Verizon has Launched a 5G Lab at the University of Illinois Research Park

digital map

Verizon has launched a new 5G innovation hub at the University of Illinois. It’s part of the company’s plan to utilize 5G technology in more real world applications. The ‘Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband’ service will explore how 5G can be used in machine learning, IoT, robotics, AI, guided vehicles, drones, VR, data analytics, and more. 

“Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband’s super-fast speeds, increased bandwidth and low latency can enhance applications for industries ranging from agriculture to manufacturing,” said Tami Erwin, EVP and CEO of Verizon Business. “The Research Park is an ideal location for our latest 5G Innovation Hub serving as an environment that cultivates startups, and inspires collaboration among various corporate partners and students to spur creativity and accelerate the innovation process.”

The Innovation Hub at the University of Illinois Research Park at Urbana-Champaign is home to more than 120 companies. It allows students, startups and tech employees to combine their knowledge and skills, to collaborate and develop innovations.

Verizon’s Illinois launch is part of the company’s larger plan to partner with enterprises, startups, universities, labs, and government, to explore how 5G can disrupt and transform industries. It has six 5G labs in the U.S., each specializing in exploring use cases in industries from healthcare to entertainment. For example, its Columbia University Lab is working on rehabilitation through VR. The 5G provides extremely low latency, meaning that two people can work together faster (e.g. a patient and a physician), or a person can view their own movements back in real time. One of Verizon’s New York Labs explores the future of retail, attempting to leverage 5G technology into smart wearable devices and augmented reality shopping apps. Another New York team looks at mobile and computer gaming, with 5G improving the processing power (e.g. faster rendering, less lag, better ability for graphics, etc).

Are you developing a new invention? Did you know your R&D experiments could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’s largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs and CFPs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Launch at-Home Pre-Flight COVID-19 Tests

plane 50893 960 720

Travelers flying to Hawaii from other parts of the U.S. are able to order a pre-travel COVID-19 test, and potentially forego the 14-day quarantine. A number of airlines, such as Hawaiian Airlines and JetBlue, have partnered with Vault Health to provide travellers with these test kits. Travelers can self-administer tests at home with real time audio-video supervision.

In May, Vault Health teamed up with RUCDR Infinite Biologics and Spectrum Solutions to offer in-home saliva testing for the coronavirus. The test is more sensitive and safer than the existing swab test, and is performed under the supervision of a Vault healthcare provider through a video telehealth visit, eliminating the risk of person-to-person exposure to the virus. It detects the presence of three genes that are found in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, using a technique called qPCR. The test kits cost $150, and can be provided to travelers of all ages, including children. They’re express mailed overnight, and users receive results 24-48 hours after sending it back.

Currently, Hawaii has a 14-day mandatory self-quarantine in place for U.S. Mainland or International travelers arriving into the state, as well as for inter-island travelers arriving in Maui, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai or Hawaii Island. From October 15, travelers who have tested negative (within 72 hours before their flight), will be able to visit without needing to self-quarantine on arrival.

Are you developing a new invention? Did you know your R&D experiments could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’s largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs and CFPs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

The DOE has Announced Plans for Hydrogen Fuel Cell R&D

trucks 2320435 960 720

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched its plans to advance fuel cell truck and hydrogen production. The Million Mile Fuel Cell Truck (M2FCT) and the H2NEW consortia will work to identify ways to make the technologies more durable, efficient, affordable and viable in today’s market. This comes off the DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy office’s (EERE’s) announcement to invest $100 million into the projects.

The combined intention of the projects is to produce hydrogen in environmentally-friendly ways, and then use that hydrogen as a fuel source.

H2NEW

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Colorado) and Idaho National Laboratory will lead this project, and attempt to develop large-scale electrolyzers, which use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.  The hydrogen produced is perfect for hydrogen fuel cells.

Electrolysis has been around since 1800, and a number of methods have been developed. However, it’s not always a cheap endeavor. This consortia will look at how to make the electrolyzers more efficient and cost effective.

M2FCT

Fuel Cell Trucks (FCTs) have the diesel engine replaced with a battery-hydrogen fuel cell hybrid system. The hybrid feature allows for optimal performance in heavy duty applications, with minimized environmental impact. FCTs produce no emissions, only water. Los Alamos (New Mexico) and Lawrence Berkeley (California) National Laboratories will lead the project, focussing on fuel cell durability, performance, and minimizing cost.

