Patents Assigned to The University of Hong Kong
  • Patent number: 7026480
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel light-emitting materials of Formula I and II below. These new complexes are synthesized and found to be sufficiently stable to allow sublimation and vacuum deposition. These new emitters are electrophosphorescent and can be used in organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) for device elements capable of emitting light of color ranging from orange to red with high-efficiency and high-brightness. wherein E=Group 16 elements (including sulphur); M=Group 10 metal (including platinum); R1-R14 are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen; halogen; alkyl; substituted alkyl; aryl; substituted aryl, with substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, lower alkyl and recognized donor and acceptor groups. R1 can also be selected from (C?C)nR15, where (C?C) represents a carbon-carbon triple bond (acetylide group), n is selected from 1 to 10, and R15 is selected from alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, and tri(alkyl)silyl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Che, Wei Lu, Michael Chi-Wang Chan
  • Patent number: 7025789
    Abstract: The prosthesis device can have a pair of articular members adapted to be mounted onto adjoining bones, respectively, to replace a joint. The first and second articular members can have first and second bearing elements, respectively. The bearing elements can be formed to be capable of replacing at least a portion of the bone ends of the adjoining bones, respectively, and providing an articulation close to that of a natural joint. The bearing elements can be fixed to the respective bones through an initial implant fixation achieved by press-fit anchoring immediately after surgery and/or a secondary implant fixation established from bone-ingrowth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Shew Ping Chow, Kwok Wai Lam, Ian Gibson
  • Patent number: 7009490
    Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for allowing users to consolidate a large number electronic keys (for operating mechanical locks) in electronic key assemblies. These electronic keys are easily duplicated, added to, removed, backed up, or upgraded. The electronic key assemblies are also more resistant to tampering. The lock assembly and electronic key designs taught by the invention are customizable to meet various security needs. The lock assembly includes a transmitter and a receiver operatively coupled to an electronic circuit in communication with a store for keys. The electronic circuit is also coupled to the mechanical levers for operating the lock assembly. The electronic key assembly also has its transmitter, receiver, a control circuit and a user interface for selecting a particular electronic key password.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Alfred K Wong, Edward S Yang
  • Patent number: 6998363
    Abstract: An olefin polymerization catalyst system is prepared from a catalyst of formula I or II: R1–R7 and R1–R12 in formulae I and II, respectively, are each independently —H, -halo, —NO2, —CN, —(C1–C30)hydrocarbyl, —O(C1–C30)hydrocarbyl, —N((C1–C30)hydrocarbyl)2, —Si((C1–C30)hydrocarbyl)3, —(C1–C30)heterohydrocarbyl, -aryl, or -heteroaryl, each being unsubstituted or substituted with one or more —R8 and —R12 groups, respectively. Two R1–R7 can be joined to form a cyclic group. R8 in formula I is -halo, —(C1–C30)hydrocarbyl, —O(C1–C30)hydrocarbyl, —NO2, —CN, —Si((C1–C30)hydrocarbyl)3, —N((C1–C30)hydrocarbyl)2, —(C1–C30)heterohydrocarbyl, -aryl, or -heteroaryl. T in formula I is —CR9R10— wherein R9 and R10 are defined as for R1 above. R12 is independently -halo, —NO2, —CN, —(C1–C30)hydrocarbyl, —O(C1–C30)hydrocarbyl, —N((C1–C30)hydrocarbyl)2, —Si((C1–C30)hydrocarbyl)3, —(C1–C30)heterohydrocarbyl, -aryl, or -heteroaryl. E, M, m, X, Y, and n in formulae I and II are defined herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Michael Chi-Wang Chan, Chi-Fai Kui
  • Patent number: 6998271
    Abstract: A luminescent sensory material for the detection of the presence of organo-halogen compounds is described. This material is based on a platinum chromophore functionalized with pyridylacetylide ligands, as shown in Formulae I and II below. These complexes exhibit positive luminescence upon exposure to the vapors of organ-halogen compounds like CH2Cl2 or CHCl3 with high selectivity over non-chlorinated common organic vapors. Direct relationships between vapor concentration and luminescence intensity are established using thin films prepared from these complexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignees: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Kwok-Yin Wong, Chi-Ming Che, Wei Lu, Zhike He
  • Patent number: 6956147
    Abstract: The present invention discloses genetically modified plants, such as potato plants. The plants are more resistant to a pathogen of interest following transformation of plant cells with a chimeric gene comprising a chitinase gene and ?-1,3-glucanase gene. The invention also provides a method of enhancing the resistance of plants to pathogens by introducing a Brassica chitinase gene encoding two or more chitin-binding domains and ?-1,3-glucanase gene and expressing the chitinase gene and ?-1,3-glucanase gene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Mee Len Chye, Kai-Jun Zhao
  • Patent number: 6943550
    Abstract: A HTS RF coil is disclosed having at least a factor of three improvement in the SNR over a comparable copper coil and at least a factor of six improvement in Q over a comparable copper coil. A commercially available HTS tape is formed into a loop. High-Q capacitors are soldered across the loop ends. The silver sheath covering the tape is removed through chemical etching. The coil is placed in a holder for mechanical support and protection and covered with a cover having through holes enabling the coolant to directly contact the HTS coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Frederick M.C. Cheng, Francis K.H. Lee, Edward S. Yang
