Room temperature nanowire IR, visible and UV photodetectors
Patent No. 8,946,678
Room temperature IR and UV photodetectors are provided by electrochemical self-assembly of nanowires. The detectivity of such IR detectors is up to ten times better than the state of the art. Broad peaks are observed in the room temperature absorption spectra of 10-nm diameter nanowires of CdSe and ZnS at photon energies close to the bandgap energy, indicating that the detectors are frequency selective and preferably detect light of specific frequencies. Provided is a photodetector comprising: an aluminum substrate; a layer of insulator disposed on the aluminum substrate and comprising an array of columnar pores; a plurality of semiconductor nanowires disposed within the pores and standing vertically relative to the aluminum substrate; a layer of nickel disposed in operable communication with one or more of the semiconductor nanowires; and wire leads in operable communication with the aluminum substrate and the layer of nickel for connection with an electrical circuit.
Inventors: Supriyo Bandyopadhyay (Glen Allen,Va.), Saumil Bandyopadhyay (Glen Allen, Va.), Pratik Agnihotri (Richmond)
Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond)
February 3, 2015
Bivalent ligands for the treatment of neurological disorders
Patent No. 8,946,254
Bivalent ligands that contain two pharmacophores linked through a spacer, one of which interacts with the .mu.-opioid receptor (MOR) and the other of which interacts with the co-receptor CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), are used for the treatment of neurological disorders such as those associated with AIDS.
Inventors: Yan Zhang (Glen Allen, Va.), Kurt F. Hauser (Midlothian, Va.), Dana E. Selley (Richmond)
Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond)
February 3, 2015
Expanding the eukaryotic genetic code
Patent No. 8,945,926
This invention provides compositions and methods for producing translational components that expand the number of genetically encoded amino acids in eukaryotic cells. The components include orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases and unnatural amino acids. Proteins and methods of producing proteins with unnatural amino acids in eukaryotic cells are also provided.
Inventors: Jason W. Chin (Cambridge, Great Britain), T. Ashton Cropp (Richmond), J. Christopher Anderson (Berkeley, Calif.), Peter G. Schultz (La Jolla, Calif.)
Assignee: The Scripps Research Institute (La Jolla, Calif.)
February 3, 2015
Method and system for a wireless ear bud
Patent No. 8,948,374
Exemplary embodiments include methods and systems for detecting an incoming telephone signal, processing the incoming telephone signal, transmitting the processed signal to a remote receiver and alerting a remote user of the incoming signal.
Inventors: Mark J. Maloney (Glen Allen, Va.)
Assignee: Verizon Virginia (Ashburn, Va.)
February 3, 2015
Multilayer, coextruded, ionomeric decorative surfacing
Patent No. 8,945,708
Decorative ionomeric surfaced film and sheet (e.g., multilayer co-extruded polymer) and articles made therefrom (e.g., automotive panels and parts) exhibiting good weatherability, mar resistance, and surface appearance of a high quality automotive finish (including color, haze, gloss, and DOI) and economical process for making (e.g., co-extrusion) and using (e.g., thermoforming and injection backfilling) the same.
Inventors: Randall Allen Vogel (Wilmington, Del.), I-Hwa Lee (Wilmington, Del.), Sumita Sanjeevi Ranganathan (Midlothian, Va.), Lori J. Pike (Newark, Del.)
Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. (Wilmington, Del.)
February 3, 2015
Treatment of immune disorders using kainate receptor antagonists
Patent No. 8,952,048
Allergies and immune system disorders (e.g. autoimmune diseases) are treated by administration of an agent that blocks activation of the kainic acid receptor (KAR) in B cells. The agents include antagonists and weakly activating agonists.
Inventors: Jamie Lynn Sturgill (Richmond), Daniel Harper Conrad (Midlothian, Va.)
Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond)
February 10, 2015
Inhibition of undesired sensory effects by the compound camphor
Patent No. 8,952,038
A smokeless tobacco product or medicinal nicotine product includes nicotine and camphor dissolved in a non-flavored oily carrier. Preferably, the camphor is present in a concentration ranging from about 600 ppm to about 1300 ppm. Also disclosed are methods of making such products.
Inventors: Gerd Kobal (Sandy Hook, Va.), Prasad Polur (Woodbridge, Va.), Maria Gogova (Richmond), Diana McKinney (Midlothian, Va.)
Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc. (Richmond, Va.)
February 10, 2015
Preventing equipment fouling via corrosion reduction
Patent No. 8,951,467
An embodiment prevents equipment fouling (deposition of unwanted material) in an oil recovery system via implementing passivation of metallic components. By preventing or at least slowing or inhibiting corrosion of equipment or components via passivation, such as passivating heat exchangers, metallic piping, and the like, an embodiment in turn reduces fouling thereof. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
Inventors: Robert Wright Bedinger III (Richmond), Benjamin Edward Niemaseck (Chesterfield, Va.), Mark Jason Puchovich (Henrico, Va.), John Richardson (Hanover, Va.)
Assignee: Chemtreat Inc. (Glen Allen, Va.)
February 10, 2015
Synthesis and incorporation of high-temperature ammonia-release agents in lit-end cigarettes
Patent No. 8,950,409
A tobacco smoking mixture and/or a cigarette wrapper with high-temperature ammonia-release agents therein are provided, wherein the high-temperature ammonia-release agents are present in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter formed during smoking of the cigarette. The high-temperature ammonia-release agents are capable of reducing the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter by evolving ammonia at temperatures greater than about 200.degree. C., wherein the ammonia can interact with the particulate matter. Additionally, the high-temperature ammonia-release agents can be formed by heating an aqueous mixture of an iron precursor compound, an ammonia source compound and an acid.
Inventors: Jay A. Fournier (Richmond), John B. Paine (Midlothian, Va.), Douglas A. Fernandez (Richmond)
Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc. (Richmond)
February 10, 2015
System asset repository management
Patent No. 8,955,036
A plurality of system entities described in an asset repository are identified, the asset repository defining a particular hierarchical organization of the plurality of system entities within a computing environment. A particular system entity in the plurality of system entities is tagged with a particular tag. The particular system entity is associated with a particular security policy based on the particular system entity being tagged with the particular tag. The particular security policy is applied to system entities in the asset repository tagged with one or more tags in a particular set of tags including the particular tag.
Inventors: James Michael Hugard IV (Mission Viejo, Calif.), Robin Keir (Glen Allen, Va.), Joshua Cajetan Rebelo (Bangalore, India), Ofir Arkin (Petah Tikva, Israel), Sven Schrecker (San Marcos, Calif.)
Assignee: McAfee Inc. (Santa Clara, Calif.)
February 10, 2015
Network address repository management
Patent No. 8,954,573
A first Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) address of a particular computing device within a network is identified using a first passive discovery sensor performing a first discovery task. A second discovery task is caused to be performed using the first IPv6 address and an attribute of the particular computing device is identified from results of the second discovery task. The first IPv6 address and attribute of the particular device is added to a repository maintaining a record of detected IPv6 addresses within the network. In some instances, a first passive discovery sensor can be one of an event-based discovery sensor, a latent-type discovery sensor, and an indirect-type discovery sensor.
Inventors: James Michael Hugard IV (Mission Viejo, Calif.), Robin Keir (Glen Allen, Va.), Joshua Cajetan Rebelo (Bangalore, India), Ofir Arkin (Petah Tikva, Israel), Sven Schrecker (San Marcos, Calif.)
Assignee: McAfee Inc. (Santa Clara, Calif.)
