Patents Examined by Nicole Kramer
  • Cochlear implants and apparatus/methods for improving audio signals by use of frequency-amplitude-modulation-encoding (FAME) strategies
    Patent number: 7225027
    Abstract: A method of improving sound quality of audio signals that are digitally processed includes steps of extracting amplitude and frequency modulations from one or more narrow bands of the audio signal, and filtering and compressing those modulations to produce amplitude and frequency modulated audio signals that are digitally processed to provide an acoustic signal similar to the original audio signal. The methods may be used in auditory prostheses and telecommunication systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Fan-Gang Zeng, Kai-Bao Nie
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator for appetite control
    Patent number: 7200443
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of eating and gastrointestinal disorders through transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of the sympathetic celiac ganglia and nerve pathways innervating the stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: John Faul
  • Method and apparatus for cardiac pacing with variable safety margin
    Patent number: 7158831
    Abstract: A cardiac pacemaker in which a variable safety margin with respect to a capture threshold is employed in delivering pacing pulses. The safety margin of a pacing pulse is made to vary in accordance with the pattern of preceding intrinsic and paced beats. The pacing pulse energy is thereby maintained at a more optimum value with respect to the capture threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Qingsheng Zhu