Patents by Inventor Philip C. Samson
Philip C. Samson 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: 11745180Abstract: Microfluidic systems, pumps, valves and applications of the same are provided. The microfluidic system may be a pump or a valve having a fluidic chip and an actuator controlling the opening and closing of the fluidic channel in the fluidic chip. The actuator may be disposed to tilt from the fluidic chip, forming a tilted-rotor peristaltic pump. Alternatively, the actuator may be a rolling ball actuator, and different fluidic chips may be used in different applications. For example, the fluidic chip may be a spiral pump chip having spiral channels, a rotary peristaltic pump chip having multiple output channels, or a multi-port valve chip having one port interconnected with multiple different ports. An analytical valve chip may switchably interconnect bioreactor and rinse/calibration input channels to sensor and waste output channels. The actuator of a random-access valve can move from one valve position to another without opening or closing intermediate ones.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITYInventors: Ronald S. Reiserer, David K. Schaffer, Philip C. Samson, Dmitry A. Markov, Michael Geuy, Lisa J. McCawley, John P. Wikswo
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Publication number: 20230132012Abstract: One aspect of this invention relates to a vertical-via rotary valve including a valve body having a housing; one or more fluidic channels, each fluidic channel having a vertical channel portion defined in the valve body and being adjacent to the housing, wherein a fluid flow through the vertical channel portion is controllable by deforming a sidewall of the vertical channel portion; and an actuator received in the housing and rotatably engaged with the one or more fluidic channels to operably control the fluid flow through the vertical channel portion of each fluid channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2021Publication date: April 27, 2023Inventors: David K. Schaffer, John P. Wikswo, Ronald S. Reiserer, Michael D. Geuy, Eric C. Spivey, Clayton M. Britt, Jacquelyn A. Brown, Dmitry A. Markov, Shannon Faley, Lisa J. McCawley, Philip C. Samson
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Publication number: 20230122594Abstract: Microfluidic systems, pumps, valves and applications of the same are provided. The microfluidic system may be a pump or a valve having a fluidic chip and an actuator controlling the opening and closing of the fluidic channel in the fluidic chip. The actuator may be disposed to tilt from the fluidic chip, forming a tilted-rotor peristaltic pump. Alternatively, the actuator may be a rolling ball actuator, and different fluidic chips may be used in different applications. For example, the fluidic chip may be a spiral pump chip having spiral channels, a rotary peristaltic pump chip having multiple output channels, or a multi-port valve chip having one port interconnected with multiple different ports. An analytical valve chip may switchably interconnect bioreactor and rinse/calibration input channels to sensor and waste output channels. The actuator of a random-access valve can move from one valve position to another without opening or closing intermediate ones.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Inventors: Ronald S. Reiserer, David K. Schaffer, Philip C. Samson, Dmitry A. Markov, Michael Geuy, Lisa J. McCawley, John P. Wikswo
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Patent number: 11565256Abstract: Microfluidic systems, pumps, valves and applications of the same are provided. The microfluidic system may be a pump or a valve having a fluidic chip and an actuator controlling the opening and closing of the fluidic channel in the fluidic chip. The actuator may be disposed to tilt from the fluidic chip, forming a tilted-rotor peristaltic pump. Alternatively, the actuator may be a rolling ball actuator, and different fluidic chips may be used in different applications. For example, the fluidic chip may be a spiral pump chip having spiral channels, a rotary peristaltic pump chip having multiple output channels, or a multi-port valve chip having one port interconnected with multiple different ports. An analytical valve chip may switchably interconnect bioreactor and rinse/calibration input channels to sensor and waste output channels. The actuator of a random-access valve can move from one valve position to another without opening or closing intermediate ones.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2020Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITYInventors: Ronald S. Reiserer, David K. Schaffer, Philip C. Samson, Dmitry A. Markov, Michael Geuy, Lisa J. McCawley, John P. Wikswo
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Publication number: 20220362769Abstract: Microfluidic systems, pumps, valves and applications of the same are provided. The microfluidic system may be a pump or a valve having a fluidic chip and an actuator controlling the opening and closing of the fluidic channel in the fluidic chip. The actuator may be disposed to tilt from the fluidic chip, forming a tilted-rotor peristaltic pump. Alternatively, the actuator may be a rolling ball actuator, and different fluidic chips may be used in different applications. For example, the fluidic chip may be a spiral pump chip having spiral channels, a rotary peristaltic pump chip having multiple output channels, or a multi-port valve chip having one port interconnected with multiple different ports. An analytical valve chip may switchably interconnect bioreactor and rinse/calibration input channels to sensor and waste output channels. The actuator of a random-access valve can move from one valve position to another without opening or closing intermediate ones.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2020Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Ronald S. Reiserer, David K. Schaffer, Philip C. Samson, Dmitry A. Markov, Michael Geuy, Lisa J. McCawley, John P. Wikswo
