Patents by Inventor Florent Cros
Florent Cros 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).
-
Publication number: 20140084943Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus and system for sensing strain on a portion of an implant positioned in a living being. In one aspect, the apparatus has at least one sensor assembly that can be mountable thereon a portion of the implant and that has a passive electrical resonant circuit that can be configured to be selectively electromagnetically coupled to an ex-vivo source of RF energy. Each sensor assembly, in response to the electromagnetic coupling, can be configured to generate an output signal characterized by a frequency that is dependent upon urged movement of a portion of the passive electrical resonant circuit and is indicative of strain applied thereon a portion of the respective sensor assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2012Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: JASON KROH, Florent Cros, Christophe Courcimault
-
Patent number: 8669770Abstract: A wireless sensor having a primary passive electrical resonant circuit that has an intrinsic electrical property that is variable in response to a characteristic of a patient and a secondary passive electrical resonant circuit. In one aspect, the primary passive resonant circuit can be positioned into a tuned position in response to the actuation of the secondary passive electrical resonant circuit. In a further aspect, in the tuned position, the primary passive electrical resonant circuit, in response to an energizing signal produced by an ex-vivo source of RF energy, is configured to generate a sensor signal characterized by a resonant frequency that is indicative of the characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventor: Florent Cros
-
Publication number: 20130285688Abstract: A method for testing a semiconductor device. The method comprises moving a probe in a vertical direction towards an electrical structure on a semiconductor device to position the probe alongside the electrical structure. A tip of the probe is positioned lower than an elevation of an outermost periphery of the electrical structure. The method also includes moving the probe in a lateral direction towards the electrical structure to contact the electrical structure. The probe tip mechanically and electrically engages the electrical structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Lakshmikanth NAMBURI, Florent CROS, Yohannes DESTA
-
Publication number: 20130234748Abstract: Transferring electronic probe assemblies to space transformers. In accordance with a first method embodiment, a plurality of probes is formed in a sacrificial material on a sacrificial substrate via microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) processes. The tips of the plurality of probes are formed adjacent to the sacrificial substrate and the remaining structure of the plurality of probes extends outward from the sacrificial substrate. The sacrificial material comprising the plurality of probes is attached to a space transformer. The space transformer includes a plurality of contacts on one surface for contacting the plurality of probes at a probe pitch and a corresponding second plurality of contacts on another surface at a second pitch, larger than the probe pitch, wherein each of the second plurality of contacts is electrically coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of probes. The sacrificial substrate is removed, and the sacrificial material is removed, leaving the plurality of probes intact.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: ADVANTEST CORPORATIONInventors: Lakshmikanth NAMBURI, Florent CROS
-
Publication number: 20120313649Abstract: Wireless sensors configured to record and transmit data as well as sense and, optionally, actuate to monitor physical properties of an environment and, optionally, effect changes within that environment. In one aspect, the wireless sensor can have a power harvesting unit; a voltage regulation unit, a transducing oscillator unit, and a transmitting coil. The voltage regulation unit is electrically coupled to the power harvesting unit and is configured to actuate at a minimum voltage level. The transducing oscillator unit is electrically coupled to the voltage regulation unit and is configured to convert a sensed physical property into an electrical signal. Also, the transmitting coil is configured to receive the electrical signal and to transmit the electrical signal to an external antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Jin Woo Park, Florent Cros, Mark G. Allen
-
Patent number: 8278941Abstract: This application relates to an apparatus and system for sensing strain on a portion of an implant positioned in a living being. In one aspect, the apparatus has at least one sensor assembly that can be mountable thereon a portion of the implant and that has a passive electrical resonant circuit that can be configured to be selectively electromagnetically coupled to an ex-vivo source of RF energy. Each sensor assembly, in response to the electromagnetic coupling, can be configured to generate an output signal characterized by a frequency that is dependent upon urged movement of a portion of the passive electrical resonant circuit and is indicative of strain applied thereon a portion of the respective sensor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: CardioMems, Inc.Inventors: Jason Kroh, Florent Cros, Christophe Courcimault
-
