Patents Examined by Kennedy Schaetzle
-
Patent number: 10004410Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and methods for measuring physiological parameters. More specifically, the present invention relates to a noncontact technology by which one or more physiological parameters of a subject may be efficiently and quickly detected. Among other advantages, the present invention can be used to assess and monitor vital signs of one or more subjects in a variety of contexts including for medical or security triage purposes, for use in healthcare waiting rooms, as part of human imaging systems, or during surgery.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Stephen W. Porges, Maria I. Davila, Gregory F. Lewis
-
Patent number: 9999768Abstract: A means for treating breathing disorders by stimulating respiratory muscles or nerves to entrain respiratory systems while leaving respiratory drive intact. Embodiments of the invention employ frequency analysis to determine if appropriate stimulation energy is being applied.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: Respicardia, Inc.Inventors: Mark Gelfand, Kristofer J. James, Randy W. Westlund, Antonis Panteleon, Todd P. Goblish, Mark C. Lynn
-
Patent number: 9999772Abstract: A system and method for performing deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy are provided. The method and system include pre-operatively acquiring at least one pre-operative image of the brain with at least one imaging sub-system and determining a location of a Nucleus Basalis of Meynert (NBM) for therapy in the at least one pre-operative image, and intra-operatively acquiring at least one intra-operative image of the brain after obtaining an access opening through the skull. The method and system further provide performing surgical planning based on the pre-operative image in the intra-operative image, advancing a lead having DBS electrodes on the lead to a target position proximate to or within the NBM area, and coupling the lead to an implantable pulse generator (IPG) configured to deliver DBS pulses through the DBS electrodes to the NBM. Further, the IPG is configured to deliver DBS pulses for treating symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2014Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: PACESETTER, INC.Inventor: Lalit Venkatesan
-
Patent number: 9993647Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electrical stimulation therapy method. The method includes applying a variable frequency stimulation pulse to target nerve tissue of the patient suffering from dysfunction of a nerve circuit in the brain selected from the group consisting of motor circuit, associative circuit and limbic circuit, wherein the variable frequency stimulation pulse comprises at least two kinds of electrical stimulation pulse trains at different frequencies; and each of the at least two kinds of alternate electrical stimulation pulse trains in each of the plurality of pulse train periods has a duration in a range from about 0.1 seconds to about 60 minutes. The target nerve tissue is a part of the nerve circuit. The different frequencies of the electrical stimulation pulse trains are in a range from about 10 Hz to about 250 Hz.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Tsinghua UniversityInventors: Lu-Ming Li, Fu-Min Jia, Xing Qian, Sen Wan, Hong-Wei Hao
-
Patent number: 9987489Abstract: Systems and related methods for controlling an ear stimulation device with a personal computing device, in response to determination of electrical contact of an electrode in a stimulator earpiece with an ear of a user of the personal computing device, are described. If the electrode is not in good electrical contact with the ear of the user, delivery of the stimulus is prevented and the user is notified of the status of the electrode. In various aspects, the user is instructed to reposition the earpiece or replace, clean, moisten, or apply gel to at least a portion of the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: Eleanor V. Goodall, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Melanie K. Kitzan, Eric C. Leuthardt, Mark A. Malamud, Stephen L. Malaska, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Brittany Scheid, Katherine E. Sharadin, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
-
Patent number: 9981138Abstract: A controller-transmitter transmits acoustic energy through the body to an implanted acoustic receiver-stimulator. The receiver-stimulator converts the acoustic energy into electrical energy and delivers the electrical energy to tissue using an electrode assembly. The receiver-stimulator limits the output voltage delivered to the tissue to a predetermined maximum output voltage. In the presence of interfering acoustic energy sources output voltages are thereby limited prior to being delivered to the tissue. Furthermore, the controller-transmitter estimates the output voltage that is delivered to the tissue by the implanted receiver-stimulator. The controller-transmitter measures a query spike voltage resulting from the electrical energy delivered to the tissue by the receiver-stimulator, and computes a ratio of the predetermined maximum output voltage and a maximum query spike voltage. The maximum query spike voltage is computed by detecting a query spike voltage plateau.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2012Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: EBR Systems, Inc.Inventor: N. Parker Willis
-
Patent number: 9974957Abstract: Sensory information can be delivered to a subject mammal, for example, for restoring a sense of cutaneous touch and limb motion to the subject mammal. A biomimetic electrical signal is generated based on (a) a stimulation reference signal applied to a somatosensory region of a nervous system of a reference mammal, (b) a stimulated-response signal acquired from a sensory cortex of the reference mammal in response to application of the stimulation reference signal to the thalamic nucleus, and (c) a natural-response signal acquired from the sensory cortex in response to peripheral touch stimuli and/or peripheral nerve stimulation of the reference mammal. The biomimetic electrical signal is applied to a somatosensory region of a nervous system of the subject mammal to induce an activation response, in a sensory cortex of the subject mammal.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2015Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORKInventors: John S. Choi, Joseph T. Francis
