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).

  • Patent number: 9814569
    Abstract: In various embodiments, implants including reservoirs, such as intraocular lenses, feature flexible membranes and valves integrated therewith, the valves having apertures that are normally closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ICO, INC.
    Inventors: Wendian Shi, Charles DeBoer, Sean Caffey, Mark S. Humayun, Yu-Chong Tai
  • Publication number: 20170315060
    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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: YU-CHONG TAI, WENDIAN SHI, HARVEY KASDAN
  • Patent number: 9781842
    Abstract: The present invention provides a micropackaged device comprising: a substrate for securing a device; a corrosion barrier affixed to said substrate; optionally at least one feedthrough disposed in said substrate to permit at least one input and or at least one output line into said micropackaged device; and an encapsulation material layer configured to encapsulate the micropackaged device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Han-Chieh Chang
  • Patent number: 9773715
    Abstract: The present invention provides a micropackaged device comprising: a substrate for securing a device with a corrosion barrier affixed to the substrate, wherein the corrosion barrier comprises a first thin-film layer, a metal film coating the thin-film layer and a second thin-film layer to provide a sandwich layer; and optionally at least one feedthrough disposed in the substrate to permit at least one input and or at least one output line into the micropackaged device, wherein the micropackaged device is encapsulated by the corrosion barrier. Methods of producing the micropackaged device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Han-Chieh Chang
  • Patent number: 9763825
    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: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    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
  • Patent number: 9757729
    Abstract: Described herein are particular embodiments relating to a microfluidic device that may be utilized for cell sensing, counting, and/or sorting. Particular aspects relate to a microfabricated device that is capable of differentiating single cell types from dense cell populations. One particular embodiment relates a device and methods of using the same for sensing, counting, and/or sorting leukocytes from whole, undiluted blood samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Siyang Zheng, Jeffrey Chun-Hui Lin, Harvey L. Kasdan
  • Patent number: 9733235
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for designing a filtration systems for capturing viable tumor cells, such as circulating tumor cells at high efficiency and high viability. The methods involve development of a set of “key engineering design parameters” that are crucial to achieve high tumor cell viability. These important design parameters include the filter geometry design, fluid delivery method, transfilter pressure and total filtration time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Bo Lu
  • Patent number: 9693894
    Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. The cannula is shaped to facilitate insertion thereof into a patient's eyeball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Mark Humayun, Jason Shih
  • Publication number: 20170157389
    Abstract: An implantable electrode array assembly configured to apply electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. A substantially electrically nonconductive layer of the device has a first portion positionable alongside the spinal cord that includes a plurality of first openings. The layer has a second portion that includes a plurality of second openings. Electrodes and traces are positioned inside a peripheral portion of a body portion of the device and alongside the layer. At least one of the first openings is adjacent each of the electrodes to provide a pathway through which the electrode may provide electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. At least one of the second openings is adjacent each of the traces to provide a pathway through which the trace may receive electrical stimulation. At least one trace is connected to each electrode and configured to conduct electrical stimulation received by the trace(s) to the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Mandheerej S. Nandra, Joel W. Burdick, Damien Craig Rodger, Andy Fong, Victor Reggie Edgerton, Roland R. Roy, Yury Gerasimenko, Igor Lavrov, Susan J. Harkema, Claudia A. Angeli
  • Patent number: 9655774
    Abstract: A medical device having a permeable bag connected by a non-permeable cannula to a discharge sac is described along with a manufacturing process and surgical implantation method. The permeable portions of the device have pores that are sized to be permeable to a predetermined class of small molecules, such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, or other therapeutic agents. Once absorbed inside the device, the small molecules are then passively transported, by a concentration gradient of the small molecules, to the discharge sac to be disbursed. A metal tube or other strip can be included in the cannula to assist a surgeon in orienting the device within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Nicholas Scianmarello, Dongyang Kang, Jungwook Park, Mark S. Humayun, Karthik Murali, Amir H. Kashani, Hossein Nazari Khanamiri
  • Publication number: 20170136463
    Abstract: Described herein are particular embodiments relating to a microfluidic device that may be utilized for cell sensing, counting, and/or sorting. Particular aspects relate to a microfabricated device that is capable of differentiating single cell types from dense cell populations. One particular embodiment relates a device and methods of using the same for sensing, counting, and/or sorting leukocytes from whole, undiluted blood samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Siyang Zheng, Jeffrey Chun-Hui Lin, Harvey L. Kasdan
  • Patent number: 9642940
    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 application further provides an implantable cage-like apparatus for culturing cells comprising the parylene membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Bo Lu, Mark Humayun
  • Publication number: 20170113246
    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: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Wei Wang, Dongyang Kang
  • Patent number: 9623174
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an implantable pump includes a cannula. The pump (e.g., the cannula thereof) may include, for example, flow sensors, pressure sensors, filters, and/or other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: MINIPUMPS, LLC
    Inventors: Changlin Pang, Jason Shih, Fukang Jiang, Sean Caffey, Mark Humayun, Yu-Chong Tai
  • Publication number: 20170100054
    Abstract: A portion of a concentric bipolar microelectrode sensor is attached to an inflatable balloon of a catheter. Another portion of the concentric bipolar microelectrode sensor is also attached to a body of the catheter. The inflatable balloon is guided to become in proximity of a tissue. The inflatable balloon is then inflated. The inflation increases the likelihood of contact between microelectrodes of the concentric bipolar microelectrode sensor with the tissue. A voltage is supplied to the microelectrodes. The tissue's impedance is accordingly measured over a frequency range. A disease of the tissue, such as a lesion, is diagnosed based on the measured impedance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, University of California Los Angeles, University of Southern California
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Tzung Hsiai, Yu Zhao, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Fei Yu
  • Publication number: 20170086963
    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: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicants: California Institute of Technology, City of Hope
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Dongyang Kang, Hirotake Komatsu, Henry K. Lin, Yoko Mullen
  • Patent number: 9603997
    Abstract: Implanted drug pump devices can be refilled with a refill needle inserted through a fill port in the drug reservoir of the drug pump device. Proper needle insertion may be verified visually or using electrical, magnetic, optical, acoustic, or other suitable sensing mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: MINIPUMPS, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Humayun, Yu-Chong Tai, Nenad Jelisavcic, Julian D. Kavazov, Fukang Jiang
  • Publication number: 20170071785
    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: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicants: 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
  • Publication number: 20170009097
    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: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Dongyang Kang
  • Patent number: 9535059
    Abstract: Described herein are particular embodiments relating to a microfluidic device that may be utilized for cell sensing, counting, and/or sorting. Particular aspects relate to a microfabricated device that is capable of differentiating single cell types from dense cell populations. One particular embodiment relates a device and methods of using the same for sensing, counting, and/or sorting leukocytes from whole, undiluted blood samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Siyang Zheng, Jeffrey Chun-Hui Lin, Harvey L. Kasdan