Patents Issued in June 1, 2004
  • Patent number: 6743594
    Abstract: Human G-protein chemokine receptor polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptides and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptides for identifying antagonists and agonists to such polypeptides and methods of using the agonists and antagonists therapeutically to treat conditions related to the underexpression and overexpression of the G-protein chemokine receptor polypeptides, respectively. Also disclosed are diagnostic methods for detecting a mutation in the G-protein chemokine receptor nucleic acid sequences and detecting a level of the soluble form of the receptors in a sample derived from a host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Li, Steven M. Ruben
  • Patent number: 6743595
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a kit for the diagnosis of endometriosis using blood and endometrial leukocyte markers or a combination thereof. The marker is a surface antigen from endometrial or blood leukocytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Metriogene Biosciences Inc.
    Inventors: Diane Gosselin, Danièle Gagné, Patrice Hugo, Pierre Miron
  • Patent number: 6743596
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining if a patient is hypercoagulable, hypocoagulable or normal. The test involves providing a test sample from the patient and initiating coagulation in the sample in the presence of an activator, which is added to the sample in an amount which will result in intrinsic tenase-dependent fibrin. Then the formation of the intrinsic tenase-dependent fibrin polymerization is monitored over time so as to derive a time-dependent profile, with the results of the fibrin polymerization monitoring determining whether the patient is hypercoagulable, normal or hypocoagulable. The coagulation activator is added in an amount that triggers a thrombin explosion that is dependent on the propagation phase and amplification pathways. In this way, a single assay can assess the hemostatic potential of a sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: bioMerieux, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fischer, Trevor Baglin, Liliana Tejidor
  • Patent number: 6743597
    Abstract: Compositions, reagent test strips, analyte detection systems and kits of the same, as well as methods for their use in the detection of an analyte in a sample, are provided. The subject compositions are characterized by having a positively charged porous matrix and a urea derivative dye on at least one surface of the matrix, where in many preferred embodiments the urea derivative dye is a negatively charged urea derivative dye. In many preferred embodiments, the subject compositions further include at least one additional reagent member of a peroxide producing signal producing system, e.g., an analyte oxidase and/or a peroxidase. The subject compositions, test strips, analyte detection systems and kits find use in the detection of a wide variety of analytes in a sample, such as a physiological sample, e.g., blood or a fraction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: LifeScan, Inc.
    Inventors: Sherry X. Guo, Koon-wah Leong
  • Patent number: 6743598
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for simultaneously assessing microbial phosphoglucose isomerase, ketol-isomerase and glucosamine-6-phosphate acetyltransferase activities, by measuring the production of Coenzyme A (CoA). The present invention finds use in the isolation of new classes of antifungal drugs, wherein the compounds have the ability to inhibit fungal glucose utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignees: MycoLogics, Inc., Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Claude P. Selitrennikoff, Mitsunori Nakata
  • Patent number: 6743599
    Abstract: Described herein are methods which identify candidate agents as binding to a protein or as a modulator of the binding characteristics or biological activity of a protein. Generally, the methods involve the use of ADP or phosphate. The assays can be used in a high throughput system to obviate the cumbersome steps of using gels or radioactive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Cytokinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Finer, Fady Malik, Roman Sakowicz, Christopher Shumate, Kenneth Wood
  • Patent number: 6743600
