Medical Devices and Diagnostics

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GEN3 Partners: Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Technology

GEN3 has developed a wearable blood glucose monitor based on a truly non-invasive technology, which causes no skin damage. Therefore, it can be used for continuous monitoring and maintaining blood glucose in a narrow range, which has been shown to reduce diabetes-related complications by 35-76%. And while continuous monitoring is critically important for diabetics, it is also attractive for the larger pre-diabetic and fitness-conscious markets.

The developed sensor is mounted on the wrist or forearm and measures body impedance, temperature, and pulse wave. The technology is protected by US 6,841,389, 6,996,428, and know-how. There are currently no non-invasive glucose monitors on the market.

Contact Dr. Eugene Buff (ebuff@yet2.com)

Optomed Oy: Eye, Ear, and Skin-Scope

The device is a handheld digitized opthalmo-, oto- or dermoscope for taking digital images and video and the transmission of images to patients’ electronic medical record and/or to physician for remote diagnosis. Can be used for:

• Retina (back of the eye / ophthalmoscopy)
• Ear (otoscopy)
• Skin (dermatoscopy) The patents cover optics, illumination technology and software connectivity.

Contact Dr. Eugene Buff (ebuff@yet2.com)

Sabirmedical S.L: Wireless Patient Monitoring System

This Wireless Patient Monitor implements the “zero wires” principle—increasing the comfort of patients, and extending monitoring to almost “everywhere-every time” (Hospitals, Ambulatories, Geriatrics, Home).

The technology leverages the Zigbee standard to create a Personal Area Network (a wireless network with a coverage area of around 10m) capable of integrating multiple monitoring systems such as an Electro Cardiogram, Pulse Oximeter, Blood Pressure Sensor, Glucometer, etc. The monitor includes a gateway device for data encapsulation and transmission to back-end systems. This gateway device also encompasses a Java applet for data presentation over an LCD touch screen. The system can be integrated with existing monitoring infrastructures.

The technology employs proprietary approaches related to data capture, intelligent digital filters, digital signal processing, encoding (waveform interpolation), framing and post-processing. This allows for increased reliability, scalability, security, and network efficiency. In addition, incorporating a technology based on the Zigbee standard yields significant advantages over systems trying to employ Bluetooth or Wi-Fi approaches.

See TechPak 36634

SystAim Medical: Interrelational Miner Software

The Interrelational Miner software performs analysis and outcome prediction for complex data or very small samples. Patents on this software were filed in Q4, 2006.

The software produces better predications than do other methods—up to 20% more correct predictions than methods such as neural networks, pls, da, nlda, pca, knn, or others. It offers increase robustness, and uses up to 10X fewer variables; hence reduced over-fitting and higher validity.

Among its capabilities are improved identification of biomarkers among high-dimensional biologic data (micro arrays, protein arrays, complex chemical compounds). It offers the strongest test and validation criteria.

See TechPak 39196

Coatings and Adhesives

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AIST: Flexible, Gas-Tight Clay Film

The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan is seeking a industrial partner and a licensee, regarding a flexible gas tight film “Claist.” Claist is prepared by a compact lamination of clay platelets of thickness around 1 nanometer each. Highly ordered lamination of such clay platelets provides a flexible film. The thickness of Claist film is comparable to that of copy paper, 10-100 micrometers. Claist has the great advantage in the gas barrier property and the heat-resisting property, and Claist has a wide variety of forms including a flexible film and a transparent film. Heat resistant gasket, food package film, insulating film, and optical film for electrical devices will be the promising application of Claist.

AIST has the following international patent applications, regarding Claist and its application.

• USP application number 10/571107 “Flexible Ceramic Film”
• PCT/JP2005/022702 “Products of Flexible Ceramic Film”
• PCT/JP2006/315338 “Transparent film”

Kimberly-Clark Corp.: Flexible Binder

This technology is a liquid coating that dries to form a cross-linked, water absorbent film on many substrates. Once dried, the coating may absorb many times its own weight in water, forming a hydrogel. Moisture, bodily fluids, and other aqueous liquids may also be absorbed by the coating. Initial tests showed good adhesion to a wide range of substrates, such as glass, metals, cellulose and poly(propylene). The final coating may be transparent, gas permeable, and lubricious when wet.

This technology is supported by 6 US patents. The most recent year of issue is 2005.

See TechPak 39231.

Greenkote: Anti-Corrosion Coatings

Greenkote coating technology is a new coating method for steel and other metals using a Thermo Chemical Surface Modification process that is a deviation of Diffusion coatings. Parts are introduced to a rotating oven, along with powder, where the powder content and the thermal cycle dictate the characteristics of the coating. Atoms of the desired metal are diffusing into the surface of the parts, growing the coating from within the surface. Thus the process is liquid free, adhesion is perfect, the simplicity and low labor content allow major cost savings. The Greenkote process can replace a wide range of existing coating methods. Its key advantages are: cost savings 20-70%; environmentally “green,” and performance improvement for numerous applications.

