Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080264506 | System and method for using electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) for controlling fluid in a microfluidic circuit - A system for controlling fluid flow in a microfluidic circuit includes at least one microfluidic channel having a first fluid, a switch element coupled to the microfluidic channel, the switch element comprising at least one inlet, at least one outlet and a second fluid, the second fluid being immiscible with respect to the first fluid. The system also includes an actuator configured to alter the position of the second fluid, such that when in a first position, the second fluid allows the first fluid to flow from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet, and such that when in a second position, the second fluid prevents the first fluid from flowing from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet. | 10-30-2008 |
20090082552 | Microfluidic protein assay - A microfluidic device for separating a fluid sample into components is disclosed. The microfluidic device is used for assaying proteins for the purpose of identification of protein species. The microfluidic device employs integrated features such as a sample well for holding a protein sample, a thermal control device for heating the protein sample in the sample well, and a protein separation region in fluid communication with the sample well. Also disclosed is a method for assaying a protein sample. | 03-26-2009 |
20090087884 | Microfluidic nucleic acid amplification and separation - Microfluidic devices designed for assaying biochemical molecules are disclosed. The microfluidic devices are capable of assaying nucleic acids for identification of nucleic acid species. The microfluidic devices are adapted to carry out an amplification of the nucleic acid and subsequent separation of amplified nucleic acid species. Also disclosed is a method for amplifying and separating a nucleic acid sample on a microfluidic device. | 04-02-2009 |
20090087924 | MICROFLUIDIC REVERSE AFFINITY-BLOT DEVICE - The microfluidic reverse affinity-blot device of the present disclosure combines affinity binding for isolation and/or enrichment of protein(s) from a sample, followed by separation/identification thereof. In general terms, a microfluidic reverse affinity-blot device is a closed system of interconnected components that is comprised of defined points of entry and exit, wherein the interconnected components include a capture region upstream from a protein separation region and subsequent detection region. Methods of use are also described. | 04-02-2009 |
20090206293 | Flow Controller with Channel Having Deformable Wall - An apparatus and method for controlling the flow of fluid though a channel. A first substrate defines features comprising a first channel. At least a portion of the first channel is bounded a deformable material having a first contour in which the first channel has a first cross-sectional area and a second contour in which the first channel has a second cross-sectional area. | 08-20-2009 |
20110106101 | Steerable Stylet - A stylet for inserting an electrode array into a cochlea includes a first sensor insertable within a lumen of the electrode array and sensitive to force applied by a lumen wall to the first sensor and a first actuator adapted to move the electrode array in response to the force sensed by the first sensor. | 05-05-2011 |
20110139484 | Hermetic Electrical Feedthrough - A method for fabricating a hermetic electrical feedthrough includes engraving a circuitous groove into a surface of an electrically conductive monolithic slab so that the interior of the circuitous groove forms a pin. A dielectric material is formed in the circuitous groove. The pin is then electrically isolated from the surrounding material and provides electrical access through the hermetic feedthrough. | 06-16-2011 |
20110295352 | Cochlear Lead - A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrodes configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea and a flexible body supporting the plurality of electrodes along a length of the flexible body. A stiffening element is slidably encapsulated within the flexible body and positioned such that the stiffening element plastically deforms upon insertion into a curved portion of the cochlea. | 12-01-2011 |
20120012374 | ELECTRICAL FEEDTHROUGH ASSEMBLY - An electrical feedthrough includes a ceramic body and a ribbon via extending through the ceramic body, an interface between the ribbon via and the ceramic body being sealed using partial transient liquid phase bonding. The ribbon via extends out of the ceramic body and makes an electrical connection with an external device. | 01-19-2012 |
20120296405 | COCHLEAR ELECTRODE ARRAY - A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrode assemblies partially embedded in a flexible body configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea. Each of the electrode assemblies includes a flexible electrically conductive material forming a plurality of support structures and an electrode pad attached a support structure, the electrode pad having a surface that is configured to be exposed to cochlear tissue and fluids and has a charge transfer to the cochlear tissue and fluids that is higher than the flexible electrically conductive material. | 11-22-2012 |
20130100595 | Electrical Feedthrough Assembly - A device includes a hermetically sealed case with electronic circuitry housed within. One surface of the hermetically sealed case includes a metallic plate and a co-fired ceramic electrical feedthrough with a number of vias. The co-fired ceramic electrical feedthrough is hermetically joined to the metallic plate and a hybrid circuit is connected to the feedthrough. | 04-25-2013 |
