Patents Assigned to University of Delaware
  • Medical treatment simulation devices
    Patent number: 9721483
    Abstract: Medical treatment simulation devices are disclosed. One device includes an overlay, a tracheostomy structure, one or more tubes, at least one sensor, and at least one feedback device. The overlay is configured to be secured to a subject. The overlay is configured to cover at least a portion of a neck and upper torso of the subject. The tracheostomy structure is provided in a neck portion of the overlay. The one or more tubes are positioned within the overlay. The tubes are connected to the tracheostomy structure. The sensor is coupled to the tracheostomy structure and configured to detect a manipulation of the tracheostomy structure. The feedback device is coupled to the overlay. The feedback device is configured to provide feedback based on the manipulation detected by the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Amy Cowperthwait, Joseph Biggs, Dominic Campagnola, Devon Bond, Edward Doll, Nathan Hott, Francis Rivera, Jenni Buckley, Liyun Wang
  • Devices, systems, and methods for variable flow rate fuel ejection
    Patent number: 9719529
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for variable flow rate fuel ejection are disclosed. A variable flow rate ejector comprises primary and secondary inlets, primary and secondary nozzles, and a needle. The primary nozzle is connected to receive a first fluid from the first inlet chamber and transmit the first fluid through a primary nozzle opening. The needle is disposed within the primary nozzle opening and is axially movable to vary an area of primary nozzle opening. The primary nozzle opening and the needle are sized to make the flow of the first fluid have a supersonic speed. The secondary inlet opens into a second inlet chamber positioned outside the primary nozzle opening. A portion of the second fluid is entrained in the flow of the first fluid from the primary nozzle. The secondary nozzle opening is sized to make the flow of the first and second fluids have a subsonic speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Douglas Brunner, Manish W. Bajpai, John Adam C. Kinzey, Shane Marcks, Ajay K. Prasad, Suresh G. Advani
  • SELF-HEALING MEMBRANES FOR POLYMER ELECTROLYTE APPLICATIONS
    Publication number: 20170209837
    Abstract: A self-healing composite membrane includes a continuous ionomer phase in which is dispersed a plurality of hollow fibers and/or microcapsules each containing a liquid healing agent that includes a dispersion or solution of a healing ionomer in a liquid vehicle. Electrochemical devices employing the self-healing composite membranes are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Applicant: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Liang WANG, Ajay K. PRASAD, Suresh G. ADVANI, William B. JOHNSON
  • PHOSPHONIUM CATIONS AND POLYMERS INCORPORATING THEM
    Publication number: 20170149080
    Abstract: A compound including a cation of the following structure is provided (1), wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of polymer residues and substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups, and R is H or a polymer residue. A membrane including the above cation, and electrochemical devices employing this membrane, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Yushan YAN, Bingzi ZHANG, Shuang GU
  • SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CONVERSION OF CARBON DIOXIDE TO CARBON MONOXIDE
    Publication number: 20170130347
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and a process that allow for the selective electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide with high energy efficiency, using a cathode comprised of tin in combination with an anode comprised of platinum. The electrolysis system may be comprised of a single or two compartment cell and may employ an organic electrolyte or an ionic liquid electrolyte. The invention permits the storage of solar, wind or conventional electric energy by converting carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide and liquid fuels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Joel Rosenthal, Jonnathan Medina-Ramos, John L. DiMeglio, Thomas P. Keane
  • Multiple-membrane multiple-electrolyte redox flow battery design
    Patent number: 9640826
    Abstract: A redox flow battery is provided. The redox flow battery involves multiple-membrane (at least one cation exchange membrane and at least one anion exchange membrane), multiple-electrolyte (one electrolyte in contact with the negative electrode, one electrolyte in contact with the positive electrode, and at least one electrolyte disposed between the two membranes) as the basic characteristic, such as a double-membrane, triple electrolyte (DMTE) configuration or a triple-membrane, quadruple electrolyte (TMQE) configuration. The cation exchange membrane is used to separate the negative or positive electrolyte and the middle electrolyte, and the anion exchange membrane is used to separate the middle electrolyte and the positive or negative electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Yushan Yan, Shuang Gu, Ke Gong
  • Injectable delivery system for heparan-binding growth factors
    Patent number: 9597412
    Abstract: A method for enhancing chondrogenesis in a subject in need thereof comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a growth factor bound to hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel particles (HGPs). The hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogel particles (HGPs) are conjugated with a heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG). Related medicaments and methods for preparing the medicaments are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Catherine E. Safran, Mary C. Farach-Carson, Xinqiao Jia, Padma P. Srinivasan, Amit Jha