    Abstract: This invention describes a method of removing N-terminal alanine residues from polypeptides, preferably recombinant proteins, using an aminopeptidase derived from the marine bacterium Aeromonas proteolytica. Accordingly, Aeromonas aminopeptidase (AAP; E.C. 3.4.11.10) can be used to remove N-terminal alanyl residues from derivatives of human somatotropin (hST, human growth hormone, or hGH), porcine somatotropin (pST), and bovine somtotropin (bST), for example, to yield proteins having their native amino acid sequences. The enzyme reactions can be carried out in free solution, or the AAP can be immobilized on a solid support, for reactions carried out in vitro. An efficient method for converting Ala-hGH to hGH, for example, comprises expression of Ala-hGH in E. coli, recovery of inclusion bodies, solubilization and refolding in detergent, detergent removal by ultrafiltration, selective precipitation, enzyme cleavage, followed by two column chromatography steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Monsanto Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Jacob S. Tou, Douglas W. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6743601
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for the micro juxtaposition is set forth where a selectively activatable surface is maintained spaced apart from the tissue sample and juxtaposed to the tissue sample by activation. In the typical case, activation occurs by laser radiation with the material of the activatable surface thermally expanding and bringing about the desired micro juxtaposition. The disclosed micro juxtapositioning can cause locally and microscopically pressure on tissue sample, insertion to the tissue sample, or contact of an activated or prepared surface to the tissue sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Robert F. Bonner, Seth R Goldstein, Paul D. Smith, Thomas Pohida
  • Patent number: 6743602
    Abstract: The present invention features human HX2004-6 polypeptide and nucleotide sequences encoding HX2004-6 polypeptides. In a particular aspect, the polynucleotide is the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. In related aspects the invention features expression vectors and host cells comprising polynucleotides that encode a human HX2004-6 polypeptide. The present invention also relates to antibodies that bind specifically to a human HX2004-6 polypeptide. Further provided are diagnostic and screening methods using HX2004-6 polynucleotides and antibodies specific for HX2004-6 polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventor: Giulia C. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6743603
    Abstract: This invention provides a novel nucleic acid molecule encoding PTX1, which has been mapped to human chromosome 12. The PTX1-encoding nucleic acid molecule, along with its encoded protein and antibodies thereto may be used to advantage to facilitate the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
    Inventors: Simon Kwok, Ierachimiel Daskal
  • Patent number: 6743604
    Abstract: Polypeptides capable of binding human IL-13 and/or of binding human IL-4 in the presence of IL-4 R&agr; can be used in medicine, in diagnosis and in screening for agonists/antagonists of IL-13/IL-4. One such polypeptide is shown in FIG. 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Smithkline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Bonnefoy, Jean-François Gauchat
  • Patent number: 6743605
    Abstract: This invention provides novel processes for amplifying nucleic acid sequences of interest, including linear and non-linear amplification. In linear amplification, a single initial primer or nucleic acid construct is utilized to carry out the amplification process. In non-linear amplification, a first initial primer or nucleic acid construct is employed with a subsequent initial primer or nucleic acid construct. In other non-linear amplification processes provided by this invention, a first initial primer or nucleic acid construct is deployed with a second initial primer or nucleic acid construct to amplify the specific nucleic acid sequence of interest and its complement that are provided. A singular primer or a singular nucleic acid construct capable of non-linear amplification can also be used to carry out non-linear amplification in accordance with this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Enzo Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Elazar Rabbani, Jannis G. Stavrianopoulos, James J. Donegan, Jack Coleman, Marleen Walner
  • Patent number: 6743606
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protein which presents identical or different catalytically active domains of glycosyltransferases and has a processive action. In particular, the same protein is successively active in at least two successive process steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignees: Gesellschaft Für Erwerb und Verwertung von Schutzrechten-GVS mbH, Forschungszentrum Borstel
    Inventors: Frank P. Wolter, Petra Jorasch, Ernst Heinz, Ulrich Zähringer
  • Patent number: 6743607
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for making complex carbohydrates in a bacterial production cell are disclosed. The complex carbohydrates that can be made include oligosaccharides and polysaccharides of bacterial or mammalian origin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, The University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Michael A. Apicella, Bradford W. Gibson, Nancy J. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6743608
