Patents Assigned to Virginia Tech
  • Patent number: 9249192
    Abstract: The present invention also provides infectious DNA clones, biologically functional plasmid or viral vector containing the infectious nucleic acid genome molecule of Torque teno sus virus (TTsuV). The present invention also provides methods for diagnosing TTsuV infection via immunological methods, e.g., enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot using PTTV specific antigens for detecting serum PTTV specific antibodies which indicate infections TTsuV1, TTsuV2, and individual TTsuV1 genotypes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiang-Jin Meng, Yaowei Huang
  • Patent number: 9238231
    Abstract: A rotor for flotation machines or flotation cells of flotation machines includes blades that are configured to provide improved bubble flow and bubble generation performance while also reducing the power requirements for rotating the rotor to generate bubble flow within a tank of a flotation cell used to generate froth. Embodiments of the rotor may also be configured to be smaller than conventional rotor designs, which may help reduce the costs of manufacturing the rotor or flotation machines using such embodiments of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Roe-Hoan Yoon, Gerald Luttrell, Saad Ragab, Demetri Telionis, Abdel-Halim Said, Sanja Miskovic, Aaron Noble, Yihong Yang
  • Patent number: 9228242
    Abstract: The present invention provides four purified preparation containing a polynucleic acid molecule encoding porcine Torque teno virus (PTTV) genotypes or subtypes PTTV1a-VA, PTTV1b-VA, PTTV2b-VA, and PTTV2c-VA. The present invention also provides infectious DNA clones, biologically functional plasmid or viral vector containing the infectious nucleic acid genome molecule of the same. The present invention further provides live, attenuated, vector-expressed and purified recombinant capsid subunit or killed viral vaccines for protection against PTTV infection. The present invention additionally provides subunit vaccines comprising PTTV specific gene products, especially ORF1 capsid gene product for protection against PTTV infection. Further, the present invention provides methods for diagnosing PTTV infection via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primer for PTTV1, PTTV2, and individual PTTV1 genotypes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiang-Jin Meng, Yaowei Huang
  • Publication number: 20150368821
    Abstract: A method is provided for creating a porous coating on a surface of a substrate by electrodeposition. The substrate is a part of the cathode. An anode is also provided. A coating is deposited or disposed on the surface by applying a voltage that creates a plurality of porous structures on the surface to be coated. Continuing to apply a voltage creates additional porosity and causes portions of the attached porous structures to detach. A covering layer is created by applying a voltage that creates a thin layer that covers the attached porous structures and the detached portions which binds the porous structures and detached portions together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Applicant: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Atieh Haghdoost, Ranga Pitchumani, Mehdi Kargar
  • Patent number: 9211324
    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: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignees: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc., Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiang-Jin Meng, Martijn Fenaux, Patrick G. Halbur
  • Patent number: 9198733
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for electroporation-based therapies (EBTs). Embodiments provide patient-specific treatment protocols derived by the numerical modeling of 3D reconstructions of target tissue from images taken of the tissue, and optionally accounting for one or more of physical constraints or dynamic tissue properties. The present invention further relates to systems, methods, and devices for delivering bipolar electric pulses for irreversible electroporation exhibiting reduced or no damage to tissue typically associated with an EBT-induced excessive charge delivered to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Neal, II, Paulo A. Garcia, Rafael V. Davalos, John H. Rossmeisl, John L. Robertson
  • Patent number: 9140731
    Abstract: A controller and infrastructure for an impedance analyzer measures responses to perturbations to respective phases of a multi-phase system at an interface between stages thereof (which may be considered as a source and load in regard to each other), such as a multi-phase electrical power system, to determine a transfer function for each phase of the multi-phase system from which the impedance of each of the source and load can be calculated, particularly for assessing the stability of the multi-phase system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Francis, Rolando Burgos, Dushan Boroyevich, Fred Wang, Zhiyu Shen, Paolo Mattavelli, Kamiar Karimi, Sheau-Wei Johnny Fu
  • Publication number: 20150258760
    Abstract: Processes for bonding lignocellulosic substrates without an added adhesive are described. The processes of the invention may include exposing the surfaces of the lignocellulosic substrate to a rapid heating source to cause one or more physical, chemical, or other modifications on the surface of the substrate. As a result of the modifications, the surfaces may form a bond with another substrate under elevated temperatures and pressures, for example, produced by a means for pressing such as a conventional hot press used in the woodworking arts. The processes allow a variety of composites such as wood materials for use in the furniture making or construction industries to be manufactured. As the processes forgo the need for petroleum-based adhesives, they are more environmentally sound and occupationally safe than prior art wood product manufacturing methods. Additionally, composite materials made by the processes of the invention are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Renneckar, William T. Church, Jeffrey A. Dolan, Robert S. Wright, Zhiyuan Lin
  • Patent number: 9132185
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel infectious cDNA clone of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), particularly for PRRSV strain VR2385; an improved DNA-launched reverse genetics system for PRRSV; infectious chimeric PRRSV viruses generated through DNA shuffling; modified live-attenuated virus vaccines (MLV) using DNA shuffled chimeric viruses; chimeric viral proteins produced through shuffled chimeric viruses; PRRSV antigens and subunit vaccines based on shuffled chimeric viral proteins; and method of producing broadly protective PRRSV vaccines using DNA shuffling techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanyan Ni, Yaowei Huang, Xiang-Jin Meng
  • Patent number: 9136773
    Abstract: Approximating loci of eigenvalues or characteristic gains of a return ratio matrix of a model of a multi-phase power converter circuit by the loci of the d-d and q-q elements of said synchronous frame of reference applied to said model, allows determination and assessment of stability of the circuit or forbidden operational parameters of the combination of an AC power source and a power converter at an interface thereof by application of a standard Nyquist stability criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Rolando Burgos, Dushan Boroyevich, Fred Wang, Kamiar Karimi
  • Publication number: 20150247820
