Patents Assigned to The George Washington University
  • Systems and methods for visualizing ablated tissue
    Patent number: 9084611
    Abstract: Systems and methods for visualizing ablated tissue are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for imaging tissue comprising: a catheter having a distal end and a proximal end; an inflatable balloon disposed about the distal end of the catheter; and an optical housing extending from the distal end of the catheter into the balloon, the optical housing being configured to position inside the balloon a light source for illuminating a tissue outside the balloon and a camera for imaging the illuminated tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignees: The George Washington University, LuxCath, LLC
    Inventors: Omar Amirana, Kenneth C. Armstrong, Matthew W. Kay, Marco A. Mercader, Terrance J. Ransbury, Narine Sarvazyan
  • Process for iron and steel production
    Patent number: 9080244
    Abstract: A method of producing iron by: solubilizing iron oxide as a lithiated iron oxide in a molten carbonate having lithium carbonate; and subjecting the lithiated iron oxide to electrolysis to obtain iron and oxygen. The molten alkali metal carbonate salt may further include lithium oxide. Additionally the lithium carbonate may be simultaneously subjected to electrolysis to produce steel instead of iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: The George Washington University
    Inventors: Stuart Licht, Baohui Wang
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPROXIMATE SEARCHING VERY LARGE DATA
    Publication number: 20150186471
    Abstract: The invention provides efficient searching with fuzzy criteria in very large information systems. The technique of the present invention uses the Pigeonhole Principle approach. This approach can be utilized with different embodiments. but the most effective realization would be to amplify some already given intrinsic approximate matching capabilities, like those in the FuzzyFind method [1][2]. Considering the following problem, data to be searched is presented as a bit-attribute vector. The searching operation includes finding a subset of this bit-attribute vector that is within particular Flamming distance. Normally, this search with approximate matching criteria requires sequential lookup for the whole collection of the attribute vector. This process can be easily parallelized, but in very large information systems this still would be slow and energy consuming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: The George Washington University
    Inventors: Maryam Yammahi, Simon Berkovich, Chen Shen
  • Systems and methods for visualizing ablated tissue
    Patent number: 9014789
    Abstract: Systems and methods for visualizing ablated tissue are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for imaging tissue includes a catheter having an expandable balloon at a distal end, an illumination device positioned within the balloon for propagating light from an external light source for illuminating a tissue being treated to excite native nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) in the tissue, and an imaging device positioned within the balloon for detecting fluorescence from the illuminated tissue, the imaging device being configured to communicate detected NADH fluorescence to an external fluorescence camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: The George Washington University
    Inventors: Marco A. Mercader, Matthew W. Kay, Narine Sarvazyan
  • Nanophotonic production, modulation and switching of ions by silicon microcolumn arrays
    Patent number: 9000361
    Abstract: The production and use of silicon microcolumn arrays that harvest light from a laser pulse to produce ions are described. The systems of the present invention seem to behave like a quasi-periodic antenna array with ion yields that show profound dependence on the plane of laser light polarization and the angle of incidence. By providing photonic ion sources, this enables enhanced control of ion production on a micro/nano scale and direct integration with miniaturized analytical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: The George Washington University
    Inventors: Akos Vertes, Bennett N. Walker
  • Spatially-and temporally-resolved multi-parameter interferometric rayleigh scattering system and method
    Patent number: 8976351
    Abstract: A system that simultaneously measures the translational temperature, bulk velocity, and density in gases by collecting, referencing, and analyzing nanosecond time-scale Rayleigh scattered light from molecules is described. A narrow-band pulsed laser source is used to probe two largely separated measurement locations, one of which is used for reference. The elastically scattered photons containing information from both measurement locations are collected at the same time and analyzed spectrally using a planar Fabry-Perot interferometer. A practical means of referencing the measurement of velocity using the laser frequency, and the density and temperature using the information from the reference measurement location maintained at constant properties is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignees: The United States of America as Represented by NASA, The George Washington University
