Patents Assigned to Simon Fraser University
  • Patent number: 6399600
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel oxazinones designed to bind to the penicillin receptor, methods of synthesizing the compounds, and the use of the compounds as antibacterial agents. The compounds have the general formula (I) Preferably the compounds have a carboxyethyl or a substituted carboxymethyl substituent at the 2-position and a hydroxyl group at the 5-position and have a molecular shape suitable for binding to and reacting with the active site of a pencillin-recognizing enzyme. The compounds are synthesized by condensing a carboxyl-protected N-hydroxy amino acid with a 3-hydroxyprotected-4-bromobutanoic acid to form a a doubly protected N-hydroxy N-acylamino acid, which is cyclized with an organic base to yield a doubly protected 1,2-oxazin-3-one. The protecting groups are then removed to provide an antibacterial agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Saul Wolfe, Christiana Akuche, Stephen Ro
  • Patent number: 6355953
    Abstract: Atomically ordered interfaces between semiconductor and ferromagnetic materials provide spin filters. The spin filters may be used to inject strongly spin polarized currents into a semiconductor for use in spintronic devices. Some suitable combinations of ferromagnetic metal and semiconductor include hcp Co or fcc Ni or fcc Co (ferromagnetic metals) interfaced to GaSb, InAs, ZnTe, CdSe or GaAs or InP or Ge or BN or semiconductor alloys that include any of these (semiconductors).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventor: George Kirczenow
  • Patent number: 6348239
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a photoresist-free method for depositing films composed of metals, such as copper, or its oxides from metal complexes. More specifically, the method involves applying an amorphous film of a metal complex to a substrate. The metal complexes have the formula MfLgXh, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Au, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Si, Sn, Li, Na, K, Ba, Sr, Mo, Ru, Pd, Pt, Re, Ir, and Os, L is a ligand of the formula (R2NCR2′CO) wherein R and R′ are independently selected from H, CnHm and CnHmAxBy wherein A and B are independently selected from main group elements and f, g, h, n, m, x and y represent integers and wherein X is an anion independently selected from N3, NCO, NO3, NO2, Cl, Br, I, CN, OH, H and CH3. These films, upon, for example, thermal, photochemical or electron beam irradiation may be converted to the metal or its oxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Ross H. Hill, Yo Mao Shi
  • Patent number: 6310003
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composition and procedure for manipulating the behavior of the orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana. More importantly, this invention relates to the preparation and use of 2,7-nonanediyl dibutyrate or stereoisomers thereof for manipulating the behavior of S. mosellana.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignees: Simon Fraser University, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
    Inventors: Regine Gries, Gerhard Gries, Khaskin Grigori, Olfert Owen, Lori-Ann Kaminski
  • Patent number: 6217891
    Abstract: This invention relates to the use of volatiles from the bark of non-host angiosperm trees to protect coniferous trees from attack by bark beetles. Individual compounds or mixtures selected from 18 non-host bark volatiles, identified by coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection analysis, and deployed alone or with an antiaggregation pheromone or a green leaf volatile, or mixture thereof, are demonstrated to repel conifer-infesting bark beetles from attractant-baited traps, and to protect attractant-baited trees from attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: John H. Borden, Leslie J. Chong, Gerhard Gries, Regine Gries, Dezene P. W. Huber, Harold D. Pierce, Jr., Ian M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6219589
    Abstract: A haptic interface for a remote manipulator uses a tunable spring to provide force reflection. The remote manipulator has an operating member coupled to the tunable spring. The operating member is also coupled to a manipulator member. A controller monitors the force with which an operator so moves the operating member and varies a spring constant of the tunable spring to keep the force exerted by the manipulator member on an object at a desired level. The haptic interface allows simultaneous control over the maximum force exerted by the manipulator member as well as the transmission ratio between the operating member and the manipulator member. The remote manipulator may be a surgical grasper, for example. A tunable spring can be smaller and lighter than the high torque actuators used in some prior remote manipulators which provide force feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Ali Faraz, Shahram Payandeh
  • Patent number: 6208207
    Abstract: A feedforward amplifier is disclosed in which either the main amplifier or the auxiliary amplifier includes at least three parallel signal paths. Each of the signal paths includes a complex gain adjuster. In addition, a feedforward amplifier is disclosed in which a plurality of control linearizers compensate for nonlinearities in the response of signal adjusters to control inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventor: James K. Cavers
  • Patent number: 6182509
