Patents Issued in April 24, 2001
  • Patent number: 6221389
    Abstract: A composition containing at least one organic phospholipid capable of forming bilayers in aqueous solution;at least one amphoteric surfactant; and at least one nonionic surfactant present in an amount by weight equal to or greater than the amount of the phospholipid. The invention also relates to a delivery system for water-insoluble ingredients containing the above components, at least one water-insoluble ingredient, and an aqueous phase, wherein the organic phospholipid, amphoteric surfactant, and nonionic surfactant are present in a combined amount sufficient to allow the water-insoluble ingredient to be incorporated into the system. A method of treating keratinous susbstances is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: David W. Cannell, Hiten Mathur, Nghi Nguyen, Cynthia Espino, Mick Swanborough, Mohamed Kanji, Carl Orr, Lila Patel
  • Patent number: 6221390
    Abstract: A novel pharmaceutical combination is described, together with a method of making the same and a method of treating hypertensive patients using the same, wherein (1) the pharmaceutically active antihypertensive agent and citric acid and (2) the pharmaceutically active antikaliuretic agent and a nonionic surfactant are mixed, either together or separately, to form an essentially homogenous combination composition, and only thereafter blending with excipients to form the novel combination composition in solid dosage form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Barr Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Salah U. Ahmed, Gandha Naringrekar
  • Patent number: 6221391
    Abstract: This invention relates to a self-emulsifying solution of Ibuprofen suitable for encapsulation into a soft gelatin capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Accucaps Industries Limited
    Inventor: Mark T. Rouffer
  • Patent number: 6221392
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a hard tablet that can be stored, packaged and processed in bulk. Yet the tablet dissolves rapidly in the mouth of the patient with a minimum of grit. The tablet is created from an active ingredient mixed into a matrix of a nondirect compression filler and a relatively high lubricant content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: Rajendra K. Khankari, John Hontz, Sara J. Chastain, Leo Katzner
  • Patent number: 6221393
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a delayed-release pharmaceutical composition which is in the form of tablets prepared by direct tableting and consisting of at least one active principle and a matrix which gives the said composition its delayed-release effect, characterized in that the said matrix consists at least in part of pregranulated polysaccharides of high molecular weight and of synthetic or natural origin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Rhodia Chimie
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Collaueri, Guillaume Conrath, Paul-Joël Derian, Gabriel Gousset, Frédéric Mauger
  • Patent number: 6221394
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical dosage form comprises, in one portion thereof, a substantially single (+)-enantiomer of a chiral drug other than verapamil and, in another, separate portion thereof, a substantially single (−)-enantiomer of the drug wherein, in use, the different enantiomers are released at different rates from the dosage form. The dosage form is useful for administration of chiral drugs where both enantiomers have a valid pharmacological input, and where a clinical benefit may be realised by controlling the release rates of those enantiomers. Examples of such drugs include, in particular, tramadol and warfarin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Darwin Discovery, Ltd.
