Patents by Inventor Mark A. Thompson

Mark A. Thompson 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: 10370674
    Abstract: Compositions and methods include genetically encoding and expressing a novel delta-9 desaturase in plant cells. In some embodiments, methods of expressing nucleic acids in a plant cell to take advantage of the delta-9 desaturase enzyme's activity, such that the percent composition of saturated fatty acids in plant seeds is decreased and there is a concomitant increase in ?9 fatty acids. In other embodiments, amino acid sequences have delta-9 desaturase activity. Methods can involve expression of delta-9 desaturase in plant cells, plant materials, and whole plants for the purpose of increasing the amount of mono unsaturated fatty acids in whole plants, plant seeds, and plant materials, for example, seeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Gachotte, Ann Owens Merlo, Mark A. Thompson, Terence A. Walsh, Beth Rubin Wilson, Mary Welter
  • Patent number: 10227598
    Abstract: Identification of new enhancer sequence has significant utility in the plant functional genomics. The sugarcane bacilliform badnavirus (SCBV) transcriptional enhancer has been identified. This enhancer can be used to increase the rate of transcription from gene promoters and in activation tagging experiments. A ten-fold increase in transcription was observed when a 4× array of the SCBV enhancer was placed upstream of a truncated form of the maize alcohol dehydrogenase minimal promoter. Methods of using the SCBV transcriptional enhancer are described, as are chimeric transcription regulatory regions, constructs, cells, tissues, and organisms that comprise one or more copies of the enhancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: John P. Davies, Vaka S. Reddy, William M. Ainley, Mark A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10141656
    Abstract: A structural antenna array may include a core including intersecting wall sections, wherein the core further includes antenna elements formed on a first surface of the wall sections, and feed elements formed on a second surface of the wall sections, a distribution substrate layer coupled to the core and in electrical communication with the antenna elements and the feed elements, a first skin coupled to the core opposite the distribution substrate layer, and a second skin coupled to the distribution substrate layer opposite the first skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Manny S. Urcia, Matthew A. Stoneback, Tiffany M. Radford, Mark T. Chisa, Mark A. Thompson, Benjamin D. Smith, Charles W. Manry, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9829288
    Abstract: Retention clips for safety mechanisms of illumination flares include an abutment surface configured for abutment of an end of a rigid sleeve coupled to an igniter initiation cable and one or more protrusions configured to extend at least partially over a lateral side surface of the rigid sleeve when the rigid sleeve is retained by the clip. Safety mechanisms, illumination flares, and methods for igniting illumination flares involve such retention clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Orbital ATK, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Thompson, Steven M. Robbins, Michael Geslin
  • Publication number: 20170194715
    Abstract: A structural antenna array may include a core including intersecting wall sections, wherein the core further includes antenna elements formed on a first surface of the wall sections, and feed elements formed on a second surface of the wall sections, a distribution substrate layer coupled to the core and in electrical communication with the antenna elements and the feed elements, a first skin coupled to the core opposite the distribution substrate layer, and a second skin coupled to the distribution substrate layer opposite the first skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Manny S. Urcia, Matthew A. Stoneback, Tiffany M. Radford, Mark T. Chisa, Mark A. Thompson, Benjamin D. Smith, Charles W. Manry, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170145433
    Abstract: Compositions and methods include genetically encoding and expressing a novel delta-9 desaturase in plant cells. In some embodiments, methods of expressing nucleic acids in a plant cell to take advantage of the delta-9 desaturase enzyme's activity, such that the percent composition of saturated fatty acids in plant seeds is decreased and there is a concomitant increase in ?-7 fatty acids. In other embodiments, amino acid sequences have delta-9 desaturase activity. Methods can involve expression of delta-9 desaturase in plant cells, plant materials, and whole plants for the purpose of increasing the amount of unusual fatty acids in whole plants, plant seeds, and plant materials, for example, seeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Ann Owens MERLO, Daniel J. Gachotte, Mark A. Thompson, Terence A. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20170112160
