Patents by Inventor Robert L. Hunter

Robert L. Hunter 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: 5466445
    Abstract: A new class of biologically-active copolymers is provided capable of effecting biological systems in many different ways. The biologically active copolymers of the present invention also have a wide variety of effects on individual cells. The biologically active copolymers are also effective against certain microorganisms. The biologically active copolymers of the present invention can be administered to animals to provide specific effects on certain microorganisms that reside in the gut of the animal. A preferred use is administering the biologically active copolymers of the present invention to poultry to reduce the number of Salmonella in the poultry gut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventor: Robert L. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5250294
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a composition and method is provided for perfusion of organs. The present invention includes perfusion of organs in situ and before transplantation. The method comprises perfusing an organ with a perfusion medium containing an effective amount of a surface active copolymer. The surface active copolymer can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation product with the following general formula:HO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.a (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b Hwherein a is an integer such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O) has a molecular weight of approximately 950 to 4000, preferably approximately 1200 to 3500, and b is an integer such that the hydrophile portion represented by (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O) constitutes approximately 50% to 90% by weight of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: Robert L. Hunter, Alexander Duncan
  • Patent number: 5240701
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for improving angioplasty procedures by reducing tissue damage during the procedure comprising infusing a non-emulsion, homogeneous solution of certain ethylene oxide-propylene oxide surface-active copolymers before, during and/or after the angioplasty procedure. The surface-active copolymer can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation product with the following general formula:HO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.a (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b Hwherein a is an integer such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O) has a molecular weight of approximately 950 to 4000 daltons, preferably approximately 1200 to 3500 daltons, and b is an integer such that the hydrophile portion represented by (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O) constitutes approximately 50% to 90% by weight of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: Robert L. Hunter, Alexander Duncan
  • Patent number: 5240702
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for treating stroke. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for treating stroke comprising injecting a non-emulsion, homogeneous solution of certain ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation surface-active copolymers. The surface-active copolymer can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation product with the following general formula:HO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.a (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b Hwherein a is an integer such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O) has a molecular weight of approximately 950 to 4000 daltons, preferably approximately 1200 to 3500 daltons, and b is an integer such that the hydrophile portion represented by (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O) constitutes approximately 50% to 90% by weight of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: Robert L. Hunter, Alexander Duncan
  • Patent number: 5234683
    Abstract: The present invention relates to biologically-active copolymers and to compounds that can be safely used to cause the thymus of an animal or human to increase in size, thereby replenishing the T-lymphocyte population. When injected into an animal or human with an antigen, certain of the biologically-active copolymers cause immunosuppression to the antigen.When injected into poultry, certain of the biologically-active copolymers modulate immune responsiveness. The biologically active copolymers are also useful as growth promoters for animals. Compounds within the biologically-active copolymers of the present invention are effective tumoricidal agents. At low concentration, certain of the biologically-active copolymers can cause dedifferentiated cells to differentiate.The biologically-active copolymer of the present invention is a safe and non-toxic formulation that can effectively be administered to animals or humans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: Robert L. Hunter, William L. Ragland
  • Patent number: 5198211
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for treating myocardial damage. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for treating myocardial damage comprising injecting a non-emulsion, homogeneous solution of certain ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation surface-active copolymers.The surface-active copolymer can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation product with the following general formula:HO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.a (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b Hwherein a is an integer such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O) has a molecular weight of approximately 950 to 4000 daltons, preferably approximately 1200 to 3500 daltons, and b is an integer such that the hydrophile portion represented by (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O) constitutes approximately 50% to 90% by weight of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: Robert L. Hunter, Alexander Duncan
  • Patent number: 5183687
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for treating poultry for coccidiosis. The method comprises administering an effective amount of a biologically-active copolymer on the poultry with coccidiosis, the octablock copolymer being selected from the group consisting of an octablock copolymer having the following formula: ##STR1## and an octablock copolymer having the following formula: ##STR2## wherein: the mean aggregate molecular weight of the portion of the octablock copolymer represented by the polyoxypropylene is between approximately 5000 and 7000 daltons;a is a number such that the portion represented by polyoxyethylene constitutes between approximately 10% to 40% of the compound by weight; andb is a number such that the polyoxypropylene portion of the total molecular weight of the octablock copolymer constitutes between approximately 50% and 90% of the compound by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: Robert L. Hunter, William L. Ragland
