Patents Issued in August 12, 2003
  • Patent number: 6605229
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an element comprising a substrate and at least one anti-reflection coating with pores. The dimensions of the anti-reflection coating are below the wavelength of visible light or the neighboring spectral ranges. The invention also relates to an element produced according to this method with at least one anti-reflection coating, for example optical lenses, mirrors or other optical components. The optical anti-reflection coating of these elements is essentially improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Universitat Konstanz
    Inventors: Ullrich Steiner, Stefan Walheim, Erik Schäffer, Stefan Eggert, Jürgen Mlynek
  • Patent number: 6605230
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for removing sidewall residue after dry-etching process. Conventionally, after dry-etching, photoresist and sidewall residues are removed by ozone ashing and hot sulfuric acid. Normally, they are hard to be removed completely. It was found in the present invention that the addition of fluorine-containing compound, preferably hydrogen fluoride and ammonium fluoride, in sulfuric acid results in complete removal of photoresist and sidewall residue without the need for stripper. The process is simple and does not affect the original procedures or the other films on the substrate. The present invention also relates to a novel solution for removing sidewall residue after dry-etching, which comprises sulfuric acid and a fluorine-containing compound, preferably hydrogen fluoride and ammonium fluoride, in the range of from 10:1 to 1000:1 by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Ming-Chi Liaw, Tien-Sheng Chao, Tan-Fu Lei
  • Patent number: 6605231
    Abstract: A vibration damping silicone composition having excellent vibration damping ability and good storage stability contains (A) a silicone oil, (B) calcium carbonate powder, (C) a solid inorganic material powder other than powder (B) having a mean particle size of 20-200 &mgr;m, and (D) a fatty acid or fatty acid derivative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kobayashi, Masayuki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6605232
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel deicing/anti-icing composition. The composition is formed by alkalinically degrading reducing sugars. The reducing sugars are preferably found in an industrial waste stream, such as corn steep water. The composition is inexpensive, biodegradeable, and nontoxic to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Rex Montgomery, Byung Yun Yang
  • Patent number: 6605233
    Abstract: A low-solids gas generating composition and a method of producing a gas. The gas is produced by combusting a mixture of a fuel selected from the group consisting of guanidine nitrate, nitroguanidine, cellulose, cellulose acetate, hexamine, 5 amino-tetrazole, 5 nitro-uracil, guanidine salt of 5 nitro-uracil, and mixtures thereof, an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of ceric ammonium nitrate, strontium nitrate, basic copper nitrate, a mixture of ammonium perchlorate and at least one alkali metal salt, and mixtures thereof, and a cupric oxalate hemi-hydrate coolant. The oxidizer-fuel mixture is within about 4 percent of stoichiometric balance, and the low-solids gas generating composition produces no more than about 0.082 cubic centimeters of solids per gram of gas generating composition on combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Talley Defense Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory D. Knowlton, Christopher P. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 6605234
    Abstract: Hydroxalkylaminium polysulfides are used to provide cold stability to ammonium polysulfide solutions. Hydroxyalkylaminium sulfides or polysulfides also are used to solubilize unwanted sulfur. Preferred aminium ions are monohydroxyalkylaminium ions, preferably monoethanolaminium ions. When added to an aqueous stream comprising free cyanide ions (including HCN), the polysulfide solution reduces corrosion of metal equipment contacted by the stream by converting the free cyanide ions into thiocyanate ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Glenn L. Roof, Ting S. Go
  • Patent number: 6605235
    Abstract: The invention relates to cholesteric layered material having an improved color impression, to pigments prepared therefrom, and to a process for the production and use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Meyer, Frank Prechtl, Norbert Schneider, Peter Heilmann, Volker Koch, Robert Parker, Volker Richter, Peter Schuhmacher
  • Patent number: 6605236
    Abstract: A composition comprised of a composite comprised of an aromatic or heteroaromatic polymer comprised of monomer or monomers selected from the group consisting of pyrrole, indole, thiophene, thianaphthene, indene, azulene and ring pendant substitutent derivatives thereof as a discrete phase; and a block copolymer as a continuous phase selected from the group consisting of ionophoric and ionomeric copolymers, wherein the block copolymer has at least one apolar segment and at least one ion binding segment, wherein the ionomeric or ionophoric block copolymer is present in an amount from about 99 to about 50 percent by weight based on the combined weight of the block copolymer and the aromatic or heteroaromatic polymer, wherein the block copolymer provides micellar or vesicular domains for organization and polymerization of the monomer or monomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Smith, David J. Luca
