Patents by Inventor Robert Johnston

Robert Johnston 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: 20070009267
    Abstract: An electrical link driver for a point-to-point link is coupled to a laser. The electrical link driver provides a modulation current to the laser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Inventors: Darren Crews, Shenggao Li, Chien-Chang Liu, Robert Johnston
  • Publication number: 20060292678
    Abstract: This invention relates to an novel Gluconobacter oxydans 2-ketoreductase useful for the synthesis of chiral alcohols. Also related are isolated nucleic acids encoding G. oxydans 2-ketoreductase enzymes, and enzyme fragments and variants thereof, as well as vectors and host cells comprising these nucleic acids. Further related are isolated G. oxydans 2-ketoreductase polypeptides, and fragments and variants thereof, and antibodies that specifically bind to G. oxydans 2-ketoreductase polypeptides, fragments, or variants. The invention also relates to methods of obtaining isolated G. oxydans 2-ketoreductase nucleic acids, polypeptides, and antibodies, and methods of using G. oxydans 2-ketoreductase in various reactions for industrial or pharmaceutical applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Inventors: Venkata Nanduri, Robert Johnston, Steven Goldberg, Paul Cino, Ramesh Patel
  • Patent number: 7152769
    Abstract: An automobile roof top carrier for securing equipment to an automobile rooftop includes a body made from a resilient material having a plurality of protrusions disposed about a top surface. The protrusions define a support surface for holding the equipment and also define a first and second support channel disposed substantially transverse to the support surface. Optionally, the sides of the body include a third and fourth support channel. One fastener is disposed around part of the carrier through the support channels and over the equipment and secures the equipment to the carrier block. A second fastener is disposed through the first and second support channels and secures the carrier to the vehicle roof. The protrusions prevent the fasteners from sliding relative to the carrier block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Riverside Cartop Carriers, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Johnston, David M. Moseley
  • Publication number: 20060275878
    Abstract: This invention relates to isolated or recombinant N—CBZ-deprotecting enzyme polypeptides that catalyze the removal of CBZ from CBZ-protected amino acids and alcohols, and variants, modifications, and fragments thereof. Also related are isolated nucleic acids encoding N—CBZ-deprotecting enzyme polypeptides, and variants, modifications, and fragments thereof, as well as vectors and host cells comprising these nucleic acids. The invention also relates to methods of obtaining isolated nucleic acids, polypeptides, and antibodies, and methods of using polypeptides in various reactions for industrial or pharmaceutical applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Inventors: Venkata Nanduri, Ramesh Patel, Steven Goldberg, Robert Johnston
  • Publication number: 20060149047
    Abstract: This invention relates to isolated or recombinant N-CBZ-deprotecting enzyme polypeptides that catalyze the removal of CBZ from CBZ-protected amino acids and alcohols, and variants, modifications, and fragments thereof. Also related are isolated nucleic acids encoding N-CBZ-deprotecting enzyme polypeptides, and variants, modifications, and fragments thereof, as well as vectors and host cells comprising these nucleic acids. The invention also relates to methods of obtaining isolated nucleic acids, polypeptides, and antibodies, and methods of using polypeptides in various reactions for industrial or pharmaceutical applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Venkata Nanduri, Ramesh Patel, Steven Goldberg, Robert Johnston
  • Publication number: 20060137408
    Abstract: Apparatus for releasing a magnetic security device used to inhibit unauthorised access to and/or unauthorised removal of an article. The apparatus has a first portion (1) for locating an article in a first direction (D1) and a second portion (2) for locating an article in a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1), so providing an L-shaped slot or receptacle capable of receiving articles of a wide range of shapes and sizes having a security device installed adjacent two substantially perpendicular sides thereof. The first and/or second portions include magnetic release means for releasing a lock securing the security device to the article and arranged to assist in locating the article in a third direction (M) perpendicular to the first and second directions (D1, D2) by magnetic attraction of the security device as the article is brought into contact with the first and second portions to align the magnetic security device with the magnetic release means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventors: Sean Maddox, Peter Farrar, Robert Johnston
  • Publication number: 20060103053
    Abstract: A take-off tube assembly for transferring a preform and methods of use are discussed. The assembly has walls defining a receptacle, and the receptacle has an open end with a cross sectional area. A preform guide is located along the walls of the receptacle, the preform guide having an open end with a cross sectional area smaller than the cross sectional area of the receptacle. A vacuum inlet is also be present, allowing connection of the assembly to a vacuum so that a vacuum draw can facilitate transfer of the preform to the take-off tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert Johnston
