Patents Assigned to Curators of the University
  • Identifying geographic areas based on change patterns detected from high-resolution, remotely sensed imagery
    Patent number: 9514386
    Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for identifying terrestrial objects that have changed in a certain manner. One embodiment of the method includes receiving a query that includes one or more inputs, which are related to 1) a first terrestrial object (“first object”) and 2) source change-detection information that describes change associated with the first object; applying the query to a dataset that includes indexed information that describes the imagery; based on the one or more inputs, receiving a query result by identifying a set of regions in the dataset that are respectively associated with change information that is similar to that of the source change-detection information; and presenting on a presentation device indications of at least a portion of the identified set of regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Grant Jason Scott, Chi-Ren Shyu, Matthew Nicholas Klaric, Curtis Herbert Davis, Brian Christopher Claywell
  • Method of predicting crop yield loss due to N-deficiency
    Patent number: 9508007
    Abstract: A method for determining the yield loss of a crop using remote sensor data is described. The yield loss is determined using the reflectivity of light by the crop canopy measured from remote sensor data such as an aerial photograph that is digitized and spatially referenced to the field's longitude and latitude. Pixel values from the aerial photograph, expressed relative to pixel values from well fertilized areas of the field, are transformed to yield losses using a linear transformation that was developed using empirical data. A similar method is described to determine recommended nitrogen fertilization rates for the crop fields. The yield loss data is useful for nitrogen fertilization management, as it allows a producer of crops to weigh the expense of fertilization against the loss of revenue due to yield loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Peter Clifton Scharf, Victoria Cacnio Hubbard
  • Method and system for dynamic stochastic optimal electric power flow control
    Patent number: 9507367
    Abstract: A dynamic stochastic optimal power flow (DSOPF) control system is described for performing multi-objective optimal control capability in complex electrical power systems. The DSOPF system and method replaces the traditional adaptive critic designs (ACDs) and secondary voltage control, and provides a coordinated AC power flow control solution to the smart grid operation in an environment with high short-term uncertainty and variability. The DSOPF system and method is used to provide nonlinear optimal control, where the control objective is explicitly formulated to incorporate power system economy, stability and security considerations. The system and method dynamically drives a power system to its optimal operating point by continuously adjusting the steady-state set points sent by a traditional optimal power flow algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignees: Clemson University, Georgia Tech Research Corporation, The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Ganesh Kumar Venayagamoorthy, Jiaqi Liang, Ronald Gordon Harley
  • Separation Method for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients from Excipients
    Publication number: 20160340350
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for physically separating the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) from the excipients in a pharmaceutical formulation before the API is fully characterized by standard techniques. The presently disclosed method is based on making use of the difference in density of the API and that of the excipients. In the method, the API is not dissolved, nor is the crystal form of the API changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventor: Jerry L. Atwood
  • Nanocomposite membranes with advanced antifouling properties under visible light irradiation
    Patent number: 9486747
    Abstract: Nitrogen doped TiO2 (N—TiO2) is used to fabricate Poly(vinyledene fluoride) (PVDF)/N—TiO2 mixed matrix hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) through a phase inversion method to improve filtration efficiencies and antifouling properties. The membranes performances were evaluated based on the water permeability, humic acid (HA) rejection and antifouling properties. Resulting membranes showed brown color and improved hydrophilicity, especially under light irradiation. When compared to original PVDF and PVDF/P25 membrane, mixed matrix membranes containing N—TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) showed clear photocatalytic activities under visible light irradiation. Also, membrane performance assessments indicated that PVDF/N—TiO2 membranes possessed enhanced water flux, similar HA rejection (e.g., above 96%) and improved fouling resistance with PVDF membranes as a control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Baolin Deng, Jun Yin
  • Biomarkers of osteoarthritis
    Patent number: 9488646
    Abstract: Biomarkers, biomarker panels and methods for diagnosing osteoarthritis (OA) and determining treatment are disclosed, using measurement of the expression level of certain polypeptides in a test sample from a subject, including MCP1, IL8, KC, MMP2, MMP3, Apolipoprotein A1, and Apolipoprotein E. Related methods for monitoring OA treatment efficacy, diagnostic reagents, and kits are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: James L. Cook, Cristi R. Cook, Aaron M. Stoker, Keiichi Kuroki, Bridget Colleen Garner, Richard Evans, Brandon Lee Roller, Prakash Sidha Jayabalan
  • Wound care compositions comprising borate (BO) glass-based particles
    Patent number: 9486554
    Abstract: Glass-based angiogenic particles of a biocompatible material which comprises 40 to about 80 wt% borate (B2O3) intermixed into a carrier which is an ointment, cream, or surgical glue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Steven B. Jung, Delbert E. Day
  • Method for fabricating biocompatible porous titanium
    Patent number: 9481036
    Abstract: A method for fabricating porous metal constructs (such as porous Ti constructs) which may be used as implants in bone repair is disclosed. The method employs a new saltbath sintering process coupled with conventional powder metallurgy technology which is capable of fabricating porous metal constructs with controlled porosity and pore size having a lower production cost than conventional powder metallurgy methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: B. Sonny Bal, Tieshu Huang, Mohamed N. Rahaman
  • Waveguide probe for nondestructive material characterization
    Patent number: 9482626
    Abstract: An open-ended waveguide probe including a finite flange extending outwardly and functioning as an infinite flange. A signal source provides a microwave signal to the waveguide, which in turn transmits microwave electromagnetic energy incident upon an object to be tested. The finite flange at the waveguide's aperture is shaped to reduce scattering of the electromagnetic field reflected from the object and received by the aperture. The probe is adapted for coupling to a receiver for sampling the reflected electromagnetic field received by the aperture and the receiver is adapted for coupling to a processor for determining at least one material characteristic of the object based on sampled electromagnetic field reflected from the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Mohammad Tayeb Ghasr, Matthew Kempin, Reza Zoughi
  • Method for enhancing amidohydrolase activity of fatty acid amide hydrolase
    Patent number: 9474271
    Abstract: A method for enhancing amidohydrolase activity of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) is disclosed. The method comprising administering a phenoxyacylethanolamide that causes the enhanced activity. The enhanced activity can have numerous effects on biological organisms including, for example, enhancing the growth of certain seedlings. The subject matter disclosed herein relates to enhancers of amidohydrolase activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignees: Research Foundation of the City University of New York, The Curators of The University of Missouri, University of North Texas
    Inventors: George John, Subbiah Nagarajan, Kent Chapman, Lionel Faure, Peter Koulen
  • Scaffold for bone and tissue repair in mammals
    Patent number: 9456890
    Abstract: A mammalian tissue scaffold and method for making a tissue scaffold including a rigid scaffold body of biocompatible glass fibers bonded together and in special alignment to define open channels within the scaffold to allow fluid flow into and within the scaffold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Delbert E. Day, Steven B. Jung
  • LOW TEMPERATURE NANOWIRE GROWTH ON ARBITRARY SUBSTRATES
    Publication number: 20160268131
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method to manufacture nanowires. In various embodiments, a method is provided for producing an oxidized metal layer as a heterogeneous seed layer on arbitrary substrate for controlled nanowire growth is disclosed which comprises depositing a metal layer on a substrate, oxidizing the metal layer in air ambient or in oxidizing agent, and growing nanowires at low temperatures on oxidized metal layers on virtually any substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Jae Wan Kwon, Baek Hyun Kim
  • Protective conversion coating on mixed-metal substrates and methods thereof
    Patent number: 9435039
    Abstract: Mixed-metal automotive vehicle bodies-in-white comprising ferrous metal surfaces, zinc surfaces, aluminum alloy surfaces, and magnesium alloy surfaces are cleaned and immersed in an aqueous bath comprising an adhesion promoter and an aqueous electrocoat bath (the adhesion promoter may be in the electrocoat bath. The adhesion promoter, which may be a cerium salt, is selected to react with each metal in the body surfaces to form an oxide layer that provides corrosion resistance for the surface and adherence for the deposited polymeric paint coating. The body is cathodic in the electrocoat deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: The Curators Of The University Of Missouri
    Inventors: Matthew J. O'Keefe, Surender Maddela
  • MONO DISPERSE POLYMER NANOPARTICLES, FUNCTIONALIZED NANOPARTICLES AND CONTROLLED FORMATION METHOD
    Publication number: 20160243051
    Abstract: A method produces polymer nanoparticles. Polymer solution is sprayed through a nozzle toward a collector. An electric field is created at the nozzle, such as by a voltage is applied to the nozzle to create the electric field. The voltage applied to the nozzle is from ˜10 (Kilovolt) to ˜30 (Kilovolt), distance from nozzle tip to collector is from ˜1 (centimeter) to ˜10 (centimeter) and the polymer concentration from ˜0.01% to ˜0.5% w/w. Preferably a grounded liquid collectors is used. The invention provides biocompatible monodisperse polymer nanoparticles having a size of less than ˜300 nm, preferably less than ˜150 nm. Payloads can be associated, and maintain efficacy, including more than one payload such as therapeutic agents and diagnostic agents on the same particles. Preferred particles are poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA-COOH) or acrylate analogues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Srikar RAMAN, Raghuraman KANNAN, Jatin VIMAL
