Patents Assigned to University
  • Patent number: 7575763
    Abstract: Membrane proteins are difficult to express in recombinant form, purify, and characterize, at least in part due to their hydrophobic or partially hydrophobic properties. Membrane scaffold proteins (MSP) assemble with target membrane or other hydrophobic or partially hydrophobic proteins or membrane fragments to form soluble nanoscale particles which preserve their native structure and function; they are improved over liposomes and detergent micelles. In the presence of phospholipid, MSPs form nanoscopic phospholipid bilayer disks, with the MSP stabilizing the particle at the perimeter of the bilayer domain. The particle bilayer structure allows manipulation of incorporated proteins in solution or on solid supports, including for use with such surface-sensitive techniques as scanning probe microscopy or surface plasmon resonance. The nanoscale particles facilitate pharmaceutical and biological research, structure/function correlation, structure determination, bioseparation, and drug discovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Stephen G. Sligar, Timothy H. Bayburt
  • Patent number: 7576342
    Abstract: The invention is intended to increase the number of patients treatable using one wheel having a thickness varied in the rotating direction to change energy of an ion beam passing the wheel. Ion beam delivery equipment for irradiating an ion beam to a patient for treatment comprises a beam generator for producing and accelerating the ion beam, an beam delivery nozzle including a range modulation wheel which has a predetermined thickness distribution in the rotating direction and is rotated on a travel passage of the ion beam generated from the beam generator to control a range of the ion beam, and an irradiation controller for controlling the beam producing and accelerating operation of the beam generator in accordance with the phase of rotation of the range modulation wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Board of Regents, University of Texas System
    Inventors: Kazuo Hiramoto, Hiroshi Akiyama, Masaki Yanagisawa, Hisataka Fujimaki, Alfred P. Smith, Wayne Newhauser
  • Patent number: 7575699
    Abstract: A method for synthesis of high quality colloidal nanoparticles using comprises a high heating rate process. Irradiation of single mode, high power, microwave is a particularly well suited technique to realize high quality semiconductor nanoparticles. The use of microwave radiation effectively automates the synthesis, and more importantly, permits the use of a continuous flow microwave reactor for commercial preparation of the high quality colloidal nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Geoffrey Fielding Strouse, Jeffrey A. Gerbec, Donny Magana
  • Patent number: 7575707
    Abstract: A method for electrospinning nanofibers having a core-sheath, tubular, or composite structure is disclosed. The process uses a spinneret having first and second capillaries that channel first and second fluids in the spinneret, the second capillary surrounding the first. A high voltage is applied between the spinneret and a spaced conductive collector. In one embodiment, the first fluid is a mineral oil and the second fluid is a polymeric solution that may include a polymer, a catalyst, a solvent, and a sol-gel precursor. The as-spun nanofiber includes an oil core and a composite sheath. The oil may be removed to produce a composite tubular fiber or the polymer and oil may be removed by calcination to produce a ceramic tubular fiber. In other embodiments, miscible fluids are used to produce porous nanofibers, selected additives functionalize the surfaces of the nanofibers and/or conjugated polymers are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Younan Xia, Dan Li
  • Patent number: 7576353
    Abstract: A quantum well is formed in a substrate to define a hub, ports extending from the hub, and a deflective structure in the hub. Electrons move through the hub and ports according to the ballistic electron effect. Gates control the movement of the electrons, causing them to be incident on the deflective structure on one side or the other, thus controlling the direction in which they are deflected and the port through which they pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Quentin Diduck, Martin Margala
  • Patent number: 7577110
    Abstract: A peer to peer audio communication screen in system with adaptive bandwidth control. The peer-to-peer system can be used, for example, in classroom applications. More interactive peers are moved to a position where they will receive lower latency from the peer-to-peer system. This may be done by maintaining a score indicative of the amount of interactivity, and then using that score to move a peer either close to the source of audio packets, e.g., the core or further from that source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Roger Zimmermann, Leslie S. Liu, Beomjoo Seo, Kemal Oral Cansizlar
  • Patent number: 7575602
