Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100087782 | CATHETER BALLOON HAVING STRETCHABLE INTEGRATED CIRCUITRY AND SENSOR ARRAY - A system, device and method are presented for utilizing stretchable active integrated circuits with inflatable bodies. The invention allows for such operative features to come into direct contact with body structures, such as the inner wall of a lumen. Such direct contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy. | 04-08-2010 |
20100116526 | EXTREMELY STRETCHABLE ELECTRONICS - In embodiments, the present invention may attach at least two isolated electronic components to an elastomeric substrate, and arrange an electrical interconnection between the components in a boustrophedonic pattern interconnecting the two isolated electronic components with the electrical interconnection. The elastomeric substrate may then be stretched such that the components separate relative to one another, where the electrical interconnection maintains substantially identical electrical performance characteristics during stretching, and where the stretching may extend the separation distance between the electrical components to many times that of the unstretched distance. | 05-13-2010 |
20100178722 | METHODS AND APPLICATIONS OF NON-PLANAR IMAGING ARRAYS - System, devices and methods are presented that provide an imaging array fabrication process method, comprising fabricating an array of semiconductor imaging elements, interconnecting the elements with stretchable interconnections, and transfer printing the array with a pre-strained elastomeric stamp to a secondary non-planar surface. | 07-15-2010 |
20100271191 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS UTILIZING STRETCHABLE ELECTRONICS TO MEASURE TIRE OR ROAD SURFACE CONDITIONS - In embodiments, the present invention may comprise a sensor-based tire data collection facility integrated with the body of a vehicle tire, wherein the sensor-based tire data collection facility includes a stretchable electronics circuit and a wireless communications facility for communicating data collected by the sensor-based tire data collection facility to a vehicle data collection facility external to the body of the vehicle tire. | 10-28-2010 |
20100298895 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES USING STRETCHABLE OR FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS - System, devices and methods are presented that integrate stretchable or flexible circuitry, including arrays of active devices for enhanced sensing, diagnostic, and therapeutic capabilities. The invention enables conformal sensing contact with tissues of interest, such as the inner wall of a lumen, a nerve bundle, or the surface of the heart. Such direct, conformal contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy. | 11-25-2010 |
20110034912 | SYSTEMS,METHODS, AND DEVICES HAVING STRETCHABLE INTEGRATED CIRCUITRY FOR SENSING AND DELIVERING THERAPY - System, devices and methods are presented that integrate stretchable or flexible circuitry, including arrays of active devices for enhanced sensing, diagnostic, and therapeutic capabilities. The invention enables conformal sensing contact with tissues of interest, such as the inner wall of a lumen, a the brain, or the surface of the heart. Such direct, conformal contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy. Further, the invention enables the incorporation of both sensing and therapeutic devices on the same substrate allowing for faster treatment of diseased tissue and fewer devices to perform the same procedure. | 02-10-2011 |
20110215931 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ASSESSING HEAD TRAUMA BASED ON CONFORMAL SENSING OF FORCE AND/OR CHANGE IN MOTION OF A PERSON'S HEAD - Sensing a force and/or a change of motion proximate to a person's head via one or more sensing elements (e.g., a pressure sensor, an accelerometer) disposed on a flexible substrate having a sufficient mechanical coupling to the person's head. The conformality of the sensing element facilitates intimate proximity to the surface of the person's head to ensure accurate sensing. A processor receiving one or more signals from the sensing element may provide information relating to possible injury to a body part (e.g., head trauma) resulting from sensed forces and/or changes in motion. Such information may be conveyed by one or more output devices that provide indications of possible degrees of injury/trauma. A conformal sensing apparatus may be integrated with a protective garment or accessory, such as a helmet, wherein the conformality of the sensing apparatus also ensures sufficient comfort for the wearer. | 09-08-2011 |
