Generating More Than One Signal Patents (Class 607/66)
  • Publication number: 20110077717
    Abstract: Stimulation current is steered further outward and/or inward from a plane of the stimulating electrodes by using one or more steering currents. The steering current may be used to occupy space in the tissue where stimulation is not desired and to force the stimulation current to pass through target tissue. The steering current may be present in various locations such as in tissue that is immediately adjacent the plane of the electrodes to force the stimulation current away from the immediately adjacent area and deeper into surrounding target tissue. The steering current may be present in tissue that is beyond the target tissue to confine the outward reach of the stimulation current to that target tissue. The stimulation current may be produced by one power source while the steering current may be produced by one or more other power sources, each of the power sources being unreferenced to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher J. Poletto
  • Patent number: 7917227
    Abstract: AC electric fields at particular frequencies and field strengths have been shown to be effective for destroying rapidly proliferating cells such as cancer cells. The effectiveness of such fields is improved when the field is sequentially switched between two or more different directions. The effectiveness of such fields can be improved even further by choosing the rate at which the field is switched between the various directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Standen Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoram Palti
  • Publication number: 20110040348
    Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure relates to system, devices, and techniques for delivering dorsal column stimulation. One or more locations for dorsal column stimulation may be identified based on sensed signals evoked by delivery of stimulation to a dorsal root and/or peripheral nerve of a patient. In some examples, an IMD may deliver dorsal column stimulation in combination with dorsal root stimulation to a patient to treat a patient condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Wacnik, Lisa M. Johanek
  • Publication number: 20110015705
    Abstract: An improved architecture for an implantable medical device such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the various functional blocks for the IPG are incorporated into a signal integrated circuit (IC). Each of the functional blocks communicate with each other, and with other off-chip devices if necessary, via a centralized bus governed by a communication protocol. To communicate with the bus and to adhere to the protocol, each circuit block includes bus interface circuitry adherent with that protocol. Because each block complies with the protocol, any given block can easily be modified or upgraded without affecting the design of the other blocks, facilitating debugging and upgrading of the IPG circuitry. Moreover, because the centralized bus can be taken off the integrated circuit, extra circuitry can easily be added off chip to modify or add functionality to the IPG without the need for a major redesign of the main IPG IC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul J. Griffith, Jordi Parramon, Goran N. Marnfeldt, Daniel Aghassisn, Kiran Nimmagadda, Emanuel Feldman, Jess W. Shi
  • Patent number: 7860575
    Abstract: Multiple channel iontophoretic devices including multiple regulators, each of which are coupled to an associated electrode. A regulated current flows through each regulator in response to a control signal. The control signal is responsive to feedback indicative of current flowing through more than one of the multiple regulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Encore Medical Asset Corporation
    Inventor: Robert F. Hause
  • Publication number: 20100298905
    Abstract: Systems and devices for selectively applying electrical energy to a target region beneath a skin surface of a patient involve applying an electrical impulse to one or more electrodes on a skin surface of the patient to modulate one or more nerves at the target region, where the impulse is substantially blocked at nerves located between the target region and the skin surface such that only the nerves at the target region are modulated by the electrical impulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: ElecroCore Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Simon
  • Publication number: 20100286749
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a current generation architecture for an implantable stimulator device such as an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG). Current source and sink circuitry are both divided into coarse and fine portions, which respectively can provide a coarse and fine current resolution to a specified electrode on the IPG. The coarse portion is distributed across all of the electrodes and so can source or sink current to any of the electrodes. The coarse portion is divided into a plurality of stages, each of which is capable via an associated switch bank of sourcing or sinking a coarse amount of current to or from any one of the electrodes on the device. The fine portion of the current generation circuit preferably includes source and sink circuitry dedicated to each of the electrode on the device, which can comprise digital-to-analog current converters (DACs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Jordi Parramon, David K.L. Peterson, Paul J. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20100280577
