Patents by Inventor Robert MacDonald

Robert MacDonald 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: 7168892
    Abstract: A retaining wall block (1) has parallel top and bottom faces (2, 3), a front face (4), a rear face (5), first and second side wall faces (6, 7) and a vertical plane of symmetry (S) extending between the front and rear faces (4, 5). The block (1) is formed as a body portion (8) including the front face (4), a head portion (9) including the rear face (5) and a neck portion (10) connecting the body portion (8) and the head portion (9). The body, head and neck portions (8, 9, 10) each extend between the top and bottom faces (2, 3) and between the first and second side wall faces (6, 7). An opening (13)? extends through the neck portion (10) from the top face (2) to the bottom face (3), dividing the neck portion (10) into first and second neck wall members (14, 15) extending rearwardly from the body portion (8) to the head portion (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Patent number: 7156641
    Abstract: This invention provides a mold for forming a contact lens comprising an overflow collector, which causes the overflow reactive mixture to be accumulated, and not to spread out as it would upon the typically flat surface of a prior art mold. This invention further provides a method of preventing the formation of contaminating pieces of overflow reactive mixture comprising the step of: preventing the overflow reactive mixture from spreading out on the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Frederick Ansell, Jan Albert Maria Windey, Kenneth W. Foley, Jr., Gerald Robert Krebsbach, Robert MacDonald Smith, Carl G. Crowe, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20060257464
    Abstract: The present invention provides optimized transfection reagents comprising mixtures of cationiclipoids. In particular, the present invention provides DNA delivery vehicles based on identifying the optimal hydrophobicity of novel cationic phospholipid derivatives that, alone or in combination, form complexes with DNA (lipoplexes) and exhibit enhanced transfection activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Publication date: November 16, 2006
    Applicant: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Robert MacDonald, Li Wang
  • Publication number: 20060110223
    Abstract: Single and multiple retaining wall blocks and block systems are disclosed. The blocks are provided with a face connection system which includes at least one front lip extending from a top surface of the block and a bottom channel formed into a front face and bottom surface of the block. The front lips have a length which is less than the width of the blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: William Dawson, Robert MacDonald
  • Patent number: 7011474
    Abstract: A retaining wall block system is described. The block system includes blocks of different sizes that are configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a retaining wall or free-standing wall. Each block has at least three faces which are textured to produce the appearance of natural stone. The faces have varying sizes based on variations in width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20050261221
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for enhanced delivery of compounds (e.g., drugs, nucleic acids, peptides, etc.) via transfection complexes (e.g., liposomes). In particular, the present invention utilizes agents that synergistically enhance the ability of a transfection complex to deliver a compound to cells or tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Publication date: November 24, 2005
    Inventors: Li Wang, Robert MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20050252147
    Abstract: A system of columnar blocks and stacking blocks interlock with each other in the construction of a pilaster or column and a fence panel, respectively, for use in a fence. The columnar blocks are generally square and the stacking blocks are generally rectangular. The columnar block faces may contain one or more slots to give a column an appearance of a masonry joint. Blocks have at least one interlocking element that permits a positive connection between courses of the blocks when the interlocking element is received in an overlying block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Robert MacDonald, William Dawson
  • Publication number: 20050252144
    Abstract: A veneer panel system is used with a wall or a retaining wall to provide a natural stone appearance and/or to improve the appearance of an existing wall. Panels can be interlocked to form a stable veneer structure. The structure is attached to a wall by various attachment means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Robert MacDonald, William Dawson
  • Publication number: 20050252145
    Abstract: A system of blocks having a stacking block and a corner block configured to fit together in the construction of a wall. The blocks interlock with each other so that no mortar is required in the construction of a wall. Additional pin reinforcement can be added.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Robert MacDonald, William Dawson
  • Publication number: 20050252202
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to treat fluid streams, and in particular emissions from lean-burn engines such as diesel engines, are disclosed, which use multiple catalysts chosen to remove hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and oxides of nitrogen. The apparatus and method also provide for heat exchange between the inlet and outlet exhaust streams to sustain the catalyzed reactions, by placing the catalysts in the temperature zones where their operation is enhanced, and they also allow for regeneration of a filter used to trap particulate matter in the streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Dorriah Page, Bradley Edgar, Robert MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20050252146
