Patents Issued in January 31, 2006
  • Patent number: 6991762
    Abstract: A suction generating device for a sample analysis device is provided. The device comprises four parts, namely, a cover plate 61, a middle plate 62, a bottom plate 63 and an operation plate 64. A protruding portion 642 for compressing the suction generating chamber is formed in an approximately center portion on the lower side of the operation plate 64, a protruding portion 641 for operation is formed in an approximately center portion on the upper side of the operation plate 64. A cavity 631 for inserting the sample analysis device therein is formed in an approximately center portion in the bottom plate 63; and a hole 632 for light irradiation is punched in a determined portion in the cavity 631. A concave portion 623 for fitting the operation plate 64 therein is formed in the middle plate 62, and a window section 621 is formed in the center of the concave portion 623 to let the lower protruding portion 642 on the operation plate 64 protrude therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Arkray, Inc.
    Inventors: Michio Naka, Kouji Hirayama, Yoshihiko Higuchi, Masufumi Koike, Hisashi Okuda
  • Patent number: 6991763
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for controlling the level of in-process monomer in an emulsion polymerization reaction. Also disclosed is a method of controlling particle size by controlling the level of in-process monomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Michael Raymond Connelly, Dennis Patrick Stack, Richard Shu-Hua Wu, Ronald Ray Zimmer
  • Patent number: 6991764
    Abstract: A method for determining not to reuse a previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette in an analyzer when an assay scheduled to be performed may be adversely affected by contaminants remaining in the cleaned reaction cuvette. If determined not to reuse a previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette, the previously used and cleaned reaction cuvette is replaced with an unused new reaction cuvette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.
    Inventors: William Jackson Devlin, Sr, Steven Lawrence Frye, David Jeffrey Miller, Thomas John Pankratz
  • Patent number: 6991765
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing calorimetry. The apparatus include optical devices for detecting thermal processes and multiwell sample plates for supporting samples for use with such optical devices. The methods include measurement strategies and data processing techniques for reducing noise in measurements of thermal processes. The apparatus and methods may be particularly suitable for extracting thermal data from small differential measurements made using an infrared camera and for monitoring chemical and physiological processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: FLIR Systems Boston, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy C. Neilson, Jay S. Teich
  • Patent number: 6991766
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for automated synthesis containing a shaker deck with a plurality of reaction blocks containing a plurality of reaction wells, an arm containing an array of extending units capable of actuating physical steps along a plurality of axes of each reaction block, each reaction block being situated on a turntable, each turntable being further capable of rotating the reaction block along a central axis. Also disclosed are methods of preparing a peptide, oligonucleotide an small molecules using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Paul Roth, Roy Lewis Barr, Junefredo Fajardo Apon, Steven Russell Bush, Thomas James Baiga
  • Patent number: 6991767
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the debonding and sand core removal of sand cores from cast parts, the heat treating of metal parts and the removal of organic contamination from metal parts, which is utilizing a fluid bed furnace having an improved fluidizing gas distributor which discharges fluidized gas in a downward direction away from the parts in the fluidized bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Procedyne Corp.
    Inventors: H. Kenneth Staffin, Edward P. Traina, Giovanni Rubino
  • Patent number: 6991768
    Abstract: An odor removal system to neutralize odors and VOC emissions in commercial and/or industrial air streams utilizes Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP) to create a range of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) to cause the oxidation and/or reduction of odor causing molecules and VOC's. The ROS is generated by drawing atmospheric and/or odorous air through a Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Generation Cell (DBDPGC). The gas is activated by passing it through the non-thermal plasma field in the DBDPGC, producing the ROS that are then immediately mixed into the odorous gas to be treated. If the odorous gas is passing through the NTP field, it is inherently mixed. When large volumes of gas, and/or extremely high odor loads in large gas volumes must be treated, multiple units can be combined in parallel. The DBDPGC has hermetically sealed hot electrodes and may be used in other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: IONO2X Engineering L.L.C.
