Patents Issued in July 20, 2004
  • Patent number: 6764665
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a layered catalyst composite of the type generally referred to as a three-way conversion catalyst having the capability of simultaneously catalyzing the oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and the reduction of nitrogen oxides. The structure of the layered catalyst composite of the present invention is designed wherein there are three layers in conjunction with a carrier: a first layer deposited on the carrier and comprising a high surface area refractory metal oxide; a second layer deposited on the first layer and comprising palladium and/or platinum deposited on a high surface area refractory metal oxide, and having substantially no oxygen storage components; and a third layer deposited on the second layer and comprising platinum and/or rhodium as well as an oxygen storage component, deposited on a high surface area refractory metal oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventors: Michel Deeba, John J. Steger, Harold N. Rabinowitz, John S. Foong
  • Patent number: 6764666
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a process and an apparatus for efficiently treating a gas containing fluorine-containing compounds and CO to be discharged, for example, from the step of dry cleaning the inner surfaces and the like of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus or the step of etching various types of formed films such as oxide films in the semiconductor industry. In order to accomplish the above-mentioned purpose, the gas treating process according to the present invention is a process for treating a gas containing fluorine-containing compounds and CO which comprises contacting the above described gas with O2 and H2O at a temperature of 850° C. or higher to oxidize the CO to CO2; and then contacting the gas with &ggr;-alumina at a temperature of 600 to 900° C. to decompose the fluorine-containing compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichi Mori
  • Patent number: 6764667
    Abstract: A rapid gelation, two-step method for the production of an aerogel precursor is disclosed. The method involves the addition of a small amount of catalyst during mixing of alcogel components in order to allow some pre-polymerization to occur. Next, the addition of the remainder of the catalyst quickly forms or gels the solution into the alcogel. The gelation of the solution to form the alcogel typically takes place in 5 to 60 seconds, but can be done in under 1 second and in as long as several hours. The gel time can be controlled specifically by adjusting the chemical contents of the solution and the amount of time between the two additions of catalyst. The resulting alcogel can then be processed further to form an aerogel which can be put to use in many unique applications including fabrics, insulative blocks, and microchips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen A. Steiner, III
  • Patent number: 6764668
    Abstract: Process for the preparation of ammonia from ammonia synthesis gas by contacting the synthesis gas with ammonia forming conditions with a catalyst comprising ruthenium as the active catalytic material supported on a carrier of boron nitride and/or silicon nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventor: Claus J. H. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 6764669
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing potassium fluorotantalate crystals, comprising heating, to 60° C. or higher, a starting solution prepared by adding hydrofluoric acid and hydrochloric acid, and, if necessary, water to a highly pure tantalum solution, adding potassium chloride to this starting solution, and cooling the mixture to 40° C. or lower at a cooling rate of less than 15° C./h to precipitate potassium fluorotantalate crystals, wherein the concentration of the hydrofluoric acid in the starting solution is not more than 20% by weight. By this method, highly pure, large-sized potassium fluorotantalate crystals can successfully be obtained in high yield. Moreover, disadvantages to equipment and operation in the prior art can be overcome to a significant extent with this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromichi Isaka, Kenji Higashi, Yoshitsugu Uchino, Shigeru Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 6764670
