Patents Assigned to University of Alaska
  • Patent number: 9715369
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for estimating environmental conditions. An example method can comprise determining location information associated with a vehicle and determining status information indicative of time periods when one or more vehicle accessories are engaged. An example method can also comprise providing the location information and the status information to a device configured to estimate environmental conditions based on the location information and the status information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: University of Alaska Anchorage
    Inventors: Timothy Menard, Jeffrey Miller, John Andrew Lund
  • Patent number: 9636134
    Abstract: A vibrational assembly for operative coupling to a surgical cutting element. The vibrational assembly receives a portion of the surgical cutting element and imparts vibration to the surgical cutting element within a single plane. In combination, the vibrational assembly and the surgical cutting element form a surgical cutting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: University of Alaska Anchorage
    Inventor: Samuel Werner
  • Patent number: 9436784
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems of rapidly validating accuracy in particle cloud forecast transport and dispersion models. An example method can comprise accessing a forecast model of a volcanic ash cloud. An example method can comprise generating first data based at least on the forecast model. The first data can have at least one fewer spatial dimension than second data associated with the forecast model. An example method can comprise determining accuracy of the forecast model based at least on measurements of at least a portion of the volcanic ash cloud. An example method can comprise refining the forecast model based at least on the determined accuracy, thereby improving a representation of the volcanic ash cloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: University of Alaska Fairbanks
    Inventors: Keith W. Cunningham, Peter Webley
  • Patent number: 9421596
    Abstract: Bending instruments for selectively applying a bending force to a rod or rod-like element, such as for example and without limitation, a surgical rod. Exemplary bending instruments include a first handle, a second handle, and a gear assembly. Pivotal movement of the second handle relative to the first handle effects a corresponding movement of the gear assembly components to thereby effect bending of the rod or rod-like element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: University of Alaska Anchorage
    Inventors: Anthony James Paris, Shawn Wooten, Paul Harren, Wesley Burgess
  • Patent number: 9310246
    Abstract: Provided are methods, circuits and apparatuses for detecting pressure variations. The circuit can comprise at least two pressure sensors electrically coupled in parallel. At least one pressure sensor can have a differential input and a differential output. The circuit can also comprise a first switching mechanism electrically coupled to the differential input of the at least one pressure sensor. The first switching mechanism can be configured to electrically couple a first current source to the at least one pressure sensor according to a first reference signal. The circuit can also comprise a second switching mechanism electrically coupled to the differential output of the at least one pressure sensor. The second switching mechanism can be configured to electrically couple a second current source to the at least one pressure sensor according to a second reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: University of Alaska Fairbanks
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Rothman
  • Patent number: 9257036
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for managing sensor information are disclosed. An example apparatus can comprise a power unit configured to collect energy, a sensor unit configured to receive sensor data from a sensor, a memory unit configured to store the sensor data, a communication unit configured to wirelessly broadcast the sensor data to one or more sensor nodes in a network of sensor nodes, and a processing unit. The processing unit can be configured to operate at least one of the sensor unit, the memory unit, and the communication unit after the energy collected in the power unit reaches a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: University of Alaska Anchorage
    Inventors: John Lund, Todd Petersen
  • Patent number: 9133488
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic methods and compounds related to the compounds that are useful as or in the production of biologically active compounds. Stereoselective and stereospecific synthetic methods are disclosed to produce compounds, such as, for example, ?,?-unsaturated-?-hydroxyesters and aminated derivatives thereof, at high yields with desired stereochemistry. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: University of Alaska Fairbanks
    Inventors: Thomas K. Green, Zhipeng Dai
  • Publication number: 20150238513
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for inducing therapeutic hypothermia in a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: University of Alaska Fairbanks
    Inventors: Kelly Drew, Tulasi Jinka, Lori Bogren, Isaac Bailey, Zachary Carlson, Jasmine Olson
  • Patent number: 9003859
    Abstract: A bending instrument is disclosed having first and second lever assemblies. The first lever assembly has a first lever and a first bending member, and the second lever assembly has a second lever that is configured for pivotal motion relative to the first lever. The bending instrument also has a gear assembly that is rotatively coupled to a distal portion of the first lever and which defines a lobe on which a second bending member is mounted. The second bending member of the gear assembly is configured to be angularly rotated upon the pivotal rotation of the second lever relative to the first lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: University of Alaska Anchorage
    Inventors: Anthony James Paris, Gan Wu, Brian Patrick Glasheen Jr., Jacob Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140260646
    Abstract: Provided are methods, circuits and apparatuses for detecting pressure variations. The circuit can comprise at least two pressure sensors electrically coupled in parallel. At least one pressure sensor can have a differential input and a differential output. The circuit can also comprise a first switching mechanism electrically coupled to the differential input of the at least one pressure sensor. The first switching mechanism can be configured to electrically couple a first current source to the at least one pressure sensor according to a first reference signal. The circuit can also comprise a second switching mechanism electrically coupled to the differential output of the at least one pressure sensor. The second switching mechanism can be configured to electrically couple a second current source to the at least one pressure sensor according to a second reference signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: University of Alaska Fairbanks
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Rothman
  • Patent number: 8833682
    Abstract: A water-powered fish carcass disposal system that floats in a body of water, grinds fish carcasses into pieces having a desired size, and returns the pieces of the ground fish carcasses into the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: University of Alaska Anchorage
