Patents Assigned to State University
  • Apparatus and method for integration of through substrate vias
    Patent number: 8969200
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for integrating TSVs into devices prior to device contacts processing. The apparatus includes a semiconducting layer; one or more CMOS devices mounted on a top surface of the semiconducting layer; one or more TSVs integrated into the semiconducting layer of the device wafer; at least one metal layer applied over the TSVs; and one or more bond pads mounted onto a top layer of the at least one metal layer, wherein the at least one metal layer is arranged to enable placement of the one or more bond pads at a specified location for bonding to a second device wafer. The method includes obtaining a wafer of semiconducting material, performing front end of line processing on the wafer; providing one or more TSVs in the wafer; performing middle of line processing on the wafer; and performing back end of line processing on the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventors: Jeremiah Hebding, Megha Rao, Colin McDonough, Matthew Smalley, Douglas Duane Coolbaugh, Joseph Piccirillo, Jr., Stephen G. Bennett, Michael Liehr, Daniel Pascual
  • Surgical simulator, simulated organs and methods of making same
    Patent number: 8968003
    Abstract: A surgical simulator is disclosed herein. The surgical simulator includes an artificial organ and an enclosure substantially enclosing the artificial organ. The artificial organ is substantially formed of platinum cured room temperature vulcanization silicone rubber (“PCRTVS”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Dean A. Hendrickson, Fausto Bellezzo
  • Turbo processing for speech recognition with local-scale and broad-scale decoders
    Patent number: 8972254
    Abstract: Environmental recognition systems may improve recognition accuracy by leveraging local and nonlocal features in a recognition target. A local decoder may be used to analyze local features, and a nonlocal decoder may be used to analyze nonlocal features. Local and nonlocal estimates may then be exchanged to improve the accuracy of the local and nonlocal decoders. Additional iterations of analysis and exchange may be performed until a predetermined threshold is reached. In some embodiments, the system may comprise extrinsic information extractors to prevent positive feedback loops from causing the system to adhere to erroneous previous decisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Utah State University
    Inventors: Jacob Gunther, Todd Moon
  • Sensor device
    Patent number: 8966991
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing strain or stress includes a body including magnetic shape-memory alloy (MSMA) material, having a first axis. A first drive coil and first sensor coil are wound around the body about the first axis. The drive coil is coupled to a power source and configured to generate an alternating magnetic field on the body. The first sensor coil is configured to detect changes in inductance of the body due to changes in magnetic permeability of the body with deformation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Boise State University
    Inventors: Kari Ullakko, Kotaro Sasaki, Peter Müllner
  • Protease assay
    Patent number: 8969027
    Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic reagent or assay for assessing the activity of a protease in vivo or in vitro and methods of detecting the presence of a cancerous or precancerous cell. The assays are comprised of two particles linked via an oligopeptide linkage that comprises a consensus sequence specific for the target protease. Cleavage of the sequence by the target protease can be detected visually or using various sensors, and the diagnostic results can be correlated with cancer prognosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kansas State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Stefan H. Bossmann, Deryl L. Troyer, Matthew T. Basel
  • Trans-base tunnel reader for sequencing
    Patent number: 8968540
    Abstract: A device for reading the sequence of a polymer, consisting of a first electrode and a second electrode, each electrode being functionalized with a reader molecule strongly bonded to the electrodes, but forming weak bonds with a molecule to be sequenced. In particular, the reader molecule is designed to form bonds with at least two points on the target molecule such that the target molecule is trapped between a first reader molecule on one electrode and a second reader molecule on the second electrode, with the overall size of the molecular complex being small enough to permit significant electric current to flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents, a Body Corporate of the State of Arizona Acting for and on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Kevin Reinhart, Stuart Lindsay, Peiming Zhang
  • Methods for pretreating biomass
    Patent number: 8968515
    Abstract: A method of alkaline pretreatment of biomass, in particular, pretreating biomass with gaseous ammonia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Venkatesh Balan, Bruce E. Dale, Shishir Chundawat, Leonardo Sousa
