Patents Assigned to University
  • Patent number: 7591864
    Abstract: Organic pigments are capable of catalyzing the decomposition reaction of hydrogen-rich, stabilized, borohydride solutions to generate hydrogen gas on-board an operable hydrogen-consuming device such as a motor vehicle or other combustion engine. The organic pigments are used in hydrogen generating systems and in methods for controlling the generation of hydrogen gas from metal hydride solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Clovis Alan Linkous, Darlene Kay Slattery, Danielle Delong Nangle
  • Patent number: 7591707
    Abstract: An underwire assembly for use in a brassiere including an elongate support member of three-dimensional elongate form. The supporting member extends in at least two planes for conforming to an inferior profile of the breast of a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Winnie Yu, Jintu Fan, Rong Zheng
  • Patent number: 7591911
    Abstract: A gold-cobalt based amorphous alloy plated film consisting of a homogeneous amorphous phase not having microcrystals is formed by electroplating conducted by use of an electroplating bath containing a gold cyanide salt in a concentration of 0.01 to 0.1 mol/dm3 in terms of gold, a cobalt salt in a concentration of 0.02 to 0.2 mol/dm3 in terms of cobalt, and a tungstate in a concentration of 0.1 to 0.5 mol/dm3 in terms of tungsten. The gold-cobalt based amorphous alloy plated film obtained consists of a homogeneous amorphous phase not having microcrystals, and has an enhanced hardness while retaining the good contact resistance and chemical stability intrinsic of gold on such levels as to be free of problems on a practical use basis; therefore, the gold-cobalt based amorphous alloy plated film is effective for use as a contact material in electric and electronic component parts such as relays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignees: Kanto Kagaku Kabushiki Kaisha, Waseda University
    Inventors: Kazutaka Senda, Masaru Kato, Tetsuya Osaka, Yutaka Okinaka
  • Patent number: 7592807
    Abstract: A method of separating signals from at least two species in a body using echo-coherent time magnetic resonance imaging is provided. A plurality of echo signals is acquired at acquisition times optimized based on the noise properties of images with different variance with possibly correlated noise resulting in possibly asymmetrically positioned images with respect to an echo time. The plurality of echo signals is combined iteratively by using a maximum likelihood decomposition algorithm for non-identically distributed noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Angel R. Pineda, Charles A. McKenzie, Huanzhou Yu, Scott B. Reeder
  • Patent number: 7592147
    Abstract: The instant invention is based, at least in part, on the dentification of a mechanism by which T-bet modulates IL2 production. The present invention pertains to methods of identifying agents that modulate the kinase-mediated interaction of T-bet with RelA, as well as methods of use therefore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard University
    Inventors: Laurie H. Glimcher, Eun Sook Hwang
  • Patent number: 7591779
    Abstract: Portable devices for treating stuttering or communication disorders include a circuit configured to automatically electronically select sua sponte different signal parameters and/or sound effect algorithms used to generate varied altered auditory feedback signals to a user over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: East Carolina University
    Inventors: Joseph Kalinowski, Andrew M. Stuart, Vijaya Guntupalli, Tim Saltuklaroglu
  • Patent number: 7591995
    Abstract: The invention provides detectably labeled cobalamin derivatives which are useful for medical treatment and diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignees: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Douglas A. Collins, Henricus P. C. Hogenkamp
  • Patent number: 7592161
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and methods for analyzing the function of nucleotide integrases and modified group II introns. The system comprises a donor plasmid comprising a wild-type or modified group II intron, a recipient plasmid comprising a DNA recognition site and a promoterless reporter gene downstream of the DNA target site, and a host cell. The method comprises the steps of transforming a host cell with the donor and recipient plasmids, assaying for expression of the reporter gene, isolating plasmid DNA from the cotransformed cells, and analyzing the plasmid DNA to confirm that the group II intron has been inserted into the target sequence. The present invention also provides a method for simultaneously analyzing the activity of two or more modified nucleotide integrases. The present invention also relates to methods of preparing a library of donor plasmids containing a plurality of diverse modified group II intron DNA sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignees: The Ohio State University Research Foundation, The University of Texas Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Alan M. Lambowitz, Huatao Guo, Michael Karberg
  • Patent number: 7592191
