Patents Assigned to University of Utah
  • Patent number: 9723230
    Abstract: A multi-spectral imaging (MSI) device can include an imaging plane and a diffractive optic. The imaging plane can include at least two groups of pixels an array of pixels for sensing at least two spectral bands. The at least two spectral bands can include a first spectral band and a second spectral band. The diffractive optic can be configured for diffracting an electromagnetic wave into the at least two spectral bands and focusing each spectral band component of the electromagnetic wave onto the group of pixels for the spectral band to generate an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventor: Rajesh Menon
  • Patent number: 9713436
    Abstract: A method of optimizing scan parameters for LGE-MRI. At least one cardiac MRI TI scout scan is performed by applying an inversion pulse every predetermined heart beat of a patient. An initial value of an inversion time TIinitial is determined by assessing a set of images generated from the scout scan. A first multiple of a duration between successive indicia of ventricular depolarization is selected, and a relaxation time T1 is determined based on the initial value Tinitial and the first multiple of duration. An optimized inversion time TIoptimal for LGE-MRI is determined based on the relaxation time T1 and a second multiple of a duration between successive indicia of ventricular depolarization. A correction factor is determined based on the optimized inversion time TIoptimal from the initial value of the inversion time TIinitial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Nassir F. Marrouche, Evgueni G. Kholmovski
  • Patent number: 9709512
    Abstract: In one example embodiment, a method of volumetric image reconstruction of an examination region includes directing x-rays from an anode of an x-ray device towards the examination region from multiple positions relative to the examination region, including multiple focal spot positions radially shifted relative to the anode. X-rays that have passed through the examination region are detected and first multiple x-ray attenuation values are determined for each of the multiple positions. The first multiple x-ray values are based at least in part on the detected x-rays. Second multiple x-ray attenuation values associated with multiple levels are determined. The second multiple attenuation values are based at least in part on the first multiple attenuation values and the multiple positions. The method further includes generating a volumetric image reconstruction of the examination region based at least in part on the second multiple x-ray attenuation values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Gregory C. Andrews, Dominic J. Heuscher
  • Patent number: 9703211
    Abstract: A method for sub-diffraction-limited patterning using a photoswitchable layer is disclosed. A sample of the photoswitchable layer can be selectively exposed to a first wavelength of illumination that includes a super-oscillatory peak. The sample can be selectively exposed to a second wavelength of illumination that does not include the super-oscillatory peak. A region in the sample that corresponds to the super-oscillatory peak and is associated with the second transition state can optionally be converted into a third transition state. The region in the sample at the third transition state can constitute a pattern of an isolated feature with a size that is substantially smaller than a far-field diffraction limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventor: Rajesh Menon
  • Publication number: 20170189405
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds and methods for inhibiting Arf6. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating a subject with an inhibitor of Arf6 are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicants: Navigen, Inc., The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kirill Ostanin, Mark Shenderovich, Ashok Bajji, Christopher L. Cioffi, Neil Moss, Hariprasad Vankayalapati, Dean Li
  • Publication number: 20170175113
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for decreasing Ataxin 2 mRNA and protein expression. Such methods are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate Ataxin 2 associated diseases, disorders, and conditions. Such Ataxin 2 associated diseases include spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and parkinsonism. Provided are methods for reducing expression of Ataxin 2 (ATXN2) mRNA and protein in an animal. Such methods are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate neurodegenerative diseases, including spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and parkinsonism by inhibiting expression of Ataxin 2 in an animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicants: Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: C. Frank Bennett, Susan M. Freier, Stefan M. Pulst, Daniel R. Scoles, Gene Hung
  • Patent number: 9669464
    Abstract: A method of deoxygenating metal can include forming a mixture of: a metal having oxygen dissolved therein in a solid solution, at least one of metallic magnesium and magnesium hydride, and a magnesium-containing salt. The mixture can be heated at a deoxygenation temperature for a period of time under a hydrogen-containing atmosphere to form a deoxygenated metal. The deoxygenated metal can then be cooled. The deoxygenated metal can optionally be subjected to leaching to remove by-products, followed by washing and drying to produce a final deoxygenated metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ying Zhang, Zhigang Zak Fang, Pei Sun, Yang Xia, Chengshang Zhou
