Patents Issued in February 26, 2008
  • Patent number: 7335318
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a wholly aromatic liquid-crystalline polyester resin comprising the steps of: 1) acylating the hydroxy group of major monomer components selected from the group consisting of aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, aromatic diol and aromatic dicarboxylic acid, with an acylating agent, provided that said major monomer components comprise at least one of aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid and aromatic diol; and 2) polycondensing said major monomer components of which hydroxy group is acylated, wherein, the polycondensation reaction is carried out in the presence of a metal dihydrogen phosphate in an amount of 1-5000 ppm based on the total monomer components, and a liquid-crystalline polyester resin manufactured by the method and a composition comprising said resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ueno Seiyaku Oyo Kenkyujo
    Inventors: Motoki Asahara, Toshiki Nishino
  • Patent number: 7335319
    Abstract: An edge bead remover composition that includes at least one ketone selected from the group consisting of: wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of: methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, and isobutyl, and wherein n equals 1 or 2; at least one ester other than lactones; and at least one lactone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Arch Specialty Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurie J. Peterson, Richard L. Hopla, Ahmad A. Naiini, William D. Weber, Pamela J. Waterson
  • Patent number: 7335320
    Abstract: A method for the production of a hydrogen-containing gas composition, such as a synthesis gas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide (H2:CO) in the synthesis gas can be well-controlled to yield a ratio that is adequate for the synthesis of useful products such as methane or methanol, without the need to remove carbon oxides from the gas stream to adjust the ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Alchemix Corporation
    Inventors: James Kelly Kindig, Thomas E. Weyand
  • Patent number: 7335321
    Abstract: The invention relates to a paste-like mass that can be used in electrochemical structural elements, comprising a heterogeneous mixture of (1.) a matrix (A) containing at least one organic polymer, precursors thereof, or prepolymers thereof, or consisting of said components, (2.) an electrochemially activatable inorganic material in the form of a solid substance (B), said material not being soluble in said matrix and in water, and (3.) a material (C) which is capable of improving the transport of a liquid electrolyte into and the storage thereof within the structural element, with the proviso that said material (C) is not a material which simultaneously has conductivity improving properties, if said solid substance (B) is a material that is suitable as an electrode material. From said mass, layers (films) and electrochemical composite layers can be produced that are subsequently impregnated with an electrolyte solution preferably of electrolytes dissolved in plasticizers for said matrix (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Peter Birke, Fatima Salam
  • Patent number: 7335322
    Abstract: A photochromic includes a laminated film including a composite oxide film composed of at least two elements selected from the group consisting of Ti, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, and Sn, and the group consisting of Mg, Al, and Si, respectively, and a transparent conductive film, wherein the light transmission property is changed by UV irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Shinoda Plasma Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Nakazawa, Tsutae Shinoda
  • Patent number: 7335323
    Abstract: A reclaimed ceramic starting material is produced from scrap generated in a method for producing a cordierite ceramic body. The scrap is an unnecessary part generated in a cutting step of cutting a dried ceramic molded article into a predetermined length or a defective dried ceramic molded article generated in a drying step of drying an extruded ceramic material. The scrap is crushed. From a powder obtaind by crushing, at least particles smaller than the predetermined size are removed to produce a reclaimed powder having a particle size within a predetermined size range. The reclaimed powder is used as a reclaimed ceramic starting material. Instead of crushing, the scrap may be fired at a temperature where a contained binder can burn away to obtain a reclaimed powder. The reclaimed ceramic starting material ensures no deterioration in the quality of a cordierite ceramic body produced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kentaro Makino
  • Patent number: 7335324
    Abstract: A color filter manufacturing method for a plastic substrate uses an extrusion process to form a plastic substrate with multiple grooves. Then, it uses inkjet printing method to jet photo resists into the groove of the plastic substrate after defining the primary colors of red R., green G., and blue B. The method can overcome the problem happened in the conventional CF photolithography process. This, therefore, can simplify the manufacturing process, and can apply to the large-area plastic substrate of a color filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Liang-Ying Huang, Ching-Hsiang Chan, Jia-Chong Ho, Chi-Chang Liao, Lung-Pin Hsin
  • Patent number: 7335325