  • FRACTIONAL SCALING DIGITAL FILTERS AND THE GENERATION OF STANDARDIZED NOISE AND SYNTHETIC DATA SERIES
    Publication number: 20150058388
    Abstract: Generation of standardized noise signals that provide mathematically correct noise with no errors and no loss of data, and can generate the noise of specific environments based on the transfer function of that environment are discussed. Various embodiments can generate synthetic data sets based on natural data sets that have similar scaling behavior. Fractional scaling digital filters, containing the fractional scaling characteristics of one or more of the eleven fundamental forms of basic building block transfer functions which incorporate the scaling exponent, can be encoded on FPGA devices or DSP chips for use in digital signal processing. Fractional Scaling Digital Filters allow fractional calculus, and thus fractional filtering (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Smigelski
  • Minimally Invasive Stress Sensors and Methods
    Publication number: 20150057513
    Abstract: Methods and devices to continuously measure electrochemical activity of one or more biochemical or molecular markers (FIG. 9). A substrate having electronics for measuring electrochemical activity and a plurality of electrodes such that the electrodes are in contact with the subcutaneous layer are attached to subject's skin or intravenously. The devices measure a biochemical process associated with one or more biochemical or molecular markers in vivo by detecting an electrochemical signal in subcutaneous layer (or intravenously) using the plurality of electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Jeffrey LaBelle, Katherine Ruh, Brittney Haselwood
  • PROTEIN PRODUCTION METHOD
    Publication number: 20150056653
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing a heterologous polypeptide and compositions comprising same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: George E. Pierce, Susan A. Burran, Trudy Ann Tucker, Shelby Jones-Dozier, Jennifer Hooker, Sidney A. Crow, JR.
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS EXTENDING THE LASERSPRAY IONIZATION MASS SPECTROMETRY CONCEPT FROM ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE TO VACUUM
    Publication number: 20150053854
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods that allow analysis of macromolecular structures using laserspray ionization at intermediate pressure or high vacuum using commercially available mass spectrometers with or without modification and with the application of heat. The systems and methods produce multiply-charged ions for improved analysis in mass spectrometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Sarah Trimpin
  • RECOMBINANT BACTERIUM FOR INDUCTION OF CELLULAR IMMUNE RESPONSE
    Publication number: 20150056232
    Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant bacterium and methods of using the recombinant bacterium to induce a cellular immune response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: The Arizona Board of Regents for and on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventor: Roy Curtiss, III
  • Device for collection and preservation of tissue or stool samples
    Patent number: 8961429
    Abstract: An arrangement for collecting a tissue or stool sample has a sample vial and a source of preservative fluid. A fluid valve controls a flow of the preservative fluid from the source of preservative fluid to the sample vial. An air equalization vent tube is coupled to the source of preservative fluid and an air valve controls a flow of air through the air equalization vent tube, the air valve and the fluid valve being actuated simultaneously. A scoop for collecting the sample is coupled to the sample vial coupler and extends into the sample vial. The preservative fluid flows from the source of preservative fluid to the sample vial by force of gravity upon actuation of the fluid valve. The air equalization vent tube transfers air from the sample vial to the source of preservative fluid upon actuation of the air valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Ram, Jordan Nechvatal, Ikuko Kato
  • Self-assembly of coatings utilizing surface charge
    Patent number: 8961767
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the isoelectric pH for materials deposited on or otherwise affixed onto and in contact with an electrode surface, and a method for utilizing the isoelectric pH to form nanometer thickness, self-assembled layers on the material, are described. Forming such layers utilizing information obtained about the isoelectric pH values of the substrate and the coating is advantageous since the growth of the coating is self-limiting because once the surface charge has been neutralized there is no longer a driving force for the solid electrolyte coating thickness to increase, and uniform coatings without pinhole defects will be produced because a local driving force for assembly will exist if any bare electrode material is exposed to the solution. The present self-assembly procedure, when combined with electrodeposition, may be used to increase the coating thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Amy L. Prieto, Derek C. Johnson, James M. Mosby
