Patents by Inventor Yu Chong

Yu Chong 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).

  • Method to manufacture microfibers and microcapillaries
    Patent number: 10450677
    Abstract: A parylene microcapillary is manufactured by drawing a polyethylene carbonate (PEC) fiber from a 0° C. solution of 12-25% PEC in chloroform to create a PEC fiber that has a constant diameter over several centimeters. Parylene is deposited in a chamber over the PEC fiber, and then the coated PEC fiber is heated above 180° C. This heating melts and decomposes the PEC fiber such that it self-expels from the coating, leaving a microcapillary. The self-expulsion allows for meters-long lengths of microcapillaries. Alternatively, a serpentine fiber channel of PEC is created by deposition, photolithography, and etching within a sandwich of parylene. It is heated above 180° C. to expel the PEC leaving a hollow channel within a mass of parylene. The resulting microcapillaries may have residues of cyclic ethylene carbonate remaining from the decomposed PEC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Tzu-Chieh Chou, Yu-Chong Tai, Yudan Pi
  • POLYMERIC PATCH SCAFFOLDS FOR ARTICULAR CARTILAGE REGENERATION
    Publication number: 20190307928
    Abstract: A polymeric substrate for treating a chondral or osteochondral defect includes a polymeric sheet having a predetermined shape and size for placement over a chondral or osteochondral defect. The polymeric sheet defines suture openings therein that allow fixation of the polymeric scaffold. Characteristically, the polymeric sheet includes biocompatible polymer. A method for treating a subject having a chondral or osteochondral defect is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Mark S. Humayun, Carlos Eduardo da Silveira Franciozi, Tzu-Chieh Chou, Yu-Chong Tai, Damien C. Rodger, C. Thomas Vangsness, JR.
  • Compositions and methods for leukocyte differential counting
    Patent number: 10371640
    Abstract: The present invention provide compositions and methods for classifying leukocytes in a leukocyte population using fluorescence detection. The methods include contacting a leukocyte population in a sample having one or more leukocyte types with a diagnostic composition, exciting the leukocyte population with a light source; and measuring emitted light from each of the one or more leukocyte types to classify the leukocyte population.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Wendian Shi, Harvey Kasdan
  • CONTROLLABLE OCULAR PHOTOTHERAPY
    Publication number: 20190232078
    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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Colin A. Cook
  • NOVEL METHOD TO MANUFACTURE MICROFIBERS AND MICROCAPILLARIES
    Publication number: 20190218687
    Abstract: A parylene microcapillary is manufactured by drawing a polyethylene carbonate (PEC) fiber from a 0° C. solution of 12-25% PEC in chloroform to create a PEC fiber that has a constant diameter over several centimeters. Parylene is deposited in a chamber over the PEC fiber, and then the coated PEC fiber is heated above 180° C. This heating melts and decomposes the PEC fiber such that it self-expels from the coating, leaving a microcapillary. The self-expulsion allows for meters-long lengths of microcapillaries. Alternatively, a serpentine fiber channel of PEC is created by deposition, photolithography, and etching within a sandwich of parylene. It is heated above 180° C. to expel the PEC leaving a hollow channel within a mass of parylene. The resulting microcapillaries may have residues of cyclic ethylene carbonate remaining from the decomposed PEC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Tzu-Chieh Chou, Yu-Chong Tai, Yudan Pi
  • Implantable oxygen generator and transporter
    Patent number: 10342698
    Abstract: An implantable medical device is described. The implantable medical device includes a small molecule generator, a small molecule diffusor, and a cannula that connects the two. The small molecule generator includes an electrolyte reservoir and a set of electrodes. A first portion of the electrolyte reservoir is impermeable to a predetermined class of small molecules. A second portion of the electrolyte reservoir is permeable to the small molecules. The set of electrodes is disposed inside the electrolyte reservoir and is configured to facilitate electrolysis of the small molecules based on an electric power application to the set of electrodes and on presence of electrolyte inside the electrolyte reservoir. At least a portion of the small molecule diffusor is permeable to the small molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignees: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, DOHENY EYE INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Karthik Murali, Mark S. Humayun, Ramiro Magalhaes Ribeiro
  • Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
    Publication number: 20190183392
