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).
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Publication number: 20230264038Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2023Publication date: August 24, 2023Applicant: Hypersound Medical, Inc.Inventor: Bruce C. Towe
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Patent number: 11497907Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 4, 2019Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITYInventor: Bruce C. Towe
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Patent number: 11464989Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 18, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITYInventors: Bruce C. Towe, Daniel Gulick
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Patent number: 11400318Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 25, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State UniversityInventors: Bruce C. Towe, Daniel Gulick
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Patent number: 11141596Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 13, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State UniversityInventors: Bruce C. Towe, Jitendran Muthuswamy
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Patent number: 11058900Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignees: Dignity Health, Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State UniversityInventors: Bruce C. Towe, Robert E. Garfield, Shao-Qing Shi
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Publication number: 20210138242Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2021Publication date: May 13, 2021Applicant: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITYInventor: Bruce C. TOWE
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Publication number: 20200061368Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2019Publication date: February 27, 2020Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State UniversityInventor: Bruce C. Towe
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Publication number: 20190336777Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State UniversityInventors: Bruce C. Towe, Daniel Gulick
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Patent number: 10463856Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 13, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITYInventor: Bruce C. Towe
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Patent number: 10441803Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State UniversityInventors: Bruce C. Towe, Daniel Gulick
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Publication number: 20190282835Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Applicant: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STAT E UNIVERSITYInventors: Bruce C. Towe, Daniel Gulick
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Publication number: 20190247668Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventors: Bruce C. Towe, Jitendran Muthuswamy
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Patent number: 10252085Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State UniversityInventors: Bruce C. Towe, Daniel Gulick
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Patent number: 10022566Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State UniversityInventor: Bruce C. Towe
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Publication number: 20180093112Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2017Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: Bruce C. Towe, Robert E. Garfield, Shao-Qing Shi
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Publication number: 20170274200Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventor: Bruce C. Towe
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Publication number: 20170258363Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents On Behalf of Arizona State UniversityInventor: Bruce C. TOWE
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Patent number: 9700712Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS, A BODY CORPORATE OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA ACTING FOR AND ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITYInventor: Bruce C Towe
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Patent number: 9693708Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents for and on Behalf of Arizona State UniversityInventor: Bruce C. Towe