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).
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Patent number: 10874451Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 9, 2016Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: PULSE BIOSCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Brian G. Athos, Darrin R. Uecker, Shu Xiao
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Patent number: 10857347Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: PULSE BIOSCIENCES, INC.Inventors: David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman, Kenneth R. Krieg, Kevin L. Moss, Christopher J. Foster, Darrin R. Uecker
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Patent number: 10850095Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 7, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.Inventors: Edward Ebbers, David J. Danitz, Richard L. Nuccitelli, Darrin R. Uecker, Cameron D. Hinman, Kevin L. Moss
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Publication number: 20200297998Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2018Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventors: David J. DANITZ, Cameron D. HINMAN, Edward EBBERS, Richard L. NUCCITELLI, Kevin L. MOSS, Darrin R. UECKER
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Publication number: 20200085498Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2019Publication date: March 19, 2020Applicant: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.Inventors: Shu Xiao, Brian G. Athos, Mark P. Kreis, David J. Danitz, Darrin R. Uecker
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Patent number: 10548665Abstract: 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. 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: GrantFiled: May 6, 2016Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: PULSE BIOSCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Shu Xiao, Brian G. Athos, Mark P. Kreis, David J. Danitz, Darrin R. Uecker
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Publication number: 20190217080Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Kevin L. MOSS, Christopher J. FOSTER, Cameron D. HINMAN, David J. DANITZ, Darrin R. UECKER
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Publication number: 20190083187Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: David J. Danitz, Cameron D. Hinman, Kenneth R. Krieg, Kevin L. Moss, Christopher J. Foster, Darrin R. Uecker
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Publication number: 20190046791Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Edward EBBERS, David J. DANITZ, Richard L. NUCCITELLI, Darrin R. UECKER, Cameron D. HINMAN, Kevin L. MOSS
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Publication number: 20180243558Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2017Publication date: August 30, 2018Applicant: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.Inventors: Brian G. Athos, Shu Xiao, David J. Danitz, Mark P. Kreis, Darrin R. Uecker
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Publication number: 20180185110Abstract: A multi-user medical robotic system for collaboration or training in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes first and second master input devices, a first slave robotic mechanism, and at least one processor configured to generate a first slave command for the first slave robotic mechanism by switchably using one or both of a first command indicative of manipulation of the first master input device by a first user and a second command indicative of manipulation of the second master input device by a second user. To facilitate the collaboration or training, both first and second users communicate with each other through an audio system and see the minimally invasive surgery site on first and second displays respectively viewable by the first and second users.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2018Publication date: July 5, 2018Inventors: Rajesh Kumar, Brian D. Hoffman, Giuseppe Maria Prisco, David Q. Larkin, William C. Nowlin, Frederic H. Moll, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gunter D. Niemeyer, J. Kenneth Salisbury, JR., Yulun Wang, Modjtaba Ghodoussi, Darrin R. Uecker, James W. Wright, Amante A. Mangaser, Ranjan Mukherjee
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Patent number: 9867671Abstract: A multi-user medical robotic system for collaboration or training in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes first and second master input devices, a first slave robotic mechanism, and at least one processor configured to generate a first slave command for the first slave robotic mechanism by switchably using one or both of a first command indicative of manipulation of the first master input device by a first user and a second command indicative of manipulation of the second master input device by a second user. To facilitate the collaboration or training, both first and second users communicate with each other through an audio system and see the minimally invasive surgery site on first and second displays respectively viewable by the first and second users.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2017Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Rajesh Kumar, Brian D. Hoffman, Giuseppe Maria Prisco, David Q. Larkin, William C. Nowlin, Frederic H. Moll, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gunter D. Niemeyer, J. Kenneth Salisbury, Jr., Yulun Wang, Modjtaba Ghodoussi, Darrin R. Uecker, James W. Wright, Amante A. Mangaser, Ranjan Mukherjee
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Publication number: 20170333112Abstract: An optimization of electrical characteristics for treatments of tumor or other abnormal cells in culture with sub-microsecond, high-electric field electrical pulses is disclosed. The voltages, pulse widths, and number of pulses are chosen such that the treatment energy is 10-20 J/mL. That is, U=n*?t*V*I/volume is 10-20 J/mL, in which n is the number of pulses, ?t is the duration of each pulse, V is the voltage, I is current, and volume is the area of parallel electrodes times the distance between them. V divided by the distance between the electrodes can be in an effective range of 6 kV/cm to 30 kV/cm, 60 kV/cm, 100 kV/cm, or higher intensities. Rows of needle electrodes, blade electrodes, or other configurations of electrodes can approximate parallel electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2017Publication date: November 23, 2017Applicant: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Nuccitelli, Zachary R. Mallon, Amanda H. McDaniel, David J. Danitz, Brian G. Athos, Mark P. Kreis, Darrin R. Uecker, Pamela S. Nuccitelli
