Patents by Inventor Alejandro Covalin

Alejandro Covalin 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).

  • Publication number: 20240106142
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a connector for interfacing a flexible circuitry device with an apparatus includes a housing having a lower housing portion and an upper housing portion with a button region for a button, circuit board(s) including contact(s) for interfacing with corresponding contact(s) of an I/O section of flexible circuitry, retention feature(s) for frictionally retaining the I/O section against the contact(s) of the circuit board(s), and a cable interface. When the button is in a retain position, the button creates a downward force on the retention feature(s) toward the lower housing portion, thereby frictionally retaining the I/O section of the flexible circuitry, and, when the button is in a release position, the retention feature(s) is displaced in a direction of the upper housing portion, thereby creating or widening an aperture for insertion of the I/O section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Spark Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Wettenstein, Alejandro Covalin, Ryan Clingan, Terry Douglas Daglow
  • Publication number: 20230414928
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, systems and methods for treating stress and/or for improving alertness in a subject using neurostimulation therapy include placing first electrode(s) on, over, or adjacent to an auricular branch of the vagus nerve, placing second electrode(s) on, over or adjacent to an auriculotemporal nerve, and delivering therapeutic stimulation pulses via the first electrode(s) and the second electrode(s) by delivering a first series of stimulation pulses to the first electrode(s), the first series configured to increase activity in neural medullary structure(s), and delivering a second series of stimulation pulses to the second electrode(s), the second series configured to increase activity in neural structures within the Trigeminocervical Complex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Alejandro Covalin, Navid Khodaparast, Melanie McWade
  • Publication number: 20230381515
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, systems and methods for providing antiemetic therapy through neuromodulation include positioning a first electrode against or at least partially into a first tissue region on or surrounding a subject's ear such that the first electrode is on, over, or adjacent to one or more first neural structures, positioning a second electrode against or at least partially into a second tissue region on or surrounding the ear such that the second electrode is on, over, or adjacent to one or more second neural structures, delivering a first series of stimulation pulses to the first electrode for modulating peripheral activity via modulating central neural autonomic structures, and delivering a second series of stimulation pulses to the second electrode for increasing availability of central norepinephrine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Spark Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Alejandro Covalin, Navid Khodaparast, Melanie McWade
  • Publication number: 20230149703
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, systems and methods for treating stress and/or for improving alertness in a subject using neurostimulation therapy include placing first electrode(s) on, over, or adjacent to an auricular branch of the vagus nerve, placing second electrode(s) on, over or adjacent to an auriculotemporal nerve, and delivering therapeutic stimulation pulses via the first electrode(s) and the second electrode(s) by delivering a first series of stimulation pulses to the first electrode(s), the first series configured to increase activity in neural medullary structure(s), and delivering a second series of stimulation pulses to the second electrode(s), the second series configured to increase activity in neural structures within the Trigeminocervical Complex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Alejandro Covalin, Navid Khodaparast, Melanie McWade
  • Patent number: 11623088
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, methods and systems for attenuating effect(s) associated with reduction or cessation of substance use by an individual include providing a neurostimulation delivery system including a neurostimulation device having a first portion including a first electrode configured to electrically stimulate auricular branch(es) of the vagus nerve, and a second portion including a second electrode configured to electrically stimulate branch(es) of the auriculotemporal nerve, and a pulse generator including circuitry configured to deliver therapeutic stimulation pulses to the first and second electrodes. Methods and systems include positioning the neurostimulation device for administration of the neurostimulation treatment, whereby the first electrode is disposed on, over or adjacent to auricular branch(es) of the vagus nerve, and the second electrode is disposed on, over or adjacent to branch(es) of the auriculotemporal nerve, and administering the neurostimulation treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: SPARK BIOMEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Alejandro Covalin, Navid Khodaparast, Daniel Powell
  • Publication number: 20230093826
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, devices, and systems used for the treatment of and/or promoting recovery from various neurological disorders and conditions, including epilepsy and other seizure disorders and movement and other related disorders, as well as for the treatment of mood, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and cognitive and behavioral disorders (collectively, neuropsychiatric disorders) via stimulation of the superficial elements of the trigeminal nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Christopher DeGiorgio, Ian A. Cook, Alejandro Covalin, Patrick R. Miller, Lara Schrader
  • Publication number: 20220305260
