Patents Assigned to University of Utah
  • Patent number: 9057767
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods provide an RF coil which produces a field having linear phase variation across an imaging volume. In one embodiment, a coil comprises multiple microstrip elements configured to have an increased effective electrical length. This increase in electrical length allows for a larger linear phase shifts over the length of the microstrip element which in turn increases linear phase variation capabilities. This may be accomplished by increasing the effective dielectric properties of the microstrip element. Increasing the effective dielectric may be accomplished by utilizing distributed capacitors along the length of a microstrip element (e.g. lumped element capacitors), by altering the materials used to fabricate the microstrip element, etc. Additionally, increasing the effective dielectric may be accomplished using a combination of these means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Utah
    Inventors: J. Rock Hadley, Dennis L. Parker, Glen R. Morrell
  • Patent number: 9052339
    Abstract: A single electron tunneling force spectroscopy (SETFS) system (10) can perform a series of surface potential charge measurements at an array of voltages (V) and tip-sample heights (Z). These measurements are combined with a tunneling model that includes the dependence of the tunneling probability on trap state depth and energy. Simultaneous measurement of the depth and energy of individual trap states in a sample, such as a dielectric film, with an atomic scale of spatial resolution can be achieved. When combined with two-dimensional trap state imaging, such techniques provide for three-dimensional imaging of electronic defect states with atomic scale spatial resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Clayton Covey Williams, Jon Paul Johnson
  • Patent number: 9052337
    Abstract: Height control systems and/or methods are implemented for dynamic force tunneling microscopy and single electron tunneling force spectroscopy to improve their accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Clayton Covey Williams, Jon Paul Johnson
  • Patent number: 9049225
    Abstract: Identifying valid wireless access points based on clock skews. A computing device receives plurality of frames, each including a corresponding timestamp, from a wireless access point. The computing device calculates transmit and receive offsets based on transmit and receive times of the plurality of frames, and also calculates differences between the transmit and receive offsets. The computing device also calculates a clock skew of a clock at the wireless access point based on a slope of the differences. The client computing device determines whether the wireless access point is an authorized wireless access point or an unauthorized wireless access point based on comparing the calculated clock skew with one or more known baseline clock skews of one or more authorized wireless access points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Suman Jana, Sneha Kasera
  • Publication number: 20150148869
    Abstract: Technology for deep brain stimulating including devices, systems, computer circuitry, and associated methods is provided. A deep brain stimulating device (100) can include a semiconductor substrate, an array of electrodes (140) coupled to the semiconductor substrate, and circuitry operable to control the array of electrodes (140). Each electrode (142) can be operable to function as an anode, a cathode, a common, or a float independent of other electrodes in the array to create highly configurable electric fields (122, 124).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Alan Dale Dorvall, II, Andrew Colin Willsie
  • Patent number: 9029379
    Abstract: Methods for treating Down syndrome and improving cognitive function of a patient with an intellectual disability are disclosed. 5-hydroxytryptamine sub-receptor six (5-HT6) receptor antagonists are provided for improving the cognition of a Down syndrome patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Julie Ruth Korenberg, Karen Sue Wilcox, Peter Jeffrey West, Raymond Pierre Kesner
  • Patent number: 9028470
    Abstract: A method of treating hypertension in a mammal is described, including: by focused sound energy, heating at least one nerve at a surface of a renal artery in a mammal; during the heating and by magnetic resonance imaging, repeatedly determining thermal levels in each of first and second volumetric zones of a region that includes at least a portion of the surface, the second zone being adjacent to the first zone; after determining that an indicium of a thermal level in the first zone exceeds a first threshold, and upon determining that an indicium of a thermal level in the second zone exceeds a second threshold, ceasing the heating of the at least one nerve for at least three months; and as a result of the heating, lowering a blood pressure in the mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Nassir F. Marrouche, Dennis L. Parker
  • Patent number: 9022963
    Abstract: A splint for use in stabilizing the nasal septum of a subject following the completion of a septoplasty procedure has a longitudinal axis and is formed of a substantially rigid sheet having a longitudinal length, an anterior end, and a posterior end. The sheet is labeled with a plurality of guide markings that guide a user in shaping the splint prior to implantation of the splint within a nasal passage of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventor: Steven Ross Mobley
  • Publication number: 20150118715
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and kits are provided for performing PCR in <20 seconds cycle, with improved efficiency and yield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Carl T. Wittwer, Steven Jared Farrar
  • Publication number: 20150118758
    Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems for detecting gamma radiation is disclosed and described. A compound for detecting gamma radiation can comprise a conjugated imidazole having the following structure: [Formula I] where at least one of R1, R2, and R3 are conjugated organic groups. Additionally, the conjugated imidazole can be capable of reacting with a radical or ion formed by the reaction of gamma radiation with a radical generating component such as a halogen solvent to decrease a molar extinction coefficient of the conjugated imidazole in the visible light region or to quench fluorescence of the conjugated imidazole. As a sensor (100), a radiation detection indicator (108) can indicate the change in molar extinction coefficient or fluorescence of the conjugated imidazole material (120) upon exposure to gamma radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ling Zang, Jimin Han, Xu Miao
  • Patent number: 9012207
    Abstract: A biomolecular assay includes a substrate with a metallic layer on at least one surface thereof. The metallic film includes nanocavities. The nanocavities are configured to enhance signals that are representative of the presence or amount of one or more analytes in a sample or sample solution, and may be configured to enhance the signal by a factor of about two or more or by a factor of about three or more. Such signal enhancement may be achieved with nanocavities that are organized in an array, randomly positioned nanocavities, or nanocavities that are surrounded by increased surface area features, such as corrugation or patterning, or nanocavities that have quadrilateral or triangular shapes with tailored edge lengths, or with a plurality of nanoparticles. Methods for fabricating biomolecular substrates and assay techniques in which such biomolecular substrates are used are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Steven M. Blair, Farhad Mahdavi, Yongdong Liu, James N. Herron, Ajay Nahata
