Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. Balkus

Kenneth J. Balkus has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230365598
    Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for extracting one or more fluorine atoms from an organo-fluorine molecule, the method including at least the step of contacting a rare earth (RE) metal ion with a the organo-fluorine molecule, wherein RE comprises a rare earth metal such as, for example, Ho3+, Gd3+, Eu3+, Dy3+, or Y3+, and wherein the method produces a fluorinated RE metal organic framework (MOF). In an aspect, the organo-fluorine molecule can be a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) and the disclosure provides a method for remediation of PFAS. Also disclosed are novel fluorinated RE MOFs produced by the disclosed methods. 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 disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Balkus, Marie L. MORTENSEN, Sheybani SIMIN, Juan P. Vizuet
  • Publication number: 20210087063
    Abstract: The inventive concept described herein relates to nanostructured carbons having improved characteristics, and method of preparing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Applicant: Board of Regents, the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Balkus, JR., Alexander T. Brown
  • Patent number: 10195297
    Abstract: Iron garnet nanoparticles and or iron garnet particles containing various activatable nuclides, such as holmium-165 (165Ho) and dysprosium-164 (164Dy), are disclosed in this application. The iron garnet (e.g., HoIG and DyIG) nanoparticles and iron garnet particles can prepared using hydroxide co-precipitation methods. In some embodiments, radiosensitizers can be loaded on radioactive magnetic nanoparticles or radioactive iron garnet particles and, optionally, coated with suitable lipid bilayers. Methods of using the disclosed nanoparticles and particles for mediating therapeutic benefit in diseases responsive to radiation therapy are also provided. Another aspect of the invention provides films, electrospun fabrics or bandage coverings for the delivery of radiation to the site of a skin lesion amenable to treatment with radiation (e.g., skin cancers or psoriasis).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignees: THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT FORT WORTH
    Inventors: Anthony J. Di Pasqua, Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr., Imalka S. Munaweera, Yi Shi
  • Patent number: 10046284
    Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a polymer composition which comprises two polymer molecules and a compatibilizing agent. In some embodiments, the polymer composition is useful for the preparation of membranes used in the separation of two or more gases. In some embodiments, the polymer composition comprises a polyimide polymer and a polybenzimidazole polymer which have been compatibilizing with a small molecule or a metal organic framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: John P. Ferraris, Nimanka Panapitiya, Sumudu Wijenayake, Inga H. Musselman, Chamaal Karunaweera, Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180055954
    Abstract: Iron garnet nanoparticles and or iron garnet particles containing various activatable nuclides, such as holmium-165 (165Ho) and dysprosium-164 (164Dy), are disclosed in this application. The iron garnet (e.g., HoIG and DyIG) nanoparticles and iron garnet particles can prepared using hydroxide co-precipitation methods. In some embodiments, radiosensitizers can be loaded on radioactive magnetic nanoparticles or radioactive iron garnet particles and, optionally, coated with suitable lipid bilayers. Methods of using the disclosed nanoparticles and particles for mediating therapeutic benefit in diseases responsive to radiation therapy are also provided. Another aspect of the invention provides films, electrospun fabrics or bandage coverings for the delivery of radiation to the site of a skin lesion amenable to treatment with radiation (e.g., skin cancers or psoriasis).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: ANTHONY J. DI PASQUA, KENNETH J. BALKUS, JR., IMALKA S. MUNAWEERA, YI SHI
  • Patent number: 9808543
    Abstract: Iron garnet nanoparticles and or iron garnet particles containing various activatable nuclides, such as holmium-165 (165Ho) and dysprosium-164 (164Dy), are disclosed in this application. The iron garnet (e.g., HoIG and DyIG) nanoparticles and iron garnet particles can prepared using hydroxide co-precipitation methods. In some embodiments, radiosensitizers can be loaded on radioactive magnetic nanoparticles or radioactive iron garnet particles and, optionally, coated with suitable lipid bilayers. Methods of using the disclosed nanoparticles and particles for mediating therapeutic benefit in diseases responsive to radiation therapy are also provided. Another aspect of the invention provides films, electrospun fabrics or bandage coverings for the delivery of radiation to the site of a skin lesion amenable to treatment with radiation (e.g., skin cancers or psoriasis).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT FORT WORTH, THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Anthony J. Di Pasqua, Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr., Imalka S. Munaweera, Yi Shi
  • Publication number: 20160263534
    Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a polymer composition which comprises two polymer molecules and a compatibilizing agent. In some embodiments, the polymer composition is useful for the preparation of membranes used in the separation of two or more gases. In some embodiments, the polymer composition comprises a polyimide polymer and a polybenzimidazole polymer which have been compatibilizing with a small molecule or a metal organic framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: John P. FERRARIS, Nimanka PANAPITIYA, Sumudu WIJENAYAKE, Inga H. MUSSELMAN, Chamaal Karunaweera, JR., Kenneth J. Balkus, JR.
