Patents Assigned to Queen's University at Kingston
  • Spruce budworm antifreeze proteins, genes and methods of using same
    Patent number: 6008016
    Abstract: A novel class of thermal hysteresis, antifreeze proteins (THPs) has been isolated and purified from Choristoneura sp., including the eastern spruce budworm C. fumiferana. The invention provides for nucleic acids which encode these antifreeze proteins. The invention also provides for antibodies reactive to these novel antifreeze proteins. The invention also includes a method for decreasing the freezing point of an aqueous solution by adding these novel antifreeze proteins to the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Virginia K. Walker, Peter L. Davies, Mitra Rahavard, Michael G. Tyshenko
  • Method of use of serum amyloid a protein
    Patent number: 6004936
    Abstract: A method is provided for potentiating the release and collection of cholesterol from inflammatory or atherosclerotic sites in vivo, the method including the steps of increasing the affinity of high-density lipoprotein for macrophages by administering to a patient an effective amount of a composition comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of native serum amyloid A (SAA) and a ligand having SAA properties thereby increasing the affinity of high density lipoprotein (HDL) for macrophages and potentiating release and collection of cholesterol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventor: Robert Kisilevsky
  • Methods for identifying chemosensitizers
    Patent number: 6001563
    Abstract: A novel protein associated with multidrug resistance in living cells and capable of conferring multidrug resistance on a cell is disclosed. Nucleic acids encoding the novel multidrug resistance protein are also disclosed. Transformant cell lines which express the nucleic acid encoding the novel protein are also disclosed. Antibodies which bind the novel multidrug resistance protein are also disclosed. Diagnostic and treatment methods using the novel proteins, nucleic acids, antibodies and cell lines of the invention are also encompassed by the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Roger G. Deeley, Susan P.C. Cole
  • Electroporation device and method of use
    Patent number: 6001617
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cell culture wherein cultured cells adhere and divide, in a monolayer, on an optically transparent planar electrode in the culture vessel. An electric current is applied between the planar electrode and a counter electrode so as to create an electric field between the electrodes which influences the characteristics of the cells growing thereon. In a preferred embodiment the planar electrode may be an optically transparent conducting layer coated onto the culture vessel bottom or the culture vessel may be made of an optically transparent electrically conducting material. The apparatus is particularly useful for the introduction of different biologically important molecules into cells or for cell fusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventor: Leda Raptis
  • DNA constructs and methods for screening for increased expression of human apo AI gene
    Patent number: 5994061
    Abstract: Methods for screening for a drug that increases expression of the human apolioprotein (apo) AI gene and related DNA constructs. A first method has the steps of: (a) introducing into mammalian cells a DNA construct including, functionally joined together in the 5'.fwdarw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Shui-Pang Tam, Xia Zhang
  • Compounds and methods for doping liquid crystal hosts
    Patent number: 5989451
    Abstract: This invention provides chiral thioindigo compounds for doping smectic liquid crystal hosts, wherein the compounds modulate a chiral bulk property of an induced chiral smectic liquid crystal phase upon irradiation at a wavelength in the visible range. Modulation of the chiral bulk property is effected by reversible trans-cis photoisomerization of the compound upon irradiation. The compounds maintain their rod-like shape in both isomeric forms, and hence do not destabilize the chiral smectic liquid crystal phase. Compounds according to the invention are useful in optical devices such as optical switches, displays, and memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Robert P. Lemieux, Liviu Dinescu
  • Dosage forms and method for ameliorating male erectile dysfunction
    Patent number: 5985889
    Abstract: Psychogenic impotence or erectile dysfunction can be identified in psychogenic male patients and can be ameliorated, without substantial undesirable side effects, by sublingual administration of apomorphine dosage forms so as to maintain a plasma concentration of apomorphine of no more than about 5.5 nanograms per milliliter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignees: Pentech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Ragab El-Rashidy, Jeremy P. W. Heaton, Alvaro Morales, Michael A. Adams
  • Method for treating amyloidosis
    Patent number: 5972328
    Abstract: Therapeutic compounds and methods for inhibiting amyloid deposition in a subject, whatever its clinical setting, are described. Amyloid deposition is inhibited by the administration to a subject of an effective amount of a therapeutic compound comprising an anionic group and a carrier molecule, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, such that an interaction between an amyloidogenic protein and a basement membrane constituent is inhibited. Preferred anionic groups are sulfonates and sulfates. Preferred carrier molecules include carbohydrates, polymers, peptides, peptide derivatives, aliphatic groups, alicyclic groups, heterocyclic groups, aromatic groups and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Robert Kisilevsky, Walter Szarek, Donald Weaver
  • Apparatus for rapid measurement of hydrogen concentration and its use in the measurement of nitrogenase activity
    Patent number: 5965801
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly measuring nitrogenase activity of a nitrogen fixing plant growing in a medium in a non-porous container, is described. Gas containing hydrogen is sampled at the surface of the medium at a rate approximately equal to the rate of hydrogen diffusion from the medium, and the sample is passed to a hydrogen sensor where it is measured and nitrogenase activity is determined therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: David B. Layzell, Stephen Hunt, Adrian N. Dowling, Lawrence J. Winship, Zhongmin Dong
  • Photochemotherapeutic method using 5-aminolevulinic acid and other precursors of endogenous porphyrins
    Patent number: 5955490
