Patents Issued in April 24, 2003
  • Publication number: 20030077208
    Abstract: A holder comprises a base 1 having an inclined plane 11 increased in height from a distal end thereof to the proximal end thereof; air releasing means 2 provided on the proximal end of the base 1; and closing means 3 for closing an opening B1 of a flexible container set on the base 1. The closing means 3 comprises a pressure assembly 31 having closing bars 311, 312 extending in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the base 1, and a lever 32. The pressure assembly 31 is adapted to doubly seal the opening B1 of the flexible container B when the lever 32 is turned over toward the distal end of the base 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Masaki Ikenoue, Masanobu Iwasa
  • Publication number: 20030077209
    Abstract: Five combustion exhaust gas treatment systems capable of removing dust and selenium (Se) in combustion exhaust gas and making harmless are proposed: (1) combustion exhaust gas is cooled to 350° C. or less, dust is separated, Se is transformed into insoluble compound, and Se is separated; (2) combustion exhaust gas is cooled to 350° C. or less, dust is separated, Se elution preventive agent is added, and dust is formed into scale; (3) dust in combustion exhaust gas is collected by dust collector, dust is formed into slurry by making use of part of circulation liquid in desulfurization apparatus, and tetravalent Se in dust slurry is transformed into insoluble compound, which is separated into solid and liquid; (4) dust is separated from combustion exhaust gas by dust collector, and it is heated to gasify Se, and is led into desulfurization apparatus, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Taku Shimizu, Kazuaki Kimura, Kiyoshi Okazoe, Atsushi Tatani, Naohiko Ukawa, Masao Hino, Susumu Okino, Takashi Haruki, Toru Takashina, Eiji Ochi
  • Publication number: 20030077210
    Abstract: The invention relates to atomizing apparatus for a gas/fluid mixture, in particular for introduction into a chemical reformer for generating hydrogen, which contains at least one gas supply line (10, 10′) for supplying a gas flow (11, 11′) and at least one fluid supply line for supplying a fluid flow. The gas supply line (10, 10′) has at least one first branch point (14, 14′) at which a partial flow (21, 21′) of the gas flow (11, 11′) can be split off into a side line (20, 20′), which is embodied as a bypass. The fluid flow feeds into the side line (20, 20′) at an outlet point (26) of the fluid supply line. The gas supply line (10, 10′) has at least one second branch point (16) at which the side line (20) with the partial flow (21, 21′) containing the fluid flow can be reintroduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Nau, Manfred Ruoff, Marc Bareis, Frank Ilgner, Horst Harndorf
  • Publication number: 20030077211
    Abstract: A multi-function air treatment apparatus includes a photo-ionizing assembly and a negative ion generator. The photo-ionizing assembly emits a predetermined wavelength of light that produces ozone when it impinges upon air. When a portion of the light impinges on a target material, radicals and ions that bond with and reduce some of volatile organic compounds in the air are produced. The negative ion generator produces negative ions and a radiating negative electrostatic field from an outer high dielectric surface by an electrical charge applied to an enclosed conductive inner surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Harold O. Schwartz, Rick B. Hill, Ronald G. Fink
  • Publication number: 20030077212
    Abstract: Diesel engines and/or lean-burn internal combustion engines require a so-called SCR catalyst for the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides to purify their exhaust gases, which can be additionally activated by non-thermal gas-discharge plasmas. The invention includes absorbing the hydrocarbons contained in the exhaust gases to a large extent, and then feeding the exhaust gases to the non-thermal gas-discharge plasma. An ammonia-based reducing agent is added to the exhaust gases so treated and the exhaust gases are supplied to the SCR catalyst to reduce the nitrogen oxides. The corresponding device includes a hydrocarbon absorber, a gas-discharge reactor, a dosing unit for a reducing agent, and an SCR catalyst connected in series in the exhaust gas train close to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Hammer
  • Publication number: 20030077213
    Abstract: Certain metal-exchanged SUZ-4 zeolites have been prepared that have catalytic activity for the reduction of NOx in the exhaust of a hydrocarbon or alcohol fueled engine operated under fuel lean conditions. Initially the SUZ-4 zeolite contains alkali metal cations such as Li+, Na+, K+ and/or Cs+. These alkali metal cation-containing zeolites are partially exchanged with at least one of copper (II), silver (I), iron (III) or cobalt (II) ions. The resulting partially exchanged SUZ-4 zeolites display such activity and are stable under extreme hydrothermal aging conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Byong Kwon Cho, Richard J. Blint, Ayyappan Subbiah
  • Publication number: 20030077214
    Abstract: A method for the removal of micro-pollutants, in particular PCDD and PCDF, from the combustion gases resulting from the incineration of chlorinated organic wastes (ICG), said gases containing acidic products and traces of metals and being treated with catalytically active reactants. The treatment reactants (R1 . . . Ri) are here obtained from said gases during treatment and are fed back to the catalytic treatment unit of said untreated gases under conditions such that said treatment reactants act as effective pollutant removal agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: John Anthony Falcon, Giuliano Porcari
  • Publication number: 20030077215
    Abstract: In order to provide a method for producing lithium hexafluorophosphate capable of producing lithium hexafluorophosphate of a higher purity than in the related art without the necessity for after-treatment for removal of impurities, a method is characterized by filtering lithium hexafluorophosphate coexisting with a solvent and then carrying out after-filtering drying in a gas atmosphere containing PF5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Hirohisa Kikuyama, Toshirou Fukudome, Masahide Waki, Tomoyuki Deguchi
  • Publication number: 20030077216
    Abstract: A method for producing chlorine dioxide by activating zeolite crystals (which have been impregnated with metal chlorite such as sodium chlorite, and optionally also a water-retaining substance such as magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium hydroxide, or calcium chloride) with excess protons, or activating an aqueous solution of metal chlorite and such a water-retaining substance with excess protons. Proton generating species useful for the activation are acids such as acetic, phosphoric, and citric acid, and metal salts such as ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, ZnSO4, ZnCl2, CoSO4, CoCl2, MnSO4, MnCl2, CuSO4, CuCl2, and MgSO4. The activation can be performed by causing fluid to flow through a bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with calcium chloride (or other water-retaining substance) and sodium chlorite, and a bed of zeolite crystals impregnated with a proton generating species. The two beds can be physically mixed together or the fluid can flow sequentially through separate beds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Fred Klatte
  • Publication number: 20030077217
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the continuous preparation of oleum of a concentration of 10 to 45% by weight of SO3 and/or sulphuric acid of a concentration of 94 to 100% by weight of H2SO4 by combustion of sulphur with atmospheric oxygen according to the principle of superstoichiometric combustion, cooling the resultant sulphur-dioxide-containing gases to 350° C. to 500° C., catalytic conversion of these cooled gases to give sulphur-trioxide-containing gases in the presence of a vanadium-containing catalyst using single or double contact catalysis, absorption of the sulphur-trioxide-containing gases after cooling, if appropriate removal of liquids from the gases after absorption and energy recovery, with liquid sulphur being injected into the hot combustion gas stream perpendicular to the main direction of flow in the form of a fan using one or more bimodal fan-type nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Kurt-Wilhelm Eichenhofer, Klaus-Peter Grabowski, Gunter Drager, Martin Kurten, Martin Schweitzer
  • Publication number: 20030077218
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method for storing and reducing NOx for lean burn internal combustion engines. The present invention uses composite metal oxides, in spinel structure, in conjunction with a typical LNT formulation to form an integrated LNT. The composite metal oxides in spinel structure act primarily as a SOx trapping element and also a secondarily NOx trapping element within the integrated LNT. In this integrated LNT, the sulfur is trapped and released in a way that does not allow the sulfur to go to the primary NOx trapping element, i.e. the alkali or alkali earth metal oxides, to poison the integrated LNT; thereby, leaving more reactive sites for the NOx trapping and conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Diane L. Guttridge, Jun John Li, Mohinder Singh Chattha, Robert J. Kudla, William Lewis Henderson Watkins
  • Publication number: 20030077219
    Abstract: In a method for preparing copper salts from at least one cupriferous and one additional reactant, the reactants are used to prepare micro-emulsions while employing at least one block polymer, the intermediate products obtained this way are mixed and reacted together so as to form a micro-emulsion. The preparation of the starting micro-emulsion as well as the subsequent joint reaction preferably occur either with ultrasound or in a high-pressure homogenizer. The copper salts obtained this way exhibit a particle size of less than 50 nm, preferably 5 to 20 nm and can be adjusted to specific applications through the appropriate doping of foreign ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Hartmut Ploss, Gerhard Goebel, Andre Simon
  • Publication number: 20030077220
    Abstract: A method for making &ggr;-alumina includes drying wet alumina gels at temperatures and pressure below those commonly present in preparation of &ggr;-alumina. The method allows for production of &ggr;-alumina with greater ease of production and controllability of physical properties than known methods. Alumina produced using this method has high surface area and porosity and is highly suitable for making &ggr;-alumina powders for use as catalyst supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: De-Yin Jeng, Tatsuo Sunayama, Takayuki Suzuki, Chorng-Jeou Chen
  • Publication number: 20030077221
    Abstract: Collections of particles are described that include crystalline aluminum oxide selected from the group consisting of delta-Al2O3 and theta-Al2O3. The particles have an average diameter less than about 100 nm. The particles generally have correspondingly large BET surface areas. In certain embodiments, the particle collections are very uniform. In some embodiments, collections of particles include doped aluminum oxides particles with an average diameter less than about 500 nm. The collections of particles can be deposited as coatings. Methods are described for producing desired aluminum oxide particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Shivkumar Chiruvolu, Yu K. Fortunak
  • Publication number: 20030077222
    Abstract: The invention relates to the individualization of therapy on the basis of a phenotypic profile of an individual. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of metabolic phenotyping for the individualization of treatment with analgesics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: McGill University
    Inventor: Brian Leyland-Jones
  • Publication number: 20030077223
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring and analyzing motility within a body lumen such as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where an in vivo imaging device such as a capsule captures images and transmits the images to a processor, which calculates the motility of the device based on comparison of the images. Preferably, the processor compares the intensity of pairs of images or of elements of pairs of images, generates a variance for the compared images, and calculates the motility of the imaging device from the variances. The motility data may be presented to a user in various manners; for example, a plot of motility over time may be generated, or indications of low motility may be presented to the user of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Arkady Glukhovsky, Gavriel Meron, Ofra Zinati
  • Publication number: 20030077224
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for remote NMR/MRI spectroscopy having an encoding coil with a sample chamber, a supply of signal carriers, preferably hyperpolarized xenon and a detector allowing the spatial and temporal separation of signal preparation and signal detection steps. This separation allows the physical conditions and methods of the encoding and detection steps to be optimized independently. The encoding of the carrier molecules may take place in a high or a low magnetic field and conventional NMR pulse sequences can be split between encoding and detection steps. In one embodiment, the detector is a high magnetic field NMR apparatus. In another embodiment, the detector is a superconducting quantum interference device. A further embodiment uses optical detection of Rb-Xe spin exchange. Another embodiment uses an optical magnetometer using non-linear Faraday rotation. Concentration of the signal carriers in the detector can greatly improve the signal to noise ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Alexander Pines, Sunil Saxena, Adam Moule, Megan Spence, Juliette A. Seeley, Kimberly L. Pierce, Song-I Han, Josef Granwehr
  • Publication number: 20030077225
    Abstract: A charged biomaterial including at least one first hydrophilic polymer, and superparamagnetic iron oxide particles complexed with a second hydrophilic polymer substantially identical to or different from the first hydrophilic polymer, wherein the superparamagnetic iron oxide particles complexed with the second hydrophilic polymer are distributed substantially homogeneously and substantially without aggregates in the first hydrophilic polymer. A process for preparing a charged biomaterial including forming an aqueous solution of hydrophilic monomers and superparamagnetic iron oxide particles complexed with a hydrophilic polymer including monomers substantially identical to or different from the hydrophilic monomers, polymerizing the solution and forming a polymer hydrogel in which are distributed substantially homogeneously and substantially without aggregates the superparamagnetic iron oxide particles complexed with the hydrophilic polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: X-BIO
    Inventors: Alexandre Laurent, Denis Labarre
  • Publication number: 20030077226
    Abstract: The present invention provides the enzyme and enzymatic procedures for cleaving the &bgr; secretase cleavage site of the APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells and cell isolates and assays. The invention further provides a modified APP protein and associated nucleic acids, peptides, vectors, cells, and cell isolates, and assays that are particularly useful for identifying candidate therapeutics for treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Mark E Gurney, Michael J Bienkowski, Robert L Heinrikson, Luis A Parodi, Riqiang Yan
  • Publication number: 20030077227
    Abstract: Buccal aerosol sprays or capsules using polar and non-polar solvent have now been developed which provide biologically active compounds for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, resulting in fast onset of effect. The buccal polar compositions of the invention comprise formulation I: aqueous polar solvent, active compound, and optional flavoring agent; formulation II: aqueous polar solvent, active compound, optionally flavoring agent, and propellant; formulation III: non-polar solvent, active compound, and optional flavoring agent; and formulation IV: non-polar solvent, active compound, optional flavoring agent, and propellant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Harry A. Dugger
  • Publication number: 20030077228
    Abstract: Buccal aerosol sprays or capsules using polar and non-polar solvent have now been developed which provide biologically active compounds for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, resulting in fast onset of effect. The buccal polar compositions of the invention comprise formulation I: aqueous polar solvent, active compound, and optional flavoring agent; formulation II: aqueous polar solvent, active compound, optionally flavoring agent, and propellant; formulation III: non-polar solvent, active compound, and optional flavoring agent; and formulation IV: non-polar solvent, active compound, optional flavoring agent, and propellant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Harry A. Dugger
  • Publication number: 20030077229
    Abstract: Buccal aerosol sprays or capsules using polar and non-polar solvent have now been developed which provide biologically active compounds for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, resulting in fast onset of effect. The buccal polar compositions of the invention comprise formulation I: aqueous polar solvent, active compound, and optional flavoring agent; formulation II: aqueous polar solvent, active compound, optionally flavoring agent, and propellant; formulation III: non-polar solvent, active compound, and optional flavoring agent; and formulation IV: non-polar solvent, active compound, optional flavoring agent, and propellant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Harry A. Dugger
  • Publication number: 20030077230
    Abstract: Provided are pressurized metered dose inhalers containing stable formulations of a &bgr;-agonist drug in suspension or solution. Also provided are aerosol formulations suitable for inhalation therapy containing a &bgr;-agonist drug in suspension or solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Frank E. Blondino, Michael Brucato, Maria W. Buenafe
  • Publication number: 20030077231
    Abstract: Stable microdispersed polyanhydroglucuronic acid and salts thereof contain in their polymeric chain from 8 to 30 percent by weight of carboxyl groups, at least 80 percent by weight of these groups being of the uronic type, at most 5 percent by weight of carbonyl groups including intra- and inter-molecular 2,6 and 3,6 hemiacetals, 2,4-hemialdals and C2 and C3 aldehydes. The molecular mass of the polymeric chain is from 1×103 to 3×105 Daltons. The microdispersed products are prepared by subjecting a polyanhydroglucuronic acid-containing material to partial or complete hydrolysis and neutralisation in an oxidative environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Alpenstock Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Ivan Santar, Frantisek Kiss, Jiri Briestensky
  • Publication number: 20030077232
    Abstract: Oral composition comprising an alkyl hydroxybenzoate represented by formula I 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Victoria Cromwell, Peter Freunscht, Peter John Hall, David Thomas Littlewood
  • Publication number: 20030077233
    Abstract: An appetite suppressant toothpaste formulations which simultaneously suppresses the users appetite while promoting intraoral cleanliness. The toothpaste composition includes toothpaste base ingredients; and at least one of appetite suppressant and appetite depressant herbs. The toothpaste base ingredients include a combination of known amounts of Vegetable Glycerin; Sorbitol, Hydrated Silica; Purified Water; Xylitol; Carrageenan; Sodium Lauryl Sulfate; and Titanium Dioxide and a flavoring agent. The appetite suppressing and depressing herbs include at least one of Garcinia Cambogia; Gymnema Sylvestre; Kola Nut; Citrus Aurantium; Yerba Mate; and Griffonia Simplicifolia and comprise a range of substantially 5.5% to substantially 22% by weight of the composition. The appetite suppressing and depressing herbs may further include at least one of Guarana, Green Tea, myrrh, guggul Lipid and black current seed oil. Alternatively, the toothpaste composition may be in the form of a dental cream or mouthspray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Arthur Zuckerman
  • Publication number: 20030077234
    Abstract: A cosmetic care or makeup composition for keratin materials comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one photoprotective agent capable of screening out UV radiation and at least one ester comprising an aromatic group, which is liquid at room temperature, resulting from the esterification of an aromatic acid with at least one hydroxyl group chosen from pendent hydroxyl group and terminal hydroxyl groups of hydroxylated aliphatic compounds said hydroxylated aliphatic compounds being chosen from hydroxylated aliphatic acids and esters thereof. Use of the said ester comprising an aromatic group to improve the photoprotective power of compositions intended for protecting the skin and/or the lips and/or integuments against UV radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: L'OREAL.
    Inventor: Pascal Arnaud
  • Publication number: 20030077235
    Abstract: Methods of using absorption enhancer as a component of skin care compositions for moisturizing and protecting the skin. Antimicrobial skin care compositions for cleansing and moisturizing the skin, comprising an absorption enhancer, an antimicrobial function enhancer and bound lipid removals, humectants, emollients and extracts of botanical herbs. Methods for preparing skin care compositions comprising an absorption enhancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Zahra Mansouri
  • Publication number: 20030077236
    Abstract: The present invention relates to topical whitening compositions comprising a whitening effective amount of an Ascomycete-derived melanin-degrading enzyme extract and methods of preparing the composition. The compositions provide a whitening effect which occurs by degrading melanin in the skin, yet the compositions themselves do not turn dark in color. The enzyme extract can be derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and is added to the compositions of the present invention. The compositions containing the enzyme extract are twice as effective as kojic acid in producing a whitening effect on the skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Mammone, Steven F. Schnittger, Kenneth D. Marenus, Daniel H. Maes
  • Publication number: 20030077237
    Abstract: A pulverulent composition for bleaching human keratin fibers, and more particularly the hair, comprising at least one peroxygenated salt, at least one polymer chosen from nonionic and anionic amphiphilic polymers, wherein the at least one polymer comprises at least one fatty chain; and less than 10% by weight of an agent for reducing dust content. The pulverulent composition is capable of being mixed with at least one aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition having a titre of not more than 40 volumes to form stable, homogeneous, bleaching compositions that can be applied precisely and easily, and can produce a homogeneous bleaching of the hair that does not leave the hair coarse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Frederic Legrand, Jean-Marie Millequant
  • Publication number: 20030077238
    Abstract: The invention is a cosmetic incorporating the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Powdered gemstones and pigments selected for their therapeutic effect are blended into a cosmetic powder. A consumer applies a skin gel to the user's skin, lips or hair. The consumer applies the cosmetic powder to the skin gel. Powdered gemstones and pigments may be added to nail coating for application to nails. The consumer realizes the benefits of the gemstones under Traditional Chinese Medicine through proximity of the gemstones to the consumer when used as a cosmetic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Maria Magdalena Catharina Roovers, Rudi Westerkamp, Pierre Blais
  • Publication number: 20030077239
    Abstract: Cosmetic or dermatological compositions for washing and/or antidandruff treatment of hair and/or scalp comprising at least one antidandruff agent chosen from pyridinethione salts, at least 1% by weight of at least one hydroxy acid, and at least one amphoteric surface-active agent or nonionic surface-active agent of the alkyl(poly)glycoside type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Veronique Maurin, Bernard Beauquey
  • Publication number: 20030077240
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of phenylsilsesquioxane liquids of the general composition
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Clariant International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary E. LeGrow, W. Leonard Terry, Ray Figueroa
  • Publication number: 20030077241
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hair growth inhibitor and a depilation accelerator, each comprising a crude drug selected from Bupleuri Radix, Perillae Herba, Rhei Rhizoma and Akebiae Caulis, or an extract thereof. This inhibitor or accelerator makes it possible to inhibit the growth of body hair or promote depilation, respectively, thereby reducing the frequency of hair removal treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Etsuji Wakisaka, Takashi Kitahara, Naoko Tsuji, Hiroshi Kusuoku
  • Publication number: 20030077242
    Abstract: Methods are provided for forming hydrogel barriers in situ that adhere to tissue and prevent the formation of post-surgical adhesions or deliver drugs or other therapeutic agents to a body cavity. The hydrogels are crosslinked, resorb or degrade over a period of time, and may be formed by free radical polymerization initiated by a redox system or thermal initiation, or electrophilic-neutrophilic mechanism, wherein two components of an initiating system are simultaneously or sequentially poured into a body cavity to obtain widespread dispersal and coating of all or most visceral organs within that cavity prior to gelation and polymerization of the regional barrier. The hydrogel materials are selected to have a low stress at break in tension or torsion, and so as to have a close to equilibrium hydration level when formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Incept LLC
    Inventor: Amarpreet S. Sawhney
  • Publication number: 20030077243
