Patents Assigned to Queen's University
  • Nanocomposite drug delivery composition
    Publication number: 20060147538
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drug delivery composition comprising an active ingredient and a biologically inert material wherein the biologically inert material is a nanocomposite material. Preferably the biologically inert material is a polymer-clay nanocomposite comprising up to about 40% by weight of nano-sized (1-1000 nm) clay particles dispersed in a polymeric material. The active ingredient may be dispersed in the nanocomposite material or absorbed thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Applicant: THE QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY OF BELFAST
    Inventors: Duncan Q.M. Craig, John Anthony McNally
  • Aromatic sulfonation reactions
    Patent number: 7009077
    Abstract: A process for the sulfonation of an aromatic compound wherein the aromatic compound and sulfonating agent are admixed in the presence of an ionic liquid is described. The method for the sulfonation of aromatic compounds in (e.g. water stable) ionic liquids offers advantages over conventional sulfonation reactions. These are that no by-products form, the ionic liquid is not consumed, and the sulfonating agent (e.g. SO3) is relatively inexpensive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Queen's University of Belfast
    Inventors: Martyn John Earle, Suhas Prabhakar Katdare
  • Metal bis-triflimide compounds and methods for synthesis of metal bis-triflimide compounds
    Patent number: 6998497
    Abstract: A metal bis-triflimide compound having the formula: [Mx]n+[(N(SO2CF3)2)(nx?yz)](nx?yz)?[Ly]z? where M is a metal selected from the metals in groups 5 to 10, 12 and 14 to 16 and Cu, Au, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Y, La, Ac, Hf, Rf, Ga, In, Tl, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu and the actinides; L is a negative or neutral ligand; n is 2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8; x is greater than or equal to 1 y is 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8; and z is 0,1,2,3 or 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: The Queen's University of Belfast
    Inventors: Martyn J. Earle, Barry Joseph Mcauley, Alwar Ramani, Kenneth Richard Seddon, Jillian M. Thomson
  • PT32 sperm protein, sperm c-Yes, oocyte cytoplasmic c-Yes and uses thereof
    Patent number: 6995252
    Abstract: The perinuclear theca 32 (PT32) protein is disclosed and shown to interact with tyrosine kinase c-Yes. PT32, c-Yes, fragments thereof, and molecules that bind thereto can be used in methods of enhancing fertility, treating or diagnosing diminished fertility and abnormal spermiogenesis, in providing contraception, and in identifying contraceptive and fertility-enhancing agents. Transgenic, non-human animals also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Richard Oko, Peter Sutovsky
  • Peptide fragments of murine epidermal growth factor as laminin receptor targets
    Patent number: 6995136
    Abstract: A peptide factor, its analogs and methods of using such peptide factor derived from murine epidermal growth factor peptide is disclosed wherein the peptide factor is modified to protect it from proteolytic degradation and the peptide binds to laminin receptors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Queen's University of Belfast
    Inventors: John Nelson, Brian Walker, Neil McFerran, Patrick Harriott
  • Heterocyclic anti-epileptogenic agents and methods of use thereof
    Publication number: 20060014752
    Abstract: Methods and compounds, such as ?-heterocyclic-?-amino acids, useful for the inhibition of epileptogenesis are disclosed. Methods for preparing and using the ?-heterocyclic-?-amino acids of the invention are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Applicant: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Donald Weaver, Allyson Campbell
  • Diagnostic methods for determining susceptibility to convulsive conditions
    Publication number: 20060008917
    Abstract: The present invention exploits the discovery that amounts of uracil and thymine metabolites, especially ?-aminoisobutyric acid, in various bodily fluids, especially urine, are correlated with the occurrence of epilepsy when compared to matched control subjects. Analytical and diagnostic protocols, including a novel high performance liquid chromatography system, for use in the invention are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 12, 2006
    Applicant: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Allyson Campbell, Donald Weaver, Angela Lyon, John Carran
  • Biodegradable elastomer and method of preparing same
    Patent number: 6984393
    Abstract: This invention relates to thermally crosslinked and photo-crosslinked biodegradable and biocompatible elastomeric polymers. The elastomers can be used for biomedical devices such as needles, stents, catheters, scaffolds for tissue engineering, and implantable drug delivery devices. The photo-crosslinked elastomers are particularly useful for delivery devices for proteins and peptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventor: Brian G. Amsden
  • Methods of modulating neurotrophin-mediated activity
    Publication number: 20050282840
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions which modulate the interaction of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor with neurotrophic receptors. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions of the invention, including methods of administration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Applicants: PainCeptor Pharma Corporation, Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Gregory Ross, Walter Szarek, Rahul Vohra
  • Ultrasound transducer array
    Patent number: 6974417
    Abstract: This invention relates to an ultrasonic transducer array for non-destructive imaging and inspection of materials, suitable for applications such as bio-medical imaging. According to the invention, the transducer has at least one electrode comprising an array of electrode elements, wherein the elements are not separated by a grooves or kerfs. The grooveless transducer design simplifies transducer construction and permits very high operating frequencies, and hence very high resolution. In one embodiment suitable for producing real-time high resolution 3-dimension images, the invention provides a hybrid transducer comprising two opposed electrodes, one electrode being a grooveless linear array and the second electrode being a grooved linear phased array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Geoffrey R. Lockwood, Christine E. Morton