  • Thermally stable volatile film precursors
    Patent number: 8962876
    Abstract: A precursor for the deposition of a thin film by atomic layer deposition is provided. The compound has the formula MxLy where M is a metal and L is an amidrazone-derived ligand or an amidate-derived ligand. A process of forming a thin film using the precursors is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventors: Charles H. Winter, Thomas Joseph Knisley, Panditha Koralalage Don Mahesh Chinthaka Karunarathne
  • Self-powered timer apparatus
    Patent number: 8963647
    Abstract: A method is provided for implementing a timer using a floating-gate transistor. The method includes: injecting a charge into a floating-gate transistor at an initial time, where a gate terminal of the floating-gate transistor is comprised of polysilicon encased by an insulating material; creating lattice imperfections at boundary of the polysilicon to cause leakage from the floating-gate transistor; measuring current read out from the floating-gate transistor at a time subsequent to the initial time; and determining an amount of time between the initial time and the subsequent time using the measured current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventor: Shantanu Chakrabartty
  • Fibroblast growth factor mutants having improved functional half-life and methods of their use
    Patent number: 8962557
    Abstract: Mutant fibroblast growth factor (FGF) proteins having a polypeptide sequence with a high sequence identity to proteins encoded by members of the Fgf-1 subfamily of genes from a mammalian species, such as human, and with a specific amino acid substitution of an alanine at a position corresponding to amino acid position 66 of human FGF-1 with a cysteine and/or a specific amino acid substitution of a phenylalanine at a position corresponding to amino acid position 132 of human FGF-1 with a tryptophan (based on the 140 amino acid numbering scheme of human FGF-1) are provided. Other amino acid mutations or substitutions may be combined. Polynucleotide sequences encoding the mutant FGF proteins and host cells containing such polynucleotide sequences are provided. Methods of administering a mutant FGF protein to an individual to treat an ischemic condition or disease or a wound or tissue injury are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Florida State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Michael Blaber, Jihun Lee
  • Fast parallel test of SRAM arrays
    Patent number: 8966329
    Abstract: In general, each parallel test operation on Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) cells is a test operation performed on a block of the SRAM cells in parallel, or simultaneously. In one embodiment, the SRAM cells are arranged into multiple rows and multiple columns where the columns are further arranged into one or more column groups. The block of the SRAM cells for each parallel test operation includes SRAM cells in two or more of the rows, SRAM cells in two or more columns in the same column group, or both SRAM cells in two or more rows and SRAM cells in two or more columns in the same column group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents for and on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Clark, Yu Cao
  • Artificial compound eye with adaptive microlenses
    Patent number: 8964019
    Abstract: An artificial compound eye formed of three layers of membrane bonded to one another in a stacked relationship. A field chamber is located intermediate the two bottommost membranes. A plurality of focus chambers is located intermediate the two topmost membranes, and an image sensor is located below each focus chamber. The field chamber and each focus chamber contain a pressurized fluid medium. The ceilings of the focus chambers function as lenses though which light must pass to reach the sensors. The fluid pressure in the field chamber can be varied to expand or contract the eye between a planer and a domed configuration, thereby allowing the field of view of the eye to be varied. The fluid pressure in each focus chamber can be varied to expand or contract each lens between a planar and a domed configuration for independently varying the focal length of each lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Ohio State University
    Inventors: Yi Zhao, Hansong Zeng
  • Wave rotor apparatus
    Patent number: RE45396
    Abstract: A wave rotor apparatus is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, a radial wave rotor includes fluid passageways oriented in a direction offset from its rotational axis. A further aspect of the present invention employs stacked layers of generally radial channels in a wave rotor. Moreover, turbomachinery is located internal to a wave rotor in yet another aspect of the present invention. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a radial wave rotor has an igniter and fuel injector. Correctional passages are employed in still another aspect of the present invention wave rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Norbert Müller, Pejman Akbari, Janusz Piechna, Florin Iancu