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator for providing at least one of a voltage and a current stimulation to a tissue of a subject through trough at least two electrodes adapted to be in electrical contact with the tissue of the subject, the implantable pulse generator comprising a stimulation circuit coupled to the at least two electrodes, the stimulation circuit including at least one dual-mode voltage and current source, wherein the stimulation circuit can operate alternatively in a voltage stimulation mode and in a current stimulation mode. The implantable pulse generator also comprises a processing unit coupled to the stimulation circuit, the processing unit being so configured as to control the mode of operation of the stimulation circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Yves Roy, Eric Bharucha
  • Patent number: 7819909
    Abstract: A programming device used to program delivery of therapy to a patient by a medical device, such as an implantable neurostimulator or pump, maintains or accesses a programming history for the patient. The programming history may take the form of a record of programs, e.g., combinations of therapy parameters, tested during one or more prior programming sessions. The programming device may analyze, or otherwise use the programming history to provide guidance information to a user, such as a clinician, which may assist the user in more quickly identifying one or more desirable programs during a current programming session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Michael T. Lee
  • Patent number: 7769463
    Abstract: A therapeutic electrostimulation apparatus and method operates to supply electrostimulation signals to three channels. The basic electrostimulation signal for each of the channels is the same; and this signal is applied to a transcranial electrostimulation set of output electrodes. A second channel provided with the same signal is further operated to modulate the signal with a dual frequency signal pattern for the application of the second channel signal to a second set of electrodes, typically applied to the body near the spinal area. A third channel supplied with the basic electrostimulation signal modulates the electrostimulation signal during a portion of a treatment session with a diapason of frequencies varying randomly, and the output of this channel is applied to a set of electrodes at a local area for therapeutic treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Kalaco Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Yakov Katsnelson
  • Publication number: 20100191311
    Abstract: An implantable medical device and associated method deliver a therapy to an autonomic nerve. The therapy delivery includes delivering therapeutic low frequency (LF) electrical stimulation pulses to the autonomic nerve and delivering a high frequency electrical signal to the autonomic nerve during the LF frequency stimulation pulse delivery. The high frequency stimulation signal blocks activation of autonomic nerve fibers innervating a non-targeted tissue during the therapeutic LF stimulation pulse delivery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Avram Scheiner, David E. Euler
  • Patent number: 7742810
    Abstract: A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. At least one electrode is placed in contact with tissue of a patient. A sub-threshold, hyperpolarizing, conditioning pre-pulse (e.g., an anodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to render a first region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal root fibers) less excitable to stimulation, and a depolarizing stimulation pulse (e.g., a cathodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to stimulate a second different region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal column fibers). The conditioning pre-pulse has a relatively short duration (e.g., less than 200 ?s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Moffitt, David K. L. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20100137929
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) may include at least two separate lead connection assemblies, each with electrical connectors for connecting implantable leads to the IMD. In some examples, a IMD may include a first therapy module configured to generate a first electrical stimulation therapy and a second therapy module configured to generate a second electrical stimulation therapy for delivery to the patient. The IMD may include a first lead connection assembly including a first electrical connector electrically coupled to the first therapy module and a second lead connection assembly including a second electrical connector electrically coupled to the second therapy module. In some examples, the first and second lead connection assemblies are distributed around the outer perimeter of the IMD housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Libbey, William T. Donofrio, John E. Burnes, Paul G. Krause, Michael K. Berquist, Olivier Blandin, Michael Hudziak, William L. Johnson, John E. Nicholson, George Patras, Andrew J. Ries, Jeffrey Swanson, Paul Vahle, Thomas J. Olson, William K. Wenger, Michael R. Klardie, Samira Tahvildari
  • Publication number: 20100121416
    Abstract: A method and neurostimulation system for providing therapy to a patient is provided. A plurality of electrodes is placed adjacent to tissue of the patient. A plurality of first electrical pulses is delivered to a first set of the electrodes, at least a second electrical pulse is delivered to a second set of the electrodes during the deliverance of each of the first electrical pulses, and at least a third electrical pulse is delivered to a third set of the electrodes during the deliverance of each of the first electrical pulses. The first electrical pulses have a first polarity, and each of the second electrical pulse(s) and third electrical pulses(s) has a second a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. The second and third electrical pulses are temporarily offset from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dongchul Lee