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process comprising hydrolysis or trans esterification of one of the two enantiomeric forms of a racemic or enantiomerically enriched ester of formula I or IV by a higher rate than the other by an enzyme to give an ester and a acid (III) or two different esters (V) and (VI) with different R groups both with increased enantiomeric purity and a esterification process of a racemic or enantiomerically enriched acid (VII) by an enzyme to give an ester and an acid both with increased enantiomeric purity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Soren Ebdrup, Heinz-Josef W. Deussen, Magali Zundel
  • Patent number: 6743609
    Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated linoleate isomerase and its nucleic acid and amino acid sequence. The present invention also provides a method for producing CLA from an oil using an immobilized bacterial cell or an isolated linoleate isomerase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Arkion Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Reinhardt A. Rosson, Alan D. Grund, Ming-De Deng, Fernando Sanchez-Riera
  • Patent number: 6743610
    Abstract: A method for producing succinic acid from industrial-grade hydrolysates is provided, comprising supplying an organism that contains mutations for the genes ptsG, pflB, and ldhA, allowing said organism to accumulate biomass, and allowing said organism to metabolize the hydrolysate. Also provided is a bacteria mutant characterized in that it produces succinic acid from substrate contained in industrial-grade hydrolysate in a ratio of between 0.6:1 and 1.3:1 succinic acid to substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Mark I. Donnelly, Cynthia Y. Sanville-Millard, Nhuan Phu Nghiem
  • Patent number: 6743611
    Abstract: The present invention provides expression systems for exogenous polypeptides wherein the polypeptide is expressed as a fusion protein together with clover yellow virus Nuclear Inclusion a (NIa), the NIa component serving to autolyze the fusion protein after expression. This system can be used to express a novel polypeptide which we have designated KM31-7 protein and which is capable of reducing dichloroindophenol and reduced glutathione. This polypeptide is useful in the treatment of disorders caused by oxidative stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Sankyo Company, Limited
    Inventors: Tohru Takahashi, Nobufusa Serizawa, Ryuta Koishi, Ichiro Kawashima
  • Patent number: 6743612
    Abstract: Disclosed are two nucleic acid molecules from M. incognita encoding malate dehydrogenase-like (MDH-like) polypeptides. The MDH-like polypeptide sequences are also provided, as are vectors, host cells, and recombinant methods for production of MDH-like nucleotides and polypeptides. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying inhibitors and/or activators, as well as methods for antibody production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Divergence, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Kloek, Brandy Salmon, Deryck Jeremy Williams
  • Patent number: 6743613
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel human BMP polypeptides and isolated nucleic acids containing the coding regions of the genes encoding such polypeptides. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing human BMP polypeptides. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating disorders related to these novel human BMP polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Ni, Steven M. Ruben, Yanggu Shi
  • Patent number: 6743614
    Abstract: The invention relates to the cDNA and deduced amino acid sequence of the Coactivator Associated arginine (R) Methyltransferase protein, CARM1. A method is described for the use CARM1 to regulate gene expression in vivo. CARM1 has also been used to methylate arginine residues of histones, synthetic peptides, and other proteins. A method to use CARM1 to screen for drugs that inhibit its methyltransferase activity is also described, as is a method to screen for drugs that modulate CARM1's interactions with other proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael R. Stallcup, Dagang Chen, Heng Hong, Dana W. Aswad
  • Patent number: 6743615
    Abstract: The present invention is a process for converting trimethylhydroquinone diacetate (TMHQ-DA) into trimethylhydroquinone-1-monoacetate (TMHQ-1-MA) by contacting TMHQ-DA with a lipase to effect an enzymatic monosaponification of the TMHQ-DA. Also provided are methods of making (all-rac)-&agr;-tocopherol and (all-rac)-&agr;-tocopherol acetate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Roche Vitamins, Inc.