  • Patent number: 6605237
    Abstract: Co-subsituted linear polyphosphazene polymers that useful in gel polymer electrolytes having an ion conductivity at room temperature of at least about 10−5 S/cm and comprising (i) a polyphosphazene having controlled ratios of side chains that promote ionic conductivity and hydrophobic, non-conductive side chains that promote mechanical stability, (ii) a small molecule additive, such as propylene carbonate, that influences the ionic conductivity and physical properties of the gel polymer electrolytes, and (iii) a metal salt, such as lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, that influences the ionic conductivity of the gel polymer electrolytes, and methods of preparing the polyphosphazene polymers and the gel polymer electrolytes are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Harry R. Allcock, E. Clay Kellam, III, Robert V. Morford
  • Patent number: 6605238
    Abstract: Described is a compliant and crosslinkable thermal interface material of at least one silicone resin mixture, at least one wetting enhancer and at least one thermally conductive filler, and a method of making and using same; as well as a method of improving thermal conductivity of polymer and resin systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: My Nguyen, James Grundy, Carl Edwards
  • Patent number: 6605239
    Abstract: An electrochromic system having a first electrode disposed on a transparent or translucent substrate and a second electrode, an electrolyte, an electron donor and a nanoporous-nanocrystalline film of a semiconducting metallic oxide having a redox chromophore adsorbed thereto being intermediate the first and second electrodes. Such a system has a very rapid electrochromic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: University College Dublin
    Inventors: Donald Fitzmaurice, S. Rao Nagaraja, Rachel Cinnsealach, Brendan Enright
  • Patent number: 6605240
    Abstract: A concrete form has a pair of opposed upstanding and spaced apart side panels. A space is defined between the side panels. Each side panel has a respective upper edge and a respective lower edge whereby a top opening is defined between the upper edges and a bottom opening is defined between the lower edges. At least one bottom soffit panel is coupled to the form and is movable between a first soffit position closing off the bottom opening and a second soffit position providing access to the space through the bottom opening. At least one transverse top beam is coupled to the form and is movable between a first top beam position across the top opening and a second top beam position providing access to the space through the top opening. A method of setting up the concrete form includes assembling the form, opening the top beam if closed, installing at least one steel reinforcing element within the forming space through the top opening, and closing and securing the top beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Symons Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Hambelton
  • Patent number: 6605241
    Abstract: A method for producing ceramic green sheets allows the foreign substances on the surface of a carrier film to be reliably removed, prevents fluctuation of the path line when a carrier film is transferred by a foreign substance removal device, and enables a ceramic green sheet having a low local variation in thickness to be achieved. In this method for ceramic green sheets, a carrier film is transferred, the transfer direction of the carrier film is changed by a support roll, and the foreign substances on the carrier film surface are removed by an adhesive roll as a foreign substance removal device at the area where the carrier film is in contact with the peripheral surface of the support roll. Then ceramic slurry is applied on the carrier film using a ceramic slurry applying unit, and thereby a ceramic green sheet is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigenobu Asakawa, Yutaka Iseki
  • Patent number: 6605242
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing styrenic resin granulates including dry-compression-molding a powder of styrenic resin having a syndiotactic configuration at a compression pressure of 1-20 t/cm and at a molding temperature falling within the range of the glass transition temperature of the powder of styrenic resin to the melting point thereof, inclusive; and crushing the resultant molded product. High-quality styrenic polymer granulates can be produced in an industrially advantageous manner by means of a large-scale apparatus for producing styrenic polymer having a syndiotactic configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirofumi Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 6605243
    Abstract: A method for producing a golf ball including a spherical elastic inner layer having a large number of projections with a round shape or a polygonal shape when viewed two-dimensionally on the outer surface with a predetermined space, and a thermoplastic resin outer layer covering the inner layer. The method employs a mold including an upper mold and a lower mold with a spherical cavity formed in the inside and a parting surface provided at a position corresponding to an equator of the spherical cavity, with pole sections of the upper mold and the lower mold each provided with a plurality of columnar support pins elongating into the cavity reciprocally movably. In the method, the inner layer is supported at the cavity center portion of the mold by the support pins from above and below at the outer surface space position, and an external layer resin is injected into the space between the inner layer and the cavity wall surface so as to integrally form the inner and outer layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Masutani
