[news 2005 - 2006]

Feb. 15, 2005

KINGSTON, ON – Two inventions developed by Queen’s University researchers with applications in contaminant analysis and enhanced soil fertility, respectively, have been issued U.S. patents. A third technology co-developed by Queen’s and two other inventor groups with potential use in pulp and paper processing has also been issued a U.S. patent. The commercialization of all three technologies is managed by PARTEQ Innovations, the technology transfer arm of Queen’s.

Patent Number 6,842,548 was issued Jan. 11, 2005 for Optical Loop Ring-Down, a method and apparatus for measuring the optical properties of gases, liquids and solids. The technology was developed by a team of researchers led by Dr. Hans-Peter Loock of the Department of Chemistry. The patented technology is part of a next-generation “intelligent sensor” that uses spectroscopy to detect minute quantities of organic compounds, such as environmental contaminants in groundwater. PRECARN Inc., an industrial consortium supporting the development of intelligent systems technologies, has funded additional research in the technology. Avensys Inc., a developer of environmental monitoring systems, is assisting with further development.

Patent Number 6,848,212 was issued Feb. 1, 2005 for Methods for Enhancing Plant Growth using Hydrogen Gas. Developed by Dr. David Layzell of the Department of Biology with researchers Dr. Zhongmin Dong (now of Dalhousie University) and Dr. Lishu Wu (now of the Huazhong Agricultural University, China), the technology provides a method for enhancing plant growth and yield through the exposure of soil to hydrogen gas. Patents were previously issued in Europe, India, Australia and South Africa. The technology is being further developed by Grains Research Development Corp. of Australia.
In addition, Patent Number 6,840,470 was issued Jan.11, 2005 for Refiner Force Sensor, an improvement in machinery used in the pulp and paper industry. The technology was co-invented by Peter Wild, formerly of Queen’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, with researchers at the University of British Columbia and the Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada (Paprican). The technology is co-owned by Queen’s with UBC and Paprican.

“We have seen a significant increase in inventions coming from research in the physical and natural sciences at Queen’s University, and this is encouraging,” says John Molloy, President

and CEO of PARTEQ Innovations. “It is important to realize that a lot of work is required to obtain an issued patent with strong claims. The issuance of these patents is an indicator of the value of the research being done at Queen’s. Much work still needs to be done to ensure we realize the commercial potential of these inventions, but the existence of issued patents makes the process a lot easier.”

PARTEQ currently manages more than 200 issued patents relating to technologies developed by Queen’s researchers in life, applied and natural sciences.

Contact:
John Molloy, President & CEO
PARTEQ Innovations
613. 533. 2342
jmolloy@parteqinnovations.com