Patents by Inventor Michael A. Whitney
Michael A. Whitney has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9011561Abstract: A solids circulation system receives a gas stream containing char or other reacting solids from a first reactor. The solids circulation system includes a cyclone configured to receive the gas stream from the first reactor, a dipleg from the cyclone to a second reactor, and a riser from the second reactor which merges with the gas stream received by the cyclone. The second reactor has a dense fluid bed and converts the received materials to gaseous products. A conveying fluid transports a portion of the bed media from the second reactor through the riser to mix with the gas stream prior to cyclone entry. The bed media helps manipulate the solids that is received by the cyclone to facilitate flow of solids down the dipleg into the second reactor. The second reactor provides additional residence time, mixing and gas-solid contact for efficient conversion of char or reacting solids.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Thermochem Recovery International, Inc.Inventors: Ravi Chandran, Jonathan A. Zenz, Dave G. Newport, Hamilton Sean Michael Whitney
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Publication number: 20140252276Abstract: A system and method for processing unconditioned syngas first removes solids and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC), then removes volatile organic compounds (VOC), and then removes at least one sulfur containing compound from the syngas. Additional processing may be performed depending on such factors as the source of syngas being processed, the products, byproducts and intermediate products desired to be formed, captured or recycled and environmental considerations.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2012Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: ThermoChem Recovery International, Inc.Inventors: Ravi Chandran, Daniel Michael Leo, Shawn Robert Freitas, Dave G. Newport, Hamilton Sean Michael Whitney, Daniel A. Burciaga
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Patent number: 8685372Abstract: The present invention provides methods for guiding preservation of neurons or nerves during surgery by administering a fluorescently-labeled peptide or aptamer that specifically binds to the neurons or nerves. The invention further provides targeting molecules of fluorescently-labeled peptides or aptamers that specifically bind to neurons or nerves and for compositions thereof.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Roger Y. Tsien, Quyen T. Nguyen, Michael Whitney
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Publication number: 20120148499Abstract: The present invention provides methods for guiding preservation of neurons or nerves during surgery by administering a fluorescently-labeled peptide or aptamer that specifically binds to the neurons or nerves. The invention further provides targeting molecules of fluorescently-labeled peptides or aptamers that specifically bind to neurons or nerves and for compositions thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Roger Y. Tsien, Quyen T. Nguyen, Michael Whitney
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Publication number: 20120111109Abstract: A solids circulation system receives a gas stream containing char or other reacting solids from a first reactor. The solids circulation system includes a cyclone configured to receive the gas stream from the first reactor, a dipleg from the cyclone to a second reactor, and a riser from the second reactor which merges with the gas stream received by the cyclone. The second reactor has a dense fluid bed and converts the received materials to gaseous products. A conveying fluid transports a portion of the bed media from the second reactor through the riser to mix with the gas stream prior to cyclone entry. The bed media helps manipulate the solids that is received by the cyclone to facilitate flow of solids down the dipleg into the second reactor. The second reactor provides additional residence time, mixing and gas-solid contact for efficient conversion of char or reacting solids.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: ThermoChem Recovery InternationalInventors: Ravi Chandran, Jonathan A. Zenz, Dave G. Newport, Hamilton Sean Michael Whitney
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Publication number: 20120014873Abstract: A generic structure for the peptides of the present invention includes A-X-B-C, where C is a cargo moiety, the B portion includes basic amino acids, X is a cleavable linker sequence, and the A portion includes acidic amino acids. The intact structure is not significantly taken up by cells; however, upon extracellular cleavage of X, the B-C portion is taken up, delivering the cargo to targeted cells. Cargo may be, for example, a contrast agent for diagnostic imaging, a chemotherapeutic drug, or a radiation-sensitizer for therapy. X may be cleaved extracellularly or intracellularly. The molecules of the present invention may be linear, cyclic, branched, or have a mixed structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Tao Jiang, Emilia S. Olson, Michael Whitney, Roger Y. Tsien
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Publication number: 20110191873Abstract: This invention is directed towards methods of destabilizing proteins in living cells, and their use for the development of novel assays. In one embodiment, the invention comprises the use of non-cleavable multimerized ubiquitin fusion proteins to destabilize a target protein, such as a reporter moiety. In one aspect of this method the constructs also comprises a linker that operatively couples the reporter moiety to the multimerized ubiquitin fusion protein. In this embodiment, enzymatic modification of the linker results in a modulation of the coupling of the reporter protein to the multimerized ubiquitin domains resulting in a change in the stability of the reporter moiety. The level of the reporter moiety in the cell can then be used as a measure of the enzymatic activity in the cell. In another embodiment the invention provides for a generalized way of coordinately regulating the cellular concentration of a plurality of target proteins.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Jeffrey Stack, Michael Whitney, Andrew B. Cubitt, Brian Pollok
