Patents Assigned to Universite Laval
  • Patent number: 6180940
    Abstract: By adjusting a state of circular polarization of a laser beam, a rate of rotation in micro objects rotated by angular momentum imparted from the light is controlled. The light has greatest effect on anisotropic transparent micro objects. A micro mixer using anisotropic micro probe objects can also be provided by using the light to control rotation of the probe objects in a suspension or solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventor: Tigran Galstian
  • Patent number: 6162638
    Abstract: Attenuated strains of Leishmania are provided in which at least one gene contributing to virulence of the strain and expressed in both the promastigote and amastigote forms of the strain is functionally disabled, such as, by deleting at least a portion of the gene or by mutagenesis of the gene. The attenuated strain may be used for administration to a host to confer protection against disease caused by a virulent Leishmania strain or as a diagnostic reagent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Barbara Papadopoulou, Marc Ouellette, Martin Olivier
  • Patent number: 6083496
    Abstract: Described herein are novel specific, pure competitive inhibitors of natural polyamine transport in mammalian cells. Despite their low molecular weight, the inhibitors of the present invention stay virtually impermeant to the cell and display minor non-specific effects while exhibiting a very high affinity for the carrier. More specifically described are synthetic derivatives of original polyamines, wherein the original polyamine is modified to comprise an amido group immediately linked to the polyamine backbone. A side chain may be anchored to the amido group and provide for the formation of dimeric synthetic derivatives or its labelling and subsequent usage as a marker for the polyamine transporter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Richard Poulin, Marie Audette, Rene Charest-Gaudreault
  • Patent number: 6069128
    Abstract: The present invention relates to membrane-permeable peptides which are intracellular agonists and/or antagonists of chemotactic factor receptors rendered hydrophobic through acylation and acetoxymethylation of their amine and acid functional groups. The modified peptides of the present invention are loaded into cells. The acetoxymethyl esters are cleaved by non-specific esterases rendering the peptides active in the intracellular compartments of the cells. The effects of the introduction of transformed specific peptides corresponding to intracellular regions common to the major chemokine receptors are illustrated. These peptides completely inhibited chemotactic factor and chemokine-induced calcium mobilization. Furthermore, leukocytes of mice intravenously injected with these peptides failed to migrate towards chemokines(IL-8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Paul H. Naccache, Bassam B. Damaj, Shaun R. McColl
  • Patent number: 6055799
    Abstract: An intense forage conditioning machine includes: a mower, either a cutter bar or disks, perpendicular to the direction of travel for cutting fresh forage off the ground to leave a stubble; a conveying unit to move the cut forage; a macerating unit composed of a series of grooved rolls rotating at different speeds to severely condition the conveyed cut forage; and a double track pressing unit to compress the macerated forage and to deposit the resulting thin mat on the stubble. The macerating unit can be used without the tracks and can comprise only three rollers arranged to form two nips. The rollers can be grooved and can rotate at different speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Universite Laval & Agriculture et Agro-Alimentaire Canada
    Inventors: Philipe Savoie, Jacques Lajoie
  • Patent number: 6037586
    Abstract: The apparatus and the method are for separating pulsed ions by mass as the pulsed ions are guided along a course. Each of the pulsed ions has a mass m within a range m.sub.min to m.sub.max, a speed v and substantially a same energy E, where E=1/2mv.sup.2. The pulsed ions pass a point P at a time T0. The apparatus comprises a guiding device for guiding pulsed ions along a closed circuit path; an insertion device having an insertion input for receiving ions, an insertion output for inserting ions deflected from the insertion input into the closed circuit path and a control gate for either activating or deactivating the insertion device; an extraction device having an extraction input for receiving ions guided along the closed circuit path, an extraction output for extracting ions out of the closed circuit path and a control gate for either activating or deactivating the extraction device; and a controller for controlling operation of the insertion and extraction devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventor: Marcel Baril
  • Patent number: 6022115
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an optical system for measurement of a three dimensional device. The optical system is designed and configured to meet telecentric and f-.theta. requirements. The system employs primary and secondary mirrors operating in conjunction with a tertiary deflector mounted on a pivot. Light from a light source produces a beam which is deflected off the deflector and the secondary and primary reflectors respectively. The beam is then transmitted to the surface of the object to be measured. Deflection of the tertiary deflector on the pivot results in scanning of the light beam across the surface of the object to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Ermanno Borra, Simon Thibault, Stan Szapiel
