Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Matula
Thomas J. Matula 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: 11698364Abstract: Cell-separation systems and methods utilizing cell-specific microbubble tags and ultrasound-based separation are described. The methods are useful for simplification of time-consuming and costly cell purification procedures and real time apoptosis detection.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2019Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Thomas J. Matula, Masaoki Kawasumi, Oleg Sapozhnikov
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Publication number: 20230071935Abstract: A sonicator assembly, including: a microplate defining a plurality of wells; a manifold for containing a transducer fluid that is thermally coupled to the plurality of wells of the microplate; an ultrasonic generator operable for applying an ultrasonic excitation to the wells of the microplate; one or more of a heating module thermally coupled to and operable for selectively heating the transducer fluid and a cooling module thermally coupled to and operable for selectively cooling the transducer fluid; and a controller operable for controlling operation of the ultrasonic generator and the one or more of the heating module and the cooling module. The controller is further operable for monitoring a temperature and a pressure within the manifold. A temperature of the plurality of wells is controllable over a temperature range from 4° C. to 95° C. Optionally, the plurality of wells include a plurality of heat-resistant round-bottom hydrophilic wells.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Karol Bomsztyk, Gregory P. Darlington, Daniel S. Mar, Thomas J. Matula, Gregory T. Wing
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Patent number: 11592366Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include illustrative piezoelectric element array assemblies, methods of fabricating a piezoelectric element array assembly, and systems and methods for shearing cellular material. Given by way of non-limiting example, an illustrative piezoelectric element array assembly includes at least one piezoelectric element configured to produce ultrasound energy responsive to amplified driving pulses. A lens layer is bonded to the at least one piezoelectric element. The lens layer has a plurality of lenses formed therein that are configured to focus ultrasound energy created by single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element into a plurality of wells of a microplate disposable in ultrasonic communication with the lens layer, wherein more than one of the plurality of lenses overlie single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2020Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignees: Matchstick Technologies, Inc., University of WashingtonInventors: Karol Bomsztyk, Greg P. Darlington, Brian E. MacConaghy, Thomas J. Matula, Adam D. Maxwell
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Publication number: 20210325280Abstract: A system for processing biological or other samples includes an array of transducer elements that are positioned to align with sample wells in a microplate. Each transducer element produces ultrasound energy that is focused towards a well of the microplate with sufficient acoustic pressure to cause inertial cavitation. In one embodiment, the transducers are configured to direct ultrasound energy into cylindrical wells. In other embodiments, the transducer elements are configured to direct ultrasound energy into non-cylindrical wells of a microplate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2021Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: Thomas J. Matula, Karol Bomsztyk, Brian MacConaghy, Justin Reed, Adam D. Maxwell
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Patent number: 10809166Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include illustrative piezoelectric element array assemblies, methods of fabricating a piezoelectric element array assembly, and systems and methods for shearing cellular material. Given by way of non-limiting example, an illustrative piezoelectric element array assembly includes at least one piezoelectric element configured to produce ultrasound energy responsive to amplified driving pulses. A lens layer is bonded to the at least one piezoelectric element. The lens layer has a plurality of lenses formed therein that are configured to focus ultrasound energy created by single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element into a plurality of wells of a microplate disposable in ultrasonic communication with the lens layer, wherein more than one of the plurality of lenses overlie single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignees: Matchstick Technologies, Inc., University of WashingtonInventors: Karol Bomsztyk, Greg P. Darlington, Brian E. MacConaghy, Thomas J. Matula, Adam D. Maxwell
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Patent number: 10702719Abstract: Methods for treating an extravascular hematoma in a patient can include liquefying a first portion of the extravascular hematoma by applying a first series of focused acoustic pulses to the extravascular hematoma at a first frequency; and liquefying a second portion of the extravascular hematoma by applying a second series of focused acoustic pulses to the extravascular hematoma at a second frequency. Liquefied remains of the extravascular hematoma can be aspirated from the patient following liquefaction and disruption.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTONInventors: Tatiana Khokhlova, Thomas J. Matula, Wayne L. Monsky, Yak-Nam Wang
