Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080277615 | ON CHIP DILUTION SYSTEM - An on-chip chemical compound dilution system for providing dilution of a chemical compound in a microfluidic application includes at least one sample well for providing a selected chemical compound to be diluted, a dilution well for providing a diluent for diluting the chemical compound, a network of channels for carrying the chemical compound and diluent, a first syringe pump for effecting dilution, a second syringe pump, a detector and a plurality of valves for selectively controlling the flow of liquid through the channels. The dilution system may be a multiple-stage dilution system for precisely mixing a plurality of chemical compounds in a diluent. The dilution system allows for accurate calibration to compensate for variations due to manufacturing, thereby providing precise dilution ratios. The dilution system further enables flushing to allow re-use of the system with another chemical compound. | 11-13-2008 |
20090071541 | IMPLEMENTATION OF MICROFLUIDIC COMPONENTS IN A MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEM - A system and method for integrating microfluidic components in a microfluidic system enables the microfluidic system to perform a selected microfluidic function. A capping module includes a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function. The capping module is stacked on a microfluidic substrate having microfluidic plumbing to incorporate the microfluidic function into the system. An infusion pump for delivering a fluid from a fluid source may be integrated in a microfluidic chip using a capping module having pumping components formed therein. | 03-19-2009 |
20090168053 | OPTICAL DETECTOR FOR A PARTICLE SORTING SYSTEM - An optical system for acquiring fast spectra from spatially channel arrays includes a light source for producing a light beam that passes through the microfluidic chip or the channel to be monitored, one or more lenses or optical fibers for capturing the light from the light source after interaction with the particles or chemicals in the microfluidic channels, and one or more detectors. The detectors, which may include light amplifying elements, detect each light signal and transducer the light signal into an electronic signal. The electronic signals, each representing the intensity of an optical signal, pass from each detector to an electronic data acquisition system for analysis. The light amplifying element or elements may comprise an array of phototubes, a multianode phototube, or a multichannel plate based image intensifier coupled to an array of photodiode detectors. | 07-02-2009 |
20090291463 | IMPLEMENTATION OF MICROFLUIDIC COMPONENTS, INCLUDING MOLECULAR FRACTIONATION DEVICES, IN A MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEM - A system and method for integrating microfluidic components in a microfluidic system enables the microfluidic system to perform a selected microfluidic function. A capping module includes a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function. The capping module is stacked on a microfluidic substrate having microfluidic plumbing to incorporate the microfluidic function into the system. The microfluidic element may comprise a matrix having an affinity for selected molecules in a sample. The matrix binds, reacts with and/or retains the selected molecules without affecting other molecules in the sample. | 11-26-2009 |
20100032350 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING PARTICLES - A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate. | 02-11-2010 |
20100111616 | Multilayer Hydrodynamic Sheath Flow Structure - A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip. | 05-06-2010 |
20100133151 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING PARTICLES - A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate. | 06-03-2010 |
20110005978 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING PARTICLES - A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate. | 01-13-2011 |
20110168871 | OPTICAL DETECTOR FOR A PARTICLE SORTING SYSTEM - An optical system for acquiring fast spectra from spatially channel arrays includes a light source for producing a light beam that passes through the microfluidic chip or the channel to be monitored, one or more lenses or optical fibers for capturing the light from the light source after interaction with the particles or chemicals in the microfluidic channels, and one or more detectors. The detectors, which may include light amplifying elements, detect each light signal and transducer the light signal into an electronic signal. The electronic signals, each representing the intensity of an optical signal, pass from each detector to an electronic data acquisition system for analysis. The light amplifying element or elements may comprise an array of phototubes, a multianode phototube, or a multichannel plate based image intensifier coupled to an array of photodiode detectors. | 07-14-2011 |
20110201981 | COMPRESSION GARMENT ASSEMBLY - A compression garment assembly comprises a compression garment adapted for placement on a body part in a self-retaining configuration and for removal from the body part. The compression garment has at least one inflatable bladder for applying compression to the body part. A portable controller unit is adapted for fluid connection to the inflatable bladder and is configured for cyclically inflating the bladder. The compression garment and portable controller unit are configured so that the portable controller unit must be disconnected from the compression garment before the compression garment can be removed from the body part. Loss of the portable controller unit by, for example, accidental disposal with the compression garment is thus prevented. | 08-18-2011 |
