Title/ Number
URL
ABSTRACT
Method for Separating Nucleid Acids and Nucleid Acid Probes /US5059294A http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US5059294.pdf An improved method and device for nucleic acid hybridization assay employing combined direct an alternating field electrophoresis are disclosed. In the method of the present invention, a sample is hybridized with nucleic acid probe and is contacted with a support medium where direct and alternating electric fields are applied. Under the influence of the electric fields, hybrid separates from non-specifically bound nucleic acid probe. The hybrid may be measured on the support medium itself as on a paper strip or in a cartridge containing support medium or may be blotted on an inert surface and then measured. The method an device are useful in the diagnosis of diseases. Kits are provided for assay of a large number of diseases. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Removal of Carbon Dioxide from Gas Mixtures using Ion-Exchange Silicoaluminophosphates /US5274689A http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US5274689.pdf A source of gamma rays (a photon beam) at a single energy produced by the single-quantum annihilation of accelerated positrons with electrons of a target element. The photons are emitted predominantly in the forward direction and are accompanied by background radiation which can be differentially suppressed. The energy of the photons is determined by varying the energy of incident positrons. The photon beam is usable in materials research and analysis, medical diagnosis and therapy, and numerous other fields. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Method and Apparatus for removing material from a target by use of a ring-shaped elliptical laser beam and depositing the material onto a substrate /US5405659A http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US5405659.pdf Method and apparatus for depositing a thin layer of a target material onto a substrate by illuminating the target material with at least one ring-shaped elliptical laser beam so that a ring-shaped deposition plume is emitted from the target material, and positioning the substrate to receive the emitted material. Concentric, ring-shaped elliptical laser beams are formed by use of a multi-faceted negative axicon. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Soursop flavor /US5468500A http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US5468500.pdf A natural tasting soursop flavoring composition prepared by combining methyl butanoate, methyl 2-butenoate, butanoic acid, methyl hexanoate, methyl 2-hexenoate, hexanoic acid and linalool. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Non-infectious simian immunodeficiency virus particles produced by Cell Line CRL 11393 /US5470572A http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US5470572.pdf A cell line capable of producing SIV viral materials without producing infectious viral particles is disclosed. The SIV viral particles produced are immunogenic and non-infectious. The cell line and the products produced by the cell line are useful for diagnostic purposes and for immunization purposes. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Unipolar blocking method and apparatus for monitoring electrically charged particles /US5475228A http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US5475228.pdf An apparatus for monitoring an electrically charged particle pulse includes at least one coil defining an opening therethrough. The coil generates a bipolar signal responsive to the electrically charged particle pulse passing through the opening, and the bipolar signal comprises a first portion having a first polarity and a second portion having a second polarity. Unipolar blocking diode connected to the coil passes the first portion of the bipolar signal having a first polarity and blocks the second portion of the bipolar signal having the second polarity. Monitoring Device connected to the unipolar blocking diode generates an output signal representative of a predetermined characteristic of the particle based upon the first portion of the bipolar signal which is passed by the unipolar blocking diode. In a preferred embodiment, the coil has a toroidal shape and comprises a plurality of windings electrically connected in parallel, and each of these windings comprises a plurality of conductive loops. The apparatus may also comprise a series of coils arranged so as to define a predetermined path for passage of the electrically charged particle through each respective opening of each respective coil. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Lens for depositing target material on a substrate /US5557471A http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US5557471.pdf A method of depositing a thin layer of a target material on a substrate is disclosed. The method comprises illuminating the material with at least one elliptical laser beam so that a desposition plume is emitted from the target material, then positioning the substrate to receive the material emitted by the deposition plume. An apparatus for practicing the method and a multi-faceted negative axicon for forming a plurality of concentric laser beams are also disclosed. Contact Information:
Organic crystalline films for optical applications and related methods of fabrication /US5746823A http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US5746823.pdf A method for forming an optical device includes the steps of providing a first plate having a first face defining a recess, filling the recess with a material which can be crystallized, and covering the first face and the recess with a second plate having a second face, so that the second face is in contact with the first face and the material in the recess is completely enclosed by the first and second plates. The material in the recess is thereby protected from chemical and mechanical damage, as well as evaporation. In addition, the plates can be transparent, allowing the material in the recess to be visually monitored. A grown crystalline film packed in the cell can be used as a non-liner and/or electro-optical device. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Cembranoid inhibitors of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors /US6204289B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6204289.pdf The present invention relates to the use of cembranoids to inhibit nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Cembranoids are cyclic diterpenoids naturally present in many plants and invertebrate animals. We discovered that cembranoids inhibit both peripheral and neuronal AchRs at concentrations ranging from 10−15 molar to 10−4 molar; cembranoids also increase the rate of receptor desensitization. Seventeen different cembranoid analogs were tested. There are two main differences between previously known AchR inhibitors and these new cembranoid inhibitors. First, two of the new inhibitors (eupalmerin acetate and pseudoplexauric acid) are more potent than any previously known inhibitors by a factor of at least 1000; therefore, less side effects would be expected in any potential therapeutic application. Second, cembranoids are present in tobacco leaves, and therefore potentially have an effect on nicotine action in the brains of cigarette smokers. Nicotine-induced desensitization of neuronal acetylcholine receptors is related to behavioral tolerance or addiction to nicotine (6); since cembranoids increase receptor desensitization, they are likely to increase tobacco addictive properties. Thus, by extracting the cembranoids from tobacco, this could produce less addictive cigarettes (or any tobacco related product). On the other hand, addition of cembranoids to tobacco could possibly increase its addictive properties. In addition, cembranoids displace general anesthetics from the muscle-type AchR, and so they could ameliorate the undesirable side-effects of anesthesia in patients with Myasthenia gravis. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Merry-go-round for Wheelchairs /US6171198B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6171198.pdf A merry-go-round with a frame supported for rotation by a plurality of driven wheels, the merry-go-round having a space for a wheel chair and a space for a non-wheel chair bound person. Each separate space on the merry-go-round is associated with a respective crank assembly such that a person in that space can drive one of the driven wheels through a crank. A plurality of smaller wheels secured to the underside of the frame provide additional support for the merry-go-round. The person in the non-wheel chair bound space can stand on the frame, or in an alternate embodiment can sit on a chair. Because the merry-go-round has spaces for both wheel chairs and non-wheel chair bound people, both can use the merry-go-round at the same time. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Ball Ramp Assembly /US6227981B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6227981.pdf The present invention contemplates an improved ball ramp assembly that enables even the most severely handicapped bowler to guide and accelerate a bowling ball toward the intended bowling pins. The bowling ramp assembly includes a ramp having a ball guide defining a ball path along the ramp, a base coupled to a proximal end of the ramp for supporting the ramp, a ball release coupled to the ramp for selectively controlling travel of the ball along the ramp, and a positioning assembly coupled to the ramp for adjusting the orientation of the ramp. The ball release includes a ball stopping member that moves between a ball blocking position and a ball releasing position. The positioning assembly includes at least one motor coupled to the ramp and a wheel located at the distal end of the ramp. The ball release and positioning assembly are both controlled by switches which may be located remotely from the ramp. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Long Persistence Blue Phosphorescence /US6117362A http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6117362.pdf This invention relates to phosphors including long-persistence blue phosphors. Phosphors of the invention are represented by the general formula:
MO . mAl.sub.2 O.sub.3 :Eu.sup.2+,R.sup.3+
wherein m is a number ranging from about 1.6 to about 2.2, M is Sr or a combination of Sr with Ca and Ba or both, R3+ is a trivalent metal ion or trivalent Bi or a mixture of these trivalent ions, Eu2+ is present at a level up to about 5 mol % of M, and R3+ is present at a level up to about 5 mol % of M. Phosphors of this invention include powders, ceramics, single crystals and single crystal fibers. A method of manufacturing improved phosphors and a method of manufacturing single crystal phosphors are also provided. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Long Persistence Green Phosphorescence /US6267911B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6267911.pdf This invention relates to phosphors including long-persistence green phosphors. Phosphors of the invention are represented by the general formula:
MkAl2O4:2xEu2+,2yR3+
wherein k−1-2x-2y, x is a number ranging from about 0.0001 to about 0.05, y is a number ranging from about x to about 3x, M is an alkaline earth metal, and R3+ is one or more trivalent metal ions. Phosphors of this invention include powders, ceramics, single crystals and single crystal fibers. A method of manufacturing improved phosphors and a method of manufacturing single crystal phosphors are also provided. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Organic crystalline films for optical applications and related methods of fabrication /US6198530B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6198530.pdf A method for forming an optical device includes the steps of providing a first plate having a first face defining a recess, filling the recess with a material which can be crystallized, and covering the first face and the recess with a second plate having a second face, so that the second face is in contact with the first face and the material in the recess is completely enclosed by the first and second plates. The material in the recess is thereby protected from chemical and mechanical damage, as well as evaporation. In addition, the plates can be transparent, allowing the material in the recess to be visually monitored. A grown crystalline film packed in the cell can be used as a non-liner and/or electro-optical device. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Mechanically assisted standing wheelchair /US6533304B2 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6533304.pdf The present invention provides a hydraulic powered wheelchair pivotable from a sitting position to a standing position with minimal user effort. The pivoting frame assembly includes a rigid horizontally arranged wheel support structure, a single vertical extending member secured to the wheel support structure and centered between the wheels, and a pivoting frame linkage assembly pivotably connected at the upper end of the vertically extending member. A hydraulic jack rests on the wheel support structurs, and is connected at the other end to the seat support members of the pivoting assembly. A user of the wheelchair pivots a lever assembly to raise the jack, and thus raise the chair to the standing position. An electric buzzer system is integrated with the wheelchair, and an alarm informs the operator when the chair has reached the standing position. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Metal cubane structure contained in an octanuclear complex stable over several oxidation states and a method of producing the same /US6596259B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6596259.pdf The present invention is directed to a complex comprising a redox-active metal cluster in a chemically inert shell. The inventive complex has the formula M8(μ4-E)4(μ-L)12X, where M is chosen from a transition metal, a lanthanide, an actinide and mixtures thereof; E is a chalcogenide; L is a bridging ligand; and X is a terminal ligand. The chemically inert shell enables the complex to exhibit structural stability over several oxidation states, and to exhibit reversible electrochemical reduction properties. A single reactor method of making this complex from simple starting materials is also disclosed. The active center further allows the octanuclear complex to be used in making supercluster assemblies that have electron transfer properties or in making contrasting agents for MRI applications, for example. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Building System using shape memory alloys /US6170202B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6170202.pdf A system and method is described by which the structural integrity of a building or other structure can be increased and made more resistant to earthquake damage. A structural member may be incorporated into a building structure. At least a portion of the structural member is made of a material that undergoes a shape or phase transformation in response to energy applied. This member can alter the natural frequency of the building structure from a first natural frequency to a second natural frequency when the material undergoes the transformation to make destructive resonance less likely to occur. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Electranalytical applications of screen-printable surfactant-invoiced sol-gel graphite composites /US6231920B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6231920.pdf A process for preparing sol-gel graphite composite electrodes is presented. This process preferably uses the surfactant bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) and eliminates the need for a cosolvent, an acidic catalyst, a cellulose binder and a thermal curing step from prior art processes. Fabrication of screen-printed electrodes by this process provides a simple approach for electroanalytical applications in aqueous and nonaqueous solvents. Examples of applications for such composite electrodes produced from this process include biochemical sensors such as disposable, single-use glucose sensors and ligand modified composite sensors for metal ion sensitive sensors. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Scanning force microscope to determine interaction forces with high-frequency cantilever /US6452170B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6452170.pdf An apparatus and method for determining a force of interaction between a sample and a tip on a cantilever. The method uses a non-Hookian equation to model the cantilever as it is deflected by the force of interaction between the sample and the cantilever tip. The sample is positioned at a predetermined distance from the cantilever tip such that the cantilever is deflected by the force of interaction. The positions of a plurality of points on the cantilever are then rapidly measured and the force of interaction from the measured positions is then obtained using a non-Hookian model that accounts for higher order vibrational modes of the cantilever. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Apparatus and method for pulsed laser deposition of materials on wires and pipes /US6534134B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6534134.pdf Methods and apparatuses are disclosed which allow uniform coatings to be applied by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on inner and outer surfaces of cylindrical objects, such as rods, pipes, tubes, and wires. The use of PLD makes this technique particularly suitable for complex multicomponent materials, such as superconducting ceramics. Rigid objects of any length, i.e., pipes up to a few meters, and with diameters from less than 1 centimeter to over 10 centimeters can be coated using this technique. Further, deposition is effected simultaneously onto an annular region of the pipe wall. This particular arrangement simplifies the apparatus, reduces film uniformity control difficulties, and can result in faster operation cycles. In addition, flexible wires of any length can be continuously coated using the disclosed invention. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Organic crystalline films for optical applications and related methods of fabrication /US6608205B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6608205.pdf The present invention provides organic single crystal films of less than 20 μm, and devices and methods of making such films. The crystal films are useful in electro-optical applications and can be provided as part of an electro-optical device which provides strength, durability, and relative ease of manipulation of the mono-crystalline films during and after crystal growth. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Sampling Probe /US6644137B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6644137.pdf A sampling probe includes a housing, a cover and a guide. The housing defines a trough having an opening, at least a portion of the opening being in an insertion direction of the probe. The cover is axially movable with respect to the housing between an open position in which a substance is allowed to pass into the trough and a closed position in which the cover covers the opening to retain a predetermined volume of the substance in the trough. The cover is flexible. The guide is configured to guide axial movement of the cover between the open and closed positions. The guide is configured to direct the cover in a curved path. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Compact solar-powered air conditioning systems /US6539738B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6539738.pdf A design of a compact solar air conditioning system especially suited for tropical climates includes an air-cooled single-effect absorption machine driven by an array of high performance flat-plate collectors along with a thermal storage tank. The absorption machine uses lithium-bromide as a refrigerant and a water-based absorption fluid. The operation of the compact solar air conditioning system is determined by an optimal control strategy. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Automation and control of solar air conditioning systems /US6536677B2 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6536677.pdf A solar powered air conditioning system includes an absorption machine coupled to three primary loops. A heat loop provides energy to the absorption machine. A cooling tower loop exhausts heat from the absorption machine. A chilled water loop is used to draw heat from a room or building. The heat loop provides energy from a boiler and/or from a number of solar collectors. In one mode of operation, the solar collectors circulate through a storage tank. The flow through the solar collectors is regulated to maximize energy collection. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
The microscopic model of scanning force microscope /US6799464B2 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6799464.pdf A macroscopic version of the Scanning Force Microscope is described. It consists of a cantilever under the influence of external forces, which mimic the tip-sample interactions. The use of this piece of equipment is threefold. First, it serves as direct way to understand the parts and functions of the Scanning Force Microscope, and thus it is effectively used as an instructional tool. Second, due to its large size, it allows for simple measurements of applied forces and parameters that define the state of motion of the system. This information, in turn, serves to compare the interaction forces with the reconstructed ones, which cannot be done directly with the standard microscopic set up. Third, it provides a kinematics method to non-destructively measure elastic constants of materials, such as Young's and shear modules, with special application for brittle materials. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Methods for inhibiting angiogenesis /US7361643B2 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US7361643.pdf A method for inhibiting angiogenesis, including: administering a nucleoside, such as tunicamycin, in an amount effective to inhibit angiogenesis, to a patient in need of such treatment. A method for inhibiting angiogenesis, including: administering a nucleoside, which comprises glucosamine, in an amount effective to inhibit angiogenesis, to a patient in need of such treatment; wherein the nucleoside is administered for a period of time, subsequently the administration of the nucleoside is suspended for a period of time of at least about 1 week, and subsequently the administration of the nucleoside is resumed. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Tobacco cembranoids block the expression of the behavioral sensitization to nicotine and inhibit neuronal acetylcholine receptors /US6489357B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6489357.pdf The subject invention relates the use of cembranoids to inhibit nicotine addiction at the behavioral level. The subject host is sensitized to nicotine. Cembranoids are then administered to reduce such sensitization. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/092,407, filed Jun. 4, 1998 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,204,289, and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/224,659, filed Aug. 11, 2000, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Provisional patent:
Method of suppressing phase segregation in polyaniline using porous matrices
Utility patent:
Conducting Polymer /US7160575B1		 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US7160575.pdf Measurement in the frequency range 3 mHz–106 Hz of the dielectric characteristics of emeraldine base polyaniline dissolved in 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) and cast into bulk free-standing polymer films shows features similar to those reported by others and which are a result of microphase separation into reduced and oxidized repeat units. However, upon confinement into the cylindrical pores, of average diameter 20 nm, of a porous membrane such features of microphase separation do not occur. The microphase separation observed in the bulk polymer is suppressed by strong pinning of the charge carriers due to interactions of the polymer with pore walls together with constrained chain packing and a non-uniform rate of evaporation of the NMP solvent from the pores. This enhances the bulk conductivity after doping by reducing the internal intra-chain disorder introduced by microphase separation. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Efficient and convenient procedure for the synthesis of B-alkylated oxazabordidius derived from ephedrine and norephedrine

Utility patent /US7109345B1

 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US7109345.pdf A novel and efficient alkylation procedure of B—H-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines derived from ephedrine and norephedrine has been established. Representative B-butyl- and B-methyl-1,3,2-oxazaborolidines were prepared in good yield and excellent purity by one pot treatment of the parent boraheterocyclic compound with the corresponding organolithium reagent and subsequent hydrolysis of the cyclic borohydride with anhydrous ammonium chloride. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Long Persistent Phosphors and persistent energy transfer technique /US6953536B2 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US6953536.pdf The invention provides long-persistent phosphors, methods for their manufacture and phosphorescent articles. The invention also provides a method for generating a long-persistent phosphorescence at a selected color. The phosphors of the invention may be alkaline earth aluminates, alkaline earth silicates, and alkaline earth aluminosilicates. The phosphors include those activated by cerium. The phosphors also include those in which persistent energy transfer occurs from a donor ion to an acceptor ion, producing persistent emission largely characteristic of the acceptor ion. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Substituted octanuclear pyrazolato clusters with electron transfer and MRI contrast agent properties /US7052677B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US7052677.pdf The present invention is directed to an Fe(III) complex comprising a redox-active metal cluster in a chemically inert shell. The inventive complex has electron transfer and paramagnetic properties. This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/470,504, filed Dec. 22, 1999, now Pat. No. 6,596,259, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60,113,537, filed Dec. 22, 1998.
Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Biodegradable Polymides

Utility patent /US7427654B1

 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US7427654.pdf Degradable polyimides are prepared in high yield by polymerizing a monomer containing at least two anhydride groups, and a monomer containing at least two primary amine groups and at least one acidic group, in bulk or in a solvent. The polyimides are very strong in terms of their mechanical properties, yet degradable under standard physiological conditions. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Fabrication of stable, Wide-Bandgap Thin Film of Mg, Zn and O /US7081371B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US7081371.pdf A stable, wide-bandgap (approximately 6 eV) ZnO/MgO multilayer thin film is fabricated using pulsed-laser deposition on c-plane Al2O3 substrates. Layers of ZnO alternate with layers of MgO. The thickness of MgO is a constant of approximately 1 nm; the thicknesses of ZnO layers vary from approximately 0.75 to 2.5 nm. Abrupt structural transitions from hexagonal to cubic phase follow a decrease in the thickness of ZnO sublayers within this range. The band gap of the thin films is also influenced by the crystalline structure of multilayer stacks. Thin films with hexagonal and cubic structure have band-gap values of 3.5 and 6 eV, respectively. In the hexagonal phase, Mg content of the films is approximately 40%; in the cubic phase Mg content is approximately 60%. The thin films are stable and their structural and optical properties are unaffected by annealing at 750° C. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Giant remanent polarization in laser ablated SrBi2Nb2o9 thin films on Pt/TiO2/Si substrates /US7157144B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US7157144.pdf SrBi2Nb2O9 (SBN) thin films are deposited on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrates using off-axis pulsed laser deposition technique. Off-axis laser ablation avoids plasma damaging of the surface of SBN thin films and is favorable to grow films along the polarization axis (a–b plane). SBN thin films are grown at 350° C. substrate temperature, with 5 mm away from the plasma focus, and annealed at 750° C. for 1 hour in oxygen ambient. These SBN thin films exhibited giant remnant polarization (Pr) of 50 μC/cm2 with coercive field of 190 kV/cm. The fatigue endurance of these SBN thin films was measured at 400 kV/cm and showed minimal (<20%) polarization degradation of up to 1010 switching cycles. The leakage current density of SBN thin films was found to be about 2×107 up to an applied field of 100 kV/cm. The above-mentioned properties of off-axis deposited SBN thin films, makes it a good material for NVRAM devices. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Branched Nanostructures and Method of Synthesizing the same /US7528060B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US7528060.pdf A branched nanostructure is synthesized. A porous material, with pores having a diameter of approximately 1 μm or less, is placed in a vacuum. It is irradiated with an electron beam. This causes a trunk to grow from the porous material and further causes branches to grow from the trunk. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Iron Cluster Compound /US7807137B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US7807137.pdf A contrast agent having a metal core and an inert shell forming a single cluster is disclosed. The metal core is iron-based and has an octa-nuclear structure. It is surrounded by a cluster of pyrazolate groups. Ligands can be attached to the cluster to provide water solubility and to target specific tissues or provide specific contrast properties. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Adaptation for Shower System for people with severe physical disabilities /US8185982B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8185982.pdf A bathing chair which has a water-spraying function for simultaneously effecting a shower discharge from each of a plurality of shower discharge ends and thus assist a person with severe disabilities while cleansing him or herself or while being assisted by a third person. The bathing chair including strategically located nozzles to wash critical body parts, a main control system with manual and electro-mechanical operated valves, two main flow paths with independent control systems, means for combining a soap product and water, a water temperature sensor, and a pump/reservoir system for water pressure adjustment. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
High sensitivity passive wireless strain sensor /US8104358B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8104358.pdf A high sensitivity strain sensor that utilizes a micro-scale cavity built in a multi-layer structure, with a pair of interdigitalized capacitor incorporated on one of the layers, is described in this document. The device's capacitance changes produced by unattended deformations of the cavity can be used to measure the associated strain without using any movable electrodes. The sensor can be remotely energized from a radio frequency wave sent by a reader antenna to construct a battery-free wireless instrument. Changes on the sensor's resonant frequency are remotely detected so that a strain level is measured from fluctuations in the received signal. This detection method provides a simple, reliable and sensitive technique to measure small strain changes down to the pico-scale. Materials with a highly strain-dependant permittivity are integrated in the sensor to enhance its sensitivity. The proposed sensor consists of a simple planar structure. It can be used as the main component on low-cost, accurate and highly stable strain measuring instruments capable of monitoring very small strain levels. Furthermore, the sensor is passive, may be operated wirelessly, and can, thus, be used for remote long-term embedded strain detection. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Determination of Protein, Peptide, or Peptoide aggregation, stability, and viability, and system using the same /US8268628B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8268628.pdf The invention describes a method for determining aggregation in protein, peptide or peptoid formulation, without the use of probes or additives. The method uses FTIR spectroscopy combined with the two-dimensional correlation analysis (2DCOS) which allows for the determination of the presence of aggregates, the determination of the mechanism of aggregation, allowing for correction in the pipeline manufacturing process of the protein to once again generate viable protein. In addition, the thermal transition of the protein can also be determined and a 2DCOS plot generated to compare with the established viable protein, allowing for quality control, stability and viability of the desired protein product. The ease of sample preparation and data analysis allows for the automation of this method. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Phosphorescent Compositions and Methods /US8323528B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8323528.pdf Compositions, methods of making compositions, materials including compositions, crayons including compositions, paint including compositions, ink including compositions, waxes including compositions, polymers including compositions, vesicles including the compositions, methods of making each, and the like are disclosed. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Phosphorescent Compositions and Methods /N/A Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Method of Synthesizing Enantiopure Mexiletene Analogues and Novel β-Thiophenoxy and Pyridyl Ethers /US8012901B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8012901.pdf A practical and efficient procedure for the enantioselective synthesis of mexiletine analogues using 10% of a novel spiroborate ester as chirality transfer agent is presented. A variety of mexiletine analogues were prepared with excellent enantioselectivities (91-97% ee) in good yield from readily available starting materials. The developed methodology was also successfully applied for the synthesis of novel β-amino ethers containing thiophenyl and pyridyl fragments. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Signal Dependent Dither /US7876247B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US7876247.pdf A new technique on the dithering of one-dimensional signals is presented. The novel technique determines whether dither is needed when reducing the bit depth and evaluates whether the total error of the un-dithered quantization is white noise. If this is the case, then no undesired harmonics are added in the quantization or re-quantization process. The novel technique presents a state of the art signal-dependent dither having a lower quantization noise. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Titanium-maltolate compound ([Ti4(maltolato)8(µ-O)4]) as antitumor agent for colon adenocarcinoma (colon cancer) /US8101783B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8101783.pdf A novel compound showing anti-tumor properties was synthesized by reacting Cp2TiCl2 with maltol (3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone) and a pH of 5.4, leading to a complete replacement of Cp and chloride ligands affording, Ti(maltolato)2(OH)2. The further crystallization of Ti(maltolato)2(OH)2 at pH of 8.4 leads to the formation of the novel anti-tumor compound [Ti4(maltolato)8(μ-O4)]. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
A method of reducing HIV-replication in Human Body /US8143231B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8143231.pdf Mononuclear phagocytes are reservoirs, vehicles of dissemination, and targets for persistent HIV infection. However, not all MP population equally support viral growth. Such differential replication is typified by the greater ability of placental macrophages (PM), as compared to blood borne monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM), to restrict viral replication. A SELDI-TOF protein peak with an m/z of 11,100 identified as cystatin B (CSTB), was significantly lower in uninfected and HIV-infected PM than in MDM. HIV replication can be reduced by down regulating the expression of Cystatin B. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Diamond synthesis employing nanoparticles seeds /US8784766B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8784766.pdf Iron nanoparticles were employed to induce the synthesis of diamond on molybdenum, silicon, and quartz substrates. Diamond films were grown using conventional conditions for diamond synthesis by hot filament chemical vapor deposition, except that dispersed iron oxide nanoparticles replaced the seeding. This approach to diamond induction can be combined with dip pen nanolithography for the selective deposition of diamond and diamond patterning while avoiding surface damage associated to diamond-seeding methods. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
A bimorph cantilever arrangement and applications thereof /US8440973B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8440973.pdf The invention utilizes the changes in physical properties of materials during a solid-solid phase transition in order to enhance the sensitivity of cantilever IR detectors. The substantial changes in properties during insulator-to-metal transitions (IMTs) of some materials are useful for controlling purposes according to the invention. A cantilever arrangement is provided with a cantilever being coated with an insulator-to-metal transitions (IMTs) material. Bending of the cantilever is achieved when the temperature of the (IMTs) material is within its phase transition temperature range. A Focal Plane Array (FPA) for detecting Infrared (IR) radiation including the cantilever arrangement of the invention is also proposed. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Low-energy, hydrogen-free process of diamond synthesis /US8608850B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8608850.pdf Diamond thin films were deposited on copper substrate by the Vapor Solid (VS) deposition method using a mixture of fullerene C60 and graphite as the source material. The deposition took place only when the substrate was kept in a narrow temperature range of approximately 550-650° C. Temperatures below and above this range results in the deposition of fullerenes and other carbon compounds, respectively. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Synthesis of Silver Nanoclusters on Zeolite Substrates /US8383674B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8383674.pdf Silver nanoclusters were synthesized by reducing silver nitrate with ethylene glycol at a certain temperature in the presence of zeolite. A one-pot procedure rendered uniform size distributions of quasi-spherical silver clusters synthesized on the surfaces of cubic-like zeolite. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Three-dimensional 3d visualization kit /US8986012B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8986012.pdf The 3D visualization kit helps visualize concepts relating to points, surfaces, planes, curves, contours, and vectors in three dimensions. The kit is an inexpensive solution provided along with accompanying materials for its use that will allow students to effectively visualize concepts in three dimensions and aid in understanding important calculations in multivariable calculus eliminating the abstraction normally associated with concepts in three dimensions. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
