Patents Examined by Louise N. Leary
  • Psyllium containing snack bars, processes for making these, and uses thereof
    Patent number: 6419911
    Abstract: The invention is a psyllium containing snack bar. Also included as part of the invention are processes for making snack bars. The product may be used in a therapeutic or dietary regime, for purposes such as increasing dietary fiber or for reducing cholesterol. Dry mixes for making psyllium containing snack bars are also a feature of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventor: John Bailey
  • Potentially fluorogenic compounds
    Patent number: 6416970
    Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula (I) in which R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are independently selected from hydrogen and chromogenic substituents, and X is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl; OR6 wherein R6 is selected from the group consisting of C1-C4 alkyl; and O−Me+ wherein Me+ is a cation derived from an organic or inorganic base. A preferred species of formula (I) is 4-Methylumbelliferyl myo-inositol-1-phosphate and salts thereof with an organic or inorganic base. The invention also provides fluorogenic methods for detecting various pathogenic bacteria, e.g., Listeria, Staphylococcus and Clostridium species, using substrates containing at least one formula (I) compound. A kit for detecting a phosphatidyl-inositol-specific phospholipase C enzyme as an indication of bacterial activity is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Biosynth AG
    Inventors: Günter Schabert, Lawrence Restaino
  • Selective apoptosis of neoplastic cells by an HLA-DR specific monoclonal antibody
    Patent number: 6416958
    Abstract: Anti-human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, HLA-DR-specific monoclonal antibodies which can induce apoptosis of HLA-DR positive cells are disclosed. The antibodies are used to specifically eliminate HLA-DR antigen positive tumor cells by cross-linking of HLA-DR. Also disclosed are methods for treating cancer using such antibodies, and compositions containing them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Dendreon Corporation
    Inventors: Damir Vidovic, Reiner Laus
  • Susceptibility plates for microbial antibiotic susceptibility testing
    Patent number: 6416969
    Abstract: Disposable plates for performing microbial antibiotic susceptibility testing with multiple channels can be inoculated with a microorganism and antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial agent may be presented as a gradient of concentrations in the plate. The susceptibility testing plates are configured to allow viewing of microbial growth, and/or to be received in an automated instrument which analyzes same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Paul M. Matsumura, Jones M. Hyman, Scott R. Jeffrey, Martin J. Maresch, Thurman C. Thorpe, William G. Barron
  • Method for judging effectiveness of drug having protease inhibitory activity
    Patent number: 6413734
    Abstract: A method for judging effectiveness of a drug having protease inhibitory activity, which comprises the steps of: (1) bringing a biosample isolated or collected from a patient with a disease in which participation of a protease is suspected into contact with a thin membrane containing a protease substrate and formed on a surface of a support; (2) detecting a trace of digestion formed on the thin membrane by action of a protease; and (3) judging that a drug having protease inhibitory activity is effective for the patient when a trace of digestion is formed on the thin membrane. The method enables accurate judgment as to whether or not a drug having protease inhibitory activity is effective for a patient with a disease in which participation of a protease is suspected such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer before administration of the drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., LTD
    Inventors: Ryoichi Nemori, Hiroshi Kaise, Mikihiro Kusama
  • &bgr;(1-3)-glucan diagnostic assays
    Patent number: 6413715
    Abstract: Methods of isolating &bgr;(1-3)-glucan or &bgr;(1-3)-glucan-containing organisms in a sample, or of detecting the presence of &bgr;(1-3)-glucan or &bgr;(1-3)-glucan-containing organisms in a sample, utilizing binding agents for &bgr;(1-3)-glucan, such as LacCer, GalCer, globotriaosylceramide and asialoganglioside-GM1, are described. Methods of diagnosing fungal infection, by detecting &bgr;(1-3)-glucan or &bgr;(1-3)-glucan-containing organisms, are also described. Antibodies and kits useful in the methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: The Collaborative Group
    Inventors: Eric M. Wakshull, William M. Mackin, Janet W. Zimmerman, Leslie W. Fisette