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Patent number: 7985401Abstract: A generic structure for the peptides of the present invention includes A-X-B-C, where C is a cargo moiety, the B portion includes basic amino acids, X is a cleavable linker sequence, and the A portion includes acidic amino acids. The intact structure is not significantly taken up by cells; however, upon extracellular cleavage of X, the B-C portion is taken up, delivering the cargo to targeted cells. Cargo may be, for example, a contrast agent for diagnostic imaging, a chemotherapeutic drug, or a radiation-sensitizer for therapy. X may be cleaved extracellularly or intracellularly. The molecules of the present invention may be linear, cyclic, branched, or have a mixed structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2005Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Tao Jiang, Emilia S. Olson, Michael Whitney, Roger Tsien
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Patent number: 7824850Abstract: This invention is directed towards methods of destabilizing proteins in living cells, and their use for the development of novel assays. In one embodiment, the invention comprises the use of non-cleavable multimerized ubiquitin fusion proteins to destabilize a target protein, such as a reporter moiety. In one aspect of this method the constructs also comprises a linker that operatively couples the reporter moiety to the multimerized ubiquitin fusion protein. In this embodiment, enzymatic modification of the linker results in a modulation of the coupling of the reporter protein to the multimerized ubiquitin domains resulting in a change in the stability of the reporter moiety. The level of the reporter moiety in the cell can then be used as a measure of the enzymatic activity in the cell. In another embodiment the invention provides for a generalized way of coordinately regulating the cellular concentration of a plurality of target proteins.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Aurora Biosciences CorporationInventors: Jeffrey Stack, Michael Whitney, Andrew B. Cubitt, Brian Pollok
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Patent number: 7793226Abstract: A method and system for grouping and stacking tab user interface objects with icon status indicators. Tabs are grouped together, and each tab group is visually represented by a single top tab, under which all tabs in the group are stacked. The top tab of a tab group provides visual indication through one or more icons of which tab in the group is currently selected, and of at least one status of each tab in the group. The tab groups may be displayed as part of a row or rows of tabs that provide the user with control over the contents of an associated view pane. The user can select a tab group to be currently active with respect to other tabs in the tab row(s) in the user interface by clicking on the top tab for that group.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael Whitney Sorenson, Ethan Perry, Andrew S. Joslin
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Patent number: 7681826Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a chalk line device having a helical gear and an improved locking assembly. The locking assembly comprises a first lock member having a lock button. The locking assembly also comprises a second lock member including an opening to lockingly engage the first lock member and having a plurality of teeth at one end disposed adjacent one of the helical gears used in this embodiment. The second lock member engages with the helical gear in response to a movement of the lock button member.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool CompanyInventor: Hamilton Sean Michael Whitney
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Publication number: 20090292987Abstract: One aspect of the present invention can include a method, computer program product, system, and/or device for formatting content of an electronic document. In the aspect, pending content from a source document can be identified that is to be inserted into a target document. An insertion point in the target document can be identified. Format settings of pre-existing content of the target electronic document can be analyzed in a range about the insertion point. Predominant format settings for the pre-existing content in the range can be determined. The determined predominant format settings can be applied to the pending content to generate a version of the pending content formatted in accordance with the determined predominant format settings. The version pending content conforming to the predominant format of the target can then be added to the target document at the insertion point.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2008Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventor: Michael Whitney Sorenson
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Publication number: 20090273259Abstract: A storage assembly has a frame assembly defining a compartment and a drawer slidably supported in the frame assembly between a closed position and an open position. The storage assembly further has cooperative structure between the frame assembly and the drawer to selectively maintain the drawer in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2008Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: NEWELL OPERATING COMPANYInventors: Hamilton Sean Michael Whitney, Jacqueline Marie Grant, Benjamin M. Harvey
