Patents by Inventor Robert Langer

Robert Langer 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: 20150238691
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system for responsive release of a medicament in an artificial joint region includes: an implantable sensor unit including at least one sensor, the implantable sensor unit configured to be implanted in an artificial joint region; a responsive release control unit including an electronic controller and memory, the responsive release control unit configured to receive signals from the implantable sensor unit and to send signals to an implantable medicament release unit; and the implantable medicament release unit, including a reservoir and a controllable release unit attached to the reservoir, the controllable release unit configured to provide access to the reservoir in response to signals from the responsive release control unit, the implantable medicament release unit configured to be implanted in the artificial joint region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Edward S. Boyden, Gregory J. Della Rocca, Philip A. Eckhoff, Daniel Hawkins, Roderick A. Hyde, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Gary L. McKnight, Terence Myckatyn, Parag Jitendra Parikh, Dennis J. Rivet, Joshua S. Shimony, Michael A. Smith, Clarence T. Tegreene
  • Publication number: 20150182461
    Abstract: Methods for making particles, such as nanoparticles, devices useful in the methods, and particles made by the method are described herein. The methods involves the use of a microfluidic device, such that upon mixing solutions of the materials to form the particles (or a solution of the material or materials to form the particles and a non-solvent for the material or materials), at least two symmetrical microvortices are formed simultaneously. The method can be used to prepare polymeric or non-polymeric particles and hybrid particles, such as lipid-polymer hybrid particles, as well as such particles containing one or more agents associated with the particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Yong Tae Kim, Zahi Fayad, Willem J. Mulder, Edward Fisher, Fay Francois, Omid C. Farokhzad, Robert Langer
  • Patent number: 9061094
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described herein for controlling or modulating the levels of one or more target components in the blood and/or lymph of a vertebrate subject. Devices and systems are provided that include a body defining at least one lumen configured for fluid flow; at least one controllable flow barrier to fluid flow into the at least one lumen; at least one first reservoir disposed within the body and configured to include one or more bifunctional tags, wherein the one or more bifunctional tags are configured to selectively bind to one or more target components in one or more of blood fluid or lymph fluid of a vertebrate subject; at least one treatment region disposed within the at least one lumen; and at least one second reservoir disposed in the at least one treatment region and configured to include one or more reactive components, wherein the one or more reactive components are configured to sequester the one or more bifunctional tags when bound to the one or more target components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9060842
    Abstract: An adhesive article includes a biocompatible and at least partially biodegradable substrate having a surface; and a plurality of protrusions extending from the surface. The protrusions include a biocompatible and at least partially biodegradable material, and have an average height of less than approximately 1,000 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignees: Massachusettes Institute of Technology, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karp, Mahdavi Alborz, Lino Ferreira, David Carter, Andreas Zumbuehl, Jeffrey Borenstein, Edwin Chan, Christopher Bettinger, Robert Langer
  • Patent number: 9061075
    Abstract: Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: THE INVENTION SCIENCE FUND I, LLC
    Inventors: Ed Harlow, Edward K. Y. Jung, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150138175
    Abstract: A system may produce images including narrow-bandwidth colors. One or more sets of the narrow-bandwidth colors may be selected to be interpreted as substantially a same color by a user. The system may include a light source configured to produce the narrow-bandwidth colors, and/or narrow-passband filters may create narrow-bandwidth colors from light emitted by broad-spectrum light sources or color sources. Spatial and/or time multiplexing may be used to create separate narrow-bandwidth colors interpreted as substantially a same color by the user. The light source and/or the narrow-passband filter elements may be adjustable and may alternate between emission of two or more narrow-bandwidth colors. A viewing device may include filters configured to selectively filter the narrow-bandwidth colors. The user may filter the narrow-bandwidth colors to separate a stereoscopic image pair, to view an image specific to a user, to view desired content obfuscated by an obfuscating image, and/or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Erez Lieberman Aiden, Philip A. Eckhoff, William Gates, Peter L. Hagelstein, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Michael Schnall-Levin, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150138635
    Abstract: A system may produce images including narrow-bandwidth colors. One or more sets of the narrow-bandwidth colors may be selected to be interpreted as substantially a same color by a user. The system may include a light source configured to produce the narrow-bandwidth colors, and/or narrow-passband filters may create narrow-bandwidth colors from light emitted by broad-spectrum light sources or color sources. Spatial and/or time multiplexing may be used to create separate narrow-bandwidth colors interpreted as substantially a same color by the user. For example, the light source and/or the narrow-passband filter elements may be adjustable and may alternate between emission of two or more narrow-bandwidth colors. A viewing device may include filters allowing the user to selectively filter the narrow-bandwidth colors. The user may filter the narrow-bandwidth colors to separate a stereoscopic image pair, to view a user-specific image, to view desired content obfuscated by an obfuscating image, and/or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Erez Lieberman Aiden, Philip A. Eckhoff, William Gates, Peter L. Hagelstein, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Michael Schnall-Levin, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150138053