    Abstract: A system and method for prosthesis fitting in joints comprising an artificial condyle and a spacer which cooperates with the condyle to form an artificial joint. The spacer embedded with at least one sensor which is responsive to a force generated between the condyle and the spacer. The artificial joint is adapted to move between a flexed position and an extended position defining a range of motion. The sensor is responsive to the force and generates an output representative of that force. The output is transmitted, either wirelessly or other, to a processor which utilizes an analysis program to display a representation of the forces applied. A practitioner utilizing the displayed analysis may intraoperatively determine the adjustments and balancing required within the artificial joint. The system may also utilize a ligament tension sensor which generates data representative of tension on a ligament of the artificial joint, and a joint angle sensor responsive to the range of motion of the artificial joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Farid Amirouche, Mark H. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7576191
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new tumor suppressor, designated Killin. Also described are diagnostic and therapeutic uses of the Killin protein and the killin gene, alone or in combination with traditional cancer therapies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Peng Liang, Yong-jig Cho
  • Patent number: 7574902
    Abstract: Osmolarity measurement of a sample fluid, such as tear film, is achieved by depositing an aliquot-sized sample on a sample receiving substrate. The sample fluid is placed on a sample region of the substrate. Energy is imparted to the sample fluid and energy properties of the fluid can be detected to produce a sample fluid reading that indicates osmolarity of the sample fluid. An aliquot-sized volume can comprise, for example, a volume of no more than 20 microliters (?L). The aliquot-sized sample volume can be quickly and easily obtained, even from dry eye sufferers. The imparted energy can comprise electrical, optical or thermal energy. In the case of electrical energy, the energy property of the sample fluid can comprise electrical conductivity. In the case of optical energy, the energy property can comprise fluorescence. In the case of thermal energy, the measured property can be the freezing point of the sample fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Benjamin D. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7576069
    Abstract: The invention provides compounds having the following general formula (I): wherein X, R1, R2, R7 and Z are as described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Jayson M. Rieger, Joel M. Linden, Timothy L. Macdonald, Gail W. Sullivan, Lauren J. Murphree, Robert Alan Figler, Robert Douglas Thompson
  • Patent number: 7576161
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing terminally functionalized telechelic polymers using a cationic living polymer product or a terminal tert-chloride chain end of a carbocationic quasiliving polymer product, which comprises quenching the polymer product with an N-substituted pyrrole to thereby functionalize the N-substituted pyrrole at the terminal reactive polymer chain end(s). Also disclosed are the terminal functionalized polyisobuyl N-substituted pyrrole compounds where the polyisobutyl group is substituted at the 2 and 3 position of the N-substituted pyrrole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignees: Chevron Oronite Company LLC, The University of Southern Mississippi
    Inventors: Casey D. Stokes, Robson F. Storey, James J. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7576169
    Abstract: Polyhedral silsesquioxane anions are economically prepared by reaction of a silica source derived from combusted organic material with a quaternary ammonium hydroxide compound. Reaction of the resulting anions with chlorosilanes may be effected in near stoichiometric fashion in organic solvent containing reactive quantities of organic acids such as formic acid. The functional groups on the resulting functionalized silsesquioxanes may be substituted for other functional groups by reaction with di- or polysiloxanes in the presence of a synthetic ion exchange resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Isao Hasegawa, Richard M. Laine, Michael Z. Asuncion, Norihiro Takamura
  • Patent number: 7575940
    Abstract: Provided are a dielectric film, a method of manufacturing the same, and a semiconductor capacitor having the dielectric film. The semiconductor capacitor includes a lower electrode, a ferroelectric layer disposed on the lower electrode, a paraelectric layer disposed on the ferroelectric layer, and an upper electrode disposed on the paraelectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Seoul National University Industry Foundation
    Inventors: Cheol-Seong Hwang, Hyun-Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 7576147
