Patents by Inventor Jeff Houkal

Jeff Houkal 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: 11327004
    Abstract: Systems and methods of using the same for functional fluorescence imaging of live cells in suspension with isotropic three dimensional (3D) diffraction-limited spatial resolution are disclosed. The method-live cell computed tomography (LCCT)-involves the acquisition of a series of two dimensional (2D) pseudo-projection images from different perspectives of the cell that rotates around an axis that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging system. The volumetric image of the cell is then tomographically reconstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Deirdre Meldrum, Roger Johnson, Laimonas Kelbauskas, Jeff Houkal, Brian Ashcroft, Dean Smith, Hong Wang, Shih-Hui Joseph Chao, Rishabh Shetty, Jakrey Myers, Iniyan Soundappa Elango
  • Patent number: 11315292
    Abstract: Systems and methods of using the same for functional fluorescence imaging of live cells in suspension with isotropic three dimensional (3D) diffraction-limited spatial resolution are disclosed. The method-live cell computed tomography (LCCT)-in-volves the acquisition of a series of two dimensional (2D) pseudo-projection images from different perspectives of the cell that rotates around an axis that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging system. The volumetric image of the cell is then tomographically reconstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Deirdre Meldrum, Roger Johnson, Laimonas Kelbauskas, Jeff Houkal, Brian Ashcroft, Dean Smith, Hong Wang, Shih-Hui (Joseph) Chao, Rishabh Shetty, Jakrey Myers, Iniyan Soundappa Elango
  • Patent number: 11045807
    Abstract: An integrated technological platform enabling real-time quantitative multiparameter metabolic profiling, utilizing either or both of extra and intracellular optical sensors, individually or simultaneously. A scalable embedded micropocket array structure, generally fabricated on fused silica substrates, facilitates the integration of multiple, spatially separated extracellular sensors for multiparameter analysis in a container formed with the use of an activation mechanism forming part of a device configured to hold the container during the measurements. The creation of hermetically sealed microchambers is carried out with a pneumatically and/or mechanically and/or electromechanically driven device that is “floating” within the holding device and that is optionally equipped with a vacuum/suction mechanism to hold a component of the container at its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Deirdre Meldrum, Laimonas Kelbauskas, Yanqing Tian, Honor Glenn, Clifford Anderson, Kristen Lee, Ganquan Song, Liqiang Zhang, Jeff Houkal, Fengyu Su, Benjamin Ueberroth, Jacob Messner, Hong Wang, Kimberly Bussey
  • Patent number: 10940476
    Abstract: A device for high-throughput multi-parameter functional profiling of the same cells in multicellular settings and in isolation is provided. In certain aspects, an integrated microfluidic device for multi-parameter metabolic and other phenotypic profiling of live biological cells is useable with: 1) multicellular clusters or small biopsy tissue samples, 2) cultures of the constituent cells obtained after cluster/tissue dissociation, and 3) the same constituent single cells in isolation. The approach enables study of the effects of multicellular complexity, such as in response to treatment, pathogens, stress, or other factors concerning disease origination and progression. Measurements may be performed on single cells or multicellular populations or tissues in the same assay at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Laimonas Kelbauskas, Honor Glenn, Jeff Houkal, Clifford Anderson, Yanqing Tian, Fengyu Su, Deirdre Meldrum
  • Publication number: 20200406253
    Abstract: An integrated technological platform enabling real-time quantitative multiparameter metabolic profiling, utilizing either or both of extra and intracellular optical sensors, individually or simultaneously. A scalable embedded micropocket array structure, generally fabricated on fused silica substrates, facilitates the integration of multiple, spatially separated extracellular sensors for multiparameter analysis in a container formed with the use of an activation mechanism forming part of a device configured to hold the container during the measurements. The creation of hermetically sealed microchambers is carried out with a pneumatically and/or mechanically and/or electromechanically driven device that is “floating” within the holding device and that is optionally equipped with a vacuum/suction mechanism to hold a component of the container at its surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Deirdre MELDRUM, Laimonas KELBAUSKAS, Yanqing TIAN, Honor GLENN, Clifford ANDERSON, Kristen LEE, Ganquan SONG, Liqiang ZHANG, Jeff HOUKAL, Fengyu SU, Benjamin UEBERROTH, Jacob MESSNER, Hong WANG, Kimberly BUSSEY
  • Publication number: 20200058140
    Abstract: Systems and methods of using the same for functional fluorescence imaging of live cells in suspension with isotropic three dimensional (3D) diffraction-limited spatial resolution are disclosed. The method-live cell computed tomography (LCCT)-in-volves the acquisition of a series of two dimensional (2D) pseudo-projection images from different perspectives of the cell that rotates around an axis that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging system. The volumetric image of the cell is then tomographically reconstructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Deirdre Meldrum, Roger Johnson, Laimonas Kelbauskas, Jeff Houkal, Brian Ashcroft, Dean Smith, Hong Wang, Shih-Hui (Joseph) Chao, Rishabh Shetty, Jakrey Myers, Iniyan Soundappa Elango