20120006727 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING PARTICLES - A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate. | 01-12-2012 |
20120009025 | Multilayer Hydrodynamic Sheath Flow Structure - A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip. | 01-12-2012 |
20120009619 | UNITARY CARTRIDGE FOR PARTICLE PROCESSING - A single disposable cartridge for performing a process on a particle, such as particle sorting, encapsulates all fluid contact surfaces in the cartridge for use with microfluidic particle processing technology. The cartridge interfaces with an operating system for effecting particle processing. The encapsulation of the fluid contact surfaces insures, improves or promotes operator isolation and/or product isolation. The cartridge may employ any suitable technique for processing particles. | 01-12-2012 |
20120012508 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING PARTICLES - A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate. | 01-19-2012 |
20120015442 | MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEM INCLUDING A BUBBLE VALVE FOR REGULATING FLUID FLOW THROUGH A MICROCHANNEL - A microfluidic system includes a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel. The bubble valve includes a fluid meniscus interfacing the microchannel interior and an actuator for deflecting the membrane into the microchannel interior to regulate fluid flow. The actuator generates a gas bubble in a liquid in the microchannel when a sufficient pressure is generated on the membrane. | 01-19-2012 |
20120078145 | COMPRESSION GARMENT APPARATUS HAVING SUPPORT BLADDER - A compression garment apparatus includes a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer intermittently pressurizes a therapeutic bladder on the compression garment and pressurizes a support bladder on the compression garment to enhance the fit of the compression garment and maintain the therapeutic bladder in position with respect to a target compression zone on a body part on which the garment is worn. The support bladder may be selectively pressurized when needed based at least in part on sensed physical characteristics. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078146 | COMPRESSION GARMENT APPARATUS HAVING BASELINE PRESSURE - A compression garment apparatus including a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer intermittently pressurizes a therapeutic bladder on the compression garment and maintains a baseline pressure in the therapeutic bladder to maintain the therapeutic bladder in position with respect to a target compression zone on a body part on which the garment is worn. The baseline pressure is adjusted in response to sensed physical characteristics. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078288 | COMPRESSION GARMENT HAVING GRIP - A compression garment for providing compression therapy to a body part. The garment includes a flexible wrap and a bladder held by the wrap for compressing the body part. The garment also includes a fastener for holding the wrap on the body part in a self-retaining configuration. A grip is provided to facilitate tightening of the wrap on the body part. In one embodiment, the grip comprises an opening in the wrap sized and shaped for receiving a finger of a user. | 03-29-2012 |
20120138513 | Actuation of Parallel Microfluidic Arrays - An improved actuator for use in a microfluidic particle sorting system utilizes a staggered packing scheme for a plurality of actuators used to selectively deflect a particle in an associated sorting channel from a stream of channels. An actuator block may be provided for housing a two-dimensional array of actuators, each configured to align with an actuation port in an associated sorting chip containing a plurality of sorting channels. The actuator block may include a built-in stressing means to pre-stress each actuator housed by the block. An actuator comprising a piezo-electric stack may employ contact-based electrical connection rather than soldered wires to improve packing density. The actuator may be an external actuator. That is, the external actuator is external to the substrate in which the sorting channels are formed. | 06-07-2012 |
20120261013 | MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEM INCLUDING A BUBBLE VALVE FOR REGULATING FLUID FLOW THROUGH A MICROCHANNEL - A microfluidic system includes a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel. The bubble valve includes a fluid meniscus interfacing the microchannel interior and an actuator for deflecting the membrane into the microchannel interior to regulate fluid flow. The actuator generates a gas bubble in a liquid in the microchannel when a sufficient pressure is generated on the membrane. | 10-18-2012 |
20120302848 | Inter Dialytic Monitoring Device - An inter dialytic monitoring device is disclosed which monitors in vivo preselected parameters of blood content during an inter dialytic period to monitor patient health. The monitoring device is configured to extend through and releasably engage a catheter which has been placed within a patient to monitor a patient's blood. A sensor is provided to detect the presence of selected analytes and to identify when preselected parameters have been reached. | 11-29-2012 |
