Patents Issued in September 14, 2004
  • Patent number: 6790413
    Abstract: A sample presentation unit (SPU) for an automated analyzer is provided. The SPU has a sample rack onload section having an elongated rail, and an onload moving mechanism movable along the rail for moving the sample racks placed on the rail towards a sample rack presentation section. The sample rack presentation section of the SPU has a transfer area connected to the proximal end of the rail of the sample rack onload section for receiving the sample racks from the sample rack onload section, a sample presentation area adjacent to the automated analyzer for presenting sample racks for aspiration, and a presentation moving mechanism movable between the transfer area and the presentation area for moving sample racks from the transfer area to the presentation area for a sample aspiration and subsequently moving the sample racks from the presentation area back to the transfer area after sample aspiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Dang M. Ngo, Brian D. Wilson, Robert J. Mattila
  • Patent number: 6790414
    Abstract: An oxygen enrichment system is provided. The system includes an electrochemical cell for generating oxygen from ambient air. The electrochemical cell extracts oxygen from ambient air based on hydroxide conduction. A mixer is provided in fluid communication with ambient air, and an outlet provides oxygen enriched air to a user or air-breathing apparatus. In further embodiments, a purification system is also included. The air enrichment system may be employed with suitable batteries to provide a portable air enrichment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: InventQjaya Sdn. Bhd.
    Inventors: Tsepin Tsai, Sadeg M. Faris
  • Patent number: 6790415
    Abstract: In this process, during at least one phase of the treatment cycle, the gas outflow is increased or decreased locally in at least one marginal region of the packing. Application to drying/CO2 removal of atmospheric air intended to be distilled, or to the separation of gaseous mixtures by pressure modulated adsorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide - Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Pierre Petit, Maurice Bosquain, Jean-Yves Lehman, Jean-Pierre Tranier
  • Patent number: 6790416
    Abstract: Hydrogen generation system. A source of sodium borohydride is carried on a flexible substrate that moves from a feed roll to a takeup roll. A reaction among sodium borohydride, a catalyst and water evolves hydrogen and forms a by-product that is removed from the reaction area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: L. Chris Mann, Timothy J Corbett, Qin Liu, Ravi Prasad
  • Patent number: 6790417
    Abstract: An improved recirculating tank reactor incorporating the advantages of a fixed catalyst includes a monolithic honeycomb catalyst positioned within the tank in such a manner so as to provide an adjacent bypass passageway. Internal flow activation means are provided for recirculating the reactant liquid within the tank in such a manner that it sequentially flows through channels in the catalyzed honeycomb substrate and around the substrate through the bypass passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Thorsten R. Boger
  • Patent number: 6790418
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the biological production of sulfuric acid are provided. The invention utilizes a pile containing a sulfur material, an acidophilic microbe and, preferably, a packing material. The pile is aerated and contacted with an aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Tom L. Young, Michael G. Greene, Dennis R. Rice, Kelly L. Karlage, Sean P. Premeau, Janet M. Cassells
  • Patent number: 6790419
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for the purification of gaseous inorganic halides utilizing a reactive metal and molecular sieves to remove impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell Intellectual Properties Inc.