    Inventors: Julian Clive Gilbert, Andrew John McGlashan Richards, Hazel Judith Bardsley
  • Patent number: 6221395
    Abstract: It is described a new method for the preparation of pharmaceutical tablets carrying poorly soluble in water principle; this method allows to obtain tablets with fast and/or slow release of the active principle. The peculiar feature is the fact that the poorly soluble in water active principle (es: nifedipine) is treated with a surfactant, during the granulation phase or whatever during the preparation process; the obtained product, subjected to a compression, produces pharmaceutical tablets which show high bioavailability of the carried active principle. This procedure can be used to prepare polymeric matrixes (with modified release), formed by tablets with one or more layers. The procedure of manufacture and the characteristics of the new finished tablet are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Jagotec AG
    Inventors: Lauretta Maggi, Ubaldo Conte, Pascal Grenier, Guy Vergnault, Robert Zimmer
  • Patent number: 6221396
    Abstract: The present invention provides sustained release oral solid dosage forms of cisapride by using a multi-particulate system, which are bioavailable and can provide efficient blood level of cisapride over 24 hours. Unit dosage forms of cisapride which comprise a plurality of substrates containing sustained release cisapride, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing the dosage forms, are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Development Center for Biotechnology
    Inventors: Shouchung Chao, Wen-Pao Tseng, Hui-Fang Chang, David Chen, Shu-Bin Lu
  • Patent number: 6221397
    Abstract: Cross-linked particles are provided that are useful for delivery of pharmaceutical agents. The particles comprise at least one polymeric compound and a spacer compound, where the polymeric compound and the spacer each comprise reactive carboxyl, hydrazidyl, amino and/or thiol groups. The particles are cross-linked via covalent linkage of the reactive groups on the polymer and spacer respectively. Compositions comprising pharmaceutical agents contained within the particles are disclosed. Methods for preparing the particles, for encapsulating pharmaceutical agents within the particles, and for using the particles for controlled release of the pharmaceutical agent within the patient also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Biotech Australia PTY Limited
    Inventors: Gregory J. Russell-Jones, Scott M. Starling, John F. McEwan
  • Patent number: 6221398
    Abstract: A process for producing a pharmaceutical powder for inhalation comprising crystalline particles of an inhalation compound, comprising dissolving an inhalation compound in a solvent; and introducing the solution containing the inhalation compound in droplet form or as a jet stream into an anti-solvent which is miscible with the solvent and which is under agitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Astra Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Edib Jakupovic, Jan Trofast
  • Patent number: 6221399
    Abstract: A method of making a solid interpolymer for use as a controlled release matrix for a controlled release product for oral administration, involves dissolving a first polymer in a solvent therefor, dissolving one or more second complementary polymers capable of complexing with the first polymer to form the interpolymer complex, in a solvent therefor, adding a complexation inhibitor, mixing together the solutions, adjusting the pH if necessary, and spraying the product into a vessel to remove at least partially the solvents and thereby to produce solid particles of the interpolymer complex. An active agent such as a drug is preferably embedded or encapsulated in the interpolymer complex before spray drying or may be incorporated by suitable means at a later stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: CSIR
    Inventors: Heidi Rolfes, Thilo Lothar Van Der Merwe, Patricia-Ann Truter
  • Patent number: 6221400
    Abstract: The present invention describes formulations of nanoparticulate HIV protease inhibitors comprising a cellulosic surface stabilizer. The nanoparticulate formulations have an increased rate of dissolution in vitro, an increased rate of absorption in vivo, a decreased fed/fasted ratio variability, and a decreased variability in absorption. The present invention is also directed to methods of making the novel formulations. In particular, nanoparticulate formulations of HIV type 1 (HIV-1) and type 2 (HIV-2) protease inhibitors are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Elan Pharma International Limited
    Inventors: Gary G. Liversidge, David A. Engers, Mary E. Roberts, Stephen B. Ruddy, Sui-Ming Wong, Shuqian Xu
  • Patent number: 6221401
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bilayer structure for encapsulating multiple containment units. These containment units can attach or contain therapeutic or diagnostic agents that can be released through the bilayer structure. A suitable example of such a containment unit is a unilamellar or multilamellar vesicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Joseph Zasadzinski, Scott Walker, Michael Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6221402
    Abstract: A rapidly-releasing and taste-masking pharmaceutical dosage form and a process for preparing such oral dosage form are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Pfizer Inc.
    Inventors: Akinori Itoh, Toshiyuki Niwa
  • Patent number: 6221403
    Abstract: A topical composition for impregnating a bandage comprises zinc oxide in a stable oil in water emulsion. The emulsion comprises one or more fats or oils, one or more emulsifying agents, at least one water soluble gum and water. No preservative is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Seton Healthcare Group PLC
    Inventor: Michael Robert Nesbit
  • Patent number: 6221404
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for improving the zootechnic efficacy of the probiotic consisting of Bacillus sereus CIP 5832 whereby the probiotic and lysozyme are administered to the animals, preferably simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Hoechst Roussel Vet S.A.
