University of Maine Technology

Reinforcement system increases wall panel strength by 20%

UMaineTechnology — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:26:52 +0000

Typical failure at nail site

When stressed, oriented strand board (OSB) panels tend to fail along the edges and at nail sites, particularly if the panel has gotten wet. This technology presents a system for waterproofing and reinforcing panel edges. The reinforced edge improves fastener performance and reduces the edge swell and weakening caused by moisture exposure. Reinforced edges strengthen the panel by up to 20%.

UMaine Reference: 2005-07

Patents:

(US 6,699,575 issued Mar 2, 2004)

US 7,547,470 issued Jun 16, 2009

Inventors: Douglas J. Gardner, Stephen M. Shaler, Lech Muszynski, Ciprian Pirvu, Jungil Son

Publication:

FRP-reinforced Oriented Strand Board Panels for Disaster-Resistant Construction

UMaine receives patent for stronger building panel

UMaine Receives Patent for Stronger Building Panel: Reinforced Panel Improves Wall Strength up to 20 Percent

Real-time nanoparticle particle size monitoring device

UMaineTechnology — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:12:57 +0000

Performance quality of many industrial materials depends on consistent distribution of particle sizes within the material. The ability to quantify other parameters such as surface roughness, surface area, and particle shape is also desirable. Current methods provide a static, batched measurement of limited utility. This new method and device provides real-time measurements directly from the manufacturing line flow.

This device has demonstrated performance on paper additive products with aspect ratios ranging from 2 to 8 and short axis diameters between 100 and 500 nm. Applications are in quality control.

Inventors: Mike Mason, David Neivandt

Technology Reference 2011-08

Patents: Provisional expired, undisclosed.

Composite Panels for Blast and Ballistic Protection

UMaineTechnology — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 21:03:36 +0000

The Modular Ballistic Protection System (MBPS) provides soldiers with enhanced ballistic protection where it never existed before – in their tents where they work, eat, and sleep. The system consists of composite ballistic panels that are mounted to the inside of the tent frame using an energy-absorbing connection system. Requiring no tools, the MBPS can be used to up-armor a 20ft x 32ft tent in less than 30 minutes with 4 soldiers.

More information

US Patent 7,68,5921

Method for reducing cross-talk within DNA data

UMaineTechnology — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 18:21:47 +0000

Raw DNA data is filtered with a multi-component analysis that is applied to the difference of the signal intensity on each of the raw DNA data signals to remove cross talk between the signals. The analysis is done before any baseline adjustment of the raw DNA data. Instead, the baseline adjustment occurs after the raw DNA data has been filtered. Additionally, an additional processing step is applied to the data to account for the non-linear nature of cross talk filtering. The additional processing step involves combining the signal with its derivative to account for the correlation of each of the data signals with the other three data signals.

Inventors: Cristian Domnisoru, Mohamad Musavi

US Patent 6,598,013

Bridge in a Backpack®

UMaineTechnology — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:27:32 +0000

The Bridge-in-a-Backpack is a lightweight, corrosion resistant system for short to medium span bridge construction using FRP composite arch tubes that act as reinforcement and formwork for cast-in-place concrete. The arches are easily transportable, rapidly deployable and do not require the heavy equipment or large crews needed to handle the weight of traditional construction materials.

To date six Maine bridges have been built using the Bridge-in-a-Backpack technology. Several bridge projects are planned for 2012 throughout New England and beyond.

UMaine Tech ID 2005-14

US Patent Number 7,811,495

Additional US and International Patents Pending

Exclusively Licensed to Advanced Infrastructure Technologies

Oil and Grease Resistant Paper Coating

UMaineTechnology — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:09:24 +0000

A stable, aqueous barrier coating composition includes: (a) prolamine; (b) cold water insoluble polymer; (c) water; (d) water-soluble co-solvent; and (e) stabilizer. The composition, when applied to a substrate, produces an article having a high surface energy and resistance to oil and grease penetration. A method of producing the article involves applying the composition to a substrate.

UMaine Tech ID 2005-08

US Patent Number 7,737,200

US Patent Pending 12/815334

Inventors: Anthony Jabar Jr., Micheal A. Bilodeau, David J. Neivandt, Jonathan Spender

License Available

3D Biplane Microscopy

UMaineTechnology — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:58:29 +0000

A microscopy system is configured for creating 3D images from individually localized probe molecules. The microscopy system includes a sample stage, an activation light source, a readout light source, a beam splitting device, at least one camera, and a controller. The activation light source activates probes of at least one probe subset of photo-sensitive luminescent probes, and the readout light source causes luminescence light from the activated probes. The beam splitting device splits the luminescence light into at least two paths to create at least two detection planes that correspond to the same or different number of object planes of the sample. The camera detects simultaneously the at least two detection planes, the number of object planes being represented in the camera by the same number of recorded regions of interest. The controller is programmable to combine a signal from the regions of interest into a 3D data.

