Patents Assigned to Brown University
  • Biglycan and related therapeutics and methods of use
    Patent number: 7816322
    Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation. Examples of diseases include muscular dystrophies, such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, neuromuscular disorders and neurological disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Brown University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Justin R. Fallon, Mark A. Bowe, Beth McKechnie, Michael Rafii, Alison Amenta, Mary Lynn Mercado, Hiroki Hagiwara
  • Importance ranking for a hierarchical collection of objects
    Patent number: 7809736
    Abstract: A system and method of obtaining an importance ranking for a hierarchical collection of objects. The hierarchical collection of objects is represented as a tree containing a plurality of nodes, and each node to be ranked is represented as a respective leaf node of the tree. To obtain the ranking of the respective leaf nodes, the system and method locally ranks nodes contained in one or more sub-trees of the tree, in which each sub-tree has a depth equal to one. Next, the local rankings are effectively propagated up the tree, and the local rankings are aggregated at each level of the hierarchy, until a final importance ranking for the leaf nodes is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Brown University
    Inventors: Amy Greenwald, John R. Wicks
  • SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING AT LEAST PARTIALLY DYNAMIC DATA
    Publication number: 20100228745
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, devices and systems associated with sorting candidate values are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicants: Yahoo!, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, Brown University
    Inventors: Aris Anagnostopoulos, Shanmugasundaram Ravikumar, Mohammad Mahdian, Eli Upfal
  • Optical method for the characterization of laterally-patterned samples in integrated circuits
    Patent number: 7782471
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for characterizing a sample having a structure disposed on or within the sample, comprising the steps of applying a first pulse of light to a surface of the sample for creating a propagating strain pulse in the sample, applying a second pulse of light to the surface so that the second pulse of light interacts with the propagating strain pulse in the sample, sensing from a reflection of the second pulse a change in optical response of the sample, and relating a time of occurrence of the change in optical response to at least one dimension of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Brown University
    Inventor: Humphrey J. Maris
  • Photo-formed metal nanoparticles and aerogel materials comprising the same
    Patent number: 7767063
    Abstract: Transparent monolithic aerogels based on silica, the bioderived polymer chitosan, and coordinated ions are employed to serve as a three-dimensional scaffold decorated with metal ions such as Au, Pt and Pd ions. It has also been found that the metal aerogels, such as Au(III) aerogels, can be imaged photolytically to produce nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Brown University
    Inventors: William M. Risen, Jr., Xipeng Liu, Chunhua Yao, Yu Zhu
  • Treatment of muscular dystrophies and related disorders
    Patent number: 7759314
    Abstract: The invention provides, among other aspects, compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of collagen VI; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); and disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Brown University
    Inventors: Justin R. Fallon, Michael Rafii, Alison Amenta, Mark Bowe, Beth McKechnie, Mary Lynn Mercado, Hiroki Hagiwara
  • Efficient Content Authentication In Peer-To-Peer Networks
    Publication number: 20100110935
    Abstract: A method and distributed network are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: BROWN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Roberto Tamassia, Nikolaos Triandopoulos
  • Method and apparatus for processing optical signals with supergratings
    Patent number: 7693370
    Abstract: An optical component including at least one optical supergrating is provided. The optical supergrating includes a quantized refractive index profile adapted to exhibit a finite plurality of refractive indexes; which in turn are adapted to generate a reflectance spectrum in at least one spectral band corresponding to a Fourier transformed analog refractive index profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Brown University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Daniel Levner, Martin F. Fay
  • Addressable nanopores and micropores including methods for making and using same
    Patent number: 7678562
    Abstract: Featured are devices and systems embodying one or more electrically-addressable-solid-state nanopores useful for sensing and/or characterizing single macromolecules as well as sequencing DNA or RNA. In one aspect of the present invention, there is featured a linear or 2-D electrically-addressable array of nanopores, where the nanopores are located at points of intersections between V-shaped grooves formed in an upper surface of the insulating member and a V-shaped groove formed in a lower surface of the insulating member. In another aspect of the present invention the solid-state nanopore of the present invention the width and/or length of the nanopore is defined or established by sharp edges of cleaved crystals that are maintained in fixed relation during the formation of the insulating member including the nanopore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Brown University
    Inventor: Xinsheng Sean Ling
  • Transgenic non-human animal models of apoptosis-mediated conditions
    Publication number: 20100050276
    Abstract: A transgenic non-human animal whose genome comprises a stable integration of a transgene that encodes at least one Fas-ligand protein operably-linked to a tetracycline-inducible promoter includes cells that express the transgene and undergo apoptosis. The transgenic non-human animal can be used to screen for compounds that inhibit apoptosis and to identify cells that are capable of differentiating in vivo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Brown University
    Inventor: Monique E. DePaepe
  • Methods of treating disorders with Group I mGluR antagonists
    Patent number: 7648993
    Abstract: mGluR5 antagonists are used for the treatment and prevention of disorders, including Fragile X, autism, mental retardation, schizophrenia and Down's Syndrome. The methods of the invention can be used to treat epilepsy and anxiety in a human having Fragile X syndrome, autism, mental retardation, schizophrenia and Down's Syndrome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignees: Brown University, Emory University
    Inventors: Mark F. Bear, Kimberly M. Huber, Stephen T. Warren
  • Opto-acoustic methods and apparatus for performing high resolution acoustic imaging and other sample probing and modification operations
    Patent number: 7624640
    Abstract: An opto-acoustic transducer assembly includes a substrate; at least one layer of opto-acoustic material coupled to a surface of the substrate, where the at least one layer of opto-acoustic material generates sound waves when struck by pulses of pump light; and an acoustic lens configured to focus sound waves generated by the at least one layer of opto-acoustic material towards a sample. The acoustic lens is further configured to collect sound waves returning from the sample and to direct the returning sound waves to the at least one layer of opto-acoustic material. The at least one layer of opto-acoustic material is responsive to the returning sound waves for having at least one optical property thereof changed, where the change is detectable from a change in a characteristic of reflected pulses of probe light that are time delayed with respect to the pulses of pump light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Brown University
    Inventors: Humphrey J. Maris, Arto V Nurmikko
  • Biglycan and related therapeutics and methods of use
    Patent number: 7612038
    Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation. Example of diseases include muscular dystrophies, such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, neuromuscular disorders and neurological disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Brown University
    Inventors: Justin R. Fallon, Beth McKechnie, Michael Rafii, Hilliary Creely, Mark A. Bowe, Alison Amenta, Mary Lynn Mercado, Hiroki Hagiwara
  • Method of using rhodium quinonoid catalysts
    Patent number: 7569734
    Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the invention methods of using rhodium hydroquinone catalysts for the conjugate addition of boronic acids are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Brown University
    Inventors: William C. Trenkle, Julia L. Barkin, Seung Uk Son, Dwight A. Sweigart, Marcus D. Faust, Jr.