    Abstract: Compositions and methods include genetically encoding and expressing a novel delta-9 desaturase in plant cells. In some embodiments, methods of expressing nucleic acids in a plant cell to take advantage of the delta-9 desaturase enzyme's activity, such that the percent composition of saturated fatty acids in plant seeds is decreased and there is a concomitant increase in ?9 fatty acids. In other embodiments, amino acid sequences have delta-9 desaturase activity. Methods can involve expression of delta-9 desaturase in plant cells, plant materials, and whole plants for the purpose of increasing the amount of mono unsaturated fatty acids in whole plants, plant seeds, and plant materials, for example, seeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel J. GACHOTTE, Ann Owens MERLO, Mark A. THOMPSON, Terence A. WALSH, Beth Rubin WILSON, Mary WELTER
  • Patent number: 9617555
    Abstract: Compositions and methods include genetically encoding and expressing a novel delta-9 desaturase in plant cells. In some embodiments, methods of expressing nucleic acids in a plant cell to take advantage of the delta-9 desaturase enzyme's activity, such that the percent composition of saturated fatty acids in plant seeds is decreased and there is a concomitant increase in ?9 fatty acids. In other embodiments, amino acid sequences have delta-9 desaturase activity. Methods can involve expression of delta-9 desaturase in plant cells, plant materials, and whole plants for the purpose of increasing the amount of mono unsaturated fatty acids in whole plants, plant seeds, and plant materials, for example, seeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Gachotte, Ann Owens Merlo, Mark A. Thompson, Terence A. Walsh, Beth Rubin Wilson, Mary Welter
  • Publication number: 20170082408
    Abstract: Retention clips for safety mechanisms of illumination flares include an abutment surface configured for abutment of an end of a rigid sleeve coupled to an igniter initiation cable and one or more protrusions configured to extend at least partially over a lateral side surface of the rigid sleeve when the rigid sleeve is retained by the clip. Safety mechanisms, illumination flares, and methods for igniting illumination flares involve such retention clips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Mark A. Thompson, Steven M. Robbins, Michael Geslin
  • Publication number: 20160251733
    Abstract: Identification of new enhancer sequence has significant utility in the plant functional genomics. The sugarcane bacilliform badnavirus (SCBV) transcriptional enhancer has been identified. This enhancer can be used to increase the rate of transcription from gene promoters and in activation tagging experiments. A ten-fold increase in transcription was observed when a 4× array of the SCBV enhancer was placed upstream of a truncated form of the maize alcohol dehydrogenase minimal promoter. Methods of using the SCBV transcriptional enhancer are described, as are chimeric transcription regulatory regions, constructs, cells, tissues, and organisms that comprise one or more copies of the enhancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: Dow Agrosciences LLC
    Inventors: John P. Davies, Vaka S. Reddy, William M. Ainley, Mark A. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20150191738
    Abstract: Compositions and methods include genetically encoding and expressing a novel delta-9 desaturase in plant cells. In some embodiments, methods of expressing nucleic acids in a plant cell to take advantage of the delta-9 desaturase enzyme's activity, such that the percent composition of saturated fatty acids in plant seeds is decreased and there is a concomitant increase in ?9 fatty acids. In other embodiments, amino acid sequences have delta-9 desaturase activity. Methods can involve expression of delta-9 desaturase in plant cells, plant materials, and whole plants for the purpose of increasing the amount of mono unsaturated fatty acids in whole plants, plant seeds, and plant materials, for example, seeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel J. GACHOTTE, Ann Owens MERLO, Mark A. THOMPSON, Terence A. WALSH, Beth Rubin WILSON, Mary WELTER
  • Publication number: 20140289899
    Abstract: Identification of new enhancer sequence has significant utility in the plant functional genomics. The sugarcane bacilliform badnavirus (SCBV) transcriptional enhancer has been identified. This enhancer can be used to increase the rate of transcription from gene promoters and in activation tagging experiments. A ten-fold increase in transcription was observed when a 4× array of the SCBV enhancer was placed upstream of a truncated form of the maize alcohol dehydrogenase minimal promoter. Methods of using the SCBV transcriptional enhancer are described, as are chimeric transcription regulatory regions, constructs, cells, tissues, and organisms that comprise one or more copies of the enhancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: John P. Davies, Vaka S. Reddy, William M. Ainley, Mark A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8785612
    Abstract: Identification of new enhancer sequence has significant utility in the plant functional genomics. The sugarcane bacilliform badnavirus (SCBV) transcriptional enhancer has been identified. This enhancer can be used to increase the rate of transcription from gene promoters and in activation tagging experiments. A ten-fold increase in transcription was observed when a 4× array of the SCBV enhancer was placed upstream of a truncated form of the maize alcohol dehydrogenase minimal promoter. Methods of using the SCBV transcriptional enhancer are described, as are chimeric transcription regulatory regions, constructs, cells, tissues, and organisms that comprise one or more copies of the enhancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Agrigenetics, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Davies, Vaka S. Reddy, William M. Ainley, Mark A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8342962
