Patents Assigned to University of Utah Research Institute
  • Patent number: 4875015
    Abstract: Multiple arrays of electric or magnetic transmitters and receivers are used in a borehole geophysical procedure to obtain a multiplicity of redundant data suitable for processing into a resistivity or induced polarization model of a subsurface region of the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Institute
    Inventor: Stanley H. Ward
  • Patent number: 4705518
    Abstract: An artificial sphincter apparatus and method, the artificial sphincter including a pair of parallel, coaxially mounted rings with at least one ring rotatable relative to the other. Optionally the rings are capable of being split open at their circumference and reclosed for mounting about a living tissue conduit for which surgical severing is not recommended. A plurality of circumferentially mounted tie members extend between the rings and are drawn laterally toward the center of the sphincter, narrowing a passageway therethrough, upon relative rotation between the rings. This action is capable of gently constricting a living tissue conduit within the passageway using a combination of rotational and circumferentially localized discrete radially compressive forces to control the flow of biological materials within the living tissue conduit. A cell impervious thin flexible tubular membrane envelopes the sphincter to isolate it from the immediate environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Institute
    Inventors: Charles D. Baker, Owen D. Brimhall, Charles R. Galway
  • Patent number: 4553271
    Abstract: An artificial sphincter apparatus and method, the artificial sphincter including a pair of parallel, coaxially mounted rings with at least one ring rotatable relative to the other ring. A plurality of tie members mounted circumferentially to the rings extend between the rings and are angularly moved relative to the axis of the artificial sphincter upon relative rotation between the rings so as to selectively occlude or open a bowel engaged by the artificial sphincter. An actuator mechanism mounted on the artificial sphincter permits the artificial sphincter to be operated externally even when the artificial sphincter is implanted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Institute
    Inventor: Charles D. Baker
  • Patent number: 4396290
    Abstract: An improved ring laser gyroscope is disclosed that uses two counterrotating beams separated in frequency by an amount that is large compared to lock-in thresholds. The two beams are heterodyned together to obtain a beat frequency whose magnitude is proportional to rotation rate. In the preferred embodiment, the gyroscope utilizes an optical fiber waveguide as the laser cavity. The two countercirculating beams are generated via the mechanism of stimulated Brillouin scattering within the cavity. The two Brillouin ring lasers are pumped by two beams derived from an external pump laser. The derived beams are shifted in frequency by acousto-optic modulators. Lock-in is eliminated at all rotation rates. Other error sources common to ring laser gyroscopes are eliminated or greatly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1983
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Institute
    Inventor: Glen J. Morris
  • Patent number: 4166457
    Abstract: A dry-state bioelectrode having a self-sealing receptacle for receiving electrolyte and/or medicament fluid contents. The receptacle is attached at its opening to a sheet-like flexible base member having an opening in common with the receptacle opening, the bottom of the base member being adapted for fixation at a skin surface. A portion of the skin surface is exposed to the fluid contents of the receptacle through the common opening. An injection site communicates through the wall of the receptacle and provides controlled access for filling. Upon completion of filling, the receptacle self seals, retaining the fluid contents therein for application of iontophoresis treatment or other procedures requiring use of a potential gradient. An electrode plate is supported at an interior surface of the receptacle for supplying the desired electric potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1979
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Institute
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Robert L. Stephen, Richard D. Luntz, Richard T. Johnson, David F. Knutti, Carl F. Mandleco
  • Patent number: 4159178
    Abstract: A stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) ring laser gyroscope. The SBS laser gyroscope is fabricated from a single-mode optical fiber waveguide and is optically coupled to a laser to accommodate being pumped in two directions by laser radiation having sufficient energy to induce stimulated Brillouin scattering radiation (SBS). The apparatus includes means for extracting a portion of each of the SBS radiation from the single-mode optical fiber waveguide and superimposing the extracted portions to permit detection of a beat frequency therebetween. The beat frequency detected is indicative of the rate of angular rotation of the area circumscribed by the single-mode optical fiber waveguide. Means are provided to accommodate a significant reduction in the required laser pumping power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1979
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Institute
    Inventors: Victor Vali, Richard W. Shorthill
  • Patent number: 4122342
    Abstract: An X-ray and Gamma ray waveguide, cavity, and method for directing electromagnetic radiation of the X-ray, Gamma ray, and extreme ultraviolet wavelengths. A hollow fiber is used as the waveguide and is manufactured from a material having an index of refraction less than unity for these wavelengths. The internal diameter of the hollow fiber waveguide and the radius of curvature for the waveguide are selectively predetermined in light of the wavelength of the transmitted radiation to minimize losses. The electromagnetic radiation is obtained from any suitable source and upon introduction into the waveguide is transmitted along a curvilinear path. The waveguide may be formed as a closed loop to create a cavity or may be used to direct the electromagnetic radiation to a utilization site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1978
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Institute
    Inventors: Victor Vali, Reuben S. Krogstad, H. Robert Willard
  • Patent number: 4120587
    Abstract: A laser gyroscope for determining rotation of an area circumscribed by two closely adjacent optical fiber waveguides which serve as double laser cavities. Laser oscillation is restricted to one direction only in each optical fiber waveguide with the direction of oscillation in each waveguide being opposite to that in the adjacent optical fiber waveguide. Fractional parts of the laser radiation from the laser oscillation in each optical fiber waveguide are superimposed to develop a beat frequency therebetween which is proportional to the angular rotation of the area circumscribed by the two optical fiber waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1978
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Institute
    Inventors: Victor Vali, Richard W. Shorthill, Raymond Goldstein, Reuben S. Krogstad
  • Patent number: 4089329
    Abstract: A noninvasive, continuous monitoring device for measuring intraocular pressure without interference with vision or normal activity of the patient. A miniature, planar-faced pressure transducer is fixed in a protruding section of a compliant hydrogel ring which has been tooled to conform to the spherical surface of the sclera. The hydrogel ring is placed noninvasively under the eyelids within the conjunctival cul-de-sac, the transducer being located in the lower temperal quadrant. Applanation of the sclera against the planar surface of the transducer results as a consequence of pressure from the separated tissues. Intraocular pressure readings are based on the variations in resistance in the strain gage elements of the transducer caused by the applied stress to the transducer diaphragm. Data is transmitted through connecting wires to a telemetry unit which transmits the data to a receiver-transcriber console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1978
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Institute
    Inventors: Lucien Alfred Couvillon, Jr., Thomas Reaks Grover, Charles Dewitt Baker, William Sanford Topham