  • Patent number: 9012419
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for regulating eosinophils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Lori A. Wagner, Katrin Szardenings, Gerald J. Gleich, Tarek Aboul-Fadl Mohamed
  • Patent number: 9005356
    Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and devices for promoting adhesion or migration of endothelial cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Dean Y. Li, Brent D. Wilson, Lise Sorensen Brunhart
  • Patent number: 9005656
    Abstract: Described herein are compositions useful in anticancer treatment and prevention. The compositions are composed of (a) an O2-aryl substituted diazeniumdiolate and (b) an amphiphile, wherein the amount of amphiphile is sufficient to produce a liposome or micelle. The compositions described herein provide numerous advantages such as increased solubility and stability of the O2-aryl substituted diazeniumdiolate in vivo. The compositions also do not induce hypotension. Methods for using the compositions in anticancer treatment and prevention are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Paul J. Shami, Ken M. Kosak
  • Patent number: 9005425
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and compounds for detecting modified nucleic acid bases are disclosed and described. The methods provide for detecting a nucleic acid lesion and can include directing a nucleic acid adduct into a channel, wherein the nucleic acid adduct includes a nucleic acid having a lesion and a current modulating compound coupled to the nucleic acid at the lesion (110), and measuring a change in current through the channel in response to the current modulating compound to detect the lesion (112). The method can optionally include forming the nucleic acid adduct. Also provided is a method for identifying the number of repeat nucleotides in at least a portion of a nucleic acid strand, a method of assigning a registration marker within a nucleic acid, and a method of obtaining sequence information from a nucleic acid comprising assigning a registration marker on the nucleic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Cynthia J. Burrows, Henry S. White, Ryuji Kawano, Aaron M. Fleming, Na An
  • Patent number: 8999726
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spotter device and methods for the formation of microassays, biochips, biosensors, and cell cultures. The spotter may be used to deposit highly concentrated spots of protein or other materials on a microarray slide, wafer, or other surface. It may also be used to perform various chemistry steps on the same spots. The spotter increases the surface density of substances at each spot by directing a flow the desired substance (or a solution thereof) over the spot area until surface saturation is accomplished. The spotter may be loaded by well plate handling equipment. The spotter uses wells, microfluidic conduits, and orifices to deposit proteins, other biomolecules, or chemicals on a spot on, a separate surface. Each orifice is connected to two wells via microconduits. When the spotter contacts a surface, a seal is formed between the orifices and the surface. The same or different substances may be flowed across each orifice. Any number of orifices may be incorporated into a spotter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: David A. Chang-Yen, Sriram Natarajan, Josh Eckman, Bruce K. Gale, David Myszka
  • Patent number: 8994807
    Abstract: A system (100) and method for creating three dimensional images using probe molecules is disclosed and described. A sample is mounted on a stage (160). The sample has a plurality of probe molecules. The sample is illuminated with light, causing the probe molecules to luminesce. The probe luminescence can be split into at least four paths corresponding to at least four detection planes corresponding to object planes in the sample. The at least four detection planes are detected via a camera (155). Object planes in corresponding recorded regions of interest are recorded in the camera (155). A signal from the regions of interest is combined into a three dimensional image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: University of Utah Research Foundation, University of Maine System Board of Trustees, The Jackson Laboratory
    Inventors: Brian Thomas Bennett, Joerg Bewersdorf, Erik Jorgensen, Sam Hess, Travis Gould, Mudalige Siyath Gunewardene
  • Patent number: 8994665
    Abstract: A system capable of providing directional cues to a user of the vehicle comprises a vehicle component, configured to be installed within a vehicle that is adapted to be controlled by a user. A tactile display system is operably coupled to the vehicle component. The tactile display system includes: a contact pad, operable to engage a target area of a user's skin; a restraining system, operable to restrain a portion of the user's skin distal from the target area of the skin; and an actuation system, operably coupled to one of: i) the contact pad and the ii) restraining system. The actuation system is capable of moving the contact pad and the restraining system relative to one another to apply a tangential displacement or shear force across the target area of the user's skin to thereby provide tactile information to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventor: William R. Provancher
  • Patent number: 8987335
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to substituted (E)-N?-(1-phenylethylidene)benzohydrazide analogs, derivatives thereof, and related compounds, which are useful as inhibitors of lysine-specific histone demethylase, including LSD1; synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of using the compounds and compositions to treat disorders associated with dysfunction of the LSD1. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Hariprasad Vankayalapati, Venkataswamy Sorna, Steven L. Warner, Bret Stephens, David J. Bearss, Sunil Sharma
  • Patent number: 8989764
    Abstract: The ability of a receiver to determine when a transmitter has changed location is important for energy conservation in wireless sensor networks, for physical security of radio tagged objects, and for wireless network security in detection of replication attacks. In embodiments of the present invention, a measured temporal link signature is determined to uniquely identify the link between a transmitter and a receiver. The temporal link signature is an impulse response of a transmitted signal from the transmitter over a channel between the transmitter and a receiver over a channel. When the transmitter changes location, or if an attacker at a different location assumes the identity of the transmitter, the proposed link distinction methodology reliably detects the change in the physical channel. This detection can be performed at a single receiver or collaboratively by multiple receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Neal Patwari, Sneha Kasera