Patents Assigned to University of Maryland Baltimore County
  • Bioassays using plasmonic scattering from noble metal nanostructures
    Patent number: 8101424
    Abstract: The present invention relates to detecting and/or measuring scattering effects due to the aggregating metallic nanostructures or the interaction of plasmonic emissions from approaching metallic nanoparticles. The scattering effects may be measured at different angles, different wavelengths, changes in absorption and/or changes in polarization relative to changes in the distances between nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventor: Chris D. Geddes
  • Metal-enhanced fluorescence from plastic substrates
    Patent number: 8075956
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for functionally modifying a polymeric surface for subsequent deposition of metallic particles and/or films, wherein the polymeric surface is modified by increasing hydroxyl and/or amine functional groups thereby providing an activated polymeric surface for deposition of metallic particles to form a fluorescence sensing device. The device can be used for metal-enhanced fluorescence of fluorophores positioned above the metallic particles that can be readily applied to diagnostic or sensing applications of metal-enhanced fluorescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: Chris D. Geddes, Kadir Aslan
  • CHLOROPHYLL AND TURBIDITY SENSOR SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20110273705
    Abstract: A low cost sensing system that can measure both chlorophyll concentration and turbidity is provided. The system is an optical system that utilizes at least three light sensors for measuring side-scattered and forward scattered light, as well as fluorescence. The system is able to take optical density measurements, steady state fluorescence measurements and maximum fluorescence measurements, and can be configured for wireless control and data transmission. The system may also be housed in one or more fluidtight housings so as to make it submersible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY
    Inventors: Govind Rao, Hung Lam, Yordan Kostov, Leah Tolosa, Xudong Ge
  • Microwave accelerated assays
    Patent number: 8034633
    Abstract: The present invention provides for increasing fluorescence detection in surface assay systems while increasing kinetics of a bioreaction therein by providing low-power microwaves to irradiate metallic materials within the system in an amount sufficient to increase heat thereby affecting the kinetics of a bioreaction therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventor: Chris D. Geddes
  • Microwave trigger metal-enhanced chemiluminescence (MT MEC) and spatial and temporal control of same
    Patent number: 8008067
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of imaging structures and features using plasmonic emissions from metallic surfaces caused by chemiluminescence based chemical and biological reactions wherein imaging of the reactions is enhanced by the use of microwave energy and further enhanced by using metallic geometric structures for spatially and temporally controlling the biological and chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: Chris D. Geddes, Michael Previte
  • STEP TRAINER FOR ENHANCED PERFORMANCE USING RHYTHMIC CUES
    Publication number: 20110184225
    Abstract: A person's step length and rate may be measured, for example, through sensors that collect spatial and temporal gait parameter data. The measurements are then used to determine the rate of a rhythmic auditory cue to improve the person's gait. For example, a system links sensors to detect step rate and length to an audio cue provided to headphones, while providing the appropriate algorithms to accomplish real time adjustments to the audio cues as needed to better help change the person's step length vs. step rate ratio in a desired direction depending on therapeutic or performance goals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY
    Inventors: Jill Whitall, Sandra A. McCombe-Waller, Muniswamappa Anjanappa
  • Passively mode locked quantum cascade lasers
    Patent number: 7940818
    Abstract: This invention relates to a self-induced transparency mode-locked quantum cascade laser having an active section comprising a plurality of quantum well layers deposited in alternating layers on a plurality of quantum barrier layers and form a sequence of alternating gain and absorbing periods, said alternating gain and absorbing periods interleaved along the growth axis of the active section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: The University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: Curtis Robert Menyuk, Muhammad A. Talukder
  • Metal enhanced fluorescence-based sensing methods
    Patent number: 7939333
    Abstract: The present invention relates to metallic-surface detection systems for determining target substances including free bilirubin in neonatal serum in the presence of a predominantly high background of bilirubin bound Human Serum Albumin (HSA) or sensing and isolating target nucleotide sequences wherein a fluorescence signal is enhanced by close proximity of the target substances near metallic surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: Chris D. Geddes, Sanjiv Amin
