Patents Assigned to Regent of the University of Minnesota
  • Publication number: 20130085374
    Abstract: A system includes a data receiver, a sinogram generator, a processor, a filter module, and an output module. The data receiver is configured to receive radial ordered magnetic resonance data. The sinogram generator is configured to generate a first sinogram corresponding to a view angle as a function of a readout direction for the magnetic resonance data. The processor is configured to generate an oscillogram having an angular frequency axis. The oscillogram corresponds to a Fourier transform of the first sinogram. The filter module is configured to selectively filter a peak in a projection formed along a selected axis of the oscillogram, the peak being related to an interference signal such as an RF interference. The selected axis is orthogonal to the angular frequency axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
    Inventors: Curtis A. Corum, Djaudat S. Idiyatullin, Steen Moeller, Michael G. Garwood
  • Patent number: 8409859
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for differentiating non-embryonic multipotent stem cells along the pancreatic lineage. The present invention further provides non-embryonic multipotent stem cells and progeny derived therefrom to provide pancreatic cells to a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Catherine M. Verfaillie, Miguel Angel Barajas Velez, Yves Pierre Heremans
  • Patent number: 8409509
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for analyzing particulates. A liquid having a plurality of particulates substantially linearly ordered in a streamline can be externally controlled to provide flow in first and second directions, where, generally, the first direction is opposite to the second direction. A target particulate can be measured from the plurality of particulates at or near a measurement area while the liquid flows in the first flow direction. The flow direction can be reversed and measured at the measurement area while flowing in the second direction. The particulates substantially retain the same linear order during at least one cycle, a cycle being defined by movement in the first direction followed by movement in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Friedrich Srienc, Greg Sitton
  • Publication number: 20130079871
    Abstract: A device includes a balloon and an interface. The balloon has an outer surface and a central lumen aligned on a longitudinal axis. The balloon is configured to receive a compressible fluid. The interface is coupled to the outer surface and has an external surface configured to bond with a tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
    Inventors: John Scandurra, Karl Vollmers, Christopher Scorzelli, Eric F. Little
  • Publication number: 20130075904
    Abstract: A coplanar waveguide transition includes a substrate, a first coplanar waveguide on a first side of the substrate, and a second coplanar waveguide on a second side of the substrate. The coplanar waveguide transition includes a first, a second, and a third via through the substrate electrically coupling the first coplanar waveguide to the second coplanar waveguide. The coplanar waveguide transition includes voids through the substrate between the first, second, and third vias and edges of the first coplanar waveguide and edges of the second coplanar waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
    Inventors: Young Seek Cho, Rhonda Rene Franklin
  • Publication number: 20130069649
    Abstract: A method includes acquiring a signal intensity from a spin system after applying the radio frequency preparation pulses prior to the imaging readout or spectroscopic localization, and acquiring signal intensity starting with magnetization initially rotated to a certain angle by applying an initial pulse before the preparation scheme, and processing the data to generate an image or spectra corresponding to the spin system. The imaging or spectroscopy sequence is configured to provide data based on magnetization transfer or an off-resonance effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Silvia Mangia, Shalom Michaeli, Michael G. Garwood
  • Publication number: 20130068841
    Abstract: Techniques and systems for decoding optical codes using symbol-based algorithms are described. In one example, a method includes acquiring a signal representative of light reflected from an optical code comprising one or more symbols of a finite set of symbols and applying a decoding model to the signal. The decoding model may relate measured signals to the finite set of symbols, such that each of the symbols of the finite set of symbols are associated with a respective encoded character of a finite set of encoded characters. The method may also include determining, by a processor, a sequence of one or more of the encoded characters based on the application of the decoding model to the signal. In this manner, the optical code may be decoded by directly fitting an acquired signal from the optical code to possible symbols within the optical code and the associated encoded characters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
    Inventor: Regents of the University of Minnesota
  • Publication number: 20130072443
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for stabilizing opsin protein in a vertebrate visual system are provided by administration of opsin-binding synthetic retinoids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicants: Regents of the University of Minnesota, University of Washington
    Inventors: Krzysztof Palczewski, Shalesh Kaushal, Vladimir Kuksa, Syed M. Noorwez
  • Patent number: 8399428
    Abstract: The invention provides a compound of formula (I), wherein R1-R6 and X have any of the values described, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and therapeutic methods comprising the administration of such compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventor: Carston R. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8399187
    Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to assessing organisms for the presence or absence of anti-virus antibodies. For example, this document provides methods and materials that can be used to determine whether or not an organism (e.g., a member of a swine species such as a pig) contains anti-PRRS virus antibodies. In other embodiments, this document provides methods and materials that can be used to determine if a particular organism received a vaccine version of a virus, was infected with a naturally-occurring version of the virus, or is naïve with respect to the virus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Michael P. Murtaugh, Craig R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130065291
    Abstract: Bioactive coatings that are stabilized against inactivation by weathering are provided including a base associated with a chemically modified enzyme, and, optionally a first polyoxyethylene present in the base and independent of the enzyme. The coatings are optionally overlayered onto a substrate to form an active coating facilitating the removal of organic stains or organic material from food, insects, or the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Regents of the University of Minnesota, Department of Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering, Toyota Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hongfei Jia, Ping Wang, Liting Zhang, Andreas Buthe, Xueyan Zhao, Songtao Wu, Masahiko Ishii, Minjuan Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130063319
