Patents by Inventor Gunter A. Hofmann

Gunter A. Hofmann 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: 20140247331
    Abstract: A system includes human-wearable eyewear that utilizes an imager in communication with displays via a microprocessor to transform the central pixels of an image into a ring shaped image that may be presented on the displays. Patients with macular degeneration may be enabled to visualize the central pixels of an image using their peripheral vision. Various lenses are also disclosed for providing an optical-only solution for producing a ring-shaped image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: GUNTER A. HOFMANN, John L. Rogitz
  • Patent number: 8658123
    Abstract: Method for the production of a coarse-grained ammonium sulphate product by crystallization and installation for carrying out the method from an ammonium sulphate solution in a DTB type crystallizer having an internal suspension circuit and a clarifying zone, from which a clarified partial flow of solution is constantly drawn off into an external circuit, is heated in a heat exchanger to dissolve the solids contained therein and is guided back as a clear solution into the lower region of the crystallizer. A fine crystal suspension flow is drawn off from the clarifying zone as a further partial flow and guided back into the internal circuit of the crystallization stage without any previous dissolution of the solid proportion contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: GEA Messo GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Hofmann, Holger Leptien, Johannes Widua
  • Patent number: 8486158
    Abstract: The invention proposes a method and a device for continuously producing a crystallite, wherein a metered amount of seed crystals is fed continuously to the internal solution circuit of a crystallizer, in particular a DTB crystallizer, through a crystallization seed line from a seed generator preferably designed as a flash crystallizer. The amount of seed crystals fed is controlled by an electronic control system as a function of a measured value determined by a sensor, said value being representative of the particle size distribution of the crystallites in the solution in the internal circuit in the crystallizer. By way of a line, the seed generator receives a partial stream of the external solution circuit of the crystallizer, said external circuit being routed through a line. Excess fine crystalline suspension can be fed back to the external circuit from the seed generator by way of a return line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: GEA Messo GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Scholz, Günter Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7942939
    Abstract: A method and installation for the production of a coarse-grained ammonium sulfate product by crystallization includes firstly generating a crystal having a grain smaller than the desired grain size in a pre-crystallizer and withdrawing a suspension therefrom, from which the fine crystal was previously separated in a classification connecting piece. This suspension, which contains medium-sized grain, is then conducted with a proportion of undersaturated mother liquor, which is sufficient for further crystal growth, into a DTB product crystallizer and crystallized therein to a desired grain size. The heating of the product crystallizer is performed by the heat contained in the vapors of the pre-crystallization. The pre-crystallization may also operate according to the DTB principle, wherein the mother liquor needed for crystallization is supplied in the form of separately admixed concentrated sulfuric acid and ammonia into the external solution loop of the pre-crystallizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Gea Messo GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Hofmann, Reinhard Scholz
  • Publication number: 20110061205
    Abstract: The invention proposes a method and a device for continuously producing a crystallite, wherein a metered amount of seed crystals is fed continuously to the internal solution circuit of a crystallizer, in particular a DTB crystallizer, through a crystallization seed line from a seed generator preferably designed as a flash crystallizer. The amount of seed crystals fed is controlled by an electronic control system as a function of a measured value determined by a sensor, said value being representative of the particle size distribution of the crystallites in the solution in the internal circuit in the crystallizer. By way of a line, the seed generator receives a partial stream of the external solution circuit of the crystallizer, said external circuit being routed through a line. Excess fine crystalline suspension can be fed back to the external circuit from the seed generator by way of a return line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: GEA Messo GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Scholz, Günter Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20110038781
    Abstract: A method and installation for the production of a coarse-grained ammonium sulfate product by crystallization includes firstly generating a crystal having a grain smaller than the desired grain size in a pre-crystallizer and withdrawing a suspension therefrom, from which the fine crystal was previously separated in a classification connecting piece. This suspension, which contains medium-sized grain, is then conducted with a proportion of undersaturated mother liquor, which is sufficient for further crystal growth, into a DTB product crystallizer and crystallized therein to a desired grain size. The heating of the product crystallizer is performed by the heat contained in the vapors of the pre-crystallization. The pre-crystallization may also operate according to the DTB principle, wherein the mother liquor needed for crystallization is supplied in the form of separately admixed concentrated sulfuric acid and ammonia into the external solution loop of the pre-crystallizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: GEA Messo GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Hofmann, Reinhard Scholz
