Patents Assigned to Rice University
  • Publication number: 20190224476
    Abstract: Wireless treatment of arrhythmias. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: charging a capacitor of a first microchip device abutting heart tissue, the charging by harvesting ambient energy; charging a capacitor of a second microchip device abutting the heart tissue, the charging of the capacitor of the second microchip device by harvesting ambient energy; sending a command wirelessly from a communication device outside the rib cage to the microchip devices; applying electrical energy to the heart tissue by the first microchip device responsive to the command, the electrical energy applied from the capacitor of the first microchip device; and applying electrical energy to the heart tissue by the second microchip device responsive to the command to the second microchip device, the electrical energy applied from the capacitor of the second microchip device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Applicants: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY, TEXAS HEART INSTITUTE, BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
    Inventors: Yuxiang SUN, Aydin BABAKHANI, Mehdi RAZAVI, David BURKLAND, Brian GREET, Mathews JOHN, Hongming LYU
  • Publication number: 20190202774
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides diaryl compounds of the formula presented herein. The application also provides compositions and methods of treatment thereof. In some embodiments, these compounds are used in the treatment of bacterial infections or in the treatment of cancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Applicants: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY, THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM, THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Hongyin GAO, Laszlo KURTI, Kush SHAH, Parth SHAH, Carolyn L CANNON
  • Publication number: 20190202866
    Abstract: Provided herein are recombinant viral nanoparticles (VNPs) which comprise truncated viral proteins. The VNPs may be mosaic VNPs which are activatable at desired levels. The VNPs may be used to administer therapeutic agents to target cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Junghae SUH, Nicole THADANI, Christopher DEMPSEY
  • Publication number: 20190185933
    Abstract: This disclosure describes methods for enabling accurate detection and quantitation of rare alleles within a DNA sample using low-depth sequencing, through the use of allele-specific enrichment and/or depletion hybridization probes. For example, methods are provided for using competitive probes to apply allele-specific enrichment or depletion to amplicons from multiplex PCR on a biological DNA sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: David Zhang, Juexiao Wang
  • Publication number: 20190184063
    Abstract: Graphene compositions used for neuronal repair and treatments, and, in particular neuronal scaffold-water soluble graphene for treatment of severed spinal cords and other neuronal repairs. The neuronal scaffold-water soluble graphene can be PEGylated GNR used in combination with a fusogen agent, such as PEG600.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: James M. Tour, William Sikkema
  • Patent number: 10322208
    Abstract: Techniques for modifying the surface of implantable devices, such as bioprosthetic valves, to improve the biocompatibility of the implantable devices are provided. In particular, a customizable, non-fouling surface coating may be formed on the surface of implantable devices that improves the biocompatibility of the implantable devices and has the potential to further reduce the occurrence of complications for patients of all ages. Additionally, various molecules of interest to specifically promote endothelialization of the implantable device may be added to the surface coating, which may facilitate the formation of an endothelial layer on the surface of the implantable device that would naturally maintain a non-thrombogenic, non-immunogenic environment in the long-term.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Monica Fahrenholtz, Kathryn Jane Grande-Allen
  • Publication number: 20190180065
    Abstract: Remote measuring and sensing. Some example embodiment related to optical energy harvesting by identification device, such as infrared identification device GRID devices). Other embodiments relate to RFID device localization using low frequency source signals. Yet still other embodiments related to energy harvesting by RFID in electric fields in both conductive and non-conductive environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Aydin BABAKHANI, Seyed Mohammad Kazem POUR, Mahdi FORGHANI, Yuxiang SUN, Yaswanth Kumar CHERIVIRALA
  • Publication number: 20190178796
    Abstract: In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a lens-free imaging system. The lens-free imaging system includes: an image sampler, a radiation source, a mask disposed between the image sampler and a scene, and an image sampler processor. The image sampler processor obtains signals from the image sampler that is exposed, through the mask, to radiation scattered by the scene which is illuminated by the radiation source. The image sampler processor then estimates an image of the scene based on the signals from the image sampler, processed using a transfer function that relates the signals and the scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Applicant: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Ashok Veeraraghavan, Richard Baraniuk, Jacob Robinson, Vivek Boominathan, Jesse Adams, Benjamin Avants
