Technology Offerings

Pain is probably the most common symptom and sensation of a disease, and a big individual and socioeconomic challenge. Diagnostic tools are limited and do not result in clear mechanism-based insight into the etiology of the individual pain. PET-tracers are widely used as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in several types of cancer, besides other applications of visualization in various medical indications. However, there are so far only few reports, which utilize PET-tracer and PET-scan for the detection of pain (see references). The inventors have provided proof that an established PET-tracer for use in cancer can be also utilized for the detection of pain as a second medical application. They found this tracer to be enriched at the peripheral site of pain (see figure). The amount of tracer-enrichment strongly correlated with the measured change in pain sensitivity. On behalf of the University of Cologne and of the Witten/Herdecke University, PROvendis offers access to rights for commercial use as well as the opportunity for further co-development and evaluation.

Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy provides data about the structure and dynamics of large molecules and permits the examination of biologically-relevant systems, which play a role in the regulation of the expression of illness-related genes. However, magnetic markings must be affixed to strategically-selected points of protein structures, because most biological structures do not contain unpaired electrons.
At the University of Konstanz, a molecular structure and the corresponding process were developed, with which the incorporation of ESR markers into peptide structures are largely independent of existing amino acid residues. The incorporation of the markers can be done specifically in any protein structure. The peptide structure experiences no essential changes, which makes an examination using ESR spectroscopy possible in intracellular and in vivo fashion.

Chronic viral infections are characterized by a reduced responsiveness of T lymphocytes; a process also termed T cell exhaustion. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) has been shown to be critically involved in this exhaustion process. Consequently, our invention suggests the use of anti-TNFalpha strategies, i.e. either blockade of the TNF-receptor (TNFR) binding side or its enzymatic activity by existing drugs (e.g. Infliximab, Etanercept) for the general treatment of persisting viral infections with the aim to restore T cell function. Proof for the success of this approach has been delivered by the LCMV mouse model and the in vitro treatment of HIV patients, and is in addition supported by results from studies in systems biology. On behalf of University of Bonn and University of Cologne, we are offering this opportunity for licensing. In case of interest we will be pleased to inform you about the patent status.

The increasing trend towards lightweight constructions, especially in the aerospace sector and in automotive production requires the use of new technologies, manufacturing processes and materials. FRP in particular, are frequently used in this context, due to their high stiffness and strength. The invention proposes a reliable method to weld FRP components onto other FRP components or onto metallic structures. This becomes possible by inserting metallic inserts into the composite, that serve as bridging points to enable a resistance projection welding process. A patent application has been filed in Germany. On behalf of the RWTH University, PROvendis is seeking a partner for further development in view of funding and licensing the technology.

The field of application of the new technology is the computer-based modelling of three-dimensional objects (as e.g. in a virtual space). The new technology includes a cross-device three dimensional modelling technique that will enable the development of a three-dimensional modelling system, which contains two-dimensional input devices (as e.g. mouse or touch interface) for controlling and further three-dimensional input devices.

The invention here presented is a cordless electric screwdriver wearable on the hand. The flexible shaft runs over the back of the hand transferring the torque effectively to the screwdriver tip which can be precisely addressed with the index finger. The entire compressive force required at the bit is transferred across the guiding structure into the frame of the screwdriver mounted at the hand. The human finger does not to bring up the compressive force since the structure can be locked in the working position. The handle offers a comfortable grip and an easy access to the power-switch on the side with the thumb. The device is easy to handle, comfortable to be worn through the supplied glove and can be used for long working sessions without strain on the wrist. It has an optimal distribution of the weight due to the flexible shaft running over the back of the hand. An additional switch inverts the rotation direction to unscrew the screws. The ergonomic shape of the flexible electric screwdriver simplifies inserting and removing screws in many working positions and can also be used for drilling. A fully working prototype of the flexible screwdriver has been tested and a patent application has been filed in Germany. On behalf of the RWTH University, PROvendis is seeking a partner for further development in view of licensing the technology.