Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080210306 | Integrated surface-machined micro flow controller method and apparatus - A surface-micromachined mass flow controller (MFC) comprises an electrostatically actuated microvalve integrated with a thermal flow sensor. The microvalve comprises a normally-open diaphragm defining an aperture allowing fluid communication between first and second flow channels. The diaphragm includes a second electrode actuable toward a valve seat including a first electrode. Fabricated utilizing a multilayer Parylene process, the active microvalve and the flow sensor are integrated onto a single chip to perform closed-loop flow control. For flow control, both Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and actuation voltage adjustment are demonstrated. | 09-04-2008 |
20080262611 | FOLDABLE POLYMER-BASED COIL STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING THE SAME - A foldable polymer-based coil structure and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The coil structure has metal wirings and interconnections between the wirings. The wirings and connections are embedded by a polymer. The coil structure is foldable in two or more layers. In the folded condition, coils of one layer overlap the coils of another layer. A stackable structure and jigs for aligning the foldable and stackable structures are also disclosed. | 10-23-2008 |
20090174281 | ELECTRET POWER GENERATOR - An electret power generator having two output electrodes on a stator and a rotor positioned above the output electrodes with charged electret material between the electrodes and the rotor. Power is generated when the rotor moves laterally above the electrodes. The electret material is preferably parylene HT . | 07-09-2009 |
20090188864 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MICROFILTRATION TO PERFORM CELL SEPARATION - A microfiltration apparatus and method for separating cells, such as circulating tumor cells, from a sample using a microfiltration device having a top porous membrane and a bottom porous membrane. The porous membranes are formed from parylene and assembled using microfabrication techniques. The porous membranes are arranged so that the pores in the top membrane are offset from the pores in the bottom membrane. | 07-30-2009 |
20090299216 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR BIOMEDICAL WIRELESS PRESSURE SENSING - An implantable polymer-based pressure sensor featuring an electrical LC-tank resonant circuit for passive wireless sensing without power consumption on the implanted site. The sensor is microfabricated with parylene to create a flexible coil substrate that can be folded for smaller physical form factor during implantation, and can be stretched back without damage for enhanced inductive sensor-reader coil coupling. Data received from the sensor can be enhanced to provide improved pressure measurements at increased distances. | 12-03-2009 |
20100004635 | Implantable glaucoma drainage device - An implantable glaucoma drainage device (GDD) system is disclosed. The GDD system comprises a microflow control system for controlling intraocular pressure, a protective capillary carrier tube housing the microflow control system, and anchoring arms holding the implanted device in place. The overall GDD size can be in a needle-implantable form factor for minimally invasive implantation. The GDD may be implanted via subconjunctival needle implantation to mimic the normal aqueous humor drainage pathway. | 01-07-2010 |
20100025613 | MICROFLUIDIC VALVE HAVING FREE-FLOATING MEMBER AND METHOD OF FABRICATION - Micro check valves having a free-floating member for controlling flow of fluid in microfluidic and biomedical applications and methods of fabrication. A micro check valve includes a valve seat, a valve cap that contacts the valve seat and an untethered floating member that can move between the valve seat and the valve cap. Certain micro check valves have zero cracking pressure and no reverse leakage. Certain other valves may be configured to permit flow of fluid within a pressure range. The floating member can be solid or define an orifice, and the valve seat can have one or two levels. Valves can be configured to allow fluid to flow when the floating member is pushed by fluid against the valve cap or against the valve seat. The valve seat may be silicon or another material that is compatible with micromachining processes, and the valve cap and the floating member may be a polymer such as Parylene. | 02-04-2010 |
20100168646 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING ISCHEMIC DISEASES - The present invention relates to the treatment of ischemic diseases, and more particularly, to treatment of diabetic retinopathy and ischemia of the retinal and choroidal tissues. The treatment, which will work in vitrectomized eyes as well as non-vitrectomized eyes, is based on selective and fractional electrolysis of the vitreous humor to produce oxygen and optionally active chlorine while simultaneously controlling pH. Oxygen or active chlorine can suppress or reverse the onset of diabetic retinopathy, other retinovascular diseases, and choroidal neovascularization. | 07-01-2010 |
20100265680 | Pocket-enabled chip assembly for implantable devices - Systems and methods for providing biologically compatible pockets or envelopes that can contain chips and other circuit elements and can make electrical connection between those elements and living organisms. The assembled biologically compatible pockets and circuit components can have biomedical applications, such as bioimplantable devices such as retinal, cochlear and cortical prosthesis implants, muscular stimulators, and other uses. In various embodiments, the described technology explains how to make and use pocket systems for dealing with chips having connectors on one or two surfaces, and with other circuit components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors and transistors. Operation of chips encapsulated according to the described technology is demonstrated. Accelerated life testing suggests that the pocket systems described will survive for years at 37 degrees C. | 10-21-2010 |
20100294041 | MICROFABRICATED IMPLANTABLE WIRELESS PRESSURE SENSOR FOR USE IN BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS AND PRESSURE MEASUREMENT AND SENSOR IMPLANTATION METHODS - A variable capacitor, a microfabricated implantable pressure sensor including a variable capacitor and an inductor, and related pressure measurement and implantation methods. The inductor may have a fixed or variable inductance. A variable capacitor and pressure sensors include a flexible member that is disposed on a substrate and defines a chamber. Capacitor elements extend indirectly from the flexible member. Sufficient fluidic pressure applied to an exterior surface of the flexible member causes the flexible member to move or deform, thus causing the capacitance and/or inductance to change. Resulting changes in resonant frequency or impedance can be detected to determine pressure, e.g., intraocular pressure. | 11-25-2010 |
20100305550 | MEMS DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cannula is shaped to facilitate insertion thereof into a patient's eyeball. | 12-02-2010 |
20110053152 | METHOD FOR CANCER DETECTION, DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS - The present invention provides a method for diagnosing cancer, predicting a disease outcome or response to therapy in a patient sample. The method involves isolating a circulating tumor cell (CTC), for example, a viable CTC, from a sample using a parylene microfilter device comprising a membrane filter having or consisting of a parylene substrate, which has an array of holes with a predetermined shape and size; and detecting and quantifying telomerase activity in blood circulating tumor cells. The invention further provides methods of using cells live-captured in various applications. | 03-03-2011 |
20110060280 | ADHESIVE SKIN PATCH WITH PUMP FOR SUBCUTANEOUS DRUG DELIVERY - In various embodiments, a drug-delivery device includes a skin patch with an integral delivery vehicle adherable to a patient's skin. An exterior surface of the patch defines an envelope within which is disposed a programmable drug pump including a reservoir, a cannula for conducting liquid from the reservoir to the delivery vehicle, and a mechanism for forcing liquid from the reservoir through the cannula and into the delivery vehicle. | 03-10-2011 |
20110111412 | Uses of Parylene Membrane Filters - The invention provides parylene membrane filters, filter devices and methods of making them and using them in the mechanical separation of cells and particles by size. The provision of parylene membrane filters with high figures of merit and finely controlled hole sizes allows the separation of cells and particles in a variety of biological and other fluids according to sizes. | 05-12-2011 |
20110144617 | MEMS DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir, and means for forcing fluid from the reservoir into the cannula. Circuitry for controlling the means for forcing fluid from the reservoir into the cannula may be included. | 06-16-2011 |
20110144619 | MEMS DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. A valve for maintaining a constant flow rate through the cannula independent of the pressure applied to the device may be included. | 06-16-2011 |
20110270188 | FILL-STATUS SENSORS FOR DRUG PUMP DEVICES - The filling status of a drug reservoir in a drug pump devices may be determined with mechanical and/or magnetic position sensor associated with a reservoir boundary. | 11-03-2011 |
20110275987 | PISTON-DRIVEN DRUG PUMP DEVICES - In piston-pump drug-delivery devices, changes in friction between the piston and vial in which it moves may be reduced and/or compensated for by suitable surface coatings and/or feedback control. | 11-10-2011 |
