Patents by Inventor John A. McNeil

John A. McNeil 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: 20040180328
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for rapid detection of bioagents for environmental and product testing. The methods can be used for testing air, water, soil, surfaces of buildings, containers, towers and the like, as well as testing of foodstuff and cosmetics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven A. Hofstadler, John McNeil, Stanley T. Crooke, Lawrence B. Blyn, Thomas A. Hall
  • Publication number: 20040161770
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for rapid forensic analysis of mitochondrial DNA and methods for characterizing heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA, which can be used to assess the progression of mitochondrial diseases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven A. Hofstadler, John McNeil, Stanley T. Crooke, Lawrence B. Blyn, Thomas A. Hall, Yun Jiang, James C. Hannis, Neil White, Vivek Samant, Mark W. Eshoo, Jared J. Drader
  • Publication number: 20040122598
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further relates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil, Stanley T. Crooke
  • Publication number: 20040121314
    Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20040121312
    Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20040121309
    Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20040121340
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further relates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil, Stanley T. Crooke
  • Publication number: 20040121311
    Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20040122857
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further elates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil, Stanley T. Crooke
  • Publication number: 20040121310
    Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20040121315
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further relates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil, Stanley T. Crooke
  • Publication number: 20040121313
    Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20040121329
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further relates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil, Stanley T. Crooke
  • Publication number: 20040121335
    Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20040117129
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further relates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven A. Hofstadler, John McNeil, Stanley T. Crooke
  • Publication number: 20040110169
    Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven A. Hofstadler, John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20040057477
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optoelectronic device, a method of manufacture therefor and an optical communications system including the same. In an exemplary embodiment, the optoelectronic device includes a wavelength locking device that comprises a low reflector and optical filter. The optical filter an optical filter is located between the low reflector and an input end of the wavelength locking device. The optical filter and low reflector cooperate to lock an oscillation wavelength of a radiation source to a wavelength substantially determined by the optical filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Barron, William Herrmann, John McNeil, Jury V. Vandyshev, Kou-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 6694928
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of combusting tallow, and particularly tallow that may be contaminated with the prion protein considered to be responsible for spreading the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) infection in cattle, in a standard high-speed compression ignition engine. The invention also extends to combustion of other animal/vegetable-based fats and oils, particularly waste cooking oils which are at risk of contamination by toxic chemicals which may potentially enter the food chain. The heat and power produced by the engine may then be used to generate electricity. In accordance with the invention, the tallow, etc. is combusted in an enriched oxygen atmosphere in the combustion chamber of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Otwoempower Corp.
    Inventor: John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20030228597
    Abstract: Iterative, preferably computer based iterative processes for generating synthetic compounds capable of modulation of target expression are provided. During iterations of the processes, a target nucleic acid sequence is provided or selected, and a library of candidate nucleobase sequences is generated in silico according to defined criteria. A “virtual” oligonucleotide chemistry is chosen and a library of virtual oligonucleotide compounds having the selected nucleobase sequences is generated. These virtual compounds are reviewed and compounds predicted to have particular properties are selected. The selected compounds are robotically synthesized and are preferably robotically assayed for a desired physical, chemical or biological activity. Compounds exhibiting the ability to modulate target expression are identified as target modulators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: Lex M. Cowsert, Brenda F. Baker, John McNeil, Susan M. Freier, Henri M. Sasmor, Douglas G. Brooks, Cara Ohashi, Jacqueline R. Wyatt, Alexander H. Borchers, Timothy A. Vickers
  • Publication number: 20030228571
    Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven A. Hofstadler, John McNeil