    Inventors: Tan Hung Nguyen, Alain Guyonvarch, Isabelle Brongniart
  • Patent number: 6221405
    Abstract: The method of bonding and tenderizing separate portions of meat to enhance its value. The method is to applying a suitable bonding compound to separate portions of meat and bonding the portions together in a mold at refrigerated temperatures. Tenderization is controlled through the manipulation of the meat's internal temperature and the time during which it is exposed to the cooking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Jac Pac Foods, Ltd.
    Inventors: Roger C. Sheehy, José L. Prego, Monty N. Wooster
  • Patent number: 6221406
    Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of enzyme pregranules with stable activity which can be incorporated into particles of a granular animal feed. The invention further relates to the pregranules with stable activity which are obtained by the preparative processes and can be incorporated into granular animal feeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Beate Meschonat, Hubert A. Herrmann, Rolf Spannagel, Vera Sander, Gerhard Konieczny-Janda, Mario Sommer
  • Patent number: 6221407
    Abstract: A confectionary product including a substantially transparent candy mass and a substantially cylindrical housing for supporting and retaining the candy mass and including an interior compartment for storing a small object. The housing includes a cylindrical base having a tubular wall defining an interior compartment and an opening leading to the interior compartment, a cap removably engaging with the base and enclosing the candy mass when in engagement with the base, and a sealing member for closing the opening of the base to thereby seal the interior compartment of the base. The object in the interior compartment is accessible by removing the sealing member from engagement with the base. The candy product or mass may have a plurality of different tastes and/or a plurality of different colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Zeta Espacial, S.A.
    Inventors: Ramón Escolà Gallart, Ramón Bayés Turull
  • Patent number: 6221408
    Abstract: Pieces of cooked pasta are converted into unified masses by the use of edible, water-soluble cellulose derivatives as binding agents. For example, 2-inch pieces of cooked linguini are mixed with a viscous aqueous solution of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose to coat the linguini pieces. The admixed mass is baked to expel moisture and set the binder. Preferably, the admixed mass is compressed and baked under pressure to form a compact composite. By using a heated compression mold designed to form conventional pizza shells, cooked pieces of pasta and binder, any of several cellulose derivatives, are baked into a unified, pleasing alternative to dough-formed pizza shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Paul W. Garbo
  • Patent number: 6221409
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for rotating an item, particularly an edible item. The edible item may be a confectionary product and preferably is a frozen dessert. The device includes a lower handle intended as a holder, an intermediate pinion inside a box, and a support assembly that supports the edible product. The support assembly is integral with the intermediate pinion and rotates freely with respect to the lower handle. The edible product is rotated by inserting a slender rack between the pinion and the inner face of the box in such a way that it meshes with the pinion so that its transverse movement gives rise to a rotation of the pinion and, consequently, rotation of the edible product supported on the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Jorge Bueno Ceresuela
  • Patent number: 6221410
    Abstract: A heat-shrinkable backseamed casing film comprises a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer, with the first and third layers being outer layers and the second layer being between the first layer and the third layer. The first outer layer serves as an inside casing layer, and comprises polyolefin; the second layer comprises polyester and/or polyamide; the third layer serves as an outside casing layer and comprises polyolefin, polystyrene, and/or polyamide. The second layer has a thickness of at least about 5% of a total thickness of the heat-shrinkable casing film. Alternatively, the first layer comprises polyolefin and has a surface energy level of less than about 34 dynes/cm; the second layer comprises a polyamide having a melting point of at least 300° F.; and the third layer comprises polyolefin, polystyrene and/or polyamide. A package comprises a cooked meat product within the backseamed casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Ram K. Ramesh, Michael J. Rosinski
  • Patent number: 6221411