  • Platform for analysis liquid samples
    Patent number: 7923259
    Abstract: The present application relates to apparatus for sampling and analysis of analytes in a liquid sample. A liquid sample is pre-concentrated using a chromatographic column prior to analysis via a two stage analysis apparatus. A high-performance liquid chromatography system with ultra violet detection may be used in conjunction with electrochemical detection for the analysis of environmental contaminants, including explosive residues. The present invention also provides for on-site analysis of such contaminants. The present invention also provides for methods of analyzing the components of a liquid sample, including methods for on-site analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: William R. LaCourse, Ronita L. Marple
  • Apparatus and method for detecting and identifying raman signatures
    Patent number: 7899650
    Abstract: In one aspect, a signal processing system includes a processor, an I/O device operatively associated with the processor, and a memory device bearing instructions configured to cause the processor to obtain a representation of signal data over a data domain and position a sliding-window over a portion of the signal data, such portion corresponding to a sliding-window domain, to analyze the signal data within the sliding-window domain to detect the presence of a signature multiplet and, based on the analysis of the data, to estimate the pedestal of the signal data within the sliding-window domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: University Of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: Abhijit Yeshwantpur, Joel M. Morris
  • METHODS FOR THE CONVERSION OF FISH WASTE FROM AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS TO METHANE VIA A MODIFIED UASB REACTOR
    Publication number: 20110039321
    Abstract: A process for treatment of sludge made up of saline organic solids or organic waste produced in a saltwater or brackish aquaculture system is described. The process includes use of a modified reactor, operating under anaerobic conditions, which yields methane from the digestion of the saline organic solids. Modification of a traditional reactor to include a packing substrate provides for saline waste digestion not previously known. Additionally provided is a process for producing methane from the digestion of organic solids. Inclusion of and use of modified reactors in aquaculture systems is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY
    Inventors: Yossi Tal, Kevin R. Sowers
  • Controlled electrochemical deposition of polysaccharide films and hydrogels, and materials formed therefrom
    Patent number: 7883615
    Abstract: A method is provided for electrochemically depositing a polysaccharide mass having a selected physical state. According to an embodiment, an electrically conductive support of a substrate is contacted with an aqueous solution including a selectively insolubilizable polysaccharide, and the selectively insolubilizable polysaccharide is electrochemically deposited on the electrically conductive support while controlling deposition conditions to form the polysaccharide mass having the selected physical state, such as that of a hydrogel. Deposition may be performed in a spatially and/or temporally controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignees: University of Maryland, College Park, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: Gregory F. Payne, Li-Qun Wu, Reza Ghodssi, William E. Bentley, Gary W. Rubloff, Hyunmin Yi, Rohan Fernandes, Tianhong Chen, David A. Small
  • INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR X-RAY DIFFRACTION, FLUORESCENCE, AND CRYSTAL TEXTURE ANALYSIS WITHOUT SAMPLE PREPARATION
    Publication number: 20110007869
    Abstract: An X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence instrument for analyzing samples having no sample preparation includes a X-ray source configured to output a collimated X-ray beam comprising a continuum spectrum of X-rays to a predetermined coordinate and a photon-counting X-ray imaging spectrometer disposed to receive X-rays output from an unprepared sample disposed at the predetermined coordinate upon exposure of the unprepared sample to the collimated X-ray beam. The X-ray source and the photon-counting X-ray imaging spectrometer are arranged in a reflection geometry relative to the predetermined coordinate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY
    Inventors: KEITH GENDREAU, Jose Vanderlei Martins, Zaven Arzoumanian
  • Low-impact delivery system for in situ treatment of contaminated sediment
    Patent number: 7824129