20140163662 | INTEGRATED WIRE CARRIER FOR ELECTRODE ARRAY - A method for forming a cochlear electrode array with a plurality of electrodes which are spaced so as to stimulate sites within a cochlea includes shaping a sheet of electrically conductive material to form a support structure and a plurality of electrodes, in which the electrodes are tethered to the support structure at the spacing of the cochlear electrode array. A cochlear lead includes a flexible body that has frictional characteristics that vary about its circumference. A cochlear lead includes a flexible body with a first region and a second region with different surface textures. This generates differential sliding forces during insertion of the cochlear lead which influence a motion of the cochlear lead during insertion. The cochlear lead having an electrode array with varying stiffness along its length is also provided. | 06-12-2014 |
20140336739 | POROUS DEALLOYED ELECTRODES - An active implantable electrode includes a conductive substrate and a dealloyed metal on a surface of the conductive substrate such that an electrical voltage applied to the conductor is conducted through the conductive substrate and transferred from the dealloyed metal to surrounding biological tissues. A method for forming a dealloyed electrode is also provided. | 11-13-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100277722 | INTEGRATED FLOW CELL WITH SEMICONDUCTOR OXIDE TUBING - An integrated flow cell, the flow cell comprising a semiconductor substrate, and a fluidic conduit having an at least partially transparent semiconductor oxide tubing, wherein the semiconductor oxide tubing is formed with the semiconductor substrate. | 11-04-2010 |
20110022145 | INTEGRATED WIRE CARRIER FOR ELECTRODE ARRAY - A method for forming a cochlear electrode array with a plurality of electrodes which are spaced so as to stimulate sites within a cochlea includes shaping a sheet of electrically conductive material to form a support structure and a plurality of electrodes, in which the electrodes are tethered to the support structure at the spacing of the cochlear electrode array. A cochlear lead includes a flexible body that has frictional characteristics that vary about its circumference. A cochlear lead includes a flexible body with a first region and a second region with different surface textures. This generates differential sliding forces during insertion of the cochlear lead which influence a motion of the cochlear lead during insertion. The cochlear lead having an electrode array with varying stiffness along its length is also provided. | 01-27-2011 |
20110319908 | TOOLS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR INSERTING A PRE-CURVED ELECTRODE ARRAY PORTION OF A LEAD INTO A BODILY ORIFICE - Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting a pre-curved electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a slider assembly, an insertion assembly coupled to the handle assembly, and a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly and configured to selectively couple to a straightening member inserted into the pre-curved electrode array portion and at least partially retract the straightening member from the pre-curved electrode array portion in response to actuation by a user of the slider assembly. The retractor assembly may comprise a spring-loaded retractor member configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position in response to actuation by the user of the slider assembly to at least partially retract the straightening member from the pre-curved electrode array portion. Corresponding insertion tools, systems, and methods are also described. | 12-29-2011 |
20110319909 | TOOLS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR INSERTING AN ELECTRODE ARRAY PORTION OF A LEAD INTO A BODILY ORIFICE - Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting an electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a slider assembly, a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly, and a rocker lever. The retractor assembly may include a stiffening member configured to be inserted into the electrode array portion and a spring-loaded retractor member coupled at a proximal end of the stiffening member. The spring-loaded retractor member may be configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position to at least partially retract the stiffening member from the electrode array portion. The rocker lever may be configured to selectively retain the spring-loaded retractor member in the distal position. Corresponding tools, systems, and methods are also described. | 12-29-2011 |
20110319974 | TOOLS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR INSERTING AN ELECTRODE ARRAY PORTION OF A LEAD INTO A BODILY ORIFICE - Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting an electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly, and a slider assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly. The retractor assembly may include a stiffening member configured to be inserted into an electrode array portion and a spring-loaded retractor member coupled to the stiffening member and configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position to at least partially retract the stiffening member from the electrode array portion. The slider assembly may be configured to selectively retain the spring-loaded retractor member and further configured to release the spring-loaded retractor member to move from the distal position to the proximal position in response to actuation by a user of the slider assembly. | 12-29-2011 |
20120035615 | Composite Stylet - A composite stylet for facilitating insertion of an implantable electrode array into either a left or right cochlea comprises a composite having a glass transition temperature between room temperature and body temperature. While relatively stiff and straight at room temperature, the composite stylet is slidably inserted into a longitudinal lumen of the electrode array. The electrode array is then inserted into the cochlea. As the composite stylet within the electrode array warms to body temperature, it becomes compliant, allowing the electrode array to assume a spiral shape. The proximal end of the composite stylet, which is not inserted into the body, retains its stiffness to aid the implanter in inserting the electrode array. | 02-09-2012 |