Patents by Inventor Darrin R. Uecker

Darrin R. Uecker 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: 20250073461
    Abstract: A pulse generation system is disclosed. The pulse generation system includes a controller, an output terminal, and a plurality of pulse generator circuits. The controller is configured to cause a driving signal pulse to be transmitted to any selected one or more of the pulse generator circuits, and to cause the driving signal pulse to not be transmitted to any selected one or more other pulse generator circuits. Each of the pulse generator circuits is configured to generate an output voltage pulse at the output terminal in response to the driving signal pulse being transmitted thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventors: Brian G. Athos, Shu Xiao, David J. Danitz, Mark P. Kreis, Darrin R. Uecker
  • Publication number: 20250057587
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatuses for reducing or eliminating target glands within a tissue with an electric treatment. These apparatuses and methods may produce electroporation of cells by applying treatment dose having an energy density sufficient to eliminate or reduce the size of a target gland. Also described herein are methods for treating and/or preventing a disorder of a target gland.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2024
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Inventors: Lauren M. JAUREGUI JOHNSTON, Edward A. EBBERS, David J. DANITZ, Richard L. NUCCITELLI, Darrin R. UECKER, Kevin L. MOSS, Cameron D. HINMAN
  • Publication number: 20250010063
    Abstract: Described herein are treatment tip apparatuses (e.g., devices, systems, etc.) including one, or more preferably a plurality, of electrodes that are protected by an electrode partition, such as an electrode housing (which may be retractable) until pressed against the tissue for deployment of the electrodes and delivery of a therapeutic treatment. In particular, these apparatuses may include a plurality of treatment electrodes (e.g., needle electrodes) and be configured for the delivery of nanosecond pulsed electric fields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Inventors: Kevin L. MOSS, Christopher J. FOSTER, Cameron D. HINMAN, David J. DANITZ, Darrin R. UECKER
  • Patent number: 12179018
    Abstract: A pulse generation system is disclosed. The pulse generation system includes a controller, an output terminal, and a plurality of pulse generator circuits. The controller is configured to cause a driving signal pulse to be transmitted to any selected one or more of the pulse generator circuits, and to cause the driving signal pulse to not be transmitted to any selected one or more other pulse generator circuits. Each of the pulse generator circuits is configured to generate an output voltage pulse at the output terminal in response to the driving signal pulse being transmitted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. Athos, Shu Xiao, David J. Danitz, Mark P. Kreis, Darrin R. Uecker
  • Patent number: 12178496
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatuses for reducing or eliminating skin glands (e.g., sebaceous, eccrine and apocrine) with an electric treatment. These apparatuses and methods may produce electroporation of cells by applying treatment dose having an energy density sufficient to eliminate or reduce the size of a target gland. Also described herein are methods for treating and/or preventing a disorder of a skin gland. For example, described herein are methods of treating sebaceous hyperplasia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren M. Jauregui Johnston, Edward A. Ebbers, David J. Danitz, Richard L. Nuccitelli, Darrin R. Uecker, Kevin L. Moss, Cameron D. Hinman
  • Publication number: 20240390064
    Abstract: A pulse generator system is disclosed. The system includes a pulse generator, a power supply and a controller communicatively coupled to the pulse generator and the power supply. The pulse generator may generate pulses in sub-microsecond range duration. The controller is configured to receive one or more desired pulse characteristic values. A computer-implemented method for tuning output pulses of a pulse generator is also disclosed. In some embodiments, the controller receives feedback signals representing a value of a characteristic of or a result of the pulses and generates at least one of the power supply control signal and the pulse generator control signal based on the received feedback signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: Shu Xiao, Brian G. Athos, Mark P. Kreis, David J. Danitz, Darrin R. Uecker
  • Publication number: 20240374299
    Abstract: A high voltage pulse generator with a discharge circuit is disclosed. The discharge circuit is configured to selectively discharge a pulse generator stage and may include one or more discharge switches and a discharge resistor. A method of operation of the pulse generator is also disclosed, including discharging the pulse generator via a discharge circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2024
    Publication date: November 14, 2024
    Inventors: Brian G. Athos, Darrin R. Uecker, Shu Xiao
  • Patent number: 12133674
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatuses for the application of electric energy treatment(s) to skin tissue to alter pigmentation, and in particular to remove a tattoo. These methods and apparatuses may deliver pulsed electrical energy having a pulse duration in submicrosecond pulse range to provide high-field strength pulses that may effectively release tattoo ink and allow removal of tattoo ink regardless of ink color or composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Ebbers, Darrin R. Uecker, Richard L. Nuccitelli
