Patents Assigned to University of Cape Town
  • Patent number: 8883097
    Abstract: A method of treating value bearing material comprising oxidized or surface oxidized mineral values includes the steps of crushing the value bearing material, contacting the crushed material! with a sulfide solution to sulfide the oxidized or surface oxidized mineral values, and adding ions of a selected base metal to the crushed value bearing material. The value bearing material may comprise oxidized or surface oxidized base metal or precious metal minerals. The crushed value bearing material is prepared as a slurry or pulp comprising from 15% to 40% solids and the remainder comprising water. The sulfide solution preferably comprises a soluble sulfidiser such as sodium hydrosulfide and the base-metal ion solution preferably comprises metal salt of base metals like copper or iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: University of Cape Town
    Inventors: Deidre Jane Bradshaw, Andrew James Haigh Newell
  • Publication number: 20140324046
    Abstract: Transport distraction apparatus for performing transport distraction osteogenesis is provided which includes a track capable of being formed into a curvilinear shape with a carriage movable longitudinally along the track. The carriage has a fixation plate secured or securable to it and at least one gear for moving the carriage along the track in order to adjust its position relative to the length of the track. The track has a series of formations extending along one edge of the track and engaged by the gear which is at least partially accommodated within a space between a plane including the front face of the track and a plane including the rear face of the track. Preferably, the apparatus creates a gap between a central region of the track and a patient's bone in use. A fixation plate is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: University of Cape Town
    Inventors: George Vicatos, Mogamat Rushdie, James Angus Boonzaier
  • Patent number: 8873654
    Abstract: A method for improving channel estimation performance in dynamic spectrum access multicarrier systems is disclosed. The method includes determining a pattern of pilot symbols to be included in transmitted signals sent from a sender to a receiver through an interference-affected propagation environment by deriving a covariance matrix of interference and white Gaussian noise (Rww) based on external measurements for the propagation environment, determining the placement of a predetermined number of equally powered pilot symbols by computing a placement that results in the minimum sum of square errors of a maximum likelihood channel estimation performed based on the covariance matrix, and with the pilot symbols in their placed positions, determining a relative power distribution between the placed pilot symbols by computing the power distribution that results in the minimum sum of square errors of a maximum likelihood channel estimation performed based on the covariance matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: University of Cape Town
    Inventor: Jevgenijs Golovins
  • Patent number: 8873416
    Abstract: A method for estimating round-trip time (RTT) values for data packets travelling in a telecommunication network is disclosed. During a first time interval (206) which begins with the start of a data transmission, estimated RTT values (14) are generated by filtering a periodic sequence of RTT samples (12) with a self-initializing expanding memory polynomial (EMP) filter (16) and, after a first switch-over time at the end of the first time interval, the estimated RTT values are generated by filtering the RTT samples with a fading memory polynomial (FMP) filter (18). The first switch-over time is determined by comparing an FMP estimation error and an EMP estimation error, where the FMP estimation error is the difference between an output of the FMP filter and the RTT samples, and the EMP estimation error is the difference between an output of the EMP filter and the RTT samples, and triggering the first switch-over time when the FMP estimation error becomes equal to or less than the EMP estimation error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: University of Cape Town
    Inventors: Guy-Alain Lusilao-Zodi, Norman Morrison
  • Publication number: 20140236311
    Abstract: An endoprosthesis (1) is proved which includes an elongate housing (3) having a drive (5) secured through a threaded drive shaft (7) to an extension shaft (9) therein, the drive (5) operable to cause the extension shaft (9) to move axially with respect to the body, and the extension shaft (9) and housing (3) configured to be securable to a bone to act as a prosthetic replacement for removed bone. The drive (5) is operable in a step-wise fashion through a control circuit (50) which includes an inductive coil (52). The control circuit (50) is configured to provide a predetermined output upon receiving power through the inductive coil (52) and is hardwired. An operating system for the endoprosthesis (1) is also provided and includes an external operating unit which supplies an alternating magnetic field to the internal inductive coil (52) and which is controlled by a microcontroller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN
    Inventors: George Vicatos, Samuel Isaac Ginsberg, Adam Thane Parsons
  • Patent number: 8796006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a crystal. In particular the present invention relates to a crystal of the N-domain of ACE protein. The present invention also relates to methods, processes, domain specific modulators, pharmaceutical compositions and uses of the N-domain crystal and the structure co-ordinates thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: University of Bath, University of Cape Town
    Inventors: Ravi Acharya, Edward Sturrock
  • Patent number: 8773118
    Abstract: A magnetometer which includes an elongate reactor in which a sample can be secured in a sample support zone and which is located within a magnetic field space of a magnetic field generator and one or more signal pickup coils. Movement generating means is provided for generating relative movement in a generally linear direction between the reactor and at least one of the magnetic field and pickup coil, preferably by moving the reactor in its length. The magnetometer is characterised in that the reactor is a metal tube having a length which permits its ends to remain external of the signal pickup device during the relative movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: University of Cape Town