Are you developing a new invention? Did you know your R&D experiments could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’s largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs and CFPs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Delaware Patent of the Month – September 2020

Life Science Growth

Delaware based DuPont has received a patent for its biopesticides, using novel genes that encode pesticidal proteins to produce transgenic pest-resistant plants. Or, simply, it has found a way to keep plants insect-free without chemicals, by engineering them to pretect themselves.

Using a microbial agent (e.g. fungi or bacteria) as a pesticide has a lower risk of pollution and environmental hazards than chemicals, and they provide more targeted than traditional chemical insecticides. They’re also cheaper to produce and utilize.

DuPont’s patent involves genetically engineering plants with insecticidal proteins from other plants and insects, to create biopesticides. For example, Bacillus species microorganisms (e.g. some moths, worms and beetles) have natural pesticidal activity to protect against more harmful insects. And, Pteridophyta (fern and moss plants) and Lycopodiophyta (vascular plants) also have a similar insecticidal protein. So, crops have been genetically engineered to produce proteins associated with these organisms. The pesticidal proteins control, inhibit growth or kill Lepidopteran (moths and butterflies), Coleopteran (beetles), Dipteran (flies), fungal, Hemipteran (bugs) and nematode (worms) pest populations.

Are you developing a new product or process? Did you know your R&D experiments could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who we are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Canine COVID-19 Detection Training Has Begun, With Help From a Delaware Startup

dogs 2556820 1280

Dogs can’t catch COVID-19, but they might be able to detect it and help us stop the spread. A Delaware startup has developed a device to safely train dogs to sniff out the virus.

TADD

SciK9‘s TADDs (training aid delivery devices) are simple: a container, a membrane/filter, and a lid. The odor permeable membrane structure is the star of the show: made of a gas-tight chemical-resistant gasket, hydrophobic and oleophobic membrane, and a custom polypropylene membrane holder with a safety grid placed over the membrane to prevent puncture. It only allows odors through, so there is a scent but no actual exposure to the substance. The container lid is also gas-tight and chemical-resistant.

The TADD is the only training aid containment device to:

  • allow odors to be turned on/off,
  • securely contain liquids, oils, solids, small particulate, and hazmat,
  • extend the training aid (i.e. substance) shelf life, and
  • completely protect the animals and handlers from the substance.

Not only that, but all materials pass NASA’s Outgassing Compliancy tests, meaning that the product has no odor, so dogs are trained on exactly the substance odor.

SciK9, TADD and COVID-19

The TADD prototype was first developed in 2013 as part of research for the U.S. Army’s military explosives community canine detection program. Over seven years, the product was improved for durability, and many different uses. Michele Maughan, a researcher involved in the project, founded SciK9 in early 2020, with the intention of providing safer training to dogs who detect explosives, narcotics, medical diagnosis, etc.

However, SciK9 saw the need for its product immediately with the COVID-19 pandemic. Maughan, with the U.S. Army and the University of Pennsylvania, sought to explore the possibility of dogs detecting biomarkers produced by COVID-19 in humans. Discussions of this project began on March 27, ten days later planning started, and by the end of May COVID-19 human samples had been collected and dogs began training. The dogs never have exposure to the virus but are trained to detect human immune system responses to the virus. The goal is for the dogs to sniff out the disease in humans even before symptoms occur. SciK9 was recently awarded the Booz Allen Foundation Fund Grant, which will fund 250 TADDs for continued research.

 

Are you developing a new invention? Did you know your R&D experiments could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’s largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs and CFPs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

A Connecticut Startup is Solving Issues of Waste Management and CO2 Emissions

oceanplastic

Waste management tech startup Ecogensus has patented recycled fuels to replace coal, in some of the most wasteful countries. The company’s systems heat solid waste into a dense char. This char can later be burned as fuel, replacing coal in power plants and cement factories.

The Farmington Valley company has received its patent in Indonesia, the world’s second largest plastic waste contributor according to a 2015 study. It also has several waste management systems in other countries, including the U.S. 

The System

Ecogensus’ systems convert mixed solid wastes, including plastic waste, into high energy fuel. Ecogensus’ flagship system is the Model EGS-5000L, a transportable system designed for transfer stations, recycling centers, or directly at landfills. It uses a thermal treatment process called torrefaction to dry out and breakdown waste at extreme temperatures, removing oxygen to prevent combustion. 

