Patents Assigned to University of Utah
  • Patent number: 9444065
    Abstract: A polymer mixture emits a broad spectrum of visible light that appears white or near-white in the aggregate. The polymer mixture comprises two (or more) components in the active layer. A heavy atom, such as platinum and/or iridium, present in the backbone of the mixture acts via a spin-orbit coupling mechanism to cause the ratio of fluorescent to phosphorescent light emission bands to be of approximately equal strength. These two broad emissions overlap, resulting in an emission spectrum that appears to the eye to be white.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Zeev Valentine Vardeny, Leonard Wojcik, Tomer Drori
  • Publication number: 20160258970
    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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventor: Jennifer M. Heemstra
  • Publication number: 20160258022
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for assessing the risk of a patient for developing a potentially fatal cardiac dysrhythmia and for diagnosing Andersen's Syndrome. A tissue sample from a patient is obtained and the DNA or proteins of the sample isolated. From the DNA and protein isolates the sequence of the KCNJ2 gene or the Kir2.1 polypeptide can be obtained. The KCNJ2 gene or the Kir2.1 can be screened for alteration as compared to the wile-type sequence. An alteration in a copy of the KCNJ2 gene or a Kir2.1 polypeptide indicates that the patient has a high risk for developing acardiac dysrhythmia and can be diagnosed with Andersen's Syndrome. The invention also related to isolated nucleic acid molecules with one or more alterations as compared to the wild-type sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Louis J. Ptacek, Ying-Hui Fu
  • Patent number: 9421732
    Abstract: Air-stable coated particles, which include an oxidizable core having a coating substantially encompassing the oxidizable core, where the coating comprises a first organic ligand and/or a second organic ligand, are disclosed and described. The coated particles can also be substantially free of an oxide layer, especially oxide layers around the oxidizable core. As such, the coating of organic ligand(s) acts as a protective or passivating coating. The air-stable coated particles can be formed via a particle size-reduction process. An oxidizable particulate can be crushed and contacted with a first organic ligand and subsequently with a second organic ligand. The process conditions are maintained such that an oxide layer is preempted from forming on the oxidizable core. Such materials can be effective as high energy density additives for various fuels, pyrotechnic, ionic liquids, and rocket propellant applications and for biomedical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Scott L. Anderson, Brian R. Van Devener, Jesus Paulo L. Perez
  • Patent number: 9421612
    Abstract: A method for producing a substantially spherical metal powder is described. A particulate source metal includes a primary particulate and has an average starting particle size. The particulate source metal is optionally ball milled and mixed with a binder in a solvent to form a slurry. The slurry is granulated to form substantially spherical granules, wherein each granule comprises an agglomeration of particulate source metal in the binder. The granules are debinded at a debinding temperature to remove the binder from the granules forming debinded granules. The debinded granules are at least partially sintered at a sintering temperature such that particles within each granule fuse together to form partially or fully sintered solid granules. The granules can then be optionally recovered to form a substantially spherical metal powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Zhigang Z Fang, Yang Xia, Pei Sun, Ying Zhang
  • Patent number: 9421300
    Abstract: Described herein is the synthesis of adhesive from simple adhesive coacervates and their uses thereof. The adhesives are produced by (a) preparing a solution comprising (1) a polyelectrolyte, wherein the polyelectrolyte comprises a polyanion or polycation but not a combination thereof, the polyeletrolyte comprises at least one crosslinking group, and (2) a sufficient amount of a complimentary counterion to produce a simple adhesive coacervate; and (b) crosslinking the simple adhesive coacervate to produce the adhesive. The adhesives have numerous medical and non-medical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventor: Russell J. Stewart
  • Patent number: 9413584
    Abstract: Technology for blind phase-shift keying (PSK) and quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) identification of a received radio frequency (RF) signal is disclosed. One method can include: uniform sub-sampling the received RF signal to eliminate a phase contribution from a carrier frequency of the received RF signal; and computing a likelihood function of observed phase differences of the sub-sampled received RF signal of a phase sequence for each PSK modulation type. Another method can include: non-uniformly sub-sampling the received RF signal for a distribution of signal amplitudes of the received RF signal; and computing a likelihood function of the signal amplitudes of the sub-samples of the received RF signal for each modulation type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Daimei Zhu, V. John Mathews
