Patents Assigned to Auburn University
  • Publication number: 20230115487
    Abstract: Methods of dewatering viscous materials are provided. The method comprises contacting the viscous material with pressurized carbon dioxide at a temperature and for a time wherein at least a fraction of water is expressed from the viscous material. Then the pressure is released, and the water expressed from the viscous material is removed to yield a dewatered product. Exemplary viscous materials that can be dewatered by the method include black liquor from wood pulping operations, wet lignin, wet super water absorbent polymers and sugar solutions. The pressurized carbon dioxide is present in subcritical or supercritical form. The method provides dewatering at reduced cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: Auburn University
    Inventors: Osei Asafu-Adjaye, Brian Via, Bhima Sastri, Sujit Banerjee
  • Patent number: 11613460
    Abstract: MEMS-based sensors can experience undesirable signal frequencies caused by vibrations, shocks, and accelerations, among other phenomena. A microisolation system can isolate individual MEMS-based sensors from undesirable signal frequencies and shocks. An embodiment of a system for microisolation of a MEMS-based sensor can include an isolation platform connected to one or more folded springs. Another embodiment of a system for microisolation can include an isolation platform and/or a frame connected to a mesh damping mechanism. In at least one embodiment, a mesh damping mechanism can be a microfibrous metal mesh damper. In one or more embodiments, a system for microisolation can include an isolation platform connected to one or more L-shaped springs, and a thickness of the one or more L-shaped springs can be less than a thickness of the isolation platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignees: EngeniusMicro, LLC, Auburn University
    Inventors: Brian A. English, Carl Rudd, Michael S. Kranz, Robert Neal Dean, Jr., Mark Lee Adams, Brent Douglas Bottenfield, Arthur Gernt Bond, III
  • Patent number: 11582990
    Abstract: A method of making a binder for extruded, pelleted, or agglomerated animal feed. The binder is made by treating biomass such as soybean hull or lemon peels with an aqueous acidic solution for a time, at a temperature, and at a pH sufficient to yield a first mixture containing biomass solids and partially dissolved biomass; and mechanically treating the first mixture of step to yield a first mechanically treated mixture; and then incorporating the first mechanically treated mixture as a binder in an animal feed. Also described are animal feeds made using the binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignees: Auburn University, The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Burak Aksoy, Zhihua Jiang, Mediha Aksoy, Benjamin Beck
  • Publication number: 20230005131
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vision inspection system based on deep learning and a vision inspection method of. The vision inspection system based on deep learning according to the present disclosure includes a GT generation module that generates a GT for a region of interest of a car part image, a learning module that receives learning data from the GT generation module, performs learning based on deep learning, and outputs a weight file, and an interface module that detects a defect with respect to an image file received from a vision program by using the weight file, and returns a defect detection result to the vision program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOBIS Co., Ltd., Auburn University
    Inventor: Jong Min Park
  • Patent number: 11542532
    Abstract: An integrated process and corresponding apparatus that produces a relatively clean, delignified cellulose product from lignocellulosic biomass. The method includes treating a portion of the delignified cellulose itself as a substrate to produce on-site cellulolytic enzymes, including further treating the remaining delignified cellulose with the resulting cellulolytic enzymes for in situ enzymatic hydrolysis. The process and apparatus are useful to produce fermentable sugars for cost-effective manufacturing of fermentable sugars, fuels, bioproducts and chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignees: Auburn University, PureVision Technology LLC
    Inventors: Edwin R. Lehrburger, Dhrubojyoti D. Laskar, Zhihua Jiang, Jing Li, Harry Cullinan, Yoon Y. Lee
  • Patent number: 11541399
    Abstract: In at least one illustrative embodiment, an electromagnetic filter may include a transfer pipe and multiple electromagnetic filter elements positioned in an interior volume of the pipe. Each electromagnetic filter element includes a support comb, a solenoid coupled to the support comb, and multiple magnetic members arranged in a planar array positioned within an opening of the support comb. Each magnetic member may rotate about an end that is coupled to the support comb. The magnetic members may be magnetostrictive sensors and may include a biorecognition element to bind with a target microorganism. A method for fluid filtration includes coupling the electromagnetic filter between a fluid source and a fluid destination, energizing the solenoids of each electromagnetic filter elements, and flowing a fluid media through the transfer pipe of the electromagnetic filter. The fluid media may be liquid food such as fruit juice. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventors: Bryan A. Chin, Shin Horikawa, Steve R. Best, I-Hsuan Chen, Zhongyang Cheng, Songtao Du
  • Patent number: 11536666
