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: 20040204669
    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: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Gunter A. Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20040200251
    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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Gunter Hofmann, Stelios Katsibardis, Siegfried Hausdorfer, Henry Zwilling, Gunther Vogler
  • Publication number: 20040193097
    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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Gunter A. Hofmann, Dietmar P. Rabussay, Lei Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040176716
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Gunter A. Hofmann, Dietmar P. Rabussay, Zei Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040171388
    Abstract: A method for the continuous real time tracking of the position of at least one mobile object in a defined multidimensional space comprising at least one mobile transmitter module which is attached to at least one mobile object, the signals from said module being received by a stationary receiving and signal processing network and then centrally processed. The signals emitted by the transmitter module are electromagnetic waves sent within a frequency band range using time division multiplex techniques. Due to the fact that the frequency band is used as a single channel for the purpose of maximizing the accuracy with which a position is detected, and due also to the fact that the communication process between the transmitters (Sp, Sb) and the receivers (E1, . . .
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Sylvia Couronne, Marcus Bliesze, Gunter Hofmann, Ernst Eberlein, Stefan Koehler, Thomas Von Der Grun, Marco Breiling, Reiner Retkowski
  • Patent number: 6763264
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunter A. Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6748265
    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: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Günter A. Hofmann, Dietmar P. Rabussay, Zei Zhang
  • Patent number: 6746441
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a preselected molecule into a living cell by contacting the cell with the preselected molecule and applying a multiple series of electrical pulses to the cell. The method can be utilized ex vivo. The multiple electrical pulses generate rotating electric fields which introduce transient pores in the living cell without killing the cell. The rotating electric fields are provided in a flow through chamber apparatus having more than two electrodes. A three-step pulse process, e.g. collection, electroporation, electrophoresis, is used to introduce the preselected molecule into the cell. A mechanical means of repositioning cells between successive pulses is also provided. The apparatus can also provide a means to pulse cells at different temperatures and then after pulsing, let the cells recover for a specified residence time at another temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gunter A. Hofmann, Dietmar Rabussay
  • Publication number: 20040092860
    Abstract: The present invention describes an in vivo method, using pulsed electric field to deliver therapeutic agents into cells of the skin and muscle for local and systemic treatments. In particular, therapeutic agents include naked or formulated nucleic acid, polypeptides and chemotherapeutic agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Nagendu B. Dev, Gunter A. Hofmann, Edward Nolan, Dietmar P. Rabussay, Arnt Tonnessen, Georg Widera, Lei Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040069327
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a biopolymer, which exists after extensive removal of the organic solvent used for extraction from the biomass by means of a steam distillation process in the form of granules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Wilhelm Hinsen, Gunter Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6697669
    Abstract: The present invention describes an in vivo method, using pulsed electric field to deliver therapeutic agents into cells of the skin and muscle for local and systemic treatments. In particular, therapeutic agents include naked or formulated nucleic acid, polypeptides and chemotherapeutic agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nagendu B. Dev, Gunter A. Hofmann, Edward Nolan, Dietmar P. Rabussay, Arnt Tonnessen, Georg Widera, Lei Zhang
  • Patent number: 6678558
    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: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Dimmer, Gunter Hofmann, Daniel Holt, Gurvinder Nanda, Edward M. Nolan
  • Patent number: 6654636
    Abstract: The present invention describes an in vivo method, using pulsed electric field to deliver therapeutic agents into cells of the skin and muscle for local and systemic treatments. In particular, therapeutic agents include naked or formulated nucleic acid, polypeptides and chemotherapeutic agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nagendu B. Dev, Gunter A. Hofmann, Edward Nolan, Dietmar P. Rabussay, Arnt Tonnessen, Georg Widera, Lei Zhang
  • Patent number: 6569149
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignees: Genetronics, Inc., The University of South Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: S. B. Dev, Gunter A. Hofmann, Richard A. Gilbert, Richard Heller, Mark J. Jaroszeski
  • Publication number: 20030097118
    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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: GENETRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Lei Zhang, Gunter A. Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20030097089
    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: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: GENETRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Gunter A. Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6520950
    Abstract: Methods are provided for introducing a biologically active agent into cells of a subject by injecting the agent with a needle-free injector and applying a pulsed electric field to the region of tissue to cause electrotransport of the agent into cells of the tissue. Preferably the agent is either ionized to some degree or contained in an ionized medium for electrotransport. The needle-free injector can serve as an electrode by which the pulsed electric field is applied to the region of tissue. The active agents delivered into cells by this method include small molecules, polynucleotides, polypeptides, and the like. Polynucleotides introduced into cells using this method can be used to accomplish gene therapy or to modulate expression of an endogenous gene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gunter A. Hofmann, Dietmar P. Rabussay, Lei Zhang
  • Patent number: 6516223
    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: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Genetronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunter A. Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6506443
    Abstract: A method of applying surface-modifying auxiliary substances to the working area interior surfaces of die molds for the production of molded products, in particular made of rubber or plastics. The auxiliary substance is supplied in the form of a gas or vapor to the interior surfaces of the die mold, which is integrated into the processing machine, and the gas or vapor is condensed there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventors: Klaus-Jürgen Peschges, Steffen Kosack, Andreas Hartmann, Günter Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20020198485
    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: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: GENETRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Sukhendu B. Dev, Gunter A. Hofmann, Richard A. Gilbert, Richard Heller, Mark J. Jaroszeski