Patents by Inventor Michael W. Berns

Michael W. Berns 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).

  • Patent number: 11698520
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for Quantitative Phase Microscopes (QPM) having laser systems including one or more of laser scissors and laser tweezers. In one embodiment, the system includes one or more structural elements, such as a stage and dichroic plate for operation of a QPM with laser scissors/tweezers. Another embodiment is directed to a method of operating a QPM system having laser scissors/tweezers. One or more solutions are provided for biodmedical applications of a QPM system including simulation and analysis of trauma on cellular structures and organelles. Processes are also provided for simulation and analysis of traumatic injury, including imaging and analysis of astrocytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael W. Berns, Nicole Wakida, Daryl Preece, Toyohiko Yamauchi, Pegah Pouladian
  • Publication number: 20220107488
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for Quantitative Phase Microscopes (QPM) having laser systems including one or more of laser scissors and laser tweezers. In one embodiment, the system includes one or more structural elements, such as a stage and dichroic plate for operation of a QPM with laser scissors/tweezers. Another embodiment is directed to a method of operating a QPM system having laser scissors/tweezers. One or more solutions are provided for biodmedical applications of a QPM system including simulation and analysis of trauma on cellular structures and organelles. Processes are also provided for simulation and analysis of traumatic injury, including imaging and analysis of astrocytes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael W. BERNS, Nicole WAKIDA, Daryl PREECE, Toyohiko YAMAUCHI, Pegah POULADIAN
  • Patent number: 10272096
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for treating and/or reducing the severity of a wound in a subject. Provided are wound therapies combining low level light therapy (LLLT) and a nitric oxide (NO) donor to treat and/or reduce the severity of the wound. The LLLT and NO donor may be administered concurrently or sequentially. Also provided are wound treatment systems and kits including a light source and a NO donor, which are administered to a wounded subject. Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions that comprise a NO donor and are formulated to be administered in conjunction with LLLT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventors: Michael W. Berns, Ryan M. Spitler, Gerard Boss
  • Publication number: 20160113941
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for treating and/or reducing the severity of a wound in a subject. Provided are wound therapies combining low level light therapy (LLLT) and a nitric oxide (NO) donor to treat and/or reduce the severity of the wound. The LLLT and NO donor may be administered concurrently or sequentially. Also provided are wound treatment systems and kits including a light source and a NO donor, which are administered to a wounded subject. Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions that comprise a NO donor and are formulated to be administered in conjunction with LLLT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael W. BERNS, Ryan M. SPITLER, Gerard BOSS
  • Patent number: 9321990
    Abstract: This invention relates to optomechanical systems and methods for altering, modifying or disrupting a target object. Such systems and methods are used for, for example, ablating the endogenous nucleus in a cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Michael W. Berns, Thoru Pederson, Elliot Botvinick, Linda Zhixia Shi
  • Patent number: 9089698
    Abstract: An apparatus for in vivo electroporating a plasmid into a retina of any eye includes a first electrode with a first polarity of voltage placed in contact with a cornea of the eye, a second electrode with an opposite second voltage at least in part behind the retina, and a pulsed voltage source for providing a pulsed DC voltage with an optimized field strength amplitude, frequency, number of pulses, group repetition rate and duration of pulse and group repetition, which are optimized for transfection of the channelrhodospsin-2 (ChR2) gene into the retinal ganglion cells. An in vivo method for treating retinal ganglion cells in an eye without use of viral transfection includes the steps of nonviral in vivo delivering a channelrhodospsin-2 (ChR2) gene to target the specific (retinal ganglion) cells of a retina by intravitreous injection of plasmid DNA, electroporating the plasmid into the retina and use of image intensification device for stimulating the retinal ganglion cells with ambient lighting conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Samarenda K. Mohanty, Matthew Ficinski, Edward K. Wong, Michael W. Berns
  • Patent number: 8571365
    Abstract: A single optical fiber having a distal end is optically coupled to the laser and distilling terminated with an axicon lens optically coupled to the single optical fiber to form a microscopic distal tip to provide a spatially shaped elongated laser focused spot for microprocessing and/or microdissection of a microscale object. A pulsed or continuous laser beam or superposition of pulsed and continuous laser beams is generated, controllably spatially shaped, selectively oriented, selectively moved via movement of a single optical fiber terminated with the axicon lens, and the oriented, spatially shaped laser beam applied via the single optical fiber terminated with the axicon lens to a living or nonliving microscopic object for manipulation, micro-dissection, alteration/ablation, and excitation of the living or nonliving microscopic object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Samarendra K. Mohanty, Jared Stephens, Michael W. Berns
  • Publication number: 20120129158