  • Patent number: 9331352
    Abstract: An aspect of the invention is directed to a polymer comprising a sulfonated perfluorocyclopentyl compound. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a sulfonated copolymer comprising one or more sulfonated polymers. A further aspect of the invention is directed to membranes prepared from the polymers of the claimed invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Dennis W. Smith, Jr., Daniel K. Dei, John P. Ferraris, Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr., Inga H. Musselman, Duck J. Yang, Grace Jones D. Kalaw, Babloo Sharma
  • Patent number: 9278113
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes compositions operable for releasing nitric oxide under photochemical conditions. The compositions include a titanium dioxide nanomaterial and a nitric oxide-releasing compound deposited on the titanium dioxide nanomaterial that is operable to release nitric oxide under photochemical conditions. Titanium dioxide nanomaterials include, for example, titanium dioxide nanotubes. To facilitate the photochemical release of nitric oxide, some embodiments of the compositions further include a semiconductor that is deposited on the titanium dioxide nanotubes. Both the semiconductor and the nitric oxide-releasing compound may be deposited on the interior surface, exterior surface, or both of the titanium dioxide nanotubes. A polymer may wrap the titanium dioxide nanotubes to protect the nitric oxide-releasing compounds from moisture. Also disclosed herein are methods for producing such compositions and medical devices obtained therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr., Chalita Ratanatawanate
  • Patent number: 9216198
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes compositions providing for controlled release of nitric oxide (NO) and methods for production of these compositions. In some embodiments, the compositions may include a biodegradable polymer and a nitric oxide-releasing material at least partially encapsulated by the biodegradable polymer. Nitric oxide-releasing materials may include, for example, diazeniumdiolates and nitric oxide contained within a zeolite, metal-organic framework or other porous material. In general, the compositions are spun into a porous fiber, which may be further annealed by heating in order to densify the fiber. Annealing may prolong the NO release profile. Medical devices containing the compositions described herein are also contemplated by the present disclosure. Medical devices include, for example, textiles, bandages and articles of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr., Harvey A. Liu
  • Publication number: 20150202337
    Abstract: Iron garnet nanoparticles and or iron garnet particles containing various activatable nuclides, such as holmium-165(165Ho) and dysprosium-164 (164Dy), are disclosed in this application. The iron garnet (e.g., HoIG and DyIG) nanoparticles and iron garnet particles can prepared using hydroxide co-precipitation methods. In some embodiments, radiosensitizers can be loaded on radioactive magnetic nanoparticles or radioactive iron garnet particle and, optionally, coated with suitable lipid bilayers. Methods of using the disclosed nanoparticles and particles for mediating therapeutic benefit in diseases responsive to radiation therapy are also provided. Another aspect of the invention provides films, electrospun fabrics or bandages coverings for the delivery of radiation to the site of a skin lesion amenable to treatment with radiation (e.g., skin cancers or psoriasis).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: ANTHONY J. DI PASQUA, KENNETH J. BALKUS, JR., IMALKA S. MUNAWEERA, YI SHI
  • Patent number: 9017653
    Abstract: The invention relates to nitric oxide-releasing compositions comprising polyacrylonitrile polymers that are diazeniumdiolated, and to medical devices comprising such compositions, as well as to methods of making and using the compositions and medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr., Wenjin Deng, Alysia Lowe, Dennis W. Smith, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140162173
    Abstract: An aspect of the invention is directed to a polymer comprising a sulfonated perfluorocyclopentyl compound. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a sulfonated copolymer comprising one or more sulfonated polymers. A further aspect of the invention is directed to membranes prepared from the polymers of the claimed invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Dennis W. Smith, JR., Daniel K. Dei, John P Ferraris, Kenneth J. Balkus, Inga H. Musselman, Duck J. Yang, Grace Jones D. Kalaw, Babloo Sharma
  • Publication number: 20130337033
    Abstract: The invention relates to nitric oxide-releasing compositions comprising polyacrylonitrile polymers that are diazeniumdiolated, and to medical devices comprising such compositions, as well as to methods of making and using the compositions and medical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Balkus, JR., Wenjin Deng, Alysia Lowe, Dennis W. Smith, JR.