    Inventor: Dalbir S. Rajoria
  • Patent number: 6790420
    Abstract: In a method of removing metals such as mercury from flue gas produced by combustion devices, ammonia and optionally carbon monoxide are injected into the flue gas in a manner so that there are sufficient amounts of these materials in the flue gas when the flue gas is at a temperature of from 900° F. to 1350° F. to oxidize the metals within the flue gas. The oxidized metals are then attracted to particulates present in the flue gas. These particulates bound with oxidized metals are removed from the flue gas by a particulate removal device such as an electrostatic precipitator or baghouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Breen Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard P. Breen, James E. Gabrielson
  • Patent number: 6790421
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide exhaust gas treatment processes and systems capable of efficiently treating perfluoro-compounds (PFCs) for a long period. It also aims to provide exhaust gas treatment processes and systems capable of efficiently treating oxidizing gases such as F2, Cl2 and Br2; acidic gases such as HF, HCl, HBr, SiF4, SiCl4, SiBr4 and COF2; and CO in addition to PFCs. In order to attain these objects, an exhaust gas treatment process of the present invention is a process for treating an exhaust gas containing a fluorine-containing compound with a catalyst after solids in said exhaust gas have been separated, said catalyst being a &ggr;-alumina having a crystal structure showing diffraction lines having an intensity of 100 or more at the following five diffraction angles 2&thgr;: 33°±1°, 37°±1°, 40°±1°, 46°±1° and 67°±1° measured by an X-ray diffractometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichi Mori
  • Patent number: 6790422
    Abstract: Active alumina catalysts, well suited for the Claus reaction, for the hydrolysis of organosulfur compounds and for catalytically removing objectionable sulfur compounds from gaseous effluents comprised thereof, contain a cocatalytically effective amount of sodium values, such effective amount, expressed by weight of Na2O, ranging from 1,200 ppm to 2,700 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Olivier Legendre, Christophe Nedez
  • Patent number: 6790423
    Abstract: A catalyst for the full oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOC), particularly hydrocarbons, and of CO to CO2, comprising: a non-stoichiometric crystalline compound conventionally designated by a formula which corresponds to A14Cu24O41 (I), where A is Sr or a solid solution of Sr with alkaline-earth metals, alkaline metals, lanthanides; or a non-stoichiometric crystalline compound conventionally designated by a formula which corresponds to B4Cu5O10 (II), where B is Ca or a solid solution of Ca with alkaline-earth metals, alkaline metals, lanthanides; or mixtures thereof; and in that it is prepared in a form which has a large specific surface area, preferably larger than 25 m2/g; a method for preparing the catalysts; their use in methods for the full oxidation of VOC and of CO to CO2; and the oxidation methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche
    Inventors: Francesco Cino Matacotta, Gianluca Calestani, Chiara Dionigi, Petr Nozar
  • Patent number: 6790424
    Abstract: An environmentally friendly process for the production of precipitated calcium carbonate suitable for industrial application from a calcium carbonate-rich by-product of a nitrophosphate fertilizer plant. The process employs purification steps of calcination, carbonation and optional treatment with an emulsion of fatty acid or fatty acid derivatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignees: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizer Company Limited
    Inventors: Raksh Vir Jasra, Pravinchandra M. Oza, Rajesh S. Somani, Jatin R. Chunnawala, Mrinal V. Sheth, Vikram V. Thakkar, Yogi M. Badheka, Jayalekshmy Ayyer, Virendra B. Patel
  • Patent number: 6790425
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the creation of macroscopic materials and objects comprising aligned nanotube segments. The invention entails aligning single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) segments that are suspended in a fluid medium and then removing the aligned segments from suspension in a way that macroscopic, ordered assemblies of SWNT are formed. The invention is further directed to controlling the natural proclivity of nanotube segments to self assemble into ordered structures by modifying the environment of the nanotubes and the history of that environment prior to and during the process. The materials and objects are “macroscopic” in that they are large enough to be seen without the aid of a microscope or of the dimensions of such objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Wiliam Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Richard E. Smalley, Daniel T. Colbert, Ken A. Smith, Deron A. Walters, Michael J. Casavant, Chad B. Huffman, Boris I. Yakobson, Robert H. Hague, Rajesh Kumar Saini, Wan-Ting Chiang
  • Patent number: 6790426