    Abstract: A process for removing thiothionylfluoride from a composition containing sulfur tetrafluoride and thiothionylfluoride includes contacting the composition with a high surface area material, such as activated carbon. The process can provide purified sulfur tetrafluoride free of thiothionylfluoride. The high surface area material can be replaced for further processing. Alternatively, the material can be regenerated by contacting it with a gas mixture of oxygen and nitrogen at 150-450° C. and converting the adsorbed elemental sulfur to sulfur dioxide without oxidation of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Bruce Henderson
  • Patent number: 6764671
    Abstract: Aqueous-organic or organic hydrogen peroxide solutions can be produced by direct synthesis in the presence of a catalyst fixed bed and an organic solvent. According to the invention, a non-explosive gas mixture comprising H2 and O2 is employed and a liquid reaction medium comprising organic solvent and bromide and/or iodide is passed over the fixed bed with a cross-section loading of at least 0.3 m/h. In the case of a trickle bed procedure with a cross-section loading of 0.3 m/h to 2 m/h, 4 to 10 wt. % methanolic H2O2 solutions can be prepared with a high productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Thomas Haas, Guido Stochniol, Jürgen Rollmann
  • Patent number: 6764672
    Abstract: Thermally stable transitional alumina particulates retaining high specific surface area after calcination at 1000° C. suitable for the use as catalysts or catalysts supports are produced by treating an aqueous solution containing Al3+ and optionally a doping amount of La3+ (e.g., 0.3 mol. %) with an anion-exchange resin to give a stable hydroxide sol followed by freeze drying of the sol and further thermal dehydration. The resultant stabilized transitional alumina retains high specific surface area at 1000° C., and additionally stabilization is achieved at very low levels of added La.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Michael V. Glazov, John W. Novak, Jr., Alexey Vertegel
  • Patent number: 6764673
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to labeled compounds, [2H1, 13C], [2H2, 13C] and [2H3, 13C]methyl aryl sulfones and [2H1, 13C], [2H2, 13C] and [2H3, 13C]methyl aryl sulfoxides, wherein the 13C methyl group attached to the sulfur of the sulfone or sulfoxide includes exactly one, two or three deuterium atoms and the aryl group is selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, substituted 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, substituted 2-naphthyl, and phenyl groups with the structure: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are each independently, hydrogen, a C1-C4 lower alkyl, a halogen, an amino group from the group consisting of NH2, NHR and NRR′ where R and R′ are each a C1-C4 lower alkyl, a phenyl, or an alkoxy group. The present invention is also directed to processes of preparing methyl aryl sulfones and methyl aryl sulfoxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Rodolfo A. Martinez, Marc A. Alvarez, Louis A. Silks, III, Clifford J. Unkefer, Jurgen G. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6764674
    Abstract: Provided are replication competent, recombinant adenovirus vectors containing mutations in the E1B region which permit the easy deletion of a gene or genes therein, and optionally the substitution therefore of a heterologous gene that substantially exhibits the temporal expression pattern of the E1b region gene(s) deleted. Such vectors have applications for the treatment of disease, and preferably for the treatment of neoplastic disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Hermiston, Julie Nye
  • Patent number: 6764675
    Abstract: An anti-cancer pharmaceutical composition includes a herpes simplex virus (HSV) vector into which a nucleic acid sequence encoding an anti-cancer agent selected from interleukin-12, GM-CSF, and CD has been inserted. A method of treatment of a patient suffering from cancer includes administering to the patient the anti-tumor pharmaceutical composition including an HSV vector having a nucleic acid sequence encoding an anti-cancer agent selected from interleukin-12, GM-CSF, and CD inserted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: The UAB Research Foundation
    Inventors: Richard J. Whitley, James MacDowell Markert, George Yancey Gillespie, Jacqueline Ness Parker
  • Patent number: 6764676
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel strain of feline immunodeficiency virus, designated herein as FIV-141, and to attenuated forms of the virus produced by mutating specific regions of the viral genome. The virus and mutated forms of the virus may be used to induce the production of antibodies to FIV-141, and in vaccines designed to protect cats from FIV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Pfizer Inc.