    Inventor: Alexandra Elizabeth West
  • Publication number: 20140188010
    Abstract: Mouth guards and related systems and methods for determining linear and angular accelerations of the head of a subject. A plurality of accelerometers are operatively associated with the mouth guard and spaced from one another about the mouth guard. The accelerometers produce outputs indicative of the linear and angular acceleration of the mouth guard. Optionally, the mouth guard can be used in conjunction with a helmet that is provided with a plurality of accelerometers spaced about the helmet. In use, the outputs of the accelerometers of the helmet can be correlated to the outputs of the accelerometers of the mouth guard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: University of Alaska Anchorage
    Inventors: Anthony J. Paris, Jens Munk
  • Publication number: 20140187875
    Abstract: Mouth guards having electrodes, sensors, and/or accelerometers for determining one or more physiological conditions of a subject. Processing circuitry receives the outputs of the electrodes, sensors, and/or accelerometers. Optionally, at least a portion of the processing circuitry can be positioned within a helmet that is worn by a subject. The mouth guard can optionally be tethered to the helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: University of Alaska Anchorage
    Inventors: Anthony J. Paris, Jennifer M. Brock, John A. Lund
  • Publication number: 20140069908
    Abstract: A system and method for heating concrete structures to either prevent the build-up of freezing precipitation or eliminate freezing precipitation on a top surface of the concrete structures. The system includes a heating assembly integrally formed with a concrete structure to apply thermal energy to the top surface of the concrete structure. Optionally, the heating assembly includes heating elements formed of carbon fiber tape. Following formation of the concrete structure, the heating assembly is configured for unified movement with the concrete structure. The system optionally includes a control assembly operatively coupled to the heating assembly. The control assembly selectively powers the heating assembly and can be configured for remote operation. In use, the control assembly can be selectively activated from a remote location to power the heating assembly and heat the concrete structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicants: University of Houston System, University of Alaska Achorage
    Inventors: Zhaohui Yang, Ting Yang, Gangbing Song, Mithun Singla, Christiana Chang
  • Publication number: 20130342355
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for managing sensor information are disclosed. An example apparatus can comprise a power unit configured to collect energy, a sensor unit configured to receive sensor data from a sensor, a memory unit configured to store the sensor data, a communication unit configured to wirelessly broadcast the sensor data to one or more sensor nodes in a network of sensor nodes, and a processing unit. The processing unit can be configured to operate at least one of the sensor unit, the memory unit, and the communication unit after the energy collected in the power unit reaches a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: University of Alaska Anchorage
    Inventors: John Lund, Todd Petersen
  • Patent number: 8554816
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein describe the construction of frequency domain estimates of generalized power density and the filters that can be constructed from those estimates. Using the concept of the Stokes vector representation of the spectral matrix in an M-dimensional vector space, a generalization of the process in which the spectral matrix may be represented by a set of trace-orthogonal matrices that are based upon a particular signal state can be produced. One aspect of the process is as follows: given a particular signal, represented as by a state vector in the space, a complete, orthonormal set of vectors can be produced that includes the signal of interest. Then, a generalized set of matrices is constructed, based upon the developed vectors, that are trace-orthogonal and which serve as a basis set for the expansion of the spectral matrix. The coefficients of this expansion form a generalized Stokes vector that represents the power in the spectral matrix associated with the various state vectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: University of Alaska Fairbanks
    Inventor: John V. Olson
  • Patent number: 8548177
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided herein for signal source tracking. A signal emitted over time from a moving source is a collection of small sub-signals that were emitted by the source at different positions along its path. If the source is traveling at a slower speed than the signal, the sub-signals will arrive at a given sensor in the same order that they were released. By identifying the locations and times of the releases of several of these sub-signals, the path and velocity of the moving source can be estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: University of Alaska Fairbanks
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Arnoult, Jr., Curt A. L. Szuberla, John V. Olson
  • Patent number: 7991225
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for dynamic color equalization that can be used for image viewer applications. The methods and systems described involve linking enhancement parameters to a changing viewport. When a large image is being viewed, only a portion of the image can fit in a viewer window at a time. A viewport can be defined as the portion of image data that is displayed on a screen. Scrolling or zooming the image can be described as moving the viewport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: University of Alaska
    Inventor: Daniel Stahlke
  • Patent number: 7986816
    Abstract: Methods and systems for multiple factor authentication combining eye tracking hardware with iris scanning. The resulting multiple factor authentication is a highly secure and highly accurate authentication procedure. Iris scanning provides excellent identification and eye tracking provides the information that the iris is live and provides identification capabilities based on the eye movement itself while enabling gaze-based password entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: University of Alaska
    Inventors: Bogdan Hoanca, Kenrick Mock
  • Patent number: 7883400
    Abstract: A pin bone removal device that provides a plurality of fixed members arranged substantially in side-by-side orientation. The invention also comprises a plurality of moveable members also substantially arranged in a side-by-side orientation. In one aspect, the fixed members and moveable members collectively form a stack of members in which a moveable member is positioned adjacent each fixed member. In this aspect, a linear drive is operatively connected to each of the moveable members and is configured to cause oscillating movement of each moveable member to cause the moveable members to contact the adjacent fixed member. This movement causes pinch points to be created and released between the fixed and moveable members. As the fillet of fish is moved along the stack of members, the pin bones are caught at each pinch point and then released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: University of Alaska
    Inventor: Gregory Kenneth Shipman