Patents Assigned to Clemson University
  • Impedance-based arc fault determination device (IADD) and method
    Patent number: 7598751
    Abstract: Embodiments according to the present invention provide an Impedance-based Arc-Fault Determination Device (IADD) and method that, when attached to an electrical node on the power system and through observations on voltage, current and phase shift with a step load change, determine the effective Thevenin equivalent circuit or Norton equivalent circuit at the point of test. The device and method determine the expected bolted fault current at the test location of interest, which enables calculation of incident energy and the assignment of a flash-hazard risk category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignees: Clemson University Research Foundation, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Randolph Collins, Jr., Timothy Lee Smith, Randall J. Emanuel
  • Feed Supplement Delivery System
    Publication number: 20090246321
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel feed supplements for ruminants and methods for making the same. The feed supplements include unsaturated fatty acid encapsulated by a protective coating. Through utilization of the disclosed feed supplements, dietary intake and absorption of unsaturated fatty acids can be increased, due to protection of the ingested unsaturated fatty acids from biohydrogenation in the animal's rumen. The methods of the invention can be utilized to increase unsaturated fatty acid levels in the animal's tissues. Hence, food products obtained from the animal can also have an increased unsaturated fatty acid content and correspondingly lower saturated fatty acid content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Thomas C. Jenkins, Karen J.L. Burg, Steve E. Ellis
  • Hydrothermal growth of hexagonal beryllium borate crystals for use in laser non-linear optical and birefringent applications and devices
    Patent number: 7591896
    Abstract: Single, acentric, hexagonal, beryllium borate crystals having the formula Sr2Be2B2O7 and of a size sufficient for use in a variety of laser and non-optical applications are formed by a hydrothermal method. Alternate structures are formed by partially substituting the strontium ion with at least one other divalent metal ion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Joseph W Kolis, Colin D. McMillen, Henry G. Giesber, III
  • Differential Pressure Pump System
    Publication number: 20090215176
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a fluid pumping mechanism that uses differential pressure to drive flow through one or more culture chambers. Fluid contained within a first chamber can be caused to flow through one or more culture chambers and thence to a second chamber upon establishment of a pressure differential between the two chambers. The differential pressure system can induce either steady state or pulsatile flow through a culture chamber. In one embodiment, a culture chamber can be held at a high or low pressure hydrostatic state through utilization of the disclosed systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: David E. Orr
  • Concentration and Separation of Lipids from Renewable Resources
    Publication number: 20090181436
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods that can advantageously utilize the natural consumptive and conversion processes of an aquatic organism culture system to concentrate and separate microbial plant-generated lipids. For instance, an aquatic organism culture can be maintained and/or grown upon an algal biomass. The natural conversion processes of the animals allows for uptake and processing of the components of the algal biomass into animal lipid. The aquatic animal culture can then be easily harvested such that a high percentage of the converted algal-generated lipid can be extracted using a low cost, simple and quick process. The disclosed processes provide an efficient oil production, conversion and recovery system that can be economically scaled up for use in, for example, integrated bioenergy and biodiesel production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Clemson University
    Inventors: Lance Beecher, David E. Brune
  • METHOD OF CONTROLLING INSECT PESTS IN COTTON
    Publication number: 20090175885
    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: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Clemson University
    Inventors: Xi Wang, Feng Chen
  • Lysophospholipids Solubilized Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
    Publication number: 20090162277
    Abstract: Lipophilic compounds extracted from cell growth mediums, particularly lysophospholipids are used to solubilize single-walled nanotubes. The naturally occurring lysophospholipids were found to readily bond to the exterior wall of the single-walled nanotubes to enhance the biocompatibility of the single-walled nanotubes in therapeutic and diagnostic conditions. The solubilization protocol is simple, highly efficient, and results in a population of coated single-walled nanotubes which are highly stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Clemson University
    Inventors: Pu-Chun Ke, Yonnie Wu, Apparao M. Rao
  • Hydrothermal growth of rhombohedral potassium fluoroberyllium borate crystals for use in laser and non-linear optical applications and devices