  • Publication number: 20060099587
    Abstract: The present invention provides immunogenic compositions and methods that may be used to administer safer (i.e., attenuated) alphavirus vectors (such as alphavirus vectors comprising a VEE virion shell) that retain improved immunogenicity as compared with other attenuated alphaviruses (e.g., the VEE 3014 mutant, described below). In particular embodiments of the invention, the alphavirus vector comprises VEE structural proteins comprising an attenuating mutation in the E1 glycoprotein. In other particular embodiments, the attenuating mutation is in the fusogenic region of the E1 glycoprotein. The present invention enables administration of lower dosages of a safer (i.e., attenuated) virus and, thus, can further reduce manufacturing costs. The present inventors have found that immunogenicity of alphavirus vectors may be influenced by a number of factors including species, site and route of administration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Johnston, Nancy Davis, Ande West, Jonathan Smith
  • Publication number: 20060100422
    Abstract: This invention relates to a recombinant Pichia pastoris formate dehydrogenase (FDH) enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of formate to carbon dioxide and the simultaneous reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) to its reduced form (NADH). Also related are isolated nucleic acids encoding P. pastoris FDH polypeptides, and fragments and variants thereof, as well as vectors and host cells comprising these nucleic acids. Further related are isolated, recombinant P. pastoris FDH polypeptides, and fragments and variants thereof, and antibodies that specifically bind to P. pastoris FDH polypeptides, fragments, or variants. The invention also relates to methods of obtaining isolated P. pastoris FDH nucleic acids, polypeptides, and antibodies, and methods of using P. pastoris FDH in various reactions for industrial or pharmaceutical applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Inventors: Steven Goldberg, Paul Cino, Ramesh Patel, Venkata Nanduri, Robert Johnston
  • Patent number: 7040857
    Abstract: A preloaded spring assembly is provided in a recess in each shroud in axial opposition to an aft facing sealing surface of a turbine nozzle retaining ring. Each spring assembly includes a spring, preferably a bellows type spring, with a plate mounted on one side and a sealing surface on the side of the plate remote from the spring. The sealing surface may be an abradable coating or a honeycomb seal. The seal assembly is maintained preloaded by a wrap which upon reaching turbine operating temperature disintegrates, enabling the spring to load the sealing surface against the retaining ring surface to prevent or minimize air leakage from outside the nozzle retainer ring into the hot gas path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rong Shi Paul Chiu, John Robert Johnston
  • Publication number: 20060081236
    Abstract: A sideburner is disclosed, including a burner pan, a base, and a burner element supported by the burner pan. The burner pan comprises a floor, upper sidewalls with a first dimension, lower sidewalls with a second dimension, and a substantially horizontal shelf. The second dimension is smaller than the second dimension. The shelf joins an upper portion of the lower sidewall to a lower portion of the upper sidewall. The base has a substantially flat top surface and a front surface. The top surface has a recessed opening located over the burner pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Johnston, Bradley Gillespie
  • Publication number: 20060075506
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced electronic asset protection are described. One aspect of one described embodiment includes receiving an indication to activate asset protection, the client device having a local data store; and activating asset protection in response to the indication, wherein asset protection comprises disabling the local data store and disabling the client device. In another embodiment, a computer-readable medium (such as, for example random access memory or a computer disk) includes code for carrying out such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventors: Frank Sanda, Naohisa Fukuda, Edward Laves, Robert Johnston, Justin Tidwell, Raymond Gurgone, David Robins, Laura Worthington, Karlton Zeitz
  • Publication number: 20060075467
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced network access are described. One aspect of one described embodiment includes receiving a request to connect to a network, the request associated with a user, determining a policy associated with the user, identifying at least one available network connection, determining at least one property of the at least one available network connection, evaluating the property based at least in part on the policy, and selecting the at least one available network connection based on the evaluation. In another embodiment, a computer-readable medium (such as, for example random access memory or a computer disk) includes code for carrying out such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventors: Frank Sanda, Naohisa Fukuda, Edward Laves, Robert Johnston, Justin Tidwell, Raymond Gurgone, David Robins, Laura Worthington, Karlton Zeitz