    Inventors: Werner Bonrath, Detlef Eisenkraetzer, Valerie Enjolras, Reinhard Karge, Thomas Netscher, Michael Schneider
  • Patent number: 6743616
    Abstract: The invention relates to mutant &agr;-amylases that may be produced at high yield from recombinant microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Araki, Keiji Endo, Hiroshi Hagihara, Kazuaki Igarashi, Yasuhiro Hayashi, Katsuya Ozaki
  • Patent number: 6743617
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel member LYC3 of lysozyme gene family. The invention provides the cDNA sequence encoding for the novel lysozyme, the polypeptide encoded by the sequence, as well as the method for producing said novel human lysozyme utilizing recombinant technology. The invention also provides the use of the novel human lysozyme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventors: Long Yu, Qiang Fu, Yong Zhao, Honglai Zhang, Anding Bi
  • Patent number: 6743618
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to new thermostable enzymes and the use of these enzymes both in proteolysis as well as protein and polypeptide synthesis. The subject invention further concerns polynucleotide sequences which encode the enzymes of the subject invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: David Michael Young
  • Patent number: 6743619
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel nucleic acids, novel polypeptide sequences encoded by these nucleic acids and uses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Nuvelo
    Inventors: Y. Tom Tang, Ping Zhou, Ryle Goodrich, Chenghua Liu, Vinod Asundi, Feiyan Ren, Jie Zhang, Qing A. Zhao, Yonghong Yang, Aidong J. Xue, Tom Wehrman, Jian-Rui Wang, Dunrui Wang, Radoje T. Drmanac
  • Patent number: 6743620
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a retrovirus to be expressed at a high titer by specifically transferring a desired foreign gene into target cells. A pseudotyped retrovirus vector having a high titer can be prepared by transferring a DNA construction wherein a promoter, an loxP sequence, a VSV-G gene and a polyA addition signal are arranged in this order is transferred into cells carrying the retrovirus gag and pol gene expression systems, and then transferring a retrovirus vector containing the desired foreign gene thereinto, followed by treatment with a recombinase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Eisai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Iba, Tohru Arai
  • Patent number: 6743621
    Abstract: Novel human polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences are disclosed that can be used in therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmacogenomic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Lexicon Genetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory Donoho, John Scoville, C. Alexander Turner, Jr., Glenn Friedrich, Alejandro Abuin, Brian Zambrowicz, Arthur T. Sands
  • Patent number: 6743622
    Abstract: A specific locus in the genome of a murine host cell is identified which causes high levels of recombinant gene expression following stable integration, via homologous recombination, of the recombinant gene into the specific chromosomal locus. The selection of a favorable genome locus for the insertion and expression of a recombinant gene is disclosed, as are DNA vectors and host cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Franklin Hollis, George E. Mark
  • Patent number: 6743623
    Abstract: Non-replicable viral recombinant vectors which are recognizable by muscle cell receptors, and furthermore modified by an inserted nucleic acid coding for a polypeptide sequence to be expressed in the muscle cells, are used to obtain a composition for treating muscle cell diseases or disease which, by virtue of their location in the body are accessible to the production of expression. A method for producing said vectors and their use in pharmaceutical compositions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Michel Perricaudet, Pascale Briand, Leslie Stratford-Perricaudet
  • Patent number: 6743624
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for the continuous purification and concentration of leukocytes from blood, characterized in that said process comprises the following steps: (a) seperating plasma from the blood by filtration in order to achieve a filtered buffy coat fraction; (b) adding an aqueous solution, which is hypotonic in relation to plasma, to the buffy coat fraction from step (a), in order to achieve lysation of erythrocytes contained in the buffy coat fraction; (c) mixing the buffy coat fraction and the aqueous hypotonic solution from step (b) in a mixing device; (d) leading the mixture from step (c) through a retention vessel; (e) leading the mixture from step (d) through a centrifuge in order to seperate the leukocytes; (f) collecting the separated leukocytes from step (e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Bionative AB
    Inventor: Mats Jarekrans
  • Patent number: 6743625
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel Death Domain Containing Receptor-5 (DR5) proteins which are members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family, and have now been shown to bind TRAIL. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human DR5 proteins. DR5 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying antagonists and antagonists of DR5 activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Ni, Reiner L. Gentz, Guo-Liang Yu, Craig A. Rosen