  • Patent number: 6605244
    Abstract: In a process of engraving a bead of hematite (Fe2O3) in the form of specularite, a crystalline form with bright metallic luster, a pulsed laser beam is focused on the bead. The beam has a width of 0.005 to 0.006 inches, a wavelength of about 1064 nm and an intensity of 60 to 90 watts of power. The pulse rate is on the order of 2000 per second. The beam is moved in a controlled pattern to produce the desired engraving. Preferably the beam is moved at about 1.0 to 1.5 inches per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Kristy J. Holtz
  • Patent number: 6605245
    Abstract: A method for forming a product from cellulosic material and thermoactive material is described. A mat is formed from a mixture having cellulosic material and thermoplastic material. The mat is consolidated and pressed to a final thickness. At least a portion of a surface of the mat or product may be surface modified. Consolidating the mixture may include forming a first face layer, forming a core layer on the first face layer, and forming a second face layer on the core layer. Forming the core layer may include depositing mixtures of wood flakes and plastic flakes according to mixture flake size in successive layers such that the core layer has larger flakes adjacent the first face layer and adjacent the second face layer, and smaller flakes in a middle portion of the core layer. Consolidation can occur as a mat or composite moves through a hot-gas consolidation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Boise Cascade Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Dubelsten, Lorence E. Knowles, Heber D. Layton, Alister Cumming Hume, Scott Bradley Gough, Erik J. Van Kleek
  • Patent number: 6605246
    Abstract: The invention is embodied in an electrical device which includes at least a layer of a ferroelectric polyvinylidine flouride polymer that has been processed to exhibit an electrostrictive strain of 4% or more when an electric field gradient of 50 megavolts per meter or greater is applied thereacross. The processing of the polymer preferably involves subjecting it to either electron beam radiation or gamma radiation. The polyvinylidine flouride polymer is selected from the group of: polyvinylidine fluoride, polyvinylidine fluoride-trifluoroethylene P(VDF-TrFE), polyvinylidine fluoride tetrafluoroethylene P(VDF-TFE), polyvinylidine fluoride trifluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene P(VDF-TFE-HFE) and polyvinylidine fluoride-hexafluoropropylene P(VDF-HFE).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Qiming Zhang, Vivek Bharti
  • Patent number: 6605247
    Abstract: The invention relates to blow molding of an article having an inwardly projecting hollow boss with a closed end. A portion of a molten parison conforms to the shape of a fixed pin projecting from the face of a mold part to thereby form the hollow boss. The invention includes an apparatus comprising a reciprocable sleeve slidably received within the mold part over the pin. It has been found that by blow molding the parison with the sleeve initially extended with its end substantially flush with the end of the pin, followed by retracting the sleeve to a retracted position after a predetermined delay time, a boss with a thicker end results. Consequently, the boss end has greater structural integrity, and thus minimizes or eliminates the possibility of penetration and/or cracking of the boss end when a screw is threadedly received in the hollow boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum
    Inventors: Dale A. Zellers, Jimmie L. Dean, Thomas O. Morton, Matthew P. Clark, Don L. Peters
  • Patent number: 6605248
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for forming a plurality of multi-layered filaments from multiple thermoplastic synthetic polymers and an apparatus containing a melt spinning beam which comprises multiple polymer inlet passages each communicating with separate multiple coat hanger distribution manifolds, separate filters connected downstream of each coat hanger distribution manifold, a combining manifold connected downstream of said filters and spinneret orifices connected downstream of said combining manifold for spinning of said multi-layered filaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Edgar N. Rudisill, Vishal Bansal, Michael C. Davis
  • Patent number: 6605249
    Abstract: A guide block is provided for supporting a blade within a saw, such as a band saw, the guide block being formed from a ceramic material. A ceramic material is provided in powder form initially and is pressed into a billet of compressed ceramic powder. This billet of compressed ceramic powder is machined into a desired shape for the guide block but oversized in all of its dimensions by an oversized percent similar to an amount of shrinkage experienced by that ceramic material upon firing into a final hardened state. The machined compressed powder billet forms a pre-firing guide block which is fired at sufficient temperature and for sufficient duration so that it achieves its final hardened state as a ceramic guide block having dimensions precisely matching those of a prior non-ceramic guide block being replaced. The ceramic guide block can then be substituted into the saw for use in supporting the saw blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventors: Clifford D. Hyatt, Nicholas Osa
