Patents Assigned to California
  • Patent number: 7670844
    Abstract: A device and a method for measuring viscosity that includes attaching molecular rotors to a solid surface, exposing the solid surface to a fluid having a viscosity to be measured, and taking optical measurements to determine viscosity. The solid surface is preferably quartz, polystyrene or silicate glass, such as a fiber optic probe or a glass cuvette. The molecular rotors are of the type that includes an electron-donor group and electron-acceptor group that are linked by a single bond so that the groups may rotate with respect to one another, and that exhibit a fluorescence emission when rotation is hindered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignees: The Curators of the University of Missouri, The Regents of the University of California, La Jolla Bioengineering Institute
    Inventors: Mark A. Haidekker, Sheila Grant, Emmanuel Theodorakis, Marcos Intaglietta, John A. Frangos
  • Patent number: 7670429
    Abstract: High throughput screening of crystallization of a target material is accomplished by simultaneously introducing a solution of the target material into a plurality of chambers of a microfabricated fluidic device. The microfabricated fluidic device is then manipulated to vary the solution condition in the chambers, thereby simultaneously providing a large number of crystallization environments. Control over changed solution conditions may result from a variety of techniques, including but not limited to metering volumes of crystallizing agent into the chamber by volume exclusion, by entrapment of volumes of crystallizing agent determined by the dimensions of the microfabricated structure, or by cross-channel injection of sample and crystallizing agent into an array of junctions defined by intersecting orthogonal flow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: The California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen R. Quake, Carl L. Hansen, James M. Berger
  • Patent number: 7670767
    Abstract: The present invention provides new probes for the detection of chromosomal alterations associated with cancer, particularly ovarian cancer. The probes bind selectively with target nucleic acid sequences at 3q26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Laleh Shayesteh, Joe W. Gray, Gordon B. Mills, Yiling Lu
  • Patent number: 7670855
    Abstract: The present invention features peptides of a PorB polypeptide, which PorB peptides are useful in production of antibodies that bind the full-length PorB polypeptide and as a therapeutic agent. In specific embodiments the invention features a composition comprising one or more PorB peptides (other than a full-length PorB polypeptide), which peptides contain at least one epitope that can elicit Chlamydia-neutralizing antibodies. The invention also features methods for induction of a protective immune response against infection by Chlamydia and Chlamydiophila.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Richard S. Stephens, Diane Kawa
  • Patent number: 7671702
    Abstract: A power combiner comprising an LC lattice structure is shown, together with a method for generating a planar wave front. The LC structure can comprise constant or voltage dependent capacitors. Either the delay or the characteristic impedance of the two-dimensional transmission line formed by the LC lattice structure are kept constant. A planar wave propagating along one direction of the transmission line gradually experiences higher impedances at the edges, creating a lower resistance path for the current in the middle. This funnels more power to the center as the wave propagates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ehsan Afshari, Harish Bhat, Seyed Ali Hajimiri
  • Patent number: 7671587
    Abstract: Low field SQUID MRI devices, components and methods are disclosed. They include a portable low field (SQUID)-based MRI instrument and a portable low field SQUID-based MRI system to be operated under a bed where a subject is adapted to be located. Also disclosed is a method of distributing wires on an image encoding coil system adapted to be used with an NMR or MRI device for analyzing a sample or subject and a second order superconducting gradiometer adapted to be used with a low field SQUID-based MRI device as a sensing component for an MRI signal related to a subject or sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Konstantin I. Penanen, Byeong H Eom, Inseob Hahn
  • Patent number: 7670471
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting polynucleotide molecules by size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen R. Quake, Wayne D. Volksmuth
  • Patent number: 7670475
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the electrolytic separation of fluorine from a mixture of gases is disclosed. Also described is the process and apparatus for the generation of fluorine from fluorine/fluoride containing solids, liquids or gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Craig P. Jacobson, Steven J. Visco, Lutgard C. DeJonghe, Constantin I. Stefan
  • Patent number: 7670825
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing an isoprenoid or an isoprenoid precursor in a genetically modified host cell. The methods generally involve modulating the level of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) in the cell, such that the level of HMG-CoA is not toxic to the cell and/or does not substantially inhibit cell growth, but is maintained at a level that provides for high-level production of mevalonate, IPP, and other downstream products of an isoprenoid or isoprenoid pathway, e.g., polyprenyl diphosphates and isoprenoid compounds. The present invention further provides genetically modified host cells that are suitable for use in a subject method. The present invention further provides recombinant nucleic acid constructs for use in generating a subject genetically modified host cell, including recombinant nucleic acid constructs comprising nucleotide sequences encoding one or more mevalonate pathway enzymes, and recombinant vectors (e.g., recombinant expression vectors) comprising same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Jay D. Keasling, Jack D. Newman, Douglas J. Pitera
  • Patent number: 7670792
    Abstract: Biomarker proteins that can be used in the diagnosis of early-stage ovarian cancer (OC) are described. The biomarker panels not only permit the distinction of patients with ovarian neoplasia (benign or malignant) from normal subjects, but they also allow the identification of patients with early-stage (stage I/II) ovarian cancer from those patients with benign ovarian tumors or normal individuals. The invention additionally provides methods for detecting and treating various cancers, including cancer of the ovary using OC-related molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Robin Farias-Eisner, Srinivasa T. Reddy
  • Patent number: 7671336
    Abstract: A single absorbance value was found in the mid infrared (mid-IR) region that correlated directly to soil nitrate content while not being influenced by other components in the soil, such as carbonate and organic matter. Using one or two absorbance values, at which interference from other ions is a minimum, to predict a component's concentration as opposed to the conventional method of using a continuous spectrum allows for an in-situ real-time soil nitrate content sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Bernard Jahn, Shrini Upadhyaya, David Slaughter
