Patents by Inventor Mingui Sun
Mingui Sun 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).
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Patent number: 9198621Abstract: Electronic systems, devices and methods are provided to accurately measure both food intake and physical activity in a subject. A device is provided to be placed on a subject which records video as well as other physiological and/or environmental data. Video data can be analyzed along with other data obtained by the device to determine food consumption and physical activity of the subject, much of which is accomplished by automated computer-implemented processes.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: John D. Fernstrom, Madelyn H. Fernstrom, Robert J. Sclabassi, Mingui Sun
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Publication number: 20150126846Abstract: Electrodes providing excellent recording and physical stability. Electrodes are disclosed that may include a plurality of small teeth that possess a novel design shape and orientation. The shallow and relatively long teeth run parallel to the rim of the electrode that presses against the patient's skin. When the electrode is twisted onto skin, the tiny teeth penetrate the stratum corneum and move nearly horizontally under the stratum corneum, thus anchoring the electrode securely to the skin. The electrodes cause minimal discomfort to the patient since the small teeth do not extend to the pain fibers which are located in deeper layers of the skin. The electrodes may be fabricated in a variety of geometries including cylindrical, disk, and blunt bullet or top shapes. In some instances, the electrodes may be connected to detachable leads having magnetic properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2012Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: Wenyan Jia, Mingui Sun, Robert Joseph Sclabassi
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Patent number: 8922065Abstract: A wireless energy transfer system includes a first energy transfer unit having at least one resonant frequency, a second energy transfer unit having the at least one resonant frequency, and a load. The first wireless energy transfer unit includes a first coil magnetically coupled to a first wireless energy transfer cell, and the second wireless energy transfer unit includes a second coil magnetically coupled to a second wireless energy transfer cell. The first coil receives first energy and through the magnetic coupling between the first coil and the first wireless energy transfer cell, the first wireless energy transfer cell is caused to generate second energy, wherein the second wireless energy transfer cell receives the second energy and through the magnetic coupling between the second wireless energy transfer cell and the second coil, the second coil is caused to provide third electromagnetic wave energy to the load.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: Mingui Sun, Steven Hackworth, Robert Sclabassi, Fei Zhang, Xiaoyu Liu
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Publication number: 20140187901Abstract: An electrode system include a flowable and cohesive surface contact element comprising a hydrophilic polymer swollen with an electrolyte fluid, the contact element having a Q? ratio of at least 5 as defined by the equation Q ? = W W W G wherein WG is the dry weight of the hydrophilic polymer and WW is weight of water in the sample after absorption of the electrolyte fluid comprising water and an electrolyte salt. The surface contact element can consist essentially of the hydrophilic polymer swollen by the electrolyte fluid. Another electrode system includes a contact element including a crosslinked hydrophilic polymer matrix. The contact element has a Q? ratio of at least 5 as defined by the equation Q ? = W W W G . The contact elements can also have a Q? ratio of at least 6, at least 7, at least 10 or even at least 11.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: XINYAN CUI, NICOLAS ALEXANDER ALBA, MINGUI SUN
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Patent number: 8706183Abstract: An electrode system include a flowable and cohesive surface contact element comprising a hydrophilic polymer swollen with an electrolyte fluid, the contact element having a Q? ratio of at least 5 as defined by the equation Q ? = W W W G wherein WG is the dry weight of the hydrophilic polymer and WW is weight of water in the sample after absorption of the electrolyte fluid comprising water and an electrolyte salt. The surface contact element can consist essentially of the hydrophilic polymer swollen by the electrolyte fluid. Another electrode system includes a contact element including a crosslinked hydrophilic polymer matrix. The contact element has a Q? ratio of at least 5 as defined by the equation Q ? = W W W G . The contact elements can also have a Q? ratio of at least 6, at least 7, at least 10 or even at least 11.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: University of Pittsburgh-Of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: Xinyan Cui, Nicolas Alexander Alba, Mingui Sun
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Publication number: 20130267794Abstract: Electronic systems, devices and methods are provided to accurately record and analyze food intake and physical activity in a subject. A device is provided to be placed on a subject which records video using at least two video cameras positioned to record stereoscopic image pair, as well as other physiological and/or environmental data including, for example, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and environmental factors such as physical location, temperature, and humidity. Video data is analyzed along with other data obtained by the device to determine food consumption and/or physical activity of the subject, much of which is accomplished by automated computer-implemented processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2012Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: John Fernstrom, Madelyn Fernstrom, Wenyan Jia, Robert Sclabassi, Mingui Sun