    Inventors: Michael Christian Maximilian Claeys, Eric Wilhelmus Josephus Van Steen, Jacobus Lucas Visagie, Jan van de Loosdrecht
  • Patent number: 8663608
    Abstract: A hydroxytyrosol polymer formed by either C—C coupling or C—O—C coupling is provided. Preferred polymers are formed by C—C coupling and the dimer has the following structure: Compounds of the invention have been found to have antioxidant properties and their use in antioxidant compositions forms a further aspect of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: University of Cape Town
    Inventors: Stephanie Gail Burton, Lester Merlin Davids
  • Patent number: 8611991
    Abstract: A method is provided for taking electrical impedance tomography measurements using multiple electrodes located at selected positions external to a volume of a subject body. Multiple orthogonal or near-orthogonal signals are introduced simultaneously by way of selected different electrodes and resultant predetermined responses (if any) at receiving electrodes are recorded or determined. The signals are encoded using the technique of code division multiplexing and received signals at each receiving electrode are cross-correlated with original signals to determine the contribution of each original signal to a composite received signal. The invention also relates to apparatus suitable for use in applying a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignees: The University of Cape Town, The University of Sydney
    Inventors: Alistair Lee McEwan, David Simon Holder, Andre van Schaik, Jonathan Craig Tapson
  • Patent number: 8597598
    Abstract: A sample presentation device for radiation-based analytical equipment comprising a mounting base, a carrier carried by, and adjustable in position, relative to the mounting base, and an arm extending from the carrier and having at its opposite end a terminal member; Each of the carrier and terminal member has a coaxial connector for receiving two opposite end regions of a capillary tube that forms, in use, a reaction cell; A radiant heater, typically an infrared heater, is radially offset from the axis of the coaxial connectors for heating, in use, a capillary tube mounted by way of the coaxial connectors; The carrier and terminal member preferably have heaters associated therewith for heating the flow passages through them; The terminal member preferably has a passage generally coaxial with the connector for receiving a communications conductor carrying a temperature sensor at its end that is operatively located generally centrally within a capillary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: University of Cape Town
    Inventors: Michael Christian Maximilian Claeys, Nico Frederik Fischer
  • Patent number: 8594947
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a crystal of ACE protein. The present invention further relates to methods, processes, ACE modulators, pharmaceutical compositions and uses of the ACE crystal and the structure co-ordinates thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignees: University of Bath, University of Cape Town
    Inventors: Ravi Acharya, Edward Sturrock
  • Patent number: 8586112
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of a substance or composition for the treatment, by therapy or prophylaxis, of parasitic infections, in particular malarial infections such as Plasmodium falciparum infections, of the human or animal body. The process comprises extracting the substance or composition from roots of the plant species Dicoma anomala, by an extraction using an organic solvent to obtain a liquid extract containing the substance or composition and removing the solvent from the liquid extract to leave a dried extract containing the substance or composition. The invention extends also to the use of the substance or composition in the manufacture of a medicament or preparation for such treatment of infections; to a substance or composition for use in such treatment of said infections; to compounds for use in such treatment of said infections; and to a method of treating said infections using such compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignees: South African Medical Research Council, University of Cape Town
    Inventors: Motlalepula Gilbert Matsabisa, William Ernest Campbell, Peter Ian Folb, Peter John Smith
  • Patent number: 8558047
    Abstract: A process is provided for the production of hydrocarbons from synthesis gas wherein the synthesis gas is fed to a reactor in which a catalyst acts on the feed at a temperature of between 160° C. and 400° C. and a pressure of between 1 bar and 5 bar. The feed includes a compound containing one or both nitrogen and phosphorus added to the reactor with the synthesis gas. The compound containing nitrogen typically constitutes at least 1 vol % and preferably of the order of 4 to 20 vol % or more of the feed. The carbonaceous gas may be carbon monoxide with a ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide in the synthesis gas of from 0.5:1 to 5:1. The catalyst is preferably a supported cobalt catalyst and may be modified with a promoter. The process produces an enhanced proportion of olefins, in the hydrocarbons produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: University of Cape Town
    Inventors: Michael Christian Maximillian Claeys, Eric Wilhelmus Josephus Van Steen, Frank Roessner, Andreas Karl Rausch
  • Patent number: 8535930
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a HPV polypeptides and/or an influenza virus H5 polypeptide in a plant comprising the steps of cloning a HPV gene; and/or an influenza virus H5 gene or nucleic acid encoding their functional equivalents into a vector adapted to target components present in the plant, infiltrating at least a portion of the plant with the vector or transforming plant tissue with the vector so as to transiently express the HPV polypeptides and/or an influenza virus H5 polypeptide, and/or to create a transgenic plant; and recovering the HPV polypeptides and/or an influenza virus H5 polypeptide expressed by the plant. The invention further relates to vectors, transgenic plants or parts thereof and the progeny of such plants used in or which come about as a result of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: University of Cape Town