    Abstract: The present invention to be personalized is fitted with a sealed chamber. The chamber is defined by an object and a thin, flexible member. When it is desired to personalize the object, the sealed chamber is filled with uncured paste having predetermined characteristics. The object to be personalized then is brought into contact with a human; thereafter, the paste cures in place to complete the personalizing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Vincent Pierson
  • Patent number: 7335326
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for forming a golf ball is described. The method includes utilizing strands of a desired material. The method employs a top, center and bottom plate. The strands are placed over the concave cavities of a lower plate and over the hemispherical protrusions of a center plate. The three plates are then placed in a press, along with a top plate, thereby forming two sets of hemispherical shells. One set of shells remains in the cavities of the top plate, and one set remains in the cavities of the bottom plate. Centers are placed inside the hemispherical shells of the bottom plate. The two sets of shells are then brought together to form a complete core. A cover may be added to complete the formation of a golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: William Brum
  • Patent number: 7335327
    Abstract: A method of shrinking a film comprises the steps of providing a shrink film and exposing the film to an amount of radiation energy effective to activate the shrink characteristic of the film. The film comprises one or more thermoplastic polymers and at least about 0.001 weight % of single-walled carbon nanotube material based on the weight of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Grah, Marvin R. Havens
  • Patent number: 7335328
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multilayer ceramic capacitor includes the steps of: preparing a mixture of a raw material powder mainly composed of barium titanate particles; forming the mixture and a binder into a green sheet; alternately layering the green sheet and an internal electrode to obtain a laminated body; and sintering the laminated body. The step of preparing the mixture includes the steps of: introducing the raw material powder and the dispersion medium into a mixing container, and stirring them with balls serving as a mixing medium, to obtain a slurry containing a raw material powder mixture; and drying the slurry. The mixing medium has a diameter that is equal to or less than 400 times the mean particle size of the barium titanate particles of the raw material. The present invention provides a multilayer ceramic capacitor having good DC bias characteristics by suppressing the variation in crystal particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Hirata, Kenji Oka, Kazuhiro Komatsu, Atsuo Nagai
  • Patent number: 7335329
    Abstract: A method of producing a multilayer ceramic capacitor having internal electrode layers and dielectric layers with dielectric particles is disclosed. An average particle diameter of the dielectric particles, when measured parallel with the direction of the internal electrode layers, is larger than a thickness of the dielectric layer. A ratio (R/d) between the average particle diameter (R) and the thickness (d) of the dielectric layer is 1<R/d<3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Yukie Nakano, Shunichi Yuri, Mari Miyauchi, Daisuke Iwanaga
  • Patent number: 7335330
    Abstract: A method of producing a sintered silicon carbide using a reaction sintering method, comprising: (1) dissolving and dispersing a silicon carbide powder in a solvent to produce a mixed powder slurry, (2) flowing the resulted mixed powder into a mold and drying it to obtain a green body, (3) temporarily sintering the green body in one of a vacuum atmosphere or inert gas atmosphere at 1200 to 1900° C. to obtain a temporarily sintered first body, (4) impregnating the resulted temporarily sintered first body with a phenol resin as a carbon source, (5) temporarily sintering the resulted carbon source-impregnated temporarily sintered first body in one of a vacuum atmosphere or inert gas atmosphere at 900 to 1400° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Fumio Odaka
  • Patent number: 7335331
    Abstract: Compositions and methods of making ceramic plates are described. The compositions are water-based slurries that include filler material, one or more clay components, one or more strength or processing additives, and/or a carbon source. The filler material can include a first grade of boron carbide having a relatively large average particle size, a second grade of boron carbide having an intermediate average particle size, a third grade of boron carbide having a fine average particle size, and/or a silicon carbide having a fine average particle size. The methods of the invention involve casting and drying the slurry to make a substantially dry preform, providing a silicon loaf having a solid form for supporting one or more preforms, placing the substantially dry preform on top of the silicon loaf inside of an infiltration furnace and heating the substantially dry preform and loaf to melt silicon within the loaf and infiltrate the perform to create a ceramic plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Dana M. Husnay, Noah A. Nichelson
  • Patent number: 7335332
