Patents Assigned to National Research Council of Canada
  • Cell-Based Production of Nonulosonates
    Publication number: 20170145459
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the cell-based production of bacterial nonulosonates and their biosynthetic precursors. Specifically, the present invention provides recombinant cells for the production of pseudaminic acid, legionaminic acid, UDP-2,4-diacetamido-2,4,6-trideoxy-?-L-altropyranose, and UDP-2,4-diacetamido-2,4,6-trideoxy-?-D-glucopyranose. Methods for producing the sugars are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicants: National Research Council of Canada, University of Ottawa
    Inventors: Dennis M. WHITFIELD, Susan M. LOGAN, Ian C. SCHOENHOFEN, Christopher N. BODDY, Benjamin R. LUNDGREN
  • Memory device based on conductance switching in polymer/electrolyte junctions
    Patent number: 9653159
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory device including at least a first electrode and a second electrode provided on a substrate, the first and second electrodes being separated from each other; an organic semiconductive polymer electrically connecting the first and second electrodes; an electrolyte in contact with the organic semiconductive polymer; and a third electrode that is not in contact with the first electrode, the second electrode, and the organic semiconductive polymer; wherein the organic semiconductive polymer has a first redox state in which it exhibits a first conductivity, and a second redox state in which it exhibits a second conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignees: XEROX CORPORATION, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Richard L. McCreery, Lian C. T. Shoute, Yiliang Wu
  • Method for generation of nanoparticles
    Patent number: 9644096
    Abstract: A discrete nanostructure formed by a method comprising providing an aliphatic multi-block copolymer. The aliphatic multi-block copolymer includes at least one polyester block and at least one functionalized polycarbonate block. The aliphatic multi-block copolymer, a deprotonating agent and water are mixed to form an aqueous mixture. The aqueous mixture is maintained at a reaction temperature suitable to result in self-assembly of the multi-block copolymer into nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignees: XEROX CORPORATION, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Andrew J. Myles, Karen A. Moffat, Valerie M. Farrugia, Jordan H. Wosnick
  • Nucleophilic substitution of carbon nanotubes
    Patent number: 9643944
    Abstract: Compounds are attached to carbon nanotubes (CNT) by a process which comprises: subjecting surface treated CNTs which have been treated to induce negatively charged surface groups thereon, to nucleophilic substitution reaction with a compound carrying a functional group capable of reacting with the negatively charged groups on the CNT surface, whereby the compound chemically bonds to the CNT. The surface CNT treatment may be reduction. The compounds which are bonded to the CNT may be epoxy resins, bonded directly or through a spacer group. Bi-functional CNTs, grafted to both epoxy resins and other polymers such as polystyrene, are also made by this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Benoit Simard, Jingwen Guan
  • SCREENING OF PROTEIN CANDIDATES
    Publication number: 20170122941
    Abstract: Successful application of an engineered protein as therapeutics or in other industries would require the protein to have good expression level, good biophysical properties and often desired affinity to its target. The present invention provides s method of screening large numbers of protein candidates (PCs) in all three aspects simultaneously. PCs are fused to a protein anchor, which is captured by the target/antigen. The captured PCs are evaluated for their expression levels, biophysical properties and affinities using conventional methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Jianbing ZHANG, Tomoko HIRAMA
  • Phase selective gelation with alkylated aromatic acid compounds
    Patent number: 9623345
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process which comprises mixing an alkylated aromatic acid with a mixture comprising a first liquid and a second liquid, thereby causing formation of an organogel comprising the alkylated aromatic acid and the first liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignees: XEROX CORPORATION, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Darren A. Makeiff, Rina Carlini
  • OSCILLATING FOIL TURBINE
    Publication number: 20170101978
    Abstract: An oscillating foil turbine has a foil having a first fluid dynamic surface for producing lift in a fluid flow, a support for the foil, and a second fluid dynamic surface, wherein the support allows for cyclic motion of the first and second surfaces with respect to each other. A driven member is provided to tap energy from flow throughout each cycle. Throughout at least part of the cyclic translation, the fluid dynamic surfaces are oriented sufficiently parallel, and separated by a distance that is sufficiently small, to achieve a substantial wing-in-ground effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Applicant: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventor: Pengfei LIU
