Patents Assigned to FLUIDIC, INC.
  • Patent number: 11933780
    Abstract: A method for assessing an effect, such as a treatment, disease, or passage of time on a cellular unit of an organism includes providing a sample including a cellular unit subject to the effect in a supporting medium in a hermetically sealed container. The container is deoxygenated to induce at least one of a predetermined amount of hypoxia and a predetermined rate of oxygen consumption in the medium. Values for variables associated with the medium and/or the cellular unit are determined at each of a plurality of different times. Various combinations of the predetermined amount of hypoxia, the predetermined rate of oxygen consumption, the values for the variables associated with the medium and/or cellular unit, and the times and then correlated to generate a multi-dimensional surface. This surface is compared with another surface correlating corresponding values relating to another cellular unit such as one not subject to the effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Functional Fluidics Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Tarasev, Xiufeng Gao, Marta Ferranti
  • Patent number: 11839873
    Abstract: Provided are valveless microfluidic flowchips comprising fluid flow barrier structures or configurations. Further provided are systems and methods having increased fluid transfer control in a valveless microfluidic flowchip. The systems and methods can be used in the present valveless microfluidic flowchips as well as in currently available valveless microfluidic flowchips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Protein Fluidics, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan Francis Cromwell, Wilson Toy, Liran Yosef Haller, Ori Hoxha, Braxton Dunstone, Hong Jiao
  • Patent number: 11662353
    Abstract: A method for assessing an effect of hypoxia on a tissue includes providing a sample of the tissue in a hermetically sealed container, determining a first amount of a reaction substrate (e.g., protocatechuic acid) to be introduced into the sealed container and determining a second amount of a reaction enzyme (e.g., protocatechuate dioxygenase) to be introduced into the sealed container. The method further includes introducing the reaction substrate and the reaction enzyme into the sealed container. At least one of the first amount of the reaction substrate and the second amount of the reaction enzyme is selected to induce at least one of a predetermined amount of hypoxia less than anoxia and a predetermined rate of hypoxia in the tissue during a reaction between the reaction substrate and the reaction enzyme. Values of properties of the tissue can be measured before and after the reaction to assess effects of hypoxia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Functional Fluidics Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Tarasev, Lucas Gelmini
  • Patent number: 11660087
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods to improve safety and efficiency in an operating room comprise providing a suture package that holds new suture needles and needle receptacles for storing used needles. The devices can be safely worn for the surgeon to self-dispense new suture needles in the near surgical field and to secure the used needles into a needle trap or a needle retainer located on his extremity, on his operative instruments or on the surgical drapes. The device may provide automated and/or simplified needle counting both during use and after removal from the surgical field. The device may be configured for ergonomic and efficient use so as to minimize the actions and motions of the surgeon to dispense and secure the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: SHARP FLUIDICS INC.
    Inventors: Josef E. Gorek, Kenneth B. Trauner, Douglas G. Rimer
  • Publication number: 20230157684
    Abstract: A device is described. The device includes a suture guide and a tissue retracting surface to enable accurate and safe delivery of sutures through tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: SHARP FLUIDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ronan KEATING, Diarmuid CONROY, Gerard RABBITTE, Claire PICARD
  • Patent number: 11633181
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods to improve safety and efficiency in an operating room comprise providing a suture package that holds new suture needles and needle receptacles for storing used needles. The devices can be safely worn for the surgeon to self-dispense new suture needles in the near surgical field and to secure the used needles into a needle trap or a needle retainer located on his extremity, on his operative instruments or on the surgical drapes. The device may provide automated and/or simplified needle counting both during use and after removal from the surgical field. The device may be configured for ergonomic and efficient use so as to minimize the actions and motions of the surgeon to dispense and secure the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: SHARP FLUIDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Josef E. Gorek, Kenneth B. Trauner, Douglas G. Rimer
  • Patent number: 11543037
    Abstract: A dual latching microvalve is capable of a metastable state, wherein a one or more complete flow paths are open, before switching to another state that allows only an inlet or outlet valve to be open at any time on any fluid path. One valve mechanism uses a cam to alternately open and close two valves, with an external force applying pressure to move one valve arm onto a resting position on the cam, thereby opening the closed valve and provided an uninterrupted flow path through the dual latching microvalve. The metastable state provides, for example, a means to prime the pump before operation, such as pumping of insulin into a patient. When released from the metastable state, the dual latching microvalve operates in a fashion whereby opening of both valves simultaneously is prevented, thereby protecting the patient from injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: SFC Fluidics, Inc.
    Inventors: Forrest W. Payne, Bradley Ledden, Gil Kan, Greg Lamps
  • Publication number: 20220401097
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods to improve safety and efficiency in an operating room comprise providing a suture package that holds new suture needles and needle receptacles for storing used needles. The devices can be safely worn for the surgeon to self-dispense new suture needles in the near surgical field and to secure the used needles into a needle trap or a needle retainer located on his extremity, on his operative instruments or on the surgical drapes. The device may provide automated and/or simplified needle counting both during use and after removal from the surgical field. The device may be configured for ergonomic and efficient use so as to minimize the actions and motions of the surgeon to dispense and secure the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: SHARP FLUIDICS INC.