    Abstract: A carbonaceous nanotube has a hollow part with an inner diameter of, at most, 5 nm, and a thickness part of, at most, 10 nm. The thickness part is formed of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms, optionally containing at least one transition metal atom. Such a carbonaceous nanotube has excellent conductivity and excellent wettability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Nikkiso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Ohsaki
  • Patent number: 6790427
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process and an apparatus for continuously producing chlorine dioxide, the process comprising the steps of feeding chlorate ions, acid and hydrogen peroxide as aqueous solutions to a reactor; reducing chlorate ions in the reactor to chlorine dioxide, thereby forming a product stream in the reactor containing chlorine dioxide; feeding motive water to an conductor comprising a nozzle; bringing the motive water to flow through the nozzle and causing it to flow further through the eductor in an at least partially spiral or helical manner, transferring the product stream from the reactor to the eductor and mixing it with the motive water and thereby forming a diluted aqueous solution containing chlorine dioxide, and; withdrawing the diluted aqueous solution containing chlorine dioxide from the eductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Eka Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Charles, Michael Burke
  • Patent number: 6790428
    Abstract: A process for reducing or eliminating NH3/HF/MFz liquid waste melt in the manufacture of NF3 is provided which includes the steps of providing an NF3 reactor for a reaction of F2 with a liquid NH3/HF/MFz mixture that produces NF3, HF, N2 and other nitrogen fluorides as gaseous products and a liquid NH3/HF/MFz mixture as the liquid waste melt. The process further provides for reduction or elimination of the liquid NH3/HF/MFz waste melt produced by the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Athanasios Tsirukis, John Theodore Lileck, Howard Paul Withers, Jr., Kenneth E. Fegley
  • Patent number: 6790429
    Abstract: Novel methods and devices for synthesizing ferrate and uses thereof are described. One aspect of the invention relates to synthesizing ferrate at a site proximal to the site of use, another aspect of the invention relates to devices and methods for synthesizing ferrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Ab Initio LC
    Inventor: Lee Edward Ciampi
  • Patent number: 6790430
    Abstract: Hydrogen is produced from solid or liquid carbon-containing fuels in a two-step process. The fuel is gasified with hydrogen in a hydrogenation reaction to produce a methane-rich gaseous reaction product, which is then reacted with water and calcium oxide in a hydrogen production and carbonation reaction to produce hydrogen and calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate may be continuously removed from the hydrogen production and carbonation reaction zone and calcined to regenerate calcium oxide, which may be reintroduced into the hydrogen production and carbonation reaction zone. Hydrogen produced in the hydrogen production and carbonation reaction is more than sufficient both to provide the energy necessary for the calcination reaction and also to sustain the hydrogenation of the coal in the gasification reaction. The excess hydrogen is available for energy production or other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Klaus S. Lackner, Hans J. Ziock, Douglas P. Harrison
  • Patent number: 6790431
    Abstract: Embodiments include methods and apparatus for arranging multiple reaction zones such that at least one hot spot in one of the reaction zones is moderated by a cooler spot in an adjacent reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Daxiang Wang, Bang Cheng Xu, Yi Jiang
  • Patent number: 6790432
    Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for producing hydrogen from an input gas stream containing carbon monoxide and steam that includes contacting the input gas stream with a catalyst. The catalyst contains an inorganic oxide support; a platinum group metal dispersed on the inorganic oxide support; and a methane suppressing dispersed on the inorganic oxide support. The methane suppressing component is selected from the group consisting of oxides of tin, oxides of gallium and combinations thereof. Also provided are preferred catalyst preparations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventors: Wolfgang F. Ruettinger, Robert J. Farrauto
  • Patent number: 6790433
    Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is a method for preparing crystalline zeolites by (a) contacting a calcined essentially aluminum free borosilicate zeolite with an aqueous acid solution, thereby producing an at least partially deboronated zeolite; (b) contacting said at least partially deboronated zeolite with a solution selected from the group consisting of an aqueous aluminum salt solution, thereby producing an aluminosilicate zeolite; an aqueous gallium salt solution, thereby producing a gallosilicate zeolite; an aqueous iron salt solution, thereby producing a ferrosilicate zeolite; and mixtures thereof; and (c) where the contacting in step (b) occurs at a pH of not greater than about 3.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Cong-Yan Chen, Stacey I. Zones
  • Patent number: 6790434
