UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150375209 | METHODS OF CATALYTIC HYDROGENATION FOR ETHYLENE GLYCOL FORMATION - Embodiments described herein generally relate to hydrogenation catalysts, syntheses of hydrogenation catalysts, and apparatus and methods for hydrogenation. Methods for forming a hydrogenation catalyst may include mixing a silica generating precursor with a copper precursor and adding an ammonium salt to an end pH of between about 5 to about 9. Methods for hydrogenating an oxalate may include forming a reaction mixture by flowing a hydrogenation catalyst to a reactor, flowing a hydrogen source to the reactor, and flowing an oxalate to the reactor, wherein the hydrogenation catalyst has a particle size between about 10 nm to about 40 nm. Methods may further include reacting the oxalate to form ethylene glycol. | 12-31-2015 |
20150152423 | METHOD FOR ENHANCED FERMENTATION THROUGH THE DESTRUCTION OF MITOCHONDRIAL DNA IN YEAST - Methods for enhanced yeast fermentation of plant material through the genetic modification of yeast comprising stably integrating into a yeast an inducible promoter operably linked to a mitochondrial targeting signal as well as at least one restriction enzyme and inducing the expression of the at least one restriction enzyme, wherein the restriction enzyme targets and destroys the mitochondrial DNA of the yeast. DNA constructs comprising at least an inducible promoter operably linked to a mitochondrial targeting signal as well as at least one restriction enzyme for induced expression of at least one restriction enzyme for destruction of mitochondrial DNA as well as transgenic yeast expressing a DNA construct for destruction of mitochondrial DNA and enhanced fermentation, are also disclosed. | 06-04-2015 |
20150013024 | NEAR-INFRARED LIGHT-ACTIVATED PROTEINS - Methods and constructs are provided for controlling processes in live animals, plants or microbes via genetically engineered near-infrared light-activated or light-inactivated proteins including chimeras including the photosensory modules of bacteriohytochromes and output modules that possess enzymatic activity and/or ability to bind to DNA, RNA, protein, or small molecules. DNA encoding these proteins are introduced as genes into live animals, plants or microbes, where their activities can be turned on by near-infrared light, controlled by the intensity of light, and turned off by near-infrared light of a different wavelength than the activating light. These proteins can regulate diverse cellular processes with high spatial and temporal precision, in a nontoxic manner, often using external light sources. For example, near-infrared light-activated proteins possessing nucleotidyl cyclase, protein kinase, protease, DNA-binding and RNA-binding activities are useful to control signal transduction, cell apoptosis, proliferation, adhesion, differentiation and other cell processes. | 01-08-2015 |
20140302577 | ENHANCED YEAST FERMENTATION PLATFORM USING YEAST LACKING MITOCHONDRIAL DNA AND CONTAINING GROWTH IMPROVING MUTATIONS - Methods for enhanced yeast fermentation of plant material through the genetic modification of non-respiring yeast are provided including the introduction of a dominant mitochondrial ATP synthase gene mutation into a non-respiring yeast that entirely lacks mitochondrial DNA and transgenic yeast for the enhanced yeast fermentation of plant material lacking mitochondrial DNA while having a dominant mitochondrial ATP synthase gene mutation in the nuclear genome. Methods further include the introduction of a mitochondrial genome into a non-respiring yeast lacking the COX1, COX2, COX3, or COB gene as well as transgenic yeast having a mitochondrial genome lacking the COX1, COX2, COX3, or COB gene. Additional methods include the creation of a disrupted copy of the CAT5 nuclear gene in a non-respiring yeast as well as transgenic yeast having a disrupted copy of the CAT5 nuclear gene are also disclosed. | 10-09-2014 |
20140234904 | METHOD FOR HARVESTING PHOTOSYNTHETIC UNICELLS USING GENETICALLY INDUCED FLOTATION - Methods for the harvesting of photosynthetic unicellular organisms are provided, including the formation and expression or overexpression of gas vesicles or vacuole proteins in photosynthetic unicellular organisms. DNA constructs as well as methods for integration of the DNA constructs into the genomes of photosynthetic unicellular organisms for the formation and expression or overexpression of gas vesicles or vacuole expression proteins in unicellular organisms are also disclosed. | 08-21-2014 |
