Patents Assigned to Queens's University at Kingston
  • Method and apparatus for assessing or detecting brain injury and neurological disorders
    Patent number: 8740794
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for diagnosing, assessing, or detecting brain injury and/or a neurological disorder of a subject. Objects are presented to the subject over a range of locations within the subject's workspace such that the subject can interact with at least some of the presented objects using either the right or left limb, or portion thereof, of a pair of limbs. Position data and/or motion data and/or kinetic data of the left and right limbs or portions thereof with respect to a presented object are obtained, and a data set is acquired for a plurality of presented objects. The acquired data set provides information about brain injury and/or a neurological disorder in the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Queens' University at Kingston
    Inventor: Stephen H. Scott
  • System and method for integrating gaze tracking with virtual reality or augmented reality
    Patent number: 8730266
    Abstract: This invention relates to gaze tracking methods and systems integrated with virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR). A system may include one or more cameras for capturing images of a subject's eyes, a display device for displaying a VR or AR image, a first reflecting surface associated with the display device for at least partially reflecting light from the eyes to the one or more cameras and for transmitting the VR or AR image; and a second reflecting surface for at least partially reflecting light from the eyes to the one or more cameras and for receiving the VR or AR image and rendering the VR or AR image to the subject as at least one component of a VR or AR environment. The methods and systems described herein may be used in research, medical, industrial, aerospace, and entertainment applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Ian E. Brown, Stephen H. Scott
  • Kit for decomposing organophosphorus compounds
    Patent number: 8722956
    Abstract: Methods and kits for decomposing organophosphorus compounds in non-aqueous media at ambient conditions are described. Insecticides, pesticides, and chemical warfare agents can be quickly decomposed to non-toxic products. The method comprises combining the organophosphorus compound with a non-aqueous solution, preferably an alcohol, comprising metal ions and at least a trace amount of alkoxide ions. In a first preferred embodiment, the metal ion is a lanthanum ion. In a second preferred embodiment, the metal ion is a transition metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: R. Stanley Brown, Alexei A. Neverov, Josephine S. W. Tsang
  • AUTOMATED INTRAOPERATIVE ULTRASOUND CALIBRATION
    Publication number: 20140121501
    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: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY AT KINGSTON
    Inventors: Gabor FICHTINGER, Purang ABOLMAESUMI, Clif E. BURDETTE, Thomas Kuiran CHEN, Andras LASSO, Tamas HEFFTER
  • Switchable solvents and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 8710265
    Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a nonionic liquid mixture to an ionic liquid upon contact with a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. In preferred embodiments, the ionic solvent is readily converted back to the nonionic liquid mixture. The nonionic liquid mixture includes an amidine or guanidine or both, and water, alcohol, or a combination thereof. Single component amine solvents that reversibly convert between ionic and non-ionic states are also described. Some embodiments require increased pressure to convert; others convert at 1 atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignees: Queen's University at Kingston, Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Philip G. Jessop, Charles A. Eckert, Charles L. Liotta, David J. Heldebrant
  • METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR ENHANCING FERTILITY AND/OR INHIBITING PREGNANCY FAILURE AND RESTORING GLUCOSE TOLERANCE
    Publication number: 20140113928
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing fertility and/or inhibiting pregnancy failure, restoring glucose tolerance and/or preventing glucose intolerance and/or maintaining glucose homeostasis and/or inducing or enhancing weight loss, treating dyslipidemia, treating hypertestosteronism or hyperandrogenism, and/or treating type 2 diabetes in an individual in need thereof are provided. These involve compositions that inhibit expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-?) or a downstream IFN-?-stimulated gene, which is preferably a macrolide immunosuppressant compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY AT KINGSTON
    Inventors: Ahmad J.H. Albaghdadi, Frederick W.K. Kan
  • Boron compounds and uses thereof
    Patent number: 8697872
    Abstract: Organoboron compounds are described that upon exposure to light absorb light and isomerize and form a dark-colored isomer. The dark-colored isomer converts back to the colorless isomer upon removal of light, or exposure to oxygen or heat. Such compounds can be added into polymeric matrices such as films. These compounds are suitable for UV-blocking, UV-detecting, and for oxygen-sensing applications. Uses include UV-blocking windows, sunglasses, and as indicators in packaging such as food packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Suning Wang, Hazem Y. S. Amarne, Yingli Rao
