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: 11698520Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 7, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael W. Berns, Nicole Wakida, Daryl Preece, Toyohiko Yamauchi, Pegah Pouladian
-
Publication number: 20220107488Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2021Publication date: April 7, 2022Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael W. BERNS, Nicole WAKIDA, Daryl PREECE, Toyohiko YAMAUCHI, Pegah POULADIAN
-
Patent number: 10272096Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 6, 2014Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Inventors: Michael W. Berns, Ryan M. Spitler, Gerard Boss
-
Publication number: 20160113941Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael W. BERNS, Ryan M. SPITLER, Gerard BOSS
-
Patent number: 9321990Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, University of MassachusettsInventors: Michael W. Berns, Thoru Pederson, Elliot Botvinick, Linda Zhixia Shi
-
Patent number: 9089698Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Samarenda K. Mohanty, Matthew Ficinski, Edward K. Wong, Michael W. Berns
-
Patent number: 8571365Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Samarendra K. Mohanty, Jared Stephens, Michael W. Berns
-
Publication number: 20120129158Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael W. Berns, Thoru Pederson, Elliot Botvinick, Linda Zhixia Shi
-
Publication number: 20100209963Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Khyati P. Dave, Samarenda K. Mohanty, Michael W. Berns
-
Publication number: 20100120113Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Samarendra K. Mohanty, Jared Stephens, Suzanne Genc, Michael W. Berns
-
Patent number: 7532393Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael W. Berns, Elliot L. Botvinick, Craig Rappaport
-
Publication number: 20080176332Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Michael W. Berns, Thoru Pederson
-
Patent number: 7157223Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Nancy Allbritton, Christopher Sims, Michael W. Berns, Gavin D. Meredith, Tatiana B. Krasieva, Bruce J. Tromberg, Chao L. Lee
-
Patent number: 6669688Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Lars O. Svaasand, J. Stuart Nelson, Michael W. Berns, Sol Kimel
-
Patent number: 6661574Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Tatiana B. Krasieva, Alexander S. Dvornikov, Bruce J. Tromberg, Michael W. Berns
-
Publication number: 20030197926Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2002Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventors: Tatiana B. Krasieva, Alexander S. Dvornikov, Bruce J. Tromberg, Michael W. Berns
-
Publication number: 20020142323Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventors: Nancy Allbritton, Christopher Sims, Michael W. Berns, Gavin D. Meredith, Tatiana B. Krasieva, Bruce J. Tromberg, Chao L. Lee
-
Publication number: 20020123745Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2001Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventors: Lars O. Svaasand, J. Stuart Nelson, Michael W. Berns, Sol Kimel
-
Publication number: 20020103478Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2001Publication date: August 1, 2002Inventors: Arlene E. Gwon, Michael W. Berns
-
Patent number: 6335201Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Nancy L. Allbritton, Christopher E. Sims, Michael W. Berns, Gavin D. Meredith, Tatiana B. Krasieva, Bruce J. Tromberg