Patents by Inventor Tim Hoekstra

Tim Hoekstra 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).

  • Microfluidic delivery system and method
    Patent number: 9861720
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dave Hunt, Tim Hoekstra, Faiz Sherman, Steve Bush
  • MICROFLUIDIC DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD
    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