Patents by Inventor R. Roberts

R. Roberts 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).

  • Slurry mixing apparatus and method
    Patent number: 5887974
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a slurry from a slurry concentrate in which streams of slurry concentrate, de-ionized water and oxidizer are pumped to form three pumped streams that are brought together to form a mixture. Homogeneity is promoted within the mixture by such devices as a static mixer and an in-line mixer of special design. The resultant homogenous stream is then pumped to dispense pressure by a dispense pump to produce a dispense stream. Part of the dispense stream, preferably about fifty percent, is recycled back to a junction at which the pumped streams join to further promote homogeneity of the slurry. For such purpose a flow network is connected to an outlet pump and such flow network is branched so as to have a dispense leg from which the dispense stream issues and a recycle leg connected to the junction for recirculating the recycle stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Pozniak, Benjamin R. Roberts, Duy Khanh Trang
  • Agricultural formulation
    Patent number: 5877112
    Abstract: The invention pertains to new composition and a method for increasing the solubility of various agricultural compounds in water at a low pH. The compounds included in this patent are typically not soluble at pH ranges less than 7 to produce commercially viable liquid concentrates. This method requires the use of tallowamine ethoxylates and phosphate esters to lower the pH of various compounds and also keep them soluble in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Helena Chemical Company
    Inventors: Johnnie R. Roberts, Greg Volgas
  • Modular interchangeable treatment system
    Patent number: 5863510
    Abstract: A modular, enclosed, interchangeable hazardous material treatment plant is disclosed. The treatment plant can utilize any one of a variety of abatement technologies for treating an unauthorized discharge of hazardous material, including spray aeration, vacuum extraction, biological, carbon, ozone, ultra-violet, or other. Regardless of the type of plant, connection to the site is made between the enclosed plant and the standard underground connection port which contains connection to all underground piping. No on-site assembly or disassembly of the plant is required. If a succession of treatment plants is required, one can be disconnected and the next connected within an hour. During treatment, all that is visible above ground is the enclosure. After treatment of the site is complete, the only visible remainder of the plant is the cover of the underground connection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: ATC Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Pozniak, Benjamin R. Roberts, Ronald W. Michelson, Curtis L. Lindskog, A. Laird Lobban
  • Method for production of high titer virus and high efficiency retroviral mediated transduction of mammalian cells
    Patent number: 5858740
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel retroviral packaging system, in which retroviral packaging constructs and packagable vector transcripts are produced from high expression plasmids by transfection in human cells. High titers of recombinant retrovirus are produced in infected cells. The methods of the invention include the use of the novel retroviral constructs to transduce primary human cells, including T cells and human hematopoietic stem cells, with foreign genes by cocultivation at high efficiencies. The invention is useful for the rapid production of high viral supernatants, and to transduce with high efficiency cells that are refractory to transduction by conventional means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Cell Genesys, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Finer, Margo R. Roberts, Thomas J. Dull, Krisztina M. Zsebo, Lu Qin, Deborah A. Farson
  • Process for preparing a 2-(2-amino-1,6-dihydro-6-oxo-purin-9-yl)methoxy-1,3-propanediol derivative
    Patent number: 5840890
    Abstract: Process and novel intermediates for preparing the mono-L-valine ester of 2-(2-amino-1,6-dihydro-6-oxo-purin-9-yl)methoxy-1,3-propanediol ganciclovir) and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The present process and monoester intermediates provide for mono-esterification by an L-valine derivative, resulting in a monocarboxylate-monovalinate which is then selectively hydrolyzed under basic or enzymatic conditions to give the monovaline ester of ganciclovir in high yield and purity. These products are of value as antiviral agents with improved absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Syntex (U.S.A.) Inc.
