Patents by Inventor R. Webb

R. Webb 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).

  • ENHANCED VEHICLE WIPER BLADE USING ACTIVE MATERIALS
    Publication number: 20120324671
    Abstract: A vehicle wiper assembly includes a wiper blade having a length, and an active material disposed along the length of the wiper blade and coupled thereto. The active material includes a shape memory alloy material with a crystallographic phase that is changeable between austenite and martensite, and is elastically deformable and operatively applies a spring force against a portion of the wiper blade when the crystallographic phase is martensite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Scott R. Webb, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Wendell G. Summerville, John A. Cafeo
  • CAM PHASER LOCKING SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20120318220
    Abstract: A motion limiter system for a cam phaser includes a retractable motion limiter pin that is selectively extendable from a rotor in a cam phaser to contact a lobe on a stator to provide a positive stop for the rotor prior to engagement of a locking pin. Alternatively, the cam phaser may include two pins that are selectively extendable from opposite openings in a hole in the rotor to engage seats that are slightly offset from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: William P. Vukovich, Gerald R. Stabel, Brian R. Webb
  • QUANTUM DOT CARRIER PEPTIDE CONJUGATES SUITABLE FOR IMAGING AND DELIVERY APPLICATIONS IN PLANTS
    Publication number: 20120244569
    Abstract: Provided are methods for introducing a molecule of interest into a plant cell having a cell wall by using a QD-peptide conjugate having a quantum dot (QD) with one or more cell penetrating peptides (CPPs). Methods are provided for genetically or otherwise modifying plants and for treating or preventing disease in plant cells comprising a cell wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Jayakumar P. SAMUEL, Narasimha C. SAMBOJU, Kerrm Y. YAU, Gaofeng LIN, Steven R. WEBB, Frank BURROUGHS
  • MULTIFUNCTIONAL SCAFFOLDING AND PUSHCART CONVERTIBLE UTILITY DEVICE
    Publication number: 20120222913
    Abstract: A multi-functional utility apparatus that is convertible between a scaffold configuration and a pushcart configuration. A pivotal coupling assembly between first and second subframes allows the subframes to be expanded for use as a scaffolding or collapsed for use as a pushcart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: David C. CALVERT, Christopher R. WEBB, Tsailu LIU, Paul W. HOLLEY, Michael K. THOMPSON, W. Travis LONTZ, Grant L. BITTLE
  • Compounds for delivery of therapeutic and imaging moieties to nerve cells
    Patent number: 8232251
    Abstract: The invention features compounds of the general formula: B-L-M where B is a binding agent capable of selectively binding to a nerve cell surface receptor and mediating absorption of the compound by the nerve cell; M is a moiety which performs a useful non-cytotoxic function when absorbed by a nerve cell, and can be a therapeutic moiety or an imaging moiety; and L is a linker coupling B to M. The invention also features methods of use of the compounds in, for example, treating conditions such as viral infections and pain, as well as in labeling nerve cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Manzanita Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Craig Hill, Stephen B. Kahl, Robert R. Webb, Constance A. McKee
  • STACKABLE SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP WITH EDGE FEATURES AND METHODS OF FABRICATING AND PROCESSING SAME
    Publication number: 20120133381
    Abstract: A method of performing a function on a three-dimensional semiconductor chip package as well as on individual chips in the package is disclosed. That method involves the creation of an operative relationship between a function performer and an edge feature on the chip or chips wherein the edge feature consists of one or more of an electrically conductive pad, thermally conductive pad, a probe pad, a fuse, a resistor, a capacitor, an inductor, an optical emitter, an optical receiver, a test pad, a bond pad, a contact pin, a heat dissipator, an alignment marker, a metrology feature and a function performer may be any one or more of a test probe, the laser, a programming device, an interrogation device, a loading device or a tuning device. In addition, a chip per se with edge features is disclosed along with a three-dimensional stack of such chips in either of several different configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kelly BRULAND, Timothy R. WEBB, Andy E. HOOPER, John R. CARRUTHERS
  • Spectroscopic imaging microscopy
    Patent number: 8189191