    Abstract: A meat packaging apparatus includes a tray containing a modified atmosphere and meat product, a film sealed to the tray and including an opening, and a two-piece label attached to the film and covering the opening. The two-piece label including a first layer removably attached to a second layer, which is attached to the film. The second layer is made of a highly oxygen permeable material to allow oxygen to enter the tray when the top layer is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Jescorp, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Sanfilippo, John E. Sanfilippo, Bruce E. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6221412
    Abstract: The use of carotenoids as stabilizer of the color of riboflavin and/or riboflavin derivatives is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bernd de Potzolli
  • Patent number: 6221413
    Abstract: A device for puffing products such as foodstuffs or tobacco comprises an upright puffing reactor having a vessel for receiving product therein. The vessel has a wall provided with a plurality of openings. A chamber surrounds the vessel. The vessel has no openings in an upper section. A first pressurized heat-carrying agent is supplied to the chamber under a first pressure, and the agent flows from the chamber through the plurality of openings uniformly through the product disposed within the vessel. Shortly before the vessel is opened via an opening mechanism, a second agent having a higher pressure than the first pressure is supplied into the upper section above the product disposed within the vessel for providing a “propelling charge” behind the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Rudolf Bichsel
  • Patent number: 6221414
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating fruit and vegetables after harvesting, using, as plant-protection treatment composition, the mixture with water of the reaction medium resulting from the implementation of steps of purification of a plant-protection product contaminated with impurities of aromatic primary amine type. The process contains the steps of: a) the placing in contact with stirring, at a temperature between 15 and 25° C., of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal nitrite with an organic solution prepared by dissolving the said plant-protection product to be purified in a solvent chosen from a nonionic surfactant, a C2-C12 glycol and mixtures thereof; b) the addition of a strong inorganic acid to the resulting reaction medium, while stirring at the said temperature; c) followed by heating of the reaction medium to a temperature of between 30 and 70° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Xeda International
    Inventor: Alberto Sardo
  • Patent number: 6221415
    Abstract: A food container and its method of use are disclosed. The food container includes a top panel, bottom panel and plurality of sidewalls. A movable panel is hingedly connected to one of the sidewalls, allowing a consumer to open the container. Attached to the lower edge of the movable panel is a shelf supporting a food item. A consumer can access the food item by opening the movable panel, which causes the shelf to carry the food item outside the container into a position that permits the consumer to easily manipulate it. The food item or a portion thereof can then be replaced in the container by simply closing the movable panel. The shelf may engage one or more sidewalls of the bottom panel to assist in maintaining the container in a closed position after initial opening and reclosing. The container is suitable for packaging food items that include both microwaveable and non-microwaveable ingredients. A foldable blank for manufacturing the container is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Candace Mary Walters
  • Patent number: 6221416
    Abstract: Flavoring, dietary minerals, vitamins, other nutritional supplements, or medicines may be dispensed in a filter assembly designed to cap a neck or open end of a bottle. A cap has a manual valve extending from the top thereof and operatively connected to the bottom thereof is an activated carbon block tubular filter having a porosity of between about 8-120 microns. Disposed within the tubular carbon block is a soluble solid porous element, having a porosity greater than that of the carbon block, and having a solubility between about one quarter and one-one hundredth of sucrose. The soluble element is at least in part a flavoring, vitamin, dietary mineral, nutritional supplement, or medicine. It also may be tubular, and substantially lining the soluble porous element may be a hydrophobic membrane which allows passage of water therethrough under pressure, but not under static pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Innova Pure Water Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Nohren, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6221417