  • Patent number: 6017504
    Abstract: Perovskite-type structure compounds having the general empirical formula ABO.sub.3 are prepared by a process comprising subjecting a mixture of starting powders formulated to contain the components represented by A and B in the formula to a high energy milling sufficient to induce chemical reaction of the components and thereby synthesize a mechanically-alloyed powder comprising the perovskite in the form of nanostructural particles. The process according to the present invention is simple, efficient, not expensive and does not require any heating step for producing a perovskite that may easily show a very high specific surface area. Another advantage is that the perovskite obtained according to the present invention also has a high density of lattice defects thereby showing a higher catalytic activity, a characteristic which is highly desirable in their eventual application as catalysts and electronic conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Serge Kaliaguine, Andre Van Neste
  • Patent number: 6008757
    Abstract: An extendible surveying probe comprises two collinear position detecting units that allow the probe to be used in an inclined position for accessing vertically inaccessible points with a tip thereof. The two position detecting units may consist of two GPS or GLONASS units used in association with another GPS or GLONASS unit installed on a known point or, alternatively, of two corner cubes used in association with a ground total station. The position detecting units provide spatial coordinates of two spaced-apart collinear points which may be used to extrapolate the coordinates of the point in contact with the tip of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Michel Boulianne, Rock Santerre
  • Patent number: 5989914
    Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA constructs provided to improve transgenesis or genomic integration of DNA fragment of interest into nuclear DNA of eukaryotic cell. The DNA constructs of the present invention allow a more efficient procedure by increasing the rate of genomic integration of a DNA fragment. After integration into host cell's DNA, the DNA constructs may provide a mean of screening transgenic cells. An increasing integration means, as well as a method for screening transgenic cells with said DNA construct are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Marc Gagne, Marc-Andre Sirard, Fran.cedilla.ois Pothier
  • Patent number: 5990385
    Abstract: This invention is directed to characterizing a host system suitable for the production of functional transgenic proteins, such as anti-human IgG, for use in applications requiring Government regulatory approval. It is well known that regulatory agencies required stable, consistent master cell banks and master cell lines for the production of transgenic proteins in order to ensure sufficient material for appropriate characterization, clinical trials, and potential sales. Current plant production systems require the establishment of seed banks for this purpose. However, there are many draw backs related to such a system for the production of a continuous reliable transgenic protein source. An aspect of this invention is directed to characterizing a plant production system suitable for transgenic proteins that meet the stringent regulatory requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignees: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Canadian Red Cross Society, Universite Laval
    Inventors: Louis-P. Vezina, Serge Laberge, Renee Bazin, Habib Khoudi, Real Lemieux, Guy Allard
  • Patent number: 5981564
    Abstract: The invention relates to new paclitaxel derivatives showing an increased solubility in water. More particularly, the invention relates to glutarylpaclitaxel, glutarylpaclitaxel 6-aminohexanol glucuronide and to different amino acid derivatives of the glutarylpaclitaxel, all of which possess the cytotoxicity activity of the parent compound, paclitaxel. Also disclosed are fluorescent derivatives of paclitaxel for determining a concentration of paclitaxel in a medium or for detecting apoptotic cancer cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Michel Page, Renee Paradis, Cyrille Bicamumpaka
  • Patent number: 5966991
    Abstract: The invention provides a simple rugged two degree-of-freedom spherical orienting device applicable to point payloads such as cameras, mirrors, lasers, antennas and the like. A spherical five-bar mechanism with payload support is actuated by two rotary actuators fixed in position to a base. Advantages of the device include: the preserving of image horizon for cameras (in contrast to three degree-of-freedom devices); the ability to position the payload at the geometric center of rotation thereby reducing inertia; high stiffness enabling orientation of large loads and use of high angular velocities and accelerations; simplification of inverse kinematic computation; relatively large outward workspace (approximating a hemisphere) and large internal free space for payload orienting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Clement M. Gosselin, Fran.cedilla.ois Caron
  • Patent number: 5919127
