UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160111188 | Multi-Filament Superconducting Composites - A configuration and a method of constructing a high-temperature superconductor tape including a plurality superconducting filaments sandwiched between a substrate and an overlayer, and having a compliant material extending between the substrate and the overlayer and isolating each superconducting filament. | 04-21-2016 |
20160049659 | RECHARGEABLE ALKALINE BATTERY USING ORGANIC MATERIALS AS NEGATIVE ELECTRODES - An energy storage device may provide a positive electrode, an electrolyte, and a negative electrode. The energy storage device may utilize an aqueous alkaline electrolyte, which may be nonflammable. The energy storage device may utilize organic material(s) as the negative electrode, such as, but not limited to, poly(anthraquinonyl sulfide) (PAQS), organic carbonyl compounds, organosulfur compounds, redox polymers, or radical polymers. | 02-18-2016 |
20160001471 | SYNTHESIS OF EFFECTIVE CARBON NANOREINFORCEMENTS FOR STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS - A methodology is disclosed to produce nanostructured carbon particles that act as effective reinforcements. The process is conducted in the solid state at close to ambient conditions. The carbon nanostructures produced under this discovery are nanostructured and are synthesized by mechanical means at standard conditions. The benefit of this processing methodology is that those carbon nanostructures can be used as effective reinforcements for composites of various matrices. As example, are to demonstrate its effectiveness the following matrices were including in testing: ceramic, metallic, and polymeric (organic and inorganic), as well as bio-polymers. The reinforcements have been introduced in those matrices at room and elevated temperatures. The raw material is carbon soot that is a byproduct and hence abundant and cheaper than pristine carbon alternatives (e.g. nanotubes, graphene). | 01-07-2016 |
20150361230 | GRAPHITIC NANOCOMPOSITES IN SOLID STATE MATRICES AND METHODS FOR MAKING SAME - A composition and method for fabricating graphitic nanocomposites in solid state matrices is presented. The process for fabricating graphitic nanocomposites in solid state matrices may include selecting one or a mixture of specific graphitic nanomaterials. The graphitic nanomaterial(s) may be functionalizing with a moiety similar to the building blocks of the solid state matrices. The functionalized graphitic nanomaterials are mixed with the building blocks of the solid state matrices. The mixture may be cured, which causes in situ formation of the sol-gel solid state matrices that entraps and/or covalently links with the graphitic nanomaterials during the network growing process. This process allows the nanomaterials to be introduced into the matrices homogeneously without forming large aggregations. | 12-17-2015 |
20150335417 | TWO STAGE CELLULARIZATION STRATEGY FOR THE FABRICATION OF BIOARTIFICIAL HEARTS - In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a method of fabricating an artificial heart muscle (AHM) patch. In some embodiments, the method comprises obtaining and/or isolating cells from a subject. In some embodiments, the cells are primary cardiac cells. In some embodiments, the method further comprises forming a scaffold. In some embodiments, the method comprises seeding the cells in the fibrin gel scaffold. In some embodiments, the method comprises culturing the cells seeded in the fibrin gel scaffold under conditions appropriate for the formation of an artificial heart muscle (AHM) patch. In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a method of fabricating a bioartificial heart (BAH). In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a method of treatment of cardiac tissue injury in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the method includes implanting the aforementioned artificial heart muscle patch in the injured area of the subject. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of treating end stage cardiac disease in a subject in need thereof. | 11-26-2015 |
20150329492 | THERMALLY ROBUST, HIGHLY POROUS, AND PARTIALLY FLUORINATED ORGANIC FRAMEWORK WITH AFFINITY FOR HYDROCARBONS, FLUOROCARBONS AND FREONS - Porous partially fluorinated materials which bind aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, fluorocarbons and freons with high weight adsorption capacities are provided. Such compounds may be used in separation of materials by exclusion such as selective separation of isomers of xylene. | 11-19-2015 |