  • FUNCTIONALIZED DIMETHOXYPHENOL MONOMERS AND POLYMERS PREPARED THEREFROM
    Publication number: 20170015775
    Abstract: Dimethoxyphenol-based monomers containing polymerizable functional groups such as [meth]acrylate groups are useful for the preparation of polymers, wherein one or more dimethoxyphenyl moieties are part of side chains pendant to the backbones of the polymers. The polymers thereby obtained may have different, improved properties, such as higher glass transition temperatures, thermal stability and solvent resistance, as compared to polymers based on other types of lignin-derived monomers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Applicant: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Angela H. HOLMBERG, Kaleigh H. RENO, Thomas H. EPPS, III
  • Bio-based block polymers derived from lignin and fatty acids
    Patent number: 9512249
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to bio-based block polymers synthesized from functionalized lignin-based molecules (A-monomer) and functionalized fatty acids or fatty alcohols (B-monomer) derived from plant or animal oils, waxes or fats. The block polymers can be synthesized via numerous polymerization techniques, such as reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT). Most importantly, this class of bio-based block polymers shows promise as providing sustainable yet scalable and tunable thermoplastic elastomers and pressure-sensitive adhesives, among other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Angela L. Holmberg, Joseph F. Stanzione, Richard Wool, Thomas H. Epps, III
  • SYNTHETIC METHYLOTROPHY TO LIQUID FUELS AND CHEMICALS
    Publication number: 20160333308
    Abstract: A non-naturally occurring microbe capable of growing in a medium comprising methanol is provided. The methanol contributes to a significant percentage (e.g., at least 40%) of the carbon source for the non-naturally occurring microbe, which expresses heterologous methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) and heterologous ribulose monophosphate (RuMP) pathway enzymes. Methods for producing liquid fuels and chemicals by the non-naturally occurring microbe and methods for preparing the non-naturally occurring microbe are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Eleftherios T. Papoutsakis, Sergios Nicolaou, Alan Fast, Vasiliki Falara, Robert Kyle Bennett, William Brian Whitaker, Nicholas Richard Sandoval, Jacqueline Gonzalez, Maciek Antoniewicz
  • 3-D LIGHT FIELD CAMERA AND PHOTOGRAPHY METHOD
    Publication number: 20160330432
    Abstract: Methods and systems for generating three-dimensional (3D) images, 3D light field (LF) cameras and 3D photographs are provided. Light representing a scene is directed through a lens module coupled to an imaging sensor. The lens module includes: a surface having a slit-shaped aperture and a cylindrical lens array positioned along an optical axis of the imaging sensor. A longitudinal direction of the slit-shaped aperture is arranged orthogonal to a cylindrical axis of the cylindrical lens array. The light directed through the lens module is captured by the imaging sensor to form a 3D LF image. A 3D photograph includes a 3D LF printed image of the scene and a cylindrical lens array disposed on the printed image, such that the combination of 3D LF printed image and the cylindrical lens array forms a 3D stereoscopic image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Applicant: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Jingyi Yu, Xinqing Guo, Zhan Yu
  • REDUCTION OF LIPASE ACTIVITY IN PRODUCT FORMULATIONS
    Publication number: 20160312226
    Abstract: The invention relates a method for producing a stable recombinant protein, comprising growing a non-naturally occurring host cell in a culture medium to produce a recombinant protein, and making a composition comprising the recombinant protein and a polysorbate. The production of endogenous lipoprotein lipase by the host cell is reduced. The endogenous lipoprotein lipase is present in the composition in a small amount, and is capable of degrading the polysorbate. The invention also relates to the relevant host cells and compositions, and preparation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Kelvin LEE, Abraham LENHOFF, Kristen VALENTE, Nick LEVY, Yatin GOKARN
  • REGULATORY NON-CODING RNAS AS DETERMINANTS OF MALE STERILITY IN GRASSES AND OTHER MONOCOTYLEDONOUS PLANTS
    Publication number: 20160251679
    Abstract: A method for controlling male fertility of a plant comprises regulating a biological activity of a phasiRNA in a male reproductive organ of the plant. The phasiRNA is selected from the group consisting of 21-nt phasiRNAs and 24-nt phasiRNAs. The male fertility of the plant is thereby increased or decreased. Preferably, the plant is a monocotyledon and becomes male sterile. The resulting male sterile plant and its uses are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Blake MEYERS, Jixian ZHAI, Virginia WALBOT
  • XSLIT CAMERA
    Publication number: 20160253824
    Abstract: Multi-perspective cameras, systems and methods for reconstructing a scene are provided. Light representing a scene is directed through a lens module coupled to an imaging sensor. The lens module includes: first and second cylindrical lenses positioned along an optical axis of the imaging sensor, and first and second slit-shaped apertures disposed on the respective first and second cylindrical lenses. A cylindrical axis of the second cylindrical lens is arranged at an angle away from parallel with respect to a cylindrical axis of the first cylindrical lens. The light directed through the lens module is captured by the imaging sensor to form at least one multi-perspective image. The at least one multi-perspective image is processed to determine a reconstruction characteristic of the scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Jingyi YU, Jinwei YE, Yu JI