  • HIGH-THROUGPUT SOLVENT EVAPORATOR AND GAS MANIFOLD WITH UNIFORM FLOW RATES AND INDEPENDENT FLOW CONTROLS
    Publication number: 20090191099
    Abstract: The evaporator (10) efficiently evaporates solvent and/or introduces gases to multiple samples. The evaporator (10) contains a top plate (20) and a bottom plate (30). The top plate (20) is mated to the bottom plate (30) to define a main chamber (130) for distribution of gas. An input port (80) is defined within the bottom plate (30) of the evaporator (10) is in fluid communication with a gas distribution channel (100). The gas distribution channel (100) has a series of gas distribution ports (110A-C) increasing in diameter, in proportion to a distance from the input port (80), that provide for an even distribution of gas into the main chamber (130). Gas exits the main chamber (130) through exit ports (120A-C) defined within the bottom plate (30). Screws (50) respectively control gas flow to exit ports (120A-C) for delivery to an array of nozzles (90) on the bottom plate (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: BROWN UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Yongsong Huang
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING MULTIPLE OPTICAL WAVELENGTHS
    Publication number: 20090180736
    Abstract: Optical gratings that perform a number of functions at various wavelengths are formed by various methods that preserve spectral information within a wavelength band, the functions including: coupling radiation from one wavelength to another, controllable gratings that operate on different wavelengths in response to external control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Brown University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Daniel Levner, Martin F. Fay, Jingming Xu
  • Magneto-optoelectronic switch and sensor
    Patent number: 7551657
    Abstract: A Magneto-Optoelectronic Device MOD (10) includes a magnetic sensing device (12), such as a magnetoresistive device or a magnetic tunnel junction device, that is combined with a semiconductor light emitter (14), such as a LED or a laser diode, to create a compact integrated device where changes in an ambient magnetic field are expressed as changes in an optical beam intensity emanating from the MOD. Using the MOD (10) the magnetic field related information can be transmitted by a light wave over very large distances through some medium (34), for example, through free space and/or through an optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Brown University
    Inventor: Arto V Nurmikko
  • Tunable inverse pendulum vibration isolation system
    Patent number: 7543791
    Abstract: A vibration isolation system couples two resonant systems to provide isolation of transverse vibrational motions. The first system incorporates a plurality of tunable inverse pendulum assemblies. The second system incorporates a table of large mass suspended at several points from the inverse pendulum assemblies. The table is further suspended from the pendulum assemblies at each point via an assembly to isolate vertical vibrational motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Brown University
    Inventors: Kyung-Suk Kim, Allan Rydberg
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MODEL-BASED DETECTION OF STRUCTURE IN VIEW DATA
    Publication number: 20090123053
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method and apparatus for determining a value for at least one parameter of a configuration of a model associated with structure of which view data has been obtained including detecting at least one feature in the view data, and determining the value for the at least one parameter of the configuration of the model based at least in part on the at least one feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Brown University
    Inventors: Joseph L. Mundy, Benjamin Kimia
  • FUEL CELL, MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20090092875
    Abstract: An acid resistant composite catalyst comprising dumbbell-shaped composite nanoparticles each comprising a noble metal nanoparticle epitaxially conjugated to a ferrite particle, and/or flower-shaped composite nanoparticles each comprising a noble metal nanoparticle epitaxially conjugated to at least two ferrite particles. The acid resistant composite catalyst is useful to facilitate the reduction of oxygen. The acid resistant composite catalyst can be used in a fuel cell comprising a fuel electrode, an oxygen electrode, and a polymer electrolyte membrane placed between the fuel electrode and the oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode includes the acid resistant composite catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicants: HITACHI MAXELL, LTD., BROWN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hideo Daimon, Sun Shouheng, Wang Chao