Patents Assigned to University of Nevada
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Patent number: 9068397Abstract: The present disclosure provides a drilling method and drill. According to a disclosed method, multiple reciprocating rock-breaking elements, including a hammer drill bit, are used. The elements are moved in alternation to each other such that the net volume displacement by the moving parts is reduced for reducing compression work and thus for losing useful energy from the available amount from the drill bit engine for rock breaking. If desired, a small component of the net volume displacement is kept for enhancing PVW for enhancing rock chipping by tensile strength. The method also includes synchronizing the peak of the pressure depression wave with that of the impact moment of the drill bit's reciprocating motion to enhance, rather than hamper, rock breaking by the creation of PVW.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventor: George L. Danko
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Publication number: 20150177216Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2015Publication date: June 25, 2015Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of NevadaInventors: Jesse D. Adams, Todd A. Sulchek, Stuart C. Feigin
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Patent number: 9029282Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of fixing nitrogen. An amount of titania catalyst is provided and contacted with a feed stream that includes nitrogen. The titania catalyst is heated. The heated titania catalyst fixes nitrogen in the feed stream to form nitrogen products, such as nitrates. The nitrogen products are then removed from the titania catalyst. In some examples, the titania catalyst is treated with a base. In further examples, the catalytic process is carried out in the absence of light for photochemically activating the titania catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventors: Glenn C. Miller, Ahmed Al-Taani
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Patent number: 8999718Abstract: A vapochromic gold-copper complex [AuL2(Cu(Y)n)2](X)3 exhibiting luminescence is provided, where L is an N-heterocyclic carbene; Y is a heteroatom-containing ligand; X is an anion, and n is an integer having a value of 1 or 2, and solvates thereof. A reaction of [AuL2(Cu(Y)n)2](X)3 with water vapor or an organic compound vapor, for example, affords a modified complex that yields a change in luminescence color under UV excitation. These tricationic vapochromic materials exhibit large changes in the emission through ligand substitution reactions between the solid complex and vapors, which permit use in luminescent vapochromic sensors.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventors: Vincent J. Catalano, Christoph E. Strasser
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Publication number: 20150093354Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method and enzyme for forming various compounds, such as monoterpenes and monoterpenoid compounds. In a specific example, the present disclosure provides a method for producing one or more of (?)-ipsdienol, (?)-ipsenol, ipsenone, and ipsdienone. The present disclosure also provides methods of using compounds formed from the disclosed method and enzyme.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the University of NevadaInventors: Claus Tittiger, Rubi Figueroa-Teran, Gary J. Blomquist
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Publication number: 20150080213Abstract: A template-free reverse micelle (RM) based method is used to synthesize pyrochlore nanostructures having photocatalytic activity. In one embodiment, the method includes separately mixing together a first acid stabilized aqueous solution including pyrochlore precursor A and a second acid stabilized aqueous solution including pyrochlore precursor B with an organic solution including a surfactant to form an oil-in-water emulsion. Next, equimolar solutions of the first and second acid stabilized oil-in-water emulsions are mixed together. Then, the mixture of the first and second acid stabilized oil-in-water emulsion is treated with a base to produce a precipitate including pyrochlore precursors A and B. After which, the precipitate is dried to remove volatiles. The precipitate is then calcined in the presence of oxygen to form a pyrochlore nanostructure, such as a bismuth titanate (Bi2Ti2O7) pyrochlore nanorod. The method of synthesizing the pyrochlore nanorod is template-free.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of NevadaInventors: Vaidyanathan Subramanian, Sankaran Murugesan
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Publication number: 20150050292Abstract: Compositions and methods for the detection, prevention, or treatment of anthrax or other infectious diseases. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for immunizing humans or animals against Bacillus anthracis or other capsulated pathogens. The methods include administering a capsular polypeptide of a pathogen of interest and a CD40 agonist to a human or animal. The capsular polypeptide or the CD40 agonist is administered in such an amount or frequency that an immunoprotective response can be elicited in the human or animal against the pathogen of interest. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of using passive immunization with anti-capsular polypeptide antibodies to prevent or treat infections caused by Bacillus anthracis or other pathogens. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods useful for diagnosis of anthrax by detection of capsular polypeptide in serum or other biological samples.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicants: Board of Regents of th Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, STC. UNM, Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventors: Thomas R. Kozel, William Murphy, Suzanne Brandt, Bruce R. Blazar, Julie A. Lovchik, Peter Thorkildson, Ann Percival, C. Rick Lyons