20110294206 | METHODS AND DESIGN OF MEMBRANE FILTERS - The present invention provides methods for designing a filtration systems for capturing viable tumor cells, such as circulating tumor cells at high efficiency and high viability. The methods involve development of a set of “key engineering design parameters” that are crucial to achieve high tumor cell viability. These important design parameters include the filter geometry design, fluid delivery method, drive pressure and filtration time. | 12-01-2011 |
20120009159 | BIOCOMPATIBLE SUBSTRATE FOR FACILITATING INTERCONNECTIONS BETWEEN STEM CELLS AND TARGET TISSUES AND METHODS FOR IMPLANTING SAME - Disclosed herein are substrates for cell delivery to target tissues requiring treatment for various diseases that induce cell death, damage or loss of function. The substrates are configured to provide seeded cells, including stem cells, with a structural support that allows interconnection with and transmission of biological signals between the cells and the target tissue. | 01-12-2012 |
20120041427 | ELECTROLYTICALLY DRIVEN DRUG PUMP DEVICES - Electrolytically driven drug pump devices may be configured so as to ensure sustained contact of the electrolysis electrodes with the electrolyte, thereby improving the reliability and/or pump capacity of the devices. | 02-16-2012 |
20120064552 | USING BLOOD CLOT IN MICROFLUIDIC VALVING APPLICATIONS - The present invention provides a method of forming a blood-clot microvalve by heating blood in a capillary tube of a microfluidic device. Also described are methods of modulating liquid flow in a capillary tube by forming and removing a blood-clot microvalve. | 03-15-2012 |
20120091858 | PARYLENE-C AS A PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIAL AND METHOD TO MAKE IT - A parylene C polymer that is electrically poled such that it is piezoelectric is presented. Methods for manufacturing the piezoelectric parylene C polymer with an optimal piezoelectric coefficient d33 are also disclosed. Actuators formed with piezoelectric parylene C are disclosed as well as sensor devices that incorporate piezoelectric parylene C using charge integrator circuits in which the integration time is longer than likely adiabatic temperature transients. | 04-19-2012 |
20120097610 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MICROFILTRATION TO PERFORM CELL SEPARATION - A microfiltration apparatus and method for separating cells, such as circulating tumor cells, from a sample using a microfiltration device having a top porous membrane and a bottom porous membrane. The porous membranes are formed from parylene and assembled using microfabrication techniques. The porous membranes are arranged so that the pores in the top membrane are offset from the pores in the bottom membrane. | 04-26-2012 |
20120178097 | METHODS AND DESIGN OF MEMBRANE FILTERS - The present invention provides methods for designing a filtration systems for capturing viable tumor cells, such as circulating tumor cells at high efficiency and high viability. The methods involve development of a set of “key engineering design parameters” that are crucial to achieve high tumor cell viability. These important design parameters include the filter geometry design, fluid delivery method, transfilter pressure and total filtration time. | 07-12-2012 |
20120234433 | INSTRUMENT AND METHODS FOR FILLING AN IMPLANTED DRUG PUMP - A tool for refilling an implantable pump having at least one reservoir. The tool includes a plurality of independent fluid channels; a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with a first one of the fluid channels; at least one pump fluidly coupled to the fluid channels, the at least one pump and the independent fluid channels differing from each other in number, wherein (i) a pump is configured to apply positive pressure to the first fluid channel so as to drive fluid from the fluid reservoir therethrough, and (ii) a pump is configured to apply negative pressure to the second fluid channel; and a connector for removably connecting the fluid channels to the at least one reservoir. | 09-20-2012 |
20120241017 | Microfluidic Check Valves With Enhanced Cracking Pressures and Methods of Making the Same - Microfluidic normally closed check valves and methods of making and using the same are provided. The check valves include an orifice, an occluding portion, and one or more attachment members which urge the occluding portion into a position occluding the orifice. In various embodiments, the attachment member or members are pre-stressed by thermal annealing to introduce tensile stress of at least 800 PSI therewithin, thereby increasing the cracking pressure of the valve | 09-27-2012 |
20120289883 | Implantable Intraocular Pressure Drain - An implanted parylene tube shunt relieves intra-ocular pressure. The device is implanted with an open end in the anterior chamber of the eye, allowing excess fluid to be drained through the tube out of the eye. In one embodiment, only a first end of the tube implanted into the anterior chamber of the eye is open. Intra-ocular pressure (IOP) is then monitored, for example utilizing an implanted sensor. When IOP exceeds a critical valve, a practitioner intervenes, puncturing with a laser a thinned region of the tube lying outside the eye, thereby initiating drainage of fluid and relieving pressure. In accordance with alternative embodiments, the both ends of the tube are open, and the tube includes a one-way valve configured to permit drainage where IOP exceeds the critical value. The tube may include projecting barbs to anchor the tube in the eye without the need for sutures. | 11-15-2012 |