    Abstract: Devices and methods for performing dielectrophoresis are described. The devices contain sample channel which is separated by physical barriers from electrode channels which receive electrodes. The devices and methods may be used for the separation and analysis of particles in solution, including the separation and isolation of cells of a specific type. As the electrodes do not make contact with the sample, electrode fouling is avoided and sample integrity is better maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Applicant: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael V. Davalos, Hadi Shafiee, Michael Benjamin, John L. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 9119881
    Abstract: The present invention provides combinations, for treatment of subjects suffering from or at high risk of developing diseases and disorders involving expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR). The combinations include abscisic acid and one other bioactive agent, which together provide synergistic effects toward treatment or blocking of development of the disease or disorder. In exemplary embodiments, a combination of abscisic acid and a thiazolidinedione (TZD) is provided for increased insulin sensitivity and improved (i.e., reduced) obesity-induced inflammation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Josep Bassaganya-Riera, Amir J. Guri, Raquel Hontecillas
  • Publication number: 20150241448
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical treatments for diseases and disorders. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of the lanthionine synthetase component C-like (LANCL) proteins as therapeutic targets for novel classes of anti-inflammatory, immune regulatory and antidiabetic drugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: JOSEP BASSAGANYA-RIERA, PINYI LU, RAQUEL HONTECILLAS
  • Patent number: 9116432
    Abstract: Multiple patterned exposures of a single layer of image reversal resist prior to and following image reversal processing, upon development, respond to the respective exposures as either a positive or a negative resist, allowing a desired shape of a resist structure to be built up from any of a number of combinations of primitive masks. Exploiting the image reversal resist in this manner allows several types of diffraction distortion to be entirely avoided and for many sophisticated lithographic processes to he reduced in complexity by one-half or more while any desired resist structure shape can be formed form a limited number of primitive mask patterns. A regimen, which may be automated as an executable algorithm for a computer may be followed to evaluate different combinations of masks which are valid to produce a desired resist structure shape and select the optimum mask pattern combination to do so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Coumba Ndoye, Marius Orlowski
  • Publication number: 20150230766
    Abstract: The present invention provides stationary CT architecture for imaging at a faster temporal resolution and lower radiation dose. In embodiments, the architecture features stationary distributed x-ray sources and rotating x-ray detectors. Provided is a stationary source computed tomography (CT) architecture comprising: a detector disposed on a rotatable gantry; an x-ray source disposed on a fixed ring; wherein the detector is disposed on the gantry in a manner such that the detector is capable of rotating around a subject and of receiving a signal from the x-ray source. Embodiments of the invention include a CT-MRI scanner comprising the stationary CT architecture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicant: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Ge Wang, Guohua Cao
  • Patent number: 9101573
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of medical treatments for diseases and disorders. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of the lanthionine synthetase component C-like (LANCL) proteins as therapeutic targets for novel classes of anti-inflammatory, immune regulatory and antidiabetic drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Josep Bassaganya-Riera, Pinyi Lu, Raquel Hontecillas
  • Patent number: 9086274
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pool cleaner control system including a laser range finder with a first laser line generator, a second laser line generator, and a camera. The first laser line generator and the second laser line generator are positioned to emit parallel laser lines and the camera is positioned to capture an image of the laser lines projected on an object. The control system also includes a controller in communication with the laser range finder and configured to control operation of the laser line generators to emit the laser lines and to control the camera to capture the image. The controller is also configured to receive the image from the camera, calculate a pixel distance between the laser lines in the image, and calculate the physical distance between the camera and the object based on the pixel distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Leonessa, Christopher H. Cain, Brian J. Boothe
  • Patent number: 9071141
    Abstract: DC link capacitance in a bi-directional AC/DC power converter using a full-bridge or H-bridge switching circuit can be greatly reduced and the power density of the power converter correspondingly increased by inclusion of a bi-directional synchronous rectifier (SR) DC/DC converter as a second stage of the power converter and controlling the second stage with a control loop having a transfer function common to both buck and boost modes of operation of the bi-directional SR DC/DC converter and a resonant transfer function to increase gain at the ripple voltage frequency (twice the AC line frequency) to control the duty cycle of the switches of the bi-directional SR DC/DC stage and controlling the duty cycle of the switches of the full-bridge or H-bridge switching circuit using a control loop including a notch filter at the ripple voltage frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Dong, Dushan Boroyevich, Ruxi Wang, Fred Wang
  • Patent number: 9048756
    Abstract: Leakage current through stray or parasitic capacitance (which is particularly large in devices such as photovoltaic cell arrays and which are damaged by such leakage currents) due to common mode switching noise in a full bridge single phase power converter is reduced at high frequencies by magnetically coupling the two phase legs on the AC side of the power converter and connecting mid points of the AC and DC sides of the power converter and is reduced at low frequencies by use of a feedback arrangement that modifies sinusoidal modulation of the switches of the full bridge converter to function as an active filter. The magnetic coupling for the two phase legs is designed in a simple manner to avoid saturation based on volt-second considerations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Dong, Fang Luo, Dushan Boroyevich, Paolo Mattavelli
  • Publication number: 20150119246
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for controlling at least one plant. Methods and compositions can comprise at least one strain of Colletotrichum spp., such as Colletotrichum fioriniae TR-123, Colletotrichum fioriniae TR-126, and combinations thereof. Methods and compositions of the invention are useful, for example, for controlling Toxicodendron radicans and/or Schinus terebinthifolus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: John G. Jelesko, Matthew Kasson