February 10, 2015
Magnetic random access memory device
Patent No. 8,953,366
The present invention proposes an electronic memory device comprising a memory line including a memory domain. The memory line may contain a number of memory domains and a number of fixed domains, wherein each memory domain stores a single binary bit value. A multiferroic element may be disposed proximate to each memory domain allowing the magnetization of the memory domain to be changed using a spin torque current, and ensuring the stability of the magnetization of the domain when it is not being written. The domain boundary between the memory domain and one of its adjacent fixed domains may thereby be moved. An antiferromagnetic element may be disposed proximate to each fixed domain to ensure the stability of the magnetization of these. The value of each memory domain may be read by applying a voltage to a magnetic tunnel junction comprising the memory domain and measuring the current flowing through it.
Inventors: Stuart A. Wolf (Bowie, Md.), Jiwei Lu (Glen Allen, Va.), Mircea R. Stan (Charlottesville, Va.)
Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation (Charlottesville, Va.)
February 10, 2015
Grading of agricultural products via hyper spectral imaging and analysis
Patent No. 8,953,158
A system for grading an agricultural product employing hyper-spectral imaging and analysis. The system includes at least one light source for providing a beam of light, an interferometer or a prism array for dispersing electromagnetic radiation emitted from said agricultural product into a corresponding spectral image, a light measuring device for detecting component wavelengths within the corresponding spectral image and a processor operable to compare the detected component wavelengths to a database of previously graded agricultural products to identify and select a grade for the agricultural product. A method for grading an agricultural product via hyper-spectral imaging and analysis is also provided.
Inventors: Danny S. Moshe (Kiryat Ono, Israel), Henry M. Dante (Midlothian, Va.), Seetharama C. Deevi (Midlothian, Va.), Curtis M. Hinton (Glen Allen, Va.)
Assignee: N/A
February 10, 2015
Systems and methods for percutaneous intravascular access and guidewire placement
Patent No. 8,951,276
A device for allowing passage of a guidewire from a primary blood vessel to an adjacent secondary blood vessel includes a main body having a primary lumen and a secondary lumen, and a piercing member disposed in the secondary lumen, and configured to be moved distally out of the secondary lumen, and to pierce through tissue while being distally moved. A third lumen located within the piercing member is configured to allow placement of a guidewire from the primary blood vessel to the adjacent secondary blood vessel. In one embodiment, the secondary lumen is configured to allow articulation of the distal end of the piercing element. The piercing member has a sharp point on one end to facilitate cutting a small communicating aperture from the primary blood vessel to the secondary blood vessel.
Inventors: Brad M. Kellerman (Escondido, Calif.), Jeffrey E. Hull (Midlothian, Va.), David K. Wrolstad (Yucaipa, Calif.)
Assignee: Avenu Medical Inc. (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
February 10, 2015
Automated mix in-cup apparatus and the method of operating the same
Patent No. 8,950,931
The present disclosure describes an automated blend in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed. A shield is automatically lowered to at least partially isolate the cup. After mixing, the shield and blade are automatically retracted, and the cup is removed from the apparatus. The shield and blade may be automatically lowered again for a cleaning operation. Overall, the apparatus contains various structural and safety elements that provide a unique construction and method of operating the apparatus.
Inventors: Ernest B. Pryor Jr. (Maidens, Va.), Benjamin H. Branson III (Mechanicsville, Va.), Brian P. Williams (Midlothian, Va.)
Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands Inc. (Glen Allen, Va.)
February 10, 2015
Oral pouch product having soft edge
Patent No. 8,950,408
An oral pouch product having a soft edge includes an inner filling material enclosed inwardly of at least one seam between opposed layers of porous pouch wrapper. The at least one seam is separated from the periphery of the porous pouch wrapper by an unbonded area of the opposed layers so as to form a soft edge of the pouch wrapper.
Inventors: Fernando L. Chappell Sr. (Colonial Heights, Va.), Danielle R. Crawford (Chester, Va.)
Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc. (Richmond)
February 10, 2015
Room temperature nanowire IR, visible and UV photodetectors
Patent No. 8,946,678
Room temperature IR and UV photodetectors are provided by electrochemical self-assembly of nanowires. The detectivity of such IR detectors is up to ten times better than the state of the art. Broad peaks are observed in the room temperature absorption spectra of 10-nm diameter nanowires of CdSe and ZnS at photon energies close to the bandgap energy, indicating that the detectors are frequency selective and preferably detect light of specific frequencies. Provided is a photodetector comprising: an aluminum substrate; a layer of insulator disposed on the aluminum substrate and comprising an array of columnar pores; a plurality of semiconductor nanowires disposed within the pores and standing vertically relative to the aluminum substrate; a layer of nickel disposed in operable communication with one or more of the semiconductor nanowires; and wire leads in operable communication with the aluminum substrate and the layer of nickel for connection with an electrical circuit.
Inventors: Supriyo Bandyopadhyay (Glen Allen,Va.), Saumil Bandyopadhyay (Glen Allen, Va.), Pratik Agnihotri (Richmond)
Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond)
February 3, 2015
Bivalent ligands for the treatment of neurological disorders
Patent No. 8,946,254
Bivalent ligands that contain two pharmacophores linked through a spacer, one of which interacts with the .mu.-opioid receptor (MOR) and the other of which interacts with the co-receptor CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), are used for the treatment of neurological disorders such as those associated with AIDS.
Inventors: Yan Zhang (Glen Allen, Va.), Kurt F. Hauser (Midlothian, Va.), Dana E. Selley (Richmond)
Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond)
February 3, 2015
Expanding the eukaryotic genetic code
Patent No. 8,945,926
This invention provides compositions and methods for producing translational components that expand the number of genetically encoded amino acids in eukaryotic cells. The components include orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases and unnatural amino acids. Proteins and methods of producing proteins with unnatural amino acids in eukaryotic cells are also provided.
Inventors: Jason W. Chin (Cambridge, Great Britain), T. Ashton Cropp (Richmond), J. Christopher Anderson (Berkeley, Calif.), Peter G. Schultz (La Jolla, Calif.)
Assignee: The Scripps Research Institute (La Jolla, Calif.)
February 3, 2015
Method and system for a wireless ear bud
Patent No. 8,948,374
Exemplary embodiments include methods and systems for detecting an incoming telephone signal, processing the incoming telephone signal, transmitting the processed signal to a remote receiver and alerting a remote user of the incoming signal.
Inventors: Mark J. Maloney (Glen Allen, Va.)
Assignee: Verizon Virginia (Ashburn, Va.)
February 3, 2015
Multilayer, coextruded, ionomeric decorative surfacing
Patent No. 8,945,708
Decorative ionomeric surfaced film and sheet (e.g., multilayer co-extruded polymer) and articles made therefrom (e.g., automotive panels and parts) exhibiting good weatherability, mar resistance, and surface appearance of a high quality automotive finish (including color, haze, gloss, and DOI) and economical process for making (e.g., co-extrusion) and using (e.g., thermoforming and injection backfilling) the same.
Inventors: Randall Allen Vogel (Wilmington, Del.), I-Hwa Lee (Wilmington, Del.), Sumita Sanjeevi Ranganathan (Midlothian, Va.), Lori J. Pike (Newark, Del.)
Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. (Wilmington, Del.)
February 3, 2015
Treatment of immune disorders using kainate receptor antagonists
Patent No. 8,952,048
Allergies and immune system disorders (e.g. autoimmune diseases) are treated by administration of an agent that blocks activation of the kainic acid receptor (KAR) in B cells. The agents include antagonists and weakly activating agonists.
Inventors: Jamie Lynn Sturgill (Richmond), Daniel Harper Conrad (Midlothian, Va.)
