Patents Assigned to Université Laval
  • Combined therapy for the treatment of parkinson's disease
    Patent number: 7576073
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a pharmaceutical composition for treating the symptoms associated to Parkinson's disease. The method and the pharmaceutical composition use a combination of a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of DHEA or DHEA-S in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of a dopamine precursor, such as levodopa. The present invention also concerns to the use of at least one of DHEA or DHEA-S in combination with a therapeutically effective amount of a dopamine precursor to manufacture a medicament for treating a neurodegenerative diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Université Laval
    Inventor: Thérèse Di Paolo
  • Antibodies against S100A8 and S100A9 proteins for modulating inflammatory reactions
    Patent number: 7553488
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and methods for modulating, reducing or inhibiting, inflammatory reactions in a patient. Particularly, inflammatory reactions that are targeted by the present invention are cell migration, secretion of toxic products and proteolysis at a site of inflammation. Reduction of inflammation manifestations and reactions occurs by using an anti-S100 polynucleotide or polypeptide inhibitor or antagonist, which is essentially targeted against S100A8, S100A9 or S100A12, alone or in combination with other inhibitors of chemokines or immune modulating products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Université Laval
    Inventors: Philippe A. Tessier, Carle Ryckman, Karen Vandal, Pascal Rouleau
  • METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING COMPOSITION OF FEED MATERIAL OF METAL ELECTROLYSIS CELLS
    Publication number: 20090107840
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining compositions of cover materials for electrolysis cells are provided. In one embodiment a system includes an aluminum electrolysis cell adapted to contain an electrolytic bath, a hopper configured to provide a cover material to the aluminum electrolysis cell, where the cover material includes alumina and electrolytic bath particulate, an imaging device configured to capture images of the cover material, an image processor configured to analyze the images and output imaging data relating to the cover material, and a data analyzer configured to analyze the imaging data and output a determined cover material composition in the form of cover material information. The cover material information may be used to manage operation of the aluminum electrolysis cell, such as via adjusting the composition or feed rate of the cover material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicants: Alcoa Inc., Universite Laval
    Inventors: Jayson Tessier, Carl Duchesne, Claude Gauthier, Gilles Dufour
  • Method for selectively and sequentially extracting catechins from green tea leaf
    Patent number: 7510736
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for specifically and sequentially purifying catechins from a plant product. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for purifying EGC and EGCG from green tea leaves by sequential brewing at different brewing temperature and for specific infusion times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Université Laval
    Inventors: Laurent Bazinet, David Labbé, Angelo Tremblay
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR METAL ARTIFACT REDUCTION IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
    Publication number: 20090074278
    Abstract: A method for reducing artifacts in an original computed tomography (CT) image of a subject, the original (CT) image being produced from original sinogram data. The method comprises detecting an artifact creating object in the original CT image; re-projecting the artifact creating object in the original sinogram data to produce modified sinogram data in which missing projection data is absent; interpolating replacement data for the missing projection data; replacing the missing projection data in the original sinogram data with the interpolated replacement data to produce final sinogram data; and reconstructing a final CT image using the final sinogram data to thereby obtain an artifact-reduced CT image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE LAVAL
    Inventors: Luc Beaulieu, Mehran Yazdi
  • Three-dimensional modeling from arbitrary three-dimensional curves
    Patent number: 7487063
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for creating three-dimensional models of objects from sets of arbitrary three-dimensional entities obtained from target surfaces. It also provides an efficient method for individually refining the alignment of curves to improve the accuracy of the surface model with a linear complexity with respect to the number of curves. The principle behind the invention is that a set of three-dimensional entities, at their approximate positions, creates a field from which the surface can be extracted. The field is constructed in a manner such that the three-dimensional entities are attracted toward the extracted surface. This attraction is used to accurately register each three-dimensional entity with respect to extracted surface. Through iterations, both the field and the entity positions are refined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Université Laval