20150325330 | GRAFT POLYMERIZATION INITIATED ON GRAPHITIC NANOMATERIALS AND THEIR NANOCOMPOSITE FORMATION - An improved graft polymerization method from general graphitic structures with organic based monomers through the mechanism of Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization was developed. Organic hybrid nanomaterials comprising graphitic structures are covalently bonded via chemically reactive groups on the outer walls of the structure. Methods for forming the covalently bonded structures to many organic based monomers and/or polymers may occur through RAFT polymerization utilizing dithioester as a chain transfer agent. The method may also comprise nanocomposite formation of such organic hybrid nanomaterials with common plastic(s) to form graphitic nanocomposite reinforced plastic articles. | 11-12-2015 |
20150299196 | Flindersia Alkaloids, Derivatives and Analogs: Compositions and Methods for Producing the Same - The present invention provides methods for chemically synthesizing analogs and derivatives of naturally-occurring | 10-22-2015 |
20150297545 | ORGANIC ACIDS AS AGENTS TO DISSOLVE CALCIUM MINERALS IN PATHOLOGICAL CALCIFICATION AND USES THEREOF - In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition for dissolving calcium oxalate crystals thereby inhibiting/preventing further growth of crystals. In some embodiments, such a composition comprises at least one stereoisomer of hydroxycitrate, a derivative of the organic acid citrate. Such a method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of the aforementioned composition. In another embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a method of treating kidney stone disorder. Such a method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the aforementioned composition. In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of treating calcium oxalate stone disease. In an embodiment, the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the aforementioned composition. | 10-22-2015 |
20150252939 | ASSISTIVE POURING DEVICE FOR PEOPLE WITH ARTHRITIS AND OTHERS - An assistive pouring device may aid a user in handling and pouring liquids from a container. An assistive pouring device may provide an open platform with at least one surface suitable for receiving the container. The platform may provide a base surface for supporting the weight of the container, and may optionally provide lateral surface that prevents or minimizes shifting of the container from side to side. One or more of the platform surfaces may be made from or coated with a material that is slip-resistant or tacky. One or more of the platform surfaces may provide a textured surface. One or more roller legs are connected to the platform, which allow the assistive pouring device to be easily rolled or tilted to pour liquids from a container. | 09-10-2015 |
20150252490 | System and Method for Monolithic Crystal Growth - A monolithic crystal having the atomic formula W | 09-10-2015 |
20150231151 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES - In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a composition for modulating the expression of at least one gene associated with neuronal cell survival or stability. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides for compositions for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases comprising one or more phosphate complexes of platinum of the formulas I, II, III and IV as set forth in FIG. | 08-20-2015 |
20150216825 | ORGANIC ACIDS AS GROWTH INHIBITORS OF PATHOLOGICAL CALCIFICATION AND USES THEREOF - In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition for inhibiting calcium oxalate crystal growth. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition for inhibiting calcium phosphate crystal growth. In some embodiments, such a composition comprises at least one citrate derivative of an organic acid and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of controlling calcium oxalate crystal growth in a subject in need thereof. Such a method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of the aforementioned composition. In another embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a method of treating kidney stone disorder. Such a method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the aforementioned composition. In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of treating calcium oxalate stone disease. In an embodiment, the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the aforementioned composition. | 08-06-2015 |
20150196238 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING TRAINING THRESHOLD - The present invention generally relates to a non-invasive biosensor device configured to measure physiological parameters of a subject. In one aspect, a method of determining a training threshold of a subject is provided. The method includes the step of detecting an oxygenation parameter of a tissue of the subject using Near InfraRed Spectroscopy (NIRS). The method further includes the step of processing the oxygenation parameter. Additionally, the method includes the step of determining the training threshold of the subject using the result of the processing. In another aspect, a biosensor device for determining a lactate threshold of a subject during exercise is provided. In a further aspect, a biosensor device for measuring parameters of a subject during exercise is provided. | 07-16-2015 |
