Patents Examined by Scott W. Houtteman
  • Patent number: 6048692
    Abstract: A first sensor (18) for electrically sensing a molecular binding event includes a receptor-supporting element (20) into which a reagent is diffusable, at least one molecular receptor (22) supported by the receptor-supporting element (20), and a first electrode (24) embedded in the receptor-supporting element (20). A second sensor for electrically sensing a molecular binding event includes a receptor-supporting element (130), at least one molecular receptor (132) supported by the receptor-supporting element (130), an electrode (134) coupled to the receptor-supporting element (130), and a porous electrode (136) coupled to the receptor-supporting element (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: George N. Maracas, Travis Johnson
  • Patent number: 6046014
    Abstract: This invention provides new fluorescent molecules useful for detection of target entities. In particular, it relates to fluorescent adducts comprising an apoprotein and a bilin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: John Clark Lagarias, John Thomas Murphy
  • Patent number: 6043352
    Abstract: 2'-O-Modified ribosyl nucleosides and modified oligonucleotides containing such nucleotides are disclosed. Oligonucleotides are disclosed that have increased binding affinity as shown by molecular modeling experiments. The 2'-O-modified nucleosides of the invention include ring structures that position the sugar moiety of the nucleosides preferentially in 3' endo geometries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Muthiah Manoharan, Phillip Dan Cook
  • Patent number: 6043351
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to Epstein Barr virus induced (EBI) genes. In particular, the present invention relates to DNA segments coding for EBI 1, EBI 2, or EBI 3 polypeptides; EBI 1, EBI 2, or EBI 3 polypeptides; recombinant DNA molecules; cells containing the recombinant DNA molecules; antisense EBI 1, EBI 2, or EBI 3 constructs; antibodies having binding affinity to an EBI 1, EBI 2, or EBI 3 polypeptide; hybridomas containing the antibodies; nucleic acid probes for the detection of the presence of Epstein Barr Virus; a method of detecting Epstein Barr virus in a sample; and kits containing nucleic acid probes or antibodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Brigham and Women's Hospital
    Inventors: Mark Birkenbach, Elliot Kieff
  • Patent number: 6030782
    Abstract: Methods for the covalent, specific and reversible immobilization of nucleic acid molecules onto solid-phases by means of a reversible disulfide bond for nucleic acid molecule array preparation are described. These methods can be used to prepare reusable nucleic acid molecule arrays with hilgh specificity and high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Orchid Biocomputer, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Anderson, Yu-Hui Rogers
  • Patent number: 6027923
    Abstract: The extensive synthesis ("amplification") of a nucleic acid sequence of interest is attained through a linked series of multi-cycle primer extension reactions (LLA). The primers used in each of the primer extension reactions of the process contain non-replicable elements that halt nucleic acid synthesis and thereby prevent the synthesized molecules from serving as templates in subsequent cycles. Synthesized molecules accumulate during primer extension in a mathematically linear fashion, thereby rendering the process relatively insensitive to contaminating nucleic acids. Multiple primer sets are employed, thereby ensuring the accumulation of a large number of copies of the nucleic acid sequence of interest. The invention also provides for the detection of an amplified nucleic acid sequence of interest, as well as reagent kits for carrying out the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Bruce Wallace
  • Patent number: 6027879
    Abstract: A method for detecting and isolating a target sequence in a sample of nucleic acids is provided using a bifunctional hybridization probe capable of hybridizing to the target sequence that includes a detectable marker and a first complexing agent capable of forming a binding pair with a second complexing agent. A kit is also provided for detecting a target sequence in a sample of nucleic acids using a bifunctional hybridization probe according to this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Joe N. Lucas, Tore Straume, Kenneth T. Bogen
  • Patent number: 6028188
    Abstract: Oligomers having chirally pure phosphonate internucleosidyl linkages mixed with non-phosphonate internucleosidyl linkages which hybridize to RNA target sequences and methods for their preparation are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Genta Incorporated
    Inventors: Lyle John Arnold, Jr., Richard Isais Hogrefe, Mark Alan Reynolds, Timothy Andrew Riley, David Aaron Schwartz, Morteza Monir Vaghefi, Bob Dale Brown