  • Patent number: 9668889
    Abstract: An implant system for securing a prosthesis to a selected bone of a subject including a stem and an abutment. The stem includes a porous region that promotes osseointegration of the selected bone following implantation of the stem. The abutment is secured to the stem and is configured for secure attachment to the prosthesis. The stem and the abutment include ultra-low friction and/or highly polished surfaces at select locations that inhibit bio-adhesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Brian Mueller Holt, Kent N. Bachus, Sujee Jeyapalina, James Peter Beck, Roy Bloebaum
  • Patent number: 9656058
    Abstract: Techniques for insertion of a cochlear implant include using a rotatable manipulator magnet to steer the tip of the cochlear implant. Steering can use magnetic torque and/or force between the manipulator magnet and a magnetic element coupled to the tip of the cochlear implant to control bending of the cochlear implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jacob J. Abbott, James R. Clark, Frank M. Warren
  • Patent number: 9657347
    Abstract: Methods are provided for nucleic acid analysis wherein a target nucleic acid is mixed with a dsDNA binding dye to form a mixture. Optionally, an unlabeled probe is included in the mixture. A melting curve is generated for the target nucleic acid by measuring fluorescence from the dsDNA binding dye as the mixture is heated. Dyes for use in nucleic acid analysis and methods for making dyes are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation and BioFire Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Luming Zhou, Carl T. Wittwer, Philip Seth Bernard, Virginie Dujols
  • Patent number: 9656061
    Abstract: The present embodiments are directed to implantable electrode arrays having virtual electrodes. The virtual electrodes may improve the resolution of the implantable electrode array without the burden of corresponding complexity of electronic circuitry and wiring. In a particular embodiment, a virtual electrode may include one or more passive elements to help steer current to a specific location between the active electrodes. For example, a passive element may be a metalized layer on a substrate that is adjacent to, but not directly connected to an active electrode. In certain embodiments, an active electrode may be directly coupled to a power source via a conductive connection. Beneficially, the passive elements may help to increase the overall resolution of the implantable array by providing additional stimulation points without requiring additional wiring or driver circuitry for the passive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Carlos Jose Cela, Gianluca Lazzi
  • Patent number: 9642795
    Abstract: The present technology provides intravaginal devices designed to deliver lubricants to the vagina for a sustained period of time. The intravaginal devices include a first segment comprising an outer surface and a lumen containing a lubricant, wherein the first segment is configured to deliver the contents of the lumen to the outer surface, and the first segment comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of a hydrophilic, semi-permeable elastomer and a hydrophobic elastomer. The lubricant may be an aqueous lubricant. The present technology further provides an intravaginal device including a solid first segment that includes a hydrophilic semi-permeable elastomer, an outer surface and an aqueous lubricant, wherein the first segment is configured to deliver the aqueous lubricant to the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Patrick F. Kiser, R. Tyler McCabe, Margaret N. Kiser, Theodore Henry Albright
  • Patent number: 9642857
    Abstract: Methods of treatment of disorders of uncontrolled cellular proliferation, including cancer, by administering substituted (E)-N?-(1-phenylethylidene)benzohydrazide analogs, derivatives thereof, and related compounds to mammals in need thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Hariprasad Vankayalapati, Venkataswamy Sorna, Steven L. Warner, Bret Stephens, David J. Bearss, Sunil Sharma
  • Patent number: 9642623
    Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus, assemblies, and kits for performing a vascular anastomosis are disclosed. A device for a vascular anastomosis includes tissue engaging portions that can move between at least two configurations. In some embodiments, the tissue engaging portions move without the aid of moving parts, while in other embodiments the tissue engaging portions extend from one or more movable wings. The tissue engaging portions may be separated by a first distance when in a pre-deployment configuration and by a second distance when in a deployed configuration. A method includes engaging a plurality of tissue engaging members of a coupling device against first end tissue. After selectively engaging the tissue engaging members and first end tissue, the first end tissue is stretched by at least moving the tissue engaging members. The stretched first end tissue is coupled to the second end tissue by mating the coupling device to a mating anastomosis device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jayant P. Agarwal, Bruce K. Gale, Lam Nguyen, Cory Shorr, Brian Stauffer, Cody Lee Gehrke