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, methods and systems for attenuating effect(s) associated with reduction or cessation of substance use by an individual include providing a neurostimulation delivery system including a neurostimulation device having a first portion including at first electrode configured to electrically stimulate branch(s) of the auriculotemporal nerve, and a second portion including a second electrode configured to electrically stimulate auricular branch(es) of the vagus nerve, and a pulse generator including circuitry configured to deliver therapeutic stimulation pulses to the first and second electrodes. Methods and systems include positioning the neurostimulation device for administration of the neurostimulation treatment, whereby the first electrode is disposed on, over or adjacent to branch(s) of the auriculotemporal nerve, and the second electrode is disposed on, over or adjacent to auricular branch(es) of the vagus nerve, and administering the neurostimulation treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Alejandro Covalin, Navid Khodaparast, Daniel Powell
  • Patent number: 11351370
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating cognitive dysfunction and/or depression using transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation therapy may include positioning a wearable neurostimulation device about the ear of the patient, connecting the wearable neurostimulation device, to a pulse generator, and delivering a first series of stimulation pulses to at least one first electrode, the first series being configured to increase monoamine neurotransmitter availability, and delivering a second series of stimulation pulses to at least one second electrode, the second series being configured to upregulate opioid receptor agonists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Spark Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Alejandro Covalin, Navid Khodaparast, Daniel Powell
  • Publication number: 20210213286
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating cognitive dysfunction and/or depression using transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation therapy may include positioning a wearable neurostimulation device about the ear of the patient, connecting the wearable neurostimulation device, to a pulse generator, and delivering a first series of stimulation pulses to at least one first electrode, the first series being configured to increase monoamine neurotransmitter availability, and delivering a second series of stimulation pulses to at least one second electrode, the second series being configured to upregulate opioid receptor agonists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Alejandro Covalin, Navid Khodaparast, Daniel Powell
  • Patent number: 10967182
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing pulmonary inflammation and/or increasing bronchial compliance in a patient utilize transcutaneous stimulation of neural structures in a region of an ear of a patient delivered by an auricular stimulation device having an in-ear component with a first electrode disposed in a patient's ear and an earpiece component with a second electrode placed around the auricle. A pulse generator may control delivery of therapy by delivering both a first series of stimulation pulses to the first electrode for stimulating a first neural structure(s) and a second series of stimulation pulses to the second electrode for stimulating second neural structure(s). The first and second electrodes are in non-piercing contact with tissue on and/or surrounding the ear. The systems and methods may be used to treat viral or bacteria infections, such as SARS, MERS, or COVID-19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Spark Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Navid Khodaparast, Alejandro Covalin
  • Publication number: 20200238085
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing pulmonary inflammation and/or increasing bronchial compliance in a patient utilize transcutaneous stimulation of neural structures in a region of an ear of a patient delivered by an auricular stimulation device having an in-ear component with a first electrode disposed in a patient's ear and an earpiece component with a second electrode placed around the auricle. A pulse generator may control delivery of therapy by delivering both a first series of stimulation pulses to the first electrode for stimulating a first neural structure(s) and a second series of stimulation pulses to the second electrode for stimulating second neural structure(s). The first and second electrodes are in non-piercing contact with tissue on and/or surrounding the ear. The systems and methods may be used to treat viral or bacteria infections, such as SARS, MERS, or COVID-19.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Navid Khodaparast, Alejandro Covalin
  • Patent number: 10695568
    Abstract: A treatment system and method for inducing endogenous release of peptides is provided including a concha apparatus including a first electrode in contact with vagal related neural structures; an earpiece connected to the concha apparatus by a first connector, the earpiece including a PCB layer including a second electrode configured to be in contact with a neural structure related to the auriculotemporal nerve, and at least another electrode configured to be in contact with or in proximity to neural structures related to the great auricular nerve and/or its branches and/or the lesser occipital nerve and/or its branches, and an adhesive configured to secure the electrodes on the earpiece to the skin; and a pulse generator connected to the earpiece by a second connector, the pulse generator including circuitry in communication with the first electrode of the concha apparatus, the second electrode and the at least another electrode of the earpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Spark Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Alejandro Covalin
  • Publication number: 20200197707
