Patents by Inventor Bill Alston

Bill Alston 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).

  • Systems devices and methods for opening receptacles having a powder to be fluidized
    Patent number: 6668827
    Abstract: A method for forming at least one opening in a receptacle comprises the steps of providing a receptacle having a cover with an exterior surface and an interior surface covering a cavity. A cutting mechanism is also provided having at least one blade. The cover is pierced with the blade, and the blade is moved through the cover to cut a portion of the cover and create an opening in the cover to provide access into the cavity. Further, the cut portion curls on top of the exterior surface as the opening is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Nektar Therapeutics
    Inventors: Carlos Schuler, Bill Alston, Derrick Tuttle, Dennis Rasmussen, Stephen R. Deming