UMaine Tech ID 2008-20

US Patent Number 7,772,569 & 7,880,149

Inventors: Joerg Bewersdorf, Manuel F. Juette, Travis Gould, Sam T. Hess

Exclusively licensed to Vutara.

Zeolite Composite Materials for Waste Odor Control

UMaineTechnology — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:44:42 +0000

A composite material for environmental odor control is useful in controlling odors from waste, for example, as an alternative daily cover for landfills and in composting applications. The composite material includes a fiber web and a zeolite containing metals to promote absorption of odorous has.

US Patent 8,100,605

UMaine Reference: 2008-35

Inventors: Karl Bishop, Susan Mackay, Michael Bilodeau
License exculsively to Zeomatrix

Fire Resistant Cellulose Insulation

UMaineTechnology — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 15:33:12 +0000

End users and installers of insulation want a product that is affordable, efficient and safe. Cellulose insulation, generally produced from recycled wood fiber, is affordable and outperforms fiberglass in extreme weather. But cellulose has poor insect resistance and fire retardant qualities without the addition of toxic chemicals. Additionally, the cellulose insulation manufacturing process currently used creates a product prone to settling, which is bad for the homeowner, and dust, which is bad for the installer. ProCell Insulation solves all of these problems, making it a very attractive choice compared to fiberglass and other cellulose insulation brands.

The technology was developed at UMaine in collaboration with the company founders. Company is currently developing manufacturing and distribution networks. Learn more at procellinsulation.com

UMaine Tech ID 2009-34

US Patent Number 8,043,384

Analyze Samples in the Lab or Field with this New Portable Fluorescence Spectrometer

UMaineTechnology — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 22:11:50 +0000

PROBLEM: 1.) Important science topics are sometimes not addressed in high schools because spectroscopy instruments are too expensive to purchase and maintain 2.) Field technicians have to take water and soil samples to a lab for spectroscopy analysis, adding time and complication 3.) Valuable data is not available from remote sensors due to spectrometer power and durability limitations.

SOLUTION: A portable, durable florescence spectrometer that costs 50% less than comparable instruments in most applications due to its novel design and simple components.

HOW IT WORKS: Fluorescence spectrometers measure the light passing through a sample to identify what is present in the sample. To do this, the light must first be split light into a spectrum by a spectrometer component called the diffraction grating. Traditional fluorescence spectrometers use small, precision-made flat diffraction gratings coupled with a high power light source. Spectrometers of this design cost upwards of $2,000 and require periodic replacement of $700 lamps. They are not portable because of the delicate instrumentation and the large amount of power required for the light source.

Our instrument instead uses a larger circular diffraction grating – similar in appearance to a music CD that has been shaped into a bowl – and a small, inexpensive, low power ultraviolet LED light source. The diffraction grating focuses the small amount of light so effectively that the entire instrument can be powered through a laptop or netbook USB port, as our prototypes are. With no moving parts, these instruments are rugged and portable, fitting easily into a small backpack.

These spectrometers are ideal for real-time, on-site testing either in person or through an automated wireless network. Both hardware and software can be customized for operation in stationary or roving sensing devices, and to accommodate a variety of desired spectra.

TECH ID: 2010-05

PATENT: US Application 13/100,495

TEAM:

David LaBrecque http://physicsguy.org/ , David.Labrecque@umit.maine.edu

Kris A. Burton, Technology Commercialization. 207-581-1488 or kris.burton@maine.edu

DEVELOPMENT PLAN: As of April 2012, further definition of the product opportunities within each segment is underway.

- A limited number of spectrometers manufactured by the UMaine Chemistry Club are available for purchase for educational use. Curriculum may also be available. Contact David LaBrecque.

- A university startup is in the early stages of coupling this instrument with additional proprietary software for use in aquaculture and environmental remediation. They are seeking commercial partners who have a need for detecting and monitoring low concentrations of fluorescent compounds in water. For more information or to make suggestions contact Kris Burton.

- Companies interested in applying this technology to their own products contact Kris Burton.

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