Patents by Inventor Simon Dodd

Simon Dodd 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: 20170165390
    Abstract: A method of connecting a cartridge comprising a fluid composition with a microfluidic delivery system is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a housing comprising electrical contacts, wherein the electrical contacts of the housing are disposed on a first plane; providing a cartridge comprising a reservoir for containing a fluid composition, a die comprising a nozzle, and electrical contacts that are in electrical communication with the die, wherein the electrical contacts of the cartridge are disposed along a second plane that is parallel with the first plane; and connecting the cartridge with the housing by moving the cartridge in a direction parallel with the second plane toward the housing until the electrical contacts of the cartridge are in electrical communication with the electrical contacts of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Dana Paul GRUENBACHER, Simon DODD, David S. HUNT, Joseph Edward SCHEFFELIN, Faiz Feisal SHERMAN
  • Publication number: 20170094720
    Abstract: A microfluidic refill includes a reservoir having a hollow body and an opening; a transport member in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a lid enclosing the opening of the reservoir. The lid is in fluid communication with the transport member. The lid comprises a rigid microfluidic delivery member. The rigid microfluidic delivery member includes a die and electrical traces that are in electrical communication with the die, wherein the electrical traces terminate at electrical contacts, wherein the electrical traces are disposed on only one plane. The die has a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the transport member at an inlet of the fluid chamber and with an orifice at an outlet of the fluid chamber and.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Dana Paul GRUENBACHER, David S. HUNT, Joseph Edward SCHEFFELIN, Simon DODD
  • Publication number: 20170072085
    Abstract: A cartridge for a microfluidic delivery system is provided. The cartridge includes a reservoir for containing a fluid composition. The cartridge includes a capillary tube having a first end portion and a second end portion opposing the first end portion. The first end portion of the capillary tube is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The second end portion of the capillary tube is operatively connected with the reservoir. The cartridge includes a restriction member that is in fluid communication with the capillary tube and that is configured to restrict fluid flow. The cartridge comprises a microfluidic delivery member connected with and in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein the microfluidic delivery member comprises a die having at least one nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Dana Paul GRUENBACHER, Simon DODD, David S. HUNT, Joseph Edward SCHEFFELIN, Faiz Feisal SHERMAN
  • Patent number: 9561657
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to microfluidic refill cartridges and methods of assembling same. The microfluidic refill cartridges include a microfluidic delivery member that includes a filter for filtering fluid passed therethrough. The filter may be configured to block particles above a threshold size to prevent blockage in the nozzles. For instance, particles having a dimension that is larger than the diameter of the nozzles can block or reduce fluid flow through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics S.r.l., STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dana Gruenbacher, Roberto Brioschi, Teck Khim Neo, Dave Hunt, Faiz Sherman
  • Patent number: 9554459
    Abstract: A microfluidic refill includes a reservoir having a hollow body and an opening; a transport member in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a lid enclosing the opening of the reservoir. The lid is in fluid communication with the transport member. The lid comprises a rigid microfluidic delivery member. The rigid microfluidic delivery member includes a die and electrical traces that are in electrical communication with the die, wherein the electrical traces terminate at electrical contacts, wherein the electrical traces are disposed on only one plane. The die has a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the transport member at an inlet of the fluid chamber and with an orifice at an outlet of the fluid chamber and.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dana Paul Gruenbacher, David S Hunt, Joseph Edward Scheffelin, Simon Dodd
  • Publication number: 20160354799
    Abstract: A microfluidic fluid delivery device and method. The device includes a reservoir and a transport member. The device includes a microfluidic delivery member including a microfluidic die configured to release a fluid composition from the device. The microfluidic delivery member includes an adapter configured to receive an end portion of the transport member, wherein a capillary passage is formed between the adapter and the transport member. The capillary passage has a largest effective pore size that is smaller than the average effective pore size of the transport member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Dana Paul GRUENBACHER, Dave HUNT, Joseph SCHEFFLIN, Timothy James HOEKSTRA, Simon DODD, Roberto BRIOSCHI
  • Patent number: 9433696