  • Patent number: 12128231
    Abstract: Described herein are methods of treating a tissue using a treatment tip apparatus (e.g., devices, systems, etc.) including one, or more preferably a plurality, of electrodes that are protected by an electrode partition, such as an electrode housing (which may be retractable) until pressed against the tissue for deployment of the electrodes and delivery of a therapeutic treatment. In particular, these methods may include the use of a plurality of treatment electrodes (e.g., needle electrodes) and in some examples may include for the delivery of nanosecond pulsed electric fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Moss, Christopher J. Foster, Cameron D. Hinman, David J. Danitz, Darrin R. Uecker
  • Patent number: 12082878
    Abstract: A sub-microsecond pulsed electric field generator is disclosed. The field generator includes a controller, which generates a power supply control signal and generates a pulse generator control signal, and a power supply, which receives the power supply control signal and generates one or more power voltages based on the received power supply control signal. The field generator also includes a pulse generator which receives the power voltages and the pulse generator control signal, and generates one or more pulses based on the power voltages and based on the pulse generator control signal. In some embodiments, the controller receives feedback signals representing a value of a characteristic of or a result of the pulses and generates at least one of the power supply control signal and the pulse generator control signal based on the received feedback signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Shu Xiao, Brian G. Athos, Mark P. Kreis, David J. Danitz, Darrin R. Uecker
  • Patent number: 12076072
    Abstract: A pulse generator discharge circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes one or more discharge stages, each discharge stage including a plurality of control input terminals. The circuit also includes first and second discharge terminals, and a plurality of serially connected switches electrically connected between the first and second discharge terminals, where a conductive state of each of the switches is controlled by a control signal. The circuit also includes a plurality of inductive elements configured to generate the control signals for the serially connected switches, where each inductive element is configured to generate a control signal for one of the serially connected switches in response to one or more input signals at one or more of the control input terminals, and where each of the serially connected switches is configured to receive a control signal from a respective one of the inductive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. Athos, Darrin R. Uecker, Shu Xiao
  • Publication number: 20230414274
    Abstract: Described herein are elongate applicator tools adapted to be inserted into an anatomical structure of a body to deliver electric treatment, for example, high voltage, sub-microsecond electrical energy, to a target tissue. These applicator tools may be configured for insertion into a blood vessel, an otolaryngological structure (such as an ear, nose, or throat, including anatomical structures, such as a turbinate, tonsils, tongue, soft palate, parotid glands, esophageal glands), a gastrointestinal tract (e.g., stomach, small intestine, large intestine, duodenum, colon, etc., including the esophagus), structures of the female reproductive system (e.g., fallopian tubes, uterus), and/or a respiratory tract (e.g., trachea, pharynx, larynx, and bronchi). Also disclosed herein are systems including these tools and methods of their operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Kevin L. MOSS, Richard J. CONNOLLY, David J. DANITZ, Mitchell E. LEVINSON, Darrin R. UECKER, Cameron D. HINMAN
  • Publication number: 20230329770
    Abstract: A pulse generator discharge circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes one or more discharge stages, each discharge stage including a plurality of control input terminals. The circuit also includes first and second discharge terminals, and a plurality of serially connected switches electrically connected between the first and second discharge terminals, where a conductive state of each of the switches is controlled by a control signal. The circuit also includes a plurality of inductive elements configured to generate the control signals for the serially connected switches, where each inductive element is configured to generate a control signal for one of the serially connected switches in response to one or more input signals at one or more of the control input terminals, and where each of the serially connected switches is configured to receive a control signal from a respective one of the inductive elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Brian G. Athos, Darrin R. Uecker, Shu Xiao
  • Publication number: 20230293231
    Abstract: A sub-microsecond pulsed electric field generator is disclosed. The field generator includes a controller, which generates a power supply control signal and generates a pulse generator control signal, and a power supply, which receives the power supply control signal and generates one or more power voltages based on the received power supply control signal. The field generator also includes a pulse generator which receives the power voltages and the pulse generator control signal, and generates one or more pulses based on the power voltages and based on the pulse generator control signal. In some embodiments, the controller receives feedback signals representing a value of a characteristic of or a result of the pulses and generates at least one of the power supply control signal and the pulse generator control signal based on the received feedback signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Shu Xiao, Brian G. Athos, Mark P. Kreis, David J. Danitz, Darrin R. Uecker