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Patent number: 10876942Abstract: A system for applying and measuring tensions of a plurality of bio-object constructs includes a base; and a flexible body disposed on the base, wherein the flexible body defines a plurality of construct holes for accommodating the plurality of bio-object constructs, such that when the flexible body is bent, the bending of the flexible body causes tensions to be applied to the plurality of bio-object constructs, thereby causing displacements of the plurality of bio-object constructs.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2020Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITYInventors: John P. Wikswo, Philip C. Samson
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Publication number: 20200348218Abstract: A system for applying and measuring tensions of a plurality of bio-object constructs includes a base; and a flexible body disposed on the base, wherein the flexible body defines a plurality of construct holes for accommodating the plurality of bio-object constructs, such that when the flexible body is bent, the bending of the flexible body causes tensions to be applied to the plurality of bio-object constructs, thereby causing displacements of the plurality of bio-object constructs.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2020Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: John P. Wikswo, Philip C. Samson
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Patent number: 10781809Abstract: A peristaltic micropump includes one or more flexible channels configured to transfer one or more pumped fluids, and an actuator configured to engage the one or more flexible channels and rotate about a central axis. The actuator includes a plurality of rolling elements and a driving element configured such that the driving element operably rotates about the central axis and each rolling element operably rolls about a respective axis that is not parallel to the central axis. The plurality of rolling elements is disposed between the one or more flexible channels and the driving element. The driving element includes a cage configured to capture the plurality of rolling elements such that the plurality of rolling elements is located at different radii from a center of the cage.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2019Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITYInventors: Parker A. Gould, Loi T. Hoang, David K. Schaffer, Ronald S. Reiserer, Philip C. Samson, John P. Wikswo
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Patent number: 10761001Abstract: A device for measuring a tension of a bio-object construct as it is being stretched that includes a microscope, a holding member for accommodating the bio-object, and a probe. The microscope includes a condenser, an objective and a stage positioned therebetween. The stage is movable along a horizontal plane. The holding member is fixable on the stage. The probe has a first end attached to the condenser, and a second end placed in the holding member. The stage operably moves such that the bio-object construct moves toward the second end of the probe and contacts with the second end of the probe, thereby causing a displacement of the second end of the probe and a displacement of the bio-object construct, which are used to measure the tension of the bio-object construct.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2017Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignees: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY, THE UNITED STATES AS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRSInventors: John P. Wikswo, Philip C. Samson, Jeffrey M. Davidson, Stephen R. Koch, Veniamin Yu Sidorov
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Patent number: 10577574Abstract: The invention relates to a system of fluidic valves and pumps and associated fluidic channels integratable into a bio-object microfluidics module. The module includes input and output buses; upstream and downstream interconnection bus control valves (CVs) coupled to the input and output buses, respectively. It may include arterial, venous, wash and waste bus lines, each connecting between the upstream and downstream interconnection bus CVs. It may also include an input CV connecting to the arterial bus line, upstream interconnection bus CV, bio-object and inlets, and an output CV connecting to the bio-object, input CV, downstream interconnection bus CV and outlets; and a pump connecting between the input CV and bio-object. The system of fluidic valves and pumps can be arranged to provide MicroFormulator functionality enabling precise mixtures of drugs, chemicals, or biochemicals to be delivered in a time-dependent fashion to biological entities housed in individual wells or chambers.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITYInventors: John P. Wikswo, Frank E. Block, III, Philip C. Samson