  • Patent number: 7412284
    Abstract: A device for in vivo electroporation therapy comprising an electrode applicator with at least two pairs of electrodes arranged relative to one another to form an array and a power supply. The device is used to generate an electric field in a biological sample and effect introduction of selected molecules into cells of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunter A. Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7395110
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for an apparatus for trans-surface molecular includes a non-conductive carrier having a proximal surface, a distal surface, and a plurality of through holes from the proximal surface to the distal surface, a plurality of first electrodes disposed on the proximal surface, a first conductor disposed on at least a first portion of the distal surface and extending through at least a first portion of the plurality of through holes and connected to the first electrodes on the proximal surface, a plurality of second electrodes disposed on the proximal surface, and a second conductor disposed on at least a second portion of the distal surface and extending through at least a second portion of the plurality of through holes and connected to the second electrodes on the proximal surface, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes are configured and disposed in closely spaced relation on the proximal surface for engaging the tissue surface and applying an electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Günter A. Hofmann, Dietmar P. Rabussay, Zei Zhang
  • Publication number: 20070231238
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for depleting sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN) from washing solutions to obtain pure sodium thiocyanate. By adding an anti-solvent such as ethanol, which acts as anti-solvent for the main part of the accompanying salts in the solution, the major part of these accompanying salts can be separated by precipitation in a crystallization and removed, for example, by filtration, whereas the NaSCN remains in the solution. After separating the anti-solvent from the remaining aqueous solution in a rectification, a very pure crystallized NaSCN is produced in a NaSCN crystallization. After washing in a counterstream washing apparatus, the obtained crystallized NaSCN product has a purity of at least 99%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: GEA MESSO GMBH
    Inventors: Wilhelm Hinsen, Hermann Plate, Gunter Hofmann, Christian Melches
  • Patent number: 7171264
    Abstract: Methods are proved for introducing a biologically active agent into cells of a subject by introducing the agent in a form suitable for electrotransport into a region of tissue of the subject using one or more needle-free injectors, and applying a pulsed electric field to the region of tissue, thereby causing electroporation of the region of tissue. The combination of needle-free injection and electroporation is sufficient to introduce the agent into cells in skin, muscle or mucosa. For example, the region of tissue can be contacted with two oppositely charged injectors, one acting as the donor electrode and one acting as the counter electrode, or a single injector and one or more electrodes can be used. In addition, needle-free injection may be used in combination with suitable non-invasive electrode configurations. The active agents delivered into cells using the invention method can be small molecules, polynucleotides, polypeptides, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gunter A. Hofmann, Dietmar P. Rabussay, Lei Zhang
  • Patent number: 7139582
    Abstract: In a method for the continuous real time tracking of the position of at least one mobile object in a defined multidimensional space, at least one mobile transmitter module is attached to at least one mobile object and the signals from the at least one module are received by a stationary receiving and signal processing network and then centrally processed. The signals emitted by each transmitter module are electromagnetic waves sent within a frequency band range using time division multiplexing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderlung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Sylvia Couronné, Marcus Bliesze, Günter Hofmann, Ernst Eberlein, Stefan Koehler, Thomas Von Der Grün, Marco Breiling, Reiner Retkowski
  • Publication number: 20060224192
    Abstract: Improved devices and methods for performing electroporation-mediated delivery agents to cells is described. The method includes positioning a first electrode and a second electrode such that an electrical signal passed between the first electrode and the second electrode passes through the cell. The method also includes passing an electrical signal between the first electrode and the second electrode, the electrical signal having a frequency greater than about 10 kHz. In one embodiment of the method, the electrical signal has a bipolar waveform. In another embodiment of the method, the electrodes are positioned at a treatment site, e.g., a tumor, for in vivo delivery of an agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Applicant: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Dimmer, Gunter Hofmann, Daniel Holt, Gurvinder Nanda, Edward Nolan
