Patents by Inventor James Etzkorn

James Etzkorn 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).

  • Patent number: 10004457
    Abstract: An eye-mountable device includes an electrochemical sensor embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The electrochemical sensor includes a working electrode and a reference electrode that reacts with an analyte to generate a sensor measurement related to a concentration of the analyte in a fluid to which the eye-mountable device is exposed. An example assembly process includes: forming a sacrificial layer on a working substrate; forming a first layer of a bio-compatible material on the sacrificial layer; providing an electronics module on the first layer of the bio-compatible material, forming a second layer of the bio-compatible material to cover the electronics module; and annealing the first and second layers of the bio-compatible material together to form an encapsulated structure having the electronics module fully encapsulated by the bio-compatible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: James Etzkorn, Babak Amirparviz
  • Patent number: 10004433
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is disposed on a sensor substrate suitable for flip-chip mounting to another substrate. The electrochemical sensor can be fabricated in bulk by patterning sets of electrodes on a common substrate with vias that electrically couple each electrode to a conductive pad on the opposite side of the substrate. The substrate with electrodes thereon can then be diced and the individual electrochemical sensors can be flip-chip mounted in a body-mountable device in which the sensor can be used to obtain analyte concentrations. As a result, fabrication of the electrochemical sensor electrodes can be isolated from fabrication of the other electronics in the device, which can facilitate efficient fabrication of the sensor and allows for other electronics to be fabricated without restrictions associated with the electrode fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventor: James Etzkorn
  • Patent number: 9991550
    Abstract: An example device includes a lithium-based battery having conductive battery contacts protruding from a surface of the battery, where a non-conductive portion of the surface of the battery separates the conductive battery contacts. The battery is a type that undergoes an expansion during charging in which the expansion of the lithium-based battery includes an outward bulging of the non-conductive portion of the battery surface. The device includes a substrate having conductive substrate contacts. The conductive battery contacts are electrically connected to the respective conductive substrate contact via a flexible electrically-conductive adhesive that physically separates the conductive battery contacts from the respective conductive substrate contacts and allows for relative movement therebetween caused by the expansion of the lithium-based battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Brian Marc Pepin, Hojr Sedaghat Pisheh, Dat Phung, James Etzkorn
  • Patent number: 9962115
    Abstract: An eye-mountable device includes a transparent polymer and a structure embedded in the transparent polymer. The transparent polymer defines a posterior side and an anterior side of the eye-mountable device, and the transparent polymer has a concave surface and a convex surface. The structure includes a substrate, an antenna comprising a conductive loop, and a sensor that is configured to detect an analyte. The substrate includes a loop portion and a tab portion, where the loop portion has an outer circumference defined by an outer diameter and an inner circumference defined by an inner diameter, and where the tab portion extends from the inner circumference of the loop portion towards a center of the loop portion. The conductive loop is disposed on the loop portion of the substrate between the inner circumference and outer circumference, and the sensor is disposed on the tab portion of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Brian Marc Pepin, James Etzkorn, Mandy Philippine, Stephen O'Driscoll
  • Patent number: 9907498
    Abstract: A body-mountable device may be formed of a polymeric material. A molding form can define a cavity and polymeric material can be formed using the mold to create a device shaped in accordance with the cavity. Electronics disposed on a substrate can be encapsulated within the polymeric material by forming a first layer of polymeric material, positioning the substrate on the first layer, and then forming a second layer of polymeric material over the substrate. A channel can expose a sensor disposed on the substrate. The channel may be formed while molding the second layer of polymeric material over the substrate. The molding form can include a protrusion that extends toward the sensor. A sacrificial sealant material can be applied to the sensor or the protrusion to create a seal between the protrusion and the sensor. The polymeric material forms around the sealed protrusion to create the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick Barrows, James Etzkorn
  • Patent number: 9793522
    Abstract: An electrochemical battery can include electrodes (a cathode and an electrode) arranged on respective surfaces of an electrolyte. The electrodes and electrolyte can each be solid state films that can be layered on top of one another to create a stacked structure disposed on a substrate. A polymeric sealant material can be applied over and around the battery stack and a moisture barrier can be formed over the sealant material to thereby prevent moisture from reaching the battery. Conductive terminals electrically coupled to the cathode and anode, respectively, can be formed on a second side of the substrate. As such, the battery can be flip-chip mounted to corresponding mounting pads and thereby connected to other electronics that can receive power from the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Ramesh C. Bhardwaj, James Etzkorn, William James Biederman, Brian Otis
  • Publication number: 20170293161
    Abstract: An eye-mountable device (EMD) includes a lens enclosure, liquid crystal material, first and second electrodes, a substrate, and a controller. The lens enclosure includes a first encapsulation layer and a second encapsulation layer sealed to the first encapsulation layer. The liquid crystal material is disposed across a central region of the lens enclosure. The first electrode is disposed within the lens enclosure between the first encapsulation layer and the liquid crystal material. The second electrode is disposed within the lens enclosure between the second encapsulation layer and the liquid crystal material. The substrate is disposed within the lens enclosure between the first and second encapsulation layers. The controller is disposed on the substrate and electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes to apply a voltage across the liquid crystal material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: James Etzkorn, Jeffrey G. Linhardt, Brian Otis
  • Patent number: 9770207
    Abstract: A method may involve providing a conductive pattern on a bio-compatible layer. The conductive pattern may include a first conductive layer that comprises a first metal and a second conductive layer that comprises a second metal. The second conductive layer may be over the first conductive layer, and the first metal may be more malleable than the second metal. The method may also include mounting an electrical component to the conductive pattern to provide an electrochemical sensor. The electrochemical sensor may be configured for use in a body-mountable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: James Etzkorn, Harvey Ho, Zenghe Liu
  • Patent number: 9768451
    Abstract: A battery includes an electrolyte disposed on a substantially planar substrate. The electrolyte has a first surface extending from the substrate and in contact with a cathode. The electrolyte has a second surface extending from the substrate and in contact with an anode. The second surface is opposite the first surface. The anode and the cathode are non-overlapping. The battery additionally includes a biocompatible protective layer that covers the electrolyte and at least portions of the anode and cathode. The battery can be disposed in an eye-mountable device or other device to power electronics in the device. The battery can be configured to be rechargeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: James Etzkorn, Ramesh Bhardwaj
  • Publication number: 20170258380
    Abstract: An eye-mountable device includes a transparent polymer and a structure embedded in the transparent polymer. The transparent polymer defines a posterior side and an anterior side of the eye-mountable device, and the transparent polymer has a concave surface and a convex surface. The structure includes a substrate, an antenna comprising a conductive loop, and a sensor that is configured to detect an analyte. The substrate includes a loop portion and a tab portion, where the loop portion has an outer circumference defined by an outer diameter and an inner circumference defined by an inner diameter, and where the tab portion extends from the inner circumference of the loop portion towards a center of the loop portion. The conductive loop is disposed on the loop portion of the substrate between the inner circumference and outer circumference, and the sensor is disposed on the tab portion of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Brian Marc Pepin, James Etzkorn, Mandy Philippine, Stephen O'Driscoll
  • Publication number: 20170255030
    Abstract: An eye-mountable contact lens is provided that includes electronics encapsulated within a rigid, gas-permeable polymeric material. The rigid, gas-permeable polymeric material can be mountable to a corneal surface of an eye or can be disposed on or within a flexible polymeric material that is mountable to the corneal surface of the eye. The rigid, gas-permeable polymeric material can provide structural rigidity and protection to the electronics and/or can allow for long-term dry storage of a chemical sensor of the electronics. The rigid, gas-permeable polymeric materials of the provided eye-mountable devices can be formed by curing a precursor material on or around the electronics and subsequently removing portions of the polymeric material formed by the curing, e.g., to form a rigid, gas-permeable contact lens that at least partially encapsulates the electronics and that has a curved shape that is able to be mounted to a corneal surface of an eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: James Etzkorn, Joshua N. Haddock
  • Patent number: 9743885
    Abstract: An example method involves: forming a first bio-compatible layer that defines a first side of a bio-compatible device; forming a conductive pattern over a portion of the first bio-compatible layer; mounting an electronic component to the electrical contacts; forming a second bio-compatible layer over the first bio-compatible layer, the electronic component, the conductive pattern, wherein the second bio-compatible layer defines a second side of the bio-compatible device; forming a first etch mask to partially cover the second bio-compatible layer, thereby exposing a first portion of the second bio-compatible layer; removing the first portion of the second bio-compatible layer; forming a second etch mask to partially cover the second bio-compatible layer, thereby exposing a second portion of the second bio-compatible layer; and removing the second portion of the second bio-compatible layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Huanfen Yao, James Etzkorn, Harvey Ho
  • Patent number: 9748631
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a wireless device may involve placing a plurality of antennas on a plastic layer, wherein each of the antennas comprises one or more conductive loops positioned within an inner diameter and an outer diameter; placing a plurality of sensor chips on the plastic layer such that each sensor chip is interconnected to a respective antenna on the plastic layer and is positioned within the inner diameter and outer diameter of the respective antenna, wherein each sensor chip has a respective sensor facing away from the plastic layer and has respective electrical contacts interconnected with the respective antenna; and providing an encapsulation layer over the plurality of antennas and the plurality of sensor chips on the plastic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventor: James Etzkorn
