Patents Assigned to The University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
  • Patent number: 5362856
    Abstract: Oxidation of C--H bonds in organic chemical compounds to C--OH bonds is accomplished by utilizing, as a monooxygenase, a heme protein such as methemoglobin or metmyoglobin in the presence of sulfate ion, in an aqueous medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: Ronald Kluger, Yonghong Song
  • Patent number: 5358649
    Abstract: A purified DNA molecule comprises a DNA sequence of approximately 15.1 kb coding for normal or mutant RYR1 protein having a molecular weight of approximately 564,740 daltons. The DNA molecule has an endonuclease restriction map of FIG. 1 and a sequence of FIG. 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignees: University of Guelph, The University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: David H. MacLennan, Peter J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5352421
    Abstract: Components, usually but not exclusively gaseous components, are removed in a liquid medium from gas streams and chemically converted into an insoluble phase or physically removed. Specifically, hydrogen sulfide may be removed from gas streams by oxidation in aqueous chelated transition metal solution in a modified agitated flotation cell. The same principle may be employed with other procedures in which a gaseous phase is dispersed in a liquid phase to effect an interaction between components present in such phases. A gas-liquid contact apparatus, generally a combined chemical reactor and solid product separation device, comprising such modified agitated flotation cell also is described. In order to effect efficient mass transfer and rapid reaction, gas bubbles containing hydrogen sulfide and oxygen are formed by rotating an impeller at a blade tip velocity of at least about 350 in/sec. to achieve the required shear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignees: University of Toronto Innovations Foundation, Apollo Environmental Systems Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Smith, David T. R. Ellenor, John N. Harbinson
  • Patent number: 5344457
    Abstract: There is disclosed an implant for anchoring in bone and/or fibrous connective tissue and to which a prosthesis such as a dental bridge may be connected through connecting components. The implant is of tapered design defining a wide top portion for connection to the connecting components and a tapered body comprising upper and lower regions. The lower bone-engaging region of the implant is provided with a porous surface into which bone may grow thereby anchoring the implant. The upper region of the implant has a surface suitable for bone attachment which is different from the surface of the lower region. In one embodiment, the upper portion has a larger taper angle than the rest of the implant for increased stability and stress transfer to the surrounding bone. In another embodiment, the surface of the upper region is coated with a bioreactive coating to allow direct bonding of bone and/or soft connective tissue (gingival tissue) thereby inhibiting epithelial migration apically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: The University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: Robert M. Pilliar, Douglas A. Deporter, Phillip A. Watson
  • Patent number: 5278303
    Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of oligosaccharides, using polymer supported methodology. By this method, which offers anomeric control, oligosaccharides are produced very rapidly in comparison with known methodologies. Thus, there is disclosed a process for the preparation of oligosaccharides which comprisesa) forming a synthon of a saccharide and a monomethylether of polyethylene glycol or a derivative thereof, the synthon having a linkage between the oligosaccharide and the monomethylether of polyethylene glycol or a derivative thereof, which linkage can be severed under conditions that do not damage glycosidic or other bonds in a desired end product;b) subjecting the synthon to repeated additions of a suitable glycosylating agent to form a desired oligosaccharide-polyethylene glycol linked product;c) isolating the linked product as a solid;d) purifying this solid; ande) releasing the oligosaccharide from the polyethylene glycol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: Jiri J. Krepinsky, Stephen P. Douglas, Dennis M. Whitfield
  • Patent number: 5250665
    Abstract: A modified hemoglobin comprising hemoglobin which is cross-linked with a cross-linking reagent. The cross-linking reagent is selected such that the .beta.-chains are cross-linked within the 2,3-diphosphoglycerate binding site and the linkage distance between the .beta.-chains is between about 5 to 9 angstroms. A method of preparing the modified hemoglobin and its use as a blood substitute or a plasma expander are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: The University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: Ronald Kluger, Jolanta Wodzinska
  • Patent number: 5174973
    Abstract: Components, usually but not exclusively gaseous components, are removed in a liquid medium from gas streams and chemically converted into an insoluble phase or physically removed. Specifically, hydrogen sulfide may be removed from streams by oxidation in aqueous chelated transition metal solution in a modified agitated flotation cell. A gas-liquid contact apparatus, generally a combined chemical reactor and solid product separation device, comprising such modified agitated flotation cell also is described. In order to effect efficient mass transfer and rapid reaction, gas bubbles containing hydrogen sulfide and oxygen are formed by rotating an impeller at a blade tip velocity of at least about 350 in/sec. to achieve the required shear. To assist in the reaction, a surrounding shroud has a plurality of openings, generally of aspect ratio of approximately 1, of equal diameter and arranged in uniform pattern, such as to provide a gas flow therethrough less than about 0.02 lb/min/opening in the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: James W. Smith, David T. R. Ellenor, John N. Harbinson
