Patents by Inventor Thomas H. Walls

Thomas H. Walls 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).

  • Na channels, disease, and related assays and compositions
    Patent number: 8816095
    Abstract: Disclosed are molecules and their synthesis, for use in blocking gated ion channels such as voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and prostate voltage sodium channels (PVSCs). These inhibitors have superior blocking efficacy, for instance in displacing the radioligand [3H]-Batrachotoxin-B ([3H]-BTX-B) that binds to site 2 of a VGSC. The molecules of the invention comprise a moiety which increases the binding affinity of molecules for the protein binding site in prostate cancer cells (PCs), and which is also fluorescent. In one embodiment the invention molecules are an inhibition system that can be used to target over-abundant or hyperactive VGSCs selectively in pain, epilepsy or prostate cancer, inhibiting the proliferation of PCs. The fluorescent moiety also facilitates screening, tracking, and pharmacodynamic studies of the drug in a biological system both in vitro and in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Georgetown University
    Inventors: Milton L. Brown, Scott Grindrod, Thomas H. Walls, Todd Hansen, Simeng Suy, Mikell A. Paige
  • NA CHANNELS, DISEASE, AND RELATED ASSAYS AND COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20110230442
    Abstract: Disclosed are molecules and their synthesis, for use in blocking gated ion channels such as voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and prostate voltage sodium channels (PVSCs). These inhibitors have superior blocking efficacy, for instance in displacing the radioligand [3H]-Batrachotoxin-B ([3H]-BTX-B) that binds to site 2 of a VGSC. The molecules of the invention comprise a moiety which increases the binding affinity of molecules for the protein binding site in prostate cancer cells (PCs), and which is also fluorescent. In one embodiment the invention molecules are an inhibition system that can be used to target over-abundant or hyperactive VGSCs selectively in pain, epilepsy or prostate cancer, inhibiting the proliferation of PCs. The fluorescent moiety also facilitates screening, tracking, and pharmacodynamic studies of the drug in a biological system both in vitro and in vivo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Milton L. Brown, Scott Grindrod, Thomas H. Walls, Todd Hansen, Simeng Suy, Mikell A. Paige
  • Evaporative humidifier
    Patent number: 4225542
    Abstract: A sterilizable evaporative humidifier for respiratory usage having a disposable absorbent evaporative element is disclosed. The humidifier provides humidification, low pressure drop and a very short warm-up period. Electronic controls are provided to ensure safe automatic operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thomas H. Wall, Kevin T. Johnson