  • Patent number: 7054685
    Abstract: A method for delivery of an agent to a cell using electroporation is disclosed. The method includes positioning a first electrode and a second electrode such that an electrical signal passed between the first electrode and the second electrode passes through the cell. The method also includes passing an electrical signal between the first electrode and the second electrode, the electrical signal having a frequency greater than about 10 kHz. In one embodiment of the method, the electrical signal has a bipolar waveform. In another embodiment of the method, the electrodes are positioned at a treatment site, e.g., a tumor, for in vivo delivery of an agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Dimmer, Gunter Hofmann, Daniel Holt, Gurvinder Nanda, Edward M. Nolan
  • Patent number: 7010952
    Abstract: A device for holding at least one roller of a rolling machine that can rotate about a rotational axis includes two holding arrangements that can be arranged on opposite faces of the roller viewed in the direction of the rotational axis. The device further includes at least two coupling parts each configured for a coupled mode and an uncoupled mode. A first of the two coupling parts has at least one, preferably essentially straight first groove, and has a second groove that does not run parallel to the first groove. A second of the two coupling parts includes a first coupling element and a second coupling element, wherein the first coupling element projects further outward from the second coupling part than the second coupling element. In at least one implementation, the roller can be detached or removed from the holding arrangements when the holding arrangements are in uncoupled mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Langenstein & Schemann GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Hofmann, Stelios Katsibardis, Siegfried Hausdörfer, Henry Zwilling, Günther Vogler
  • Publication number: 20050209548
    Abstract: A method for sustained intravascular delivery via electroporation is provided. The method is useful for delivery of therapeutic compositions such as antithrombotic and anticoagulant agents. The invention also provides a catheter apparatus for introducing a composition into at least one cell in a vessel in a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Inventors: Sukhendu Dev, Nasendu Dev, Gunter Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6947791
    Abstract: The present invention is based on the development of a method for cosmetic delivery of L-ascorbic acid-containing compositions to the layer of the skin wherein collagen formation takes place to enhance production of collagen and thereby combat some of the effects of aging and oxy-radical damage on skin. Sufficient electric pulses applied to a region of skin surface temporarily create new pathways through the lipid skin barrier, thereby delivering an L-ascorbic acid-containing composition through the lipid skin barrier and enhancing production of collagen in the region of the skin so treated. A handheld electrical pulser apparatus, optionally table-top adaptable, and methods of use for cosmetic treatment of degenerative skin conditions are provided by the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Lei Zhang, Gunter A. Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20050192542
    Abstract: A method for in vivo electrotherapy, or electroporation-mediated therapy, using a needle array apparatus is provided. Treatment of tumors with a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention, and a chemotherapeutic agent, caused regression of tumors in vivo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: September 1, 2005
    Inventors: S.B. Dev, Gunter Hofmann, Richard Gilbert, Yasuhiko Hayakawa, Richard Heller, Mark Jaroszeski
  • Publication number: 20050171575
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for inducing or increasing the vasodilation of a vessel. The invention further provides methods for inducing or increasing the flow of fluid through a vessel. An electrical impulse is applied to the vessel in order to induce or increase vessel vasodilation or to induce or increase the flow of fluid through the vessel. In a particular embodiment, a novel double-balloon catheter system incorporating electroporation technology has been designed and is used to apply the electrical impulse endoluminally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Inventors: Nagendu Dev, Sukhendu Dev, Gunter Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6865416
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for inducing or increasing the vasodilation of a vessel. The invention further provides methods for inducing or increasing the flow of fluid through a vessel. An electrical impulse is applied to the vessel in order to induce or increase vessel vasodilation or to induce or increase the flow of fluid through the vessel. In a particular embodiment, a novel double-balloon catheter system incorporating electroporation technology has been designed and is used to apply the electrical impulse endoluminally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nagendu B. Dev, Sukhendu B. Dev, Gunter A. Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20040219660
    Abstract: A method for sustained intravascular delivery via electroporation is provided. The method is useful for delivery of therapeutic compositions such as antithrombotic and anticoagulant agents. The invention also provides a catheter apparatus for introducing a composition into at least one cell in a vessel in a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Sukhendu B. Dev, Nasendu B. Dev, Gunter A. Hofmann