Patent number: 8264240Abstract: Wireless sensors configured to record and transmit data as well as sense and, optionally, actuate to monitor physical properties of an environment and, optionally, effect changes within that environment. In one aspect, the wireless sensor can have a power harvesting unit; a voltage regulation unit, a transducing oscillator unit, and a transmitting coil. The voltage regulation unit is electrically coupled to the power harvesting unit and is configured to actuate at a minimum voltage level. The transducing oscillator unit is electrically coupled to the voltage regulation unit and is configured to convert a sensed physical property into an electrical signal. Also, the transmitting coil is configured to receive the electrical signal and to transmit the electrical signal to an external antenna.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: CardioMems, Inc.Inventors: Jin Woo Park, Florent Cros, Mark G. Allen
-
Publication number: 20120016228Abstract: A method for providing an in-vivo assessment of relative movement of an implant that is positioned in a living being is provided that comprises a first assembly and a second assembly that are positioned within the living being. The first assembly comprises a passive electrical resonant circuit that is configured to be selectively electromagnetically coupled to an ex-vivo source of RF energy and, in response to the electromagnetic coupling, generates an output signal characterized by a frequency that is dependent upon a distance between the first assembly and the second assembly at the time of the electromagnetic coupling.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: CardioMEMSInventors: Jason Kroh, Florent Cros, Christophe Courcimault
-
Patent number: 8026729Abstract: A system and apparatus for providing an in-vivo assessment of relative movement of an implant that is positioned in a living being is provided that includes a first assembly and a second assembly that are positioned within the living being. The first assembly includes a passive electrical resonant circuit that is configured to be selectively electromagnetically coupled to an ex-vivo source of RF energy and, in response to the electromagnetic coupling, generates an output signal characterized by a frequency that is dependent upon a distance between the first assembly and the second assembly at the time of the electromagnetic coupling.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: Jason Kroh, Florent Cros, Christophe Courcimault
-
Patent number: 7966886Abstract: A disclosed method determines fluid pressure inside a vessel without compromising the integrity of the vessel. A sensor is positioned in operative communication with the external wall of the vessel such that expansion of the external wall of the vessel exerts a force against the sensor that is directed substantially radially outward with respect to the vessel. A substantially radially inward force is caused to be directed against the sensor in response to the substantially radially outward force exerted by the external vessel wall. The sensor can thus be used to detect the magnitude of the substantially radially outward force, which can be used to determine the pressure of the fluid within the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Corcoran, Florent Cros, Miguel Luis Berr
-
Publication number: 20110115497Abstract: A wireless sensor having a primary passive electrical resonant circuit that has an intrinsic electrical property that is variable in response to a characteristic of a patient and a secondary passive electrical resonant circuit. In one aspect, the primary passive resonant circuit can be positioned into a tuned position in response to the actuation of the secondary passive electrical resonant circuit. In a further aspect, in the tuned position, the primary passive electrical resonant circuit, in response to an energizing signal produced by an ex-vivo source of RF energy, is configured to generate a sensor signal characterized by a resonant frequency that is indicative of the characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventor: FLORENT CROS
-
Patent number: 7854172Abstract: A pressure cavity is durable, stable, and biocompatible and configured in such a way that it constitutes pico to nanoliter-scale volume. The pressure cavity is hermetically sealed from the exterior environment while maintaining the ability to communicate with other devices. Micromachined, hermetically-sealed sensors are configured to receive power and return information through direct electrical contact with external electronics. The pressure cavity and sensor components disposed therein are hermetically sealed from the ambient in order to reduce drift and instability within the sensor. The sensor is designed for harsh and biological environments, e.g. intracorporeal implantation and in vivo use. Additionally, novel manufacturing methods are employed to construct the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: David O'Brien, Florent Cros, Jin Woo Park, Michael Fonseca, Liang You, Mark Allen
-
Publication number: 20100058583Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor for in vivo applications includes the steps of providing two wafers of an electrically insulating material. A recess is formed in the first wafer, and a capacitor plate is formed in the recess of the first wafer. A second capacitor plate is formed in a corresponding region of the second wafer, and the two wafers are affixed to one another such that the first and second capacitor plates are arranged in parallel, spaced-apart relation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventors: Florent Cros, David O'Brien, Michael Fonseca, Matthew Abercrombie, Jin Woo Park, Angad Singh
-