    Inventors: Allan D. Keras, Douglas P. Lanz
  • Patent number: 6991769
    Abstract: Methanol is synthesized from a gas produced through gasification of biomass serving as a raw material, making use of a biomass feeding means for feeding biomass into a furnace main body and, located above the biomass feeding means, combustion-oxidizing-agent-feeding means for feeding into the furnace main body a combustion-oxidizing agent containing oxygen or a mixture of oxygen and steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shozo Kaneko, Susumu Sato, Yoshinori Kobayashi, Tatsuo Kabata, Kazuto Kobayashi, Yoshiyuki Takeuchi, Kimishiro Tokuda, Akira Hashimoto, Katsuhiko Shinoda, Keiji Takeno, Shinji Matsumoto, Hideaki Ohta, Tsugio Yamamoto, Masayasu Sakai, Toshiyuki Takegawa, Yajyuro Seike
  • Patent number: 6991770
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage tank has an outer cylinder and a cylindrical hydrogen storage module within the outer cylinder spaced apart from an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder to provide a hydrogen passage therebetween. The cylindrical hydrogen storage module includes a lamination having a plurality of hydrogen storage units filled with powdery hydrogen absorption material and a hydrogen absorption and desorption surface on an entire outer peripheral surface, while interposing a heating/cooling element between ones of adjacent units. First and second main passages penetrate the lamination in a lamination direction of the units, and permit heating fluid and cooling fluid to flow therethrough. Sub passages branch from the main passages and extend over within each of the heating/cooling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takanori Suzuki, Izuru Kanoya, Mitsuya Hosoe
  • Patent number: 6991771
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2, NO, and NO2 from a gas stream having the steps of oxidizing a portion of the NO in the flue gas stream to NO2, scrubbing the SO2, NO, and NO2 with an ammonia scrubbing solution, and removing any ammonia aerosols generated by the scrubbing in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The process can also remove Hg by oxidizing it to HgO and removing it in the wet electrostatic precipitator. Ammonium sulfate, a valuable fertilizer, can be withdrawn from the scrubbing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Powerspan Corp.
    Inventors: Joanna L. Duncan, Christopher R. McLarnon, Francis R. Alix
  • Patent number: 6991772
    Abstract: An activated catalyst for the rapid decomposition of H2O2 is provided wherein a porous high surface area catalyst base, e.g. a zeolite molecular sieve (ZMS) is impregnated or doped with a solution of metal cation salts and an ionic promoter, dried and calcined to form an activated catalyst. Such activated catalyst, in the form of a porous monolith or chunks, extrudate, pieces, pellets, or spheres, can be poured into and confined, in a tight pack, in a cavity of a rocket housing, downstream of a pressurized H2O2 tank. The H2O2 is flowed through the catalyst and undergoes rapid decomposition into steam and O2 and flows out the propellant nozzle of such rocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: John J Rusek
  • Patent number: 6991773
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage medium is provided, where the medium is comprised of boron oxide and closely related compounds such as orthoboric acid, metaboric acid, hydrated boric acid, and disodium borohydrate. The medium is substantially an amorphous glassy network, albeit with local regions of order, pores, and networks that provide surface area. Hydrogen is adsorbed by the medium with a heat of adsorption of about 9 kJ/mol to about 13 kJ/mol, a value which is higher than that of the heat of adsorption of hydrogen on carbon. The value for the heat of adsorption of hydrogen on the inventive storage medium is provided by computation, and corroborated by experimental observation. The higher heat of adsorption of the medium provides for operation at temperatures higher temperatures higher than those provided by carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Nanomix, Inc.
