Patents by Inventor William Ackerman

William Ackerman 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: 11287309
    Abstract: A serialized probe component for an optoacoustic device has a unique identifier associated therewith and includes, in an embodiment, an operative connection between a read-write memory and the optoacoustic device. Software adapted to generate and store logs in a read-write memory is executed on the optoacoustic device and stores logs concerning utilization of the serialized probe component on the read-write memory. A method for logging operational information concerning an optoacoustic device is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Seno Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Schmid, William Ackerman, Bryan Clingman
  • Patent number: 11191435
    Abstract: An optoacoustic probe including an ultrasound transducer array, an acoustic lens and a light path separated from the transducer array by an isolator to mitigate light energy from the light path from reaching the transducer array. The isolator being formed from a mixture including a flexible carrier, a coloring and between 10% and 80% by volume micro-bubbles. The isolator mixture being adapted to both absorb light energy and the optoacoustic response to light energy. In an embodiment, an optoacoustic probe also comprises an optical window and/or a diffuser, and the isolator also separating the transducer array from these components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: SENO MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: William Ackerman, Donald G. Herzog, Justin Casas
  • Patent number: 10542892
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for an optoacoustic device includes a light pulse sensor operatively connected to a light output port of the optoacoustic device, the light pulse sensor being adapted to sense a pulse of light capable of generating an optoacoustic response in a subject and to distinguish between the light pulse and the at least one other light pulse on the basis of the predominant wavelength. The light pulse sensor outputs a trigger signal associated with the distinguished light pulse when such light pulse is sensed. A transducer signal simulator outputs a first plurality of electrical signals simulating those produced by a transducer array and reflective of an optoacoustic response in a subject to a light pulse at a first wavelength in response to a trigger signal from the light pulse sensor associated with a light pulse having a first wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Seno Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Herzog, William Ackerman
  • Patent number: 10349836
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optoacoustic probe with a coated transducer assembly. The probe includes a transducer assembly with a multi-layer coating on the active end thereof. The multi-layer coating includes a layer of parylene and at least two layers of metal. In an embodiment, the multi-layer coating includes a layer of nickel, at least one layer of parylene, and a layer of gold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Seno Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Herzog, William Ackerman, Justin Casas
  • Patent number: 10349921
    Abstract: Systems and methods for relaying electrical signals representing acoustic response of a volume of tissue to light and ultrasound stimulation. In an embodiment, a plurality of ultrasound transducers receive acoustic energy from the volume and generate electrical energy, which is transmitted via an electrical path to a relay system. The ultrasound transducers are operated at a wide band frequency of at least 1 MHz to 5 MHz to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to light stimulation and at a narrower band frequency to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to acoustic stimulation. The relay system relays the electrical signals to an optoacoustic system or an ultrasound instrument for further processing depending on whether the electrical signals resulted from ultrasound or light stimulation. In an embodiment, optoacoustic, ultrasound, or other images are generated from the electrical signals and may be coregistered, overlayed, or displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Seno Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Herzog, Gregory Schmid, Bryan Clingman, Jason Zalev, William Ackerman
  • Patent number: 10321896
    Abstract: Systems and methods for relaying electrical signals representing acoustic response of a volume of tissue to light and ultrasound stimulation. In an embodiment, a plurality of ultrasound transducers receive acoustic energy from the volume and generate electrical energy, which is transmitted via an electrical path to a relay system. The ultrasound transducers are operated at a wide band frequency of at least 1 MHz to 5 MHz to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to light stimulation and at a narrower band frequency to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to acoustic stimulation. The relay system relays the electrical signals to an optoacoustic system or an ultrasound instrument for further processing depending on whether the electrical signals resulted from ultrasound or light stimulation. In an embodiment, optoacoustic, ultrasound, or other images are generated from the electrical signals and may be coregistered, overlayed, or displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Seno Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Herzog, Gregory Schmid, Bryan Clingman, Jason Zalev, William Ackerman
  • Publication number: 20170332915
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for an optoacoustic device includes a light pulse sensor operatively connected to a light output port of the optoacoustic device, the light pulse sensor being adapted to sense a pulse of light capable of generating an optoacoustic response in a subject and to distinguish between the light pulse and the at least one other light pulse on the basis of the predominant wavelength. The light pulse sensor outputs a trigger signal associated with the distinguished light pulse when such light pulse is sensed. A transducer signal simulator outputs a first plurality of electrical signals simulating those produced by a transducer array and reflective of an optoacoustic response in a subject to a light pulse at a first wavelength in response to a trigger signal from the light pulse sensor associated with a light pulse having a first wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Donald G. Herzog, William Ackerman