    Inventors: Ruitang Deng, Michael G. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6764677
    Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding a variety of proteins having diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, and other uses. These nucleic and proteins are useful for diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of a number of human and other animal disorders. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and non-human transgenic animals in which a nucleic acid molecule of the invention has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated polypeptides, fusion polypeptides, antigenic peptides and antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided. The nucleic acids and polypeptides of the present invention are useful as modulating agents in regulating a variety of cellular processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Sharp, Thomas M. Barnes
  • Patent number: 6764678
    Abstract: Methods of reversing local anesthesia are disclosed. The methods comprise administering a local anesthetic and alpha adrenergic receptor agonist to induce local anesthesia followed by reversing anesthesia with a low dose of an alpha adrenergic receptor antagonist. Also disclosed are kits comprising a local anesthetic, an alpha adrenergic receptor agonist and a low dose of an alpha adrenergic receptor antagonist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Novalar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Eckard Weber, Howard I. Katz
  • Patent number: 6764679
    Abstract: A TNFR homolog, identified as DcR3, is provided. Nucleic acid molecules encoding DcR3, chimeric molecules and antibodies to DcR3 are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Genentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi J. Ashkenazi, David Botstein, Kelly H. Dodge, Audrey Goddard, Austin L. Gurney, Kyung Jin Kim, David A. Lawrence, Robert Pitti, Margaret A. Roy, Daniel B. Tumas, William I. Wood
  • Patent number: 6764680
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for immunotherapy of cancer by administering to a subject a human anti-hCG monoclonal antibody and/or an hCG immunogenic peptide vaccine, followed by monitoring the patient's immune response to hCG-CTP16, hCG-CTP21 and hCG-CTP37, respectively, and adjusting the vaccination regimen according to the detectable immune response to the hCG immunogenic peptides. The invention further relates to devices, methods and kits for immunoassay of hCG immunogenic peptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: AVI BioPharma, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick L. Iversen
  • Patent number: 6764681
    Abstract: Methods of using inhibitors of the CD2/LFA-3 interaction in treating skin conditions characterized by increased T cell activation and abnormal antigen presentation in the dermis and epidermis in mammals, including humans. Such conditions include psoriasis, UV damage, e.g., photoaging, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous T cell lymphoma such as mycosis fungoides, allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, lichen planus, alopecia areata, pyoderma gangrenosum, vitiligo, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, and urticaria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignees: Biogen, Inc., The Regents of University of Michigan
    Inventors: Barbara P. Wallner, Kevin D. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6764682
    Abstract: Adjuvant compositions for modulating an immune response to an antigen administered to a host comprise a mineral salt adjuvant and at least one other adjuvant. The compositions provide an adjuvanting effect on an antigen which is greater than the adjuvanting effect attainable by one of the adjuvants alone. An antigen is covalently bonded to a glycolipid analog to provide a discrete molecule which exhibits an enhanced adjuvanting effect on the antigen which is greater than the adjuvanting effect attainable in the absence of such covalent bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Aventis Pasteur Limited
    Inventors: Ali Kandil, Olive A. James, Michel H. Klein, Pele Chong
  • Patent number: 6764683
    Abstract: There is disclosed a novel genus of small peptides, much smaller than human TGF&agr;, was discovered as having TGF&agr; biological activity and therefore are useful as pharmacologic agents for the same indications as full length TGF&agr; polypeptide. There is further disclosed that TGF&agr; and consequently the genus of small peptides disclosed herein, was found to have therapeutic activity to stimulate hematopoiesis in patients undergoing cytotoxic cancer chemotherapy and to act as a cytoprotective agent to protect a patient undergoing cancer cytotoxic therapy from gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, such as mucositis and otherwise support the barrier function of the GI tract when it is harmed by cytotoxic therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kaleidos Pharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Twardzik, Stefan Paskell, Thomas S. Felker
  • Patent number: 6764684
    Abstract: The present invention provides an avian recombinant herpesvirus modified by the presence of the cDNA encoding the VP2 of the Delaware Variant E strain of IBDV, a subtype of IBDV serotype 1 strains. The present invention further provides an avian recombinant herpesvirus comprised of the VP2 gene, of which the backbone virus is a Marek's disease vaccine strain, such as herpesvirus of turkeys. A poultry vaccine including the avian herpes recombinant virus described in the present invention can induce in chickens protective immunity against a variety of different subtypes of IBDV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Zeon Corporation
    Inventors: Shuji Saitoh, Takashi Okuda, Mayumi Kubomura, Kristi M. Moore
  • Patent number: 6764685
    Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant bovine parainfluenza virus (bPIV) cDNA or RNA which may be used to express heterologous gene products in appropriate host cell systems and/or to rescue negative strand RNA recombinant viruses that express, package, and/or present the heterologous gene product. The chimeric viruses and expression products may advantageously be used in vaccine formulations including vaccines against a broad range of pathogens and antigens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: MedImmune Vaccines, Inc.
