Patents by Inventor Mingui Sun

Mingui Sun 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).

  • Publication number: 20240048184
    Abstract: Implants include a single tapped coil antenna having a first section and a second section for wireless power transfer, data downlink and data uplink. A modulated wireless power transfer signal is received by the tapped coil antenna and used to provide electrical power. The modulation is detected to generate downlink data. A switch is used to charge a section of the tapped coil antenna by establish a current which is then be interrupted by opening the switch. The switching produces a high-amplitude pulsed magnetic field (PMF) for use in data uplink over a large distance between the implant and an external transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh – Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Mingui Sun, Zhi-Hong Mao, Wenyan Jia, Tianfeng Wang, Qi Xu
  • Publication number: 20230255560
    Abstract: Electrodes providing excellent recording and physical stability. Electrodes are disclosed that may include a plurality of small teeth that possess a novel design shape and orientation. The shallow and relatively long teeth run parallel to the rim of the electrode that presses against the patient’s skin. When the electrode is twisted onto skin, the tiny teeth penetrate the stratum corneum and move nearly horizontally under the stratum corneum, thus anchoring the electrode securely to the skin. The electrodes cause minimal discomfort to the patient since the small teeth do not extend to the pain fibers which are located in deeper layers of the skin. The electrodes may be fabricated in a variety of geometries including cylindrical, disk, and blunt bullet or top shapes. In some instances, the electrodes may be connected to detachable leads having magnetic properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Mingui Sun, Wenyan Jia, Robert Joseph Sclabassi
  • Patent number: 11672483
    Abstract: Electrodes providing excellent recording and physical stability. Electrodes are disclosed that may include a plurality of small teeth that possess a novel design shape and orientation. The shallow and relatively long teeth run parallel to the rim of the electrode that presses against the patient's skin. When the electrode is twisted onto skin, the tiny teeth penetrate the stratum corneum and move nearly horizontally under the stratum corneum, thus anchoring the electrode securely to the skin. The electrodes cause minimal discomfort to the patient since the small teeth do not extend to the pain fibers which are located in deeper layers of the skin. The electrodes may be fabricated in a variety of geometries including cylindrical, disk, and blunt bullet or top shapes. In some instances, the electrodes may be connected to detachable leads having magnetic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Mingui Sun, Wenyan Jia, Robert Joseph Sclabassi
  • Patent number: 11622700
    Abstract: An energy harvesting device includes a housing (2), a moveable device (12) disposed within the housing and including a first surface including a first material (15) and a second surface including a second material (17), wherein the moveable device is operable to move to bring the first and second surfaces together and apart to cause contact and separation between the first and second materials, a first strap (4) attached to the housing, a second strap (6) coupled to the moveable device, wherein movement of the second strap causes operation of the moveable device, and electronic circuitry (20) structured to harvest energy from the electrical charge generated by the contact between the first and second materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh-Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Paresh Vasandani, Mingui Sun, Wenyan Jia
  • Patent number: 11517234
    Abstract: An electrode system include a flowable and cohesive surface contact element comprising a hydrophilic polymer swollen with an electrolyte fluid, the contact element having a Q? ratio of at least 5 as defined by the equation Q ? = W W W G wherein WG is the dry weight of the hydrophilic polymer and WW is weight of water in the sample after absorption of the electrolyte fluid comprising water and an electrolyte salt. The surface contact element can consist essentially of the hydrophilic polymer swollen by the electrolyte fluid. Another electrode system includes a contact element including a crosslinked hydrophilic polymer matrix. The contact element has a Q? ratio of at least 5 as defined by the equation Q ? = W W W G . The contact elements can also have a Q? ratio of at least 6, at least 7, at least 10 or even at least 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Xinyan Cui, Nicolas Alexander Alba, Mingui Sun
  • Publication number: 20220240809
    Abstract: An energy harvesting device includes a housing (2), a moveable device (12) disposed within the housing and including a first surface including a first material (15) and a second surface including a second material (17), wherein the moveable device is operable to move to bring the first and second surfaces together and apart to cause contact and separation between the first and second materials, a first strap (4) attached to the housing, a second strap (6) coupled to the moveable device, wherein movement of the second strap causes operation of the moveable device, and electronic circuitry (20) structured to harvest energy from the electrical charge generated by the contact between the first and second materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: PARESH VASANDANI, MINGUI SUN, WENYAN JIA
  • Patent number: 11337620
    Abstract: An energy harvesting device includes a housing (2), a moveable device (12) disposed within the housing and including a first surface including a first material (15) and a second surface including a second material (17), wherein the moveable device is operable to move to bring the first and second surfaces together and apart to cause contact and separation between the first and second materials, a first strap (4) attached to the housing, a second strap (6) coupled to the moveable device, wherein movement of the second strap causes operation of the moveable device, and electronic circuitry (20) structured to harvest energy from the electrical charge generated by the contact between the first and second materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonweallth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Paresh Vasandani, Mingui Sun, Wenyan Jia