  • Patent number: 5035360
    Abstract: A device for timing and metering gaseous fuels into an internal combustion engine has a cylindrical solenoid cavity with a portion projecting away from the cavity containing a bore coaxial with the cylindrical cavity. The portion also has gas passageways. An injector tip is secured to the portion so that it can be adjusted in position toward and away from the cavity. The injector tip has an orifice, and a valve head on a pintle moving in the bore is adapted to open and close the orifice. The other end of the pintle is secured to the armature of a multipole solenoid which includes a plurality of plate-like, spaced ribs covering a substantially circular configuration and located within the cavity. The length of the pintle is such that, when the head is seated against the valve seat to close the orifice, the armature is spaced from the ribs, and when the armature is seated against the ribs, the head is off the valve seat, thus opening the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: The University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Green, James S. Wallace
  • Patent number: 5027342
    Abstract: A local area network is provided with increased tolerance to faults by arranging multiple hubs in nodes in the network. Internal connections in each hubs of the same node upon detection of a failure to provide an alternate path for data transmission in the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: The University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: Peter I. P. Boulton, Ernest S. Lee
  • Patent number: 5019809
    Abstract: A technique using a 2-dimensional input controller such as a mouse, a 2-D trackball, a joystick, a touch screen, a touch tablet or a digitizer for rotating an object displayed by a computer controlled video display system in 3-dimensional representation. A user visible reference circle is provided, and a pointer associated with the 2-D input controller is moved by the user relative to the reference circle in a control movement mode. Movement of the pointer within the reference circle produces rotation of the displayed object about arbitrary axes in 3-dimensional space, while movement of the pointer on or outside the reference circle produces rotation about a 3-dimensional axis that is oriented toward the viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventor: Michael Chen
  • Patent number: 5019508
    Abstract: Mammalian synovial phospholipase A.sub.2 (sPLA.sub.2) enzymes are provided, as well as DNA constructs encoding these enzymes, methods of producing the enzymes recombinantly, and antibodies thereto. Therapeutic methods employing anti-synovial phospholipase antibodies are also provided, in addition to diagnositc methods and other applications of sPLA.sub.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignees: Biotechnology Research Partners, Ltd., The University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: Lorin K. Johnson, Jeffrey J. Seilhamer, Waldemar Pruzanski, Peter Vadas
  • Patent number: 5013923
    Abstract: The invention comprises of four magnet system for dispersing and recombining precisely several isotopes for injection into a tandem accelerator. The precise horizontal focusing of the ions is achieved magnetically using curved boundaries of the magnets which have normal entrance and exit boundaries for the central trajectories. The precise vertical focusing is achieved mainly by the electric slot lenses in the first version, with small adjustments of the focusing of the isotopes, other than the central trajectory isotope, by curved boundaries of the magnet. It is the use of the electric slot lenses, or a similar electric device with one dimensional focusing, which in part decouples the focusing action in the vertical plane from the horizontal plane, that permits the use of four fold magnetic symmetry and boundary curvature to accomplish true recombination of the isotopes in a practical and compact device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: Albert E. Litherland, Linas R. Kilius
  • Patent number: 4981045
    Abstract: A probe for ultrasound testing or treatment of a molten metal is provided. The probe includes an ultrasound transmitting rod having a downstream end adapted to contact molten metal under test or treatment. A piezoelectric crystal is provided on the probe and is adapted to supply ultrasound to or receive ultrasound from the rod. A rod cooling station is located near the downstream end of the rod and is operable to create in the rod, a steep temperature gradient at least equivalent to 700.degree. C. over a length of 50 mm from the point of melt contact for a cylindrical steel rod 25 mm in diameter when the probe is in contact with the molten metal at melt temperature. A method of testing a liquid molten melt is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: The University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventor: Norman D. G. Mountford
  • Patent number: 4978698
    Abstract: Bitumen-polyolefin compositions, e.g. for use as binders in paving compositions, are stabilized by an emulsifier system comprising a polyethylene wax terminally functionalized with acidic groups and having a polymeric main chain structure which is compatible with the polyolefin of the dispersed phase of the binder. In a preferred embodiment, the emulsifier system also includes an inorganic metal compound which will react chemically with the terminal functional groups of the polyethylene wax. Especially preferred is maleated polyethylene wax (as the polyethylene wax) and ferric oxide (as the inorganic metal compound). The emulsifier system forms a sheath of inorganic material around the dispersed polyolefin droplets, to stabilize them and to hinder their floatation to the surface of the binder composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: The University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventor: Raymond T. Woodhams
