Patents by Inventor Julio L. Vergara

Julio L. Vergara 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: 11903872
    Abstract: A heat exchange module alone or part of a system including a control console. The HEM can include a channel enclosure assembly, a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) assembly and a heat transfer (cover) assembly. The enclosure assembly includes a channel for a heat-transfer liquid. The module can be constructed to provide for flexibility to better conform and fit on rounded and/or angular body parts and to efficiently transfer heat between the adjacent body part and the heat-transfer liquid via the TECs of the TEC assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignees: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, HYPOTHERM DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Julio L. Vergara, Daniel M. Estrada, Mayank Kalra, Andrew Padula, Ryan Cohn
  • Publication number: 20230093710
    Abstract: Optimized fluid channels, flexible thermoelectric electric coolers (“TECs”), and fixed frame therapeutic stations along with methods of making the same are disclosed herein. Consequently, the optimized fluid channels provide an improved HEM whereby the fluid seal is more secure, and the manufacturing is more easily completed. Moreover, the flexible TECs provide a more conformed design to the end user and allow for more focused and efficient heat transfer. Finally, the fixed frame therapeutic station(s) provide for a fixed frame which allows differential heating and cooling on the glabrous skin areas of a human to provide additive benefits during heating and cooling therapeutic regimes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel Cuadra, Ryan Cohn, Andrew Padula, Julio L. Vergara
  • Publication number: 20230053398
    Abstract: A heat exchange module having a heat transfer fluid channel and a heat transfer plate in heat transfer relation with fluid in the channel. The reference side of a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) is in thermal contact with the plate. A heat transfer tile is in thermal contact with a user side of the TEC. The module is configured to be operatively positionable with the tile in heat transfer relation with skin of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicants: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, HYPOTHERMIA DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Julio L. Vergara, Daniel M. Estrada, Mayank Kalra, Andrew Padula, Daniel E. Cuadra, Ryan C. Cohn
  • Patent number: 11458038
    Abstract: A heat exchange module having a heat transfer fluid channel and a heat transfer plate in heat transfer relation with fluid in the channel. The reference side of a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) is in thermal contact with the plate. A heat transfer tile is in thermal contact with a user side of the TEC. The module is configured to be operatively positionable with the tile in heat transfer relation with skin of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignees: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, HYPOTHERMIA DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Julio L. Vergara, Daniel M. Estrada, Mayank Kalra, Andrew Padula, Daniel E. Cuadra, Ryan C. Cohn
  • Patent number: 11419753
    Abstract: A heat exchanger module (HEM) and system uses a flexible substrate with one or more open channels, to which a substrate cover is bonded, thereby forming closed channels in the flexible substrate. Thermoelectric coolers (TECs) are attached to optional thermally diffusing copper squares atop the substrate cover. An interface cover is attached to the TEC tops, with a compliant thermally conductive material opposite the TECs and ultimately in contact with a patient. A liquid is passed through the closed channels, which act as thermal references for the TECs. Current is supplied by a controller to the TECs to induce TEC cooling or heating relative to the liquid. One or more temperature sensors detect the temperature of the interface cover, which are used as inputs to the control of the TEC supply current. The HEM may be used for heating, cooling, or cycling between heating and cooling for various medical uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Julio L. Vergara, Andrew Padula, Lucas Restrepo
  • Patent number: 11419754
    Abstract: A heat exchange module alone or part of a system including a control console. The module includes a channel assembly and a heat exchange stack attached thereto, and can be used to directly cool and/or heat tissue or skin. The channel assembly includes a liquid channel. The stack can include a pair of spaced plates with thermoelectric coolers exchangers, heat reflective layers, and a core composite layer which keeps the plates spaced. To provide flexibility of the module to better fit on round body parts the stack can include a thermally-conductive plate construction between the plates which has rotational flexibility axes in the X and/or Y directions between plate portions. Optionally the channel can include windows to which the plate portions are sealed. The heat exchange stack separately or together with the channel assembly can be secured in the thickness direction with mechanical securements such as sewing or tacking to also provide for greater flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Julio L. Vergara, Andrew Padula, Daniel M. Estrada
