Patents by Inventor John Heffernan

John Heffernan 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: 20170102384
    Abstract: The invention herein relates to conducting assays with an apparatus including a substantially transparent assay cartridge loaded with magnetic beads, and a magnet carrier base positioned below a scanning platform holding the assay cartridge. The assay cartridge includes magnetic beads, sample and control solutions in some wells, and assay reagents in others. A microcomputer controls a DC motor which controls movement of the magnet carrier base, and causes the magnetic beads to travel from one well to another. An electromagnetic coil-spring assembly induces mixing of well contents with the magnetic beads on actuation. The assay cartridge is authenticated by sending its encoding to a server or website, and assay instructions are provided remotely to the microcomputer. Following assay completion, the cartridge can have color change or other assay indication detected, and the results sent to the server or website or another recipient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Dev Chatterjee, Leo LlNBECK, III, Michael John Heffernan
  • Patent number: 9545118
    Abstract: A shaker/dispenser dispenses crushed chip particles of discrete sizes for sprinkling directly on food as pourable condiments of discrete sized particles of the remnants of the crushed potato chips. Each potato chip of pre-determined thickness is crushed and crumbed into fine, medium and coarse crumbs of varying particle sizes. The chip crumb particles have a variety of flavors, salt and vinegar, cheese and onion, sour cream and chives, eggs and bacon, etc. The system provides selected potato chip condiments in sliced components for crushing and forming the particles of the desired sizes. In an alternate embodiment, the condiments are packaged in either a self-opening single use pouch or in a shaker/dispenser with a mill lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventors: John Heffernan, Neil P Heffernan
  • Publication number: 20160192790
    Abstract: A new range of ready to use home baking products, measured and proportioned, is provided for selection of the required ingredients for the type of cake required and bake. The general idea is that home bakers, without any special baking experience, knowledge or commercial baking background can bake professional tasting cake. The range contains unique concepts which are embodied in the kiosk and associated displays, which include pour and bake batter, dry cake mixes, Danish pastry dough, filling, toppings, icing, fondant and all the other typical ingredients necessary needed and involved in home cake baking, similar to the range of fresh baked commercial available goods. One stop shopping is provided in a kiosk, where not only are all the ingredients available but where the home baker can interface with a baking company's logo and computer display and vending of products for all the various information one may need.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: John Heffernan, Neil P. Heffernan, Andrew J. Heffernan
  • Publication number: 20150186430
    Abstract: A computer system programmed to provide a user interface (UI) enabling cell phone access to a database system configured as a business directory and information service in order to search and identify registered businesses based on a business class, location or name and search stored business information related to the identified business in order identity contact data for personnel designated for client contact in relation to the stored information. The system includes a database system programmed to manage indexing, storing and retrieving the business information and contact data and a computer server that operates the user interface (UI) and a communication function that establishes and manages secure communications with client-side application program operating in a client cell phone to enable the client to search the stored business information for business personnel most closely associated with the searched business and access the contact data for said business personnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: John Heffernan, Neil P Heffernan
  • Publication number: 20150173404
    Abstract: A shaker/dispenser dispenses crushed chip particles of discrete sizes for sprinkling directly on food as pourable condiments of discrete sized particles of the remnants of the crushed potato chips. Each potato chip of pre-determined thickness is crushed and crumbed into fine, medium and coarse crumbs of varying particle sizes. The chip crumb particles have a variety of flavors, salt and vinegar, cheese and onion, sour cream and chives, eggs and bacon, etc. The system provides selected potato chip condiments in sliced components for crushing and forming the particles of the desired sizes. In an alternate embodiment, the condiments are packaged in either a self-opening single use pouch or in a shaker/dispenser with a mill lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: John Heffernan, Neil P. Heffernan
  • Publication number: 20150178791
    Abstract: A visual commercial advertising brokerage coordinates information about available advertising venues submitted by providers of tangible visual advertising display space. The venues may be unused space on tangible traditional structures or substrates, such as municipal signs and structures, on commercial packaging containers, on disposable personal use substrates or other available advertising display spaces. The advertising exchange transmits this data to potential advertisers seeking advertising display space opportunities to advertise goods or services. The data is matched and outputted and archived with cumulative display space requests so that the potential advertisers can access the available visual advertising display space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: John Heffernan, Neil P. Heffernan
  • Patent number: 8252846
    Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable particles (e.g., three-dimensional particles) and micelles which can be used to encapsulate active agents for delivering to a subject. The present invention further provides methods for producing and delivering such particles and micelles. Additionally, the invention provides vaccination strategies that encompass the use of the novel particles and micelles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Emory University, Georgia Tech Research Corporation, University of Rochester
    Inventors: Niren Murthy, Bali Pulendran, Robert H. Pierce, Michael John Heffernan, Jihua Hao, Marcin Kwissa, Michael Davis, Stephen C. Yang
