Patents by Inventor Brian J. Wenzel

Brian J. Wenzel 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: 20240077180
    Abstract: A work light including a body defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a length extending between the first end and the second end, and a pivot axis extending parallel to the length. The first end includes a power button. The work light further includes a light source head pivotally coupled to the body to pivot about the pivot axis and configured to be operated by the power button. The light source head includes a planar light panel having a plurality of light emitting diodes aligned in a direction parallel to the pivot axis. The work light further includes a battery receptacle disposed on the body and configured to receive at least a portion of a battery. The battery couples to the battery receptacle by sliding into the battery receptacle along the direction parallel to the pivot axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Duane W. WENZEL, Brian CORNELL, Alan AMUNDSON, Jun MA, Jay J. ROSENBECKER, Jing SU, Jason ISAACS
  • Patent number: 9743994
    Abstract: A method for determining the location of a medical device within a body is provided. The method includes transmitting from the medical device an acoustic signal; receiving with the medical device a reflected acoustic signal; advancing the medical device based on a first algorithm, the first algorithm including a first weighting factor and a first feature extracted from the reflected acoustic signal; determining a first location of the medical device based on the first algorithm; and moving the medical device to a second location based on a second algorithm, the second algorithm based on the determined first location and including at least one of a second weighting factor and a second feature extracted from the reflected acoustic signal. Also disclosed are systems and devices for performing the methods described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Vasonova, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Wenzel, Kichang Lee, Stephen P. Hanlon, Miroslav Navratil, Jin Jiang
  • Publication number: 20160256224
    Abstract: A method for determining the location of a medical device within a body is provided. The method includes transmitting from the medical device an acoustic signal; receiving with the medical device a reflected acoustic signal; advancing the medical device based on a first algorithm, the first algorithm including a first weighting factor and a first feature extracted from the reflected acoustic signal; determining a first location of the medical device based on the first algorithm; and moving the medical device to a second location based on a second algorithm, the second algorithm based on the determined first location and including at least one of a second weighting factor and a second feature extracted from the reflected acoustic signal. Also disclosed are systems and devices for performing the methods described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Brian J. Wenzel, Kichang Lee, Stephen P. Hanlon, Miroslav Navratil, Jin Jiang
  • Patent number: 9345447
    Abstract: A method for determining the location of a medical device within a body is provided. The method includes transmitting from the medical device an acoustic signal; receiving with the medical device a reflected acoustic signal; advancing the medical device based on a first algorithm, the first algorithm including a first weighting factor and a first feature extracted from the reflected acoustic signal; determining a first location of the medical device based on the first algorithm; and moving the medical device to a second location based on a second algorithm, the second algorithm based on the determined first location and including at least one of a second weighting factor and a second feature extracted from the reflected acoustic signal. Also disclosed are systems and devices for performing the methods described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: VasoNova, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Wenzel, Kichang Lee, Stephen P. Hanlon, Miroslav Navratil, Jin Jiang
  • Patent number: 9066662
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for estimating left atrial pressure (LAP) or other cardiac performance parameters based on measured conduction delays. In particular, LAP is estimated based interventricular conduction delays. Predetermined conversion factors stored within the device are used to convert the various the conduction delays into LAP values or other appropriate cardiac performance parameters. The conversion factors may be, for example, slope and baseline values derived during an initial calibration procedure performed by an external system, such as an external programmer. In some examples, the slope and baseline values may be periodically re-calibrated by the implantable device itself. Techniques are also described for adaptively adjusting pacing parameters based on estimated LAP or other cardiac performance parameters. Still further, techniques are described for estimating conduction delays based on impedance or admittance values and for tracking heart failure therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Wenzel, Dan E. Gutfinger, Mihir Naware, Xiaoyi Min, Jeffery Siou, Anders Bjorling, Dorin Panescu
  • Patent number: 9014809
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes acquiring an electroneurogram of the right carotid sinus nerve or the left carotid sinus nerve, analyzing the electroneurogram for at least one of chemosensory information and barosensory information and calling for one or more therapeutic actions based at least in part on the analyzing. Therapeutic actions may aim to treat conditions such as sleep apnea, an increase in metabolic demand, hypoglycemia, hypertension, renal failure, and congestive heart failure. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Wenzel, Taraneh Ghaffari Farazi
  • Patent number: 9002446
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes acquiring an electroneurogram of the right carotid sinus nerve or the left carotid sinus nerve, analyzing the electroneurogram for at least one of chemosensory information and barosensory information and calling for one or more therapeutic actions based at least in part on the analyzing. Therapeutic actions may aim to treat conditions such as sleep apnea, an increase in metabolic demand, hypoglycemia, hypertension, renal failure, and congestive heart failure. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Wenzel, Taraneh Ghaffari Farazi
  • Patent number: 8965490
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, devices and methods to increase the accuracy of intravascular catheter placement, and to improve electrocardiogram (ECG), intravascular electrogram, and ultrasound Doppler signal processing to detect the Superior Vena Cava (SVC) area. Embodiments of the invention are intended to place an intravascular catheter within the lower ? of SVC to the junction of the SVC and the right atrium (RA)—called the cavoatrial junction (CAJ). In particular, the improved accuracy of CAJ location detection during an intravascular catheter placement can be provided by optimization of ECG parameters and ultrasound Doppler signal using Neuro-Fuzzy logic and/or other processing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Vasonova, Inc.