  • Patent number: 7689289
    Abstract: The locus of electrically excitable tissue where action potentials are induced can be controlled using the physiological principle of electrotonus. Substantially non-simultaneous first and second pulses are applied to first and second electrodes, respectively, to generate both first and second action potentials and first and second subthreshold potential areas, within the tissue. The locus within the tissue where additional action potentials are induced may be determined by a superposition of the first and second subthreshold areas according to the physiological principle of electrotonus. Superposition of the first and second subthreshold areas provides deep tissue suprathreshold potential areas of adjustable locus wherein additional action potentials are induced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. King
  • Publication number: 20100070005
    Abstract: A device for stimulating living tissue or nerves by individual or repeated stimulating pulses via stimulating electrodes which stimulate living tissue or nerves by stimulating pulses includes an electrical circuit which regulates the electric voltage or charge on the stimulating electrodes as a function of the electric voltage between the stimulating electrodes and reduces or equalises imbalances of electric charges on the stimulating electrodes. This device is capable of equalizing the electric charge on the stimulating electrodes of a stimulation system. The device and the process for using the device have the advantage that imbalances of electric charges on the stimulating electrodes, and the associated disadvantageous effects on the tissue and on the nerves, are avoided or eliminated. Furthermore, the device has a small space requirement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Andre Rocke
  • Patent number: 7672727
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying a signal to a nerve for the treatment of a disorder includes a first electrode and a second electrode. Each of the electrodes is adapted to be secured to a nerve of a patient. A signal generator is electrically connected to each of the first and second electrodes. The signal generator is adapted to create a signal having a first waveform at the first electrode and a second waveform at the second electrode. The waveforms have parameters selected to block propagation of neural action potentials. The waveforms have a repeating pattern of cycles of pulses with a delay period between at least selected ones of said pulses. In one embodiment, the first and second waveforms are out of phase for a cycle of one of the waveforms to occur during a delay period of the other of the waveforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: EnteroMedics Inc.
    Inventors: Adrianus P. Donders, Koen J. Weijand, Mark B. Knudson
  • Publication number: 20100036464
    Abstract: An electronic stimulation device is provided. The electronic stimulation device includes a wave generation device and a wave buffer connected to the wave generation device. A wave amplifier is connected to the wave buffer, and a transformer is connected to the wave amplifier. The transformer is configured for connection to leads for transmitting a current through a body of a user. The present invention further provides a method for providing electronic stimulation to a body of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Tony Picciano
  • Publication number: 20100030298
    Abstract: A stimulation apparatus includes a stimulation lead (102), a multiplexer (114), a stimulation signal generator (116), and a signal detector (120). The stimulation lead (102) includes a plurality of stimulation electrodes (112) disposed in an array about a distal portion of the lead body (110). The arrangement of the electrodes (112) facilitates the controlled steering of stimulating electrical field (118) in three dimensions. Four dimensional field steering may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Hubert Cecile Francois Martens, Michel Marcel Jose Decre, Eugenio Cantatore
  • Patent number: 7657444
    Abstract: A method and system of providing biological distance-treatment through a public network includes at least a treatment instrument which is electrically connected with an information connection system for providing a treatment for a registered user, wherein a treatment information data package sent from a service provider via the information connection system through the public network to provide digital treatment signals to control the treatment, wherein the treatment information data package is selected from the treatment information database based on a treatment request sent from the information connection system to the service provider and the health information profile of the registered user in the service provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Qi Yu
  • Publication number: 20090292328
    Abstract: A disposable medical device includes an electrode pad adapted to be placed in contact with a human or animal body and an electrical signal generator permanently attached to and in close proximity with the electrode pad and operable to generate an electrical signal, the signal generator having two output terminals, at least one of which is electrically operably connected to the electrode pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Corlius Fourie Birkill, Roche Janse Van Rensburg
  • Publication number: 20090234422
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20090222063