    Abstract: Extremely hydrophobic nitric oxide (NO) releasing polymers are disclosed. The extremely hydrophobic NO-releasing polymers provided are extensively cross-linked polyamine-derivatized divinylbenzene diazeniumdiolates. These polymers can be loaded with extremely high NO levels and designed to release NO in manners than mimic natural biological systems. The NO-releasing extremely hydrophobic polymers provided can maintain a sustained NO release for periods exceeding nine months. Also provided are related medical devices made using these NO-releasing extremely hydrophobic polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony L. Fitzhugh, Robert Cafferata, Larry K. Keefer
  • Publication number: 20030077244
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bio-stable hydrogel for use in the treatment and prevention of incontinence and vesicouretal reflux. The hydrogel is obtainable by combining acrylamide and methylene bis-acrylamide in amounts to provide about 0.5 to 25% by weight polyacrylamide, based on the total weight of the hydrogel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Jens Petersen
  • Publication number: 20030077245
    Abstract: Non-gelling polyoxyalkylene compositions, and methods of their use for inhibiting surgical adhesion formation/reformation in mammals are disclosed. The useful non-gelling compositions preferably comprise polyoxyalkylene block copolymer at desired concentrations with or without a therapeutic agent. When used with an incorporated drug, the non-gelling compositions serve as a carrier providing sustained or prolonged release of the therapeutic agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Raymond L. Henry, Lorraine E. Reeve, Stephen G. Flore, Frederick J. Foley
  • Publication number: 20030077246
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel TNFr/OPG-like polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides vectors, host cells, antibodies, and methods for producing TNFr/OPG-like polypeptides. Also provided for are methods for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases with TNFr/OPG-like polypeptides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Andrew A. Welcher, Gary M. Fox, Michael J. Boedigheimer, Junyan Shu, Shuqian Jing, Brian D. Bennett, Roland Luethy
  • Publication number: 20030077247
    Abstract: Dendritic cells play a critical role in antigen-specific immune responses. Materials and methods are provided for treating disease states, including cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, transplantation, and allergy by facilitating or inhibiting the migration or activation of a specific subset of antigen-presenting dendritic cells known as plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). In particular, methods for treating disease states are provided comprising administration of chemokine receptor agonists and antagonists, alone or in combination with a disease-associated antigen, with or without an activating agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Schering Corporation
    Inventors: Christophe Caux, Beatrice Vanbervliet, Carine Paturel, Alain Vicari, Giorgio Trinchieri, Francine Briere, Nathalie Bendriss
  • Publication number: 20030077248
    Abstract: T cell responses are often diminished in humans with a compromised immune system. We have developed a method to isolate, stimulate and expand naive cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors (CTLp) to antigen-specific effectors, capable of lysing tumor cells in vivo. This ex vivo protocol produces fully functional effectors. Artificial antigen presenting cells (AAPCs; Drosophila melanogaster) transfected with human HLA class I and defined accessory molecules, are used to stimulate CD8+ T cells from both normal donors and cancer patients. The class I molecules expressed to a high density on the surface of the Drosophila cells are empty, allowing for efficient loading of multiple peptides that results in the generation of polyclonal responses recognizing tumor cells endogenously expressing the specific peptides. The responses generated are robust, antigen-specific and reproducible if the peptide epitope is a defined immunogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Ann Moriarty, Didier J. Leturqc, Juli Degraw, Michael R. Jackson, Per A. Peterson, Marja Heiskala
  • Publication number: 20030077249
    Abstract: A cell activation process is described in which an effector cell is transformed with DNA coding for a chimeric receptor containing two or more different cytoplasmic signalling components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER ROBERT BEBBINGTON, ALASTAIR DAVID GRIFFITHS LAWSON, ANDREW NEIL, CHARLES WEIR, HELENE MARGARET FINNEY
  • Publication number: 20030077250
    Abstract: A method for transducing a pathologic hyperproliferative mammalian cell is provided by this invention. This method requires contacting the cell with a suitable retroviral vector containing a nucleic acid encoding a gene product having a tumor suppressive function. Also provided by this invention is a method for treating a pathology in a subject caused by the absence of, or the presence of a pathologically mutated tumor suppressor gene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Canji, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Michael Shepard, Nancy Kan
  • Publication number: 20030077251
