Patents by Inventor Bruce C. Towe

Bruce C. Towe 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).

  • Publication number: 20230264038
    Abstract: A method for treating a patient that includes directing first microwave energy towards excitable tissue in a patient and second microwave energy towards the excitable tissue at an angle from the first microwave energy. The first electric field from the first microwave energy overlaps with the second electric field from the second microwave energy at the excitable tissue so as to alter a physiological function of the excitable tissue. Third microwave energy can optionally be directed towards the excitable tissue for overlapping with the first microwave energy and the second microwave energy at the excitable tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Applicant: Hypersound Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce C. Towe
  • Patent number: 11497907
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a dipolar antenna system to electrically power an implantable miniature device and/or to stimulate bioelectrically excitable tissue. Other related systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Bruce C. Towe
  • Patent number: 11464989
    Abstract: A system for providing neurostimulation includes an external device (“external exciter”) and an implanted device. The external exciter includes an energy source which inductively powers the implanted device. Examples of such external exciters include devices having at least one of: ultrasonic transducers, Radio Frequency (RF) transmitters, and solar cells. The implanted device includes circuitry that limits its maximum energy output to a predetermined saturation threshold such that excess stimulation from the external exciter does not raise the output of the implanted device beyond the saturation threshold. The output signal of the external exciter is then pulse-width modulated in order to produce a desired amount of output stimulation from the implanted device to stimulate the bioelectrically excitable tissue at a desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Bruce C. Towe, Daniel Gulick
  • Patent number: 11400318
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for neurostimulation by high frequency ultrasound. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a pulse generator, an ultrasound transducer coupled to the pulse generator, and an implantable stimulator. The implantable stimulator may include a piezoelectric element configured to convert ultrasound signals from the ultrasound transducer into electrical signals, a rectifier configured to convert alternating current from the piezoelectric element to a monophasic current, a capacitor coupled to the rectifier, and a first electrode and a second electrode coupled to the rectifier and capacitor and configured to transmit the monophasic current to body tissue. In addition, the apparatus may include a current-limiting circuit configured to limit the amount of current transmitted to the body tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Bruce C. Towe, Daniel Gulick
  • Patent number: 11141596
    Abstract: A micro-scale implantable bioelectronic medical device system that allows multichannel neurostimulation of peripheral nerve bundles so to affect a more localized and specific control over neuromodulation of body tissues and organs. Such systems can be used in medical therapeutic applications for the treatment of a wide variety of disorders of the human body and may be applied in the growing field of medical neuromodulation. Systems and processes may also provide a way of interfacing to nerve and muscle for purposes of the control of advanced robotic prosthetics as well as man-machine interfaces. Apparatus, systems and processes may be adapted in various embodiments to the stimulation of brain and other bioelectrically excitable tissues in the human body as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Bruce C. Towe, Jitendran Muthuswamy
  • Patent number: 11058900
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for speeding the softening of the cervix (cervical ripening) by way of application of ultrasound energy. A vaginal transducer may be used to emit pulse-modulated ultrasound energy directed to the cervix. Focused ultrasound energy may be applied transabdominally and directed at the cervix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignees: Dignity Health, Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Bruce C. Towe, Robert E. Garfield, Shao-Qing Shi
  • Publication number: 20210138242
    Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring tissue impedance and monitoring PVD treatment using neuro-implants with improved wireless powering are disclosed. In some embodiments, an implanted device including a wireless energy receiver, a demodulation circuit, and electrodes may be configured to received modulated energy from an energy transmitter. The implanted device may convert the energy to an electrical voltage to be applied to tissue to adjust the tissue's impedance. The tissue impedance may be measured with a computing system by receiving and processing an energy signal emitted/produced in response to the electrical voltage applied by the implanted device. In some embodiments, improved microwave powering schemes may be utilized to power the implanted device. In some embodiments, improved ultrasound powering schemes may be utilized to power the implanted device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Applicant: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Bruce C. TOWE
  • Publication number: 20200061368
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a dipolar antenna system to electrically power an implantable miniature device and/or to stimulate bioelectrically excitable tissue. Other related systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventor: Bruce C. Towe
  • Publication number: 20190336777
    Abstract: A system for providing neurostimulation includes an external device (“external exciter”) and an implanted device. The external exciter includes an energy source which inductively powers the implanted device. Examples of such external exciters include devices having at least one of: ultrasonic transducers, Radio Frequency (RF) transmitters, and solar cells. The implanted device includes circuitry that limits its maximum energy output to a predetermined saturation threshold such that excess stimulation from the external exciter does not raise the output of the implanted device beyond the saturation threshold. The output signal of the external exciter is then pulse-width modulated in order to produce a desired amount of output stimulation from the implanted device to stimulate the bioelectrically excitable tissue at a desired level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Bruce C. Towe, Daniel Gulick
  • Patent number: 10463856
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a dipolar antenna system to electrically power an implantable miniature device and/or to stimulate bioelectrically excitable tissue, such as, for example, through microelectronic neurostimulation. Other related systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Bruce C. Towe
  • Patent number: 10441803
    Abstract: A system for providing neurostimulation includes an external device (“external exciter”) and an implanted device. The external exciter includes an energy source which inductively powers the implanted device. Examples of such external exciters include devices having at least one of: ultrasonic transducers, Radio Frequency (RF) transmitters, and solar cells. The implanted device includes circuitry that limits its maximum energy output to a predetermined saturation threshold such that excess stimulation from the external exciter does not raise the output of the implanted device beyond the saturation threshold. The output signal of the external exciter is then pulse-width modulated in order to produce a desired amount of output stimulation from the implanted device to stimulate the bioelectrically excitable tissue at a desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Bruce C. Towe, Daniel Gulick