  • Patent number: 10900943
    Abstract: Electronic systems, devices and methods are provided to accurately record and analyze food intake and physical activity in a subject. A device is provided to be placed on a subject which records video using at least two video cameras positioned to record stereoscopic image pair, as well as other physiological and/or environmental data including, for example, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and environmental factors such as physical location, temperature, and humidity. Video data is analyzed along with other data obtained by the device to determine food consumption and/or physical activity of the subject, much of which is accomplished by automated computer-implemented processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: John Fernstrom, Madelyn Fernstrom, Wenyan Jia, Robert Sclabassi, Mingui Sun
  • Patent number: 10869629
    Abstract: A method of classifying a swallow of a subject includes obtaining vibration data that is based on and indicative of a number of vibrations resulting from the swallow, and using a computer implemented deep learning classifier to classify the swallow based on the vibration data. Also, a system for classifying a swallow of a subject includes a computing device implementing a deep learning classifier. The computing device includes a processor apparatus structured and configured to receive vibration data that is based on and indicative of a number of vibrations resulting from the swallow, and use the deep learning classifier to classify the swallow based on the vibration data. The deep learning classifier may comprise a single layer or a multi-layer Deep Belief network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh-Of die Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Ervin Sejdic, Amro El-Jaroudi, James Coyle, Joshua Dudik, Mingui Sun, Zhi-Hong Mao
  • Patent number: 10674930
    Abstract: Single-unit EEG sensors contain multiple closely spaced dry electrodes that can hook onto skin and associated electronic circuitry such as amplifiers, A/D convertors, wireless transmitters, and a power source such as a battery. The electrodes can be separated by about 20 mm or less, and the associated circuitry can be situated within a volume defined by the multiple electrodes. The single-unit sensors hook onto the skin using a tooth surface so that a rotation of the sensor secures and electrically connects the sensor to the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh-Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Mingui Sun, Bo Luan, Parthasarathy Deenadayalan Thirumala, Wenyan Jia, Di Gao, Jeffrey Balzer
  • Publication number: 20190290164
    Abstract: An energy harvesting device includes a housing (2), a moveable device (12) disposed within the housing and including a first surface including a first material (15) and a second surface including a second material (17), wherein the moveable device is operable to move to bring the first and second surfaces together and apart to cause contact and separation between the first and second materials, a first strap (4) attached to the housing, a second strap (6) coupled to the moveable device, wherein movement of the second strap causes operation of the moveable device, and electronic circuitry (20) structured to harvest energy from the electrical charge generated by the contact between the first and second materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: PARESH VASANDANI, MINGUI SUN, WENYAN JIA
  • Publication number: 20190167182
    Abstract: A method of classifying a swallow of a subject includes obtaining vibration data that is based on and indicative of a number of vibrations resulting from the swallow, and using a computer implemented deep learning classifier to classify the swallow based on the vibration data. Also, a system for classifying a swallow of a subject includes a computing device implementing a deep learning classifier. The computing device includes a processor apparatus structured and configured to receive vibration data that is based on and indicative of a number of vibrations resulting from the swallow, and use the deep learning classifier to classify the swallow based on the vibration data. The deep learning classifier may comprise a single layer or a multi-layer Deep Belief network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: Ervin Sejdic, Amro El-Jaroudi, James Coyle, Joshua Dudik, Mingui Sun, Zhi-Hong Mao
  • Publication number: 20180348187
    Abstract: Electronic systems, devices and methods are provided to accurately record and analyze food intake and physical activity in a subject. A device is provided to be placed on a subject which records video using at least two video cameras positioned to record stereoscopic image pair, as well as other physiological and/or environmental data including, for example, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and environmental factors such as physical location, temperature, and humidity. Video data is analyzed along with other data obtained by the device to determine food consumption and/or physical activity of the subject, much of which is accomplished by automated computer-implemented processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: John Fernstrom, Madelyn Fernstrom, Wenyan Jia, Robert Sclabassi, Mingui Sun
  • Publication number: 20180235492
    Abstract: An electrode system include a flowable and cohesive surface contact element comprising a hydrophilic polymer swollen with an electrolyte fluid, the contact element having a Q? ratio of at least 5 as defined by the equation Q ? = W W W G wherein WG is the dry weight of the hydrophilic polymer and WW is weight of water in the sample after absorption of the electrolyte fluid comprising water and an electrolyte salt. The surface contact element can consist essentially of the hydrophilic polymer swollen by the electrolyte fluid. Another electrode system includes a contact element including a crosslinked hydrophilic polymer matrix. The contact element has a Q? ratio of at least 5 as defined by the equation Q ? = W W W G . The contact elements can also have a Q? ratio of at least 6, at least 7, at least 10 or even at least 11.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: XINYAN CUI, NICOLAS ALEXANDER ALBA, MINGUI SUN
