Patents by Inventor Kevin L. Kilgore
Kevin L. Kilgore 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).
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Publication number: 20190167996Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for the treatment of pain using electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB). Contrary to other methods of pain treatment, the ENCB can establish a direct block of neural activity, thereby eliminating the pain. Additionally, the ENCB can be administered without causing electrochemical damage. An example method can include: placing at least one electrode contact in electrical communication with a region of a subject's spinal cord; applying an electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) to a nerve in the region through the at least one electrode contact; and blocking neural activity with the ENCB to reduce the pain or other unwanted sensation in the subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2019Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: Niloy Bhadra, Narendra Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Scott Lempka, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke
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Publication number: 20190060640Abstract: Devices and methods for blocking signal transmission through neural tissue. One step of a method includes placing a therapy delivery device into electrical communication with the neural tissue. The therapy delivery device includes an electrode contact having a high charge capacity material. A multi-phase direct current (DC) can be applied to the neural tissue without damaging the neural tissue. The multi-phase DC includes a cathodic DC phase and anodic DC phase that collectively produce a neural block and reduce the charge delivered by the therapy delivery device. The DC delivery can be combined with high frequency alternating current (HFAC) block to produce a system that provides effective, safe, long term block without inducing an onset response.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Niloy Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Narendra Bhadra, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke
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Patent number: 10195434Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for the treatment of pain using electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB). Contrary to other methods of pain treatment, the ENCB can establish a direct block of neural activity, thereby eliminating the pain. Additionally, the ENCB can be administered without causing electrochemical damage. An example method can include: placing at least one electrode contact in electrical communication with a region of a subject's spinal cord; applying an electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) to a nerve in the region through the at least one electrode contact; and blocking neural activity with the ENCB to reduce the pain or other unwanted sensation in the subject.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Niloy Bhadra, Narendra Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Scott Lempka, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke
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Publication number: 20180361155Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure is a system including a waveform generator, a controller, and an electrical contact. The waveform generator is for generating an electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB). The controller is coupled with the waveform generator. The controller is configured to receive an input comprising at least one parameter to adjust the ENCB. The electrical contact is coupled with the wave-form generator. The electrical contact is configured to be placed into contact with a nerve. The electrical contact comprises a high charge capacity material that prevents formation of damaging electro-chemical products at a charge delivered by the ENCB. The electrical contact is configured to deliver the ENCB to the nerve to block transmission of a signal related to a pain through the nerve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2016Publication date: December 20, 2018Inventors: Niloy Bhadra, Narendra Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Scott Lempka, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke
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Publication number: 20180256886Abstract: The present disclose generally relates to high-charge capacity electrodes that include a substrate and a coating covering at least a portion of the substrate that includes active particles held together by a biocompatible binding material. One aspect of the present disclosure relates a system that can block conduction in a nerve. The system can include a current generator that generates a direct current (DC). The system can also include a high-charge capacity electrode that can be coupled to the current generator to deliver the DC to block conduction in a nerve.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2016Publication date: September 13, 2018Inventors: Narendra Bhadra, Jesse Wainright, Niloy Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Tina Vrabec
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Patent number: 10071241Abstract: Devices and methods for blocking signal transmission through neural tissue. One step of a method includes placing a therapy delivery device into electrical communication with the neural tissue. The therapy delivery device includes an electrode contact having a high charge capacity material. A multi-phase direct current (DC) can be applied to the neural tissue without damaging the neural tissue. The multi-phase DC includes a cathodic DC phase and anodic DC phase that collectively produce a neural block and reduce the charge delivered by the therapy delivery device. The DC delivery can be combined with high frequency alternating current (HFAC) block to produce a system that provides effective, safe, long term block without inducing an onset response.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2017Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Niloy Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Narendra Bhadra, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke
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Publication number: 20180243555Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates a system that can alter (e.g., block or attenuate) conduction in a nerve by transcutaneous DC application (tDCB). The system can include a current generator that generates a DC. A first skin electrode can be coupled to the current generator to deliver the DC transcutaneously through a target nerve to a second skin electrode. Conduction in the target nerve is directly altered as a result of an electric field generated in response to the DC.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2016Publication date: August 30, 2018Applicant: Case Western Reserve UnivesityInventors: Kevin L. Kilgore, Gustaf Van Acker, Tina Vrabec, Niloy Bhadra, Narenda Bhadra