  • Patent number: 6605250
    Abstract: Apparatus for cooling billets (9), preferably formed of aluminum. The apparatus includes a housing (2) provided with openings (3) for axial passage of the billet through the housing, a cooling ring (4) arranged inside of the housing, and supply lines (6) for supplying a cooling medium to the housing. The cooling medium is supplied to the billet (9) in order to achieve uniform cooling, i.e. cooling without a temperature gradient, around the entire circumference of the billet. The apparatus is capable of rotating the billet while the cooling medium is supplied uniformly around the circumference of the billet (90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro ASA
    Inventors: Oddvin Reiso, Ulf Tundal
  • Patent number: 6605251
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lubricant for metallurgical powder compositions. According to the invention, the lubricant contains a polyolefine-based polymer, which has a weight-average molecular weight Mw of 500-10000. The invention further concerns a metal-powder composition containing the lubricant, method for making sintered products by using the lubricant, and use of the same in cold and warm compaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Höganäs AB
    Inventor: Hilmar Vidarsson
  • Patent number: 6605252
    Abstract: A method of sterilizing liquid is performed by providing a vibrationally stirring apparatus having a vibration generating unit containing a vibration motor (14), a vibrating rod (7) operationally connected to the vibration generating unit, vibration vanes (10) fixed to the vibrating rod, and vibration vane fixing members (9) for fixing the vibration vanes to the vibrating rod, wherein the vibration vane (10) has a surface made of sterilizing metal and the vibration vane fixing member (9) is made of magnetic field generating material; submerging the vibration vanes and the vibration vane fixing members in the liquid (LIQ) taken in a treatment tank (13); and vibrating the vibration vane at an amplitude of 0.1 to 15.0 mm and at a vibrational frequency of 200 to 1000 times per minute by the vibration generating unit to cause vibrationally stirring of the liquid, thereby sterilizing the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Japan Techno Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryushin Omasa
  • Patent number: 6605253
    Abstract: The presently disclosed disinfection process for use in the processing of foodstuffs is designed as an intervention step in poultry processing to allow for continuous on-line processing of poultry carcasses that may have accidentally become contaminated during the evisceration process. Such on-line processing is designed to replace the need for off-line manual washing and cleaning of the contaminated carcasses. By eliminating such off-line manual washing, food safety will be enhanced due to the elimination of the physical handling of carcasses and the cross-contamination that may result from such physical handling. An additional benefit is that the production process will also be able to run with a reduced number of interruptions, which will result in a more efficient production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Zentox Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Perkins
  • Patent number: 6605254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fumigating closed systems susceptible to microbially influenced corrosion (MIC). The method is particularly useful in a method for mitigating MIC in fire protection sprinkler systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Mark Aguilera, Ronald Gordon Bitney, Stephen Alan Conviser, Barbara Ruth Decaire
  • Patent number: 6605255
    Abstract: The invention relates to a kit comprising a pharmaceutical composition containing repinotan or a physiologically acceptable salt of repinotan, and a means for the determination of the concentration of repinotan or its metabolites in body fluids, and also new pharmaceutical compositions containing repinotan or a physiologically acceptable salt of repinotan, and processes for their preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Kroll, Ferdinand Rombout, Horst Weber, Maria-Luisa Rodriguez, Bernd Sennhenn, Rudolf Schohe-Loop
  • Patent number: 6605256
    Abstract: A device for carrying out a multiplicity of chemical, biochemical or physical processes in parallel has a plurality of switching blocks (1), to which a multiplicity of reaction vessels (5) are removably fastened. Liquids, gases and/or solids can be supplied to and/or extracted from the reaction vessels (5) through the switching blocks (1). Each switching block (1) comprises a gas duct plate (11) and a functional plate (12) which is arranged so that it can be displaced on it. The gas duct plate (11) has a multiplicity of through-holes, a gas duct and a multiplicity of gas duct holes extending from the gas duct to the functional plate (12) and the functional plate (12) has a multiplicity of through-holes and depressions open to the gas duct plate (11). Depending on the position of the plates, through-holes, depressions or sealing surfaces of the functional plate (12) are located opposite to through-holes and gas duct holes of the gas duct plate (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Chemspeed, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rolf Güller, Séraphin Munch, Thomas Gees, Hansjörg Tschirky
