Patents Assigned to Queen's University at Kingston
  • Patent number: 10461266
    Abstract: Compounds are provided that are photoluminescent and electroluminescent, and may emit intense blue or deep blue light. Also provided are methods of producing photoluminescence and electroluminescence, methods of applying the compounds in thin films, and uses of the compounds described herein in a light emitting device, a luminescent probe, a sensor, and/or an electroluminescent device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Xiang Wang, Suning Wang
  • Patent number: 10296084
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for improving communications between humans and devices. The invention provides a method of modulating operation of a device, comprising: providing an attentive user interface for obtaining information about an attentive state of a user; and modulating operation of a device on the basis of the obtained information, wherein the operation that is modulated is initiated by the device. Preferably, the information about the user's attentive state is eye contact of the user with the device that is sensed by the attentive user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Roel Vertegaal, Jeffrey S. Shell
  • Patent number: 10297435
    Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-nozzle array comprising a plurality of capillaries comprising a first silica-based material and a second silica-based material substantially surrounding the first silica-based material of the plurality of capillaries, and a plurality of nozzles extending beyond a face of the micro-nozzle array, each nozzle corresponding to a single capillary, wherein each nozzle comprises the first silica-based material. The micro-nozzle array may be used in hydrodynamic or electro-osmotic applications. In one embodiment the micro-nozzle array is a multiple electrospray emitter. The invention also relates to methods for preparing and using micro-nozzle arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Richard D. Oleschuk, Yueqiao Fu, Graham Gibson, Timothy Hutama
  • Patent number: 10285760
    Abstract: An apparatus for electromagnetic (EM) tracking or localization is described which includes one or more EM transmitters and receivers (sensors, or trackers), an indication of relative locations of the one or more transmitter and sensor with respect to one or more instrument, optionally, a model of the one or more instrument flexibility, a measurement uncertainty analyzer that reports an uncertainty associated with each measurement, an equation of motion or dynamic model with motion constraints that describes an expected behavior of the one or more instrument, a probabilistic simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm that simultaneously estimates a pose of one or more instrument and updates a field distortion map, or parameters of a field distortion model, a field distortion estimator that uses currently-available information of the field distortion map and estimates field distortion in the vicinity of the one or more instrument, to be used for future measurement compensation, a transient analyzer
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Hossein Sadjadi, Elodie Lugez, Keyvan Hashtrudi-Zaad, Gabor Fichtinger
  • Patent number: 10256712
    Abstract: A current-ripple-based control strategy for an AC-DC converter with a series ripple cancellation converter (RCC). Embodiments provide series ripple cancellation by sensing the load current information, and significantly simplify the control circuitry. In addition, the embodiments allow input voltage of the series RCC to tightly track its output voltage peak value with no extra control circuit, thus minimizing the RCC component voltage stress as well as the RCC loss. Embodiments are suitable for driving an LED load, where they eliminate LED light flicker caused by the power factor correction (PFC) stage, and significantly reduce its output capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Yajie Qiu, Yan-Fei Liu
  • Patent number: 10239962
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to hyaluronic acid derivatives, and in particular, derivatives in which the N-acetyl group of hyaluronic acid has been substituted, and methods and uses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventor: Tassos Anastassiades
  • Patent number: 10243478
    Abstract: Provided are circuits and methods for a power converter that converts AC input power into DC output power using a first output circuit that provides a first output comprising a DC voltage with a first AC voltage ripple and a second output circuit including a floating capacitor and one or more power switching device, and provides a second output comprising a second AC voltage ripple, wherein the first output and the second output are connected together in series, such that the first AC voltage ripple is substantially cancelled and substantially ripple-free DC output power is provided. Embodiments significantly reduce the total output capacitance requirement without sacrificing power factor, thus avoiding the need for electrolytic capacitors and enabling the use of long-life film capacitors. The circuits and methods are particularly suitable for use in applications where ripple-free high power and high reliability are required, such as in high power LED lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Yajie Qiu, Yan-Fei Liu
  • Patent number: 10023751
    Abstract: Polyurethane-based and epoxy-based coating compositions are described that provide coatings and adhesives that are clear, amphiphobic and durable. Both water and hexadecane readily slide off these surfaces without leaving a residue. Coatings with thicknesses ranging from about 10 nm to about 10 ?m exhibited excellent transmittance properties. Such films exhibited durability against abrasion, ink-resistance, anti-graffiti, anti-fingerprint, and strong adhesion to glass surfaces. The coatings are applicable to electronic devices, fabrics, glass, etc. to prepare optically clear, stain-resistant, and smudge-resistant surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Heng Hu, Guojun Liu, Muhammad Rabnawaz
  • Patent number: 10018712
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of analyzing an ultrasound signal. The method comprises obtaining a time series of sequential data frames associated with an ultrasound signal reflected from and/or backscattered from a fixed location of a material under investigation, each data frame comprising a plurality of samples of the ultrasound signal, and subjecting to an analysis a sequence of one or more samples of the ultrasound signal, or a sequence of at least one parameter derived from one or more samples of the ultrasound signal, wherein a result of the analysis is related to one or properties or characteristics of the material. In one embodiment the method may be used for detecting, diagnosing, and/or assessing cancer and/or abnormalities in biological tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Mehdi Moradi, Purang Abolmaesumi, Parvin Mousavi, Eric Sauerbrei, Robert Siemens, Phillip Isotalo
  • Patent number: 10014050