    Inventors: Auriela Haller, Kathleen L. Coelingh
  • Patent number: 6764686
    Abstract: This invention relates to modified pneumolysin polypeptides that retain the immunogenic nature of pneumolysin but have reduced or undetectable hemolytic activity compared to native pneumolysin. The invention also provides a method for generating novel pneumolysin variants with these desired characteristic properties. The invention also provides immunogenic compositions useful as pharmaceutical compositions including vaccines in which non-toxic, modified pneumolysin is used to stimulate protective immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae. The vaccines may be compositions in which the modified pneumolysin is conjugated to bacterial polysaccharides or may be carried on an attenuated viral vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Conceicao Minetti, Francis Michon, Jeffrey K. Pullen, Mary Ellen Polvino-Bodnar, Shu-Mei Liang, Joseph Y. Tai
  • Patent number: 6764687
    Abstract: The present invention relates to live attenuated bacteria for use as a medicament. The invention also relates to vaccines based thereon that are useful for the prevention of microbial pathogenesis. Further, the invention relates to live attenuated recombinant bacteria carrying a heterologous gene and vaccines based thereon. Finally, the invention relates to methods for the preparation of such vaccines and bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignees: Akzo Nobel N.V., Board of Governors for Higher Education, State of Rhode Island
    Inventors: Paul S. Cohen, David C. Laux, Petrus J. M. Nuijten
  • Patent number: 6764688
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing immunosuppressive cells by cultivating human cells with the use of a culture device having an affinity for protein and the culture device to be used therefor. According to the present invention, immunosuppressive cells can be efficiently induced by using a solid culture and can provide an efficient therapeutic system for diseases caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system with less side effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Yamashita, Takeshi Fukuchi, Tomoko Nishino
  • Patent number: 6764689
    Abstract: A process for producing and purifying peptides and for producing peptide/protein antigens for antibody production is described. The process utilizes fusion proteins and specifically fusion proteins in which the fusion protein carrier segment includes an amino acid sequence at least about 65 amino acids long and in which the amino acid sequence does not contain negative or positive charged side chains of amino acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Promega Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Knuth, Mary Haak-Frendscho, John W. Shultz, Scott A. Lesley, Catherine E. Villars
  • Patent number: 6764690
    Abstract: Controllably dissolvable silica-xerogels prepared via sol-gel process and their use. A delivery device including controllably dissolvable silica-xerogel into which structure a biologically active agent is incorporated. Pharmaceutical preparations including this device. Medical devices for orthopedic and surgical purposes which contain controllably dissolvable silica-xerogels, which may further include a biologically active agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: DelSiTech Oy
    Inventors: Manja Ahola, Heidi Fagerholm, Ilkka Kangasniemi, Juha Kiesvaara, Pirjo Kortesuo, Kauko Kurkela, Niilo Saarinen, Antti Yli-Urpo
  • Patent number: 6764691
    Abstract: Seaweed supplement is included in diet of mammals and poultry to enhance immune response. In one embodiment, pasture forage is treated with seaweed supplement. In another embodiment, seaweed meal is directly fed to mammals and enhanced immune responses is manifested by increased width response after intradermal injection of phytohemaglutinin. In an independently inventive embodiment, seaweed supplement is administered to pigs exposed to PRRS disease to impart resistance to said disease and improve performance. In stilt another independently inventive embodiment, seaweed supplement is administered to lactating mares prior to weaning to mitigate the stress of weaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Texas Tech University
    Inventors: Vivien Gore Allen, Kevin R. Pond, Korinn E. Saker, Joseph P. Fontenot
  • Patent number: 6764692
    Abstract: A method of treating laminitis in a horse is disclosed, comprising administering to the horse a naturally chelated trace mineral composition; promoting healthy skin, hair and hoof tissue. A method of reducing dietary intake is also disclosed, comprising administering to a horse in need thereof, effective amounts of a naturally chelated trace mineral composition. A method of preparing the chelated trace mineral composition from ocean seabed rock is further disclosed, as well as the chelated trace mineral composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Carlos Cortelezzi
  • Patent number: 6764693
    Abstract: A free radical quenching composition is disclosed comprising a liposome containing at least two antioxidants selected from the following group: beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, glutathione, niacin, and optionally at least one trace metal (Zn, Se, Cr, Cu, Mn). Also disclosed is a method for reducing the undesirable side effects of free radicals in a mammal by administering to a mammal in need of such antioxidants an effective amount of liposomes containing at least two antioxidants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Amaox, Ltd.