High Quantum Yield with Phosphors and Methods of Making /US7666378B2 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US7666378.pdf Embodiments of the present disclosure include a composition comprising a Gd3+-Eu3+ white phosphor composition, methods of making the composition, and the like. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Diamond nucleation using polyethene /US8491964B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8491964.pdf The invention presents a simple, non-destructive and non-abrasive method of diamond nucleation using polyethene. It particularly describes the nucleation of diamond on an electrically viable substrate surface using polyethene via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique in a gaseous environment. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Novel diamond-like carbon nanorods and fabrication thereof /US9533882B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US9533882.pdf Novel sp3 rich diamond-like carbon (DLC) nanorod films were fabricated by hot filament chemical vapor deposition technique. The results are indicative of a bottom-up self-assembly synthesis process, which results in a hierarchical structure that consists of microscale papillae comprising numerous nanorods. The papillae have diameters ranging from 2 to 4 μm and the nanorods have diameters in the 35-45 nm range. A growth mechanism based on the vapor liquid-solid mechanism is proposed that accounts for the morphological aspects in the micro- and nano-scales. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Method of Synthesizing a Novel Adsorbent Titanosilicate Material
(UPRM-5) /US8440166B1		 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8440166.pdf A titanium silicate variant named UPRM-5 was prepared using tetraethylammonium hydroxide as a structure-directing agent (SDA). Successful detemplation was achieved via ion exchange with NH4Cl. Effective functionalization was obtained after ion exchanging the detemplated material using SrCl2 and BaCl2. Adsorption of CO2 at 25° C. in Sr- and Ba-UPRM-5 materials activated at different temperatures. For low partial pressures, the observed CO2 adsorption capacities increased as follows: NH4-UPRM-5<Sr-UPRM-5<Ba-UPRM-5. Both the Sr- and Ba-UPRM-5 materials exhibited outstanding selectivity for CO2 over CH4, N2 and O2. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Microactuators incorporating films of materials with insulator-to-metal transitions /US8835861B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8835861.pdf The invention utilizes the changes in physical properties of materials during a solid-solid phase transition in order to actuate microactuators. The substantial changes in properties during insulator-to-metal transitions (IMTs) of some materials are useful for controlling purposes. Methods of using the microactuators are also explained. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Novel room-temperature magnetoelectric multiferroic thin films for magnetic sensors and nonvolatile memory devices. /US8803264B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8803264.pdf The invention provides a novel class of room-temperature, single-phase, magnetoelectric multiferroic (PbFe0.67W0.33O3)x (PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3)1-x (0.2≦x≦0.8) (PFWx−PZT1-x) thin films that exhibit high dielectric constants, high polarization, weak saturation magnetization, broad dielectric temperature peak, high-frequency dispersion, low dielectric loss and low leakage current. These properties render them to be suitable candidates for room-temperature multiferroic devices. Methods of preparation are also provided. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Swimming Support Structure: Scubed /US8821353B2 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8821353.pdf The invention provides a mobile structure that can be used in any water body having a relatively uniform floor and a calm surface (i.e., beach, lake or pool). This structure has multiple hold and leaning surfaces and/or elements that lie flush and below the water level providing people with disabilities and older people a solid support structure to hold, sit, stand or lean while performing adapted swimming activities. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Nanoformulation Enhances Tunicamycin´s Anti-angiogenic Efficiancy /US8524685B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8524685.pdf Preparation of nano-conjugated Tunicamycin enhances the efficacy of the drug Tunicamycin. The invention provides several nanoformulations such as Tunicamycin encapsulated in peptide nanotubes, nanotubes bound to gold nanoparticles conjugated with Tunicamycin, Tunicamycin conjugated with nanotubes, gold nanoparticles bound to tubes and conjugated with Tunicamycin, and gold nanoparticles conjugated with Tunicamycin. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Gold Nanorods substrates for detection of 2,4,6-trinitrotoulene and 3,5-dinitro-4-methylbenzoic acid explosives /US8932384B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8932384.pdf The invention described relates to the synthesis of gold nanorods in high concentrations in a single batch and their use in detection of nitroexplosives using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The nanoparticle suspensions were stable up to a month after preparation. The aggregated nanorods have a strong SERS effect for nitroexplosives (3,5-dintro-4-methylbenzoic acid and 2,4,6-TNT) with sensitivity of 5.0 pg in a few seconds. The results obtained in numerous tests demonstrated a high reproducibility that makes aggregated nanorods very attractive substrates for defense and security applications. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Switch-Actuated Joystick for power wheelchairs /US8622166B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8784766.pdf The present invention provides a universal single switch driving system for power wheelchairs, which can be attached to any wheelchair joystick and remotely controlled, by any single switch available for persons with disabilities. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Rac1 in Metastatic Breast Cancer /US8884006B2 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8884006.pdf A novel inhibitor of Rac activity based on the structure of the established Rac/Rac-GEF inhibitor NSC23766 is discloses. The compound EHop-016, with an IC50 of 1.1 μM, is a 100-fold more efficient inhibitor of Rac activity than NSC23766. EHop-016 is specific for Rac1 and Rac3 at concentrations ≦5 mM. At higher concentrations, EHop-016 inhibits the close homolog Cdc42. In MDA-MB-435 cells, EHop-016 (≦5 mM) inhibits the association of the Rac-GEF Vav2 with a nucleotide-free Rac1(G15A), which has a high affinity for activated GEFs. EHop-016 does not affect the association of the Rac-GEF Tiam-1 with Rac1(G15A) at similar concentrations. EHop-016 also inhibits the Rac activity of MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast cancer cells and reduces Rac-directed lamellipodia formation in both cell lines. EHop-016 decreases Rac-downstream effects of p21-activated kinase (PAK)1 activity and directed migration of metastatic cancer cells. At low concentrations (<5 μM), EHop-016 does not affect cell viability. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Acoustic Waveguide for the Detection and Characterization of Obstructions in Liquid-Filled Tubes /US9261484B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US9261484.pdf The present invention provides an acoustic waveguide for determining and continuously monitoring the degree, location and type of obstructions in liquid-filled tubes or catheters using acoustic waves. The tube's wall has an intermediate layer positioned between a tube outer wall and a tube inner wall of the tubea and the intermediate layer is made of a material having a difference in acoustic impedance of at least one order of magnitude with respect to that of the liquid present in or outside the waveguide reducing or eliminating the amount of acoustic energy that radiates through the tube. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Synthesis of calcium sulfide (CaS) nanoparticles /US8945494B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US8945494.pdf The invention provides a simple an efficient method for the synthesis of CaS nanoparticles, where a solution of CaAc in DMSO is warmed in a microwave oven. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Site-Directed RNA Editing /US9650627B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US9650627.pdf The invention provides a way to target RNA editing by adenosine deamination to a chosen adenosine within RNA. An antisense RNA oligonucleotide is used for targeting the entire complex to a specific address on the RNA molecule. A Box B RNA and a λ N-peptide are used as a linkage between the antisense RNA oligonucleotide and a deaminase domain of human ADAR2 used to catalyze the deamination of the specific adenosine residue. These elements make up two molecules: the antisense RNA Oligo Box B RNA hairpin forms a single unit, as does the λ N-peptide-deaminase domain of human ADAR2. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Modular garbage collection apparatus /US9272842B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US9272842.pdf This invention provides an apparatus for identifying and sorting part of recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans. The invention eases the process of sorting recyclable material at the recycle bin to avoid the sorting later in the process. After sorting the material, the recycle bin compresses the bottles or the cans to accommodate more material into the corresponding material compartment. The invention is a modular arrangement allowing ease of replacing any of the three units of the apparatus: compression, classification, and storage. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Method for Synthesizing Metal Nanowires in anodic alumina membranes using Solid State Reduction (SSR) /US9302324B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US9302324.pdf The invention proposes a novel method for the fabrication of regular arrays of MNWs using solid-state reduction (SSR). Using this method copper (Cu), silver (Ag), and palladium (Pd) nanowire (NWs) arrays were synthesized using anodic alumina membranes (AAMs) as templates. Depending on the metal loading used the NWs reached different diameters. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Micro and nanoscale magnetoelectric multiferroic lead iron tantalate-lead zirconate titanate /US9299485B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US9299485.pdf The invention is a novel class of materials made by combining the best qualities of both lead iron tantalate (PFT) and lead iron titanate (PZT) to synthesize (PbZr0.53Ti0.47O3)(1-x)—(PbFe0.5Ta0.5O3)x (PZTFT) (0.1≦x≦0.9) compositions that have multiferroic (ferroelectric and ferromagnetic) and magnetoelectric properties. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Dual Cell Holder System /US9702810B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US9702810.pdf The invention provides a dual cell holder system that allows for the identical match of temperature conditions for both sample and reference simultaneously by providing two cells and a dual cell holder. The system is heated by a heating element and cooled by a Peltier, thus eliminating a significant source of humidity and the potential for leak from a water-cooling device or any of its hoses. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Rac1 in Metastatic Cancer Cells /US9278956B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US9278956.pdf A novel inhibitor of Rac activity based on the structure of the established Rac/Rac-GEF inhibitor NSC23766 is discloses. The compound EHop-016, with an IC50 of 1.1 μM, is a 100-fold more efficient inhibitor of Rac activity than NSC23766. EHop-016 is specific for Rac1 and Rac3 at concentrations ≦5 mM. At higher concentrations, EHop-016 inhibits the close homolog Cdc42. In MDA-MB-435 cells, EHop-016 (≦5 mM) inhibits the association of the Rac-GEF Vav2 with a nucleotide-free Rac1(G15A), which has a high affinity for activated GEFs. EHop-016 does not affect the association of the Rac-GEF Tiam-1 with Rac1(G15A) at similar concentrations. EHop-016 also inhibits the Rac activity of MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast cancer cells and reduces Rac-directed lamellipodia formation in both cell lines. EHop-016 decreases Rac-downstream effects of p21-activated kinase (PAK)1 activity and directed migration of metastatic cancer cells. At low concentrations (<5 μM), EHop-016 does not affect cell viability. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Removal of Carbon Dioxide from Gas Mixtures using Ion-Exchange Silicoaluminophosphates /US9623364B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US9623364.pdf Na+-SAPO-34 sorbents were ion-exchanged with several individual metal cations for CO2 absorption at different temperatures (273-348 K) and pressures (<1 atm). In general, the overall adsorption performance of the exchanged materials increased as follows: Ce3+<Ti3+<Mg2+<Ca2+<Ag+<Na+<Sr2+. The strontium exchanged materials excelled at low-pressure ranges, exhibiting very sharp isotherms slopes at all temperatures. The Sr2+ species were responsible for the surface strong interaction and the cations were occupying exposed sites (SII′) in the materials Chabazite cages. All the sorbent materials exhibited higher affinity for CO2 over the other gases tested (i.e., CH4, H2, N2 and O2) due to strong ion-quadrupole interactions. Sr2+-SAPO-34 sorbents are by far the best option for CO2 removal from CH4 mixtures, especially at low concentrations. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu
Antibacterial activity of silver-graphene quantum dots nanocomposites against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria/US9931609B1 http://www.upr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/US9931609.pdf The invention provides a composite of silver nanoparticles decorated with graphene quantum dots (Ag-GQDs) using pulsed laser synthesis. The nanocomposites were functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG). A concentration of 150 .mu.g/mL of Ag-GQDs, a non-toxic level for human cells, exhibits strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria. Contact Information: upr.technologies@upr.edu