    Abstract: A microfluidic fluid delivery device and method. The device includes a reservoir and a transport member. The device includes a microfluidic delivery member including a microfluidic die configured to release a fluid composition from the device. The microfluidic delivery member includes an adapter configured to receive an end portion of the transport member, wherein a capillary passage is formed between the adapter and the transport member. The capillary passage has a largest effective pore size that is smaller than the average effective pore size of the transport member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dana Paul Gruenbacher, David S Hunt, Joseph Edward Scheffelin, Timothy James Hoekstra, Simon Dodd, Roberto Brioschi
  • Publication number: 20160236471
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to microfluidic refill cartridges and methods of assembling same. The microfluidic refill cartridges include a microfluidic delivery member that includes a filter for filtering fluid passed therethrough. The filter may be configured to block particles above a threshold size to prevent blockage in the nozzles. For instance, particles having a dimension that is larger than the diameter of the nozzles can block or reduce fluid flow through the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dana Gruenbacher, Roberto Brioschi, Teck Khim Neo, Dave Hunt, Faiz Sherman
  • Patent number: 9358567
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a microfluidic die that includes a plurality of heaters above a substrate, a plurality of chambers and nozzles above the heaters, a plurality of first contacts coupled to the heaters, and a plurality of second contacts coupled to the heaters. The plurality of second contacts are coupled to each other and coupled to ground. The die includes a plurality of contact pads, a first signal line coupled to the plurality of second contacts and to a first one of the plurality of contact pads, and a plurality of second signal lines, each second signal line being coupled to one of the plurality of first contacts, groups of the second signal lines being coupled together to drive a group of the plurality of heaters with a single signal, each group of the second signal lines being coupled to a remaining one of the plurality of contact pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dave Hunt, Matt Giere, Dana Gruenbacher, Faiz Sherman
  • Patent number: 9357635
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to microfluidic refill cartridges and methods of assembling same. The microfluidic refill cartridges include a microfluidic delivery member that includes a filter for filtering fluid passed therethrough. The filter may be configured to block particles above a threshold size to prevent blockage in the nozzles. For instances, particles having a dimension that is larger than the diameter of the nozzles can block or reduce fluid flow through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignees: STMicroelectronics S.r.l., STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dana Gruenbacher, Roberto Brioschi, Teck Khim Neo, Dave Hunt, Faiz Sherman
  • Publication number: 20160107446
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to microfluidic refill cartridges and methods of assembling same. The microfluidic refill cartridges include a microfluidic delivery member that includes a filter for filtering fluid passed therethrough. The filter may be configured to block particles above a threshold size to prevent blockage in the nozzles. For instances, particles having a dimension that is larger than the diameter of the nozzles can block or reduce fluid flow through the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dana Gruenbacher, Roberto Brioschi, Teck Khim Neo, Dave Hunt, Faiz Sherman
  • Publication number: 20160107443
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a microfluidic die that includes a plurality of heaters above a substrate, a plurality of chambers and nozzles above the heaters, a plurality of first contacts coupled to the heaters, and a plurality of second contacts coupled to the heaters. The plurality of second contacts are coupled to each other and coupled to ground. The die includes a plurality of contact pads, a first signal line coupled to the plurality of second contacts and to a first one of the plurality of contact pads, and a plurality of second signal lines, each second signal line being coupled to one of the plurality of first contacts, groups of the second signal lines being coupled together to drive a group of the plurality of heaters with a single signal, each group of the second signal lines being coupled to a remaining one of the plurality of contact pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dave Hunt, Matt Giere, Dana GRUENBACHER, Faiz SHERMAN
  • Publication number: 20160101429
    Abstract: One or more embodiments are directed to a microfluidic delivery system that dispenses a fluid. The microfluidic delivery system may be provided in a variety of orientations. In one embodiment, the microfluidic delivery system is vertical so that fluid being expelled opposes gravity. In another embodiment, the microfluidic delivery system is orientated sideways so that fluid being expelled has a horizontal component. In yet another embodiment, the microfluidic delivery system faces downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joseph Edward Scheffelin, Dave S. Hunt, Timothy James HOEKSTRA, Faiz SHERMAN, Stephan Gary Bush
