Patents by Inventor Stephen Quirk

Stephen Quirk 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: 20030138975
    Abstract: The present invention provides modified proteinoid microspheres that can be labeled and/or attached to selective binding moieties. The selective binding moieties can bind to selected targets either in vitro or in vivo. Examples of selective binding moieties include antibodies, ligands, receptors, and the like. Such modified proteinoid microspheres are useful for detecting target antigens, polypeptides, cell types and tissue types. The modified proteinoid microspheres of the invention can also be used for diagnostic imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Quirk
  • Publication number: 20030138570
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, reliable, and inexpensive process for the manufacture of diagnostic biosensor films such as diffraction-based diagnostic films. The present invention includes a method for preparing a diffraction-based diagnostic biosensor film that includes the steps of: a) providing a receptor solution that includes a receptor and a carrier fluid, b) applying the receptor solution to a printing cylinder having a longitudinal axis and an engraved pattern of cells, each cell having a width, height, and depth for acceptance of the receptor solution, the printing cylinder being rotated about the longitudinal axis, c) transferring the receptor solution from the rotating printing cylinder to a substrate, and, d) drying the printed substrate, wherein the dried receptor forms a pattern that includes individual printed areas having a center-to-center spacing ranging from about 0.1 microns to about 100 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Rosann Kaylor, Stephen Quirk, Chibueze O. Chidebelu-Eze
  • Publication number: 20030129252
    Abstract: The invention provides proteinoid microsphere made up of a mixture of thermally condensed amino acids that are crosslinked with a bis dithiol crosslinker reagent. The proteinoid microspheres of the invention may be used to encapsulate a material or a compound and to provide slow, sustained or timed release of the material or compound. The proteinoid microspheres are stable in solution until exposed to a reducing agent. However, the in vivo environment provides a sufficient reduction potential to provide slow, sustained release of materials contained therein from the proteinoid microspheres of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Quirk
  • Publication number: 20030118479
    Abstract: Diagnostic devices for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample are provided. Devices of the present invention comprise a means for inducing a pressure differential on a sample to direct the sample to a test surface. In one embodiment, the means for inducing a pressure differential on a sample to direct the sample to a test surface comprises a syringe that can be used to draw a sample from an opening to a test surface. In other embodiments, the device also provides means for diluting a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen Quirk, Robert John Lyng, Rosann Marie Kaylor
  • Publication number: 20030118480
    Abstract: Diagnostic devices, systems and methods for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample are provided. In one embodiment, the device comprises a substrate, a binder printed in a pattern onto a surface of the substrate, and a means for directing a sample towards the surface of the substrate that is printed with the binder. Systems of the present invention further include a light source that can be directed through the aforementioned means or another opening to the binder-printed surface to test for diffraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Rosann Marie Kaylor, Chibueze O. Chidebelu-Eze, Robert John Lyng, Stephen Quirk
  • Publication number: 20030119073
    Abstract: Sensors for detecting catabolic proteinase enzymes and proenzymes in the fluid of a human or animal and methods for detecting the enzymes and then providing treatment that is specific for the detected enzyme are disclosed. The sensors of the present invention can be used to detect catabolic proteinase enzymes and proenzymes in the fluid of chronic wounds of humans and animals. Upon detection of any proteinase enzyme, the wound can be treated with an inhibiting complex that is specific for the detected enzyme or proenzyme. Enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases and human neutrophil elastase in the active and proenzyme form can be detected and treatment provided with inhibitors for the detected enzyme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen Quirk, David John Tyrrell
  • Publication number: 20030096757
    Abstract: The invention provides inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases that are useful as anti-tumor agents and for treating wounds. The inhibitors are peptides having sequences related to cleavage regions of the proenzyme forms of matrix metalloproteinases. The peptide inhibitors of the invention can be formulated into therapeutic compositions, lotions, creams, skin covering and wound dressings that inhibit expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and encourage healing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Quirk, Ilona F. Weart
  • Publication number: 20030073808
    Abstract: The present invention relates to MMP regulators that comprise new synthetic peptides, that comprise amino acid sequences structurally similar to those of MMP binding region of TIMPs, coupled to zinc chelators. The invention also relates to methods for making these MMP regulators and their use for the treatment of chronic and acute wounds and for the treatment of angiogenesis-associated diseases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen Quirk, David John Tyrrell
  • Publication number: 20020086877
    Abstract: The present invention provides compounds that are effective in treating disorders caused by the enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinases. These disorders include, but are not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, periodontal disease, aberrant angiogenesis, tumor invasion and metastasis, corneal ulceration, and in complications of diabetes. The present invention is also is useful for treating wounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen Quirk
  • Publication number: 20010047334
    Abstract: A system and method for executing payment for a transaction of goods or services between a merchant and a consumer over a network by using a prepaid consumer account, such as a telephone calling card account, to pay for the transaction. The consumer provides an account identifier to the merchant, which then sends a first transaction request message to a digital petty cash server (DPCS). The DPCS determines which one of several available account servers holds the consumer account identified by the consumer, and then sends a second transaction authorization request message to that account server. The account server determines if the consumer account is sufficient to cover the transaction amount; and then either deducts the transaction amount from the consumer account and completes the transaction, or it denies the transaction if the consumer account is insufficient to cover the DPCS transaction amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Victor Nappe, Stephen Quirk
  • Publication number: 20010044614
    Abstract: A personal care absorbent article having at least one nonwoven web material and at least one reducing agent disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the at least one nonwoven web material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: Emmanuelle Cecile Damay, David Charles Potts, Jack Nelson Lindon, Dmitry Yavich, Stephen Quirk