    Abstract: A treatment system and method for inducing endogenous release of peptides is provided including a concha apparatus including a first electrode in contact with vagal related neural structures; an earpiece connected to the concha apparatus by a first connector, the earpiece including a PCB layer including a second electrode configured to be in contact with a neural structure related to the auriculotemporal nerve, and at least another electrode configured to be in contact with or in proximity to neural structures related to the great auricular nerve and/or its branches and/or the lesser occipital nerve and/or its branches, and an adhesive configured to secure the electrodes on the earpiece to the skin; and a pulse generator connected to the earpiece by a second connector, the pulse generator including circuitry in communication with the first electrode of the concha apparatus, the second electrode and the at least another electrode of the earpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2019
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Applicant: Spark Biomedical, Inc
    Inventor: Alejandro Covalin
  • Patent number: 10322283
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, devices and systems used for the treatment of mood, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and cognitive and behavioral disorders (collectively, neuropsychiatric disorders) via stimulation of the superficial elements of the trigeminal nerve (“TNS”). More specifically, cutaneous methods of stimulation of the superficial branches of the trigeminal nerve located extracranially in the face, namely the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, auriculotemporal, zygomaticotemporal, zygomaticoorbital, zygomaticofacial, infraorbital, nasal and mentalis nerves (also referred to collectively as the superficial trigeminal nerve) are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Christopher DeGiorgio, Ian A. Cook, Alejandro Covalin, Patrick R. Miller, Lara Schrader
  • Publication number: 20170259063
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, devices and systems used for the treatment of mood, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and cognitive and behavioral disorders (collectively, neuropsychiatric disorders) via stimulation of the superficial elements of the trigeminal nerve (“TNS”). More specifically, cutaneous methods of stimulation of the superficial branches of the trigeminal nerve located extracranially in the face, namely the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, auriculotemporal, zygomaticotemporal, zygomaticoorbital, zygomaticofacial, infraorbital, nasal and mentalis nerves (also referred to collectively as the superficial trigeminal nerve) are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Christopher DeGiorgio, Ian A. Cook, Alejandro Covalin, Patrick R. Miller, Lara Schrader
  • Patent number: 9682236
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, devices and systems used for the treatment of mood, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and cognitive and behavioral disorders (collectively, neuropsychiatric disorders) via stimulation of the superficial elements of the trigeminal nerve (“TNS”). More specifically, cutaneous methods of stimulation of the superficial branches of the trigeminal nerve located extracranially in the face, namely the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, auriculotemporal, zygomaticotemporal, zygomaticoorbital, zygomaticofacial, infraorbital, nasal and mentalis nerves (also referred to collectively as the superficial trigeminal nerve) are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Christopher DeGiorgio, Ian A. Cook, Alejandro Covalin, Patrick R. Miller, Lara Schrader
  • Patent number: 9597007
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for identifying and targeting brain regions and brain structures. In one embodiment, a method of identifying a brain structure in a patient comprises imaging a brain region using Diffusion Tensor Imaging MRI to identify a nerve tract, following the nerve tract to a first brain structure, and identifying the first brain structure based on the location and orientation of the nerve tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignees: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
    Inventors: Antonio Alfonso Ferreira DeSalles, Alejandro Covalin
  • Publication number: 20160354139
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled or room temperature fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel R. BURNETT, Alejandro COVALIN
  • Publication number: 20160129254
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, devices and systems used for the treatment of mood, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and cognitive and behavioral disorders (collectively, neuropsychiatric disorders) via stimulation of the superficial elements of the trigeminal nerve (“TNS”). More specifically, cutaneous methods of stimulation of the superficial branches of the trigeminal nerve located extracranially in the face, namely the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, auriculotemporal, zygomaticotemporal, zygomaticoorbital, zygomaticofacial, infraorbital, nasal and mentalis nerves (also referred to collectively as the superficial trigeminal nerve) are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher DeGiorgio, Ian A. Cook, Alejandro Covalin, Patrick R. Miller, Lara Schrader
  • Patent number: 9238139
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, devices and systems used for the treatment of mood, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and cognitive and behavioral disorders (collectively, neuropsychiatric disorders) via stimulation of the superficial elements of the trigeminal nerve (“TNS”). More specifically, cutaneous methods of stimulation of the superficial branches of the trigeminal nerve located extracranially in the face, namely the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, auriculotemporal, zygomaticotemporal, zygomaticoorbital, zygomaticofacial, infraorbital, nasal and mentalis nerves (also referred to collectively as the superficial trigeminal nerve) are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Christopher DeGiorgio, Ian A. Cook, Alejandro Covalin, Patrick R. Miller, Lara Schrader