    Abstract: A field emission backplate formed by laser crystallizing of an area of amorphous semiconductor based material. Emitter sites result from the rough surface texture caused by the crystallization process. The crystallization may be localized using laser interferometry, and profiled emitter tips grown on the localized crystalline areas. Such backplates can be used in field emission devices emitting into either a vacuum or a wide band gap light-emitting polymer. Furthermore, a backplate having self-aligned gates can be formed by depositing an insulator layer and a metal layer over the emitter tips, removing the top of the metal layer and etching away the insulator, leaving each tip surrounded by a metal rim. A planarizing agent can be used to refine this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: The University Court of the University of Dundee
    Inventors: Mervyn John Rose, Ravi Silva, John Shannon
  • Patent number: 7593426
    Abstract: Approaches to operating a multi-user, multi-carrier communication system involve allocating a target bit rate across user channels and subchannels to adjust the power. The target bit rate is allocated among subchannels of the user channels as a function of system power associated with the subchannel bit rate allocation. The target bit is allocated among user channels of the communication system as a function of system power associated with the user bit rate allocation. The power allocation for each user channel is determined based on the bit rate allocation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Jungwon Lee, John M. Cioffi, Seong Taek Chung
  • Patent number: 7592806
    Abstract: A method for creating a magnetic resonance image of an object with at least a first species and a second species, wherein the first species has a first T2 time and the second species has a second T2 time longer than the first T2 time is provided. An excitation with an ultra short echo time using a pulse is provided, comprising a first subpulse that creates a transverse magnetization component for the first species and the second species and a second subpulse that creates a transverse magnetization for the first species and substantially returns the second species to a longitudinal axis, wherein the transverse magnetization component substantially decays for the first species during an interval between the first subpulse and the second subpulse. At least one echo is read. A magnetic resonance image is created from the at least one echo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Sonal Josan, John M. Pauly, Kim B. Pauly
  • Patent number: 7593013
    Abstract: A visualization system for heterogeneous data sets comprises: a unique visualization interface created by a visualization engine. The visualization interface comprises a first area defining a center of attention, second area defining a parameter space and a plurality of correlation elements. The first area is a two-dimensional space for the display of items of interest. The second area provides a space in which parameters associated with the items of interest can be displayed. The correlation elements indicate relationships and their strength between items of interest and parameters in the second area. The visualization engine preferably comprises an input module, a control module, a retrieving module, a rendering module, and an analysis module. These components are coupled together to receive input from a user, retrieve data from a data source, and present the unique visualization interface to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: James Agutter, Stefano Foresti, Shaun Moon, Julio Bermudez, Yarden Livnat, Thomas Morahan
  • Patent number: 7592535
    Abstract: A thermoelectric material of the general formula Ag1?XMmM?Q2+m, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Pb, Sn, Ca, Sr, Ba, divalent transition metals, and combinations thereof; M? is selected from the group consisting of Bi, Sb, and combinations thereof; Q is selected from the group consisting of Se, Te, S, and combinations thereof; 8?m?24; and 0.01?x?0.7. In embodiments of the invention, the compositions exhibit n-type semiconductor properties. In preferred embodiments, x is from 0.1 to 0.3, and m is from 10 to 18. The compositions may be synthesized by adding stoichiometric amounts of starting materials comprising Ag, M, M?, and Q to a reaction vessel, heating the starting materials to a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to melt the materials, and cooling the reaction product at a controlled rate of cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michingan State University
    Inventors: Mercouri Kanatzidis, Kuei-Fang Hsu
  • Patent number: 7593776
    Abstract: A novel system and method for restoring functional movement of a paralyzed limb(s) or a prosthetic device. Stimulating one or more muscles of a patient using an implanted neuromuscular implants and sensing the response of the stimulated muscle by the implants, wherein the sensing the response is not limited to data related to patient's movement intention, the posture, muscle extension, M-Wave and EMG. A communication and control protocol to operate the system safely and efficiently, use of forward and reverse telemetry channels having a limited bandwidth capacity, and minimizing the adverse consequences caused by errors in data transmission and intermittent loss of power to the implants. Adjusting stimulation rates and phases of the stimulator in order to achieve an efficient control of muscle force while minimizing fatigue and therefore providing for smooth movements and dynamic increase of the strength in patient's muscle contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Gerald E. Loeb, Jack Weissberg, Nuria Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7592016
