Patents Assigned to University of Toledo
  • TRANSPEDICULAR ACCESS TO THE INTERVERTEBRAL DISC SPACE FOR DISCECTOMY, END PLATE PREPARATION, AND INTERBODY FUSION
    Publication number: 20150216593
    Abstract: An insertion device is configured to access a disc positioned between adjacent vertebrae. The insertion device includes a cannula having a passage formed therein. The cannula has an exit aperture. An obturator is substantially positioned within the passage formed in the cannula. One end of the obturator has a probe and the other end of the obturator has a head. An impaction cap is in contact with the cannula and is positioned to cover the head of the obturator. The impaction cap is configured to allow at least a portion of the cannula to be inserted through a portion of one vertebra without deployment of the probe of the obturator through the exit aperture of the cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Applicant: The University of Toledo
    Inventor: Ashok Biyani
  • Back Contact Layer for Photovoltaic Cells
    Publication number: 20150221790
    Abstract: A photovoltaic cell structure is disclosed that includes a back contact layer that includes single wall carbon nanotube elements. The single wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) back contact is in electrical communication with an adjacent semiconductor layer and provides a buffer characteristic that impedes elemental metal migration from the back contact into the semiconductor active layers. In one embodiment, the SWNT back contact includes a semiconductor characteristic and a buffer characteristic. In another embodiment, the SWNT back contact further includes a metallic characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Applicant: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Michael J. Heben, Adam B. Phillips, Rajendra R. Khanal, Victor V. Plotnikov, Alvin D. Compaan
  • Na/K-ATPase ligand
    Patent number: 9072751
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting, treating, characterizing, and diagnosing interstitial lung and/or fibrotic diseases are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Zi-Jian Xie, Joseph I. Shapiro
  • Neural network system and uses thereof
    Patent number: 9076107
    Abstract: A multifunctional neural network system for prediction which includes memory components to store previous values of data within a network. The memory components provide the system with the ability to learn relationships/patterns existent in the data over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Brent D. Cameron, Scott M. Pappada
  • Materials and methods useful to induce vacuolization, cell death, or a combination thereof
    Patent number: 9061994
    Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods to induce cell death by methuosis, a non-apoptotic cell death mechanism, to induce vacuolization without cell death, or to induce cell death without vacuolization. Small molecules herein are useful for treating cell proliferation disorders or anomalies, particularly, but not exclusively, cancer. Methods related to the research and pharmaceutical use of the small molecules are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: William A. Maltese, Paul W. Erhardt, Jean H. Overmeyer, Christopher Trabbic
  • Gradiator reformer
    Patent number: 9061911
    Abstract: A desulfurizer-reformer reactor system comprising a gradient assembly having a de-sulfurizing material and a reforming catalyst material arranged in a sequential manner and methods of generating energy are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventor: Abdul-Majeed Azad
  • Materials And Methods Useful To Induce Vacuolization, Cell Death, Or A Combination Thereof
    Publication number: 20150152049
    Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods to induce cell death by methuosis, a non-apoptotic cell death mechanism, to induce vacuolization without cell death, or to induce cell death without vacuolization. Small molecules herein are useful for treating cell proliferation disorders or anomalies, particularly, but not exclusively, cancer. Methods related to the research and pharmaceutical use of the small molecules are also provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: William A. Maltese, Paul W. Erhardt, Jean H. Overmeyer, Christopher Trabbic
  • Materials and methods useful to induce cell death via methuosis
    Patent number: 9028796
    Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods to induce cell death by methuosis, a non-apoptotic cell death mechanism. Small molecules herein are useful for treating cell proliferation disorders or anomalies, particularly, but not exclusively, cancer. Methods related to the research and pharmaceutical use of the small molecules are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: William A. Maltese, Paul W. Erhardt, Michael W. Robinson, Jean H. Overmeyer
  • Materials and Methods Useful to Induce Vacuolization, Cell Death, or a Combination Thereof
    Patent number: 9023871
    Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods to induce cell death by methuosis, a non-apoptotic cell death mechanism, to induce vacuolization without cell death, or to induce cell death without vacuolization. Small molecules herein are useful for treating cell proliferation disorders or anomalies, particularly, but not exclusively, cancer. Methods related to the research and pharmaceutical use of the small molecules are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: William A. Maltese, Paul W. Erhardt, Christopher Trabbic, Jean H. Overmeyer
  • Stable Tregs and related materials and methods
    Patent number: 9018006
