December 14, 2021 welcomed new patent grants to Smith & Hopen clients.
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida (Tampa, Florida) secured U.S. Patent 11,198,842 on December 14, 2021, for a blood-brain barrier model. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective, semipermeable barrier that separates circulating blood from the brain and extracellular fluid in the central nervous system. USF researchers invented a more accurate physiological model of the BBB utilizing organ-on-a-chip technologies. For example, by placing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) or brain-derived endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes together in a culture, a model blood-brain barrier can be established.
With this new model, scientists have a better tools for drug discovery. This is particularly useful for brain disorders in regard to the permeability of drugs or substances across the blood-brain barrier.
Subhra Mohapatra was the lead inventor. Joint-inventors included Shyam Mohapatra, Tao Wang and Taylor Martinez. Paul Murty prosecuted the patent on behalf of Smith & Hopen.
Pressure Drop Technology Integration
Pressure Drop Technology Integration (Palm Harbor, Florida) secured U.S. Patent 11,199,160 on December 14, 2021, for systems for increasing fuel delivery to high performance motors. With combustion engines, more power output requires more fuel. Without the correct amount of fuel, the engine will fail. Thus, it is imperative that the fuel pump(s) keep up with the demand of the engine. Pressure Drop Technology Integration developed a system using a fuel accumulator and pressurized gas to force fuel to the engine when needed.
William Klier was the lead inventor. Attorney Nicholas Pfeifer prosecuted the patent on behalf of Smith & Hopen
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
FAMU (Tallahassee, Florida) secured U.S. Design Patent D938,303 on December 14, 2021, for systems for an industrial design. The design combines an anthropomorphic head bust with an enclosure. Design patents protect the aesthetic features of an article of manufacture. The hatched lines on the figures denote environment while solid lines form the patented claims. Telisa Anna Jones was the lead inventor. Additional inventors included William E. Hudson, Jr. Attorney Paul Murty prosecuted the patent on behalf of Smith & Hopen.
Congratulations to Smith & Hopen on these new patent grants for December 14, 2021.