    Inventors: Humberto B. Arzeno, Eric R. Humphreys, Jim-Wah Wong, Christopher R. Roberts
  • Method for production of high titer virus and high efficiency retroviral mediated transduction of mammalian cells
    Patent number: 5834256
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel retroviral packaging system, in which retroviral packaging constructs and packagable vector transcripts are produced from high expression plasmids by transfection in human cells. High titers of recombinant retrovirus are produced in infected cells. The methods of the invention include the use of the novel retroviral constructs to transduce primary human cells, including T cells and bone marrow stem cells, with foreign genes by cocultivation at high efficiencies. The invention is useful for the rapid production of high viral supernatants, and to transduce with high efficiency cells that are refractory to transduction by conventional means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Cell Genesys, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Finer, Margo R. Roberts, Thomas J. Dull, Krisztina M. Zsebo, Lu Qin, Deborah A. Farson
  • Prefabricated vertical earth drain and method of making the same
    Patent number: 5820296
    Abstract: A prefabricated composite vertical earth drain which has an elongated corrugated flexible plastic core sheet with horizontal corrugations that provide continuous longitudinally extending drain channels. Desired longitudinally extending surfaces of these drain channels are provided with a series of closely spaced reliefs for inhibiting tendencies of the core to horizontally bend and fold or collapse, thereby pinching off the vertical drain channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: R. Robert Goughnour
  • Apparatus and method for liquefaction remediation of liquefiable soils
    Patent number: 5800090
    Abstract: Liquefiable soil is treated for earthquake liquefaction protection prior to erecting a building structure or work. A plurality of substantially vertical prefabricated drains are positioned at spaced intervals in the liquefiable soil and a reservoir is provided and adapted for draining off water which is expelled from the drains during an earthquake. The drains are generally comprised of an elongated plastic core material providing channels for channeling water off or therealong and this core is sometimes or selectively surrounded by a filter fabric as required to provide a composite drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Geotechnics America, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Robert Goughnour
  • Headlock feature for stand mixer
    Patent number: 5782558
    Abstract: A stand mixer having a mixer head that can be locked in an up or down position. The locking mechanism includes a pin slideably retained in the pedestal of the stand, which is removeably received in one or more recesses in the mixer head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce R. Roberts
  • Homogeneous, essentially nonaqueous adjuvant compositions with buffering capability
    Patent number: 5741502
    Abstract: A homogeneous, essentially nonaqueous adjuvant composition containing at least one spray oil selected from the group consisting of:(a) vegetable oils;(b) fatty acids and blends thereof;(c) esterified fatty acids or blends thereof;(d) saponified fatty acids or blends thereof;(e) N,N-dimethylamide of the formulaRCON(CH.sub.3).sub.2wherein R is an alkyl chain derived from fatty acids having about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms;(f) polybutenes(g) alpha or beta pinene,(h) thymol,(i) d-limonene and(j) jojoba bean oil,(2) a surfactant in an effective amount to provide emulsification of said composition and(3) a buffering agent wherein said buffering agent can also be the same ingredient as said oil or said surfactant and said buffering agent reduces the pH of said composition to about 7 or below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Helena Chemical Co.
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Roberts
  • Dry granular fertilizer blend and a method of fertilizing plants
    Patent number: 5725630
    Abstract: A liquid fertilizer blends containing alkanoic acids are safely and conveniently applied to young plants or seeds in a dry form. This dry form is generally a granular carrier and facilitates the application of said fertilizers in conjunction with other agrichemicals which are being applied concurrently. Furthermore, this fertilizer has unexpected release characteristics from the granule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Helena Chemical Co.
    Inventors: Johnnie R. Roberts, Greg Volgas
  • Chimeric receptor molecules for delivery of co-stimulatory signals
    Patent number: 5712149
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel chimeric co-stimulatory receptor proteins and DNA sequences encoding these proteins. The chimeric receptors comprise at least three domains in a single chain molecule: an extracellular ligand binding domain, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic co-stimulatory effector function signaling domain that acts synergistically with an effector function signal in the host cell. Novel hybrid co-stimulatory receptor proteins include a second cytoplasmic effector function signaling domain. The invention further relates to expression cassettes containing the nucleic acids encoding the novel chimeric receptors, to host cells expressing the novel chimeric receptors and to methods of using the receptors to co-stimulate effector functions in the cells and for using cells expressing the receptors for treatment of cancer, disease and viral infections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Cell Genesys, Inc.
