Patents by Inventor Albert P. Pisano
Albert P. Pisano 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: 10247656Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing individual cell composition in a heterogeneous cell population may include, in one embodiment, a deposition plate having an array of microwells disposed therein, and a cover plate substantially overlying the deposition plate. A pair of electrodes may be associated with one or more of the microwells, and may be configured to generate an electric field within the associated microwell.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTER AT OAKLANDInventors: Franciscus Albertus Kuypers, Won Chul Lee, Albert P. Pisano
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Publication number: 20160142039Abstract: A contour mode micromechanical piezoelectric resonator. The resonator has a bottom electrode; a top electrode; and a piezoelectric layer disposed between the bottom electrode and the top electrode. The piezoelectric resonator has a planar surface with a cantilevered periphery, dimensioned to undergo in-plane lateral displacement at the periphery. The resonator also includes means for applying an alternating electric field across the thickness of the piezoelectric resonator. The electric field is configured to cause the resonator to have a contour mode in-plane lateral displacement that is substantially in the plane of the planar surface of the resonator, wherein the fundamental frequency for the displacement of the piezoelectric resonator is set in part lithographically by the planar dimension of the bottom electrode, the top electrode or the piezoelectric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2014Publication date: May 19, 2016Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Gianluca Piazza, Philip J. Stephanou, Albert P. Pisano
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Patent number: 8704616Abstract: A contour mode micromechanical piezoelectric resonator. The resonator has a bottom electrode; a top electrode; and a piezoelectric layer disposed between the bottom electrode and the top electrode. The piezoelectric resonator has a planar surface with a cantilevered periphery, dimensioned to undergo in-plane lateral displacement at the periphery. The resonator also includes means for applying an alternating electric field across the thickness of the piezoelectric resonator. The electric field is configured to cause the resonator to have a contour mode in-plane lateral displacement that is substantially in the plane of the planar surface of the resonator, wherein the fundamental frequency for the displacement of the piezoelectric resonator is set in part lithographically by the planar dimension of the bottom electrode, the top electrode or the piezoelectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Gianluca Piazza, Philip J. Stephanou, Albert P. Pisano
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Patent number: 8342031Abstract: Provided are capacitive strain sensors. In certain embodiments, the capacitive strain sensor can continuously and accurately measure strain in corrosive ambient conditions and may operate up to 370° C. or more in air. The sensor includes a differential capacitor that includes a bending beam structure. In some instances, the sensor is configured to increase the effect of strain in a substrate along a sensing axis while attenuating the effect of cross-axis strain. Also provided are methods of making the capacitive strain sensors, e.g., using Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) fabrication techniques, and methods of using the capacitive strain sensors.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Babak Jamshidi, Albert P. Pisano
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Patent number: 8324785Abstract: Piezoelectric actuators are provided. In some instances, the piezoelectric actuators are high-precision piezoelectric actuators. The piezoelectric beams may have a bi-chevron configuration. Also provided are methods of making the piezoelectric actuators, e.g., using Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) fabrication techniques, and methods of using the piezoelectric actuators, e.g., as valves in fluid dispensing systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Ya-Mei Chen, Michael Stephen Sheppy, Matthew A. Hopcroft, Albert P. Pisano, Rajesh Vinodrai Mehta, Michael Alan Marcus, Gilbert Allan Hawkins
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Patent number: 8319584Abstract: A contour mode micromechanical piezoelectric resonator. The resonator has a bottom electrode; a top electrode; and a piezoelectric layer disposed between the bottom electrode and the top electrode. The piezoelectric resonator has a planar surface with a cantilevered periphery, dimensioned to undergo in-plane lateral displacement at the periphery. The resonator also includes means for applying an alternating electric field across the thickness of the piezoelectric resonator. The electric field is configured to cause the resonator to have a contour mode in-plane lateral displacement that is substantially in the plane of the planar surface of the resonator, wherein the fundamental frequency for the displacement of the piezoelectric resonator is set in part lithographically by the planar dimension of the bottom electrode, the top electrode or the piezoelectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Gianluca Piazza, Philip J. Stephanou, Albert P. Pisano
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Patent number: 8304245Abstract: The invention provides a device, system and method that enables a microfluidic flow lysometer cell analyzer. Using a population of suspended living cells. cell surface molecule detection reagents, and cell cytoplasm (or nuclear) molecule detection reagents, this microfluidic cell analyzer can rapidly analyze a population of cells by running them on a one-at-a-time basis through small capillary channels. The cell's morphology or surface markers are analyzed, then the cells are lysed, and the molecules present in the cell's cytoplasm or nuclear material are analyzed. Cell morphology is then analyzed as the cell surface molecules are correlated with the molecules present in the same cell's cytoplasm or nucleic acids, and this correlated cell population data is then presented to a user for interpretation.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2007Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Children's Hospital and Research Center at OaklandInventors: Franciscus Albertus Kuypers, Won Chul Lee, Albert P. Pisano