    Abstract: A method is provided for minimizing the emissions of odorous gases and neutralizing volatile fatty acids generated by anaerobic decomposition of digestible and odiferous animal waste that includes the step of adding an alkaline solution to the digestible and odiferous animal waste to at least partially neutralize volatile fatty acids present in the digestible and odiferous animal waste and applying a layer of oil and activated carbon to the surface of the waste. A system for applying the above method includes means for applying the layer of oil and activated carbon to a surface of the waste; means for injecting the alkaline solution into the waste below the layer of oil and activated carbon; means for monitoring the pH level of the waste; and means for triggering the injection of additional alkaline solution when the pH level of the waste reaches a set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Gary L. Rapp, Carrie L. Rapp
  • Patent number: 7335333
    Abstract: An improved method of altering a fluid-borne contaminant includes the steps of: providing a positive-displacement pump (21) having an inlet (22) and an outlet (23); connecting the pump inlet to a source (24) of contaminated fluid; operating the pump at a pressure ratio sufficient to elevate the pressure and temperature of the fluid and contaminants passing through the pump to alter or convert substantially all of the contaminants passing through the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of the State University of New York
    Inventors: James F. Garvey, John A. Lordi, Joseph C. Mollendorf, James D. Felske
  • Patent number: 7335334
    Abstract: A disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit employed during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery performs gas exchange, heat transfer, and microemboli filtering functions in a way as to conserve volume, to reduce setup and change out times, to eliminate a venous blood reservoir, and to substantially reduce blood-air interface. Blood from the patient or prime solution is routed through an air removal device that is equipped with air sensors for detection of air. An active air removal controller removes detected air from blood in the air removal device. A disposable circuit support module is used to mount the components of the disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit in close proximity and in a desirable spatial relationship to optimize priming and use of the disposable, integrated extracorporeal blood circuit. A reusable circuit holder supports the disposable circuit support module in relation to a prime solution source, the active air removal controller and other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Olsen, Walter L. Carpenter, John B. Dickey, Mark D. Stringham
  • Patent number: 7335335
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring blood platelet contractility, hereinafter called a “retractometer” is disclosed. Also disclosed is a system apparatus and method for automatically measuring platelet contractility in a plurality of samples, having an array of retractometer units and an electronic solenoid valve controller to fully automate screening in clinical and research situations and save costs in labor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Enrique Saldivar, Jennifer Orje
  • Patent number: 7335336
    Abstract: A sensor for sensing a property of a plurality of analytes includes a substrate having a resonant frequency that varies based on contact with a predetermined property of an analyte. The substrate has an analyte contact surface and a non-analyte contact surface located opposed to the analyte contact surface. The analyte contact surface is configured to receive a plurality of analytes. A plurality of pairs of electrodes are operatively connected with the nonanalyte contact surface, each of the electrodes being spaced apart one from another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Yoonkee Kim
  • Patent number: 7335337
    Abstract: An ergonomically designed pipette tip that can be securely mounted to a barrel of a pipetter yet is designed to substantially reduce the axial force necessary to install and eject the pipette tip from the pipetter. The ergonomic pipette tip includes molded-in expansion joints and/or the addition of a second elastic material to decrease the amount of force necessary to radially expand the entrance to the pipette tip when the pipetter barrel is guided and stability oriented towards the sealing region of the pipette tip. Also disclosed is an ergonomic adapter with similar features as the tip that can also be mounted to the barrel of the pipetter and attached to a standard pipette tip or a combination of tips. Therefore, the relatively small axial forces necessary for mounting and ejecting the new ergonomic tip and adapter can substantially help to reduce the hand and thumb forces, that due to repeated use, will sometimes result in repetitive stress injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: James C. Smith
  • Patent number: 7335338
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically sensing the presence (or absence) of spot dispensers such as pins in various possible mounting locations in the printhead of a microarray spotting instrument. Pin-location data obtained by the method and apparatus is provided to the computer controller of the instrument, which uses the data to control the motion of the printhead during operation of the instrument. A pin detection apparatus includes one or more sensor elements that automatically sense possible pin locations in the printhead for the presence of pins. The sensor elements are preferably arranged in an array corresponding to the array of pin locations in the printhead so that pin detection at each pin location can be performed simultaneously. Various types of sensor elements can be used to locate pins in a printhead. For example, sensors can be used that are remote from or attached to a printhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: PerkinElmer LAS, Inc.