  • RETENTION INDEX STANDARDS FOR LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
    Publication number: 20170102367
    Abstract: A liquid chromatography method for identifying an analyte of interest utilizing as retention index standards a homologous series of neutrally charged compounds having at least one functional group bearing a positive charge and at least one functional group bearing a negative charge. The method is especially useful for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods, more especially for LC-MS methods employing electrospray (ESI) or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) ionization systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Applicant: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventor: Michael Arthur QUILLIAM
  • CNT thin film transistor with high K polymeric dielectric
    Patent number: 9620728
    Abstract: A thin film transistor (TFT) has a gate electrode; a gate insulation layer, a semiconducting channel separated from the gate electrode by the gate insulation layer; a source electrode and a drain electrode. The gate insulation layer is a cross-linked cyanoethylated polyhydroxy polymer, e.g. a cross-linked cyanoethylated pullulan, having a high dielectric constant and the semiconducting channel has a network of semiconducting carbon nanotubes. The semiconducting channel is adhered to the gate insulation layer through a polymeric material. The carbon nanotubes adhere to the polymeric material and the polymeric material reacts or interacts with the gate insulation layer. TFTs have high mobilities while maintaining good on/off ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Naiying Du, Patrick Malenfant, Zhao Li, Jacques Lefebvre, Girjesh Dubey, Gregory Lopinski, Shan Zou
  • Ultrasonic transducer assembly and system for monitoring structural integrity
    Patent number: 9618481
    Abstract: In an ultrasonic transducer assembly, a conformable ultrasonic transducer has a piezoelectric layer and electrodes able to conform to curved surfaces, and a clamp for pressing the transducer into ultrasonic contact with a curved surface. Conformability is ensured with a thin, porous piezoelectric layer and suitable electrical conductors and insulators. The ultrasonic transducer may operate without further thermal shielding under harsh environments and/or at high temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventor: Silvio E. Kruger
  • Genes and proteins for aromatic polyketide synthesis
    Patent number: 9611460
    Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides having polyketide synthase activity have been identified and characterized. Expression or over-expression of the nucleic acids alters levels of cannabinoid compounds in organisms. The polypeptides may be used in vivo or in vitro to produce cannabinoid compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignees: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA, UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Page, Steve Gagne
  • POROSITY CONTROL IN PIEZOELECTRIC FILMS
    Publication number: 20170087593
    Abstract: A piezoelectric film having a porosity between 20 and 40%, a thickness ranging from tens of microns to less than a few millimeters can be used to form an ultrasonic transducer UT for operation in elevated temperature ranges, that emit pulses having a high bandwidth. Such piezoelectric films exhibit greater flexibility allowing for conformation of the UT to a surface, and obviate the need for couplings or backings. Furthermore, a method of fabricating an UT having these advantages as well as better bonding between the piezoelectric film and electrodes involves controlling porosity within the piezoelectric film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Makiko KOBAYASHI, Cheng-Kuei JEN
  • Use of xanthan gum as an anode binder
    Patent number: 9601774
    Abstract: Xanthan gum has been found to be a superior binder for binding an electrode, especially an anode, in a lithium-ion or lithium-sulfur battery, being able to accommodate large volume changes and providing stable capacities in batteries tested with different types of anode materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Fabrice Courtel, Yaser Abu-Lebdeh
  • Retention index standards for liquid chromatography
    Patent number: 9594063
    Abstract: A homologous series of neutrally charged compounds having at least one functional group bearing a positive charge and at least one functional group bearing a negative charge are advantageous retention index standards for liquid chromatography, especially for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods, more especially for LC-MS methods employing electrospray (ESI) or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) ionization systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventor: Michael Arthur Quilliam