20120296423 | FILLING AND IMPLANTING ACCOMMODATIVE INTRAOCULAR LENSES - Advances in filling apparatus, handheld tools, surgical techniques and intraoperative biometry for implanting and adjusting an accommodative liquid lens are disclosed. The lens may be attached to or retained within a handheld surgical tool, which can be fluidly connectable to a filling console to fill the lens with a liquid. In various embodiments, a filling console facilitates aspirating liquid out of the lens in order to ensure the absence of residual bubbles and filling of the lens with fluid during surgery, as well as during post-operative adjustments to the lens. Actuated by the surgeon, the filling console can aspirate fluid from the lens and inject fluid into the lens following insertion thereof. | 11-22-2012 |
20120303118 | ACCOMMODATING INTRAOCULAR LENS - Systems, devices, and methods are presented for a prosthetic injectable intraocular lens. One or more silicone elastomeric patches located outside the optical path on the anterior side but away from the equator can be accessed by surgical needles in order to fill or adjust optically clear fluid within the lens. The fluid can be adjusted in order to set a base dioptric power of the lens and otherwise adjust a lens after its initial insertion. The elastomeric patches are sized so that they self-seal after a needle is withdrawn. A straight or stepped slit in the patch can allow a blunt needle to more easily access the interior of the lens. | 11-29-2012 |
20130000119 | MEMS DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cannula is shaped to facilitate insertion thereof into a patient's eyeball. | 01-03-2013 |
20130089701 | SUBSTRATE CONTAINING APERTURE AND METHODS OF FORMING THE SAME - A method of forming an aperture (e.g., a through via, a blind via, a trench, an alignment feature, etc.) within a substrate includes irradiating a substrate with a laser beam to form a laser-machined feature having a sidewall. The laser-machined feature is then processed to change at least one characteristic (e.g., the sidewall surface roughness, diameter, taper, aspect ratio, cross-sectional profile, etc.) of the laser-machined feature. The laser-machined feature can be processed to form the aperture by performing an isotropic wet-etch process employing an etchant solution containing HNO | 04-11-2013 |
20130102962 | IMPLANTABLE DRUG-DELIVERY DEVICES, AND APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FILLING THE DEVICES - In various embodiments, a tool is employed in filling a drug-delivery device. The tool may include, for example, a needle that is admitted through a fill port of the drug-delivery device. | 04-25-2013 |
20130116664 | IMPLANTABLE DRUG PUMPS AND REFILL DEVICES THEREFOR - Implanted drug pump devices can be refilled via a fill port in the drug reservoir that includes a self-resealable septum. | 05-09-2013 |
20130116665 | IMPLANTABLE DRUG PUMPS AND REFILL DEVICES THEREFOR - Implanted drug pump devices can be refilled with a refill needle inserted through a fill port in the drug reservoir of the drug pump device. Proper needle insertion may be verified visually or using electrical, magnetic, optical, acoustic, or other suitable sensing mechanisms. | 05-09-2013 |
20130137135 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR LEUKOCYTE DIFFERENTIAL COUNTING - The present invention provide compositions and methods for classifying leukocytes in a leukocyte population using fluorescence detection. The methods include contacting a leukocyte population in a sample having one or more leukocyte types with a diagnostic composition, exciting the leukocyte population with a light source; and measuring emitted light from each of the one or more leukocyte types to classify the leukocyte population. | 05-30-2013 |
20130137958 | MICROFABRICATED IMPLANTABLE WIRELESS PRESSURE SENSOR FOR USE IN BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS AND PRESSURE MEASUREMENT AND SENSOR IMPLANTATION METHODS - A variable capacitor, a microfabricated implantable pressure sensor including a variable capacitor and an inductor, and related pressure measurement and implantation methods. The inductor may have a fixed or variable inductance. A variable capacitor and pressure sensors include a flexible member that is disposed on a substrate and defines a chamber. Capacitor elements extend indirectly from the flexible member. Sufficient fluidic pressure applied to an exterior surface of the flexible member causes the flexible member to move or deform, thus causing the capacitance and/or inductance to change. Resulting changes in resonant frequency or impedance can be detected to determine pressure, e.g., intraocular pressure. | 05-30-2013 |