    Abstract: Method for preparing an implantable device for a sustained delivery of a substance within a body of a human or an animal subject, the method including; dissolving a biocompatible polymer in a suitable solvent solution to produce a polymer-solvent solution; adding the substance to the polymer-solvent solution to produce a polymer-solvent solution-substance admixture; drying the polymer-solvent solution-substance admixture to form a substantially dry mass; and one or more of the following three steps: (1) adding a second polymer-solvent solution-substance admixture to the dry mass and this second polymer-solvent solution-substance admixture is then allowed to dry; and/or, (2) refrigerating the mass; and/or, (3) adding a liquid to the mass to cause the mass to soften and thereafter manipulating the softened mass to a desired shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Regents of The University of California
    Inventors: Corinne Gail Wong, Hung Tao Hsu, Ricardo Azevedo Pontes de-Carvalho
  • Patent number: 7592486
    Abstract: Anhydrous organic fluoride salts and reagents prepared by a method comprising the nucleophilic substitution of a fluorinated aromatic or fluorinated unsaturated organic compound with a salt having the formula: [QnM]x+Ax? in an inert polar, aprotic solvent; wherein M is an atom capable of supporting a formal positive charge, the n groups Q are independently varied organic moieties, n is an integer such that the [QnM] carries at least one formal positive charge, x is an integer defining the number of formal positive charge(s), +, carried by the [QnM], A? is an anionic nucleophile capable of substituting for F in the fluorinated compound and F represents fluorine or a radioisotope thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Stephen G. DiMagno, Haoran Sun
  • Patent number: 7592506
    Abstract: Methods for altering levels in plants of one or more phenolic compounds that are intermediates or final products of the plant phenylpropanoid pathway are provided. One method comprises transforming a plant cell with an expression construct comprising a nucleic acid which encodes a transactivator protein comprising the myb domain of the maize “ZmMyb-IF35” protein and an activation domain. Another method comprises transforming a plant cell with an expression construct comprising a transgene which encodes an antisense ZmMyb-IF35 RNA. The present invention also relates to expression constructs and vectors used in the present methods, transformed plant cells and transgenic plants prepared according to the present methods, and the seeds of such transgenic plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: The Ohio State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Erich Grotewold, Anusha P Dia, Edward L. Braun
  • Patent number: 7592583
    Abstract: A photosensor with customizable angular-response characteristics is presented. This photosensor includes a light-modifier located between the photosensor and a target area to be monitored by the photosensor, wherein the light-modifier provides a customizable angular response for light received at the photosensor from the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Erik Page, Keith Graeber, Konstantinos Papamichael, Michael Siminovitch
  • Patent number: 7591996
    Abstract: Selective occlusion of a blood vessel is achieved by selectively damaging endothelial cells at a target location in the blood vessel, resulting in the formation of a fibrin clot proximate to the damaged endothelial cells. Additional fibrinogen can then be introduced into the blood vessel if occlusion is not achieved, as the fibrinogen is converted to fibrin by enzymes released by the exposed thrombogenic tissue and activated platelets. Endothelial cells are selectively damaged using thermal effects induced by ultrasound, by mechanical effects induced by ultrasound, or by mechanical effects produced by a tool introduced into the blood vessel (such as a catheter-based tool). A particularly preferred technique for selectively damaging endothelial cells involves introducing an ultrasound activatable agent into the blood vessel, and causing cavitation in that agent using pulses of high-intensity focused ultrasound having a duration insufficient to induce thermal damage in adjacent perivascular tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Joo Ha Hwang, Andrew Brayman
  • Patent number: PP20336
    Abstract: The disease resistant ‘AU Encore’ seguin offers food availability for wildlife over an extended period. A single plant drops nuts for a 2–3 month period (September 27–November 30). Nut size varies with season and the average weight is between 2 and 3 grams. The plant does not bloom until mid-May, therefore late spring frosts do not damage the flowers. In most seasons, the ‘AU Encore’ seguin cultivar will have 2–3 flushes of vegetative growth. The nut quality is similar to the Chinese chestnut in that it is high in starch and sugar (40–42%) and low in fats. ‘AU Encore’ seguin is an excellent companion cultivar for ‘AU Premier’ seguin since the major nut drop for ‘AU Encore’ seguin occurs after the major nut drop period of ‘AU Premier’ seguin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventors: W. Alfred Dozier, Jr., Joseph Daniel Norton, Curtis J. Hansen