Patents Examined by Michael G. Wityshyn
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its use in a process for the biotechnological preparation of L-rhamnose
    Patent number: 5658793
    Abstract: Bacterial strains are capable of the formation of rhamnolipids, which they generate in the culture solution. If bacteria of the type Pseudomonas aeruginosa are employed for the fermentation, these microorganisms synthesize rhamnolipids in a concentration of 70-120 g/l of culture solution. The L-rhamnose can be recovered directly from the culture solution by hydrolysis of the rhamnolipids, i.e. without a complicated separation of the cell material and without isolation of the rhamnolipids before hydrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Carlo Giani, Dieter Wullbrandt, Reinhardt Rothert, Johannes Meiwes
  • Promotion of epithelial cell adhesion and hemidesmosome assembly by a laminin-like molecule
    Patent number: 5658789
    Abstract: A method for growing epithelial cells in vitro using soluble proteins secreted by 804G and NBT-II rat bladder carcinoma cells. These proteins stimulate cell attachment and hemidesmosome formation in cells grown in contact with the proteins. The protein is purified from conditioned medium by immunoaffinity chromatography using a monoclonal antibody generated against the protein. The purification of these proteins may be facilitated by culturing the cells under low serum or serum free conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Desmos, Inc.
    Inventors: Vito Quaranta, Marketta Hormia
  • Avian embryonic stem cells
    Patent number: 5656479
    Abstract: A method of producing undifferentiated avian cells expressing an embryonic stem cell phenotype is disclosed. The method comprises collecting avian cells from an avian blastoderm prior to formation of the primitive streak, then depositing the avian cells in contact with a mouse fibroblast feeder cell layer, and then growing the avian cells on the mouse fibroblast feeder cell layer in the presence of a media containing leukemia inhibitory factor in a differentiation-inhibiting amount for a time sufficient to produce a sustained avian cell culture. Cell cultures produced by the aforesaid process and veterinary pharmaceutical formulations containing such cells are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: James N. Petitte, Zengming Yang
  • Mutant of Geotrichum candidum which produces novel enzyme system to selectively hydrolyze triglycerides
    Patent number: 5654181
    Abstract: A mutant fungal strain, namely G. candidum NRRL Y-552, mutant known as Henkel 9-2-3-9 produces a lipase called "UNLipase" providing a selectivity of 25:1 for oleic acid over palmitic acid by the assay procedure employed. UNLipase has a temperature range of operation of between 0 and 40 degrees Celsius (and no activity over 55 degrees Celsius). The optimum pH ranges are between 7.5 and 8.5. Magnesium cations increase activity, whereas calcium cations are inhibitory. The molecular weight of the protein appears to be 65 kDa by size exclusion chromatography. UNLipase shows a high degree of selectivity for hydrolysis, esterification and transesterification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Henkel Corporation
    Inventors: Dean A. Oester, Allen L. Hall, Stephen J. Vesper
  • Method for liquefying starch
    Patent number: 5652127
    Abstract: According to the invention a method is provided for liquefying starch comprising the steps of adding a sodium composition to the starch prior to or simultaneously with liquefying the starch; adding .alpha.-amylase to the treated starch; and reacting the treated starch for a time and at a temperature effective to liquefy the treated starch. Preferred sodium compositions comprise sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium benzoate, sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfite, sodium ascorbate, sodium acetate, sodium nitrate, sodium tartrate, sodium tetraborate, sodium propionate, sodium citrate, sodium succinate, monosodium glutamate, trisodium citrate, sodium phosphate or a mixture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Mitchinson, Leif P. Solheim
  • Pharmaceutically acceptable fixed-dried human blood platelets
    Patent number: 5651966
    Abstract: Fixed-dried human blood platelets and processes for preparing the same are disclosed. The platelets, upon reconstitution: adhere to thrombogenic surfaces; do not adhere to non-thrombogenic surfaces; undergo shape change (spreading) upon adhering to a thrombogenic surface; adhere to one another to form a hemostatic plug upon adhering to a thrombogenic surface; and release their granular contents. Pharmaceutical formulations containing the same are also disclosed. The platelets are preferably fixed by means of a fixative such as formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, or glutaraldehyde, or fixed by means of a permanganate fixate. The platelets are preferably dried by lyophilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Marjorie S. Read, Robert L. Reddick, Arthur P. Bode
  • Device and process for isolating nucleic acids from cell suspension
    Patent number: 5652141
    Abstract: A device and a process for isolating nucleic acids by lysing intact cells and removing nucleic acids emerging from the lysed cells by the following steps:a) the cells are immobilized in a porous matrix, with the size of matrix voids being in the range of the type of cell to be lysed;b) the cells are lysed;c) the nucleic acids are fixated on the matrix surface, and subsequentlyd) are eluted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Oiagen GmbH
    Inventors: Karsten Henco, Metin Colpan, Petra Feuser
  • Strains of Phaffia rhodozyma containing high levels of astaxanthin and low levels of 3-hydroxy-3',4'-didehydro-.beta., .PSI.-caroten-4-one (HDCO)
    Patent number: 5648261
    Abstract: The present invention provides Phaffia rhodozyma strains having increased levels of astaxantin and a low percentage of 3-hydroxy-3',4'-didehydro-.beta.,.psi.-caroten-4-one (HDCO). Such strains are obtained by a combination of mutagenesis and selection. The invention further provides a method for obtaining such strains. The invention also provides astaxanthin obtained from a mutagenized strain of Phaffia rhodozyma characterized in that it contains a decreased relative amount of HDCO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Gist-brocades, N.V.