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Publication number: 20200049140Abstract: A peristaltic micropump includes one or more flexible channels configured to transfer one or more pumped fluids, and an actuator configured to engage the one or more flexible channels and rotate about a central axis. The actuator includes a plurality of rolling elements and a driving element configured such that the driving element operably rotates about the central axis and each rolling element operably rolls about a respective axis that is not parallel to the central axis. The plurality of rolling elements is disposed between the one or more flexible channels and the driving element. The driving element includes a cage configured to capture the plurality of rolling elements such that the plurality of rolling elements is located at different radii from a center of the cage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2019Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventors: Parker A. Gould, Loi T. Hoang, David K. Schaffer, Ronald S. Reiserer, Philip C. Samson, John P. Wikswo
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Patent number: 10487819Abstract: A peristaltic micropump includes one or more flexible channels configured to transfer one or more pumped fluids, and an actuator configured to engage the one or more flexible channels and rotate about a central axis. The actuator includes a plurality of rolling elements and a driving element configured such that the driving element operably rotates about the central axis and each rolling element operably rolls about a respective axis that is not parallel to the central axis. The plurality of rolling elements is disposed between the one or more flexible channels and the driving element. The driving element includes a cage configured to capture the plurality of rolling elements such that the plurality of rolling elements is located at different radii from a center of the cage.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITYInventors: Parker A. Gould, Loi T. Hoang, Joseph R. Scherrer, William J. Matloff, Kevin T. Seale, Erica L. Curtis, David K. Schaffer, Douglas J. Hall, Ayeeshik Kole, Ronald S. Reiserer, Hunter Tidwell, Philip C. Samson, John P. Wikswo
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Publication number: 20190003941Abstract: A device for measuring a tension of a bio-object construct as it is being stretched that includes a microscope, a holding member for accommodating the bio-object, and a probe. The microscope includes a condenser, an objective and a stage positioned therebetween. The stage is movable along a horizontal plane. The holding member is fixable on the stage. The probe has a first end attached to the condenser, and a second end placed in the holding member. The stage operably moves such that the bio-object construct moves toward the second end of the probe and contacts with the second end of the probe, thereby causing a displacement of the second end of the probe and a displacement of the bio-object construct, which are used to measure the tension of the bio-object construct.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2017Publication date: January 3, 2019Inventors: John P. Wikswo, Philip C. Samson, Jeffrey M. Davidson, Stephen R. Koch, Veniamin Yu Sidorov
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Patent number: 10119622Abstract: A rotary planar peristaltic micropump (RPPM) includes an actuator having a shaft engaged with a motor such that activation of the motor causes the shaft to rotate, and a bearing assembly engaged with the shaft. The bearing assembly has a bearing cage defining a plurality of spaced-apart openings thereon, and a plurality of rolling-members accommodated in the plurality of spaced-apart openings of the bearing cage, such that when the shaft rotates, the plurality of rolling-members of the bearing assembly rolls along a circular path. The RPPM also includes a fluidic path in fluidic communication with first and second ports. The fluidic path is positioned under the actuator and coincident with the circular path, such that when the shaft of the actuator rotates, the plurality of rolling-members of the bearing assembly rolls along the fluidic path to cause a fluid to transfer between the first and second ports.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITYInventors: Frank E. Block, III, Philip C. Samson, Erik M. Werner, Dmitry A. Markov, Ronald S. Reiserer, Jennifer R. Mckenzie, David E. Cliffel, William J. Matloff, Frank E. Block, Jr., Joseph R. Scherrer, W. Hunter Tidwell, John P. Wikswo
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Publication number: 20180298319Abstract: The invention relates to a system of fluidic valves and pumps and associated fluidic channels integratable into a bio-object microfluidics module. The module includes input and output buses; upstream and downstream interconnection bus control valves (CVs) coupled to the input and output buses, respectively. It may include arterial, venous, wash and waste bus lines, each connecting between the upstream and downstream interconnection bus CVs. It may also include an input CV connecting to the arterial bus line, upstream interconnection bus CV, bio-object and inlets, and an output CV connecting to the bio-object, input CV, downstream interconnection bus CV and outlets; and a pump connecting between the input CV and bio-object. The system of fluidic valves and pumps can be arranged to provide MicroFormulator functionality enabling precise mixtures of drugs, chemicals, or biochemicals to be delivered in a time-dependent fashion to biological entities housed in individual wells or chambers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: John P. Wikswo, Frank E. Block, III, Philip C. Samson
