Patents by Inventor Dale Howard

Dale Howard 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: 20150021817
    Abstract: A lead with segmented electrodes can be made using one or two mold methods. In one method, segmented electrodes are individually disposed on pins on an interior surface within a mold. Each of the segmented electrodes has at least one opening formed in the exterior surface of the segmented electrode. The lead body is then molded between the electrodes. In a two mold method, segmented electrodes are inserted into electrode slots of a first mold and an interior portion of a lead body is formed. The resulting intermediate arrangement is placed into a second mold to form an exterior portion of the lead body. In another two mold method, a sacrificial ring is formed around the segmented electrodes in a first mold and the resulting intermediate structure is inserted in a second mold to form the lead body. The sacrificial ring is then removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel James Romero, Joshua Dale Howard
  • Publication number: 20150018917
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes at least one lead body; electrodes disposed along the distal end portion of the at least one lead body; terminals disposed along the proximal end portion of the at least one lead body; and conductors electrically coupling the terminals to the electrodes. Each of the conductors forms at least one current suppression unit. Each current suppression unit includes a first conductor segment wound in a coil extending in a forward direction followed by a second conductor segment wound in a coil extending in a reverse direction followed by a third conductor segment wound in a coil extending in the forward direction. The first and third conductor segments are wound with a first coil diameter and the second conductor segment is also wound with the first coil diameter except at positions where the second conductor segment overlaps either the first or third conductor segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: David Ernest Wechter, Joshua Dale Howard, Michael X. Govea, Anne Margaret Pianca
  • Publication number: 20150005860
    Abstract: A spinal cord stimulation lead for dorsal born stimulation includes a paddle body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal length extending from the distal end to the proximal end; at least one lead body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a longitudinal length, the distal end portion of each of the at least one lead body being coupled to the proximal end of the paddle body; electrodes disposed on the paddle body, where the electrodes from at least two longitudinal columns including a first column and a second column with the first and second columns spaced apart laterally by at least 7 mm, center-to-center; terminals disposed along the proximal end portion of the at least one lead body; and conductors electrically coupling the terminals to the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Joshua Dale Howard, Rafael Carbunaru, Anne Margaret Pianca, Dongchul Lee
  • Patent number: 8923982
    Abstract: An implantable lead for an electrical stimulation system includes a lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal length, and a circumference; a plurality of electrodes disposed along the distal end of the lead body in an electrode array; a plurality of terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead body; a plurality of conductors electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes to the plurality of terminals; and at least one capsule including an x-ray fluorescent material and disposed along the distal end of the lead body relative to the electrode array to indicate, when viewed fluoroscopically, an orientation of the electrode array. The plurality of electrodes includes a plurality of segmented electrodes. Each of the plurality of segmented electrodes extends partially around the circumference of the lead body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Joshua Dale Howard
  • Publication number: 20140358209
    Abstract: A stimulation lead includes a lead body. Terminals and electrodes are disposed along opposing end portions of the lead body and are electrically-coupled to one another via conductors. The electrodes include segmented electrodes. Each of the segmented electrodes includes a proximal end, a distal end, an exterior surface, an interior surface opposite the exterior surface, a first side-wall extending radially between the interior surface and the exterior surface from the distal end to the proximal end, and a second side-wall opposite to the first side-wall and extending radially between the interior surface and the exterior surface from the distal end to the proximal end. At least one of the segmented electrodes defines an open cavity that is formed along the first side-wall of the segmented electrode and that facilitates adhesion of the segmented electrode to the lead body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel James Romero, Joshua Dale Howard
  • Publication number: 20140358208
    Abstract: A pre-electrode for a stimulation lead includes a generally cylindrical body having an exterior surface, an interior surface, a proximal end, and a distal end. The body includes multiple segmented electrodes disposed along the body; connecting material disposed along the outer surface of the body and coupling each of the segmented electrodes to one another; and multiple cutouts defined between adjacent segmented electrodes. The body also includes one or more of the following 1) a end wall step section formed in the exterior surface of the body on either the distal end or the proximal end of the body; 2) an alignment feature selected from a slot or a notch extending inwardly from the exterior surface of the body, or 3) a longitudinal step section formed in the exterior surface of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua Dale Howard, Ann Margaret Pianca
  • Publication number: 20140358210
    Abstract: A method of making an electrical stimulation lead includes attaching segmented electrodes to an interior of a ring in a circumferentially spaced-apart arrangement; attaching a conductor wire to each of the segmented electrodes; coupling the ring with the segmented electrodes to a lead body; and, after coupling to the lead body, removing at least those portions of the ring between the segmented electrodes to separate the plurality of segmented electrodes from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua Dale Howard, Anne Margaret Pianca
  • Publication number: 20140353001
    Abstract: A method of making an electrical stimulation lead method includes attaching a pre-electrode to a lead body. The pre-electrode is a single, unitary, undifferentiated construct with a ring-shaped exterior. The method further includes attaching a plurality of conductor wires to the pre-electrode; and, after coupling to the lead body, removing an outer portion of the pre-electrode to separate remaining portions of the pre-electrode into a plurality of segmented electrodes spaced around the circumference of the lead body. When separated, each of the segmented electrodes includes a body and at least one leg extending inwardly from the body. The body defines an external stimulating surface and each of the at least one leg has an outer surface. For at least one of the at least one leg, the outer surface of the leg forms a non-perpendicular angle with the external stimulating surface of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel James Romero, William George Orinski, Joshua Dale Howard
  • Publication number: 20140343647
    Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body, electrodes disposed along a distal end of the lead body, terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead body, and conductors coupling the terminals to the electrodes. The electrodes include a tip electrode having an electrode body with an outer stimulating surface. An internal lumen is defined in the electrode body and extends inwardly from an opening in a proximal end of the electrode body. Side apertures are formed between the outer stimulating surface and the internal lumen. A portion of the lead body is disposed within the internal lumen and side apertures through the opening in the proximal end of the electrode body. That portion of the lead body facilitates retention of the tip electrode on a distal tip of the lead body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel James Romero, William George Orinski, Joshua Dale Howard, Anne Margaret Pianca
  • Publication number: 20140296953
    Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes a tip electrode disposed on a distal tip of the lead body. One tip electrode has a base and a separate plug attached to the base. The base defines an interior lumen closed at one end by the plug. Another tip electrode has an electrode body, a stem extending from the electrode body, and shaped retention features extending from the stem. Yet another tip electrode has an electrode body, a stem extending from the electrode body, and a flange disposed on the stem opposite the electrode body. A further tip electrode has an electrode body defining an interior lumen and a plurality of protrusions extending into the interior lumen. Another tip electrode has an electrode body and arms extending from the electrode body. The electrode body defines an interior lumen and the arms extend over an opening to the interior lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Anne Margaret Pianca, Joshua Dale Howard, William George Orinski
  • Publication number: 20140228921
    Abstract: An implantable lead for an electrical stimulation system includes a lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal length, and a circumference; a plurality of electrodes disposed along the distal end of the lead body in an electrode array; a plurality of terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead body; a plurality of conductors electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes to the plurality of terminals; and at least one capsule including an x-ray fluorescent material and disposed along the distal end of the lead body relative to the electrode array to indicate, when viewed fluoroscopically, an orientation of the electrode array. The plurality of electrodes includes a plurality of segmented electrodes. Each of the plurality of segmented electrodes extends partially around the circumference of the lead body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Joshua Dale Howard
  • Publication number: 20140227893
    Abstract: A power-supply device that is retrofitted to a shelving system and that provides power to the shelving system having a mounting component that receives an article supporting structure comprises, a power-transmitting rail having a power-conducting element encased in a protective cover. The power-transmitting rail is attachable to the shelving system adjacent to the mounting component. The power-receiving component has a power-receiving element adapted to engage the power-conducting element. The power-receiving component is attached to the article-supporting structure, and the article-supporting structure when attached to the shelving system at the mounting component aligns the power-receiving element to contact the power-conducting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: JOHN DALE HOWARD
  • Patent number: 8805544
    Abstract: A system for lead implantation includes a lead having a paddle-style electrode extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the paddle-style electrode, having a back surface; an active surface; a plurality of electrode contacts disposed on the active surface; and a longitudinal lumen extending into the paddle-style electrode and defining an opening at the proximal end of the paddle-style electrode. The lead also has at least one lead body extending from the paddle-style electrode. The at least one lead body includes conductors that are electrically coupled to the electrode contracts. The system also includes an insertion tool having a distal portion for insertion into the longitudinal lumen of the paddle-style electrode. At least the distal portion of the insertion tool or the longitudinal lumen (or both) includes a low friction material forming a surface with a coefficient of friction of 0.1 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Anne Margaret Pianca, Joshua Dale Howard
  • Publication number: 20140220046
