Patents Assigned to The Smithsonian Institution
  • Patent number: 11908637
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a replacement touchless button for initiating an action upon proximate detection of a solid object near the top of the touchless button. The action is triggered by determining that the solid object is within a predetermined distance from the top of the button. The action is accomplished by the closing of an electrical circuit within the touchless button, the button being configured to replace a push button without modification of a panel housing the push button. The button contains and supports, within its structure, all electrical and physical components needed to operate a device that can be triggered via a push button. The button serves as a direct replacement for a push button with no modifications to existing systems or controls regularly triggered by a push button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Smithsonian Institution
    Inventors: Timothy Pula, Geoffrey Moore
  • Publication number: 20240002396
    Abstract: The instant invention describes macrocyclic compounds having antiproliferation activity, and methods of treating disorders such as cancer, tumors and cell proliferation related disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Applicants: University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated, Smithsonian Institution
    Inventors: Hendrik Luesch, Valerie J. Paul, Susan Matthew, Qi-Yin Chen, Ranjala Ratnayake
  • Publication number: 20230242482
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards compounds (e.g., Formulae (I)-(IX)), their mechanism of action, processes to prepare the compounds, methods of activating quorum sensing signaling activity, and methods of treating diseases and disorders using the compounds described herein (e.g., Formulae (I)-(IX)).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicants: University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated, Smithsonian Institution
    Inventors: Hendrik Luesch, Xiao Liang, Susan Matthew, Jason C. Kwan, Qi-Yin Chen, Valerie J. Paul
  • Patent number: 11668630
    Abstract: The current disclosure provides a gas-liquid falling film equilibration apparatus, systems incorporating the apparatus, and methods of their use. The apparatus comprises a chamber, an equilibration member within the chamber, liquid and gas inlet and outlets, such that a liquid introduced into the chamber from the liquid inlet contacts the upper portion of the outer surface of the equilibration member. The apparatus finds use in the measurement of dissolved gases in a variety of liquids including the measurement of carbon dioxide in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Smithsonian Institution
    Inventors: Alexander Whitman Miller, Amanda C. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20220281816
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards compounds (e.g., Formulae (I)-(IX)), their mechanism of action, processes to prepare the compounds, methods of activating quorum sensing signaling activity, and methods of treating diseases and disorders using the compounds described herein (e.g., Formulae (I)-(IX)).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Applicants: University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporation, Smithsonian Institution
    Inventors: Hendrik Luesch, Xiao Liang, Susan Matthew, Jason C. Kwan, Qi-Yin Chen, Valerie J. Paul
  • Publication number: 20220225793
    Abstract: Systems and methods for securely framing an enclosure with an easily formed and integrated inert material, thereby providing a non-reactive environment for securing one or more objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Applicant: Smithsonian Institution
    Inventor: Graham Michael Kopp
  • Publication number: 20220225795
    Abstract: Systems and methods for securely framing an enclosure with an easily formed and integrated inert material, thereby providing a non-reactive environment for securing one or more objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Applicant: Smithsonian Institution
    Inventor: Graham Michael Kopp
  • Publication number: 20220230820
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a replacement touchless button for initiating an action upon proximate detection of a solid object near the top of the touchless button. The action is triggered by determining that the solid object is within a predetermined distance from the top of the button. The action is accomplished by the closing of an electrical circuit within the touchless button, the button being configured to replace a push button without modification of a panel housing the push button. The button contains and supports, within its structure, all electrical and physical components needed to operate a device that can be triggered via a push button. The button serves as a direct replacement for a push button with no modifications to existing systems or controls regularly triggered by a push button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Applicant: Smithsonian Institution
    Inventors: Timothy Pula, Geoffrey Moore
  • Patent number: 11358989
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards Apratyramide linear depsipeptide compounds, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of affecting wound healing, and methods of affecting the biological processes involved in wound healing (e.g., inflammation, cell proliferation, tissue granulation, remodeling of scar tissue, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated, Smithsonian Institution
    Inventors: Hendrik Luesch, Weijing Cai, Valerie J. Paul, Lilibeth A. Salvador
  • Patent number: 11333589
    Abstract: The current disclosure provides a gas-liquid falling film equilibration apparatus, systems incorporating the apparatus, and methods of their use. The apparatus comprises a chamber, an equilibration member within the chamber, liquid and gas inlet and outlets, such that a liquid introduced into the chamber from the liquid inlet contacts the upper portion of the outer surface of the equilibration member. The apparatus finds use in the measurement of dissolved gases in a variety of liquids including the measurement of carbon dioxide in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Smithsonian Institution
    Inventors: Alexander Whitman Miller, Amanda C. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 11311008
    Abstract: A cryopreservation composition generally includes a cryoprotective agent and a laser absorber that includes a metal. Rewarming a cryopreserved specimen that includes the cryopreservation composition includes subjecting the cryopreserved specimen to a laser pulse effective to heat the laser absorber sufficiently to thaw the cryopreserved biospecimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignees: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA., SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