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Publication number: 20180117314Abstract: Devices and methods for blocking signal transmission through neural tissue. One step of a method includes placing a therapy delivery device into electrical communication with the neural tissue. The therapy delivery device includes an electrode contact having a high charge capacity material. A multi-phase direct current (DC) can be applied to the neural tissue without damaging the neural tissue. The multi-phase DC includes a cathodic DC phase and anodic DC phase that collectively produce a neural block and reduce the charge delivered by the therapy delivery device. The DC delivery can be combined with high frequency alternating current (HFAC) block to produce a system that provides effective, safe, long term block without inducing an onset response.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Niloy Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Narendra Bhadra, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke
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Publication number: 20180085587Abstract: A method of blocking signal transmission through a nerve with reduced onset activity includes applying an HFAC to an axon of a nerve to block the transmission of signals through the axon. The method may also include applying a direct current (DC) to the axon, increasing the amplitude of the DC over time to a predetermined amplitude, applying the HFAC, and then decreasing the DC. The method may also include temporarily reducing the amplitude of the HFAC to permit the transmission of signals through the axon and subsequently increasing the amplitude to block transmission without triggering an onset response. The method may also include temporarily applying an unbalanced charge to the nerve and then balancing the charge over time.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: Kevin L. Kilgore, Niloy Bhadra
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Patent number: 9889291Abstract: Devices and methods for blocking signal transmission through neural tissue. One step of a method includes placing a therapy delivery device into electrical communication with the neural tissue. The therapy delivery device includes an electrode contact having a high charge capacity material. A multi-phase direct current (DC) can be applied to the neural tissue without damaging the neural tissue. The multi-phase DC includes a cathodic DC phase and anodic DC phase that collectively produce a neural block and reduce the charge delivered by the therapy delivery device. The DC delivery can be combined with high frequency alternating current (HFAC) block to produce a system that provides effective, safe, long term block without inducing an onset response.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Niloy Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Narendra Bhadra, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke
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Patent number: 9884192Abstract: A method of blocking signal transmission through a nerve with reduced onset activity includes applying an HFAC to an axon of a nerve to block the transmission of signals through the axon. The method may also include applying a direct current (DC) to the axon, increasing the amplitude of the DC over time to a predetermined amplitude, applying the HFAC, and then decreasing the DC. The method may also include temporarily reducing the amplitude of the HFAC to permit the transmission of signals through the axon and subsequently increasing the amplitude to block transmission without triggering an onset response. The method may also include temporarily applying an unbalanced charge to the nerve and then balancing the charge over time.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Kevin L. Kilgore, Niloy Bhadra
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Patent number: 9694181Abstract: Described herein are methods of treating various neurological disorders using electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) without causing electrochemical damage. Examples of the various neurological disorders can include pain, muscle spasticity, hyperhidrosis, vertigo, sialorrhea, or the like. The methods can include placing an electrode contact in electrical communication with a nerve that transmits a signal related to the neurological disorder. The method also includes applying an ENCB to the nerve through the electrode contact. The electrode contact can include a high charge capacity material that prevents formation of damaging electrochemical reaction products at a charge delivered by the ENCB. The method also includes blocking transmission of the signal related to the neurological disorder through the nerve with the ENCB to treat the neurological disorder.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Niloy Bhadra, Narendra Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Scott Lempka, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke
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Publication number: 20170050024Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for the treatment of pain using electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB). Contrary to other methods of pain treatment, the ENCB can establish a direct block of neural activity, thereby eliminating the pain. Additionally, the ENCB can be administered without causing electrochemical damage. An example method can include: placing at least one electrode contact in electrical communication with a region of a subject's spinal cord; applying an electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) to a nerve in the region through the at least one electrode contact; and blocking neural activity with the ENCB to reduce the pain or other unwanted sensation in the subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2016Publication date: February 23, 2017Inventors: Niloy Bhadra, Narendra Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Scott Lempka, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke
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Publication number: 20160346533Abstract: Devices and methods for blocking signal transmission through neural tissue. One step of a method includes placing a therapy delivery device into electrical communication with the neural tissue. The therapy delivery device includes an electrode contact having a high charge capacity material. A multi-phase direct current (DC) can be applied to the neural tissue without damaging the neural tissue. The multi-phase DC includes a cathodic DC phase and anodic DC phase that collectively produce a neural block and reduce the charge delivered by the therapy delivery device. The DC delivery can be combined with high frequency alternating current (HFAC) block to produce a system that provides effective, safe, long term block without inducing an onset response.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2016Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventors: Niloy Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Narendra Bhadra, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke
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Patent number: 9498621Abstract: Example ionic coupling electrodes are described. One example ionic conducting electrode includes a first portion that can be coupled to a single phase current source. The first portion carries current flow via electrons. The electrode includes a second portion to apply a current to a nerve tissue. The second portion carries current flow via ions. The second portion is positioned between the nerve tissue and the first portion to prevent the first portion from touching the nerve tissue. The current applied to the nerve tissue is produced in the second portion in response to a current that is present in the first portion. The current present in the first portion is provided from a single phase current source. The electrode may be used in applications including, but not limited to, nerve block applications and nerve stimulation applications.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2015Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Douglas M. Ackermann, Kevin L. Kilgore, Niloy Bhadra, Narendra Bhadra
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Publication number: 20160331976Abstract: A method of blocking signal transmission through a nerve with reduced onset activity includes applying an HFAC to an axon of a nerve to block the transmission of signals through the axon. The method may also include applying a direct current (DC) to the axon, increasing the amplitude of the DC over time to a predetermined amplitude, applying the HFAC, and then decreasing the DC. The method may also include temporarily reducing the amplitude of the HFAC to permit the transmission of signals through the axon and subsequently increasing the amplitude to block transmission without triggering an onset response. The method may also include temporarily applying an unbalanced charge to the nerve and then balancing the charge over time.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2016Publication date: November 17, 2016Inventors: Kevin L. Kilgore, Niloy Bhadra
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Patent number: 9403014Abstract: A method of blocking signal transmission through a nerve with reduced onset activity includes applying an HFAC to an axon of a nerve to block the transmission of signals through the axon. The method may also include applying a direct current (DC) to the axon, increasing the amplitude of the DC over time to a predetermined amplitude, applying the HFAC, and then decreasing the DC. The method may also include temporarily reducing the amplitude of the HFAC to permit the transmission of signals through the axon and subsequently increasing the amplitude to block transmission without triggering an onset response. The method may also include temporarily applying an unbalanced charge to the nerve and then balancing the charge over time.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Kevin L. Kilgore, Niloy Bhadra
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Patent number: 9387322Abstract: Devices and methods for blocking signal transmission through neural tissue. One step of a method includes placing a therapy delivery device into electrical communication with the neural tissue. The therapy delivery device includes an electrode contact having a high charge capacity material. A multi-phase direct current (DC) can be applied to the neural tissue without damaging the neural tissue. The multi-phase DC includes a cathodic DC phase and anodic DC phase that collectively produce a neural block and reduce the charge delivered by the therapy delivery device. The DC delivery can be combined with high frequency alternating current (HFAC) block to produce a system that provides effective, safe, long term block without inducing an onset response.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Niloy Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Narendra Bhadra, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke
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Patent number: 9333356Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can provide an electric waveform for neural stimulation or nerve block. The system can include a first circuit component configured to provide a self-oscillating, voltage-boosted electric waveform. In some instances, the first circuit component can provide a “pause” waveform (e.g., with a period (T) that includes a swing time (ts) in which the waveform varies in a biphasic manner and a pause time (tp) in which the waveform has a constant amplitude). The system can also include a second circuit component configured to ensure that the oscillating signal is charge-balanced across at least one period of the self-oscillating, voltage-boosted electric waveform.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Manfred Franke, Kevin L. Kilgore, Niloy Bhadra
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Publication number: 20160101286Abstract: Described herein are methods of treating various neurological disorders using electrical nerve conduction block (ENCB) without causing electrochemical damage. Examples of the various neurological disorders can include pain, muscle spasticity, hyperhidrosis, vertigo, sialorrhea, or the like. The methods can include placing an electrode contact in electrical communication with a nerve that transmits a signal related to the neurological disorder. The method also includes applying an ENCB to the nerve through the electrode contact. The electrode contact can include a high charge capacity material that prevents formation of damaging electrochemical reaction products at a charge delivered by the ENCB. The method also includes blocking transmission of the signal related to the neurological disorder through the nerve with the ENCB to treat the neurological disorder.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Niloy Bhadra, Narendra Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Scott Lempka, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke