Patents by Inventor Alan H. Wells

Alan H. Wells 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: 11406687
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of treating angiogenic disorders of the eye, such as macular degeneration, restenosis following glaucoma treatment or diabetic retinopathy, by administering an activator of C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3). In some embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is interferon-?-inducible 10 kDa protein (IP-10) or a fragment or variant thereof, such as a fragment comprising or consisting of the C-terminal ?-helix of IP-10. In other embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is platelet factor 4 (PF4) or a fragment or variant thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Alan H. Wells, Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Joel S. Schuman
  • Publication number: 20210388048
    Abstract: Recombinant C—X—C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) peptides modified to introduce a cleavage site for a protease, such as a protease activated during an inflammatory response, are described. The CXCL peptides have the capacity to activate CXCR3 until being cleaved by the protease. Proteolytic cleavage of the CXCL peptide minimizes the pro-inflammatory response and inhibits the development of fibrosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: Alan H. Wells
  • Publication number: 20210000919
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of treating angiogenic disorders of the eye, such as macular degeneration, restenosis following glaucoma treatment or diabetic retinopathy, by administering an activator of C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3). In some embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is interferon-?-inducible 10 kDa protein (IP-10) or a fragment or variant thereof, such as a fragment comprising or consisting of the C-terminal ?-helix of IP-10. In other embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is platelet factor 4 (PF4) or a fragment or variant thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Alan H. Wells, Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Joel S. Schuman
  • Patent number: 10561710
    Abstract: Described herein is the finding that activators of CXCR3, such as proteins that bind CXCR3 (e.g., IP-9, IP-10 and PF4), enhance the density of goblet cells in the eye. Goblet cells in the conjunctiva are the primary source of tear mucus. Accordingly, the present disclosure describes methods of treating dry eye syndrome by administering an activator of CXCR3. Also described are methods of increasing goblet cells density, such as goblet cell density in the conjunctiva.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Alan H. Wells, Joel S. Schuman, Ian P. Conner
  • Publication number: 20180333460
    Abstract: Described herein is the finding that activators of CXCR3, such as proteins that bind CXCR3 (e.g., IP-9, IP-10 and PF4), enhance the density of goblet cells in the eye. Goblet cells in the conjunctiva are the primary source of tear mucus. Accordingly, the present disclosure describes methods of treating dry eye syndrome by administering an activator of CXCR3. Also described are methods of increasing goblet cells density, such as goblet cell density in the conjunctiva.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Alan H. Wells, Joel S. Schuman, Ian P. Conner
  • Publication number: 20180280478
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of treating angiogenic disorders of the eye, such as macular degeneration, restenosis following glaucoma treatment or diabetic retinopathy, by administering an activator of C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3). In some embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is interferon-?-inducible 10 kDa protein (IP-10) or a fragment or variant thereof, such as a fragment comprising or consisting of the C-terminal ?-helix of IP-10. In other embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is platelet factor 4 (PF4) or a fragment or variant thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Alan H. Wells, Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Joel S. Schuman
  • Patent number: 9895419
    Abstract: Described herein is the finding that activators of CXCR3, such as proteins that bind CXCR3 (e.g., IP-9, IP-10 and PF4), enhance the density of goblet cells in the eye. Goblet cells in the conjunctiva are the primary source of tear mucus. Accordingly, the present disclosure describes methods of treating dry eye syndrome by administering an activator of CXCR3. Also described are methods of increasing goblet cells density, such as goblet cell density in the conjunctiva.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Alan H. Wells, Joel S. Schuman, Ian P. Conner
  • Patent number: 9872889
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of treating angiogenic disorders of the eye, such as macular degeneration, restenosis following glaucoma treatment or diabetic retinopathy, by administering an activator of C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3). In some embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is interferon-?-inducible 10 kDa protein (IP-10) or a fragment or variant thereof, such as a fragment comprising or consisting of the C-terminal ?-helix of IP-10. In other embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is platelet factor 4 (PF4) or a fragment or variant thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Alan H. Wells, Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Joel S. Schuman
  • Publication number: 20170000852
    Abstract: Described herein is the finding that activators of CXCR3, such as proteins that bind CXCR3 (e.g., IP-9, IP-10 and PF4), enhance the density of goblet cells in the eye. Goblet cells in the conjunctiva are the primary source of tear mucus. Accordingly, the present disclosure describes methods of treating dry eye syndrome by administering an activator of CXCR3. Also described are methods of increasing goblet cells density, such as goblet cell density in the conjunctiva.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Alan H. Wells, Joel S. Schuman, Ian P. Conner
  • Publication number: 20160361387
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of treating angiogenic disorders of the eye, such as macular degeneration, restenosis following glaucoma treatment or diabetic retinopathy, by administering an activator of C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3). In some embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is interferon-?-inducible 10 kDa protein (IP-10) or a fragment or variant thereof, such as a fragment comprising or consisting of the C-terminal ?-helix of IP-10. In other embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is platelet factor 4 (PF4) or a fragment or variant thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Alan H. Wells, Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Joel S. Schuman
  • Patent number: 9452200
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of treating angiogenic disorders of the eye, such as macular degeneration, restenosis following glaucoma treatment or diabetic retinopathy, by administering an activator of C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3). In some embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is interferon-?-inducible 10 kDa protein (IP-10) or a fragment or variant thereof, such as a fragment comprising or consisting of the C-terminal ?-helix of IP-10. In other embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is platelet factor 4 (PF4) or a fragment or variant thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Alan H. Wells, Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Joel S. Schuman