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of natural fiber and polymer composites is described. Thermoplastically processed plasticized soy flour based plastics are used with thermoplastic polymers. Polymers of soy flour and an in situ polymerized polyvinyl polymer which links proteins and carbohydrates in the flour to form the polymer are used. The composites are useful in engineering materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Drzal, Amar K. Mohanty, Wanjun Liu, Kelby Thayer, Manjusri Misra
  • Patent number: 7575735
    Abstract: The present invention includes pure single-crystalline metal oxide and metal fluoride nanostructures, and methods of making same. These nanostructures include nanorods and nanoarrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventors: Stanislaus S. Wong, Yuanbing Mao
  • Patent number: 7577175
    Abstract: A structure of high power edge emission laser diode that has plural mode extension sublayers with a chirp periodic distribution is provided. The Near Field Pattern (NFP) is an L shape, and the high intensity portion is nicely overlapped with the multi quantum wells. Furthermore, the low intensity portion will extend to the n-type cladding as it can as possible. Accordingly, the optical power density on the mirror surface of the high power edge emission laser diode is lower down and the vertical divergence angle is decreased, so as to prolong its lifetime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Tien-Chang Lu, Chyong-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 7575752
    Abstract: The present invention relates to infectious DNA clones, infectious chimeric DNA clones of porcine circovirus (PCV), vaccines and means of protecting pigs against viral infection or postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) caused by PCV2. The new chimeric infectious DNA clone and its derived, avirulent chimeric virus are constructed from the nonpathogenic PCV1 in which the immunogenic ORF gene of the pathogenic PCV2 replaces a gene of the nonpathogenic PCV1, preferably in the same position. The chimeric virus advantageously retains the nonpathogenic phenotype of PCV1 but elicits specific immune responses against the pathogenic PCV2. The invention further embraces the immunogenic polypeptide expression products. In addition, the invention encompasses two mutations in the PCV2 immunogenic capsid gene and protein, and the introduction of the ORF2 mutations in the chimeric clones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignees: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc., Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiang-Jin Meng, Martijn Fenaux, Patrick G. Halbur
  • Patent number: 7576261
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for providing nematode resistance are provided. One aspect provides transgenic plants or cells comprising an inhibitory nucleic acid specific for one or more nematode esophageal polypeptides. Other aspects provide transgenic plants or cells resistant to at least two different root-knot nematode species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Hussey, Guozhong Huang
  • Patent number: 7576853
    Abstract: A method and system for calibrating an optical tomographic imaging system that is configured to execute time-series optical measurements of a target's response to incident optical energy is presented. An electro-active device that is configured to be electronically modulated to control the electro-active device's opacity is embedded in a dense scattering medium. A known hemodynamic response pattern is selected and at least one wavelength of optical energy that produces the known hemodynamic response pattern is determined. A wavelength-dependent driving voltage function is then computed. A voltage is then applied to the electro-active device according to the wavelength-dependent driving voltage function. Optical energy is then transmitted to the scattering medium at the at least one wavelength and a hemodynamic response for the target is determined. The known hemodynamic response pattern and the determined hemodynamic response pattern are then compared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventor: Randall L. Barbour
  • Patent number: 7577780
    Abstract: A fine-grained bandwidth control arbiter manages the shared bus usage of the requests of the masters which have real-time and/or bandwidth requirements, moreover, the masters are preset a ticket respectively. The arbiter consists of three components, a real-time handler, a bandwidth regulator, and a lottery manager with tuned weight. The real-time handler grants the most urgent request. The bandwidth regulator handles the bandwidth allocation and blocks the requests of masters that have met the bandwidth requirement. The lottery manager with tuned weight stochastically grants one of the contending masters according to the ticket assignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Juinn-Dar Huang, Bu-Ching Lin, Geeng-Wei Lee, Jing-Yang Jou