Patents by Inventor Gerald E. Loeb

Gerald E. Loeb 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: 20150066123
    Abstract: An extravascular nerve cuff that is configured to hold a leadless, integral, implantable microstimulator. The nerve cuff may include a cuff body having a pocket or pouch for removably receiving the implantable device within. The nerve cuff can be secured around the nerve such that the electrodes of the device are stably positioned relative to the nerve. Furthermore, the nerve cuff drives the majority of the current from the stimulation device into the nerve, while shielding surrounding tissues from unwanted stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Michael A. FALTYS, Roy C. MARTIN, Steven E. SCOTT, Gerald E. LOEB
  • Publication number: 20150039048
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Carla Mann Woods, David K.L. Peterson, Paul M. Meadows, Gerald E. Loeb
  • Patent number: 8886339
    Abstract: An extravascular nerve cuff that is configured to hold a leadless, integral, implantable microstimulator. The nerve cuff may include a cuff body having a pocket or pouch for removably receiving the implantable device within. The nerve cuff can be secured around the nerve such that the electrodes of the device are stably positioned relative to the nerve. Furthermore, the nerve cuff drives the majority of the current from the stimulation device into the nerve, while shielding surrounding tissues from unwanted stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: SetPoint Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Faltys, Roy C. Martin, Steven E. Scott, Gerald E. Loeb
  • Publication number: 20140324124
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Carla Mann Woods, David K.L. Peterson, Paul M. Meadows, Gerald E. Loeb
  • Patent number: 8805524
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Carla Mann Woods, David K. L. Peterson, Paul M. Meadows, Gerald E. Loeb
  • Publication number: 20140195195
    Abstract: An object investigation and classification system may include an object test system, a data storage system, and a data processing system. The object test system may receive a command to perform at least one action with a test object, perform the at least one action with the test object, and return test information indicative of at least one percept resulting from the at least one action. The data storage system may contain an experience database containing data indicative of multiple classifications and, for each classification, at least one action that was performed with at least one previously-observed reference object having this classification, and at least one percept value that is based in whole or in part on the test information resulting from the at least one action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: SYNTOUCH, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Fishel, Gerald E. Loeb
  • Publication number: 20140069212
    Abstract: A compliant tactile sensor may include sponge-like material, a flexible skin, and a fluid pressure sensor. The flexible skin may have a shape, absorb fluid, compress in response to force applied to the sponge-like material, and decompress and return to its original shape when the force is removed. The flexible skin may cover an outer surface of the sponge-like material. The fluid pressure sensor may sense changes in pressure in fluid that is within the sponge-like material caused by a force applied to the flexible skin. A robotic system may include a movable robotic arm, a compliant tactile sensor on the movable robotic arm that senses contact between the compliant tactile sensor and an object during movement of the movable robotic arm and that cushions the effect of that contact, and a reflex system that causes the moveable robotic arm to move in response to commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: SynTouch, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Fishel, Gerald E. Loeb, Raymond A. Peck, Chia-Hsien Lin, Blaine Matulevich, Vikram Pandit
  • Patent number: 8401658
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Carla Mann Woods, David K. L. Peterson, Paul M. Meadows, Gerald E. Loeb
  • Patent number: 8272278
    Abstract: Tactile sensors are disclosed that mimic the human fingertip and its touch receptors. The mechanical components are similar to a fingertip, with a rigid core surrounded by a weakly conductive fluid contained within an elastomeric skin. The deformable properties of the finger pad can be used as part of a transduction process. Multiple electrodes can be mounted on the surface of the rigid core and connected to impedance measuring circuitry within the core. External forces deform the fluid path around the electrodes, resulting in a distributed pattern of impedance changes containing information about those forces and the objects that applied them. Strategies are described for extracting features related to the mechanical inputs and using this information for reflexive grip control. Controlling grip force in a prosthetic having sensory feedback information is described. Techniques are described for enhancing the useful force range for impedance sensors by internally texturing the elastomeric skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Gerald E. Loeb, Nicholas Wettels, Jeremy Fishel, Chia Hsien (Gary) Lin, Veronica J. Santos, Raymond Peck
  • Patent number: 8265762
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Carla Mann Woods, David K. L. Peterson, Paul M. Meadows, Gerald E. Loeb
  • Publication number: 20120130448
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Carla Mann Woods, David K.L. Peterson, Paul M. Meadows, Gerald E. Loeb
  • Patent number: 8181540