    Abstract: Derivatives are synthesised of starting materials, usually polysaccharides, having sialic acid at the reducing terminal end, in which the reducing terminal unit is transformed into an aldehyde group. Where the polysaccharide has a sialic acid unit at the non-reducing end it may be passivated, for instance by converting into hydroxyl-substituted moiety. The derivatives may be reacted with substrates, for instance containing amine or hydrazine groups, to form non-cross-linked polysialylated compounds. The substrates may, for instance, be therapeutically useful drugs peptides or proteins or drug delivery systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: LIPOXEN TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Sanjay Jain, Peter Laing, Gregory Gregoriadis, Dale Howard Hreczuk-Hirst, Ioannis Papaioannou
  • Patent number: 8792993
    Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes a tip electrode disposed on a distal tip of the lead body. One tip electrode has a base and a separate plug attached to the base. The base defines an interior lumen closed at one end by the plug. Another tip electrode has an electrode body, a stem extending from the electrode body, and shaped retention features extending from the stem. Yet another tip electrode has an electrode body, a stem extending from the electrode body, and a flange disposed on the stem opposite the electrode body. A further tip electrode has an electrode body defining an interior lumen and a plurality of protrusions extending into the interior lumen. Another tip electrode has an electrode body and arms extending from the electrode body. The electrode body defines an interior lumen and the arms extend over an opening to the interior lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific, Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Anne Margaret Pianca, Joshua Dale Howard, William George Orinski
  • Publication number: 20140180305
    Abstract: A system for lead implantation includes a lead having a paddle-style electrode extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the paddle-style electrode, having a back surface; an active surface; a plurality of electrode contacts disposed on the active surface; and a longitudinal lumen extending into the paddle-style electrode and defining an opening at the proximal end of the paddle-style electrode. The lead also has at least one lead body extending from the paddle-style electrode. The at least one lead body includes conductors that are electrically coupled to the electrode contracts. The system also includes an insertion tool having a distal portion for insertion into the longitudinal lumen of the paddle-style electrode. At least the distal portion of the insertion tool or the longitudinal lumen (or both) includes a low friction material forming a surface with a coefficient of friction of 0.1 or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anne Margaret Pianca, Joshua Dale Howard
  • Publication number: 20140171961
    Abstract: A paddle lead insertion kit includes a paddle lead and an insertion kit. The paddle lead includes a stylet lumen defined in a paddle body. The insertion tool includes a stylet channel defined along the insertion tool. A stylet is disposed in the stylet channel and transitions between a refracted position and an extended position. When the stylet is in the retracted position, the stylet is disposed completely within the stylet channel. When the stylet is in the extended position, the stylet extends outwardly from the stylet channel and is insertable into the stylet lumen of the paddle lead. A slide assembly is coupled to the stylet and controls transitioning of the stylet between the retracted position and the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Natalie Lacey, Joshua Dale Howard
  • Publication number: 20140155967
    Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body with electrodes disposed along the distal end portion of the lead body and terminals disposed along the proximal end portion of the lead body. Conductors electrically couple the terminals to the electrodes. A contact assembly is disposed at one of the proximal end portion or the distal end portion of the lead body. The contact assembly is formed from a shaped mesh and includes annular grooves defined along an outer surface of the shaped mesh; and a stylet tube disposed in a contact assembly lumen. Each of the conductors extends along at least a portion of the shaped mesh within the contact assembly lumen and external to the stylet tube. For each of the annular grooves, one of the electrodes or one of the terminals is disposed in the annular groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Joshua Dale Howard
  • Patent number: 8744596
    Abstract: An implantable lead for an electrical stimulation system includes a lead body having a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal length, and a circumference; a plurality of electrodes disposed along the distal end of the lead body in an electrode array; a plurality of terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead body; a plurality of conductors electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes to the plurality of terminals; and at least one capsule including an x-ray fluorescent material and disposed along the distal end of the lead body relative to the electrode array to indicate, when viewed fluoroscopically, an orientation of the electrode array. The plurality of electrodes includes a plurality of segmented electrodes. Each of the plurality of segmented electrodes extends partially around the circumference of the lead body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Joshua Dale Howard
  • Patent number: 8706259
    Abstract: A system for lead implantation includes a lead having a paddle-style electrode extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the paddle-style electrode, having a back surface; an active surface; a plurality of electrode contacts disposed on the active surface; and a longitudinal lumen extending into the paddle-style electrode and defining an opening at the proximal end of the paddle-style electrode. The lead also has at least one lead body extending from the paddle-style electrode. The at least one lead body includes conductors that are electrically coupled to the electrode contracts. The system also includes an insertion tool having a distal portion for insertion into the longitudinal lumen of the paddle-style electrode. At least the distal portion of the insertion tool or the longitudinal lumen (or both) includes a low friction material forming a surface with a coefficient of friction of 0.1 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Anne Margaret Pianca, Joshua Dale Howard