Patents Assigned to University of Cape Town
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Patent number: 10524807Abstract: An accessory is provided for use in the conduct of patella reconstruction surgery. The accessory comprises an elongate datum limb for abutment in use with the superior pole of a patella preferably through the skin. An elongate guide limb for abutment by a side edge of a patella extends transversely relative to the datum limb has guide holes passing through it or an insert carried by it at positions selected to direct a drill or other surgical tool at an edge of the patella to enable holes or tunnels to be formed in the patella at required positions for the attachment or reception of reconstructive ligaments to the patella. Attachment limbs enable the accessory to be secured in an operative position relative to a patella. There may be slots formed by anchor bars integral with the guide limb and attachment limb to strap the accessory to a patient's knee.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2016Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignees: University of Cape TownInventors: Sarthak Patnaik, Sudesh Sivarasu
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Patent number: 10454126Abstract: A clamp assembly for securing a fuel cell stack arrangement in a compressed condition. The stack includes an electrode assembly interposed between upper and lower current collectors, supportable between upper and lower endpiate structures. It comprises at least one rigid clamping device comprising spaced apart transversely disposed elongate clamp members for engaging outer surfaces of the upper and lower endplates respectively along peripheral edges, the clamp members being interposed by vertically disposed support members having a length greater than the height of the stack in a compressed condition thereof. The endpiate structures define docking formations along peripheral edges for engaging the damp members under compression of the stack. The docking formations define spaces between the endpiate structures and the compressing means within which the clamp members are receivable during compression.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2014Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWNInventor: Shiro Tanaka
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Patent number: 10403916Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the condition of an electricity-producing cell such as a fuel cell is disclosed. A signal is injected into an electricity-producing cell, a voltage and/or current response is measured, and the impedance response of the electricity-producing cell is calculated using the injected signal and the response. The injected signal is a broadband signal that includes a plurality of superimposed waveforms at different frequency set points across a frequency range. The distribution of the waveform frequency set points is linear at either or both of a lower portion and an upper portion of the frequency range, and is logarithmic at a mid-range of the frequency range. The response at each of the frequency set points are simultaneously obtained and the impedance response across the frequency range is calculated and used to determine a condition of the electricity-producing cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: University of Cape TownInventor: Chris De Beer
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Publication number: 20190249228Abstract: This invention relates to a prognostic method for determining the risk of an asymptomatic human subject with latent tuberculosis (TB) infection or apparent latent TB infection and/or after suspected exposure to TB progressing to active tuberculosis disease comprising the steps of quantifying and computationally analysing relative abundances of a collection of pairs of gene products (“TB biomarkers”) derived from a sample obtained from the subject. The invention further relates to a collection of TB biomarkers that generates a transcriptomic signature of risk for prediction of the likelihood of an asymptomatic human subject with latent TB infection and/or after suspected exposure to TB progressing to active tuberculosis disease. Furthermore, a kit comprising gene-specific primers or oligonucleotide probes for the detection of pairs of TB biomarkers that generates a prognostic signature of risk for use with the method of the invention is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2016Publication date: August 15, 2019Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN, CENTER FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCHInventors: Adam Garth PENN-NICHOLSON, Thomas Jens SCRIBA, Alan Arnold ADEREM, Daniel Edward ZAK, Ethan Greene THOMPSON, Willem Albert HANEKOM
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Publication number: 20190245215Abstract: A method of coating a membrane having a first side and an opposite second side and carried with its second side adhering to a backer film is provided. The method includes coating the first side of the membrane with a catalyst ink or slurry with the second side adhering to the backer film and curing the coating on the first side. The backer film is then removed to expose the second side of the membrane which is fed onto a vacuum conveyor with the coated first side facing the conveyor. The second side of the membrane is then coated with a catalyst ink or slurry and the coating on the second side cured after which the membrane is removed from the vacuum conveyor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2017Publication date: August 8, 2019Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWNInventors: Duarte Rui SOUSA, Nabeel HUSSAIN
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Publication number: 20190234827Abstract: A method of estimating characteristics of new leaks that have formed in an isolated section of a water distribution system that is supplied through a pressure reducing valve is provided. The pressure reducing valve is used to vary the pressure in the isolated section of the system to at least two different pressure settings during a minimum night flow period at which the measured pressure and flow rate into the system are taken at each pressure setting. The leak characteristics are estimated by subtracting an estimated user consumption from the measured flow rate in each instance. The same measurements are repeated one or more days later. The estimated leak characteristics derived on a later date are compared with those derived on an earlier date to establish a difference in the estimated leak characteristics to determine if there is a new leak or leaks in the isolated section of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2017Publication date: August 1, 2019Applicant: University of Cape TownInventor: Jakobus Ernst VAN ZYL
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Patent number: 10304241Abstract: A method and system for synthesising a terrain are provided. The method includes: providing access to multiple exemplar terrain templates and generating a working terrain image with target terrain dimensions and an associated working terrain height image. Generating the working terrain image includes sampling a plurality of the exemplar terrain templates for addition of the templates to the working terrain image, and performing image synthesis to improve the working terrain image including height matching the exemplar terrain samples. The method enables control of modification of the working terrain image by applying user-defined constraints to modify the synthesised terrain. The method outputs the working terrain image as a synthesised terrain in the form of a height-field.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: University of Cape TownInventors: James Edward Gain, Bruce Charles Merry, Patrick Craig Marais
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Publication number: 20190136246Abstract: This invention relates to a second generation, plant-produced synthetic Orbivirus candidate vaccine. The vaccine comprises a plant produced chimaeric Orbivirus virus like particle (VLP) comprising at least one structural protein from one Orbivirus serotype and at least one structural protein selected from another serotype of the Orbivirus, wherein both structural capsid proteins are from the same Orbivirus species. In particular the invention relates to a vaccine against an Orbivirus, a method of producing chimaeric Orbivirus virus-like particles (VLPs) for use in a method of prevention and/or treatment of an Orbivirus infection, the use of the chimaeric Orbivirus VLPs in the manufacture of a vaccine for an Orbivirus, and a method of preventing and/or treating an Orbivirus infection.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2017Publication date: May 9, 2019Applicants: CSIR, UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN, ONDERSTEPOORT BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS SOC LTDInventors: Albertha René VAN ZYL, Ann Elizabeth MEYERS, Daria Anna RUTKOWSKA, Edward Peter RYBICKI, Hester Catharina STARK, Martha Magaretha O'KENNEDY, Nobalanda Betty MOKOENA
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Patent number: 10256492Abstract: The invention describes a membrane electrode assembly for use as a transport layer in polymer electrolyte fuel cells, the assembly comprising a porous metal gas diffusion layer (GDL) (20) and a catalyst layer (40) with a microporous layer (MPL) (30) interposed between them, the MPL (30) being constructed to fill the pores of the GDL (20) and coat the surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: University of Cape TownInventors: Shiro Tanaka, Nabeel Hussain
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Patent number: 10246500Abstract: The technology provided herein relates to novel human cytolytic fusion proteins (hCFPs) suitable to induce apoptosis in human cells comprising a target cell-specific binding component and a human effector domain, wherein the binding component comprises an antibody or an antibody fragment with an antigen-binding site for binding to the cellular surface receptor CD64 and the effector domain comprises a variant of wild type human angiogenin (Ang) or a functional fragment thereof; to nucleic acid molecules encoding said recombinant hCFPs, vectors and host cells containing said nucleic acids and methods for preparation and producing these hCFPs.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: The University of Cape TownInventors: Stefan Barth, Thomas Nachreiner, Christian Cremer
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Patent number: 10220033Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a compound and methods for inhibiting karyopherin beta 1 activity by administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a substituted benzoxazepine. The compound of Formula II, 9-[(1-methylpiperidin-3-yl)methoxy]-4-[(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)methyl]-7-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)-3,5-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazepine or one of its salts, inhibits the import of protein and transcription factors, such as NFAT and P65/NFKB into the nucleus of a cell, and thus has anti-cancer effects enabling the compound to be used for cancer treatment.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2018Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignees: University of Cape Town, University of Louisville Research Foundation Inc.Inventors: Virna Drucille Leaner, Pauline Janet Van Der Watt, John Olaf Trent
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Patent number: 10214495Abstract: The present invention is related to a use of aminopyrazine derivatives in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing or treating malaria. Specifically, the present invention is related to aminopyrazine derivatives useful for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation for the inhibition of malaria parasite proliferation.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2016Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: University of Cape TownInventors: David Waterson, Michael John Witty, Kelly Chibale, Leslie Street, Diego Gonzalez Cabrera, Tanya Paquet
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Patent number: 10164434Abstract: Systems and methods for injecting power into or extracting power out of a power network are provided. In a method, Thevenin parameters, in the form of at least a Thevenin voltage and a Thevenin resistance, of an equivalent Thevenin circuit are obtained with respect to each wire of the PCC. A total Thevenin power for all the wires is obtained, based on a specific amount of power at the PCC and the obtained Thevenin parameters. The method calculates an optimal current to be injected into or extracted from the PCC so as to inject or extract a specific amount of power. The calculation is based on the total Thevenin power and the Thevenin parameters. The method controls an injection or extraction of current at the PCC in accordance with the optimal current.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWNInventors: Michel Malengret, Charles Trevor Gaunt