    Inventors: Seung-Hoon Jhi, Young-Kyun Kwon, Keith Bradley, Jean-Christophe P. Gabriel
  • Patent number: 6991774
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a high stability rare earth zeolite Y with high rare earth and the preparation process thereof, which zeolite has a content of rare earth of 4–15 wt %, a unit cell constant of 2.450–2.458 nm, a differential thermal collapsed temperature of 1000–1056° C., a silica to alumina ratio of 8.3–8.8, and a content of sodium oxide less than 1.0 wt %. Said zeolite is prepared by drying a rare earth-containing zeolite Y, introducing gaseous silicon tetrachloride carried by dry air and reacting at a temperature of 150–600° C. for 10 min to 6 h, then purging with dry air and washing with de-cationized water to remove the soluble by-products. The rare earth zeolite Y possesses high activity and selectivity for cracking the heavy oils, high activity for hydrogen transfer, has good coke selectivity, can effectively increase the yield of light oils, and improve the quality of gasoline and thus can directly serve as an active component for preparing various hydrocarbon cracking catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignees: China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, Research Institute of Petroleum Processing
    Inventors: Jun Du, Zheng Li, Zhijian Da, Mingyuan He
  • Patent number: 6991775
    Abstract: Peptides and peptide-targeted multimeric contrast agents are described, as well as methods of making and using the contrast agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Epix Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Steffi K. Koerner, Andrew Kolodziej, Thomas J. McMurry, Shrikumar Nair, Alexander L. Nivorozhkin, Wei-Chuan Sun, Xifang Wang
  • Patent number: 6991776
    Abstract: New intracorporeal radiodense medicaments and certain medical uses and methods for use of such high energy phototherapeutic medicaments for treatment of human or animal tissue are described, wherein a primary active component of such medicaments is a halogenated xanthene or halogenated xanthene derivative. The halogenated xanthenes constitute a family of potent radiosensitizers that become photoactivated upon irradiation of the treatment site with ionizing radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Xantech Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Craig Dees, Timothy C. Scott, Eric A. Wachter, Walter G. Fisher, John Smolik
  • Patent number: 6991777
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, methods of the present invention obtain NMR spectroscopy signal data that corresponds to the behavior of the polarized 129Xe at a selected site(s) in selected environments in vivo. The gas exchange signal data can be used to evaluate: (a) the thickness of a barrier, such as a membrane, lining, wall or width of a lumen; (b) the operational condition or function of a membrane, body system or portion thereof; (c) cerebral perfusion; and/or (c) the efficacy of a therapeutic treatment used to treat a diagnosed disorder, disease, or condition. Thus, the present invention provides methods for screening and/or diagnosing a disorder or disease, and/or methods for monitoring the efficacy of therapeutics administered to subject to treat a disorder or disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bastiaan Driehuys, Margaret Hall, Claudio Marelli
  • Patent number: 6991778
    Abstract: The image obtained by MR imaging of the joint of an animal, including humans, is enhanced by injecting into the joint prior to the scan of an imaging enhancing amount of a nitroxyl functionalized dendrimer containing at least 6 nitroxyl terminal functional groups, e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Nitrosci
    Inventor: Gerald M. Rosen
  • Patent number: 6991779
    Abstract: Compositions containing biologically active molecules encapsulated in self-assembling, diketopiperazine microspheres (TECHNOSPHEREs™) and methods for making and administering such compositions are described herein. The compositions can be used to immunize individuals against agents of biological warfare. The biologically active molecules include atropine, antibodies, antigens, and antibiotics. The compositions can be placed in an inhalation device for self-administration. Pulmonary delivery of TECHNOSPHERE™ encapsulated atropine, antibodies, vaccines, and antibiotics provides an accelerated onset of immunity to the targeted disease. Furthermore, the TECHNOSPHERE™ encapsulated atropine, antibodies, vaccines, and antibiotics are stable formulations, suitable for stockpiling, rapid dissemination and mass treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: MannKind Corporation
    Inventors: Solomon S. Steiner, Cohava Gelber, Robert S. Feldstein, Roderike Pohl
  • Patent number: 6991780
