Patents Assigned to Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
  • Compositions and methods for protecting cultivated plants from herbicidal injury
    Patent number: 6235682
    Abstract: Compositions comprising a herbicide wherein it is desired that the compound not be retained by the plant foliage, and a repellant adjuvant, wherein the repellant modifies the surface properties of the composition so that retention of the composition on foliage of a cultivated plant is reduced are described. In particular, the herbicide composition comprises a repellant adjuvant that is an aqueous solution of an alkyltrialkoxysilane such as methyltrimethoxysilane and a water soluble silane coupling agent such as N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane or an aqueous solution of an organosiliconate such as sodium methyl siliconate. Methods are described for using these compositions to prevent weeds without injury to cultivated plants, which plants include crop plants, food plants, turfgrass, ornamental plants, and garden plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignees: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University, Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Penner, Christy L. Sprague, Richard F. Burow
  • Process for the preparation of 3,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid and derivatives thereof from substituted pentose sugars
    Patent number: 6235930
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of 3,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid (I) and 3-hydroxy-&ggr;-butyrolactone (V) thereof from a 3-leaving group substituted pentose source is described. In particular, the process relates to the synthesis of (R)-3,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid and (R)-3-hydroxy-&ggr;-butyrolactone from a 3-leaving group substituted L-pentose sugars. The process uses a base and a peroxide to convert the pentose source to the chiral 3,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid compound. The chiral 3,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid can be further converted to 3-hydroxy-&ggr;-butyrolactone by acidification. The chiral compound is useful as a chemical intermediate to the synthesis of various drugs and other products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventor: Rawle I. Hollingsworth
  • Method and apparatus for the recording and analysis of respiratory sounds in exercising horse
    Patent number: 6228037
    Abstract: The present invention is a portable recording unit (10) which allows for recording the respiratory sounds of a horse (100) while the horse is exercising. The recording unit includes a portable microphone (12) connected to a recorder (16). The microphone is mounted by a support bar (14) to the forehead (102A) of the horse such that the head (12A) of the microphone is adjacent the nostrils (108) of the horse. The recorder is attached to the neck (104) of the horse. The portable microphone and recorder allow for recording of the upper airway respiratory sounds without having to transport the horse to a facility. Alternatively, the horse can be positioned on a treadmill (110) and the recorder can be separate from the exercising horse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventor: Frederik J. Derksen
  • Method for producing amide compounds using a nitrile hydratase from a thermophilic bacillus
    Patent number: 6228633
    Abstract: A process for the bioconversion of a nitrile to its corresponding amide product, particularly acrylonitrile to acrylamide which is used for forming polymers. The process uses a thermophilic bacterium having a nitrile hydratase activity that is constitutively expressed, activated by cobalt ions, stable at 60° C., and is most active between 20° C. to 70° C. with optimum activity at 55° C. Alternatively, the process uses the enzyme extracted from the thermophilic bacterium to convert a nitrile to its amide product. The genes encoding nitrile hydratase and amidase are described in which the former is useful for the conversion of an nitrile to its amide and the later is useful for the conversion of an amide to its acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Patrick J. Oriel, Rugmini Padmakumar, Sang Hoon Kim
  • Structure and expression of the biotin carboxylase subunit of heteromeric acetyl-CoA carboxylase
    Patent number: 6218600
    Abstract: The gene encoding a biotin carboxylase subunit of heteromeric ACCase has been isolated and sequenced. The cDNA sequence and deduced amino acid sequence is set forth in FIG. 1 and has been accorded GenBank Accession No. L38260. By controlling expression of the gene of the present invention, carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to produce malonyl-CoA may be controlled. Thus, by introducing constructs of the gene of the present invention in sense or anti-sense orientation, carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to produce malonyl-CoA may be increased or decreased. Consequently, fatty acid synthesis in plants and seeds which depends on malonyl-CoA in the plastid may also be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Trustees Operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: John B. Ohlrogge, Basil Shorrosh, Keith Roesler, David Shintani, Chris Somerville
  • Method for producing amide compounds using a nitrile hydratase from a thermophilic bacillus
    Patent number: 6214603