  • Publication number: 20190262169
    Abstract: A heat exchange module having a heat transfer fluid channel and a heat transfer plate in heat transfer relation with fluid in the channel. The reference side of a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) is in thermal contact with the plate. A heat transfer tile is in thermal contact with a user side of the TEC. The module is configured to be operatively positionable with the tile in heat transfer relation with skin of a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicants: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, HYPOTHERMIA DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Julio L. Vergara, Daniel M. Estrada, Mayank Kalra, Andrew Padula, Daniel E. Cuadra, Ryan C. Cohn
  • Publication number: 20190099288
    Abstract: A heat exchange module alone or part of a system including a control console. The HEM can include a channel enclosure assembly, a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) assembly and a heat transfer (cover) assembly. The enclosure assembly includes a channel for a heat-transfer liquid. The module can be constructed to provide for flexibility to better conform and fit on rounded and/or angular body parts and to efficiently transfer heat between the adjacent body part and the heat-transfer liquid via the TECs of the TEC assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Applicants: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, HYPOTHERMIA DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Julio L. Vergara, Daniel M. Estrada, Mayank Kalra, Andrew Padula, Ryan Cohn
  • Publication number: 20190099287
    Abstract: A heat exchange module alone or part of a system including a control console. The module includes a channel assembly and a heat exchange stack attached thereto, and can be used to directly cool and/or heat tissue or skin. The channel assembly includes a liquid channel. The stack can include a pair of spaced plates with thermoelectric coolers exchangers, heat reflective layers, and a core composite layer which keeps the plates spaced. To provide flexibility of the module to better fit on round body parts the stack can include a thermally-conductive plate construction between the plates which has rotational flexibility axes in the X and/or Y directions between plate portions. Optionally the channel can include windows to which the plate portions are sealed. The heat exchange stack separately or together with the channel assembly can be secured in the thickness direction with mechanical securements such as sewing or tacking to also provide for greater flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Julio L. Vergara, Andrew Padula, Daniel M. Estrada
  • Publication number: 20180098903
    Abstract: A heat exchanger module (HEM) and system uses a flexible substrate with one or more open channels, to which a substrate cover is bonded, thereby forming closed channels in the flexible substrate. Thermoelectric coolers (TECs) are attached to optional thermally diffusing copper squares atop the substrate cover. An interface cover is attached to the TEC tops, with a compliant thermally conductive material opposite the TECs and ultimately in contact with a patient. A liquid is passed through the closed channels, which act as thermal references for the TECs. Current is supplied by a controller to the TECs to induce TEC cooling or heating relative to the liquid. One or more temperature sensors detect the temperature of the interface cover, which are used as inputs to the control of the TEC supply current. The HEM may be used for heating, cooling, or cycling between heating and cooling for various medical uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Julio L. Vergara, Andrew Padula, Lucas Restrepo
  • Publication number: 20160270952
    Abstract: A therapeutic craniocervical hypothermia device which provides controlled cooling (heating) through a helmet and collar. The helmet and collar contain a plurality of distributed thermoelectric cooling devices (TECs) distributed on a helmet structure and a liquid coolant system for exchanging heat external to the helmet and collar to keep the TECs operating efficiently. A control circuit drives the TECs in response to measurements from a plurality of temperature sensors held adjacent the patient wearing the helmet and collar. In at least one embodiment, the TECs are grouped within interconnected flexible modules which each contain internal cooling passageways adjacent the TECs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Julio L. Vergara, Raul Serrano Carmona, Lucas Restrepo
  • Publication number: 20080206871
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing large quantities of transmembrane and cytosolic proteins in a mammalian muscle cell. The method involves transfecting skeletal muscle cells in vivo with nucleic acids encoding the proteins by electroporation. The invention results in production of the desired protein on the order of about 2-3 magnitudes more as compared to standard methods, allowing for various biological uses including purification and crystallization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Julio L. Vergara, Marino G. Di Franco