Patents Assigned to Clemson University
  • Luminescent Tension-Indicating Orthopedic Strain Gauges for Non-Invasive Measurements Through Tissue
    Publication number: 20140046191
    Abstract: Strain gauges that can provide information with regard to the state of implantable devices are described. The strain gauges can exhibit luminescence that is detectable through living tissue, and the detectable luminescent emission can vary according to the strain applied to the gauge. A change in residual strain of the device can signify a loss of mechanical integrity and/or loosening of the implant, and this can be non-invasively detected either by simple visual detection of the luminescent emission or through examination of the emission with a detector such as a spectrometer or a camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jeffrey Anker, Melissa Rogalski, Dakota Anderson, Jonathon Heath
  • HARDWARE-IN-THE-LOOP GRID SIMULATOR SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20140015555
    Abstract: A hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) electrical grid simulation system and method that combines a reactive divider with a variable frequency converter to better mimic and control expected and unexpected parameters in an electrical grid. The invention provides grid simulation in a manner to allow improved testing of variable power generators, such as wind turbines, and their operation once interconnected with an electrical grid in multiple countries. The system further comprises an improved variable fault reactance (reactive divider) capable of providing a variable fault reactance power output to control a voltage profile, therein creating an arbitrary recovery voltage. The system further comprises an improved isolation transformer designed to isolate zero-sequence current from either a primary or secondary winding in a transformer or pass the zero-sequence current from a primary to a secondary winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Clemson University
    Inventors: John Curtiss Fox, Edward Randolph Collins, JR., Nikolaos Rigas
  • Methods and compositions for the inhibition of meristematic growth on cucurbit rootstock
    Patent number: 8629330
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of inhibiting the growth of a shoot apical meristem of a cucurbit rootstock plant, comprising contacting a shoot apical meristem of the cucurbit rootstock plant with an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more fatty alcohols, thereby inhibiting the growth of the shoot apical meristem of the cucurbit rootstock plant. The present invention further provides methods for preparing and producing cucurbit rootstock plants for grafting and methods for grafting. Additionally provided are cucurbit rootstock plants and plant parts and grafted cucurbit plants produced by the methods of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignees: Syngenta Participations AG, Clemson University
    Inventors: Richard Hassell, James Brusca, Xingping Zhang, Shawna Daley
  • Methods and compositions for cell culture platform
    Patent number: 8609409
    Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic cell culture platform, comprising: a two dimensional and/or three dimensional surface comprising peptides conjugated to said surface and methods of using the platform for increasing cell adhesion, stable attachment and/or proliferation of cells grown on the platform and for promoting differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Xiaowei Li, Ning Zhang, Xuejun Wen
  • PROTEIN BASED MATERIALS, PLASTIC ALBUMIN DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS
    Publication number: 20130325121
    Abstract: Medical devices with a plastic albumin body with a defined three dimensional shape that are particularly suitable for pressure equalization tubes. The plastic albumin body can be a unitary substantially monolithic body of albumin. The plastic albumin body has an antibacterial property such that it is resistant to bacterial adhesions and/or bacterial biofilm formation thereon. Methods and processes are described for forming a consolidated protein-based coating on an implant, and coated implants produced therefrom, with improved biocompatibility, nonthrombogenity and antimicrobiality that are suitable for various medical implants and drug delivery devices, such as bone implants, catheters, cannuale, guide wires, stents, shunts, vascular grafts, heart valves, heart and ventricular assist devices, oxygenators, dialyzers, medical devices, and other substrates, such as furniture, keyboards, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Clemson University
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Whatley, Xuejun Wen, Igor Luzinov, Suraj Sharma
  • Methods and Compositions for the Inhibition of Meristematic Growth on Cucurbit Rootstock
    Publication number: 20130312139
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of inhibiting the growth of a shoot apical meristem of a cucurbit rootstock plant, comprising contacting a shoot apical meristem of the cucurbit rootstock plant with an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more fatty alcohols, thereby inhibiting the growth of the shoot apical meristem of the cucurbit rootstock plant. The present invention further provides methods for preparing and producing cucurbit rootstock plants for grafting and methods for grafting. Additionally provided are cucurbit rootstock plants and plant parts and grafted cucurbit plants produced by the methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicants: Clemson University, Syngenta Participations AG
    Inventors: Richard Hassell, James Brusca, Xingping Zhang, Shawna Daley
  • Deformation machining systems and methods
    Patent number: 8545142
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to deformation machining systems and methods that combine, in a single machine tool setup, the machining of thin structures and single point incremental forming (SPIF), such that novel part geometries and enhanced material properties may be obtained that are not achievable using conventional machining or forming systems and methods, individually or collectively. Important to many applications, lighter weight parts may be produced at lower cost using a conventional 3-axis computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tool or the like, instead of the conventional 5-axis CNC machine tool or the like that is typically required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Clemson University, Northwestern University
    Inventors: Kevin Scott Smith, Bethany A. Woody, John C. Ziegert, Jian Cao
  • Deposition of Nanocrystalline Calcite on Surfaces by a Tissue and Cellular Biomineralization
    Publication number: 20130251968
    Abstract: Disclosed are articles comprising layered nanocrystalline calcite and methods for forming nanocrystalline calcite layers and compositions comprising nanocrystalline calcite layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON, CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Andrew S. Mount, Neeraj V. Gohad, Douglas C. Hansen, Karolyn Mueller Hansen, Mary Beth Johnstone
  • Method and system to stabilize and preserve ion artifacts
    Patent number: 8535447
    Abstract: A method, system and device to use a dilute alkaline solution held at sub-critical temperature and pressure conditions to remove rapidly chloride ions from corroded iron artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Clemson University Research Foundation
    Inventor: Michael J. Drew
  • Delivery System for Enhancing Drug Efficacy
    Publication number: 20130236504
    Abstract: Disclosed are delivery systems that can be used for treating cancer. The delivery systems include a delivery vehicle in conjunction with a chemo-adjuvant. The chemo-adjuvant can enhance the efficacy of a therapeutic agent that can be delivered in conjunction with the delivery vehicle or can be delivered independently of the delivery vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicants: Medical University of South Carolina, Clemson University
    Inventors: Frank Alexis, Bruce Frankel
  • SURFACE MODIFIED COLLOIDAL PARTICLES
    Publication number: 20130236416
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to surface modified colloidal particles. The invention further relates to methods of preparing and methods of using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Clemson University
    Inventors: Parul Rungta, Michael Daniele, JR., Stephen H. Foulger, Ragini Jetty
  • Methods for promoting the revascularization and reenervation of CNS lesions
    Patent number: 8481067
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of promoting the revascularization and/or reenervation of central nervous system lesions using an in-situ crosslinkable hydrogel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Clemson University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ning Zhang, Xuejun Wen
  • System and method for utilizing traffic signal information for improving fuel economy and reducing trip time
    Patent number: 8478500
    Abstract: A system and method for utilizing traffic signal information to reduce wait time at traffic signals and to reduce fuel use is disclosed. Traffic signal timing data can be received from traffic signals or from a central server to determine a reference velocity for a vehicle to travel through a plurality of traffic signals. The reference velocity can then be provided to the driver so that the driver can manually control the vehicle at a velocity close to the reference velocity. The techniques of the present disclosure also can be used in connection with a cruise control system to control the velocity of a vehicle to be close to the reference velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Ardalan Vahidi, Grant David Mahler
  • Method of controlling insect pests in cotton
    Publication number: 20130149723
    Abstract: An assay system is provided in which gossypol is used as a biological marker to detect evolved resistance of insects to Bt cotton. Detection of gossypol using a monoclonal antibody ELISA-based protocol enables at risk populations of insects to be evaluated for evolved resistance to Bt present in a genetically modified cotton. The specificity of the monoclonal antibody to gossypol also enables the production of nanoparticles having a conjugated monoclonal antibody which retains the ability to selectively bind gossypol. Accordingly, nanoparticles can be provided with additional target ligands, such as antibodies, so as to specifically attach to tumors or cancer cells thereby delivering the gossypol to the target cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Clemson University
    Inventors: Xi Wang, Feng Chen
  • Process for forming a hexagonal array
    Patent number: 8453319