  • Method of resolving 2-oxobicyclo [3.1.0] hexane-6-carboxylic acid derivatives
    Patent number: 6407284
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of resolving 2-oxobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-6-carboxylates having the following relative configuration of formula (1): wherein X1, X2, R1, R2 and R3 have the same meanings as defined below, into one enantiomer ester thereof and the other enantiomer acid, which is characterized by contacting an enzyme having an ability to preferentially hydrolyze one enantiomer ester contained in 2-oxobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-6-carboxylate of formula (1) as defined above, with 2-oxobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-6-carboxylates of formula (1) as defined above to obtain one enantiomer as an acid and the other enantiomer as an ester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Junko Kudo, Yoshiki Takashima, Sanae Mine
  • Immobilized enzymes biosensors for chemical toxins
    Patent number: 6406876
    Abstract: Methods, compositions and materials useful in the detection of organophosphorous and organosulfur compounds are disclosed. In particular, biosensors wherein a porous or a non-porous support having an enzyme immobilized upon or within are disclosed. The biosensors exhibit enzymatic stability at extreme temperatures and/or denaturing conditions, and similar kinetic characteristics of the soluble form of the enzymes utilized. The enzyme does not leach from the porous or non-porous support and the material retains enzymatic activity after prolonged storage. Differential biosensors are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Richard K. Gordon, Bhupendra P. Doctor, Ashima Saxena, Shawn R. Feaster, Donald Maxwell, Michelle Ross, David Lenz, Keith LeJeune, Alan Russell
  • Method of measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or plasma fibrinogen of a blood sample
    Patent number: 6403328
    Abstract: A method of measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), plasma viscosity, or plasma fibrinogen of a blood sample is provided. The method involves treating the blood sample with a suitable anti-coagulant, placing the treated sample in a micro-haemocrit tube and centrifuging the sample at, for example, 500 rpm or greater while continually monitoring the sample using an IR light source and detector to follow appropriate separation band development during centrifugation. Thus, continual monitoring of the sample during the centrifugation process is possible. Preferably, the sample is horizontal throughout the centrifugation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Roger Clampitt
  • System and method for monitoring cellular activity
    Patent number: 6403332
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring cellular activity in a cellular specimen. According to one embodiment, a plurality of excitable markers are applied to the specimen. A multi-photon laser microscope is provided to excite a region of the specimen and cause fluorescence to be radiated from the region. The radiating fluorescence is processed by a spectral analyzer to separate the fluorescence into respective wavelength bands. The respective bands of fluorescence are then collected by an array of detectors, with each detector receiving a corresponding one of the wavelength bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Gregory H. Bearman, Scott E. Fraser, Russell D. Lansford
  • Devices and methods for using centripetal acceleration to drive fluid movement in a microfluidics system
    Patent number: 6399361
    Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the invention are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays. An electronic spindle designed rotor capable of transferring electrical signals to and from the microsystem platforms of the invention is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventors: Ian Brotherston, Michael B. Truelove
  • Use of phage associated lytic enzymes for the rapid detection of bacterial contaminants
    Patent number: 6395504
    Abstract: A method for the use of a phage associated lysing enzyme for the detecting the presence and determining the quantity of bacteria present in or on a wide variety of substances is described. The total concentration of microbes is determined by adding or incorporating a phage associated lytic agent to a disposable test system device with the luminescent reagents luciferin and luciferase, and introducing the disposable test system into a luminometer that can read the luminescence. Other systems can be used with the lytic enzymes for the quantitative and qualitative determination for the presence of bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: New Horizons Diagnostics Corp.