    Abstract: A display system includes a cabinet, a transparent dashboard and a lighting system. The dashboard is fabricated to have at least two refractive indices such that when light from the lighting system is projected therethrough, a unique lighting effect is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Cadillac Jack
    Inventors: Sigmund H. Lee, Mark A. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120070793
    Abstract: Self supporting kiln insulation device comprising an outer layer having an inside surface, at least two insulation modules, and, a stationary support structure. The insulation modules do not touch the kiln and heat dams are located adjacent to and touching the kiln, and are spaced at random spacing along the kiln.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Mark A. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120054908
    Abstract: Identification of new enhancer sequence has significant utility in the plant functional genomics. The sugarcane bacilliform badnavirus (SCBV) transcriptional enhancer has been identified. This enhancer can be used to increase the rate of transcription from gene promoters and in activation tagging experiments. A ten-fold increase in transcription was observed when a 4× array of the SCBV enhancer was placed upstream of a truncated form of the maize alcohol dehydrogenase minimal promoter. Methods of using the SCBV transcriptional enhancer are described, as are chimeric transcription regulatory regions, constructs, cells, tissues, and organisms that comprise one or more copies of the enhancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: John P. Davies, Vaka S. Reddy, William M. Ainley, Mark A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8124025
    Abstract: Articles for testing a coagulation process in whole blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jyotsna Ghai, Charlene X. Yuan, Wei Qin, Mark A. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20110302672
    Abstract: Compositions and methods include genetically encoding and expressing a novel delta-9 desaturase in plant cells. In some embodiments, methods of expressing nucleic acids in a plant cell to take advantage of the delta-9 desaturase enzyme's activity, such that the percent composition of saturated fatty acids in plant seeds is decreased and there is a concomitant increase in ?-7 fatty acids. In other embodiments, amino acid sequences have delta-9 desaturase activity. Methods can involve expression of delta-9 desaturase in plant cells, plant materials, and whole plants for the purpose of increasing the amount of unusual fatty acids in whole plants, plant seeds, and plant materials, for example, seeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Ann Owens Merlo, Daniel J. Gachotte, Terence A. Walsh, Mark A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7982006
    Abstract: This invention pertains in part to the development of a vaccine for poultry against necrotic enteritis (NE). The vaccine utilizes a protective antigen that is a mutated, full-length, non-toxic Clostridium perfringens (Cp) ?-toxin protein (Mcpa). Utility of this vaccine was demonstrated by reduction of lesion severity in NE challenge trails, for example. Also disclosed herein are novel approaches for producing this vaccine in significant quantities. One exemplified approach involves producing NE vaccine (mutated alpha toxin) in bacterial expression systems, preferably utilizing the Pseudomonas fluorescens system, for commercial use in controlling NE in the poultry industry. The subject vaccines can be administered preferably to chickens in several different ways. A novel, Type VI alpha toxin from chicken isolates of Cp is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: William M. Ainley, Janna Armstrong, Krishna Madduri, Donald J. Merlo, Kelley A. Smith, Mark A. Thompson, Steven R. Webb, Liu Y. Shen
  • Publication number: 20100261884
    Abstract: This invention pertains in part to the development of a vaccine for poultry against necrotic enteritis (NE). The vaccine utilizes a protective antigen that is a mutated, full-length, non-toxic Clostridium perfringens (Cp) ?-toxin protein (Mcpa). Utility of this vaccine was demonstrated by reduction of lesion severity in NE challenge trails, for example. Also disclosed herein are novel approaches for producing this vaccine in significant quantities. One exemplified approach involves producing NE vaccine (mutated alpha toxin) in bacterial expression systems, preferably utilizing the Pseudomonas fluorescens system, for commercial use in controlling NE in the poultry industry. The subject vaccines can be administered preferably to chickens in several different ways. A novel, Type VI alpha toxin from chicken isolates of Cp is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: William M. Ainley, Janna Armstrong, Krishna Madduri, Donald J. Merlo, Kelley A. Smith, Mark A. Thompson, Steven R. Webb, Liu Y. Shen