    Inventors: Dragan Tubic, Patrick Hébert, Denis Laurendeau
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MICRO-MACHINING A SURFACE
    Publication number: 20090017732
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for micro-machining a surface of a workpiece having a complex surface profile including desired profile features and finer undesired profile features to be removed, including shaping a formable polishing tool using either the workpiece itself or a replica of the workpiece to have at least said desired profile features, and using said formable polishing tool to micro-machine said surface to remove said finer undesired profile features while maintaining said desired profile features. The formable polishing tool can be shaped to have at least said desired profile features by pressing the formable polishing tool against either the workpiece itself or the replica of the workpiece when the formable polishing tool is in a formable state, and the formable polishing tool can be used for micro-machining when the formable polishing tool is in a solid state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE LAVAL
    Inventors: Alain Curodeau, Louis Brault, Julie Guay
  • Corneal implant and uses thereof
    Patent number: 7476398
    Abstract: A membrane for corneal implant or keratoprosthesis comprising a biological polymer and a polyacrylamide is described. The mixture of both polymers produces a hydrogel that becomes a transparent film or membrane upon drying. The resulting device and tissue engineered implants are useful for biomedical applications of the cornea, such as tissue repair and transplantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Charles J. Doillon, May Griffith, Fengfu Li, Shigeto Shimmura
  • Method and Devices for Generating Stable and Tunable Light Pulses
    Publication number: 20080225383
    Abstract: Methods and devices for generating stable, tunable and intense output light pulses are provided. A primary beam of light pulses is used to form a filament in an interaction zone. A secondary bean of light pulses is superposed with the filament and interacts therewith to generate the output light pulses. The parameters of the primary and secondary beams in the interaction zone can be controlled to obtain targeted optical characteristics of the output pulses. Multiple secondary beaus may also be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE LAVAL
    Inventors: Francis Theberge, See Leang Chin
  • Methods for inhibiting activity of polyamine transporters
    Patent number: 7425579
    Abstract: A method for inhibiting the activity of a natural polyamine transporter comprising the step of contacting the transporter with an inhibitorily effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or (II): wherein L is a linker; R1=H, methyl, ethyl or propyl; R2=H or methyl; 0<x<3; 0<y<3; 2<v<5; and 2<w<8. Such a method is particularly useful for treating disorders involving the control of polyamine transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Richard Poulin, Marie Audette, René Charest-Gaudreault
  • Nicotinic Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases
    Publication number: 20080221085
    Abstract: Nicotine receptor agonists or analogs or derivatives thereof for treating inflammatory pulmonary diseases, and pharmaceutical compositions including nicotine receptor agonists or analogs or derivatives thereof. Compounds of formula wherein R1, R2, Xa and Ya are as defined herein are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Yvon Cormier, Evelyne Israel-Assayag, Marie-Renee Blanchet, Rene C. Gaudreault, Philippe Labrie
  • Conjugated linolenic acids and methods of preparation and purification and uses thereof
    Patent number: 7417159
    Abstract: This invention relates to a new conjugated linoleic acids, a process for preparation thereof and method of use. Thus this invention is concerned with the preparation and purification of conjugated linoleic acids from materials rich in alpha or gamma linoleic acids. The reaction produces a mixture containing a 1:1 ratio of 9Z, 11E, 15Z-octadecatrienoic acid and 9Z, 13E, 15Z-octadecatrieonic acid. The mixture can be purified up to 90% by liquid chromatography, crystallization or urea crystallization. The mixture of 1:1 9Z, 11E, 15Z-octadecatrienoic acid and 9Z, 13E, 15E, 15Z-octadecatrienoic acid have anticancerous activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Juan-Miguel Garro Galvez, Paul Angers, Sandie Briand
  • Method For Extracting Lipids From Biological Solutions
    Publication number: 20080171118
    Abstract: Bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) was used to separate lipids from biological solutions. The lipids are separated from animal as well as vegetable solutions. Particularly, bipolar membrane precipitates high levels of lipids from a biological solution. The BMED single step process improves significantly lipid precipitation rates in several biological solutions of different natures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE LAVAL
    Inventors: Laurent Bazinet, Fabrice Lin Teng Shee, Paul Angers, Wassef Ben Ounis