  • Patent number: 6908467
    Abstract: A fixation device for internally or externally fixing fractures comprising at least one nitinol wire having an S-shaped section and two ends wherein each of said two ends forms a hook for hooking into a bone section of a fractured bone. This device can be made from nitinol which has a transformation temperature between 25° C. and 35° C. In addition, this device can have a diameter between 0.6 mm and 5 mm. The device can be inserted using the following process which starts by cooling the wire below a transfer temperature such that the nitinol wire forms in a martensite state. Next, the nitinol wire is inserted into a interphalangeal bone underneath a patients skin. Next, the nitinol wire to heats up inside a patients body above the transfer temperature. Finally, the wire transforms wire from a martensite state to an austenite state wherein when the nitinol wire elongates in a longitudinal direction to generate a distraction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Wing Yuk Ip, Daniel Cheng Chi Hang
  • Patent number: 6889776
    Abstract: An apparatus is for use with a container of liquid that is suspended from an aircraft flying over a ground target area. The container has an outlet through which the liquid is dropped from the container. The apparatus includes a diffuser configured to diffuse the liquid exiting the container outlet horizontally outward beyond the container into the air above the ground target area, whereby the liquid is diffused over a correspondingly wide area. The liquid can be fire extinguishing liquid, and the ground target area can be a forest fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventor: Kwok Pun Cheung
  • Patent number: 6883367
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for measuring elastic modulus of a sample object. This invention also relates to a method for correcting creep effects in the modulus measurement. The error due to creep in the apparent contact compliance is equal to the ratio of the indenter displacement rate at the end of the load hold to the unloading rate. Determination of this error term and deduction of it from the measured contact compliance can be easily done at a low cost by modifying the data analysis software in any commercial depth-sensing indentation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Gang Feng, Alfonso Hing Wan Ngan
  • Patent number: 6879500
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing electromagnetic interference due to common mode current in power converters is disclosed. Common mode current flowing through high parasitic capacitance on the load side typically contributes significantly to the electromagnetic interference. In order to reduce the electromagnetic interference the common mode current is reduced by reducing the voltage driving a current through the high parasitic capacitance. A counter-acting voltage source produces a voltage out of phase with the voltage driving the common mode current. Such a counter-acting voltage is obtained with the aid of a winding coupled to the magnetic component in the power converter or by one or more active components. The counter-acting winding is wound with the secondary and primary windings to share the same magnetic core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Chui-Pong Joe Liu, Ngai-Kit Franki Poon, Man-Hay Bryan Pong
  • Patent number: 6855112
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and a system for treating a health condition of a user. The method includes determining a sensory signal for use to treat the user's health condition, measuring the change to the sensory signal while the user is engaging in an activity, and using the sensory signal change to regulate the user's activity to thereby treat the user's health condition. The system has a sensor device for measuring a sensory signal of the user while the user is engaging in an activity and a display device receiving the sensory signal measured by the sensor device and displaying the sensory signal. The change to the sensory signal is used to regulate the user's activity to thereby treat the user's health condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Shang Ren Henry Kao, Ching Hui Goan
  • Patent number: 6841665
    Abstract: A general, efficient, and environmentally friendly method is provided for producing mostly ?-epoxides of ?5-unsaturated steroids using certain ketones as the catalyst along with an oxidizing agent, or by using certain dioxiranes. In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for producing mostly 5?,6?-epoxides of steroids from ?5-unsaturated steroids having a substituent at the 3?-position by an epoxidation reaction using a ketone along with an oxidizing agent under conditions effective to generate epoxides, or using a dioxirane under conditions effective to generate epoxides. A whole range of ?5-unsaturated steroids, bearing different functional groups such as hydroxy, carbonyl, acetyl or ketal group as well as different side chains, were conveniently converted to the corresponding synthetically and biologically interesting 5?,6?-epoxides with excellent ?-selectivities and high yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Dan Yang, Guan-Sheng Jiao
  • Patent number: 6828433