Patent number: 7662653Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hermetically-sealed chamber with an electrical feedthrough includes the step of hermetically fixing an electrode to a substrate in a predetermined location on the substrate. A passage is formed through the substrate through the predetermined location such that at least a portion of the electrode is exposed to the passage. The passage is then at least partially filled with an electrically conductive material. A housing is then formed including the substrate such that the housing defines a chamber, with the electrode being disposed within the housing and the chamber being hermetically sealed. The electrode within the chamber can be placed in electrical communication with an exterior electrical component by way of the electrically conductive material in the passage.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: David O'Brien, Florent Cros, Jin Woo Park, Michael Fonseca, Liang You, Mark Allen
-
Publication number: 20100024561Abstract: A disclosed method determines fluid pressure inside a vessel without compromising the integrity of the vessel. A sensor is positioned in operative communication with the external wall of the vessel such that expansion of the external wall of the vessel exerts a force against the sensor that is directed substantially radially outward with respect to the vessel. A substantially radially inward force is caused to be directed against the sensor in response to the substantially radially outward force exerted by the external vessel wall. The sensor can thus be used to detect the magnitude of the substantially radially outward force. A disclosed apparatus determines fluid pressure inside a vessel without compromising the integrity of the vessel. The apparatus includes a sensor and a band operatively associated with the sensor and configured to at least partially encircle the vessel so as to retain the sensor in operative communication against the external wall of the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: Kevin Corcoran, Florent Cros, Miguel Luis Berr
-
Publication number: 20100019778Abstract: Wireless sensors configured to record and transmit data as well as sense and, optionally, actuate to monitor physical properties of an environment and, optionally, effect changes within that environment. In one aspect, the wireless sensor can have a power harvesting unit; a voltage regulation unit, a transducing oscillator unit, and a transmitting coil. The voltage regulation unit is electrically coupled to the power harvesting unit and is configured to actuate at a minimum voltage level. The transducing oscillator unit is electrically coupled to the voltage regulation unit and is configured to convert a sensed physical property into an electrical signal. Also, the transmitting coil is configured to receive the electrical signal and to transmit the electrical signal to an external antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventors: Jin Woo Park, Florent Cros, Mark G. Allen
-
Publication number: 20100022896Abstract: A ventricular shunt systems and methods of preventing hydrocephalus are described herein. In one aspect, the ventricular shunt system has at least one pressure sensor that is configured to be selectively electromagnetically coupled to an ex-vivo source of RF energy and is variable in response to the pressure in a patient's ventricle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventors: Jay Yadav, Florent Cros
-
Patent number: 7647831Abstract: A disclosed method determines fluid pressure inside a vessel without compromising the integrity of the vessel. A sensor is positioned in operative communication with the external wall of the vessel such that expansion of the external wall of the vessel exerts a force against the sensor that is directed substantially radially outward with respect to the vessel. A substantially radially inward force is caused to be directed against the sensor in response to the substantially radially outward force exerted by the external vessel wall. The sensor can thus be used to detect the magnitude of the substantially radially outward force. A disclosed apparatus determines fluid pressure inside a vessel without compromising the integrity of the vessel. The apparatus includes a sensor and a band operatively associated with the sensor and configured to at least partially encircle the vessel so as to retain the sensor in operative communication against the external wall of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Corcoran, Florent Cros, Miguel Luis Berr
-
Patent number: 7647836Abstract: A pressure cavity is durable, stable, and biocompatible and configured in such a way that it constitutes pico to nanoliter-scale volume. The pressure cavity is hermetically sealed from the exterior environment while maintaining the ability to communicate with other devices. Micromachined, hermetically-sealed sensors are configured to receive power and return information through direct electrical contact with external electronics. The pressure cavity and sensor components disposed therein are hermetically sealed from the ambient in order to reduce drift and instability within the sensor. The sensor is designed for harsh and biological environments, e.g. intracorporeal implantation and in vivo use. Additionally, novel manufacturing methods are employed to construct the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: David O'Brien, Christophe Courcimault, Liang You, Mark Allen, Michael Fonseca, Florent Cros
-
Patent number: 7621036Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor for in vivo applications includes the steps of providing two wafers of an electrically insulating material. A recess is formed in the first wafer, and a capacitor plate is formed in the recess of the first wafer. A second capacitor plate is formed in a corresponding region of the second wafer, and the two wafers are affixed to one another such that the first and second capacitor plates are arranged in parallel, spaced-apart relation.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: CardioMEMS, Inc.Inventors: Florent Cros, David O'Brien, Michael Fonseca, Matthew Abercrombie, Jin Woo Park, Angad Singh