    Abstract: Disclosed are enhanced efficacy aluminum-zirconium antiperspirant salt compositions that have a metal (Al+Zr) to chloride (or anion) ratio of about 0.90 to about 1.00. These salts also typically exhibit an HPLC peak 5 area content of about 33% or more, preferably at least 45%, more preferably at least 50%, most preferably at least 55%. Especially preferred are aluminum-zirconium antiperspirant salt compositions which, in addition to the aforementioned high peak 5 content, also exhibit an HPLC peak 4 to peak 3 area ratio of at least 0.4, preferably at least 0.7. Also disclosed are methods of making such antiperspirant salt compositions and aqueous solutions of such antiperspirant salt compositions. Further disclosed are topical compositions comprising a dermatologically acceptable carrier vehicle and a perspiration reducing effective amount of an aluminum-zirconium antiperspirant salt composition as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Angel L. Carrillo, Richard Oryszczak, Yan-Fei Shen
  • Patent number: 6991781
    Abstract: Disclosed are treatment composition, comprising an aqueous continuous phase; a reactive component comprising a reactive agent and a water immiscible solvent, wherein the water immiscible solvent solubilizes the reactive agent; and one or more surfactants wherein the surfactants emulsify the reactive component in the aqueous phase to form a bi-layer emulsion. Also disclosed are methods for treating amino acid based substrates, and methods for bleaching, coloring and conditioning hair with these treatment compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert Wayne Glenn, Jr., George Endel Deckner, Andrew James Caie
  • Patent number: 6991782
    Abstract: Compositions comprising at least one polymethylsilsesquioxane film former and at least one film former different from said at least one polymethylsilsesquioxane film former, wherein said at least one polymethylsilsesquioxane film former is present in an amount effective to provide at least one property chosen from long wear and transfer resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: L'Oréal
    Inventors: Mohamed Kanji, Carl Orr, Valerie Robert
  • Patent number: 6991783
    Abstract: An animal bedding composition and method of manufacture includes cut or shredded pieces of multiple panel corrugated cardboard kraft paper structures having an internal corrugated panel sandwiched between outer panels, and an adsorptive deodorizing ion exchange agent such as a zeolite dispersed throughout the cardboard pieces and carried on outer and inner surfaces of the pieces of cardboard and on outer and inner surfaces of the corrugations to provide a comfortable, hygienic and deodorized floor covering for animal stalls. An automated method of manufacturing the animal bedding composition is also described. The ion exchange agent attaches to surfaces of the corrugated cardboard which serves as a carrier to sanitize and deodorize a stall. The open structure of the cut corrugations provides mechanical load absorption, and a wicking action to aerate moisture from a stall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Hunt Club Animal Bedding, LLC
    Inventor: Carl V. Santoiemmo
  • Patent number: 6991784
    Abstract: The present invention is a lure optimized for a particular animal such as deer. The optimized lure is made using urine from only two animals urinating at approximately the same time. The animals can be either male or female, but preferably, females in estrus are used for optimal results. This mixture of urine is not diluted in any manner with that of additional animals or preservatives. The urine for the lure is obtained by using a single stall exclusively for only two animals for the purpose of gathering urine. This technique has been especially effective in attracting wandering bucks in rut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Doc's Deer Farm and Scents
    Inventor: Keith Ainsley
  • Patent number: 6991785
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for delivering cytokines to the central nervous system and the lymphatic system by way of a tissue innervated by the trigeminal nerve and/or olfactory nerve. Cytokines include tumor necrosis factors, interleukins, interferons, particularly interferon-? and its muteins such as IFN-?ser17. Such a method of delivery can be useful in the treatment of central nervous system disorders, brain disorders, proliferative, viral, and/or autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren's disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Chiron Corporation
    Inventor: William H. Frey, II
  • Patent number: 6991786
    Abstract: Novel antimicrobial agents that can serve as replacements to conventional pharmaceutical antibiotics are disclosed. The antimicrobial agents comprise conjugatively transmissible plasmids that kill targeted pathogenic bacteria, but are not harmful to donor bacteria. Two types of lethal transmissible plasmids are disclosed. One type kills recipient bacteria by unchecked (“runaway”) replication in the recipient cells and is prevented from occurring in donor cells. Another type kills recipient bacteria by expressing a gene that produces a product detrimental or lethal to recipient bacterial cells, that gene being prevented from expression in donor cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventor: Marcin S. Filutowicz
  • Patent number: 6991787
