Patents Assigned to Dartmouth College
  • Apparatus and method for modulating neurochemical levels in the brain
    Patent number: 8433415
    Abstract: A treatment for Parkinson's Disease uses a stimulus electrode implanted in a subthalamic nucleus with a chemosensor implanted in a globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) of the subject. A level of a neurochemical is sensed with the chemosensor, and compared to a desired level. When the level of the neurochemical is less than desired, an electrical stimulation is provided to the stimulus electrode. In alternative embodiments, the neurochemical sensed is glutamate or dopamine. An alternative system uses a chemosensor implanted in the striatum instead of the GPi. An alternative system for treating benign essential tremor uses a stimulus electrode implanted in the thalamus with feedback taken from a chemosensor in the striatum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: James C. Leiter, Mykyta M. Chemov, David W. Roberts
  • Refrigerant evaporators with pulse-electrothermal defrosting
    Patent number: 8424324
    Abstract: An pulse electro thermal defrost evaporator system has multiple refrigerant tubes formed from an electrically conductive metal and connected in parallel for refrigerant flow. These tubes are, however, connected electrically in series. A controller is capable of detecting ice accumulation and connecting the tubes to a source of electrical power for deicing when it is necessary to deice the tubes. Embodiments having a manifold having multiple conductive sections insulated from each other are disclosed for coupling tubes electrically in series. Alternative embodiments with a single, long, wide-bore, tube are disclosed, as are embodiments having an evaporating pan coupled in series or parallel with the tubes, and embodiments with thermal cutoff and electrical safety interlocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Victor F. Petrenko, Fedor F. Petrenko
  • Compact helical heat exchanger with stretch to maintain airflow
    Patent number: 8418484
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between gasses such as air and a liquid or gaseous coolant has narrow spacing between exchanger surfaces for high efficiency. To avoid undue obstruction of gas flow due to ice buildup on the exchanger surfaces, the heat exchanger is equipped with sensors to monitor the gas flow and an actuator that widens the spacing between exchanger surfaces such that gas flow remains unimpeded. Embodiments provide for defrosting of the exchanger surfaces when an limit on spacing of exchanger surfaces is reached, and for relaxing the spacing to the original narrow spacing when defrosting is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Victor Petrenko, Charles R. Sullivan
  • Methods for Using Synthetic Triterpenoids in the Treatment of Bone or Cartilage Diseases or Conditions
    Publication number: 20130089526
    Abstract: The present invention features the use of a synthetic triterpenoid to induce gene expression and differentiation of stem or progenitor cells in the treatment of bone/cartilage diseases or conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicants: Trustees of Dartmouth College, National Institute of Health, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Rutgers, The State University
    Inventors: Trustees of Dartmouth College, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, National Institute of Health, Rutgers, The Sstate University
  • Fluorescence lifetime spectrometer (FLS) and methods of detecting diseased tissue
    Patent number: 8417324
    Abstract: This invention relates to method and apparatus for collection of the complete fluorescence emission spectrum and the transient decay of a selected spectral band simultaneously with data acquisition times of less that one second. This invention is useful for studying human tissues and cells in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Mary-Ann Mycek, Ethan Dmitrovsky, Jonathan Pitts
  • Magnetic proximity sensor system and associated methods of sensing a magnetic field
    Patent number: 8416076
    Abstract: A magnetic proximity sensor is attached to a ferrous object such that the sensor alerts a practitioner if a threshold of magnetic strength has been exceeded by bringing the ferrous object within a certain proximity to the magnet of an MRI scanner. The magnetic proximity sensor includes at least one magnetic field sensor for sensing a magnetic field strength. An alarm in communication with the field sensor alerts a practitioner that a threshold of magnetic strength has been exceeded. A battery powers the field sensor and the alarm. The field sensor may produce an output voltage corresponding to the sensed magnetic field strength, and a potentiometer may provide a reference voltage corresponding to a threshold magnetic field strength. A comparator compares the reference voltage to the output voltage, and triggers an alarm if the output voltage exceeds the reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Alexander Mamourian, Michael Holland
  • Methods for diagnosing and treating neuroendocrine cancer
    Patent number: 8415109
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing neuroendocrine cancers via detecting the presence of N-methyl D-asparate-associated (NMDA) glutamate receptors type 1 and/or type 2. Methods for preventing and treating neuroendocrine cancers are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventor: William G. North
  • Compositions and methods for producing adaptive regulatory T cells
    Patent number: 8415154
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing adaptive regulatory T cells from effector T cells by contacting the effector T cells with retinoic acid. Adaptive regulatory T cells produced by this method are Foxp3+, home to the gut, and are refractory to reversion in vivo. As such, such cells find application in the treatment of autoimmune disease and facilitating transplantation tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventor: Randolph J. Noelle
  • Compositions and methods for inhibiting the interaction between CFTR and CAL
    Patent number: 8415292
    Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods for increasing the cell surface expression of degradation-prone CFTR proteins and preventing or treating cystic fibrosis. The invention provides peptides and peptidomimetics that selectively inhibit the interaction between CAL and mutant CFTR proteins, thereby stabilizing the CFTR and facilitating transport of the same to the cell surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Dean Madden, Patrick R. Cushing, Prisca Boinguérin, Rudolf Volkmer, Lars Vouilleme
  • System and method for providing knot tying
    Patent number: 8414035
