Patents by Inventor Yu-Chong Tai

Yu-Chong Tai 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).

  • Patent number: 11400307
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a wearable phototherapy eye device. In an example, phototherapy can be controlled by varying an emission property of light emitted from the wearable phototherapy eye device to a user eye. In particular, the wearable phototherapy eye device includes a light source oriented to emit the light towards the user eye. The wearable phototherapy eye device also includes controls, such as electrical, mechanical, and/or electro-mechanical controls, to vary the emission property of the light based on an emission target associated with a sleep phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Colin A. Cook
  • Publication number: 20220160254
    Abstract: Medical diagnostic devices and related methods of use are described in which a sensor coil may be connected with a resistive, inductive, and capacitive (RCL) circuit including a power meter and a frequency counter, and the sensor may be positioned on a chest of a subject. The sensor apparatus may apply an alternating current through the sensor coil. The sensor apparatus may measure parallel resistance values in the sensor coil using the power meter for a time interval while the subject inhales and exhales. The sensor apparatus may record the parallel resistance values. The sensor apparatus may determine a first change in the parallel resistance values by measuring a difference between a crest and a trough of the parallel resistance values, wherein the crest of the parallel resistance value corresponds to the inhale and the trough of the parallel resistance value corresponds to the exhale of the subject's breath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Shane S. Shahrestani, Tzu-Chieh Chou, Yu-Chong Tai, Ph.D.
  • Patent number: 11318225
    Abstract: Thin parylene C membranes having smooth front sides and ultrathin regions (e.g., 0.01 ?m to 5 ?m thick) interspersed with thicker regions are disclosed. The back sides of the membranes can be rough compared with the smooth front sides. The membranes can be used in vitro to grow monolayers of cells in a laboratory or in vivo as surgically implantable growth layers, such as to replace the Bruch's membrane in the eye. The thin regions of parylene are semipermeable to allow for proteins in serum to pass through, and the thick regions give mechanical support for handling by a surgeon. The smooth front side allows for monolayer cell growth, and the rough back side helps prevents cells from attaching there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Bo Lu, Mark Humayun
  • Patent number: 11291377
    Abstract: An implantable medical device is described. In an example, the implantable medical device includes an electromechanical substrate and sensor, such as a pressure sensor, disposed on the substrate. At least a portion of the sensor is packaged via a liquid encapsulation. The packaging includes a shaped flexible outer membrane that surrounds at least the portion of the sensor. The packaging also includes a hydrophobic liquid disposed between at least the portion of the pressure sensor and the flexible outer membrane. The implantable medical device can be a part of a medical system used for monitoring medical conditions or performing medical operations based on the implantable medical device. Additionally, manufacturing methods are described for packaging the sensor in a liquid encapsulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Yang Liu, Aubrey M. Shapero
  • Publication number: 20220080220
    Abstract: An ophthalmic device for illuminating an interior region of a patient's eye includes a polymeric, at least partially transparent body having a first surface contoured to substantially conform to an ocular surface and a second surface opposed to the first surface; a light source; and an optical element for directing light through the first surface such that, with the first surface in contact with a corneal surface of the patient's eye, a portion of interior region of the patient's eye illuminated by the light source is visible through the first and second surfaces. In certain embodiments, the light source is sufficient to illuminate the retina so that an ophthalmic surgeon may view the eye during an evaluation or surgical procedure without the need for invasive probes, cameras, or other equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas E. SCIANMARELLO, Mark S. HUMAYUN, Yu-Chong TAI, Andrew URAZAKI
  • Patent number: 11253352
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a phototherapy eye device. In an example, the phototherapy eye device includes a number of radioluminescent light sources and an anchor. Each radioluminescent light source includes an interior chamber coated with phosphor material, such as zinc sulfide, and containing a radioisotope material, such as gaseous tritium. The volume, shape, phosphor material, and radioisotope material are selected for emission of light at a particular wavelength and delivering a particular irradiance on the retina (when implanted in an eyeball). The wavelength is in the range of 400 to 600 nm and the irradiance is substantially 109 to 1011 photons per second per cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Colin A. Cook
  • Publication number: 20210402186
    Abstract: Methods of enabling locomotor control, postural control, voluntary control of body movements (e.g., in non-weight bearing conditions), and/or autonomic functions in a human subject having a spinal cord injury, a brain injury, or a neurological neuromotor disease are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Victor Reggie Edgerton, Roland R. Roy, Yury Gerasimenko, Joel W. Burdick, Susan J. Harkema, Jonathan Hodes, Yu-Chong Tai, Mandheerej S. Nandra, Claudia A. Angeli, Thomas Anthony Desautels
