Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110087311 | Methods and Apparatus for Microstructure Lightguides - This invention may be implemented as a microstructure probe for delivering light of variable color and/or power, via a set of integrated lightguides, from an optical source (or set of sources) to regions spatially arranged 3-dimensionally, with a length scale of microns to millimeters. In exemplary embodiments of this invention, a microstructure probe comprises many lightguides and is adapted to be inserted into neural or other tissue. The lightguides run in parallel along at least a portion of the axis of the probe. The probe may deliver light to many points along the axis of insertion of the probe. | 04-14-2011 |
20120089205 | Methods and Apparatus for High-Throughput Neural Screening - In exemplary implementations of this invention, high-throughput screening of a mammalian brain is performed to locate neural circuit targets of interest. A variety of search patterns may be used for this neural screening, including (a) iterative subdivision, (b) serial search, and (c) combinatorial. To perform this neural screening, an array of optical fibers (or an array of waveguides) is inserted into the brain. Alternately, the array is positioned adjacent to the brain. Each fiber or waveguide in the array is coupled to a light source (LED or laser). The brain has been previously sensitized to light, using genetically encoded optical neural control reagents, which are delivered either using viruses or via transgenic means. In the screening, the array is used to optically perturb the brain. For example, the neurons of the brain may be activated by one color of light, and/or silenced by another color of light. | 04-12-2012 |
20120121542 | RED-SHIFTED OPSIN MOLECULES AND USES THEREOF - The invention, in some aspects relates to compositions and methods for altering cell activity and function and the use of light-activated ion pumps (LAIPs). | 05-17-2012 |
20120123508 | Methods and apparatus for wireless control of biological tissue - In exemplary implementations of this present invention, a supercapacitor-based electronic device delivers high currents to an array of implantable light sources or electrodes. The device receives wireless power from an external transmit coil and receives control signals from either an onboard computer or external wireless data telemetry. | 05-17-2012 |
20120214188 | LIGHT-ACTIVATED ION CHANNEL MOLECULES AND USES THEREOF - The invention, in some aspects relates to compositions and methods for altering cell activity and function and the use of light-activated ion channels (LAICs). | 08-23-2012 |
20130157498 | Methods and apparatus for three-dimensional microfabricated arrays - In exemplary implementations of this invention, electrical connections are fabricated between two orthogonal surfaces by electroplating. The two surfaces are separated (except for the electrical connections) by a gap of not more than 100 micrometers. Multiple electrical connections may be fabricated across the gap. In preparatory steps, conductive pads on the two surfaces may be separately electroplated to build up “bumps” that make it easier to bridge the remainder of the gap in a final plating step. Alternately, electroless deposition may be used instead of electroplating. In exemplary implementations, a 3D probe array may be assembled by inserting array structures into an orthogonal base plate. The array structures may be aligned and held in place, relative to the base plate, by mechanical means, including side hooks, stabilizers, bottom hooks, alignment parts and a back plate. | 06-20-2013 |
20140324134 | CHANNELRHODOPSINS FOR OPTICAL CONTROL OF CELLS - The invention, in some aspects relates to compositions and methods for altering cell activity and function and the introduction and use of light-activated ion channels. | 10-30-2014 |
20140324138 | Wirelessly-powered illumination of biological tissue - In exemplary implementations of this invention, an implant device is wholly or partially implanted in a mammal. The implant device includes an antenna, circuitry, a supercapacitor, one or more light sources, and an array of optical fibers or light guides. The antenna and circuitry receive energy by wireless transmission from an external transmit coil. The supercapacitor stores at least a portion of the energy and provides power to one or more light sources. The array of optical fibers or light guides deliver light from the light sources to living tissue of a mammal. The tissue includes light-sensitive, heterologously expressed proteins. The light affects the light-sensitive proteins, triggering a change in all or part of the tissue, such as a change in voltage, pH or a change in function. | 10-30-2014 |