    Abstract: An accelerometer having a substrate with a cavity therein, a heater extending over the cavity, a pair of temperature sensitive elements extending over the cavity equidistant from the heater, and an electrical conductor couplable to an external power source and operative to pass electrical current through the heater so as to develop a symmetrical temperature gradient in the fluid extending outwardly from the heater to the two temperature sensors. The fluid may be a liquid or a gas surrounding the heater and temperature sensors. Applied acceleration disturbs this symmetry and produces a differential temperature between the two temperature sensors proportional to the acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventor: Albert M. Leung
  • Patent number: 6130641
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging uses a transducer array which receives a scattered signal from a region of interest. The method analyses the scattered signal on the basis of a model which assumes several independent point scatterers at each range. The method determines the amplitudes and angles of arrival for the several scatterers. The method provides much higher resolution than is possible with conventional beam formed sonar arrays of practical size. The method is capable of resolving features which cannot be resolved by conventional sidescan sonar or interferometric side scan sonar. The method may be used with electromagnetic or acoustic scattering signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Paul Kraeutner, John Bird
  • Patent number: 6051612
    Abstract: This invention relates to the use of volatiles from the bark of non-host angiosperm trees to protect coniferous trees from attack by bark beetles. Individual compounds or mixtures selected from 18 non-host bark volatiles, identified by coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection analysis, and deployed alone or with an antiaggregation pheromone or a green leaf volatile, or mixture thereof, are demonstrated to repel conifer-infesting bark beetles from attractant-baited traps, and to protect attractant-baited trees from attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: John H. Borden, Leslie J. Chong, Gerhard Gries, Regine Gries, Dezene P. W. Huber, Harold D. Pierce, Jr., Ian M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5989931
    Abstract: Methods for forming field emission and/or field ionization structures with self-aligned gate electrode structures involve forming a cavity in a first face of a substrate and forming an oxide layer in the cavity. The oxide layer forms a mold for making a sharp field emission tip which will be exposed on a second face of the substrate. In a first method a gate electrode is formed in the substrate. The gate electrode is automatically spaced apart from and insulated from the tip by the oxide layer. The gate electrode may comprise a doped region in the substrate. In a variant method, a gate electrode is formed in a thin metal film deposited on the second face of the substrate. A photoresist mask is created by shining ultraviolet light on the first face of the substrate to expose the underside of a layer of photoresist deposited on the metal film in an area adjacent the tip mold. The mask is automatically aligned with the tip mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Bahram Ghodsian, Ash M. Parameswaran, Marek Syrzycki
  • Patent number: 5987964
    Abstract: A gas detection circuit for use in selectively detecting a predetermined gas has a plurality of gas sensors coupled to a sensor measuring circuit. Each gas sensor has a different response to the predetermined gas at a predetermined concentration. The sensor measuring circuit measures a conditioned state of each gas sensor and transmits the measurements to a cross checking circuit which determines whether the conditioned state of each gas sensor is within a corresponding window of upper and lower limit values thereby indicating the possible presence of the predetermined gas by the corresponding gas sensor. Following the testing of the conditioned state of each gas sensor, the cross checking circuit transmits a signal indicating which of the gas sensors indicates the possible presence of the predetermined gas and if all sensors are within corresponding windows, representing detection of the gas, another signal is transmitted to trigger an alarm or other warning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventor: Bijan K. Miremadi
  • Patent number: 5948897
    Abstract: This invention relates to a nucleic acid complex having double-stranded sections with a domain of guanine nucleotides. The domain comprises of a pair of substantially uninterrupted guanine sequences which bond together. This domain can interact with other similar domains such that two nucleic acid complexes with these domains have the ability to bind together to form DNA superstructures. The present invention also relates to a method of forming a nucleic acid superstructure using the engineered nucleic acid complexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Dipankar Sen, Eduard Antoni Venczel
  • Patent number: 5824027
    Abstract: A nerve cuff has one or more sets of electrodes for selectively recording electrical activity in a nerve or for selectively stimulating regions of the nerve. Each set of electrodes is located in a longitudinally extending chamber between a pair of longitudinal ridges which project into the bore of the nerve cuff. The ridges are electrically insulating and serve to improve the selectivity of the nerve cuff. The ridges seal against an outer surface of the nerve without penetrating the nerve. Nerve cuffs according to the invention may be used in functional electrical stimulation systems. Electrodes may be replaced with fine tubes to enable pharmacological agents to be delivered selectively through the tubes to portions of a nerve passing through the cuff or to permit the sampling of fluids from regions adjacent selected outer portions of the nerve. The nerve cuff may be constructed of modular segments which can be selected to provide a customized fit to the shape and size of a nerve at time of implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Joaquin Andreas Hoffer, Yunquan Chen, Kevin D. Strange, Paul Richard Christensen