20130140270 | IC-PROCESSED POLYMER NANO-LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY SYSTEM ON-A-CHIP AND METHOD OF MAKING IT - Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to packed-column nano-liquid chromatography (nano-LC) systems integrated on-chip, and methods for producing and using same. The microfabricated chip includes a column, flits/filters, an injector, and a detector, fabricated in a process compatible with those conventionally utilized to form integrated circuits. The column can be packed with supports for various different stationary phases to allow performance of different forms of nano-LC, including but not limited to reversed-phase, normal-phase, adsorption, size-exclusion, affinity, and ion chromatography. A cross-channel injector injects a nanolitre/picolitre-volume sample plug at the column inlet. An electrochemical/conductivity sensor integrated at the column outlet measures separation signals. A self-aligned channel-strengthening technique increases pressure rating of the microfluidic system, allowing it to withstand the high pressure normally used in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). On-chip sample injection, separation, and detection of mixture of anions in water is successfully demonstrated using ion-exchange nano-LC. | 06-06-2013 |
20130143326 | ULTRATHIN PARYLENE-C SEMIPERMEABLE MEMBRANES FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS - Thin parylene C membranes having smooth front sides and ultrathin regions (e.g., 0.01 μm to 5 μm thick) interspersed with thicker regions are disclosed. The back sides of the membranes can be rough compared with the smooth front sides. The membranes can be used in vitro to grow monolayers of cells in a laboratory or in vivo as surgically implantable growth layers, such as to replace the Bruch's membrane in the eye. The thin regions of parylene are semipermeable to allow for proteins in serum to pass through, and the thick regions give mechanical support for handling by a surgeon. The smooth front side allows for monolayer cell growth, and the rough back side helps prevents cells from attaching there. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144399 | 3-DIMENSIONAL PARYLENE SCAFFOLD CAGE - Thin parylene C membranes having smooth front sides and ultrathin regions (e.g., 0.01 μm to 5 μm thick) interspersed with thicker regions are disclosed. The back sides of the membranes can be rough compared with the smooth front sides. The membranes can be used in vitro to grow monolayers of cells in a laboratory or in vivo as surgically implantable growth layers, such as to replace the Bruch's membrane in the eye. The application further provides an implantable cage-like apparatus for culturing cells comprising the parylene membrane. | 06-06-2013 |
20130150960 | ACCOMMODATING INTRAOCULAR LENS - Systems, devices, and methods are presented for a prosthetic injectable intraocular lens. The lenses can be made from silicone, fluorosilicone, and phenyl substituted silicone and be semipermeable to air. One or more silicone elastomeric patches located outside the optical path on the anterior side but away from the equator can be accessed by surgical needles in order to fill or adjust optically clear fluid within the lens. The fluid can be adjusted in order to set a base dioptric power of the lens and otherwise adjust a lens after its initial insertion. The elastomeric patches are sized so that they self-seal after a needle is withdrawn. A straight or stepped slit in the patch can allow a blunt needle to more easily access the interior of the lens. | 06-13-2013 |
20130276974 | DRUG-DELIVERY PUMPS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - Embodiments of method of manufacturing an implantable pump, including providing an upper layer comprising a dome structure for housing a drug chamber and a cannula in fluid communication with the drug chamber, providing a middle deflection layer adjacent the drug chamber, providing a bottom layer comprising electrolysis electrodes, and bonding the upper layer, middle deflection layer, and bottom layer to form the pump. | 10-24-2013 |
20130297019 | HIGH-LEAD COUNT IMPLANT DEVICE AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - The invention provides chip packaging and processes for the assembly of retinal prosthesis devices. Advantageously, photo-patternable adhesive or epoxy such as photoresist is used as glue to attach a chip to the targeted thin-film (e.g., parylene) substrate so that the chip is used as an attachment to prevent delamination. | 11-07-2013 |