• 2004/0105998 A1 Patent pending
• PCT/IL04/00631 Patent pending

See TechPak 38526.

Hydrophilm, Ltd.: Inkjet Coating Technology

“Selectacoat” Patented Ink Jet Coating Process. Process patent covering the use of ink jet technology to Selectively apply clear scratch-resistant coatings to transparent mouldings such as mobile phone windows, automotive displays, and optical lenses. Patents are granted in Europe and China and are pending in the USA, Japan, India, and Hong Kong.

Traditional methods of applying coatings are wasteful, inefficient, result in high reject rates and are therefore expensive to apply. Selectacoat is Selective, so no masking is required, 100% efficient in terms of lacquer usage and reduces reject rates. This reduces costs by a minimum of 50% and in some cases up to 70%. It is a revolutionary process within the clear coatings industry.

Contact Dr. Andrew Round (around@yet2.com)

Electronics and Information Technologies

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Agfa-Gevaert NV: Transparent Organic Conductive Polymer

The product portfolio consisting of transparent conductive films, inks and coatings for application in the "electronic display" industry as well as the patterning technology involved is fully protected by an extensive patent portfolio.

The portfolio offers low-cost alternative material for ITO as electrode or static material. It is an easy-to-process, transparent, and stable polymer with its conductivity being independent from relative humidity. It is applied by printing/coating technology on a variety of substrates that can be flexible or rigid.

See TechPak 36775.

Northrop Grumman Corporation: Optical Correlation Portfolio

Northrop Grumman Corporation has over three dozen patents covering optical correlation and applications which enable rapid, real-time identification and correlation of selected objects and images. NGC intellectual property covers optical correlation design, optical correlator-assisted applications in the medical industry including synthetic aperture ultrasonic imaging for mammography and other applications, image correlation for various applications.

Contact Tim Bernstein (tbernstein@yet2.com)

Think-A-Move: Control Technology

Using sound waves captured in the inner ear, this technology creates enhanced methods of device control and communications. Sound waves are generated in the inner ear either by talking or making tongue movements. The company’s patented technology captures these sound waves, eliminates virtually all ambient noise, and then either uses them for communications or converts them into control signals for various devices. This creates a very accurate and clear method of communications and controlling devices such as: military robots, medical equipment, computers including PDAs, cell phones, and gaming controllers.

The technology is protected by four US patents (US6671379, US6647368, US6503197, US6024700), as well as foreign counterparts.

Current methods of capturing sound waves generally involve external microphones which are cumbersome and pick up ambient noise, reducing both accuracy and clarity in noisy environments. There are no current technologies that can recognize sub audible voice or tongue sound waves.

By capturing sound in the ear canal, the Company’s technology creates a very accurate and clear method of communicating and controlling devices. The earpiece is very small and unobtrusive. Using patented technology virtually all ambient noise is eliminated. The resulting sound waves provide significant improvements in communications (such as cell phones) and in voice recognition.

The patented signal recognition technology is the most advanced on the market and provides unparalleled accuracy in a wide variety of external conditions. It also allows users to make both sub-audible voice and tongue commands, useful in noisy and/or covert situations.

See TechPak 38547

X-Ether, Inc.: Compact and Low-Profile Satellite Communication Antenna System

According to 2006 Engalco report, the two-way broadband satellite communication antenna overall global market is rapidly growing from slightly less than $1 billion in 2005 to $6.7 billion in 2010.

To communicate with satellite transponders, a two-way broadband antenna system often needs to handle wide-separated frequencies. For example, it is standard in the Ku band to use ~12 GHz for receiving and ~14GHz for transmitting. Existing antenna solutions either utilize a single radiating element to handle the wideband requirement which results in poor performance, or utilize an interleaved configuration of two different arrays with complicated feed networks which results in high manufacturing cost. X-Ether’s satellite communication antenna system invention efficiently integrates into a single structure two antennas to handle the two frequency bands distinctly without any design compromises.

The system can be rotated about at least one axis by a conventional mechanism to perform scan mechanically and therefore can be cost effectively manufactured. Furthermore, it is compact with a low profile; ideal for use in land vehicle based applications.

General benefits for two-way broadband satellite communication antenna system installed on land vehicle include:

• Broadband internet access directly to mobile end-users
• Environmental data gathering: gas pipe lines monitoring, forest fire monitoring, rail road system voltage level monitoring, water resource purity and water level observation, express way traffic monitoring, weather condition observation, flood observation system, and seismic observation
• Back seat entertainment

Contact Tim Bernstein (tbernstein@yet2.com)

Consumer Product Technologies

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Corozite: Anti-Counterfeit EZ2 Track System

By means of an innovative tracking system in a secure, unique and confidential manner, EZ2TRACK can identify the authenticity of the product being protected by a simple, quick and easy to use method. This cutting-edge technology allows for the protection of “goods” and materials across an incredibly diverse range of industrial sectors; from fashion garments and watches (and other “fine goods” and “brands”) to currency, packaging and even auto spares and military equipment. This technology package comes complete with a handheld sensor/scanner (which can be adapted for different industries), several years’ experience in formulating the “elements” used for determining authenticity and continued support (if necessary) to make 100% sure your products codes are never cracked. The technology is protected by several PCT patent applications that cover the reader and device along with the “key” applications areas. Corozite will continue to develop its IP portfolio and strengthen its position in this market, but hopes to do so in conjunction with industrial partners.