  • Publication number: 20060072583
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and displaying performance metrics are described. One aspect of one described embodiment includes receiving performance metrics associated with a plurality of network connections to a plurality of networks, each of the plurality of network connections associated with a client device; determining a status of one of the plurality of networks based at least in part on the performance metrics; and providing the status of the one of the plurality of networks to a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventors: Frank Sanda, Naohisa Fukuda, Edward Laves, Robert Johnston, Justin Tidwell, Raymond Gurgone, David Robins, Laura Worthington, Karlton Zeitz
  • Publication number: 20060075472
    Abstract: Systems are methods for enhanced network client security are described. One aspect of one embodiment of the present invention includes receiving a security-related policy associated with a user, determining a security model associated with the security-related policy, and applying the security model to a network connection on a client device. One aspect of another embodiment of the present invention includes receiving a first measure associated with a usage characteristic, the usage characteristic associated with a user, receiving a second measure associated with the usage characteristic, comparing the first measure and second measure, and determining the likelihood that an unauthorized access has occurred based at least in part on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventors: Frank Sanda, Naohisa Fukuda, Edward Laves, Robert Johnston, Justin Tidwell, Raymond Gurgone, David Robins, Laura Worthington, Karlton Zeitz
  • Publication number: 20050251533
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for migrating a data integration facility, such as an ETL job, from a source data integration platform to a target data integration platform. Certain embodiments involve externalizing a metadata representation of a source data integration job; parsing the metadata representation; importing the parsed metadata into a plurality of object representations of the source data integration job; generating an intermediate representation of the source data integration platform based on the plurality of object representations; and translating the intermediate representation to generate a target data integration job; wherein the target data integration job is adapted perform substantially the same functions as the source data integration job.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Applicant: Ascential Software Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Harken, Robert Johnston
  • Publication number: 20050243604
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for migrating a data integration facility, such as an ETL job, from a source data integration platform to a target data integration platform. For example, systems and methods are provided for migrating a data integration job from a source data integration platform having a source native format to a target data integration platform having a target native format; wherein the target native format is different than the source native format. The systems and methods may involve analyzing a source language construct of the source data integration platform to determine a logical syntax; constructing a target language construct of the target data integration platform adapted to perform the same logical operation on the target data integration platform as the source language construct performs on the source data integration platform; and substituting the target language construct for the source language construct in the source code for the data integration job.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Publication date: November 3, 2005
    Applicant: Ascential Software Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Harken, Robert Johnston
  • Publication number: 20050224501
    Abstract: A thermal storage container is disclosed highly useful for storing items at or below a desired temperature for a predetermined period of time. The thermal storage container comprises an outer box, an insulating box positioned within the outer box, wherein the insulating box has at least one wall having a thickness, and an inner box, wherein the insulating box surrounds the inner box. An outer carton can be positioned around the outer box. An interference fit can be held between the inner box and the insulating box, the insulating box and the outer box, and/or the outer box and the outer carton, and the boxes are removable from one another. At least one layer of tape can be wrapped around the insulating box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Publication date: October 13, 2005
    Inventors: Rod Folkert, Robert Johnston
  • Patent number: D523732
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Dubois, Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Antony Farrar, Anthony Henry Joseph Fraser, Robert Johnston
  • Patent number: D525069
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Dubois Limited
    Inventors: Peter Antony Farrar, Robert Johnston