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Patent number: 8421274Abstract: A wireless energy transfer system includes a first energy transfer unit having at least one resonant frequency, a second energy transfer unit having the at least one resonant frequency, and a load. The first wireless energy transfer unit includes a first coil magnetically coupled to a first wireless energy transfer cell, and the second wireless energy transfer unit includes a second coil magnetically coupled to a second wireless energy transfer cell. The first coil receives first energy and through the magnetic coupling between the first coil and the first wireless energy transfer cell, the first wireless energy transfer cell is caused to generate second energy, wherein the second wireless energy transfer cell receives the second energy and through the magnetic coupling between the second wireless energy transfer cell and the second coil, the second coil is caused to provide third electromagnetic wave energy to the load.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: University of Pittsburgh-Of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: Mingui Sun, Steven Hackworth, Robert Sclabassi, Fei Zhang, Xiaoyu Liu
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Patent number: 8112139Abstract: Electrodes providing excellent recording and physical stability. Electrodes that include a plurality of small teeth that possess a novel design shape and orientation are disclosed. The shallow and relatively long teeth preferably run parallel to the rim of the electrode that presses against the patient's skin. When the electrode is twisted onto skin, the teeth penetrate nearly horizontally under the stratum corneum. The electrodes cause minimal discomfort to the patient since the teeth do not extend to the pain fibers which are located in deeper layers of the skin. The electrodes may house a diversity of electronic components to enable numerous experimental and medical implementations. The electrodes may also be used wirelessly without electrode leads. The electrodes may be fabricated using precision photo-chemical etching techniques that are well known in the art. An electrode installation device that preferably employs the electrodes is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: Mingui Sun, Robert J. Sclabassi, Wei Liang, Joseph Marcanio
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Publication number: 20110101788Abstract: A wireless energy transfer system includes a first energy transfer unit having at least one resonant frequency, a second energy transfer unit having the at least one resonant frequency, and a load. The first wireless energy transfer unit includes a first coil magnetically coupled to a first wireless energy transfer cell, and the second wireless energy transfer unit includes a second coil magnetically coupled to a second wireless energy transfer cell. The first coil receives first energy and through the magnetic coupling between the first coil and the first wireless energy transfer cell, the first wireless energy transfer cell is caused to generate second energy, wherein the second wireless energy transfer cell receives the second energy and through the magnetic coupling between the second wireless energy transfer cell and the second coil, the second coil is caused to provide third electromagnetic wave energy to the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: Mingui Sun, Steven Hackworth, Robert Sclabassi, Fei Zhang, Xiaoyu Liu
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Patent number: 7672732Abstract: An apparatus for powering an implant includes first energy interface elements, a removeably attachable holding device and a first energy source, such as a battery. An energy conversion circuit converts first energy into second energy which is transmitted within the body of the patient to the implant. Also, an apparatus for providing information to an implant that includes first energy interface elements and a housing that includes a processor operatively coupled to the first energy interface elements and an energy source operatively coupled to the processor. The processor is structured to generate an information signal and cause the signal to be transmitted within the body of the patient for delivery to the implant. Associated methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: Mingui Sun, Robert J. Sclabassi, Daliang L. Li, Jun Zhao, Steven Hackworth
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Publication number: 20090171413Abstract: An implantable device. The implantable device includes a computing device, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) pH sensor connected to the computing device, and a communication system connected to the computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Marco Zenati, William W. Clark, Robert J. Sclabassi, Mingui Sun, Sung Kwon Cho, Hsin-Hua Hu
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Publication number: 20090012433Abstract: Electronic systems, devices and methods are provided to accurately measure both food intake and physical activity in a subject. A device is provided to be placed on a subject which records video as well as other physiological and/or environmental data. Video data can be analyzed along with other data obtained by the device to determine food consumption and physical activity of the subject, much of which is accomplished by automated computer-implemented processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: John D. Fernstrom, Madelyn H. Fernstrom, Robert J. Sclabassi, Mingui Sun
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Publication number: 20090005667Abstract: An electrode system include a flowable and cohesive surface contact element comprising a hydrophilic polymer swollen with an electrolyte fluid, the contact element having a Q? ratio of at least 5 as defined by the equation Q ? = W W W G wherein WG is the dry weight of the hydrophilic polymer and WW is weight of water in the sample after absorption of the electrolyte fluid comprising water and an electrolyte salt. The surface contact element can consist essentially of the hydrophilic polymer swollen by the electrolyte fluid. Another electrode system includes a contact element including a crosslinked hydrophilic polymer matrix. The contact element has a Q? ratio of at least 5 as defined by the equation Q ? = W W W G . The contact elements can also have a Q? ratio of at least 6, at least 7, at least 10 or even at least 11.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventors: XINYAN CUI, NICOLAS ALEXANDER ALBA, MINGUI SUN