  • Patent number: 7670599
    Abstract: This invention provides methods for detecting cancers and for evaluating the prognosis of cancer patients. In particular, the methods of this invention utilize YKL-40 as a marker for the presence or absence of a cancer and for the prognosis (e.g. likelihood of recurrence) of a cancer. Elevated levels of YKL-40 are indicative of the presence of a cancer in undiagnosed subjects and indicate likely recurrence of the cancer in subjects diagnosed as having a cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Paul A. Price, Julia S. Johansen
  • Patent number: 7669436
    Abstract: A soft sided insulated container assembly includes a first portion having an insulated, soft sided external wall structure, and an internal, substantially rigid molded plastic receptacle mounted therein. It has a cover structure that includes a reinforcement member for engaging a land region of the molded receptacle, thereby tending to yield an interface tending to have a sealing relationship. Both the receptacle and the engaging seal member of the lid may be outwardly splayed. The container may also include a thermal storage element, and the container may have an accommodation for receiving the thermal storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: California Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin S. Mogil, Mark J. Greenstein, Michael Ramundi, Andrius S. Birutis
  • Publication number: 20100047926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nucleic acid probes to identify analytes in a sample. In the preferred embodiments, metastable nucleic acid monomers are provided that associate in the presence of an initiator nucleic acid. Upon exposure to the initiator, the monomers self-assemble in a hybridization chain reaction. The initiator nucleic acid may be, for example, a portion of an analyte to be detected or may be part of an initiation trigger such that it is made available in the presence of a target analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Robert Dirks, Niles A. Pierce
  • Publication number: 20100047695
    Abstract: The invention discloses various embodiments of Li-ion electrolytes containing flame retardant additives that have delivered good performance over a wide temperature range, good cycle life characteristics, and improved safety characteristics, namely, reduced flammability. In one embodiment of the invention there is provided an electrolyte for use in a lithium-ion electrochemical cell, the electrolyte comprising a mixture of an ethylene carbonate (EC), an ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), a fluorinated co-solvent, a flame retardant additive, and a lithium salt. In another embodiment of the invention there is provided an electrolyte for use in a lithium-ion electrochemical cell, the electrolyte comprising a mixture of an ethylene carbonate (EC), an ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), a flame retardant additive, a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film forming agent, and a lithium salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Marshall C. Smart, Kiah A. Smith, Ratnakumar V. Bugga, Surya G. Prakash, Frederick Charles Krause
  • Publication number: 20100045594
    Abstract: Presented herein are methods, systems, devices, and computer-readable media for systems for dynamic management of data streams updating displays. Some of the embodiments herein generally relate to presenting video image data on an array of tiled display units, thereby allowing the display of much larger images than can be shown on a single display. Each display unit can include a video image display, a communication mechanism, such as a network interface card or wireless interface card, and a video image controller, such as a graphics card. Attached to the tiled display may be one or more user computers or other sources of video image data. A workstation may also be coupled to the tiled display and to the user computers. Each of the user computers can display data or images on the tiled display simultaneously. Since the tiled display is made up of multiple display units, the images from a single user computer may be on multiple, separate individual display units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Stephen F. Jenks, Sung-Jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20100047336
    Abstract: A method of treating or inhibiting progress of dementia and/or macular degeneration in a mammal involves administering compositions containing siRNA to heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) or heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2), a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, a caspase inhibitor, or a metalloporphyrin in a manner that permits access to brain sites and/or the macula of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicants: LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER, GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY, STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Wolff Kirsch, Lance A. Liotta, William Van Nostrand, Harry V. Vinters, Virginia A. Espina
  • Publication number: 20100048414
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of malignant tumors that were treatment resistant. The present invention provides methods of prognosis and diagnosis of multidrug resistant tumors through detection of the expression levels of nuclear co-repressor 2 (“N-CoR2”), histone deacetylases 3 (“HDAC3”), and their associated gene expression biomarkers. The present invention also provides methods of sensitizing tumors to anti-tumor therapeutics by disrupting HDAC3 activation, abrogating the N-CoR2-HDAC3 interaction, inhibiting the activity of either protein, or by down-regulating the expression of either protein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Valerie M. Weaver, Kun-Chih Kelvin Tsai
  • Publication number: 20100047802
    Abstract: The Application relates to compositions, kits, methods, and systems for nucleotide sequencing comprising producing polymerase reactions that comprise both catalytic and non-catalytic divalent metal ions. Effective ratios and amounts of catalytic and non-catalytic divalent metal ions are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Bjorson, Harold Ray Lee, Jonas Korlach
  • Publication number: 20100046567
    Abstract: Misfit dislocations are redirected from the buffer/Si interface and propagated to the Si substrate due to the formation of bubbles in the substrate. The buffer layer growth process is generally a thermal process that also accomplishes annealing of the Si substrate so that bubbles of the implanted ion species are formed in the Si at an appropriate distance from the buffer/Si interface so that the bubbles will not migrate to the Si surface during annealing, but are close enough to the interface so that a strain field around the bubbles will be sensed by dislocations at the buffer/Si interface and dislocations are attracted by the strain field caused by the bubbles and move into the Si substrate instead of into the buffer epi-layer. Fabrication of improved integrated devices based on GaN and Si, such as continuous wave (CW) lasers and light emitting diodes, at reduced cost is thereby enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Zuzanna Liliental-Weber, Rogerio Luis Maltez, Hadis Morkoc, Jinqiao Xie