  • Patent number: 11723712
    Abstract: A pulse generator discharge circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes one or more discharge stages, each discharge stage including a plurality of control input terminals. The circuit also includes first and second discharge terminals, and a plurality of serially connected switches electrically connected between the first and second discharge terminals, where a conductive state of each of the switches is controlled by a control signal. The circuit also includes a plurality of inductive elements configured to generate the control signals for the serially connected switches, where each inductive element is configured to generate a control signal for one of the serially connected switches in response to one or more input signals at one or more of the control input terminals, and where each of the serially connected switches is configured to receive a control signal from a respective one of the inductive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. Athos, Darrin R. Uecker, Shu Xiao
  • Publication number: 20230248415
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for using the treatment tip apparatuses and high-voltage connectors with robotic surgical systems. For example, retractable treatment tip apparatuses (e.g., devices, systems, etc.) including one, or more preferably a plurality, of electrodes that are protected by a housing (which may be retractable) until pressed against the tissue for deployment of the electrodes and delivery of a therapeutic treatment, are disclosed. In particular, these apparatuses may include a plurality of treatment needle electrodes and may be configured for the delivery of nanosecond pulsed electric fields. Also described herein are high-voltage connectors configured to provide high-voltage energy, such as nsPEF pulses, from a generator to the retractable treatment tip apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: David J. DANITZ, Cameron D. HINMAN, Kenneth R. KRIEG, Kevin L. MOSS, Christopher J. FOSTER, Darrin R. UECKER
  • Patent number: 11696800
    Abstract: A sub-microsecond pulsed electric field generator is disclosed. The field generator includes a controller, which generates a power supply control signal and generates a pulse generator control signal, and a power supply, which receives the power supply control signal and generates one or more power voltages based on the received power supply control signal. The field generator also includes a pulse generator which receives the power voltages and the pulse generator control signal, and generates one or more pulses based on the power voltages and based on the pulse generator control signal. In some embodiments, the controller receives feedback signals representing a value of a characteristic of or a result of the pulses and generates at least one of the power supply control signal and the pulse generator control signal based on the received feedback signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Shu Xiao, Brian G. Athos, Mark P. Kreis, David J. Danitz, Darrin R. Uecker
  • Patent number: 11638815
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for using the treatment tip apparatuses and high-voltage connectors with robotic surgical systems. For example, retractable treatment tip apparatuses (e.g., devices, systems, etc.) including one, or more preferably a plurality, of electrodes that are protected by a housing (which may be retractable) until pressed against the tissue for deployment of the electrodes and delivery of a therapeutic treatment, are disclosed. In particular, these apparatuses may include a plurality of treatment needle electrodes and may be configured for the delivery of nanosecond pulsed electric fields. Also described herein are high-voltage connectors configured to provide high-voltage energy, such as nsPEF pulses, from a generator to the retractable treatment tip apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Danitz, Cameron D Hinman, Kenneth R. Krieg, Kevin L. Moss, Christopher J. Foster, Darrin R. Uecker
  • Patent number: 11590345
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating a tissue with an electric treatment by rotating a pattern of electrodes partway through a treatment is disclosed. Also described herein are methods and apparatuses to treat tissue, including treating skin disorders, by selectively de-nucleating epidermal cells without provoking a significant inflammatory response, e.g., without increasing the density of leukocytes in the treated skin, and without affecting the non-cellular components of the dermis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman, Edward Ebbers, Richard L. Nuccitelli, Kevin L. Moss, Darrin R. Uecker
  • Patent number: 11311721
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating a tissue with an electric treatment by rotating a pattern of electrodes partway through a treatment is disclosed. Also described herein are methods and apparatuses to treat tissue, including treating skin disorders, by selectively de-nucleating epidermal cells without provoking a significant inflammatory response, e.g., without increasing the density of leukocytes in the treated skin, and without affecting the non-cellular components of the dermis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Ebbers, David J. Danitz, Richard L. Nuccitelli, Darrin R. Uecker, Cameron D. Hinman, Kevin L. Moss