  • Patent number: 6743626
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of oral prosthetics and tissue engineering. More specifically, a novel, artificial fluid secreting prosthesis for non-invasive insertion is disclosed. Further, methods of use of the foregoing are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Bruce J. Baum, Kenneth M. Yamada, Edna Cukierman, David Mooney
  • Patent number: 6743627
    Abstract: The invention involves methods and materials for extracellularly administering PNA oligomers to living cells. Specifically, the invention provides methods of treating living cells with PNA oligomers such that the oligomers cross biological barriers and engender a biological response in a sequence specific manner. In addition, the invention provides methods and materials for orally administering PNA oligomers to animals such that the oligomers cross biological barriers and engender a biological response in a sequence specific manner. This invention also provides methods of screening potential PNA oligomers for the ability to engender a sequence specific biological response. Further, this invention provides methods of identifying the function of polypeptides and of determining the relative turnover rate of functional polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Elliott Richelson, Beth Marie Tyler, Daniel J. McCormick, Bernadette Marie Cusack, Clark V. Hoshall, Christopher Lee Douglas, Karen Jansen
  • Patent number: 6743628
    Abstract: A novel growth factor, neurturin, is disclosed. The human and mouse amino acid sequences have been identified. Human and mouse neurturin genomic DNA sequences have been cloned and sequences and the respective CDNA sequences identified. The subcloning into vectors and the preparation of cells stably transformed with the vectors is also disclosed. In addition, methods for treating degenerative conditions using neurturin, methods for detecting gene alterations and methods for detecting and monitoring patient levels of neurturin are provided. Methods for identifying additional members of the neurturin-GDNF family of growth factors are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventors: Eugene M. Johnson, Jr., Jeffrey D. Milbrandt, Paul T. Kotzbauer, Patricia A. Lampe
  • Patent number: 6743629
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for in vitro culturing of an in vitro produced porcine embryo by culturing the embryo in a medium containing lactate and pyruvate without glucose and then in a medium containing glucose without lactate and pyruvate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: National Institute of Agrobiological
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kikuchi, Hiroyuki Kaneko, Junko Noguchi
  • Patent number: 6743630
    Abstract: A method of preparing a protein array based on biochemical protein-protein interaction is provided. An array of a first protein which includes a PDZ domain is deposited on a substrate. A second protein, which includes an amino acid sequence (S/T)—X—(V/I/L)—COOH (each hyphen represents a peptide bond, each parenthesis encloses amino acids which are alternatives to one other, each slash within such parentheses separates the alternative amino acids, and the X represents any amino acid which is selected from the group comprising the twenty naturally occurring amino acids), is applied to the first protein array. The amino acid sequence (S/T)—X—(V/I/L)—COOH of the second protein is bound to the PDZ domain of the first protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventor: Taka-Aki Sato
  • Patent number: 6743631
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of non-primate mammalian cell lines having substantially no endogenous retroviral sequences as producer and packaging lines for preparation of human serum-resistant retroviral vector particles with improved safety for use in gene therapy applications. In a preferred embodiment, the cell line used in the present invention is the &agr;-galactosyl (&agr;Gal)-positive cell ferret brain cell line designated as Mpf or a cell line having those identifying characteristics of the Mpf cell line suitable for the practice of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: North Shore University Hospital Research Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Mason
  • Patent number: 6743632
    Abstract: Centrifugal analyzer and method for staining biological or non-biological samples in microgravity, wherein the method utilizes an increase in weight of a fluid sample as a function of g-load, to overcome cohesive and frictional forces from preventing its movement in a preselected direction. Apparatus is characterized by plural specimen reservoirs and channels in a slide, each channel being of differing cross-section, wherein respective samples are selectively dispensed, from the reservoirs in response to an imposed g-factor, precedent to sample staining. Within the method, one thus employs microscope slides which define channels, each being of a differing cross-section dimension relative to others. In combination therewith, centrifugal slide mounting apparatus controllably imposes g-vectors of differing magnitudes within a defined structure of the centrifuge such as a chip array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Universities Space Research Association