This tracking system allows for an infinite number of codes to be created using the metallic elements and oxides thereof without the protected product being changed in anyway, this technology is fully concealed within the matrix of the product, unlike other tagged technologies. This technology also allows for the detection for “fake” materials in “real time” unlike some of the taggant technologies which need several hours of laboratory analysis to determine if the goods are real or not.

See TechPak 38587

Ganeden Biotech: Pro-Biotic Additive

Ganeden”s lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB) were originally used for making tofu and yogurt. They have a 50-year history of safe use, are considered GRAS by the US government, and are safer than any other lactobacillus or bifidobacterium currently being used. Ganeden successfully patented the genus Bacillus coagulans, a form of LAB that have a long shelf-life without refrigeration when stored dry and that is manufacturing-friendly because it can withstand heat and pressure. The Ganedan LAB can be added to foods wet or dry. The material overcomes lactose-intolerance, boosts the immune system, and delivers 200 times the live beneficial bacteria to the digestive tract as the most common lactobacillus (~20% versus 1/10 of 1%). Because of its ability to inhibit the growth of mycotic pathogens including various species of Candida and Thichophyton, Ganeden LAB have additional applications in oral.

Historically, it has been very difficult to identify probiotics that have been able to deliver clinically demonstrated health benefits. This is a function of four factors:

• The cells don’t survive high heat and pressure inherent in the manufacturing process.
• The cells die quickly while on the shelf.
• The cells cannot survive stomach acids to populate the colon.
• The cells are very sensitive to bile and various enzymes in the gut

Compare these results to a recent Consumer Reports article in which Activia® yogurt was tested to determine the survivability of the bacteria in that product. The results of the Activia® test indicated that of the 3 billion cells consumed in a serving of Activia® 3 million cells survived the gastric environment: a survival rate of 1/10th of one percent. Also compare this to the patent application filed for the popular probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus GG which also claims a survival rate of 1/10th of one percent.

See TechPak 39328.

Rhodia Novecare: Viscoelastic Surfactant

Rhodia has patents on formulations containing viscoelastic surfactants and their use as thickeners of water-based formulations. Patent numbers can not be disclosed at this stage on a non-confidential basis, since some patents are still pending.

This technology is a user-friendly, cost-effective alternative to traditional thickeners such as associative polymers or biopolymers like xanthan gum.

It provides crystal-clear, shear thinning gels, that can prevent sedimentation of solid particles.

The product consists of a Newtonian non-viscous liquid that turns into a gel when it is diluted with water under gentle stirring.

Gels can be obtained at low concentration (from 2% to 5% product as-is)

See TechPak 38834.

ZYW Corporation: Charged Fluids Application

ZYW has patented technology for the production of unlimited quantities of electrically charged liquids and aerosols. The availability of charged fluids at industrially relevant flow rates enables the creation of a diverse variety of applications. Applications taking advantage of the unique charged fluid capabilities of ZYW’s atomizer/spray gun technology (electrical control of droplet size, low pressure atomization, droplet/aerosol-particle self-dispersion, target wrap-around) include: powder paint coatings using fine powders to produce superior finishes (no “orange-peeling,” or “fatty edges”); nanofiber generation at orders of magnitude higher throughputs than has been feasible, one pass ultrafiltration, dewaxing and dewatering of oils and fuels, and the clean combustion of logistics fuels (jet, diesel and heating oil).

Operating with low feed pressures, exhibiting insensitivity to fluid properties and flow rate (deep throttle capability) and with minimal power input, compact electrostatic nozzles provide electrical control of spray droplet size and droplet dispersion. This enables clean, efficient combustion of difficult fuel satisfying an immediate, currently unmet, need for a 1kW, diesel fueled auxiliary power unit for use in class-A trucks.

Charged fuel preparation enables clean combustion of logistics fuels. Existing fuel preparation techniques involving high feed pressure, substantial forced-air flow, and limited throttle capability cannot provide clean, complete combustion at the kW (APU) to 100 kW (domestic oil burner) level. By taking advantage of Spray Triode atomizer throttle capability, home heating fuel consumption can be reduced by as much as 30%. This enables the development of clean logistics fuel burners, auxiliary and emergency power sources, and small efficient engines. The technology is scaleable and applicable to all burner and engine applications from the sub-kilo-Watt to the mega-watt level.

Contact Tim Bernstein (tbernstein@yet2.com)