Patents by Inventor Axel Scherer

Axel Scherer 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).

  • MICROFABRICATED ELASTOMERIC VALVE AND PUMP SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20150276089
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc Alexander Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake, Markus Enzelberger, Mark L. Adams, Carl L. Hansen
  • NANOPILLAR FIELD-EFFECT AND JUNCTION TRANSISTORS WITH FUNCTIONALIZED GATE AND BASE ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20150279949
    Abstract: Systems and methods for molecular sensing are described. Molecular sensors are described which are based on field-effect or bipolar junction transistors. These transistors have a nanopillar with a functionalized layer contacted to either the base or the gate electrode. The functional layer can bind molecules, which causes an electrical signal in the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Aditya RAJAGOPAL, Chieh-feng CHANG, Oliver PLETTENBURG, Stefan PETRY, Axel SCHERER, Charles L. TSCHIRHART
  • NANOPILLAR FIELD-EFFECT AND JUNCTION TRANSISTORS WITH FUNCTIONALIZED GATE AND BASE ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20150279948
    Abstract: Systems and methods for molecular sensing are described. Molecular sensors are described which are based on field-effect or bipolar junction transistors. These transistors have a nanopillar with a functionalized layer contacted to either the base or the gate electrode. The functional layer can bind molecules, which causes an electrical signal in the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Aditya RAJAGOPAL, Chieh-feng CHANG, Oliver PLETTENBURG, Stefan PETRY, Axel SCHERER, Charles L. TSCHIRHART
  • CHEMICAL SENSING AND/OR MEASURING DEVICES AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20150268191
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating silicon nanowire chemical sensing devices, devices thus obtained, and methods for utilizing devices for sensing and measuring chemical concentration of selected species in a fluid are described. Devices may comprise a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew P. HOMYK, Michael D. HENRY, Axel SCHERER, Sameer WALAVALKAR
  • Wireless voltage sensing device
    Patent number: 9128124
    Abstract: A voltage sensing apparatus on a semiconductor substrate, including one or more inputs comprising metal contacts, an output comprising a laser transmitter, circuitry electrically connecting and interfacing the inputs to the output; and a power module. A method of fabricating the apparatus is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Aditya Rajagopal, Chieh-Feng Chang, Akram Sarwat Sadek, Axel Scherer, Raymond Jimenez
  • REFLOWED GOLD NANOSTRUCTURES FOR SURFACE ENHANCED RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
    Publication number: 20150223739
    Abstract: Methods and systems for nanopillar sensors are described. Nanopillars can be defined on a substrate, and metal deposited on the nanopillars. A thermal treatment can reflow the metal on the nanopillars forming metallic bulbs on the top end of the nanopillars. These structures can have enhanced optical detection when functionalized with biological agents, or can detect gases, particles and liquids through interaction with the metal layer on the nanopillars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Sameer WALAVALKAR, Chieh-feng CHANG, Axel SCHERER, Brandon MARIN, Scott E. FRASER
  • PLASMONICS NANOSTRUCTURES FOR MULTIPLEXING IMPLANTABLE SENSORS
    Publication number: 20150223738
    Abstract: Methods and systems for nanopillar sensors are described. Nanopillars can be defined on a substrate, and metal deposited on the nanopillars. A thermal treatment can reflow the metal on the nanopillars forming metallic bulbs on the top end of the nanopillars. These structures can have enhanced optical detection when functionalized with biological agents, or can detect gases, particles and liquids through interaction with the metal layer on the nanopillars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Sameer WALAVALKAR, Chieh-feng CHANG, Axel SCHERER
  • Apparatus for detecting target molecules and related methods
    Patent number: 9103786
    Abstract: An apparatus for analysis of a sample and in particular of a biological sample. The apparatus contains a microfluidic chip with dies, adapted to be selectively activated or deactivated by presence of target molecules in the biological sample. The apparatus further contains a light source to emit light for illumination of the microfluidic chip and an optical filter to allow passage of the light from the dies once activated or deactivated by the presence of the target molecules. A method for pressurizing a microfluidic chip is also disclosed, where a chamber is provided, the chamber is connected with the microfluidic chip and pressure is applied to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: George Maltezos, Jeremy Witzens, Axel Scherer
  • METHODS OF MODULATING MICROLASERS AT ULTRALOW POWER LEVELS, AND SYSTEMS THEREOF
    Publication number: 20150222073
    Abstract: A microlaser system includes an optical source, a microlaser, an actuator switch, and a photovoltaic power source. The microlaser, which includes a control element, is optically pumped by at least a portion of light emitted by the optical source. The actuator switch is configured to be activated by a triggering event. Furthermore, the photovoltaic power source is coupled in a series connection with the actuator switch and the control element, the series connection configured to connect the photovoltaic power source to the control element of the microlaser when the actuator switch is activated by the triggering event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Seheon KIM, Axel SCHERER, Aditya RAJAGOPAL, Chieh-Feng CHANG
  • III-V PHOTONIC CRYSTAL MICROLASER BONDED ON SILICON-ON-INSULATOR
    Publication number: 20150222092
    Abstract: Novel methods and systems for miniaturized lasers are described. A photonic crystal is bonded to a silicon-on-insulator wafer. The photonic crystal includes air-holes and can include a waveguide which couples the laser output to a silicon waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Seheon KIM, William DOS SANTOS FEGADOLLI, Axel SCHERER
