Patents Assigned to The University
  • Encapsulation of fly ash by polymers
    Patent number: 9920179
    Abstract: A method for preparing composites of polymer and fly ash particles, wherein the fly ash particles contains heterogeneous compositions of carbon and metal oxides, the method including: the steps of mixing the fly ash particles and an aqueous coating solution, including: a coating component selected from the group consisting of monomers, oligomers, pre-polymers, polymers, and combinations thereof, and an aqueous solvent serving to dissolve the coating component; and, while performing the step of mixing, initiating polymerization or crosslinking or both polymerization and crosslinking of the coating component to at least partially coat the fly ash particles with polymer or a crosslinked polymer network that agglomerates the fly ash particles and coats the surface of the fly ash particles, wherein the polymer or crosslinked polymer network formed in the step of initiating is hydrophobic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: The University of Akron
    Inventor: Steven S. Chuang
  • Using squaraine dyes as near infrared fluorescent sensors for protein detection
    Patent number: 9920020
    Abstract: Squaraine dyes are used to detect the presence of protein in a test sample, which is a substance that may contain protein. A squarine dye is placed in water, and in some instances joined with an aggregation agent, to create an aqueous dye solution. That dye solution is joined with a test sample. When the dye solution is joined with the test sample and the resultant test solution is excited by the application of photons, a resulting fluorescence or absence thereof reveals if protein was present in the test sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: The University of Akron
    Inventors: Yi Pang, Yongqian Xu
  • Systems and methods for physiological signal enhancement and biometric extraction using non-invasive optical sensors
    Patent number: 9918666
    Abstract: A system and method for signal processing to remove unwanted noise components including: (i) wavelength-independent motion artifacts such as tissue, bone and skin effects, and (ii) wavelength-dependent motion artifact/noise components such as venous blood pulsation and movement due to various sources including muscle pump, respiratory pump and physical perturbation. Disclosed are methods, analytics, and their uses for reliable perfusion monitoring, arterial oxygen saturation monitoring, heart rate monitoring during daily activities and in hospital settings and for extraction of physiological parameters such as respiration information, hemodynamic parameters, venous capacity, and fluid responsiveness. The system and methods disclosed are extendable to include monitoring platforms for perfusion, hypoxia, arrhythmia detection, airway obstruction detection and sleep disorders including apnea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: The Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Rasoul Yousefi, Mehrdad Nourani
  • Memory device
    Patent number: 9922713
    Abstract: Provided is an electronic device, such as a flash memory device and/or a write-once-read-once memory device, where the device has a polyoxometallate that is capable of providing and/or accepting one or more electrons. The polyoxometallate may have a Wells-Dawson structure and the polyoxometallate may comprise a cage and optionally one or more guests. Also provided is a method of using the memory device, the method comprising the step of providing to or accepting from the polyoxometalate one or more electrons to provide a polyoxometalate in a reduced or oxidized state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: The University Court of the University of Glasgow
    Inventors: Leroy Cronin, Asen Asenov
  • COIL APPARATUS FOR USE IN TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION APPARATUS FOR INCREASING CURRENT GENERATED BY INDUCED ELECTRIC FIELD
    Publication number: 20180071545
    Abstract: A coil apparatus for use in a transcranial magnetic stimulation apparatus is provided in which the coil apparatus includes a coil arranged to oppose a surface of a head of a human to generate a current by an induced electric field in a magnetic stimulation-target region in a brain by electromagnetic induction, and to stimulate neurons. The coil apparatus includes the coil configured by winding a conductive wire along a predetermined reference surface; and a magnetic body arranged between the head and the coil to oppose the coil, and arranged at a position at an opposite side of the head. The magnetic body is provided for flowing a current therein by an induced electric field when the coil is driven, and for increasing the current flowing by the induced electric field in a magnetic stimulation-target region of the brain as compared with that with no magnetic body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Applicants: The University of Tokyo, OSAKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Youichi SAITOH, Masaki SEKINO, Yu MIYAWAKI, Keita YAMAMOTO
  • Method and Apparatus for Determining Cardiac Performance in a Patient With a Conductance Catheter
    Publication number: 20180070851