  • Publication number: 20190346361
    Abstract: Systems and methods of using the same for functional fluorescence imaging of live cells in suspension with isotropic three dimensional (3D) diffraction-limited spatial resolution are disclosed. The method-live cell computed tomography (LCCT)-involves the acquisition of a series of two dimensional (2D) pseudo-projection images from different perspectives of the cell that rotates around an axis that is perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging system. The volumetric image of the cell is then tomographically reconstructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Deirdre Meldrum, Roger Johnson, Laimonas Kelbauskas, Jeff Houkal, Brian Ashcroft, Dean Smith, Hong Wang, Shih-Hui Joseph Chao, Rishabh Shetty, Jakrey Myers, Iniyan Soundappa Elango
  • Patent number: 10471426
    Abstract: The invention relates to microfluidic devices and array disks for “one-pot” isolated chemical reactions. The array disks comprise a plurality of sectors in which each sector comprises one microfluidic device. The microfluidic devices comprise a fluid delivery channel and an array of wells wherein the fluid delivery channel delivery fluid into the wells in a serpentine arrangement. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery channel is directly above the array of wells. In other embodiments, the fluid delivery channel is offset from the array of wells so that side channels branching from the fluid delivery channel delivers fluid into the wells. The well of the microfluidic device comprises a gas-permeable membrane that forms the floor, well, or at least a portion of the floor or wall of the well. In preferred embodiments, the well is cylindrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Rhett Martineau, Jeff Houkal, Shih-Hui Chao, Weimin Gao, Shufang Ci, Deirdre Meldrum
  • Publication number: 20190126275
    Abstract: A device for high-throughput multi-parameter functional profiling of the same cells in multicellular settings and in isolation is provided. In certain aspects, an integrated microfluidic device for multi-parameter metabolic and other phenotypic profiling of live biological cells is useable with: 1) multicellular clusters or small biopsy tissue samples, 2) cultures of the constituent cells obtained after cluster/tissue dissociation, and 3) the same constituent single cells in isolation. The approach enables study of the effects of multicellular complexity, such as in response to treatment, pathogens, stress, or other factors concerning disease origination and progression. Measurements may be performed on single cells or multicellular populations or tissues in the same assay at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Laimonas Kelbauskas, Honor Glenn, Jeff Houkal, Clifford Anderson, Yanqing Tian, Fengyu Su, Deirdre Meldrum
  • Patent number: 10221443
    Abstract: Systems and methods for in situ laser lysis for analysis of biological tissue (live, fixed, frozen or otherwise preserved) at single cell resolution in 3D. For example, a system and method for lysing individual cells in situ, including the steps of capturing a tissue sample comprising a cellular content, subjecting the tissue sample to a stream of continuous fluid flow, lysing a selected area of the tissue sample with a laser, thereby releasing at least a portion of the cellular content from the tissue sample, recovering at least one target molecule from the cellular content in the stream, and processing at least one target molecule is provided. The system collects cellular contents, performs highly multiplexed (RT-qPCR or RNA-seq), and sequentially (cell-by-cell) reconstructs a 3D spatial map of mRNA expression of the tissue with a large number of genes. A 3D spatial map of the DNA, RNA, and/or proteins can be generated for each cell in the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Deirdre Meldrum, Shih-Hui (Joseph) Chao, Thai Tran, Laimonas Kelbauskas, Jeff Houkal, Andrew Hatch, Weimin Gao, David Richardson
  • Publication number: 20180318835
    Abstract: The invention relates to microfluidic devices and array disks for “one-pot” isolated chemical reactions. The array disks comprise a plurality of sectors in which each sector comprises one microfluidic device. The microfluidic devices comprise a fluid delivery channel and an array of wells wherein the fluid delivery channel delivery fluid into the wells in a serpentine arrangement. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery channel is directly above the array of wells. In other embodiments, the fluid delivery channel is offset from the array of wells so that side channels branching from the fluid delivery channel delivers fluid into the wells. The well of the microfluidic device comprises a gas-permeable membrane that forms the floor, well, or at least a portion of the floor or wall of the well. In preferred embodiments, the well is cylindrical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Rhett Martineau, Jeff Houkal, Shih-Hui Chao, Weimin Gao, Shufang Ci, Deirdre Meldrum
  • Patent number: 10022718