20150194261 | Systems and Methods for Locally Reducing Oxides - In the systems and methods for synthesizing a thin film with desired properties (e.g. magnetic, conductivity, photocatalyst, etc.), a metal oxide film may be deposited on a substrate. The metal oxide film may be achieved utilizing any suitable method. A reducing agent may be deposited before, after or both before and after the metal oxide layer. Oxygen may be removed or liberated from the deposited metal oxide film by low temperature local or global annealing. As a result of the annealing to remove oxygen, one or more portions of the metal oxide may be transformed into materials with desired properties. As a nonlimiting example, a metal oxide film may be treated to provide a magnetic multilayer film that is suitable for bit patterned media. | 07-09-2015 |
20150074989 | HYDROPHOBIC-CAGE STRUCTURED MATERIALS IN ELECTRODES FOR MITIGATION AND EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF WATER FLOODING IN FUEL/ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS - Methods of making electrodes that mitigate water flooding, wherein the porous electrodes are made of hydrophobic cage structured materials that repel water, and provide for mechanisms that reduce water flooding. | 03-19-2015 |
20150031582 | Volatile Organic Gases as Bioindicators for Transplant Rejection - A method comprising (a) obtaining one or more biological samples from a subject wherein the subject has undergone an organ transplant; (b) determining the amount and type of one or more volatile organic compounds in the biological sample; and (c) correlating the amount of volatile organic compounds to a degree of transplant rejection. A device comprising a plurality of sensors configured to detect a plurality of volatile organic compounds in a biological sample of a subject having undergone an organ transplant. | 01-29-2015 |
20150027873 | ITERATIVE REACTIVE DISTILLATION OF DYNAMIC ESTER MIXTURES - An iterative method of performing a reactive distillation of dynamic ester libraries containing n×m (m≦n) components, to reduce such mixtures to n pure ester species. The distillation occurs under anhydrous conditions, using metal alkoxide catalysts. Vacuum distillation of the mixture then isolates the most volatile ester at the expense of other (2n−2) compounds. The volatile ester is removed, and the process repeated with progressively less volatile ester species, yielding high purities and greater than 70% yields. | 01-29-2015 |
20140309134 | EXCHANGE-INDUCED REMNANT MAGNETIZATION FOR LABEL-FREE DETECTION OF DNA, MICRO-RNA, AND DNA/RNA-BINDING BIOMARKERS - A method of using an exchange-induced remnant magnetization (EXIRM) technique for label free detection of short strands of nucleotides and cancer biomarkers, such as DNA and microRNA strands, DNA/RNA-binding biomarkers, and cancer-specific antigens, with high sensitivity, high specificity, and broad dynamic range. The method may provide a label-free approach aimed to facilitate high reliability, and to require a minimum amount of biochemical reagents. | 10-16-2014 |
20140079184 | SINGLE STEP X-RAY PHASE IMAGING - A system and method for single step x-ray phase contrast imaging. In one embodiment, a method for single step x-ray phase contrast imaging includes illuminating an object to be imaged with x-rays. The x-rays passing through the object are detected by a spectral detector. Image data derived from the detected x-rays is provided to an x-ray image processor. A phase image is generated based on the image data. | 03-20-2014 |
20140069908 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HEATING CONCRETE STRUCTURES - A system and method for heating concrete structures to either prevent the build-up of freezing precipitation or eliminate freezing precipitation on a top surface of the concrete structures. The system includes a heating assembly integrally formed with a concrete structure to apply thermal energy to the top surface of the concrete structure. Optionally, the heating assembly includes heating elements formed of carbon fiber tape. Following formation of the concrete structure, the heating assembly is configured for unified movement with the concrete structure. The system optionally includes a control assembly operatively coupled to the heating assembly. The control assembly selectively powers the heating assembly and can be configured for remote operation. In use, the control assembly can be selectively activated from a remote location to power the heating assembly and heat the concrete structure. | 03-13-2014 |
20140050659 | METHODS OF CONTROLLING POLYMORPHISM IN ORGANIC-FREE SYNTHESIS OF NA-ZEOLITES AND ZEOLITE CRYSTALS FORMED THEREFROM - Methods of controlling crystal polymorphism in organic-free synthesis of Na-Zeolites and the zeolite crystals formed using those methods are provided. The methods disclosed herein create certain types of zeolite crystals more efficiently than other previously known methods. The methods also create certain types of zeolite crystals in a form and concentration not previously disclosed. The methods disclosed herein generally comprise using solutions with varying ratios of silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), hydroxide (OH), and water. Some implementations of the invention disclosed include efficient methods of producing nearly pure cancrinite (CAN), methods of obtaining sodalite in solutions with a high Si/Al ratio, and a method of forming thin, platelet-like ANA crystals with a width of less than about 1 μm and a length of at least about 3 μm. | 02-20-2014 |
20130309472 | System and Method for Monolithic Crystal Growth - A monolithic crystal having the atomic formula W | 11-21-2013 |
20130100405 | WAVEFRONT SENSORLESS ADAPTIVE CORRECTION OF THE WAVE ABERRATION FOR AN EYE - Embodiments of the invention generally provide apparatuses and methods utilized in optics, and more specifically to apparatuses and methods for adaptive optics correction and imaging. Real-time wavefront sensorless adaptive optics correction and imaging is used with the living human eye to produce optical quality rivaling that of wavefront sensor based control in the similar systems. Using an optimization algorithm that is based on an image quality metric, the apparatus and method optimize the optical quality in ocular image frames acquired with an adaptive optics system. | 04-25-2013 |
20130096403 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING TRAINING THRESHOLD - The present invention generally relates to a non-invasive biosensor device configured to measure physiological parameters of a subject. In one aspect, a method of determining a training threshold of a subject is provided. The method includes the step of detecting an oxygenation parameter of a tissue of the subject using Near InfraRed Spectroscopy (NIRS). The method further includes the step of processing the oxygenation parameter. Additionally, the method includes the step of determining the training threshold of the subject using the result of the processing. In another aspect, a biosensor device for determining a lactate threshold of a subject during exercise is provided. In a further aspect, a biosensor device for measuring parameters of a subject during exercise is provided. | 04-18-2013 |
20120309610 | Multi-Component and Layered Formulations for Enhanced Selective Catalytic Reduction Activity - A method for controlling NOx emissions, in certain instances from diesel or fixed position combustion engines. More specifically a method for forming emission control catalyst structures for fuel combustion, a method of producing the catalyst, and a method of operating the catalyst to control emissions. | 12-06-2012 |
20120088039 | FABRICATION OF SINGLE-CRYSTALLINE GRAPHENE ARRAYS - The present disclosure demonstrates the synthesis of ordered arrays of GSC's by re-growth from pre-patterned seed crystals, offering an approach for scalable fabrication of single crystal graphene devices while avoiding domain boundaries. Each graphene island is a single crystal and every graphene island is of similar size. The size of graphene island arrays can be as small as less than 1 mm | 04-12-2012 |
20120032116 | METHOD OF PRODUCING DIAMOND POWDER AND DOPED DIAMONDS - A method for producing a diamond material by contacting a fluorinated precursor with a hydrocarbon in a reactor and forming a combination in the absence of a metal catalyst; increasing the pressure of the reactor to a first pressure; heating the combination under pressure to form a material precursor; cooling the material precursor; and forming a diamond material. | 02-09-2012 |
20120020892 | FORCE-INDUCED MAGNETIZATION CONTRAST FOR DIAGNOSIS AND IMAGING - A method of detecting target molecules comprising; conjugating a first magnetic particle to a first ligand to form a first magnetic particle ligand conjugate; adding the conjugate to a sample containing target molecules to form a mixture comprising, the free conjugate and conjugate-target molecule binding pairs; measuring a first magnetization of the mixture; subjecting the mixture to a first force; measuring a second magnetization value of the mixture; subtracting the second magnetization value from the first magnetization value to calculate a first force-induced magnetization contrast; subjecting the mixture to a second force; measuring a third magnetization of the mixture; and subtracting the third magnetization value from the second magnetization value to calculate a second force-induced magnetization contrast. | 01-26-2012 |
20110319271 | Multifilament Superconductor Having Reduced AC Losses and Method for Forming the Same - A high temperature superconductor structure including: a substrate on which at least one buffer layer is deposited, a superconductor layer on the buffer layer, the superconducting layer composed of superconductor material that forms at least two substantially parallel superconductor filaments that continuously extend along the length of the substrate wherein at least two superconductor filaments are separated from each other by at least one insulating strip wherein the insulating strip continuously extends along the length of the substrate and is composed of insulating material with a resistivity greater than about 1 mΩcm. Also disclosed are methods of producing high temperature superconductors. | 12-29-2011 |
20110220836 | Ferroelectric fluoride compositions and methods of making and using same - A method for synthesis of a ferroelectric material characterized by the general formula A | 09-15-2011 |
20110028328 | Superconductive Article with Prefabricated Nanostructure for Improved Flux Pinning - A superconducting article comprises a substrate, a buffer layer overlying the substrate, and a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) layer overlying the buffer layer. The HTS layer includes a plurality of nanorods. A method of forming a superconducting article comprises providing a substrate, depositing a buffer layer overlying the substrate; forming a nanodot array overlying the buffer layer; depositing an array of nanorods nucleated on the nanodot array; and depositing a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) layer around the array of nanorods and overlying the buffer layer. | 02-03-2011 |
20100301849 | NOVEL SCANNING MAGNETIC IMAGING METHOD WITH HIGH RESOLUTION AND LONG DETECTION RANGE - A method of magnetic imaging at long detection ranges. In one embodiment the method comprises introducing a magnetic sample having magnetic particles into a detection field; detecting weak magnetic field signals of the magnetic particles; forming an image from the detected signals; and determining the location and quantity amount of the magnetic particles. The method further comprises introducing a magnetic sample to a human or other organism's body. | 12-02-2010 |
20100153090 | WORD SENSE DISAMBIGUATION - A machine-readable storage medium includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to receive as input a target sentence comprising a target word and retrieve a gloss of the target word. The processor is further caused to parse the target sentence and the gloss. The processor is further caused to assign a score to the gloss based on the gloss's coherence to the target sentence. | 06-17-2010 |
20100049445 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEQUENCING DATA SAMPLES - A method for identifying non-host nucleic acid sequence using sequence data. The method of identifying non-host nucleic acid can include sequencing a sample into sequences and associating the sequences with a host genome and then exclude any sequences that are associated with the host genome. The method can then associate the sequences with any known genomes and exclude any sequences that are associated with any known genome. The remaining sequences can be used as seed sequences to assemble a non-host nucleic acid. | 02-25-2010 |
20090205823 | PROCESS FOR ENHANCING THE PRODUCTION OF OIL FROM DEPLETED, FRACTURED RESERVOIRS USING SURFACTANTS AND GAS PRESSURIZATION - A method for enhancing the production of liquid hydrocarbons from oil-wet, fractured reservoirs comprising injecting a surfactant solution into the reservoir, pressurizing the reservoir, maintaining the pressure, and recovering liquid hydrocarbons. In an embodiment, the method comprises closing production wells for a period to maintain reservoir pressure and surfactant exposure within the matrix. | 08-20-2009 |
20090098420 | DE-ALLOYED MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLIES IN FUEL CELLS - Embodiments disclosed herein present a method for membrane electrode assembly (MEA) fabrication in fuel cells utilizing de-alloyed nanoparticle membranes as electrodes. A method for fabrication of a fuel cell electrode assembly, comprising: preparing a catalyst coated membrane, forming a membrane electrode assembly, assembling a fuel cell, and de-alloying the membrane electrode assembly. Further disclosed is a fuel cell apparatus, comprising a de-alloyed catalyst and a cathode comprising, a first membrane electrode assembly, wherein the de-alloyed catalyst is coated on the membrane electrode assembly. | 04-16-2009 |
20090080730 | IMAGING FACIAL SIGNS OF NEURO-PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES - The invention provides an integrated framework for detecting peripheral sympathetic responses through imaging. The measurements may be performed on three facial areas of sympathetic importance, that is, periorbital, supraorbital, and maxillary. Because the imaging measurements are thermal in nature and comprise multiple components of variable frequency (i.e., blood flow, sweat gland activation, and breathing), wavelets are used as the image analysis framework. The image analysis may be grounded on GSR signals. | 03-26-2009 |