Patents by Inventor Shieng Liu

Shieng Liu 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: 20160361232
    Abstract: Methods and devices are described for packaging a multi-monodose container including covering a molded structure with a hermetically-sealable overwrap, the molded structure including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion including a row of interconnected monodose pharmaceutical vials, each of the interconnected monodose pharmaceutical vials enclosing a dose of at least one pharmaceutical agent, the second portion affixed to the first portion and including a textured surface pattern positioned to direct gas flow between the first portion and a region adjacent to the second portion; evacuating at least a portion of air from around the molded structure, the evacuated air at least partially flowing over the textured surface pattern of the second portion; forming a hermetic seal around the row of interconnected monodose pharmaceutical vials; and separating the second portion of the molded structure from the first portion of the molded structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Fong-Li Chou, Philip A. Eckhoff, Lawrence Morgan Fowler, Shieng Liu, Krishnan Natarajan, Nels R. Peterson, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160361231
    Abstract: Multi-monodose containers are described including a row of at least two vials, a first vial connected to an adjacent second vial through an articulating joint, the articulating joint sufficiently flexible to reversibly mate a planar outer surface of the first vial with a planar outer surface of the adjacent second vial; wherein the row of the at least two vials is configured to form a first rectangular packing cross-sectional area in an expanded configuration and configured to form a second rectangular packing cross-sectional area in a folded configuration, the second rectangular packing cross-sectional area smaller than the first rectangular packing cross-sectional area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Fong-Li Chou, Philip A. Eckhoff, Lawrence Morgan Fowler, Shieng Liu, Krishnan Natarajan, Nels R. Peterson, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 9518956
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Jae-Hyun Chung, Woonhong Yeo, Kyong-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey W. Chamberlain, Gareth Fotouhi, Shieng Liu, Kie Seok Oh, Daniel M. Ratner, Dayong Gao, Fong-Li Chou
  • Patent number: 9447995
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a regulated thermal transfer device for a storage container includes: a phase change material unit, the phase change material unit including one or more walls surrounding a phase-change material region, and an aperture in the one or more walls; a heat pipe with a first end positioned within the phase change material unit, and a second end; a thermoelectric unit thermally connected to the second end of the heat pipe; a heat sink connected to the thermoelectric unit, and positioned to radiate heat away from the thermoelectric unit; and an electronic controller operably connected to the thermoelectric unit; wherein the regulated thermal transfer device is of a size and shape to be positioned so that the phase change material unit is within a storage region of a temperature-stabilized storage container, and the thermoelectric unit is positioned adjacent to an external surface of the temperature-stabilized storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Tokitac LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Bloedow, Ryan Calderon, Michael Friend, David Gasperino, William Gates, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Shieng Liu, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Nathan John Pegram, David Keith Piech, Shannon Weise Stone, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Ozgur Emek Yildirim
  • Patent number: 9435578
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatuses and methods for storing temperature-sensitive items. More specifically, embodiments include a storage apparatus that may store the temperature-sensitive items. For example, the storage apparatus may include a storage compartment that may be maintained at a predetermined temperature or temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: TOKITAE LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Calderon, Fong-Li Chou, Michael Friend, David Gasperino, Shieng Liu, Matthew F. Rosen, Shannon Weise Stone, Ozgur Emek Yildirim
  • Patent number: 9372016
    Abstract: Regulated cooling devices are described herein that are sized, shaped and calibrated for use with a substantially thermally sealed storage container. In some embodiments, the regulated cooling devices include a cooling region, an adiabatic region, a lid region, and an electronics unit attached to the lid region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Tokitae LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Bloedow, Ryan Calderon, David Gasperino, William Gates, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Shieng Liu, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Nathan John Pegram, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Ozgur Emek Yildirim
  • Publication number: 20160084577
    Abstract: Portage storage containers including controlled evaporative cooling systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a portable container including an integral controlled evaporative cooling system includes: a storage region, an evaporative region adjacent to the storage region, a desiccant region adjacent to the outside of the container, and an insulation region positioned between the evaporative region and the desiccant region. A vapor conduit with an attached vapor control unit has a first end within the evaporative region and a second end within the desiccant region. In some embodiments, the controlled evaporative cooling systems are positioned in a radial configuration within the portable container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Fong Li Chou, Philip A. Eckhoff, Lawrence Morgan Fowler, Shieng Liu, Peter K. Maier-Laxhuber, Nels R. Peterson, Ralf W. Schmidt, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Reiner M. Wörz, David J. Yager
  • Publication number: 20160025677
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
    Inventors: Jae-Hyun Chung, Woonhong Yeo, Kyong-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey W. Chamberlain, Gareth Fotouhi, Shieng Liu, Kie Seok Oh, Daniel M. Ratner, Dayong Gao, Fong-Li Chou
  • Publication number: 20150359708
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an affixed group of pharmaceutical vials with frangible connectors includes: a plurality of pharmaceutical vials arranged as a group of pharmaceutical vials, each of the plurality of pharmaceutical vials shaped and positioned to minimize a total volume of the group of pharmaceutical vials, each of the pharmaceutical vials including at least one external side with a surface configured to reversibly mate with a corresponding external side and a surface of an adjacent pharmaceutical vial; and a plurality of frangible connectors, wherein at least one frangible connector is affixed to the surface of at least two of the plurality of pharmaceutical vials within the group of pharmaceutical vials, and at least one frangible connector is affixed to each of the plurality of pharmaceutical vials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: John Boomgard, Fong-Li Chou, Philip A. Eckhoff, Fridrik Larusson, Shieng Liu, Krishnan Natarajan, Nels R. Peterson, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150233617
