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: 20030225529
    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: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil, Stanley T. Crooke
  • Publication number: 20030190605
    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: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20030187593
    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: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil, Stanley T. Crooke
  • Publication number: 20030187588
    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: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven A. Hofstadler, John McNeil, Stanley T. Crooke
  • Publication number: 20030175697
    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 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20030175696
    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 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20030175695
    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 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20030167134
    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: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven A. Hofstadler, John McNeil, Stanley T. Crooke
  • Publication number: 20030167133
    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: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven A. Hofstadler, John McNeil, Stanley T. Crooke
  • Publication number: 20030124556
    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 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20030113739
    Abstract: Interative, preferably computer based iterative processes for generating synthetic compounds with desired physical, chemical and/or bioactive properties, i.e., active compounds, 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. Active compounds are thus generated and, at the same time, preferred sequences and regions of the target nucleic acid that are amenable to oligonucleotide or sequence-based modulation are identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 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: 20030083483
    Abstract: Methods for the identification of compounds which modulate, either inhibit or stimulate, biomolecules are provided. Nucleic acids, especially RNAs are preferred substrates for such modulation. The present methods are particularly powerful in that they provide novel combinations of techniques which give rise to compounds, usually “small” organic compounds, which are highly potent modulators of RNA and other biomolecular activity. In accordance with preferred aspects of the invention, very large numbers of compounds may be tested essentially simultaneously to determine whether they are likely to interact with a molecular interaction site and modulate the activity of the biomolecule. Pharmaceuticals, veterinary drugs, agricultural chemicals, industrial chemicals, research chemicals and many other beneficial compounds may be identified in accordance with embodiments of this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard Griffey, Stanley T. Crooke, Ranga Sampath, Eric E. Swayze, Venkatraman Mohan, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20030082539
    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: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard H. Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven A. Hofstadler, John McNeil, Stanley T. Crooke
  • Publication number: 20030027135
    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 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: David J. Ecker, Richard Griffey, Rangarajan Sampath, Steven Hofstadler, John McNeil
  • Patent number: 6502256
    Abstract: A prior art single stock keeping unit for accommodating double, queen, and king sized beds with both support and under the bed drawers is equipped with foot actuated drawer opening. Each stock keeping unit includes faced box spring supporting paired face frame-less cabinets which are conveniently shipped stacked one upon another and are placed back to back when assembled for underlying box spring support. Each face frame-less cabinet includes two floor-contacting members, two box spring contacting members, and three vertical members including a head vertical member, a foot vertical member, and an intermediate vertical member. Conventional drawers on side mounted drawer roller bearing and slide guides to expose a finished drawer front without hardware for opening and closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventors: John McNeil, James B. Hickman, Michael W. Isheim
  • Publication number: 20020194187
    Abstract: Knowledge-bases are disclosed. In accordance with preferred embodiments, such knowledge-bases comprise pluralities of knowledge-elements as well as pluralities of knowledge-relationships dynamically forming the relationships among the knowledge-elements. Such knowledge-base may be assessed to determine knowledge syntheses of utility per se or to capture further knowledge-elements for augmentation of the knowledge-base. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the knowledge-base is used to exert operative control over one or more manipulable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: John McNeil, Alan Goates, Ronald P. Blanford, Karen A. Do, Daniel A. Sherman, Robin Warren
  • Publication number: 20020189243
    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: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20020146347
    Abstract: A system and method for positioning a sample, or cargo, with respect to a device in a robotic system is provided. The system includes a macro positioning system for “gross” movement of the sample between stations and a micro positioning system for precisely locating the sample in a predetermined location at a station with respect to a device that will interact with the sample. The macro positioning system provides a positioning mechanism for the general movement of a sample along a pathway between various destinations or stations wherein the sample is “grossly” positioned with respect to the station. Once at the station, the micro positioning subsystem disposed between a sample carrier and the station provides a positioning mechanism for “precisely” positioning the sample in a predetermined location at the station with respect to a device that will interact with, or perform some function on, the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: John McNeil
  • Patent number: 6429016
    Abstract: A system and method for positioning a sample, or cargo, with respect to a device in a robotic system is provided. The system includes a macro positioning system for “gross” movement of the sample between stations and a micro positioning system for precisely locating the sample in a predetermined location at a station with respect to a device that will interact with the sample. The macro positioning system provides a positioning mechanism for the general movement of a sample along a pathway between various destinations or stations wherein the sample is “grossly” positioned with respect to the station. Once at the station, the micro positioning subsystem disposed between a sample carrier and the station provides a positioning mechanism for “precisely” positioning the sample in a predetermined location at the station with respect to a device that will interact with, or perform some function on, the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: ISIS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventor: John McNeil
  • Publication number: 20020028923
    Abstract: Interative, preferably computer based iterative processes for generating synthetic compounds with desired physical, chemical and/or bioactive properties, i.e., active compounds, 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. Active compounds are thus generated and, at the same time, preferred sequences and regions of the target nucleic acid that are amenable to oligonucleotide or sequence-based modulation are identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: LEX M. COWSERT, BRENDA F. BAKER, JOHN MCNEIL, SUSAN M. FREIER, HENRI M. SASMOR