Patents Assigned to Northeastern University
  • Patent number: 9025850
    Abstract: A method for analyzing biological specimens by spectral imaging to provide a medical diagnosis includes obtaining spectral and visual images of biological specimens and registering the images to detect cell abnormalities, pre-cancerous cells, and cancerous cells. This method eliminates the bias and unreliability of diagnoses that is inherent in standard histopathological and other spectral methods. In addition, a method for correcting confounding spectral contributions that are frequently observed in microscopically acquired infrared spectra of cells and tissue includes performing a phase correction on the spectral data. This phase correction method may be used to correct various types of absorption spectra that are contaminated by reflective components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignees: Cireca Theranostics, LLC, Northeastern University
    Inventors: Max Diem, Benjamin Bird, Milos Miljkovic, Stanley H. Remiszewski, Clay M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9018355
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for organizing collagen into fibrillar networks, e.g, short and long-range organization. Collagen produced by the disclosed methods can be used for tissue engineering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Nima Saeidi, Jeffrey W. Ruberti
  • Publication number: 20150111946
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of diseases of the CNS with nucleic acid nanoparticles. Compositions are also disclosed herein that utilize nucleic acid nanoparticles to treat conditions such as Parkinson's Disease. Furthermore, methods of intranasally administering the compacted nucleic acid nanoparticles for therapeutic purposes in the brain are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Brendan Harmon, Barbara Lee Waszczak, Mark Cooper
  • Patent number: 9014797
    Abstract: Electrical impedance myography (EIM) can be used for the assessment and diagnosis of muscular disorders. EIM includes applying an electrical signal to a region of tissue and measuring a resulting signal. A characteristic of the region of tissue is determined based on the measurement. Performing EIM at different frequencies and/or different angular orientations with respect to a muscle can aid in the assessment and diagnosis. Devices are described that facilitate assessment and diagnosis using EIM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignees: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc., Northeastern University
    Inventors: Carl A. Shiffman, Ronald Aaron, Seward B. Rutkove
  • Patent number: 9013958
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for positioning submarine pipeline robots and method. The device comprises a pressure wave generator and a device for pressure wave acquiring and processing. The method comprises the following steps of (1) determining the generation mode; (2) acquiring pressure signals; (3) filtering pressure signals; (4) dividing the filtered pressure signals of into the same group; (5) identifying the data during this period in real time; (6) determining the moving state of the robot in the pipeline; (7) calculating the position of the robot in the pipeline; (8) ending the operations, otherwise repeating Step 4 to Step 7 continuously. The present invention has the advantages that the position of submarine pipeline robots can be located in real time. In addition, the severe environment around the pipelines can hardly affect the performance under this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Huaguang Zhang, Jinhai Liu, Jian Feng, Jilei Li, Xiangxiang Wei, Da zhong Ma, Zhen wei Liu, Xin gang Zhang
  • Patent number: 9006212
    Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and kits comprising carbohydrate-based inhibitors that bind GNBP and/or inhibit ?(1,3)-glucanase activity. Also provided are methods of using such inhibitors to protect against or treat pest infestation, as are compositions and kits comprising subparts of the carbohydrate-based inhibitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University
    Inventors: Ido Bachelet, Ram Sasisekharan, Mark Bulmer, Rebeca B. Rosengaus
  • Patent number: 9005526
    Abstract: A polymer-based PLOT capillary column prepared by in situ copolymerization of a functional monomer and a crosslinking monomer, which enhances the strength of the polymer matrix, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a system comprising the polymer-based PLOT column coupled to a mass flow or concentration sensitive detector, for carrying out a chemical analysis method on samples separated by liquid chromatography using the column, and a process for using the system. Columns of the invention can be prepared in a robust fashion with a very narrow i.d., e.g., 5-15 ?m. Thus, they are suitable for commercial use in ultratrace LC/MS proteomic analysis. Columns according to the invention are characterized by high resolving power and high column-to-column reproducibility. When these columns are coupled on-line with, e.g., ESI-MS detection, the resulting systems are capable of detecting the component parts of complex proteomic samples down to the low attomole to sub-attomole level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Barry L. Karger, Jian Zhang