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems that include: (a) an objective lens system configured to collect light from a sample; (b) a first aperture positioned to allow a portion of the collected light received from the objective lens system to pass as input light; (c) a first lens positioned to transmit the input light received from the first aperture; (d) a dispersive element configured to spatially disperse the input light received from the first lens in a first plane; (e) a second lens positioned to transmit the spatially dispersed light; (f) a second aperture positioned to allow a portion of the spatially dispersed light received from the second lens to pass as detection light; and (g) a detector positioned to receive the detection light and configured to form at least one image of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Tufts University
    Inventors: Michael R. Webb, Christopher Lafratta, David R. Walt
  • PROTEASE INHIBITORS
    Publication number: 20120108529
    Abstract: Compounds useful as protease inhibitors are provided, as are methods of use and preparation of such compounds and compositions containing such compounds. In one embodiment, the compounds are useful for inhibiting HIV protease enzymes, and are therefore useful in slowing the proliferation of HIV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Robert R. Webb, II, Mitchell W. Mutz, Kenneth J. Barr
  • ACTIVE DRAIN PLUG FOR HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY APPLICATIONS
    Publication number: 20120104292
    Abstract: A drain plug assembly that has particular application for sealing a drain hole in a high voltage battery compartment on a vehicle. The plug assembly includes a plug that inserted into the drain hole. The plug assembly further includes a return spring coupled to the plug and causing the plug to be biased into the drain hole. The plug assembly also includes at least one shape memory alloy device coupled to the plug and a support structure. The SMA device receives an electrical current that causes the device to contract and move the plug out of the drain hole against the bias of the return spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Craig A. Kollar, Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson, Shawn G. Quinn, Milind S. Gandhi, Scott R. Webb
  • Compounds for intracellular delivery of therapeutic moieties to nerve cells
    Patent number: 8138155
    Abstract: A compound for delivering a non-cytotoxic therapeutic moiety into nerve cells, the compound having the general formula: B-L-TM where: B is a binding agent capable of selectively binding to a nerve cell surface receptor and mediating absorption of the compound by the nerve cell; TM is a therapeutic moiety which has a non-cytotoxic therapeutic effect when absorbed by a nerve cell; and L is a linker coupling B to TM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Manzanita Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Webb, Constance A. McKee
  • LINEAR DNA MOLECULE DELIVERY USING PEGYLATED QUANTUM DOTS FOR STABLE TRASFORMATION IN PLANTS
    Publication number: 20120023619
    Abstract: Methods for introducing a linear nucleic acid molecule of interest into a cell comprising a cell wall include use of nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol. In some embodiments, the cell comprising a cell wall is a plant cell. Methods include genetically or otherwise modifying plants and for treating or preventing disease in plant cells comprising a cell wall. Transgenic plants include a nucleic acid molecule of interest produced by regeneration of whole plants from plant cells transformed with linear nucleic acid molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Narasimha C. Samboju, Kerrm Y. Yau, Frank Burroughs, Jayakumar P. Samuel, Steven R. Webb
  • PRODUCTION OF FUNCTIONALIZED LINEAR DNA CASSETTE AND QUANTUM DOT/NANOPARTICLE MEDIATED DELIVERY IN PLANTS
    Publication number: 20120023620
    Abstract: Methods for introducing a functionalized linear nucleic acid cassette molecule of interest into a plant cell comprising a cell wall include use of nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the cell comprising a cell wall is a cultured plant cell. Methods include genetically or otherwise modifying plant cells and for treating or preventing disease in any plant, especially crop plants. Transgenic plants include a nucleic acid molecule of interest produced by regeneration of whole plants from plant cells transformed with functionalized linear nucleic acid cassette molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Kerrm Y. Yau, Jayakumar P. Samuel, Frank Burroughs, Narasimha C. Samboju, Steven R. Webb
  • INDUCTION OF MUCOSAL IMMUNE RESPONSES BY MUCOSAL DELIVERY PENTABODY COMPLEX (MDPC)
    Publication number: 20110318348
    Abstract: The subject invention provides, for example, a novel approach to specifically induce intranasal and/or oral mucosal as well as humoral antibody response by administrating a mucosal delivery pentabody complex (MDPC). The MDPC is a complex formed by mixing a target antigen and a mucosal delivery pentabody (MDP) that has a strong affinity to the target antigen. The MDP is a fusion protein of a single domain antibody (sdAb; which binds to the target antigen specifically) to a pentamerization domain (which can include the B-subunit of an AB5 toxin family, including the B subunit of cholera toxin (CT) or heat-labile toxin (LT)). The pentamerization domain can self-assemble into a pentamer, through which a pentameric single domain antibody, or a pentabody, is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicants: National Research Council of Canada, Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Jianbing Zhang, Matthew J. Henry, Wangxue Chen, Steven R. Webb
