California Institute of Technology

Derek Rinderknecht

Morteza Gharib

Elijah Bodhi Sansom

Niema Mohammed Pahlevan

Peyman Tavallali

Mladen Barbic

Anna Hickerson

Brad Sharp

Matthew Hosein Tasooji

Mortez Gharib

Laurence Loumes

Arian Soroush Forouhar

John A Meier

Idit Avrahami

Hasham Azizgolshani

Mostafa Gharib

Systems and methods are provided for extracting hemodynamic information, optionally employing portable electronic devices with optional User Interface (UI) features for system implementation. The systems and methods may be employed for acquiring hemodynamic signals and associated electrophysiological data and/or analyzing the former or both in combination to yield useful physiological indicia or results. Such hardware and software is advantageously used for non-invasively monitoring cardiac health.

Portable electronic hemodynamic sensor systems

A method of fabricating optical energy collection and conversion devices using carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and a method of anchoring CNT's into thin polymeric layers is disclosed. The basic method comprises an initial act of surrounding a plurality of substantially aligned nanostructures within at least one fluid layer of substantially uniform thickness such that a first end of the plurality of nanostructures protrudes from the fluid layer. Next, the fluid layer is altered to form an anchoring layer, thereby fastening the nanostructures within the primary anchoring layer with the first ends of the nanostructures protruding from a first surface of the primary anchoring layer. Finally, a portion of the anchoring layer is selectively removed such that a second end of the nanostructures is exposed and protrudes from the anchoring layer. The resulting product is an optically absorbent composite material having aligned nanostructures protruding from both sides of an anchoring layer.

Fabrication of anchored carbon nanotube array devices for integrated light collection and energy conversion

Hardware and software methodology are described for non-invasively monitoring cardiac health. Hemodynamic waveforms variously acquired for a subject are analyzed to calculate or approximate intrinsic frequencies in two domains in two domains across the Dicrotic Notch. Together with associated notch timing, heart rate and blood pressure values left ventricle ejection fraction and/or stroke volume can be determination.

Intrinsic frequency analysis for left ventricle ejection fraction or stroke volume determination

Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for the delivery of substances to, or the sampling of substances from, a patient using a portable and preferably implantable device. The substances introduced to and/or taken from the patient are preferably fluidic and are driven by a miniature pump, such as a microimpedance pump. A number of design variations are explicitly and implicitly described, such as the use of multiple pumps and multiple reservoirs for containing medicaments. Methods of manufacture of these systems and devices are also described, for instance, using molding, micromachining, or lithographic processes.

Method of manufacturing an implantable drug delivery system including an impedance pump

Methods for fastening nanoscale structures within an anchoring structure to form a nanostructure composite and nanostructure composites formed therefrom. A primary fluid layer is formed on an anchoring substrate. Nanostructures are provided on an initial substrate, the nanostructures having a defined height and orientation with respect to the initial substrate. The nanostructures are introduced to a desired depth in the primary fluid layer, such that the orientation of the nanostructures relative to the growth substrate is substantially maintained. The primary fluid layer comprises one or more fluid layers. Ones of multiple fluid layers are selected such that when altered to form an anchoring structure, a portion of the anchoring structure can be removed, permitting exposure of at least a portion of the nanostructures from the anchoring structure in which they are affixed. The growth substrate is removed. Ends or other parts of nanostructures may be exposed from the anchoring structure.

Method for selectively anchoring and exposing large numbers of nanoscale structures

An electromagnetic actuator for a microfluidic pump of the type that causes periodic pinching and releasing against the walls of a fluidic channel, e.g., a tube. At least one permanent magnet is placed against the walls of the fluidic channel, and located in an area with magnetic fields, produced by coils that are radially symmetric to the channel. The permanent magnet is cause to press and release against the wall of the fluid channel to cause a fluid flow through the channel.

In-line actuator for electromagnetic operation

A multilayered impedance pump is formed by an inner tube and an outer tube which have different mechanical characteristics. The outer tube is relatively stiff, and can be used for a structural material. The inner tube is excitable, and a gel is placed between the inner and outer tube. The actuator actuates the gel to cause pressure waves along the inner tube.

Resonant multilayered impedance pump

A method is provided for creating composites by combining pre-fabricated nanoscale structures (nanostructures) and other materials in which the nanostructures are anchored. This method results in anchored nanostructures with their base held and encased within the anchoring material to a specified depth and with a specified length of protrusion of the nanostructures from the anchoring material. This represents a major advance over previous methods of creating composites containing nanostructures which were limited to fully embedded nanostructures or, at best, very limited and uncontrolled protrusion of nanostructures. In summary, the current method involves bringing nanostructures and anchoring materials into physical contact in a controlled fashion and optionally conducting a treatment step to complete the anchoring process.

Method for selectively anchoring large numbers of nanoscale structures

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for generating pressure suitable in magnitude for powering micro-sized devices. The present invention typically comprises a gas generation chamber that is equipped with an activation element and filled with a gas-containing liquid. Powering of the activation element causes gas within the liquid to be released. Upon release a series of pressure distribution channels deliver the gas to a wide variety of peripheral microfluidic devices. A series of one-way valves and multi-chambered configurations allow for a wide variety of pressures to be generated from a single pressure generation device. By manipulating the scale of the pressure generation device, lab-on-chip, hand held, and bench top applications are possible and may readily be interfaced to allow a substantial amount of user control of the system.

Method and apparatus for generating large pressures on a microfluidic chip

A pump installed inside a graft in a body such as the human body to force fluid such as blood through that graft. The pump can be one which operates totally from the outside of the graft, forcing fluid through the graft without extending inside the graft. The pump can be an impedance pump, that operates based on the fluidic mismatches between the graft, and other fluid carrying vessels within the human body.

Impedance pump used in bypass grafts

A shunt system for use in a human body that is formed from a length of tube that is configured as a pump. The length of tube may be configured as a hydroimpedance pomp, whose surfaces are pressed to pump fluid in the specified direction and way. The length of tube that forms the pump may be connected to shunt inlet and outlet parts, and may also include a valve that is adjustable to prevent back draining of fluid.

Device and method for treating hydrocephalus

A heat producing device is placed in contact with a heat exchanger that is fluidically coupled to a fluid pump. The fluid pump operates to pumps fluid through a closed fluidic system between the heat exchanger and a spot where the heat can be dissipated. In an aspect, an actuator forces fluid to be pumped without passing through a wall of the pump. One aspect uses an impedance pump as the pumping element.

Growing community of inventors

Arcadia, CA, United States of America

Derek Rinderknecht