    Abstract: Tactile sensors are disclosed that mimic the human fingertip and its touch receptors. The mechanical components are similar to a fingertip, with a rigid core surrounded by a weakly conductive fluid contained within an elastomeric skin. The deformable properties of the finger pad can be used as part of a transduction process. Multiple electrodes can be mounted on the surface of the rigid core and connected to impedance measuring circuitry within the core. External forces deform the fluid path around the electrodes, resulting in a distributed pattern of impedance changes containing information about those forces and the objects that applied them. Strategies are described for extracting features related to the mechanical inputs and using this information for reflexive grip control. Controlling grip force in a prosthetic having sensory feedback information is described. Pressure transducers can provide sensory feedback by measuring micro-vibrations due to sliding friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Gerald E. Loeb, Jeremy Fishel, Nicholas Wettels, Veronica J. Santos, Raymond Peck
  • Publication number: 20120046712
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Carla Mann Woods, David K.L. Peterson, Paul M. Meadows, Gerald E. Loeb
  • Patent number: 8121701
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Carla Mann Woods, David K. L. Peterson, Paul Meadows, Gerald E. Loeb
  • Patent number: 7970477
    Abstract: A signal transmitting and receiving system to track the position and orientation of limb segments in order to provide feedback information for the control of the limb movement. The user will generally be seated in a wheelchair that provides a structure upon which orthogonal and/or non-orthogonally oriented coils can be mounted and energized selectively so as to create variously oriented magnetic fields. Multiple wireless sensors injected into the limb detect the local field strength and send information telemetrically to a central controller. The controller extracts information about the position and orientation of each limb segment by combining signals from various sensors according to calibration information and optimal filtering methods for extracting information from multiple nonlinear sensors in mechanically constrained systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Mann Medical Research Organization
    Inventors: Gerald E. Loeb, Wei Tan
  • Patent number: 7930030
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Carla Mann Woods, David K. L. Peterson, Paul Meadows, Gerald E. Loeb
  • Publication number: 20110060386
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator includes a current steering capability that allows a clinician or patient to quickly determine a desired electrode stimulation pattern, including which electrodes of a group of electrodes within an electrode array should receive a stimulation current, including the amplitude, width and pulse repetition rate of such current. Movement of the selected group of electrodes is facilitated through the use of remotely generated directional signals, generated by a pointing device, such as a joystick. As movement of the selected group of electrodes occurs, current redistribution amongst the various electrode contacts takes place. The redistribution of stimulus amplitudes utilizes re-normalization of amplitudes so that the perceptual level remains fairly constant. This prevents the resulting paresthesia from falling below the perceptual threshold or above the comfort threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Carla Mann Woods, David K.L. Peterson, Paul M. Meadows, Gerald E. Loeb
  • Patent number: 7885714
    Abstract: Systems and methods for fitting cochlear implants. The cochlear implant fitting systems and methods can be used to generate various stimulus patterns for fitting patients with speech processors for cochlear implants. The fitting systems and methods provide means to identify rapidly which of several speech processing strategies could function effectively in cochlear implant patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventor: Gerald E. Loeb
  • Patent number: 7878075
    Abstract: Disclosed is a robust tactile sensor array that mimics the human fingertip and its touch receptors. The mechanical components are similar to a fingertip, with a rigid core surrounded by a weakly conductive fluid contained within an elastomeric skin. It uses the deformable properties of the finger pad as part of the transduction process. Multiple electrodes are mounted on the surface of the rigid core and connected to impedance measuring circuitry within the core. External forces deform the fluid path around the electrodes, resulting in a distributed pattern of impedance changes containing information about those forces and the objects that applied them. Strategies for extracting features related to the mechanical inputs and using this information for reflexive grip control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Roland S. Johansson, Gerald E. Loeb, Nicholas Wettels, Djordje Popovic, Veronica J. Santos
  • Publication number: 20100312320
    Abstract: An extravascular nerve cuff that is configured to hold a leadless, integral, implantable microstimulator. The nerve cuff may include a cuff body having a pocket or pouch for removably receiving the implantable device within. The nerve cuff can be secured around the nerve such that the electrodes of the device are stably positioned relative to the nerve. Furthermore, the nerve cuff drives the majority of the current from the stimulation device into the nerve, while shielding surrounding tissues from unwanted stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Michael A. Faltys, Roy C. Martin, Steven E. Scott, Gerald E. Loeb