    Inventors: Josef E. GOREK, Kenneth B. TRAUNER, Douglas G. RIMER
  • Patent number: 11499546
    Abstract: A reciprocating piston pump may include a fluid handling portion comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a pump chamber; a drive assembly portion comprising a piston drive assembly, a reciprocating piston, a drive assembly housing, and a drive assembly chamber; and an electro-fluidic leak detection element comprising a fluid sensing portion. The reciprocating piston of the drive assembly portion extends into the pump chamber of the fluid handling portion. The piston drive assembly operates to reciprocate the reciprocating piston within the pump chamber. The electro-fluidic leak detection element is mounted within the drive assembly portion. The electro-fluidic leak detection element is configured to generate a fluid leakage signal when fluid from the pump chamber enters the drive assembly chamber and contacts the fluid sensing portion of the electro-fluidic leak detection element. A plurality of reciprocating piston pumps may be incorporated into fluid handling systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: BIO-CHEM FLUIDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Henry X Huang, Ethan Matthew Gardner, Razvan Bulugioiu, Michael Swern, William A Easterbrook, Sharad Harihar Joshi
  • Patent number: 11376589
    Abstract: Provided are valveless microfluidic flowchips comprising fluid flow barrier structures or configurations. Further provided are systems and methods having increased fluid transfer control in a valveless microfluidic flowchip. The systems and methods can be used in the present valveless microfluidic flowchips as well as in currently available valveless microfluidic flowchips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Protein Fluidics, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan Francis Cromwell, Wilson Toy, Liran Yosef Haller, Ori Hoxha, Braxton Dunstone, Hong Jiao
  • Patent number: 11273446
    Abstract: A threaded fluidic fitting may include a fluid passage, at least one fluid port, a threaded fitting portion, an engageable body portion, and an electro-fluidic leak detection element. The fluid passage extends from the fluid port of the threaded fluidic fitting. The threaded fitting portion comprises a helical thread, extends from a leak detection face of the engageable body portion, and is configured to rotate with the engageable body portion to enhance a fluidically sealed engagement of one of the fluid ports with a complementary fluidic component. The electro-fluidic leak detection element is positioned on the leak detection face of the engageable body portion or on a drip edge portion of a face extending from the leak detection face. A fluid handling system may include a plurality of threaded fluidic fittings and a leak detecting computing hub in communication with the plurality of threaded fluidic fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: BIO-CHEM FLUIDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Henry X Huang, Ethan Matthew Gardner, Razvan Bulugioiu, Michael Swern, William A Easterbrook, Sharad Harihar Joshi, Sr.
  • Patent number: 11105439
    Abstract: A pinch valve configuration may include a pinch valve comprising a valve body, a valve plunger, and a fluidic tubing pinch passage defined between a tubing seat of the valve body and an operative end of the valve plunger. The pinch valve configuration may further include a Hall effect sensor assembly comprising a stationary element anchored to the valve body and a motive element anchored to the valve plunger. The pinch valve configuration additionally includes a failure prediction module in communication with the Hall effect sensor assembly. The failure prediction module is programmed to process an output signal of the Hall effect sensor assembly as a displacement reading, to compare the displacement reading with a failure prediction threshold, and to generate a failure prediction signal from the comparison of the displacement reading with the failure prediction threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: BIO-CHEM FLUIDICS, INC.
    Inventors: Henry X Huang, Ethan Matthew Gardner, Razvan Bulugioiu, Michael Swern, William A Easterbrook, Sharad Harihar Joshi, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20200368429
    Abstract: A method and device employing the method that identifies a solution based on characteristic electrochemical signal. Many solutions are electroactive, thus producing an electric signal following excitation with an applied potential. An electrochemical sensor can detect these electric signals if it is placed in contact with the fluid. Moreover, a fluid of known composition will produce a characteristic electrochemical signal and this characteristic signal can be used to confirm the presence of that fluid. The use of characteristic electrochemical signal to identify a fluid can be conducted at all scales and in many different fields. A few examples include quality control in food production or pharmaceutical manufacturing or for detection of air bubbles in a fluid stream or for identification of medicament prior to administration via a body worn patch pump/pod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Applicant: SFC Fluidics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley LEDDEN, Greg LAMPS, Forrest PAYNE, Emma SUN
  • Patent number: 10690528
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor may measure the flow of ions and/or electrochemical species in a solution passing the sensor because the electroactive species will continually come into contact with the electrode and an electric signal will be generated by the combination of diffusion and convection bringing the electroactive species to the electrode. The electric signal measured will vary by concentration of ions and/or electrochemical specie(s) and by flow rate. Flow rate may be measured if the concentration of ions and/or electrochemical specie(s) is known; conversely, the concentration of ions and/or electrochemical species may be measured if the flow rate is known. The sensor may also be used to confirm the delivery of a fluid containing ions and/or electrochemical specie(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: SFC FLUIDICS, INC.
