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).

  • FABRICATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL HIGH SURFACE AREA ELECTRODES
    Publication number: 20140167257
    Abstract: A method for fabricating three dimensional high surface electrodes is described. The 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: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Muhammad Mujeeb-U-Rahman, Axel Scherer
  • COMPACT TUNABLE PHOTONIC CRYSTAL NANOBEAM CAVITY WITH LOW POWER CONSUMPTION
    Publication number: 20140161386
    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: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: William DOS SANTOS FEGADOLLI, Axel SCHERER
  • NANOPILLAR FIELD-EFFECT AND JUNCTION TRANSISTORS
    Publication number: 20140134819
    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: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Chieh-Feng CHANG, Aditya RAJAGOPAL, Axel SCHERER
  • DEVICES AND METHODS FOR NUCLEIC ACID EXTRACTION CAPTURE AND CONCENTRATION USING ELECTRIC FIELDS AND CENTRIFUGATION
    Publication number: 20140135198
    Abstract: Methods and devices for molecular analysis are disclosed, based on centrifugation. A centrifuge device has centrifuge tubes and elements to create electric fields. The shear forces applied to the cells inside a solution with biological molecules permit the performance of different analytic techniques, such as lysis and sample preparation for PCR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Aditya RAJAGOPAL, Carl J. ALLENDORPH, Axel SCHERER
  • METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR NUCLEIC ACID PURIFICATION
    Publication number: 20140134078
    Abstract: An apparatus for purifying nucleic acid can include a disposable cartridge having a layered configuration, and a disposable syringe for coupling to the disposable cartridge such that a fluid can be delivered to or withdrawn fluid from the disposable cartridge using the syringe. At least one layer of the disposable cartridge can include a cut-out for forming a functional unit of the disposable cartridge, and at least one layer of the disposable cartridge can be joined to an adjacent layer of the disposable cartridge by an adhesive material layer. The functional unit can include a fluid channel between an access port on the first surface of the disposable cartridge and the fluid pouch. The apparatus can include a disposable silica-containing material for binding with the nucleic acid. The apparatus can include a heating element and a temperature sensor for heating the disposable silica-containing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Samuel Njoroge, George Maltezos, Axel Scherer, John B. Gorman
  • INSTRUMENTS FOR BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE-TO-ANSWER DEVICES
    Publication number: 20140127796
    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: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Imran R. MALIK, Axel SCHERER, Erika F. GARCIA, Xiomara L. MADERO
  • INSTRUMENTS FOR BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE PREPARATION DEVICES
    Publication number: 20140127790
    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: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Imran R. MALIK, Erika F. GARCIA, Xiomara Linnette MADERO, Axel SCHERER
  • Single layer PCB microfluidics
    Patent number: 8707545
    Abstract: A printed circuit board structure is coated with an encapsulant within which microfluidic channels have been formed. The microfluidic channels are formed by soldering fluidic connections to metal traces on a surface of the printed circuit board structure prior to encapsulation. The metal traces are removed by etching after encapsulation to form microchannels within the encapsulant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Samson Chen, Aditya Rajagopal, Axel Scherer
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WIRELESS TRANSDUCERS THROUGH INTEGRATED ON-CHIP ANTENNA
    Publication number: 20140103735
    Abstract: Novel methods and systems for wireless sensors are described. The systems can comprise an energy-harvesting unit, a transducer, and electronic control circuit, and an antenna. All elements can be integrated monolithically in a single system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chieh-feng CHANG, Aditya RAJAGOPAL, Axel SCHERER
  • Thermal management techniques, apparatus and methods for use in microfluidic devices
    Patent number: 8695355
    Abstract: A heating/cooling device for a microfluidic apparatus having a thermal insulating substrate. The device includes heating/cooling chamber for heating and/or cooling a sample disposed in the chamber; a waste heat channel for carrying away waste heat and/or waste cooling; and at least one Peltier junction having first and second opposing faces, the first face thereof facing towards said heating/cooling chamber and being in thermal communication therewith for providing either heat or cooling to the chamber in response to a flow of electrical current through the at least one Peltier junction, the second face thereof facing towards said waste heat channel and being in thermal communication therewith for either receiving heat from or dumping heat to the channel in response to a flow of electrical current through the Peltier junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: George Maltezos, Matthew Johnston, Axel Scherer
