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: 20120091374
    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: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake
  • HANDHELD LOW PRESSURE MECHANICAL CELL LYSIS DEVICE WITH SINGLE CELL RESOLUTION
    Publication number: 20120091235
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mechanical cell lysis with single cell resolution which requires very low applied pressure. The device can be handheld, simple to operate, requires no external power except for hand-applied pressure via a syringe, and is applicable to all cell types including yeast and bacterial cells. The device is also capable of mechanically lysing a single cell. A single cell is selected from a biological sample of interest. The single cell is lysed by application of mechanical stress in a single cell lysing apparatus having a trap structure for deterministically capturing the cell and a stress raiser that cooperates with a source of mechanical stress so as to apply sufficient force to rupture a cell. The stress raiser can be a properly designed edge of the trap or it can be a lithographically produced structure such as a nanoblade or a nanopillar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Zhenyu Li, Axel Scherer
  • MICROFLUIDIC FLUID SEPARATOR AND RELATED METHODS
    Publication number: 20120085648
    Abstract: A microfluidic fluid separator for separating target components of a fluid by filtration is described. Methods for separating target components of a fluid by filtration and methods for processing blood on a large scale with the microfluidic fluid separator are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Emil P. KARTALOV, Axel Scherer, Koichi SAYANO
  • PARTICULATE NANOSORTING STACK
    Publication number: 20120080361
    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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Sameer Walavalkar, Aditya Rajagopal, Axel Scherer, Thomas A. Tombrello
  • Methods for fabrication of high aspect ratio micropillars and nanopillars
    Patent number: 8148264
    Abstract: Methods for fabrication of high aspect ratio micropillars and nanopillars are described. Use of alumina as an etch mask for the fabrication methods is also described. The resulting micropillars and nanopillars are analyzed and a characterization of the etch mask is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: California Institue of Technology
    Inventors: Michael D. Henry, Andrew P. Homyk, Axel Scherer, Sameer Walavalkar
  • Fluorescence detector, filter device and related methods
    Patent number: 8137626
    Abstract: Microfluidic assay detectors and microfluidic assay detection methods are disclosed. A microfluidic chip is coupled to a light emitting device, emission filters and excitation filters. Excited fluorescent light is detected by a camera and a lens. The correspondent reading allows parallel detection of features such as antigens and biomarkers. A microfluidic filter and related methods are also disclosed. The filter can be used with on-chip fluid filtration such as whole blood filtration for microfluidic blood analysis. The filter is able to filter the necessary volume of fluid and in particular blood in an acceptable time frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: George Maltezos, John Kim Lee, Axel Scherer, Emil Kartalov
  • Control arrangement for microfluidic devices and related methods and systems
    Patent number: 8123192
    Abstract: Communication between microchannels of a microfluidic circuit is controlled through a combination between a membrane and a pin-actuated valve arrangement. The deformable membrane contributes to the formation of the surface of the microchannels. Alternatively, or in addition, the valve arrangement is operated through combination of the membrane with a control fluid. Systems, devices and methods based on such communication are shown. Also shown are methods to manufacture a system having a fluidic circuit and a control arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: George Maltezos, Axel Scherer
  • Microfabricated elastomeric valve and pump systems
    Patent number: 8124218
    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: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake
  • ENHANCING THE OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A GEMSTONE
    Publication number: 20120024010
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein comprise a gemstone or other piece of jewelry, which incorporates one or more diffractive optical elements to enhance the fire displayed by the gemstone. In certain embodiments, the diffractive optical element comprises a diffraction grating etched on one or more facets of the gemstone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: George Maltezos, Axel Scherer, Jeremy Witzens
  • ON-CHIP PHASE MICROSCOPE/BEAM PROFILER BASED ON DIFFERENTIAL INTERFERENCE CONTRAST AND/OR SURFACE PLASMON ASSISTED INTERFERENCE
    Publication number: 20120026509
    Abstract: A differential interference contrast (DIC) determination device and method utilizes an illumination source, a layer having a pair of two apertures that receive illumination from the illumination source, and a photodetector to receive Young's interference from the illumination passing through the pair of two apertures. In addition, a surface wave assisted optofluidic microscope and method utilize an illumination source, a fluid channel having a layer with at least one aperture as a surface, and a photodetector that receives a signal based on the illumination passing through the aperture. The layer is corrugated (e.g., via fabrication) and parameters of the corrugation optimize the signal received on the photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Xiquan Cui, Xin Heng, Changhuei Yang, Axel Scherer, Demetri Psaltis