  • Patent number: 6605257
    Abstract: A present micro array manufacturing apparatus includes a substrate placement portion 11 on which a plurality of substrates can be arranged, a tighter plate 12 for storing a solution including a living body sample, a solution storing member 52 for taking in the solution from the tighter plate 12 and storing the solution therein, and a needle 51 which can be inserted into the solution storing member 52 to allow the solution stored in the solution storing member 52 to adhere onto each of the substrates by a given quantity, wherein the solution storing member 52 and needle 51 are moved in directions where they approach and part away from the substrates to thereby form spots on the substrates. And, the individual operations of the solution storing member 52 and needle 51 are carried out by single drive means 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignees: THK Co., LTD, Riken
    Inventors: Touji Nakazawa, Akihiro Iimura, Hideo Tashiro, Tokuji Kitsunai, Yoshihide Hayashizaki
  • Patent number: 6605258
    Abstract: A liquid chemical stripping or cleaning solution is selected by combinatorial high throughput screening. A high throughput screening well array assembly includes (A) a metal substrate and (B) a mask that defines an array of wells on the substrate. A combinatorial high throughput screening system includes (A) a metal substrate and (B) a mask that defines an array of wells on the substrate and a reaction vessel to receive the well array assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Robert LaGraff, Xiao-Dong Sun, James Anthony Ruud, James Claude Carnahan
  • Patent number: 6605259
    Abstract: The present invention includes a manifold catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is positioned immediately adjacent the manifold. The manifold and the converter end cone are cast from a single integral piece. The manifold/converter end cone casting includes an end cone portion having an end cone wall having a shoulder formed therein for engaging the front face of a catalytic converter substrate. A lip or ledge extends from the shoulder and surrounds and engages the outer surface of the ceramic substrate immediately adjacent the front face of the substrate. A metal shell is connected to the end cone and is spaced apart from the ceramic substrate. A support material is provided between the ceramic substrate and the metal shell. A second end cone is connected to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Meredith Henry
  • Patent number: 6605260
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing a member includes a housing with an enclosure defined therein, a source of ultraviolet light for illuminating the member, and an ozone source. A pump is connected to the ozone source to force the ozone to flow within the enclosure, and a heating device heats the ozone flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Tommy Busted
  • Patent number: 6605261
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of transforming plutonium oxalate into plutonium oxide by drying and then calcining. In said method, in a characteristic manner, the operations of drying and calcining are implemented continuously, in the presence of oxygen and with gas extraction, in two adjacent zones of a single apparatus, e.g. of the screw oven type, that is maintained at negative pressure. The present invention also provides apparatus suitable for implementing said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventor: Gérard Bertolotti
  • Patent number: 6605262
    Abstract: Methods and apparati have been developed for producing a suspension of predominately amorphous polymer particles, wherein the method includes thermally treating a suspension that includes crystalline or semi-crystalline polymer particles. The thermal treatment includes (a) heating a suspension of polymer particles of an appropriate size to a temperature effective to cause the polymer to become amorphous, and then (b) cooling the suspension of amorphous polymer particles below the melting point of the polymer at a rate effective to prevent substantial coalescence of the polymer particles. The method and apparati are effective for use with a variety of polymers having suitable crystallization parameters, although polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers are preferred, particularly in an aqueous suspension medium. For PHA polymers, the polymer particles subjected to treatment preferably are of a size of less than 5 &mgr;m, or more preferably less than 1.5 &mgr;m in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Horowitz, Tillman U. Gerngross
  • Patent number: 6605263
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2 from a gas stream having the steps of scrubbing the SO2 with an ammonia scrubbing solution and removing any aerosols generated by the scrubbing in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The scrubbing solution is maintained at a pH between 6 and 8 to increase the speed of absorption of SO2, to Increase the ratio of sulfite to bisulfite which also facilitates the oxidation of SO2, and to avoid the need to use exotic, corrosion resistant alloys. Ammonium sulfate, a valuable fertilizer, can be withdrawn from the scrubbing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Powerspan Corp.