-
Patent number: 9968273Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ECG waveform detecting apparatus includes an input circuit and processing circuitry. The input circuit receives an ECG signal. The processing circuitry performs first detection of a specific waveform included in the ECG signal, performs update processing of a detection parameter for detecting the specific waveform based on a part of the specific waveform or result of the first detection, performs second detection of the specific waveform from the ECG signal by using the detection parameter after the update processing, and generates a synchronization signal based on information on the second detection.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventor: Hidenori Takeshima
-
Patent number: 9956030Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing that supports an elongated shaft. A selectively movable drive rod extends through the elongated shaft and carries a cam pin in a longitudinal direction. An end effector for surgically treating tissue is supported by the elongated shaft and includes upper and lower jaw members pivotally coupled to one another about a pivot axis. The upper jaw member includes a first pair of laterally spaced flanges, and the lower jaw member includes a second pair of laterally spaced flanges defining a camming slot for engaging the cam pin. The flanges are arranged in an offset configuration where one flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally exterior side of a corresponding flange of the lower jaw member, and the other flange of the upper jaw member is positioned on a laterally interior side of the other flange of the lower jaw member.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Covidien LPInventors: James D. Allen, IV, Edward M. Chojin, Joseph D. Bucciaglia
-
Patent number: 9956393Abstract: The disclosed wearable device modulates a patient's gastric emptying time and/or gastric retention time. The wearable device includes a microprocessor, electrical stimulator and at least one electrode configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the epidermis, through a range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm or a range of 0.1 mm to 20 mm of the dermis, of a T2 dermatome to a T12 dermatome or meridian of the patient, a C5 to a T1 dermatome across the hand and/or arm, and/or the upper chest regions. The device is adapted to provide electrical stimulation as per stimulation protocols and to communicate wirelessly with a companion control device configured to monitor and record appetite patterns of the patient. The control device is also configured to monitor, record, and modify stimulation parameters of the stimulation protocols.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Elira, Inc.Inventors: Raul E. Perez, Peter I. Hong, Steven Diianni, Luis Jose Malave, Brad Stengel
-
Patent number: 9950185Abstract: A flexible catheter includes two electrical contacts in a distal region of the catheter and a distal aperture of a hose line. The electrical contacts are connected to a high frequency pulse generator for applying pulsed radio frequency energy for nerve stimulation. A temperature sensor is located in the distal region of the catheter. The flexible catheter is inserted into a region in the spinal canal and the pulsed radio frequency generator is operated, thereby applying pulsed radio frequency energy to a localized region to be treated. The temperature at the distal region of the catheter can also be monitored, and the pulsed radio frequency energy is applied in dependence on the monitored temperature. With the catheter, pain and other medical conditions being related to and influenced by a nervous system are treated.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Inventor: Omar Omar-Pasha
-
Patent number: 9901666Abstract: Methods and apparatus for estimating flow rate in a blood circulation assist system employing impeller eccentricity. A method includes magnetically rotating an impeller within a blood flow channel of a blood pump. The impeller is levitated within the blood flow channel transverse to the impeller axis of rotation. A rotational speed for the impeller is determined. At least one impeller transverse position parameter is determined. The at least one impeller transverse position parameter is based on at least one of (1) an amount of a bearing current that is used to levitate the impeller transverse to the impeller axis of rotation, and (2) a position of the impeller within the blood flow channel transverse to the impeller axis of rotation. A flow rate of blood pumped by the blood pump is estimated based on the impeller rotational speed and the at least one impeller transverse position parameter.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: TC1 LLCInventor: Christopher J. Cotter
-
Patent number: 9901261Abstract: The invention provides a body-worn monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling). The body-worn monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs by motion-related artifacts. A software framework generates alarms/alerts based on threshold values that are either preset or determined in real time. The framework additionally includes a series of ‘heuristic’ rules that take the patient's activity state and motion into account, and process the vital signs accordingly. These rules, for example, indicate that a walking patient is likely breathing and has a regular heart rate, even if their motion-corrupted vital signs suggest otherwise.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2017Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: SOTERA WIRELESS, INC.Inventors: Devin McCombie, Matt Banet, Marshal Dhillon, Jim Moon