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices for characterizing regions of tissue and methods for using the same. The devices are capable of locating, identifying, and characterizing tissue regions of interest in vivo. In one embodiment, the devices are ultrasound-guided. In one embodiment, the devices use characterize regions of tissue using electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) sensors. In one aspect, the devices are useful in predicting plaque rupture, such as by determining the level of oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and macrophage/foam cells present in an atheroma. In one aspect, the devices are useful in identifying metabolically active atherosclerotic lesions that are angiographically invisible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Tzung K. Hsiai, Yu-Chong Tai, Rene R. Sevag Packard, Yuan Luo, Parinaz Abiri, Jianguo Ma
  • BIOCOMPATIBLE SUBSTRATE FOR FACILITATING INTERCONNECTIONS BETWEEN STEM CELLS AND TARGET TISSUES AND METHODS FOR IMPLANTING SAME
    Publication number: 20190151499
    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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicants: 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
  • In-situ heated disposition of parylene to enhance pore penetration into silicone
    Patent number: 10287451
    Abstract: A composition of matter is described in which a porous material, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), is coated with parylene N, C, D, or AF-4 by vapor deposition polymerization while a temperature of the porous material's surface being coated is heated to between 60° C. and 120° C., or 80° C. and 85° C., during deposition. The parylene forms nano roots within the porous material that connect with a conformal surface coating of parylene. In some embodiments, a watertight separation chamber in an integrated microfluidic liquid chromatography device is fabricated by heating tunnels in micro-fabricated PDMS and depositing parylene within the heated tunnels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Dongyang Kang
  • Method for cancer detection, diagnosis and prognosis
    Patent number: 10261088
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing cancer, predicting a disease outcome or response to therapy in a patient sample. The method involves isolating a circulating tumor cell (CTC), for example, a viable CTC, from a sample using a parylene microfilter device comprising a membrane filter having or consisting of a parylene substrate, which has an array of holes with a predetermined shape and size; and detecting and quantifying telomerase activity in blood circulating tumor cells. The invention further provides methods of using cells live-captured in various applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Amir Goldkorn, Yu-Chong Tai, Tong Xu, Bo Lu
  • 3-coil wireless power transfer system for eye implants
    Patent number: 10251780
    Abstract: A three-coil electromagnetic induction power transfer system is disclosed for epiretinal prostheses and other implants. A third, buffer coil is disposed between an external transmitting coil and a receiver coil buried within the body to improve efficiency and robustness to misalignments. One or more of the coils can be manufactured using micromechanical machining techniques to lay out conductors in a ribbon of biocompatible insulator, folding lengths of the insulated conductor traces longitudinally over one another, and then spiraling them into a ring. The traces change axial position in the ring by shifting across fold lines. One or more U-shaped sections on the traces can be folded so that adjacent traces can project opposite one another, lengthening the resulting ribbon that can be wound into a coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Yu Zhao, Mark S. Humayun, James D. Weiland
  • Diaphragm check valves and methods of manufacture thereof
    Patent number: 10240689
    Abstract: Microscale valves for use in, e.g., micropump devices, may be formed of a slitted diaphragm bonded o the interior of a valve tube. A bump in the diaphragm and/or a backward-leakage stopper may increase the breakdown pressure of the valve. A push-rod may be used to pre-load the valve membrane to thereby increase the cracking pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: MINIPUMPS, LLC
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Po-Ying Li, Fukang Jiang, Changlin Pang, Natasha Yvette Bouey, Man Ting Chou, Atoosa Lotfi
  • Biocompatible substrate for facilitating interconnections between stem cells and target tissues and methods for implanting same
    Patent number: 10188769
    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: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    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
  • CONTACT LENS WITH METERED LIQUID SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20190025610
    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: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas E. Scianmarello, Charles M. T. DeBoer, Mark S. Humayun
  • SUBSTRATES FOR HIGH-DENSITY CELL GROWTH AND METABOLITE EXCHANGE
    Publication number: 20190002813