    Abstract: An implantable device (10) is used to emit electrical stimulation signals to surrounding tissue by means of at least one stimulation electrode (17). The device (10) has a sensor unit (26), which generates a useful signal (D) in the form of analogue voltage pulses (73) from externally fed signals, and an output stage (28) which generates the stimulation signals (E) from the useful signal (D). The output stage (28) emits the stimulation signals (E) in, averaged over time, a substantially DC voltage free fashion to an external ground (29), which can be connected to the tissue (64).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Albrecht ROTHERMEL
  • Patent number: 7584003
    Abstract: Example electro-stimulation apparatuses and methods involve generating pulses having preset values of typical parameters. A number of sub-phases forming a sequence of the pulses are applied to organism, the sequence including an initial pulse an a final pulse. A substantial variation of at least one typical parameter is performed at a moment between the initial pulse and the final pulse. The frequency of the pulses is varied by causing between two consecutive sub-phases a frequency discontinuity greater than 60 Hz preceded by sub-phases having non-constant frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Lorenz Biotech S.p.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Zanella
  • Publication number: 20090157149
    Abstract: A nerve stimulation device includes a first waveform generator adapted to generate a first waveform having a first frequency capable of stimulating nerves within a dermatome, a second waveform generator adapted to generate a first carrier waveform having a second frequency capable of passing through tissue of a mammal, and a third waveform generator adapted to generate a second carrier waveform having a third frequency different than the second frequency and being capable of passing through the tissue of the mammal. The device includes a modulator electrically coupled to the first, second and third waveform generators and adapted to modulate the first waveform, the first carrier waveform, and the second carrier waveform to generate a modulated signal package capable of stimulating the nerves at different depths within the dermatome. The device also has an electrode electrically coupled to the modulator for applying the modulated waveform to the dermatomic region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Wahlgren, Michael Tracey, Anthony DiUbaldi
  • Publication number: 20090118789
    Abstract: An electrode system for transcutaneous nerve and/or muscle stimulation that includes a pair of stimulating electrodes and a stimulation current generator for generating a nerve and/or muscle stimulation current between the stimulating electrodes. The system also includes a current-injecting electrode arranged in proximity to one of the stimulating electrodes, and an injection-current generator located in the area of the current-injecting electrode. The current-injecting electrode and the corresponding injection-current generator reduce, or even eliminate, undesirable sensations resulting from an excitation of subcutaneous receptors by the stimulation current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: COMPLEX MEDICAL S.A.
    Inventors: Felix Buhlmann, Klaus Schonenberger, Pierre Rigaux
  • Publication number: 20090112283
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus that includes a microcurrent delivery device portion and at least one independent sensory cue delivery means. The independent sensory cue delivery means can provide an independent sensory cue selected from the group consisting of vibration, heat, cool, skin irritation, tingling, fragrance or auditory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Leo B. Kriksunov, Aliya Z. Omer, Edward Roche, Joshua Ghaim, Naomi Furgiuele
  • Patent number: 7519431
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20090024189
    Abstract: A method, electrical tissue stimulation system, and programmer for providing therapy to a patient are provided. Electrodes are placed adjacent tissue (e.g., spinal cord tissue) of the patient, electrical stimulation energy is delivered from the electrodes to the tissue in accordance with a defined waveform, and a pulse shape of the defined waveform is modified, thereby changing the characteristics of the electrical stimulation energy delivered from the electrode(s) to the tissue. The pulse shape may be modified by selecting one of a plurality of different pulse shape types or by adjusting a time constant of the pulse shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Dongchul Lee, Michael Moffitt, Christopher Ewan Gillespie, Kerry Bradley
  • Publication number: 20090018619
    Abstract: The disclosure provides techniques for parameter-directed shifting of electrical stimulation electrode combinations. An external programmer permits a user to shift electrode combinations, e.g., along the length of a lead or leads. The external programmer accepts shift input and causes an electrical stimulator to shift electrode combinations as indicated by the input. Different sets of electrodes may have different electrode counts. For example, an array of electrodes carried by one lead may have a greater number of electrodes than an array of electrodes carried on another lead. The disclosure provides techniques for shifting electrode combinations among leads with different electrode counts. For example, an external programmer may execute shifts in a series of shift operations, where the number of shift operations along the length of a lead having a greater electrode count is greater than the number of shift steps along the length of a lead having a lesser electrode count.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Skelton, Joseph J. Nolan, Nathan A. Torgerson, Wende L. Dewing, Todd V. Smith, Shyam Gokaldas, Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher
  • Patent number: 7419474