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Publication number: 20200209115Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include illustrative piezoelectric element array assemblies, methods of fabricating a piezoelectric element array assembly, and systems and methods for shearing cellular material. Given by way of non-limiting example, an illustrative piezoelectric element array assembly includes at least one piezoelectric element configured to produce ultrasound energy responsive to amplified driving pulses. A lens layer is bonded to the at least one piezoelectric element. The lens layer has a plurality of lenses formed therein that are configured to focus ultrasound energy created by single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element into a plurality of wells of a microplate disposable in ultrasonic communication with the lens layer, wherein more than one of the plurality of lenses overlie single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Applicants: Matchstick Technologies, Inc., University of WashingtonInventors: Karol Bomsztyk, Greg P. Darlington, Brian E. MacConaghy, Thomas J. Matula, Adam D. Maxwell
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Publication number: 20200001293Abstract: Cell-separation systems and methods utilizing cell-specific microbubble tags and ultrasound-based separation are described. The methods are useful for simplification of time-consuming and costly cell purification procedures and real time apoptosis detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2019Publication date: January 2, 2020Applicant: University of WashingtonInventors: Thomas J. Matula, Masaoki Kawasumi, Oleg Sapozhnikov
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Publication number: 20180209878Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include illustrative piezoelectric element array assemblies, methods of fabricating a piezoelectric element array assembly, and systems and methods for shearing cellular material. Given by way of non-limiting example, an illustrative piezoelectric element array assembly includes at least one piezoelectric element configured to produce ultrasound energy responsive to amplified driving pulses. A lens layer is bonded to the at least one piezoelectric element. The lens layer has a plurality of lenses formed therein that are configured to focus ultrasound energy created by single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element into a plurality of wells of a microplate disposable in ultrasonic communication with the lens layer, wherein more than one of the plurality of lenses overlie single ones of the at least one piezoelectric element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2018Publication date: July 26, 2018Applicants: Matchstick Technologies, Inc., University of WashingtonInventors: Thomas J. Matula, Brian E. MacConaghy, Greg P. Darlington, Karol Bomsztyk, Adam D. Maxwell
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Publication number: 20170205318Abstract: A system for processing biological or other samples includes an array of transducer elements that are positioned to align with sample wells in a microplate. Each transducer element produces ultrasound energy that is focused towards a well of the microplate with sufficient acoustic pressure to cause inertial cavitation. In one embodiment, the transducers are configured to direct ultrasound energy into cylindrical wells. In other embodiments, the transducer elements are configured to direct ultrasound energy into non-cylindrical wells of a microplate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2015Publication date: July 20, 2017Applicant: University of WashingtonInventors: Thomas J. Matula, Karol Bomsztyk, Brian MacConaghy, Justin Reed, Adam D. Maxwell
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Publication number: 20170100145Abstract: Methods for treating an extravascular hematoma in a patient can include liquefying a first portion of the extravascular hematoma by applying a first series of focused acoustic pulses to the extravascular hematoma at a first frequency; and liquefying a second portion of the extravascular hematoma by applying a second series of focused acoustic pulses to the extravascular hematoma at a second frequency. Liquefied remains of the extravascular hematoma can be aspirated from the patient following liquefaction and disruption.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Tatiana D. Khoklova, Thomas J. Matula, Wayne L. Monsky, Yak-Nam Wang
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Publication number: 20160184614Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for treating (e.g., reducing and/or eliminating) abscesses by applying acoustic energy, for example high intensity focused ultrasound (“HIFU”).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2014Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Thomas J. Matula, Keith Chan
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Publication number: 20150231282Abstract: Composites formed from a liquid core encapsulated by a plurality of nanoparticles are provided herein. The composites in certain embodiments are droplets comprising a hydrophobic dispersed phase within a hydrophilic continuous phase, thereby forming an emulsion. The composites can be used as contrast agents for imaging, therapeutic agents, and adapted for other uses according to the unique properties of the composites disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2013Publication date: August 20, 2015Applicant: University of Washington through its Center for CommercializationInventors: Lilo Danielle Pozzo, Matthew O'Donnell, Thomas J. Matula, Kjersta Larson-Smith, Chen-wei Wei, Ivan Pelivanov, Jinjun Xia
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Publication number: 20140347669Abstract: Flow cytometry concepts are modified to enable dynamic characterizations of particles to be obtained using optical scattering data. Particles in flow will be introduced into a sample volume. Light scattered by a particle in the sample volume is collected and analyzed. What differentiates the concepts disclosed herein from conventional flow cytometry is the use of an acoustic source that is disposed to direct acoustic energy into the sample volume. As the particle passes through the sample volume, it responds to the acoustic energy, causing changes in the light scattered by the particle. Those changes, which are not measured during conventional flow cytometry, can be analyzed to determine additional physical properties of the particle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2013Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: University of WashingtonInventors: Thomas J. Matula, Jarred Swalwell