  • Patent number: 10006896
    Abstract: Electronic systems, devices and methods are provided to accurately record and analyze food intake and physical activity in a subject. A device is provided to be placed on a subject which records video using at least two video cameras positioned to record stereoscopic image pair, as well as other physiological and/or environmental data including, for example, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and environmental factors such as physical location, temperature, and humidity. Video data is analyzed along with other data obtained by the device to determine food consumption and/or physical activity of the subject, much of which is accomplished by automated computer-implemented processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: John Fernstrom, Madelyn Fernstrom, Wenyan Jia, Robert Sclabassi, Mingui Sun
  • Patent number: 9955881
    Abstract: An electrode system include a flowable and cohesive surface contact element comprising a hydrophilic polymer swollen with an electrolyte fluid, the contact element having a Q? ratio of at least 5 as defined by the equation Q ? = W W W G wherein WG is the dry weight of the hydrophilic polymer and WW is weight of water in the sample after absorption of the electrolyte fluid comprising water and an electrolyte salt. The surface contact element can consist essentially of the hydrophilic polymer swollen by the electrolyte fluid. Another electrode system includes a contact element including a crosslinked hydrophilic polymer matrix. The contact element has a Q? ratio of at least 5 as defined by the equation Q ? = W W W G . The contact elements can also have a Q? ratio of at least 6, at least 7, at least 10 or even at least 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Xinyan Cui, Nicolas Alexander Alba, Mingui Sun
  • Publication number: 20170135639
    Abstract: Electrodes providing excellent recording and physical stability. Electrodes are disclosed that may include a plurality of small teeth that possess a novel design shape and orientation. The shallow and relatively long teeth run parallel to the rim of the electrode that presses against the patient's skin. When the electrode is twisted onto skin, the tiny teeth penetrate the stratum corneum and move nearly horizontally under the stratum corneum, thus anchoring the electrode securely to the skin. The electrodes cause minimal discomfort to the patient since the small teeth do not extend to the pain fibers which are located in deeper layers of the skin. The electrodes may be fabricated in a variety of geometries including cylindrical, disk, and blunt bullet or top shapes. In some instances, the electrodes may be connected to detachable leads having magnetic properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Mingui Sun, Wenyan Jia, Robert Joseph Sclabassi
  • Publication number: 20170095176
    Abstract: Single-unit EEG sensors contain multiple closely spaced dry electrodes that can hook onto skin and associated electronic circuitry such as amplifiers, A/D convertors, wireless transmitters, and a power source such as a battery. The electrodes can be separated by about 20 mm or less, and the associated circuitry can be situated within a volume defined by the multiple electrodes. The single-unit sensors hook onto the skin using a tooth surface so that a rotation of the sensor secures and electrically connects the sensor to the skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Mingui Sun, Bo Luan, Parthasarathy Deenadayalan Thirumala, Wenyan Jia, Di Gao, Jeffrey Balzer
  • Patent number: 9504424
    Abstract: Electrodes providing excellent recording and physical stability. Electrodes are disclosed that may include a plurality of small teeth that possess a novel design shape and orientation. The shallow and relatively long teeth run parallel to the rim of the electrode that presses against the patient's skin. When the electrode is twisted onto skin, the tiny teeth penetrate the stratum corneum and move nearly horizontally under the stratum corneum, thus anchoring the electrode securely to the skin. The electrodes cause minimal discomfort to the patient since the small teeth do not extend to the pain fibers which are located in deeper layers of the skin. The electrodes may be fabricated in a variety of geometries including cylindrical, disk, and blunt bullet or top shapes. In some instances, the electrodes may be connected to detachable leads having magnetic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Wenyan Jia, Mingui Sun, Robert Joseph Sclabassi
  • Patent number: 9368274
    Abstract: A wireless power transfer system including a driver coil array, a hexagonally-packed transmitter mat, a receiver coil, and a load coil for powering a medical implant. The magnetically coupled resonance between two isolated parts is established by an array of primary coils and a single small secondary coil to create a transcutaneous power link for implanted devices as moving targets. The primary isolated part includes a driver coil array magnetically coupled to a mat of hexagonally packed primary coils. Power is injected by the driver coils into the transmitter coils in the transmitter mat to maintain resonance in the presence of losses and power drawn by the receiver coil from the magnetic field. The implanted secondary isolated part includes a receiver coil magnetically coupled to a load coil. A rectification/filter system is connected to the load coil supplying DC power to the electronic circuits of the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignees: Huazhong University of Science and Technology, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
    Inventors: Qi Xu, Mingui Sun, Hao Wang, Zhihong Mao, Jiping He