Patents by Inventor D. Tucker

D. Tucker has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5198428
    Abstract: This invention provides a cytotoxin composition that inhibits mitochondrial respiration and causes cytostasis in cells, independent of nitric oxide. The invention comprises a conditioned supernatant derived from macrophage cell line (EA13.5) that inhibits mitochondrial respiration and causes cytostasis in cells. More particularly, the invention comprises a macrophage cytotoxin obtained from conditioned supernatant collected from cultured EA13.5 cell. This macrophage cytotoxin (1) inhibits mitochondrial respiration, (2) causes cytostasis independent of L-arginine derived nitric oxide, (3) is a weakly acidic (pI of about 7.5 to 8.0) glycoprotein (as determined by binding to lentil lectin sepharose). The invention also discloses a method for producing an L-arginine-derived nitric oxide-independent macrophage cytotoxin by culturing EA13.5 cells, adding IFN-.gamma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The Univ. of Texas System
    Inventors: Mathoor Sivaramakrishnan, Stanley D. Tucker, Jim Klostergaard, Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
  • Patent number: 5197940
    Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus and method for treating prostate tumors. The apparatus includes a platform on which the patient may be seated. An electromagnetic coil is disposed beneath the platform and creates a field that acts on thermoseeds placed in the tumor. The method includes inductively heating the thermoseeds which heat the tumor cells to a temperature of between 45.degree. and 50.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Hypertherm Corp.
    Inventors: Chester E. Sievert, Robert D. Tucker, Stefen Loening
  • Patent number: 5171224
    Abstract: A protective system for handling body fluids that provides:(a) a device to receive and hold various sized needle caps in its resiliently, expandible, apertured, hollow top, that allows easy release of the held cap after one-handedly re-capping a used needle (sharp) for safe discard;(b) a device to needle suction a specimen of body fluid from a drainage system, directly into the resiliently, compressible transport container, through the needle topped, male adapter plug (or cap) of the container, to avoid open transfer of fluid to be tested;(c) a needle cap holding device that embodies a barbing surface to blunt the needle (sharp) tip prior to one-handedly re-capping the needle (sharp) for discard to avoid re-use that can chance exposure to hepatitis B, AIDS, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Annabelle D. Tucker
  • Patent number: 5149047
    Abstract: A foldable easel structure for attachment to the cover of a book that folds with the book, keeping the easel readily available when needed. The attached spring page holders are coated to slide on the page when the book is closing, maintain place in the book and allow easy turning of pages by the disabled or young person. The adhesive back of the easel structure also provides the means of attachment to student or business folders and copy boards to allow display of material in an inclined position or for purposes of comfort in copying the material or inputting a computer. A telescopic line guide for the copy page is supported by insertion of the exposed end of the spring page holder into the open lower end of the guide line stem. The guide line bar may be a magnifying means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Inventor: Annabelle D. Tucker
  • Patent number: 5131755
    Abstract: In each configuration, at least one TDI sensor is used to image substrate portions of interest, with those portions illuminated with substantially uniform illumination. In one configuration, a substrate is compared to prestored expected characteristic features. In a second configuration, first and second patterns in a region of the surface of at least one substrate are inspected by comparing one pattern against the other and noting whether they agree with each other. This is accomplished by illuminating the two patterns, imaging the first pattern and storing its characteristics in a temporary memory, then imaging the second pattern and comparing it to the stored characteristics from the temporary memory. Then the comparisons continue sequentially with the second pattern becoming the first pattern in the next imaging/comparison sequence against a new second pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventors: Curt H. Chadwick, Robert R. Sholes, John D. Greene, Francis D. Tucker, III, Michael E. Fein, P. C. Jann, David J. Harvey, William Bell
  • Patent number: 5098826
    Abstract: A method is provided for detecting the presence of C. difficile toxin A. Stool or other appropriate specimen is contacted with a reagent containing the human X, Y or I-antigens, each of which is a specific receptor for toxin A. The reagent may be intact cells, cell membranes, membrane fractions containing any of these antigens, glycoconjugates, as well as the purified oligosaccharide antigen per se. Binding of toxin A is determined by conventional assay techniques. The method may also be used to isolate and purify toxin A. Conversely, immobilized toxin A may be used to detect, isolate, or purify biological materials of interest expressing the X, Y or I antigens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy D. Wilkins, Kenneth D. Tucker
  • Patent number: 5085517
