Patents by Inventor David T. Brocker

David T. Brocker 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: 11975194
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency. The systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue may be used to increase the efficacy of treatment in patients with Parkinson's Disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker, Merrill Birdno
  • Patent number: 11878173
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker
  • Publication number: 20230028428
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue and generation stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. The features of the stimulation trains may be selected and arranged algorithmically to by clinical trial. These stimulation trains are generated to target a specific neurological disorder, by arranging sets of features which reduce symptoms of that neurological disorder into a pattern which is effective at reducing those symptoms while maintaining or reducing power consumption versus regular stimulation signals. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide increased efficacy and/or a lower than average frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker, Merrill J. Birdno
  • Publication number: 20220323765
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods that enable one to design temporal patterns for the optimal stimulation of a nervous system, one or more nerve cells, or nervous tissue. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods to design improved stimulation patterns and/or genetic algorithms for the optimal stimulation of a nervous system, one or more nerve cells, or nervous tissue. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes a model-based design to achieve a more optimal stimulation pattern for use in connection with a nervous system, one or more nerve cells, or nervous tissue (e.g., a human nervous system). In another embodiment, the model-based design of the present invention utilizes a systematic search method to identify parameters (e.g., design variables) that minimize a cost function (e.g., optimize the fitness of a particular design).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Warren M. GRILL, David T. BROCKER, Alexander R. KENT
  • Patent number: 11458318
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue and generation stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. The features of the stimulation trains may be selected and arranged algorithmically to by clinical trial. These stimulation trains are generated to target a specific neurological disorder, by arranging sets of features which reduce symptoms of that neurological disorder into a pattern which is effective at reducing those symptoms while maintaining or reducing power consumption versus regular stimulation signals. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide increased efficacy and/or a lower than average frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker, Merrill J. Birdno
  • Patent number: 11351378
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods that enable one to design temporal patterns for the optimal stimulation of a nervous system, one or more nerve cells, or nervous tissue. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods to design improved stimulation patterns and/or genetic algorithms for the optimal stimulation of a nervous system, one or more nerve cells, or nervous tissue. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes a model-based design to achieve a more optimal stimulation pattern for use in connection with a nervous system, one or more nerve cells, or nervous tissue (e.g., a human nervous system). In another embodiment, the model-based design of the present invention utilizes a systematic search method to identify parameters (e.g., design variables) that minimize a cost function (e.g., optimize the fitness of a particular design).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: DUKE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker, Alexander R. Kent
  • Publication number: 20210128920
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods that enable one to design temporal patterns for the optimal stimulation of a nervous system, one or more nerve cells, or nervous tissue. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods to design improved stimulation patterns and/or genetic algorithms for the optimal stimulation of a nervous system, one or more nerve cells, or nervous tissue. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes a model-based design to achieve a more optimal stimulation pattern for use in connection with a nervous system, one or more nerve cells, or nervous tissue (e.g., a human nervous system). In another embodiment, the model-based design of the present invention utilizes a systematic search method to identify parameters (e.g., design variables) that minimize a cost function (e.g., optimize the fitness of a particular design).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Warren M. GRILL, David T. BROCKER, Alexander R. KENT
  • Publication number: 20210001127
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker
  • Publication number: 20200346018
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue and generation stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. The features of the stimulation trains may be selected and arranged algorithmically to by clinical trial. These stimulation trains are generated to target a specific neurological disorder, by arranging sets of features which reduce symptoms of that neurological disorder into a pattern which is effective at reducing those symptoms while maintaining or reducing power consumption versus regular stimulation signals. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide increased efficacy and/or a lower than average frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker, Merrill J. Birdno
  • Patent number: 10773084
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker
  • Patent number: 10716943
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue and generation stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. The features of the stimulation trains may be selected and arranged algorithmically to by clinical trial. These stimulation trains are generated to target a specific neurological disorder, by arranging sets of features which reduce symptoms of that neurological disorder into a pattern which is effective at reducing those symptoms while maintaining or reducing power consumption versus regular stimulation signals. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide increased efficacy and/or a lower than average frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker, Merrill J. Birdno
  • Publication number: 20180333582
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for increasing the efficacy and/or efficiency of deep brain stimulation (DBS) using parameters of stimulation that are custom tailored to a unique set of one or more symptoms and/or to a specific patient is shown and described herein. Also disclosed are devices, systems and methods for recording pertinent neural activity during non-regular patterns of stimulation and processing techniques for these recorded signals and stimulation parameter optimization based on these neural recordings may be used to tune computational models of the stimulation patterns to reproduce the observed neural activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker, Alexander R. Kent
  • Patent number: 10065464
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue and generation stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. The features of the stimulation trains may be selected and arranged algorithmically to by clinical trial. These stimulation trains are generated to target a specific neurological disorder, by arranging sets of features which reduce symptoms of that neurological disorder into a pattern which is effective at reducing those symptoms while maintaining or reducing power consumption versus regular stimulation signals. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide increased efficacy and/or a lower than average frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker, Merril J. Birdno
  • Publication number: 20180221644
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for the use of evoked potentials from the deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode as a feedback signal to indicate lead/contact placement relative to brain targets and to enable selection or modulation of effective stimulation parameters. In some embodiments, the brain signals are recorded using specialized equipment and used to determine characteristics of the electrode position and response to stimulation. In some embodiments, the device is an implantable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker
  • Publication number: 20180170130
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue and generation stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. The features of the stimulation trains may be selected and arranged algorithmically to by clinical trial. These stimulation trains are generated to target a specific neurological disorder, by arranging sets of features which reduce symptoms of that neurological disorder into a pattern which is effective at reducing those symptoms while maintaining or reducing power consumption versus regular stimulation signals. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide increased efficacy and/or a lower than average frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker, Merrill J. Birdno
  • Publication number: 20180064944
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency. The systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue may be used to increase the efficacy of treatment in patients with Parkinson's Disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker, Merrill Birdno
  • Patent number: 9802046
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency. The systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue may be used to increase the efficacy of treatment in patients with Parkinson's Disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker, Merrill Birdno
  • Publication number: 20170259067
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker
  • Patent number: 9572988
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Warren M. Grill, David T. Brocker
  • Publication number: 20160136431
    Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulation of neurological tissue generate stimulation trains with temporal patterns of stimulation, in which the interval between electrical pulses (the inter-pulse intervals) changes or varies over time. Compared to conventional continuous, high rate pulse trains having regular (i.e., constant) inter-pulse intervals, the non-regular (i.e., not constant) pulse patterns or trains that embody features of the invention provide a lower average frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: WARREN M. GRILL, DAVID T. BROCKER