    Inventors: Kichang Lee, Brian J. Wenzel, Jin Jiang, Stephen P. Hanlon
  • Publication number: 20150025397
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for estimating left atrial pressure (LAP) or other cardiac performance parameters based on measured conduction delays. In particular, LAP is estimated based interventricular conduction delays. Predetermined conversion factors stored within the device are used to convert the various the conduction delays into LAP values or other appropriate cardiac performance parameters. The conversion factors may be, for example, slope and baseline values derived during an initial calibration procedure performed by an external system, such as an external programmer. In some examples, the slope and baseline values may be periodically re-calibrated by the implantable device itself. Techniques are also described for adaptively adjusting pacing parameters based on estimated LAP or other cardiac performance parameters. Still further, techniques are described for estimating conduction delays based on impedance or admittance values and for tracking heart failure therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Brian J. Wenzel, Dan E. Gutfinger, Mihir Naware, Xiaoyi Min, Jeffery Siou, Anders Bjorling, Dorin Panescu
  • Patent number: 8914108
    Abstract: Time delays between a feature of a signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart and a feature of a plethysmograph signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume are used to arrange the operation of an implantable device, such as a pacemaker. Shorter time delays between the feature of the signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart and the feature of the plethysmograph signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume are indicative of larger cardiac stroke volumes. The time delay can be used to select a pacing site or combination of pacing sites and/or to select a pacing interval set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene A. Bornzin, Wenbo Hou, Edward Karst, Brian J. Wenzel, Timothy A. Fayram
  • Publication number: 20140336719
    Abstract: Time delays between a feature of a signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart and a feature of a plethysmograph signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume are used to arrange the operation of an implantable device, such as a pacemaker. Shorter time delays between the feature of the signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart and the feature of the plethysmograph signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume are indicative of larger cardiac stroke volumes. The time delay can be used to select a pacing site or combination of pacing sites and/or to select a pacing interval set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Gene A. Bornzin, Wenbo Hou, Edward Karst, Brian J. Wenzel, Timothy A. Fayram
  • Publication number: 20140135645
    Abstract: An exemplary includes acquiring an electroneurogram of the right carotid sinus nerve or the left carotid sinus nerve, analyzing the electroneurogram for at least one of chemosensory information and barosensory information and calling for one or more therapeutic actions based at least in part on the analyzing. Therapeutic actions may aim to treat conditions such as sleep apnea, an increase in metabolic demand, hypoglycemia, hypertension, renal failure, and congestive heart failure. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Brian J. Wenzel, Taraneh Ghaffari Farazi
  • Patent number: 8649865
    Abstract: Time delays between a feature of a signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart and a feature of a plethysmograph signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume are used to arrange the operation of an implantable device, such as a pacemaker. Shorter time delays between the feature of the signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart and the feature of the plethysmograph signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume are indicative of larger cardiac stroke volumes. The time delay can be used to select a pacing site or combination of pacing sites and/or to select a pacing interval set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene A. Bornzin, Wenbo Hou, Edward Karst, Brian J. Wenzel, Timothy A Fayram
  • Publication number: 20130296693
    Abstract: A method for determining the location of a medical device within a body is provided. The method includes transmitting from the medical device an acoustic signal; receiving with the medical device a reflected acoustic signal; advancing the medical device based on a first algorithm, the first algorithm including a first weighting factor and a first feature extracted from the reflected acoustic signal; determining a first location of the medical device based on the first algorithm; and moving the medical device to a second location based on a second algorithm, the second algorithm based on the determined first location and including at least one of a second weighting factor and a second feature extracted from the reflected acoustic signal. Also disclosed are systems and devices for performing the methods described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Brian J. WENZEL, Kichang Lee, Stephen P. Hanlon, Miroslav Navratil, Jin Jiang
  • Publication number: 20130296725
