Real-time nanoparticle particle size monitoring device
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.
Composite Panels for Blast and Ballistic Protection
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.
US Patent 7,68,5921
Method for reducing cross-talk within DNA data
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®
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Netforms Pre-Fab Roofing Panels Reduce Construction and Heating Costs
PROBLEM: Insulated, ventilated roofs, particularly those covering open floor plans and cathedral ceilings, are difficult and expensive to build.
SOLUTION: These economical prefabricated panels incorporate wood I-joist framing, OSB sheathing, insulation and ventilation into a single product to be used in light-frame construction applications.
TECH ID: 2008-34
PATENT: US 8,046,969; US 8,141,313
LINK:
DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Undetermined. Has been successfully demonstrated, but on hold given the current downturn in construction.
