Patents by Inventor Nicholas E. Scianmarello

Nicholas E. Scianmarello 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: 12025858
    Abstract: A contact lens fluid delivery device having a liquid reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator is described. Other eye hydration and variable dioptric power contact lenses are described herein. Also described are implantable liquid delivery apparatuses having a liquid storage reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator. These devices and apparatuses are useful for specific, targeted delivery of therapeutic liquids within a subject. In some embodiments, the devices incorporate actuation chambers which provide a driving force releasing the fluid into the targeted area e.g., the eye. The actuation chambers described herein can contain phase change materials or osmotic chambers or a combination thereof to drive the release of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Charles M. T. DeBoer, Mark S. Humayun
  • Patent number: 12004996
    Abstract: A microfluidic flow restrictor that uses micron-sized beads to impede flow is described. The flow rate can be adjusted by adding or removing the beads using injection needles through self-sealing ports, one injection needle injecting or aspirating beads and another injection needle pushing or pulling fluid from outside of a bead trap within the flow restrictor. In alternative embodiments, the beads or other filler material can be trapped in a manifold bead trap such that they block a subset of fluid channels of the flow restrictor, allowing fluid to flow freely through the rest of the fluid channels. The flow restrictor can be integrated with a contact lens or implantable medical device for use in dispensing liquid therapeutic agents at flow rates of microliters per minute or moving body fluids at a controlled rate from one part of the body to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Aubrey M. Shapero, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Mark S. Humayun
  • Publication number: 20230337906
    Abstract: A lacrimal tear flow measurement device, and methods of manufacture and use, are described that includes a polymer microcapillary tube or similar structure having at least one end coated on the outside with soft silicone rubber and one end treated on the inside to be hydrophobic. The hydrophobic end keeps liquid from escaping or entering that end while allowing air to pass. The rest of the tube's insides may be hydrophilic or a neutral hydrophobe. As a Schirmer's test strip replacement, the entrance end of the device can be touched to the lacrimal lake of a patient's eye to collect suck up, or merely collect, tear fluid within the collection tube for weighing, volume measurement, or other analysis. Long-term collection devices for wear between doctors' visits can have a bypass channel allowing liquid to flow back onto the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Mark S. Humayun
  • Patent number: 11730358
    Abstract: A lacrimal tear flow measurement device, and methods of manufacture and use, are described that includes a polymer microcapillary tube or similar structure having at least one end coated on the outside with soft silicone rubber and one end treated on the inside to be hydrophobic. The hydrophobic end keeps liquid from escaping or entering that end while allowing air to pass. The rest of the tube's insides may be hydrophilic or a neutral hydrophobe. As a Schirmer's test strip replacement, the entrance end of the device can be touched to the lacrimal lake of a patient's eye to collect suck up, or merely collect, tear fluid within the collection tube for weighing, volume measurement, or other analysis. Long-term collection devices for wear between doctors' visits can have a bypass channel allowing liquid to flow back onto the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Mark S. Humayun
  • Publication number: 20230165710
    Abstract: An ophthalmic liquid delivery apparatus includes a bulbar conjunctiva contacting surface, a palpebral conjunctiva contacting surface which is opposite the bulbar conjunctiva contacting surface, a therapeutic storage reservoir, and at least one fluid delivery port. In addition, a fill system for a liquid filled device includes a liquid feed tube, a plug rod feed tube, a junction port for the liquid feed tube and plug rod feed tube to meet, a needle output to temporarily interface with an ophthalmic liquid delivery device during the filling and plug step, and a cutting tool to cut the plug rod once the device is filled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2022
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: Nicholas E. SCIANMARELLO, Mark S. HUMAYUN, Yu-Chong TAI, Andrew URAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20230069775
    Abstract: A microfluidic flow restrictor that uses micron-sized beads to impede flow is described. The flow rate can be adjusted by adding or removing the beads using injection needles through self-sealing ports, one injection needle injecting or aspirating beads and another injection needle pushing or pulling fluid from outside of a bead trap within the flow restrictor. In alternative embodiments, the beads or other filler material can be trapped in a manifold bead trap such that they block a subset of fluid channels of the flow restrictor, allowing fluid to flow freely through the rest of the fluid channels. The flow restrictor can be integrated with a contact lens or implantable medical device for use in dispensing liquid therapeutic agents at flow rates of microliters per minute or moving body fluids at a controlled rate from one part of the body to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Aubrey M. Shapero, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Mark S. Humayun
  • Patent number: 11523939
    Abstract: A microfluidic flow restrictor that uses micron-sized beads to impede flow is described. The flow rate can be adjusted by adding or removing the beads using injection needles through self-sealing ports, one injection needle injecting or aspirating beads and another injection needle pushing or pulling fluid from outside of a bead trap within the flow restrictor. In alternative embodiments, the beads or other filler material can be trapped in a manifold bead trap such that they block a subset of fluid channels of the flow restrictor, allowing fluid to flow freely through the rest of the fluid channels. The flow restrictor can be integrated with a contact lens or implantable medical device for use in dispensing liquid therapeutic agents at flow rates of microliters per minute or moving body fluids at a controlled rate from one part of the body to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Aubrey M. Shapero, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Mark S. Humayun