  • Patent number: 5824007
    Abstract: A support stand for surgical implements is disclosed. The support stand provides an operating environment which is particularly useful for use in laparoscopic surgery. The support stand is compact and includes positionable wrists for providing spherical motion of surgical implements about fixed points which can be made to coincide with incisions in a patient being operated on. Each wrist includes a member pivotally mounted to a support arm. Rotating the member provides rotation about a first axis passing through a fixed point. A surgical instrument holder is connected to the member by a linkage which provides rotation about a second axis passing through the fixed point. The linkage has four pivotally connected links, two of which are bent through an angle to provide precise spherical rotation about the fixed point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Ali Faraz, Shaharam Payandeh
  • Patent number: 5766186
    Abstract: A suturing device is disclosed. The suturing device has particular application in surgery and is readily adaptable for use in laparoscopic surgery. The suturing device has an arcuate needle which is circulated around a circular path. The needle is driven by a drive belt which bears against the rear faces of a pair of closely spaced guides. Idler rollers behind the belt pinch the needle against the guides and slightly deform the drive belt. The needle is firmly gripped between the belt and the guides. The guides and the needle each subtend an angle of about 240.degree.. The motion of the needle is reversible. A surgeon can regulate the motion of the needle by turning a wheel with a fingertip. A pair of tissue gripping jaws are provided to hold tissues in place during suturing. The suturing device may be used to form a knot after a suture has been placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Ali Faraz, Shahram Payandeh
  • Patent number: 5766616
    Abstract: This invention relates to novel methods and compositions for attracting and controlling the Douglas-fir tussock moth (DFTM). More specifically, this invention pertains to the use of novel pheromone combinations and methods to attract and control DFTM which is a major defoliator of Douglas-fir and other true firs. A composition for manipulating the behaviour of Douglas-fir tussock moths comprising: (a) Z6-heneicosen-11-one (Z6); and (b) one or more compounds from the group consisting of: (Z)6,(E)8-heneicosadien-11-one; (Z)6, (E) 9-heneicosadien-11-one; and (Z)6,(Z)9-heneicosadien-11-one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Gerhard Gries, Keith N. Slessor, Regine Gries, Grigori Khaskin, Priyantha D. C. Wimalaratne, Gary Grant
  • Patent number: 5754468
    Abstract: A new static random access memory cell for standard logic CMOS processes with three or more metal layers is detailed. The method uses three P-type and three N-type MOS transistors to form a two-port memory cell, which can be configured to perform as a one port, or a two port memory cell. In addition to standard memory applications, specialty memories, like a First-In First-Out (FIFO) buffer, which can benefit from the natural 2-port structure of our invention, are particularly appealing. Additional ports can be added for applications like a 3-port microprocessor register array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventor: Richard F. Hobson
  • Patent number: 5712877
    Abstract: Apparatus for transmitting and receiving digital information over mobile communication channels. The apparatus includes a pilot symbol insertion device for periodically inserting data dependent pilot symbols into frames of digital data for subsequent channel estimation, a continuous phase modulator for modulating and transmitting over a mobile communication channel the frames of digital data and means for receiving and filtering the transmitted data. A channel estimator estimates the channel amplitude and phase distortion from the received pilot signal at different time instants. Means are provided for demodulating the received signal and for decoding the demodulated signal to recover the estimated transmitted data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Paul K. M. Ho, Jae Hyung Kim
  • Patent number: 5683708
    Abstract: This invention relates to a composition and procedure for manipulating the behaviour of nun moth, Lymantria monacha (L.) and gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.). More particularly, this invention relates to the preparation and use of chiral and racemic disparlure, chiral or racemic cis-7,8-epoxy-octadecane, 2-methyl-Z7-octadecene and Z7-octadene for manipulating the behaviour of nun moth and gypsy moth. A composition of chemicals for manipulating the behavior of nun moth and/or gypsy moth, said composition comprising two or more chemicals selected from the group consisting of: (a) 2-methyl-7R,8S-epoxy-octadecane (RS-disparlure); (b) 2-methyl-7S,8R-epoxy-octadecane (SR-disparlure); (c) 7R,8S-epoxy-octadecane; (d) 7S,8R-epoxy-octadecane; (e) 2-methyl-Z7-octadecene; and (f) Z7-octadecene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Simon Fraser University
    Inventors: Gerhard Gries, Gary Grant, Grigori Khaskin, Regine Gries, Keith N. Slessor, Jan Liska, Petr Kapitola