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Publication number: 20180356419Abstract: The present application relates generally to biomarkers for tuberculosis (TB) infection and disease and methods of detection thereof. In various embodiments, the invention relates to one or more biomarkers, biomarker panels, methods, devices, reagents, systems, and kits for detecting and/or characterizing TB infection and/or disease.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2016Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicants: SOMALOGIC, INC., UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN, SEATTLE BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE D/B/A THE CENTER FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCHInventors: Thomas HRAHA, David STERLING, Urs A. OCHSNER, Nebojsa JANJIC, Thomas Jens SCRIBA, Adam Garth PENN-NICHOLSON, Willem Albert HANEKOM, Daniel Edward ZAK, Ethan Greene THOMPSON
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Publication number: 20180299067Abstract: A pressure vessel (100) is provided which includes a tubular body (101) constructed from a composite material. A pair of end caps (103, 105) are adhesively secured to opposite ends (107, 09) of the body (101). A flexible, fluid impervious lining (111) is provided internally of the body (101). The flexible, fluid impervious lining (111) is formed from a thin coating applied to the body so that the pressure vessel (100) is sufficiently lightweight.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2016Publication date: October 18, 2018Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWNInventors: Stuart Graves SWAN, Arnaud George MALAN
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Patent number: 10086050Abstract: The present invention relates to Surfactant Protein D (SP-D) or nucleic acids encoding SP-D or variants thereof such as surfactant protein A or mannan binding lectin for use in the treatment and/or prevention of a parasitic infection. Methods for determining the presence of a parasitic infection by determining levels of SP-D in a sample are also disclosed. Also disclosed are helminths for treating allergy, inflammation or infection.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignees: University of Southampton, University of Cape TownInventors: Howard William Clark, William Horsnell
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Patent number: 10082561Abstract: A symbiotic radar and communication system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of base stations in communication with a wider communication network, each base station being configured to transmit and receive communication signals to and from a plurality of user terminals. The system performs communication data processing and radar data processing on received signals so that target object reflections contained therein can be resolved. Preferably, initial radar data processing is performed at each base station which embeds time and position information into the data and communicates it to a central radar server, the central server combining the received data from several of the base stations into a single range resolution profile.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2014Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWNInventors: Alan Wilson-Langman, Michael Raymond Inggs, Amit Kumar Mishra
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Patent number: 10018700Abstract: A method for correcting for main magnetic field (B0) inhomogeneity in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner is disclosed. The method includes applying a first and a second three-dimensional volumetric navigator after an acquisition of a volume in a scanning sequence and before the next volume is acquired. From a resultant pair of navigator images, a magnetic field map is obtained by complex division of the pair of navigator images, and the field map is used to determine parameters to adjust the MRI scanner to compensate for B0 inhomogeneity. The navigators may excite only a portion of an entire object to be imaged, so that adjustment of the MR scanner can be done slice-by-slice or slab-by-slab. Motion correction can also be implemented by comparing the first navigator to a stored reference image and updating for motion before acquisition of the next volume in the scanning sequence.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignees: University of Cape Town, The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Alqadafi Ali Alhamud, Ernesta Maria Meintjes, Andre Jan Willem Van Der Kouwe
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Publication number: 20180184940Abstract: An orientation tracking device includes a memory for storing data therein including magnetic reference data relating to the direction of a static magnetic field of a magnetic imaging scanner in a selected principle co-ordinate frame and earth gravitational reference data relating to the direction of the gravitational field of the earth in the principle co-ordinate frame. The device also includes an accelerometer, a magnetometer and a communication module. A processor is connected to the accelerometer, the magnetometer and communication module and is adapted for receiving from the magnetometer a measurement of a magnetic field vector in a co-ordinate frame of the orientation tracking device, within the magnetic imaging scanner in which the orientation tracking device is placed in use. The processor further receives from the accelerometer a measurement of an acceleration vector in the orientation tracking device's.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2016Publication date: July 5, 2018Applicant: University of Cape TownInventor: Adam Marthinus Johannes van Niekerk
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Patent number: 9994859Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing HPV pseudovirions in plant cells, the plant produced pseudovirions per se, a neutralization assay using the plant produced pseudovirions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the plant produced pseudovirions.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: University of Cape TownInventors: Edward P Rybicki, Inga Isabel Hitzeroth