    Inventors: Francis R. Alix, Joanna L. Duncan, Christopher R. McLarnon
  • Patent number: 6605264
    Abstract: The present invention relates to high oxygen ion conducting/oxygen storage (OIC/OS) materials, a catalyst employing the OIC/OS materials, and a method for converting hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides using the catalyst. The OIC/OS materials have significantly higher oxygen storage capacity than that predicted based on Ce content due to the unexpected high and facile redox activity of the added niobium. These materials are further characterized by having a tetragonal crystalline structure under oxidizing conditions (in air) up to about 1,200° C. and a cubic crystalline structure in reducing conditions (5% hydrogen) up to about 1,000° C. for 24 hours. These materials comprise, based upon 100 mole % of the metal component in the material, up to about 95 mole % zirconium, up to about 50 mole % cerium, about 0.5 to about 15 mole % rare earth metal(s), alkaline earth metal(s) or a combination thereof, and about 0.5 to about 15 mole % niobium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly I. Bortun, John Gerard Nunan
  • Patent number: 6605265
    Abstract: Azines, e.g., ketazines, are continuously produced by (i) establishing a loop having an azine reaction medium circulating therein, such loop including an azine reaction zone, means for separating azine final product from the circulating reaction medium, means for heating the reaction medium and for purging water therefrom, and means for recycling heated and purged reaction medium to the azine reaction zone, (ii) introducing hydrogen peroxide, ammonia and a carbonyl compound into the circulating reaction medium in the azine reaction zone, (iii) withdrawing azine final product thus formed from the circulating reaction medium. downstream of the azine reaction zone, (iii) thereafter purging water from the circulating reaction medium to maintain the volume thereof essentially constant, (iv) heating the circulating reaction medium to a temperature of at least 130° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Atochem
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Schirmann, Jean-Pierre Pleuvry, Pierre Tellier
  • Patent number: 6605266
    Abstract: Separable nanotubes are made from a transition metal oxide, preferably from a vanadium oxide of variable valence. They show a greater oxidation resistance than the carbon-based nanotubes known so far and offer many new and economic applications. The inventive nanotubes clearly show oxidation-reduction activities and are particularly suited as an active material for catalytic reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Eidg. Technische Hochschule Zurich
    Inventors: Reinhard Nesper, Michael Spahr, Markus Niederberger, Petra Bitterli
  • Patent number: 6605267
    Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline zeolite SSZ-50 prepared using a quaternary ammonium cation templating agent having the structure where X- is an anion which is not detrimental to the formation of the SSZ-50. SSZ-50 is useful in catalysts for hydrocarbon conversion reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Lee, Stacey I. Zones
  • Patent number: 6605268
    Abstract: Provided with a tooth paste composition which contains an abrasive cleaning agent, a humectant, a binder or thickener and a flavouring agent, the tooth paste, and includes a rose-seed oil, wherein the rose-seed oil is contained in an amount of 1-6% by weight based on the total weight of the tooth paste composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Myung Woo Jung
  • Patent number: 6605270
    Abstract: Iron binding polymers are provided for decreasing the absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract. The polymers are orally administered, and are useful for treatment of iron overload disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Genzyme Corporation
    Inventors: W. Harry Mandeville, III, Stephen Randall Holmes-Farley
  • Patent number: 6605271
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel T1 Receptor (T1R)-like ligand II protein. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the T1R-like ligand II protein. T1R-like ligand II polypeptides are also provided, as are recombinant vectors and host cells for expressing the same. This invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions and formulations comprising T1R-like ligand II. Also provided are methods of using T1R-like ligand II polynucleotides, polypeptides, antibodies or agonists/antagonists for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Diagnostic kits are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Ni, Reiner L. Gentz, Steven M. Ruben
  • Patent number: 6605272
    Abstract: The present invention relates to zalpha11 Ligand polynucleotide and polypeptide molecules. The zalpha11 Ligand is a novel cytokine. The polypeptides may be used within methods for stimulating the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic cells in vitro and in vivo. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: ZymoGenetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Julia E. Novak, Scott R. Presnell, Cindy A. Sprecher, Donald C. Foster, Richard D. Holly, Jane A. Gross, Janet V. Johnston, Andrew J. Nelson, Stacey R. Dillon, Angela K. Hammond
