Patents by Inventor Norman F. Sheppard, Jr.
Norman F. Sheppard, Jr. 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: 7226442Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for wirelessly powering and/or communicating with microchip devices used for the controlled exposure and release of reservoir contents, such as drugs, reagents, and sensors. In one embodiment, the system includes (1) a microchip device comprising a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs containing reservoir contents for release or exposure; and (2) a rechargeable or on-demand power source comprising a local component which can wirelessly receive power from a remote transmitter wherein the received power can be used, directly or following transduction, to activate said release or exposure of the reservoir contents. In another embodiment, the system comprises (1) a microchip device comprising a substrate a plurality of reservoirs containing reservoir contents for release or exposure; and (2) a telemetry system for the wireless transfer of data between the microchip device and a remote controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2001Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: MicroCHIPS, Inc.Inventors: Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., John T. Santini, Jr., Stephen J. Herman, Michael J. Cima, Robert S. Langer, Dennis Ausiello
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Patent number: 7114312Abstract: Methods are provided for hermetically sealing an opening in a reservoir of a containment device. The method comprises applying a polymeric material to an opening in a reservoir of a containment device, the reservoir comprising reservoir contents (such as a drug or a sensor) to be hermetically isolated within the reservoir, the applied polymeric material closing off the opening and forming a temporary seal; and adhering a hermetic sealing material onto the polymeric material to hermetically seal the opening. The reservoir can be a micro-reservoir. The containment device can comprises an array of two or more of reservoirs, and the method comprises hermetically sealing each of the two or more reservoirs.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: MicroCHIPS, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan R. Coppeta, Scott A. Uhland, Benjamin F. Polito, Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Christina M. Feakes, Douglas B. Snell, John T. Santini, Jr.
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Patent number: 6976982Abstract: Microchip device arrays that can conform to a curved surface are provided for the controlled release or exposure of reservoir contents. The arrays comprise two or more microchip device elements, each of which includes a plurality of reservoirs that contain molecules for controlled release or components for selective exposure, and a means for flexibly connecting the device elements. The reservoirs can contain one or more drugs and/or one or more secondary devices, such as a sensor or a component thereof. Preferably, the microchip devices contain and controllably release therapeutic, prophylactic, and diagnostic molecules to and into the eye of a patient in need thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: MicroCHIPS, Inc.Inventors: John T. Santini, Jr., Michael J. Cima, Robert S. Langer, Dennis Ausiello, Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Stephen J. Herman
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Patent number: 6973718Abstract: Methods are provided for conformally coating microchip devices and for sealing reservoirs containing molecules or devices in a microchip device. One method comprises (i) providing a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs having reservoir openings in need of sealing; (ii) loading reservoir contents comprising molecules, a secondary device, or both, into the reservoirs; and (iii) applying a conformal coating barrier layer, such as a vapor depositable polymeric material, e.g., parylene, onto the reservoir contents over at least the reservoir openings to seal the reservoir openings. Another method comprises vapor depositing a conformal coating material onto a microchip device having at least two reservoirs and reservoir caps positioned over molecules or devices stored in the reservoirs, and providing that the conformal coating does not coat or is removed from the reservoir caps.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: MicroCHIPS, Inc.Inventors: Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Christina M. Feakes
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Patent number: 6953550Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting and quantifying particulate matter suspended in a fluid. Specifically, the invention provides an integrated, affinity-binding based, analytical system comprising a platform for performing an affinity-binding based assay for specifically binding particulates including microbial cells, and a detection means for detecting the particulates specifically bound to a defined surface or chamber comprising the platform. Methods for using the analytical systems of the invention are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Tecan Trading AGInventors: Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Alec Mian, Gregory Kellogg, Stephen G. Kieffer-Higgins, Bruce L. Carvalho
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Patent number: 6875208Abstract: Microchip devices and methods of manufacture thereof are provided to increase the uniformity and reliability of active exposure and release of microchip reservoir contents. In one embodiment, the microchip device for the controlled release or exposure of molecules or secondary devices comprises: (1) a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs; (2) reservoir contents comprising molecules, a secondary device, or both, located in the reservoirs; (3) reservoir caps positioned on the reservoirs over the reservoir contents; (4) electrical activation means for disintegrating the reservoir cap to initiate exposure or release of the reservoir contents in selected reservoirs; and (5) a current distribution means, a stress induction means, or both, operably engaged with or integrated into the reservoir cap, to enhance reservoir cap disintegration.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: John T. Santini, Jr., Michael J. Cima, Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Nolan T. Flynn, Scott A. Uhland, Zouhair Sbiaa, John M. Maloney
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Patent number: 6849463Abstract: Microchip devices and methods of use are provided for the controlled exposure of a secondary device. In one embodiment, the microchip device include a substrate, a plurality of reservoirs in the substrate, a secondary device in one or more of the reservoirs, at least one barrier layer covering each of the reservoirs to isolate the secondary device from an environmental component outside the reservoirs, wherein the barrier layer is impermeable to the environmental component, and a microprocessor-controlled actuation means for rendering the barrier layer porous or permeable to the environmental component to expose the secondary device to said environmental component. The secondary device can comprise a sensor or sensing component (e.g., a biosensor). In other embodiments, microchip devices are provided for the controlled exposure of a reacting component, such as an enzyme. In still other embodiments, sensors are provided on the device outside of the reservoirs.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: MicroCHIPS, Inc.Inventors: John T. Santini, Jr., Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Chung Chang Young, Robert S. Langer