    Abstract: This invention provides an isolated DNA comprising the sequence which codes for a mutated collagen X or a portion thereof wherein the expression of said DNA regulates bone growth. This invention provides a polypeptide encoded by the isolated DNA comprising the sequence which codes for a mutated collagen X or a portion thereof wherein the expression of said DNA regulates bone growth. This invention also provides a polypeptide which comprise the portion of the mutated collagen X capable of regulating bone growth. This invention further provides a transgenic animal comprising an isolated DNA comprising the sequence which codes for a mutated collagen X or a portion thereof wherein the expression of said DNA regulates bone growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Kathryn S. E. Cheah, Kenneth M. C. Cheung
  • Patent number: 6825296
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds shown as Formula I: wherein R1-R11 are each independently selected from a group comprising hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterohydrocarbyl, and substituted heterohydrocarbyl containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms and two or more of the R1-R11 groups may be joined to form cyclic versions; R1-R11 can also be selected from hydrogen, halogen, and recognized donor and acceptor groups; E is a Group 16 element (including oxygen); M is a metal selected from the group comprising Group 3 to 10 elements (including titanium and zirconium) and the Lanthanide series elements; m is the oxidation state of the metal; X is a monovalent atom or group bonded to M; Y is a mono- or bidentate molecule datively bound to M, and n is zero or an integer up to five. These catalysts, when combined with a suitable activator, are active for the polymerization of olefins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Michael Chi-Wang Chan, Ka-Ho Tam
  • Patent number: 6818918
    Abstract: A Josephson junction includes first and second electrodes, each of which is formed of superconductive material. The first electrode has a first electrode face. A barrier of the junction extends from the first electrode to the second electrode. The barrier has a first barrier face opposing and adjoining the first electrode face. The barrier is formed of non-superconductive barrier material and superconductive barrier material. A concentration of the superconductive barrier material is greater than zero at the first barrier face, whereby the first barrier face is formed at least partially of the superconductive barrier material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Ju Gao, Jinglan Sun
  • Patent number: 6815937
    Abstract: A fast transient response converter is disclosed which makes use of stepping inductor in a switching converter to speed up output voltage response under fast transient condition. The inductive element in a switching converter is replaced by two series or parallel inductive elements, one of which has a smaller value of inductance than the other. During the fast transient period, the inductor with larger inductance value will be shorted to a voltage source. The total inductance will be greatly reduced and thus allows rapid current change during the transient change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Franki Ngai Kit Poon, Man Hay Pong, Joe Chui Pong Liu
  • Patent number: 6812679
    Abstract: A power converter includes a boost converter, a DC/DC converter and a coupler chain. The boost converter receives a rectified AC input and generates a high voltage output. The boost converter includes a zero-voltage-switching transistor that is operable to adjust the power factor of the rectified AC input to generate the high voltage output. The DC/DC converter is coupled to the high voltage output of the boost converter and is configured to generate a regulated output voltage. The DC/DC converter includes a complementary pair of zero-voltage-switching transistors that are operable to regulate the high voltage output of the boost converter to generate the regulated output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Joe Chui Pong Liu, Franki Ngai Kit Poon, Man Hay Pong
  • Patent number: 6804381
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for automated defect detection in textured materials. The present invention utilizes linear Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filters with optimized energy separation. Specifically, the invention provides a method of inspecting industrial products for defects. The method has steps of: automated design of optimized filters from samples of products, using these optimal filters to filter the acquired images of product under inspection, computing the energy of each pixel in a local region, and finally segmenting the defect by thresholding each pixel. The present invention also relates to a method of inspection of unknown (unsupervised) defects in web materials. In an unsupervised inspection, information from a finite number of optimal filters is combined using a data fusion module. This module attempts to nullify the false alarm associated with the information arriving from different channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Kwok-Hung Grantham Pang, Ajay Kumar
  • Patent number: 6753965
    Abstract: A defect detection method and system for the automated visual inspection of web materials is provided. The invention utilize real Gabor function (RGF) filters with a non-linear function for estimating the local energy. An example method for quality assurance using automated visual inspection in accordance with the invention includes the steps of: automated design of a bank of RGF filters; using these RGF filters to sample the features of image under inspection; using a non-linear function to compute local energy estimate in the filtered images; combining all the filtered images using image fusion; and finally thresholding the resultant image to segment the defects in the inspection image. Possible embodiments of the described invention include detection of only a class of defects using a single tuned real Gabor filter or a bank of real Gabor functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: The University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Ajay Kumar, Kwok-Hung Grantham Pang