    Abstract: The invention relates to cosmetic compositions for topical application for counteracting UV radiation induced skin damage comprising as active substances a first component which comprises inactivated bacteria selected from the group consisting of the genus Bifidobacterium, Actinomycetaceae, Propionimycetaceae, Lactobacillaceae and Coryneform bacteria and a second component which comprises an extract of plant extracellular matrix. Preferably, the plant extracellular matrix is selected from the group consisting of glycoproteins, carbohydrate polymers and arabinogalactan proteins. Processes for using the cosmetic compositions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Chemisches Laboratorium Dr. Kurt Richter GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Borchert, Rolf-Dieter Petersen
  • Patent number: 6790435
    Abstract: Stable, clear, antiperspirant microemulsions containing cosmetic oils, antiperspirant salts, and water and combinations of cationic quaternary ammonium salt are provided. These microemulsions can be used in different types of applicators such as roll-on, sponge, mousse, pad, brush, gel and aerosol or non-aerosol spray applicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhuning Ma, Richard Mark Brucks
  • Patent number: 6790436
    Abstract: Described is a substantially rigid aqueous clear gel matrix air freshener article having included therein one or more gel matrix icons, the dimensions of which, on use of the article, decrease in proportion to the dimensions of the body of the air freshener article in which the icons are suspended and imbedded. The article contains water; gel matrix material which can be a hydrolyzed protein gel material such as gelatin or a polysaccharide gel material such as gellan gum; a system-compatible air freshener fragrance composition contained in one or more of the icons and/or contained in the gel matrix air freshener body; and a surfactant contained in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil A. G. Williams, Craig M. Stumpf
  • Patent number: 6790437
    Abstract: Dendritic polymer conjugates which are useful drug delivery systems for carrying platinum containing anti-tumor agents to malignant tumors are prepared by obtaining a dendritic polymer having functional groups which are accessible to a platinum containing compound capable of interacting with the functional groups, contacting the dendritic polymer with the platinum containing compound, and reacting the dendritic polymer with the platinum containing compound. The dendritic polymer platinates may be administered intravenously, orally, parentally, subcutaneously or topically to an animal having a malignant tumor in an amount which is effective to inhibit growth of the malignant tumor. The dendritic polymer platinates exhibit high drug efficiency, high drug carrying capacity, good water solubility, good stability on storage, reduced toxicity, and improved anti-tumor activity in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Navid Malik, Ruth Duncan
  • Patent number: 6790438
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a modified collagen peptide for preventing post-operative adhesions that is non-toxic, economic, in addition to being easy to obtain, sterilize, manipulate and implement, having controlled biodegradability and presenting a sufficiently strong initial mechanical resistance in situ (cohesion). This is achieved in the case of the modified collagen peptide for preventing post-operative adhesions according to the invention which is characterized in that it comprises at least one collagen peptide that is modified by grafting thiol functions that are free or substituted, cross-linkable and/or at least partly cross-linked, whereby the thiol functions are provided by mercaptoamine radicals that are exclusively grafted on the aspartic and glutamic acids of the collagen chains by means of amide bonds. The modified collagen peptide can exist in the form of a homogeneous or composite film, as a gel or in as a liquid which can be applied and cross-linked per se as on in vivo tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Flamel Technologies
    Inventors: Alain Constancis, Remi Meyrueix
  • Patent number: 6790439
    Abstract: Compositions of thrombopoietin, methods of reducing adsorption of thrombopoietin to a surface, and methods of stabilizing a composition of thrombopoietin are disclosed. The compositions comprise, in addition to thrombopoietin, a physiologically acceptable buffer, a surface adsorption inhibitor selected from the group consisting of non-ionic surfactants and polyols, and an isotonic amount of a physiologically acceptable salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: ZymoGenetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard I. Senderoff, Kathleen M. Kontor
  • Patent number: 6790440
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of promoting the maturation of monocytes comprising the administration of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor or scavenger and at least one monocyte maturation-promoting agent. A composition for promoting the maturation of monocytes is likewise disclosed. The pharmaceutical composition includes a compound effective to promote the maturation of monocytes and a ROS inhibitor or scavenger combined in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Maxim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristoffer Hellstrand, Svante H. Hermodsson, Kurt R. Gehlsen