    Inventors: John Bischof, Kanav Khosla, Zhenpeng Qin, Mary Margaret Hagedorn, Cari Suzanne Dutcher
  • Patent number: 10010569
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to seaweed extract compositions, processes for isolation, isolated active agents, and methods of treating disease, disorders and conditions in a subject, including, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated diseases and diseases mediated through the activation of the Nrf2-ARE (antioxidant response element) pathway, including proliferative diseases and disorders, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and certain diseases and disorders of aging and associated with aging and exposure, by use of the extracts, compounds, and compositions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated, Smithsonian Institution
    Inventors: Hendrik Luesch, Valerie J. Paul, Rui Wang
  • Patent number: 9970915
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for rapidly determining the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in a body of water. The systems and methods are particularly useful for measuring p CO2 in coastal waters and other bodies of water where pCO2 can change rapidly and vary widely at sites that are in close proximity to each other. Additionally, pCO2 measurements can be important for industrial CO2 sequestration monitoring, monitoring pCO2 in wastewater and drinking water treatment plants, as well as monitoring and controlling pH in municipal and private swimming pools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Smithsonian Institution
    Inventors: Alexander Whitman Miller, Gerhardt F. Riedel, Karl John Klug
  • Patent number: 9730970
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to seaweed extract compositions, processes for isolation, isolated active agents, and methods of treating disease, disorders and conditions in a subject, including, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated diseases and diseases mediated through the activation of the Nrf2-ARE (antioxidant response element) pathway, including proliferative diseases and disorders, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and certain diseases and disorders of aging and associated with aging and exposure, by use of the extracts, compounds, and compositions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Smithsonian Institution
    Inventors: Hendrik Luesch, Valerie J. Paul, Ranjala Ratnayake
  • Patent number: 9051350
    Abstract: The instant invention describes macrocyclic compounds having antiproliferation activity, and methods of treating disorders such as cancer, tumors and cell proliferation related disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Smithsonian Institution
    Inventors: Hendrik Luesch, Valerie J. Paul, Jason C. Kwan
  • Patent number: 8569245
    Abstract: This invention relates to grassystatins A, B and C, and their isolated or purified forms. The compounds of the invention are useful as aspartic protease, gamma secretase, or metalloprotease inhibitors. Methods of using the compounds and compositions thereof are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignees: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Smithsonian Institution
    Inventors: Hendrik Luesch, Valerie J. Paul, Jason C. Kwan
  • Patent number: 6258882
    Abstract: Polish formulations are provided which comprise: a) an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent comprising 0-10% aromatic hydrocarbons; b) an acrylic resin; and c) a wax product that is thermoplastic, transparent, a solid at room temperature and has a melting/softening point of about 60° to about 90° C.; wherein wt:wt ratio of said acrylic resin and wax is about 1:3 to about 1:8 and the wt:wt ratio of said resin and wax to said solvent is about 1:1 to about 1:9. The formulations function as surface polishes that can be used on any hard surface including wood, metal, stone, and other non-porous surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: The Smithsonian Institution
    Inventor: Melvin Joseph Wachowiak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6156108
    Abstract: Water in oil emulsion formulations comprise:a) from about 55% to about 65% by weight of the formulation of an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent comprising a maximum of 10% aromatic hydrocarbons;b) from about 15% to about 25% by weight of a wax product which is emulsifiable, possesses a polar component and has a melting/softening point in the range of from 60.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C.;c) from about 1% to about 5% by weight of an emulsifier;d) from 0 to about 0.5% by weight of a resin; ande) about 13% to about 18% by weight water, with the proviso that the combination of solvent and wax products comprises at least about 75% of the total composition. The formulations are useful as surface polishes that can be used on any hard surface including wood, metal, stone, and other non-porous surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: The Smithsonian Institution
    Inventor: Melvin Joseph Wachowiak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5412474
    Abstract: An interferometric gauge for high precision absolute and incremental measurements of distances of up to at least 100 meters. An accuracy of 0.02 Angstrom has been demonstrated, free of the .about.10 Angstrom polarization-leakage errors of conventional gauges. The absolute distance measurement requires no a priori information, and multiple synthetic wavelengths need not be used. The gauge can be used as the sensor for a null servo. There are reduced-cost versions of lower accuracy. The gauge can employ a resonant cavity for greater sensitivity, and can be built with no transmissive elements in the measured path. Without additional hardware, the gauge readout can be in the form of a frequency or an analog electrical signal, in addition to a digital count of an integral number of wavelengths. The gauge employs a high-sensitivity null sensor. Feedback to an optical frequency shifter maintains the null condition; the frequency shift is measured electronically, providing a high sensitivity distance readout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Smithsonian Institution
    Inventors: Robert D. Reasenberg, James D. Phillips, Martin C. Noecker
  • Patent number: 4941125
    Abstract: A digital camera is used to scan documents and generate a corresponding digital output signal. A data processor receives the digital output signal and generates corresponding index information. The video and index information are then stored on one or more optical disks for search and retrieval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Smithsonian Institution
    Inventor: Walter J. Boyne