  • Patent number: 5182106
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for treating hypothermia and for protecting a human or animal against hypothermia. The present invention relates to a method for protecting a human or animal from damage during hypothermia such as occurs in hypothermic bypass surgery. The surface active copolymer can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation product with the following general formula:HO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.a (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b Hwherein a is an integer such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O) has a molecular weight of approximately 950 to 4000 daltons, preferably approximately 1200 to 3500 daltons, and b is an integer such that the hydrophile portion represented by (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O) constitutes approximately 50% to 90% by weight of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: Craig K. Mezrow, Robert L. Hunter, Carol E. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5152979
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for treating ischemia resulting from microvascular compromise caused by abnormal cells in the blood stream, which is often a complication of malaria and leukemia. The method is especially useful for treating cerebral malaria. The method comprises administering to an animal or human with the microvascular compromise a therapeutically effective amount of a surface active copolymer with the following general formula:HO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.a (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b Hwherein a is an integer such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O) has a molecular weight of approximately 950 to 4000 daltons, preferably about 1200 to 3500 daltons, and b is an integer such that the hydrophile portion represented by (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O) constitutes approximately 50% to 90% by weight of the copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventor: Robert L. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5114708
    Abstract: The present invention relates to biologically-active copolymers and to compounds that can be safely used to cause the thymus of an animal or human to increase in size, thereby replenishing the T-lymphocyte population. When injected into an animal or human with an antigen, certain of the biologically-active copolymers cause immunosuppression to the antigen.When injected into poultry, certain of the biologically-active copolymers modulate immune responsiveness. The biologically active copolymers are also useful as growth promoters for animals. Compounds within the biologically-active copolymers of the present invention are effective tumoricidal agents. At low concentration, certain of the biologically-active copolymers can cause dedifferentiated cells to differentiate.The biologically-active copolymer of the present invention is a safe and non-toxic formulation that can effectively be administered to animals or humans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: Robert L. Hunter, William L. Ragland
  • Patent number: 5089260
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for treating tissue damaged by ischemia. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for treating tissue damaged by ischemia comprising injecting certain ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation surface-active copolymers.The surface-active copolymer can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation product with the following general formula:HO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.a (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b Hwherein a is an integer such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O) has a molecular weight of approximately 950 to 4000, preferably approximately 1200 to 3500, and b is an integer such that the hydrophile portion represented by (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O) constitutes approximately 50% to 90% by weight of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: Robert L. Hunter, Alexander Duncan
  • Patent number: 5080894
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method and composition is provided for treating an animal or human with ischemic tissue. The method comprises injecting an effective amount of a free-radical scavenger and a surface-active copolymer into an animal or human with damaged tissue.The surface-active copolymer can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation product with the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein a is an interger such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O) has a molecular weight of approximately 950 to 4000, preferably approximately 1200 to 3500, and b is an integer such that the hydrophile portion represented by (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O) constitutes approximately 50% to 90% by weight of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: Robert L. Hunter, Alexander Duncan
  • Patent number: 5078995
    Abstract: In accordance with present invention, a method is provided for reducing tissue damaged by ischemia in animal or human. The method comprises injecting an effective amount of an anticoagulant and a surface-active copolymer into an animal or human with tissue damaged by ischemia tissue.The surface-active copolymer can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation product with the following general formula:HO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.a (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b Hwherein a is an integer such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O) has a molecular weight of approximately 950 to 4000, preferably approximately 1200 to 3500, and b is an integer such that the hydrophile portion represented by (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O) constitutes approximately 50% to 90% by weight of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: Robert L. Hunter, Alexander Duncan
  • Patent number: 5071649