20130310911 | PARYLENE-BASED MICROELECTRODE ARRAY IMPLANT FOR SPINAL CORD STIMULATION - An implantable electrode array assembly configured to apply electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. A substantially electrically nonconductive layer of the device has a first portion positionable alongside the spinal cord that includes a plurality of first openings. The layer has a second portion that includes a plurality of second openings. Electrodes and traces are positioned inside a peripheral portion of a body portion of the device and alongside the layer. At least one of the first openings is adjacent each of the electrodes to provide a pathway through which the electrode may provide electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. At least one of the second openings is adjacent each of the traces to provide a pathway through which the trace may receive electrical stimulation. At least one trace is connected to each electrode and configured to conduct electrical stimulation received by the trace(s) to the electrode. | 11-21-2013 |
20130317607 | ACCOMODATING INTRAOCULAR COMPOSITE LENS AND RELATED METHODS - An implantable intraocular lens and methods of manufacturing them provide a target degree of optical accommodation. In various embodiments, the lens includes at least one internal optic, an outer shell for enclosing at least a portion of the internal optic, and a fluid at least partially filling the outer shell. | 11-28-2013 |
20140034607 | IMPLANTABLE INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE DRAIN - An implanted parylene tube shunt relieves intra-ocular pressure. The device is implanted with an open end in the anterior chamber of the eye, allowing excess fluid to be drained through the tube out of the eye. In one embodiment, only a first end of the tube implanted into the anterior chamber of the eye is open. Intra-ocular pressure (IOP) is then monitored, for example utilizing an implanted sensor. When IOP exceeds a critical valve, a practitioner intervenes, puncturing with a laser a thinned region of the tube lying outside the eye, thereby initiating drainage of fluid and relieving pressure. In accordance with alternative embodiments, the both ends of the tube are open, and the tube includes a one-way valve configured to permit drainage where IOP exceeds the critical value. The tube may include projecting barbs to anchor the tube in the eye without the need for sutures. | 02-06-2014 |
20140038271 | METHODS FOR CANCER DETECTION, DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS - The present invention provides a method for diagnosing cancer, predicting a disease outcome or response to therapy in a patient sample. The method involves isolating a circulating tumor cell (CTC), for example, a viable CTC, from a sample using a parylene microfilter device comprising a membrane filter having or consisting of a parylene substrate, which has an array of holes with a predetermined shape and size; and detecting and quantifying telomerase activity in blood circulating tumor cells. The invention further provides methods of using cells live-captured in various applications. | 02-06-2014 |
20140048481 | INTEGRATED CHROMATOGRAPHY DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING ANALYTES IN REAL TIME AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Systems and methods for monitoring analytes in real time using integrated chromatography systems and devices. Integrated microfluidic liquid chromatography devices and systems include multiple separation columns integrated into a single substrate. Using such a device, parallel analysis of multiple samples can be performed simultaneously and/or sequential analysis of a single sample can be performed simultaneously on a single chip or substrate. The devices and systems are well suited for use in high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) applications. HPLC chips and devices including embedded parylene channels can be fabricated using a single mask process. | 02-20-2014 |
20140058506 | 3-COIL WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR EYE IMPLANTS - A three-coil electromagnetic induction power transfer system is disclosed for epiretinal prostheses and other implants. A third, buffer coil is disposed between an external transmitting coil and a receiver coil buried within the body to improve efficiency and robustness to misalignments. One or more of the coils can be manufactured using micromechanical machining techniques to lay out conductors in a ribbon of biocompatible insulator, folding lengths of the insulated conductor traces longitudinally over one another, and then spiraling them into a ring. The traces change axial position in the ring by shifting across fold lines. One or more U-shaped sections on the traces can be folded so that adjacent traces can project opposite one another, lengthening the resulting ribbon that can be wound into a coil. | 02-27-2014 |
20140088555 | Systems and Methods for Electrolysis Pump Control - Drug-delivery devices may utilize electrolysis pumps to push a plunger so as to deliver drug from a reservoir. The volume and/or rate of drug delivery may be monitored based on pressure measurements in the pump chamber. Pressure signatures characteristic of end-of-dose and occlusion events may be used to detect when plunger movement stops. | 03-27-2014 |