Assignee: Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond)
February 10, 2015
Inhibition of undesired sensory effects by the compound camphor
Patent No. 8,952,038
A smokeless tobacco product or medicinal nicotine product includes nicotine and camphor dissolved in a non-flavored oily carrier. Preferably, the camphor is present in a concentration ranging from about 600 ppm to about 1300 ppm. Also disclosed are methods of making such products.
Inventors: Gerd Kobal (Sandy Hook, Va.), Prasad Polur (Woodbridge, Va.), Maria Gogova (Richmond), Diana McKinney (Midlothian, Va.)
Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc. (Richmond, Va.)
February 10, 2015
Preventing equipment fouling via corrosion reduction
Patent No. 8,951,467
An embodiment prevents equipment fouling (deposition of unwanted material) in an oil recovery system via implementing passivation of metallic components. By preventing or at least slowing or inhibiting corrosion of equipment or components via passivation, such as passivating heat exchangers, metallic piping, and the like, an embodiment in turn reduces fouling thereof. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
Inventors: Robert Wright Bedinger III (Richmond), Benjamin Edward Niemaseck (Chesterfield, Va.), Mark Jason Puchovich (Henrico, Va.), John Richardson (Hanover, Va.)
Assignee: Chemtreat Inc. (Glen Allen, Va.)
February 10, 2015
Synthesis and incorporation of high-temperature ammonia-release agents in lit-end cigarettes
Patent No. 8,950,409
A tobacco smoking mixture and/or a cigarette wrapper with high-temperature ammonia-release agents therein are provided, wherein the high-temperature ammonia-release agents are present in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter formed during smoking of the cigarette. The high-temperature ammonia-release agents are capable of reducing the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter by evolving ammonia at temperatures greater than about 200.degree. C., wherein the ammonia can interact with the particulate matter. Additionally, the high-temperature ammonia-release agents can be formed by heating an aqueous mixture of an iron precursor compound, an ammonia source compound and an acid.
Inventors: Jay A. Fournier (Richmond), John B. Paine (Midlothian, Va.), Douglas A. Fernandez (Richmond)
Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc. (Richmond)
February 10, 2015
System asset repository management
Patent No. 8,955,036
A plurality of system entities described in an asset repository are identified, the asset repository defining a particular hierarchical organization of the plurality of system entities within a computing environment. A particular system entity in the plurality of system entities is tagged with a particular tag. The particular system entity is associated with a particular security policy based on the particular system entity being tagged with the particular tag. The particular security policy is applied to system entities in the asset repository tagged with one or more tags in a particular set of tags including the particular tag.
Inventors: James Michael Hugard IV (Mission Viejo, Calif.), Robin Keir (Glen Allen, Va.), Joshua Cajetan Rebelo (Bangalore, India), Ofir Arkin (Petah Tikva, Israel), Sven Schrecker (San Marcos, Calif.)
Assignee: McAfee Inc. (Santa Clara, Calif.)
February 10, 2015
Network address repository management
Patent No. 8,954,573
A first Internet protocol version 6 (IPv6) address of a particular computing device within a network is identified using a first passive discovery sensor performing a first discovery task. A second discovery task is caused to be performed using the first IPv6 address and an attribute of the particular computing device is identified from results of the second discovery task. The first IPv6 address and attribute of the particular device is added to a repository maintaining a record of detected IPv6 addresses within the network. In some instances, a first passive discovery sensor can be one of an event-based discovery sensor, a latent-type discovery sensor, and an indirect-type discovery sensor.
Inventors: James Michael Hugard IV (Mission Viejo, Calif.), Robin Keir (Glen Allen, Va.), Joshua Cajetan Rebelo (Bangalore, India), Ofir Arkin (Petah Tikva, Israel), Sven Schrecker (San Marcos, Calif.)
Assignee: McAfee Inc. (Santa Clara, Calif.)