  • Method and apparatus for communication between humans and devices
    Patent number: 8672482
    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: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Roel Vertegaal, Jeffrey S. Shell, Conner Dickie
  • Detection of biological molecules by differential partitioning of enzyme substrates and products
    Patent number: 8632966
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting a biological molecule associated with enzyme activity in a sample. The invention is applicable to detecting a microorganism associated with an enzyme in a sample such as water, food, soil, or a biological sample. According to a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, a sample containing an enzyme of interest or a microorganism associated with the enzyme is combined with a suitable substrate, and a fluorescent product of the enzyme-substrate reaction is selectively detected. The fluorescent product is detected with a partitioning element or optical probe/partitioning element of the invention. In one embodiment the partitioning element provides for partitioning of only the fluorescent product molecule into the probe. The invention also provides an automated system for monitoring for biological contamination of water or other samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: R. Stephen Brown, Samir P. Tabash, Igor S. Kozin, Eric J. P. Marcotte, Arthur N. Ley, Kevin R. Hall, Moe Hussain, Peter V. Hodson, Raymond J. Bowers, Robin A. Wynne-Edwards, John G. St. Marseille
  • Pharmaceutical compositions comprising RET inhibitors and methods for the treatment of cancer
    Patent number: 8629135
    Abstract: A class of compounds useful in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating or preventing cancer is described. The compounds' ability to inhibit RET kinase is quantified, i.e., their respective RET IC50 and EC50 values are described. One such compound, known as cyclobenzaprine and herein as SW-01, has been identified as RET-specific with an IC50 of 300 nM. SW-01 inhibits RET autophosphorylation and blocks the growth and transformation of thyroid cancer cell lines. It has been further tested in pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and SCLC cell lines. The compounds show utility for inhibition of survival and proliferation of tumor cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Taranjit S. Gujral, Lois M. Mulligan, Vinay K. Singh
  • SWITCHABLE SOLVENTS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF
    Publication number: 20130327989
    Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a nonionic liquid mixture to an ionic liquid upon contact with a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. In preferred embodiments, the ionic solvent is readily converted back to the nonionic liquid mixture. The nonionic liquid mixture includes an amidine or guanidine or both, and water, alcohol, or a combination thereof. Single component amine solvents that reversibly convert between ionic and non-ionic states are also described. Some embodiments require increased pressure to convert; others convert at 1 atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicants: GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION, QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY AT KINGSTON
    Inventors: Philip G. JESSOP, Charles A. ECKERT, Charles L. LIOTTA, David J. HELDEBRANT
  • Marker localization using intensity-based registration of imaging modalities
    Patent number: 8605964
    Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for registering image data from two imaging modalities, to produce an image having features from both imaging technologies. In particular, the methods and systems relate to intensity-based registration of the image data. The imaging modalities may be, for example, ultrasound and x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, or a pre-operative plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Gabor Fichtinger, Purang Abolmaesumi, Zahra Karimaghaloo, Pascal Fallavollita
  • Adjustable Suture
    Publication number: 20130324829
    Abstract: Provided are adjustable sutures comprising a suture thread 1 attached to one or more tension-releasing portion(s) 2, wherein the suture thread 1 and the tension-releasing portion(s) 2 are joined together at two or more joining zones 3, and a spanning segment 4 extends between the joining zones 3, and wherein the adjustable suture is breakable, mechanically or by applying laser energy. The adjustable sutures may be used in surgical methods where intra-operative and/or post-operative adjustment of the suture is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicants: Hotel Dieu Hospital, Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Queen's University at Kingston, Hotel Dieu Hospital
  • Switchable hydrophilicity solvents and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 8580124
    Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignees: Queen's University at Kingston, GreenCentre Canada
    Inventors: Philip G. Jessop, Lam N. Phan, Andrew J. Carrier, Rui Resendes, Dominik Wechsler
  • Method and Apparatus for Communication Between Humans and Devices
    Publication number: 20130231938
    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: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Roel Vertegaal, Jeffrey S. Shell
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES IN SAMPLES