    Abstract: A method for producing a non-linearly varying therapeutic signal for therapy wherein a string of randomly or nonlinearly varying data increments the input to a mathematical function such as incrementing the phase angle of a sine function to produce a non linearly varying signal for application as therapy. This method also includes inserting upward chirps and sequencing different therapeutic signals to create a composite signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Lee
  • Patent number: 7333858
    Abstract: A method for stimulating nerve or tissue fibers and a prosthetic hearing device implanting same. The method comprises: generating a stimulation signal comprising a plurality of pulse bursts each comprising a plurality of pulses; and distributing said plurality of pulse bursts across one or more electrodes each operatively coupled to nerve or tissue fibers such that each of said plurality of pulse bursts delivers a charge to said nerve or tissue fibers to cause dispersed firing in said nerve or tissue fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Matthijs Killian, Ernst von Wallenberg, Guido Smoorenburg
  • Publication number: 20070282399
    Abstract: A programmable switching circuit with charge pumps for a bio-stimulator is disclosed. A programmable controlling circuit generates a set of binary bits according to a controlling program and then uses a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter for outputting to the pulse signal generating circuit so as to generate two pulse signals with the predetermined waveforms and different phases. Then, according to these two pulse signals with different phases, two charge pumps included in a charge pump regulating circuit output currents with specific voltage intensity through two output routes. The amplitude of the current is determined by the capacitor on each output route. Additionally, the programmable controlling circuit determines which route to be outputted so as to control and switch the polarities and current amplitude of a bio-stimulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Weichih Hu
  • Patent number: 7291107
    Abstract: A system for recommending insulin bolus quantities to an insulin user includes a display unit and memory unit coupled to a control circuit with a user blood glucose target stored in the memory unit. The control circuit is programmed to receive the user's current blood glucose value, to determine and display via the display unit a recommended correction insulin bolus quantity if the current blood glucose value exceeds the blood glucose target, to compute a difference value as the current blood glucose value less the blood glucose target, and to produce a modified blood glucose target as a sum of the blood glucose target and the difference value for a lock-out time period if the difference value is positive. Additional correction insulin bolus quantities may be recommended during the lock-out time period if the user's current blood glucose value exceeds the modified blood glucose target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignees: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc., Disetronic Licensing AG
    Inventors: Robert Hellwig, Stefan Weinert
  • Patent number: 7062319
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for determining a suitable treatment frequency and/or intensity of a treatment signal used in electrical treatment. In the method, a stimulating electrical signal is directed to an object to produce different reaction types in the object at different intensities of the stimulating electrical signal. For at least three different reaction types, the intensity of the stimulating electrical signal at which a reaction type occurred is stored. The electrical signal intensities stored for the different reaction types at least at three different frequencies are compared with reference values and the frequency and/or signal intensity at which the signal intensity deviates sufficiently from one or more reference values is determined. The method utilizes the frequency and/or signal intensity found in the process in determining the suitable treatment frequency and/or signal intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Innokas Medical Oy
    Inventors: Jouni Ihme, Riitta Vesikukka
  • Patent number: 7047078
    Abstract: Systems and methods control physiological functions of the urinary tract using at least one electrode sized and configured to be located on, in, or near a targeted component of the pudendal nerve. The systems and methods apply an electrical signal to the electrode at a selected frequency to stimulate the targeted component. The selected frequency is a first frequency or range of frequencies for achieving a first physiologic response (e.g., controlling urinary continence) and a second frequency or range of frequencies, different than the first frequency, for achieving a second physiologic response different than the first physiologic response (e.g., controlling micturition).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Joseph W. Boggs, II, Brian J. Wenzel, Kenneth J. Gustafson, Warren M. Grill
  • Patent number: 7043298
    Abstract: Pathological conditions are alleviated by bone conduction practiced by the application of sinusoidal electric waves at frequencies of between 4,200 and 6,500 hertz at less than 200 microamperes current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Van Dick
  • Patent number: 7016737
    Abstract: A method of promoting the healing of a wound disposed in soft tissue and having a physical extent is disclosed, comprising the steps of providing control circuitry to control the application of electrical current through a plurality of electrodes; applying three or more electrodes (101–103) to the surface of the soft tissue around and in proximity to the wound (12), wherein each of the three or more electrodes is connected to the control circuitry; conducting an electrical current (14) through the three or more electrodes, such that one electrode functions as a current source and one or more of the remaining electrodes functions as a current sink; and switching the function of acting as a current source and as a current sink among the electrodes. A device and suitable control circuitry are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Loma Linda University
