Patents Assigned to University of Minnesota
  • Patent number: 8399187
    Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to assessing organisms for the presence or absence of anti-virus antibodies. For example, this document provides methods and materials that can be used to determine whether or not an organism (e.g., a member of a swine species such as a pig) contains anti-PRRS virus antibodies. In other embodiments, this document provides methods and materials that can be used to determine if a particular organism received a vaccine version of a virus, was infected with a naturally-occurring version of the virus, or is naïve with respect to the virus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Michael P. Murtaugh, Craig R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8399428
    Abstract: The invention provides a compound of formula (I), wherein R1-R6 and X have any of the values described, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and therapeutic methods comprising the administration of such compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventor: Carston R. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20130063319
    Abstract: Apparatus and method that includes providing a variable-parameter electrical component in a high-field environment and based on an electrical signal, automatically moving a movable portion of the electrical component in relation to another portion of the electrical component to vary at least one of its parameters. In some embodiments, the moving uses a mechanical movement device (e.g., a linear positioner, rotary motor, or pump). In some embodiments of the method, the electrical component has a variable inductance, capacitance, and/or resistance. Some embodiments include using a computer that controls the moving of the movable portion of the electrical component in order to vary an electrical parameter of the electrical component. Some embodiments include using a feedback signal to provide feedback control in order to adjust and/or maintain the electrical parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicants: Regents of the University of Minnesota, Life Services, LLC
    Inventors: Life Services, LLC, Regents of the University of Minnesota
  • Publication number: 20130062890
    Abstract: Novel carbon dioxide-based geothermal energy generation systems, i.e., carbon plume geothermal (CPG) systems, and methods are provided. With the novel systems and methods described herein, geothermal energy can now be provided at lower temperatures and at locations other than hot, dry rock formations, without negatively impacting the surrounding area through use of large-scale hydrofracturing. Use of a carbon dioxide-based geothermal system further provides a means for sequestering and storing excess carbon dioxide, rather than having it released to the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventor: Regents of the University of Minnesota
  • Publication number: 20130065291
    Abstract: Bioactive coatings that are stabilized against inactivation by weathering are provided including a base associated with a chemically modified enzyme, and, optionally a first polyoxyethylene present in the base and independent of the enzyme. The coatings are optionally overlayered onto a substrate to form an active coating facilitating the removal of organic stains or organic material from food, insects, or the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Regents of the University of Minnesota, Department of Bioproducts & Biosystems Engineering, Toyota Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hongfei Jia, Ping Wang, Liting Zhang, Andreas Buthe, Xueyan Zhao, Songtao Wu, Masahiko Ishii, Minjuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8394794
    Abstract: The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) and (IV): as described herein, as well as salts thereof. The compounds have anti-cancer properties and/or chemosensitization properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of The University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Chengguo Xing, Jignesh Doshi
  • Patent number: 8394618
    Abstract: A substrate or coating is provided that includes a lipase with enzymatic activity toward a component of a fingerprint. Also provided is a process for facilitating the removal of fingerprints is provided wherein an inventive substrate or coating including a lipase is capable of enzymatically degrading of one or more components of the fingerprint to facilitate fingerprint removal from the substrate or said coating. Applying heat to the substrate or coating increases the rate of fingerprint removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation, Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Andreas Buthe, Ping Wang, Songtao Wu, Hongfei Jia, Masahiko Ishii, Minjuan Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130059359
    Abstract: The invention provides protein nanorings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: University of Minnesota
    Inventor: Carston R. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8391965
    Abstract: A volume of a patient can be mapped with a system operable to identify a plurality of locations and save a plurality of locations of a mapping instrument. The mapping instrument can include one or more electrodes that can sense a voltage that can be correlated to a three dimensional location of the electrode at the time of the sensing or measurement. Therefore, a map of a volume can be determined based upon the sensing of the plurality of points without the use of other imaging devices. An implantable medical device can then be navigated relative to the mapping data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: Regents of the University of Minnesota, Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Toby Markowitz, Chad Giese, Karl Evan Nowak, Lane A. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8388348
    Abstract: There are provided a method, system and medium having instructions embedded to determine an attribute of a simulated patient's state resulting from a patient-physician encounter. The method includes receiving a current treatment move and an initial value of the attribute; calculating a maximal expected incremental effect value of the current treatment move over a previous treatment move on the attribute; attenuating the maximal expected incremental effect value based on amount of time between the previous treatment move and the current treatment move; summing the attenuated maximal expected incremental effect value with the initial value to generate an updated attribute of the simulated patient's state; and generating a patient-physician encounter that includes the updated attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: Regents of the University of Minnesota, HealthPartners Research Foundation
