Patents by Inventor Kimberly L. Turner
Kimberly L. Turner 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).
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Patent number: 9716485Abstract: A frequency divider apparatus includes a micro-electro-mechanical system (“MEMS”) divider that is configured to be driven by an input signal. The MEMS divider includes a passive mechanical device that generates multiple output signals. Each of the output signals has a frequency less than a frequency of the input signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignees: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Steven Shaw, Brian S. Strachan, Kimberly L. Turner, Kamala Qalandar
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Publication number: 20160263575Abstract: A particle manipulation system uses a MEMS-based, microfabricated particle manipulation device which has an inlet channel, output channels, and a movable member formed on a substrate. The movable member moves parallel to the fabrication plane, as does fluid flowing in the inlet channel. The movable member separates a target particle from the rest of the particles, diverting it into an output channel. However, at least one output channel is not parallel to the fabrication plane. The device may be used to separate a target particle from non-target material in a sample stream. The target particle may be, for example, a stem cell, zygote, a cancer cell, a T-cell, a component of blood, bacteria or DNA sample, for example. The particle manipulation system may also include a microfluidic structure which focuses the target particles in a particular portion of the inlet channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2016Publication date: September 15, 2016Applicant: Owl biomedical, Inc.Inventors: John S. FOSTER, Stefan MILTENYI, Kamala R. Qalandar, Kevin E. Shields, Kimberly L. Turner, Mehran R. Hoonejani
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Patent number: 9404838Abstract: A particle manipulation system uses a MEMS-based, microfabricated particle manipulation device which has an inlet channel, output channels, and a movable member formed on a substrate. The movable member moves parallel to the fabrication plane, as does fluid flowing in the inlet channel. The movable member separates a target particle from the rest of the particles, diverting it into an output channel. However, at least one output channel is not parallel to the fabrication plane. The device may be used to separate a target particle from non-target material in a sample stream. The target particle may be, for example, a stem cell, zygote, a cancer cell, a T-cell, a component of blood, bacteria or DNA sample, for example. The particle manipulation system may also include a microfluidic structure which focuses the target particles in a particular portion of the inlet channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Owl biomedical, Inc.Inventors: John S Foster, Nicholas C. Martinez, Stefan Miltenyi, Kamala R. Qalandar, Kevin E. Shields, Kimberly L. Turner, Mehran R. Hoonejani
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Patent number: 9372144Abstract: A particle manipulation system uses a MEMS-based, microfabricated particle manipulation device which has an inlet channel, output channels, and a movable member formed on a substrate. The movable member moves parallel to the fabrication plane, as does fluid flowing in the inlet channel. The movable member separates a target particle from the rest of the particles, diverting it into an output channel. However, at least one output channel is not parallel to the fabrication plane. The device may be used to separate a target particle from non-target material in a sample stream. The target particle may be, for example, a stem cell, zygote, a cancer cell, a T-cell, a component of blood, bacteria or DNA sample, for example. The particle manipulation system may also include a microfluidic structure which focuses the target particles in a particular portion of the inlet channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Owl biomedical, Inc.Inventors: John S Foster, Nicholas C. Martinez, Stefan Miltenyi, Kamala R. Qalandar, Kevin E. Shields, Kimberly L. Turner
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Publication number: 20150357992Abstract: A frequency divider apparatus includes a micro-electro-mechanical system (“MEMS”) divider that is configured to be driven by an input signal. The MEMS divider includes a passive mechanical device that generates multiple output signals. Each of the output signals has a frequency less than a frequency of the input signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2015Publication date: December 10, 2015Inventors: Steven SHAW, Brian S. STRACHAN, Kimberly L. Turner, Kamala Qalandar
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Publication number: 20150093810Abstract: A particle manipulation system uses a MEMS-based, microfabricated particle manipulation device, which has an inlet channel, output channels, and a movable member formed on a substrate. The movable member moves parallel to the fabrication plane, as does fluid flowing in the inlet channel. The movable member separates a target particle from the rest of the particles, diverting it into an output channel. However, at least one output channel is not parallel to the fabrication plane. The device may be used to separate a target particle from non-target material in a sample stream. The target particle may be, for example, a stern cell, zygote, a cancer cell, a component of blood, bacteria or DNA sample, for example. The particle manipulation system may also include a microfluidic structure which focuses the target particles in a particular portion of the inlet channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: Owl biomedical, Inc.Inventors: John S. Foster, Nicholas C. Martinez, Stefan Miltenyi, Kamala R. Qalandar, Kevin E. Shields, Kimberly L. Turner, Mehran R. Hoonejani