    Inventors: Lex De Boer, Bart Van Hell, Andreas Jacobus Johanna Krouwer
  • Lactobacillus and skim milk compositions and methods for preventing microbial urogenital infections
    Patent number: 5645830
    Abstract: This invention relates to Lactobacillus, skim milk, Lactobacillus Growth Factor (LGF) and Lactobacillus compositions and methods of employing the compositions for preventing urogenital infections. More particularly, this invention relates to the ability of strains of hydrophobic or hydrophilic Lactobacillus to adhere to biomaterials, and intestinal, vaginal and uroepithelial cells, to resist the action of certain antimicrobial agents and to dominate the urogenital flora.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Research Corporation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregor Reid, Andrew W. Bruce
  • Method for isolating dendritic cells
    Patent number: 5643786
    Abstract: A method of isolating dendritic cells is described. This method involves elutriating peripheral blood samples in at least four flow rates from an elutriation rotor. Calcium ionophore is used to stimulate monocytes isolated during the process into dendritic cells. Treatments for diseases involving re-introduction of activated dentritic cells are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Peter A. Cohen, Brian J. Czerniecki, Charles Carter, Daniel H. Fowler, Hyun Kim
  • Immortalized epithelial cell lines
    Patent number: 5643782
    Abstract: An immortalized epithelial lens cell line obtained from human lens epithelial cells infected with hybride adenovirus/SV40 (Ad12-SV40), and methods for making and using the cell line are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Washington University in St. Louis
    Inventors: Usha P. Andley, Timothy P. Fleming
  • Method for delivering melanin to hair follicles
    Patent number: 5641508
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method for targeted and specific delivery of beneficial compounds, including dyes, proteins, and nucleic acids for gene therapy, to hair follicle cells using liposomes encapsulating the beneficial compound. Particularly preferred methods describe delivery of tyrosinase to the hair follicle for the purpose of improving hair color or condition, either by encapsulating the compound in liposomes, or by encapsulating a nucleic acid capable of expressing the protein in liposomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: AntiCancer, Inc.