  • Microdose therapy
    Publication number: 20050197300
    Abstract: Methods for treating vascular conditions associated with localized imbalance in vascular tone, which are hypothesized to be largely due to elevated endothelin (ET) are provided. The methods involve administration of nitric oxide (NO), agents which are able to provide NO, such as NO donors, agents which activate guanyl cyclase, such as YC-1, or agents which prolong the actions of endogenous NO or cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP; a 2nd messenger molecule), such as phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. According to the invention, such agents are administered in minimal doses or microdoses by any route known in the art, so as to provide dosages which are about one half to about one twentieth (½ to 1/20) of those known to induce vasodilation in “normal” circulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 8, 2005
    Applicants: Cellegy Pharmaceuticals Inc., Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Michael Adams, Jeremy Heaton, James Banting
  • Imidazole carbenes
    Patent number: 6939974
    Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to imidazole carbenes and imidazole carbene salts. The disclosure also relates to the synthesis of imidazole carbenes and imidazole carbene salts. The imidazole carbenes disclosed include those synthesized by reacting an imidazole halide with a base under reduced pressure. The imidazole carbene salts disclosed include those synthesized by reaction of imidazole carbenes with an acid or alcohol suitable for creation of a salt. The disclosure also relates to the use of imidazole carbenes and imidazole carbene salts for the synthesis of organic liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: The Queens University of Belfast
    Inventors: John Martyn Earle, Richard Kenneth Seddon
  • Anti-epileptogenic agents
    Patent number: 6930112
    Abstract: Methods and compounds useful for the inhibition of convulsive disorders, including epilepsy, are disclosed. The methods and compounds of the invention inhibit or prevent ictogenesis and epileptogenesis. Methods for preparing the compounds of the invention are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Donald F. Weaver, John R. Carran
  • Aromatic nitration reactions
    Patent number: 6906231
    Abstract: A process for the nitration of an aromatic compound, wherein the aromatic compound is admixed with a nitrating agent in the presence of an ionic liquid is described. The method for the nitration of aromatic compounds in (e.g. neutral) ionic liquids has advantages over conventional nitrations, such as the only by-product being water, the ionic liquid not being consumed and the nitrating agent being relatively inexpensive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: The Queen's University of Belfast
    Inventors: Martyn John Earle, Suhas Prabhakar Katdare
  • Retinoid metabolizing protein
    Patent number: 6861238
    Abstract: Amino acid sequences and corresponding nucleic acid sequence of retinoid metabolizing protein found in human, mouse and zebrafish are described, as well as methods of using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: P. Martin Petkovich, Jay A. White, Barbara R. Beckett, Glenville Jones
  • Sensor
    Publication number: 20050042134
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor device for detecting CO2 and/or NOx, the sensor device comprising a redox material coated on a conducting substrate, the resistance of which changes in the presence of CO2 and/or NOx. The conducting substrate may also be heated to enhance functioning of the sensor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Applicant: The Queen's University of Belfast
    Inventors: James Thomson, Wolfram Meier-Augenstein
  • Methods and compositions for treating amyloid-related diseases
    Publication number: 20050038117
    Abstract: Methods, compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and kits are described for treating or preventing amyloid- +related disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Applicants: Neurochem (International) Limited, Queen's University at Kingston, Neurochem, Inc.
    Inventors: Xianqi Kong, Walter Szarek, Francine Gervais
  • Anaesthetic bone cement
    Publication number: 20050027034
    Abstract: The invention relates to surgical bone cement compositions and more particularly to bone cement compositions having anaesthetic properties, and to methods for producing analgesia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: February 3, 2005
    Applicant: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: David Bond, John Rudan, Michael Adams
  • Methods for enhancing plant growth using hydrogen gas
    Patent number: 6848212
    Abstract: This invention provides methods of enhancing plant growth or yield, comprising exposing soil to hydrogen gas (H2), and growing plants in the soil. The H2 gas employed can be generated by electrolysis of water, produced by H2 evolving microorganisms, and/or produced by legumes. In accordance with the invention, soil can be exposed to H2 and plants then grown in it, or H2 can be applied directly to soil in which plants are already growing. In one embodiment, the invention comprises obtaining an aqueous extract from H2-treated soil, and applying the extract to soil, seeds, and or plant roots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: David B. Layzell, Zhongmin Dong, Lishu Wu
  • Optical loop ring-down
    Patent number: 6842548
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for measuring one or more optical properties of a test medium, comprising providing an optical waveguide loop comprising a test medium, illuminating the optical waveguide loop with a plurality of light pulses, and detecting roundtrips of the light pulses at one or more locations along the loop, wherein the detected light pulses are indicative of one or more optical properties of the test medium. Preferably, ring-down time of said light pulses is determined. The invention provides measures of optical properties such as absorbance and refractive index of a test medium such as a gas, a liquid, and a solid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Loock, R. Stephen Brown, Igor Kozin, Zhaoguo Tong, Richard D. Oleschuk