  • INACTIVATION OF FOOD SPOILAGE AND PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS BY DYNAMIC HIGH PRESSURE
    Publication number: 20080152775
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process using dynamic high-pressure for inactivation of food pathogens. Liquid food are treated by dynamic-high-pressure at 1 to 5 kbars with at least one recirculation depending on the needs. The pasteurization process is performed at relatively cold temperature ranging from 4° C. to 55° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE LAVAL
    Inventors: Paul Paquin, Jocelyne Giasson, Jean-Francois Vachon, Ismail Fliss
  • Obesity Markers And Uses Thereof
    Publication number: 20080153084
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identification of a nucleotide substitution in the gene encoding for the neuromedin- or quantifying its levels of mRNA, to allow the determination of the susceptibility or predisposition of a patient to obesity, or to disinhibition or susceptibility to hunger. Determination of the susceptibility or predisposition to obesity or to hunger disinhibition can alternatively be determined by the identification of an amino acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Louis Perusse, Luigi Bouchard
  • METHOD OF ISOLATING CELLS FROM UMBILICAL CORD
    Publication number: 20080102522
    Abstract: The present invention relates a method for isolating four cell types from a single umbilical cord as pure cultures. These cell lines (epithelial cells, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells) can be characterised and utilised in experimental models and for therapeutic purposes. Particularly, the umbilical cells isolated herein are used to form a tissue replacement or engineered living composition. Also, the isolated umbilical cells of the invention may have the potential of progenitor cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE LAVAL
    Inventors: Francois AUGER, Lucie GERMAIN, Murielle REMY-ZOLGHADRI, Cindy HAYWARD
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPATIALLY MODULATED ELECTRIC FIELD GENERATION AND ELECTRO-OPTICAL TUNING USING LIQUID CRYSTALS
    Publication number: 20070229754
    Abstract: A variable optical device for controlling the propagation of light has a liquid crystal layer (1), electrodes (4) arranged to generate an electric field acting on the liquid crystal layer, and an electric field modulation layer (3,71) arranged between the electrodes and adjacent the liquid crystal layer for spatially modulating said electric field in a manner to control the propagation of light passing through said optical device. The electric field modulation layer has either an optical index of refraction that is essentially spatially uniform, or a polar liquid or gel, or a very high low frequency dielectric constant material having a dielectric constant greater than 20, and preferably greater than 1000.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE LAVAL
    Inventors: Tigran GALSTIAN, Vladimir PRESNIAKOV, Karen ASATRYAN
  • S100 Protein Inhibitors for Treating Leukemia
    Publication number: 20070231317
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds, composition and method for reducing or inhibiting the differentiation or development of progenitor blood cells into leukemia cells, Particularly, the invention describes the use of inhibitors of S100 proteins, including myeloid related proteins (MRP). Inhibition of the activity or synthesis of S100 proteins results in the reduction or inhibition of the production or proliferation of leukemia cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE LAVAL
    Inventors: Philippe Tessier, Karen Vandal, Pascal Rouleau, Carle Ryckman
  • Plant-growing system having an aerator
    Patent number: 7249440
    Abstract: A container for aeration of a substrate supporting a plant with the substrate being received in a cavity of the container so as to bury a device positioned in the cavity such that gas can be supplied from the device to the substrate. The device comprises a body having a peripheral wall defining an inner cavity. The peripheral wall has a portion permeable to gas such that a gas can flow therethrough from the inner cavity of the body to an exterior of the device. A gas permeability of the body decreases as a function of a vertical orientation of the body. The body has an inlet adapted to receive a gas to fill the inner cavity. The device is buried in a predetermined position with respect to the vertical orientation, such that greater amounts of gas can be supplied to the substrate relatively to a depth of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventor: Jean Caron
  • Device for tailoring the chromatic dispersion of a light signal
    Patent number: 7251396
    Abstract: A device for tailoring the chromatic dispersion of a multi-channel light signal is proposed. The device includes at least two waveguides coupled in a cascade, each provided with a spatially distributed optical filter. The group delay response of the filters is designed so that the group delay of each channel of the light signal can be tuned independently of the others, and an appropriate tuning mechanism is provided for this purpose. The device may advantageously be used as a flexible dispersion compensator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Sophie Larochelle, Serge Doucet