Patents by Inventor Charles L. Byers

Charles L. Byers 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).

  • Patent number: 6498043
    Abstract: An implantable substrate sensor has electronic circuitry and electrodes formed on opposite sides of a substrate. A protective coating covers the substrate, effectively hermetically sealing the electronic circuitry under the coating. Exposed areas of the electrodes are selectively left uncovered by the protective coating, thereby allowing such electrodes to be exposed to body tissue and fluids when the sensor is implanted in living tissue. The substrate on which the electronic circuitry and electrodes are formed is the same substrate or “chip” on which an integrated circuit (IC) is formed, which integrated circuit contains the desired electronic circuitry. Such approach eliminates the need for an hermetically sealed lid or cover to cover hybrid electronic circuitry, and allows the sensor to be made much thinner than would otherwise be possible. In one embodiment, two such substrate sensors may be placed back-to-back, with the electrodes facing outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Joseph H. Schulman, Charles L. Byers, John C. Gord, Rajiv Shah, Lyle Dean Canfield
  • Publication number: 20020193858
    Abstract: The invention discloses methods of making electrical connections in living tissue between an electrically conductive wire and an implantable miniature device. The device may either stimulate muscles or nerves in the body or detect signals and transmit these signals outside the body or transmit the signals for use at another location within the body. The device is comprised of an electrically insulating or electrically conductive case with at least one electrode for transmitting electrical signals. The electrodes and the wire-electrode connections are protected from the aggressive environment within the body to avoid corrosion of the electrode and to avoid damage to the living tissue surrounding the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph H. Schulman, Kate E. Fey, Charles L. Byers, Yitzhak Zilberman, Robert D. Dell
  • Patent number: 6477395
    Abstract: An implantable enzyme-based monitoring system suitable for long term in vivo use to measure the concentration of prescribed substances such as glucose is provided. In one embodiment, the implantable enzyme-based monitoring system includes at least one sensor assembly, an outer membrane surrounding the sensor assembly and having a window therein, and a polymeric window cover affixed to the outer membrane and covering the window. Preferably, the outer membrane of the monitoring system is silicone and the window cover is a polymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), N,N,-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and methacrylic acid (MA). Also provided herein is an implantable enzyme-based monitoring system having at least one sensor assembly, an outer membrane surrounding the sensor assembly and a coating affixed to the exterior surface of the outer membrane, wherein the coating resists blood coagulation and protein binding to the exterior surface of the outer membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph H. Schulman, Charles L. Byers, Gerald E. Adomian, Michael S. Colvin
  • Patent number: 6472122
    Abstract: A protective, biocompatible coating or encapsulation material protects and insulates a component or device intended to be implanted in living tissue. The coating or encapsulation material comprises a thin layer or layers of alumina, zerconia, or other ceramic, less than 25 microns thick, e.g., 5-10 microns thick. The alumina layer(s) may be applied at relatively low temperature. Once applied, the layer provides excellent hermeticity, and prevents electrical leakage. Even though very thin, the alumina layer retains excellent insulating characteristics. In one embodiment, an alumina layer less than about 6 microns thick provides an insulative coating that exhibits less than 10 pA of leakage current over an area 75 mils by 25 mils area while soaking in a saline solution at temperatures up to 80° C. over a three month period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph H. Schulman, Joseph Y. Lucisano, Rajiv Shah, Charles L. Byers, Shaun M. Pendo
  • Publication number: 20010051768
    Abstract: An implantable enzyme-based monitoring system suitable for long term in vivo use to measure the concentration of prescribed substances such as glucose is provided. In one embodiment, the implantable enzyme-based monitoring system includes at least one sensor assembly, an outer membrane surrounding the sensor assembly and having a window therein, and a polymeric window cover affixed to the outer membrane and covering the window. Preferably, the outer membrane of the monitoring system is silicone and the window cover is a polymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), N,N,-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and methacrylic acid (MA). Also provided herein is an implantable enzyme-based monitoring system having at least one sensor assembly, an outer membrane surrounding the sensor assembly and a coating affixed to the exterior surface of the outer membrane, wherein the coating resists blood coagulation and protein binding to the exterior surface of the outer membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: JOSEPH H SCHULMAN, CHARLES L. BYERS, GERALD E ADOMIAN, MICHAEL S COLVIN
  • Patent number: 6259937
    Abstract: An implantable substrate sensor has electronic circuitry and electrodes formed on opposite sides of a substrate. A protective coating covers the substrate, effectively hermetically sealing the electronic circuitry under the coating. Exposed areas of the electrodes are selectively left uncovered by the protective coating, thereby allowing such electrodes to be exposed to body tissue and fluids when the sensor is implanted in living tissue. The substrate on which the electronic circuitry and electrodes are formed is the same substrate or “chip” on which an integrated circuit (IC) is formed, which integrated circuit contains the desired electronic circuitry. Such approach eliminates the need for an hermetically sealed lid or cover to cover hybrid electronic circuitry, and allows the sensor to be made much thinner than would otherwise be possible. In one embodiment, two such substrate sensors may be placed back-to-back, with the electrodes facing outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation
    Inventors: Joseph H. Schulman, Charles L. Byers, John C. Gord, Rajiv Shah, Lyle Dean Canfield
  • Patent number: 6119028
    Abstract: An implantable enzyme-based monitoring system suitable for long term in vivo use to measure the concentration of prescribed substances such as glucose is provided. In one embodiment, the implantable enzyme-based monitoring system includes at least one sensor assembly, an outer membrane surrounding the sensor assembly and having a window therein, and a polymeric window cover affixed to the outer membrane and covering the window. Preferably, the outer membrane of the monitoring system is silicone and the window cover is a polymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), N,N,-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and methacrylic acid (MA). Also provided herein is an implantable enzyme-based monitoring system having at least one sensor assembly, an outer membrane surrounding the sensor assembly and a coating affixed to the exterior surface of the outer membrane, wherein the coating resists blood coagulation and protein binding to the exterior surface of the outer membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation
    Inventors: Joseph H. Schulman, Charles L. Byers, Gerald E. Adomian, Michael S. Colvin
  • Patent number: 6043437
    Abstract: A protective, biocompatible coating or encapsulation material protects and insulates a component or device intended to be implanted in living tissue. The coating or encapsulation material includes a thin layer or layers of alumina, zirconia, or other ceramic, less than 25 microns thick, e.g., 5-10 microns thick. The alumina layer(s) may be applied at relatively low temperature. Once applied, the layer provides excellent hermeticity, and prevents electrical leakage. Even though very thin, the alumina layer retains excellent insulating characteristics. In one embodiment, an alumina layer less than about 6 microns thick provides an insulative coating that exhibits less than 10 pA of leakage current over an area 75 mils by 25 mils while soaking in a saline solution at temperatures up to 80.degree. C. over a three month period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation
    Inventors: Joseph H. Schulman, Joseph Y. Lucisano, Rajiv Shah, Charles L. Byers, Shaun M. Pendo
  • Patent number: 5651767
    Abstract: A replaceable catheter system provides a way to replace an implantable sensor, electrode system, and/or fluid delivery/receiving system. The replaceable catheter system includes an implantable shunt, such as an arteriovenous shunt, attached to an implantable introducer. The introducer and implantable shunt are adapted for surgical implantation within a patient such that it extends from immediately below the patient's skin to the implantable shunt site. The replaceable catheter system further includes a replaceable catheter that is adapted to be contained within the introducer and properly aligned such that an implantable sensor, electrode system, and/or fluid delivery system that is carried by the replaceable catheter is placed in operative association with the implantable shunt and exposed to any fluids passing through the implantable shunt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Alfred F. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Joseph H. Schulman, Alfred E. Mann, Charles L. Byers, Jack W. Love
  • Patent number: 5477855
    Abstract: A shield for the conductors extending from an implantable device, provides a cover for the conductors and protects them against being dislodged or moved, by scratching, physical activity, skin pressure or other circumstance. The cover is resilient and flexible and is made of a fabric laminated between layers of an elastomer, such as silicone rubber. The cover is fixedly attached at one end with respect to the implantable device. The cover is suturable to hold the implantable device, cover and conductors in place, thereby providing stabilization. The shield is disposed over the location where the conductors extend from the implanted device and provides strain relief for the conductors and protects them from breakage at that very fragile location. The shield partially or totally encircles the conductors for a short distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Robert A. Schindler, Charles L. Byers, Alfred E. Mann, James W. Beazell
  • Patent number: 5443493
    Abstract: A cochlear electrode comprising a spirally curved distal tip portion carrying electrical conductors for stimulating the cochlea, a lead offset from the distal tip portion and a bridge therebetween and extending from the distal tip adjacent the proximal terminus thereof. The bridge defines a slide for guiding the distal tip portion into and out of an insertion tool during implantation of the electrode while the proximal terminus defines a push point for a push rod included in the insertion tool for sliding the distal tip out of the tool and into the cochlea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
    Inventors: Charles L. Byers, James W. Beazell, Matthew C. Fleming
  • Patent number: 4991582
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed combination ceramic and metal package for electronic components of an electronic device implantable in a living body, at least some of the components being adversely affected by high temperatures. The package comprises a ceramic sleeve and a metal band having substantially the same coefficients of linear thermal expansion. An annular end face of the sleeve butts against and hermetically seals to an annular end of the metal band. A header plate carrying a substrate upon which the components are mounted and a plurality of electrical connectors closes the open end of the sleeve and is hermetically sealed to the metal band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Charles L. Byers, James W. Beazell, Joseph H. Schulman, Ali Rostami
  • Patent number: 4969468
    Abstract: The electrode array is a device for making multiple electrical contacts with cellular tissue or organs. The electrode array includes a base (1), a two dimensional array of conducting protuberances (2) arising from the base and serving as electrodes, and conductors (3) embedded onto the base and connected to such protuberances for transmitting electrical signals to and/or from the protuberances. The protuberances may also include an insulating layer (15) which covers either the entire protuberance or which leaves the tips exposed for making focused electrical contact. Electrode arrays may be used used singly or in combination with a second electrode array so as to form a sandwich around a target tissue. The sandwich electrode array (16, 17) may employ indexing cones for aligning the opposing electrode arrays and for limiting their vertical proximity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Charles L. Byers, Joseph H. Schulman, David I. Whitmoyer