    Abstract: This invention relates to sequential methods of cryopreserving bone marrow stromal cells that are transfected and used for gene therapy by transplantation. These methods include the following steps in various orders: obtaining the cells, expanding the cells in culture, transfecting the cells, and cryopreserving the cells. With these methods, populations of bone marrow stromal cells can be acquired that are large enough to be useful in a number of therapies. Further, these large populations can be stored for extended periods of time for immediate use when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: ALG Company
    Inventors: Joel S. Greenberger, David R. Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 6991788
    Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing recombinant forms of asparaginase derived from Wolinella succinogenes. In addition, methods for covalent modification of proteins, including asparaginases, by acylation are also provided. Certain embodiments provide for epitopic-labeling of the amino terminus of W. succinogenes asparaginase. Additional embodiments concern methods for the therapeutic utilization of the native, homotetrameric form of W. succinogenes asparaginase, as well as the use of epitopically-labeled or non-epitopically-labeled recombinant W. succinogenes asparaginase (or a covalently modified analog thereof) in the therapeutic treatment of malignant and non-malignant hematological disease and other diseases where asparagine depletion or deprivation would be efficacious or which respond to asparagine depletion or deprivation, as well as their potential utilization in the therapeutic treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS, and SLE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
    Inventor: Donald L. Durden
  • Patent number: 6991789
    Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of modulating the degradation rate of a toxin in a cell, thereby modulating the half-life of the toxin. Particularly, the invention features methods of modulating the degradation rate of a toxin by modulating fusion between a lysosome and an endosome that carries the toxin in the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Allergas, Inc.
    Inventors: Shengwen Li, Kei Roger Aoki
  • Patent number: 6991790
    Abstract: A stable aqueous pharmaceutical formulation comprising a therapeutically effective amount of antibody not subjected to prior lyophilization, a buffer maintaining the pH in the range from about 4.5 to about 6.0, a surfactant and a polyol is described, along with uses for such a formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Genentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Xanthe M. Lam, James Q. Oeswein, Boonsri Ongpipattanakul, Zehra Shahrokh, Sharon X. Wang, Robert P. Weissburg, Rita L. Wong
  • Patent number: 6991791
    Abstract: Anti-TNF antibodies, fragments and regions thereof which are specific for human tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF?) and are useful in vivo diagnosis and therapy of a number of TNF?-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 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignees: New York University School of Medicine, Centocor, Inc.
    Inventors: Junming Le, Jan Vilcek, Peter Daddona, John Ghrayeb, David Knight, Scott Siegel
  • Patent number: 6991792
    Abstract: A vaccine including recombinant vaccinia virus (ATCC VR-1354) having an inserted gene for coding glutamic acid decarboxylase is used for preventing type 1 diabetes mellitus. The glutamic acid decarboxylase expressed from the recombinant virus suppresses or tolerizes the autoreactive T cell, and induces immunological tolerance, thus effectively prevents or delays the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Korea Greencross Corporation
    Inventors: Ji-Won Yoon, Hee-Sook Jun
  • Patent number: 6991793
    Abstract: Safe and effective live vaccines against Flavobacterium columnare of fish were created through the induction of rifampicin resistance in a native Flavobacterium columnare isolate; these including rifampicin-resistant mutants NRRL B-30303 and B-30304. Single immersion exposure of fish stimulated acquired immunity against virulent F. columnare infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Craig A. Shoemaker, Phillip H. Klesius, Joyce J. Evans
  • Patent number: 6991794
    Abstract: Disclosed are the FRIL family of progenitor cell preservation factors and nucleic acids encoding the same. FRIL family members preserve progenitor cells both in vivo and ex vivo. FRIL family members find use as therapeutics for alleviating and/or reducing the hematopoietic progenitor cell-depleting activity of many cancer therapeutics. FRIL family members are also useful for isolating rare, primitive progenitor cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignees: ImClone Systems Incorporated, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: M. Gabriella Colucci, Maarten J. Chrispeels, Jeffrey G. Moore
  • Patent number: 6991795
    Abstract: Human Papillomavirus virus like particles (VLPs) have been constructed so that they contain a modified L2 protein. The L2 protein has been minimized and is fused to a second protein or peptide. The fused protein is incorporated into the VLP and the VLP can deliver the protein to a cell. The modified VLPs can be used to increase the breadth of immune response in vaccine preparations or to deliver other proteins of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Lowe, Kathrin U. Jansen, Joseph G. Joyce, William L. McClements, James C. Cook, III, Jessica Ching-Yee Ling, Michael P. Neeper
