Patents Assigned to University of Utah
  • Patent number: 8980196
    Abstract: A method of reacting compounds can include directing a liquid into a helical constrained flow (37) having an inner circumferential flow surface and an outer circumferential flow surface. The helical constrained flow (37) can be formed around an axial interior volume (38). At least a portion of the helical constrained flow can be exposed to a sparging portion (35) to allow a fluid to be sparged into the liquid along the helical constrained flow (37). The fluid reactant can be sparged through the helical constrained flow so as to form a fluid product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: University of Utah Research Foundation, Ambre Energy Limited
    Inventors: Wlodzimierz W. Zmierczak, Jan Dean Miller, Raj Rajamani, Steven Messiter, Nicholas Drinnan, Edward Choros
  • Publication number: 20150072352
    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: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventor: Jennifer M. Heemstra
  • Patent number: 8975027
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and a method for amplification and detection of nucleic acid sequences based on continuous flow thermal gradient PCR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Bruce Kent Gale, Niel Davenport Crews, Carl Thomas Wittwer
  • Publication number: 20150063532
    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: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicants: University of Utah Research Foundation, VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory C. Andrews, Dominic J. Heuscher
  • Patent number: 8968663
    Abstract: An apparatus for examining membrane-bound proteins in a cell can include a chamber with an insulating partition dividing the chamber into an upper well and a lower well, and a pore penetrating the insulating partition. The pore can have a size and shape so as to snugly hold a cell in place therein. The apparatus can further include circuitry for delivering a radio frequency signal to the cell. A belt electrode for delivering electrical signals to the cell can be located within the insulation partition and substantially encircling the pore. A measuring circuit for measuring cell membrane impedance to the radio frequency signal is also provided, and changes in the impedance can signal a change in state of a protein in the cell membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Sameera Dharia, Richard D. Rabbitt
  • Patent number: 8965865
    Abstract: A method is provided for identifying documents that include a searchable form relevant to a topic. A document is received. If the received document comprises a form is determined. A form includes a field presented to a user requesting information from the user. If the received document is determined to comprise a form, a determination is made concerning whether or not the form is a searchable form. A searchable form returns non-trivial information to a requester in response to a submission of the form. If the form is determined to be a searchable form, a determination is made concerning whether or not the form is relevant to an identified topic. If the form is determined to be relevant to the identified topic, the document is identified as a searchable form relevant to the identified topic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Juliana Freire, Luciano Barbosa
  • Patent number: 8965485
    Abstract: Integrated surgical systems and methods for using same are provided that can receive scanned images and produce a three dimensional model from the images. Based at least in pan on the three dimensional model, a processor generates code defining an optimized tool path, which is sent to a surgical machining system that can machine the desired portion of the patient. In one exemplary aspect, the integrated system operates in a clearly defined and pre-programmed manner with no necessity for in-situ sensory or guidance feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Alagar K. Balaji, William T. Couldwell, Joel D. MacDonald, Bradley C. Hansen, Aniruddha Lapalikar, Bharat Thakkar, Brenda Marie Thomas
  • Patent number: 8953239
    Abstract: A method of designing a nanophotonic scattering structure can include establishing an initial design having an array of discrete pixels variable between at least two pixel height levels. A performance metric for the structure can be a function of the heights of the pixels. The height of a pixel can be varied, and then the performance metric can be calculated. The steps of varying the pixel height and calculating the performance metric can be repeated to increase the performance metric. The above steps can be repeated for each pixel within the array and then the method can be iterated until the performance metric reaches an optimized value. Nanophotonic scattering structures can be produced from designs obtained through this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Rajesh Menon, Peng Wang
  • Patent number: 8951990
    Abstract: Described herein are methods for treating a dental disorder in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a modified hyaluronan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein said hyaluronan or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester comprises at least one sulfate group and the primary C-6 hydroxyl proton of at least one N-acetyl-glucosamine residue is substituted with a C1-C10 unsubstituted alkyl group or fluoroalkyl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Glenn Prestwich, Jianxing Zhang, Sr., Thomas P. Kennedy, Narayanam Rao
  • Patent number: 8952319
    Abstract: Downhole deployable tools for measuring tracer concentrations are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a support cable configured to allow the apparatus to be lowered into and raised from a wellbore. A housing is attached to the support cable. The housing includes a detector window on the exterior of the housing. A detector system within the housing includes a detector that measures tracer concentrations. The detector is operably connected to the detector window to direct energy or particles from the detector window to the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventor: Peter E. Rose
  • Publication number: 20150036117
    Abstract: A method for creating a nanoimprint lithography template includes exposing (600) a mass transport layer of material adjacent to a support substrate to electromagnetic radiation in a predetermined pattern to form a nanoimprint lithography template in the mass transport layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: University of Utah
