Patents by Inventor Mark E. Johnson

Mark E. Johnson 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: 20100284168
    Abstract: An illumination and volatile active dispenser device and corresponding control circuits are disclosed. The device supports at least one white light source to emit illumination light, and a plurality of colored LEDs capable of providing a sequence of light patterns and ambient light. The modular control unit provides a volatile active dispenser to control volatile active emission rates. Thus, the illumination and volatile active dispenser device provides illumination light, ambient light, light shows, volatile active emission control, and combinations thereof, within a single standalone but modular device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Scott D. Walter, Simon M. Conway, Kevin Harrity, Deborah Holmes Parker, David D. Carlson, Mark E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7726860
    Abstract: A light apparatus includes one or more light pipes and/or diffusers to transfer and/or diffuse light from a few point light sources to a broader area and to other points. A hollow light pipe includes a light transmissive sidewall that encompasses an interior space, which receives and hides control circuitry for the light sources therein. A bottom end surface of the hollow light pipe is disposed adjacent to one or more light sources and transmits the light therefrom over a relatively large, uniform area. A solid core light pipe has a light receiving end and a light dispersion end having a reflective facet therein. The reflective facet includes a depression forming a reflective surface angularly displaced from a longitudinal axis of the solid core light pipe. A light diffuser surrounding a point source of light is adapted to cause the point source to look like a flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Harrity, Cory J. Nelson, David R. Carlson, Mark E. Johnson, Scott W. Demarest, Matthew B. Dubin, Kenneth W. Michaels
  • Patent number: 7641364
    Abstract: An adapter device for a lamp or light fixture includes a male connector, a female socket and control circuitry. The adapter supports at least one RGB LED cluster positioned so as to emit a colored light show. The male connector is configured to be received in a conventional light socket. The adapter also includes a slot for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active insert for enabling the device to emit an active ingredient from the insert when the insert is secured in the slot. A conventional light bulb or a CFL may also be connected to the female socket as a source of illumination. Thus, a single adapter is used to combine a conventional light source/colored light show source/volatile active source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Abbondanzio, Mark E. Johnson, Simon M. Conway, Kamran Faterioun
  • Publication number: 20090215729
    Abstract: This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods related to the prevention and treatment of primary tumors and metastatic, malignant or spreading cancers by selectively targeting cancer associated myeloid derived cells by the targeted delivery of a bisphosphonate formulated with a non-liposomal particle carrier. In some aspects, the bisphosphonate particles have one or more properties suitable for phagocytosis by cancer associated myeloid derived cells and release of the bisphosphonate within the macrophages. Advantageously, administering the particles to a subject reduces the level and/or activity of cancer associated myeloid derived cells in the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Erin M. Johnson, Mark E. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090068311
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for preparing cheese with low fat content and with improved texture, color and baking properties. The compositions and methods of the invention include acidification of the cheese base and the addition of glycerides to manufacture processed or heated curd cheese with improved properties such as texture, stickiness, color and baking properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: John A. Lucey, Ciara A. Brickley, Selvarani Govindasamy-Lucey, Mark E. Johnson, John A. Jaeggi, Eileen Merlini Salim
  • Patent number: 7458698
    Abstract: A portable light device is capable of generating light that is substantially uniformly distributed at its surface. The light device includes a housing having at least a translucent portion formed of a translucent material A first light source is disposed within the housing and is adapted to generate light. A first optical structure is positioned to direct at least a portion of the light from the first light source toward the housing translucent portion, and a second optical structure is positioned between the first light source and the housing translucent portion, the second optical structure being adapted to diffuse at least a portion of the light for uniform distribution across the housing translucent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah E. Heathcock, Scott W. Demarest, Matthew Abbondanzio, Simon M. Conway, Kamran Faterioun, Ronald R. Dir, Edwin T. Horton, Kevin Harrity, David R. Carlson, Mark E. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080199410
    Abstract: Methods and compositions to enhance mucus clearance and to treat of pulmonary lung disorders such as cystic fibrosis are disclosed. The methods utilize pulmonary surfactants, alone or combined with hyperosmotic agents, administered to patients in an amount effective to enhance mucus clearance. The compositions comprise a pulmonary surfactant combined with an osmotically active agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Mark E. Johnson, Robert Segal, Thomas Hofmann, Robert J. Capetola
  • Patent number: 7324825
    Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to digital data communication systems, and more particularly, the systems and methods relate to systems and methods for facilitating digital communication between a modem equipped meter and a central data acquisition system. In one example, the system has the central data acquisition system, a first telemetry device that utilizes a modem for data communication, and a second telemetry device with a processor for communicating with the first telemetry device, and a digital cellular radio for communicating with the processor. The processor relays digital meter data from the first telemetry device to the digital cellular radio and the digital cellular radio transmits the digital meter data to the central data acquisition system. This system allows the utility company to transmit the reading of utility consumption by a consumer without the use of telephone lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Transtel Group, Inc
    Inventors: Samuel D. Davis, Reiner J. Gerdes, Mark E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7184751
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, apparatus and methods for (1) detecting codes assigned to utility meters that have frequently changing codes and (2) translating codes between the central data acquisition system that contains a fixed identification code for each utility meter and utility meters that have frequently changing identification codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: Samuel D. Davis, Reiner J. Gerdes, Fred Stearns, Mark E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7110778
    Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to digital data communication systems, and more particularly, the systems and methods relate to systems and methods for facilitating digital communication between a modem equipped meter and a central data acquisition system. In one example, the system has the central data acquisition system, a first telemetry device that utilizes a modem for data communication, and a second telemetry device with a processor for communicating with the first telemetry device, and a digital cellular radio for communicating with the processor. The processor relays digital meter data from the first telemetry device to the digital cellular radio and the digital cellular radio transmits the digital meter data to the central data acquisition system. This system allows the utility company to transmit the reading of utility consumption by a consumer without the use of telephone lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventors: Samuel D. Davis, Reiner J. Gerdes, Mark E. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040009941
    Abstract: A nucleic acid delivery system that offers, in one system, a combination of high encapsulation efficiency, rapid release kinetics and preservation of DNA in supercoiled form is provided. The nucleic acid delivery system comprises nucleic acid molecules, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), encapsulated in biodegradable microspheres, and is particularly suited for delivery of DNA vaccines. The invention further provides a method for encapsulating nucleic acid molecules in microspheres. The invention additionally provides a composition comprising nucleic acid molecules encapsulated in microspheres produced by a method of the invention, and a method for delivering a nucleic acid molecule to a subject. The invention further provides an adjuvant for modulating the immunostimulatory efficacy of microspheres encapsulating nucleic acid molecules comprising an aminoalkyl glucosaminide 4-phosphate (AGP).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Corixa Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Johnson, Sally Mossman, Tricia Cecil, Lawrence Evans
  • Publication number: 20030108565
    Abstract: Hydrophobic ion pairing (HIP) is applied to solubilize proteins and/or adjuvants in an organic medium. A polymer is cosolubilized in the medium and microspheres encapsulating the protein and/or adjuvant can be produced by a single emulsion method. Microspheres prepared by this method exhibit low initial burst of the protein and gradual release over time, and elicit a strong and comprehensive immune response. Compositions comprising a protein and an adjuvant co-encapsulated in microspheres are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Mark E. Johnson, Jay T. Evans, Jeffrey A. Kern
  • Patent number: 6485897
    Abstract: This invention relates to a photographic element comprising a support having thereon light sensitive silver halide layers comprising at least one red light sensitive silver halide layer, at least one green light sensitive silver halide layer, and at least one blue sensitive silver halide layer, wherein the green light sensitive silver halide layer has an absorption spectra having a maximum absorption at a wavelength &lgr;max from 530 to 560 nm and a half bandwidth less than 50 nm; and the red light sensitive silver halide layer has an adsorption spectra having a maximum absorption at a wavelength &lgr;max from 610 to 640 nm, and exhibiting from 30 nm hypsochromic of the wavelength of maximum absorption and below an area less than 40% based on the total area of the red light sensitive silver halide layer adsorption spectra. It further relates to a method of processing said element using an electronic filmwriter device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Kristen D. Lockhart, Cheryl S. Johnston, Mark E. Johnson, David L. Fridd
  • Publication number: 20020146828