  • Patent number: 9631239
    Abstract: Methods for classifying and for evaluating the prognosis of a subject having breast cancer are provided. The methods include prediction of breast cancer subtype using a supervised algorithm trained to stratify subjects on the basis of breast cancer intrinsic subtype. The prediction model is based on the gene expression profile of the intrinsic genes listed in Table 1. This prediction model can be used to accurately predict the intrinsic subtype of a subject diagnosed with or suspected of having breast cancer. Further provided are compositions and methods for predicting outcome or response to therapy of a subject diagnosed with or suspected of having breast cancer. These methods are useful for guiding or determining treatment options for a subject afflicted with breast cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignees: University of Utah Research Foundation, British Columbia Cancer Agency Branch, Washington University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Charles M. Perou, Joel S. Parker, James Stephen Marron, Andrew Nobel, Philip S. Bernard, Matthew Ellis, Elaine Mardis, Torsten O. Nielsen, Maggie Cheang
  • Patent number: 9630997
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for expressing and purifying a peptide of interest using a Flagellar Type III secretion system. Disclosed are nucleic acid sequences that contain a FlgM nucleic acid sequence, a cleavage site, and a nucleic acid sequence of interest. Also disclosed are polypeptides that contain FlgM, a cleavage site and a peptide of interest. Methods of producing polypeptides that have FlgM, a cleavage site and a peptide of interest are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kelly T. Hughes, Baldomero M. Olivera
  • Patent number: 9617316
    Abstract: Described are mutant Nav1.7 sodium channel alpha-subunits and nucleic acid sequences encoding such mutants. Further described are methods for characterizing a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a Nav1.7 sodium channel alpha-subunit, methods for determining a Nav1.7 haplotype, methods for determining a subject's predisposition to a neurologic disorder associated with a sodium channel mutation, and methods of identifying a compound that modulates mutant Nav1.7 sodium channels. Other materials, compositions, articles, devices, and methods relating to mutant Nav1.7 sodium channels are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Mark F. Leppert, Nanda A. Singh
  • Patent number: 9616540
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for controlling a quantity of cutting fluid dispensed for a cutting tool within a CNC or other machining system. The devices, systems, and methods may include controlling multiple fluids such that coolant, lubricant, or other fluids can be delivered at different locations, at different flow rates, have their flow rates changed independently, and/or have their flow rates changed dynamically during a machining operation. In some embodiments, a feedback loop or input may be provided to obtain and/or provide information regarding the machining operation—such as cutting force, cutting temperature, cutting friction, machining operation, tool in use, work piece geometry, and/or material—and automatically and/or independently modify the fluid flow rates. The fluid may be atomized with air or other gases to minimize the quantities of fluid used. Components in the system may be modular to allow the system to be used with existing and new machining technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Alagar Krishnan Balaji, Venugopal Raghavendra Ghatikar
  • Patent number: 9606277
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for reducing the frequency and/or severity of photophobic responses or for modulating circadian cycles by controlling light exposure to melanopsin ganglion cells in a retina over the action potential spectrum of the melanopsin cells of the human eye and a visual spectral response of the human eye. Embodiments of an optical filter are described. In one embodiment an optical filter may be configured to transmit less than a first amount of light weighted across the action potential spectrum of the melanopsin cells and to transmit more than a second amount of light weighted across the visual spectral response. Methods of manufacturing optical filters are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Steven M. Blair, Bradley Jay Katz
  • Patent number: 9599628
    Abstract: Methods, assays, and products for the detection of small molecules are provided. In one aspect, for example, a method of detecting a small molecule in a sample can include reacting together a first half of a DNA split aptamer having a first reactive group coupled thereto, a second half of a DNA split aptamer having a second reactive group coupled thereto, where the DNA split aptamer is selective for the small molecule, and a sample containing the small molecule. The first half and the second half bind to the small molecule and the first reactive group and the second reactive group react to form an aptamer ligation product of the first half and the second half. The method can also include assaying for the aptamer ligation product in order to detect the small molecule presence in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventor: Jennifer M. Heemstra