    Abstract: This invention relates to optomechanical systems and methods for altering, modifying or disrupting a target object. Such systems and methods are used for, for example, ablating the endogenous nucleus in a cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael W. Berns, Thoru Pederson, Elliot Botvinick, Linda Zhixia Shi
  • Publication number: 20100209963
    Abstract: The method includes the steps of generating a spatially and/or temporally localized electric field generated on the photoconductive surface, and selectively activating, guiding or porating targeted (excitable) cells at high throughput with high spatial resolution, applied for example to neurons, cardiac and muscle cells. The spatially and/or temporally localized electric field can be established using spatially and/or temporally patterning light with a diffractive element to generate the spatially localized electric field on the photoconductive surface which is sandwiched between two conductive surfaces and applying a selected voltage difference between the two conductive surfaces. The intensity of the light beam can be varied for different processes of activation, guidance or poration without causing cellular damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Khyati P. Dave, Samarenda K. Mohanty, Michael W. Berns
  • Publication number: 20100120113
    Abstract: A single optical fiber having a distal end is optically coupled to the laser and distilling terminated with an axicon lens optically coupled to the single optical fiber to form a microscopic distal tip to provide a spatially shaped elongated laser focused spot for microprocessing and/or microdissection of a microscale object. A pulsed or continuous laser beam or superposition of pulsed and continuous laser beams is generated, controllably spatially shaped, selectively oriented, selectively moved via movement of a single optical fiber terminated with the axicon lens, and the oriented, spatially shaped laser beam applied via the single optical fiber terminated with the axicon lens to a living or nonliving microscopic object for manipulation, micro-dissection, alteration/ablation, and excitation of the living or nonliving microscopic object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Samarendra K. Mohanty, Jared Stephens, Suzanne Genc, Michael W. Berns
  • Patent number: 7532393
    Abstract: A microscope fluid applicator includes an immersion fluid reservoir for storing immersion fluid and an applicator tip coupled to the immersion fluid reservoir. The microscope fluid applicator is releasably engaged to a moveable turret on a microscope. The microscope fluid applicator may be secured to an objective lens port on a turret of a microscope via threads. Immersion fluid is ejected from the applicator tip onto a sample holder. The turret may be rotated to place an immersion fluid objective into the immersion fluid. The sample may then be viewed through the immersion fluid. Any excess immersion fluid that is dispensed from the applicator tip may be collected in a fluid collector to prevent contamination of the microscope optics and other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael W. Berns, Elliot L. Botvinick, Craig Rappaport
  • Publication number: 20080176332
    Abstract: This invention relates to optomechanical systems and methods for altering, modifying or disrupting a target object. Such systems and methods are used for, for example, ablating the endogenous nucleus in a cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael W. Berns, Thoru Pederson
  • Patent number: 7157223
    Abstract: The activity of intracellular chemical reactions of molecules is measured by the use of fluorescently labeled substrate molecules that undergo a change in electrophoretic mobility upon chemical reaction such as that catalyzed by an enzyme. Specificity is achieved by using labeled substrate molecules that can be acted upon only by specific enzymes. Thus the activity of a specific enzyme or class of enzymes can be determined. Measurements are made with the intracellular presence of such substrate molecules, at some time of interest, typically after exposure of the cell to a stimulus that activates a particular enzymatic pathway. To ensure accuracy, measurements must be made in a timely manner so as to minimize chemical reactions occurring subsequent to the time of interest. Fast controllable laser lysis is used to obtain the contents of a single cell into which reporter substrate molecules have been introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Nancy Allbritton, Christopher Sims, Michael W. Berns, Gavin D. Meredith, Tatiana B. Krasieva, Bruce J. Tromberg, Chao L. Lee
  • Patent number: 6669688
    Abstract: The invention is a technique for dynamic measurements of the heat transfer coefficient to the outer layer of the skin surface using a high thermal conductivity metal in an insulating block as the standardized target. The coefficient is dependent on the specific design of the cryogen valve and nozzle, and values up to 11 500 W/m2K values were measured for a 100 ms long spurts. The values for longer spurts are dependent on air humidity, as ice/snow formation then tends to form a thermally insulating layer. The average value of the heat transfer coefficient for a 200 ms long spurt was determined to 8000 W/m2K for conditions of normal room humidity and temperature. The technique enables an improved prediction of the temperature profile and cooling efficiency during therapy, and may thereby contribute to an improved therapeutic outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Lars O. Svaasand, J. Stuart Nelson, Michael W. Berns, Sol Kimel
  • Patent number: 6661574
