Patents by Inventor Bruce K. Gale

Bruce K. Gale has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9642623
    Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus, assemblies, and kits for performing a vascular anastomosis are disclosed. A device for a vascular anastomosis includes tissue engaging portions that can move between at least two configurations. In some embodiments, the tissue engaging portions move without the aid of moving parts, while in other embodiments the tissue engaging portions extend from one or more movable wings. The tissue engaging portions may be separated by a first distance when in a pre-deployment configuration and by a second distance when in a deployed configuration. A method includes engaging a plurality of tissue engaging members of a coupling device against first end tissue. After selectively engaging the tissue engaging members and first end tissue, the first end tissue is stretched by at least moving the tissue engaging members. The stretched first end tissue is coupled to the second end tissue by mating the coupling device to a mating anastomosis device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: The University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jayant P. Agarwal, Bruce K. Gale, Lam Nguyen, Cory Shorr, Brian Stauffer, Cody Lee Gehrke
  • Publication number: 20170105932
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for delivery of an active agent from the lens capsule to a posterior segment of the eye of a subject can include an intraocular active agent delivery device including an active agent dispersed within a biodegradable active agent matrix. The active agent includes dexamethasone and the delivery device is adapted to fit within a lens capsule or ciliary sulcus of an eye. The delivery device can be inserted into the lens capsule or ciliary sulcus of an eye during cataract surgery or for treatment of uveitis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Balamurali K. Ambati, Bruce K. Gale, Srinivas Rao Chennamaneni
  • Publication number: 20170059567
    Abstract: Methods of electrochemically detecting or quantifying an analyte by coupling a plurality of redox-active agents (e.g., guanine-rich oligonucleotides) to the analyte are disclosed. More particularly, this application discloses affinity-based methods for isolating one or more analytes from a sample and subsequently detecting or determining the concentration of the one or more analytes. Detecting or determining the concentration of one or more analytes may involve measuring the extent of oxidation of guanine nucleobases that have been or are coupled to the analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Himanshu Jayant Sant, Bruce K. Gale, Harikrishnan Jayamohan, Christopher J. Lambert, John Minson
  • Publication number: 20160331588
    Abstract: An ocular stent device (100) can include an elongate arcuate body portion (102) configured in size and shape to be inserted into the Schlemm's canal. The body portion (102) can be inserted along an arc of at least 100 degrees of the Schlemm's canal. The body portion (102) can include a plurality of through-holes (104) adapted to direct flow of aqueous humor from a trabecular meshwork to episcleral collector channels of the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Balamurali Ambati, Alan Crandall, Bruce K. Gale, Christopher Lambert
  • Publication number: 20160324522
    Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for anastomosing vascular systems in medical procedures. A pair of similar or identical coupling devices may be disposed at the ends of two vessels, either natural or synthetic. The coupling devices may be capable of hermaphroditically connecting to one another to provide a simple and secure connection which promotes growth of the vessels between the bio-absorbable coupling devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Jayant P. Agarwal, Bruce K. Gale, Huizhong Li, Himanshu J. Sant
  • Publication number: 20150266021
    Abstract: A system for depositing substances onto a deposition surface can comprise a first contact spotter comprising multiple spotting orifices fed by multiple fluid inlet conduits such that the first contact spotter is capable of depositing multiple spots of different substances onto the deposition surface simultaneously, and a second contact spotter comprising a second spotting orifice fed by a second fluid inlet conduit. The system can also include a positioning device adapted to alternatively position and seal the first contact spotter and second contact spotter on the deposition surface at an overlapping location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Joshua W. Eckman, Adam Miles, James Smith, Christopher Morrow, Bruce K. Gale
  • Patent number: 9095404
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for delivery of an active agent into the eye of a subject can include an ocular active agent delivery device (40) having an active agent reservoir (44) disposed in an annular body (42), the annular body (42) being configured to fit inside of a lens capsule and at least partially encircling a line of sight of an intraocular lens within the lens capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Balamurali K. Ambati, Bruce K. Gale
  • Publication number: 20150100046
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for delivery of an active agent into the eye of a subject. An ocular active agent delivery device can include an active agent reservoir disposed in an annular housing, the annular housing being configured to fit inside of a lens capsule and at least partially encircling a line of sight of an intraocular lens within the lens capsule. The device can further allow diffusion of an active agent from the active agent reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Balamurali K. Ambati, Bruce K. Gale