    Inventors: Daniel Bivolaru, Andrew D. Cutler, Paul M. Danehy
  • Method and kit for diagnosing autism using gene expression profiling
    Patent number: 8962307
    Abstract: This invention relates to DNA microarray technology, and more specifically to methods and kits for identifying autism and autism spectrum disorders in humans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The George Washington University
    Inventor: Valerie Wailin Hu
  • Synchronous one-pole surface acoustic wave resonator
    Patent number: 8960004
    Abstract: A surface acoustic wave resonator including an input interdigital transducer (IDT), an output IDT, and a pair of gratings with each being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance and attached to a substrate. In at least one embodiment, the distance is equal to one-half of the wavelength of the acoustic wave produced by the input IDT. In a further embodiment, the surface acoustic wave further includes a polymer layer and a biomedical coating covering at least a part of the polymer layer. The surface acoustic wave resonator has uses in the mass sensor and communications fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The George Washington University
    Inventors: Mona E. Zaghloul, Hsu-Cheng Ou
  • Subcellular analysis by laser ablation electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
    Patent number: 8901487
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a method of laser ablation electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LAESI-MS) may generally comprise micro-dissecting a cell comprising at least one of a cell wall and a cell membrane to expose at least one subcellular component therein, ablating the at least one subcellular component by an infrared laser pulse to form an ablation plume, intercepting the ablation plume by an electrospray plume to form ions, and detecting the ions by mass spectrometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: George Washington University
    Inventors: Akos Vertes, Jessica A. Stolee, Bindesh Shrestha
  • Repression of AtGLR3.2 increases plant biomass
    Patent number: 8889950
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods that may be used to improve or modify nutrient sensing, absorption, metabolism, root growth, stomatal conductance, N use efficiency, C and N metabolism, plant biomass production and seed yield. More specifically, this invention is related to the glutamate receptors (GLRs) and their role(s) in nutrient sensing, metabolism, regulation of growth, development, and yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: The George Washington University
    Inventors: Sivasubramanian Balasubramanian, Frank J. Turano
  • Micro-cathode thruster and a method of increasing thrust output for a micro-cathode thruster
    Patent number: 8875485
    Abstract: A magnetically enhanced micro-cathode thruster assembly for providing long-lasting thrust is provided. The micro-cathode thruster assembly includes a tubular housing, a tubular cathode, an insulator, an anode and a magnetic field. The tubular housing includes an open distal end. The tubular cathode is housed within the housing and includes a distal end positioned proximate the open distal end of the housing. The insulator is in contact with the cathode forming an external cathode-insulator interface. The anode is housed within the housing, proximate the open distal end of the housing. The magnetic field is positioned at or about the external cathode-insulator interface and has magnetic field lines with an incidence angle of about 0 to about 90 degrees and preferably about 4 to about 30 degrees relative to the external cathode-insulator interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: The George Washington University
    Inventors: Michael Keidar, Alexey Shashurin, Taisen Zhuang
  • Plume collimation for laser ablation electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
    Patent number: 8829426
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a device may generally comprise a capillary having a first end and a second end; a laser to emit energy at a sample in the capillary to ablate the sample and generate an ablation plume in the capillary; an electrospray apparatus to generate an electrospray plume to intercept the ablation plume to produce ions; and a mass spectrometer having an ion transfer inlet to capture the ions. The ablation plume may comprise a collimated ablation plume. The device may comprise a flow cytometer. Methods of making and using the same are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: The George Washington University
    Inventors: Akos Vertes, Jessica A. Stolee
  • Laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI) for atmospheric pressure, in vivo, and imaging mass spectrometry
    Patent number: 8809774
    Abstract: The field of the invention is atmospheric pressure mass spectrometry (MS), and more specifically a process and apparatus which combine infrared laser ablation with electrospray ionization (ESI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: The George Washington University
    Inventors: Akos Vertes, Peter Nemes
  • Compositions and Methods for Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorders
    Publication number: 20140213469