20140111765 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CUSTOMIZING ADJUSTABLE INTRAOCULAR LENSES - The lens geometry and power of an intraocular lens is optimized to provide both distance and near vision correction for a patient. The optimization may be based on one or more measured accommodation-related parameters and one or more estimated accommodation-related parameters. An accommodative amplitude may be predicted based on the measured and estimated accommodation-related parameters, and the optimized the intraocular lens geometry and power established based thereon. | 04-24-2014 |
20140180361 | NEUROSTIMULATOR - A neurostimulator device for use with groups (e.g., more than four groups) of electrodes. The neurostimulator may include a stimulation assembly configured to deliver different stimulation to each of the groups. The neurostimulator may also include at least one processor configured to direct the stimulation assembly to deliver stimulation to the groups. The stimulation delivered to at least one of the groups may include one or more waveform shapes other than a square or rectangular wave shape. The processor may receive data from one or more sensors and use that data to modify the stimulation delivered. The neurostimulator may be configured to communicate with an external computing device. The neurostimulator may send data to and/or receive data and/or instructions from the computing device. The computing device may use information collected by one or more sensors to at least partially determine stimulation parameters to communicate to the neurostimulator. | 06-26-2014 |
20140196798 | DIAPHRAGM CHECK VALVES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF - Microscale valves for use in, e.g., micropump devices, may be formed of a slitted diaphragm bonded to the interior of a valve tube. A bump in the diaphragm and/or a backward-leakage stopper may increase the breakdown pressure of the valve. A push-rod may be used to pre-load the valve membrane to thereby increase the cracking pressure. | 07-17-2014 |
20140316503 | PARYLENE-BASED MICROELECTRODE ARRAY IMPLANT FOR SPINAL CORD STIMULATION - An implantable electrode array assembly configured to apply electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. A substantially electrically nonconductive layer of the device has a first portion positionable alongside the spinal cord that includes a plurality of first openings. The layer has a second portion that includes a plurality of second openings. Electrodes and traces are positioned inside a peripheral portion of a body portion of the device and alongside the layer. At least one of the first openings is adjacent each of the electrodes to provide a pathway through which the electrode may provide electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. At least one of the second openings is adjacent each of the traces to provide a pathway through which the trace may receive electrical stimulation. At least one trace is connected to each electrode and configured to conduct electrical stimulation received by the trace(s) to the electrode. | 10-23-2014 |
20140358155 | INTRAOCULAR LENS PERIPHERAL SURGICAL SYSTEMS - Peripheral surgical systems are used for insertion and filling of fluid-filled intraocular lenses, reaccessing and modifying fluid-filled intraocular lenses, and explantation of lenses. Although one peripheral surgical unit may perform all of these functions, in some embodiments different units perform different functions—i.e., each function may be performed by a separate unit, or the functions may be distributed over a smaller number of functional units. | 12-04-2014 |
20140377742 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE - Described herein are particular embodiments relating to a microfluidic device that may be utilized for cell sensing, counting, and/or sorting. Particular aspects relate to a microfabricated device that is capable of differentiating single cell types from dense cell populations. One particular embodiment relates a device and methods of using the same for sensing, counting, and/or sorting leukocytes from whole, undiluted blood samples. | 12-25-2014 |
20150032207 | INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS FOR THE IMPLANTATION OF CELL-SEEDED SUBSTRATES - Disclosed herein are instruments and methods for delivery of substrates, including cell-seeded substrates, to target tissues requiring treatment for various diseases that induce cell death, damage or loss of function. The substrates are configured to provide cells, including stem cells, with a structural support that allows interconnection with and transmission of biological signals between the cells and the target tissue. | 01-29-2015 |
20150036302 | LONG-TERM PACKAGING FOR THE PROTECTION OF IMPLANT ELECTRONICS - The present invention provides a micropackaged device comprising: a substrate for securing a device; a corrosion barrier affixed to said substrate; optionally at least one feedthrough disposed in said substrate to permit at least one input and or at least one output line into said micropackaged device; and an encapsulation material layer configured to encapsulate the micropackaged device. | 02-05-2015 |