    Inventors: Mack J. Schermer, C. Brian Candiloro
  • Patent number: 7335339
    Abstract: A disposable apparatus for use in blood testing and being adapted for simultaneous dilution of a blood sample into two different dilution ratios, said apparatus including a block-shaped housing having integrated therein a first and a second receptacle, one of which as a first blood sample receiver being adapted to receive a blood sample; a first and a second container, each containing a defined volume of a diluent; a valve including a valve body having three valve body channels extending therethrough and being positionable in three distinct positions, one of which putting the receptacles in simultaneous communication with a respective one of the containers through pairs of the channels; and displacers for displacing diluent and diluted sample through said channels between said containers and said receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Boule Medical AB
    Inventor: Ingemar Berndtsson
  • Patent number: 7335340
    Abstract: A flue gas desulfurization apparatus includes at least one activated carbon fiber board 20 provided in a catalyst unit 6, the board being formed by alternatingly juxtaposing one or more plate-like activated carbon fiber sheets and one or more corrugated activated carbon fiber sheets so as to provide vertically extending conduits, wherein water for producing sulfuric acid is supplied, through a capillary phenomenon, to the activated carbon fiber board 20 provided in the catalyst unit 6. The flue gas desulfurization apparatus attains removal of sulfur oxides (SOx) by adding a minimum required amount of water to the activated carbon fiber board 20 so as to attain uniform water distribution and can reduce the amount of water required for removing sulfur oxides (SOx).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihisa Kobayashi, Akinori Yasutake, Takashi Kurisaki, Kiyoshi Tatsuhara
  • Patent number: 7335341
    Abstract: A new kinetic spray process is disclosed that enables one to secure a plurality of ceramic elements together quickly without the need for glues or other adhesives. The process finds special utilization in the formation of non-thermal plasma reactors wherein the kinetic spray process can be used to simultaneously secure the ceramic elements together and to form electrical connections between like electrodes in the non-thermal plasma reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Hubert Van Steenkiste, Joseph V. Mantese, Bob Xiaobin Li, Pertrice Auguste Wethey, Robert Paul Johnston, David Emil Nelson
  • Patent number: 7335342
    Abstract: In the present invention a process for the preparation of sodium silicate from Kimberlite tailing generated as solid waste during diamond mining is disclosed. The process comprises, reacting Kimberlite tailing with mineral acid to remove acid soluble impurities followed by digesting acid treated Kimberlite tailing with alkali solution in a open or closed system to obtain sodium silicate useful for commercial applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Raksh Vir Jasra, Hari Chand Bajaj, Rajesh Shantilal Somani, Haresh Mahipatlal Mody, Jatin Rameshchandra Chunawala, Devendra Lalijibhai Ghelani, Hemal Narendrakumar Ranpara, Dipti Jivanbhai Barochiya, Suresh Chandra, Maharaj Kishan Dhar, C. Kesava Rao, Kamlesh Kumar
  • Patent number: 7335343
    Abstract: Iron pentacarbonyl is prepared by reacting iron with carbon monoxide in suspension and in the presence of a mixture of alkali metal sulfide and sulfur as a catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Basf Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gabriele Unger, Hendrik Schönfelder, Otto Watzenberger, Hans-Josef Sterzel, Klaus Kühling
  • Patent number: 7335344
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing filamentary structures. The structures include single-walled nanotubes. The method includes combusting hydrocarbon fuel and oxygen to establish a non-sooting flame and providing an unsupported catalyst to synthesize the filamentary structure in a post-flame region of the flame. Residence time is selected to favor filamentary structure growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Murray J. Height, Jack B. Howard, John B. Vandersande
  • Patent number: 7335345
    Abstract: An economic, direct synthetic method for producing water soluble QDs that are ready for bioconjugation is provided. The method can produce aqueous QDs with emission wavelengths varying from 400 nm to 700 nm. Highly luminescent metal sulfide (MS) QDs are produced via an aqueous synthesis route. MS QDs are capped with thiol-containing charged molecules in a single step. The resultant MS QDs exhibit the distinctive excitonic photoluminescence desired of QDs and can be fabricated to avoid undesirable broadband emissions at higher wavelengths. This provides a significant improvement over the present complex and expensive commercial processes for the production of QDs. The aqueous QDs are stable in biological fluids over a long period of time. In addition, nontoxic ZnS QDs have been produced with good photoluminescence properties by refluxing the ZnS QD suspensions over a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Wei-Heng Shih, Wan Y. Shih, Hui Li, Melissa Colleen Schillo