February 10, 2015
Magnetic random access memory device
Patent No. 8,953,366
The present invention proposes an electronic memory device comprising a memory line including a memory domain. The memory line may contain a number of memory domains and a number of fixed domains, wherein each memory domain stores a single binary bit value. A multiferroic element may be disposed proximate to each memory domain allowing the magnetization of the memory domain to be changed using a spin torque current, and ensuring the stability of the magnetization of the domain when it is not being written. The domain boundary between the memory domain and one of its adjacent fixed domains may thereby be moved. An antiferromagnetic element may be disposed proximate to each fixed domain to ensure the stability of the magnetization of these. The value of each memory domain may be read by applying a voltage to a magnetic tunnel junction comprising the memory domain and measuring the current flowing through it.
Inventors: Stuart A. Wolf (Bowie, Md.), Jiwei Lu (Glen Allen, Va.), Mircea R. Stan (Charlottesville, Va.)
Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation (Charlottesville, Va.)
February 10, 2015
Grading of agricultural products via hyper spectral imaging and analysis
Patent No. 8,953,158
A system for grading an agricultural product employing hyper-spectral imaging and analysis. The system includes at least one light source for providing a beam of light, an interferometer or a prism array for dispersing electromagnetic radiation emitted from said agricultural product into a corresponding spectral image, a light measuring device for detecting component wavelengths within the corresponding spectral image and a processor operable to compare the detected component wavelengths to a database of previously graded agricultural products to identify and select a grade for the agricultural product. A method for grading an agricultural product via hyper-spectral imaging and analysis is also provided.
Inventors: Danny S. Moshe (Kiryat Ono, Israel), Henry M. Dante (Midlothian, Va.), Seetharama C. Deevi (Midlothian, Va.), Curtis M. Hinton (Glen Allen, Va.)
Assignee: N/A
February 10, 2015
Systems and methods for percutaneous intravascular access and guidewire placement
Patent No. 8,951,276
A device for allowing passage of a guidewire from a primary blood vessel to an adjacent secondary blood vessel includes a main body having a primary lumen and a secondary lumen, and a piercing member disposed in the secondary lumen, and configured to be moved distally out of the secondary lumen, and to pierce through tissue while being distally moved. A third lumen located within the piercing member is configured to allow placement of a guidewire from the primary blood vessel to the adjacent secondary blood vessel. In one embodiment, the secondary lumen is configured to allow articulation of the distal end of the piercing element. The piercing member has a sharp point on one end to facilitate cutting a small communicating aperture from the primary blood vessel to the secondary blood vessel.
Inventors: Brad M. Kellerman (Escondido, Calif.), Jeffrey E. Hull (Midlothian, Va.), David K. Wrolstad (Yucaipa, Calif.)
Assignee: Avenu Medical Inc. (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
February 10, 2015
Automated mix in-cup apparatus and the method of operating the same
Patent No. 8,950,931
The present disclosure describes an automated blend in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed. A shield is automatically lowered to at least partially isolate the cup. After mixing, the shield and blade are automatically retracted, and the cup is removed from the apparatus. The shield and blade may be automatically lowered again for a cleaning operation. Overall, the apparatus contains various structural and safety elements that provide a unique construction and method of operating the apparatus.
Inventors: Ernest B. Pryor Jr. (Maidens, Va.), Benjamin H. Branson III (Mechanicsville, Va.), Brian P. Williams (Midlothian, Va.)
Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands Inc. (Glen Allen, Va.)
February 10, 2015
Oral pouch product having soft edge
Patent No. 8,950,408
An oral pouch product having a soft edge includes an inner filling material enclosed inwardly of at least one seam between opposed layers of porous pouch wrapper. The at least one seam is separated from the periphery of the porous pouch wrapper by an unbonded area of the opposed layers so as to form a soft edge of the pouch wrapper.
Inventors: Fernando L. Chappell Sr. (Colonial Heights, Va.), Danielle R. Crawford (Chester, Va.)
Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc. (Richmond)
February 10, 2015