Patents Assigned to Governors of the University of Alberta
  • METHOD FOR THE ORGANOCATALYTIC ACTIVATION OF CARBOXYLIC ACIDS FOR CHEMICAL, REACTIONS USING ORTHOSUBSTITUTED ARYLBORONIC ACIDS
    Publication number: 20100197960
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes operationally simple methods for the low temperature, catalytic activation of carboxylic acids for organic reactions, in particular for direct amidation reactions with amines. The methods involve the use of orthosubstituted arylboromc acids of the formula (I), wherein the groups R1 to R5 are as defined herein. In preferred embodiments R1 is halogen. The arylboromc acids catalyze nucleophilic 1,2-addition reactions, conjugate 1,4-addition reactions, and cycloaddition reactions, including Diels-Alder reactions involving ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Dennis Hall, Olivier Marion, Raed Al-Zoubi
  • PRE-PROCESSOR FOR RECEIVER ANTENNA DIVERSITY
    Publication number: 20100190460
    Abstract: A dual-branch decorrelator receiver is provided in which decorrelation is performed with a simple addition and subtraction. The same receiver finds application in pre-processing signals that may not be correlated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventor: Norman C. Beaulieu
  • Nanocomposite films
    Patent number: 7758708
    Abstract: A thin-film composition of nanocrystal molybdenum in an amorphous metallic matrix may be formed by co-sputtering Mo with aluminum or nickel. NEMS cantilevers may be formed from the film. The films exhibit high nanoindentation hardness and a reduction in roughness and intrinsic stress, while maintaining resistivity in the metallic range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignees: The Governors of the University of Alberta, The University of California
    Inventors: David Mitlin, Colin Ophus, Stephane Evoy, Velimir Radmilovic, Reza Mohammadi, Ken Westra, Nathaniel Nelson-Fitzpatrick, Zonghoon Lee
  • Multivalent Heterobifunctional Polymers And Methods Of Their Use
    Publication number: 20100166695
    Abstract: Designed herein are multivalent heterobifunctional polymers for binding to a biological target exhibiting biological activity and to an effector template which can affect the biological activity of the biological target or detect the presence of the biological target. The polymers comprise a plurality of pre-arranged heterobifunctional ligands connected thereto, and each heterobifunctional ligand comprises a first functionality capable of binding to the biological target, and a second functionality capable of binding to the effector template. The heterobifunctional ligands are pre-arranged on the polymer so as to form a ternary complex between the polymer, the biological target and the effector template. The polymers, methods and compositions described herein provide an approach for the design and production of new therapeutic agents as well as agents useful in a variety of non-therapeutic applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: David R. Bundle, Pavel kitov
  • ANODE CATALYST AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20100143820
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an ion conductive material useful as an anode catalyst comprising LaCrO3, a vanadium oxide (VOx) and a solid electrolyte, and methods of making the same. The catalysts are useful in solid oxide fuels cells and, in particular, using impure hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Jing-Li Luo, Karl Tze-tang Chuang, Zhengrong Xu, Alan Sanger
  • NOVEL LIGAND GUIDED BLOCK COPOLYMERS FOR TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY
    Publication number: 20100137206
    Abstract: This application relates to micelle-forming poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(ester) block copolymers having reactive groups on both the poly(ethylene oxide) block and the poly(ester) block therein. The biodegradability of these copolymers and their biocompatibilities with a large number of bioactive agents make them suitable as carriers for various bioactive agents. The bioactive agent, such as DNA, RNA, oligonucleotide, protein, peptide, drug and the like, can be coupled to the reactive groups on the polyester block of the copolymer. A variety of targeting moieties can be coupled to the reactive group on the poly(ethylene oxide) block for targeting the bioactive agent to a particular tissue. The application also relates to a composition and method of use thereof for delivering bioactive agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Afsaneh Lavasanifar, Xiao-Bing Xiong
  • BIFUNCTIONAL FUSION MOLECULES FOR THE DELIVERY OF ANTIGENS TO PROFESSIONAL ANTIGEN-PRESENTING CELLS
    Publication number: 20100129383
    Abstract: The invention provides a bifunctional fusion molecule comprising: a first functional domain comprising a first immunoglobulin variable region, a second immunoglobulin variable region and a linker for connecting the first and second variable regions; a second functional domain comprising a moiety for binding to an antigenic agent; wherein the first and second functional domains are linked; and wherein the first functional domain specifically binds to a surface molecule of a professional antigen-presenting cell, and uses thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: MAVANUR R. SURESH, WEN SHANG WANG
  • BACTERIAL ENDOTOXIN FOR THE PREVENTION OF METABOLIC DISORDERS AND BACTERIAL INFECTIONS
    Publication number: 20100113384
    Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for preventing a metabolic disorder or bacterial infection in a subject, the composition comprising a bacterial endotoxin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: The Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventor: Burim N. Ametaj
  • A P-ORDER METRIC UWB RECEIVER STRUCTURE WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE IN MULTIPLE ACCESS INTERFERENCE-PLUS-NOISE MULTIPATH CHANNELS
    Publication number: 20100074307
    Abstract: A UWB receiver dubbed the “p-order metric” receiver (p-omr) is proposed to detect the time-hopping ultra-wide bandwidth signal in multiple access interference channels. The receiver acquires a signal over a wireless channel, adaptively selects a shaping parameter, p, over time and generates a first set of partial statistics by, for each of a plurality N of observations per symbol, using the shaping parameter to modify the exponential order of the approximation of the noise plus multiple access interference probability density function, f(x), used in the receiver model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Norman C. Beaulieu, Hua Shao
  • NOVEL POLY(ETHYLENE OXIDE)-BLOCK-POLY(ESTER) BLOCK COPOLYMERS
    Publication number: 20100069295
    Abstract: The present invention relates to micelle-forming poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(ester) block copolymers having reactive groups on the polyester block therein. The biodegradability of these copolymers and their biocompatibilities with a large number of bioactive agents make them suitable as carriers for various bioactive agents. The bioactive agents, such as DNA, RNA, oligonucleotide, protein, peptide, drug and the like, can be coupled to the reactive groups on the polyester block of the copolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Afsaneh Lavasanifar, Abdullah Mahmud
  • MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE HAVING AN ARRAY OF SPOTS
    Publication number: 20100061892
    Abstract: A microfluidic spotting device has a first substrate patterned with an array of spots, a second substrate attached directly or indirectly to the first substrate, and channels formed at least partly in at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, each channel having an inlet channel and an outlet channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Eric Flaim, Daniel J. Harrison, Mark T. McDermott
  • MERCURY ABSORPTION USING CHABAZITE SUPPORTED METALLIC NANODOTS
    Publication number: 20100050868
    Abstract: A method of adsorbing mercury includes the use of silver nanodots formed on chabazite as a sorbent. The silver nanodots may be formed on chabazite by ion-exchange followed by activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Steven Kuznicki, David J.A. Kelly, David Mitlin, Zhenghe Xu
  • Preparation of high viscosity beta-glucan concentrates
    Patent number: 7662418
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for secondary processing of plant material and in particular for the recovery of valuable products such as fiber including beta-glucan, starch, and ethanol solubles from plant material containing starch and fiber. In particular, the invention relates to the preparation of high viscosity beta-glucan products through methods involving sonication/sonification and enzymes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: The Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventors: Thavaratnam Vasanthan, Feral Temelli, Zvonko Burkus
  • ZEOLITE SUPPORTED METALLIC NANODOTS
    Publication number: 20100021559
    Abstract: A metal nanodot material is formed by ion-exchange with chabazite or a chabazite-like structure, followed by activation to form metallic nanodots. The nanodot may be formed from silver, nickel, copper, gold or a platinum group metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventor: Steven M. KUZNICKI
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECEIVING TIME-HOPPING ULTRA-WIDE BANDWIDTHS SIGNALS
    Publication number: 20100008401
    Abstract: A novel receiver structure is proposed for detecting a time-hopping ?ltrat-wide bandwidth signal in the presence of multiple access interference. The proposed structure achieves better bit error rate performance than the conventional matched receiver when operating in multiple access interference. When operating in a multiple access interference-plus-Gaussian-noise environment, the receiver structure outperforms the conventional matched filter receiver for moderate to large values of signal-to-noise ratio. A receiver structure with adaptive limiting threshold is further proposed to ensure the performance of the soft-limiting receiver always meets or surpasses the performance of the conventional UWB receiver for all values of signal-to-noise ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: The Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventor: Norman C. Beaulieu
  • Preparation of iron-titanium nanoparticles
    Patent number: 7632332
    Abstract: The present teachings are directed towards methods of producing iron and titanium-containing nanoparticles by reducing iron and titanium-containing precursors with alkali or alkaline-earth metal-containing reducing agents in the presence of a suitable surfactant, and by the thermolysis of iron and titanium-containing precursors without alkali or alkaline-earth metal-containing reducing agents present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., The Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventors: Christopher J. Brooks, Jonathan Veinot, Janet MacDonald, Bryan Rowsell, Victoria Russell
  • APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR LIQUID DROPLET DEPOSITION
    Publication number: 20090302208
    Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for generating droplets has a capillary tube mounted in a moveable member. The capillary tube is accelerated towards a plate, and then subject to rapid deceleration, e.g. by way of an impact, to promote separation of a droplet which is then deposited on the plate. The droplet can be entirely separated from the capillary tip before being deposited, or, for smaller droplets, the droplet merely extends from the capillary tip and is then drawn onto the plate by a wicking action. The plurality of capillary tubes can be mounted on the common support member to effect multiplexing of drops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Liang Li, J. Bryce Young
  • PROCESS FOR EXTRACTION OF BITUMEN FROM OILSANDS
    Publication number: 20090288994
    Abstract: Bitumen within raw oilsands may be cracked and fully recovered by light hydrocarbon extraction following exposure to modified natural zeolite catalysts under cracking conditions. The recovered bitumen is reduced in viscosity, with lower boiling point distributions. Effective cracking of oilsands bitumen using economical, abundant and readily disposable natural zeolites represents a significant step towards a waterless and environment friendly extraction process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicants: THE GOVERNORS OF UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA, IMPERIAL OIL RESOURCES LIMITED
    Inventors: Steven M. KUZNICKI, William C. McCAFFREY, Murray R. GRAY, James A. DUNN
  • Process for improving the manufacture of clavams e.g. clavulanic acid
    Patent number: 7622302
    Abstract: New processes for improving the manufacture of clavams e.g. clavulanic acid. Novel DNA sequences and new microorganisms capable of producing increased amounts of clavulanic acid are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignees: Glaxo Group Limited, The Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventors: Barry Barton, Alison Michelle Griffin, Susan Jensen, Annie Wong
  • Decision-Feedback Detection for Block Differential Space-Time Modulation
    Publication number: 20090262869
    Abstract: Time variation on fading channels hinders accurate channel estimation in differential space-time modulation and deteriorates the performance. Decision-feedback differential detection is employed for block differential space-time modulation, and compared with conventional differential space-time modulation. It is observed that the proposed scheme does not suffer effective fading bandwidth expansion, as does the conventional scheme. An improved effective signal-to-noise ratio approach is proposed for analyzing the performance of the proposed scheme in time-varying flat Rayleigh fading. Theoretical analysis and simulations show the improved performance of the proposed scheme over the conventional scheme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Norman C. Beaulieu, Zheng Du