    Inventor: Jerrold S. Petrofsky
  • Patent number: 6944503
    Abstract: Pulsed electrical stimulation is applied to selected tissues via electrodes positioned on and/or in the body. Each electrode is connected to an output (108) of the apparatus. Each output (108) is connected between a high side switch (110) and a low side switch (112) of a switching array. Each stimulation pulse is subdivided into a number of time periods. By operation of the switches (110, 112) each electrode can be selected to operate as an anode or a cathode or neither during any given time period. The spatial and/or time summation of the anode-cathode currents is controlled to selectively to stimulate selected regions and/or types of tissues, typically nerve tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: BMR Research and Development Limited
    Inventors: Louis Michael Crowe, Conor Michael Minogue
  • Patent number: 6850871
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that utilize time-domain measurements of a nonlinear device produce or extract a behavioral model from embeddings of these measurements. The method of producing a behavioral model comprises applying an input signal to the nonlinear device, sampling the input signal to produce input data, measuring a response of the device to produce output data, creating an embedded data set, fitting a function to the embedded data set, and verifying the fitted function. The apparatus comprises a signal generator that produces an input signal that is applied to the nonlinear device, the device producing an output signal in response. The apparatus further comprises a data acquisition system that samples and digitizes the input and output signals and a signal processing computer that produces an embedded data set from the digitized signals, fits a function to the embedded data set, and verifies the fitted function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Barford, Linda A. Kamas, Nicholas B. Tufillaro, Daniel A. Usikov
  • Patent number: 6684106
    Abstract: A multi-functional electrical stimulation (ES) system adapted to yield output signals for effecting faradic, electromagnetic, or other forms of electrical stimulation for a broad spectrum of different biological and bio-medical applications. The system includes an ES signal stage having a selector coupled to a plurality of different signal generators, each generator producing a signal having a distinct shape such as a sine, a square or sawtooth wave or a simple or complex pulse form, the parameters of which are adjustable in regard to amplitude, duration, repetition rate and other variables. The signal from the selected generator in the ES stage is fed to at least one output stage where it is processed to produce a high or low voltage or current output of a desired polarity whereby the output stage is capable of yielding an electrical stimulation signal appropriate for its intended application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Ewa Herbst
  • Patent number: 6662053
    Abstract: A tissue stimulation system includes an electrode assembly having at least three electrodes spaced to be stimulated in a patient. A programmable stimulator is connected to and provides stimulation pulses to the electrode assembly. A programming data in the stimulator defines, for each of the at least three electrodes, individual stimulation pulses of varying polarity and at least one of amplitude, frequency, pulse width and pulse shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: William N. Borkan
  • Patent number: 6591139
    Abstract: An external transmitter circuit drives an implantable neural stimulator having an implanted coil from a primary coil driven by a power amplifier. For efficient power consumption, the transmitter output circuit (which includes the primary coil driven by the power amplifier inductively coupled with the implanted coil) operates as a tuned resonant circuit. When operating as a tuned resonant circuit, it is difficult to modulate the carrier signal with data having sharp rise and fall times without using a high power modulation amplifier. Sharp rise and fall times are needed in order to ensure reliable data transmission. To overcome this difficulty, the present invention includes an output switch that selectively inserts a resistor in the transmitter output coil circuit in order to de-tune the resonant circuit only during those times when data modulation is needed. Such de-tuning allows sharp rise and fall times in the data modulation without the need for using a high power modulation amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: Scott M. Loftin, Kelly H. McClure
  • Patent number: 6566856
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor system having resistive elements changing in ohmic value in the presence of a magnetic field of a current being measured. The variant values of the elements are amplified by some electronics that inherently add offset to the resultant values. The elements themselves also add an offset. The output of the electronics is modulated and then buffered as an output. This output is demodulated and integrated. The resultant signal is fed back to the input of the electronics to null out the offsets. The output of the buffer also goes to an inductive coil that is magnetically coupled to the resistive elements to null out the magnetic field from the current being measured. The buffer output indicates the magnitude of the current being measured. An oscillator outputs a signal to actuate the modulator and the demodulator. The oscillator signal also goes to a set/reset circuit for setting and resetting the resistive elements of the magnetoresistive sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Sandquist, James E. Lenz, Dale F. Berndt