20140130414 | Hydroponic Produce Display Apparatus - A hydroponic produce display apparatus for in-store and market display of plants is provided. The hydroponic produce display apparatus comprises a basin for holding a volume of liquid with an opening formed in the basin. A hydroponic container is provided having a first end and a second end with the first end of the hydroponic container cooperates with the opening in the basin and the plants growing within the hydroponic containers. An irrigation mechanism moves liquid from the basin to the second end of the hydroponic container wherein harvested hydroponic containers are exchanged with harvested containers. | 05-15-2014 |
20140130413 | Hydroponic Produce Display Apparatus - A method for in-store and market display of plants is provided. The method comprises providing a basin for holding a volume of liquid, forming an opening in the basin, providing a hydroponic container having a first end and a second end, cooperating the first end of the hydroponic container with the opening in the basin, growing plants within the hydroponic containers, moving liquid from the basin to the second end of the hydroponic container, and exchanging the harvested hydroponic containers with unharvested hydroponic containers. | 05-15-2014 |
20130288297 | ARTIFICIAL BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS PRODUCED BY SELF-ASSEMBLY OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC UNICELLS - Methods for the self-assembly of photosynthetic unicells into a multicellular shape are provided. DNA constructs as well as methods for integration of the DNA constructs into the genomes of photosynthetic unicells for the expression of cell wall proteins or cell adhesion molecules for the self-assembly of photosynthetic unicells into a multicellular shape are also disclosed. | 10-31-2013 |
20130092370 | BIOMASS-ENHANCED NATURAL GAS FROM COAL FORMATIONS - The use of coal fields as subsurface bioreactors for producing sustainable methane gas from terrestrial sources of biomass is described. Microbial presence is determined for a target coal formation, and tracers are injected to determine permeability, porosity, volume, and minimum and a maximum material injection rates. At least one injection well and at least one circulation well effective for generating an injection rate between the minimum and maximum injection rates are provided for injecting a solution of biodegradable materials into the coal seam. A chosen quantity of biodegradable materials is allowed to be digested, fermented and converted by microbial action within the coal seam. Methane gas is extracted through producing and injecting wells, although pumping will enhance gas recovery. | 04-18-2013 |
20130032761 | COST-EFFECTIVE CATALYST FOR GASIFICATION OF POWDER RIVER BASIN COAL - The present invention generally relates to a catalytic gasification of coal. Catalytic gasification of a Wyodak low-sulfur sub-bituminous coal from the Powder River Basin of Wyoming was investigated using an inexpensive sodium carbonate catalyst applied via incipient wetness impregnation. Experiments in an atmospheric pressure fixed-bed laboratory gasifier were performed to evaluate the effects of reaction temperature, feed gas steam content, and Na | 02-07-2013 |
20130030041 | NEAR-INFRARED LIGHT-ACTIVATED PROTEINS - Methods and constructs are provided for controlling processes in live animals, plants or microbes via genetically engineered near-infrared light-activated or light-inactivated proteins including chimeras including the photosensory modules of bacteriohytochromes and output modules that possess enzymatic activity and/or ability to bind to DMA, RNA, protein, or small molecules. DNA encoding these proteins are introduced as genes into live animals, plants or microbes, where their activities can be turned on by near-infrared light, controlled by the intensity of light, and turned off by near-infrared light of a different wavelength than the activating light. These proteins can regulate diverse cellular processes with high spatial and temporal precision, in a nontoxic manner, often using external light sources. For example, near-Infrared light-activated proteins possessing nucleotidyl cyclase, protein kinase, protease, DNA-binding and RNA-binding activities are useful to control signal transduction, cell apopiosis, proliferation, adhesion, differentiation and other cell processes. | 01-31-2013 |