  • Publication number: 20220080220
    Abstract: An ophthalmic device for illuminating an interior region of a patient's eye includes a polymeric, at least partially transparent body having a first surface contoured to substantially conform to an ocular surface and a second surface opposed to the first surface; a light source; and an optical element for directing light through the first surface such that, with the first surface in contact with a corneal surface of the patient's eye, a portion of interior region of the patient's eye illuminated by the light source is visible through the first and second surfaces. In certain embodiments, the light source is sufficient to illuminate the retina so that an ophthalmic surgeon may view the eye during an evaluation or surgical procedure without the need for invasive probes, cameras, or other equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas E. SCIANMARELLO, Mark S. HUMAYUN, Yu-Chong TAI, Andrew URAZAKI
  • Patent number: 11051977
    Abstract: An eye treatment apparatus is described. The apparatus includes an annular body that has a hollow optical zone in its center. An inner perimeter of the annular body surrounds the optical zone. The inner perimeter has a diameter that corresponds to a diameter of the eye's cornea. An outer perimeter of the annular body has a diameter such that the annular body can extend to underneath the eye lid in an open eye position when the eye treatment apparatus is in operation. In this way, the apparatus can be worn on the eye, where the hollow optical zone substantially corresponds to the cornea and does not interfere with the field of vision. The annular body also includes a storage chamber that stores therapeutic liquid for an eye. An outlet is coupled with the storage chamber such that, in operation, the therapeutic liquid can be dispensed to the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Colin A. Cook, Mark S. Humayun
  • Publication number: 20200409177
    Abstract: A contact lens fluid delivery device having a liquid reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator is described. Other eye hydration and variable dioptric power contact lenses are described herein. Also described are implantable liquid delivery apparatuses having a liquid storage reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator. These devices and apparatuses are useful for specific, targeted delivery of therapeutic liquids within a subject. In some embodiments, the devices incorporate actuation chambers which provide a driving force releasing the fluid into the targeted area e.g., the eye. The actuation chambers described herein can contain phase change materials or osmotic chambers or a combination thereof to drive the release of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Charles M.T. DeBoer, Mark S. Humayun
  • Patent number: 10768444
    Abstract: A contact lens fluid delivery device having a liquid reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator is described. Other eye hydration and variable dioptric power contact lenses are described herein. Also described are implantable liquid delivery apparatuses having a liquid storage reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator. These devices and apparatuses are useful for specific, targeted delivery of therapeutic liquids within a subject. In some embodiments, the devices incorporate actuation chambers which provide a driving force releasing the fluid into the targeted area e.g., the eye. The actuation chambers described herein can contain phase change materials or osmotic chambers or a combination thereof to drive the release of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignees: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Charles M. T. DeBoer, Mark S. Humayun
  • Publication number: 20200260946
    Abstract: A lacrimal tear flow measurement device, and methods of manufacture and use, are described that includes a polymer microcapillary tube or similar structure having at least one end coated on the outside with soft silicone rubber and one end treated on the inside to be hydrophobic. The hydrophobic end keeps liquid from escaping or entering that end while allowing air to pass. The rest of the tube's insides may be hydrophilic or a neutral hydrophobe. As a Schirmer's test strip replacement, the entrance end of the device can be touched to the lacrimal lake of a patient's eye to collect suck up, or merely collect, tear fluid within the collection tube for weighing, volume measurement, or other analysis. Long-term collection devices for wear between doctors' visits can have a bypass channel allowing liquid to flow back onto the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Mark S. Humayun
  • Publication number: 20190374381
    Abstract: An eye treatment apparatus is described. The apparatus includes an annular body that has a hollow optical zone in its center. An inner perimeter of the annular body surrounds the optical zone. The inner perimeter has a diameter that corresponds to a diameter of the eye's cornea. An outer perimeter of the annular body has a diameter such that the annular body can extend to underneath the eye lid in an open eye position when the eye treatment apparatus is in operation. In this way, the apparatus can be worn on the eye, where the hollow optical zone substantially corresponds to the cornea and does not interfere with the field of vision. The annular body also includes a storage chamber that stores therapeutic liquid for an eye. An outlet is coupled with the storage chamber such that, in operation, the therapeutic liquid can be dispensed to the eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Colin A. Cook, Mark S. Humayun
  • Publication number: 20190358082