20120303022 | Endovascular Tissue Removal Device - A monopolar electrosurgical apparatus is disclosed which includes a tissue removal device having electrical, mechanical and chemical tissue removal capabilities. The device can be operated to use any of its tissue removal capabilities alone or in combination with one or more of the other capabilities. | 11-29-2012 |
20130035564 | REAL TIME INTRAVASCULAR MONITORING DEVICE - A real time tissue sampling and analysis system includes a catheter including an elongated body defining at least one internal lumen, a sampling device positionable within the at least one internal lumen of the catheter for collecting a tissue sample, and a biochip disposed within the at least one internal lumen. The biochip includes a substrate for receiving the tissue sample, a marker for interacting with the tissue sample, and a sensor for identifying a characteristic of the tissue sample and transmitting data about the tissue sample to a processing unit for analysis. | 02-07-2013 |
20130085428 | COMPRESSION ASSEMBLY - A compression assembly is adapted for placement on a body part for imparting compression therapy to the body part. The compression assembly includes a bladder and a bladder support. The bladder support and bladder have corresponding connection structure for mounting the bladder on the bladder support. In certain embodiments, the bladder is held in tension when mounted on the bladder support. In certain embodiments, the bladder support includes protrusions adapted for push-in reception in openings on the bladder for mounting the bladder on the bladder support, the bladder support is adjustable in length, and the bladder is foldable for adjusting the length of the bladder. Removable mounting of the bladder on the bladder support enables selective disposal of the bladders and bladder supports and interchangeability of different types of bladders with particular bladder supports. | 04-04-2013 |
20130085430 | COMPRESSION SLEEVE - A compression sleeve configured for a conforming fit to a portion of a wearer's body, such as a leg. The compression sleeve includes at least one inflatable bladder. The sleeve has a periphery including at least six edges and is configured to wrap around the wearer's leg so that the bladder encircles the limb for applying compression therapy to the limb. The shape of the sleeve conforms to the limb of the wearer and keeps the sleeve in place on the limb. | 04-04-2013 |
20130085437 | CATHETER WITH ARTICULABLE SEPTUM EXTENSION - A catheter includes an elongated tubular body including a first wall and second wall defining first and second lumens, respectively. Each wall extends to a distal end and defines a distal opening. The first and second walls may each include one or more side openings disposed proximal of the distal end. The first and second lumens are separated by a septum. The septum includes a septum extension extending distally from the septum. The septum extension is adapted to articulate relative to the septum in response to fluid flow into and out of the distal openings of the first and second lumens. The septum extension is dimensioned to partially obstruct fluid flow into the catheter through one of the distal openings upon the articulation of the septum extension. | 04-04-2013 |
20130085477 | CATHETER WITH TAPERING SURFACES - A catheter has an elongated tubular body and a septum. The elongated tubular body defines a longitudinal axis and includes a first wall defining a first lumen and a second wall defining a second lumen. The first lumen and the second lumen communicate with first and second distal openings, respectively. The septum separates the first and second lumens. One or both of the first and second walls includes a side opening. The side opening is fluid communication with one of the first and second lumens. The side opening has an external aperture and an internal aperture. The internal aperture is smaller in dimension than the external aperture. | 04-04-2013 |
20130267891 | THROMBECTOMY CATHETER SYSTEMS - A thrombectomy catheter system is disclosed which includes a catheter having an exhaust lumen, an infusion lumen and a high pressure tube. The high pressure tube includes a nozzle orifice for forming a high pressure jet of fluid for cutting occlusive material from within a body lumen. The nozzle orifice is positioned to direct the high pressure jet of fluid into the distal end of the exhaust lumen which creates a suctioning effect. The infusion lumen replaces fluid that is removed from the body lumen through the exhaust lumen by a suctioning effect created by the fluid jet. | 10-10-2013 |
20130313170 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING PARTICLES - A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate. | 11-28-2013 |
20130331749 | Compression Garment Including Bladder Having Reduced Inflatable Volume - A compression garment including a bladder having a reduced inflatable volume. Connector elements positioned inside an inflatable chamber of the bladder limit expansion of the bladder for limiting a fluid volume required for fully inflating or expanding the bladder. A controller inflates and deflates the inflatable chamber for imparting compression therapy on a body part on which the garment is worn. The reduced inflation volume of the inflatable chamber reduces the demand on a pump of the controller. | 12-12-2013 |