  • Microfabricated elastomeric valve and pump systems
    Patent number: 8104515
    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: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake
  • Microfabricated elastomeric valve and pump systems
    Patent number: 8104497
    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: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen Quake, Markus Enzelberger, Mark Adams, Carl Hansen
  • Autonomous electrochemical actuation of microfluidic circuits
    Patent number: 8100672
    Abstract: A microfluidic structure with an electrically controlled pressure source is shown. The pressure source is an electrolyte connected with electrodes. Dissociation of the electrolyte generates the pressure, which is used to obtain a valve-like or pump-like behavior inside the microfluidic structure. A process for manufacturing the microfluidic structure and a method to circulate fluids in a microfluidic channel are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sameer Walavalkar, Axel Scherer
  • Methods for fabricating passivated silicon nanowires and devices thus obtained
    Patent number: 8080468
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating passivated silicon nanowires and an electronic arrangement thus obtained are described. Such arrangements may comprise a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structure such that the arrangements may be utilized for MOS field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) or opto-electronic switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Axel Scherer, Sameer Walavalkar, Michael D. Henry, Andrew P. Homyk
  • Gemstones and methods for controlling the appearance thereof
    Patent number: 8069688
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating improved gemstones and gemstones thus obtained are described. Roughness is introduced on facets of a gemstone through application of nanometer and/or micrometer sized features, to provide the facets with a hazy white-colored appearance. Alternatively, millimeter-sized reflective features can be applied on the facets, to form a gemstone with improved scintillation or play of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: George Maltezos, Axel Scherer
  • Enhancing the optical characteristics of a gemstone
    Patent number: 8033136
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein comprise a gemstone or other piece of jewelry, which incorporates one or more diffractive optical elements to enhance the fire displayed by the gemstone. In certain embodiments, the diffractive optical element comprises a diffraction grating etched on one or more facets of the gemstone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: George Maltezos, Axel Scherer, Jeremy Witzens
  • Electronic components and methods for producing same
    Patent number: 8012791
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing electronic components comprising adjacent electrodes interspaced at distances ranging between 10 nanometers and several micrometers on a substrate of any type. According to the invention, the electrodes are structured by means of overlapping edges on the deposited layer or by undercutting the deposited layers. The electronic components are then produced either in the conventional manner or using a lithographic process from the underside of the transparent substrate and finally by means of a succession of known method steps for the production of electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cantrele Telecom Co., L.L.C.
    Inventors: Theodor Doll, Susanne Scheinert, Axel Scherer, Gernot Paasch
  • INTEGRATED PASSIVE IRON SHIMS IN SILICON
    Publication number: 20110210811
    Abstract: A magnetic apparatus having at least one magnetic shim situated between faces of two permanent magnets. The magnetic shim helps to make the magnetic field that is accessible between the two permanent magnets a more uniform field. The magnetic shim is constructed on a thinned semiconductor wafer, such as silicon, by photolithographically defining locations on the wafer where magnetic material, such as iron or iron-nickel materials, are deposited. The shim can additional have photolihographically defined coil regions, in which conductive material such as copper can be deposited. Current contacts are provided to allow currents to be passed through the coil regions. Protective layers can be deposited to protect the deposited metals from mechanical or environmental damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Axel Scherer, Michael David Henry
  • Thermal cycling method
    Patent number: 8008046
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for carrying out nucleic acid amplification reactions involving heating and cooling of samples in sample vessels utilizing a heat block comprising a liquid. The method can be used to perform multiple nucleic acid amplification reactions simultaneously in which each of the reactions is performed so as to have temperature profiles. The apparatus can be used for performing PCR, and real time PCR in particular, with control and uniformity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: George Maltezos, Matthew Johnston, David Goodwin, Axel Scherer, Christopher I. Walker
  • METHODS FOR MEASURING SAMPLES USING CONSUMER ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20110207137
    Abstract: Methods for measuring and analyzing biological or chemical samples using consumer electronic devices and systems are described. Moreover, an accessory to enable using devices such as cell phones and smartphones with fluidic illumination chambers are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Imran R. MALIK, Axel Scherer