    Inventor: Milton G. Smith
  • Patent number: 6764694
    Abstract: The present invention provides stable formulations of ACE inhibitors, especially enalapril maleate, that can be manufactured in a time efficient, cost effective manner. Such formulations can be prepared simply and on a large industrial scale. The present invention also provides methods for the preparation of stable formulations of ACE inhibitors, especially enalapril maleate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Mutual Pharmaceutical Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Spiridon Spireas
  • Patent number: 6764695
    Abstract: A tablet including active substance affected by lubricant, wherein the tablet is comprised of compressed mixture of active substance and adjuvant except for lubricant, and lubricant exists only on the surface of the tablet but is not included in the tablet. Such a tablet production method comprising the steps of producing mixture of active substance affected by lubricant and adjuvant, mixing lubricant powder with positive pulsating vibration air for dispersion, spraying the lubricant powder dispersed by the positive vibration air on a lower surface of an upper punch, an upper surface of a lower punch and an inner circumferential wall of a die, and tabletting the mixture by means of the upper and lower punches and the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Watanabe, Kiyoshi Morimoto, Yuji Iwase
  • Patent number: 6764696
    Abstract: The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise orally administerable dosage forms that use effervescence as a penetration enhancer for drugs known, or suspected, of having poor bioavailability. Effervescence can occur in the stomach, once the tablet or other dosage form is ingested. In addition to effervescence in the stomach, or as alternative technique, by the use of appropriate coatings and other techniques, the effervescence can occur in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including, but not limited to, the esophagus, duodenum, and colon. The site of effervescence and drug release is chosen to correspond with the segment of the gastrointestinal tract displaying maximal absorption of the formulated drug, or to gain some other therapeutic advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Cima Labs Inc.
    Inventors: S. Indiran Pather, Joseph R. Robinson, Jonathan D. Eichman, Rajendra K. Khankari, John Hontz, Sangeeta V. Gupte
  • Patent number: 6764697
    Abstract: A dosage form is disclosed comprising means for delaying the delivery of drug from the dosage form following the administration of the dosage form to a patient in need of drug therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Jao, Patrick S. -L. Wong, Hoa T. Huynh, Kathy Mc Chesney, Pamela K. Wat
  • Patent number: 6764698
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a controlled drug release system in which a certain ratio or retinoic acid is incorporated into a microsphere comprising biodegradable polymer and amphoteric block copolymer having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignees: Kwangju Institute of Science & Technology, Shin Poong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Ro Byun, Sang-Yoon Kim, Sun-Hee Kim, Yong-Doo Choi, In-Suk Han, Kwang-Sun Lee, Chul-Hee Kim
  • Patent number: 6764699
    Abstract: Corn masa dough texture and tortilla flexibility are improved by adding to the nixtamalized corn flour, an enzyme blend comprising commercial hemicellulase and/or cellulase. The enzyme preparation has a positive effect on dough texture and improvement in tortilla elasticity and ductility during commercial storage. The combination of the enzyme blend and the method for dough and tortilla preparation can enhance conventional additives to delay corn tortilla hardening during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Roberto Gonzalez Barrera
    Inventors: Manuel J. Rubio, Roberto Contreras, Marco A. Baez
  • Patent number: 6764700
    Abstract: A fully baked, deep dish pizza crust is provided having a water activity in the range of about 0.9 to about 0.95. The deep dish pizza crust is ideally suited for use in a refrigerated, ready-to-eat pizza kit. The deep dish pizza crust is of a convenient size and shape (generally square and about 4 by about 4 by about 0.75 in. deep) and is especially adapted as a single serving or snack food product. Also provided is a kit for preparing ready-to-eat deep dish pizza, the kit including one or more deep dish pizza crusts, pizza sauce, cheese, and one or more pizza toppings. The deep dish pizza crusts are designed so that they can be nested so as to reduce the volume requirements in the kit. Each of the components of the pizza kit, including the deep dish pizza crusts, is hermetically sealed from the other food items to substantially retard or prevent flavor, moisture, and microbial migration from one food item to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary A. Lamp, Keith Forneck, William T. Paulos
  • Patent number: 6764701
