Patents by Inventor David L. Zealear

David L. Zealear 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: 8065014
    Abstract: A method for promoting reinnervation via stimulation of a denervated target tissue, whereby reinnervation of the target tissue by native neurons is enhanced, and whereby reinnervation of the target tissue by foreign neurons is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventor: David L. Zealear
  • Patent number: 8050766
    Abstract: A laryngeal stimulation system including a sensor for detecting an occurrence of a respiratory signal in a subject and a laryngeal stimulator adapted for coupling to a laryngeal muscle and operable to stimulate the laryngeal muscle in response to the sensor detecting the occurrence of the respiratory signal is provided. A method for laryngeal stimulation including detecting an occurrence of a respiratory signal in a subject and then stimulating a laryngeal muscle in response to detecting the occurrence of the respiratory signal is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventor: David L. Zealear
  • Publication number: 20100312302
    Abstract: A laryngeal stimulation system including a sensor for detecting an occurrence of a respiratory signal in a subject and a laryngeal stimulator adapted for coupling to a laryngeal muscle and operable to stimulate the laryngeal muscle in response to the sensor detecting the occurrence of the respiratory signal is provided. A method for laryngeal stimulation including detecting an occurrence of a respiratory signal in a subject and then stimulating a laryngeal muscle in response to detecting the occurrence of the respiratory signal is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: David L. Zealear
  • Patent number: 7805195
    Abstract: A laryngeal stimulation system including a sensor for detecting an occurrence of a respiratory signal in a subject and a laryngeal stimulator adapted for coupling to a laryngeal muscle and operable to stimulate the laryngeal muscle in response to the sensor detecting the occurrence of the respiratory signal is provided. A method for laryngeal stimulation including detecting an occurrence of a respiratory signal in a subject and then stimulating a laryngeal muscle in response to detecting the occurrence of the respiratory signal is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventor: David L. Zealear
  • Publication number: 20040215290
    Abstract: A method for promoting reinnervation via stimulation of a denervated target tissue, whereby reinnervation of the target tissue by native neurons is enhanced, and whereby reinnervation of the target tissue by foreign neurons is inhibited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: David L Zealear
  • Patent number: 4817628
    Abstract: A system for evaluating nervous system function of a subject including generally an accelerometer sensor, a stimulus electrode assembly, and a portable device to which the sensor and electrode assembly are connected. The sensor measures the magnitude of the (stimulus evoked) movement of a body part of the subject along at least one axis of three dimensional space. The device contains electrical circuits for processing data from the sensor, generating stimuli to the electrode assembly, and timing both the extraction of sensor information and the delivery of stimuli. The sensor has a suction chamber for attaching the sensor to the desired body part site by static suction. To evaluate the nervous system function the magnitude of the monitored sensed (acceleration) movement is compared with a control value. When the nervous system being evaluated is the peripheral nerve of one side of the face, the control value can be determined by evoking and measuring movement on the opposite side of the face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: David L. Zealear
    Inventors: David L. Zealear, Alan R. Gibson