Patents Assigned to University of Delaware
  • Patent number: 4239553
    Abstract: A solar cell having a copper-bearing absorber is provided with a composite transparent encapsulating layer specifically designed to prevent oxidation of the copper sulfide. In a preferred embodiment, the absorber is a layer of copper sulfide and the composite layer comprises a thin layer of copper oxide formed on the copper sulfide and a layer of encapsulating glass formed on the oxide. It is anticipated that such devices, when exposed to normal operating conditions of various terrestrial applications, can be maintained at energy conversion efficiencies greater than one-half the original conversion efficiency for periods as long as thirty years.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Allen M. Barnett, James V. Masi, Robert B. Hall
  • Patent number: 4238759
    Abstract: A Peltier-cooled p-n junction in a monolithic solid-state electronic device embodying a substrate comprising a Peltier thermal surface layer disposed adjacent the active region of the p-n junction and in close proximity therewith, the Peltier thermal surface layer having an electrical conductor in circuit therewith affording an electrical path for the withdrawal or supply of Peltier effect current incident to the maintenance of the junction at a preselected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventor: Robert G. Hunsperger
  • Patent number: 4238566
    Abstract: A milk xanthine oxidase active enzyme concentrate having an average protein to flavin ratio as measured by E.sub.280nm for protein and E.sub.450nm for flavin of 2.0 to 4.1, one symmetric peak by ion-exchange gel chromatography, and shows a single protein band by polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis. The xanthine oxidase is not denatured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventor: John P. Zikakis
  • Patent number: 4233813
    Abstract: An ocean thermal engine utilizing the thermocline and hydrostatic pressure of the ocean to change the buoyancy of a series of rigid containers having good thermal conductivity fitted with means for confining a thermodynamic fluid capable of vaporizing and condensing within the temperature range of the ocean thermocline. The rigid containers are arranged in spaced relation around rotatable supporting means so that the change in buoyancy of the containers causes said means to rotate and to drive a generator if electrical energy is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1980
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventor: Walter J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 4221550
    Abstract: A fluid pump wherein the pumping action is created by reciprocating forces applied to an unattached block, such as a ball, of elastically deformable material in a cavity, such as a cylinder. The block effects the pumping by defining a fluid pumping enclosure in said cavity, the cavity being additionally provided with means effecting the deformation of said block during said reciprocatory force cycle, thereby storing energy which is advantageously recovered in the pump intake stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1980
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventor: Charles M. Pleass
  • Patent number: 4216065
    Abstract: A bio-selective potentiometric electrode probe for the determination of amino acid concentrations in aqueous liquids comprising an ammonia gas analytical electrode provided at its tip with a closely adjacent thin layer of a fresh animal tissue containing, as a natural constituent thereof, an enzyme effective to catalyze degradation of the specific amino acid in analysis to either ammonia or to an intermediate compound subject to further degradation to ammonia by an additional enzyme, which ammonia is a function of the amino acid concentration in the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1980
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Garry A. Rechnitz, Mark A. Arnold, Mark E. Meyerhoff
  • Patent number: 4210803
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for signal transmission via an optical fiber transmission line comprising providing a first substantially monochromatic beam of radiation reserved as a carrier radiation beam, providing a second substantially monochromatic beam of radiation of preselected different frequency than the first substantially monochromatic beam of radiation frequency-interlocked with the first beam of radiation to a preselected degree dependent upon the transmission service to be effected reserved as an information radiation beam, imposing an electrical signal to be transmitted upon the information radiation beam, thereby responsively modulating the information radiation beam, combining the carrier radiation beam and the modulated information radiation beam, transmitting the combined radiation via the optical fiber transmission line to a preselected destination, and detecting the combined radiation with a square law detector to thereby obtain a subcarrier signal constituting the difference in frequency between
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1980
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventor: Charles C. Ih
  • Patent number: 4175187
    Abstract: Tertiary allylic amines are obtained from vinylic halides and olefins, and substituted derivatives thereof, by reacting said halide with a mono-, di-, or tri-substituted olefin and an unhindered basic secondary amine in the presence of a palladium catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1979
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventor: Richard F. Heck
  • Patent number: 4172763
    Abstract: Bovine milk xanthine oxidase, referred to herein as XO, is isolated and purified from raw whole milk by a streamline method without the use of proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes, butanol, or other organic solvents. Sodium salicylate, ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), and a 0.2 M phosphate buffer are added to fresh milk. After incubation at 40.degree.-45.degree. C. for 105 min., the mixture is adjusted to 1-2% with Triton X-100 and allowed to incubate for 15 min. The mixture is cooled to 4.degree. C., followed by a 2-step fractionation of the proteins with ammonium sulfate. The crude enzyme is isolated as a red-brown precipitate which is dissolved in 0.1 M Tris/CaCL.sub.2 buffer and stored for from 12 to 168 hours at -20.degree. C. The isolated enzyme is purified by column chromatography (Sephadex G-75, Sephacryl S-200, Sepharose 6B, and Sephadex G-75).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1979