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Publication number: 20120065082Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing individual cell composition in a heterogeneous cell population may include, in one embodiment, a deposition plate having an array of microwells disposed therein, and a cover plate substantially overlying the deposition plate. A pair of electrodes may be associated with one or more of the microwells, and may be configured to generate an electric field within the associated microwell.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: Children's Hospital & Research Center at OaklandInventors: Franciscus Albertus Kuypers, Won Chul Lee, Albert P. Pisano
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Patent number: 8026485Abstract: An infrared sensor with at least one cantilever beam functionalized with chitin, chitosan or their derivatives that can be tailored to be sensitive to certain IR bands for detection and does not require cooling is described. The functional layers expand differently than the structural layer of the cantilever beam causing the beam to bend in response to exposure to infrared radiation. The sensor can be adapted to optical, piezoresistive, capacitive and piezoelectric methods of detect beam deflection. Sensitivity can be increased with a reflective layer to increase the absorption of infrared radiation by the functional layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael T. Mueller, Albert P. Pisano, Robert Azevedo, David C. Walther, David R. Myers, Matthew Wasilik
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Publication number: 20110133856Abstract: A contour mode micromechanical piezoelectric resonator. The resonator has a bottom electrode; a top electrode; and a piezoelectric layer disposed between the bottom electrode and the top electrode. The piezoelectric resonator has a planar surface with a cantilevered periphery, dimensioned to undergo in-plane lateral displacement at the periphery. The resonator also includes means for applying an alternating electric field across the thickness of the piezoelectric resonator. The electric field is configured to cause the resonator to have a contour mode in-plane lateral displacement that is substantially in the plane of the planar surface of the resonator, wherein the fundamental frequency for the displacement of the piezoelectric resonator is set in part lithographically by the planar dimension of the bottom electrode, the top electrode or the piezoelectric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Gianluca Piazza, Philip J. Stephanou, Albert P. Pisano
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Publication number: 20110107962Abstract: Piezoelectric actuators are provided. In some instances, the piezoelectric actuators are high-precision piezoelectric actuators. The piezoelectric beams may have a bi-chevron configuration. Also provided are methods of making the piezoelectric actuators, e.g., using Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) fabrication techniques, and methods of using the piezoelectric actuators, e.g., as valves in fluid dispensing systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventors: Ya-Mei Chen, Michael Stephen Sheppy, Matthew A. Hopcroft, Albert P. Pisano, Rajesh Vinodrai Mehta, Michael Alan Marcus, Gilbert Allan Hawkins
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Publication number: 20110097229Abstract: Provided is an automated syringe pump that includes a syringe plunger controller and an elastic member, such as a spring, positioned between a rigid member and a syringe plunger retainer. The controller may include a transducer, such as a linear potentiometer, for generating a signal representative of force applied to a syringe plunger present in the syringe plunger retainer. In addition, the controller may include a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller that provides for at least one of constant pressure on the syringe plunger and constant flow rate of fluid out of a syringe operated by the automated syringe pump. Also provided are methods, systems and kits using the automated syringe pumps.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventors: Thomas Henry Cauley III, Albert P. Pisano
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Patent number: 7915974Abstract: A contour mode micromechanical piezoelectric resonator. The resonator has a bottom electrode; a top electrode; and a piezoelectric layer disposed between the bottom electrode and the top electrode. The piezoelectric resonator has a planar surface with a cantilevered periphery, dimensioned to undergo in-plane lateral displacement at the periphery. The resonator also includes means for applying an alternating electric field across the thickness of the piezoelectric resonator. The electric field is configured to cause the resonator to have a contour mode in-plane lateral displacement that is substantially in the plane of the planar surface of the resonator, wherein the fundamental frequency for the displacement of the piezoelectric resonator is set in part lithographically by the planar dimension of the bottom electrode, the top electrode or the piezoelectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Gianluca Piazza, Philip J. Stephanou, Albert P. Pisano