    Inventors: Anna-Lise Williamson, Edward Peter Rybicki, James Malcolm MacLean, Inga Isabel Becker-Hitzeroth
  • Patent number: 8524781
    Abstract: Organosulfur compounds of the general formula (2) are described, wherein R1 and R2 are linear or branched C1-C5 alkyl; linear or branched C1-C5 alkenyl with the proviso that R1 is not prop-1-enyl (allyl); substituted linear or branched C1-C5 alkenyl or substituted linear or branched C1-C5 alkyl, in which the substituents are selected from OR3, NR4R5, COOR6, CON—R7R8, in which R3 is selected from H, COR9, para-methoxybenzyl and trialkylsilyl, in which R9 is alkyl or substituted alkyl; R4 N and R5 are alkyl or R4 and R5 together form a phthalimido group; R6 is alkyl or substituted alkyl; and R7 and R8 are alkyl or substituted alkyl; substituted or unsubstituted aromatic specifically where R1 and R2 are benzyl, para-methoxybenzyl and/or ortho,para-methoxybenzyl and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaromatic. The compounds can be used for inhibiting the growth of tumor cells and for treating cancer. A pharmaceutical composition and a method of preparing the compounds are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: University of Cape Town
    Inventors: Catherine Hart Kaschula, Roger Hunter, Mohamed Iqbal Parker
  • Patent number: 8513205
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, in particular, dual antagonists comprising a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) or a nucleoside competitive reverse transcriptase inhibitor and a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), linked together using a chemical linker, which may be used to inhibit HIV (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase and in the treatment of HIV infections, more severe cases of HIV infections, including ARC and AIDS, including reducing the likelihood of these infections and disease states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Yale University, University of Cape Town
    Inventors: Karen S. Anderson, Roger Hunter
  • Patent number: 8513463
    Abstract: A process is described for the production of one or more of linear nitriles, amides and formamides which includes reacting a nitrogen containing compound, such as ammonia or NOx, and a synthesis gas over a catalyst at a temperature of between 160° C. and 400° C. and a pressure of between 1 bar and 50 bar. A further process for the production of one or more of linear phosphorous containing compounds is also described, which includes reacting a phosphorous containing compound, such as a phosphine, and a synthesis gas over a catalyst at a temperature of between 160° C. and 400° C. and a pressure of between 1 bar and 50 bar. A supported cobalt, iron, ruthenium or rhodium catalyst or an unsupported (bulk) promoted iron catalyst, modified with a promoter is used. The synthesis gas is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, in a ratio from 0.5:1 to 5:1; or a mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide; or a mixture of water and carbon monoxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: The University of Cape Town, Carl Von Ossietzky Universitat Oldenburg
    Inventors: Michael Christian Maximilian Claeys, Eric Wilhelmus Josephus Van Steen, Frank Roessner, Tawanda Stephen Sango
  • Patent number: 8487616
    Abstract: A method for compensating for respiratory motion of a structure imaged by a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner, such as heart, is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a sequence of navigator samples (22) representative of the progressive displacement of the structure during a first time interval (20), and adjusting a waveform (14) of predefined initial parameters to follow the sequence of navigator samples. During a second time interval (24) which follows the first time interval and during which the magnetic resonance scanner takes a number of image projection views or lines (17), the expected respiratory displacement of the structure is estimated at the times that the image projection lines are taken, by extrapolating the waveform model and estimating the displacements (26) predicted by the extrapolated waveform, so that the position at which the image projection lines are taken can be adjusted to compensate for the respiratory motion, so as to yield a sharper magnetic resonance image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: University of Cape Town
    Inventor: Ian Hamilton Burger
  • Patent number: 8460933
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for enhancing expression of a transgene in a host cell, which includes the steps of inserting a capsid promoter element (Pcap), or a sequence comprising the reverse complement of the capsid promoter element (PcapR), into a mammalian expression cassette upstream (5?) of a cytomegalovirus immediate/early enhancer/promoter region (Pcmv); inserting the transgene into the expression cassette downstream (3?) of the cytomegalovirus immediate/early enhancer/promoter region; inserting a vector containing the expression cassette into the host organism; and causing expression of the transgene. The capsid promoter element (Pcap) is typically from a circovirus, parvovirus or anellovirus. The transgene is typically expressed at a higher level than when expressed by a vector containing the expression cassette without the transcriptional control element. An expression cassette, vector, DNA vaccine, pharmaceutical composition and method of treatment are also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: South African Medical Research Council, University of Cape Town
    Inventors: Edward Peter Rybicki, Fiona Lesley Tanzer
  • Patent number: D711511
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: University of Cape Town
    Inventors: Jacobus Van Der Merwe, Willem Johannes Loubser