Patents Assigned to Polytechnic University
  • Pressure sensing fabric
    Patent number: 7544627
    Abstract: Existing pressure sensing fabrics may involve two portions, i.e., insulating and conductive portions in the fabric, which increases the complexity of the fabric system and more important, and the instablization of the resistance-strain relationship during dynamic deformation which limits the application fields due to intrinsic properties difference between the two portions. These fabrics commonly employ two or more layers to accomplish the detecting functions. Such arrangements increase the thickness, weight, and cost of the sensors with some other disadvantages such as low accuracy, instability, etc. This invention describes a pressure sensing fabric have a general structure as simple as a plurality of electrically conducting yarns forming interlocking loops of yarns. The pressure sensing fabric is found not only be able to sense pressure but also the magnitude of the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Xiao-ming Tao, Hui Zhang
  • Fluidic piezoresistive strain gauge
    Patent number: 7543504
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a strain gauge having a conductive fluid made of a glycerin/aqueous salt mixture, and methods of making the strain gauge. The strain gauge is capable of measuring large displacement of around 30% true strain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Ching-Hsiang Cheng, Chen Chao, Yin-Nee Cheung
  • (?)-Epigallocatechin gallate derivatives for inhibiting proteasome
    Patent number: 7544816
    Abstract: (?)-EGCG, the most abundant catechin, was found to be chemopreventive and anticancer agent. However, (?)-EGCG has at least one limitation: it gives poor bioavailability. This invention provides compounds of generally formula 10, wherein R1 is selected from the group of —H and C1 to C6 acyl group; R2, R3, and R4 are each independently selected from the group of —H, —OH, and C1 to C6 acyloxyl group; and at least one of R2, R3, or R4 is —H. The derivatives of (?)-EGCG that is at least as potent as (?)-EGCG. The carboxylate protected forms of (?)-EGCG and its derivatives are found to be more stable than the unprotected forms, which can be used as proteasome inhibitors to reduce tumor cell growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignees: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Wayne State University, University of South Florida, McGill University
    Inventors: Tak-Hang Chan, Wai-Har Lam, Larry Ming-Cheung Chow, Qing Ping Dou, Deborah Joyce Kuhn, Aslamuzzaman Kazi
  • Polymer Microvalve with actuators and devices
    Publication number: 20090137874
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microvalve having a valve plug, connecting legs, anchors and actuators, allowing the valve plug to move vertically to open or close the valve. The valve plug can contain magnetic materials, and be operated by an actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Ching-Hsiang Cheng, Chen Chao, Yin-Nee Cheung
  • Method for the production of conductive flexible textile arrays
    Patent number: 7531203
    Abstract: A method for the production of a conductive flexible textile array. The method includes the application of an oxidizing agent to selected areas of the textile; coating the textile with pyrrole by vapor deposition to form a conductive coated textile having a polypyrrole network; stabilizing the conductive coated textile; and forming the conductive flexible textile arrays as a sensor. With this method of production, the degree of polymerization of the conjugated polymer, the morphology and the rate of the capacitance delay is carefully controlled. As such, stable flexible textile sensors are produced with various levels of sensitivities and conductivities which are particularly useful for designed applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Xiaoming Tao, Sarah Mei-Yi Leung, Marcus Chun-Wah Yuen, Wing-Yin Kwok, Hoi-Lut Ho
  • Biomarkers for toxic algae
    Publication number: 20090118472
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward biomarkers that identify characteristics of algae. The invention is further directed toward biomarkers that serve to identify algae species and strains of algae species as well as detect the presence of algal toxins. Additional embodiments feature methods utilizing algal biomarkers and polypeptides that can serve as biomarkers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Samuel Chun-Lap Lo, Leo Lai Chan, Ivor John Hodgkiss
  • Urine bag pocket
    Publication number: 20090112171
    Abstract: The present invention relates to clothing items such as pants or shoulder bags incorporating urine bag pockets suitable for holding a urine bag. Through the invention, incontinence sufferers are able to maintain mobility while still concealing a urine bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Frency Sau Fun Ng, Patrick Chi-leung Hui
  • Biomarkers For Toxic Algae
    Publication number: 20090099349
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward biomarkers that identify characteristics of algae. The invention is further directed toward biomarkers that serve to identify algae species and strains of algae species as well as detect the presence of algal toxins. Additional embodiments feature methods utilizing algal biomarkers and polypeptides that can serve as biomarkers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Samuel Chun-Lap Lo, Leo Lai Chan, Ivor John Hodgkiss
  • Method of treating a rheumatic disorder using combination of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and a ginsenoside
    Publication number: 20090093854
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating rheumatic disorders, and symptoms of arthritis specifically. The method involves utilizing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in combination with administration of a ginsenoside, such as Rb1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Mason Chin Pang Leung, Samuel Chun Lap Lo
  • Luminescent Protein Staining
    Publication number: 20090093060
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of cyclometalated iridium complexes for detecting poly(amino acids) including peptides, polypeptides, and proteins. Poly(amino acids) are detected in solution, in electrophorectic gels, and on solid supports, including blots. The method of the present invention is rapid, highly sensitive, and extremely facile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Kwok-yin Wong, Dik-lung Ma, Wing-leung Wong, Wai-hong Chung, Fung-yi Chan