    Inventors: Lingna Li, Valeryi K. Lishko
  • Method for proliferating V.gamma.2V.delta.2 T cells
    Patent number: 5639653
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for stimulating the proliferation of V.gamma.2V.delta.2 T cells comprising contacting V.gamma.2V.delta.2 T cells with a V.gamma.2V.delta.2 T cell proliferation stimulating amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of a monoalkyl phosphate and an alkenyl pyrophosphate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, a Division of Yeshiva Universtiy
    Inventors: Barry R. Bloom, Yoshimasa Tanaka, Shigetoshi Sano
  • Process for inhibiting the growth of bacteria using bacteriocins produced by Propionibacterium jensenii strain ATCC 4872
    Patent number: 5639659
    Abstract: An anti-bacterial agent for controlling the growth of certain lactic acid bacteria is provided. The anti-bacterial agent, or bacteriocin, is produced by Propionibacterium jensenii, and specifically by the P126 and P1264 strains of the particular species. The process employs the bacteriocins to inhibit the growth of other bacterial cultures, including yogurt starter cultures. The bacteriocins are stable across a broad range of pHs and are stable at relatively high and prolonged temperatures and have a wide activity spectrum against bacteria. The bacteriocins are particularly useful in controlling the over-acidification of yogurt to decrease the sour taste often found in yogurt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Susan F. Barefoot, Dale A. Grinstead
  • Photodynamic treatment of red blood cells with phthalocyanines and red light at higher light fluence rates is protective of red blood cells
    Patent number: 5637451
    Abstract: An improved process for inactivating an extracellular lipid enveloped virus or an intracellular lipid enveloped virus which may be present in an extracorporeal composition containing red blood cells by subjecting the composition to a virucidally effective amount of a phthalocyanine compound and red light of a fluence rate of at least above about 5 mW/cm.sup.2. Quite contrary to what would have been expected, it has been found that higher light fluence rates are, in fact, more protective of red blood cells than are lower light fluence rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: New York Blood Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Ehud Ben-Hur, Bernard Horowitz
  • Methods and device for culturing human hematopoietic cells and their precursors
    Patent number: 5635387
    Abstract: Methods for increasing the number of human hematopoietic precursor cells in vitro are provided. The methods generally comprise (a) separating human hematopoietic precursor cells from mature hematopoietic cells present in a blood product; (b) inoculating the separated precursor cells into a culture vessel containing a culture medium comprising a nutritive medium and a source of growth factors at a density of between 1.times.10.sup.3 cells/ml and 4.times.10.sup.6 cells/ml; and (c) culturing the cells under conditions and for a time sufficient to increase the number of precursor cells relative to the number of such cells present in the blood product. The culture medium may also include a suitable amount of microcarrier beads. Suitable blood products include bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and peripheral blood. A device for carrying out such methods is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: CellPro, Inc.
    Inventors: Rui G. Fei, Shelly Heimfeld, Billy W. Minshall, Ronald J. Berenson
  • Nutrient mixtures for the bioremediation of polluted soils and waters
    Patent number: 5635392
    Abstract: A nutrient concentrate for stimulation of growth for the accelerated cultivation and growth of hydrocarbon-consuming microorganisms as well as a process for their use in bioremediation is disclosed. The concentrate is an admixture of water-soluble and/or oil-soluble compounds of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) and other components. The concentrate is in the form of a liquid water-based preparation and contains an ester of phosphoric acid as both an emulsifier and a P source. Further, from 10 to 40% by weight urea is contained in the concentrate as a N source. The invention also relates to the treatment of polluted soils, waters, and articles using a diluted aqueous solution of the concentrated admixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesdellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Bettina Kopp-Holtwiesche, Albrecht Weiss, Adelheid Boehme
  • Reagent compositions for use in sphering cells
    Patent number: 5633167
    Abstract: Methods for blood sample preparation using reagent compositions which include a zwitterionic surfactant for sphering of cells to eliminate orientational noise. When the reagent composition including a dye for staining a subset of cells is reacted with a blood sample, and the reaction mixture is passed through the sensing region of a flow cytometer, the light scattered and absorbed by each cell is measured, the stained cells can be distinguished from the unstained cells, and when the cells are reticulocytes and mature erythrocytes, respectively, the volume and hemoglobin concentration of each reticulocyte or erythrocyte, and the hemoglobin content, mean cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and mean cell hemoglobin of the reticulocytes or erythrocytes are calculated from the measured cell-by-cell volume and hemoglobin concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignees: Bayer Corporation, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine of the City Univ. of New York
    Inventors: Sophie S. Fan, Daniel Ben-David, Albert Cupo, Gena Fischer, Grace E. Martin, Leonard Ornstein, Gregory M. Colella
  • Use of PAF
    Patent number: 5631246
    Abstract: The use of platelet-activating factor (PAF) to increase the levels of von Willebrand factor and/or Factor VIII in blood is disclosed. The use of PAF has particular application in the treatment of von Willebrand disease and haemophilia A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: The Canadian Red Cross Society
    Inventors: Sofia Hashemi, Douglas Palmer
  • Collagen-based viscoelastic solution for visco-surgery
    Patent number: 5631243
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a patient with visco-surgery, particularly ocular visco-surgery, utilizing a collagen-based viscoelastic solution having a reversibly high viscosity. The invention also relates to collagen-based viscoelastic solutions which further include mucopolysaccarides or growth factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Collagenesis Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Kelman, Dale P. DeVore