  • Patent number: 11154639
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are substrates for cell delivery to target tissues requiring treatment for various diseases that induce cell death, damage or loss of function. The substrates are configured to provide seeded cells, including stem cells, with a structural support that allows interconnection with and transmission of biological signals between the cells and the target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignees: University of Southern California, California Institute of Technology, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Mark S. Humayun, Ashish Ahuja, Yu-Chong Tai, David R. Hinton, Robert H. Grubbs, Dennis O. Clegg, Lincoln Vallance Johnson, Sherry T. Hikita
  • Patent number: 11154226
    Abstract: A medical sensor is described. In an example, the medical sensor includes a nanoscale tapered waveguide attached to a substrate. The nanoscale tapered waveguide includes a nanoscale channel that receives fluid and an excitation light and that outputs a response light. The excitation light propagates through the fluid. A receiving channel of the nanoscale channel is configured as a waveguide that receives and guides the excitation to a linearly tapered channel of the nanoscale channel. The linearly tapered channel has three dimensional linear tapering that focuses the excitation light guided from the receiving channel into an optical response channel of the nanoscale channel. In turn, the optical response channel is configured as a waveguide that outputs a response light in response to the excitation light focused from the linearly tapered channel. The response light corresponds to a response of an analyte of the fluid present in the optical response channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California, Doheny Eye institute
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Hyuck Choo, Ramiro Magalhaes Ribeiro, Mark S. Humayun
  • Patent number: 11122975
    Abstract: A miniature, low power electronic pressure sensor with a first, oil-filled chamber to protect its microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) pressure sensitive membrane and a second chamber filled with saline or body fluids connected by tube into an organ in the body, such as an eyeball, that needs pressure sensing, is described. The tube carries pressure from a sensitive area within the organ to the electronic pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may communicate wirelessly with external readers and pass data to a server or other computer. Running alongside the tube is another tube for draining and pressure relief. The tubes, or cannulas, can share an opening into the organ in order to minimize the number of holes needed. The tubes may be molded into a single oval cross section, combined coaxially, or share a lumen for a portion that enters the wall of an organ so as to promote healing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Damien C. Rodger, Yu-Chong Tai, Mark S. Humayun, Aubrey M. Shapero, Abhinav Agarwal, Azita Emami
  • Publication number: 20210283308
    Abstract: An oxygen transporter device configured to transport O2 from an ambient air location into or toward a subcutaneous site. The device includes an absorption component, a cannula, and a discharge component configured to be implanted in a subcutaneous location while the absorption component is not subcutaneous. The cannula can extend through or across the skin of a patient. The discharge component can includes one or more multi-layered, flexible mesh sheets, which are coupled to cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Hirotake Komatsu, Colin Andrew Cook, Yu-Chong Tai, Kuang-Ming Shang
  • Patent number: 11116976
    Abstract: Methods comprising applying electrical stimulation to patients in conjunction with physical training are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Victor Reggie Edgerton, Roland R. Roy, Yury Gerasimenko, Joel W. Burdick, Susan J. Harkema, Jonathan Hodes, Yu-Chong Tai, Mandheerej S. Nandra, Claudia A. Angeli, Thomas Anthony Desautels
  • Publication number: 20210251546
    Abstract: Medical diagnostic devices and related methods of use are described in which one or multiple coils in a sensor, each coil connected with an RLC circuit and frequency counter, are held against a patient's head at predetermined cranial locations. Frequencies of the RLC circuit are measured and compared against those taken from known, control heads, to determine whether there is a medical problem and what type of problem. In some instances, too high of frequencies can reveal pooled blood in the head, a sign of hemorrhagic stroke, while too low of frequencies imply lack of blood supply, a sign of ischemic stroke. A head-mountable frame can assist a first responder in securing and guiding the coils and, along with fiducials, allow for automatic comparison of frequencies with the correct control data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Shane S. Shahrestani
  • Patent number: 11077462
    Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method of depositing thin and ultra-thin parylene are described. In an example, a core deposition chamber is used. The core deposition chamber includes a base and a rigid, removable cover configured to mate and seal with the base to create the core deposition chamber and to define an inside and an outside of the core deposition chamber. The core deposition chamber also includes a conduit through a top of the cover. The conduit has a lumen connecting the inside to the outside of the core deposition chamber. The lumen has a length and a cross-section. The cross-section has a width between 50 ?m and 6000 ?m. The length is less than 140 times the cross-section width. The core deposition chamber can be placed in an outer deposition chamber and can achieve parylene deposition less than 1 ?m thick inside the core deposition chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Wei Wang, Dongyang Kang