    Patent number: 7540917
    Abstract: Single, acentric, rhombohedral, potassium fluoroberyllium borate crystals of a size sufficient for use in a variety of laser and non-optical applications are formed by a hydrothermal method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Joseph W Kolis, Colin D. McMillen, Henry G. Giesber, III
  • Composites with oriented particles and particle networks with method
    Patent number: 7514492
    Abstract: A method and types of composites in which particles are oriented within a melt-processable material or are arranged into networks in response to chaotic advection. A masterbatch comprising a melt-processable material and particles is supplied to a blender in which chaotic advection is maintained for a specified period. A second, melt-processable material may be supplied to the blender simultaneously. Resulting composites include extrusions with oriented inorganic platelets that reduce permeation or electrically conducting plastics and other functional materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventor: David A. Zumbrunnen
  • Process for reducing solid waste volume and landfill mass
    Patent number: 7498163
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a process for reducing solid waste volume and landfill mass. More particularly, the process of the present invention is directed to reducing organic waste with or without production and collection of a useful product. The process of the present invention involves supplying at least one oxidizing agent in the presence of an aqueous medium into organic materials. The oxidizing agent oxidizes and breaks down a portion of these materials. After addition of the oxidizing agent, at least one species of microorganism may be supplied into the channel and the microorganism consumes the oxidized organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventor: Annel K. Greene
  • Therapeutic benefits of gossypol, 6-methoxy gossypol, and 6,6'-dimothxy gossypol
    Publication number: 20090030088
    Abstract: 6-methoxy gossypol and 6,6?-dimethoxy gossypol were isolated from cottonseeds. Bioactivities of these two gossypol derivatives and gossypol were investigated regarding their antioxidant activities, DNA damage prevention ability, anti-cancer, and anti-trypanosomal activities. Both methoxy compounds had nearly equivalent bioactivities, but gossypol showed greater bioactivities than either methoxy derivative on free radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and DNA damage prevention ability. Gossypol and its methoxy derivatives inhibited growth of three cancer cell lines, i.e., SiHa (cervical cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer) and Caco-2 (colon cancer) cells, in a dose dependent manner. These three compounds also significantly inhibited growth of trypanosome T. brucei, the cause of African Sleeping Sickness, which affects thousands in western and central Africa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Clemson University
    Inventors: Xi Wang, James C. Morris, Feng Chen, Thomas Beckham
  • Materials for freezing light
    Patent number: 7463329
    Abstract: Recent theoretical investigations have predicted the existence of axially frozen modes that arise when light is incident upon an anisotropic two-dimensional photonic crystal. Such electromagnetic modes are of interest since they suggest a near-zero group velocity with extraordinary amplitudes. The present invention addresses the crystal physics associated with realizing such effects and provides for the development of materials suitable for use in the forming photonic crystals that can exhibit such effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignees: Clemson University, United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Arthur Ballato, John Ballato
  • Surface plasmon induction in multiwalled carbon nanotube arrays
    Patent number: 7456972
    Abstract: Disclosed are optical devices including one or more carbon nanotubes that can function as plasmon waveguides. The presently disclosed devices advantageously utilize the existence of surface plasmons on carbon nanotubes through the generation and transport of surface plasmon polaritons across the nanotubes. Also disclosed are methods for tuning the devices through particular formation parameters for the nanotubes and/or selection of particular substrate materials. Systems of the present invention can provide optical data concerning a sample, for instance via construction of an NSOM image, as well as topological date concerning a sample via construction of an AFM image. In one embodiment, the disclosed systems can provide simultaneous acquisition of optical images and topological images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Pu-Chun Ke, Francesco Stellacci, Apparao M. Rao
  • DNA-Based Memory Device and Method of Reading and Writing Same
    Publication number: 20080213923