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Publication number: 20100243904Abstract: An infrared sensor with at least one cantilever beam functionalized with chitin, chitosan or their derivatives that can be tailored to be sensitive to certain IR bands for detection and does not require cooling is described. The functional layers expand differently than the structural layer of the cantilever beam causing the beam to bend in response to exposure to infrared radiation. The sensor can be adapted to optical, piezoresistive, capacitive and piezoelectric methods of detect beam deflection. Sensitivity can be increased with a reflective layer to increase the absorption of infrared radiation by the functional layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Michael T. Mueller, Albert P. Pisano, Robert Azevedo, David C. Walther, David R. Myers, Matthew Wasilik
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Patent number: 7791432Abstract: A contour mode micromechanical piezoelectric resonator. The resonator has a bottom electrode; a top electrode; and a piezoelectric layer disposed between the bottom electrode and the top electrode. The piezoelectric resonator has a planar surface with a cantilevered periphery, dimensioned to undergo in-plane lateral displacement at the periphery. The resonator also includes means for applying an alternating electric field across the thickness of the piezoelectric resonator. The electric field is configured to cause the resonator to have a contour mode in-plane lateral displacement that is substantially in the plane of the planar surface of the resonator, wherein the fundamental frequency for the displacement of the piezoelectric resonator is set in part lithographically by the planar dimension of the bottom electrode, the top electrode or the piezoelectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Gianluca Piazza, Philip J. Stephanou, Albert P. Pisano
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Publication number: 20100162824Abstract: Provided are capacitive strain sensors. In certain embodiments, the capacitive strain sensor can continuously and accurately measure strain in corrosive ambient conditions and may operate up to 370° C. or more in air. The sensor includes a differential capacitor that includes a bending beam structure. In some instances, the sensor is configured to increase the effect of strain in a substrate along a sensing axis while attenuating the effect of cross-axis strain. Also provided are methods of making the capacitive strain sensors, e.g., using Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) fabrication techniques, and methods of using the capacitive strain sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Babak JAMSHIDI, Albert P. Pisano
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Patent number: 7666163Abstract: An actuator for an interventional surgical procedure is described. The actuator may include an actuator body having a distal end and a proximal end. A central expandable section is located between the distal end and the proximal end. The expandable section is operable between an unactuated condition in which the expandable section is in a furled state and an actuated condition in which the expandable section is in an unfurled state. A needle is located at the expandable section. The needle is moveable in an approximately perpendicular direction relative to a central longitudinal axis of the actuator body from a position within the actuator body to a position outside of the actuator body.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: The Regents of The University Of CaliforniaInventors: Kirk P. Seward, Albert P. Pisano
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Publication number: 20090227963Abstract: An actuator for an interventional surgical procedure is described. The actuator may include an actuator body having a distal end and a proximal end. A central expandable section is located between the distal end and the proximal end. The expandable section is operable between an unactuated condition in which the expandable section is in a furled state and an actuated condition in which the expandable section is in an unfurled state. A needle is located at the expandable section. The needle is moveable in an approximately perpendicular direction relative to a central longitudinal axis of the actuator body from a position within the actuator body to a position outside of the actuator body.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Kirk P. SEWARD, Albert P. PISANO
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Patent number: 7559923Abstract: A method of interventional surgery is described. The method may include inserting an actuator within a body of a vascularized organism and positioning the actuator adjacent a target region within a vessel of the body. The actuator is operated to cause a needle thereof to move in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to a wall of the vessel to produce an opening therein. A therapeutic or diagnostic agent may be delivered by the needle to the target region via the opening in the vessel wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2004Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Kirk Patrick Seward, Albert P. Pisano
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Publication number: 20090155918Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for monitoring biometrical data (e.g., pH level of a grape) of living organisms is disclosed. A method for monitoring biometrical data includes providing a chemical matter having a chemical agent, contacting the chemical matter with a biological matter, detecting a change in the chemical matter to produce a signal, altering the signal into an electrical signal, and obtaining biometrical data from the electrical signal. An apparatus for determining biometrics data of a living organism includes a capillary tube configured to receive fluid from the living organism, a hydrogel solution having a volume responsive to one or more characteristics of the fluid, a capacitor having at least one plate responsive to the volume of the hydrogel solution, and an inductor coupled to the capacitor. The inductor and the capacitor form a circuit having a resonant frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2006Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Sebastien Payen, David C. Walther, Albert P. Pisano