Patents by Inventor James R. Johnson

James R. Johnson 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: 6977095
    Abstract: A process for producing a rigid reticulated article involves coating a reticulated substrate which has open, interconnected porosity with a first dispersion comprising a ceramic or metal powder to form a first coating thereon; drying the coated reticulated substrate; contacting the coated reticulated substrate with one or more additional dispersions in succession to form one or more additional coatings thereon; drying the additional coatings between the steps of contacting; heating the coated reticulated substrate to pyrolyze organic components; and sintering the coated reticulated substrate to form a reticulated article, wherein each dispersion has a viscosity less than that of all preceding dispersions. A rigid reticulated article includes inner, intermediate and outer sintered layers of material in which the inner and outer layers are of different composition and the intermediate layer is a composite of the inner and outer layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Marx, Bradley R. Heckendorf, James R. Johnson, John Jeffrey Venarsky
  • Patent number: 6960346
    Abstract: A formulation containing one or more biologically active substances dissolved, dispersed, emulsified, or suspended within a vehicle of one or more citric acid esters and/or citric acid ethers. Methods for making and using are disclosed, as are kits for administration of the pharmaceutical formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: University of Tennessee Research Foundation
    Inventors: Atul J. Shukla, James R. Johnson, Yichun Sun, Robert Cooper, Gregg Boring, Dan Scruggs
  • Patent number: 6937119
    Abstract: A tuning door is fabricated for a resonant cavity of a high frequency apparatus. Contact fingers are formed around the edge of a conductive plate. The plate is then fixed to a support by, for example, double sided adhesive tape. The conductive plate is part of the interior surface of the resonant cavity. The fingers may be formed in one operation, for example, by photoetching and are fully integral with the active surface to give optimum electrical conduction between them. Other types of high frequency apparatus may use contact fingers to provide electrical conduction between a movable wall and an adjacent conductive surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: E2V Technologies (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Bardell, Mark Bridges, James R Johnson, Andrew Sleet, Stuart W Andrews
  • Patent number: 6869445
    Abstract: Adherent packed beds of ceramic beads, each comprising a ceramic body coated with a biodegradable polymer, and fabric bags containing such beads in a packed, self-supporting configuration. The polymeric coating provides some resilience to a packed bed of the ceramic beads, and prevents the beads from moving with respect to each other when placed under stress, leading to reduced breakage. The ceramic beads desirably are osteoconductive, and preferably are formed of a ceramic material that is resorbed during bone growth, such as hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, or mixtures of these materials. The beads may contain, either internally or on their surfaces or both, a bone morphogenic protein, and the latter may also be included in the biodegradable polymer coatings on the beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Phillips Plastics Corp.
    Inventor: James R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6849186
    Abstract: Buoyant, sphere-like materials on the order of about 10 to about 300 microns and surrounded, at least in part, by (1) a variable blend of a ferromagnetic and paramagnetic material and (2) an absorbing or adsorbing material are effective vehicles for isolating targeted materials. By virtue of its relatively low density, the composite material is capable of remaining sufficiently suspended in solution for a suitable amount of time. In addition, the blend of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic materials allows for the isolation of a composite material from an environment such as a solution, yet discourages substantial self-attachment of the composite materials in solution, when subject to a magnetic field. Accordingly, multiple embodiments of composite materials having these and other properties are disclosed, as well as methods for making and using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Phillips Plastic Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Johnson, Majid Entezarian
  • Patent number: 6844854
    Abstract: An interferometric antenna array for use with a wireless communications device in reducing electromagnetic energy in a region proximate to the antenna array. The antenna array comprises two or more radiating elements coupled through circuitry to the wireless communications device. The circuitry operates to appropriately divide a signal from the communications device into a plurality of signals and to phase-shift the plurality of signals such that the electromagnetic wave pattern formed proximate to the antenna array by the two or more radiating elements, which are fed by the phase-shifted plurality od signals, includes a spatial null. The spatial null is located at a region where sensitive electronic equipment, or some portion of a user of the communications device is also located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Myers & Johnson, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Johnson, Steven L. Myers