  • Patent number: 4978959
    Abstract: An operational amplifier is provided and includes at least two input terminals of one polarity and another input terminal of the opposite polarity. The amplifier includes an amplifying portion which comprises a differential section for receiving input signals applied to the input terminals. The differential section includes at least two differential amplifiers which form difference signals from the input signals. A summing section receives the difference signals and forms a sum result therefrom. A multiplying section provides an amplification gain to the sum result to form an output signal of desired gain. The amplifier is also provided with a feedback for applying an input signal to one of the input terminals, the output signal. The amplifier can be configured to provide amplification gains of 2, 1/2, -1 and 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: Chu P. Chong, Kenneth C. Smith, Zvonko G. Vranesic
  • Patent number: 4950897
    Abstract: A thermal wave three-dimensional imaging and tomography apparatus and a thermal wave detector therefor are provided. The apparatus includes a light source for generating a laser beam which is modulated and then focussed onto one side of a solid test material. A thin pyroelectric polymer electret (.beta.-PVDF) film having an electroded upper surface and an electrodeless lower surface supports the other side of the test material on its electroded surface. A single thin metal elongate pin or an array of thin metal elongate pins are disposed beneath the electrodeless lower surface. The pin or pins generate(s) signals upon detection of thermal waves passing through the solid test material resulting from the laser excitation due to the photopyroelectric (P.sup.2 E) effect. Since the pins are small, the signals generated by the pins represent local thermal wave progagation through the test material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: Andreas Mandelis, Marek Mieszkowski
  • Patent number: 4940486
    Abstract: A process for treating metal comprises applying a positive DC potential to an ionic melt layer disposed on the surface of a liquid metal. The application of this potential provides a plasma phase above the ionic melt layer and induces a flow of electrons from the liquid metal towards the plasma phase. The ionic melt layer is capable of being maintained in a liquid state when it is in contact with the liquid metal. The process can be used either to remove impurities from the liquid metal, to alloy the liquid metal by adding metal compounds in the ionic melt layer, to recover metals from waste, or to perform a combination of these functions. An apparatus for treating liquid metals is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: The University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: Iain D. Sommerville, Francis L. Kemeny
  • Patent number: 4922327
    Abstract: A semiconducting device and method of making the same are provided. The semiconducting device is provided with a gate, a source and a drain disposed on one side of a current carrying layer and a substrate formed from one type of semiconducting material disposed on the other side thereof. The current carrying layer includes a bulk region formed from said one type of semiconducting material and a drift region formed from the opposite type of semiconducting material, the bulk and the drift regions of which form a pn junction. The drift region includes a pair of parallel passages, one passage of which has a lower doping concentration than the other. The bulk region includes a first and a second portion, the first portion of which isolates the second portion from the other passage and has a lower doping concentration than the second portion and the one passage. The one passage is also extended so as to isolate the bulk region from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: Jose G. Mena, C. Andre T. Salama
  • Patent number: 4889921
    Abstract: A process of treating meal containing vegetable proteins is disclosed. This process includes the step of extracting the metal with a suitable aqueous solvent in which the vegetable proteins are soluble to obtain an extraction solution. The solubility of the dissolved protein in the extraction solution is then adjusted to precipitate at least some of the protein and therefore obtain a precipitated protein fraction and an unprecipitated protein fraction in solution. The precipitated protein fraction is then separated from the protein fraction in solution, and the unprecipitated protein fraction is separated from the undesirable components in the solution by membrane processing. Each of the protein fractions is then suitably dried to recover the proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: The University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: Levente L. Diosady, Leon J. Rubin, Yew-Min Tzeng
  • Patent number: RE33650
    Abstract: A data controller to control passage of data between a plurality of data handling devices comprises a communication link to permit communication of the devices with one another. An indicator is associated with each of the devices to indicate data is to be transmitted from any one of the devices. An inhibitor operates upon a device after it transmits data to inhibit access of that device to the communication link and to the indicator. A reset device is responsive to the indicator to remove the inhibitor when the indicator indicates that no data is to be transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
    Inventors: P. I. P. Boulton, E. S. Lee