  • COMPACT MICROSCOPE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE
    Publication number: 20160231548
    Abstract: Compact microscope apparatus and methods of use are disclosed. One apparatus includes a stage, a light source, an objective, a dichroic element, and an imaging sensor. The stage is configured to hold a sample thereon. The light source is configured to emit light toward the stage. The objective is positioned to focus light from the stage. The dichroic element is configured to pass or reflect respective ones of the light emitted by the light source and the light from the stage. The imaging sensor is positioned to receive the light from the stage. The stage, the light source, the objective, the dichroic element, and the imaging sensor are arranged such that they may be received within an enclosure having dimensions no longer than about 300 mm. The apparatus may include a clinostat operable to continuously rotate the components of the apparatus about an axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Chandran Sabanayagam, Aroshan Jayasinghe
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING STRUCTURALLY OR FUNCTIONALLY SIGNIFICANT AMINO ACID SEQUENCES
    Publication number: 20160203257
    Abstract: Methods and computer readable storage mediums for identifying structurally or functionally significant amino acid sequences encoded by a genome are disclosed. At least one structurally or functionally significant amino acid sequence encoded by a genome may be identified by compiling an observed frequency for each of a plurality of amino acid words encoded by the genome, calculating with a computer an expected frequency for each of the plurality of amino acid words encoded by the genome, and identifying at least one structurally or functionally significant amino acid sequence encoded by the genome based at least in part on the observed and expected frequencies for each of the plurality of amino acid words encoded by the genome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Applicants: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the Desert Research Inst., University of Delaware
    Inventors: Adam G. Marsh, Joseph J. Grzymski
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING STRUCTURALLY OR FUNCTIONALLY SIGNIFICANT NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES
    Publication number: 20160203261
    Abstract: Provided are methods, systems, and computer readable media for comparing word statistics between a significant amino acid sequence and a significant nucleotide sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Applicants: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the Desert Research Instit, University of Delaware
    Inventors: Joseph J. Grzymski, Adam G. Marsh
  • System and methods for use in monitoring a structure
    Patent number: 9329021
    Abstract: A system for use in monitoring a structure is provided. The system includes a strip of piezoresistive material including nano-elements, electrodes coupled to the strip, and a resistance detector configured to measure a resistance of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignees: The Boeing Company, University of Delaware
    Inventors: Michael J. DeLuca, Christopher J. Felker, Dirk Heider, Gaurav Pandey, Ahmad Abu-Obaid, Erik T. Thostenson, John W. Gillespie, Jr.
  • Electrolysis device for chlorine production
    Patent number: 9273405
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to cathodes used to produce chlorine gas from gaseous hydrogen chloride. The cathode comprises a cathode electrolyte comprising Fe(II) compounds and Fe(III) compounds in contact with an electron conductor. A reactor comprises a reactor solution comprising an oxidant in fluid contact with the cathode electrolyte. The fluid contact of the reactor solution with the cathode electrolyte allows the cathode electrolyte rich in Fe(II) compounds to be transferred to the reactor and combined with the reactor solution and the reactor solution rich in Fe(III) compounds to be transferred from the reactor to the cathode electrolyte after the oxidant of the reactor solution reacts with the electrolyte rich in Fe(II) compounds to form the reactor solution rich in Fe(III) compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: University of Delaware
    Inventors: Yushan Yan, Yun Zhao
  • ELECTROCATALYST FOR HYDROGEN EVOLUTION AND OXIDATION REACTIONS
    Publication number: 20160010228
    Abstract: A metallic alloy includes Cu and one or more metals M selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Zn, wherein the alloy has a surface in the form of a vermiculated arrangement of irregular, nanoporous lands separated by troughs or channels. It can be made by contacting a precursor alloy including Cu, M and Al with a caustic liquid under conditions sufficient to remove the Al. Or, a metallic alloy includes Cu and one or more metals M selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Zn, wherein the one or more metals M in total constitute in a range of 3 at. % to 7 at. %, relative to the total of Cu and M. Both types of alloy can be used as an electrocatalyst in a water electrolyzer or a hydrogen fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicants: University of Delaware, Columbia University
    Inventors: Feng Jiao, Qi Lu, Gregory S. Hutchings, Jingguang Chen