  • Patent number: 6991796
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing vascular-associated disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Genetics Institute LLC
    Inventors: Gray D. Shaw, Dianne S. Sako, Ravindra Kumar, Francis Sullivan, Tom McDonagh
  • Patent number: 6991797
    Abstract: The present invention is based on the identification and characterization of a number of novel M. tuberculosis derived proteins and protein fragments. The invention is directed to the polypeptides and immunologically active fragments thereof, the genes encoding them, immunological compositions such as vaccines and skin test reagents containing the polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Statens Serum Institut
    Inventors: Peter Andersen, Rikke Louise Vinther Skjøt
  • Patent number: 6991798
    Abstract: Compounds and compositions for the delivery of active agents are provided. Methods of administration and preparation are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Emisphere Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Gschneidner, Andrea Leone-Bay, Eric Wang, Lynn Errigo, Koc-Kan Ho, Jeffrey Bruce Press, Nai Fang Wang, Pingwah Tang
  • Patent number: 6991799
    Abstract: A non-sticky moisturizing cosmetic composition containing a relatively high level of a humectant, such as glycerol or sorbitol, and a polymeric wetting agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Quynh T. Pham, Tak Yu Lam, Norman Kramer Richardson, Prem Chandar, Alexander Lips
  • Patent number: 6991800
    Abstract: Parenteral pharmaceutical formulations containing an echinocandin antifungal compound and an aqueous solvent are provided, wherein the formulation includes ethanol, for example about 20% w/v ethanol. The parenteral pharmaceutical formulation may further include one or more additives, such as a stabilizing agent, buffer or tonicity agent. The parenteral pharmaceutical formulations are useful in extending the shelf life and improving the solubility of the echinocandin antifungal compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Vicuron Pharmaceuticals Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Stogniew
  • Patent number: 6991801
    Abstract: This invention provides for inter alia, topical anthelmintic formulations which comprise a pharmaceutically active combination consisting of at least one macrocyclic compound and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of praziquantel, morantel and pyrantel, which are dissolved in a non-aqueous solvent or solvent mixture and optionally a thickening agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Merial Limited
    Inventors: Mark D. Soll, Krishan Kumar, Robert P. Waranis, Natalya Shub
  • Patent number: 6991802
    Abstract: A material for medical use in humans and/or animals bearing a biologically active agent, the material being multilayered, as well as a device of this material and a method to produce it. The material includes a core material, where the core material is formed into a body, optionally having the shape of a finished device; two or more layers of coating material of which the first layer has been applied onto the core material and additional layers have been applied onto the coating material of a preceding layer; and where at least one of the layers includes the biologically active agent. A feature of this invention is that the coating material is a biopolymer, a sol-gel produced silica gel or a biologically active molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: DelSiTech Oy
    Inventors: Manja Ahola, Risto Penttinen, Anders Södergård, Antti Yli-Urpo
  • Patent number: 6991803
    Abstract: Shaped, preferably porous, inorganic bodies are provided which are prepared from a reactive blend. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the solution is absorbed into a porous sacrificial substrate such as a cellulose sponge. The solution-saturated substrate is heated and an oxidation-reduction reaction occurs thereby forming an inorganic solid. A shaped, inorganic body is formed in situ. Optional, but preferred additional thermal treatment of the shaped, inorganic body removes the organic substrate, leaving an inorganic body that faithfully mimics the porosity, shape, and other physical characteristics of the organic substrate. Inorganic substrates may also be used to good effect. Large varieties of shaped bodies can be prepared in accordance with other embodiments of the invention and such shapes find wide use in surgery, laboratory and industrial processes and otherwise. The invention also provides chemically and morphologically uniform powders, including those having uniformly small sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Vita Special Purpose Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald S Sapieszko, David H. Dychala, Erik M. Erbe
  • Patent number: 6991804