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Publication number: 20170319851Abstract: A method of testing a therapeutic pulse generator circuit is disclosed. The method includes charging the pulse generator circuit to a first charge voltage, with the pulse generator circuit, delivering a first voltage pulse to a load through an electrode, and determining an impedance of the load with the first voltage pulse. The method also includes comparing the impedance with an expected impedance, as a result of the comparison, determining to deliver a second voltage pulse to the load based, and delivering the second voltage pulse to the load, where at least one of the first and second voltage pulses is therapeutic to the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Applicant: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.Inventors: Brian G. Athos, David J. Danitz, Mark P. Kreis, Darrin R. Uecker
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Patent number: 9786203Abstract: A medical system that allows a mentor to teach a pupil how to use a robotically controlled medical instrument. The system may include a first handle that can be controlled by a mentor to move the medical instrument. The system may further have a second handle that can be moved by a pupil to control the same instrument. Deviations between movement of the handles by the mentor and the pupil can be provided as force feedback to the pupil and mentor handles. The force feedback pushes the pupil's hand to correspond with the mentor's handle movement. The force feedback will also push the mentor's hand to provide information to the mentor on pupil's movements. The mentor is thus able to guide the pupil's hands through force feedback of the pupil handles to teach the pupil how to use the system.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Yulun Wang, Modjtaba Ghodoussi, Darrin R. Uecker, James W. Wright, Amante A. Mangaser, Ranjan Mukherjee
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Publication number: 20170258537Abstract: A multi-user medical robotic system for collaboration or training in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes first and second master input devices, a first slave robotic mechanism, and at least one processor configured to generate a first slave command for the first slave robotic mechanism by switchably using one or both of a first command indicative of manipulation of the first master input device by a first user and a second command indicative of manipulation of the second master input device by a second user. To facilitate the collaboration or training, both first and second users communicate with each other through an audio system and see the minimally invasive surgery site on first and second displays respectively viewable by the first and second users.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: Rajesh Kumar, Brian D. Hoffman, Giuseppe Maria Prisco, David Q. Larkin, William C. Nowlin, Frederic H. Moll, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gunter D. Niemeyer, J. Kenneth Salisbury, JR., Yulun Wang, Modjtaba Ghodoussi, Darrin R. Uecker, James W. Wright, Amante A. Mangaser, Ranjan Mukherjee
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Publication number: 20170245928Abstract: 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. 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: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2016Publication date: August 31, 2017Applicant: PULSE BIOSCIENCES, INC.Inventors: Shu Xiao, Brian G. Athos, Mark P. Kreis, David J. Danitz, Darrin R. Uecker
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Publication number: 20170246455Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2016Publication date: August 31, 2017Applicant: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.Inventors: Brian G. Athos, Darrin R. Uecker, Shu Xiao
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Patent number: 9666101Abstract: A multi-user medical robotic system for collaboration or training in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes first and second master input devices, a first slave robotic mechanism, and at least one processor configured to generate a first slave command for the first slave robotic mechanism by switchably using one or both of a first command indicative of manipulation of the first master input device by a first user and a second command indicative of manipulation of the second master input device by a second user. To facilitate the collaboration or training, both first and second users communicate with each other through an audio system and see the minimally invasive surgery site on first and second displays respectively viewable by the first and second users.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Rajesh Kumar, Brian David Hoffman, Giuseppe Maria Prisco, David Q. Larkin, William C. Nowlin, Frederic H. Moll, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gunter D. Niemeyer, J. Kenneth Salisbury, Jr., Yulun Wang, Modjtaba Ghodoussi, Darrin R. Uecker, James W. Wright, Amante A. Mangaser, Ranjan Mauherjee
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Patent number: 9636186Abstract: A multi-user medical robotic system for collaboration or training in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes first and second master input devices, a first slave robotic mechanism, and at least one processor configured to generate a first slave command for the first slave robotic mechanism by switchably using one or both of a first command indicative of manipulation of the first master input device by a first user and a second command indicative of manipulation of the second master input device by a second user. To facilitate the collaboration or training, both first and second users communicate with each other through an audio system and see the minimally invasive surgery site on first and second displays respectively viewable by the first and second users.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.Inventors: Rajesh Kumar, Brian David Hoffman, Giuseppe Maria Prisco, David Q. Larkin, William C. Nowlin, Frederic H. Moll, Stephen J. Blumenkranz, Gunter D. Niemeyer, J. Kenneth Salisbury, Jr., Yulun Wang, Modjtaba Ghodoussi, Darrin R. Uecker, James W. Wright, Amante A. Mangaser, Ranjan Mauherjee