  • PLANT PEPTIDE GAMMA-ZEIN FOR DELIVERY OF BIOMOLECULES INTO PLANT CELLS
    Publication number: 20110247100
    Abstract: A method of introducing a molecule of interest into a plant cell having a cell wall includes interacting a gamma-zein peptide with a molecule of interest to form a gamma-zein linked structure. The gamma-zein linked structure is then placed in contact with the plant cell having a cell wall, and allowing uptake of the gamma-zein linked structure into the plant cell. Alternatively, a gene of interest can be expressed in a plant cell having an intact cell wall by interacting a gamma-zein peptide with the gene of interest to form a gamma-zein linked gene structure, allowing uptake of the gamma-zein linked gene structure into the plant cell, and expressing the gene of interest in the plant cell and its progeny.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Narasimha C. Samboju, Jayakumar P. Samuel, Gaofeng Lin, Steven R. Webb, Frank Burroughs
  • ENGINEERED LANDING PADS FOR GENE TARGETING IN PLANTS
    Publication number: 20110191899
    Abstract: A method for producing a transgenic plant includes providing a nucleic acid molecule comprising at least two regions of nucleic acid sequence that lack sequence homology with genomic DNA of the plant cell, and at least two zinc finger nuclease recognition sites, wherein the at least two regions of nucleic acid sequence that lack sequence homology with genomic DNA of the plant cell flank the at least two zinc finger nuclease recognition sites. A plant cell or tissue having the nucleic acid molecule stably integrated into the genome of the plant cell is transformed. A plant is regenerated from the plant cell. Transgenic plants are produced by the method. Seeds are produced by the transgenic plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: William M. Ainley, Ryan C. Blue, Michael G. Murray, David Corbin, Rebbeca R. Miles, Steven R. Webb
  • ANTICANCER COMPOUNDS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME
    Publication number: 20110178098
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having anticancer activity; synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating disorders associated with uncontrolled cellular proliferation using the compounds and compositions. This abstract is intended to be used as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas R. Webb, Chandraiah Lagisetti
  • alpha toxin proteins
    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
  • USE OF DENDRIMER NANOTECHNOLOGY FOR DELIVERY OF BIOMOLECULES INTO PLANT CELLS
    Publication number: 20110093982
    Abstract: Provided are methods for introducing a molecule of interest into a plant cell having a cell wall by using dendrimers, and optionally one or more CPPs. Methods are provided for genetically or otherwise modifying plants and for treating or preventing disease in plant cells comprising a cell wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Jayakumar P. Samuel, Narasimha C. Samboju, Kerrm Y. Yau, Steven R. Webb, Frank Burroughs
  • Ambient-atmosphere glow discharge for determination of elemental concentration in solutions in a high-throughput or transient fashion
    Patent number: 7929138
    Abstract: An ambient atmosphere glow discharge spectrometer is disclosed having a capillary, two electrodes and a means for recording the atomic emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Michael R. Webb, Gary M. Hieftje, Francisco Andrade
  • Volume-filling mechanical assemblies and methods of operating the same
    Patent number: 7922236
    Abstract: A method of operating a volume-filling structure, comprising sensing an impact event and expanding the volume-filling structure from a non-expanded state to an expanded state upon the sensed impact event. The volume-filling structure comprises an open celled material, a first end cap connected to one end of the open celled material and a second end cap connected to a second end of the open celled material. The volume-filling structure further includes an activation mechanism regulating expansion of the open celled material from the non-expanded state to expanded state in response to an activation signal, and the activation mechanism includes an actuator interfaced with the end caps. Embodiments may include triggering a pneumatic device to force the second end cap from the first end cap. Additionally, embodiments may include triggering a mechanical event to force the second end cap from the first end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Ching-Shan Cheng, Nancy L. Johnson, Gary L. Jones, Scott R. Webb, Francis D. Wood, Ruth M. Gusko, Chin-Hsu Lin