    Abstract: In each configuration, at least one TDI sensor is used to image the portions of interest of the substrate that are substantially uniformly or critically illuminated. In one configuration, the substrate is compared to the expected characteristic features prestored in memory. In a second configuration, a first and second pattern in a region of at least one substrate are inspected by comparing one pattern against the other and noting whether they agree with each other. This is accomplished by illuminating the two patterns, imaging the first pattern and storing its characteristics in a temporary memory, then imaging the second pattern and comparing it to the stored characteristics from the temporary memory. Then the comparisons continue sequentially with the second pattern becoming the first pattern in the next imaging/comparison sequence against a new second pattern. With each comparison whether there has been agreement between the two patterns is noted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Inventors: Curt H. Chadwick, Robert R. Sholes, John D. Greene, Francis D. Tucker, III, Michael E. Fein, P. C. Jann, David J. Harney, William Bell, Bin-Ming B. Isai, Walter I. Novak, Mark J. Wihl
  • Patent number: 5062425
    Abstract: An alternative to internal stitches in the care of small bleeders in the vaginally delivered patient that can avoid the chance of a needle stick is the application of direct pressure and cold. An expansible internal pressure cold pack that conforms softly to the contours of a body orifice is inserted prior to inflation. Cold fluid is inserted through a needle insert plug to inflate the bag as the pressure is metered within the vault to apply just enough pressure to avoid or control any small problem after stabilization of any delivery related problem. The inner suspended ice capsule is insulated centrally as the balloon-like bag is inflated to seek out small sulcus or cervical bleeders, hematomas and to deter edema of the traumatized tissue. Attachment of the inner wall of the pack, to suspend the ice capsule centrally, forms vertical drainage channels for body fluid along the bag outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventor: Annabelle D. Tucker
  • Patent number: 4877326
    Abstract: Substrate inspection apparatus and methods, and illumination apparatus. The inspection apparatus and method includes memory for storing the desired features of the surface of the substrate, focussed illuminator for substantially uniformly illuminating a region of the surface of the substrate to be inspected. Additionally there is a sensor for imaging the region of the substrate illuminated by the illuminator, and a comparator responsive to the memory and sensor for comparing the imaged region of the substrate with the stored desired features of the substrate. The illumination apparatus is designed to provide substantially uniform focussed illumination along a narrow linear region. This apparatus includes first, second and third reflectors elliptically cylindrical in shape, each with its long axis substantially parallel to the long axes of each of the others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: KLA Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Curt H. Chadwick, Robert R. Sholes, John D. Greene, Francis D. Tucker, III, Michael E. Fein, P. C. Jann, David J. Harvey, William Bell
  • Patent number: 4861540
    Abstract: A method for molding a gasket or casing around a peripheral portion of sheet material with portions of a separate part embedded within the gasket and other portions extending out of the gasket is disclosed. Preferably, the method is used to form vehicular window assemblies and includes inserting a separate part in a pocket or recess in one of two cooperating mold sections prior to closing the mold, closing the mold such that a portion of the separate part is urged tightly against a part of the recess by the sheet material in the mold, and filling the mold cavity to embed part of the separate part in the gasket while another portion extends out of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Keith A. Nieboer, Herbert D. Tucker
  • Patent number: 4837561
    Abstract: According to a method and apparatus for displaying data on a display screen, such as the screen of a digital storage oscilloscope, in a ROLL mode and prior to a trigger event, newly acquired data is continuously newly displayed at a given point on the screen as the oldest displayed data is rolled off the screen at a first side. This is continued even during a REFRESH mode until a trigger event occurs, at which time the displayed data is frozen on the screen and newly acquired data is written across the screen toward a second side of the screen, so that at the time the newly acquired data is written to the second end of the screen, data is observable which represents a certain period before the trigger event and after the trigger event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Gould Electronics Limited
    Inventor: Brian D. Tucker
  • Patent number: 4819467
    Abstract: A computer-based control for a press brake of the type having a ram for bending a sheet metal workpiece to a desired bend angle. The control incorporates a teach mode which collects ram force and position data during the bending of one or more test workpieces and calculates from the force and position data parameters representative of the ram reversal position necessary to produce the desired bend angle. The control also incorporates a bend mode for bending a production workpiece to the desired bend angle wherein force and position data is collected during the bending of the production workpiece and is used in conjunction with the parameters calculated during the bending of the test workpieces during the teach mode to calculate the exact position of ram reversal necessary to produce the desired bend angle in the production workpiece. The control also incorporates correction of the position of ram reversal to account for ram overshoot during the bend mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Cincinnati Incorporated
    Inventors: Raymond J. Graf, Scott D. Tucker
  • Patent number: 4806740