  • Publication number: 20160101619
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a microfluidic die that includes a plurality of heaters above a substrate, a plurality of chambers and nozzles above the heaters, a plurality of first contacts coupled to the heaters, and a plurality of second contacts coupled to the heaters. The plurality of second contacts are coupled to each other and coupled to ground. The die includes a plurality of contact pads, a first signal line coupled to the plurality of second contacts and to a first one of the plurality of contact pads, and a plurality of second signal lines, each second signal line being coupled to one of the plurality of first contacts, groups of the second signal lines being coupled together to drive a group of the plurality of heaters with a single signal, each group of the second signal lines being coupled to a remaining one of the plurality of contact pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Simon DODD, Joe SCHEFFELIN, Dave HUNT, Matt GIERE, Dana GRUENBACHER, Faiz SHERMAN
  • Publication number: 20160081181
    Abstract: A microfluidic refill includes a reservoir having a hollow body and an opening; a transport member in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a lid enclosing the opening of the reservoir. The lid is in fluid communication with the transport member. The lid comprises a rigid microfluidic delivery member. The rigid microfluidic delivery member includes a die and electrical traces that are in electrical communication with the die, wherein the electrical traces terminate at electrical contacts, wherein the electrical traces are disposed on only one plane. The die has a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the transport member at an inlet of the fluid chamber and with an orifice at an outlet of the fluid chamber and.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Dana Paul GRUENBACHER, Dave HUNT, Joseph SCHEFFLIN, Simon DODD
  • Patent number: 9278150
    Abstract: Microfluidic delivery systems and methods for dispensing a fluid composition into the air comprising microfluidic die and at least one heating element that is configured to receive an electrical signal comprising a certain on-time and wave form to deliver a fluid composition into the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dana Paul Gruenbacher, Stephan Gary Bush, Teck Khim Neo, David S. Hunt, Joseph Edward Schefflin, Steven L Webb, Domenico Giusti, Simon Dodd, Faiz Feisal Sherman
  • Patent number: 9259754
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to microfluidic refill cartridges and methods of assembling same. The microfluidic refill cartridges include a microfluidic delivery member that includes a filter for filtering fluid passed therethrough. The filter may be configured to block particles above a threshold size to prevent blockage in the nozzles. For instances, particles having a dimension that is larger than the diameter of the nozzles can block or reduce fluid flow through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignees: STMICROELECTRONICS ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD, STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dana Gruenbacher, Teck Khim Neo, Dave Hunt, Faiz Sherman
  • Publication number: 20150367370
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to microfluidic refill cartridges and methods of assembling same. The microfluidic refill cartridges include a microfluidic delivery member that includes a filter for filtering fluid passed therethrough. The filter may be configured to block particles above a threshold size to prevent blockage in the nozzles. For instances, particles having a dimension that is larger than the diameter of the nozzles can block or reduce fluid flow through the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dana Gruenbacher, Roberto Brioschi, Teck Khim Neo, Dave Hunt, Faiz Sherman
  • Publication number: 20150367356
    Abstract: Microfluidic delivery systems for dispensing a fluid composition into the air comprising microfluidic die and at least one heating element that is configured to receive an electrical signal comprising a certain on-time and wave form to deliver a fluid composition into the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Dana Paul GRUENBACHER, Stephan Gary BUSH, Teck Khim NEO, Dave Hunt, Joseph SCHEFFLIN, Steven WEBB, Domenico GIUSTI, Simon DODD
  • Publication number: 20150367364
    Abstract: One or more embodiments are directed to a microfluidic delivery system that dispenses a fluid in a direction that, at least in part, opposes gravity. In one embodiment, the microfluidic delivery system includes a microfluidic refill cartridge that is configured to be placed in a housing. The microfluidic refill cartridge includes at least one nozzle that faces upward or off to a side. The microfluidic refill cartridge includes a fluid transport member that allows fluid to travel upward from a fluid reservoir in opposition to gravity. A fluid path is located above the fluid transport member placing an end of the fluid transport member in fluid communication with a chamber and a nozzle. In response to the microfluidic delivery system receiving an electrical signal, an ejection element is configured to cause fluid in the chamber to be expelled through the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dave Hunt, Tim Hoekstra, Faiz Sherman, Steve Bush