrying at least one test strip for visually reacting to one or more specified chemical components in the specimen. The cap also carries an aliquot delivery mechanism for forcing an aliquot of the fluid specimen onto the test strip. The assaying device is preferably configured to interact with a reader device capable of reading the reaction of the test strip to produce a data output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Escreen
    Inventors: Murray Lappe, John W. Goodin, Keith Patten, Bill Whitford
  • Patent number: 6620622
    Abstract: According to the present invention, in a polarimetry for allowing a light to be incident upon a specimen with a spontaneous optical active substance, a polarized light is allowed to be incident upon the specimen while micro-vibrating the plane of vibration; a component having a specific plane of vibration is detected out of the polarized light through the specimen; a component with a certain angular frequency is extracted; and an angle of rotation attributed to the specimen is calculated based on 3 or more groups of data including a relative angle formed between the plane of vibration of the light incident upon the specimen and the plane of vibration of the light, and an intensity of the component with the angular frequency obtained at the relative angle. Consequently, the influence of noises mixed due to bubbles, particles and the like can be eliminated, thereby achieving a stable and highly accurate measurement in a shorter time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsurou Kawamura
  • Patent number: 6586256
    Abstract: Chemical sensor compositions and methods for quantifying analytes are described. The chemical sensors include analyte-binding moieties and reporter moieties covalently attached to a framework including two trityl groups connected by a linear spacer such as ethyne or butadiyne. The sensors chelate an analyte across the acetylene axis of the molecule to stabilize the molecule in an eclipsed rotamer conformation. This conformation causes the sensors to emit a measurable signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Timothy E. Glass, Joseph Raker, Ricardo Moran