    Inventor: David Trudil
  • Method for adjusting and disinfecting liquids
    Patent number: 6387648
    Abstract: A Method for regulating the disinfection of a liquid includes a number of stages. At one stage of the said disinfection (stage 2), the activity of at least one enzyme is measured by bringing the microorganisms which may be present in the liquid into contact with a substrate capable of revealing the activity of the enzyme, this enzymatic activity being referred to as specific activity. At another stage (stage 1), prior to stage 2, there occurs measuring the activity of the same enzymes. This activity being referred to as initial activity. The next stage involves translating, for each enzyme, the specific activity and initial activity, into levels of microorganisms surviving in the liquid at stage 2 of the disinfection by means of a reference system pre-established with the aid of a sample of the liquid collected at stage 1 and then exposed to increasing doses of disinfectant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux
    Inventors: Yves Levi, Danièle Touati, Sam Dukan
  • Reagent compositions for measuring electrolyte
    Patent number: 6387646
    Abstract: The present invention provides a combination of reagent compositions for measuring an electrolyte which are excellent in stability, precision and quantitativity and have high solution stability sufficient to withstand distribution. In the combination of the reagent compositions of the present invention, a chelating agent and an inactivated &agr;-amylase capable of being reversibly activated by the electrolyte are formulated separately from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinsuke Kimata, Katsuhiko Mizuguchi, Yoshihisa Kawamura
  • Method of identifying and quantifying specific fungi and bacteria
    Patent number: 6387652
    Abstract: Fungi and bacteria can be detected and rapidly quantified by using the nucleotide sequences taught here that are specific to the particular species or group of species of fungi or bacteria. Use of the sequences can be made with fluorescent labeled probes, such as in the TaqMan™ system which produces real time detection of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Other methods of detection and quantification based on these sequences include hybridization, conventional PCR or other molecular techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Richard Haugland, Stephen Vesper
  • Personal drug use indicator
    Patent number: 6383736
    Abstract: A personal drug testing kit utilizing drug-sensitive pads which are stored in a package that permits the storage of the drug-sensitive pads within its interior without exposing the drug-sensitive pads to ultraviolet light, moisture or air. The kit comprises at least one pad being chemically sensitive to a predetermined drug. The drug-sensitive pads are stored in a package that is preferably formed from aluminum foil and paper and that is free from air. The drug testing kit may test for the presence of one or more of the following drugs of abuse: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, PCP, amphetamines, methamphetamines, and barbituates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Ted Titmas
  • Diagnostic compositions and devices utilizing same
    Patent number: 6379915
    Abstract: A dry chemistry dye indicator composition provides improved shelf life, stable color indication end point and capability for a system at near normal pH. The novel dry chemistry dye indication system comprises 3-Methyl-6-(sodium sulfonate)-benzothiazolinone-(2)-hydrazone (MBTH-S). A preferred dye systems are based on the dye couple (MBTH-S) and 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS), and the dye couple MBTH-S and N-(3-sulfopropyl)analine. These dye indicator systems are used in conventional blood chemistry test strips and are particularly preferred for indication of glucose in blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Amira Medical
    Inventors: Joel S. Douglas, Karen R. Drexler
  • Apparatus and method for real-time measurement of cellular response
    Patent number: 6379917
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for real-time measurement of a cellular response of a test compound or series of test compounds (303) on a flowing suspension of cells (349), in which a homogenous suspension of each member of a series of cell types (349) is combined with a concentration of a test compound (303), directed through a detection zone (355), and a cellular response of the living cells is measured in real time as the cells in the test mixture are flowing through the detection zone (355). The apparatus may be used in automated screening of libraries of compounds, and is capable of real-time variation of concentrations of test and standard compounds and generation of dose/response profiles within a short timespan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Axiom Biotechnologies
    Inventors: Ilya Okun, Alex Okun
  • Device and process for the examination of cells using the patch-clamp method
    Patent number: 6379916
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device and a process for examining cells using the patch-clamp method. A plane arrangement is used of a first number of micro-cuvettes for receiving cells and a plane arrangement of a second number of micro-pipettes which can be positioned in relation to the plane arrangement of micro-cuvettes in such a manner that a multiplicity of cells located in the micro-curvettes can be examined simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angwandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventor: Joerg Uwe Meyer
  • Agents and methods for inhibiting F1/F0 ATPase
    Patent number: 6376211
    Abstract: Novel methods of identifying antimicrobial and anti-proliferative agents and therapeutic uses are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: XOMA Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Roger G. Little, II, Susan Abrahamson