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Publication number: 20080262335Abstract: Electrodes providing excellent recording and physical stability. The present invention encompasses electrodes that include a plurality of small teeth that possess a novel design shape and orientation. The shallow and relatively long teeth preferably run parallel to the rim of the electrode that presses against the patient's skin. When the electrode is twisted onto skin, the tiny teeth penetrate the stratum corneum and move nearly horizontally under the stratum corneum, thus anchoring the electrode securely to the skin. The electrodes of the present invention cause minimal discomfort to the patient since the small teeth do not extend to the pain fibers which are located in deeper layers of the skin. The electrodes may house a wide diversity of electronic components to enable numerous experimental and medical implementations. The electrodes the present invention may also be used wirelessly either singularly or as an array so that no electrode leads extend away from the patients body.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Mingui Sun, Robert J. Sclabassi, Wei Liang, Joseph Marcanio
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Publication number: 20070228273Abstract: An apparatus for powering an implant includes first energy interface elements, a removeably attachable holding device and a first energy source, such as a battery. An energy conversion circuit converts first energy into second energy which is transmitted within the body of the patient to the implant. Also, an apparatus for providing information to an implant that includes first energy interface elements and a housing that includes a processor operatively coupled to the first energy interface elements and an energy source operatively coupled to the processor. The processor is structured to generate an information signal and cause the signal to be transmitted within the body of the patient for delivery to the implant. Associated methods are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2007Publication date: October 4, 2007Inventors: Mingui Sun, Robert Sclabassi, Daliang Li, Jun Zhao, Steven Hackworth
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Patent number: 7228183Abstract: Apparatus and method of communicating data employing current pulses transmitted by an implanted device through living biological tissue to an external device. The method also contemplates transmission of current pulses from the external device through living biological tissue to an implanted device. Uniquely configured antenna electrodes are preferably employed in the implanted device. Increase in signal-to-noise ratio is achieved through synchronization. The method may be employed in diagnostic, therapeutic and general monitoring activities in connection with human beings.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: Mingui Sun, Robert J. Sclabassi, Marlin H. Mickle
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Publication number: 20070007285Abstract: The present invention may be utilized in medical applications requiring the external delivery of electrical energy from outside the human body to a target site within the human body, such as electrical stimulation of muscles and power delivery to implanted devices. The present invention uses the volume conduction property of human tissue as a natural medium for energy delivery. A novel volume conduction antenna consists of an array of electrodes that are structured and arranged to receive voltage and work collaboratively to transmit electrical energy to the target site. A unique voltage is applied to each electrode to direct the electrical energy to the target site. The desired energy density near the target site is optimized, while the undesired energy density near the site of the antenna is minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2006Publication date: January 11, 2007Inventors: Mingui Sun, Robert Sclabassi, Daliang Li
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Patent number: 6847844Abstract: Apparatus and method of communicating data employing current pulses transmitted by an implanted device through living biological tissue to an external device. The method also contemplates transmission of current pulses from the external device through living biological tissue to an implanted device. Uniquely configured antenna electrodes are preferably employed in the implanted device. Increase in signal-to-noise ratio is achieved through synchronization. The method may be employed in diagnostic, therapeutic and general monitoring activities in connection with human beings.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: Mingui Sun, Robert J. Sclabassi, Marlin H. Mickle
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Publication number: 20040199222Abstract: The present invention provides a method of communicating data employing current pulses transmitted by an implanted device through living biological tissue to an external device. The method also contemplates transmission of current pulses from the external device through living biological tissue to an implanted device Uniquely configured antenna electrodes are preferably employed in the implanted device. Increase in signal-to-noise ratio is achieved through synchronization. The method may be employed in diagnostic, therapeutic and general monitoring activities in connection with human beings. Corresponding apparatus is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Mingui Sun, Robert J. Sclabassi, Marlin H. Mickle
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Publication number: 20030229382Abstract: The present invention provides a method of communicating data employing current pulses transmitted by an implanted device through living biological tissue to an external device. The method also contemplates transmission of current pulses from the external device through living biological tissue to an implanted device Uniquely configured antenna electrodes are preferably employed in the implanted device. Increase in signal-to-noise ratio is achieved through synchronization. The method may be employed in diagnostic, therapeutic and general monitoring activities in connection with human beings. Corresponding apparatus is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Mingui Sun, Robert J. Sclabassi, Marlin H. Mickle