    Abstract: Disclosed is a viral vector conjugated to a microparticle, wherein the viral vector comprises a polynucleotide encoding a heterologous polypeptide. Conjugation of the viral vector to the microparticle results in a dramatic increase in the efficacy of the elicited immune response. Also disclosed is a method for delivering a polynucleotide to a cell comprising contacting the cell with a viral vector of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the cell is an antigen-presenting cell, such as a dendritic cell. The invention further provides a vaccine comprising a viral vector of the invention. The invention thus provides a method for delivering a polynucleotide to a subject, a method of stimulating an immune response in a subject, a method of treating cancer in a subject, a method of inhibiting tumor growth in a subject, and a method of treating an infection in a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: John Hural, Mark E. Johnson, A. Gregory Spies
  • Publication number: 20020142047
    Abstract: A mucin peptide, such as MUC-1, encapsulated in a biodegradable polymeric microsphere is disclosed. The encapsulated mucin peptide breaks tolerance of helper T cells as it elicits a stronger immune response and provides improved protection against tumor challenge than direct administration of peptide, alone or with an adjuvant. The encapsulated mucin peptide can be used in a vaccine composition, and can be used in a method for delivering a mucin peptide to a subject, as well as in a method treating or preventing a cancer associated with reduced glycosylation of MUC-1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Mark E. Johnson, Tricia Cecil, Olivera J. Finn
  • Publication number: 20020032165
    Abstract: A nucleic acid delivery system that offers, in one system, a combination of high encapsulation efficiency, rapid release kinetics and preservation of DNA in supercoiled form is provided. The nucleic acid delivery system comprises nucleic acid molecules, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), encapsulated in biodegradable microspheres, and is particularly suited for delivery of DNA vaccines. The invention further provides a method for encapsulating nucleic acid molecules in microspheres. The invention additionally provides a composition comprising nucleic acid molecules encapsulated in microspheres produced by a method of the invention, and a method for delivering a nucleic acid molecule to a subject. The invention further provides an adjuvant for modulating the immunostimulatory efficacy of microsphetes encapsulating nucleic acid molecules comprising an aminoalkyl glucosanide 4-phosphate (AGP).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Mark E. Johnson, Sally Mossman, Tricia Cecil, Lawrence Evans
  • Patent number: 6035798
    Abstract: A marine anchor for recreational boats comprising a rotating hub, with a plurality of flukes extending outward, and a substantially right-angle shaped bail member including five bail positions for receiving a slidable shackle of an anchor chain. The first bail to shakle position is the anchored position. The second bail to shackle position allows for a conventional retrieval of the anchor from above the location of the set anchor. An alternate retrieval can result in a third bail to shackle position from an anchored boat position further away from the set anchor. In the second and third positions the flukes are free to rotate enabling the marine anchor to be retrieved. A fourth position of the bail to shackle position is pulling the anchor chain and shackle from the opposite end of the anchor. A fifth position of the bail is a resting position on the bed of the sea floor by releasing the tension of the anchor chain such as during a slack tide to minimize entanglement with other loose anchors or debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Mark E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5947921
    Abstract: Transdermal transport of molecules during sonophoresis (delivery or extraction) can be further enhanced by providing chemical enhancers which increase the solubility of the compound to be transported and/or lipid bilayer solubility, and/or additional driving forces for transport, such as mechanical or osmotic pressure, magnetic fields, electroporation or iontophoresis. In a preferred embodiment the ultrasound is low frequency ultrasound which induces cavitation of the lipid layers of the stratum corneum (SC). This method provides higher drug transdermal fluxes, allows rapid control of transdermal fluxes, and allows drug delivery or analyte extraction at lower ultrasound intensities and other forces or concentrations than that required if each means of enhancing transport is used individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Mark E. Johnson, Samir S. Mitragotri, Daniel Blankschtein, Robert S. Langer, Michael Pishko, Joseph Kost
  • Patent number: 5942263
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing cheese which is simulative of pasta filata cheeses, but which does not require a mixing and/or molding step, and the cheese product produced by the method, are disclosed. The method includes the steps of pre-acidifying milk; ripening the milk with a mesophilic starter culture to yield cheese milk; coagulating the cheese milk by adding a coagulant to yield a coagulum; cutting the coagulum to yield curds and whey; separating the curds from the whey and washing the curds in water; and proceeding directly to salt, hoop, and press the curds in the absence of any milling, mixing, or molding of the curds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Carol M. Chen, Mark E. Johnson
  • Patent number: RE37264
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing cheese which is simulative of pasta filata cheeses, but which does not require a mixing and/or molding step, and the cheese product produced by the method, are disclosed. The method includes the steps of pre-acidifying milk; ripening the milk with a mesophilic starter culture to yield cheese milk; coagulating the cheese milk by adding a coagulant to yield a coagulum; cutting the coagulum to yield curds and whey; separating the curds from the whey and washing the curds in water; and proceeding directly to salt, hoop, and press the curds in the absence of any milling, mixing, or molding of the curds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Carol M. Chen, Mark E. Johnson