Patents Assigned to University
  • Publication number: 20120135437
    Abstract: Novel solid-phase biosensors that utilize ink jet printing of biocompatible sol-gel based inks to create sensor strips are reported herein. Biomolecules and other reagents useful in bioassays to detect, for example, pathogenic microorganisms or toxic substances, are immobilized on a substrate, which can be paper based, by layering these substances between two layers of biomolecule compatible sol gel. The sol gel precursor solutions and solutions of the assay reagents are printed from separate nozzles in a layered approach which avoids clogging of the nozzles by the pre-mature gelling of the sol gel precursor solution. In certain embodiments of the application, a capture agent is used to concentrate a compound to be detected in specific areas on the substrate to facilitate detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: McMaster University
    Inventors: John D. Brennan, Carlos Fillipe, Zakir Hossaln, Roger Luckham, Anne Marie Smith, Julle Marie Lebert, Robert Pelton
  • Publication number: 20120137394
    Abstract: Techniques for atomic force microscope manipulation of living cells include functionalizing a nanoscale tip of a microscale cantilever with a first ligand for a first receptor associated with a surface of a first type of cell. The method further comprises, controlling the cantilever to cause the first ligand on the nanoscale tip to contact the first receptor on a surface of a living cell of the first type in a particular temporal pattern to induce a target response by the living cell. Other techniques for controlling an atomic force microscope comprising a nanoscale tip include controlling the cantilever to cause the nanoscale tip to contact a living cardiomyocyte at a predetermined pressure. The cantilever is also controlled to turn off vertical deflection feedback after contacting the cardiomyocyte and collecting deflection data that indicates a time series of nanoscale vertical deflections of the microscale cantilever caused by the living cardiomyocyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Manish J. Butte, Marc Amor Bruce, Jianwei Liu
  • Publication number: 20120133892
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring eye movement in a patient, includes a frame structured to be worn on the head of the patient. An infrared illumination device structured to illuminate an eye of the patient is supported by the frame. A camera structured to capture images of the eye when illuminated by the infrared illumination device is also supported by the frame. A number of sensors structured to generate data relating to one or more characteristics of the user or environment is further supported by the frame. The apparatus also includes a data storage device associated with the frame for recording the images and the data relating to one or more characteristics of the user or environment along with time information associated therewith. The apparatus is structured to generally not obstruct the patient's view of their surroundings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh-Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Jospeh M. Furman, Mark S. Redfern
  • Publication number: 20120133126
    Abstract: Problem to be Solved To provide a small, lightweight, cryo-rotary joint. Solution A joint includes a housing 2, a refrigerant tube 3 connected to a refrigerant source and communicated with a target part in a rotating machine, a rotating member 4 loosely fitted inside with the refrigerant tube and fixed to a rotary part of the rotating machine, and a relatively rotating member 5 having a fixed-side member 5a and rotating-side member 5b, wherein the fixed-side member is connected to the refrigerant tube via a refrigerant tube extension section 3a, the rotating-side member is connected to the rotating member via a rotating member extension section 4a, a refrigerant zone is formed by spaces 7 and 8 defined by the refrigerant tube, rotating member, and refrigerant tube and rotating member extension sections, a sealing member 10 is installed between the fixed-side and rotating-side members, and a vacuum chamber and pressure chamber are defined within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicants: Kitano Seiki Co., Ltd., National University Corporation Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
    Inventors: Mitsuru Izumi, Motohiro Miki, Masahiro Kitano
  • Publication number: 20120136241
    Abstract: In certain embodiments novel nanoparticles (nanowontons) are provided that are suitable for multimodal imaging and/or therapy. In one embodiment, the nanoparticles include a first biocompatible (e.g., gold) layer, an inner core layer (e.g., a non-biocompatible material), and a biocompatible (e.g., gold) layer. The first gold layer includes a concave surface that forms a first outer surface of the layered nanoparticle. The second gold layer includes a convex surface that forms a second outer surface of the layered nanoparticle. The first and second gold layers encapsulate the inner core material layer. Methods of fabricating such nanoparticles are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Fanqing Chen, Louis-Serge Bouchard
  • Publication number: 20120134932
    Abstract: Nanoparticles for use as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents are described. The nanoparticles are made up of a polymeric support and a manganese-oxo or manganses-iron-oxo cluster having magnetic properties suitable of a contrast agent. The manganese-oxo clusters may be Mn-12 clusters, which have known characteristics of a single molecule magnet. The polymer support may form a core particle which is coated by the clusters, or the clusters may be dispersed within the polymeric agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Georgetown University