  • Publication number: 20040265378
    Abstract: A method for making granules containing a biologically active substance (BAS) whereby the BAS is mixed with a binder to form a powder mixture having a concentration of binder below that which, when the binder is melted, will cause over-wetting of the powder mixture, heating the mixture to a temperature above the melting point of the binder to form an agglomerated powder, and forming granules from the agglomerated powder. The granules may be used to make pharmaceutical dosage forms such as tablets and capsules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Yingxu Peng, Yichun Sun, James R. Johnson, Atul J. Shukla
  • Patent number: 6814783
    Abstract: Inorganic, porous particles filter a substance or substances from a flow of fluid such as a gas. The particles can be arranged into a bed to filter a substance (filtrate substance) from a fluid. The filtrate substance can collect on or within the pores of the inorganic particles. Collection of the filtrate substance within the pores of the particles rather than within the interstices of the bed enhances the filtering capacity and does not impede the flow of fluid through the bed of particles. Furthermore, the inorganic particles are re-usable, in that they can be subjected to harsh filtrate-separation techniques, e.g., heat treatment, solvent extraction, detergent washing, and centrifugal separation, yet retain their desired properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Phillips Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Fitch, Majid Entezarian, James R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040139858
    Abstract: Inorganic, porous particles attract oleo material within a flow of fluid such as a liquid or gas. The particles can be arranged into a packed bed to filter the oleo material from the fluid flow, which can agglomerate in the pores of the filtering particles. Agglomeration of the filtrate within the pores of the particles does not impede the flow of fluid through the interstices of bed of particle and, hence, enhances the filtering capacity of the particles. Furthermore, the inorganic particles are re-usable, in that they can be subjected to harsh filtrate-separation techniques, e.g., heat treatment, solvent extraction and detergent washing, yet retain their desired properties. Methods of making and using these particles also are described herein. Inorganic, porous particles filter a substance or substances from a flow of fluid such as a gas. The particles can be arranged into a bed to filter a substance (filtrate substance) from a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: PHILLIPS PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Majid Entezarian, Thomas M. Fitch, Richard Smasal, James R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040011203
    Abstract: Inorganic, porous particles filter a substance or substances from a flow of fluid such as a gas. The particles can be arranged into a bed to filter a substance (filtrate substance) from a fluid. The filtrate substance can collect on or within the pores of the inorganic particles. Collection of the filtrate substance within the pores of the particles rather than within the interstices of the bed enhances the filtering capacity and does not impede the flow of fluid through the bed of particles. Furthermore, the inorganic particles are re-usable, in that they can be subjected to harsh filtrate-separation techniques, e.g., heat treatment, solvent extraction, detergent washing, and centrifugal separation, yet retain their desired properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas M Fitch, Majid Entezarian, James R Johnson
  • Patent number: 6662843
    Abstract: Method an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed are disclosed. The reclosable bags 2001 are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fasteners profiler across the web for sealing thereon. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape. In another embodiment a coating is applied to the tape itself to prevent sealing of the folded slit tape to itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6656587
    Abstract: Buoyant, sphere-like materials on the order of about 10 to about 300 microns and surrounded, at least in part, by (1) a variable blend of a ferromagnetic and paramagnetic material and (2) an absorbing or adsorbing material are effective vehicles for isolating targeted materials. By virtue of its relatively low density, the composite material is capable of remaining sufficiently suspended in solution for a suitable amount of time. In addition, the blend of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic materials allows for the isolation of a composite material from an environment such as a solution, yet discourages substantial self-attachment of the composite materials in solution, when subject to a magnetic field. Accordingly, multiple embodiments of composite materials having these and other properties are disclosed, as well as methods for making and using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Phillips Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Johnson, Majid Entezarian
  • Publication number: 20030212154
    Abstract: A method of producing an open, porous structure having an outer surface defining a shape having a bulk volume and having interconnecting openings extending throughout said volume and opening through said surface, and products resulting from the method. The method comprises preparing a viscous mixture comprising a sinterable powder dispersed in a sol of a polymer in a primary solvent, replacing the primary solvent with a secondary liquid in which the polymer is insoluble to produce a gel comprising an open polymeric network having the sinterable powder arranged therein, removing the secondary liquid from the gel; removing the polymer network, and sintering the sinterable powder to form the open, porous structure. Also disclosed are shaped, porous products resulting from methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Phillips Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Johnson, Michael Edward Frencl
  • Publication number: 20030211123
    Abstract: A formulation containing one or more biologically active substances dissolved, dispersed, emulsified, or suspended within a vehicle of one or more citric acid esters and/or citric acid ethers. Methods for making and using are disclosed, as are kits for administration of the pharmaceutical formulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Atul J. Shukla, James R. Johnson, Yichun Sun, Robert Cooper, Gregg Boring, Dan Scruggs
  • Publication number: 20030189518
    Abstract: An interferometric antenna array for use with a wireless communications device in reducing electromagnetic energy in a region proximate to the antenna array. The antenna array comprises two or more radiating elements coupled through circuitry to the wireless communications device. The circuitry operates to appropriately divide a signal from the communications device into a plurality of signals and to phase-shift the plurality of signals such that the electromagnetic wave pattern formed proximate to the antenna array by the two or more radiating elements, which are fed by the phase-shifted plurality od signals, includes a spatial null. The spatial null is located at a region where sensitive electronic equipment, or some portion of a user of the communications device is also located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: James R. Johnson, Steven L. Myers
  • Patent number: 6605648
    Abstract: A method of producing an open, porous structure having an outer surface defining a shape having a bulk volume and having interconnecting openings extending throughout said volume and opening through said surface, and products resulting from the method. The method comprises preparing a viscous mixture comprising a sinterable powder dispersed in a sol of a polymer in a primary solvent, replacing the primary solvent with a secondary liquid in which the polymer is insoluble to produce a gel comprising an open polymeric network having the sinterable powder arranged therein, removing the secondary liquid from the gel; removing the polymer network, and sintering the sinterable powder to form the open, porous structure. Also disclosed are shaped, porous products resulting from methods of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Phillips Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Johnson, Michael Edward Frencl
  • Patent number: 6551837
    Abstract: A test kit for testing substrates for soluble salts including a test sleeve, a pre-measured volume of solvent solution, and a soluble salt measuring device. The test sleeve includes a generally tubular body with a closed end and an open end. The open end includes a flange defining an aperture, and an attachment member coupled to the flange for removably securing the testing sleeve to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventors: James R. Johnson, Jerry J. Colahan
  • Patent number: 6527810
    Abstract: A strong, porous article useful as a bone substitute material. The article comprises a continuous strong framework structure having struts defining interstices which interconnect throughout the bulk volume, and may have ceramic or osteoconductive material occupying at least a portion of the same bulk volume as the framework structure. Either as a coating on the strong framework struts or between the framework struts and the ceramic or osteoconductive-osteoinductive materials is a resilient material which serves to distribute stresses within the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Wright Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Johnson, Jeffrey G. Marx, Wesley D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6509080
    Abstract: Methods, an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed are disclosed. The reclosable bags 2001 are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fasteners profiler across the web for sealing thereon. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: James R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020162798
    Abstract: Buoyant, sphere-like materials on the order of about 10 to about 300 microns and surrounded, at least in part, by (1) a variable blend of a ferromagnetic and paramagnetic material and (2) an absorbing or adsorbing material are effective vehicles for isolating targeted materials. By virtue of its relatively low density, the composite material is capable of remaining sufficiently suspended in solution for a suitable amount of time. In addition, the blend of ferromagnetic and paramagnetic materials allows for the isolation of a composite material from an environment such as a solution, yet discourages substantial self-attachment of the composite materials in solution, when subject to a magnetic field. Accordingly, multiple embodiments of composite materials having these and other properties are disclosed, as well as methods for making and using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: James R. Johnson, Majid Entezarian