Patents by Inventor Nolan T. Flynn

Nolan T. Flynn 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).

  • Microchip devices with improved reservoir opening
    Patent number: 6875208
    Abstract: Microchip devices and methods of manufacture thereof are provided to increase the uniformity and reliability of active exposure and release of microchip reservoir contents. In one embodiment, the microchip device for the controlled release or exposure of molecules or secondary devices comprises: (1) a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs; (2) reservoir contents comprising molecules, a secondary device, or both, located in the reservoirs; (3) reservoir caps positioned on the reservoirs over the reservoir contents; (4) electrical activation means for disintegrating the reservoir cap to initiate exposure or release of the reservoir contents in selected reservoirs; and (5) a current distribution means, a stress induction means, or both, operably engaged with or integrated into the reservoir cap, to enhance reservoir cap disintegration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John T. Santini, Jr., Michael J. Cima, Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Nolan T. Flynn, Scott A. Uhland, Zouhair Sbiaa, John M. Maloney
  • Microchip devices with improved reservoir opening
    Publication number: 20020183721
    Abstract: Microchip devices and methods of manufacture thereof are provided to increase the uniformity and reliability of active exposure and release of microchip reservoir contents. In one embodiment, the microchip device for the controlled release or exposure of molecules or secondary devices comprises: (1) a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs; (2) reservoir contents comprising molecules, a secondary device, or both, located in the reservoirs; (3) reservoir caps positioned on the reservoirs over the reservoir contents; (4) electrical activation means for disintegrating the reservoir cap to initiate exposure or release of the reservoir contents in selected reservoirs; and (5) a current distribution means, a stress induction means, or both, operably engaged with or integrated into the reservoir cap, to enhance reservoir cap disintegration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: John T. Santini, Michael J. Cima, Norman F. Sheppard, Nolan T. Flynn, Scott A. Uhland, Zouhair Sbiaa