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining cardiac performance in the patient includes a plurality of electrodes adapted to be placed in the patient and in communication with a heart chamber of the patient for measuring conductance and blood volume in the heart chamber of the patient; and a processor for determining instantaneous volume of the ventricle based on measurement of complex admittance at a plurality of frequencies to identify mechanical strength of the chamber, the processor in communication with the electrodes. A method for determining cardiac performance in a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Marc D. Feldman, Jonathan W. Valvano, John A. Pearce, Chia-Ling Wei
  • VITAMIN D RECEPTOR/SMAD GENOMIC CIRCUIT GATES FIBROTIC RESPONSE
    Publication number: 20180071318
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions that include a nanoparticle and a compound that increases the biological activity of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) (e.g., a VDR agonist), and methods of using such compounds to increase retention or storage of vitamin A, vitamin D, and/or lipids by a cell, such as an epithelial or stellate cell. Such methods can be used to treat or prevent fibrosis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Applicants: Salk Institute for Biological Studies, The University of Sydney
    Inventors: Ning Ding, Michael Downes, Christopher Liddle, Ronald M. Evans
  • COILED, TWISTED NANOFIBER YARN AND POLYMER FIBER TORSIONAL ACTUATORS
    Publication number: 20180073490
    Abstract: Actuators (artificial muscles) comprising twist-spun nanofiber yarn or twist-inserted polymer fibers generate torsional actuation when powered electrically, photonically, chemically, thermally, by absorption, or by other means. These artificial muscles utilize coiled yarns/polymer fibers and can be either neat or comprising a guest. In some embodiments, the torsional fiber actuator includes a first polymer fiber (exhibiting a first polymer fiber diameter) and a torsional return spring in communication with the first polymer fiber. The first polymer fiber is configured to include a first plurality of twists in a first direction to produce a twisted polymer fiber. The first polymer fiber is further configured to include a plurality of coils in the twisted polymer fiber in a second direction each coil having a mean coil diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Na Li, Carter S. Haines, Marcio D. Lima, Monica Jung DeAndrade, Shaoli Fang, Jiyoung Oh, Mikhail E. Kozlov, Dongseok Suh, Ray H. Baughman
  • COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PROLONGED CELL STORAGE
    Publication number: 20180070581
    Abstract: Provided in some aspects are methods and compositions for preserving platelets or other cells. In some embodiments, a platelet storage media or cell storage media may comprise a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (e.g. PEG-400) to allow for extended storage and/or refrigeration of the platelets or cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Jeffrey TARRAND, Borje ANDERSSON
  • ACTIVATABLE CRISPR/CAS9 FOR SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL CONTROL OF GENOME EDITING
    Publication number: 20180073002
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a genetically encoded light- or chemically-activated Cas9 engineered through the site-specific installation of an activatable lysine amino acid. Such activatable Cas9 proteins can be used in CRISPR/Cas9 systems to control gene expression temporally, spatially, or both. Systems, methods, kits, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences are provided. Also provided are methods of directing CRISPR complex formation in cells and methods for selecting specific cells by introducing precise mutations utilizing the CRISPR/Cas9 system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth Sys tem of Higher Education, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Alexander Deiters, James B. Hemphill, Aravind Asokan, Erin Borchardt
  • Asymmetric bifunctional silyl monomers and particles thereof as prodrugs and delivery vehicles for pharmaceutical, chemical and biological agents
    Patent number: 9913916
    Abstract: Asymmetric bifunctional silyl (ABS) monomers comprising covalently linked pharmaceutical, chemical and biological agents are described. These agents can also be covalently bound via the silyl group to delivery vehicles for delivering the agents to desired targets or areas. Also described are delivery vehicles which contain ABS monomers comprising covalently linked agents and to vehicles that are covalently linked to the ABS monomers. The silyl modifications described herein can modify properties of the agents and vehicles, thereby providing desired solubility, stability, hydrophobicity and targeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Joseph M. DeSimone, Mathew Finniss, Mary Napier, Ashish Pandya, Matthew Parrott
  • Antimicrobial compositions comprising glyceryl nitrates
    Patent number: 9913820
    Abstract: Provided are antimicrobial solutions comprising a glyceryl nitrate (e.g., glyeryl trinitrate) in combination with a chelator (e.g., citrate), a peroxide, a fatty acid, and/or an alcohol (e.g., ethanol). In various aspects these components may synergistically act to kill or reduce the growth of microbes, such as bacteria or fungi, present in a biofilm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas Systems
    Inventors: Issam Raad, Joel Rosenblatt
  • Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle powder and method of producing the same, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle thin film containing the iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle powder and method of producing the same
    Patent number: 9916922
    Abstract: There is provided an iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle powder having a ferromagnetic property even if the particles have an average particle size of 15 nm or less, preferably 10 nm or less, and a method of producing the same, an iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle thin film containing the iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle powder and a method of producing the same, wherein the iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles having an ?-Fe2O3 single phase, having the average particle size of 15 nm or less, and further 10 nm or less, are generated by using ?-FeO(OH) (iron oxide hydroxide) nanoparticles as a starting material, and coating the (iron oxide hydroxide) nanoparticles with silicon oxide, and applying heat treatment thereto under an atmospheric air, and further the iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle thin film is obtained by using the iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignees: The University of Tokyo, Dowa Electronics Materials Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shin-ichi Ohkoshi, Marie Yoshikiyo, Asuka Namai, Hiroko Tokoro, Waka Tarora, Takayuki Yoshida, Manabu Tanaka
  • Pressure sensor and pressure detection device
    Patent number: 9915576
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes: a fixed part; a ring-like oscillator that is supported on the fixed part by a plurality of support beams; a plurality of electrodes that are provided on the fixed part and arranged in an oscillating direction of the ring-like oscillator with a gap; electret films that are formed on either one of opposite surfaces of the ring-like oscillator and the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignees: The University of Tokyo, Kabushiki Kaisha Saginomiya Seisakusho
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Fujita, Gen Hashiguchi, Hiroyuki Mitsuya, Hisayuki Ashizawa
  • Resonant body high electron mobility transistor
    Patent number: 9917244
    Abstract: A resonant body high electron mobility transistor is described with resonance frequencies in gigahertz regime, limited by the cutoff frequency of the readout transistor. Piezoelectric materials form the resonating membrane of the device. Different modes of acoustic resonance, such as a thickness-mode, can be excited and amplified by applying an AC signal to the transducer electrode and proper biasing of all electrodes. The drain electrode reads out the acoustic resonance and amplifies it. The drain electrode is placed at or near where the piezoelectric charge pickup is maximum; whereas, the source electrode is placed at a nodal point with minimum displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of The University of Michigan
    Inventors: Mina Rais-Zadeh, Azadeh Ansari
  • Systems and methods for processing geophysical data
    Patent number: 9916539
    Abstract: Described herein is a computer implemented method for generating a probabilistic model usable to identify instances of a target feature in geophysical data sets stored on a memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: The University of Sydney
    Inventors: Katherine Lee Silversides, Arman Melkumyan, Derek Wyman, Peter James Hatherly
  • Supramolecular elastomer networks containing grafted oligoamide hard components
    Patent number: 9914798
    Abstract: An oligoamide-modified elastomer includes an elastomer having oligoamide units grafted to the elastomer and forming a plurality of sheet-like structures through hydrogen bonding, the sheet-like structures interacting through non-covalent interactions to form crystalized domains within the elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: The University of Akron
    Inventors: Li Jia, Joseph John Scavuzzo, Kai Li
  • Depletion of plasmacytoid dendritic cells
    Patent number: 9914780
    Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies targeted to BDCA2 that deplete plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) and methods of using the antibodies to treat disorders associated with pDC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventor: Lishan Su
  • MOLECULAR MARKERS AND METHODS FOR SAMPLE ANALYSIS VIA MASS SPECTROMETRY
    Publication number: 20180067097
    Abstract: Methods for detecting cancer cells, or aggressive cancers, by measuring levels of cardiolipin molecules are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Livia S. EBERLIN, Jialing ZHANG
  • OSTEOARTHRITIS TREATMENT
    Publication number: 20180066062
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of osteoarthritis (OA). In accordance with the present invention, an antagonist of GM-CSF can be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis. An antagonist of GM-CSF includes, but is not limited to, an antibody that is specific for GM-CSF or the GM-CSF receptor. The present invention further provides transgenic animals, such as a GM-CSF knock-out mouse, useful for testing antagonists in certain disease models.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: The University of Melbourne
    Inventors: John Allan Hamilton, Andrew David Cook