Patents by Inventor Grégoire COURTINE

Grégoire COURTINE 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: 10130274
    Abstract: An implantable device for the electrical and/or pharmaceutical stimulation of the central nervous system, especially the spinal cord, is suggested. The device comprises a conformable substrate which is primarily composed of a flexible and stretchable polymer, and a plurality of flexible electrodes and conductive leads embedded in the conformable substrate. Not only the substrate, but also the leads are stretchable. The substrate may consist of PDMS, and the leads may consist of a conductive PDMS, in particular, PDMS with an electrically conductive filler material, and may optionally be metal-coated. The device defines a multi-electrode array which may be employed for neurostimulation in the epidural or subdural space of an animal or human.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Janos Voros, Gregoire Courtine, Alexandre Larmagnac, Pavel Musienko
  • Publication number: 20180280700
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a neuromodulation and/or neurostimulation system comprising at least the following components: at least one sensing unit, at least control unit, at least one stimulation unit, at least one Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulation module, at least one Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) stimulation module,wherein at least one of the components of the neuromodulation and/or neurostimulation system is implantable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Sophie WURTH, Grégoire COURTINE, Silvestro MICERA
  • Publication number: 20180193217
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a robotic system useful to unload the object/person from its weight. The robotic system is useful in locomotor rehabilitation programs and allows the manipulation of forces in a three-dimensional space with far lower actuator requirements and a much higher precision than prior-art systems. The apparatus combines passive and active elements to minimize actuation requirements while still keeping inertia to a minimum and control precision to a maximum. It requires minimal actuators and at the same time has a low inertia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Joachim VON ZITZEWITZ, Heike VALLERY, Gregoire COURTINE
  • Publication number: 20180133481
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an active closed-loop medical system comprising at least one implantable medical device, at least one non-implanted component and at least a controller for controlling the implantable medical device, wherein the implantable medical device, the non-implanted component and the controller are connected for data exchange, wherein the implantable medical device, the non-implanted component and the controller forming in the active state a closed-loop system in such that the implantable medical device is controlled by the controller on the basis of the signals exchanged with the non-implanted component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Joachim VON ZITZEWITZ, Vincent DELATTRE, Bert BAKKER, Grégoire COURTINE
  • Patent number: 9968406
    Abstract: It is disclosed an apparatus for restoring voluntary control of locomotion in a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment comprising a multidirectional trunk support system and a device for epidural electrical stimulation. The robotic interface is capable of evaluating, enabling and training motor pattern generation and balance across a variety of natural walking behaviors in subjects with neuromotor impairments. Optionally, pharmacological cocktails can be administered to enhance rehabilitation results. It is also disclosed a method for the evaluation, enablement and training of a subject suffering from neuromotor impairments by combining robotically assisted evaluation tools with sophisticated neurobiomechanical and statistical analyzes. A method for the rehabilitation (by this term also comprising restoring voluntary control of locomotion) of a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment in particular partial or total paralysis of limbs, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ÉCOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FÉDÉRALE DE LAUSANNE
    Inventors: Gregoire Courtine, Silvestro Micera, Joachim Von Zitzewitz
  • Publication number: 20180117318
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for triggering electrical stimulation of a spinal cord during execution of a motor event. In one example, a method comprises monitoring motor cortex activity while execution of a desired motor movement is attempted during a first mode where one or more nerve fibers are not stimulated, and during a second mode where the one or more nerve fibers are stimulated. Delivery timing of electrical stimulation may be closed-loop controlled based on current motor cortex activity and the motor cortex activity recorded previously during both the first and second modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Tomislav Milekovic, Marco Capogrosso, Gregoire Courtine, Eduardo Martin Moraud, Fabien Wagner, Jerome Gandar
  • Publication number: 20180093093
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a closed-loop system for real-time control of epidural and/or subdural electrical stimulation comprising means for applying to a subject neuromodulation with adjustable stimulation parameters, said means being operatively connected with a real-time monitoring component comprising sensors continuously acquiring feedback signals from said subject, said signals being neural signals and/or signals providing features of motion of said subject, said system being operatively connected with a signal processing device receiving said feedback signals and operating real-time automatic control algorithms, said signal processing device being operatively connected with said means and providing said means with new stimulation parameters, with minimum delay. The system of the disclosure improves consistency of walking in a subject with a neuromotor impairment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Grégoire COURTINE, Nikolaus WENGER, Eduardo Martin MORAUD, Silvestro MICERA, Marco BONIZZATO
  • Publication number: 20180001081
    Abstract: A method produces a device adapted to be implanted into the human body for purposes such as neural stimulation, sensing or the like. The method includes: providing a stretchable layer or membrane of an insulating material; forming on the layer or membrane at least one stretchable conductive path; depositing at least one small bolus of a soft and conductive paste or material onto pre-defined areas or portions of the at least one conductive path, and inserting a first end portion of a conductive element 71 into the at least one bolus of soft conductive paste or material. A second end portion of the conductive element opposite to the first end portion is not inserted into the at least one bolus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Ivan Rusev Minev, Arthur Hirsch, Pavel Musienko, Grégoire Courtine, Stephanie P. Lacour
  • Publication number: 20170354819