    Abstract: This invention relates to the in situ process for converting non-free-form xanthophylls to free xanthophylls in the biological material of the plant. The method, more particularly, relates to a method that would liberate xanthophylls by transesterification of acyl-xanthophylls in plant materials which is used as a natural food colorant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Kemin Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Benedikt Sas, Clifford Adams
  • Patent number: 6221418
    Abstract: A dough composition for producing a baked, edible, high protein product having a protein concentration, based on calories, of at least 25%, comprising: (a) a mixture of high protein components, (b) flour, (c) leavening agent, (d) sweetener, and (e) water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Focused Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Bergenfield, S. Keith Klein, IV, Ronald Peter Splinter, Samuel Calderon
  • Patent number: 6221419
    Abstract: Provided is a pectin having (i) a degree of esterification (DE) of 60 to 95%, (ii) a calcium sensitivity (&Dgr;CS) of less than 25 cP, and (iii) a calcium sensitive pectin weight ratio (CSPR) of calcium sensitive pectin (CSP) to the sum of CSP and non-calcium sensitive pectin (NCSP) of 0.7 or more. Such pectin is useful as a stabilizing component of an aqueous acidic beverage, such as a drinking yogurt, which contains a suspension of protein particles formed from, e.g., casein. The pectin can be prepared by treating a substantially non-calcium sensitive pectin having a CSPR of 0.1 or less and a &Dgr;CS of 0-3 with a pectin deesterifying enzyme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventor: Timothy C. Gerrish
  • Patent number: 6221420
    Abstract: A thermally-inhibited granular starch or flour is used as an ingredient in various foods. The thermally-inhibited starches are functionally equivalent to chemically cross-linked starches. The stashes or flours are prepared by dehydrating the starch or flour to anhydrous or substantially anhydrous (<1% moisture), preferably at a neutral or basic pH, and heat treating the dehydrated starch or flour for a time sufficient to inhibit the starch to the desired degree. The dehydration may be carried out by heating the starch, extracting the starch with a solvent, or freeze drying the starch. The starch may be pregelatinized prior to or after thermal inhibition using known methods which do not substantially rupture the starch granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Thomas, Chung-Wai Chiu, Eleanor Schiermeyer, Manish B. Shah, Douglas H. Hanchett, Roger Jeffcoat
  • Patent number: 6221421
    Abstract: Foodstuffs and drink mixes containing extruded fiber-containing intermediates are disclosed. The extruded intermediates include a soluble fiber source and an insoluble fiber source, and are useful in preparing baked goods, drink mixes, liquid drinks and other foodstuffs. Processes for preparing the intermediates and the foodstuffs and methods of lowering cholesterol with the foodstuffs are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: Richard D. Wullschleger, James B. Holder, Robins S. Dickmann
  • Patent number: 6221422
    Abstract: In the disclosed process for making chocolate, only part of the chocolate mass raw materials is mixed, roller refined and conched. This part contains the cocoa liquor and part of the cocoa butter, possibly part of the emulsifier and, when milk chocolate is to be prepared, also the ingredients derived from milk. The conched portion of the chocolate mass raw materials as a percentage of the total ingredients of the chocolate mass is about 30-60%, preferably 40-55%. Separate from said first part, another part of the raw materials, i.e. the sweetener or the major part thereof, part of the cocoa butter, the possible flavourings, and a small quantity of an emulsifier, is mixed and roller refined. This latter part is not conched. This roller-refined part of the mass is mixed with the conched part of the mass together with the remainder of the cocoa butter and emulsifier and the possible intense sweetener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Xyrofin Oy
    Inventors: Christof Kruger, Dietmar Freund
  • Patent number: 6221423
    Abstract: A short chain peptide material is provided containing a peptide material derived from a protein material. At least a majority of the peptides in the peptide material have a peptide chain length of 7 peptides or less. The peptide material is at least 95% soluble in an aqueous solution having a pH at which the protein material from which the peptide material is derived is insoluble. A process for forming the short chain peptide material is also provided. A slurry is formed of a protein material at a pH at which the protein material is substantially insoluble. The protein material is contacted with an enzyme having substantial endopeptidase activity and substantial exopeptidase activity at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form the peptide material of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Protein Technologies Int'l Inc.