  • Patent number: 9696564
    Abstract: Contact lenses having embedded polymer layers, and methods for forming the same are provided. In some aspects, the contact lens can include: a substrate; a metal portion coupled to the substrate; and a polymer layer attached to the substrate and the metal portion, wherein the polymer layer has one or more indentations. The metal portion can be associated with or a part of a power supply, antenna and/or circuit in various aspects. In some aspects, the substrate can encapsulate the metal portion and the polymer layer. In some aspects, a method can include: forming a metal ring; fabricating one or more components on the metal ring; forming a polymer layer ring having indentations; providing the metal ring and the polymer layer ring in a contact lens mold; and encapsulating the contact lens mold with conventional hydrogel, silicone hydrogel, silicone elastomer, polyacrylamide, siloxane-based hydrogel or fluorosiloxane-based hydrogel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: James Etzkorn, Babak Amirparviz, Michael Kubba
  • Patent number: 9690118
    Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for providing an eye-mountable device including an accommodation actuator. In an embodiment, fabrication of the eye-mountable device includes sealing layers of enclosure material to form a lens enclosure comprising a pinch-off region where the layers of enclosure material physically contact one another. The accommodation actuator includes a liquid crystal layer disposed between the layers of enclosure material in a central region around which the pinch-off region extends. In another embodiment, electrodes are disposed in the central region each between the liquid crystal layer and a respective one of the layers of enclosure material. The liquid crystal layer isolates the electrodes from one another in the central region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: James Etzkorn, Jeffrey G. Linhardt, Brian Otis
  • Patent number: 9681829
    Abstract: An eye-mountable device includes a transparent polymer and a structure embedded in the transparent polymer. The transparent polymer defines a posterior side and an anterior side of the eye-mountable device, and the transparent polymer has a concave surface and a convex surface. The structure includes a substrate, an antenna comprising a conductive loop, and a sensor that is configured to detect an analyte. The substrate includes a loop portion and a tab portion, where the loop portion has an outer circumference defined by an outer diameter and an inner circumference defined by an inner diameter, and where the tab portion extends from the inner circumference of the loop portion towards a center of the loop portion. The conductive loop is disposed on the loop portion of the substrate between the inner circumference and outer circumference, and the sensor is disposed on the tab portion of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Brian Marc Pepin, James Etzkorn, Mandy Philippine, Stephen O'Driscoll
  • Patent number: 9685689
    Abstract: A method may involve: forming a first bio-compatible layer; forming a conductive pattern on the first bio-compatible layer, wherein the conductive pattern defines an antenna, sensor electrodes, electrical contacts, and one or more electrical interconnects; forming a protective layer over the sensor electrodes, such that the sensor electrodes are covered by the protective layer; mounting an electronic component to the electrical contacts; forming a second bio-compatible layer over the first bio-compatible layer, the electronic component, the antenna, the protective layer, the electrical contacts, and the one or more electrical interconnects; removing a portion of the second bio-compatible layer to form an opening in the second bio-compatible layer; and removing the protective layer through the opening in the second bio-compatible layer to thereby expose the sensor electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: James Etzkorn, Huanfen Yao, Harvey Ho, Babak Parviz
  • Patent number: 9662054
    Abstract: An eye-mountable device includes an electrochemical sensor embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The electrochemical sensor includes a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a reagent that selectively reacts with an analyte to generate a sensor measurement related to a concentration of the analyte in a fluid to which the eye-mountable device is exposed. The working electrode can have a first side edge and a second side edge. The reference electrode can be situated such that at least a portion of the first and second side edges of the working electrode are adjacent respective sections of the reference electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: James Etzkorn, Zenghe Liu
  • Patent number: 9636016
    Abstract: Example eye-mountable devices and methods for placing a flexible ring containing electronics in an eye-mountable device are described. A method may involve forming a first polymer layer, which defines a posterior side of an eye-mountable device. Further, the method may involve positioning a ring-shaped structure on the first polymer layer in a predetermined rotational orientation, wherein the ring-shaped structure comprises a sensor configured to detect an analyte. Still further, the method may involve forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the ring-shaped structure, such that the ring-shaped structure is fully enclosed by the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer. The second polymer layer defines an anterior side of the eye-mountable device. The method may also involve forming a channel through the second polymer layer based on the predetermined rotational orientation, such that the sensor is configured to receive the analyte via the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: James Etzkorn, Harvey Ho, Jeffrey George Linhardt
  • Patent number: D796048
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: VERILY LIFE SCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Stephen O'Driscoll, James Etzkorn