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Patent number: 7559154Abstract: The tape measure may consist of a relatively large tape blade. To accommodate a large blade the tape measure housing is formed as a hollow annulus having an open central core where the blade is wound about the core of the annular housing. Because the housing has a central opening it can be easily carried in one hand. The device also includes a locking mechanism for locking the tape in an extended position and a rewind mechanism for rewinding the tape back into the housing. The rewind mechanism may comprise a belt drive, opposed springs with a cam lock, a linear spring compressed by a gear drive, a motor driven gear drive, a flat spring and gear drive or a magnetic drive.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool CompanyInventors: Steven R. Levine, James Alan Weir, Hamilton Sean Michael Whitney, Matthew R. Shute, James M. Burry
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Patent number: 7512485Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and computer program product for routing multiple paths through polygonal obstacles. In a preferred embodiment, the method begins by offsetting the initial paths through the obstacles from the obstacles to form adjusted paths. If it is determined that any adjusted path encounters a new intersection, the adjusted path or paths are modified to form revised paths. The vertices of each obstacle are labeled. All the revised and all the adjusted paths are sorted. Then, according to their sorted order, the revised and the adjusted paths are reconstructed to form offset paths.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Thomas Randall Hudson, Jr., Michael Whitney Sorenson
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Patent number: 7465738Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds useful as promoters of the SMN2 gene. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Vertex Pharmaceuticals IncorporatedInventors: Jill Jarecki, Xiaocun Chen, Dennis James Hurley, Lewis R. Makings, Mark T. Miller, Brian Pollok, Jeffrey H. Stack, Michael A. Whitney
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Publication number: 20080227129Abstract: This invention is directed towards methods of destabilizing proteins in living cells, and their use for the development of novel assays. In one embodiment, the invention comprises the use of non-cleavable multimerized ubiquitin fusion proteins to destabilize a target protein, such as a reporter moiety. In one aspect of this method the constructs also comprises a linker that operatively couples the reporter moiety to the multimerized ubiquitin fusion protein. In this embodiment, enzymatic modification of the linker results in a modulation of the coupling of the reporter protein to the multimerized ubiquitin domains resulting in a change in the stability of the reporter moiety. The level of the reporter moiety in the cell can then be used as a measure of the enzymatic activity in the cell. In another embodiment the invention provides for a generalized way of coordinately regulating the cellular concentration of a plurality of target proteins.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: Jeffrey Stack, Michael Whitney, Andrew B. Cubitt, Brian Pollok
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Publication number: 20080040682Abstract: A method and system for grouping and stacking tab user interface objects with icon status indicators. Tabs are grouped together, and each tab group is visually represented by a single top tab, under which all tabs in the group are stacked. The top tab of a tab group provides visual indication through one or more icons of which tab in the group is currently selected, and of at least one status of each tab in the group. The tab groups may be displayed as part of a row or rows of tabs that provide the user with control over the contents of an associated view pane. The user can select a tab group to be currently active with respect to other tabs in the tab row(s) in the user interface by clicking on the top tab for that group. When a menu indicator in the top tab for a group is clicked on by the user, a menu is generated that allows the user to indicate (e.g. click on) any tab within the group in order to cause that tab to become the currently selected tab for the group.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2006Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventors: Michael Whitney Sorenson, Ethan Perry, Andrew S. Joslin
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Patent number: 7311283Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a chalk line device having a helical gear and an improved locking assembly. The locking assembly comprises a first lock member having a lock button. The locking assembly also comprises a second lock member including an opening to lockingly engage the first lock member and having a plurality of teeth at one end disposed adjacent one of the helical gears used in this embodiment. The second lock member engages with the helical gear in response to a movement of the lock button member.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool CompanyInventor: Hamilton Sean Michael Whitney
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Patent number: 7262005Abstract: This invention is directed towards methods of destabilizing proteins in living cells, and their use for the development of novel assays. In one embodiment, the invention comprises the use of non-cleavable multimerized ubiquitin fusion proteins to destabilize a target protein, such as a reporter moiety. In one aspect of this method the constructs also comprises a linker that operatively couples the reporter moiety to the multimerized ubiquitin fusion protein. In this embodiment, enzymatic modification of the linker results in a modulation of the coupling of the reporter protein to the multimerized ubiquitin domains resulting in a change in the stability of the reporter moiety. The level of the reporter moiety in the cell can then be used as a measure of the enzymatic activity in the cell. In another embodiment the invention provides for a generalized way of coordinately regulating the cellular concentration of a plurality of target proteins.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Aurora Biosciences CorporationInventors: Jeffrey Stack, Michael Whitney, Andrew B. Cubitt, Brian Pollok