    Abstract: A device for detecting volatile compounds. The device includes a substrate and a matrix disposed on the substrate. The matrix includes a carboxyl-rich binder, a clay, and a pH-sensitive indicator dye admixed with the binder and the clay. The pH-sensitive indicator dye is dimensioned and configured to change color in response to contact with a pre-determined concentration of a volatile compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventors: Burak Aksoy, Zhihua Jiang, Mediha Aksoy, Benjamin Beck, Navid E. Alamdari
  • Patent number: 11502239
    Abstract: Technologies for a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) made up of composable piezoelectric actuators is disclosed. An elongated piezoelectric rod is disposed between a top and a bottom electrode. The top electrode runs along one edge of the top of the piezoelectric rod for a first segment, then runs along the other edge of the top of the piezoelectric rod for the a second segment. When a voltage is applied across the electrodes, the piezoelectric rod bends in a first direction for the first segment and in a second direction opposite the first for the second segment, displacing the tip of the rod. Several such rods can be joined in parallel and/or series, allowing for large-scale systems to be composed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventors: Jason V. Clark, Justin V. Clark
  • Patent number: 11471063
    Abstract: A computerized information processing method for evaluating blood vessels is provided. The method includes acquiring a series of sequences of measurements, each at different time points in at least one cardiac cycle and at a different point along a blood vessel segment of a subject, generating corresponding profiles, calculating a transfer function for a subsegment between two selected points along a blood flow direction, and based thereon determining the physiological property of the subsegment. The measurements can contain information of blood velocity or blood pressure. A processing device and system implementing the information processing method are also provided. This approach can be used to evaluate arteries or veins and can be applied in screening, diagnosis, or prognosis of a variety of vascular diseases. For example, when combined with MRI scan, this approach can be used for non-invasively diagnosing pulmonary hypertension (PH) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignees: Auburn University, Areus-Med, LLC, The UAB Research Foundation
    Inventors: Thomas S. Denney, Jr., Himanshu Gupta, Ankur Gupta
  • Publication number: 20220298531
    Abstract: An integrated process and corresponding apparatus that produces a relatively clean, delignified cellulose product from lignocellulosic biomass. The method includes treating a portion of the delignified cellulose itself as a substrate to produce on-site cellulolytic enzymes, including further treating the remaining delignified cellulose with the resulting cellulolytic enzymes for in situ enzymatic hydrolysis. The process and apparatus are useful to produce fermentable sugars for cost-effective manufacturing of fermentable sugars, fuels, bioproducts and chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicants: Auburn University, PureVision Technology LLC
    Inventors: Edwin R. Lehrburger, Dhrubojyoti D. Laskar, Zhihua Jiang, Jing Li, Harry Cullinan, Yoon Y. Lee
  • Patent number: 11426121
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for repeatably and accurately measuring the threshold sensitivity of the skin on a body part or surface such as the plantar surface of the foot. The machine uses a monofilament pressure test, where a monofilament is applied to the surface of the skin until it buckles at a corresponding force. The device may measure a broad range of pressures and responsive sensation in the patient using multiple applications of the monofilament. The patient indicates a positive or negative response, based on whether the patient sensed the monofilament pressure. The machine may include a foot clamping assembly, a support chassis, a linear motion translation assembly for locating the monofilament at a given position for testing, and a camera for taking images used to identify testing locations and report results. Methods of use and testing protocols are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignees: Auburn University, Edward Via Virginia College of Medicine
    Inventors: Vitale Kyle Castellano, Michael Zabala, Thomas E Burch, Hayden Burch, Jonathan Commander, Kenny V. Brock
  • Publication number: 20220257000
    Abstract: A medical backpack for storing medical supplies and medical equipment is disclosed. The medical backpack can be used by medics working in rural or remote areas that are not accessible by car and where access to hospitals and medical supplies is limited or non-existent. The medical backpack is light enough to carry long distances and comprised of a number of different compartments that are flexible to equip with various supplies for specific needs and circumstances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicant: Auburn University
    Inventors: Randall N. Bartlett, Scott W. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20220259533
    Abstract: Culture systems and methods of using same. The systems include a housing defining an inner space. The inner space includes a headspace and at least a portion of a reservoir. A surface for immobilizing cells is moveable between the headspace and the reservoir. The systems can be used for coculturing methanotrophs and phototrophs for processing biogas and wastewater, particularly from anaerobic digesters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicant: Auburn University
    Inventors: Qinghua He, Jin Wang, Matthew V. Hilliard
  • Patent number: 11395802