  • Publication number: 20160223522
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides conjugates, systems, devices, and methods for detecting cellular redox state. In one aspect, for example, a conjugate for detecting cellular redox state can include a first segment including a cell penetrating peptide conjugated to a first detection molecule, and a second segment including a cargo peptide conjugated to a second detection molecule, wherein the first segment and the second segment are coupled together by a redox-sensitive linkage, and wherein the first detection molecule and the second detection molecule have properties that allow linked proximity detection. In one specific example, the first detection molecule and the second detection molecule include a fluorophore/quencher pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Shayne Squires, Ivor Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20160222411
    Abstract: Systems, constructs, and methods for reprogramming cells are provided. In one aspect, for example, a transformation construct for generating iPS cells can include an expression vector having a plurality of reprogramming factors, each reprogramming factor being under control of a separate promoter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Stefan M. Pulst, Sharan Paul, Warunee Dansithong
  • Patent number: 9403186
    Abstract: A versatile and rapid sol-gel technique for the fabrication of high quality one-dimensional photonic bandgap materials. For example, silica/titania multi-layer materials may be fabricated by a sol-gel chemistry route combined with dip-coating onto planar or curved substrate. A shock-cooling step immediately following the thin film heat-treatment process is introduced. This step was found important in the prevention of film crack formation—especially in silica/titania alternating stack materials with a high number of layers. The versatility of this sol-gel method is demonstrated by the fabrication of various Bragg stack-type materials with fine-tuned optical properties by tailoring the number and sequence of alternating layers, the film thickness and the effective refractive index of the deposited thin films. Measured optical properties show good agreement with theoretical simulations confirming the high quality of these sol-gel fabricated optical materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Michael H. Bartl, Moussa Barhoum, David Riassetto
  • Publication number: 20160216246
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for fitting kinetic models to measurements of dynamic curves where the kinetic models give rise to nonlinear fitting equations in two or more unknowns that can be formulated so that they are linear in one or more of the unknown parameters and nonlinear in one or more of the unknown parameters. Such systems, methods and devices may be utilized to monitor and characterize the attributes of a given tracer such as a radioactive substance within a body, a drug within the body, a concentration of a substance within a particular medium, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Dan J. Kadrmas, Mehmet Bugrahan Oktay
  • Patent number: 9388482
    Abstract: A functionally graded cemented tungsten carbide material produced via heat treating a sintered cemented tungsten carbide is disclosed and described. The heat treating process comprises at least a step that heats the sintered material to the multi-phase temperature range in which multiple phases including solid tungsten carbide, liquid metal binder, and solid metal binder coexist. Additionally, the material, after the heat treating process comprises a surface layer with lower metal binder content than the nominal value of metal binder content of the bulk of the material. The material is used to make tools for rock drilling, machining of metal alloys, and machining of non-metallic materials. The material can also be used to make engineered wear parts that are used in mechanical systems and applications where wear resistance is required or desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Zhigang Z. Fang, Peng Fan, Jun Guo
  • Publication number: 20160193479
    Abstract: A system, method and device for treating tumor cells utilizing a resorbable therapy seed made up of microspheres containing a beta- or alpha-particle-emitting radiation source and a resorbable polymer matrix. These seeds are implanted within the tumor and then rapidly dissolved so as to release the microspheres from the polymer matrix. These microspheres then spread within a preselected target area and provide radiation therapy in a predetermined amount and at a preselected rate according the specific needs and necessities of the users. The configuration of the microspheres, the types of radiation provided and the location and use of these microspheres provides desired localized treatment to target cells while preferentially avoiding or minimizing undesired damage to surrounding tissue. The present invention provides a method for making the seeds, as well as a method for utilizing the seeds as a part of the treatment method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Applicants: Battelle Memorial Institute, University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Darrell R. Fisher, You Han Bae, Zhonggao Gao