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a refrigeration device includes: walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold phase change material internal to a refrigeration device; at least one active refrigeration unit including a set of evaporator coils positioned within an interior of the liquid-impermeable container; walls substantially forming a storage region; and a heat transfer system including a first group of vapor-impermeable structures with a hollow interior connected to form a condenser in thermal contact with the walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container, a second group of vapor-impermeable structures with a hollow interior connected to form an evaporator in thermal contact with the walls substantially forming a storage region, and a connector with a hollow interior affixed to both the condenser and the evaporator, the connector forming a liquid and vapor flow path between the hollow interior of the condenser and the hollow interior of the evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Fong-Li Chou, Philip A. Eckhoff, Lawrence Morgan Fowler, William Gates, Jennifer Ezu Hu, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Fridrik Larusson, Shieng Liu, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Brian L. Pal, Nels R. Peterson, David Keith Piech, Maurizio Vecchione, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood, David J. Yager
  • Patent number: 9097664
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Jae-Hyun Chung, Woonhong Yeo, Kyong-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey W. Chamberlain, Gareth Fotouhi, Shieng Liu, Kie Seok Oh, Daniel M. Ratner, Dayong Gao, Fong-Li Chou
  • Publication number: 20150159924
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatuses and methods for storing temperature-sensitive items. More specifically, embodiments include a storage apparatus that may store the temperature-sensitive items. For example, the storage apparatus may include a storage compartment that may be maintained at a predetermined temperature or temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: Tokitae LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Calderon, Fong-Li Chou, Michael Friend, David Gasperino, Shieng Liu, Matthew F. Rosen, Shannon Weise Stone, Ozgur Emek Yildirim
  • Publication number: 20150143831
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a refrigeration device includes: walls substantially forming a liquid-impermeable container configured to hold phase change material internal to the refrigeration device; at least one active refrigeration unit including a set of evaporator coils positioned at least partially within the liquid-impermeable container; a unidirectional thermal conductor with a condensing end and an evaporative end, the condensing end positioned within the liquid-impermeable container; a first aperture in the liquid-impermeable container, the first aperture of a size, shape and position to permit the set of evaporator coils to traverse the aperture; a second aperture in the liquid-impermeable container, the second aperture including an internal surface of a size, shape and position to mate with an external surface of the unidirectional thermal conductor; and one or more walls substantially forming a storage region in thermal contact with the evaporative end of the unidirectional thermal conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Fong-Li Chou, Philip A. Eckhoff, Lawrence Morgan Fowler, William Gates, Jennifer Ezu Hu, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Fridrik Larusson, Shieng Liu, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Nels R. Peterson, Clarence T. Tegreene, Maurizio Vecchione, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20150027157
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a medicinal storage container includes: a desiccant unit including external walls forming a gas-impermeable barrier around an interior desiccant region and including an aperture; a heating element; a controller operably attached to the heating element; a cooling unit; a compressor system including at least one evaporator coil unit, the compressor operably connected to the controller; a vapor conduit, the vapor conduit attached to a the desiccant unit at a first end, the vapor conduit attached to the evaporative cooling unit at a second end, the vapor conduit forming an internal, gas-impermeable passageway between the desiccant unit and the cooling unit; a vapor control unit attached to the vapor conduit and operably attached to the controller; and a medicinal storage unit including external walls encircling a medicinal storage region including a temperature sensor operably connected to the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Fong-Li Chou, Philip A. Eckhoff, Lawrence Morgan Fowler, Fridrik Larusson, Shieng Liu, Nels R. Peterson, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140352329
    Abstract: Regulated cooling devices are described herein that are sized, shaped and calibrated for use with a substantially thermally sealed storage container. In some embodiments, the regulated cooling devices include a cooling region, an adiabatic region, a lid region, and an electronics unit attached to the lid region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan Bloedow, Ryan Calderon, David Gasperino, William Gates, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K.Y. Jung, Shieng Liu, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Nathan John Pegram, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Ozgur Emek Yildirim
  • Publication number: 20140251808
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: University of Washington
    Inventors: Jae-Hyun Chung, Woonhong Yeo, Kyong-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey W. Chamberlain, Gareth Fotouhi, Shieng Liu, Kie Seok Oh, Daniel M. Ratner, Dayong Gao, Fong-Li Chou
  • Publication number: 20140150464
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a regulated thermal transfer device for a storage container includes: a phase change material unit, the phase change material unit including one or more walls surrounding a phase-change material region, and an aperture in the one or more walls; a heat pipe with a first end positioned within the phase change material unit, and a second end; a thermoelectric unit thermally connected to the second end of the heat pipe; a heat sink connected to the thermoelectric unit, and positioned to radiate heat away from the thermoelectric unit; and an electronic controller operably connected to the thermoelectric unit; wherein the regulated thermal transfer device is of a size and shape to be positioned so that the phase change material unit is within a storage region of a temperature-stabilized storage container, and the thermoelectric unit is positioned adjacent to an external surface of the temperature-stabilized storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan Bloedow, Ryan Calderon, Michael Friend, David Gasperino, William Gates, Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Shieng Liu, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Nathan John Pegram, David Keith Piech, Shannon Weise Stone, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Ozgur Emek Yildirim
  • Patent number: 8632669
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Jae-Hyun Chung, Woonhong Yeo, Kyong-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey W. Chamberlain, Gareth Fotouhi, Shieng Liu, Kie Seok Oh, Daniel M. Ratner, Dayong Gao, Fong-Li Chou
  • Publication number: 20090301883
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
    Inventors: Jae-Hyun Chung, Woonhong Yeo, Kyong-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey W. Chamberlain, Gareth Fotouhi, Shieng Liu, Kie Seok Oh, Daniel M. Ratner, Dayong Gao, Fong-Li Chou