  • Publication number: 20190282835
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for neurostimulation by high frequency ultrasound. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a pulse generator, an ultrasound transducer coupled to the pulse generator, and an implantable stimulator. The implantable stimulator may include a piezoelectric element configured to convert ultrasound signals from the ultrasound transducer into electrical signals, a rectifier configured to convert alternating current from the piezoelectric element to a monophasic current, a capacitor coupled to the rectifier, and a first electrode and a second electrode coupled to the rectifier and capacitor and configured to transmit the monophasic current to body tissue. In addition, the apparatus may include a current-limiting circuit configured to limit the amount of current transmitted to the body tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Applicant: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STAT E UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Bruce C. Towe, Daniel Gulick
  • Publication number: 20190247668
    Abstract: A micro-scale implantable bioelectronic medical device system that allows multichannel neurostimulation of peripheral nerve bundles so to affect a more localized and specific control over neuromodulation of body tissues and organs. Such systems can be used in medical therapeutic applications for the treatment of a wide variety of disorders of the human body and may be applied in the growing field of medical neuromodulation. Systems and processes may also provide a way of interfacing to nerve and muscle for purposes of the control of advanced robotic prosthetics as well as man-machine interfaces. Apparatus, systems and processes may be adapted in various embodiments to the stimulation of brain and other bioelectrically excitable tissues in the human body as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Bruce C. Towe, Jitendran Muthuswamy
  • Patent number: 10252085
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for neurostimulation by high frequency ultrasound. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a pulse generator, an ultrasound transducer coupled to the pulse generator, and an implantable stimulator. The implantable stimulator may include a piezoelectric element configured to convert ultrasound signals from the ultrasound transducer into electrical signals, a rectifier configured to convert alternating current from the piezoelectric element to a monophasic current, a capacitor coupled to the rectifier, and a first electrode and a second electrode coupled to the rectifier and capacitor and configured to transmit the monophasic current to body tissue. In addition, the apparatus may include a current-limiting circuit configured to limit the amount of current transmitted to the body tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Bruce C. Towe, Daniel Gulick
  • Patent number: 10022566
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for current monitoring in ultrasound powered neurostimulation. The apparatus may include an ultrasound transmitter configured to emit an ultrasound output directed at a piezoelectric device implanted in biological tissue. The apparatus may also include a detector configured to detect an induced current in response to the ultrasound output in the biological tissue. The piezoelectric device may include a piezoelectric material and a diode. The apparatus may include a feedback mechanism to control the amount of induced current in the biological tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventor: Bruce C. Towe
  • Publication number: 20180093112
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for speeding the softening of the cervix (cervical ripening) by way of application of ultrasound energy. A vaginal transducer may be used to emit pulse-modulated ultrasound energy directed to the cervix. Focused ultrasound energy may be applied transabdominally and directed at the cervix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Bruce C. Towe, Robert E. Garfield, Shao-Qing Shi
  • Publication number: 20170274200
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a dipolar antenna system to electrically power an implantable miniature device and/or to stimulate bioelectrically excitable tissue, such as, for example, through microelectronic neurostimulation. Other related systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventor: Bruce C. Towe
  • Publication number: 20170258363
    Abstract: The invention relates to wireless biotelemetry of low level bioelectric and biosensor signals by directly modulating the backscatter of a resonant circuit. Low level electrical analog or digital signals are directly applied to a resonant circuit containing a voltage-variable capacitor such as a varactor diode, that proportionally shifts the resonant frequency and so amplitude of radiofrequency backscatter in a way that represents analog bioelectric or biosensor waveform data. By strongly driving the resonant circuit with a radiofrequency source, a voltage variable capacitance can be caused to amplify the bio-signal level by a parametric process and so provide sufficient sensitivity to telemeter for low millivolt and microvolt level signals without additional amplification. A feature of the device is its simplicity and that it accomplishes both modulation and preamplification of low level sensor signals by the same variable capacitance circuit which reduces the device size and power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents On Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventor: Bruce C. TOWE
  • Patent number: 9700712
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a dipolar antenna system to electrically power an implantable miniature device and/or to stimulate bioelectrically excitable tissue, such as, for example, through microelectronic neurostimulation. Other related systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS, A BODY CORPORATE OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA ACTING FOR AND ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Bruce C Towe
  • Patent number: 9693708
    Abstract: The invention relates to wireless biotelemetry of low level bioelectric and biosensor signals by directly modulating the backscatter of a resonant circuit. Low level electrical analog or digital signals are directly applied to a resonant circuit containing a voltage-variable capacitor such as a varactor diode, that proportionally shifts the resonant frequency and so amplitude of radiofrequency backscatter in a way that represents analog bioelectric or biosensor waveform data. By strongly driving the resonant circuit with a radiofrequency source, a voltage variable capacitance can be caused to amplify the bio-signal level by a parametric process and so provide sufficient sensitivity to telemeter for low millivolt and microvolt level signals without additional amplification. A feature of the device is its simplicity and that it accomplishes both modulation and preamplification of low level sensor signals by the same variable capacitance circuit which reduces the device size and power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents for and on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventor: Bruce C. Towe