    Abstract: A system for authenticating an object on the basis of a repeatably sensible, random magnetic medium or substance deposited on an object, for example in the form of a document. A magnetic medium printed on the document is sensed for its random characteristic which is reduced to a data format that is recorded on the object, e.g. document. Specifically, the repeatably sensible, random characteristic of the magnetic medium is recorded in a digital format on a magnetic stripe of a document so as to identify or verify the document. Conditioning techniques, as depositing and recording the magnetic characteristic medium and selectively sensing it, accomplish various specific objectives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Light Signatures, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Gold, Frank D. Tucker
  • Patent number: 4807287
    Abstract: A system for authenticating a document includes a uniqueness characteristic reader to generate a first identifier for the document. The identifier is then encrypted and optionally encoded to define an error correction code. The encrypted identifier and the optional error correction code are combined in accordance with a predefined format to define a code which is stored on the document itself (such as on a magnetic stripe). Authentication of the document is accomplished by reading the code on the item. The code is then processed to identify the location and quantity of any erroneous data. The identified location and quantity information for erroneous data, in conjunction with the optional error correction code, is then utilized to correct all errors in at least the encrypted identifier portion of the code read from the storage medium. The resultant encrypted identifier is therefore retrieved from the storage medium on the item without error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: Light Signatures, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank D. Tucker, Leonard Nunley
  • Patent number: 4700525
    Abstract: A molded panel assembly such as that for a vehicle window and various embodiments of fasteners for mounting on the molded panel assembly and securing the panel assembly to a support such as a vehicle body are disclosed. The panel assembly is of the type including a panel with a peripheral edge and a casing of molded material, such as a resinous plastic, molded around at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the panel. Each of the fasteners includes a base, resilient means on the base for engaging a rigid member, such as the window panel itself, to urge the base into sealing contact with a mold portion during molding of the casing of the assembly and for retaining the fastener in the molded portion or casing of the assembly. Attachment means are also provided on the base for securing the fastener and panel assembly to a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Keith A. Nieboer, Herbert D. Tucker
  • Patent number: 4539003
    Abstract: A clamp for control of separation of couplers in intravenous feeding and monitoring systems that is open along its vertical length to receive and secure various infusion tubing couplers by embracing raised or soft areas of said couplers with its inner horizontal gripping ridges and grooves to prevent axial and radial movements that may cause leaking or separation of friction or needle insert connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Inventor: Annabelle D. Tucker
  • Patent number: 4533083
    Abstract: A drip feed device for irrigation purposes comprising a body having an inlet on one side and an annular wall on the other, engaged by a cup having an outlet on one side and an annular wall on the other, to engage the annular wall on the body and housing in a chamber formed between them a button having circular flow paths on each side with flow-restricting baffles which overlap in the flow paths to give counter direction flow around the baffles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: RIS Irrigation Systems Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Alfred D. Tucker
  • Patent number: 4498628
    Abstract: A butterfly sprinkler in which a rotating head has an upwardly projecting shaft to fit in a bearing supported by arms. The shaft is of stepped configuration with the bearing being of similar configuration to thus form a skirt about the bearing. A nozzle for the sprinkler is provided with a resilient flow regulator arranged in such a way that as pressure of the water fed to the sprinkler increases, the regulator is distorted to reduce the size of an orifice to limit the amount of water flowing to a relatively uniform rate irrespective of changes of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: RIS Irrigation Systems Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Alfred D. Tucker
  • Patent number: 4477343
    Abstract: An inlet pipe having two branch pipes and an outlet pipe having two branch pipes, between the inlet and outlet pipes of each branch, there being a dump valve and a dump control valve, each outlet branch pipe containing in it a filter, the dump control valve sensing the pressure on each side of the filter and being operable, on pressure differential building up, to open the dump valve; by opening of either one of the dump valves, the water will flow through the inlet tube, the inlet branch tube of the outer dump valve and rearwardly through the filter element. The filter element will thereby be backwashed, and the particulate material which has been built up will be at least partly discharged through the dump valve to drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Assignee: Ris Irrigation Systems Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Alfred D. Tucker
  • Patent number: D315035
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Sharon D. Tucker