    Abstract: A cooking control method and a cooking control system for a food extruder used for producing direct-puffed snacks includes a material supply mechanism, a hydration mechanism, a processing mechanism including an extruder, and a control computer. The control computer determines a specific power consumption value from the electric energy consumed by the extruder and the supplied amount of the dough material, at the time of producing snacks having excellent quality, to designate this value as a reference value, compares this reference value of the specific power consumption value with the actual specific power consumption value, and when the difference is small, controls the number of revolutions of the extruder, and when the difference is large, controls not only the number of revolutions of the extruder, but also the amount of water added and the feed amount of materials, to thereby stabilize the snack quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Meiji Seika Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keizo Mochizuki, Taisuke Yamane, Kenjiro Ogo
  • Patent number: 6764702
    Abstract: A microwave oven and a method of processing frozen food in a microwave oven (1), which microwave oven comprises a microwave source (3), an oven cavity (2), and a control unit (5). The control unit is provided with an input signal containing information about the weight of the food, and causes the microwave source to feed microwaves at high average power into the oven cavity during a first time interval as well as a second time interval, which are separated by a waiting period, so that the foodstuff will be essentially thawed by the end of the second time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Per Åke Tõrngren, Birgitta Jna Kidblad
  • Patent number: 6764703
    Abstract: A method for extracting a color-enhancing pigment includes separating grapefruit into in-line pulp and juice and then separating the juice into clarified juice and retentate. The retentate or the in-line pulp is then homogenized to form a slurry, and the pigment is recovered from the slurry. The extraction method of the present invention is accomplished without the use of enzymes or harsh organic solvents, but rather is aqueous-based. The system includes an extractor and a finisher to separate citrus fruit into in-line pulp and juice. An ultrafiltration unit is used to separate the juice into clarified juice and retentate. Homogenization is accomplished with applied pressure, and pigment recovery, by washing and centrifugation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Florida Department of Citrus
    Inventors: Hyoung S. Lee, Gary A. Coates
  • Patent number: 6764704
    Abstract: There is disclosed beverage a beverage whipping apparatus having a motor for creating rotational motion, a rod having a first end and a second end, a whipping head that is in communication with the first end of the rod, and a torque reducing member intermediate the motor and the rod. This torque reducing member is in communication with the motor and the second end of the rod. Also included is a method for manufacture of the beverage whipping apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Arie Schub
  • Patent number: 6764705
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and associated devices for casingless production of food products include: (a) providing at least one forming tube having sufficient structural rigidity to be substantially non-deformable and having a preformed internal cavity space of predetermined size and shape; (b) introducing a quantity of flowable food emulsion into the at least one forming tube; and (c) advancing the emulsion through the at least one forming tube while exposing the emulsion to predetermined processing conditions that convert the flowable emulsion held in the at least one forming tube to a non-flowable food product having the molded shape of the forming tube cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Sarid M. Shefet
  • Patent number: 6764706
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the crystallization of xylitol by contacting a xylitol solution with particulate xylitol suspended in a gas, drying the material to produce a multitude of microrystals and conditioning the material into an agglomerated product. The invention also relates to a particulate crystalline xylitol product having novel properties, to the use thereof in confectionery, foodstuff pharmaceuticals and oral hygiene products, and to special products comprising the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Xyrofin OY
    Inventors: Heikki Heikkilä, Johanna Nygren, Marja-Leena Sarkki, H{dot over (a)}kan Gros, Olli-Pekka Eroma, Julita Pearson, Tammy Pepper
  • Patent number: 6764707
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water-in-oil type emulsified fat and/or oil composition which comprises a diglyceride and which is excellent in a flavor release during the time for ingestion thereof. That is, the present invention provides a water-in-oil type fat and/or composition which is composed of (1) the aqueous phase based on water and (2) the oil phase comprising 15% by weight or more based on the total oils and fats, of diglycerides, the composition including a flavor component(s), 30% by weight or more of the said emulsified composition being able to be reversed in phase within one minute after it has been introduced into water at 36° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Masui, Yoshihiro Konishi
  • Patent number: 6764708