    Abstract: Therapeutic or prophylactic compositions providing an active agent, such as an antigen or a vector that contains and expresses an antigen, encapsulated in or incorporated into a biodegradable polymeric particle are provided. The compositions can also provide an active agent that is not encapsulated in or incorporated into the biodegradable polymeric particle in order to provide an initial or prime delivery of the active agent. Particles or composites providing an active agent encapsulated by a first and second polymer are also provided, wherein polymers are distributed in a gradient from a core of the composite to a surface of the composite, and configured to provide a delayed release of the active agent by a period of 7 days to 6 months. Methods of producing composites are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignees: Auburn University, Altimmune, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan E. David, Henry J. Baker, Aime K. Johnson, M. Scot Roberts, Kent R. Van Kampen, Prachi Sangle
  • Patent number: 11390990
    Abstract: Described is a method of kraft pulping in which a phenolic compound is added to the cooking step. The phenolic compound is added at a time point between about 5 minutes and about 120 minutes prior to completion of the cooking step. The presence of the phenolic compound increases the extent of delignification in the cooking step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventors: Zhihua Jiang, Burak Aksoy
  • Patent number: 11371021
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of cell cultures and tissues from undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells using three-dimensional biomimetic materials. The resultant cell cultures or tissues can be used in any of a number of protocols including testing chemicals, compounds, and drugs. Further, the methods and compositions of the present invention further provide viable cell sources and novel cell delivery platforms that allow for replacement of diseased tissue and engraftment of new cardiomyocytes from a readily available in vitro source. The present invention includes novel methods required for the successful production of cell cultures and tissues, systems and components used for the same, and methods of using the resultant cell and tissue compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Lipke, Petra Kerscher, Alexander J. Hodge
  • Patent number: 11339360
    Abstract: Culture systems and methods of using same. The systems include a housing defining an inner space. The inner space includes a headspace and at least a portion of a reservoir. A surface for immobilizing cells is moveable between the headspace and the reservoir. The systems can be used for coculturing methanotrophs and phototrophs for processing biogas and wastewater, particularly from anaerobic digesters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventors: Qinghua He, Jin Wang, Matthew V. Hilliard
  • Publication number: 20220095628
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods that include or utilize plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) for improving growth and health in plants and animals. The compositions and methods include or utilize a plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that expresses a protein associated with pectin metabolism, and a saccharide comprising pectin or a pectin-related saccharide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Applicant: Auburn University
    Inventors: Mark R. Liles, Joseph Kloepper
  • Patent number: 11206163
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a time-to-digital converter (TDC) based RF-to-digital (RDC) data converter for time domain signal processing polar receivers. Polar data conversion achieves better SNR tolerance owing to its phase convergence near the origin in a polar coordinate. The proposed RDC consists of a TDC for phase detection and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for amplitude conversion. Unlike the conversional data converter, the proposed ADC's sampling position is guided by the detected phase result from the TDC's output. This TDC assisted data-converter architecture reduces the number of bits required for the ADC. In addition, oversampling is no longer needed. With precisely controlled tunable delay cells and gain compensator, this hybrid data convertor is capable to directly convert Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) waveforms and Amplitude Phase Shift Keying (APSK) waveforms directly from the RF signal without down-conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventors: Fa Dai, Hechen Wang
  • Patent number: 11166920
    Abstract: The devices, methods, and compositions disclosed herein accomplish robust cell encapsulation in polymer microparticles using a vertically oriented microfluidic device. A hydrophilic polymer precursor solution is flowed into a first inlet channel, which extends inward from an upper surface of the device housing. A hydrophobic fluid is flowed into a second inlet channel, which extends inward from a lower surface of the device housing. The two inlet channels meet at a junction, and an outlet channel extends away from the two inlet channels. When the two inwardly flowing streams meet at the junction, the polymer precursor solution disperses into the hydrophobic fluid. The dispersed precursor droplets are photopolymerized into microparticles as they travel through the outlet channel. The resulting microparticles are highly uniform, and are larger than conventionally formed microparticles. Cells of varying types can be encapsulated with high viability and spatial uniformity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Lipke, Wen Jun Seeto, Yuan Tian