    Inventors: George R. Biltz, Pradyumna Dutta, Paul E. Johnson, Patrick J. O'Connor, William A. Rush, JoAnn M. Sperl-Hillen
  • Publication number: 20130043867
    Abstract: A method includes applying a pulse train to a spin system in a scanner. The pulse train has a plurality of discontinuities in a time domain. The method includes receiving a response from the spin system. The response corresponds to a gated signal. The method includes accessing a correction factor corresponding to the scanner. The method includes calculating a correction to the response based on the correction factor. The method includes generating an output based on the correction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Curtis A. Corum, Steen Moeller, Djaudat S. Idiyatullin, Ryan Chamberlain, Michael G. Garwood
  • Publication number: 20130043678
    Abstract: A system comprises an injection well for accessing a reservoir containing a native fluid comprising a hydrocarbon. The reservoir is located below one or more caprocks, is at a first temperature, and is accessible without using large-scale hydrofracturing. The system further includes a production well in fluid communication with the reservoir, a supply apparatus configured to feed a non-water based working fluid at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature through the injection well to the reservoir. The working fluid mixes with the native fluid to form a production fluid comprising at least a portion of the working fluid and at least a portion of the hydrocarbon at a third temperature that is higher than the second temperature. An energy recovery apparatus in fluid communication with the productions well converts energy contained in the production fluid to electricity, heat, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Martin O. Saar, Jimmy Bryan Randolph, Thomas H. Kuehn, Kenneth Carpenter
  • Patent number: 8380266
    Abstract: An RF coil adjacent an imaging region includes a plurality of conducting coil elements, with each conducting coil element including a proximal portion and a distal portion. The RF coil also includes a capacitance between the distal portions of the at least two conducting coil elements. A mutual coupling inductance between at least two conducting coil elements of the plurality of conducting coil elements is substantially cancelled by the capacitance between the distal portions of the at least two conducting coil elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: J. Thomas Vaughan, Jinfeng Tian
  • Publication number: 20130041055
    Abstract: A composition comprising a block copolymer that includes at least one polyester block and at least one linear polyolefin block, wherein the composition is in the form of a nano-structured, bicontinuous composite that includes a continuous matrix phase and a second continuous phase. The continuous matrix phase comprises the linear polyolefin block of the block copolymer, and the second continuous phase comprises the polyester block of the block copolymer. The composite may be treated to remove the polyester block, thereby forming a plurality of nano-pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
    Inventors: Marc Hillmyer, Louis Pitet, Mark Amendt
  • Publication number: 20130035394
    Abstract: A class of topomimetic calixarene-based peptide mimetics is described. Calixarene-based peptide mimetics have various biological activities such as, for example, bactericidal activity, antiangiogenic activity, and/or antitumor activity. Methods of use and methods of designing calixarene-based peptide mimetics are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventor: Regents of the University of Minnesota
  • Publication number: 20130034533
    Abstract: Modifications of vitamin K-dependent polypeptides that lead to enhanced protein function on a weight or molar basis and/or increase of protein lifetime in the circulation are described. Both objectives are important for using vitamin K-dependent polypeptides for pro- and anti-coagulation therapies, as well as for other uses in the circulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventor: Regents of the University of Minnesota
  • Patent number: 8367389
    Abstract: The present invention relates to stable cyanuric acid hydrolase enzymes, compositions, and devices for use in the treatment of a liquid, such as water. The present invention also relates to methods of using these enzymes, compositions and devices for the treatment of a liquid, such as water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Michael J. Sadowsky, Jennifer L. Seffernick, Lawrence P. Wackett
  • Patent number: 8366905
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting ionic materials includes a sensing electrode which contacts a liquid sample and detects a sensing voltage corresponding to a surface potential which is changed by a concentration of ionic materials in the liquid sample, a first switching transistor having a first terminal connected to the sensing electrode and a second terminal connected to a first node, a second switching transistor having a first terminal connected to a reset voltage and a second terminal connected to the first node, and a sensing transistor having a gate connected to the first node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Kyu-tae Yoo, Seong-jin Kim, Eui-sik Yoon
  • Publication number: 20130029335
    Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule containing a repeat region of an isolated spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) coding sequence, the coding sequence located within the long arm of chromosome 13, and the complement of the nucleic acid molecule. Diagnostic methods based on identification of this repeat region are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Laura P. W. Ranum, Michael D. Koob, Kellie A. Benzow, Melinda L. Moseley-Alldredge
  • Patent number: 8361768
    Abstract: A process for stabilizing a bioactive composition includes forming hydrogel matrix pores around protein molecules and reducing a water content within the hydrogel matrix pores while keeping the protein molecules biologically active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignees: Regents of the University of Minnesota, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Ping Wang, Songtao Wu, Hongfei Jia, Masahiko Ishii, Xiaodong Tong, Minjuan Zhang