Patents by Inventor Ulrich G. Hofmann

Ulrich G. 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).

  • Using a multi-electrode probe in creating an electrophysiological profile during stereotactic neurosurgery
    Patent number: 6330466
    Abstract: A multi-electrode probe is used to create an electrophysiological depth profile during stereotactic neurosurgery. A surgeon uses CT or MRI images to identify the general location of a target site in the brain and then inserts the multi-electrode probe into this area. Each electrode on the probe produces a signal that indicates the level of activity in a nearby neuron or cluster of neurons. A processor converts these signals into an electrophysiological depth profile indicating the level of activity detected by each of the electrodes. The surgeon identifies the precise location of the target site by watching the display to determine which electrode or group of electrodes detects the highest level of neuronal activity as the stimulus is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ulrich G. Hofmann, John H. Thompson, David T. Kewley
  • Connector for semiconductor microelectrodes and flexible wiring
    Patent number: 5951323
    Abstract: A fixture for carrying a neural probe. The fixture has a base with opposite forward and rear ends, the rear end having an engagement feature for engaging a micropositioner and the forward end having a receiving feature for receiving the semiconductor substrate base of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ulrich G. Hofmann, David T. Kewley, James M. Bower