  • Patent number: 6790441
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a biological chamber system having a biochamber defined by outer walls of Sertoli cells. Also provided is a transplantation facilitator including a biochamber. A method of making biochambers by co-culturing facilitator cells and therapeutic cells and then aggregating the facilitator celes is also provided. Also provided is a method of transplanting cells by incorporating transplant cells into a biochamber and transplanting the biochamber containing the transplant cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Don F. Cameron, Paul R. Sanberg, Samuel Saporta, Joelle J. Hushen
  • Patent number: 6790442
    Abstract: Disclosed is a genomic DNA encoding a polypeptide capable of inducing the production of interferon-&ggr; by immunocompetent cells. The genomic DNA efficiently expresses the polypeptide with high biological activities of such as inducing the production of interferon-&ggr; by immunocompetent cells, enhancing killer cells' cytotoxicity and inducing killer cells' formation, when introduced into mammalian host cells. The high biological activities of the polypeptide facilitate its uses to treat and/or prevent malignant tumors, viral diseases, bacterial infectious diseases and immune diseases without serious side effects when administered to humans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Hayashibara Seibutsu Kagaku Kenkyujo
    Inventors: Takanori Okura, Kakuji Torigoe, Masashi Kurimoto
  • Patent number: 6790443
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating symptoms of diabetes in a diabetic subject which comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent which inhibits binding of advanced glycation endproducts to any receptor for advanced glycation endproducts so as to treat chronic symptoms of diabetes in the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: David M. Stern, Ann Marie Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6790444
    Abstract: Anti-TNF antibodies, fragments and regions thereof which are specific for human tumor necrosis factor-&agr; (TNF&agr;) and are useful in vivo diagnosis and therapy of a number of TNF&agr;-mediated pathologies and conditions, as well as polynucleotides coding for murine and chimeric antibodies, methods of producing the antibody, methods of use of the anti-TNF antibody, or fragment, region or derivative thereof, in immunoassays and immunotherapeutic approaches are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignees: New York University Medical Center, Centocor, Inc.
    Inventors: Junming Le, Jan Vilcek, Peter Daddona, John Ghrayeb, David Knight, Scott Siegel
  • Patent number: 6790445
    Abstract: Novel combination of preservatives (methyl and propyl parabens, benzyl alcohol, and 2-phenoxyethanol) were found to pass antimicrobial testing according to USP, BP, and EP. The new preservatives were put into vaccines using L-histidine as a buffer to keep pH at 7.0. HPLC methods were developed to analyze these preservatives and their degradation products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Assunta S. Ng, Ralph J. Mancinelli, John P. Hennessey
  • Patent number: 6790446
    Abstract: The present invention relates to vaccines comprising antiserum raised against a flagellaless Campylobacter strain for the prevention of Campylobacter colonization in animals. The invention also relates to antigenic Campylobacter proteins visible in a Western blot of Campylobacter jejuni protein after incubation of said Western blot with antibodies against a flagellaless mutant of Campylobacter jejuni and not visible after incubation of said blot with antibodies against wild type Campylobacter jejuni, and to their use in vaccines and the manufacturing thereof. The invention further relates to vaccines comprising such proteins and antibodies against such proteins. The invention further relates to the use of such Campylobacter proteins and to antiserum and antibodies raised against Campylobacter antigens for the preparation of vaccines. Finally, the invention relates to methods for the preparation of such vaccines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel, NV
    Inventors: Antonius Arnoldus Christiaan Jacobs, Johannes Franciscus van den Bosch, Petrus Johannes Maria Nuijten
  • Patent number: 6790447
    Abstract: The invention refers to peptides consisting of 7 to 20 amino acid residues with the sequence A-Leu-B-Ser-C-Thr-Ala-Ala-D, in which B and C are each an amino acid or amino acids and A and D are each monomeric or polymeric organic groups, and especially those, in which B is serine, threonine or leucine and/or in which C is threonine, tryptophane, glutamic acid or serine. The monomeric or polymeric organic groups can independently of each other consist especially of one or several amino acid residues, organic aliphatic groups, especially fatty acids or lipopolysaccharides. The peptides according to the invention are preferentially used for the preparation of a therapeutic composition for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, especially for the treatment of uveitis. In this context the peptides are especially useful for the preparation of a therapeutic composition for the immunization against retinal S-antigen or interphotoreceptor retinol binding protein. Tolerance can be induced orally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventors: Gerhild Wildner, Stephan Thurau
  • Patent number: 6790448
    Abstract: Isolated peptide sequences and proteins containing these sequences are provided which are useful in the prevention and treatment of infection caused by Gram-positive bacteria. The peptide sequences have been shown to be highly conserved motifs in the surface proteins of Gram-positive bacteria, and these consensus sequences include amino acid sequences such as LPXTG (SEQ ID NO:13), ALKTGKIDIIISGMTSTPERKK (SEQ ID NO:14), VEGAWEKPVAEAYLKQN (SEQ ID NO:15), and EYAGVDIDLAKKIAK (SEQ ID NO:16). By virtue of the highly conserved regions, the sequences and the proteins including these sequences can be utilized to generate antibodies which can recognize these highly conserved motifs and the proteins containing them and thus be useful in the treatment or prevention of a wide range of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: The Texas A&M University System University
    Inventors: Yi Xu, Magnus A. O. Hook
  • Patent number: 6790449
    Abstract: RNA synthesis by the paramyxovirus respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a ubiquitous human pathogen, was found to be more complex than previously appreciated for the nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses. Intracellular RNA replication of a plasmid-encoded “minigenome” analog of viral genomic RNA was directed by coexpression of the nucleocapsid (N) protein, nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (P), and the large polymerase (L) protein. But, under these conditions, it appeared that the greater part of mRNA synthesis terminated prematurely. However, coexpression of the M2 (ORF1) gene resulted in the efficient production of full-length mRNA. Thus, these results demonstrate that expression of the upstream ORF1, which encoded the previously described 22-kDa M2 protein, was associated with transcription elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventor: Peter L. Collins
  • Patent number: 6790450
    Abstract: Therapeutic compositions including a species of Coxiella or one or more antigenic components therefrom or analogous or homologous components thereof are disclosed. These compositions are useful in preventing, inhibiting, delaying onset of or otherwise ameliorating the effects of an autoimmune disease in a mammal, particularly insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). They arm also useful in prolonging survival of islet tissue transplanted into a mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: The Australian National University
    Inventors: William Butler Cowden, Kevin John Lafferty, Lawrence Scott Gazda
  • Patent number: 6790451
    Abstract: A cosmetic material comprising as essential cosmetic constituents (A) a silicone-branched silicone compound and (B) a silicone-branched polyether-modified silicone compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 6790452
    Abstract: A pigment containing particles surface treated with N-acylglycine hydroxyaluminum and/or N-acyl-N-methylglycine hydroxyaluminum, and a pigment dispersion which contains such surface treated particles and a cosmetically acceptable oily material, having excellent dispersion stability and versatility (ease of dispersion and wide range of usage), because the particles are easily and uniformly dispersed in a short period of time at a high concentration in such a cosmetically acceptable oily material, thus a cosmetic product is thereby stable as an emulsion and has better usage than existing products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignees: Miyoshi Kasei, Inc., U.S. Cosmetics Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Kishida, Mark LePage, Tetsuo Murata, William Kalriess, Masaru Kobayashi, Isao Imai
  • Patent number: 6790453
    Abstract: Encapsulation compositions in which an encapsulate (A) is encapsulated in a matrix (B) may be prepared by: (i) mixing matrix (B) with a liquid plasticizer and encapsulate (A) in an extruder, to obtain a melted mixture of encapsulate (A) and matrix (B); and (ii) extruding the melted mixture, to obtain an extruded mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: McCormick & Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Porzio, Dmitriy Zasypkin
  • Patent number: 6790454
    Abstract: A composite product is disclosed as a collagen support comprising at least one porous collagen layer covered on at least one side with an essentially compact collagen membrane consisting either of a collagen film prepared by drying a collagen gel, preferably in air or a gaseous fluid, or of a very highly compressed collagen sponge. At least one of the two layers, i.e. the porous layer and the essentially compact membrane, may comprise normal, genetically modified or malignant living cells originating particularly from young or elderly subjects. This composite product is used as a collagen support for the manufacture of artificial skin intended especially for performing in vitro tests on the efficacy of potentially active substances or for reconstructing damaged areas of skin in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Coletica
    Inventors: Nabil Abdul Malak, Valérie Andre, Alain Huc
  • Patent number: 6790455