20110218756 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONFORMAL SENSING OF FORCE AND/OR ACCELERATION AT A PERSON'S HEAD - Sensing a force and/or a change in motion proximate to an arbitrarily-shaped surface via a conformal sensing element (e.g., a pressure sensor, an accelerometer) disposed on a flexible substrate and having a sufficient mechanical coupling to the surface. The conformality of the sensing element facilitates intimate proximity to the surface to ensure accurate sensing. Examples of arbitrarily-shaped surfaces include body parts of a person (e.g., a head). A processor receiving one or more signals from the sensing element may provide information relating to possible injury to a body part (e.g., head trauma) resulting from sensed forces and/or changes in motion. Such information may be conveyed by one or more output devices that provide indications of possible degrees of injury/trauma. A conformal sensing apparatus may be integrated with a protective garment or accessory, such as a helmet, wherein the conformality of the sensing apparatus also ensures sufficient comfort for the wearer. | 09-08-2011 |
20110218757 | METHODS AND APPARATUS HAVING POWER CONTROL FEATURES FOR CONFORMAL SENSING OF CHANGE IN MOTION OF A BODY PART - Sensing a change in motion proximate to a body part of a person via one or more sensing elements disposed on a flexible substrate and having a sufficient mechanical coupling to the body part. A proximity of the sensing element(s) to the body part is detected, and power is coupled to or decoupled from the sensing element(s) based at least in part on the detected proximity. | 09-08-2011 |
20120065937 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING TECHNICAL PARAMETERS OF EQUIPMENT, TOOLS AND COMPONENTS VIA CONFORMAL ELECTRONICS - A flexible and/or stretchable “test data sheet” is provided for recording technical parameters associated with various industrial equipment. The test data sheet includes a flexible and/or stretchable substrate, a microprocessor disposed on the substrate, a memory disposed on the substrate, a power source disposed on the substrate, and one or more sensors of various types disposed on the substrate (e.g., temperature sensors, photodiodes/imaging sensors, impact/force sensors, accelerometers, etc.). The test data sheet optionally may include one or more ports or communication interfaces to facilitate wired or wireless communication to/from the data sheet. The test data sheet is coupled (e.g., applied to) an arbitrarily-shaped surface associated with a piece of industrial equipment, a tool, a pipe, etc., and the test data sheet conforms to as to facilitate intimate proximity to the surface. In this manner, the test data sheet may be in the form of an electronic sticker or decal. The elastic nature of the test data sheet permits it to accommodate vibrations, stretching, change of shape, etc. of the surface itself, and harsh conditions associated with same, while nonetheless maintaining the data sheet's electronic functionality. | 03-15-2012 |
20120092178 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONFORMAL SENSING OF CHANGE IN MOTION AT AN ARBITRARILY-SHAPED SURFACE - Sensing a change in motion proximate to an arbitrarily-shaped surface via a single sensing element (e.g., a pressure sensor, an accelerometer) disposed on a flexible substrate having a sufficient mechanical coupling to the arbitrarily-shaped surface. The change in motion may include at least one of an acceleration, an orientation, a vibration shock and a falling process. In one example, the flexible substrate substantially conforms to the arbitrarily-shaped surface so as to facilitate intimate proximity to the arbitrarily-shaped surface. In another example, a coupling mechanism may mechanically couple the sensing element to the arbitrarily-shaped surface. One or more LEDs coupled to the sensing element may provide a visual cue representing impact or trauma to the surface based on different colors respectively corresponding to a degree of the impact or trauma. | 04-19-2012 |
20120226130 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES HAVING STRETCHABLE INTEGRATED CIRCUITRY FOR SENSING AND DELIVERING THERAPY - System, devices and methods are presented that integrate stretchable or flexible circuitry, including arrays of active devices for enhanced sensing, diagnostic, and therapeutic capabilities. The invention enables conformal sensing contact with tissues of interest, such as the inner wall of a lumen, a the brain, or the surface of the heart. Such direct, conformal contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy. Further, the invention enables the incorporation of both sensing and therapeutic devices on the same substrate allowing for faster treatment of diseased tissue and fewer devices to perform the same procedure. | 09-06-2012 |