  • Publication number: 20160193041
    Abstract: A vision correction system comprising an intraocular lens having a lens body and one or more haptics is provided. The lens body may be configured to be positioned posteriorly to an iris of an eye and may have a convex anterior surface, a concave posterior surface, and a circumferential edge having a rounded anterior portion and a rounded posterior portion. Haptics may extend at an anterior angle from the lens body and be configured to contact the ciliary sulcus of an eye. The haptics and/or hydrophobic forces between this lens body and a second intraocular lens may secure the lens body in the eye in a relatively fixed position and prevent rotation of the lens over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventor: Randall J. Olson
  • Patent number: 9381019
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for fixating connective tissue to bone. Some aspects include a carrier member having a length, width, and thickness, wherein the length and width are each at least two times greater than the thickness; attachment members extending from the carrier member and that engage connective tissue of an animal; and a bone engaging member extending from the carrier member and configured to attach to a bone of the animal. In some aspects, when the attachment members are engaged with the connective tissue and the bone engaging member is attached to the bone, the connective tissue and the bone are limited in being pulled apart from one another during physiological use of the connective tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventor: Erik N. Kubiak
  • Patent number: 9381282
    Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and devices for promoting adhesion or migration of endothelial cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Dean Y. Li, Brent D. Wilson, Lise Sorensen Brunhart
  • Patent number: 9368273
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for multicoil telemetry are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an intermediate coil disposed between a driving coil and a receiving coil, where the intermediate coil is configured to act on magnetic fields between the driving coil and receiving coil in order to provide improved coupling efficiency. The improved coupling may assist in providing efficient power transfer and/or data transfer utilizing the magnetic fields. In some embodiments the receiving coil may be in direct communication with the intermediate coil, without any other intermediate coils. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a second intermediate coil disposed between the driving coil and receiving coil to improve the transfer efficiency between the driving and receiving coils. The intermediate coils may have a high quality factor and be configured to decouple the resistance between the driving and receiving coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Anil K. Ram Rakhyani, Gianluca Lazzi
  • Patent number: 9365786
    Abstract: Air-stable coated particles which include an oxidizable core having an organic ligand coating substantially encompassing the oxidizable core, are disclosed and described. The coated particles can also be substantially free of an oxide layer, especially oxide layers around the oxidizable core. As such, the organic ligand coating acts as a protective or passivating coating. The air-stable coated particles can be formed via a particle size-reduction process. An oxidizable particulate can be crushed and contacted with an organic ligand. The process conditions are maintained such that an oxide layer is preempted from forming on the oxidizable core. Such materials can be effective as high energy density additives for various fuels, pyrotechnic, ionic liquids, and rocket propellant applications and for biomedical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Scott L. Anderson, Brian R. Van Devener, Jesus Paulo L. Perez
  • Patent number: 9365622
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for cyclization of polymers such as peptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Eric W. Schmidt, Brian Hathaway, James T. Nelson, Mohamed S. Donia
  • Patent number: 9364412
    Abstract: The compositions and methods disclosed herein pertain to the manufacture and use of hydrogels. The disclosed compositions and methods pertain to hydrogels capable of induction by a variety of methodologies, such as by pH, salt and/or mixing. Such hydrogels are capable of self- or co-assembly and while doing so, may entrap a variety of bioactive agents in their native form, such as proteins, DNA, RNA and the like. The hydrogels of the present invention also demonstrate rapid sheer-responsiveness. The hydrogels of the present invention are biodegradable, biocompatible and useful as a biomaterial or drug-delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignees: University of Utah Research Foundation, THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yihua Bruce Yu, Sivakumar Ramachandran, Yiider Tseng