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating injuries to one or more internal structures of a subject by administering a drug delivery vehicle to an external surface of the injured structure. The drug delivery vehicle substantially adheres to the site of administration and provides for the release of a bioactive agent that reduces or prevents further injury to the internal structure by disease processes, such as hyperplasia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Michael N. Helmus, Crystal M. Cunanan, Patrice Tremble
  • Patent number: 6991805
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liposomal composition for targeted delivery of drugs. The composition comprises poloxamer molecules and liposomes encapsulating one or more delivery agents. At above the critical micellar temperature of the poloxamer, a fraction of the poloxamer molecules form micelles and another fraction becomes incorporated into the liposome surface, thereby inhibiting their adhesion to cells. At a temperature below the critical micellar temperature, the poloxamer molecules dissociate into monomers allowing the liposomes to adhere to adjacent cells and effecting retention of the liposomes in the surrounding tissue. A method is provided for delivery of agents to target site comprising administering the composition to an individual and cooling the target site to cause retention of the liposomes at or near the target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Health Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Sek Wen Hui, Arindam Sen
  • Patent number: 6991806
    Abstract: A stable pharmaceutical composition comprising a mixture of (i) an ibuprofen medicament; (ii) a domperidone medicament and (iii) a carrier material characterized in that the carrier material is substantially free of providone and comprises at least one diluent combined with at least one release modifying agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: The Boots Company PLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Dickinson, Jayantilal Vithal Makwana
  • Patent number: 6991807
    Abstract: Disclosed are antibiotic products for delivering at least two different antibiotics, wherein the products are comprised of at least three or four dosage forms with different release profiles and the at least two different antibiotics comprise at least one protein synthesis inhibiting antibiotic and at least one non-protein synthesis inhibiting antibiotic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Advancis Pharmaceutical, Corp.
    Inventors: Edward M. Rudnic, James D. Isbister, Donald J. Treacy, Jr., Sandra E. Wassink
  • Patent number: 6991808
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved sustained release drug delivery device and method of producing such device. The device comprises a drug core in an impermeable cup or impermeable coating layer that is adhered to an uncured suture tab and covered with a permeable polymer coating layer that is similar to the makeup of the suture tab. The permeable polymer coating layer that covers the device, covering the impermeable coating layer and at least a portion of the drug core, is cured (after drying) along with the uncured suture tab. The “cocuring” or one step curing process forms a very strong bond between the outer coating layer to the suture tab preventing leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Brubaker, Pavlos Papadopoulos, Ramesh Krishnamoorthy
  • Patent number: 6991809
    Abstract: A particle is disclosed that comprises a first volume of hydrophobe-rich material with tunable dissolution and solubilization characteristics and a distinct second volume of nanostructured nonlamellar liquid crystalline material, said second volume containing said first domain and being capable of being in equilibrium with said first volume. Preferably, the nanostructured nonlamellar liquid crystalline material is capable of being in equilibrium with a polar solvent or a water-immiscible solvent or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Lyotropic Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: David Anderson
  • Patent number: 6991810
    Abstract: The invention relates to a product capable of having one or more properties sected from: anti-fouling properties, anti-adhesive properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and wherein said product is obtainable from starfish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: King's College London
    Inventors: Michelle Marguerite Grundy, John Douglas McKenzie, Neville Vincent Richardson, Charles Daniel Bavington, Barbara Mulloy, Rebecca Lever, Clive Pete Page
  • Patent number: 6991811
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Echinacea as a cancer chemopreventive agent to block the formation of and to detoxify cancer-causing agents, or carcinogens. More particularly, the present invention relates to the induction of phase II enzymes by Echinacea, and specifically by lipid-soluble fractions isolated from Echinacea. The present invention also contemplates a novel method of extracting the desired lipid-soluble fractions from Echinacea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Ernesto A. Brovelli, Yong Qian, Puri G. David, Kari L. Truax, Yingqin Li