    Inventors: Sarah Stoll, Julie Mertzman, Edward Van Keuren, Christopher Albanese, Stanley Fricke
  • Publication number: 20120135078
    Abstract: A xanthine oxidase inhibitor for use in the treatment of angina is described. The angina may be stable angina pectoris and the treatment may be to eliminate, reduce or alleviate one or more symptoms of angina pectoris (such as chest pain), or may be prophylactic. The xanthine oxidase inhibitor may be used in combination with one or more additional therapeutic agents, such as anti-anginal agents. Pharmaceutical compositions, medicaments and kits for the treatment of angina are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: University of Dindee
    Inventor: Allan Struthers
  • Publication number: 20120135452
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for culturing cells, termed a microscale cell culture analog (?CCA), is provided. The microfluidic device allows multiple cell or tissue types to be cultured in a physiologically relevant environment, facilitates high-throughput operation and can be used for drug discovery. The microfluidic device uses gravity-induced fluidic flow, eliminating the need for a pump and preventing formation of air bubbles. Reciprocating motion between a pair of connected reservoirs is used to effect the gravity-induced flow in microfluidic channels. Bacterial contamination is reduced and high throughput enabled by eliminating a pump. The microfluidic device integrates a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model to enable PK-PD analyses on-chip. This combined in vitro/in silico system enables prediction of drug toxicity in a more realistic manner than conventional in vitro systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Cornell University
    Inventors: Michael L. Shuler, Jong Hwan Sung
  • Publication number: 20120135000
    Abstract: The present invention relates to identification of a human gene, Complement Factor H (CFH), associated with the occurrence for developing age related macular degeneration (AMD), which is useful for identifying or aiding in identifying individuals at risk for developing AMD, as well as for diagnosing or aiding in the diagnosis of AMD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicants: The Rockefeller University, Yale University
    Inventors: Josephine Hoh, Robert J. Klein
  • Publication number: 20120135478
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for production of algal-based medium chain fatty acids and hydrocarbons. More specifically, the invention relates to a Nannochloropsis algal strain and mutants that produces high amounts of C16 fatty acids and hydrocarbons. The present invention provides methods and compositions for production of algal-based medium chain fatty acids and hydrocarbons. More specifically, the invention relates to a Nannochloropsis algal strain and mutants that produces high amounts of C16 fatty acids and hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents for and on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Qiang HU, Milton SOMMERFELD, Shan QIN
  • Publication number: 20120136817
    Abstract: A data processing apparatus is used for motion synthesis. A preprocessing unit of the data processing apparatus calculates a mixture of factor analysis (MFA) parameter by applying an energy minimized optimization algorithm to motion capture data acquired in advance and stored in a motion database (DB). When a motion probability distribution model is generated as described above, a calculating unit of the data processing apparatus synthesizes a motion corresponding to input motion sensing data by applying the input motion sensing data to the motion probability distribution model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicants: The Texas A&M University System, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinxiang Chai, Inwoo Ha, Taehyun Rhee, Dokyoon Kim, Huajun Liu, Xiaolin Wei
  • Patent number: 8188313
    Abstract: Compounds of formula wherein the variable are defined in the specification, are used in compositions which stimulate T cell responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: The University of Birmingham, Chancellor Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
    Inventors: Vincenzo Cerundolo, Richard Schmidt, Gopal Reddy, Rengarajan Balamurugan, Gerd Ritter, Gurdyal Besra, Mariolina Salio, Jonathan Silk
  • Patent number: 8190936
    Abstract: The method for maximizing an unavailability interval includes the steps of initializing the starting frame number of each power saving class fi to 1 and adjusting fi to fi? when the least common multiple of m1, m2, . . . , mi?1 and mi is not relatively prime. The index i is an integer from 1 to t, mi is the sleep cycle of the ith power saving class, and fi? is an integer that maximizes common sleep windows of the i power saving classes. The common sleep windows of the t power saving classes are then set as the maximum unavailability interval of the wireless telecommunication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Tuan Che Chen, Ying Yu Chen, Jyh-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 8187673