    Inventor: Bradley Thomas Ledden
  • Patent number: 10576201
    Abstract: A valve for use in connection with microfluidic devices includes a safety feature such that flow is controlled even in the case of a loss of power, thus having applications in critical applications such as the precise delivery of drugs overtime. The valve may be used in connection with multiple tubes delivering drugs, and may be used with a pump, such as an electrochemical pump, to provide the force to move the fluids containing drugs for delivery. In certain applications, more than one medicine may be delivered and metered independently using a single pump with multiple reservoirs and valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SFC Fluidics, Inc.
    Inventors: Forrest W. Payne, Greg Lamps, Champak Das, Sai Kumar, Ashley Shemain
  • Publication number: 20200038865
    Abstract: A threaded fluidic fitting may include a fluid passage, at least one fluid port, a threaded fitting portion, an engageable body portion, and an electro-fluidic leak detection element. The fluid passage extends from the fluid port of the threaded fluidic fitting. The threaded fitting portion comprises a helical thread, extends from a leak detection face of the engageable body portion, and is configured to rotate with the engageable body portion to enhance a fluidically sealed engagement of one of the fluid ports with a complementary fluidic component. The electro-fluidic leak detection element is positioned on the leak detection face of the engageable body portion or on a drip edge portion of a face extending from the leak detection face. A fluid handling system may include a plurality of threaded fluidic fittings and a leak detecting computing hub in communication with the plurality of threaded fluidic fittings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: Bio-Chem Fluidics, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry X Huang, Ethan Matthew Gardner, Razvan Bulugioiu, Michael Swern, William A Easterbrook, Sharad Harihar Joshi, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20200040890
    Abstract: A reciprocating piston pump may include a fluid handling portion comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a pump chamber; a drive assembly portion comprising a piston drive assembly, a reciprocating piston, a drive assembly housing, and a drive assembly chamber; and an electro-fluidic leak detection element comprising a fluid sensing portion. The reciprocating piston of the drive assembly portion extends into the pump chamber of the fluid handling portion. The piston drive assembly operates to reciprocate the reciprocating piston within the pump chamber. The electro-fluidic leak detection element is mounted within the drive assembly portion. The electro-fluidic leak detection element is configured to generate a fluid leakage signal when fluid from the pump chamber enters the drive assembly chamber and contacts the fluid sensing portion of the electro-fluidic leak detection element. A plurality of reciprocating piston pumps may be incorporated into fluid handling systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: Bio-Chem Fluidics, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry X. Huang, Ethan Matthew Gardner, Razvan Bulugioiu, Michael Swern, William A. Easterbrook, Sharad Harihar Joshi, SR.
  • Publication number: 20200041035
    Abstract: A pinch valve configuration may include a pinch valve comprising a valve body, a valve plunger, and a fluidic tubing pinch passage defined between a tubing seat of the valve body and an operative end of the valve plunger. The pinch valve configuration may further include a Hall effect sensor assembly comprising a stationary element anchored to the valve body and a motive element anchored to the valve plunger. The pinch valve configuration additionally includes a failure prediction module in communication with the Hall effect sensor assembly. The failure prediction module is programmed to process an output signal of the Hall effect sensor assembly as a displacement reading, to compare the displacement reading with a failure prediction threshold, and to generate a failure prediction signal from the comparison of the displacement reading with the failure prediction threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: Bio-Chem Fluidics, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry X Huang, Ethan Matthew Gardner, Razvan Bulugioiu, Michael Swern, William A. Easterbrook, Sharad Harihar Joshi, SR.
  • Patent number: 10256460
    Abstract: The disclosed technology relates generally to apparatuses and methods of fabricating solid-state electrochemical cells having redox-active polymers. In one aspect, an electrochemical cell comprises a negative electrode including a first redox-active polymer and configured to be reversibly oxidized during a discharging operation and further configured to be reversibly reduced during a charging operation. The electrochemical cell additionally comprises a positive electrode including a second redox-active polymer and configured to be reversibly reduced during the discharging operation and further configured to be reversibly oxidized during the charging operation. The electrochemical cell further comprises an electrolyte including a solid ion-exchange polymer, the electrolyte interposed between positive and negative electrodes and configured to conduct ions therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Fluidic, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody A. Friesen, Jose Antonio Bautista-Martinez
  • Publication number: 20180283916
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor may measure the flow of ions and/or electrochemical species in a solution passing the sensor because the electroactive species will continually come into contact with the electrode and an electric signal will be generated by the combination of diffusion and convection bringing the electroactive species to the electrode. The electric signal measured will vary by concentration of ions and/or electrochemical specie(s) and by flow rate. Flow rate may be measured if the concentration of ions and/or electrochemical specie(s) is known; conversely, the concentration of ions and/or electrochemical species may be measured if the flow rate is known. The sensor may also be used to confirm the delivery of a fluid containing ions and/or electrochemical specie(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: SFC FLUIDICS, INC.
    Inventor: Bradley Thomas Ledden