    Abstract: A process for the bioconversion of a nitrile to its corresponding amide product, particularly acrylonitrile to acrylamide which is used for forming polymers. The process uses a thermophilic bacterium having a nitrile hydratase activity that is constitutively expressed, activated by cobalt ions, stable at 60° C., and is most active between 20° C. to 70° C. with optimum activity at 55° C. Alternatively, the process uses the enzyme extracted from the thermophilic bacterium to convert a nitrile to its amide product. The genes encoding nitrile hydratase and amidase are described in which the former is useful for the conversion of an nitrile to its amide and the later is useful for the conversion of an amide to its acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Patrick J. Oriel, Rugmini Padmakumar, Sang Hoon Kim
  • Methods of identifying modulators of the estrogen receptor
    Patent number: 6204067
    Abstract: The present invention discloses the mechanism of tamoxifen mediated inhibition of acidification. This mechanism information is then used to design methods of identifying compounds that will have the pharmaceutical effect of tamoxifen without the corresponding side-effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Trustees Operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Sanford M. Simon, Melvin S. Schindler, Yu Chen
  • Ordered polyacetylenes and process for the preparation thereof
    Patent number: 6194529
    Abstract: Polyacetylene compounds and process for the preparation thereof from a chiral dihydroxy amide are described. The compounds preferably have diacyl groups attached to the amide. The compounds are useful for making films which are electrically conductive, near infrared absorbing, polarizing, and have the characteristic optical and other properties of polyacetylenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Rawle I. Hollingsworth, Guijun Wang
  • Catalytic applications of mesoporous metallosilicate molecular sieves and methods for their preparation
    Patent number: 6193943
    Abstract: A neutral templating route to mesoporous molecular sieves based on H-bonding and self-assembly between neutral primary amine or diamine surfactants (S°) and neutral inorganic precursors (I°) has been used to prepare hexagonal and lamellar mesoporous silicas with site isolated transition metal centers. This templating approach allows for the preparation of hexagonal or hexagonal-like mesoporous oxidation catalysts with large framework wall thickness of at least about 17 Å, small elementary particle size (≦400 Å), and unique combinations of framework-confined mesopores and textural mesopores while at the same time providing for facile recovery of the neutral template by simple solvent extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Thomas J. Pinnavaia, Peter T. Tanev, Wenzhong Zhang, Jialiang Wang, Malama Chibwe
  • Apparatus for electronic speckle pattern interferometry
    Patent number: 6188482
    Abstract: Presented is a speckle interferometer for measuring displacement of an optically irregular surface of a specimen having, a laser for producing a beam of coherent radiation, an adjustable polarizing beam splitter for dividing the radiation into a first portion of the radiation and into a second portion of the radiation. The reflected radiation is then passed through a pair of collimating lenses onto the optically rough surface of the specimen. The reflection off of the specimen is captured by an imaging system that processes the reflection to measure strains on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventor: Gary L. Cloud
  • Automated electronically controlled microsprayer
    Patent number: 6182904
    Abstract: An electronically controlled micro-dispensing apparatus (10) is described. The apparatus includes a container (12), an adaptor (18), a nozzle (28) and a control circuit (34 or 42). The container is filled with the chemical (104) and propellant (102). The adaptor, nozzle and control circuit are removable from the container and are reusable. The control circuits controls the length of pulse and the time duration between each pulse. By controlling these factors, the apparatus dispenses a precise amount of liquid over a set time period. The ejector allows for controlled dispensing and allows the liquid to be sprayed a greater distance. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus are used to dispense a pheromone in an outdoor setting, such as an orchard (100), to control insects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Michael J. Ulczynski, Brian L. Wright, James Ray Miller
  • Apparatus for treating cellulosic materials
    Patent number: 6176176
    Abstract: A process and screw in barrel apparatus (10) for expanding cellulosic materials is described. The expanded cellulosic material is useful as an animal feed and a nutrient source for fermentation processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Bruce E. Dale, Justin K. Weaver
  • Self-structuring antenna system with a switchable antenna array and an optimizing controller
    Patent number: 6175723
    Abstract: A self-structuring antenna system that includes an antenna array defined by a plurality of antenna elements that are selectively electrically connectable to each other by series of switches, so as to alter the physical shape of the antenna array. The antenna elements include antenna wires, where the wires of adjacent antenna elements are connected by a mechanical or solid state switch. One or more feed points are electrically connected to predetermined locations within the antenna array and to a receiver associated with the antenna array. A feedback signal from the receiver provides an indication of signal reception and antenna performance. The feedback signal is applied to a computer that selectively opens and closes the switches. An algorithm is used to program the computer so that the opening and closing of the switches attempts to achieve antenna optimization and performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventor: Edward Joseph Rothwell, III