  • Patent number: 8981592
    Abstract: Disclosed is a transformer control device and method based on a three-dimensional zone diagram policy. The method includes: setting transformers, including a transformer A and a transformer B; collecting three-phase voltage data and three-phase current data in a power system; rectifying the collected three-phase voltage data and the three-phase current data; transferring the data to the latches in a time-transfer method; transferring the data to an A/D converter of a processor to convert analog signals to digital signals; constructing a three-dimensional zone diagram in the processor; determining transformer operating conditions according to positions of points formed by voltage, reactive power factor and substation load; and adjusting the transformers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Huaguang Zhang, Qiuye Sun, Jun Yang, Bin Jiang, Lianzhi Wang, Dazhong Ma, Zhenwei Liu, Fei Teng, Zhiqiang He, Xintong Li
  • Patent number: 8977378
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for using hieroglyphs for communication in a rapid fabrication environment. The method includes receiving, by a control system for an articulated robotic arm, one or more images of a fabrication machine build space. The method includes identifying, by the control system, a hieroglyph present in the one or more images and translating the identified hieroglyph into one or more instructions for manipulation of the articulated robotic arm. The method includes causing the articulated robotic arm to carry out the instructions translated from the identified hieroglyph. Accordingly foreign objects are inserted into fabricated objects during an automated rapid fabrication process without extensive redesign of the rapid fabrication machine. In some implementations, an unmodified third-party stereolithographic rapid fabrication machine can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Brian Weinberg, Constantinos Mavroidis
  • Patent number: 8968590
    Abstract: A composition of a crystalline ferromagnetic material based upon nanoscale cobalt carbide particles and to a method of manufacturing the ferromagnetic material of the invention via a polyol reaction are disclosed. The crystalline ferromagnetic cobalt carbide nanoparticles of the invention are useful for high performance permanent magnet applications. The processes according to the invention are extendable to other carbide phases, for example to Fe-, FeCo-carbides. Fe- and FeCo-carbides are realizable by using as precursor salts Fe-, Co-, and mixtures of Fe- and Co-salts, such as acetates, nitrates, chlorides, bromides, citrates, and sulfates, among others. The materials according to the invention include mixtures and/or admixtures of cobalt carbides, as both Co2C and Co3C phases. Mixtures may take the form of a collection of independent particles of Co2C and Co3C or as a collection of particles which consist of an intimate combination of Co2C and Co3C phases within individual particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventor: Vincent G. Harris
  • Patent number: 8965747
    Abstract: An automatic three-phase unbalanced load compensation experimental device includes an automatic compensation device, a load simulation part, and detection, display and control parts. The automatic compensation device includes power capacitors and intelligent grouping compound switches. The detection, display and control part includes a plurality of current transformers, molded case circuit breakers, a three-phase digital display ammeter, a three-phase electric power monitoring instrument, a protocol conversion module, RS-485 buses, Ethernet cables and an upper computer. The load simulation part includes phase A, B and C loads which are in star connection and are same in component and circuit connection, an analog output module and a relay output module. A power monitoring instrument and digital ammeter are connected to the grid by circuit breaker and the plurality of current transformers. The automatic compensation device and load simulation part are connected to the grid in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: Northeastern University, Huaguang Zhang, Qiuye Sun, Zhenwei Liu, Tieyan Zhang, Xiangping Meng, Qingqi Zhao, Jianguo Zhou, Jun Yang, Dazhong Ma, Yan Zhao, Xinrui Liu, Jing Guo
    Inventors: Huaguang Zhang, Qiuye Sun, Zhenwei Liu, Tieyan Zhang, Xiangping Meng, Qingqi Zhao, Jianguo Zhou, Jun Yang, Dazhong Ma, Yan Zhao, Xinrui Liu, Jing Guo
  • Publication number: 20150035522
    Abstract: A sample holder and a coaxial method of measuring the permeability of magnetoelectric materials as a function of applied DC voltage are described. The sample holder reduces electromagnetic radiation losses as compared to conventional devices. The connections in the sample holder are electrically isolated from measuring equipment, preventing damage. A complementary algorithm to analyze the signal from the sample and calculate the permeability of the sample is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Khabat Ebnabbasi, Carmine Vittoria
  • Patent number: 8942961