  • Patent number: 8062389
    Abstract: Low vapor pressure compound-based fuels are provided. These fuels are useful in catalytic burner systems that can be used to disperse fragrances, insecticides, insect repellants (e.g., citronella), aromatherapy compounds, medicinal compounds, deodorizing compounds, disinfectant compositions, fungicides and herbicides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Thomas J. Pisklak, Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100285100
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes compositions providing for controlled release of nitric oxide (NO) and methods for production of these compositions. In some embodiments, the compositions may include a biodegradable polymer and a nitric oxide-releasing material at least partially encapsulated by the biodegradable polymer. Nitric oxide-releasing materials may include, for example, diazeniumdiolates and nitric oxide contained within a zeolite, metal-organic framework or other porous material. In general, the compositions are spun into a porous fiber, which may be further annealed by heating in order to densify the fiber. Annealing may prolong the NO release profile. Medical devices containing the compositions described herein are also contemplated by the present disclosure. Medical devices include, for example, textiles, bandages and articles of clothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Balkus, JR., Harvey A. Liu
  • Publication number: 20100247611
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes compositions operable for releasing nitric oxide under photochemical conditions. The compositions include a titanium dioxide nanomaterial and a nitric oxide-releasing compound deposited on the titanium dioxide nanomaterial that is operable to release nitric oxide under photochemical conditions. Titanium dioxide nanomaterials include, for example, titanium dioxide nanotubes. To facilitate the photochemical release of nitric oxide, some embodiments of the compositions further include a semiconductor that is deposited on the titanium dioxide nanotubes. Both the semiconductor and the nitric oxide-releasing compound may be deposited on the interior surface, exterior surface, or both of the titanium dioxide nanotubes. A polymer may wrap the titanium dioxide nanotubes to protect the nitric oxide-releasing compounds from moisture. Also disclosed herein are methods for producing such compositions and medical devices obtained therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Balkus, JR., Chalita Ratanatawanate
  • Patent number: 7794833
    Abstract: Electrospun fibers comprising mesoporous molecular sieve materials are described. In an aspect of the invention, fibers are electrospun from a conducting solution to which a high voltage electric current is applied. The apparatus includes in one aspect one or more conducting solution introduction devices for providing a quantity of conducting solution, said conducting solution introduction devices being electrically charged thereby establishing an electric field between said conducting solution introduction devices and a target, and means for controlling the flow characteristics of conducting solution from said one or more conducting solution introduction devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr., John P. Ferraris, Sudha Madhugiri, Ashley S. Scott
  • Patent number: 7622220
    Abstract: A polymer electrolyte forming composition includes a trialkoxysilane containing an epoxy group, polyethyleneimine, and at least one of heteropolyacid and trifluoromethanesulfoneimide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., The University of Texas System Board of Regents
    Inventors: Hae-kyoung Kim, Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr., Hyuk Chang, John Patrick Ferraris, Duck Joo Yang, Zhiwei Yang
  • Patent number: 7579014
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses novel mesoporous compositions comprising vitamin E and alumina, and methods for their synthesis. The mesoporous compositions of the present invention have applications as drug-delivery vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Board of Regents the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Ying Ma, Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr.