Patents by Inventor John A. Neal

John A. Neal 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: 7881697
    Abstract: A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the allocation of electronic wallets that are associated with one or more devices and various controls that enable at least two entities to manage how the device is utilized for various activities and to pay for goods and services. Each device is associated with at least two electronic wallets, a user wallet and an administrator wallet. The administrator can establish rules that designate how and when the device can be used and which wallet will be used to pay for goods and services desired by the user, but in the event the user wallet is depleted or low on funds, the administrator wallet can serve as a backup funding source for specified types of goods and/or services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Kajeet, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Donald Baker, Steven Ira Geller, Douglas Owen Kesser, Daniel John Neal, Ben Julian Weintraub, Carol Ann Politi
  • Publication number: 20110022579
    Abstract: An Internet-based system involves a database and search capabilities for connecting patients with healthcare providers, e.g., physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, treatment facilities, etc., and further enables such providers to reach patients with whom they may not otherwise come into contact. A patient may access the healthcare provider information through a search conducted using a search engine, such as Google, Yahoo, etc. Alternatively, a patient may access the company Web site's predetermined Web page that provides search capabilities on its database. A patient may research a healthcare provider based on criteria specified by the patient. Information provided to the patient may be in the form of a report, profile, ratings, etc., including patient-provided information, physician-verified information, and information verified by an independent third party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Health Grades, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Hicks, Scott Montroy, John Neal
  • Publication number: 20100268549
    Abstract: An Internet-based system involves a database and search capabilities for connecting patients with healthcare providers, e.g., physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, treatment facilities, etc., and further enables such providers to reach patients with whom they may not otherwise come into contact. A patient may access the healthcare provider information through a search conducted using a search engine, such as Google, Yahoo, etc. Alternatively, a patient may access the company Web site's predetermined Web page that provides search capabilities on its database. A patient may research a healthcare provider based on criteria specified by the patient. Information provided to the patient may be in the form of a report, profile, ratings, etc., including patient-provided information, physician-verified information, and information verified by an independent third party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Health Grades, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Hicks, Scott Montroy, John Neal
  • Patent number: 7752060
    Abstract: An Internet-based system involves a database and search capabilities for connecting patients with healthcare providers, e.g., physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, treatment facilities, etc., and further enables such providers to reach patients with whom they may not otherwise come into contact. A patient may access the healthcare provider information through a search conducted using a search engine, such as Google, Yahoo, etc. Alternatively, a patient may access the company Web site's predetermined Web page that provides search capabilities on its database. A patient may research a healthcare provider based on criteria specified by the patient. Information provided to the patient may be in the form of a report, profile, ratings, etc., including patient-provided information, physician-verified information, and information verified by an independent third party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Health Grades, Inc.
    Inventors: David G Hicks, Scott Montroy, John Neal
  • Publication number: 20100077349
    Abstract: An online service provider information service provides users with the ability to contact service centers. The service provides the ability for service centers to participate in the service as a sponsor. A user requests information regarding a particular service provider or service. In response, a webpage is generated with the requested information. Unique contact identifiers are associated with the sponsors that allow a user to connect to the sponsor service center and are included in the webpage. The unique identifiers allow the service to track the success of directing users to the sponsored service centers based on their participation in the information service. The unique identifiers also allow for implementing pay per search payment schemes and for generating reports based on the sponsor's participation in the information service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Health Grades, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Neal
  • Publication number: 20070185732