  • Publication number: 20160022779
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of treating angiogenic disorders of the eye, such as macular degeneration, restenosis following glaucoma treatment or diabetic retinopathy, by administering an activator of C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3). In some embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is interferon-?-inducible 10 kDa protein (IP-10) or a fragment or variant thereof, such as a fragment comprising or consisting of the C-terminal ?-helix of IP-10. In other embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is platelet factor 4 (PF4) or a fragment or variant thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Alan H. Wells, Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Joel S. Schuman
  • Patent number: 9180167
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of treating angiogenic disorders of the eye, such as macular degeneration, restenosis following glaucoma treatment or diabetic retinopathy, by administering an activator of C-X-C chemokine receptor 3(CXCR3). In some embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is interferon-?-inducible 10 kDa protein (IP-10), or a fragment or variant thereof, such as a fragment comprising or consisting of the C-terminal ?-helix of IP-10. In other embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is platelet factor 4 (PF4) or a fragment or variant thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh-Of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Alan H. Wells, Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Joel S. Schuman
  • Patent number: 8774344
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new and unique light water reactor (LWR) nuclear fuel pellet configuration formed using tri-isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles suspended in a metal, metal alloy, or ceramic matrix. The new TRISO LWR pellet would have the same dimensions as those of the standard uranium oxide pellet allowing its use without any change to the physical configuration of the reactor vessel, core internals or fuel assemblies. TRISO type fuels have a proven capability for retaining fission products within the confinement boundary created by the coating material. This robustness is expected to reduce or eliminate fuel failure risk and cost. Replacing standard pellets with TRISO LWR fuel pellets with the same, or higher, energy density can potentially extend the operating cycles of LWRs, reduce the number of fuel assemblies replaced in each refueling, reduce the quantity of spent fuel discharged from reactors, lower operating costs, and reduce radioactive waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Neucon Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Alan H. Wells, Laurence Danese
  • Publication number: 20140178451
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods of treating angiogenic disorders of the eye, such as macular degeneration, restenosis following glaucoma treatment or diabetic retinopathy, by administering an activator of CXCR3. In some embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is IP-10 or a fragment or variant thereof, such as a fragment comprising or consisting of the C-terminal ?-helix of IP-10. In other embodiments, the activator of CXCR3 is PF4 or a fragment or variant thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Alan H. Wells, Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Joel S. Schuman
  • Patent number: 8300760
    Abstract: A compressed powder composite (CPC) material for absorbing neutrons emitted from spent nuclear fuel thereby preventing the initiation of a chain reaction. The CPC material is typically provided as a substantially insoluble cylindrical pellet that is highly resistant to corrosion and is not subject to the failure modes associated with the alloy materials typically used in neutron absorption materials. The pellet preferably includes a dendritic nickel powder substantially uniformly mixed with a neutron absorber powder material, preferably boron carbide. Tubes filled with CPC materials, such tubes for replacing control roads so that a spent nuclear fuel assembly may be disposed of substantially indefinitely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Neucon Technology, LLC
    Inventors: James S. Hobbs, Alan H. Wells, Laurence Danese
  • Patent number: 8029774
    Abstract: A composition includes at least one biologically active agent covalently attached to a first polymerizing molecule that is adapted to undergo a free radical polymerization. The first polymerizing molecule retains the ability to undergo free radical polymerization after attachment of the bioactive agent thereto. The first polymerizing molecule is preferably biocompatible. The polymerizing molecule can, for example. be dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (DOPA) or tyrosine. The composition can also include a second component synthesized by reacting at least one core molecule having a plurality of reactive hydrogen groups with at least one multi-isocyanate functional molecule to create a conjugate including terminal isocyanate groups. The conjugate molecule is reacted with a second polymerizing molecule that is adapted to undergo a free radical polymerization. The second polymerizing molecule includes a reactive hydrogen to react with the isocyanate groups of the conjugate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh
    Inventors: Eric J. Beckman, Stephen F. Badylak, Alan H. Wells, Jianying Zhang, Donald Freytes
  • Publication number: 20110168926
    Abstract: A compressed powder composite (CPC) material for absorbing neutrons emitted from spent nuclear fuel thereby preventing the initiation of a chain reaction. The CPC material is typically provided as a substantially insoluble cylindrical pellet that is highly resistant to corrosion and is not subject to the failure modes associated with the alloy materials typically used in neutron absorption materials. The pellet preferably includes a dendritic nickel powder substantially uniformly mixed with a neutron absorber powder material, preferably boron carbide. Tubes filled with CPC materials, such tubes for replacing control roads so that a spent nuclear fuel assembly may be disposed of substantially indefinitely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: NUCLEAR FUEL SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: James S. Hobbs, Alan H. Wells, Laurence Danese
  • Patent number: 4930650
    Abstract: A spent nuclear fuel shipping basket and cask assembly has a basket made of a plurality of apertured metal disks maintained in spaced array and axial alignment. The basket has end caps which hold fuel assembly containing sleeves while permitting the fuel assembly to pass partially through the end caps and abut the end walls of the cask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Nuclear Assurance Corporation
    Inventor: Alan H. Wells
  • Patent number: 4827139
    Abstract: A spent nuclear fuel shipping basket has a plurality of tubes of corrosion resistant material, each tube being adapted to contain a spent nuclear fuel rod assembly. The tubes are arranged in a geometric pattern within a circular cask, and are totally independent of each other, with neutron poisoning material between adjacent tubes. Filler blocks of heat absorbing material which may also contain neutron poisoning material are inserted into the empty spaces between the tubes and the wall of the cask, and are independent of both tubes and wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Nuclear Assurance Corporation
    Inventors: Alan H. Wells, Thomas C. Thompson