    Abstract: Apparatus and method that includes providing a variable-parameter electrical component in a high-field environment and based on an electrical signal, automatically moving a movable portion of the electrical component in relation to another portion of the electrical component to vary at least one of its parameters. In some embodiments, the moving uses a mechanical movement device (e.g., a linear positioner, rotary motor, or pump). In some embodiments of the method, the electrical component has a variable inductance, capacitance, and/or resistance. Some embodiments include using a computer that controls the moving of the movable portion of the electrical component in order to vary an electrical parameter of the electrical component. Some embodiments include using a feedback signal to provide feedback control in order to adjust and/or maintain the electrical parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicants: Regents of the University of Minnesota, Life Services, LLC
    Inventors: Life Services, LLC, Regents of the University of Minnesota
  • Publication number: 20130062890
    Abstract: Novel carbon dioxide-based geothermal energy generation systems, i.e., carbon plume geothermal (CPG) systems, and methods are provided. With the novel systems and methods described herein, geothermal energy can now be provided at lower temperatures and at locations other than hot, dry rock formations, without negatively impacting the surrounding area through use of large-scale hydrofracturing. Use of a carbon dioxide-based geothermal system further provides a means for sequestering and storing excess carbon dioxide, rather than having it released to the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventor: Regents of the University of Minnesota
  • Patent number: 8394794
    Abstract: The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) and (IV): as described herein, as well as salts thereof. The compounds have anti-cancer properties and/or chemosensitization properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of The University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Chengguo Xing, Jignesh Doshi
  • Patent number: 8394618
    Abstract: A substrate or coating is provided that includes a lipase with enzymatic activity toward a component of a fingerprint. Also provided is a process for facilitating the removal of fingerprints is provided wherein an inventive substrate or coating including a lipase is capable of enzymatically degrading of one or more components of the fingerprint to facilitate fingerprint removal from the substrate or said coating. Applying heat to the substrate or coating increases the rate of fingerprint removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation, Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Andreas Buthe, Ping Wang, Songtao Wu, Hongfei Jia, Masahiko Ishii, Minjuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8391965
    Abstract: A volume of a patient can be mapped with a system operable to identify a plurality of locations and save a plurality of locations of a mapping instrument. The mapping instrument can include one or more electrodes that can sense a voltage that can be correlated to a three dimensional location of the electrode at the time of the sensing or measurement. Therefore, a map of a volume can be determined based upon the sensing of the plurality of points without the use of other imaging devices. An implantable medical device can then be navigated relative to the mapping data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: Regents of the University of Minnesota, Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Toby Markowitz, Chad Giese, Karl Evan Nowak, Lane A. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8388348
    Abstract: There are provided a method, system and medium having instructions embedded to determine an attribute of a simulated patient's state resulting from a patient-physician encounter. The method includes receiving a current treatment move and an initial value of the attribute; calculating a maximal expected incremental effect value of the current treatment move over a previous treatment move on the attribute; attenuating the maximal expected incremental effect value based on amount of time between the previous treatment move and the current treatment move; summing the attenuated maximal expected incremental effect value with the initial value to generate an updated attribute of the simulated patient's state; and generating a patient-physician encounter that includes the updated attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: Regents of the University of Minnesota, HealthPartners Research Foundation
    Inventors: George R. Biltz, Pradyumna Dutta, Paul E. Johnson, Patrick J. O'Connor, William A. Rush, JoAnn M. Sperl-Hillen
  • Publication number: 20130043867
    Abstract: A method includes applying a pulse train to a spin system in a scanner. The pulse train has a plurality of discontinuities in a time domain. The method includes receiving a response from the spin system. The response corresponds to a gated signal. The method includes accessing a correction factor corresponding to the scanner. The method includes calculating a correction to the response based on the correction factor. The method includes generating an output based on the correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Curtis A. Corum, Steen Moeller, Djaudat S. Idiyatullin, Ryan Chamberlain, Michael G. Garwood
  • Publication number: 20130043678
    Abstract: A system comprises an injection well for accessing a reservoir containing a native fluid comprising a hydrocarbon. The reservoir is located below one or more caprocks, is at a first temperature, and is accessible without using large-scale hydrofracturing. The system further includes a production well in fluid communication with the reservoir, a supply apparatus configured to feed a non-water based working fluid at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature through the injection well to the reservoir. The working fluid mixes with the native fluid to form a production fluid comprising at least a portion of the working fluid and at least a portion of the hydrocarbon at a third temperature that is higher than the second temperature. An energy recovery apparatus in fluid communication with the productions well converts energy contained in the production fluid to electricity, heat, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Martin O. Saar, Jimmy Bryan Randolph, Thomas H. Kuehn, Kenneth Carpenter
  • Patent number: 8380266
    Abstract: An RF coil adjacent an imaging region includes a plurality of conducting coil elements, with each conducting coil element including a proximal portion and a distal portion. The RF coil also includes a capacitance between the distal portions of the at least two conducting coil elements. A mutual coupling inductance between at least two conducting coil elements of the plurality of conducting coil elements is substantially cancelled by the capacitance between the distal portions of the at least two conducting coil elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: J. Thomas Vaughan, Jinfeng Tian