    Abstract: An Internet-based system involves a database and search capabilities for connecting patients with healthcare providers, e.g., physicians, hospitals, nursing homes, treatment facilities, etc., and further enables such providers to reach patients with whom they may not otherwise come into contact. A patient may access the healthcare provider information through a search conducted using a search engine, such as Google, Yahoo, etc. Alternatively, a patient may access the company Web site's predetermined Web page that provides search capabilities on its database. A patient may research a healthcare provider based on criteria specified by the patient. Information provided to the patient may be in the form of a report, profile, ratings, etc., including patient-provided information, physician-verified information, and information verified by an independent third party.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: David G. Hicks, Scott Montroy, John Neal
  • Publication number: 20070110553
    Abstract: A hydraulic grapple apparatus and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the hydraulic grapple apparatus includes a support frame for attachment to a skid steer loader. The support frame has upper and lower guide tracks arranged in vertical alignment with each other and spaced apart in order to define an open channel therebetween. First and second grapple jaws are mounted on the upper and lower guide tracks for lateral movement along the support frame. First and second double-acting hydraulic cylinders are disposed in the open channel and coupled to the support frame. The first and second double-acting hydraulic cylinders independently actuate the first and second grapple jaws, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: May 17, 2007
    Inventors: John Neal, John Houser, John Norman
  • Publication number: 20070069146
    Abstract: A system for detecting fissile and fissionable material originating external to the system includes: a 6Li loaded glass fiber scintillator for detecting thermal neutrons, x-rays and gamma rays; a fast scintillator for detecting fast neutrons, x-rays and gamma rays, the fast scintillator conjoined with the glass fiber scintillator such that the fast scintillator moderates fast neutrons prior to their detection as thermal neutrons by the glass fiber scintillator; and a coincidence detection system for processing the time distributions of arriving signals from the scintillators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 29, 2007
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: John Neal, John Mihalczo
  • Patent number: 7048880
    Abstract: A molding process for a composite article uses a textured film layer to shape the surface of the composite article. The film layer is placed in the mold with the textured film surface exposed and a composite material is placed over the textured film surface. Preferably, the film layer is vacuum-formed onto the mold to take the shape of the mold. As it cures, the composite article takes the shape of the textured film layer to form a textured article surface. After demolding, the film layer adheres to the article as a protective coating, but can be readily removed from the article to expose an underlying textured surface of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hamid Ghavami Kia, Peter Herbert Foss, John Neal Owens, Terrence James Wathen
  • Publication number: 20050181775
    Abstract: Systems, methods, computer programs, and related equipment for providing an alert notification service are provided. One embodiment is an alert notification service provider comprising: means for interfacing with at least one alert recipient and an alert originator via a web site; means for managing a user profile associated with the at least one alert recipient, the user profile associating contact information for at least one mobile communication device to receive an alert notification from the alert originator with a private universal contact address accessible by the alert originator; and means for delivering the alert notification to the at least one mobile communication device based on the private universal contact address.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventors: Clarence Rideout, Hunt Brand, Michael Murdock, Joseph Depaolo, John Neal
  • Publication number: 20030164235
    Abstract: Frac sand from a well completion operation is transported to a recycling facility by truck. The frac sand is passed into a washing facility where is it separated from frac sand carrier residue, clays, drilling mud and metal particles. The wash water used in the washing facility is settled and re-used. Mud from the settled wash water is removed and re-used in drilling operations. The frac sand is removed from the washing facility by an inclined dehydration screw, and discharged into a counterflow hot air drying facility. Dust from the drying facility is collected and removed. Hot frac sand from the drying facility is passed through a chiller, and collected. The collected material is sized, and stored for re-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Dale H. Leeson, John Neal, Keith Kress, Stephen K. Skarstol
  • Publication number: 20030030177
    Abstract: A molding process for a composite article uses a textured film layer to shape the surface of the composite article. The film layer is placed in the mold with the textured film surface exposed and a composite material is placed over the textured film surface. Preferably, the film layer is vacuum-formed onto the mold to take the shape of the mold. As it cures, the composite article takes the shape of the textured film layer to form a textured article surface. After demolding, the film layer adheres to the article as a protective coating, but can be readily removed from the article to expose an underlying textured surface of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Hamid Ghavami Kia, Peter Herbert Foss, John Neal Owens, Terrence James Wathen
  • Patent number: 6503619
    Abstract: The invention relates to soft touch printed labels comprising a coextruded sheet of a thermoplastic elastomer and a polyolefin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Elastomer Systems, L.P.