  • Patent number: 7335346
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of steam reforming a hydrocarbon over a catalyst at short residence times or short contact times. The present invention also provides spinel-containing catalysts. Surprisingly superior results and properties obtained in methods and catalysts of the present invention are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Yong Wang, Anna Lee Tonkovich, David P. Vanderwiel
  • Patent number: 7335347
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of purifying radiolabelled compounds comprising a) loading onto a fluorous polymer a radiolabelled compound precursor comprising a fluoroalkyl tin moiety; b) reacting the radiolabelled compound precursor with a radiolabel delivering compound to give a radiolabelled compound, wherein the fluoroalkyl tin moiety is replaced by a radiolabel; and c) eluting the radiolabelled compound from the fluorous polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: McMaster University
    Inventors: John F. Valliant, Peter Dorff, Raman Chirakal
  • Patent number: 7335348
    Abstract: The invention relates to a styling composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable liquid medium, the combination of at least one film-forming fixing polymer and of at least one crystalline hot-melt polymer which is soluble in the said medium and which has a crystalline melting temperature, measured by differential scanning calorimetry, of between 30° C. and 80° C., and to a process for the thermal remodelling of the hair using this composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Franck Giroud, Henri Samain
  • Patent number: 7335349
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fish attracting composition. Previously fish sex hormones were considered only to have a role in sexual reproduction, however the present invention shows that these hormones can be used to induce feeding behaviour in fish. In particular a fish attracting composition is disclosed which contains at least one fish sex hormone which functions as a sex pheromone, however a synthetic nature similar version thereof may alternatively be used. In particular, a fish composition containing the composition 12,20?-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one is shown, this for inducing feeding behaviour in carp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food
    Inventors: Andrew Moore, Nicola Jane Lower
  • Patent number: 7335350
    Abstract: The oral efficacy of C—C chemokines containing a dibasic site in the 40's conserved cationic sequence, such as RANTES and MIP-1?, is improved by substituting at least one of the residues in the dibasic site in a non-conservative manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Laboratoires Serono SA
    Inventors: Amanda Proudfoot, Marie Kosco-Vilbois, Timothy Wells
  • Patent number: 7335351
    Abstract: The present invention discloses the protease stratum corneum chymotrytic enzyme (SCCE) is specifically over-expressed in ovarian and other malignancies. A number of SCCE peptides can induce immune responses to SCCE, thereby demonstrating the potential of these peptides in monitoring and the development of immunotherapies for ovarian and other malignancies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
    Inventors: Timothy J. O'Brien, Martin J. Cannon, Alessandro Santin
  • Patent number: 7335352
    Abstract: Screening assays that allow for the identification of agents that increase acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) acylase expression and/or AHL acylase activity in ?-proteobacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Such agents are useful, for example, for inhibiting quorum sensing activity of such bacteria by increasing degradation of long chain, but not short chain, AHLs and, therefore, can be useful for treating infections by such bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jared Leadbetter, Jean J. Huang
  • Patent number: 7335353