20130029413 | Methods of Using a Bacterial GlcNAc-6-P 2'- Epimerase to Promote Sialylation of Glycoconjugates - The present invention relates to new methods to promote sialylation of glycoconjugates, including recombinant glycoproteins, in glycoconjugate production systems. The invention relates to methods to promote efficient glycoconjugate sialylation in recombinant expression systems, by providing simpler and more economical ways to produce large intracellular pools of sialic acid precursors. The invention is directed to nucleic acids, vectors, and cells harboring vectors comprising nucleic acids encoding enzymes involved in the synthesis of sialic acid precursors, and cells harboring these nucleic acids in combination with nucleic acids encoding glycosyltransferases, including sialyltransferases, to facilitate the production of humanized recombinant glycoproteins in bacterial, fungal, plant, and animal cell expression systems. The engineered cells can be used to produce glycosylated proteins in virally-infected, transiently-transformed, or stably-transformed host cells, including lepidopteran insects and cultured cell lines derived from | 01-31-2013 |
20120325483 | COMBINED MISCIBLE OR NEAR MISCIBLE GAS AND ASP FLOODING FOR ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY - A method for enhancing oil recovery by combining miscible or near miscible gas flooding with Alkaline-Surfactant-Polymer (ASP) flooding to produce an enhanced Water-Alternating-Gas (WAG) flooding method is described. The ASP flooding may include individual and combination injections of alkaline, surfactant and polymer. Carbon dioxide may be used as a flood gas. Numerical simulations show that the present method may provide better oil recovery when compared with separate ASP or CO | 12-27-2012 |
20120211089 | RECIRCULATING, CONSTANT BACKPRESSURE CORE FLOODING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An apparatus and method for simulating production conditions in hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs, as an example, by flooding of core samples from such reservoirs, are described. Full recirculation flow measurements permit several fluids (for example, crude oil, brine, and gas) to be simultaneously injected into core samples having varying dimensions. Accurate and stable back pressures are maintained at total flow rates of as high as 200 cc/min., for a large range of fluid viscosities. Accurate and stable net overburden pressures relative to pore pressure are also maintained, thereby simulating the formations at depth. Core samples from formations may also be investigated using the apparatus and method hereof, for carbon dioxide sequestration potential, as another example. | 08-23-2012 |
20120177592 | DEGRADABLE THERMORESPONSIVE POLY(ETHYLENE GLYCOL) ANALOGUE MATERIALS - A method of developing degradable linear poly(ethylene glycol) PEG (DPEG) with multiple functioning capacities, which can be used as drug carriers for cancer cell delivery. A DPEG may be effective in targeting cancerous tumors through an enhanced permeation and retention effect (EPR). The DPEG will then degrade in the acidic extracellular fluid of solid tumors leading to fast cellular internalizations, finally degrading in the lysosome for efficient renal clearance. These may be used in conjunction with drugs and/or targeting groups. Furthermore, DPEGs are thermoresponsive, on an as needed basis, making them useful for in vivo application. | 07-12-2012 |
20120103123 | PRISMATIC/REVOLUTE ORIENTING APPARATUS - A two degree-of-freedom parallel device for orienting or pointing an end effector with vibration suppression is described. The two end effector degrees-of-freedom are decoupled by connecting fast actuators to the effector by passive joints. The stiffness of the linkages and the high speed of the revolute and prismatic actuators employed permit the application of large feedback useful for disturbance rejection. | 05-03-2012 |
20120020860 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SEQUESTERING FLUE GAS CO2 - A fluidized bed reactor device for sequestering flue gas CO | 01-26-2012 |
20120001058 | MULTI-APERTURE VISUAL SENSOR WITH HYPERACUITY - A multi-aperture passive light sensor and method for detecting motion and edges of an object are described. The sensor may include at least two focusing lenses mounted on a spherical surface for focusing light from the object into the ends of optical fibers, the optical axis for each lens diverging at an angle from that of adjacent lenses depending on the intended application. Each lens is located closer to the end of its associated optical fiber, which is disposed coaxially to the optical axis of the lens, than the natural focal plane of the lens, thereby blurring the light received from the object. Light exiting the fibers is detected by photosensors located at the opposite end of each optical fiber, and voltage differences between the voltages generated in response to the light intensity impinging on the photosensors are used to detect motion and edges of the object. | 01-05-2012 |
20110294230 | Lyophilization of Colloidal Metals for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering - An assay and method of making same for use in SERS spectroscopy. The assay includes colloidal particles of a metal, which have been lyophilized. The lyophilized particles of metal produce a SERS active solution when reconstituted. The lyophilized particles of metal may be provided in a container in an assay system. | 12-01-2011 |
