East Carolina University Issued U.S. Patents
Medical Diagnostic Tools

U.S. Patent No. 6,824,979
Catabolite repression control (Crc) gene and Pseudomonas virulence
Inventor(s): Paul V. Phibbs, David N. Collier, Paul W. Hager
Issued: November 30, 2004
Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of screening for compounds that inhibit the virulence of Pseudomonas bacteria and comprises the steps of: providing a culture medium comprising Pseudomonas bacteria, administering a test compound to said bacteria, and then detecting the presence or absence of inhibition of the catabolite repression control (Crc) protein in the bacteria. The inhibition of the Crc protein indicates that the compound has antivirulence activity against Pseudomonas bacteria. Antisense oligonucleotides that inhibit expression of the Crc protein in a Pseudomonas bacteria and is nuclease resistant are also disclosed. Antivirulence compounds and the uses thereof in treating Pseudomonas infections are also disclosed.

U.S. Patent No. 6,596,503
Monoclonal antibody DS6, tumor-associated antigen CA6, and methods of use thereof
Inventor(s): Anne Elizabeth Wennerberg, Diane A. Semer
Issued: July 22, 2003
Abstract: The present application describes a monoclonal antibody selected from the group consisting of monoclonal antibody DS6, monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to the antigen or epitope bound by monoclonal antibody DS6, and fragments of the foregoing that specifically bind to the antigen or epitope bound by monoclonal antibody DS6. Methods of use of such antibodies and the isolated antigen bound by such antibodies are also described.

U.S. Patent No. 5,961,443
Therapeutic device to ameliorate stuttering
Inventor(s): Michael Pierre Rastatter ; Joseph Stanley Kalinowski ; Andrew Michael Stuart
Issued: October 5, 1999
Abstract: A device and method for ameliorating stuttering by providing an altered auditory feedback by employing a compact device configured for positioning in or adjacent the ear canal of an individual. The portable, self-contained device can be used on a "chronic" basis and includes a receiver for receiving auditory signals, an auditory delay and or frequency shift circuit, and a transmitter for transmitting the altered signal to the individual user.

U.S. Patent No. 5,167,135
Safety lockout adapter and coupling member used therefor
Inventor(s): David L. Gobeski
Issued: December 1, 1992
Abstract: A safety lockout adapter is formed of two coupling members. Each coupling member is adapted to couple with another corresponding coupling member of substantially similar configuration for locking-out power disconnects or fluid line disconnects. When connecting the members to the power disconnect handle, a worker must use both hands. Each coupling member comprises a substantially rigid and planar member having opposing front and rear edges and opposing side edges defining front and rear portions. The front portion includes on one of the side edges an arcuate portion extending inwardly to form a substantially concave cut-out and a hook portion defined by the front edge and projecting toward the side from the front of the concave cut-out. Means positioned along the side edge opposite the arcuate cut-out holds together two coupling members when reversed and coupled in overlapping registry with each other. The rear portion of each coupling member has a plurality of holes therein which are positioned to align with the holes of the other coupling member when both members are coupled together to permit padlocks to be inserted through the aligned holes.