    Abstract: The compositions and methods described are directed to gene chips having a plurality of different oligonucleotides with specificity for genes associated with autism spectrum disorders. The invention further provides methods of identifying gene profiles for neurological and psychiatric conditions including autism spectrum disorders, methods of treating such conditions, and methods of identifying therapeutics for the treatment of such neurological and psychiatric conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: The George Washington University
    Inventor: Valerie Hu
  • Bipolar stacked transistor architecture
    Patent number: 8791759
    Abstract: An amplifier for an integrated circuit has a plurality of ratioed current mirrors connected to each other in a stacked configuration. Each ratio mirror has at least two resistors and at least two bipolar transistors connected to each other via said at least two resistors. Each amplifying transistor, contains a capacitor, and potentially and inductor, to internally match the transistors that make up the amplifying stack. DC, harmonic and s-parameter simulations are performed to provide an optimal impedance for each of the stacked transistors to maximize the RF power output of each stacked layer and the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army, The George Washington University
    Inventors: Ali Darwish, Thomas J. Farm, Mona Zaghloul
  • Compositions and Methods for Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorders
    Publication number: 20140187430
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of identifying DNA methylation profiles for neurological and psychiatric conditions including autism spectrum disorders, methods of treating such conditions, and methods of identifying therapeutics for the treatment of such neurological and psychiatric conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: George Washington University
    Inventor: Valerie Wailin Hu
  • Friction Reduction for Engine Components
    Publication number: 20140170377
    Abstract: The present invention relates to techniques for lowering friction between moving surfaces of, for example, an internal combustion engine. Friction reduction is achieved by adding texture modifications to surfaces that come in contact with each other. Texture modifications that reduce friction in accordance with the present invention include dimples of varying geometries and depths ion the surfaces of components. The present invention also relates to the fabrication technique for applying the textures to the surfaces. In another embodiment, the patterned soft mask is applied onto a large surface (flat or curved including cylindrical rollers surfaces) to be followed by electrochemical etching to imprint the textures onto the component. And, in another embodiment, a diamond-like-carbon (DLC) film may be applied to the turbine component to also reduce friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: The George Washington University
    Inventors: Stephen M. Hsu, Yang Jing, Yufei Mo, Dongyun Hua, Ming Chen
  • METHOD FOR FORMING BATTERY ACTIVE SUPER-IRON NANOPARTICLES AND STORAGE BATTERY
    Publication number: 20140065482
    Abstract: A method for forming nanometer-sized super-iron salt particles and a storage battery having the nanometer-sized super oxidized iron salts is provided. The method includes providing super-iron salts, and grinding the super-iron salts to nanometer-sized super-iron salt particles in a water-free environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: The George Washington University
    Inventor: The George Washington University
  • Self-Repairing and Self-Sustaining Autonomous Machines
    Publication number: 20140050844
    Abstract: The metallurgical composition of a machine surface may be determined. Based on the composition of the surface layer and its substrate materials, a mixture of pure metal nanoparticles, each coated with a monomolecular organic layer adsorbed on its surface can be mixed with catalysts, reaction initiators, and/or other necessary ingredients for the repair action of the machine surface, depending on the specific machine, operational type, and/or the nature of the damage. The nanoparticles are applied to the machine surface, the organic monolayer wears away from the nanoparticles under shear stresses and the nanoparticles adhere to the machine surface to form a repair layer on the machine surface, thereby providing a repaired surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: The George Washington University
    Inventor: Stephen Hsu
  • Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Biomarkers for Diagnosing Autism
    Publication number: 20140045717
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of identifying biomarkers associated with autism or autism spectrum disorder based upon quantitative trait association analyses using genome-wide genotype data combined with case-control association analyses using distinct ASD phenotypes identified on the basis of symptomatic profiles, including deficits in language usage, non-verbal communication, social development, play skills, and insistence on sameness and rituals. Also provided are compositions identified using the methods of the invention and use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Valerie Wailin Hu