    Abstract: The present invention provides materials and methods related to culturing stable Treg cells or in vivo expansion of stable Treg cells, the cells made by the methods, treatments for various inflammatory/autoimmune pathologies and transplant/graft rejection, and related materials. Ex vivo induction and expansion of the stable Tregs is described, including use of inducing compositions, such as certain mAbs and other compounds, along with expansion medium comprising IL-2. In vivo expansion of stable Treg cells and treatments for various inflammatory/autoimmune pathologies and transplant/graft rejection are described, including the use of mAbs and their variants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Stanislaw M. Stepkowski, Wenhao Chen, Yoshihiro Miyahara
  • Antibacterial Surfactant/Microgel Formulations, Methods of Making and Methods of Using the Same
    Publication number: 20150093424
    Abstract: Formulations having, as active agents, at least one quaternized polymeric microgel and at least one surfactant, methods of making, and methods of using are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Yakov Lapitsky, Youngwoo Seo
  • Compositions of standardized mixtures for determining an amount of a nucleic acid
    Patent number: 8981068
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for evaluating nucleic acids, methods of preparing such compositions, and applications and business methods employing such compositions and methods. In particular, the present invention provides business methods for operating a gene expression measurement service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: Gene Express, Inc., University of Toledo
    Inventors: James C. Willey, Brad Austermiller, Erin L. Crawford, Charles Knight, Terry Osborn, Robert Zahorchak
  • Na+/K+-ATPase-specific peptide inhibitors/activators of Src and Src family kinases
    Patent number: 8981051
    Abstract: A method for regulating Src and its downstream signaling pathway which includes binding between Src and Na+/K+-ATPase is disclosed. The Na+/K+-ATPase/Src complex is a functional receptor for cardiotonic steroids such as ouabain. Also disclosed are Src inhibitors or activators which include either Na+/K+-ATPase or Src that interfere with the interaction between the Na/K-ATPase and Src, act via a different mechanism from ATP analogs, and is pathway (Na+/K+-ATPase) specific.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Zi-Jian Xie, Joseph I. Shapiro, Jiang Tian, Zhichuan Li
  • Intracavitary radiation system
    Patent number: 8961383
    Abstract: A system is provided for use in brachytherapy where a central tube permits passage of a radioactive source therethrough to deliver a prescribed dosage of radiation. One or more balloons are coaxially positioned around the central tube. At least one balloon includes one or more peripheral tubes extending along at least a portion of the balloon. The peripheral tube is also attached to the high dose rate brachytherapy unit in order to permit passage of a radioactive source therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: E. Ishmael Parsai, John J. Feldmeier
  • Hybrid Multifunctional Posterior Interspinous Fusion Device
    Publication number: 20150012040
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved structure for an interspinous stabilization device that more evenly distributes loads throughout the adjacent vertebrae than known interspinous stabilization devices, and further readily compensates for graft settling so as to maintain continued axial loading of the graft. More specifically, this invention relates to a medical device that helps in performing a spinal fusion procedure by holding the bone graft in place and stabilizing the facet screw by a plate that is attached to it. The invention also performs a dynamic function that compensates for settling of the bone graft over time. This dynamic function may, if desired, be enhanced by a movement-limiting mechanism that allows extension but not flexion such that the bone graft fusion remains in contact and fusion takes place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Anand K. Agarwal, Vijay K. Goel, Aakash Agarwal
  • Thermal fractionation of biomass of non-lignocellulosic origin for multiple high-quality biofuels
    Patent number: 8927240
    Abstract: Methods for production of multiple biofuels through thermal fractionation of biomass feedstocks are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Balakrishna Maddi, Sridhar Viamajala, Sasidhar Varanasi
  • Expandable Inter-Vertebral Cage and Method of Installing Same
    Publication number: 20140379086
    Abstract: An inter-vertebral cage for use in repairing a damaged inter-vertebral disc includes a plurality of cage sections and a hinge element that connects adjacent ones of the cage sections together for relative movement. The hinge elements automatically urge the cage sections to move from an extended orientation to an installed orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Mohammad Elahinia, Anand Agarwal, Vijay Goel, Walter Anderson, Cory Chapman
  • Non-Invasive Ocular Analyte Sensing System
    Publication number: 20140364709
    Abstract: A noninvasive method and apparatus for determining analyte concentration (e.g., glucose) in a subject that includes measuring light refraction from at least a portion one or more structures. One example of such structure is the subject's iris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Brent D. Cameron, Anthony J. Webb
  • Calcium phosphate nanowhisker particles, method of making and using the same
    Patent number: 8906415
    Abstract: Calcium phosphate nanowhisker particles, methods of making and method of using are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Sarit Bhaduri, Darcy E. Wagner
  • Na/K-ATPase ligand
    Patent number: 8906891
    Abstract: This process relates to a pharmaceutical composition of an Na—K-ATPase ligand which will stimulate Na/K-ATPase signaling in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. In one embodiment, the composition may be used to treat a skin disorder. In another embodiment, the composition may be used to inhibit cardiac fibrosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Zijian Xie, Joseph I. Shapiro