    Abstract: Cell storage and delivery systems and methods for storing and delivering viable cells to a mammal are disclosed. The cell storage and delivery systems include a biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibrous matrix physically associated with viable cells to contain and release the cells at a controlled rate. The biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable matrix can be formed by electrospinning fibers of biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fiberizable material. The methods include methods for storing viable cells and for delivering viable cells to a mammal using the cell storage and delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: The Research Foundation at State University of New York
    Inventors: Benjamin Chu, Benjamin S. Hsiao, Michael Hadjiargyrou, Dufei Fang, Xinhua Zong, Kwangsok Kim
  • Patent number: 6790456
    Abstract: The present invention relates to injectable compositions comprising biocompatible, swellable, hydrophilic, non-toxic and substantially spherical microspheres microspheres and a biocompatible carrier for use in dermal augmentation. The present invention further relates to methods of dermal augmentation, particularly for the treatment of skin contour deficiencies, using the injectable compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Biosphere Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Vogel, Egisto Boschetti
  • Patent number: 6790457
    Abstract: Disclosed is an immunocontraceptive vaccine composition comprising a teleost homolog of zona pellucida (TH-ZP), together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier, for reducing or preventing fertilization in a fish, and a method for its use. Also disclosed is immunocontraceptive vaccine composition comprising an antigen from an inner perivitelline layer (IPVL), together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier, for reducing or preventing fertilization in a bird, and a method for its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Dalhousie University
    Inventors: Robert Brown, Bill Pohajdak, Janet Horrocks, Leslie McLaren
  • Patent number: 6790458
    Abstract: A semi-solid delivery vehicle contains a polyorthoester and an excipient, and a semi-solid pharmaceutical composition contains an active agent and the delivery vehicle. The pharmaceutical composition may be a topical, syringable, or injectable formulation; and is suitable for local delivery of the active agent. Methods of treatment are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: AP Pharma Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Y. Ng, Hui-Rong Shen, Jorge Heller
  • Patent number: 6790459
    Abstract: A method for treating patients having non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) by administering a controlled release oral solid dosage form containing preferably a biguanide drug such as metformin, on a once-a-day basis. The dosage form provides a mean time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) of the drug which occurs at a 5.5 to 7.5 hours after oral administration on a once-a-day basis to human patients. Preferably, the dose of drug is administered at dinnertime to a patient in the fed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Andrx Labs, LLC
    Inventors: Xiu Xiu Cheng, Chih-Ming Chen, Steve Jan, Joseph Chou
  • Patent number: 6790460
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a controlled release system useful for site specific delivery of biologically active ingredients or sensory markers, over an extended period of time, targeting biological surfaces comprising the oral cavity and mucous membranes of various tissues, as well as the controlled release of the biological active ingredients or sensory markers. The controlled release system of the present invention is a nano-particle, having an average particle diameter of from about 0.01 microns to about 10 microns, which comprises a biodegradable solid hydrophobic core and a bioadhesive/mucoadhesive positively charged surface. The invention also relates to the use of the nano-particles of the present invention in consumer oral hygiene products, such as toothpaste or mouthwash, for treatment and prevention of periodontal disease. The nano-particles of the present invention are particularly effective for targeted controlled delivery of biological active ingredients into the periodontal pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Salvona-IP LLC
    Inventors: Adi Shefer, Shmuel David Shefer
  • Patent number: 6790461
    Abstract: A gel made of hyaluronic acid alone which is hardly soluble in a neutral aqueous solution and which keeps its shape for at least one day in a neutral aqueous solution at 25° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Denki Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Miyata, Akio Okamoto, Masatoshi Kawata, Kazuhiro Oshima, Masamichi Hashimoto, Kazuhiko Arai
  • Patent number: 6790462
    Abstract: A dietary supplement composition contains phosphorus and from greater than 1.3 to less than 2.2 parts by weight calcium per part by weight phosphorus, and may, optionally, further contain Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, folate and Vitamin B6, provides components that have been linked to bone health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Rhodia Inc.
    Inventor: Lewis Hendricks