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel oviductal catalase having a molecular weight of about 60 KDa and which binds to a spermatozoa membrane outer surface, wherein said catalase once bound to the spermatozoa membrane outer surface protects said spermatozoa against oxidation. A method of stabilizing spermatozoa membrane and improving spermatozoa survival during migration in oviduct and/or uterus for artificial insemination; which comprises coating spermatozoa with such a catalase enzyme. A method of improving spermatozoa survival during migration in oviduct and/or uterus in cases of female infertility due to the absence of endogenous catalase in the genital tract of the female subject; which comprises administering catalase in the female genital tract before coit or coating spermatozoa with a catalase enzyme for artificial insemination. Also provided herein are method of diagnostic of male or female infertility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Serge Lapointe, Marc-Andre Sirard
  • Patent number: 5876121
    Abstract: The temperature of an infrared radiation scattering medium which contains water, for example, biological tissue and paper, cement and clay substrates, is determined by exposing the medium to infrared radiation, measuring the reflected radiation scattered by the medium, comparing the reflected radiation with calibrated values, and evaluating the temperature of the medium from the comparison; the technique provides a means of non-invasive determination of temperature in biological tissue which has utility in medical diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignees: McGill University, Universite Laval
    Inventors: David H Burns, Frederic Series
  • Patent number: 5863984
    Abstract: Biomaterials like collagen can be designed for use as scaffolds for connective tissue reconstruction. It is known that proteins conjugated with PEGs exhibit a decrease in their biodegradation rate and their immunogenicity. Different concentrations and molecular weights of PEGs (PEG-750 and PEG-5000) were conjugated by chemical or irradiation means to collagen materials (films or sponges) which were then investigated by physicochemical assays, collagenase assay, fibroblast cell culture and subcutaneous implantation. PEG-conjugation delayed the degradation by collagenase and preserved a normal fibroblasts morphology and confluency in culture. In vivo, the porous structure of non-modified sponges was collapsed by day 15 with few observable fibroblasts between the collagen fibers. In PEG-modified collagen sponges, the porous structure remained stable for at least 30 days. Cell infiltration was particularly enhanced in PEG-750-conjugated collagen sponges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Universite Laval, Cite Universitaire
    Inventors: Charles J. Doillon, Krystina Pietrucha, Rene C. Gaudreault
  • Patent number: 5862845
    Abstract: A method of processing lignocellulosic material comprises the steps of (a) generating a pulsed laser beam consisting of a train of laser pulses, each laser pulse having a duration less than 1.times.10.sup.-9 sec. and a peak intensity of at least 1.times.10.sup.11 w/cm.sup.2 ; and (b) directing the laser beam generated in step (a) onto a surface of the lignocellulosic material to cause ionization and fragmentation of macro-molecules thereof. The method of the invention enables one to cut, carve and/or sand the surface of lignocellulosic material without, burning same or damaging the cells of the lignocellulosic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: See Leang Chin, Nader Naderi, Simon Lagace
  • Patent number: 5834200
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining predisposition to low or high bone mineral density and to development of osteoporosis of a patient, which comprises determining estrogen receptor polymorphism in linkage disequilibrium in a biological sample of said patient, wherein heterozygosity is associated with high bone density and homozygosity is associated with low bone density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Universite Laval, Cite Universitaire
    Inventor: Fran.cedilla.ois Rousseau
  • Patent number: 5833978
    Abstract: A method of pretreating healthy donor's myoblast cultures with growth or trophic factors like basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on transplantation to subjects suffering of recessive myopathy like muscular dystrophy is disclosed and claimed. Recipient muscles show a higher percentage of functional cells, demonstrated by the higher incidence of dystrophin-positive fibers, and does not require previous preconditioning of recipient muscles by irradiation or toxin administration. Donor mouse myoblasts expressing the reporter gene .beta.- galactosidase were grown with 100 ng/ml bFGF during the last two days before injecting them in the left tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of recipient MHC-compatible mdx mice, an experimental animal model of muscular dystrophy. Myoblasts from the same primary cultures were also grown without bFGF and injected in the right TA muscles as control. The recipient mice were immunosuppressed with FK 506. Twenty-eight days after myoblast transplantation, the percentage of .beta.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventor: Jacques P. Tremblay
  • Patent number: 5789174
    Abstract: The present invention relates to probes and primers for the detection of periodontal pathogens such as Bacteroides forsythus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Prevotella nigrescens. As well, the invention relates to rapid and sensitive methods for the detection and identification of periodontal pathogens from an oral sample taken from a patient. Diagnostic kits for the detection and identification of periodontal pathogens in an oral sample from a patient, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Christian Mouton, Emmanuelle Guillot, Christian Menard