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Patent number: 8945890Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method and enzyme for forming various compounds, such as monoterpenes and monoterpenoid compounds. In a specific example, the present disclosure provides a method for producing one or more of (?)-ipsdienol, (?)-ipsenol, ipsenone, and ipsdienone. The present disclosure also provides methods of using compounds formed from the disclosed method and enzyme.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventors: Claus Tittiger, Rubi Figueroa-Teran, Gary J. Blomquist
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Patent number: 8945304Abstract: A system and method A method of growing an elongate nanoelement from a growth surface includes: a) cleaning a growth surface on a base element; b) providing an ultrahigh vacuum reaction environment over the cleaned growth surface; c) generating a reactive gas of an atomic material to be used in forming the nanoelement; d) projecting a stream of the reactive gas at the growth surface within the reactive environment while maintaining a vacuum of at most 1×10?4 Pascal; e) growing the elongate nanoelement from the growth surface within the environment while maintaining the pressure of step c); f) after a desired length of nanoelement is attained within the environment, stopping direction of reactive gas into the environment; and g) returning the environment to an ultrahigh vacuum condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: The Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education on behalf of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of NevadaInventors: Biswajit Das, Myung B. Lee
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Patent number: 8927910Abstract: An electrical heat production device comprising a thin resistive layer sandwiched between a pair of plates having high thermal and electrical conductivity, the stack of layers being insulated around the side surfaces. When a voltage potential is applied across the plates in the disclosed electrical heat production device, an electrical current flows across the resistive layer producing heat within the resistive layer that is conducted through the plates and across the outer surfaces of the plates. A guard heater can be positioned adjacent to one of the outer plate surfaces to bias the heat flow from the resistive layer toward the opposite outer plate surface, such that the apparatus can have a single planar heating surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventors: Richard Wirtz, Sean Penley
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Publication number: 20140378675Abstract: The invention provides novel oligonucleotides and methods of using the same for detection or measurement of specific nucleic acid molecules. The invention also features nucleic acid arrays comprising the oligonucleotides of the invention. An oligonucleotide of the invention comprises (1) a reporter-binding sequence capable of hybridizing to a fluorophore-labeled reporter sequence and (2) a hairpin-forming sequence capable of forming a stem-loop. Formation of the stem-loop modifies (e.g., quenching) the fluorescence signals of the reporter sequence when the reporter sequence is hybridized to the oligonucleotide. This can be achieved, for example, by bringing one or more guanine based in the oligonucleotide into close proximity to the fluorophore(s) of the reporter sequence by virtue of the formation of the stem-loop. Disruption of the stem-loop, such as by hybridization of a target sequence to at least part of the hairpin-forming sequence, produces a detectable change in the fluorescence signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of NevadaInventors: Suk-Wah Tam-Chang, Kenneth W. Hunter, Nelson G. Publicover
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Patent number: 8900537Abstract: A template-free reverse micelle (RM) based method is used to synthesize pyrochlore nanostructures having photocatalytic activity. In one embodiment, the method includes separately mixing together a first acid stabilized aqueous solution including pyrochlore precursor A and a second acid stabilized aqueous solution including pyrochlore precursor B with an organic solution including a surfactant to form an oil-in-water emulsion. Next, equimolar solutions of the first and second acid stabilized oil-in-water emulsions are mixed together. Then, the mixture of the first and second acid stabilized oil-in-water emulsion is treated with a base to produce a precipitate including pyrochlore precursors A and B. After which, the precipitate is dried to remove volatiles. The precipitate is then calcined in the presence of oxygen to form a pyrochlore nanostructure, such as a bismuth titanate (Bi2Ti2O7) pyrochlore nanorod. The method of synthesizing the pyrochlore nanorod is template-free.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventors: Vaidyanathan Subramanian, Sankaran Murugesan
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Publication number: 20140350246Abstract: The present invention relates to 7-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds and methods of making the same. Using a novel aza-[4+3] cycloaddition reaction, the 7-membered heterocyclic compounds are synthesized by reacting a first reactant and a second reactant. Exemplary first reactants and second reactants include ?-halohydroxamates and dienes, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of NevadaInventor: Christopher S. Jeffrey