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Patent number: 8441624Abstract: Flow cytometry concepts are modified to enable dynamic characterizations of particles to be obtained using optical scattering data. Particles in flow will be introduced into a sample volume. Light scattered by a particle in the sample volume is collected and analyzed. What differentiates the concepts disclosed herein from conventional flow cytometry is the use of an acoustic source that is disposed to direct acoustic energy into the sample volume. As the particle passes through the sample volume, it responds to the acoustic energy, causing changes in the light scattered by the particle. Those changes, which are not measured during conventional flow cytometry, can be analyzed to determine additional physical properties of the particle.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Thomas J. Matula, Jarred Swalwell
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Publication number: 20130003049Abstract: Flow cytometry concepts are modified to enable dynamic characterizations of particles to be obtained using optical scattering data. Particles in flow will be introduced into a sample volume. Light scattered by a particle in the sample volume is collected and analyzed. What differentiates the concepts disclosed herein from conventional flow cytometry is the use of an acoustic source that is disposed to direct acoustic energy into the sample volume. As the particle passes through the sample volume, it responds to the acoustic energy, causing changes in the light scattered by the particle. Those changes, which arc not measured during conventional flow cytometry, can be analyzed to determine additional physical properties of the particle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: University of Washington, UW Tech Transfer, Invention LicensingInventors: Thomas J. Matula, Jarred Swalwell
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Patent number: 8264683Abstract: Flow cytometry concepts are modified to enable dynamic characterizations of particles to be obtained using optical scattering data. Particles in flow will be introduced into a sample volume. Light scattered by a particle in the sample volume is collected and analyzed. What differentiates the concepts disclosed herein from conventional flow cytometry is the use of an acoustic source that is disposed to direct acoustic energy into the sample volume. As the particle passes through the sample volume, it responds to the acoustic energy, causing changes in the light scattered by the particle. Those changes, which are not measured during conventional flow cytometry, can be analyzed to determine additional physical properties of the particle.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Thomas J. Matula, Jarred Swalwell
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Patent number: 8247464Abstract: A selective high intensity ultrasonic foaming technique is described to fabricate porous polymers for biomedical applications. Process variables, including ultrasound power, scanning speed, and gas concentration have an affect on pore size. Pore size can be controlled with the scanning speed of the ultrasound insonation and interconnected porous structures could be obtained using a partially saturated polymers. A gas concentration range of 3-5% by weight creates interconnected open-celled porous structures. The selective high intensity ultrasonic foaming method can be used on biocompatible polymers so as not to introduce any organic solvents. The method has use in cell related biomedical applications such as studying cell growth behaviors by providing a porous environment with varying topological features.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Wei Li, Hai Wang, Vipin Kumar, Thomas J. Matula
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Publication number: 20120091632Abstract: A selective high intensity ultrasonic foaming technique is described to fabricate porous polymers for biomedical applications. Process variables, including ultrasound power, scanning speed, and gas concentration have an affect on pore size. Pore size can be controlled with the scanning speed of the ultrasound insonation and interconnected porous structures could be obtained using a partially saturated polymers. A gas concentration range of 3-5% by weight creates interconnected open-celled porous structures. The selective high intensity ultrasonic foaming method can be used on biocompatible polymers so as not to introduce any organic solvents. The method has use in cell related biomedical applications such as studying cell growth behaviors by providing a porous environment with varying topological features.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: WASHINGTON, UNIVERSITY OFInventors: Wei Li, Hai Wang, Vipin Kumar, Thomas J. Matula
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Publication number: 20090316151Abstract: Flow cytometry concepts are modified to enable dynamic characterizations of particles to be obtained using optical scattering data. Particles in flow will be introduced into a sample volume. Light scattered by a particle in the sample volume is collected and analyzed. What differentiates the concepts disclosed herein from conventional flow cytometry is the use of an acoustic source that is disposed to direct acoustic energy into the sample volume. As the particle passes through the sample volume, it responds to the acoustic energy, causing changes in the light scattered by the particle. Those changes, which are not measured during conventional flow cytometry, can be analyzed to determine additional physical properties of the particle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: University of WashingtonInventors: Thomas J. Matula, Jarred Swalwell