  • Multilayered tissue phantoms, fabrication methods, and use
    Patent number: 9588042
    Abstract: A method for producing a multilayer tissue phantom involves successively forming at least two layers, each layer formed by depositing a viscous flowable material over a supporting element or over a previously formed layer of the phantom supported by the supporting element, selectively redistributing the material while material is solidifying to control a thickness distribution of the layer, and allowing the material to solidify sufficiently to apply a next layer. The supporting element supports the material in 2 or 3 directions and effectively molds a lumen of the tissue. The neighboring layers are of different composition and of chosen thickness to provide desired optical properties and mechanical properties of the phantom. The phantom may have selected attenuation and backscattering properties to mimic tissues for optical coherence tomography imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Charles-Etienne Bisaillon, Guy Lamouche, Marc L. Dufour
  • EFFICIENT SCALABLE SYNTHESES OF ABSCISIC ACID, 8'-ACETYLENE ABSCISIC ACID AND 8'-CYCLOPROPYL ABSCISIC ACID
    Publication number: 20170057899
    Abstract: Methods are provided for synthesis of abscisic acid and 8? analogues thereof (including an enantiopure 8?-acetylene analogue) including methods wherein the previously reported first step of oxidation of 2,6-dimethylphenol (VI) to 2,6-dimethylbenzoquinone, mono ketal (VII) is replaced by a novel two step process comprising (i) oxidation of 2,6-dimethylphenol (VI) using potassium peroxymonosulfate with a catalytic amount of iodobenzene to produce 2,6-dimethylbenzoquinone (XVI) and (ii) ketalization of 2,6-dimethylbenzoquinone (XVI) using ethylene glycol, trimethylorthoformate with a catalytic amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid to produce 2,6-dimethylbenzoquinone, mono ketal (VII).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Vishal JHEENGUT, Ken M. NELSON, Suzanne R. ABRAMS
  • Carboxylic acid or acid salt functionalized polyester polymers
    Patent number: 9581923
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a polyester that contains plural pendant adjacent carboxylic acid or acid salt side groups for use in making a toner for use in imaging devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignees: XEROX CORPORATION, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Karen A. Moffat, Dragan Nikolic, Valerie M. Farrugia, Jordan H. Wosnick, Andriy Kovalenko, Alexander Kobryn, Sergey Gusarov
  • AIR SENSOR WITH DOWNSTREAM FACING INGRESS TO PREVENT CONDENSATION
    Publication number: 20170045404
    Abstract: An air flow sensor is provided with an opening facing downstream and having a thin downstream facing edge to prevent condensation or buildup of moisture thereon. The sensor has been found to reduce entrainment of particles in a mixed phase stream. The sensor is suitable for mounting to an aircraft, and to determining air temperature and relative humidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Dan FULEKI, Daniel KNEZEVICI
  • RADIATION CURABLE POLYMER FORMULATION AND METHODS FOR THE PREPARATION THEREOF
    Publication number: 20170044289
    Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation curable polymer formulation and methods of producing a dielectric film having such a formulation. The radiation curable polymer formulation includes an acrylic monomer; a cross linking agent; and a photoinitiator. The polymer formulation is insoluble with an organic solvent, which is preferable in low cost high volume manufacturing of thin film transistors for flexible electronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Marius G. IVAN, Yanguang ZHANG
  • ENGINEERING OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN DOMAINS
    Publication number: 20170044238
    Abstract: The present invention provides a single domain antibody (sdAb) scaffold comprising one or more than one non-canonical disulfide bond in the framework region (FR). The one or more than one non-canonical disulfide bond may be formed between cysteines introduced by mutations in FR2 and FR3. In the case where the sdAb scaffold is a VH, the Cys may be introduced at any one of positions 47-49 and any one of positions 67-71, based on Kabat numbering; in one example, the Cys may be introduced at positions 49 and 69, based on Kabat numbering. In the case where the sdAb scaffold is a VL, the Cys residues may be introduced at any one of positions 46-49 and any one of positions 62-66, based on Kabat numbering; in one example, the Cys residues may be introduced at positions 48 and 64, based on Kabat numbering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Dae Young Kim, Jamshid Tanha