    Inventors: Rajesh Menon, Nicole Brimhall
  • Patent number: 8945217
    Abstract: A medical device that includes a coating of a composite material that includes a polymeric material having a void structure and particulate ceragenin material (i.e., ceragenin particles) associated with the void structure. The average particle size of the ceragenin particles in the composite is in a range from 5 nm to 20 ?m, 50 nm to 10 ?m, 100 nm to 5 ?m, or 1 ?m to 10 ?m. The composite has a high loading of ceragenin particles (e.g., about 10% to about 25%, by weight). The composite has good polymer stability, the ability to release ceragenins from the ceragenin particles disposed in the composite over a sustained period of time at a characteristic elution rate, and the ability to kill large numbers of bacteria and other susceptible microbes over the sustained period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: Brigham Young University, University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Paul B. Savage, Roy D. Bloebaum, Dustin L. Williams, Kristofer D. Sinclair, Bryan S. Haymond
  • Patent number: 8945156
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for tissue fixation. In some aspects, an apparatus includes: a carrier member having a first part, a second part, and a junction therebetween; first attachment members protruding at a first angle from the first part toward the junction, where the first attachment members are configured to engage a first portion of connective tissue for attaching the first part to the first portion; and second attachment members protruding from the second part, where the second attachment members are configured to engage a second portion of connective tissue for attaching the second part to the second portion. When the first part is attached to the first portion and the second part is attached to the second portion, the first portion and the second portion are limited in being pulled apart from one another during physiological use of the connective tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Erik N. Kubiak, Emmon J. Chen, David W. Grainger
  • Patent number: 8945838
    Abstract: Methods, assays, and products for the detection of analytes in a sample are provided. In one aspect, for example, a device for detecting an analyte in a sample can include a fluid transfer membrane further including a sample input region operable to receive a liquid sample, a reagent region including a first split aptamer segment, a second split aptamer segment, and a detection marker, where the first and second split aptamers are operable to ligate in the presence of the analyte. The detection marker is operable to bind to the second split aptamer. The device can further include a test region having an immobilized binding reagent operable to bind to the first split aptamer segment such that the detection marker is held in the test region when the first split aptamer segment is ligated to the second split aptamer segment due to the analyte being present in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventor: Jennifer M. Heemstra
  • Patent number: 8936750
    Abstract: A method of preparing a functionally graded cemented tungsten carbide material 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 non-equilibrium 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Zhigang Z. Fang, Peng Fan, Jun Guo
  • Publication number: 20150018349
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to substituted N-(3-(pyrimidin-4-yl)phenyl)acrylamide analogs, derivatives thereof, and related compounds, which are useful as inhibitors of the BTK kinase; 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 BTK kinase. 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: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: David J. Bearss, Hariprasad Vankayalapati, Venkataswamy Sorna, Steven L. Warner, Sunil Sharma
  • Patent number: 8933020
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to improving pharmacological properties of bioactive compounds targeting nervous system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Grzegorz Bulaj, H. Steve White
  • Publication number: 20150011867
    Abstract: Systems and methods which generate a sequence of images using turbo spin echo magnetic resonance imaging which are retrospectively correlated with periodic motion occurring within a subject being imaged are described. In one embodiment, k-space measurements (or the measurements from which images are formed) are captured during, and correlated with, different phases in a cardiac cycle of the subject. With this sequence, the images that are produced are able to show, and/or compensate for, motion correlated with the cardiac cycle of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Dennis L. Parker, Jason K. Mendes, Jordan Hulet
  • Patent number: 8925279
    Abstract: Anchoring devices and systems are disclosed for use with elongated reinforcement members such as FRP, SRP, metallic bars, or cables. Such devices and systems impart a compressive stress into a static structure having the elongated reinforcement member running there through or there along. An anchoring system can include an anchor block that includes a front end surface for contacting the static structure, an axial bore for receiving the elongated reinforcement member, and clamping members that work with fasteners to provide a clamping force. The bore may be tapered and the fasteners optionally provide different clamping levels to reduce the stress on the elongated reinforcement member near the front end surface. The disclosed systems also include pre-stressing devices that can be used with the disclosed anchor systems, and that can place a tensile force on the elongated reinforcement members to also impart a compressive force on the static structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Chris P. Pantelides, Lawrence D. Reaveley, Clayton A. Burningham
  • Patent number: 8924005
    Abstract: A method of sampling includes receiving, by a portable bio-fluid sampling apparatus, a bio-fluid sample on a sample collection receptacle. The bio-fluid sample is associated with a timestamp that is indicative of a time at which the bio-fluid sample is received. The bio-fluid sample is stored in a bio-fluid chamber of the portable bio-fluid sampling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventor: Steven Edward Kern