The result from this process is a biofuel, similar to coal. However, coal contains harmful metals like mercury and burning it adds to the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The biofuel from Ecogensus’ machines is cleaner, and easier to transport, store, grind and produce energy from. 

Torrefaction is often used to treat biomass that are then burned to generate electricity. But, the process of combining waste materials and creating a product with similar energy as coal has never been done before. This is mostly due to fire hazards, which Ecogensus says it has overcome with this machine.

The startup’s founder and CEO, Bjornulf Ostvik, says he wanted to create a solution for both the waste and utility industries. The EGS-5000L units reduce the need for landfill and burning waste, the two most prominent waste disposal systems in the U.S.

Are you developing a new invention? Did you know your R&D experiments could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’s largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs and CFPs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

South Carolina Patent of the Month – August 2020

businessman 2606509 340

Smartphones and smart devices have become increasingly popular ways to scan images, like barcodes, because of their highly functional camera technology and ubiquity. However, there are issues with focus and lighting; often, what should be a 5 second scan takes much longer. So, Honeywell, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, developed a system that can read barcodes while tracking the user’s eyes to identify what they may be looking for.

The Invention

The invention involves a processor coupled to two imaging systems: (1) to scan and provide visual display, and (2) for detecting a gaze of a user. It determines a gaze coordinate location (on the screen) and uses this location to start decoding a region of interest within the image.

So, the front facing camera is configured to find the user’s pupils, which are then tracked and used to calculate gaze coordinates. An eye gaze cursor graphic or “gaze zone coordinate” displays as a dot on the screen. The rear facing camera shows the image, and the processor maps this so that it may be separated into small locations/zones. The gaze zone coordinate is used as a starting point for the processor to decode the image, and also alerts the autofocus and autoexposure. As the gaze zone coordinate changes, the automatic focus area is updated, as is the auto-exposure/contrast of the image.

If there’s multiple barcodes, the system shows screen graphics to allow users to select a barcode. For each barcode there is an associated “gaze selection zone” (i.e. a graphic in each corner of the screen). The user’s gaze is monitored to see if it stays on the graphic or on the bounds of barcodes for a number of milliseconds. If so, that barcode is selected and returned to the processor. The user also has the option of selecting the barcode with their finger or via voice. 

The eye-gaze tracking will be available in the Honeywell SwiftDecoder.TM, a mobile barcode scanning application. The app provides a feature/plug-in where users can control the look and function of a scanning operation. This plug-in would have the ability to access the camera feeds from both the rear and front facing cameras.

Are you developing a new product or process? Did you know your R&D experiments could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Colorado Patent of the Month – August 2020

running thermoregulated apparel

Over the past few months, the global pandemic has turned ‘gym junkies’ into runners. And, even those who weren’t so active are finding running a great way to get out of the house and challenge themselves. So, Colorado’s patent of the month couldn’t come at a more perfect time; Boulder-based Stryd has developed a ‘power meter’ device for running. Unlike most other running trackers and smart devices that track speed and heart-rate, Stryd accounts for speed, elevation, run form, fatigue, and wind, to deliver perfect, precise, and painless pacing.

The Device

In running, pace is often monitored, but doesn’t reveal specific issues with regard to running form, efficiency, or technique, much less inform how training should be modified to improve performance or fitness. Stryd’s device is a wearable sensor, strapped to the shoe, that provides power expenditure in real-time. The system uses an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to gather multi-axis motion data at a sampling rate, and an orientation sensor to capture orientation data at a second sampling rate. The device varies this second sampling rate based on the multi-axis motion data, and translates it into horizontal and vertical motion components, which allows it to calculate expended power. It then transmits the collated data to another device (like a phone or smart watch app).

The device is more accurate than GPS, without reliance on satellite signal, and without the need for a large battery. It also provides real-time metrics to the user that are beneficial for training, competition, and recovery, with better ability to detect fatigue from technique and/or individual muscles (rather than just heartrate).

Are you developing a new product or process? Did you know your R&D experiments could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Arkansas Patent of the Month – August 2020

laboratory-2815641_1920

Arkansas’ BioVentures has developed a method of diagnosing multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, through assessment of gene expression profiles. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 32,270 cases of multiple myeloma in the U.S. this year, with around 12,830 expected deaths. BioVentures’ invention provides easier, more accurate prognoses for: (1) those that have this cancer, and (2) those suspected of developing it.