  • Patent number: 6027890
    Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting the binding of a first member to a second member of a ligand pair, comprising the steps of (a) combining a set of first tagged members with a biological sample which may contain one or more second members, under conditions, and for a time sufficient to permit binding of a first member to a second member, wherein said tag is correlative with a particular first member and detectable by non-fluorescent spectrometry, or potentiometry, (b) separating bound first and second members from unbound members, (c) cleaving the tag from the tagged first member, and (d) detecting the tag by non-fluorescent spectrometry, or potentiometry, and therefrom detecting the binding of the first member to the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Rapigene, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Van Ness, John C. Tabone, J. Jeffry Howbert, John T. Mulligan
  • Patent number: 6022964
    Abstract: Spiroadamantyl dioxetanes bearing an alkoxy substituent, and an aromatic substituent of phenyl or naphthyl on the dioxetane ring can be activated to chemiluminesce if the aromatic substituent bears a moiety designated OX, wherein the X is cleaved by an enzyme with which the dioxetane is permitted to come in contact with. The T.sub.1/2 kinetics of the chemiluminescent reaction, as well as the signal intensity, or quantum yield of the chemiluminescent reaction, can be altered by selection of an electron-withdrawing or an electron-donating group Z, at positions on the aromatic substituent other than those adjacent the point of attachment to the dioxetane. Signal strength can further be enhanced by recognized chemiluminescent enhancers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
  • Patent number: 6020481
    Abstract: A class of asymmetric monobenzoxanthene compounds useful as fluorescent dyes are disclosed having the structure ##STR1## wherein Y.sub.1 and Y.sub.2 are individually hydroxyl amino, imminium, or oxygen, R.sub.1 -R.sub.8 are hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, alkyl, alkene, alkyne, sulfonate, amino, amido, nitrile, alkoxy, linking group, and combinations thereof, and R.sub.9 is acetylene, alkane, alkene, cyano, substituted phenyl, and combinations thereof. The invention further includes novel intermediate compounds useful for the synthesis of asymmetric benzoxanthene compounds having the general structure ##STR2## where substituents R.sub.3 -R.sub.7 correspond to like-referenced substituents in the structure of described above, and Y.sub.2 is hydroxyl or amine. In another aspect, the invention includes methods for synthesizing the above dye compounds and intermediates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: The Perkin-Elmer Corporation
    Inventors: Scott C. Benson, Steven M. Menchen, Peter D. Theisen, Kevin M. Hennessey, Vergine C. Furniss, Joan Hauser
  • Patent number: 6020137
    Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting loss of heterozygosity in a pooled nucleic acid sample obtained from a patient population. These methods are particularly useful for identifying populations or individuals within a population with gene mutations indicative of early colorectal cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Exact Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley N. Lapidus, Anthony P. Shuber
  • Patent number: 6020124
    Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting and quantitating gene sequences, such as mutated genes and oncogenes, in biological fluids. The fluid sample (e.g., plasma, serum, urine, etc.) is obtained, deproteinized and the DNA present in the sample is extracted. The DNA is then amplified using an amplification procedure, such as PCR or LCR, to amplify the mutated gene sequence. In one embodiment, the DNA is contacted with a peptide nucleic acid prior to or during the amplification procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventor: George D. Sorenson
  • Patent number: 6017699
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to a set of DNA primers which, when utilized in conjunction with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, can amplify and speciate DNA from five medically important Candida species. Furthermore, the PCR amplified products, generated by the primers, can also be used to create species specific probes which can also detect and confirm the five species of Candida. Thus, the present invention allows for early diagnosis and treatment of an infection. The assay is useful in the context of monitoring antifungal treatment regimens, screening potential antifungal agents, and similar applications requiring quantitative determinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: The University of Pittsburgh
    Inventor: Jeanne A. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6016820