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Patent number: 6818435Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic analyses and procedures, particularly miniaturized cell based assays. These methods are useful for performing a variety of cell-based assays, including drug candidate screening, life sciences research, and clinical and molecular diagnostics.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Tecan Trading AGInventors: Bruce L. Carvalho, Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Christina Feakes, Gregory J. Kellogg
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Patent number: 6773429Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for enhancing corrosion of an electrode in a biocompatible fluid. The method comprises (1) placing a primary electrode and a counter electrode in an electroconductive biocompatible fluid to form an electrochemical cell; and (2) applying a time-varying potential, through the electrochemical cell, to the primary electrode. In a preferred embodiment, the primary electrode is metal and comprises a reservoir cap of a microchip device for the release of molecules or exposure of device reservoir contents. The potential preferably is characterized by a waveform having a maximum potential effectively anodic to meet or exceed the corrosion potential of the primary electrode. Also, the minimum potential preferably is effectively cathodic to be below the value where re-deposition of metal ions on the metal electrode can substantially occur, thereby corroding the metal electrode.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2001Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: MicroCHIPS, Inc.Inventors: Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Christina M. Feakes, John T. Santini, Jr.
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Patent number: 6730072Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for mechanically sealing the reservoirs of microchip devices to prevent leakage from or between any of the reservoirs. In one embodiment, the method includes sandwiching a microchip device and a gasket material covering the reservoir openings between a front sealing frame and a backplate, such that the gasket material is compressed against the back side of the microchip device by the back plate. The front sealing frame is secured to the back sealing plate using fasteners or welding. The gasket material is preferably a flexible polymeric sheet, which is biocompatible and compatible with the reservoir contents. In another embodiment, a composite backplate is used in place of the back sealing plate and separate gasket material. The composite backplate can include a substrate having sealing plugs defined thereon. The composite backplate also can be designed to hold the drug, thereby combining the assembly steps of reservoir filling and sealing.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Rebecca S. Shawgo, Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Michael J. Cima, John T. Santini, Jr., Stephen J. Herman, Benjamin F. Polito, Scott A. Uhland
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Patent number: 6656430Abstract: This invention provides methods an apparatus for detecting and quantifying particulate matter suspended in a fluid. Specifically, the invention provides an integrated, affinity-binding based, analytical system comprising a platform for performing an affinity-binding based assay for specifically binding particulates including microbial cells, and a detection means for detecting the particulates specifically bound to a defined surface or chamber comprising the platform. Methods for using the analytical systems of the invention are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Tecan Trading AGInventors: Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Alec Mian, Gregory Kellogg, Stephen G. Kieffer-Higgins, Bruce L. Carvalho
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Patent number: 6551838Abstract: Microchip devices are provided which include a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs containing a secondary device, a reacting component, or a combination thereof. At least one barrier layer covers each reservoir to isolate the reservoir contents from one or more environmental components outside the reservoirs. The barrier layer can be selectively disintegrated or permeabilized to expose the isolated contents to the one or more environmental components. The secondary device preferably includes a sensor or sensing component, for example, a biosensor, or a light detection or imaging device, such as an optical fiber. Preferred reacting components include catalysts and reagent, which may be immobilized in the reservoirs.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: MicroCHIPS, Inc.Inventors: John T. Santini, Jr., Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Chung Chang Young, Robert S. Langer
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Patent number: 6319468Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting and quantifying particulate matter suspended in a fluid. Specifically, the invention provides an integrated, affinity-binding based, analytical system comprising a platform for performing an affinity-binding based assay for specifically binding particulates including microbial cells, and a detection device for detecting the particulates specifically bound to a defined surface or chamber comprising the platform. Methods for using the analytical systems of the invention are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Tecan Trading AGInventors: Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Alec Mian, Gregory Kellogg, Stephen G. Kieffer-Higgins, Bruce L. Carvalho
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Patent number: 6143247Abstract: This invention provides methods an apparatus for detecting and quantifying particulate matter suspended in a fluid. Specifically, the invention provides an integrated, affinity-binding based, analytical system comprising a platform for performing an affinity-binding based assay for specifically binding particulates including microbial cells, and a detection means for detecting the particulates specifically bound to a defined surface or chamber comprising the platform. Methods for using the analytical systems of the invention are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1997Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Gamera Bioscience Inc.Inventors: Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Alec Mian, Gregory Kellogg, Stephen G. Kieffer-Higgins, Bruce L. Carvalho