    Abstract: The present invention relates to nanopillar arrays that may have relatively large dimensions and relatively large interpillar distances. The present invention also relates to methods of forming the same. In some embodiments of the invention, methods of forming hexagonal nanopillar arrays include forming a base comprising aluminum; forming a hexagonal pattern of pits in the aluminum; anodizing the aluminum to form aluminum oxide comprising a primary hexagonal nanopore array at the positions of the pits in the aluminum; depositing a conductive material into the nanopores of the primary hexagonal nanopore array; and removing the mask and the aluminum oxide to provide the hexagonal nanopillar array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Clemson University Research Foundation
    Inventor: Guigen Zhang
  • METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR ENHANCED RESISTANCE TO ABIOTIC STRESS IN PLANTS
    Publication number: 20130117882
    Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic plants having increased tolerance to abiotic stress comprising a recombinant nucleic acid molecule, said recombinant nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding miR319 operatively associated with a promoter, a nucleotide sequence that is antisense to a portion of consecutive nucleotides of a nucleotide sequence encoding PCF5, and/or a nucleotide sequence that encodes a portion of consecutive nucleotides of a nucleotide sequence encoding PCF5, which when expressed produces an antisense nucleotide sequence, wherein expression of the nucleotide sequence confers increased tolerance to abiotic stress. Also provided are methods and compositions for making said transgenic plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Clemson University
    Inventor: Clemson University
  • Elastin stabilization of connective tissue
    Patent number: 8435553
    Abstract: A method and product are provided for the treatment of connective tissue weakened due to destruction of tissue architecture, and in particular due to elastin degradation. The treatment agents employ certain unique properties of phenolic compounds to develop a protocol for reducing elastin degradation, such as that occurring during aneurysm formation in vasculature. According to the invention, elastin can be stabilized in vivo and destruction of connective tissue, such as that leading to life-threatening aneurysms in vasculature, can be tempered or halted all together. The treatment agents can be delivered or administered acutely or chronically according to various delivery methods, including sustained release methods incorporating perivascular or endovascular patches, use of microsphere carriers, hydrogels, or osmotic pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Clemson University Research Foundation (CURF)
    Inventors: Narendra R. Vyavahare, Jason C. Isenburg, Dan T. Simionescu
  • Ultrahydrophobic substrates
    Patent number: 8389114
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for modification of a substrate so as to form an ultrahydrophobic surface on the substrate. Also disclosed are surface-modified substrates that can be formed according to the disclosed processes. The process includes attachment of a multitude of nano- and/or submicron-sized structures to a surface to provide increased surface roughness. In addition, the process includes grafting a hydrophobic material to the surface in order to decrease the surface energy and decrease wettability of the surface. The combination of increase surface roughness and decreased surface energy can provide an ultrahydrophobic surface on the treated substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Igor A. Luzinov, Philip J. Brown, Killugudi L. Swaminatha Iyer, Viktor Z. Klep, Bogdan Z. Zdyrko
  • Non-linear electrical actuation and detection
    Patent number: 8384372
    Abstract: A method and system is disclosed to detect and analyze an electric signal based on movement between an element and a counter electrode influenced by a nonlinear electric field produced by an electrical signal impressed between the element and counter electrode. Through detection of changes in the distance between the element and the counter electrode characteristics of the element and/or the environment of the element may be ascertained. Changes in the distance between the element and the counter electrode may be monitored based on changes in the value of capacitance between the element and counter electrode. The disclosed devices and methods may be employed to detect, for instance, presence of chemical/biological species in a sample or measure physical parameters of a sample such as pressure/acceleration, density, viscosity, magnetic force, temperature, and/or extremely small masses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Herbert W. Behlow, Jr., Bevan C. Elliott, Gayatri D. Keskar, Doyl E. Dickel, Malcolm J. Skove, Apparao M. Rao
  • Vision based real time traffic monitoring
    Patent number: 8379926
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting and tracking one or more vehicles using a system for obtaining two-dimensional visual data depicting traffic flow on a road is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the system and method identifies groups of features for determining traffic data. The features are classified as stable features or unstable features based on whether each feature is on the frontal face of a vehicle close to the road plane. In another exemplary embodiment, the system and method identifies vehicle base fronts as a basis for determining traffic data. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the system and method includes an automatic calibration procedure based on identifying two vanishing points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Neeraj Krantiveer Kanhere, Stanley T. Birchfield, Wayne A. Sarasua