Invention

The multiple myeloma methods are based on gene expression profiling using:

  • enolase 1 (ENO1),
  • fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5),
  • thyroid hormone receptor interactor 13 (TRIP13),
  • transgelin 2 (TAGLN2), and
  • replication factor C (activator 1) 4 (RFC4).

The test quantifies the gene expression levels of each of these genes; an abnormal gene expression profile is a poor prognosis.

Application

For those who have this cancer, the gene expression levels can be tested at the protein level or the nucleic acid level, and are commonly tested on people undergoing myeloma therapy. A poor prognosis could mean a reduced likelihood of overall survival (OS) and/or a reduced likelihood of progression-free survival (PFS).

If a person is suspected of having multiple myeloma (but hasn’t yet been diagnosed), the gene expressions are tested from a nucleic acid sample, where again abnormal or elevated gene expression means a poor prognosis.

In either case, BioVentures’ aims to be able to also provide recommendations of treatments, based on the test results. For example, a poor prognosis (high risk myeloma) may indicate the need for a more aggressive myeloma therapy (either by adding treatments to a regimen and/or increasing the dose of treatments). Or, the best action may be a less aggressive treatment, focusing on patient comfort instead of eliminating disease. Alternatively, a favorable prognosis (low risk myeloma) can indicate that a more aggressive myeloma therapy can be avoided, withdrawn, or a more aggressive therapy may be used to attempt to eliminate disease.

Research Team

BioVentures was established as a formal outgrowth of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences‘ (UAMS). Its aim is to promote a biomedical technology industry for Arkansas and translate its research into products that benefit human health. It links the research minds at UAMS to global markets in order to advance Arkansas’ scientific and economic development.

Are you developing a new medical technique? Did you know your R&D experiments could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

Who We Are:

Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes. 

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.

Healthcare Workers can now get 3D Printed Prescription Protection Glasses

Hospital innovation

Fitz is a startup company that makes custom, 3D printed glasses, using an iOS app that measures faces. That sentence alone proves how innovative this company is. But, as if that weren’t enough, the company’s now using crowd funding to develop protective eyewear for healthcare workers.

With Covid-19 rampant across the world, we’re all encouraged to stay inside, and away from anyone who’s sick. Unfortunately, healthcare professionals don’t have that luxury. Instead, they’re taking measures to cover their faces, to limit the risk of infection being passed from patients. But, current personal protective equipment (PPE) consists of face shields (a sheet of plastic) or a fabric mouth and nose mask; neither offer full protection. Add to this that more than 60% of doctors need prescription glasses, and experts are warning against using contact lenses. And so, healthcare professionals are turning to all sorts of homemade solutions to fit around their glasses and protect their face.

In conjunction with these frontline medical professionals, Fitz developed its Fitz Protect range. They provide more coverage than traditional glasses, including the eyebrows, which can accumulate viral particles and infect the eyes. Also, each pair is custom measured and made to fit the face, so can provide full coverage and are comfortable for long 12-18 hour shifts. The company developed its unique software using Apple’s depth-sensing Face ID camera. With this, Fitz provides a virtual try-on feature, and gets accurate measurements (to the millimeter) for that custom fit.

The prototype design came from discussions with workers in New York and Texas, who were struggling to find protection solutions. Because they’re 3D printed, constant feedback and customization was available throughout the development. The initial responses have been fantastic; doctors, nurses and hospital staff appreciate the effective, comfortable protection that helps them feel safe and do their jobs. Fitz is in the process of scaling up its operations, to get these made and shipped as quickly as possible.

What’s more, Fitz believes that this PPE should be available at no charge to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers seeing Covid-19 patients. So, the glasses are 100% crown funded. Currently, the company’s almost a third of the way toward its $60,000 goal and more than 3,000 healthcare workers have registered for a pair.

Are you developing an innovative product to help in the global crisis? Your work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses. To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

WHO WE ARE:

Swanson Reed is Texas’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firm, offering tax credibility assessments, claim preparation, and advisory services. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program in Texas, from claim prep & audit compliance to claim disputes. 

Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPA’s.  For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.