  • Shape memory fibers prepared via wet, reaction, dry, melt, and electro spinning
    Publication number: 20090093606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for synthesizing shape memory polyurethanes, and fibers therefrom. The polyurethanes can be synthesized via solution polymerization or bulk polymerization. Following synthesis, the polyurethanes can be treated via wet spinning, dry spinning, reaction spinning, melt spinning, or electro spinning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Jinlian Hu, Qinghao Meng, Yong Zhu, Jing Lu, Haitao Zhuo
  • Two-way shape memory composite polymer and methods of making
    Publication number: 20090092807
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite polymer having two-way shape effect, wherein the composite is made of a shape polymer layer, a resin layer, and an adhesive layer. The composite is suitable for inclusion in films, boards, fabrics, and textiles. Methods of making and using are included herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Jinlian Hu, Shaojun Chen
  • Methods for coating conducting polymer
    Patent number: 7510745
    Abstract: Polypyrrole (PPy) is one of the most commonly studied conducting polymers due to its good stability, high conductivity, ease of preparation and non-toxicity. The stability of the conductivity of polypyrrole films depends on the choice of dopant anion, the method of preparation, and the conditions of aging. Most of the existing methods only improve stability by sacrificing conductivity, as well as sensitivity. This invention provides a method for coating conducting polymer onto a substrate by first applying an anionic dopant and an oxidizing agent onto the substrate. The monomer is then allowed to form the conducting polymer at about ?10 to ?80° C. for a sufficient period of time. After storage for a long period of time (nearly a year), the conductive polymer coating still retains almost the same strain sensitivity and at least up to 85% of its initial conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Xiao-ming Tao, Mei-yi Leung, Yang Li, Xiao-yin Cheng, Joanna Tsang, Chun-wah Marcus Yuen
  • Method for finding active ingredients from chemical and biological systems
    Publication number: 20090081805
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for finding active ingredients/groups of constitutes from a multi-component system that are active as indicated by specific or a group of activity test. The method involves the use of a hyphenated instrument for determining the active ingredients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Foo-tim Chau, Cheng-jian Xu
  • Method of optical treatment
    Patent number: 7506983
    Abstract: A method for treating progression of a refractive disorder in a human eye. The method includes the steps of producing a first image on a retina of the human eye and producing a second image to generate a defocus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Chi Ho To, Siu Yin Lam, Shau Kei Wan
  • Fiber Bragg grating tuner
    Patent number: 7507891
    Abstract: The present invention relates an instrument tuner possessing a fiber optic with a prewritten fiber Bragg grating. The tuner is suitable for providing more accurate instrument tuning, capable of not being subject to a tuner's subjectivity or distortions or electromagnetic interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Kin Tak Lau, Pou Man Lam
  • Method for automatic generation of optimal space frame
    Publication number: 20090073160
    Abstract: Space frames consist of combination of one or more basic modules to function as a decorative feature or a building element in architectural design. There are certain aesthetic criteria to meet on the design of a basic space frame module; space frame module, geometric regularity, and dimension regularity for all the angles and lengths between edges. Designers exercise their own creativity to develop space frame modules base on these criteria. The present invention relates to a hybrid algorithm based on evolutionary algorithm for graph encoding scheme (EAGES) and genetic algorithm (GA) to evolve the design automatically in relative small number of generations. The hybrid algorithm is a tool to architects and designers to rapidly produce aesthetically pleasing designs with the resources available to them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Shing Yue Samuel Wong, Chun Chung Keith Chan
  • Smart acupressure pen and methods of administering acupressure
    Publication number: 20090076422
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an acupressure pen and methods of acupressure treatment, wherein said pen is capable of determining the optimal range for treatment on a particular acupoint, and recalling such optimal range during subsequent treatments. Through the use of a grid system, infrared communicator, and microcontroller, the pen is capable of being set and storing results in a matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Thomas Kwok Shing Wong, Joanne Wai Yee Chung, Shing Yen Chan, Ka Ho Cheung, Wilson Sin Man Lee, Chung Hang Leung, Ka Lun Fan
  • FBG sensor interrogation method using semiconductor optical amplifier in ring cavity configuration
    Patent number: 7505642
    Abstract: A sensor device that uses a number of bragg grating (FBG) sensors and novel interrogation system with a ring cavity configuration for simultaneous time-division-multiplexex (TDM) and wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) interrogation of FBG sensors. The ring cavity includes an amplifier, and output coupler and an optical circulator. The coupler is connected to a wavelength measuring system and the optical circulator is connected to the FBG sensors. The FBG sensors can be in a number of groups. TDM interrogation is applied to each group of FBG sensors while WDM interrogation is applied to each FBG sensors within each group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Hwa Yaw Tam, Weng Hong Chung
  • Screening platform for discovery of immunomodulatory activities in traditional medicine
    Publication number: 20090068687
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of screening traditional medicines for immunomodulating activity and anti-tumor activity. The method involves applying techniques and tools used in the field of proteomics, isolating an active ingredient from a natural ingredient historically used as a traditional medicine, stimulating splenocytes, and measuring and determining biomarker indicators resulting from such stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Chun Lap Samuel Lo, Man Sau Wong, Yuen Yuen Adam Wang