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Publication number: 20140307927Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a computer implemented method of determining energy expenditure associated with a user's movement. A plurality of video images of a subject are obtained. From the plurality of video images, a first location is determined of a first joint of the subject at a first time. From the plurality of video images, a second location is determined of the first joint of the subject at a second time. The movement of the first joint of the subject between the first and second location is associated with an energy associated with the movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada,Inventors: Eelke Folmer, George Bebis, Jeffrey Angermann
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Patent number: 8853450Abstract: A method for hydrating a nitrile derivative to generate an amide derivative is provided. The method includes mixing the nitrile derivative with a ruthenium catalyst complex in an aqueous solution to form a mixture, and reacting the nitrile derivative with water in the aqueous solution and in the presence of the ruthenium catalyst complex to form a reacted mixture comprising the amide derivative. The ruthenium catalyst complex is represented by the following structural formula: RuX2(L)n, wherein X is an anionic ligand, L is a bifunctional phosphine ligand, and n is 3 or 4.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventors: Brian J. Frost, Wei-Chih Lee
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Publication number: 20140219315Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of NevadaInventors: Jesse D. Adams, Todd A. Sulchek, Stuart C. Feigin
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Publication number: 20140186254Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of fixing nitrogen. An amount of titania catalyst is provided and contacted with a feed stream that includes nitrogen. The titania catalyst is heated. The heated titania catalyst fixes nitrogen in the feed stream to form nitrogen products, such as nitrates. The nitrogen products are then removed from the titania catalyst. In some examples, the titania catalyst is treated with a base. In further examples, the catalytic process is carried out in the absence of light for photochemically activating the titania catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of NevadaInventors: Glenn C. Miller, Ahmed A. Al-Taani
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Patent number: 8746039Abstract: The invention provides a liquid cell for an atomic force microscope. The liquid cell includes a liquid cell housing with an internal cavity to contain a fluid, a plurality of conductive feedthroughs traversing the liquid cell housing between the internal cavity and a dry side of the liquid cell, a cantilevered probe coupled to the liquid cell housing, and a piezoelectric drive element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The cantilevered probe is actuated when a drive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric drive element through at least one of the conductive feedthroughs. A method of imaging an object in a liquid medium and a method of sensing a target species with the liquid cell are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventors: Jesse D. Adams, Benjamin S. Rogers, Todd A. Sulchek
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Patent number: 8722888Abstract: The invention provides materials and methods for making anisotropic solids which may be in the form of films, layers, shaped elements, and other shaped articles. The methods provide anisotropic solids without the need for rolling, rubbing, or stretching to impart orientational alignment of the molecules of the solid. The methods employ organic or organometallic compounds which are soluble orienting molecules. The solvent or solvent system must be sufficiently volatile to be removed without disruption of the molecular orientation. The soluble orienting molecules include those containing one or more hydrophilic and/or ionic groups and the solvent or solvent system can be a polar organic solvent or solvent system or an aqueous solvent or solvent system. The invention also provides novel compounds having quaterrylene, perylene and naphthalene ring systems carrying one or more hydrophilic and/or ionic groups.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada Systems of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventors: Travis D. Carson, Suk-Wah Tam-Chang
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Patent number: 8709304Abstract: The present invention relates to formation of nanocubes of sillenite type compounds, such as bismuth titanate, i.e., Bi12TiO20, nanocubes, via a hydrothermal synthesis process, with the resulting compound(s) having multifunctional properties such as being useful in solar energy conversion, environmental remediation, and/or energy storage, for example. In one embodiment, a hydrothermal method is disclosed that transforms nanoparticles of TiO2 to bismuth titanate, i.e., Bi12TiO20, nanocubes, optionally loaded with palladium nanoparticles. The method includes reacting titanium dioxide nanotubes with a bismuth salt in an acidic bath at a temperature sufficient and for a time sufficient to form bismuth titanate crystals, which are subsequently annealed to form bismuth titanate nanocubes. After annealing, the bismuth titanate nanocubes may be optionally loaded with nano-sized metal particles, e.g., nanosized palladium particles.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventors: Vaidyanathan Subramanian, Sankaran Murugesan