  • Publication number: 20210220627
    Abstract: A long-lasting, wireless, biocompatible pressure sensor device is integrated within a hydrocephalus shunt, either within the shunt's reservoir/anchor or as an inline or pigtailed connector. When integrated within a typical reservoir, the device can sit within the reservoir's hollow frustum area covered by the resilient silicone dome of the reservoir. When integrated as an inline connector, the device can sit at any point on the peritoneal catheter or ventricular catheter, including between the VP shut's valve and reservoir. The pressure sensor device includes electronics that can be powered wirelessly by a reader held to a patient's scalp, and so no battery may be required. The reader can transmit an ambient, atmospheric pressure reading from outside the skull to the implanted device so that its electronics can calculate a calibrated gauge pressure internally and then relay it to a patient's smart phone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Aubrey M. Shapero, Shane S. Shahrestani, Azita Emami, Abhinav Agarwal, Kuang-Ming Shang, Sunghoon Kim, Olajire Idowu, Kurtis I. Auguste
  • Patent number: 11051977
    Abstract: An eye treatment apparatus is described. The apparatus includes an annular body that has a hollow optical zone in its center. An inner perimeter of the annular body surrounds the optical zone. The inner perimeter has a diameter that corresponds to a diameter of the eye's cornea. An outer perimeter of the annular body has a diameter such that the annular body can extend to underneath the eye lid in an open eye position when the eye treatment apparatus is in operation. In this way, the apparatus can be worn on the eye, where the hollow optical zone substantially corresponds to the cornea and does not interfere with the field of vision. The annular body also includes a storage chamber that stores therapeutic liquid for an eye. An outlet is coupled with the storage chamber such that, in operation, the therapeutic liquid can be dispensed to the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Colin A. Cook, Mark S. Humayun
  • Publication number: 20210147779
    Abstract: A cell cultivation apparatus for cultivating microorganisms and growing cells at high density is provided. The apparatus includes a membrane comprising multiple surface features on a first side of the membrane for cell placement. The surface features comprising one or more compartments within which a cell can be located. The membrane includes a material that is at least partially permeable to gas. A second side of the membrane defines a gas region. The second side of the membrane is separated from the first side of the membrane by the membrane. The apparatus further includes a media region for receiving media. The compartments are configured to at least partially reduce media flow shear forces on one or more cells in the compartments. The surface features may be ridges, protrusions, fins, wells, and/or posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Colin Andrew Cook, Yuman Fong, Yu-Chong Tai, Saswati Chatterjee
  • Publication number: 20200409177
    Abstract: A contact lens fluid delivery device having a liquid reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator is described. Other eye hydration and variable dioptric power contact lenses are described herein. Also described are implantable liquid delivery apparatuses having a liquid storage reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator. These devices and apparatuses are useful for specific, targeted delivery of therapeutic liquids within a subject. In some embodiments, the devices incorporate actuation chambers which provide a driving force releasing the fluid into the targeted area e.g., the eye. The actuation chambers described herein can contain phase change materials or osmotic chambers or a combination thereof to drive the release of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Charles M.T. DeBoer, Mark S. Humayun
  • Patent number: 10786673
    Abstract: Neuromodulation systems are described. An example neuromodulation system includes a controller wirelessly communicatively coupled to a host computer, a signal generator communicatively coupled to the controller, and a plurality of electrodes communicatively coupled to the signal generator. The controller, in conjunction with the signal generator and the at least one electrode are configured to deliver a stimulation to a mammal based on an instruction received from the host computer. The stimulation is configured to induce voluntary movement or restore function in the mammal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Mandheerej Nandra, Yu-Chong Tai
  • Patent number: 10768444
    Abstract: A contact lens fluid delivery device having a liquid reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator is described. Other eye hydration and variable dioptric power contact lenses are described herein. Also described are implantable liquid delivery apparatuses having a liquid storage reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator. These devices and apparatuses are useful for specific, targeted delivery of therapeutic liquids within a subject. In some embodiments, the devices incorporate actuation chambers which provide a driving force releasing the fluid into the targeted area e.g., the eye. The actuation chambers described herein can contain phase change materials or osmotic chambers or a combination thereof to drive the release of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignees: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Charles M. T. DeBoer, Mark S. Humayun