  • Sensor probe for bio-sensing and chemical-sensing applications
    Patent number: 9099436
    Abstract: The basic structure and functionality of a probe as disclosed herein allows for flexibly incorporating into the probe, various sensing elements for various sensing applications. Two example applications among these various sensing applications include bio-sensing and chemical-sensing applications. For bio-sensing applications the probe, which is fabricated upon a silicon substrate, includes a bio-sensing element such as a nano-pillar transistor, and for chemical-sensing applications the probe includes a sensing element that has a functionalized contact area whereby the sensing element generates a voltage when exposed to one or more chemicals of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Aditya Rajagopal, Axel Scherer, Michael D. Henry, Sameer Walavalkar, Thomas A. Tombrello, Andrew P. Homyk
  • MICROFLUIDIC SEPARATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME
    Publication number: 20150209690
    Abstract: A device and method for making a microfluidic separation device. A microfluidic separation device could include a microfluidic column having an inlet, the microfluidic column being configured to hold a first fluid and the microfluidic column including a porous portion, and an outlet attached to the microfluidic column, the outlet being configured to output a second fluid. The method may include providing a microfluidic column having an inlet, configuring the microfluidic column to hold a first fluid, forming a porous portion in the microfluidic column, and attaching an outlet to the microfluidic column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: George MALTEZOS, Alvaro GOMEZ, Frank GOMEZ, Axel SCHERER
  • Pen-shaped device for biological sample preparation and analysis
    Patent number: 9090891
    Abstract: Methods and devices for biological sample preparation and analysis are disclosed. A device may have a circular arrangement of containers, with a connecting structure such as a disk. Fluidics channels between containers allow the performance of different techniques for sample preparation, such as lysing, washing and elution. The device may be pen-shaped and have a sample drawing needle connected to the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Xiomara Linnette Madero, Imran R Malik, Erika F Garcia, Axel Scherer
  • Particulate nanosorting stack
    Patent number: 9089819
    Abstract: Methods and devices for isolating and sorting nanoparticles are disclosed herein. Nanopores of a desired size can be formed in silicon dioxide membranes and used as filters to separate nanoparticles. Devices are also provided herein for sorting nanoparticles with multiple filters having various sized nanopores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sameer Walavalkar, Aditya Rajagopal, Axel Scherer, Thomas A. Tombrello
  • Compact tunable photonic crystal nanobeam cavity with low power consumption
    Patent number: 9091807
    Abstract: Methods and devices for a tunable photonic crystal nanobeam cavity are disclosed. Such nanobeam cavity has high Q-factor and can be integrated with a microheater. The resonant wavelength of the cavity can be tuned to attain a high modulation depth with low power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: William Dos Santos Fegadolli, Axel Scherer
  • Devices and methods for biological sample preparation
    Patent number: 9090890
    Abstract: Methods and devices for biological sample preparation and analysis are disclosed. A device may have a linear or circular arrangement of containers, with a connecting structure such as a bar or disk. Fluidics channels between containers allow the performance of different techniques for sample preparation, such as lysing, washing and elution. Different functional elements, such as grinders or mixers, may be attached to the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Imran R Malik, Erika F Garcia, Xiomara Linnette Madero, Axel Scherer
  • Microfabricated Elastomeric Valve and Pump Systems
    Publication number: 20150183633
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake
  • THREE-DIMENSIONAL HIGH SURFACE AREA ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20150187718
    Abstract: Three dimensional high surface electrodes are described. The electrodes are fabricated by methods including the steps: designing the pillars; selecting a material for the formation of the pillars; patterning the material; transferring the pattern to form the pillars; insulating the pillars and providing a metal layer for increased conductivity. Alternative methods for fabrication of the electrodes and fabrication of the electrodes using CMOS are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Muhammad Mujeeb-U-Rahman, Axel Scherer
  • Nanopillar field-effect and junction transistors with functionalized gate and base electrodes
    Patent number: 9070733
    Abstract: Systems and methods for molecular sensing are described. Molecular sensors are described which are based on field-effect or bipolar junction transistors. These transistors have a nanopillar with a functionalized layer contacted to either the base or the gate electrode. The functional layer can bind molecules, which causes an electrical signal in the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Aditya Rajagopal, Chieh-feng Chang, Oliver Plettenburg, Stefan Petry, Axel Scherer, Charles L. Tschirhart
  • FRET-BASED ANALYTES DETECTION AND RELATED METHODS AND SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20150167092
    Abstract: FRET-based analytes detection and related methods and systems are described where a pair of FRET labeled primers and/or oligonucleotides are used that are specific for target sequences located at a distance up to four time the Förster distance of the FRET chromophores presented on the FRET labeled primers and/or oligonucleotides one with respect to the other in one or more polynucleotide analyte; in particular the pair of FRET labeled primers and/or oligonucleotides is combined with a sample and subjected to one or more polynucleotide amplification reactions before measuring FRET signals from at least one FRET chromophore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Emil P. KARTALOV, Aditya RAJAGOPAL, Axel SCHERER, Mark D. GOLDBERG