  • Material and method for the preparation thereof
    Patent number: 6171688
    Abstract: Composite products incorporating a polymer matrix, polymer microspheres, glass microspheres and natural fibers, particularly kenaf and wood fibers, are described. The polymer microspheres are 15 to 50 microns in diameter and are smaller than the glass microspheres which are 50 to 200 microns in diameter. The polymer microspheres reduce voids and prevent cracking of the glass microspheres upon compression. The composites have low cost and high strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: James Zheng, Roger J. Morgan, Robert Jurek
  • Method and apparatus for isolation of trace materials from a heterogenous sample
    Patent number: 6164456
    Abstract: An elutriation apparatus which combines pressurized liquid nozzles (16A) and the low energy air nozzles (20) producing bubbles for flotation and separation of trace materials in a heterogeneous mixture of materials is described. Quantitative separation of trace evidence is achieved by the apparatus by a closed system of mechanical separations using the water and the air to isolate and deposit trace evidence on a fine mesh screen filter (17) submerged in the water (24) in a container (23). The method provides a rapid, quantitative and inexpensive method for detection of the evidence in soil samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Alvin J. M. Smucker, Jay A. Siegel
  • Quasi crystalline inorganic oxide compositions prepared by neutral templating route
    Patent number: 6162414
    Abstract: Crystalline inorganic oxide compositions having regular wormhole-like channels are described. The formation of the mesoporous composition is accomplished by hydrogen bonding between a neutral amine template in water and a water miscible organic solvent and a neutral inorganic oxide precursor, wherein there is an excess of an alkanol or water used to dissolve the template. The template can be removed and recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Board of Trustees Operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Thomas J. Pinnavaia, Wenzhong Zhang, Thomas R. Pauly, Peter T. Tanev
  • Method for degradation of pinenes by bacillus isolates
    Patent number: 6156533
    Abstract: A novel isolate of Bacillus isolated from white pine is described. The isolate is used to produce monoterpene derivatives. Also described is a pinene hydroxylase enzyme from the isolate. The enzyme is a general allylic oxidizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Board of Trustees Operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Patrick J. Oriel, Natarajan S. Savithiry, Weijie Fu
  • Method for producing amide compounds using a nitrile hydratase from a thermophilic bacillus
    Patent number: 6153415
    Abstract: A process for the bioconversion of a nitrile to its corresponding amide product, particularly acrylonitrile to acrylamide which is used for forming polymers. The process uses a thermophilic bacterium having a nitrile hydratase activity that is constitutively expressed, activated by cobalt ions, stable at 60.degree. C., and is most active between 20.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. with optimum activity at 55.degree. C. Alternatively, the process uses the enzyme extracted from the thermophilic bacterium to convert a nitrile to its amide product. The genes encoding nitrile hydratase and amidase are described in which the former is useful for the conversion of an nitrile to its amide and the later is useful for the conversion of an amide to its acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Patrick J. Oriel, Rugmini Padmakumar, Sang Hoon Kim
  • Preparation of cross-linked 2-dimensional polymers with sidedness from .alpha.,.beta.-lactones
    Patent number: 6153724
    Abstract: Polymers and processes for synthesizing the polymers from .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated lactones, particularly 2(5H)-furanone, and amines with side chains. The polymers are used as hydrogels, as polymers that can bind metals and form complexes that are soluble in organic solvents, as polymers useful as flocculants in water purification, as polymers useful on non-fouling surfaces for biofilm suppression, polymers for use on non-thrombogenic surfaces, and polymers with uses as thin conductive films for microchips and other electronic devices. The process is a polymerization reaction involving the cyclic .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated lactone and a primary amine or primary ammonium compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Board of Trustees Operating Michigan State University
    Inventor: Rawle I. Hollingsworth
  • Immunoassay for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis in horses
    Patent number: 6153394
    Abstract: An immunoassay for Sarcocystis neurona antibodies in equines is described. The immunoassay uses blocking of Sarcocystis antigens by antibodies to Sarcocystis sp. other than Sarcocystis neurona in connection with the immunoassay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventors: Linda S. Mansfield, Alice J. Murphy, Mary G. Rossano