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a memory device having very high storage density capability. In general, the memory device includes an array of individual memory cells which store information that is assigned a value based on the molecular contents of the memory cell. In a preferred embodiment, the molecules utilized for storing information in the memory cells may be single-strand polynucleotides, for instance single-strand oligonucleotides of between about 5 and about 20 monomer units. The present invention is also directed to methods and systems useful for writing and reading the molecular-based memory devices. In particular, the devices may be written and read via modified atomic force microscopy processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Clemson University
    Inventors: Thomas Boland, Thomas E. Wagner
  • Multi-component blending system
    Patent number: 7377684
    Abstract: A blending system incorporating a blender with an operating cavity housing a plurality of elongate rod elements extending at least partially along the length of the operating cavity such that controlled relative movement between the rod elements and a multi-constituent composition within the operating cavity causes the development of predefined structures within the multi-constituent composition. The cavity within the blender incorporates a diminished cross-section in the vicinity of its terminal end. Methods to provide controlled development of microstructures and properties are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventor: David A. Zumbrunnen
  • Method of Joining Two or More Substrates with a Seam
    Publication number: 20080118695
    Abstract: A method for joining two or more substrates with a seam is provided. The seam is formed with a thermoplastic tape that is capable of forming an adhesive bond and a physical bond with a substrate. For instance, in one embodiment, the thermoplastic tape is formed from a polyurethane film. In addition, the seam can be utilized in a flat configuration or folded into a variety of different shapes, such as in a z-shaped configuration. As a result of the present invention, it has been discovered that a seam can be formed to have improved strength without substantially sacrificing the desired functional properties of the substrate materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Clemson University
    Inventors: Christine W. Jarvis, Robert E. Bennett, Brian Frederick
  • Process for separating metallic from semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes
    Patent number: 7374685
    Abstract: A method for separating semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes from metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes is disclosed. The method utilizes separation agents that preferentially associate with semiconducting nanotubes due to the electrical nature of the nanotubes. The separation agents are those that have a planar orientation, ?-electrons available for association with the surface of the nanotubes, and also include a soluble portion of the molecule. Following preferential association of the separation agent with the semiconducting nanotubes, the agent/nanotubes complex is soluble and can be solubilized with the solution enriched in semiconducting nanotubes while the residual solid is enriched in metallic nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventor: Ya-Ping Sun
  • Acentric lithium borate crystals, method for making, and applications thereof
    Patent number: 7374616
    Abstract: Acentric, tetragonal lithium borate crystals are disclosed along with a hydrothermal method for forming such crystals. The crystals possess unique optical, non-linear optical, and other photonic properties and may be formed of sufficient size to be useful in a wide variety of photonic devices. In addition, the disclosed crystals are very hard and can be used in specialty grinding applications such as for grinding optical components for deep UV applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventor: Joseph W Kolis
  • Channeled polymer fibers as stationary/support phases for chemical separation by liquid chromatography and for waste stream clean-up
    Patent number: 7374673
    Abstract: Polymer fibers having a novel cross-sectional geometry are used as stationary phase materials for liquid chromatography separations. Fibers of 20 to 50 micrometer diameters have surface-channel structures extending their entire lengths. Bundles of fibers having this novel cross-sectional geometry are packed in columns. Different polymer compositions permit the “chemical tuning” of the separation process. Channeled fibers composed of polystyrene and polypropylene have been used to separate mixtures of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Pb-containing compounds and fatty acids. Use of channeled fibers allows a wide range of liquid flow rates with very low backing pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventor: R. Kenneth Marcus
  • Fluorescent Carbon Nanoparticles
    Publication number: 20080113448
    Abstract: Disclosed are photoluminescent particles. The particles include a core nano-sized particle of carbon and a passivation agent bound to the surface of the nanoparticle. The passivation agent can be, for instance, a polymeric material. The passivation agent can also be derivatized for particular applications. For example, the photoluminescent carbon nanoparticles can be derivatized to recognize and bind to a target material, for instance a biologically active material, a pollutant, or a surface receptor on a tissue or cell surface, such as in a tagging or staining protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Ya-Ping Sun