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to systems for electrical neurostimulation of a spinal cord of a subject in need of nervous system function support. In one example, a system comprises a signal processing device configured to receive signals from the subject and operate signal-processing algorithms to elaborate stimulation parameter settings; one or more multi-electrode arrays suitable to cover a portion of the spinal cord of the subject; and an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) configured to receive the stimulation parameter settings from the signal processing device and simultaneously deliver independent current or voltage pulses to the one or more multiple electrode arrays, wherein the independent current or voltage pulses provide multipolar spatiotemporal stimulation of spinal circuits and/or dorsal roots. Such system advantageously enables effective control of nervous system functions in the subject by stimulating the spinal cord, such as the dorsal roots of the spinal cord, with spatiotemporal selectivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Jocelyne BLOCH, Grégoire COURTINE, Nikolaus WENGER, Silvestro MICERA, Marco CAPOGROSSO
  • Publication number: 20170325719
    Abstract: It is disclosed an apparatus for restoring voluntary control of locomotion in a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment comprising a multidirectional trunk support system and a device for epidural electrical stimulation. The robotic interface is capable of evaluating, enabling and training motor pattern generation and balance across a variety of natural walking behaviors in subjects with neuromotor impairments. Optionally, pharmacological cocktails can be administered to enhance rehabilitation results. It is also disclosed a method for the evaluation, enablement and training of a subject suffering from neuromotor impairments by combining robotically assisted evaluation tools with sophisticated neurobiomechanical and statistical analyses. A method for the rehabilitation (by this term also comprising restoring voluntary control of locomotion) of a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment in particular partial or total paralysis of limbs, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Grégoire COURTINE, Silvestro MICERA, Joachim VON ZITZEWITZ
  • Publication number: 20170326018
    Abstract: It is disclosed an apparatus for restoring voluntary control of locomotion in a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment comprising a multidirectional trunk support system and a device for epidural electrical stimulation. The robotic interface is capable of evaluating, enabling and training motor pattern generation and balance across a variety of natural walking behaviors in subjects with neuromotor impairments. Optionally, pharmacological cocktails can be administered to enhance rehabilitation results. It is also disclosed a method for the evaluation, enablement and training of a subject suffering from neuromotor impairments by combining robotically assisted evaluation tools with sophisticated neurobiomechanical and statistical analyses. A method for the rehabilitation (by this term also comprising restoring voluntary control of locomotion) of a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment in particular partial or total paralysis of limbs, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Grégoire COURTINE, Silvestro MICERA, Joachim VON ZITZEWITZ
  • Publication number: 20170173326
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to systems for electrical neurostimulation of a spinal cord of a subject in need of nervous system function support. In one example, a system comprises a signal processing device configured to receive signals from the subject and operate signal-processing algorithms to elaborate stimulation parameter settings; one or more multi-electrode arrays suitable to cover a portion of the spinal cord of the subject; and an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) configured to receive the stimulation parameter settings from the signal processing device and simultaneously deliver independent current or voltage pulses to the one or more multiple electrode arrays, wherein the independent current or voltage pulses provide multipolar spatiotemporal stimulation of spinal circuits and/or dorsal roots. Such system advantageously enables effective control of nervous system functions in the subject by stimulating the spinal cord, such as the dorsal roots of the spinal cord, with spatiotemporal selectivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Jocelyne BLOCH, Grégoire COURTINE, Nikolaus WENGER, Silvestro MICERA, Marco CAPOGROSSO
  • Publication number: 20160279418
    Abstract: The present invention provides a closed-loop system for real-time control of epidural and/or subdural electrical stimulation comprising: means for applying to a subject neuromodulation with adjustable stimulation parameters, said means being operatively connected with a real-time monitoring component comprising sensors continuously acquiring feedback signals from said subject, said signals being neural signals and/or signals providing features of motion of said subject, said system being operatively connected with a signal processing device receiving said feedback signals and operating real-time automatic control algorithms, said signal processing device being operatively connected with said means and providing said means with new stimulation parameters, with minimum delay. The system of the invention improves consistency of walking in a subject with a neuromotor impairment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Gregoire Courtine, Nikolaus Wenger, Eduardo Martin Moraud, Silvestro Micera, Marco Bonizzato
  • Publication number: 20150190200
    Abstract: It is disclosed an apparatus for restoring voluntary control of locomotion in a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment comprising a multidirectional trunk support system and a device for epidural electrical stimulation. The robotic interface is capable of evaluating, enabling and training motor pattern generation and balance across a variety of natural walking behaviors in subjects with neuromotor impairments. Optionally, pharmacological cocktails can be administered to enhance rehabilitation results. It is also disclosed a method for the evaluation, enablement and training of a subject suffering from neuromotor impairments by combining robotically assisted evaluation tools with sophisticated neurobiomechanical and statistical analyses. A method for the rehabilitation (by this term also comprising restoring voluntary control of locomotion) of a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment in particular partial or total paralysis of limbs, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Inventors: Gregoire Courtine, Silvestro Micera, Joachim Von Zitzewitz
  • Publication number: 20130303873
    Abstract: A hopper having a passage through which a medicine can be passed downward is provided. A part of a lower portion of the hopper is a deformable portion having flexibility, and the deformable portion is deformable so as to open and close the passage. According to this configuration, the deformable portion that is a part of the hopper is deformed to open and close the passage. Thus, there is no portion such as an opening and closing plate on which the medicine remains, thereby preventing a gap in which the medicine remains from being formed in the hopper, and preventing the medicine from easily remaining in the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicants: UNIVERSITAT ZURICH, ETH ZURICH, ETH TRANSFER
    Inventors: Janos Vörös, Alexandre Larmagnac, Gregoire Courtine, Pavel Musienko