    Abstract: An illuminator and a reflectance microscope or system utilizing the illuminator for eliminating the need of a special light source, a reflected light vertical illuminator, and condenser lenses. The system may utilize an ordinary light source. The illuminator includes embedded chromophoric and diffusion properties. The illuminator further has a size and a shape to enable proximate positioning relative to the specimen to be observed. The illuminator further has an opening or aperture through which the specimen may be viewed. As such, the opening of the illuminator permits placement of the illuminator between the objective lens and the specimen. This positioning enables reflectance type or dark field microscopy with a simple and durable illuminator without complex optics. A method of using the reflectance microscope includes illuminating a specimen by the illuminator on a same side of the specimen as is the objective lens relative to a plane of the specimen normal to the optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Tatiana B. Krasieva, Alexander S. Dvornikov, Bruce J. Tromberg, Michael W. Berns
  • Publication number: 20030197926
    Abstract: An illuminator and a reflectance microscope or system utilizing the illuminator for eliminating the need of a special light source, a reflected light vertical illuminator, and condenser lenses. The system may utilize an ordinary light source. The illuminator includes embedded chromophoric and diffusion properties. The illuminator further has a size and a shape to enable proximate positioning relative to the specimen to be observed. The illuminator further has an opening or aperture through which the specimen may be viewed. As such, the opening of the illuminator permits placement of the illuminator between the objective lens and the specimen. This positioning enables reflectance type or dark field microscopy with a simple and durable illuminator without complex optics. A method of using the reflectance microscope includes illuminating a specimen by the illuminator on a same side of the specimen as is the objective lens relative to a plane of the specimen normal to the optical path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Tatiana B. Krasieva, Alexander S. Dvornikov, Bruce J. Tromberg, Michael W. Berns
  • Publication number: 20020142323
    Abstract: The activity of intracellular chemical reactions of molecules is measured by the use of fluorescently labeled substrate molecules that undergo a change in electrophoretic mobility upon chemical reaction such as that catalyzed by an enzyme. Specificity is achieved by using labeled substrate molecules that can be acted upon only by specific enzymes. Thus the activity of a specific enzyme or class of enzymes can be determined. Measurements are made with the intracellular presence of such substrate molecules, at some time of interest, typically after exposure of the cell to a stimulus that activates a particular enzymatic pathway. To ensure accuracy, measurements must be made in a timely manner so as to minimize chemical reactions occurring subsequent to the time of interest. Fast controllable laser lysis is used to obtain the contents of a single cell into which reporter substrate molecules have been introduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Nancy Allbritton, Christopher Sims, Michael W. Berns, Gavin D. Meredith, Tatiana B. Krasieva, Bruce J. Tromberg, Chao L. Lee
  • Publication number: 20020123745
    Abstract: The invention is a technique for dynamic measurements of the heat transfer coefficient to the outer layer of the skin surface using a high thermal conductivity metal in an insulating block as the standardized target. The coefficient is dependent on the specific design of the cryogen valve and nozzle, and values up to 11 500 W/m2K values were measured for a 100 ms long spurts. The values for longer spurts are dependent on air humidity, as ice/snow formation then tends to form a thermally insulating layer. The average value of the heat transfer coefficient for a 200 ms long spurt was determined to 8000 W/m2K for conditions of normal room humidity and temperature. The technique enables an improved prediction of the temperature profile and cooling efficiency during therapy, and may thereby contribute to an improved therapeutic outcome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Lars O. Svaasand, J. Stuart Nelson, Michael W. Berns, Sol Kimel
  • Publication number: 20020103478
    Abstract: A method for the laser photoablation of ocular lens tissue comprises the steps of determining a volume of the lens tissue to be photoablated and directing a pulsed, infrared laser beam at the volume with an amount of energy effective for photoablating the determined region without causing substantial damage to surrounding tissue regions. The laser beam is initially directed at a focal point below an anterior surface of the ocular lens and such focal point is moved towards the ocular lens anterior surface in order to ablate the determined volume. The laser is preferably an Nd:YLF laser operating at a frequency of about 1053 nanometers and a pulse repetition rate of about 1000 Hertz with a pulse width of about 60 picoseconds. Each pulse has an energy of about 30 microjoules. The laser operates with a focused beam diameter of about 20 microns and operates with a “zone of effect” of no greater than about 50 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Arlene E. Gwon, Michael W. Berns
  • Patent number: 6335201
    Abstract: The activity of intracellular chemical reactions of molecules is measured by the use of fluorescently labeled substrate molecules that undergo a change in electrophoretic mobility upon chemical reaction such as that catalyzed by an enzyme. Specificity is achieved by using labeled substrate molecules that can be acted upon only by specific enzymes. Thus the activity of a specific enzyme or class of enzymes can be determined. Measurements are made with the intracellular presence of such substrate molecules, at some time of interest, typically after exposure of the cell to a stimulus that activates a particular enzymatic pathway. To ensure accuracy, measurements must be made in a timely manner so as to minimize chemical reactions occurring subsequent to the time of interest. Fast controllable laser lysis is used to obtain the contents of a single cell into which reporter substrate molecules have been introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Nancy L. Allbritton, Christopher E. Sims, Michael W. Berns, Gavin D. Meredith, Tatiana B. Krasieva, Bruce J. Tromberg