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Publication number: 20180209552Abstract: A peristaltic micropump includes one or more flexible channels configured to transfer one or more pumped fluids, and an actuator configured to engage the one or more flexible channels and rotate about a central axis. The actuator includes a plurality of rolling elements and a driving element configured such that the driving element operably rotates about the central axis and each rolling element operably rolls about a respective axis that is not parallel to the central axis. The plurality of rolling elements is disposed between the one or more flexible channels and the driving element. The driving element includes a cage configured to capture the plurality of rolling elements such that the plurality of rolling elements is located at different radii from a center of the cage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2017Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Parker A. Gould, Loi T. Hoang, Joseph R. Scherrer, William J. Matloff, Kevin T. Seale, Erica L. Curtis, David K. Schaffer, Douglas J. Hall, Ayeeshik Kole, Ronald S. Reiserer, Hunter Tidwell, Philip C. Samson, John P. Wikswo
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Patent number: 10023832Abstract: The invention relates to a system of fluidic valves and pumps and associated fluidic channels integratable into a bio-object microfluidics module. The module includes input and output buses; upstream and downstream interconnection bus control valves (CVs) coupled to the input and output buses, respectively. It may include arterial, venous, wash and waste bus lines, each connecting between the upstream and downstream interconnection bus CVs. It may also include an input CV connecting to the arterial bus line, upstream interconnection bus CV, bio-object and inlets, and an output CV connecting to the bio-object, input CV, downstream interconnection bus CV and outlets; and a pump connecting between the input CV and bio-object. The system can be arranged to provide MicroFormulator functionality enabling precise mixtures of drugs, chemicals, or biochemicals to be delivered in a time-dependent fashion to biological entities housed in individual wells or chambers.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITYInventors: John P. Wikswo, Dmitry A. Markov, Philip C. Samson, Frank E. Block, III, David K. Schaffer, Ronald S. Reiserer
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Publication number: 20180080570Abstract: A rotary planar peristaltic micropump (RPPM) includes an actuator having a shaft engaged with a motor such that activation of the motor causes the shaft to rotate, and a bearing assembly engaged with the shaft. The bearing assembly has a bearing cage defining a plurality of spaced-apart openings thereon, and a plurality of rolling-members accommodated in the plurality of spaced-apart openings of the bearing cage, such that when the shaft rotates, the plurality of rolling-members of the bearing assembly rolls along a circular path. The RPPM also includes a fluidic path in fluidic communication with first and second ports. The fluidic path is positioned under the actuator and coincident with the circular path, such that when the shaft of the actuator rotates, the plurality of rolling-members of the bearing assembly rolls along the fluidic path to cause a fluid to transfer between the first and second ports.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2017Publication date: March 22, 2018Inventors: Frank E. Block, III, Philip C. Samson, Erik M. Werner, Dmitry A. Markov, Ronald S. Reiserer, Jennifer R. Mckenzie, David E. Cliffel, William J. Matloff, Frank E. Block, JR., Joseph R. Scherrer, W. Hunter Tidwell, John P. Wikswo
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Patent number: 9874285Abstract: A platform for cultivation, maintenance, and/or analysis of one or more bio-objects includes one or more integrated bio-object microfluidics modules. Each integrated bio-object microfluidics module is configured to cultivate, maintain, analyze and/or mimic functionalities of a respective bio-object, and includes one or more on-chip pumps; a plurality of fluidic switches; and a microfluidic chip in fluid communication with the one or more on-chip pumps and the plurality of fluidic switches, having at least one chamber for accommodating the bio-object and a plurality of fluidic paths connecting the at least one chamber, the one or more on-chip pumps and the plurality of fluidic switches, and a power and control unit adapted for selectively and individually controlling the one or more on-chip pumps and the plurality of fluidic switches for performing bio-object microfluidics functions.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2013Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITYInventors: Frank E. Block, III, Philip C. Samson, Erik M. Werner, Dmitry A. Markov, Ronald S. Reiserer, Jennifer R. Mckenzie, David E. Cliffel, William J. Matloff, Frank E. Block, Jr., Joseph R. Scherrer, W. Hunter Tidwell, John P. Wikswo
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Patent number: 9725687Abstract: The invention provides integrated Organ-on-Chip microphysiological systems representations of living Organs and support structures for such microphysiological systems.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignees: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITYInventors: John P. Wikswo, Philip C. Samson, Frank Emmanuel Block, III, Ronald S. Reiserer, Kevin Kit Parker, John A. McLean, Lisa Joy McCawley, Dmitry Markov, Daniel Levner, Donald E. Ingber, Geraldine A. Hamilton, Josue A. Goss, Robert Cunningham, David E. Cliffel, Jennifer Robin McKenzie, Anthony Bahinski, Christopher David Hinojosa