    Abstract: Methods of detecting and treating rapidly growing exogenous cells, such as Protista, or parasites, that preferentially accumulate a photoactivatable porphyrin in which 5-aminolevulinic acid or precursor thereof is administered to the patient, or contacted to the exogenous cells, in an amount sufficient to induce synthesis fluorescence and/or photosensitizing concentrations of a protoporphyrin IX in the exogenous cells, followed by exposure of the exogenous cells to light of photoactivating wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: James C. Kennedy, Roy H. Pottier, Robert L. Reid, Arnold Sac-Morales, Lewis L. Tomalty
  • Everting toroid device for delivering a drug into a body cavity
    Patent number: 5954688
    Abstract: An everting toroid for use in delivering a powdered or liquid or aerosolized drug to an internal body cavity, such as the urethra, is described. The drug may be distributed on the surface of the everting toroid or may be injected through the lumen thereof via an aerosol wand which is designed to release the drug as the toroid and/or wand are withdrawn from the body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Michael A. Adams, Jeremy P. W. Heaton, James D. Banting
  • Antisense strategy for the production of species specific viral insecticides
    Patent number: 5925346
    Abstract: A novel type of insect control agent and methods for controlling insect pests are described. The agent consists of a vector, such as a baculovirus of the polyhedral inclusion body type, containing in an antisense orientation cDNA sequence which has been derived from the complete sense sequence of a gene which is essential for the growth and development of the host from which the sequence is derived. In order for the insect control agent to exert its effect the insect pests which are to be controlled must be susceptible to the vector. Specifically described are the sequences from Choristoneura fumiferana and the human c-myc gene as well the methods of production and use of these agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Margarida Krause, Xinyong Qu, Wenbin Chen
  • Enhanced transport with a plastid membrane transport protein
    Patent number: 5919999
    Abstract: A novel method to enhance translocation of molecules across or into cellular membranes using a plastid protein transport gene is described. The method can also be used to incorporate substances into membranes of organisms. Nucleic acid constructs include those which express a plastid protein transport protein or its equivalent in cells of all organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Kenton Ko, Peng Pang
  • Methods for conferring multidrug resistance on a cell
    Patent number: 5891724
    Abstract: A novel protein associated with multidrug resistance in living cells and capable of conferring multidrug resistance on a cell is disclosed. Nucleic acids encoding the novel multidrug resistance protein are also disclosed. Transformant cell lines which express the nucleic acid encoding the novel protein are also disclosed. Antibodies which bind the novel multidrug resistance protein are also disclosed. Diagnostic and treatment methods using the novel proteins, nucleic acids, antibodies and cell lines of the invention are also encompassed by the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Roger G. Deeley, Susan P. C. Cole
  • Nitrate esters and their use for neurological conditions
    Patent number: 5883122
    Abstract: Aliphatic nitrate esters having a sulfur or phosphorus atom .beta. or .gamma. to a nitrate group and their congeners having efficacy as neuroprotective agents are described. Preferred nitrate esters may be synthesized by nitration of a 3-bromo-1,2-propanediol, and subsequent reaction to yield the desired mono-, di- or tetra-nitrate ester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Gregory R. J. Thatcher, Brian M. Bennett, James N. Reynolds, Roland J. Boegman, Khem Jhamandas
  • Methods for identifying multidrug resistant tumor cells
    Patent number: 5882875
    Abstract: A novel protein associated with multidrug resistance in living cells and capable of conferring multidrug resistance on a cell is disclosed. Nucleic acids encoding the novel multidrug resistance protein are also disclosed. Transformant cell lines which express the nucleic acid encoding the novel protein are also disclosed. Antibodies which bind the novel multidrug resistance protein are also disclosed. Diagnostic and treatment methods using the novel proteins, nucleic acids, antibodies and cell lines of the invention are also encompassed by the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Roger G. Deeley, Susan P. C. Cole
  • Phosphonocarboxylate compounds for treating amyloidosis
    Patent number: 5869469
    Abstract: Therapeutic compounds and methods for modulating amyloid deposition in a subject, whatever its clinical setting, are described. Amyloid deposition is modulated by the administration to a subject of an effective amount of a therapeutic compound comprising a phosphonate group and a carboxylate group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof. In preferred embodiments, an interaction between an amyloidogenic protein and a basement membrane constituent is modulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Walter A. Szarek, Xianqi Kong
  • Methods of increasing amyloid deposition
    Patent number: 5858326
    Abstract: In vivo and in vitro methods of increasing amyloid deposition using amyloid-enhancing compounds are described. Methods of forming amyloid fibrils and screening for agents useful in treating amyloidosis are also described. Animals having non-naturally occurring amyloid deposits produced using the amyloid-enhancing compounds even further are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignees: Neurochem, Inc., Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Robert Kisilevsky, Walter Szarek, Donald Weaver, Paul Fraser, Xianqi Kong
  • Indexing linkers
    Patent number: 5858656
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying, isolating, mapping, amplifying and sequencing DNA fragments using sets of indexing linkers. Panels of indexing linkers and kits are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignees: Queen's University of Kingston, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth Victor Deugau, Paul Unrau
  • Curling stone comparator
    Patent number: 5859359
    Abstract: A simple pneumatic device for use in comparing and matching curling stones, and evaluating ice surfaces and sweeping broom efficiencies is described. A pneumatic cylinder, charged by means of a compressed gas, is placed against the backboard of a rink and operated to propel a curling stone with a predetermined and accurately controlled force along a sheet of curling ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventor: J. Gavin Reid