  • Patent number: 8999726
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spotter device and methods for the formation of microassays, biochips, biosensors, and cell cultures. The spotter may be used to deposit highly concentrated spots of protein or other materials on a microarray slide, wafer, or other surface. It may also be used to perform various chemistry steps on the same spots. The spotter increases the surface density of substances at each spot by directing a flow the desired substance (or a solution thereof) over the spot area until surface saturation is accomplished. The spotter may be loaded by well plate handling equipment. The spotter uses wells, microfluidic conduits, and orifices to deposit proteins, other biomolecules, or chemicals on a spot on, a separate surface. Each orifice is connected to two wells via microconduits. When the spotter contacts a surface, a seal is formed between the orifices and the surface. The same or different substances may be flowed across each orifice. Any number of orifices may be incorporated into a spotter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: David A. Chang-Yen, Sriram Natarajan, Josh Eckman, Bruce K. Gale, David Myszka
  • Publication number: 20150075987
    Abstract: A device and related method for separating nanometer particles is disclosed and described. The device can include a microfluidic system including a sample input port, a fluid flow channel, and a sample output port, in which the fluid flow channel is defined by a pair of electrode walls and an insulator. A voltage device is electrically coupled to the electrode walls. The voltage device is comprised of a diode or a resistor configured to provide an electrical field within the fluid flow channel suitable for separation of nanoparticles from one another by causing a net effect of moving particles toward one of the electrode walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Tonguc Onur Tasci, Bruce K. Gale, William P. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140235510
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spotter device and methods for the formation of microassays, biochips, biosensors, and cell cultures. The spotter may be used to deposit highly concentrated spots of protein or other materials on a microarray slide, wafer, or other surface. It may also be used to perform various chemistry steps on the same spots. The spotter increases the surface density of substances at each spot by directing a flow the desired substance (or a solution thereof) over the spot area until surface saturation is accomplished. The spotter may be loaded by well plate handling equipment. The spotter uses wells, microfluidic conduits, and orifices to deposit proteins, other biomolecules, or chemicals on a spot on, a separate surface. Each orifice is connected to two wells via microconduits. When the spotter contacts a surface, a seal is formed between the orifices and the surface. The same or different substances may be flowed across each orifice. Any number of orifices may be incorporated into a spotter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: David A. Chang-Yen, Sriram Natarajan, Josh Eckman, Bruce K. Gale, David Myszka
  • Publication number: 20140171342
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses, systems, and methods involving a spotter for depositing a substance on a submerged surface. The spotter comprises an outlet cavity defined at least in part by a spotting orifice, a first opening, and a second opening. The spotter also comprises a first conduit fluidly coupled to the first opening and a second conduit fluidly coupled to the second opening. The spotter is adapted so that fluid flowing through the first conduit and the second conduit is communicated among the first opening, the second opening, and a submerged deposition surface when the sealing orifice is sealed against the submerged deposition surface to form a deposition spot on the submerged deposition surface. The submerged deposition surface is within a liquid such that the liquid covers the deposition spot upon removal of the orifice from the deposition surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Bruce K. Gale, Joshua W. Eckman, Adam Miles, Christopher Morrow, James Smith, Sriram Natarajan, Mark Eddings
  • Patent number: 8663194
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for delivery of an active agent into the eye of a subject. In one aspect, for example, an ocular active agent delivery device (10) can include an active agent reservoir (14) disposed in an annular housing (12), the annular housing (12) being configured to fit inside of a lens capsule and at least partially encircling a line of sight of an intraocular lens within the lens capsule. The device (10) can further include a semipermeable membrane (16) operatively coupled to the active agent reservoir (14), where the semipermeable membrane (16) is configured to allow diffusion of an active agent from the active agent reservoir (14). Additionally, a valve (18) can be operatively coupled to the active agent reservoir (14), where the valve (18) is configured to allow filling of the active agent reservoir (14) with an active agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Balamurali K. Ambati, Bruce K. Gale
  • Publication number: 20130302398
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for delivery of an active agent into the eye of a subject can include an intraocular active agent delivery device including an active agent dispersed within a biodegradable active agent matrix. The active agent includes dexamethasone and the delivery device is adapted to fit within a lens capsule or ciliary sulcus of an eye. The delivery device can be inserted into the lens capsule or ciliary sulcus of an eye during cataract surgery or for treatment of uveitis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Balamurali K. Ambati, Bruce K. Gale, Srinivas Rao Chennamaneni
  • Patent number: 8535536
    Abstract: A split thin-flow separations device can include a fluid channel having an inlet zone, an outlet zone, and a transport region between the inlet zone and outlet zone. The inlet zone includes a sample inlet and a carrier fluid inlet which are fluidly separated by an inlet splitter to minimize mixing of fluids from respective inlets in the inlet zone. The transport region can be a substantially open channel. Similar to the inlet zone, the outlet zone can include a sample outlet and a carrier outlet which are fluidly separated by an outlet splitter to segregate portions of a fluid into each of the two outlets as the fluid enters the outlet zone. A plurality of cross-flow inducers can also be oriented along a wall of the fluid channel in the transport region. The cross-flow inducers are oriented to form a cross-flow field across the transport region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Bruce K. Gale, Himanshu Sant, Venu Madhav, Srinivas Merugu
  • Publication number: 20130204275
    Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus, assemblies, and kits for performing a vascular anastomosis are disclosed. A device for a vascular anastomosis includes tissue engaging portions that can move between at least two configurations. In some embodiments, the tissue engaging portions move without the aid of moving parts, while in other embodiments the tissue engaging portions extend from one or more movable wings. The tissue engaging portions may be separated by a first distance when in a pre-deployment configuration and by a second distance when in a deployed configuration. A method includes engaging a plurality of tissue engaging members of a coupling device against first end tissue. After selectively engaging the tissue engaging members and first end tissue, the first end tissue is stretched by at least moving the tissue engaging members. The stretched first end tissue is coupled to the second end tissue by mating the coupling device to a mating anastomosis device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF UTAH RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jayant P. Agarwal, Bruce K. Gale, Lam Nguyen, Cory Shorr, Brian Stauffer, Cody Lee Gehrke
  • Publication number: 20130089920
    Abstract: A microfluidic flow cell having a body with a fluid transport channel disposed therein, the fluid transport channel having a proximal end and a distal end defining a fluid flow path, a fluid inlet port disposed at the proximal end of the fluid transport channel at a central portion of the body and an outlet port disposed at the distal end of the fluid transport channel at an outer portion of the body, and a plurality sample wells disposed in the fluid transport channel substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow path in the fluid transport channel. The microfluidic flow cell may have hundreds or thousands of individual, sub-microliter sample wells. The microfluidic flow cell can be filled by applying a flowable liquid to the inlet port and spinning the flow cell to cause fluid to flow into fluid transport channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Scott O. Sundberg, Carl T. Wittner, Bruce K. Gale
  • Publication number: 20130065241
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and a method for amplification and detection of nucleic acid sequences based on continuous flow thermal gradient PCR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Bruce K. Gale, Niel Davenport Crews, Carl Thomas Wittwer
  • Patent number: 8395468
    Abstract: A magnetic field generation system includes first (28a) and second (28b) magnetic flux concentrators spaced apart to form a sample volume (30). A first set of auxiliary permanent magnets (10a, 10b) can be symmetrically oriented about and in contact with a portion of the first magnetic flux concentrator (28a). Similarly, a second set of auxiliary permanent magnets (10c, 10d) can be symmetrically oriented about and in contact with a portion of the second magnetic flux concentrator (28b). The first(10a, 10b) and second (10c, 10d) sets of auxiliary magnets can be magnetically associated via the first (28a) and second (28b) magnetic flux concentrators. Magnetically soft shunts (38) can be movably oriented to allow variation of the magnetic field strength across the sample volume by disrupting the field flux across the magnetic flux concentrators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: James C. Stephenson, Bruce K. Gale, Cynthia Furse
  • Patent number: 8383059
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spotter device and methods for the formation of microassays, biochips, biosensors, and cell cultures. The spotter may be used to deposit highly concentrated spots of protein or other materials on a microarray slide, wafer, or other surface. It may also be used to perform various chemistry steps on the same spots. The spotter increases the surface density of substances at each spot by directing a flow the desired substance (or a solution thereof) over the spot area until surface saturation is accomplished. The spotter may be loaded by well plate handling equipment. The spotter uses wells, microfluidic conduits, and orifices to deposit proteins, other biomolecules, or chemicals on a spot on a separate surface. Each orifice is connected to two wells via microconduits. When the spotter contacts a surface, a seal is formed between the orifices and the surface. The same or different substances may be flowed across each orifice. Any number of orifices may be incorporated into a spotter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: David A. Chang-Yen, Sriram Natarajan, Josh Eckman, Bruce K. Gale, David Myszka