    Abstract: Provided is a pet food or feed which contains an oil or fat composition having the following components (A) and (B): (A) 10 wt. % or more of diglycerides which contain, as constituent fatty acids, 50 wt. % or more of unsaturated C14-24 fatty acids and 40 wt. % or less of unsaturated fatty acids having at least 20 carbon atoms and at least 4 carbon-carbon double bonds; and (B) 20 wt. % or less of free fatty acids, wherein a weight ratio of the diglycerides to monoglycerides≧1. The pet food or feed according to the present invention is reduced in an offensive odor derived from animal proteins, particularly, meats and therefore, does not make pet owners or neighbors feel uncomfortable. It can be prepared without a cumbersome step, only by substituting the part or whole of its oil or fat for a specific oil or fat composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: KAO Corporation
    Inventors: Yohichi Suzuki, Kazuya Otsuji
  • Patent number: 6764709
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for manufacturing an implantable medical device, having a surface covered with a coating that can include a desired amount of a biologically active material, using an ultraviolet (UV) laser. The invention also pertains to a method for manufacturing an implantable medical device having a surface covered with a coating having more than one layer wherein a desired portion of the top layer is ablated with an ultraviolet (UV) laser. Also, the invention relates to a method for measuring a thickness of a coating applied to an implantable medical device. Furthermore, the invention is directed to a method for manufacturing an implantable medical device having a surface covered with a coating free of webbing or cracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Aiden Flanagan
  • Patent number: 6764710
    Abstract: A method of determining whether a substrate has been subjected to an energy source. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a polymeric surface, providing a light emitting material having a specified emission spectrum that changes upon exposure to an energy source on the surface or embedded in said substrate and applying said energy source to said surface with said light emitting material. This method can be particularly useful for detecting the bond quality in medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Merdan, Dachuan Yang, Lixiao Wang
  • Patent number: 6764711
    Abstract: A process generally for preserving fresh-cut flowers and plant tissue, particularly fitted for fresh-cut flowers and plant tissue for use in manufacturing applications to form permanently flexible high-wear products to be used in a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions. A method for preserving the plant tissue wherein the plant tissue is formed and substantially dehydrated, whereupon the plant tissue is subsequently saturated with a saturating mix, removed from the saturating mix, drained, dried, and then subsequently coated with a coating mix, removed, drained, and dried. An optional polishing mix may be applied for cosmetic purposes. The finished product retains the integrity of the original flower in shape, texture, size, and color and is highly flexible and durable under conditions of constant physical wear and disturbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Peter J. Honeyman
  • Patent number: 6764712
    Abstract: A method for increasing the surface area of foil electrodes of electrolytic capacitors. A valve metal is deposited by evaporation on a valve metal foil in a low pressure inert atmosphere including oxygen at a pressure one to two orders of magnitude lower than the pressure of the inert gas. The resulting surface is fractal-like. The foil thus treated is suitable as such for use as a cathode. Prior to anodization to produce an anode, a discontinuous layer of a valve metal oxide is deposited on the foil, to preserve the high surface area of the fractal-like surface and otherwise promote the formation of a dielectric coating whose interface with the metal foil has a high surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Acktar Ltd
    Inventors: Dina Katsir, Iris Tartakovsky, Israel Tartakovsky
  • Patent number: 6764713
    Abstract: A method of processing a wafer includes placing a wafer atop a wafer chuck, wherein the chuck has a base and an upper body in which the upper body is coupled to the base by a flexible coupling that allows the upper body to tilt relative to the base. The wafer is engaged to a hollow sleeve and forms a floor creating an enclosed vessel to retain a processing fluid. Once the vessel is filled, the wafer is then processed utilizing the processing fluid. Further, the wafer tilts allowing for a compliant engagement of the wafer and the sleeve to prevent or reduce leakage of the processing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Mattson Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Wytman
  • Patent number: 6764714
    Abstract: Methods for coating the interior surface of tubular structures having high aspect ratios and tubular structures produced by such methods. The interior surface of the tubular structure is coated by inducing a magnetic field having a given magnitude around a circumference along a length of the tubular structure, applying a bias at a given voltage to the tubular structure, and exposing the interior surface to a precursor material to deposit the precursor material onto the interior surface of the tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Ronghua Wei, Christopher Rincon, James Arps