Patents by Inventor Charles Stephen Whitehead

Charles Stephen Whitehead 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).

  • Patent number: 11046960
    Abstract: A method of detecting gibberellins, for example in barley. Current methods of detecting gibberellins require dedicated equipment which makes it expensive and time consuming. A ligand bind assay for detecting gibberellins in which the above disadvantages could at least partially be overcome or alleviated is described. The ligand binding assay uses aptamers for the detection of gibberellins in barley seeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: University of Johannesburg
    Inventors: Charles Stephen Whitehead, Eduard Venter, Joseph Adrian Walker, Kha Quan Tram
  • Patent number: 10993378
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for applying foliar spray. The apparatus (1) includes supply means (2) in the form of a water tank (4) with pipe (5) extending from the tank, through a reverse osmosis water filtration unit (12), pump (6), and valve (7). A solute container (8) for holding solute (9) in the form an electrolyte solution of sodium ions (Na+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) formed by mixing sodium bicarbonate and water (3) from the supply means (2) is also included. A combinatory part (10) is connected to an ion exchange part (15) through valve (19), pipe (17) and pump (18). The prepared solution is the product of passing the diluted electrolyte solution (11) through the ion exchange column (15) and may be applied to the foliage of plants (26) through pump (27), pipes (28), and finally micro sprayers (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Charles Stephen Whitehead
  • Publication number: 20200378967
    Abstract: A method of detecting gibberellins, for example in barley. Current methods of detecting gibberellins require dedicated equipment which makes it expensive and time consuming. A ligand bind assay for detecting gibberellins in which the above disadvantages could at least partially be overcome or alleviated is described. The ligand binding assay uses aptamers for the detection of gibberellins in barley seeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Charles Stephen WHITEHEAD, Eduard VENTER, Joseph Adrian WALKER, Kha Quan TRAM
  • Publication number: 20170303475
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for applying foliar spray and more specifically, but not exclusively, to an apparatus for applying a carbon rich foliar spray. The apparatus (1) includes supply means (2) for supplying water (3) to the apparatus. The supply means (2) is in the form of a water tank (4) with pipe (5) extending from the tank, through a reverse osmosis water filtration unit (12), pump (6), and valve (7). A solute container (8) for holding solute (9) in the form an electrolyte solution of sodium ions (Na+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3—) formed by mixing sodium bicarbonate and water (3) from the supply means (2). The combinatory part (10) is connected to an ion exchange part (15) through valve (19), pipe (17) and pump (18). The prepared solution is the product of passing the diluted electrolyte solution (11) through the ion exchange column (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2015
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventor: Charles Stephen Whitehead