    Abstract: The invention provides a lithographic method referred to as “dip pen” nanolithography (DPN). DPN utilizes a scanning probe microscope (SPM) tip (e.g., an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip) as a “pen,” a solid-state substrate (e.g., gold) as “paper,” and molecules with a chemical affinity for the solid-state substrate as “ink.” Capillary transport of molecules from the SPM tip to the solid substrate is used in DPN to directly write patterns consisting of a relatively small collection of molecules in submicrometer dimensions, making DPN useful in the fabrication of a variety of microscale and nanoscale devices. The invention also provides substrates patterned by DPN, including submicrometer combinatorial arrays, and kits, devices and software for performing DPN. The invention further provides a method of performing AFM imaging in air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Chad A. Mirkin, Richard Piner, Seunghun Hong
  • Patent number: 8189968
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical apparatus having a multimode interference coupler configured to optically couple a strip waveguide to a slot photonic crystal waveguide. The multimode interference coupler has a coupling efficiency to the slot photonic crystal waveguide greater than or equal to 90%, a width that is approximately equal to a defect width of the slot photonic crystal waveguide, a length that is equal to or less than 1.5 ?m, and interfaces with the slot photonic crystal waveguide at an edge of a period that gives a termination parameter of approximately zero. The optical apparatus may also include an insulation gap disposed between the multimode interference coupler and the slot photonic crystal waveguide, wherein the length of the multimode interference coupler is reduced by approximately one half of a width of the insulation gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas
    Inventors: Xiaonan Chen, Ray T. Chen
  • Patent number: 8190248
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for detecting, preventing, and/or treating neurological disorders. These devices and methods utilize electrical stimulation, and comprise a unique concentric ring electrode component. The disclosed methods involve the positioning of multiple electrodes on the scalp of a mammal; monitoring the mammal's brain electrical patterns to identify the onset of a neurological event; identifying the location of the brain electrical patterns indicative of neurological event; and applying transcutaneous or transcranial electrical stimulation to the location of the neurological event to beneficially modify brain electrical patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: Louisiana Tech University Foundation, Inc., Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University
    Inventors: Walter G. Besio, Mohammed Fasiuddin, Ravish Patwardhan
  • Patent number: 8188217
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for forming dicarba bridges in organic compounds. This involves the use of a pair of complementary metathesisable groups on the organic compound, and subjecting the compound to cross-metathesis under microwave radiation conditions. In an alternative, the compounds contain a turn-inducing group between the pair of cross-metathesisable groups to facilitate the cross-metathesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: Monash University, Polychip Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Andrea Jane Robinson, William Roy Jackson, Jim Patel, Jomana Elaridi
  • Patent number: 8189191
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems that include: (a) an objective lens system configured to collect light from a sample; (b) a first aperture positioned to allow a portion of the collected light received from the objective lens system to pass as input light; (c) a first lens positioned to transmit the input light received from the first aperture; (d) a dispersive element configured to spatially disperse the input light received from the first lens in a first plane; (e) a second lens positioned to transmit the spatially dispersed light; (f) a second aperture positioned to allow a portion of the spatially dispersed light received from the second lens to pass as detection light; and (g) a detector positioned to receive the detection light and configured to form at least one image of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Tufts University
    Inventors: Michael R. Webb, Christopher Lafratta, David R. Walt
  • Patent number: 8188563
    Abstract: Techniques and apparatus for using single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) devices in various applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Hod Finkelstein, Sadik C. Esener
  • Patent number: 8186839
    Abstract: An optical module that effectively observes a rapidly moving event or object is provided. The optical module includes first and second mirrors, and an optical signals detector, which are installed in a body thereof. The first mirror has a wide field of view and detects the event or object over a wide observing region. The second mirror observes the event or object detected by the first mirror at a high resolution. The focal length of the second mirror is greater than that of the first mirror. The optical signal detector detects an optical signal in light transmitted from the first mirror or the second mirror. The body forms apertures which correspond to the first and second mirrors, respectively and provides an optical path from the first and second mirrors to the optical signal detector. Therefore, the optical module can observe the event or object detected by the first mirror at a high resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Industry Collaboration Foundation of Ewha University
    Inventors: Il Hung Park, Jae Hyoung Park