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).

  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTICALLY POWERING TRANSDUCERS AND RELATED TRANSDUCERS
    Publication number: 20140341591
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an optically powered transducer with a photovoltaic collector. An optical fiber power delivery method and system and a free space power delivery method are also provided. A fabrication process for making an optically powered transducer is further described, together with an implantable transducer system based on optical power delivery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Axel SCHERER, Aditya RAJAGOPAL, Seheon KIM, Andrew P. HOMYK
  • DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF IMPLANTABLE FULLY INTEGRATED ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSORS
    Publication number: 20140336485
    Abstract: A fully integrated small size implantable sensing device is described, which can include a sensor and an electronic circuit to interface with the sensor and communicate with an external device. Various fabrication methods for the sensing device are described, including provision of wells, created using same fabrication technology as the electronic circuit, to contain electrodes of the sensor and corresponding functionalization chemicals. Such implantable sensing device can be used for a variety of electrochemical measuring applications within a living body as well as actuation by injecting a current into the living body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Muhammad MUJEEB-U-RAHMAN, Meisam HONARVAR NAZARI, Mehmet SENCAN, Axel SCHERER
  • Nanopillar field-effect and junction transistors
    Patent number: 8883645
    Abstract: Methods for fabrication of nanopillar field effect transistors are described. These transistors can have high height-to-width aspect ratios and be CMOS compatible. Silicon nitride may be used as a masking material. These transistors have a variety of applications, for example they can be used for molecular sensing if the nanopillar has a functionalized layer contacted to the gate electrode. The functional layer can bind molecules, causing an electrical signal in the transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Chieh-Feng Chang, Aditya Rajagopal, Axel Scherer
  • Sample preparation devices and systems
    Patent number: 8883088
    Abstract: Devices and system for preparing samples are described. Such devices can comprise fluidic chambers, reservoirs, and movable structures for controlling the movement of samples. The device can also comprise functional elements for performing specific operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Imran R. Malik, Axel Scherer
  • MICROFABRICATED ELASTOMERIC VALVE AND PUMP SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20140322489
    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: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake
  • METHODS FOR FABRICATING SELF-ALIGNING SEMICONDUCTOR HETEREOSTRUCTURES USING NANOWIRES
    Publication number: 20140319459
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating self-aligned heterostructures and semiconductor arrangements using silicon nanowires are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew P. HOMYK, Michael D. HENRY, Axel SCHERER, Sameer WALAVALKAR
  • Optical technique for chemical and biochemical analysis
    Patent number: 8873055
    Abstract: Structures and methods are described for optical detection of physical, chemical and/or biological samples. An optical detection structure may include a LED source, multiple filters and single or multiple sample areas. A detector may be used to record a fluorescence signal. The sample area may allow the introduction of removable cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Imran R. Malik, Xiomara L. Madero, Erika F. Garcia, Axel Scherer
  • PHOTONIC CRYSTAL CAVITIES AND RELATED DEVICES AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20140301418
    Abstract: Photonic crystal cavities and related devices and methods are described. The described cavities can be used as lasers, photovoltaic sources, and single photon sources. The cavities can be both optically and electrically pumped. A fabrication process of the cavities is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Seheon KIM, Axel SCHERER
  • Microfabricated elastomeric valve and pump systems
    Patent number: 8846183
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake
  • Nano-pillar transistor fabrication and use
    Patent number: 8841712
    Abstract: A field effect nano-pillar transistor has a pillar shaped gate element incorporating a biomimitec portion that provides various advantages over prior art devices. The small size of the nano-pillar transistor allows for advantageous insertion into cellular membranes, and the biomimitec character of the gate element operates as an advantageous interface for sensing small amplitude voltages such as transmembrane cell potentials. The nano-pillar transistor can be used in various embodiments to stimulate cells, to measure cell response, or to perform a combination of both actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Aditya Rajagopal, Axel Scherer, Michael D. Henry, Sameer Walavalkar, Thomas A. Tombrello, Andrew P. Homyk
  • Signal encoding and decoding in multiplexed biochemical assays
    Patent number: 8838394
    Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, systems, compositions, and kits for the multiplexed detection of a plurality of analytes in a sample. In some examples, this disclosure provides methods, systems, compositions, and kits wherein multiple analytes may be detected in a single sample volume by acquiring a cumulative measurement or measurements of at least one quantifiable component of a signal. In some cases, additional components of a signal, or additional signals (or components thereof) are also quantified. Each signal or component of a signal may be used to construct a coding scheme which can then be used to determine the presence or absence of any analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Emil Kartalov, Aditya Rajagopal, Axel Scherer