20120244848 | PROTECTIVE CASES WITH INTEGRATED ELECTRONICS - A protective case for a wireless electronics device includes one or more output devices integrated with or bonded to the protective case, from which a perceivable output (e.g., visible or audible indication) is generated. Various other electronics (e.g., circuit elements, ICs, microcontrollers, sensors) also may be integrated with or bonded to the protective case to provide power and/or one or more output signals to control the output device(s). In one example, a wireless signal generated by the wireless device is sensed by the integrated electronics, and the output device(s) are controlled based on the detected wireless signal. The protective case may be substantially rigid or at least partially deformable (flexible and/or stretchable), and the integrated electronics similarly may be at least partially deformable such that they may conform with various contours of the protective case and remain operative notwithstanding flexing and/or stretching of the case. | 09-27-2012 |
20130099358 | ELECTRONIC, OPTICAL AND/OR MECHANICAL APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING SAME - Flexible electronic structure and methods for fabricating flexible electronic structures are provided. An example method includes applying a first layer to a substrate, creating a plurality of vias through the first layer to the substrate, and applying a second polymer layer to the first layer such that the second polymer forms anchors contacting at least a portion of the substrate. At least one electronic device layer is disposed on a portion of the second polymer layer. At least one trench is formed through the second polymer layer to expose at least a portion of the first layer. At least a portion of the first layer is removed by exposing the structure to a selective etchant to providing a flexible electronic structure that is in contact with the substrate. The electronic structure can be released from the substrate. | 04-25-2013 |
20130118255 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONFORMAL SENSING OF FORCE AND/OR CHANGE IN MOTION - Sensing a force and/or a change in motion proximate to an arbitrarily-shaped surface via a conformal sensing element (e.g., a pressure sensor, an accelerometer) disposed on a flexible substrate and having a sufficient mechanical coupling to the surface. The conformality of the sensing element facilitates intimate proximity to the surface to ensure accurate sensing. Examples of arbitrarily-shaped surfaces include body parts of a person (e.g., a head). A processor receiving one or more signals from the sensing element may provide information relating to possible injury to a body part (e.g., head trauma) resulting from sensed forces and/or changes in motion. Such information may be conveyed by one or more output devices that provide indications of possible degrees of injury/trauma. A conformal sensing apparatus may be integrated with a protective garment or accessory, such as a helmet, wherein the conformality of the sensing apparatus also ensures sufficient comfort for the wearer. | 05-16-2013 |
20130150693 | CATHETER BALLOON METHODS AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING SENSING ELEMENTS - An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provides. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate forming an inflatable body and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate. The plurality of sensing elements are disposed about the inflatable body such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal curvature of the inflatable body in a deflated state. | 06-13-2013 |
20130192356 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING TECHNICAL PARAMETERS OF EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND COMPONENTS VIA CONFORMAL ELECTRONICS - A flexible and/or stretchable “test data sheet” is provided for recording technical parameters associated with various industrial equipment. The test data sheet includes a flexible and/or stretchable substrate, a microprocessor disposed on the substrate, a memory disposed on the substrate, a power source disposed on the substrate, and one or more sensors of various types disposed on the substrate (e.g., temperature sensors, photodiodes/imaging sensors, impact/force sensors, accelerometers, etc.). The test data sheet optionally may include one or more ports or communication interfaces to facilitate wired or wireless communication to/from the data sheet. The test data sheet is coupled (e.g., applied to) an arbitrarily-shaped surface associated with a piece of industrial equipment, a tool, a pipe, etc., and the test data sheet conforms to as to facilitate intimate proximity to the surface. In this manner, the test data sheet may be in the form of an electronic sticker or decal. The elastic nature of the test data sheet permits it to accommodate vibrations, stretching, change of shape, etc. Of the surface itself, and harsh conditions associated with same, while nonetheless maintaining the data sheet's electronic functionality. | 08-01-2013 |
20130225965 | CATHETER BALLOON HAVING STRETCHABLE INTEGRATED CIRCUITRY AND SENSOR ARRAY - A system, device and method are presented for utilizing stretchable active integrated circuits with inflatable bodies. The invention allows for such operative features to come into direct contact with body structures, such as the inner wall of a lumen. Such direct contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy. | 08-29-2013 |