  • Publication number: 20190181425
    Abstract: Anodes, cathodes, and separators for batteries (electrochemical energy storage devices). The anodes are Li metal anodes having lithiated carbon films (Li-MWCNT) (as dendrite suppressors and protective coatings for the Li metal anodes). The cathodes are sulfurized carbon cathodes. The separators are GNR-coated (or modified) separators. The invention includes each of these separately (as well as in combination both with each other and with other anodes, cathodes, and separators) and the methods of making each of these separately (and in combination). The invention further includes a battery that uses at least one of (a) the anode having a lithiated carbon film, (b) the sulfurized carbon cathode, and (c) the GNR-modified separator in the anode/cathode/separator arrangement. For instance, a full battery can include the sulfurized carbon cathode in combination with the Li-MWCNT anode or a full battery can include the sulfurized carbon cathode in combination with other anodes (such as a GCNT-Li anode).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Rodrigo Villegas Salvatierra, Gladys Anahi Lopez Silva
  • Patent number: 10314990
    Abstract: A bubble continuous positive airway pressure system may include an adjustable flow generator configured to control a flow rate of air to be delivered to a patient. A pressure-regulated delivery system is configured to control a pressure delivered to the patient interface. The delivery system is operatively connected to a pressure control tube. One end of the pressure control tube is submerged in a liquid. A patient interface is configured to transfer pressure from the pressure control tube to the patient's airway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Rebecca Richards-Kortum, Z. Maria Oden, Jocelyn Kaye Brown, Robert H. J. Miros, Elizabeth Molyneux
  • Publication number: 20190152892
    Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure provides methods of aminating an aromatic compound comprising reacting an aminating agent with an aromatic compound in the presence of a rhodium catalyst. In some embodiments, the methods may comprise aminating an aromatic compound which contains multiple different functional groups. The methods described herein may also be used to create bicyclic system comprising reacting an intramolecular aminating agent with an aromatic ring to obtain a second ring containing a nitrogen atom. In another aspect, the methods described herein may also be used to create a cyclic aliphatic cyclic/poly cyclic amine system comprising a reacting an intramolecular aminating agent by insertion into a C(sp3)-H bond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicants: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System, William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: John R. FALCK, Mahesh P. PAUDYAL, László KÜRTI
  • Publication number: 20190143275
    Abstract: Disclosed herein methods for combating biofouling in a liquid, e.g. an aqueous medium by providing a surface coated with at least one laser-induced graphene (LIG) layer in said liquid medium. Particularly disclosed herein method and devices for treating water comprising passing a water stream through a membrane module equipped with at least one spacer coated with at least one layer of LIG, and optionally by applying an electric potential to the at least one LIG layer to achieve a bactericidal effect in the water stream. Specifically, disclosed herein a polymeric mesh suitable for use as a spacer in a membrane module in water treatment application, said mesh being at least partially coated with LIG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicants: B.G. Negev Technologies and Applications Ltd., at Ben-Gurion University, William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Christopher John Arnusch, Swatantra Pratap Singh, Franklin Sargunaraj, Yoram Oren, James Mitchell Tour, Yilun Li
  • Patent number: 10287510
    Abstract: Asphaltene may be effectively broken into smaller molecules by first elucidating the structure of the asphaltene and then developing a catalyst system based on the elucidated structure. The structure may be determined based on a series of analytical techniques including NMR, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and LDI. The most probable structure is determined using computational methods based on quantum mechanics and classical molecular dynamics and the catalyst system is developed for the most probable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignees: NextStream Heavy Oil, LLC, William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Manjusha Verma, Pradeep Venkataraman, Sivaram Pradhan, Houman Michael Shammai, Wilbur Edward Billups, Scott Wellington
  • Publication number: 20190135878
    Abstract: Engineered protein electron carriers, microorganisms expressing the same, and methods detecting regulated electron flow are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jonathan Silberg, Joshua T. Atkinson, Ian J. Campbell, George N. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20190119686