  • Microfabricated elastomeric valve and pump systems
    Patent number: 8695640
    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: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake
  • DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CELL LYSIS AND SAMPLE PREPARATION THROUGH CENTRIFUGATION
    Publication number: 20140100102
    Abstract: Methods and devices for molecular analysis are disclosed, based on centrifugation. A centrifuge device comprises strips of centrifuge tubes and elements to create a magnetic field. The magnetic shear forces applied to beads inside a solution with biological molecules permit the performance of different analytic techniques, such as lysis and sample preparation for PCR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: California Institute Of Technology
    Inventors: Aditya RAJAGOPAL, Emil P. KARTALOV, Carl J. ALLENDORPH, Axel SCHERER, Samson CHEN
  • OPTICAL SENSOR FOR ANALYTE DETECTION
    Publication number: 20140099732
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detection of an analyte in a sample are disclosed. In some embodiments, an optical sensor can include a metallic layer and a plurality of dielectric pillars extending through the metallic layer. A plurality of regions of concentrated light can be supported in proximity to the ends of the plurality of dielectric pillars when a surface of the metallic layer is illuminated. Concentrated light within one or more of these regions can interact with an analyte molecule, allowing for detection of the analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Sameer Sudhir Walavalkar, Andrew Peter Homyk, William Maxwell Jones, Axel Scherer, Scott Fraser, Thai Viet Truong
  • METHODS AND DEVICES FOR SAMPLE LYSIS
    Publication number: 20140087359
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for use in preparing a sample. The methods and systems may be used for lysing one or more structures in a sample (e.g., cells, viral particles, etc.). The methods and compositions may comprise a microfluidic chip or use thereof. The microfluidic chips disclosed herein may comprise (a) a substrate comprising a chamber, wherein at least one mechanical element may be located within the chamber; (b) a thermal element in contact with the chamber; and (c) at least one aperture within the surface of the substrate, wherein the aperture may be configured to insulate the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Samuel NJOROGE, John GORMAN, George MALTEZOS, Axel SCHERER
  • THERMALLY CONTROLLED CHAMBER WITH OPTICAL ACCESS FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE PCR
    Publication number: 20140080133
    Abstract: Novel methods and systems for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are disclosed. A PCR device has a bottom heater layer, a central reacting layer, and a top heater layer. The central reacting layer has a PCR reacting chamber connected with fluidics channels. Photoluminescence of a DNA solution in the PCR reactive chamber is carried out through the transparent top layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Samson CHEN, Aditya RAJAGOPAL, Axel SCHERER
  • Apparatus and methods for conducting assays and high throughput screening
    Patent number: 8673645
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen R. Quake, Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer
  • ULTRAFAST THERMAL CYCLER
    Publication number: 20140073013
    Abstract: This disclosure provides thermal cyclers, systems, and methods of thermally cycling a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John B. GORMAN, George Maltezos, Axel Scherer
  • Photonic crystal cavities and related devices and methods
    Patent number: 8670471
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Seheon Kim, Axel Scherer
  • DEVICES AND METHODS FOR BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE-TO-ANSWER AND ANALYSIS
    Publication number: 20140057279
    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. The device may have a reaction cartridge with a reaction chamber to perform techniques such as polymerase chain reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: California Institute Of Technology
    Inventors: Imran R. MALIK, Erika F. GARCIA, Xiomara Linnette MADERO, Axel SCHERER
  • METHODS OF FABRICATION OF CARTRIDGES FOR BIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
    Publication number: 20140057210
    Abstract: Methods to fabricate reaction cartridges for biological sample preparation and analysis are disclosed. A cartridge may have a reaction chamber and openings to allow fluids to enter the chamber. The cartridge may also have handles to facilitate its use. Such cartridges may be used for polymerase chain reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Imran R. MALIK, Axel SCHERER, Erika F. GARCIA, Xiomara L. MADERO