  • Lipopolysaccharide-targeted peptide mimic vaccine against Q fever
    Patent number: 9422545
    Abstract: A vaccine and method of vaccination for conferring immunity to Q fever is described. The vaccine comprises a polypeptide with a sequence of SLTWHKHELHRK (SEQ ID NO: 7) (m1E41920) or SPPWHKHELHRK (SEQ ID NO: 8) (m1E44), or at least 90% identity to m1E41920 or m1E44. Constructs are also provided for use in vaccination and treatment of Q fever. A method to identify and generate new vaccines to prevent diseases caused by intracellular Gram-negative bacteria is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventor: Guoquan Zhang
  • ENDOSCOPIC-ENABLED MOUTH GAG AND ASSOCIATED METHOD OF USE
    Publication number: 20160235287
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a new and improved endoscopic-enabled mouth gag for routine ENT procedures, such as adenoidectomy and nasopharyngeal biopsy. The invention modifies the existing mouth gag, provides a stable and adjustable placement for an endoscopic device potentially employed during an ENT procedure, and is to replace the outdated surgical method where the surgical field is visualized indirectly via a handheld mirror (with or without the preexisting mouth gag). The inventive endoscopic-enabled mouth gag not only provides enhanced visualization of the surgical field for a clinician, assistants, and trainees, but also enables a clinician to perform the procedure bimanually (with both hands).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Eliav Gov-Ari, Alexander Madinger
  • KCNQ CHANNELS AS THERAPEUTIC TARGETS
    Publication number: 20160228411
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for modulating the activity of KCNQ channels as a means for reducing the effects of aberrant KCNQ channel function associated with epilepsy, deafness and arrhythmias including but not limited to, Long-QT syndrome (“LQTS”), and atrial fibrillation. The present disclosure also relates to the discovery of certain regions of KCNQ channels that interact with various channel stimulating molecules such as, ATP, and PIP2, as well as KCNQ channel domains that effect voltage dependant channel activation. The disclosure is also directed to the use of small molecules to modulate KCNQ channel activity in a cell. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to the therapeutic effects of treating a subject with modulators of KCNQ channel activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicants: Washington University, The Research Foundation for The State University of New York, Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Jianmin Cui, Ira S. Cohen, Xiaoqin Zou
  • Activity analysis, fall detection and risk assessment systems and methods
    Patent number: 9408561
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods and corresponding systems for performing health risk assessments for a patient in the home environment. In various aspects, depth image data for a person may be obtained and subsequently processed to generate one or more parameters, such as temporal and spatial gait parameters. Subsequently, the generated parameters may be processed with other medical information related to the patient, such as electronic health records, to perform various health risk assessments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Erik Edward Stone, Marjorie Skubic
  • Method of producing lower alcohols from glycerol
    Patent number: 9404027
    Abstract: A reactive-separation process converts glycerin into lower alcohols, having boiling points less than 200° C., at high yields. Conversion of natural glycerin to propylene glycol through an acetol intermediate is achieved at temperatures from 150° to 250° C. at pressures from 1 and 25 bar. The preferred applications of the propylene glycol are as an antifreeze, deicing compound, or anti-icing compound. The preferred catalyst for this process in a copper-chromium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventor: Galen J. Suppes
  • ELECTRONIC RECEIVER DEVICE DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20160216358
    Abstract: A super regenerative receiver detection system and method that includes a computing system that stores and executes a cross modulation correlation component to modulate a radio-frequency (RF) stimulation signal that is transmitted in an area using a modulating signal having a first modulating mode, and receive a response UEE signal from the area in which the response UEE signal includes a cross modulated signal emitted from a super regenerative receiver (SRR). The cross modulated signal having a second modulation mode that is different from the first modulation mode. Using this information, the cross modulation correlation component processes the received UEE signal to determine a cross modulation correlation level of a cross modulation signal relative to the modulating signal, and generates an alert signal when the determined cross modulation correlation level exceeds a specified threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Jagannathan Sarangapani, Maciej Jan Zawodniok, Vivek Thotla, Mohammad Tayeb Ghasr, Jake Hertenstein