  • SILICON-ON-INSULATOR CHANNELS
    Publication number: 20140256114
    Abstract: Novel methods to fabricate biological sensors and electronics are disclosed. A silicon-on-insulator wafer can be employed by etching a pattern of holes in the silicon layer, then a pattern of cavities in the insulating layer, and then sealing the top of the cavities. Further, n or p doped regions and metallic regions can be defined in the processed wafer, thereby enabling integration of biological sensing and electronic capabilities in the same wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Sameer WALAVALKAR, Mark D. GOLDBERG, Axel SCHERER
  • METHOD FOR PRODUCING LIGHT-COLOURED POLYISOCYANATES
    Publication number: 20140249289
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing light-coloured polyisocyanates by phosgenation of mixtures comprising MDA and polycyclic aromatic polyamines that have o-phenylenediamine units incorporated via methylene bridges. The invention further relates to the polyisocyanate mixtures obtainable by this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Ernst Mueller, Christoph Guertler, Axel Scherer-Werke, Stefan Werschofen, Henning Vogt, Walter Leitner
  • Methods for fabricating self-aligning semicondutor heterostructures using silicon nanowires
    Patent number: 8809093
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating self-aligned heterostructures and semiconductor arrangements using silicon nanowires are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Andrew P. Homyk, Michael D. Henry, Axel Scherer, Sameer Walavalkar
  • MINIATURIZED IMPLANTABLE ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSOR DEVICES
    Publication number: 20140228660
    Abstract: An implantable device having a communication system, a sensor, and a monolithic substrate is described. The monolithic substrate has an integrated sensor circuit configured to process input from the sensor into a form conveyable by the communication system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Muhammad MUJEEB-U-RAHMAN, Axel SCHERER
  • III-V PHOTONIC CRYSTAL MICROLASER BONDED ON SILICON-ON-INSULATOR
    Publication number: 20140226691
    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: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Seheon KIM, William DOS SANTOS FEGADOLLI, Axel SCHERER
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EXCHANGING SIGNALS WITH MEDICAL OR PHYSIOLOGICAL INSTRUMENTATION
    Publication number: 20140221799
    Abstract: A process is described for testing a biomedical property of an internal tissue of a patient. Optical energy emitted by an external source is transferred through a nail of the patient to an instrument device implanted beneath the nail. A portion of the transferred optical energy is converted to electrical power for driving components of the implanted instrument. Using the electrical power, a characteristic of the internal tissue associated with the measurement of the biomedical property is sensed and an optical signal based on the sensed characteristic is transmitted through the nail to an external data reader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Aditya RAJAGOPAL, Axel SCHERER, Akram Sarwat SADEK
  • CHROMOPHORE-BASED CHARACTERIZATION AND DETECTION METHODS
    Publication number: 20140213471
    Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, compositions and kits for the detection of a plurality of analytes in a sample. In some examples, this disclosure provides methods, compositions, and kits for detecting analytes, genetic variations, monitoring reaction process, and monitoring analyte-analyte interactions by measuring signals. In some examples, the presence of signals or changes in signals may be used to construct signal profiles which can be used to detect analytes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Aditya RAJAGOPAL, Mark D. GOLDBERG, Erika F. GARCIA, Xiomara L. MADERO, Thomas A. TOMBRELLO, Axel SCHERER
  • Systems and methods for optically powering transducers and related transducers
    Patent number: 8787752
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an optically powered transducer with a photovoltaic collector. An optical fiber power delivery method and system and a free space power delivery method are also provided. A fabrication process for making an optically powered transducer is further described, together with an implantable transducer system based on optical power delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Axel Scherer, Aditya Rajagopal, Seheon Kim, Andrew P. Homyk
  • APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR CONDUCTING ASSAYS AND HIGH THROUGHPUT SCREENING
    Publication number: 20140199713
    Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for using the same. In particular, microfluidic devices of the present invention are useful in conducting a variety of assays and high throughput screening. Microfluidic devices of the present invention include elastomeric components and comprise a main flow channel; a plurality of branch flow channels; a plurality of control channels; and a plurality of valves. Preferably, each of the valves comprises one of the control channels and an elastomeric segment that is deflectable into or retractable from the main or branch flow channel upon which the valve operates in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: STEPHEN R. QUAKE, MARC A. UNGER, HOU-PU CHOU, TODD A. THORSEN, AXEL SCHERER