  • Publication number: 20100062968
    Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable particles (e.g., three-dimensional particles) and micelles which can be used to encapsulate active agents for delivering to a subject. The present invention further provides methods for producing and delivering such particles and micelles. Additionally, the invention provides vaccination strategies that encompass the use of the novel particles and micelles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Bali Pulendran, Niren Murthy, Robert H. Pierce, Michael John Heffernan, Jihua Hao, Marcin Kwissa
  • Publication number: 20090011993
    Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable particles (e.g., three-dimensional particles) and micelles which can be used to encapsulate active agents for delivering to a subject. The present invention further provides methods for producing and delivering such particles and micelles. Additionally, the invention provides vaccination strategies that encompass the use of the novel particles and micelles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Niren Murthy, Bali Pulendran, Robert H. Pierce, Michael John Heffernan, Jihua Hao, Marcin Kwissa, Michael Davis, Stephen C. Yang
  • Patent number: 7468680
    Abstract: A traffic light safety zone is a painted marked area, of parallel lines, approaching a traffic intersection to warn motorists whether they can safety proceed through the road intersection before a traffic sign light turns red, the zones are configured to indicate whether a motorist in the zone has clearance at a designated speed to proceed and cross with safety, the zone parallel colored thermal plastic painted lines form a visual indicator, and give an audio output due to the thickness of the thermal painted plastic; a distinctive traffic sign indicates to motorists of an approaching traffic light safety zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: John Heffernan
  • Publication number: 20070296610
    Abstract: A traffic light safety zone is a painted marked area, of parallel lines, approaching a traffic intersection to warn motorists whether they can safety proceed through the road intersection before a traffic sign light turns red, the zones are configured to indicate whether a motorist in the zone has clearance at a designated speed to proceed and cross with safety, the zone parallel colored thermal plastic painted lines form a visual indicator, and give an audio output due to the thickness of the thermal painted plastic; a distinctive traffic sign indicates to motorists of an approaching traffic light safety zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: John Heffernan
  • Publication number: 20060101740
    Abstract: A tile that has a channel that is sized and shaped to accommodate a bolt with a washer, and that extends from one side of the tile to a location near the center of the tile. The tile can be mounted solely with the bolts and washers, or with other support structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Applicant: Zampell Advanced Refranctories, Inc.
    Inventors: John Heffernan, Raymond Flynn
  • Patent number: 5720427
    Abstract: An expandable folder is provided which includes a front panel member, a rear panel member, and an expandable gusset which connects the panel members and forms the bottom and sides of the folder. Reinforcing means are provided upon critical or highly stressed locations to enhance the durability and useful life of the folder. Various types of reinforcement are provided about and, preferably, over the top of the gusset. The end portions of the gussets along the sides and, where applicable, the bottom, preferably have a width which is at least twice the width of the gusset folds. The outer surfaces of the inner front and rear panel members are also reinforced to strengthen the folder at least in the areas where the gusset is attached, and, for best results, on the entire outer surfaces of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: The Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Theodore V. Kachel, Jonathan B. Rivlin, Robert E. Hawes, Jr., Lee A. Boy, Setsuo Kanamoto, Eric R. Aaldenberg, John Heffernan, James J. Lynch, Cheryl Dellacroce-Steinberg, Duane Christensen
  • Patent number: 5711750
    Abstract: An expandable folder is provided which includes a front panel member, a rear panel member, and an expandable gusset which connects the panel members and forms the bottom and sides of the folder. Reinforcing means are provided upon critical or highly stressed locations to enhance the durability and useful life of the folder. Various types of reinforcement are provided about and, preferably, over the top of the gusset. The end portions of the gussets along the sides and, where applicable, the bottom, preferably have a width which is at least twice the width of the gusset folds. The outer surfaces of the inner front and rear panel members are also reinforced to strengthen the folder at least in the areas where the gusset is attached, and, for best results, on the entire outer surfaces of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Smead Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Duane Christensen, Theodore V. Kachel, Jonathan B. Rivlin, Robert E. Hawes, Jr., Lee A. Boy, Setsuo Kanamoto, Eric R. Aaldenberg, John Heffernan, James J. Lynch, Cheryl Dellacroce-Steinberg
  • Patent number: 5161731
    Abstract: An expandable folder is provided which includes a front panel member, a rear panel member, and a gusset member which connects peripheral portions of the bottoms of the front and rear panel members and at least a portion of the sides of the panel members to form the expandable folder. The gusset member includes a sheet having a plurality of accordion-like folds, with terminal folds of the sheet being wider than the other folds, and the terminal folds are connected to the front and rear panel members to enhance the connection therebetween. The expandable folder further comprises interior reinforcing strips positioned along at least part of the connection between the gusset member and panel members peripheral portion for preventing separation of the front and rear panel members from the gusset member when the folder is used. Reinforcing strips may also be provided along the top or corners of the gusset member or on outer peripheral portions of the panel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Esselte Pendaflex Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan B. Rivlin, Lee A. Boy, Setsuo Kanamoto, Eric R. Aaldenberg, John Heffernan