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for preventing blockage of a catheter. The method comprises admixing an effective concentration of a surface-active copolymer to the fluid being delivered through the catheter.The surface-active copolymer can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation product with the following general formula:HO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.a (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b Hwherein a is an integer such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O) has a molecular weight of approximately 950 to 4000, preferably between approximately 1200 to 3500, and b is an integer such that the hydrophile portion represented by (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O) constitutes approximately 50% to 90% by weight of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventor: Robert L. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5064643
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for treating sickle cell anemia. The method comprises injecting an effective concentration of a surface active copolymer into the patient with sickle cell anemia.The surface active copolymer can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation product with the following general formula:HO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.a (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b Hwherein a is an integer such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O) has a molecular weight of approximately 950 to 4000, preferably approximately 1200 to 3500, and b is an integer such that the hydrophile portion represented by (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O) constitutes approximately 50% to 90% by weight of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventors: Robert L. Hunter, Alexander Duncan
  • Patent number: 5047236
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for treating stroke. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for treating stroke comprising injecting a solution of certain ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation surface-active copolymers.The solution of surface-active copolymer can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation product with the following general formula:HO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.a (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b Hwherein a is an integer such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O) has a molecular weight of approximately 950 to 4000, preferably approximately 1200 to 3500, and b is an integer such that the hydrophile portion represented by (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O) constitutes approximately 50% to 90% by weight of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventor: Robert L. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5041288
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating tissue damaged by reperfusion injury. The method includes injecting an effective amount of a surface-active copolymer into the human or animal with the tissue damaged by reperfusion injury an effective amount of a surface-active copolymer. The surface-active copolymer can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation product with the following general formula:HO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.a (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b Hwherein a is an integer such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O) has a molecular weight of approximately 950 to 4000, preferably approximately 1200 to 3500, and b is an integer such that the hydrophile portion represented by (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O) constitutes approximately 50% to 90% by weight of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventor: Robert L. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5039520
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a composition and method is provided for extending the plasma of a human or animal. The method comprises injecting an admixture of an effective concentration of a surface-active copolymer and an effective concentration of a plasma extender into an human or animal. Plasma extenders that can be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, dextran, hydroxyethyl starch, hemoglobin and albumin.The surface-active copolymer can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation product with the following general formula:HO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.a (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b Hwherein a is an integer such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O) has a molecular weight of approximately 950 to 4000, preferably between approximately 1200 to 3500, and b is an integer such that the hydrophile portion represented by (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O) constitutes approximately 50% to 90% by weight of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventor: Robert L. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5032394
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating burns. The method includes injecting an effective amount of a surface-active copolymer into a human or animal with a burn. The surface-active copolymer can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation product with the following general formula:HO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.a (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b Hwhere a is an integer such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O) has a molecular weight of approximately 950 to 4000, preferably approximately 1200 to 3500, and b is an integer such that the hydrophile portion represented by (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O) constitutes approximately 50% to 90% by weight of the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventor: Robert L. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5030448
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for efficiently delivering drugs to damaged tissue. The method comprises administering an admixture of an effective concentration of a surface-active copolymer and an effective concentration of a drug into the patient requiring the drug. Drugs that can be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, antibiotics, antifungal drugs, chemotherapeutic drugs, free radical scavenger drugs, antinflammatory drugs, membrane stabilizing drugs, anticoagulants, ionotropic drugs and autonomic nervous system modulators.The surface-active copolymer can be an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide condensation product with the following general formula:HO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b (C.sub.3 H.sub.6 O).sub.a (C.sub.2 H.sub.4 O).sub.b Hwherein a is an integer such that the hydrophobe represented by (C.sub.3 H.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventor: Robert L. Hunter