    Abstract: A system may produce images including narrow-bandwidth colors. One or more sets of the narrow-bandwidth colors may be selected to be interpreted as substantially a same color by a user. The system may include a light source configured to produce the narrow-bandwidth colors, and/or narrow-passband filters may create narrow-bandwidth colors from light emitted by broad-spectrum light sources or color sources. Spatial and/or time multiplexing may be used to create separate narrow-bandwidth colors interpreted as substantially a same color by the user. For example, the light source and/or the narrow-passband filter elements may be adjustable and may alternate between emission of two or more narrow-bandwidth colors. A viewing device may include filters allowing the user to selectively filter the narrow-bandwidth colors. The user may filter the narrow-bandwidth colors to separate a stereoscopic image pair, to view a user-specific image, to view desired content obfuscated by an obfuscating image, and/or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Erez Lieberman Aiden, Philip A. Eckhoff, William Gates, Peter L. Hagelstein, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Michael Schnall-Levin, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 9028467
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled osmotic pump device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to some embodiments, an osmotic pump device is placed in an environment in order to pump a material into the environment or into an additional fluid handling structure within the osmotic pump device. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Leroy E. Hood, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Robert Langer, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 9023630
    Abstract: Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Ed Harlow, Edward K. Y. Jung, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9011751
    Abstract: Endolumenal prostheses that readily and extensively convert from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration are disclosed. Endolumenal prostheses may be fabricated from one or more shape memory polymers, a high modulus elastomer, a polymer that is both elastomeric and exhibits shape memory behavior, a hydrogel, or some combination thereof. Polymers used to fabricate the prostheses are selectively synthesized to exhibit desired characteristics such as crystallinity, strain fixity rate, strain recovery rate, elasticity, tensile strength, mechanical strength, cross-linking density, extent physical cross-linking, extent of covalent cross-linking, extent of interpenetrating networks, rate of erosion, heat of fusion, crystallization temperature, and acidity during erosion. The endolumenal prostheses convert to the deployed configuration following delivery to a treatment site, upon exposure to an initiator either present within the body naturally or introduced into the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Synecor LLC
    Inventors: Michael Scott Williams, Yadong Wang, Robert Langer
  • Patent number: 9005943
    Abstract: Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Ed Harlow, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9006694
    Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an x-ray shielding system including a flexible layer including a support structure having a plurality of interconnected interstitial spaces that provide a circulation network for an x-ray shielding fluid composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Philip A. Eckhoff, William H. Gates, III, Peter L. Hagelstein, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Robert Langer, Erez Lieberman, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Michael Schnall-Levin, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9005944
    Abstract: Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Ed Harlow, Edward K. Y. Jung, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8999711
    Abstract: Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Ed Harlow, Edward K. Y. Jung, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8998886
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled osmotic pump device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to some embodiments, an osmotic pump device is placed in an environment in order to pump a material into the environment or into an additional fluid handling structure within the osmotic pump device. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Leroy E. Hood, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Robert Langer, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8998884
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled reaction device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to various embodiments, a reaction device is placed in an environment in order to perform a chemical reaction in an environment. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Leroy E. Hood, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Robert Langer, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8992511
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled substance delivery device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to some embodiments, a delivery device or related device may be placed in an environment in order to pump a material into the environment or into an additional fluid handling structure within the device. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. The concentration of a substance in the fluid to be delivered may be modified by a remote control signal. In selected embodiments, an acoustic control signal may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Leroy E. Hood, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Robert Langer, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8975074
    Abstract: Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Ed Harlow, Edward K. Y. Jung, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150064146
    Abstract: Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Ed Harlow, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K.Y. Jung, Robert Langer, Eric C. Leuthardt, Lowell L. Wood, JR.