  • Patent number: 6605273
    Abstract: Methods for treating treatment-naive as well as treatment-experienced patients having RCC to achieve at least a partial tumor response involving administering a therapeutically effective amount of pegylated interferon-alpha, e.g., pegylated interferon alpha-2b as monotherapy or in association with a therapeutically effective amount of IL-2 are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Schering Corporation
    Inventors: Mary Ellen Ryback, Esther Helen Rose
  • Patent number: 6605274
    Abstract: A method for regulating in vivo calcium transport in cardiac muscle of animals suffering from congestive heart failure is disclosed. According to the method, calcium ATPase activity (which decreases as congestive heart failure develops) and cardiac muscle contractility augmented by delivering a gene which operatively encodes the enzyme into the heart. Delivery systems (including recombinant expression vectors) are provided, as are methods for monitoring the expression and effect of the gene product on cardiac performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Wolfgang H. Dillmann, Frank Giordano, Ruben Mestril
  • Patent number: 6605275
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells of neonatal or fetal blood that are cryopreserved, and the therapeutic uses of such stem and progenitor cells upon thawing. In particular, the present invention relates to the therapeutic use of fetal or neonatal stem cells for hematopoietic (or immune) reconstitution. Hematopoietic reconstitution with the cells of the invention can be valuable in the treatment or prevention of various diseases and disorders such as anemias, malignancies, autoimmune disorders, and various immune dysfunctions and deficiencies. In another embodiment, fetal or neonatal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells which contain a heterologous gene sequence can be used for hematopoietic reconstitution in gene therapy. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, neonatal or fetal blood cells that have been cryopreserved and thawed can be used for autologous (self) reconstitution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Boyse, Hal E. Broxmeyer, Gordon W. Douglas
  • Patent number: 6605276
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a method for treating ulcerative colitis. Specifically, the method comprises orally or rectally administering to a human having ulcerative colitis a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody which binds to a tropomyosin isoform associated with ulcerative colitis. In another embodiment, the invention pertains to a method for treating ulcerative colitis in a human which comprises the steps of (a) obtaining from a human a colon epithelial cell extract containing a tropomyosin isoform associated with ulcerative colitis; (b) purifying the tropomyosin isoform until the tropomyosin isoform is substantially homogeneous; (c) developing an antibody which binds to the tropomyosin isoform; and (d) orally or rectally administering to a human having ulcerative colitis a therapeutically effective amount of the antibody to bind to the tropomyosin isoform associated with ulcerative colitis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey
    Inventor: Kiron M. Das
  • Patent number: 6605277
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to antibodies and antibody fragments that bind specifically to the active conformation of human von Willebrand factor. Most preferred are recombinantly produced single chain variable immunoglobulin fragments. Because the antibodies or antibody fragments act only at the sites of thrombus formation and do not interfere with the normal activity of circulating platelets, they are particularly well suited for use as antithrombotic agents in a wide variety of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert I. Handin, Huabing Yuan, Anne McLeod
  • Patent number: 6605278
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the therapeutic application of TRANK, a novel cytokine. TRANK is secreted by cells and activates NF-&kgr;B, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and downstream gene products. Provided is a method of inhibiting NF-&kgr;B activation in an individual in need of such treatment, comprising the step of administering an effective dose of an anti-TRANK antibody to said individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Research Development Foundation
    Inventor: Bharat B. Aggarwal
  • Patent number: 6605279
    Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for inhibiting the interactions of B7-1 and B7-2 with their natural ligands. Such compositions comprise an antibody specific for B7-2 and an antibody specific for B7-1, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition may be formulated for either separate or combined administration of the antibody components. The antibodies may be monoclonal antibodies, or humanized antibodies. Preferred antibodies are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignees: Genetics Institute, Inc., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
    Inventors: Gordon J. Freeman, Lee M. Nadler, Gary S. Gray