    Abstract: A re-matching method of slab-order for improving slab utilization in iron and steel plants, comprising the steps of Step 1: formulating a mathematical model according to information of slabs and orders, so as to quantitatively describe the optimization problem of slab-order matching; Step 2: dividing the slabs and orders into groups; Step 3: generating a new slab-order matching relationship for each group of slabs and orders by using a multiple neighborhoods based tabu search algorithm on the basis of the formulated mathematical model, tries to re-optimize the matching relationship with consideration of the original slab-order matching relationship and the load balance of all equipment units, so as to improve the slab-order matching relationship, decrease the slab cutting loss, reduce the redundant slab weight of each order, and improve the integrity of an order, thus improving slab utilization, ensuring to deliver an urgent order on time, and improving the customer satisfaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Lixin Tang, Ying Meng
  • Patent number: 8939708
    Abstract: A universal spherical reaction turbine for any flowing fluid at any depths or elevation that is capable of unidirectional rotation under reversible flow conditions. The turbine includes a rotatable shaft that is adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation; turbine blade support members that are fixedly attached to the rotatable shaft and a plurality of meridian turbine blades. The meridian turbine blades are fixedly attached to diametrically-opposite points that define a geometrical north-south meridian axis that is oriented at a skew angle to the axis of rotation of the rotatable shaft. The skew angle is greater than zero and less than 180 degrees, and, more preferably, between 25 and 35 degrees. The skewing ensures that those turbine blades that are attached to the diametrically-opposite points move on a helical trajectory with respect to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventor: Alexander M. Gorlov
  • Patent number: 8937293
    Abstract: The invention provides a fast, scalable, room temperature process for fabricating metallic nanorods from nanoparticles or fabricating metallic or semiconducting nanorods from carbon nanotubes suspended in an aqueous solution. The assembled nanorods are suitable for use as nanoscale interconnects in CMOS-based devices and sensors. Metallic nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes are assembled into lithographically patterned vias by applying an external electric field. Since the dimensions of nanorods are controlled by the dimensions of vias, the nanorod dimensions can be scaled down to the low nanometer range. The aqueous assembly process is environmentally friendly and can be used to make nanorods using different types of metallic particles as well as semiconducting and metallic nanaotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Ahmed Busnaina, Cihan Yilmaz, TaeHoon Kim, Sivasubramanian Somu
  • Publication number: 20140377240
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for expanding T-regulatory cells (“Treg” cells), resulting in “conditioned Treg cells.” Also disclosed herein are methods and compositions useful for modulating an autoimmune reaction and for treating or ameliorating immune-related diseases, disorders and conditions using the conditioned Treg cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Michail Sitkovsky, Akio Ohta, Akiko Ohta
  • Patent number: 8912114
    Abstract: A platinum alloy catalyst is made by a microemulsion method. The resulting catalyst has superior properties for use in low and medium temperature fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventor: Sanjeev Mukerjee
  • Publication number: 20140353873
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for organizing nanoparticles or microparticles into nanostructures or microstructures using collagen as a template.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Ruberti, Nima Saeidi
  • Patent number: 8883500
    Abstract: In the past, adoptive immunotherapy often failed because the transferred immune cells were inactive in vivo. This disclosure provides a method of producing immune cells that are highly active in vivo. The immune cells may be expanded in vitro in the presence of an adenosine receptor agonist or an antisense nucleic acid that downregulates expression of an adenosine receptor, for example. The immune cells may be tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), natural killer (NK) cells, or lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells, for example. The methods described herein may be used to treat a number of diseases including cancer, infectious diseases, and immunodeficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Michail V. Sitkovsky, Akio Ohta
  • Patent number: 8878741
    Abstract: Negative permeability metamaterials and devices based on negative permeability metamaterials are described. The invention presents a new paradigm for realizing electromagnetic devices utilizing naturally available magnetic materials operating in their negative permeability spectrum. The superior advantages of negative permeability materials are utilized for providing unique electromagnetic devices including, for example, small antennas, array sensors and imaging devices. Since the property of the magnetic materials can be tuned by applying a DC magnetic field, the materials and devices of the present invention can be tunable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventor: Hossein Mosallaei