20140024985 | COMPRESSION GARMENT ASSEMBLY - A compression garment assembly comprises a compression garment adapted for placement on a body part in a self-retaining configuration and for removal from the body part. The compression garment has at least one inflatable bladder for applying compression to the body part. A portable controller unit is adapted for fluid connection to the inflatable bladder and is configured for cyclically inflating the bladder. The compression garment and portable controller unit are configured so that the portable controller unit must be disconnected from the compression garment before the compression garment can be removed from the body part. Loss of the portable controller unit by, for example, accidental disposal with the compression garment is thus prevented. | 01-23-2014 |
20140050540 | MULTILAYER HYDRODYNAMIC SHEATH FLOW STRUCTURE - A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip. | 02-20-2014 |
20140081199 | CATHETER WITH ARTICULABLE SEPTUM EXTENSION - A catheter includes an elongated tubular body including a first wall and second wall defining first and second lumens, respectively. Each wall extends to a distal end and defines a distal opening. The first and second walls may each include one or more side openings disposed proximal of the distal end. The first and second lumens are separated by a septum. The septum includes a septum extension extending distally from the septum. The septum extension is adapted to articulate relative to the septum in response to fluid flow into and out of the distal openings of the first and second lumens. The septum extension is dimensioned to partially obstruct fluid flow into the catheter through one of the distal openings upon the articulation of the septum extension. | 03-20-2014 |
20140094725 | RESIDUAL PRESSURE CONTROL IN A COMPRESSION DEVICE - A method of controlling a compression device controls a vent phase of a compression device having an inflatable bladder capable of being pressurized for applying compression to a part of a subject's body. The method includes delivering pressurized fluid from a source of pressurized fluid to a first inflatable bladder disposed about a portion of the subject's body and venting the pressurized fluid from the first inflatable bladder by opening a first valve. The method further includes monitoring fluid pressure in the first inflatable bladder during the venting of the first inflatable bladder. Based at least in part on the monitored fluid pressure, the first valve is selectively closed and selectively reopened to control fluid pressure in the first inflatable bladder to remain within a desired residual pressure range. | 04-03-2014 |
20140094726 | VASCULAR COMPRESSION SYSTEM - A vascular compression system includes a compression garment and a controller for compressing a body part of a person. In some embodiments, the compression garment is a foot cuff or a leg sleeve. The controller inflates compression garment apparatus includes a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer has instructions for executing cyclic compression cycles for applying intermittent compression therapy to the body part. Each compression cycle includes an inflation phase and a vent phase. At least one of the inflation phases includes a pre-fill step and a therapeutic step. In the pre-fill step, gas pressure in the inflatable chamber may be increased at a reduced rate, and in the therapeutic step, the gas pressure in the inflatable chamber may be increased at a rapid rate. | 04-03-2014 |
20140094727 | COMPRESSION DEVICE PUMPING - A compression device includes a compression garment positionable on the limb of the wearer and having an inflatable bladder for providing compression treatment to the limb. A pump assembly is supported by the compression garment. The pump assembly is in fluid communication with the bladder for pressurized fluid delivery. The pump assembly includes at least first and second pumps. Passaging connects each of the first and second pumps for fluid communication with the inflatable bladder. | 04-03-2014 |
20140170673 | UNITARY CARTRIDGE FOR PARTICLE PROCESSING - A single disposable cartridge for performing a process on a particle, such as particle sorting, encapsulates all fluid contact surfaces in the cartridge for use with microfluidic particle processing technology. The cartridge interfaces with an operating system for effecting particle processing. The encapsulation of the fluid contact surfaces insures, improves or promotes operator isolation and/or product isolation. The cartridge may employ any suitable technique for processing particles. | 06-19-2014 |
20140236060 | COMPRESSION GARMENT APPARATUS HAVING BASELINE PRESSURE - A compression garment apparatus including a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer intermittently pressurizes a therapeutic bladder on the compression garment and maintains a baseline pressure in the therapeutic bladder to maintain the therapeutic bladder in position with respect to a target compression zone on a body part on which the garment is worn. The baseline pressure is adjusted in response to sensed physical characteristics. | 08-21-2014 |
20140249458 | COMPRESSION GARMENT APPARATUS HAVING SUPPORT BLADDER - A compression garment apparatus includes a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer intermittently pressurizes a therapeutic bladder on the compression garment and pressurizes a support bladder on the compression garment to enhance the fit of the compression garment and maintain the therapeutic bladder in position with respect to a target compression zone on a body part on which the garment is worn. The support bladder may be selectively pressurized when needed based at least in part on sensed physical characteristics. | 09-04-2014 |
20140251879 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING PARTICLES - A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate. | 09-11-2014 |