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Publication number: 20150093817Abstract: A particle manipulation system uses a MEMS-based, microfabricated particle manipulation device which has an inlet channel, output channels, and a movable member formed on a substrate. The movable member moves parallel to the fabrication plane, as does fluid flowing in the inlet channel. The movable member separates a target particle from the rest of the particles, diverting it into an output channel. However, at least one output channel is not parallel to the fabrication plane. The device may be used to separate a target particle from non-target material in a sample stream. The target particle may be, for example, a stem cell, zygote, a cancer cell, a T-cell, a component of blood, bacteria or DNA sample, for example. The particle manipulation system may also include a microfluidic structure which focuses the target particles in a particular portion of the inlet channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: Owl biomedical, Inc.Inventors: John S. Foster, Nicholas C. Martinez, Stefan Miltenyi, Kamala R. Qalandar, Kevin E. Shields, Kimberly L. Turner
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Publication number: 20150031120Abstract: A MEMS-based system and a method are described for separating a target particle from the remainder of a fluid stream. The system makes use of a unique, microfabricated movable structure formed on a substrate, which moves in a rotary fashion about one or more fixed points, which are all located on one side of the axis of motion. The movable structure is actuated by a separate force-generating apparatus, which is entirely separate from the movable structure formed on its substrate. This allows the movable structure to be entirely submerged in the sample fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: Innovative Micro TechnologyInventors: John S. Foster, Daryl W. Grummitt, John C. Harley, Jaquelin K. Spong, Kimberly L. Turner
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Patent number: 8871500Abstract: A MEMS-based system and a method are described for separating a target particle from the remainder of a fluid stream. The system makes use of a unique, microfabricated movable structure formed on a substrate, which moves in a rotary fashion about one or more fixed points, which are all located on one side of the axis of motion. The movable structure is actuated by a separate force-generating apparatus, which is entirely separate from the movable structure formed on its substrate. This allows the movable structure to be entirely submerged in the sample fluid.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Innovative Micro TechnologyInventors: John S. Foster, Daryl W. Grummitt, John C. Harley, Jaquelin K. Spong, Kimberly L. Turner
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Patent number: 8646111Abstract: A novel way for constructing and operating scanning probe microscopes to dynamically measure material properties of samples, mainly their surface hardness, by separating the functions of actuation, indentation and sensing into separate dynamic components. The amplitude and phase shift of higher modes occurring at periodic indentations with the sample are characteristic values for different sample materials. A separate sensor cantilever, connected to the indentation probe tip, has the advantage of a high mechanical amplification of a desired higher mode while suppressing the actuation signal itself. The operational range of the sensor can be extended just by switching the actuation signal to another submultiple of the sensor cantilever's resonance frequency and/or by using more than one sensor cantilever for each indentation tip.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Kimberly L. Turner, Benedikt Zeyen
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Publication number: 20120190104Abstract: A MEMS-based system and a method are described for separating a target particle from the remainder of a fluid stream. The system makes use of a unique, microfabricated movable structure formed on a substrate, which moves in a rotary fashion about one or more fixed points, which are all located on one side of the axis of motion. The movable structure is actuated by a separate force-generating apparatus, which is entirely separate from the movable structure formed on its substrate. This allows the movable structure to be entirely submerged in the sample fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: Innovative Micro TechnologyInventors: John S. Foster, Daryl W. Grummitt, John C. Harley, Jaquelin K. Spong, Kimberly L. Turner
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Patent number: 7893798Abstract: Systems and methods for forming an electrostatic MEMS plate switch include forming a deformable plate on a first substrate, forming the electrical contacts on a second substrate, and coupling the two substrates using a hermetic seal. The deformable plate may have at least one shunt bar located at a nodal line of a vibrational mode of the deformable plate, so that the shunt bar remains relatively stationary when the plate is vibrating in that vibrational mode. The hermetic seal may be a gold/indium alloy, formed by heating a layer of indium plated over a layer of gold. Electrical access to the electrostatic MEMS switch may be made by forming vias through the thickness of the second substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Innovative Micro TechnologyInventors: John S. Foster, Kimberly L. Turner
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Publication number: 20100257644Abstract: A novel way for constructing and operating scanning probe microscopes to dynamically measure material properties of samples, mainly their surface hardness, by separating the functions of actuation, indentation and sensing into separate dynamic components. The amplitude and phase shift of higher modes occurring at periodic indentations with the sample are characteristic values for different sample materials. A separate sensor cantilever, connected to the indentation probe tip, has the advantage of a high mechanical amplification of a desired higher mode while suppressing the actuation signal itself. The operational range of the sensor can be extended just by switching the actuation signal to another submultiple of the sensor cantilever's resonance frequency and/or by using more than one sensor cantilever for each indentation tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2007Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Kimberly L. Turner, Benedikt Zeyen