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventor: John P. Zikakis
  • Patent number: 4168183
    Abstract: This is a process for improving the fatigue properties of structures which have dislocations or deformed regions in the surface layers. Solute is diffused into this surface region and inhibits the atomic movements which lead to initiation and growth of fatigue cracks. The deformed regions can be produced by pre-cyclic straining of the structures. The process is applicable to metals and crystallographic mterial that are susceptible to fatigue failure. Moreover, cyclic straining of polymers and glasses will produce defect structures in the surface layers and solute diffused, as in the case of above, will also impede further development of defects and reduce the susceptibility of the structure or object of fatigue failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1979
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Irwin G. Greenfield, Ankur V. Purhoit
  • Patent number: 4165433
    Abstract: Method for converting dextro rotatory chitin to levo rotatory chitin comprising dissolving chitin in a composition containing dimethyl acetamide, N-methyl-pyrrolidone or mixture thereof and lithium chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1979
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventor: Paul R. Austin
  • Patent number: 4155630
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for improving image creation in a coherent light imagery system which involves directing diffused laser light onto a mirror having a rocking motion that will cause the reflected rays to sweep a two-dimensional area and focusing the reflected light through a diffuser before collimating same for use in image creation. More particularly, this invention creates the rocking motion by applying a combination of voltages to three independent piezo-electric crystals upon which the mirror is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1979
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventor: Charles C. Ih
  • Patent number: 4152513
    Abstract: A method for controlling the anomer ratio in alkyl glycosides of amino sugars produced by heating an N-acylamino sugar with an alcohol in the presence of an acidic catalyst comprising the continuous removal of byproduct water from the reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1979
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Paul R. Austin, George A. Reed
  • Patent number: 4133294
    Abstract: A new method to mark large numbers of molluscs permanently is described. Molluscs, in particular certain bivalve molluscs, (>1mm) are placed in a tank containing media, food, and tetracycline at a concentration of 0.5-200mg 1.sup.-1. Bivalves so treated daily for one to fourteen days, or longer as desired, will be permanently marked in such a manner as to render them identifiable at any later time. The mark is normally weakly visible but fluoresces a vivid yellow-orange when exposed to ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1979
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Ellis T. Bolton, Noel D. Dey
  • Patent number: 4128554
    Abstract: Carboxylic acid amides are obtained from aryl, heterocyclic, and vinylic halides and substituted derivates thereof, by reacting same with a primary or secondary amine and carbon monoxide, in the presence of a palladium catalyst and if necessry a tertiary amine at about 20.degree.-150.degree. C and from at least a half atmosphere pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1978
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventor: Richard F. Heck
  • Patent number: 4123379
    Abstract: Solids have been prepared having very strongly acidic properties for hydrocarbon reactions. The solids are synthesized from anhydrous AlCl.sub.3 and a solid Bronsted acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1978
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Bruce C. Gates, Vincent L. Magnotta, George C. A. Schuit
  • Patent number: 4080930
    Abstract: A method for rearing commercially desirable bivalve molluscs such as oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops under artificial conditions to any marketable size in substantially reduced time periods. Oyster spat (<0.5mm) produced by known means are placed in growing tanks and fed at certain regular times with certain species of algae in unusually large quantities, at unusually high algal cell concentrations, and maintained at unusually high temperatures until oysters reach the desired size. The tanks and oysters are meticulously cleansed and seawater or other source of salts and minerals is added at regular times during the rearing period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1978
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Gary David Pruder, Earl Elwood Greenhaugh
  • Patent number: 4065875
    Abstract: A process is described for the selective destruction of Phaeodactylum cells in the presence of Thallasiosira cells by subjecting algae culture liquid containing these species to ultrasonic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1978
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventor: Richard Frank Srna
  • Patent number: 4063016
    Abstract: New compositions of matter comprising complexes of chitin with lower molecular weight alcohols, aldehydes and ketones have been discovered. These complexes are useful in the solution and purification of chitin and in the preparation of modified chitins for fibers, films and plastics, and for pharmaceutical purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1977
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventor: Paul R. Austin
  • Patent number: 4062921
    Abstract: New solvents for chitin comprising dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone or mixtures of these in combination with a minor proportion of lithium chloride, and their use in the purification of chitin for regeneration in the form of films and fibers are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1977
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventor: Paul R. Austin