20130274562 | CARDIAC CATHETER EMPLOYING CONFORMAL ELECTRONICS FOR MAPPING - An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate, an intermediate bus disposed on the flexible substrate, and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate and coupled to the intermediate bus. The plurality of sensing elements and intermediate bus are disposed on the flexible substrate such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal strain of the flexible substrate. | 10-17-2013 |
20130313713 | EXTREMELY STRETCHABLE ELECTRONICS - In embodiments, the present invention may attach at least two isolated electronic components to an elastomeric substrate, and arrange an electrical interconnection between the components in a boustrophedonic pattern interconnecting the two isolated electronic components with the electrical interconnection. The elastomeric substrate may then be stretched such that the components separate relative to one another, where the electrical interconnection maintains substantially identical electrical performance characteristics during stretching, and where the stretching may extend the separation distance between the electrical components to many times that of the un-stretched distance. | 11-28-2013 |
20130316487 | METHODS AND APPLICATIONS OF NON-PLANAR IMAGING ARRAYS - System, devices and methods are presented that provide an imaging array fabrication process method, comprising fabricating an array of semiconductor imaging elements, interconnecting the elements with stretchable interconnections, and transfer printing the array with a pre-strained elastomeric stamp to a secondary non-planar surface. | 11-28-2013 |
20140001058 | INTEGRATED DEVICES TO FACILITATE QUANTITATIVE ASSAYS AND DIAGNOSTICS | 01-02-2014 |
20140012160 | CATHETER BALLOON EMPLOYING FORCE SENSING ELEMENTS - An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provides. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate forming an inflatable body and a plurality of force sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate. The plurality of force sensing elements are disposed about the inflatable body such that the force sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal curvature of the inflatable body in a deflated state. | 01-09-2014 |
20140012242 | CATHETER DEVICE INCLUDING FLOW SENSING - Devices and methods are provided for performing an ablation procedure on tissue with flow monitoring using flow sensors. The devices include a catheter, and at least one flow sensor disposed on the catheter, and a component for applying the ablation procedure. An assessment module provides an indication of the efficacy of the ablation procedure based on the flow measurement from the flow sensor. | 01-09-2014 |
20140039290 | Systems, Methods and Devices Having Stretchable Integrated Circuitry for Sensing and Delivering Therapy - System, devices and methods are presented that integrate stretchable or flexible circuitry, including arrays of active devices for enhanced sensing, diagnostic, and therapeutic capabilities. The invention enables conformal sensing contact with tissues of interest, such as the inner wall of a lumen, a the brain, or the surface of the heart. Such direct, conformal contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy. Further, the invention enables the incorporation of both sensing and therapeutic devices on the same substrate allowing for faster treatment of diseased tissue and fewer devices to perform the same procedure. | 02-06-2014 |
20140249520 | CATHETER OR GUIDEWIRE DEVICE INCLUDING FLOW SENSING AND USE THEREOF - Devices and methods are provided for performing procedure on tissue with flow monitoring using flow sensors. The devices include an elongated member, and at least one flow sensor disposed on the elongated member. The flow sensor includes at least one temperature sensor and at least one heating element having a cavity. At least a portion of the at least one temperature sensor is housed in the cavity. A temperature measurement of the temperature sensor provides an indication of the flow rate of a fluid proximate to the flow sensor. | 09-04-2014 |
20140303452 | Systems, Methods, and Devices Having Stretchable Integrated Circuitry for Sensing and Delivering Therapy - System, devices and methods are presented that integrate stretchable or flexible circuitry, including arrays of active devices for enhanced sensing, diagnostic, and therapeutic capabilities. The invention enables conformal sensing contact with tissues of interest, such as the inner wall of a lumen, a the brain, or the surface of the heart. Such direct, conformal contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy. Further, the invention enables the incorporation of both sensing and therapeutic devices on the same substrate allowing for faster treatment of diseased tissue and fewer devices to perform the same procedure. | 10-09-2014 |