    Abstract: Provided are modified one-hot (MOH) constructions for WOM codes with low encoding and decoding complexity, that achieve high sum-rates. Features include maximizing writing of data information values for successive rewrites, all-zero and all-one cell state vectors that represent a unique data information value that can be written for many generations, a very high number of writes, and does not sacrifice capacity. One embodiment comprises ordered or unordered MOH code that approaches the upper-bound for large n wits. According to the embodiments, before an erasure is needed, the majority of the wits are encoded, which provides level wearing and maximizes life of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Jay Hua, Shahram Yousefi
  • Patent number: 10015848
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and circuits for improving the performance of an AC to DC power supply. The methods and circuits achieve high power factor (PF) at the AC side and at the same time, reduce or substantially eliminate ripple in the DC output power. The methods and circuits provide an isolated topology including primary side voltage and current sensing and primary side ripple cancellation control. The methods and circuits may be used in any application where high power factor and/or low output ripple are required. In particular, the methods and circuits may be used in DC lighting applications, such as in light emitting diode (LED) lighting, wherein suppression of low frequency ripple in the output power eliminates visible flickering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Peng Fang, Yan-Fei Liu
  • Patent number: 10015849
    Abstract: Provided are circuits and methods for use with a power supply that provides a main output including a main DC voltage having a first AC voltage ripple, or a main DC current having a first AC current ripple. A ripple cancellation converter provides a second AC voltage ripple connected in series with the main output, such that the first AC voltage ripple is substantially cancelled; or a second AC current ripple connected in parallel with the main output, such that the first AC current ripple is substantially cancelled. As a result, substantially ripple-free DC output power is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventor: Yan-Fei Liu
  • Patent number: 9988685
    Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosing, prognosticating risk of, and selecting and/or administering a therapy for breast cancer based upon detection of methylated glucocorticoid receptor gene or measurement of glucocorticoid receptor and BRCA1 gene expression levels are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY AT KINGSTON
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Mueller, Kirsten A. Nesset
  • Patent number: 9983673
    Abstract: A flexible computing device with bend input and active haptic feedback that provides vibro-tactile sensations such as friction and resistance to a user. The sensations include vibrations that simulate a physical affordance of content displayed on the flexible computing device. In one embodiment the device is a smartphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventor: Roel Vertegaal
  • Publication number: 20180142117
    Abstract: The present application provides switchable, homogeneous paint composition and methods of painting and/or forming films or coatings using the composition. The composition includes a liquid having an aqueous solution and dissolved acid gas (e.g., carbonated water), and a switchable polymer. The switchable polymer converts from a protonated, water-soluble form in the liquid to a water-insoluble unprotonated form following removal or substantial removal of the liquid and acid gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Applicants: GREENCENTRE CANADA, QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY AT KINGSTON
    Inventors: Rui RESENDES, Philip G. JESSOP, Michael F. CUNNINGHAM, Bhanu Prakash MUDRABOYINA, Adam Michael OZVALD, Timothy James CLARK, Brian MARIAMPILLAI, Yun YANG, Amy Marie HOLLAND, Charles Howard HONEYMAN
  • Patent number: 9945668
    Abstract: Provided are methods and products for rapid, reliable, and accurate monitoring and detecting of convergence in mining and civil engineering applications. A sensor, such as a scanning laser device, is moved through a tunnel, either automatically, autonomously, or with manual guidance. The sensor is configured to acquire 3D point clouds of all or a portion of a tunnel, at selected times. The 3D point cloud data is used to compute a set of indicators, which are local descriptors of the environment along the tunnel. The indicators are then amalgamated to estimate the probability that convergence has occurred in a given region. In one embodiment, the indicators are fused together using a Bayes network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Robert Lindsay Vanderbeck, Joshua A. Marshall
  • Patent number: 9917524
    Abstract: Energy channelling AC-DC converters, methods, and control systems are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Queens' University at Kingston
    Inventors: Peng Fang, Yan-Fei Liu
  • Patent number: 9757817
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided to monitor and characterize the dynamics of a phase change region (PCR) created during laser welding, specifically keyhole welding, and other material modification processes, using low-coherence interferometry. By directing a measurement beam to multiple locations within and overlapping with the PCR, the system, apparatus, and method are used to determine, in real time, spatial and temporal characteristics of the weld such as keyhole depth, length, width, shape and whether the keyhole is unstable, closes or collapses. This information is important in determining the quality and material properties of a completed finished weld. It can also be used with feedback to modify the material modification process in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventor: Paul J. L. Webster
  • Patent number: 9743912
    Abstract: An ultrasound calibration phantom comprises a portion including at least one fiducial structure having a selected geometric arrangement; a portion adapted for mechanical coupling of the ultrasound calibration phantom to a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) stepper; and a guide for at least one surgical instrument, the guide being mechanically coupled to the fiducial structure and/or to the TRUS stepper at a selected pose relative to the fiducial structure. A calibration method uses the calibration phantom and provides automatic, intraoperative calibration of ultrasound imaging systems. The invention is useful in ultrasound-guided clinical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY AT KINGSTON
    Inventors: Gabor Fichtinger, Purang Abolmaesumi, Clif E. Burdette, Thomas Kuiran Chen, Andras Lasso, Tamas Heffter
  • Patent number: 9738606
    Abstract: A compound of Formula I, Formula IA, Formula IB, or Formula II, or an acid or base addition salt thereof, and use of these compounds as antioxidants. In one embodiment, a compound of Formula II, wherein each of X, Y, and Z are independently a carbon or nitrogen atom; R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen or an electron donating group, but are not both hydrogen, and wherein R1, and R2 are each bonded to a carbon atom in their own respective aryl ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignees: Queen's University at Kingston, Alma Mater Studiorum—Universita Di Bologna
    Inventors: Derek A. Pratt, Jason J. Hanthorn, Luca Valgimigli