    Inventor: Margo R. Roberts
  • Method for production of high titer virus and high efficiency retroviral mediated transduction of mammalian cells
    Patent number: 5686279
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel retroviral packaging system, in which retroviral packaging constructs and packagable vector transcripts are produced from high expression plasmids by transfection in human cells. High titers of recombinant retrovirus are produced in infected cells. The methods of the invention include the use of the novel retroviral constructs to transduce primary human cells, including T cells and human hematopoietic stem cells, with foreign genes by cocultivation at high efficiencies. The invention is useful for the rapid production of high viral supernatants, and to transduce with high efficiency cells that are refractory to transduction by conventional means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Cell Genesys, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Finer, Margo R. Roberts, Thomas J. Dull, Krisztina M. Zsebo, Lu Qin, Deborah A. Farson
  • Chimeric receptor molecules for delivery of co-stimulatory signals
    Patent number: 5686281
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel chimeric co-stimulatory receptor proteins and DNA sequences encoding these proteins. The chimeric receptors comprise at least three domains in a single chain molecule: an extracellular ligand binding domain, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic co-stimulatory effector function signaling domain that acts synergistically with an effector function signal in the host cell. Novel hybrid co-stimulatory receptor proteins include a second cytoplasmic effector function signaling domain. The invention further relates to expression cassettes containing the nucleic acids encoding the novel chimeric receptors, to host cells expressing the novel chimeric receptors and to methods of using the receptors to co-stimulate effector functions in the cells and for using cells expressing the receptors for treatment of cancer, disease and viral infections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Cell Genesys, Inc.
    Inventor: Margo R. Roberts
  • Apparatus for inserting prefabricated vertical drains into the earth
    Patent number: 5658091
    Abstract: Apparatus for inserting prefabricated drain members downwardly into underlying earth which includes a vertically extending mast that supports an elongated earth penetrating mandrel. The mandrel is adapted to receive a prefabricated drain member for movement with the mandrel down into the earth to insert drain members. A drive is mounted on the mast for driving the mandrel into and out of the underlying earth and the drive includes a rotary drive gear that engages the mandrel and a motor for driving the gear. A vibrator is mounted on the upper end of the mandrel for imparting vibrations to assist in its penetration into the earth. A flexible torsion drive coupler couples the motor to the drive gear for driving the drive gear and for also isolating the motor and the mast from vibrations imparted to the mandrel by the vibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Geotechnics America, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Robert Goughnour, C. Russell Joiner
  • Homogeneous, essentially nonaqueous adjuvant compositions with buffering capability
    Patent number: 5580567
    Abstract: A homogeneous, essentially nonaqueous adjuvant composition containing at least one spray oil selected from the group consisting of(a) vegetable oils;(b) fatty acids and blends thereof;(c) esterified fatty acids or blends thereof;(d) saponified fatty acids or blends thereof;(e) N,N-dimethylamide of the formulaRCON(CH.sub.3).sub.2(f) polybutenes of the following formula ##STR1## a surfactant in an effective amount to emulsify said composition and a buffering agent in amount sufficient to reduce the pH to below about 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Helena Chemical Company
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Roberts
  • Isoxazolyl enaminones
    Patent number: 5580894
    Abstract: An oxazolyl enaminone is provided having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of a branched or unbranched alkyl groups containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of a branched or unbranched alkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a chloro group, a trifluoromethyl group and a trifluoromethoxy group. Also provided are pharmaceutically accepatable salts and isomers of the above, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Howard University
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Scott, Ivan O. Edafiogho, Ralph R. Roberts
  • Long life catalytic gas generator for space propulsion applications
    Patent number: 5568723
    Abstract: A catalytic gas generator for an electrothermal thruster comprises a catalyst chamber, a capillary propellant tube communicating to the chamber and a tubular thermal standoff connecting the tube to the chamber wherein the tube is connected at a location spaced from the tube inlet into the catalyst chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: William K. Burke, deceased, Charles R. Roberts, Freely R. Schwam
  • Modular spray cooled side-wall for electric arc furnaces
    Patent number: 5561685
    Abstract: Spray cooled side-wall assembly for an electric arc furnace which includes individual spray cooled segments joined together to form a furnace side-wall. One or more of the segments can be arch-shaped and surround a spray cooled sub-assembly to address conditions of high thermal stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: UCAR Carbon Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Lehr, Gordon R. Roberts, Frank H. Miner, William H. Burwell, Mark T. Arthur
  • Process for making a chemically-resistant porcelain enamel
    Patent number: RE35625
    Abstract: A process for preparing a chemically resistant coating in which a substrate is sequentially contacted with a ground coat, fired, contacted with an intermediate coat, fired, and contacted with a cover coat and fired. The intermediate coat is comprised of a minor amount of inorganic fiber which has a softening point in excess of 950 degrees Centigrade, an average length of from about 100 to about 750 microns, an average diameter of from about .?.515.!. .Iadd.5-15 .Iaddend.microns, and an average aspect ratio of from about 10:1 to about 75:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Pfaudler, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Roberts