  • Publication number: 20170322071
    Abstract: A serialized probe component for an optoacoustic device has a unique identifier associated therewith and includes, in an embodiment, an operative connection between a read-write memory and the optoacoustic device. Software adapted to generate and store logs in a read-write memory is executed on the optoacoustic device and stores logs concerning utilization of the serialized probe component on the read-write memory. A method for logging operational information concerning an optoacoustic device is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Gregory Schmid, William Ackerman, Bryan Clingman
  • Publication number: 20170296151
    Abstract: Systems and methods for relaying electrical signals representing acoustic response of a volume of tissue to light and ultrasound stimulation. In an embodiment, a plurality of ultrasound transducers receive acoustic energy from the volume and generate electrical energy, which is transmitted via an electrical path to a relay system. The ultrasound transducers are operated at a wide band frequency of at least 1 MHz to 5 MHz to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to light stimulation and at a narrower band frequency to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to acoustic stimulation. The relay system relays the electrical signals to an optoacoustic system or an ultrasound instrument for further processing depending on whether the electrical signals resulted from ultrasound or light stimulation. In an embodiment, optoacoustic, ultrasound, or other images are generated from the electrical signals and may be coregistered, overlayed, or displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Donald G. Herzog, Gregory Schmid, Bryan Clingman, Jason Zalev, William Ackerman
  • Patent number: 9730587
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for an optoacoustic device includes a light pulse sensor operatively connected to a light output port of the optoacoustic device, the light pulse sensor being adapted to sense a pulse of light capable of generating an optoacoustic response in a subject and to distinguish between the light pulse and the at least one other light pulse on the basis of the predominant wavelength. The light pulse sensor outputs a trigger signal associated with the distinguished light pulse when such light pulse is sensed. A transducer signal simulator outputs a first plurality of electrical signals simulating those produced by a transducer array and reflective of an optoacoustic response in a subject to a light pulse at a first wavelength in response to a trigger signal from the light pulse sensor associated with a light pulse having a first wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Seno Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Herzog, William Ackerman
  • Patent number: 9733119
    Abstract: A serialized probe component for an optoacoustic device has a unique identifier associated therewith and includes, in an embodiment, an operative connection between a read-write memory and the optoacoustic device. Software adapted to generate and store logs in a read-write memory is executed on the optoacoustic device and stores logs concerning utilization of the serialized probe component on the read-write memory. A method for logging operational information concerning an optoacoustic device is further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Seno Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Schmid, William Ackerman, Bryan Clingman
  • Patent number: 9724072
    Abstract: Systems and methods for relaying electrical signals representing acoustic response of a volume of tissue to light and ultrasound stimulation. In an embodiment, a plurality of ultrasound transducers receive acoustic energy from the volume and generate electrical energy, which is transmitted via an electrical path to a relay system. The ultrasound transducers are operated at a wide band frequency of at least 1 MHz to 5 MHz to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to light stimulation and at a narrower band frequency to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to acoustic stimulation. The relay system relays the electrical signals to an optoacoustic system or an ultrasound instrument for further processing depending on whether the electrical signals resulted from ultrasound or light stimulation. In an embodiment, optoacoustic, ultrasound, or other images are generated from the electrical signals and may be coregistered, overlayed, or displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SENO MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Donald G. Herzog, Gregory Schmid, Bryan Clingman, Jason Zalev, William Ackerman
  • Publication number: 20170181731
    Abstract: Systems and methods for relaying electrical signals representing acoustic response of a volume of tissue to light and ultrasound stimulation. In an embodiment, a plurality of ultrasound transducers receive acoustic energy from the volume and generate electrical energy, which is transmitted via an electrical path to a relay system. The ultrasound transducers are operated at a wide band frequency of at least 1 MHz to 5 MHz to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to light stimulation and at a narrower band frequency to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to acoustic stimulation. The relay system relays the electrical signals to an optoacoustic system or an ultrasound instrument for further processing depending on whether the electrical signals resulted from ultrasound or light stimulation. In an embodiment, optoacoustic, ultrasound, or other images are generated from the electrical signals and may be coregistered, overlayed, or displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Applicant: SENO MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS
    Inventors: Donald G. Herzog, Gregory Schmid, Bryan Clingman, Jason Zalev, William Ackerman
  • Publication number: 20170150890
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optoacoustic probe with a coated transducer assembly. The probe includes a transducer assembly with a multi-layer coating on the active end thereof. The multi-layer coating includes a layer of parylene and at least two layers of metal. In an embodiment, the multi-layer coating includes a layer of nickel, at least one layer of parylene, and a layer of gold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: Donald G. Herzog, William Ackerman, Justin Casas
  • Publication number: 20170035388
    Abstract: Systems and methods for relaying electrical signals representing acoustic response of a volume of tissue to light and ultrasound stimulation. In an embodiment, a plurality of ultrasound transducers receive acoustic energy from the volume and generate electrical energy, which is transmitted via an electrical path to a relay system. The ultrasound transducers are operated at a wide band frequency of at least 1 MHz to 5 MHz to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to light stimulation and at a narrower band frequency to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to acoustic stimulation. The relay system relays the electrical signals to an optoacoustic system or an ultrasound instrument for further processing depending on whether the electrical signals resulted from ultrasound or light stimulation. In an embodiment, optoacoustic, ultrasound, or other images are generated from the electrical signals and may be coregistered, overlayed, or displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Donald G. Herzog, Gregory Schmid, Bryan Clingman, Jason Zalev, William Ackerman
  • Publication number: 20140249414
    Abstract: Systems and methods for relaying electrical signals representing acoustic response of a volume of tissue to light and ultrasound stimulation. In an embodiment, a plurality of ultrasound transducers receive acoustic energy from the volume and generate electrical energy, which is transmitted via an electrical path to a relay system. The ultrasound transducers are operated at a wide band frequency of at least 1 MHz to 5 MHz to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to light stimulation and at a narrower band frequency to receive acoustic energy from the volume of tissue responsive to acoustic stimulation. The relay system relays the electrical signals to an optoacoustic system or an ultrasound instrument for further processing depending on whether the electrical signals resulted from ultrasound or light stimulation. In an embodiment, optoacoustic, ultrasound, or other images are generated from the electrical signals and may be coregistered, overlayed, or displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: SENO MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS
    Inventors: Donald G. Herzog, Gregory Schmid, Bryan Clingman, Jason Zalev, William Ackerman
  • Publication number: 20140206978
    Abstract: An optoacoustic probe including an ultrasound transducer array, an acoustic lens and a light path separated from the transducer array by an isolator to mitigate light energy from the light path from reaching the transducer array. The isolator being formed from a mixture including a flexible carrier, a coloring and between 10% and 80% by volume micro-bubbles. The isolator mixture being adapted to both absorb light energy and the optoacoustic response to light energy. In an embodiment, an optoacoustic probe also comprises an optical window and/or a diffuser, and the isolator also separating the transducer array from these components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: SENO MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: William Ackerman, Donald G. Herzog, Justin Casas
  • Publication number: 20140194723
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optoacoustic probe with a coated transducer assembly. The probe includes a transducer assembly with a multi-layer coating on the active end thereof. The multi-layer coating includes a layer of parylene and at least two layers of metal. In an embodiment, the multi-layer coating includes a layer of nickel, at least one layer of parylene, and a layer of gold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Donald G. Herzog, William Ackerman, Justin Casas
  • Publication number: 20130304405
    Abstract: A serialized probe component for an optoacoustic device has a unique identifier associated therewith and includes, in an embodiment, an operative connection between a read-write memory and the optoacoustic device. Software adapted to generate and store logs in a read-write memory is executed on the optoacoustic device and stores logs concerning utilization of the serialized probe component on the read-write memory. A method for logging operational information concerning an optoacoustic device is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory Schmid, William Ackerman, Bryan Clingman
  • Publication number: 20130296684
    Abstract: A holder for an optoacoustic probe includes a probe-end enclosing portion formed from material that is substantially opaque to light emanating from an optical window of a probe. The probe-end enclosing portion is sized to enclose the active end of the probe and have a snug fit therewith when the optoacoustic probe is inserted therein, and has minimal or no contact with the optical window and acoustic lens of the probe. The probe holder further includes a cutaway adapted to support the probe's strain relief under the downward force of gravity, thereby supporting the probe at an angle that provides for easy manual grasping and removal. The probe support also blocks an in-holder probe from sliding away from the probe-enclosing end. A cable guide is spaced from the probe support to accept a connecting cable exiting from the proximal end of the probe, and thus reduce pressure on the strain relief and soften the angle of curvature of the connecting cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas G. Miller, Gregory Schmid, William Ackerman, Donald G. Herzog