  • Patent number: 6567702
    Abstract: A method of eliciting analgesia in a human subject by Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TCES) is provided. Electrodes are secured to the skin of the subject's head and used to apply an electrical current to the electrodes. The current includes a direct current combined with rectangular current pulses (alternating current) delivered at a frequency of between 30 and 65 Hz. The frequency at which the pulses are delivered is periodically changed to a different value within the 30-65 Hz range. The total current supplied, a sum of the DC component and a Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) of the current pulses, preferably has a value between 0.2 and 20 mA. The method is used during surgery and the post-operative procedure, and may also be used to treat a wide variety of neurological and other conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Vladimir Nekhendzy, Mervyn Maze
  • Patent number: 6445171
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor system having resistive elements changing in ohmic value in the presence of a magnetic field of a current being measured. The variant values of the elements are amplified by some electronics that inherently add offset to the resultant values. The elements themselves also add an offset. The output of the electronics is modulated and then buffered as an output. This output is demodulated integrated. The resultant signal is fed back to the input of the electronics to null out the offsets. The output of the buffer also goes to an inductive coil that is magnetically coupled to the resistive elements to null out the magnetic field from the current being measured. The buffer output indicates the magnitude of the current being measured. An oscillator outputs a signal to actuate the modulator and the demodulator. The oscillator signal also goes to a set/reset circuit for setting and resetting the resistive elements of the magnetoresistive sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Sandquist, James E. Lenz, Dale F. Berndt
  • Publication number: 20020103515
    Abstract: A device for cancer treatment and nerve regeneration that induces a non-symmetrical electric field. This electric field is thought to cause electro-osmotic activity around p53 proteins within the body, in addition to altering the transmembrane potential. Both closed and open magnetic field structures can be used towards this end. With a closed magnetic structure, the field is contained within a toroid or similar structure, and the electrical circuit is completed by placing the toroid in a conducting liquid or gel. Using an open circuit, a cut C core of ferromagnetic material is wound with a figure “8” shaped coil and the field is driven into the body. In both cases, the current driving the coil is preferentially asymmetrical, resulting in an induced E field which is not the same in the first half of the cycle as it is in the second. The induced electric field moves organelles into the nerve tip site through the process of electrokinectics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Kent Davey, Truman Veran Williams
  • Patent number: 6424864
    Abstract: An oscillator (12) of a low-frequency therapeutic apparatus (10) is controlled by a frequency control device (18) to generate a plurality of frequencies selected according to the kind of a disease and these frequencies are delivered from the lowest in an ascending order at intervals of a specified time, and are injected into a human body at the same time or separately as low-frequency electric currents from a therapeutic electrode (14) and an inactive electrode (16), as electromagnetic waves from oscillating coils (14) and (14A), and as acoustic waves from an acoustic wave oscillator (62) and a body sonic apparatus (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Masayuki Matsuura
  • Patent number: 6405089
    Abstract: A DC-AC electric potential treatment apparatus of the present invention can freely switch high potential AC and high potential DC. The DC-AC electric potential treatment apparatus comprises an electric cloth having a treatment lead for outputting high potential AC or high potential DC, a DC-AC power supply circuit for supplying high potential DC and high potential AC to the treatment lead, and a DC-AC switch circuit for switching the supply from the DC-AC power supply circuit to the treatment lead between high potential DC and high potential AC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Shiga Aisaki
  • Publication number: 20020022867
    Abstract: The apparatus is structured in such a manner that, when the waveform of the electric energy outputted from the output electrodes 112a and 112b is the positive phase, the inductor 105, electric energy storage section 104, the first switch means 101, output electrode 112a, patient 113, and the output electrode 112b are connected so that these can form the closed circuit, and in the case where the waveform of the electric energy outputted from the output electrodes 112a and 112b is the negative phase, when the first switch means 101 is closed, the inductor 105 and the electric energy storage section 104 form the closed circuit, and when the first switch means 101 is opened, the inductor 105 and the electric energy storage section 104 are electrically separated, and the delivery of the electric energy to the output electrodes 112a, and 112b is conducted by the inductor 105.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Naoto Akiyama, Masahiko Inomata, Ikuhiro Tsumura