20150069617 | EXTREMELY STRETCHABLE ELECTRONICS - In embodiments, the present invention may attach at least two isolated electronic components to an elastomeric substrate, and arrange an electrical interconnection between the components in a boustrophedonic pattern interconnecting the two isolated electronic components with the electrical interconnection. The elastomeric substrate may then be stretched such that the components separate relative to one another, where the electrical interconnection maintains substantially identical electrical performance characteristics during stretching, and where the stretching may extend the separation distance between the electrical components to many times that of the un-stretched distance. | 03-12-2015 |
20150099976 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES USING STRETCHABLE OR FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS - System, devices and methods are presented that integrate stretchable or flexible circuitry, including arrays of active devices for enhanced sensing, diagnostic, and therapeutic capabilities. The invention enables conformal sensing contact with tissues of interest, such as the inner wall of a lumen, a nerve bundle, or the surface of the heart. Such direct, conformal contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy. | 04-09-2015 |
20150194817 | INTEGRATED DEVICES FOR LOW POWER QUANTITATIVE MEASUREMENTS - A device includes a wirelessly enabled energy harvesting device, an energy storage component, a DC-DC converter, and a functional circuit. The energy storage component is electrically coupled to the wirelessly enabled energy harvesting device for storing energy harvested by the wirelessly enabled energy harvesting device from a wireless transmitting device positioned adjacent to the device. The DC-DC converter is electrically coupled to the energy storage component for receiving a voltage output from the energy storage component and converting the received voltage output to a second voltage level to provide power to one or more components of the device. The functional circuit is for measuring a concentration of a substance in a fluid sample. The functional circuit is coupled to the DC-DC converter such that the functional circuit obtains at least a portion of the power provided by the DC-DC converter. | 07-09-2015 |
20150260713 | QUANTIFICATION OF A CHANGE IN ASSAY - The present invention relates to portable devices for point-of-care diagnostics that can perform measurements on a sample (e.g., blood, serum, saliva, or urine) and relay data to an external device for, e.g., data analysis. The device can comprise a paper-based diagnostic substrate and a base substrate that include electronic circuitry and electronic elements necessary for performing the measurements. The device can also comprise an antenna for near field communication with an external device. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods of using these devices. | 09-17-2015 |
20150272652 | CARDIAC CATHETER EMPLOYING CONFORMAL ELECTRONICS FOR MAPPING - An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate, an intermediate bus disposed on the flexible substrate, and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate and coupled to the intermediate bus. The plurality of sensing elements and intermediate bus are disposed on the flexible substrate such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal strain of the flexible substrate. | 10-01-2015 |
20150320472 | CATHETER BALLOON METHODS AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING SENSING ELEMENTS - An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provides. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate forming an inflatable body and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate. The plurality of sensing elements are disposed about the inflatable body such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal curvature of the inflatable body in a deflated state. | 11-12-2015 |
20150342036 | METHOD FOR FABRICATING A FLEXIBLE ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE AND A FLEXIBLE ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE - Flexible electronic structure and methods for fabricating flexible electronic structures are provided. An example method includes applying a first layer to a substrate, creating a plurality of vias through the first layer to the substrate, and applying a second polymer layer to the first layer such that the second polymer forms anchors contacting at least a portion of the substrate. At least one electronic device layer is disposed on a portion of the second polymer layer. At least one trench is formed through the second polymer layer to expose at least a portion of the first layer. At least a portion of the first layer is removed by exposing the structure to a selective etchant to providing a flexible electronic structure that is in contact with the substrate. The electronic structure can be released from the substrate. | 11-26-2015 |