    Publication number: 20130217040
    Abstract: A system for detecting presence of an organism having an enzyme in a sample, comprising: a cartridge for containing the sample and a substrate such that the enzyme can react with the substrate to produce a biological molecule; a partitioning element mounted in a recess in a base of the cartridge, the partitioning element allowing partitioning of the biological molecule thereinto; a light source for irradiating the biological molecule partitioned into the partitioning element; and, a detector for detecting fluorescence of the biological molecule partitioned into the partitioning element, the detected fluorescence being indicative of presence of the organism in the sample; wherein the light source is in a raised cartridge mount of the system that mates with the recess in the base of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicants: QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY AT KINGSTON, PATHOGEN DETECTION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: R. Stephen Brown, Eric Marcotte, Doug Wilton, Peter Gallant, David Dolphin, Lee Underwood
  • DETECTION OF BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES BY DIFFERENTIAL PARTITIONING OF ENZYME SUBSTRATES AND PRODUCTS
    Publication number: 20130217041
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting a biological molecule associated with enzyme activity in a sample. The invention is applicable to detecting a microorganism associated with an enzyme in a sample such as water, food, soil, or a biological sample. According to a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, a sample containing an enzyme of interest or a microorganism associated with the enzyme is combined with a suitable substrate, and a fluorescent product of the enzyme-substrate reaction is selectively detected. The fluorescent product is detected with a partitioning element or optical probe/partitioning element of the invention. In one embodiment the partitioning element provides for partitioning of only the fluorescent product molecule into the probe. The invention also provides an automated system for monitoring for biological contamination of water or other samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY AT KINGSTON
    Inventor: QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY AT KINGSTON
  • OPTICAL PATHOGEN DETECTION SYSTEM AND QUALITY CONTROL MATERIALS FOR USE IN SAME
    Publication number: 20130217039
    Abstract: A system for detecting presence of an organism having an enzyme in a sample, comprising: a cartridge for containing the sample and a substrate such that the enzyme can react with the substrate to produce a biological molecule; a partitioning element mounted in a recess in a base of the cartridge, the partitioning element allowing partitioning of the biological molecule thereinto; a light source for irradiating the biological molecule partitioned into the partitioning element; and, a detector for detecting fluorescence of the biological molecule partitioned into the partitioning element, the detected fluorescence being indicative of presence of the organism in the sample; wherein the light source is in a raised cartridge mount of the system that mates with the recess in the base of the cartridge. Also provided is a method for calibrating said system and quality control cartridges for use in same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicants: QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY AT KINGSTON, PATHOGEN DETECTION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: R. Steven Brown, Eric Marcotte, Michael Miron, Tom Radcliffe
  • Switchable solvents and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 8513464
    Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a nonionic liquid mixture to an ionic liquid upon contact with a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. In preferred embodiments, the ionic solvent is readily converted back to the nonionic liquid mixture. The nonionic liquid mixture includes an amidine or guanidine or both, and water, alcohol, or a combination thereof. Single component amine solvents that reversibly convert between ionic and non-ionic states are also described. Some embodiments require increased pressure to convert; others convert at 1 atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Queen's University at Kingston
    Inventors: Philip G. Jessop, Charles A. Eckert, Charles L. Liotta, David J. Heldebrant
  • Substituted imidazole derivatives and methods of use thereof for treating cancer
    Patent number: 8513294
    Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of the general formula (I): compositions comprising an effective amount of said compounds either alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, and methods useful for treating or preventing cancer and for inhibiting tumor tissue growth. These compounds attenuate the oxidative damage associated with increased heme-oxygenase activity and can reduce cell proliferation in transformed cells. In addition, the described compounds and compositions are useful as neuroprotectants and for treating or preventing neurodegenerative disorders and other diseases of the central nervous system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Osta Biotechnologies, Queens University at Kingston, The Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital
    Inventors: Ajay Gupta, Hyman M. Schipper, Moulay Alaoui-Jamali, Walter A. Szarek, Kanji Nakatsu, Jason Z. Vlahakis