20110227565 | MAGNETIC SENSOR FOR DETERMINING WEAR - An apparatus and method for detecting wear of a surface of an object or part, and directing the measured amount of wear to an interface such that an operator may be apprised of this value are described. One end of the sacrificial wear sensor hereof is disposed such that it experiences the same wear as the surface of the part to be monitored. One embodiment of the present sensing element includes a permanent magnet fixedly sandwiched between two plates having high magnetic permeability material, wherein magnetic poles are oriented perpendicular to the plates. The plates extend beyond the magnet on the side thereof opposite the wear edge, forming thereby an air gap such that magnetic flux is concentrated in the plates with the magnetic circuit being completed through the air gap between the plate extensions. A magnetic flux monitoring device may be disposed in the air gap of the sensing element for measuring the magnetic flux density in the gap. As the magnet and the plates of the sensing element are worn away by the same mechanism that causes wear on the part being monitored, the magnet volume decreases, thereby decreasing the flux density in the air gap. This decrease in flux density can be related to the wear of the surface under investigation. | 09-22-2011 |
20110152130 | Dual Function Gas Hydrate Inhibitors - The present invention involves inhibiting clathrate hydrate formation by adding ionic liquids that are soluble in water. Properly tailored ionic liquids shift the hydrate-aqueous liquid-vapor equilibrium curve to a lower temperature and, at the same time, retard the hydrate formation by slowing down the hydrate nucleation rate. This dual function makes this type of inhibitors perform more effectively. The present invention is useful for the production, processing, and transportation in oil and gas industry, especially for deep-sea exploration and production where the operating temperature and pressure become in favor of hydrate formation. | 06-23-2011 |
20110091979 | Tracing Coalbed Natural Gas - Coproduced Water Using Stable Isotopes of Carbon - Water collected in the area of coal beds has strongly positive δ | 04-21-2011 |
20110036580 | OIL RECOVERY BY SEQUENTIAL WATERFLOODING WITH OIL REINJECTION AND OIL RELOCATION - A method for enhancing oil recovery from reservoirs is described. The method includes partially recharging zones of pore space in a reservoir that has been previously waterflooded to extract oil, in order to obtain increased ultimate oil recovery by re-waterflooding the recharged zones. The recharging may be achieved by either reinjection of oil or by change in injection scheme, such as changing an oil producing well to a water injection well. This procedure of recharging with oil followed by waterflooding may be repeated. Application of the present method to increase recovery from reservoirs producing dry (water-free) oil to mature reservoirs which produce at high water-to-oil ratios is anticipated. | 02-17-2011 |
20110014546 | Nanoporous Silicate Membranes for Portable Fuel - A fuel cell is disclosed which has a significantly reduced internal resistance and which can be miniaturized. Two substrates are prepared, on with microchannels running along its facing surface and the other with nanochannels running along its facing surface. A silica-based binder is used to bind the substrates together with the microchannels running orthogonal to the nanochannels. The binder is removed from the microchannels and a fuel is introduced into at least one of the microchannels and an oxidant is introduced into at least one other of the microchannels. | 01-20-2011 |
20100291701 | CYANIDE AND RELATED SPECIES DETECTION WITH METAL SURFACES - An assay method and kit for detecting a chemical. The method and kit utilize a metal surface capable of surface enhanced Raman Scattering. The metal surface may be provided in the form of one or more nanoparticles, to increase the surface enhanced Raman Scattering capability of the metal surface. The nanoparticles may be treated with one or more additives to further enhance or maintain the surface enhanced Raman Scattering capability of the nanoparticles. | 11-18-2010 |
20100242728 | CARBON-RICH SORBENT FILTERS - A low-pressure multifunctional filter separates CO | 09-30-2010 |