    Abstract: A knot tying system is presented containing a feeding mechanism, a knot tying device, and a clamp. The feeding mechanism has a drive roller and an idle roller capable of guiding a wire. A truck is connected to the end of the wire, and fed into a guide track, fixed relative to the feeding mechanism. The guide track provides a curved track in the shape of a knot desired. The track has a tube having a wire extraction slot running along the length of the tube, an intersection region where an outer portion of the guide track intersects an inner portion of the guide track, and a slit through the inner portion of the guide track substantially at the intersection region. A sensing and control system may also be present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Dartmouth College
    Inventor: Matthew Bell
  • Pulse electrothermal mold release icemaker with safety baffles for refrigerator
    Patent number: 8405002
    Abstract: An icemaker and a refrigerator having an icemaker are discussed. The icemaker has pulse-electrothermal ice release and includes an ice-making tray having several ice forming portions in which water is stored and ice is formed; and a housing surrounding the ice-making tray provided with at least one cold air inlet and/or ice ejection port through which cold air is supplied and ice released along a bent channel. The cold air inlet and/or ice ejection ports are baffled to prevent contact with a user's fingers and thereby reduce the possibility of electric shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Victor F. Petrenko, Gabriel Martinez, Tae Hee Lee, Hong Hee Park, Joon Hwan Oh, Kwang Ha Suh
  • Recombinant Prokaryotes and Use Thereof for Production of O-Glycosylated Proteins
    Publication number: 20130065274
    Abstract: The present invention embraces a recombinant prokaryotic host cell containing nucleic acids encoding an eukaryotic UDP-GaINAc:UDP-GaINAc polypeptide transferase and expressing an UDP-GIcNAc C-4 epimerase and methods for using the same to produce an O-glycosylated protein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Tillman U. Gerngross, Grant E. Henderson, Errik Anderson
  • Nicotinamide riboside kinase compositions and methods for using the same
    Patent number: 8383086
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nicotinamide riboside kinase (Nrk) nucleic acid sequences, vectors and cultured cells containing the same, and Nrk polypeptides encoded thereby. Methods for identifying individuals or tumors susceptible to nicotinamide riboside-related prodrug treatment and methods for treating cancer by administering an Nrk nucleic acid sequence or polypeptide in combination with a nicotinamide riboside-related prodrug are also provided. The present invention further provides screening methods for isolating a nicotinamide riboside-related prodrug and identifying a natural source of nicotinamide riboside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventor: Charles M. Brenner
  • Rotaryfrog systems and methods
    Patent number: 8379215
    Abstract: Systems and methods determining amplitude and phase versus frequency of an incoming beam of pulsed laser light. The incoming beam is split into two beams of substantially equal intensity, one of which is delayed for a delay period t. The two split beams are recombined to shine onto a thick SHG crystal at rotation angle ? and light emitted from the thick SHG crystal is detected as data and stored with reference to the delay period t and the angle ?. The thick SHG crystal is rotated by an angle ??, and light is detected as data and stored until the thick SHG crystal has completed 360° of rotation. This is repeated for ?t increases in the delay period until a selected beam delay period range has been completed. The stored data is processed to determine amplitude and phase versus frequency of the incoming beam of pulsed laser light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Armin T. Ellis, Ulf Osterberg
  • Airborne Contaminant Sensor Device and Method for Using the Same
    Publication number: 20130040399
    Abstract: The present invention is a nanotechnology-based personal sensor device composed of molecularly imprinted polymers that are interrogated using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for use in simultaneously monitoring airborne contaminants, e.g., of second-hand cigarette smoke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Joseph J. BelBruno, Susanne E. Tanski
  • Compositions and Methods for Preventing and Treating Cancer via Modulating UBE1L, ISG215 and/or UBP43
    Publication number: 20130041016
    Abstract: Compositions and methods of using compositions that induce UBE1L or a ubiquitin-like protein ISG15, or inhibit a deconjugase UBP43 to degrade oncogenic proteins and enhance apoptosis of cancer (neoplastic) or pre-cancerous (pre-neoplastic) cells are provided. Methods for the prevention or treatment of cancer via administration of these compositions are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Ethan Dmitrovsky, Bret C. Hassel, Sutisak Kitareewan, Ian Pitha-Rowe
  • Micromagnetic elements, logic devices and related methods
    Patent number: 8368421
    Abstract: Micromagnetic elements, logic devices and methods of fabricating and using them to store data and perform logic operations are disclosed. Micromagnetic elements for data storage, as well as those providing output from a logic device, are at least partially covered with an optical coating that facilitates determination of the magnetic state. The disclosed logic devices perform one or more of AND, OR, NAND and NOR operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventor: Ursula J. Gibson
  • Method and Kit for Determining Sensitivity to Decitabine Treatment
    Publication number: 20130023439
    Abstract: The present invention is a gene expression panel of chemotherapeutic drug-resistant cancer stem cells comprising RIN1, SOX15 and TLR4. In one embodiment the cancer stem cells are testicular cancer germ cells. The present invention provides for a kit and method for determining response to treatment with decitabine at low doses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Michael Spinella, Maroun J. Beyrouthy
  • Compositions and methods for treating pancreatic cancer
    Patent number: 8357667
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating pancreatic cancer by inhibiting the activity cyclin D1 activity in tumor cells. The invention is based on the finding that cyclin D1 shRNA molecules are capable of attenuating tumor growth and interfering with tumor angiogenesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventor: Murray Korc
  • Method for Selectively Inhibiting the Activity of ACAT1 in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
    Publication number: 20130017252
    Abstract: The present invention features methods for decreasing the size and density of amyloid plaques, decreasing cognitive decline associated with amyloid pathology, and treating Alzheimer's disease by selectively inhibiting the activity of Acyl-CoA:Cholesterol Acyltransferase 1, but not Acyl-CoA:Cholesterol Acyltransferase 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Ta-Yuan Chang, Catherine C.Y. Chang