    Inventors: Myong J. Cho, David A. Singer, Santa H. Lin
  • Patent number: 6221424
    Abstract: A granular feed nutrient supplement is formed by pelletizing a mixture of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients along with a carrier such as cornmeal or the like and optionally a lubricant such as fat and/or a binder. The pellets are rolled to a desired size and combined with bulk feed. The size of the formed granules are maintained close to the average particle size of the bulk feed thereby ensuring that the granules remain suspended in the feed and do not separate. Preferably the density of the granules is close to (±30%) the density of the feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Paul Kalmbach
  • Patent number: 6221425
    Abstract: A method of providing a lubricious hydrophilic coating on an intracorporeal medical device and the coated device produced thereby, wherein the coating is durable and highly lubricious when in contact with body fluids. In one embodiment, the coating comprises a polymerized base coat and a hydrophilic top coat, where the base coat has a binding component which binds to the hydrophilic compound of the top coat, and a grafting component which binds to the binding component and to the device. In another embodiment, the coating comprises a blend of a hydrophilic compound, a grafting component, and salt, wherein the polymerized grafting component contains uncrosslinked domains. The hydrophilic coating of the invention can be applied to a medical device with a polymeric surface such as a polymeric catheter, or a metal device coated with a polymeric primer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene T. Michal, Stephen James Bigus
  • Patent number: 6221426
    Abstract: An electron-emitting device comprises an electroconductive film including an electron-emitting region and a pair of electrodes for applying a voltage to the electroconductive film. The electron-emitting region is formed by applying a film of organic substance to the electroconductive film, carbonizing the organic substance by electrically energizing the electroconductive film, and forming a fissure or fissures in the electroconductive film prior to the carbonization. The electron-emitting device constitutes an electron source having a plurality of electron-emitting devices, and further an image-forming device comprising an electron source and an image-forming member arranged in an envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masato Yamanobe
  • Patent number: 6221427
    Abstract: Structures, and methods of fabrication thereof, are described wherein between an electrically conducting region and a ceramic region there is an interface region which has a thermal coefficient of expansion which is intermediate between the thermal coefficient of expansion of the conducting region and the ceramic region. This interface region substantially avoids separation of the adhesion of the conducting region from the ceramic region and avoids the creation of voids therebetween. The interface region is preferably a mixture of metal particles and ceramic material. The interface region is created by sintering alternately in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres which results in metal particles being disposed away from the metal body about the periphery or the metal body within the ceramic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sheree Hsiao-Ru Wen, Carl Stephen Wood
  • Patent number: 6221428
    Abstract: A fiberized asphalt-type composition and method for increasing the structural stability and durability of fiber-reinforced asphalt-type surfaces without increasing concentration or length of fiber, by addition of an active amount of a special class of bicomponent fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventor: James P. Modrak
  • Patent number: 6221429
    Abstract: Pigmented powder coating products based on low melting point fluorine-based terpolymers, preferably on those made from a majority of vinylidene fluoride copolymerized with tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropene, are capable of providing coatings with controllable gloss properties. The process for preparing coatings from the powders is essentially characterized by the selection of the temperature at which the desired gloss can be obtained, from low to high, without degradation of the mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Fina Research, S.A.
    Inventors: Edwin Verwey, Ludwig Karl Rijkse, Michel Gillard
  • Patent number: 6221430
    Abstract: There is provided a process for applying a coating to a base particle comprising a hygroscopic material, particularly sodium silicate, comprising the steps of (i) spraying an aqueous mixture comprising organic binder and optionally a dyestuff onto the base particle; and (ii) drying the particle to obtain a finished particle wherein the weight ratio of hygroscopic material to organic binder in the finished particle is from 1000:1 to 10:1, expressed on a dry weight basis. Detergent compositions containing the resulting particles are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Michael Frederick Tompsett
  • Patent number: 6221431
    Abstract: In a method of hot-galvanizing ferrous materials, in order to improve results, there is provision, during the course of the galvanizing, for a step for the introduction of various suitable metals, preferably selected from aluminum, potassium, nickel, magnesium and manganese, which are introduced in the form of their salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Soprin S.R.L.