    Inventors: Mark S. F. Clarke, Daniel L. Feeback
  • Patent number: 6743633
    Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a plurality of liquid samples. The system has a platen having two substantially parallel planar surfaces and a plurality of through-holes dimensioned so as to maintain a liquid sample in each through-hole by means of surface tension. A source of optical radiation illuminates the through-holes, and an optical arrangement analyzes the light emanating from the through-holes. The through-holes may be individually addressable, and may have volumes less than 100 nanoliters. Samples may be drawn from a planar surface by capillary action and may be accurately dispensed, diluted and mixed in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Ian W. Hunter
  • Patent number: 6743634
    Abstract: Blood cells of interest are readily distinguishable from other blood cells and look-a-like particles found in a blood sample by their back-scatter signature. A preferred method for differentiating platelets in a blood sample is to irradiate the cells and particles, one at a time, with a beam of radiation, and to detect back-scattered (reflected) radiation using a plurality of optical fibers to transmit the back-scattered radiation to a high-gain photodetector, e.g. a photomultiplier tube. Preferably, the back-scatter signal so obtained is combined with a second signal representing, for example, either the level of forward-scatter within a prescribed, relatively narrow angular range, or the level of side-scattered radiation, or the level of attenuation of the cell-irradiating beam caused by the presence of the irradiated cell or particle in the beam, or the electrical impedance of the irradiated cell or particle, to differentiate the cells of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Coulter International Corp.
    Inventor: Donald L. Kramer
  • Patent number: 6743635
    Abstract: A system for measuring a glucose level in a blood sample includes a test strip and a meter. The test strip includes a sample chamber, a working electrode, a counter electrode, fill-detect electrodes, and an auto-on conductor. A reagent layer is disposed in the sample chamber. The auto-on conductor causes the meter to wake up and perform a test strip sequence when the test strip is inserted in the meter. The meter uses the working and counter electrodes to initially detect the blood sample in the sample chamber and uses the fill-detect electrodes to check that the blood sample has mixed with the reagent layer. The meter applies an assay voltage between the working and counter electrodes and measures the resulting current. The meter calculates the glucose level based on the measured current and calibration data saved in memory from a removable data storage device associated with the test strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Home Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary T. Neel, Douglas E. Bell, T. Philip Wong, Houston F. Voss
  • Patent number: 6743636
    Abstract: A microfluid driving device is provided. The microfluid driving device of this invention comprises microfluid driving platform prepared in a chip, which platform comprises at least two miniature Venturi pumps, at least one microchannel and optionally micro mixers or micro reactors in said microchannel; an external pneumatic flow supply and control module that provides selectively different air flows; and an interface device connecting said microfluid driving platform and said external pneumatic flow supply and control module. The air flows supplied by said the pneumatic flow supply and control module are supplied under selected flow rates and frequencies to said at least two Venturi pumps through said interface device, such that the microfluid inside said microchannel may be driven forward or backward or halt and the transportation, mixing and reaction of the microfluid may be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chen-Kuei Chung, Wei-Jieh Chang, Chieh-Ling Hsiao, Kuo-Yao Weng
  • Patent number: 6743637
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a disease type and/or condition determination method and apparatus that enables rapid and reliable determination by spectral analysis of the energy state of cells or drugs, and a drug screening method and apparatus that enables efficient screening of a target drug. In order to achieve this object, for example, the disease type and/or condition determination method according to the present invention determines disease type and condition by measuring the absorption spectrum in, for example, the infrared region for cells obtained from a specimen, and determining whether or not a coinciding absorption spectrum exists for those measurement results by using as indices at least two infrared absorption spectra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Tomoya Sato
  • Patent number: 6743638