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a genetically engineered bacteria that relieves the catabolite repression problem exerted by the Spot 42 small regulatory RNA by adding a galactokinase that does not contain the Spot 42 binding region. As such, galK and galM and the like can be expressed allow better galactose utilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ka-Yiu SAN, Ping LIU, Sha LI
  • Publication number: 20190088420
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of producing a graphene hybrid material by exposing a graphene precursor material to a laser source to form a laser-induced graphene, where the laser-induced graphene is derived from the graphene precursor material. The methods of the present disclosure also include a step of associating a pseudocapacitive material (e.g., a conducting polymer or a metal oxide) with the laser-induced graphene to form the graphene hybrid material. The formed graphene hybrid material can become embedded with or separated from the graphene precursor material. The graphene hybrid materials can also be utilized as components of an electronic device, such as electrodes in a microsupercapacitor. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to the aforementioned graphene hybrid materials and electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Applicant: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Lei Li, Zhiwei Peng, Jibo Zhang
  • Patent number: 10232343
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of capturing CO2 from an environment by hydrating a porous material with water molecules to the extent thereby to define a preselected region of a plurality of hydrated pores and yet to the extent to allow the preselected region of a plurality of pores of the porous material to uptake gas molecules; positioning the porous material within a CO2 associated environment; and capturing CO2 by the hydrated porous material. In some embodiments, the pore volume of the hydrated porous material includes between 90% and 20% of the pre-hydrated pore volume to provide unhydrated pore volume within the porous material for enhanced selective uptake of CO2 in the CO2 associated environment. In some embodiments, the step of capturing includes forming CO2-hydrates within the pores of the porous material, where the CO2.nH2O ratio is n<4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Almaz S. Jalilov
  • Patent number: 10232342
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to materials for CO2 adsorption at pressures above 1 bar, where the materials include a porous material with a surface area of at least 2,800 m2/g, and a total pore volume of at least 1.35 cm3/g, where a majority of pores of the porous material have diameters of less than 2 nm as measured from N2 sorption isotherms using the BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) method. The present disclosure also pertains to materials for separation of CO2 from natural gas at partial pressures of either component above 1 bar, where the materials include a porous material with a surface area of at least 2,200 m2/g, and a total pore volume of at least 1.00 cm3/g, where a majority of pores of the porous material have diameters of greater than 1 nm and less than 2 nm as measured from N2 sorption isotherms using the BET method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignees: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY, APACHE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Saunab Ghosh, Andrew R. Barron, Jason Ho
  • Patent number: 10236135
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to electrodes that include a nickel-based material and at least one porous region with a plurality of nickel hydroxide moieties on a surface of the nickel-based material. The nickel-based material may be a nickel foil in the form of a film. The porous region of the electrode may be directly associated with the surface of the nickel-based material. The nickel hydroxide moieties may be in crystalline form and embedded with the porous region. The electrodes of the present disclosure may be a component of an energy storage device, such as a capacitor. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of fabricating the electrodes by anodizing a nickel-based material to form at least one porous region on a surface of the nickel-based material; and hydrothermally treating the porous region to form nickel hydroxide moieties associated with the porous region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Yang Yang
  • Patent number: 10233192
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure provides new analogs of uncialamycin. The present disclosure also provides novel synthetic pathways to obtaining uncialamycin and analogs thereof. Additionally, the present disclosure also describes methods of use of uncialamycin and analogs thereof. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides antibody-drug conjugates which may be used to treat cancer or another disease or disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignees: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY, THE SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyriacos C. Nicolaou, Min Lu, Debashis Mandal, Sanjeev Gangwar, Naidu S. Chowdari, Yam B. Poudel