    Abstract: An aqueous cleaning system and process for cleaning critical application gas systems and components, critical application fluid systems, and cryogenic systems. The aqueous cleaning system comprises multiple cleaning and rinsing stations, and a water purification and recycling system to implement a multi-step aqueous cleaning process. The multi-step aqueous cleaning process includes a pre-cleaning step, a rinsing step, a final cleaning step, and a final rinsing step. The rinsing step includes primary and secondary rinsing stages. The aqueous cleaning system is portable and self-contained and the aqueous cleaning process may be utilized in batch or lot type cleaning as well as in situ system level cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: East/West Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Knoll, Norman R. Wieder, Jeffrey F. Walsh
  • Patent number: 6013240
    Abstract: Compositions containing one or more nucleic acids and cationic polymers, and their use in gene therapy, particularly for in vivo nucleic acid transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Rhone-Poulenc Rorer SA
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Behr, Barbara Demeneix, Franck Lezoualch, Mojgan Mergny, Daniel Scherman, Otmane Boussif
  • Patent number: 6013434
    Abstract: This invention relates to novel oligonucleotide-polyamide conjugates preferably having a free 3' hydroxl moiety, and wherein the polyamide is coupled to the oglionucleotide through its carboxyl terminus. A nucleotide polymer conjugate of the formula (I): Nu--NUC--C.dbd.C--X.sup.1 --NH--X.sup.2 --X.sup.3 where X.sup.1 is an unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkylene group, in which one or more carbons may optionally be replaced by --NH--, --O-- or --S--; X.sup.2 is a bond, or an unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkylene group, in which one or more carbons may optionally be replaced by --NH--, --O-- or --S--; the optional substituents in X.sup.1 or X.sup.2 are selected from a variety of groups; X.sup.3 is an amino acid or a polyamide linked via its carboxy terminus; NUC is a nucleoside group of any one of formulas (a), (b), (c), (d) where.fwdarw.indicates the bond to the --C--C-- group in formula (I), and X.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Howard Florey Institute of Experimental Physiology and Medicine
    Inventors: Geoffrey William Tregear, Jim Haralambidis
  • Patent number: 6010851
    Abstract: Nucleoside-5'-phosphate ester is produced inexpensively and efficiently by allowing an acid phosphatase, especially an acid phosphatase having a lowered phosphomonoesterase activity to act under a condition of pH 3.0 to 5.5 on a nucleoside and a phosphate group donor selected from the group consisting of polyphosphoric acid or a salt thereof, phenylphosphoric acid or a salt thereof, and carbamyl phosphate or a salt thereof to produce nucleoside-5'-phosphate ester, and collecting it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Mihara, Takashi Utagawa, Hideaki Yamada, Yasuhisa Asano
  • Patent number: 6007985
    Abstract: Antibodies to the large subunit of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase II (Pol II LS) and methods of use thereof, including use as research tools and for the diagnosis of proliferative diseases such as cancer and the screening of anti-cancer therapies, and a method for delivering molecules to predetermined sites in the nucleus of a cell using a molecule containing the C-terminal domain of the Pol II LS protein. The anti-Pol II LS antibodies are highly specific for phosphorylated Pol II LS and bind to the C-terminal domain of the Pol II LS molecule in a phosphorylation-dependent manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventor: Stephen L. Warren
  • Patent number: 6007987
    Abstract: This invention is directed to methods and reagents useful for sequencing nucleic acid targets utilizing sequencing by hybridization technology comprising probes, arrays of probes and methods whereby sequence information is obtained rapidly and efficiently in discrete packages. That information can be used for the detection, identification, purification and complete or partial sequencing of a particular target nucleic acid. When coupled with a ligation step, these methods can be performed under a single set of hybridization conditions. The invention also relates to the replication of probe arrays and methods for making and replicating arrays of probes which are useful for the large scale manufacture of diagnostic aids used to screen biological samples for specific target sequences. Arrays created using PCR technology may comprise probes with 5'- and/or 3'-overhangs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: The Trustees of Boston University
    Inventors: Charles R. Cantor, Marek Przetakiewicz, Takeshi Sano, Cassandra L. Smith