    Abstract: A process for detecting an analyte which process comprises (a) contacting a sample suspected of containing said analyte with a containment means comprising a barrier which separates signal generating reagents from said sample, in the presence of an element which interacts specifically with said analyte, under conditions whereby interaction between the analyte and the said element results in activation of the signal generating reagents within the containment means on the side of the barrier opposite to the sample, and (b) detecting any signal generated and retained within the containment means from the sample side of the barrier. The process of the invention provides for sensitive detection of very small numbers of analyte materials using measurement techniques which include counting methods such as flow cytometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: The Secretary of State for Defence
    Inventors: Marina Tsilosani, David J Clarke, Christopher J Lloyd, Stephen Nicklin, Harmesh S Aojula, Michael T Wilson
  • Patent number: 6743639
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic thin-film based magnetic field detection system used for detecting the presence of selected molecular species. A magnetic field sensor supported on a substrate has a binding molecule layer positioned on a side thereof capable of selectively binding to the selected molecular species. The magnetic field sensor can be substantially covered by an electrical insulating layer having a recess therein adjacent to the sensor in which the binding molecule layer is provided. An electrical interconnection conductor can be supported on the substrate at least in part between the sensor and the substrate, and is electrically connected to the sensor. The magnetic field sensor can be provided in a bridge circuit, and can be formed by a number of interconnected individual sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: NVE Corporation
    Inventors: Mark C. Tondra, John M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6743640
    Abstract: A chemical composition including a moiety comprising a quencher (Q), a tethering element (T), and a ligand (L) that associates with and quenches a fluorescent polymer is disclosed. When an analyte sample is introduced, the ligand (L) binds to a target biological agent if it is present, thereby causing the QTL molecule to separate from the fluorescent polymer resulting in an increase in detected fluorescence. The same chemistry is advantageously employed in a competitive assay. An electric field can also be applied to separate the QTL molecule from the fluorescent polymer. A method for detecting targets for these methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: QTL Biosystems LLC
    Inventors: David G. Whitten, Duncan W. McBranch, Robert Jones, Troy S. Bergstedt
  • Patent number: 6743641
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of fabricating a portion of a memory cell, the method comprising providing a first conductor in a trench which is provided in an insulating layer and flattening an upper surface of the insulating layer and the first conductor, forming a material layer over the flattened upper surface of the insulating layer and the first conductor and flattening an upper portion of the material layer while leaving intact a lower portion of the material layer over the insulating layer and the first conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Yates, Joel A. Drewes
  • Patent number: 6743642
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) cell is disclosed, which alleviates the problem of Neel coupling caused by roughness in the interface between the tunnel junction layer and the magnetic layers. The method includes depositing first and second barrier layers on the conductor, wherein the first barrier layer has a polish rate different from that of the second barrier layer. The second barrier layer is then essentially removed by chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), leaving a very smooth and uniform first barrier layer. When the magnetic stack is then formed on the polished first barrier layer, interfacial roughness is not translated to the tunnel junction layer, and no corruption of magnetization is experienced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, Infineon AG
    Inventors: Gregory Costrini, John Hummel, Kia-Seng Low, Mahadevaiyer Krishnan
  • Patent number: 6743643
    Abstract: A nonconductive hydrogen barrier layer is deposited on a substrate and completely covers the surface area over a memory capacitor and a MOSFET switch of an integrated circuit memory cell. A portion of an insulator layer adjacent to the bottom electrode of a memory capacitor is removed by etching to form a moat region. A nonconductive oxygen barrier layer is deposited to cover the sidewall and bottom of the moat. The nonconductive oxygen barrier layer and a conductive diffusion barrier beneath the capacitor together provide a substantially continuous diffusion barrier between the capacitor and a switch. Also, the nonconductive hydrogen barrier layer, the nonconductive oxygen barrier, and the conductive diffusion barrier substantially completely envelop the capacitor, in particular a ferroelectric thin film in the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Symetrix Corporation
    Inventors: Vikram Joshi, Narayan Solayappan, Carlos A. Paz de Araujo, Larry D. McMillan