    Inventors: Francesco Bisol, Inigo Quesada, Hans Harald Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6221432
    Abstract: A method of changing the color of an ink mark includes applying an ink including a solvent and a triarylmethane dye dissolved in the solvent that changes color if contacted with a chemical agent to a substrate. The dye is soluble in phenyl cellosolve. A chemical agent is then applied to cause the dye to change color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Yichun Wang, Russell E. Hopson
  • Patent number: 6221433
    Abstract: Gloss and ease of application of sprayable aqueous organopolysiloxane vinyl protectant emulsions are both improved by the addition of a gloss-improving additive. Protectants may be formulated to achieve higher gloss with the same amount of active organopolysiloxane or the same or higher gloss with less organopolysiloxane. Preferred gloss-improving additives are water soluble organic viscosifiers and/or minor amounts of inorganic, viscosity-increasing particulate solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Wacker Silicones Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Lee Muntz, Michael Dean Lowery, Bryan Eric Fry
  • Patent number: 6221434
    Abstract: A surface treatment method for imparting -oil- and/or water-repellency, comprising the step of applying to the surface to be treated compositions comprising at least one compound having the formula III ACF2O—(CF2O)n(C2F4O)m—CF2—B  III where n=1-20, m=1-20 and A and B are reactive functional groups chosen independently from the group constituted by: a) CONHR, where R=CnH2n+1 with n=1-30, b) CH2OH, c) CONH(X)SiR1n(OR′)3−n, where n=0-2, R1 and R′, identical or different, are CrH2r+1 alkyl radicals, where r=1-4, and X is a bifunctional alkyl spacer of the (CHR″)m type, where m=1-20, and R″ can be H or CH3, optionally containing heteroatoms, d) —[CH2O(R′″O)p]k—P(O)(OH)3−k, where R′″ is an alkylene radical, for example C2H4 or C3H6, p=1-10 and k=1, 2, the composition comprising the compound at a suitable concentration and being a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Ausimont S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mario Visca, Silvana Modena, Simonetta Fontana, Giovanni Gavazzi
  • Patent number: 6221435
    Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the use of subcritical compressed fluids, such as carbon dioxide or ethane, to reduce viscosity and to enhance atomization when spray applying coating compositions containing low molecular weight polymers to substrates, by using spray conditions that produce choked flow in the liquid mixture being sprayed, wherein the subcritical compressed fluid is a gas at standard conditions of 0° C. temperature and one atmosphere pressure and is miscible with the coating composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth Andrew Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6221436
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for depositing layered material onto a substrate including a layer formed from a coating solution, wherein the method comprises: (a) cleaning the substrate by dipping the substrate into and raising the substrate from a cleaning solvent selected from the group consisting of (i) a mixture comprising an alcohol and an alkane; and (ii) a liquid compatible with the coating solution; and (b) dipping the substrate subsequent to (a) into and raising the substrate from the coating solution, thereby depositing the layer on the substrate, wherein when the cleaning solvent is the liquid compatible with the coating solution, any cleaning solvent present on the substrate upon the dipping of the substrate into the coating solution fails to detrimentally affect the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Philip G. Perry, Gene W. O'Dell, William G. Herbert
  • Patent number: 6221437
    Abstract: A heated platen or chuck is employed in connection with a wet chemistry process cell, such as a plating cell for plating a flat substrate. A flow of electrolyte or other wet process solution is introduced into the cell across the surface of the substrate which is mounted on a the chuck or holder. A cathode ring may be disposed to make electrical contact with the substrate. The cathode ring can include a thin metal thieving ring. A fluid-powered rotary blade or wiper may be employed to draw bubbles or other impurities from the substrate, and a megasonic transducer can apply megasonic acoustic energy to the solution. The cell can be used for electroless or galvanic plating. A heater in the chuck heats the substrate to a temperature significantly above that of the electrolyte. Heating the substrate during plating improves the grain structure of the plated metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Reynolds Tech Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Vincent Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6221438
    Abstract: A display structure is formed using patterned deposition of display materials. A substrate includes a plurality of distinct electrodes. A plurality of droplets including a material are formed and charged to a second polarity. First selected ones of the plurality of electrodes are charged to a first polarity opposite the second polarity to selectively attract the droplets including the material to the oppositely charged first selected ones of the plurality of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Sarnoff Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis Lee Matthies