    Abstract: A polymer or other substrate optimized for growing cells is described, which takes the form of a micro-thin bag with gas permeable sides. Sides of the bag can be held at a fixed distance from one another with a multitude of tiny micropillars or other spacers extending between them, keeping the bag at a predetermined thickness and preventing the bag from collapsing and the sides from sticking together. In other embodiments, the sides may be held apart by gas pressure alone. A 0.01 ?m to 1000 ?m parylene or other biocompatible coating over the bag outsides controls the permeability of the bag material and provides a bio-safe area for cell growth. An alternate configuration uses open-cell foam with skins coated with a biocompatible coating. Tubes going into multiple bags can be connected to a manifold that delivers gaseous oxygen or removes carbon dioxide and other waste gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, City of Hope
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Yang Liu, Colin A. Cook, Yuman Fong
  • IMPLANT DEVICE AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20180366394
    Abstract: The invention provides chip packaging and processes for the assembly of retinal prosthesis devices. Advantageously, photo-patternable adhesive or epoxy such as photoresist is used as glue to attach a chip to the targeted thin-film (e.g., parylene) substrate so that the chip is used as an attachment to prevent delamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Han-Chieh Chang
  • SMALL MOLECULE TRANSPORT DEVICE WITH ANTI-CONDENSATION FILLER FOR DRUG DELIVERY OR WASTE REMOVAL
    Publication number: 20180333298
    Abstract: An implantable medical device is described. The implantable medical device includes an anti-condensation filler that is highly permeable to a predetermined class of small molecules, such as oxygen. The implantable medical device includes a small molecule discharge bag that is permeable to the small molecule, and a cannula that connects an interior of the small discharge bag to the anti-condensation filler. In operation, small molecules are collected and transported through the anti-condensation filler to the cannula for diffusion through the small molecule discharge bag. Even when this device is implanted in a high humidity and temperature gradient environment, the anti-condensation filler prevents condensation, such as water condensation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas Scianmarello, Colin A. Cook
  • Implantable Extracompartmental Pressure Sensor
    Publication number: 20180325373
    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: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Applicants: 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
  • Implantable device for retaining live cells and providing nutrients thereto
    Patent number: 10092387
    Abstract: An implantable medical device, a method of manufacturing, and a method of use are described. The implantable medical device includes an absorption bag connected by a cannula to a discharge bag. The implantable medical device also includes a reservoir external to the discharge bag and attached to a surface of the discharge bag. At least a portion of the absorption bag and at least a portion of a bottom surface of the reservoir are permeable to a predefined class of small molecules, such as molecular oxygen. The reservoir can retain live cells that rely on the small molecules for survival and growth. Based on concentration of the small molecules, the small molecules permeate into the absorption bag and are transported to the discharge bag for permeation into the reservoir, thereby providing a supply of the small molecules to the live cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, City of Hope
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Dongyang Kang, Hirotake Komatsu, Henry K. Lin, Yoko Mullen
  • Substrates for high-density cell growth and metabolite exchange
    Patent number: 10053660
    Abstract: A polymer or other substrate optimized for growing cells is described, which takes the form of a micro-thin bag with gas permeable sides. Sides of the bag can be held at a fixed distance from one another with a multitude of tiny micropillars or other spacers extending between them, keeping the bag at a predetermined thickness and preventing the bag from collapsing and the sides from sticking together. In other embodiments, the sides may be held apart by gas pressure alone. A 0.01 ?m to 1000 ?m parylene or other biocompatible coating over the bag outsides controls the permeability of the bag material and provides a bio-safe area for cell growth. An alternate configuration uses open-cell foam with skins coated with a biocompatible coating. Tubes going into multiple bags can be connected to a manifold that delivers gaseous oxygen or removes carbon dioxide and other waste gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, City of Hope
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Yang Liu, Colin A. Cook, Yuman Fong, Nanhai G. Chen