Five Tianjin University (TJU) projects won 2017 WIPO-SIPO Awards for Outstanding Patented Inventions and one won the Design Excellence Award. TJU. Along with Tsinghua University, TJU scooped the most awards among all the participants.
The five awards-winning projects were “The Spatial Filtering Method of the Imaginary Action Potential of the Lower Limbs”, “A Crystallization Method for Cefadroxil Monohydrate”, “Methanol Synthetic Oil Refining Methods and Equipment”, “An Omeprazole Sodium Semihydrate and Preparation Method Thereof”, and “Online Synchronous Monitoring Apparatus and Method for Smoke Particulates and Contaminated Gas”.
The Spatial Filtering Method of the Imaginary Action Potential of the Lower Limbs
A neurological engineering team led by Professor Ming Dong of TJU designed a spatial filtering method for imaginary action potential of the lower limbs, which solves common technical problems existing in the decomposition process of the endogenous EEG induced by the preparation or planning of complex movements of lower limbs, and laid a foundation for further research into the brain-computer interface. Using the core algorithm underpinning the invention, the team developed the world's first robotic system capable of carrying out artificial neural rehabilitation for patients paralyzed with stroke, bringing hope to more than 3,000 stroke patients. Moreover, the project provided technical guidance to the universal brain-computer interface experiment which was successfully conducted on “Tiangong-2”, the first national space lab ever launched.
A Crystallization Method for Cefadroxil Monohydrate
This project was led by Professor Gong Junbo from TJU’s Crystallization Center Team. Through an optimum crystallization technology, they created cefadroxil monohydrate in a unified, complete, sheet-like square shape with uniform density free agglomeration. To date, the patented technology has been widely used in China’s medicine enterprises such as the North China Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd and the Hebei Huamin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., breaking foreign technical monopolies and ensuring sufficient supply to Chinese people.
Methanol Synthetic Oil Refining Methods and Equipment
This project, conducted by TJU and the Yunnan Jiehua Clean Energy Development Co., Ltd., centered on the production of high-quality gasoline as well as dry gas, liquefied gas and high-purity durene through a process of absorption, accumulation, and crystallization. As a key technology in the use of clean coal resources and the extension of methanol industrial chain, the patented invention is of great significance, not only to adjusting the layouts of petrochemical and coal-chemical industries and accelerating their advancement, but also to alleviating the energy crisis, optimizing energy consumption patterns and reducing environmental pollution.
An Omeprazole Sodium Semihydrate and Preparation Method Thereof
This project, conducted by TJU and the Hainan Lingkang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., developed an omeprazole sodium semihydrate formulation with high stability and morphological superiority, which is of great value in the development of crystal medicine. The invention has been industrialized by Lingkang, bringing a profit of 64 million yuan by the end of 2016 and accounting for 12% of domestic market share.
Online Synchronous Monitoring Apparatus and Method for Smoke Particulates and Contaminated Gas
Conducted by TJU and Tianjin Shareshine Technology Development Co., Ltd., the project, based on the UV spectra measurement principle, solved technical problems existing in simultaneous monitoring of particulates and contaminated gas using the same optical system. Moreover, the patented technology advanced by the project helped to reduce probing holes drilled in flues, which in turn lessens the workload of on-site installation, commissioning and future system maintenance. The set of devices has been sold to more than 10 provinces, making significant contributions in urging polluting enterprises to undertake their responsibilities for a clean environment and implementing national air pollution control policies.
China Patent Awards, established by the State Intellectual Property Office in 1989, are granted by the Chinese Government to encourage outstanding patented inventions and industrial designs, and has gained recognition from the World Intellectual Property Organization. The Awards consists of four categories: China Patent Golden Award, China Golden Design Award, China Patent Excellence Award and China Design Excellence Award. The selection standards emphasize not only technological and innovative elements in the patents, but also the practical benefits and their protection and management.
For years, TJU has valued scientific and technological innovation and the management of intellectual property. In order to create an enabling atmosphere for students to start their own business and constantly innovate, the University has come up with a package of initiatives to promote the application of scientific and technological outcomes.
By: Wang Qiuju, Wang Kai
Editors: Sun Xiaofang and Ross Colquhoun