    Abstract: A system of blocks is configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a columnar structure. Each block has four faces and all four faces may generally have the same dimensions. The width of the blocks may generally be about twice their height. The faces of the block also may contain a slot to add an aesthetic appearance to the column. The blocks have certain constructions features that mate with specially constructed brackets in attaching a fence panel to the completed column. The blocks have interlocking elements or projections that permit positive connection between courses of blocks. Projections of one block extend into the core another block. Adjacent blocks can be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other about a vertical axis of each block with each course. The blocks can be used to construct a column that is easy to install and structurally sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Robert MacDonald, William Dawson
  • Publication number: 20050242468
    Abstract: A capping block having a waterproof shell that enables the quick and easy construction of a structurally sound column or pillar. The capping block comprises a composite material that has the appearance of natural stone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Publication date: November 3, 2005
    Inventors: Robert MacDonald, William Dawson
  • Publication number: 20050193490
    Abstract: A mattress covering is described. The covering may be a sheet or a mattress pad. A mattress pad according to the present invention has: i) a central rectangular panel comprising a plurality of layers including an upper textile layer, a lower textile layer, and a batting layer quilted to at least one of the upper and lower textile layers. Side panels depend from the central panel, comprising a single layer of a textile fabric. End panels are defined by extensions of the central panel. The side panels are joined to the end panels by seams extending in a transverse direction in relation to the rectangular central panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Publication date: September 8, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Macdonald
  • Patent number: 6912823
    Abstract: A retaining wall block system having multiple sizes and shapes of blocks with differently dimensioned, interchangeable front and back faces. The blocks are used to construct an irregularly textured wall having a weathered, natural appearance. Multiple channels in the lower face of the block are used to engage pins in pin-receiving apertures to form an attachment system. A side connection system is particularly useful for stabilizing free-standing walls. Horizontal reinforcing members are also used in the channels and vertical reinforcing members are used in cores of adjacent blocks for reinforcing a wall. Reinforcing geosynthetic materials can also be firmly held in a wall by means of the pins or by connectors adapted to fit in the block channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Publication number: 20050142179
    Abstract: The present invention provides optimized transfection reagents comprising mixtures of cationiclipoids. In particular, the present invention provides DNA delivery vehicles based on identifying the optimal hydrophobicity of novel cationic phospholipid derivatives that, alone or in combination, form complexes with DNA (lipoplexes) and exhibit enhanced transfection activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Applicant: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Robert MacDonald, Li Wang
  • Patent number: 6893192
    Abstract: A retaining wall block system is described. The block system includes blocks of different sizes that are configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a retaining wall or free-standing wall. Each block has at least three faces which are textured to produce the appearance of natural stone. The faces have varying sizes based on variations in width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20050072095
    Abstract: A retaining wall block system is described. The block system includes blocks of different sizes that are configured to be compatible with each other in the construction of a retaining wall or free-standing wall. Each block has at least three faces which are textured to produce the appearance of natural stone. The faces have varying sizes based on variations in width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventor: Robert MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20050035485
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for treating the surfaces and edges of a block to mimic the appearance of natural stone. The apparatus and method can treat up to four sides of a block, can be adjusted to provide varying degrees of surface and edge treatment, and useful in high volume block production equipment. Blocks are produced having a natural, weathered appearance without the damage, breakage, dust, or expense associated with conventional splitting and tumbling methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Antal Suto, John Campau, John Campau, Donald Reuschel, Robert MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6854231
    Abstract: A retaining wall block system having multiple sizes and shapes of blocks with differently dimensioned, interchangeable front and back faces. The blocks are used to construct an irregularly textured wall having a weathered, natural appearance. Multiple channels in the lower face of the block are used to engage pins in pin-receiving apertures to form an attachment system. Horizontal reinforcing members are also used in the channels and vertical reinforcing members are used in cores of adjacent blocks for reinforcing a wall. Reinforcing geosynthetic materials can also be firmly held in a wall by means of the pins or by connectors adapted to fit in the block channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. MacDonald, Robert J. Race
  • Patent number: D501935
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Keystone Retaining Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Dawson, Robert A. MacDonald