  • Patent number: 4837049
    Abstract: A very small electrode array is disclosed, having numerous, small, sharp, conductive protuberances (needles) which penetrate nerves, organs, muscle or other body part for sensing the electrical activity therein or to provide electrical stimulation. The protuberances are carried on a base and there is included electrical conductors connecting the protuberances to terminals, such as bonding pads, for connection to other electrical circuits. Thus, a method of connecting to living tissue is disclosed. Also, a method of manufacture of an electrode array and associated circuitry is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: Charles L. Byers, Joseph H. Schulman, David I. Whitmoyer
  • Patent number: 4819647
    Abstract: An electrode array for implantation in a human cochlea. The array includes a spiral-shaped resilient carrier which generally conforms to the shape of the scala tympani of the cochlea. The carrier supports eight electrode pairs, with each electrode having an associated lead. The leads are arranged in the carrier to form a central rib structure which controls flexing of the array. The individual leads have an elongated cross-section and are individually vertically aligned in the rib structure, so that the array will readily flex in the plane defined by the array spiral. The structure limits flexing in the vertical direction. The restricted flexing serves to avoid injury to the basal membrane located at the upper surface of the scala tympani during implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Charles L. Byers, Gerald E. Loeb, Michael M. Merzenich, Stephen J. Rebscher
  • Patent number: 4721551
    Abstract: Microelectrodes of the art are limited to the charge density which can pass through them. The present invention discloses a method for electroplating iridium metal onto the surface of a metallic microelectrode for use in a biomedical prosthetic device, which method comprises:(a) placing the metallic microelectrode into an aqueous solution of iridium ion of between about 1 and 10 percent by weight; and(b) electroplating the microelectrode of step (a) using a current of between about 0.5 and 15 milliamps wherein said current is controlled by a current controller. In another aspect the method discloses in step (b) the current is also biased and simultaneously applied in a mode wherein the current is equivalent to an impressed voltage of between about 1.5 and 6.0 volts positive.In other aspects, the method also includes the following :A-after step (b): (c) conditioning the microelectrode after step (b) by heating at a temperature of between about ambient and 350.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Charles L. Byers, Peter Zimmerman, Paul Feinstein, Mitchell Sutter
  • Patent number: 4686765
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for making an intracochlear multielectrode array having a spiral configuration, at least generally conforming to the scala tympani of a cochlea. The array is formed in a two-part mold and comprises an elastomeric carrier supporting a plurality of metallic electrodes in fixed positions thereon. Each electrode has an associated lead to provide a plurality of leads and composite rib structure extending from a basal portion of the array to an apical portion thereof. Each electrode and associated lead is formed from a flattened metallic wire. The wire leads are stacked in the mold to permit the wires to flex in the direction of their spiral curvatures, facilitating insertion of the array into a cochlear, but to prevent transverse flexing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Charles L. Byers, Gerald E. Loeb, Michael M. Merzenich, Stephen J. Rebscher
  • Patent number: 4645504
    Abstract: An implantable infection barrier seal for preventing the entry of pathogens into an anatomical body, the body defining an exterior where pathogens reside and an interior where pathogens are not endemic. The body interior includes organic tissues which are not inherently exposed to the exterior. A portion of the tissue is exposed to the exterior. The seal includes an implantable infection barrier member that comprises of an inert, biologically compatible material which is bonded to the exposed tissue portion so as to shield the body interior from the pathogens residing in the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Charles L. Byers
  • Patent number: 4495917
    Abstract: A surgically implantable connector for a transcutaneous driving system comprised of a case having a base and a lid which are shaped to provide a cavity between them with a first elastomeric pad for supporting a first set of electrical contacts in the cavity which contacts mate with a second set of electrical contacts carried by the lid, a second elastomeric pad for supporting a third set of electrical contacts inbetween the lid and the first pad and which mate with the first or the second set of electrical contacts, means for electrically connecting the first set of electrical contacts to an implantable electrode, means for electrically connecting the second set of electrical contacts to the driving system and means for electrically connecting the third set of electrical contacts to a percutaneous plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Charles L. Byers
  • Patent number: RE33170
    Abstract: A surgically implantable connector for a transcutaneous driving system comprised of a case having a base and a lid which are shaped to provide a cavity between them with a first elastomeric pad for supporting a first set of electrical contacts in the cavity which contacts mate with a second set of electrical contacts carried by the lid, a second elastomeric pad for supporting a third set of electrical contacts inbetween the lid and the first pad and which mate with the first or the second set of electrical contacts, means for electrically connecting the firs set of electrical contacts to an implantable electrode, means for electrically connecting the second set of electrical contacts to the driving system and means for electrically connecting the third set of electrical contacts to a percutaneous plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Charles L. Byers