-
Patent number: 9901735Abstract: Provided are an ancillary device for an electrical stimulation device and an electrical stimulation device. The ancillary device is usable for an electrical stimulation device including at least one electrode that contacts the head of a user to apply a current to the head of a user, and includes a reverse current supplier that contacts the at least one electrode of the electrical stimulation device, and a controller that controls the reverse current supplier such that a reverse current is supplied to the at least one electrode to neutralize the at least one electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: y-Brain IncInventors: Ki Won Lee, Cheon Ju Ko, Jong Min Jang, Byung Gik Kim
-
Patent number: 9895071Abstract: Self-correlation enhancements and implementations are described. In particular, certain examples demonstrate the use of a tracking mechanism to identify and/or confirm cardiac rate using data from iterative self-correlation performed at intervals over time. This may enable the interpolation of cardiac rate in an implantable medical device when data is insufficient, and may provide confidence in cardiac rate analyses.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: CAMERON HEALTH, INC.Inventor: Krzysztof Z. Siejko
-
Patent number: 9878163Abstract: Systems and methods for providing CRT therapy to a patient with an implanted multi-site pacing medical device. In one example, an intrinsic electrical delay associated with each of two or more left ventricle electrodes may be determined. The intrinsic electrical delay associated with each of the two or more left ventricle electrodes may be compared to an electrical delay threshold. If the electrical delay associated with one or fewer left ventricle electrodes is greater than the electrical delay threshold, a single left ventricle electrode may be selected for use during subsequent CRT therapy. If the electrical delay associated with more than one left ventricle electrode is greater than the electrical delay threshold, two or more of the left ventricle electrodes may be selected for use during subsequent CRT therapy.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: Yinghong Yu, Keith L. Herrmann, Holly Rockweiler, Sunipa Saha, Benjamin J Nyquist
-
Patent number: 9877814Abstract: Preparation of a dental prosthesis that includes a gingiva part having retention holes for seating of manufactured teeth, with the retention holes being enlarged relative to the manufactured teeth. Wax in the enlarged retention holes permits adjustments in positioning of the manufactured teeth, and a helper structure preserves this positioning when the wax is removed and a curable gingiva material is filled into the retention holes. Aspects described herein include digital and/or automatic design of the dental prosthesis and its constituent pieces, as well as automated fabrication thereof in whole or in part, such as in a dental CAD/CAM system.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbHInventors: Paul Schnitzspan, Thorsten Jordan
-
Patent number: 9872753Abstract: Provided is an implantable sling for supporting a body organ. The sling may be used, for example, as a urethral sling, a puborectal sling or a surgical mesh for pelvic organ prolapsed repair. The sling of the invention has a first sling element, having a first sling body and two or more slender first projections extending from the first sling body. The sling may further include a second sling element having a second sling body and two or more slender second projections extending from the second sling body, and one or more detachable connections connecting the first sling element and the second sling element. In some embodiments, the connections are configured to tear when the first and second sling elements are pulled apart.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Innoventions LTD.Inventors: Daniel Yachia, Valentin Ponomarenko, Ortal Netanel
-
Patent number: 9872653Abstract: The local conduction velocity of a cardiac activation wavefront can be computed by collecting a plurality of electrophysiology (“EP”) data points using a multi-electrode catheter, with each EP data point including both position data and local activation time (“LAT”) data. For any EP data point, a neighborhood of EP data points, including the selected EP data point and at least two additional EP data points, can be defined. Planes of position and LATs can then be defined using the positions and LATs, respectively, of the EP data points within the neighborhood. A conduction velocity can be computed from an intersection of the planes of positions and LATs. The resultant plurality of conduction velocities can be output as a graphical representation (e.g., an electrophysiology map), for example by displaying vector icons arranged in a uniform grid over a three-dimensional cardiac model.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2016Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.Inventors: Wenwen Li, Erhan Erdemir, Eric J. Voth, Valtino X. Afonso, Carlo Pappone
-
Patent number: 9861319Abstract: The present invention provides for three-dimensional reflectance diffuse optical imaging of deep tissue blood flow distribution that removes the need for probe-tissue contact, thereby allowing for such technology to be applied to sensitive, vulnerable, damaged, or reconstructive tissue. The systems utilize noncontact application and detection of near-infrared light through optical lens and detection through a linear array or two-dimensional array of avalanche photodiodes or a two-dimensional array of detectors provided by charge-coupled-device (CCD). Both further feature a finite-element-method (FEM) based facilitation to provide for three-dimensional flow image reconstruction in deep tissues with arbitrary geometries.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventors: Guoqiang Yu, Yu Lin, Chong Huang