    Inventors: Philip John Neal, Ernst Van Issum
  • Publication number: 20020134550
    Abstract: Frac sand from a well completion operation is transported to a recycling facility by truck. The frac sand is passed into a washing facility where is it separated from frac sand carrier residue, clays, drilling mud and metal particles. The wash water used in the washing facility is settled and re-used. Mud from the settled wash water is removed and re-used in drilling operations. The frac sand is removed from the washing facility by an inclined dehydration screw, and discharged into a counterflow hot air drying facility. Dust from the drying facility is collected and removed. Hot frac sand from the drying facility is passed through a chiller, and collected. The collected material is sized, and stored for re-use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: Pan Canadian Petroleum Limited
    Inventors: Dale H. Leeson, John Neal, Keith Kress, Stephen K. Skarstol
  • Patent number: 6100477
    Abstract: A novel micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) RF switch having a cavity (32) in a substrate (28) which creates a spacing between a conductive membrane (34) and a bottom electrode (38). The invention eliminates the need for the dielectric posts found in prior art MEMS RF switches, includes a flexure structure (36) in the membrane (34) which will reduce the required pull down voltage for the membrane, and reduces the stress and fatigue in the membrane due to switch activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: John Neal Randall, Ming-Yih Kao
  • Patent number: 5928609
    Abstract: Provided is an odour sensor which may be useful for discriminating between the odour of human or other mammalian individuals, and perimidine monomers and polymers which may be used in such a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Bloodhound Sensors, Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy David Gibson, Peter Puttick, John Neal Hulbert, Robert Wilson Marshall, Zhuoshu Li
  • Patent number: 5858759
    Abstract: Processes are provided for the production of a carbamoylase enzyme which has the capability of converting a D-N-carbamoyl (optionally substituted phenyl) glycine by expressing recombinant DNA encoding a carbamoylase in a homologous host. Also provided are specific recombinant DNA vectors producing high levels of expression of the carbamoylase enzyme and/or hydantoinase enzyme in homologous and heterologous hosts and their use in the production of D-.alpha. amino acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham p.l.c.
    Inventors: Robert John Neal, Alison Michelle Griffin, Hazel Claire Gorham
  • Patent number: 5788216
    Abstract: Valves having a stem packing of alternating layers of perfluoroelastomer and high temperature polymer provide outstanding sealing performance against corrosive fluids and high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Gary Mack Pittman, Kenneth Alan Senior, John Neal Strunk, Krishnan Ramalingam Thondukolam
  • Patent number: 5763121
    Abstract: A stencil mask (10) has a membrane (14) under tensile stress and at least one pattern opening (22) formed through the membrane (14). A plurality of stress relief openings (30) are formed in the membrane for reducing stress-induced distortion of the membrane and the mask pattern. The stress relief openings (30) are positioned to relieve concentrations of stress within the membrane (14) such as those resulting from non-regularities within the pattern. In one embodiment, a screening material (56), less rigid than the membrane (14), is contained within the stress relief openings (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: John Neal Randall
  • Patent number: 5583831
    Abstract: The present invention is a new electronic memory-assist device which can be used to remind an individual when it is time to take a prescribed medicine. The invention uses complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology in conjunction with surface-mounted device technology to provide a programmable portable unit. The device has three parts: a body-carried reminder, a local interactive compliance processor and a supervisory unit. The reminder has a portable power supply, microprocessors, software, memory, an alarm, an input key and communication linkage to the compliance processor. The compliance processor has a central processing unit, a pill case, a modem and, possibly, a recharger for the portable power supply. The supervisory unit is connected to the central processing unit remotely by modems. The device operates by providing data to the user through an alarm that it is time to take prescribed medication. The alarm is visual, auditory, tactile or any combination of the three.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: American Research
    Inventors: Russell J. Churchill, John A. Neal, Howard P. Groger, Chong T. Ng