Patents Represented by Attorney Christopher S.L. Crawford
  • Patent number: 7362334
    Abstract: A database methodology that concerns the mapping of any arbitrary object into a plurality of regions, enabling the assignment of multiple region-specific attributes thereto and facilitating the concurrent, graphical presentation of any assigned attributes. Attribute storage, manipulation, and presentation are driven by the individual regions and characteristics of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Daignault, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7359755
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an introducer is provided for implanting a paddle style electrical stimulation lead to enable electrical stimulation of nerve tissue. The introducer includes an outer sheath and an inner penetrator. The outer sheath may accommodate insertion of the paddle style electrical stimulation lead. The inner penetrator is removably housed within the outer sheath and includes an inner channel configured to accommodate a guide wire, a tip end having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the guide wire, a body region having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the outer sheath, and one or more transition regions substantially connecting the tip end with the body region. At least a portion of the transition regions of the inner penetrator may flex to substantially follow flexures in the guide wire during advancement of the inner penetrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Jones, Terry Daglow, Peter B. Hegi, Thomas K. Hickman
  • Patent number: 7359751
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide an external clinician interface, such as through the use of a laptop computer or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The foregoing clinician interface may be used with trial stimulators well suited for use interoperatively and during patient trial. Stimulators of embodiments are adapted for use in providing stimulation to a plurality of tissues and/or areas of the body, such as spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation, etcetera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Erickson, George Van Campen, Patrick M. Cullen, Thomas K. Hickman
  • Patent number: 7349743
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a neurological stimulation lead is adapted for implantation proximate target nerve tissue in a person for neurological stimulation of the target nerve tissue. A resilient lead body has a generally spiral natural configuration. A plurality of electrodes are located along the resilient lead body and adapted to be positioned proximate the target nerve tissue and to deliver electrical stimulation pulses to the target nerve tissue. The plurality of electrodes are located along the resilient lead body such that the electrodes are arranged in a predetermined array when the resilient lead body is in its generally spiral natural configuration. An inner channel formed through the resilient lead body is adapted to receive a straightening element. When inserted into the inner channel, the straightening element is adapted to place the resilient body in a generally linear configuration for insertion of the lead into the person and positioning of the electrodes proximate the target nerve tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles H. Tadlock
  • Patent number: 7346395
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation and/or chemical stimulation to treat depression. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead and/or catheter that is in communication with a predetermined site which is coupled to a signal generator and/or infusion pump that release either an electrical signal and/or a pharmaceutical resulting in stimulation of the predetermined site thereby treating the mood and/or anxiety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andres M. Lozano, Helen S. Mayberg
  • Patent number: 7338464
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable infusion pump having a refillable infusate reservoir in fluid communication with a delivery site via a flow path. This flow path includes a flow resistance. The infusion pump includes a sensing device(s), positioned relative to the flow path, to provide data regarding a flow rate along the flow path. The infusion pump effects a division of a total flow period into at least a plurality of unit dose periods, each unit dose period effecting delivery of a unit dose of infusate. The cumulative effect of delivering the total number of unit dose periods is the delivery of a desired dose over the total flow period. The present invention permits a reservoir pressure to vary over any portion of total flow period but effects a constant-pressure state over each unit dose cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Blischak, John H. Erickson, Terry Daglow, Sandra M. Hooper, Bruce D. Wigness
  • Patent number: 7330763
    Abstract: A method includes disabling a synchronization mechanism of a handheld device and disabling one or more hardware buttons on the handheld device. The method also includes removing user access to one or more settings on the handheld device. In addition, the method includes removing one or more system functions on the handheld device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick M. Cullen, Yan Wei Shi
  • Patent number: 7315761
    Abstract: According to one aspect, an electrical stimulation system for treating tinnitus is provided. The system includes an electrical stimulation lead adapted for implantation into the person's skull for electrical stimulation of target brain tissue located in the person's temporal lobe. The lead includes one or more electrodes adapted to be positioned near the target brain tissue and to deliver electrical stimulation energy to the target brain tissue. The system also includes a stimulation source operable to generate signals for transmission to the electrodes of the lead to cause the electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation energy to the target brain tissue located in the person's temporal lobe to reduce tinnitus effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dirk De Ridder
  • Patent number: 7313442
    Abstract: The present invention involves a method and a system for using electrical stimulation and/or chemical stimulation to treat depression. More particularly, the method comprises surgically implanting an electrical stimulation lead and/or catheter that is in communication with a predetermined site which is coupled to a signal generator and/or infusion pump that release either an electrical signal and/or a pharmaceutical resulting in stimulation of the predetermined site thereby treating the mood and/or anxiety disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Francisco Velasco, Fiacro Jimenez, Marcos Velasco, Andres M. Lozano
  • Patent number: 7287366
    Abstract: A wire wrapping device that includes a turntable assembly that is made up of a turntable and a driver adapted to rotate the turntable. Also, a set of payout carriers are mounted on the turntable, each payout carrier adapted to let out wire to be wrapped. A driver is adapted to turn each payout carrier relative to the turn table, the driver being user adjustable to turn each payout carrier by a selectable amount, per each complete rotation of the turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Don L. Dye, John W. Swanson, Jerome J. Boogaard, Dave Locke
  • Patent number: 7266885
    Abstract: A method of producing an electrode brain probe assembly, using a flexible substrate comprising a polymeric layer bearing a conductive material coating. Photolithography and electroplating are used to form a set of contacts and conductors on the polymeric layer of the flexible substrate. Also, the flexible substrate is shaped to have a distal end and to be at least 5 mm long, but less than 5 mm wide and less than 1 mm thick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Swanson
  • Patent number: 7239922
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a biological electrical stimulus cable. The method begins with a cable portion having a plurality of first conductive wires set into a length of insulative material. A portion of the insulative material is removed from the surface creating an exposed first wire surface. Then, a second conductive wire is connected to the exposed first wire surface and a preformed conductive ring is threaded onto the cable portion and electrically connected to the second conductive wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome J. Boogaard, Robert W. Lucas, John W. Swanson, Sergey N. Varivoda
  • Patent number: D558337
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Jones, Peter B. Hegi