W. Gerard von Hoffmann, III
has served as a director of the Company since October 2000. Since 1989, Mr. von
Hoffman has been a partner at the intellectual property law firm of Knobbe,
Martens, Olson & Bear, LLP, and has been licensed to practice before the
United States Patent and Trademark office. Mr. von Hoffman serves as patent
counsel for the Company. Mr. von Hoffman holds an A.B. in Chemistry from
Occidental College and received a J.D., cum laude, from the University of San
Diego School of Law. Mr. von Hoffman also attended the Institute on
International and Comparative Law at Oxford University, England. Mr. von
Hoffmann serves on the boards of several private medical technology companies.