    Abstract: The complete nucleotide sequence of the genome of porcine adenovirus type 3 (PAV-3) is provided. Methods for construction of infectious PAV genomes by homologous recombination in procaryotic cells are provided. Recombinant PAV viruses are obtained by transfection of mammalian cells with recombinant PAV genomes. The PAV-3 genome can be used as a vector for the expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences, for example, for the preparation and administration of subunit vaccines to swine or other mammals. In addition, PAV-3 vectors can be used for gene therapy and expression of heterologous polypeptides. PAV-3 genome sequences can also be used for diagnostic purposes, to detect the presence of PAV-3 DNA in a subject or biological sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: University of Saskatchewan
    Inventors: Police S. Reddy, Suresh K. Tikoo, Lorne A. Babiuk
  • Patent number: 7335354
    Abstract: The invention is a method of reducing malignant tumor sizes in mammals by eliciting activated eosinophils to infiltrate the tumor by using helminth excretory and secretory antigens, helminth ova, and helminth extracts, in such a way that the immunological response to the malignant tumor is as if were responding to a helminth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: George Frenoy
  • Patent number: 7335355
    Abstract: A method of identifying an agent that enhances the anti-microbial activity of cationic anti-microbial peptides by blocking the inhibitory effects of the proteinase/glycosaminoglycan pathway, which method comprises: (i) providing, as a first component, a cationic anti-microbial peptide; (ii) providing, as a second component, bacteria; (iii) providing, as a third component, part of all of the components of a proteinase/glycosaminoglycan pathway such that the third component reduces the antimicrobial effect of the first component, for example, a glycosaminoglycan or bacteria or bacteria and a proteoglycan or a bacterial proteinase or a bacterial proteinase and a proteoglycan; (iv) contacting the first, second and third components with a test agent under conditions that would permit the killing of the bacteria by the antimicrobial agent in the absence of the third component, and that would permit the inhibition of the anti-microbial activity of the first component by the third component in the absence of the test
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hansa Medical AB
    Inventors: Lars Bjorck, Inga-Maria Frick, Artur Schmidtchen
  • Patent number: 7335356
    Abstract: In this application are described Ebola GP monoclonal antibodies, epitopes recognized by these monoclonal antibodies, and the sequences of the variable regions of some of these antibodies. Also provided are mixtures of antibodies of the present invention, as well as methods of using individual antibodies or mixtures thereof for the detection, prevention, and/or therapeutical treatment of Ebola virus infections in vitro and in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Mary Kate Hart, Julie Wilson
  • Patent number: 7335357
    Abstract: The present invention relates to antagonists of neuropilin receptor function and use thereof in the treatment of cancer, particularly metastatic cancer, and angiogenic diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Children's Medical Center Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Klagsbrun, Shay Soker, Hua-Quan Miao, Seiji Takashima
  • Patent number: 7335358
    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: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignees: Centocor, Inc., New York University
    Inventors: Junming Le, Jan Vilcek, Peter Daddona, John Ghrayeb, David Knight, Scott Siegel
  • Patent number: 7335359
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to ligand/receptor and antigen/antibody specificity exchangers comprising a saccharide or glycoconjugate. Methods of making these specificity exchangers and methods of using said specificity exchangers to treat or prevent human disease are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Tripep AB
    Inventors: Matti Sällberg, Anders Vahlne, Maria Perdomo
  • Patent number: 7335360
    Abstract: A method and device for determining a feline immunodeficiency virus infection or vaccination in an animal. The method includes contacting a biological sample from a felid with various FIV polypeptides and determining the binding of antibodies in the sample to the polypeptides. The determination of whether an animal is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated against FIV can be determined by measuring the animal's immune response to an FIV env polypeptide. A device for detecting FIV antibodies is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Groat, Quentin Tonelli
  • Patent number: 7335361
    Abstract: The present invention mainly provides a fusion antigen specific for a target cell comprising a ligand moiety which is capable of reacting, recognizing or binding to the receptors on the target cell, a Pseudomonas exotoxin A translocation domain II, an antigenic moiety, and a carboxyl terminal moiety which permits combination of the fusion antigen to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane of the target cell. A method of immunizing an animal using the fusion antigen is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Animal Technology Institute Taiwan
    Inventors: Chao-Wei Liao, Chung-Nan Weng
  • Patent number: 7335362
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for diagnosing pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Also disclosed herein are methods for treating pre-eclampsia and eclampsia using compounds that increase VEGF or PlGF levels or compounds that decrease sFlt-1 levels. Compounds that inhibit the binding of VEGF or PlGF to sFlt1- are also disclosed herein for the treatment of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
    Inventors: S. Ananth Karumanchi, Sharon Maynard, Vikas P. Sukhatme
  • Patent number: 7335363
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to genetically engineered, membrane-enveloped viruses with deletion mutations in the protein transmembrane domains. Also provided are viral vaccines based on the engineered viruses, methods of producing and using such vaccines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Research Development Foundation
    Inventors: Racquel Hernandez, Dennis T. Brown
  • Patent number: 7335364
    Abstract: The present invention provides an attenuated virus, which is derived from Modified Vaccinia Ankara virus and characterized by the loss of its capability to reproductively replicate in human cell lines. It further describes recombinant viruses derived from this virus and the use of the virus, or its recombinants, as a medicament or vaccine. A method is provided for inducing an immune response in individuals who may be immune-compromised. In addition, a method is provided for the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the virus, or its recombinants, in a vaccinia virus prime/vaccinia virus boost inoculation regimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Bavarian Nordic A/S
    Inventors: Paul Chaplin, Paul Howley, Christine Meisinger-Henschel
  • Patent number: 7335365
    Abstract: The combination of HIV proteins Tat and Nef is chemotactic for CD4+ cells. Utilizing the capacity of Tat and Nef to modulate CD4+ cell trafficking and infiltration, the invention provides various treatment modes for individuals infected with HIV. The invention further provides treatment modes for other localized diseases by controlling CD4+ cell trafficking and infiltration. In particular, the invention provides methodology for promoting CD4+ cell chemotaxis to a localized site of infection as a means of augmenting the efficacy of extant chemotherapeutic methods. The invention further provides methodology for diverting CD4+ cell infiltration from a localized site where the presence of CD4+ cells is detrimental to the clinical outcome, by providing a composition comprising Tat and Nef at a distinct site, such as blood, within the individual where the accumulation of CD4+ cells is less detrimental.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: David R. Soll, Damon Shutt
  • Patent number: 7335366
    Abstract: The present invention relates i.a. to Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Viruses that are not capable of expressing a functional SH-protein and/or G-protein due to a mutation in the genes encoding the said proteins. Also the invention relates to diagnostic test kits for discriminating wild-type Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Viruses from Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Viruses according to the invention and to methods for the discrimination between those viruses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Intervet International B.V.
    Inventors: Ursula J. Buchholz, Ulrike Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7335367
    Abstract: Chalazia and hordeola are the most common lesions occurring in the human eyelid, and often recurrences are managed by surgical intervention to remove fatty inclusions within the lid with associated inflammatory reaction. The present invention provides non-surgical methods of treating chalazia, hordeola and cutaneous infections comprising the administration of compositions comprising botulinum toxin. The present invention provides methods that effectively block meibum secretion from the meibomian glands, reduce sebaceous bacterial culture media on skin, and sebaceous secretion from the glands of Zeis. Decreased production of meibum and associated fatty substances resulting from the methods of the present invention, decrease gland blockage and tissue inspissations, resulting in reduced recurrence of chalazia, hordeola and related inflammatory reactions and lesions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Botulinum Toxin Research Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Borodic