    Abstract: An agglomerate for use in economical bulk treatment of contaminated sediments with minimal environmental impact is formed from a sorbent, bentonite clay and sand. The agglomerate has sufficient density so as to sink through a water column into sediment below the water column and is still sufficiently light as to be capable of mixing with the sediment when subjected only to bioturbation. The agglomerate can be formed into pellets and applied to a water column over contaminated sediment by broadcast methods, so as to permit economical remediation of contaminated sediment with negligible environmental impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignees: Menzie-Cura & Associates, Inc., University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: Upal Ghosh, Charles A. Menzie, Craig B. Amos
  • Biolithographical deposition and materials and devices formed therefrom
    Patent number: 7820227
    Abstract: A method for biolithographical deposition of molecules is provided. According to an embodiment of the method, a reactive layer (e.g., a polysaccharide mass) having a surface region coated with a biologically compatible resist is provided. A portion of the biologically compatible resist is selectively removed to expose an exposed portion of the reactive layer. Molecules, such as biomolecules and/or cellular species, are then conjugated to the exposed portion of the reactive layer. Also provided are materials and devices related to the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignees: University of Maryland, College Park, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: Gregory F. Payne, Gary W. Rubloff, Hyunmin Yi, Rohan Fernandes, Li-Qun Wu, Reza Ghodssi, William E. Bentley
  • Tumor cells from immune privileged sites as base cells for cell-based cancer vaccines
    Patent number: 7807186
    Abstract: The present invention relates to tumor cell-based vaccines and methods of using same, wherein the vaccines are based on naturally immune privileged tumor cells that have been genetically modified to express MHC-II restricted peptides derived from endogenously encoded tumor antigens, activate CD4+ T-lymphocytes, provide an array of antigens to which the host is not tolerized and/or induce immunity against the originating tumor cells as well as against metastatic tumor cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: Suzanne Ostrand-Rosenberg, Jacobus J. Bosch, Bruce R. Ksander
  • System and method for damping vibrations in elevator cables
    Patent number: 7793763
    Abstract: A vibration damped elevator system is provided that includes a damper or dampers attached to the elevator cable. The damping coefficients of the damper or dampers are chosen to provide optimum dissipation of the vibratory energy in the elevator cable. A method of determining the optimum placement of the damper or dampers and their respective damping coefficients is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: Weidong Zhu, Yan Chen
  • Instrument and method for X-ray diffraction, fluorescence, and crystal texture analysis without sample preparation
    Patent number: 7796726
    Abstract: An X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence instrument for analyzing samples having no sample preparation includes a X-ray source configured to output a collimated X-ray beam comprising a continuum spectrum of X-rays to a predetermined coordinate and a photon-counting X-ray imaging spectrometer disposed to receive X-rays output from an unprepared sample disposed at the predetermined coordinate upon exposure of the unprepared sample to the collimated X-ray beam. The X-ray source and the photon-counting X-ray imaging spectrometer are arranged in a reflection geometry relative to the predetermined coordinate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: Keith Gendreau, Jose Vanderlei Martins, Zaven Arzoumanian
  • Spatially selective deposition of polysaccharide layer onto patterned template
    Patent number: 7790010
    Abstract: A method is provided for electrochemically depositing a polymer with spatial selectivity. A substrate having a substrate surface is contacted with an aqueous solution containing a selectively insolubilizable polysaccharide, such as chitosan, which is subjected to electrochemically treatment to deposit, with spatial selectivity, the selectively insolubilizable polysaccharide on a patterned electrically conductive portion of the substrate surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignees: University of Maryland, College Park, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: William E. Bentley, Reza Ghodssi, Gregory F. Payne, Gary W. Rubloff, Li-Qun Wu, Hyunmin Yi, Wolfgang Losert, Douglas S. English
  • Proteins, sensors, and methods of characterizing analytes using the same
    Patent number: 7718353
    Abstract: A protein sensing molecule is capable of binding an analyte in a sample. The protein sensing molecule includes a first detectable quality that changes in a concentration dependent manner when the protein sensing molecule is bound to the analyte. The protein sensing molecule also includes a second detectable quality that does not undergo substantial change when the protein sensing molecule is bound to the analyte. The protein sensing molecule may be used in methods for characterizing samples and may also be used in sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: University of Maryland Baltimore County
    Inventors: Leah Tolosa, Govind Rao, Xudong Ge