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Patent number: 7695811Abstract: An on/off reversible adhesive mechanism, and method for fabricating same. The adhesive mechanism is a hierarchical system comprised of a micro-scale compliant surface having one or more nano-structures thereon, wherein the compliant surface is moved by applying a magnetic field either to engage the nano-structures with an adhering surface or to remove the nano-structures from the adhering surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael T. Northen, Kimberly L. Turner
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Patent number: 7584649Abstract: A sensor is provided which is configured to detect the presence of multiple analytes, for example chemical or biological compounds, through the measurement of induced resonance shifts in a coupled array of microelectromechanical or micromechanical resonators.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignees: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University, The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Steven W. Shaw, Jeffrey F Rhoads, Barry E DeMartini, Kimberly L Turner
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Publication number: 20080278268Abstract: Systems and methods for forming an electrostatic MEMS plate switch include forming a deformable plate on a first substrate, forming the electrical contacts on a second substrate, and coupling the two substrates using a hermetic seal. The deformable plate may have at least one shunt bar located at a nodal line of a vibrational mode of the deformable plate, so that the shunt bar remains relatively stationary when the plate is vibrating in that vibrational mode. The hermetic seal may be a gold/indium alloy, formed by heating a layer of indium plated over a layer of gold. Electrical access to the electrostatic MEMS switch may be made by forming vias through the thickness of the second substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2007Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: Innovative Micro TechnologyInventors: John S. Foster, Kimberly L. Turner
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Publication number: 20080110247Abstract: A sensor is provided which is configured to detect the presence of multiple analytes, for example chemical or biological compounds, through the measurement of induced resonance shifts in a coupled array of microelectromechanical or micromechanical resonators.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Applicant: Board of Trustees of Michigan State UniversityInventors: Steven W. Shaw, Jeffrey F. Rhoads, Barry E. DeMartini, Kimberly L. Turner
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Patent number: 6744174Abstract: A frequency stability analysis and design method for frequency robust resonators, such as MEMS resonators, is presented. The frequency characteristics of a laterally vibrating resonator are analyzed. With the fabrication error on the sidewall of the structure being considered, the first and second order frequency sensitivities to the fabrication error are derived. A relationship between the proof mass area and perimeter, and the beam width, is developed for single material structures, which expresses that the proof mass perimeter times the beam width should equal six times the area of the proof mass. Design examples are given for the single material and multi-layer structures. The results and principles presented in the paper can be used to analyze and design other MEMS resonators.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Brad Paden, Rong Liu, Kimberly L. Turner
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Patent number: 6497141Abstract: MEM structures which may be driven at parametric frequencies to provide stable operation and to permit precise switching between stable and unstable operations by very small changes in the drive frequency or by very small changes in the characteristics of the structure itself so as to provide improved control and sensing are disclosed. The techniques of the present invention are applicable to a wide variety of microstructures, including parallel plate linear actuators, reduction and augmentation actuators, linear force comb actuators, and in particular to torsional scanning probe z-actuators having an integrated tip. These devices incorporate capacitive actuators, or drivers, for producing mechanical motion, and more particularly comb-type actuator structures which consist of high aspect ratio MEM beams fabricated as interleaved fixed and movable capacitor fingers.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation Inc.Inventors: Kimberly L. Turner, Noel C. MacDonald
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Publication number: 20020190607Abstract: A frequency stability analysis and design method for frequency robust resonators, such as MEMS resonators, is presented. The frequency characteristics of a laterally vibrating resonator are analyzed. With the fabrication error on the sidewall of the structure being considered, the first and second order frequency sensitivities to the fabrication error are derived. A relationship between the proof mass area and perimeter, and the beam width, is developed for single material structures, which expresses that the proof mass perimeter times the beam width should equal six times the area of the proof mass. Design examples are given for the single material and multi-layer structures. The results and principles presented in the paper can be used to analyze and design other MEMS resonators.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Brad Paden, Rong Liu, Kimberly L. Turner