20100203149 | Nanoparticles for Cytoplasmic Drug Delivery to Cancer Cells - The invention is a nanoparticle that contains an anticancer drug that is released in cancer cells when administered to a subject. The nanoparticles have a core including the anticancer drug and polymer chains that are soluble at the pH of the cancer cell. The core is surrounded by a layer of polymer chains that are insoluble at the pH of healthy tissue but soluble at the pH of the cancer interstitium. An outside layer is made of water-soluble polymer chains to shield the nanoparticle from RES recognition and give the nanoparticle a long circulation time in the bloodstream of the subject. The outside layer may also include folic acid moieties that bind folic acid receptors on the surface of the cancer cell. | 08-12-2010 |
20100147204 | RUDDER ROLL STABILIZATION BY NONLINEAR DYNAMIC COMPENSATION - A method for rudder roll stabilization having two-feedback-path nonlinear dynamic compensation (NDC) is described. The high-order, Nyquist-stable control system having NDC hereof is absolutely stable and will provide a 20%-40% improvement in performance over existing roll reduction designs when lower performance steering mechanisms are employed, and is superior to linear controllers. That is, the present invention will be effective rudder roll stabilization in commercial vessels having slower rudders as well as in vessels having steering machines representing the best performance currently available, such as military systems. Since no ship hardware modifications are required, the present roll control technology will be able to be economically implemented. | 06-17-2010 |
20100130757 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING NERVE AGENTS - The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting, identifying and measuring the abundance of chemical nerve agents. Methods and compositions of the present invention are capable of providing selective detection of phosphorous based nerve agents, such as nerve agents that are esters of methyl phosphonic acid derivatives incorporating a moderately good leaving group at the phosphorus. Selectivity in the present invention is provided by a sensor composition having an alpha (α) effect nucleophile group that undergoes specific nucleophilic substitution and rearrangement reactions with phosphorus based nerve agents having a tetrahederal phosphorous bound to oxygen. The present invention includes embodiments employing a sensor composition further comprising a reporter group covalently linked to the alpha effect nucleophile group allowing rapid optical readout of nerve agent detection events, including direct visual readout and optical readout via spectroscopic analysis. | 05-27-2010 |
20090280046 | APPARATUS AND METHOD TO SEQUESTER CONTAMINANTS - The invention relates to an apparatus and method for reducing contaminants from industrial processes. More particularly, the invention is directed to a method of sequestering pollutants from flue gases in operational plants. The method includes sequestering contaminants from a point source by reacting an alkaline material with a flue gas containing contaminants to be sequestered, wherein the reaction has a rapid mass transfer rate to sequester at least a portion of the contaminants. | 11-12-2009 |
20090263301 | APPARATUS AND METHOD TO SEQUESTER CONTAMINANTS - The invention relates to an apparatus and method for reducing contaminants from industrial processes. More particularly, the invention is directed to a method of sequestering pollutants from flue gases in operational plants. The method includes sequestering contaminants from a point source by reacting an alkaline material with a flue gas containing contaminants to be sequestered, wherein the reaction has a rapid mass transfer rate to sequester at least a portion of the contaminants. | 10-22-2009 |
20090203023 | Concentrating Microorganisms in Aqueous Solution Prior to Selective Staining and Detection - Apparatus and methods for detecting a small number of target microorganisms found in a large volume of aqueous solution by diverting small volumes containing fluorescent microorganisms, including target microorganisms, into a smaller specimen of solution, followed by selectively staining the specimen to tag the target microorganisms and detecting the tagged target microorganisms. | 08-13-2009 |
20090012403 | METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF BONE FRACTURE RISK USING RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY - A method is disclosed for analyzing keratinized tissue, particularly fingernails, of a subject to diagnose osteoporosis and bone fracture risk. A Raman spectrum of a sample of keratinized tissue is generated. Broad spectral background features of the spectrum are removed, preferably by using Fourier transform analysis. Peak heights of Raman features of interest, particularly the S—S bond of cystine, are measured. These peak height measurements are normalized using reference peak heights of Raman features that are invariant between normal and osteoporotic subjects, such as the CH | 01-08-2009 |