    Abstract: The invention relates to microfluidic devices and array disks for “one-pot” isolated chemical reactions. The array disks comprise a plurality of sectors in which each sector comprises one microfluidic device. The microfluidic devices comprise a fluid delivery channel and an array of wells wherein the fluid delivery channel delivery fluid into the wells in a serpentine arrangement. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery channel is directly above the array of wells. In other embodiments, the fluid delivery channel is offset from the array of wells so that side channels branching from the fluid delivery channel delivers fluid into the wells. The well of the microfluidic device comprises a gas-permeable membrane that forms the floor, well, or at least a portion of the floor or wall of the well. In preferred embodiments, the well is cylindrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Rhett Martineau, Jeff Houkal, Shih-Hui Chao, Weimin Gao, Shufang Ci, Deirdre Meldrum
  • Patent number: 9597026
    Abstract: Novel methods and devices including modified endoscopes that employ fiber optic technology and multiple extrinsic optical sensors for enablement of simultaneous determination of change rates of biological analytes in vivo with single-cell resolution. The devices employ dynamic oscillatory actuation to determine the gradient of analytes of interest along one or multiple directions with respect to the cell. The change rate or flux of the analyte of interest can be easily determined by applying the first Fick's law that relates the flux with the concentration gradient. The dual operation mode of the device markedly increases measurement sensitivity and accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Deirdre Meldrum, Laimonas Kelbauskas, Jeff Houkal, Roger Johnson, Yanqing Tian, Cody Youngbull
  • Publication number: 20160237476
    Abstract: Systems and methods for in situ laser lysis for analysis of biological tissue (live, fixed, frozen or otherwise preserved) at single cell resolution in 3D. For example, a system and method for lysing individual cells in situ, including the steps of capturing a tissue sample comprising a cellular content, subjecting the tissue sample to a stream of continuous fluid flow, lysing a selected area of the tissue sample with a laser, thereby releasing at least a portion of the cellular content from the tissue sample, recovering at least one target molecule from the cellular content in the stream, and processing at least one target molecule is provided. The system collects cellular contents, performs highly multiplexed (RT-qPCR or RNA-seq), and sequentially (cell-by-cell) reconstructs a 3D spatial map of mRNA expression of the tissue with a large number of genes. A 3D spatial map of the DNA, RNA, and/or proteins can be generated for each cell in the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Deirdre Meldrum, Shih-Hui (Joseph) Chao, Thai Tran, Laimonas Kelbauskas, Jeff Houkal, Andrew Hatch, Weimin Gao, David Richardson
  • Publication number: 20160215254
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for lysing individual cells in situ, including the steps of capturing a tissue sample comprising a cellular content, subjecting the tissue sample to a stream of continuous fluid flow, lysing a selected area of the tissue sample with a laser, thereby releasing at least a portion of the cellular content from the tissue sample, recovering at least one target molecule from the cellular content in the stream, and processing the at least one target molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Deirdre MELDRUM, Shih-Hui (Joseph) CHAO, Thai TRAN, Laimonas BAUSKAS, Jeff HOUKAL, Andrew HATCH, Weimin GAO, David Wayne RICHARDSON
  • Publication number: 20160114323
    Abstract: The invention relates to microfluidic devices and array disks for “one-pot” isolated chemical reactions. The array disks comprise a plurality of sectors in which each sector comprises one microfluidic device. The microfluidic devices comprise a fluid delivery channel and an array of wells wherein the fluid delivery channel delivery fluid into the wells in a serpentine arrangement. In some embodiments, the fluid delivery channel is directly above the array of wells. In other embodiments, the fluid delivery channel is offset from the array of wells so that side channels branching from the fluid delivery channel delivers fluid into the wells. The well of the microfluidic device comprises a gas-permeable membrane that forms the floor, well, or at least a portion of the floor or wall of the well. In preferred embodiments, the well is cylindrical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Rhett Martineau, Jeff Houkal, Shih-Hui Chao, Weimin Gao, Shufang Ci, Deirdre Meldrum
  • Publication number: 20150133757
    Abstract: Novel methods and devices including modified endoscopes that employ fiber optic technology and multiple extrinsic optical sensors for enablement of simultaneous determination of change rates of biological analytes in vivo with single-cell resolution. The devices employ dynamic oscillatory actuation to determine the gradient of analytes of interest along one or multiple directions with respect to the cell. The change rate or flux of the analyte of interest can be easily determined by applying the first Fick's law that relates the flux with the concentration gradient. The dual operation mode of the device markedly increases measurement sensitivity and accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Deirdre Meldrum, Laimonas Kelbauskas, Jeff Houkal, Roger Johnson, Yanqing Tian, Cody Youngbull
  • Patent number: D732187
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents, a body corporate of the State of Arizona acting for an on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Jeff Houkal, Jordan Yaron
  • Patent number: D838004
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jeff Houkal, Jordan Yaron
  • Patent number: D841832
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jeff Houkal, Jordan Yaron