    Abstract: A microfluidic flow restrictor that uses micron-sized beads to impede flow is described. The flow rate can be adjusted by adding or removing the beads using injection needles through self-sealing ports, one injection needle injecting or aspirating beads and another injection needle pushing or pulling fluid from outside of a bead trap within the flow restrictor. In alternative embodiments, the beads or other filler material can be trapped in a manifold bead trap such that they block a subset of fluid channels of the flow restrictor, allowing fluid to flow freely through the rest of the fluid channels. The flow restrictor can be integrated with a contact lens or implantable medical device for use in dispensing liquid therapeutic agents at flow rates of microliters per minute or moving body fluids at a controlled rate from one part of the body to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Aubrey M. Shapero, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Mark S. Humayun
  • Patent number: 10342698
    Abstract: An implantable medical device is described. The implantable medical device includes a small molecule generator, a small molecule diffusor, and a cannula that connects the two. The small molecule generator includes an electrolyte reservoir and a set of electrodes. A first portion of the electrolyte reservoir is impermeable to a predetermined class of small molecules. A second portion of the electrolyte reservoir is permeable to the small molecules. The set of electrodes is disposed inside the electrolyte reservoir and is configured to facilitate electrolysis of the small molecules based on an electric power application to the set of electrodes and on presence of electrolyte inside the electrolyte reservoir. At least a portion of the small molecule diffusor is permeable to the small molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignees: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, DOHENY EYE INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Karthik Murali, Mark S. Humayun, Ramiro Magalhaes Ribeiro
  • Publication number: 20190025610
    Abstract: A contact lens fluid delivery device having a liquid reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator is described. Other eye hydration and variable dioptric power contact lenses are described herein. Also described are implantable liquid delivery apparatuses having a liquid storage reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator. These devices and apparatuses are useful for specific, targeted delivery of therapeutic liquids within a subject. In some embodiments, the devices incorporate actuation chambers which provide a driving force releasing the fluid into the targeted area e.g., the eye. The actuation chambers described herein can contain phase change materials or osmotic chambers or a combination thereof to drive the release of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Charles M. T. DeBoer, Mark S. Humayun
  • Patent number: 10031348
    Abstract: A contact lens fluid delivery device having a liquid reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator is described. Other eye hydration and variable dioptric power contact lenses are described herein. Also described are implantable liquid delivery apparatuses having a liquid storage reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator. These devices and apparatuses are useful for specific, targeted delivery of therapeutic liquids within a subject. In some embodiments, the devices incorporate actuation chambers which provide a driving force releasing the fluid into the targeted area e.g., the eye. The actuation chambers described herein can contain phase change materials or osmotic chambers or a combination thereof to drive the release of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Charles M. T. DeBoer, Mark S. Humayun
  • Publication number: 20170348147
    Abstract: An implantable medical device is described. The implantable medical device includes a small molecule generator, a small molecule diffusor, and a cannula that connects the two. The small molecule generator includes an electrolyte reservoir and a set of electrodes. A first portion of the electrolyte reservoir is impermeable to a predetermined class of small molecules. A second portion of the electrolyte reservoir is permeable to the small molecules. The set of electrodes is disposed inside the electrolyte reservoir and is configured to facilitate electrolysis of the small molecules based on an electric power application to the set of electrodes and on presence of electrolyte inside the electrolyte reservoir. At least a portion of the small molecule diffusor is permeable to the small molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California, Doheny Eye Institute
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Karthik Murali, Mark S. Humayun, Ramiro Magalhaes Ribeiro
  • Patent number: 9763825
    Abstract: An implantable medical device is described. The implantable medical device includes a small molecule generator, a small molecule diffusor, and a cannula that connects the two. The small molecule generator includes an electrolyte reservoir and a set of electrodes. A first portion of the electrolyte reservoir is impermeable to a predetermined class of small molecules. A second portion of the electrolyte reservoir is permeable to the small molecules. The set of electrodes is disposed inside the electrolyte reservoir and is configured to facilitate electrolysis of the small molecules based on an electric power application to the set of electrodes and on presence of electrolyte inside the electrolyte reservoir. At least a portion of the small molecule diffusor is permeable to the small molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California, Doheny Eye Institute
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Karthik Murali, Mark S. Humayun, Ramiro Magalhaes Ribeiro
  • Publication number: 20170071785
    Abstract: An implantable medical device is described. The implantable medical device includes a small molecule generator, a small molecule diffusor, and a cannula that connects the two. The small molecule generator includes an electrolyte reservoir and a set of electrodes. A first portion of the electrolyte reservoir is impermeable to a predetermined class of small molecules. A second portion of the electrolyte reservoir is permeable to the small molecules. The set of electrodes is disposed inside the electrolyte reservoir and is configured to facilitate electrolysis of the small molecules based on an electric power application to the set of electrodes and on presence of electrolyte inside the electrolyte reservoir. At least a portion of the small molecule diffusor is permeable to the small molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California, Doheny Eye Institute
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Karthik Murali, Mark S. Humayun, Ramiro Magalhaes Ribeiro