    Abstract: The present invention relates to replicons or self-replicating RNA molecules, derived from the genome of cardioviruses and aphtoviruses, which can be used to express heterologous proteins in animal cells. When injected in an animal host, for example in the form of naked RNA, these replicons permit the translation of the encoded heterologous protein. If the encoded heterologous protein is a foreign antigen, these replicons induce an immune response against the encoded heterologous protein. The invention uses cardiovirus and aphtovirus genomes to construct these replicons. The invention demonstrates that these replicons, when injected as naked RNA, can induce immune responses against a replicon-encoded heterologous protein in an animal recipient without the help of any kind of carrier or adjuvant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Nicolas Escriou, Sylvie Van Der Werf, Marco Vignuzzi, Sylvie Gerbaud
  • Publication number: 20030077252
    Abstract: A method of immunizing against plaque forming diseases using display technology is provided. The method utilize novel agents, or pharmaceutical compositions for vaccination against plaque forming diseases which rely upon presentation of an antigen or epitope on a display vehicle. The method further includes agents, or pharmaceutical compositions for vaccination against plaque forming diseases, which rely upon presentation of an antibody, or an active portion thereof, on a display vehicle. Whether antigens or antibodies are employed, disaggregation of plaques results from the immunization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Ramot University Authority for Applied Research & Industrial Development
    Inventors: Beka Solomon, Eilat Hanan, Dan Frenkel
  • Publication number: 20030077253
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable or insertable therapeutic agent delivery device comprising a coating material provided on at least a portion of said device, said coating material prohibiting substantial release therefrom of a therapeutic agent at or below about a physiological pH and allowing substantial release therefrom of a therapeutic agent at or above about said physiological pH. Also disclosed herein are coating materials for the implantable or insertable therapeutic agent delivery device. The coating materials are preferably polymers derivatized to contain moieties that are cationically charged at a pH below their pKa values and which thus can attract negatively charged therapeutically agents at pH values below their pKa values and which become predominantly uncharged at pH values above about their pKa values and thus substantially release the negatively charged therapeutic agents at such pH values, which are preferably about physiological pH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Maria Palasis
  • Publication number: 20030077254
    Abstract: Various compositions containing transfer factor in combination with nutraceuticals are provided including transfer factor in combination with zinc and essential fatty acids and transfer factor in combination with lactic acid generating bacteria. Also provided are methods for treating animal diseases and syndromes using these compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph C. Ramaekers
  • Publication number: 20030077255
    Abstract: The present invention relates to nutriceutical compositions comprising bifidobacteria, optionally with a lactic acid-fermentation bacterial strain, and monomeric alpha-lactalbumin. The compositions are useful as food additives and have surprising levels of anti-bacterial activity. The present invention is also related to methods for treating and/or preventing gastric ulcers comprising administering a composition of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Hemant K. Sabharwal
  • Publication number: 20030077256
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of regenerating pancreas function in an individual by transplantation of an effective amount of functional pancreatic cells derived from embryonic pancreatic cells not older than 10 weeks of development. Also provided is the method of producing functional animal pancreatic cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Paul Czernichow, Raphael Scharfmann
  • Publication number: 20030077257
    Abstract: The invention relates to medicine, in particular to methods and remedies for preventing and curing diseases of a human being and an animal, whereby said diseases are associated with a malfunction of the immune system, such as, for example, cancer of the first and second stages and of various localizations or AIDS-infection. The aim of the invention is to increase the efficiency of preventing and curing the immune system of the human being and animal, and to produce active and stable cellular immunity with respect to these diseases. The inventive method for preventing and curing the diseases of the immune system consists in an oral dose of a drug whose a main ingredient contains from 1000 to 6000 alive larvae of the 1895 class of Trichinelia Railliet nematodes, which is specially raised. Said larvae has reduced pathogenic and strong immunogenic properties. The animals infected with the larvae have an easier reconvalescence, and recontamination prevents the disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Vasily Alexandrovich Britov