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, devices and methods to increase the accuracy of intravascular catheter placement, and to improve electrocardiogram (ECG), intravascular electrogram, and ultrasound Doppler signal processing to detect the Superior Vena Cava (SVC) area. Embodiments of the invention are intended to place an intravascular catheter within the lower ? of SVC to the junction of the SVC and the right atrium (RA)—called the cavoatrial junction (CAJ). In particular, the improved accuracy of CAJ location detection during an intravascular catheter placement can be provided by optimization of ECG parameters and ultrasound Doppler signal using Neuro-Fuzzy logic and/or other processing techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Kichang LEE, Brian J. Wenzel, Jin Jiang, Stephen P. Hanlon
  • Patent number: 8396555
    Abstract: Apparatus to control physiological functions, including urinary track physiological functions are described. The apparatus includes an electrode(s) configured to be placed on or in a targeted component of a pudendal nerve and to stimulate the targeted pudendal nerve pudendal. The targeted component of the pudendal nerve includes a pudendal nerve urethral afferent, and afferent nerve fibers in the deep perineal nerve. The apparatus includes a controller coupled to the electrode to apply an electrical signal having an amplitude and a selected frequency chosen to stimulate the targeted component. The controller operates in a first mode to apply a first frequency without substantially changing the amplitude for achieving a first physiologic response and the controller operates in a second mode to apply a second frequency, different than the first frequency, for achieving a second physiologic response different than the first physiologic response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Joseph W. Boggs, II, Brian J. Wenzel, Kenneth J. Gustafson, Warren M. Grill
  • Patent number: 8380303
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for use with implantable medical devices for addressing encapsulation effects, particularly in the detection of cardiac decompensation events such as heart failure (HF) or cardiogenic pulmonary edema (PE.) In one example, during an acute interval following device implant, cardiac decompensation is detected using heart rate variability (HRV), ventricular evoked response (ER) or various other non-impedance-based parameters that are insensitive to component encapsulation effects. During the subsequent chronic interval, decompensation is detected using intracardiac or transthoracic impedance signals. In another example, the degree of maturation of encapsulation of implanted components is assessed using impedance frequency-response measurements or based on the frequency bandwidth of heart sounds or other physiological signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Rosenberg, Cecilia Q. Xi, Yelena Nabutovsky, Brian J. Wenzel, Jong Gill, William Hsu
  • Patent number: 8295918
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for use with implantable medical devices for addressing encapsulation effects, particularly in the detection of cardiac decompensation events such as heart failure (HF) or cardiogenic pulmonary edema (PE.) In one example, during an acute interval following device implant, cardiac decompensation is detected using heart rate variability (HRV), ventricular evoked response (ER) or various other non-impedance-based parameters that are insensitive to component encapsulation effects. During the subsequent chronic interval, decompensation is detected using intracardiac or transthoracic impedance signals. In another example, the degree of maturation of encapsulation of implanted components is assessed using impedance frequency-response measurements or based on the frequency bandwidth of heart sounds or other physiological signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Rosenberg, Cecilia Q. Xi, Yelena Nabutovsky, Brian J. Wenzel, Jong Gill, William Hsu
  • Patent number: 8092386
    Abstract: In an implantable medical device for monitoring blood-glucose concentration in the blood, metabolic oxygen consumption is derived by measuring physiological metrics related to mixed venous oxygen concentration. Blood-glucose concentration is determined using correlations of blood-glucose concentration with measures of metabolic oxygen consumption including oxymetric, temperature, and electrocardiographic data. Additional physiological sensor measurements may be used to enhance the accuracy of the analysis of blood-glucose concentration. By using a combination of oxymetric and other physiological metrics, blood-glucose concentration can be reliably calculated over a wide range. The device compares the blood-glucose concentration with upper and lower acceptable bounds and generates appropriate warning signals if the concentration falls outside the bounds. The device may also control a therapeutic device to maintain blood-glucose concentration within an acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Wenzel, Taraneh Ghaffari Farazi
  • Publication number: 20110144711
    Abstract: Time delays between a feature of a signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart and a feature of a plethysmograph signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume are used to arrange the operation of an implantable device, such as a pacemaker. Shorter time delays between the feature of the signal indicative of electrical activity of a patient's heart and the feature of the plethysmograph signal indicative of changes in arterial blood volume are indicative of larger cardiac stroke volumes. The time delay can be used to select a pacing site or combination of pacing sites and/or to select a pacing interval set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Gene A. Bornzin, Wenbo Hou, Edward Karst, Brian J. Wenzel, Timothy A. Fayram