Patents by Inventor John A. Holmes

John A. Holmes 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).

  • Publication number: 20230110584
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are safety devices that are positioned on the end of a fiberoptic cable, such as those used in surgical procedures, to prevent patients and other objects from the risk of burn from light or heat emitted from the end of the cable when not connected to an optical instrument. The disclosed safety devices can be added to the ends of existing cables and/or can be included at the end of cables during manufacture. In some embodiments, the safety device replaces an existing connector at the end of a cable, and in some embodiments the safety device is added in addition to a connector at the end of the cable. In some embodiments, a slit end cover is included over an open end of an adaptor that is mounted on a distal connector of a fiberoptic cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, UPMC
    Inventors: Steven Gerard Docimo, William W. Clark, Alexandra Marie Delazio, John A. Holmes, Benjamin T. Ristau
  • Patent number: 11589906
    Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable, magnesium-containing bone screw for implanting into a patient body for use in medical applications, such as, orthopedic, craniofacial and cardiovascular surgery. The bone screw has a head, shaft and tip. The thickness of the head is greater than the thickness of conventional bone screws. The shaft includes both a non-threaded and a threaded portion. The tip is non-threaded and pointed, such as, conical in shape. The composition of the bone screws provide for improved biodegradability and biocompatibility, and the features of the structure of the bone screws facilitate guidance and placement during implantation as well as reduce the potential for mechanical failures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH—OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: Alejandro Jose Almarza, John A. Holmes, William Lee Chung, Sarah E. Henderson
  • Patent number: 11534051
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are safety devices that are positioned on the end of a fiberoptic cable, such as those used in surgical procedures, to prevent patients and other objects from the risk of burn from light or heat emitted from the end of the cable when not connected to an optical instrument. The disclosed safety devices can be added to the ends of existing cables and/or can be included at the end of cables during manufacture. In some embodiments, the safety device replaces an existing connector at the end of a cable, and in some embodiments the safety device is added in addition to a connector at the end of the cable. In some embodiments, a slit end cover is included over an open end of an adaptor that is mounted on a distal connector of a fiberoptic cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignees: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, UPMC
    Inventors: Steven Gerard Docimo, William W. Clark, Alexandra Marie Delazio, John A. Holmes, Benjamin T. Ristau
  • Patent number: 11376580
    Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to pipette tips, systems thereof, and methods of their use. In one embodiment, a pipette (100) includes a tip (101) with a defined opening (102) for a biological and/or chemical sample, and a securing structure (103) extending from the end of the tip (101) and in communication with the opening (102), the securing structure (103) having at least one mechanical securing member (104) that is configured to secure the biological and/or chemical sample at the tip (101).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Lawrence Vernetti, John A. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20210204796
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are safety devices that are positioned on the end of a fiberoptic cable, such as those used in surgical procedures, to prevent patients and other objects from the risk of burn from light or heat emitted from the end of the cable when not connected to an optical instrument. The disclosed safety devices can be added to the ends of existing cables and/or can be included at the end of cables during manufacture. In some embodiments, the safety device replaces an existing connector at the end of a cable, and in some embodiments the safety device is added in addition to a connector at the end of the cable. In some embodiments, a slit end cover is included over an open end of an adaptor that is mounted on a distal connector of a fiberoptic cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, UPMC
    Inventors: Steven Gerard Docimo, William W. Clark, Alexandra Marie Delazio, John A. Holmes, Benjamin T. Ristau
  • Publication number: 20210097578
    Abstract: A digital marketing automation system includes a server including a processor. The processor is configured to, in a data collection phase, after an initializing command from a user receive business information of the user from websites, receive customer information from point of sales systems, and generate a customer database of selectable customers. The processor is configured to, in a connection phase, receive input designating services utilized by the user for customer interactions, connect data input from the point of sales systems and services for customer interactions as customer engagement data and store the customer engagement data in a customer database, and receive continuous customer engagement data. The processor is configured to, in a building phase, receive input specifying at least one available product or service of the business, generate customized offers, and generate a promotional schedule for promotional material including the customized offers to be sent to the selectable customers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: John A. Holmes, Gabriel Winslow, Edward Rafaele
  • Patent number: 10849667
    Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable, magnesium-containing bone screw for implanting into a patient body for use in medical applications, such as, orthopedic, craniofacial and cardiovascular surgery. The bone screw has a head, shaft and tip. The thickness of the head is greater than the thickness of conventional bone screws. The shaft includes both a non-threaded and a threaded portion. The tip is non-threaded and pointed, such as, conical in shape. The composition of the bone screws provide for improved biodegradability and biocompatibility, and the features of the structure of the bone screws facilitate guidance and placement during implantation as well as reduce the potential for mechanical failures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH—OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: Alejandro Jose Almarza, John A. Holmes, William Lee Chung, Sarah E. Henderson
  • Patent number: 10400406
    Abstract: Disclosed are wave dissipation systems, modular units for use in wave dissipation systems and methods of constructing the same. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the construction of breakwater systems using a plurality of modular elements which can be interlocked to form an elongated breakwall. Each module unit includes a base unit and a lid element. The base unit has a bottom wall, a rear wall, laterally opposed side walls and a front wall which in combination define an energy dissipation chamber. The lid element covers the energy dissipation chamber of the base unit and is disposed on top of the base unit at angle with respect to the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: COWI MARINE NORTH AMERICA
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Sullivan, John A. Holmes
  • Patent number: 10067572
    Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard, thumbwheel, display and associated software is optimized for use of the device with the thumbs. The associated software has a plurality of features to optimize efficient use of the limited keyboard space and encourage the use of the device by thumb-based data entry through the thumbwheel and/or through a combination of minimal number of keystrokes. Software features include international character scrolling, and auto-capitalization. The keys on the device keyboard are optimally shaped and configured for thumb-based input. In addition, the thumbwheel is inclined between the front and a side edge of the device so as to be reachable by either the thumb or index finger of the user's hand at the side edge of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Jason T. Griffin, John A. Holmes, Mihal Lazaridis, Herb A. Little, Harry R. Major, Craig Dunk, Michael Brown, Jérôme Lang
  • Publication number: 20170342673
    Abstract: Disclosed are wave dissipation systems, modular units for use in wave dissipation systems and methods of constructing the same. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the construction of breakwater systems using a plurality of modular elements which can be interlocked to form an elongated breakwall. Each module unit includes a base unit and a lid element. The base unit has a bottom wall, a rear wall, laterally opposed side walls and a front wall which in combination define an energy dissipation chamber. The lid element covers the energy dissipation chamber of the base unit and is disposed on top of the base unit at angle with respect to the bottom wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Sullivan, John A. Holmes
  • Patent number: 9703390
    Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard, thumbwheel, display and associated software is optimized for use of the device with the thumbs. The associated software has a plurality of features to optimize efficient use of the limited keyboard space and encourage the use of the device by thumb-based data entry through the thumbwheel and/or through a combination of minimal number of keystrokes. Software features include international character scrolling, and auto-capitalization. The keys on the device keyboard are optimally shaped and configured for thumb-based input. In addition, the thumbwheel is inclined between the front and a side edge of the device so as to be reachable by either the thumb or index finger of the user's hand at the side edge of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Jason T. Griffin, John A. Holmes, Mihal Lazaridis, Herb A. Little, Harry R. Major, Craig Dunk, Michael Brown, Jerome Lang
  • Patent number: 9367141
    Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard optimized for use with the thumbs is disclosed. In order to operate within the limited space available on a hand-held electronic device, the present invention optimizes the placement and shape of the keys, preferably using keys that are oval or oblong in shape, and that are placed at angles designed to facilitate thumb-typing. The angles at which keys on either side of the keyboard are placed is complimentary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Jason T. Griffin, John A. Holmes, Mihal Lazaridis, Herb A. Little, Harry R. Major
  • Patent number: 8493322
    Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard, thumbwheel, display and associated software is optimized for use of the device with the thumbs. The associated software has a plurality of features to optimize efficient use of the limited keyboard space and encourage the use of the device by thumb-based data entry through the thumbwheel and/or through a combination of minimal number of keystrokes. Software features include international character scrolling, and auto-capitalization. The keys on the device keyboard are optimally shaped and configured for thumb-based input. In addition, the thumbwheel is inclined between the front and a side edge of the device so as to be reachable by either the thumb or index finger of the user's hand at the side edge of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Jason T. Griffin, John A. Holmes, Mihal Lazaridis, Herb A. Little, Harry R. Major, Craig Dunk, Michael Brown, Jérôme Lang
  • Patent number: 8464149
    Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard, thumbwheel, display and associated software is optimized for use of the device with the thumbs. The associated software has a plurality of features to optimize efficient use of the limited keyboard space and encourage the use of the device by thumb-based data entry through the thumbwheel and/or through a combination of minimal number of keystrokes. Software features include international character scrolling, and auto-capitalization. The keys on the device keyboard are optimally shaped and configured for thumb-based input. In addition, the thumbwheel is inclined between the front and a side edge of the device so as to be reachable by either the thumb or index finger of the user's hand at the side edge of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Jason T. Griffin, John A. Holmes, Mihal Lazaridis, Herb A. Little, Harry R. Major, Craig Dunk, Michael Brown, Jerome Lang
  • Patent number: 8416195
    Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard optimized for use with the thumbs is disclosed. In order to operate within the limited space available on a hand-held electronic device, the present invention optimizes the placement and shape of the keys, preferably using keys that are oval or oblong in shape, and that are placed at angles designed to facilitate thumb-typing. The angles at which keys on either side of the keyboard are placed is complimentary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Jason T. Griffin, John A. Holmes, Mihal Lazaridis, Herb A. Little, Harry R. Major
  • Publication number: 20120032889
    Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard, thumbwheel, display and associated software is optimized for use of the device with the thumbs. The associated software has a plurality of features to optimize efficient use of the limited keyboard space and encourage the use of the device by thumb-based data entry through the thumbwheel and/or through a combination of minimal number of keystrokes. Software features include international character scrolling, and auto-capitalization. The keys on the device keyboard are optimally shaped and configured for thumb-based input. In addition, the thumbwheel is inclined between the front and a side edge of the device so as to be reachable by either the thumb or index finger of the user's hand at the side edge of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Jason T. Griffin, John A. Holmes, Mihal Lazaridis, Herb A. Little, Harry R. Major, Craig Dunk, Michael Brown, Jérôme Lang
  • Patent number: 8031178
    Abstract: A keyboard apparatus includes a group of switches, a key having a corresponding group of plungers, and a chassis structure including a panel and a post. The post projects upward from the panel to support the key for manual movement pivotally into multiple actuated positions in which the plungers actuate the switches. The panel has a group of apertures through which the plungers are movable into actuating engagement with the switches upon such multi-directional movement of the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Roman Peter Rak, John A. Holmes, Jason T. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20110225491
    Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard, thumbwheel, display and associated software is optimized for use of the device with the thumbs. The associated software has a plurality of features to optimize efficient use of the limited keyboard space and encourage the use of the device by thumb-based data entry through the thumbwheel and/or through a combination of minimal number of keystrokes. Software features include international character scrolling, and auto-capitalization. The keys on the device keyboard are optimally shaped and configured for thumb-based input. In addition, the thumbwheel is inclined between the front and a side edge of the device so as to be reachable by either the thumb or index finger of the user's hand at the side edge of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Jason T. Griffin, John A. Holmes, Mihal Lazaridis, Herb A. Little, Harry R. Major, Craig Dunk, Michael Brown, Jérôme Lang
  • Publication number: 20110215999
    Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard, thumbwheel, display and associated software is optimized for use of the device with the thumbs. The associated software has a plurality of features to optimize efficient use of the limited keyboard space and encourage the use of the device by thumb-based data entry through the thumbwheel and/or through a combination of minimal number of keystrokes. Software features include international character scrolling, and auto-capitalization. The keys on the device keyboard are optimally shaped and configured for thumb-based input. In addition, the thumbwheel is inclined between the front and a side edge of the device so as to be reachable by either the thumb or index finger of the user's hand at the side edge of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Jason T. Griffin, John A. Holmes, Mihal Lazaridis, Herb A. Little, Harry R. Major, Craig Dunk, Michael Brown, Jérôme Lang
  • Patent number: 7969419
    Abstract: A hand-held electronic device with a keyboard, thumbwheel, display and associated software is optimized for use of the device with the thumbs. The associated software has a plurality of features to optimize efficient use of the limited keyboard space and encourage the use of the device by thumb-based data entry through the thumbwheel and/or through a combination of minimal number of keystrokes. Software features include international character scrolling, and auto-capitalization. The keys on the device keyboard are optimally shaped and configured for thumb-based input. In addition, the thumbwheel is inclined between the front and a side edge of the device so as to be reachable by either the thumb or index finger of the user's hand at the side edge of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Jason T Griffin, John A Holmes, Mihal Lazaridis, Herb A Little, Harry R Major, Craig Dunk, Michael S Brown, Jerome Lang