Patents by Inventor Janusz A. Kuzma

Janusz A. Kuzma 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: 11883647
    Abstract: A lead assembly and a method of making a lead are provided. The method of making a multi-contact lead assembly comprises placing monofilament placed in the void spaces not occupied by the plurality of conductor wires and, in one embodiment, thermally fusing the monofilament to the like material spacer by applying heat just below the melting temperature of the monofilament and spacer material. Alternatively, the monofilament and spacer may be of different materials and heat is applied to cause at least one material to thermally reflow or melt. The conductive contacts may be located at either the distal end and/or proximal end of the lead. Oversized spacers may be used in order to provide extra material to fill voids during the thermal fusion/reflow process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Janusz A. Kuzma, Anne Margaret Pianca
  • Patent number: 10835738
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, John Wardle, Janusz Kuzma
  • Patent number: 10835748
    Abstract: Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, Janusz Kuzma, Daniel Palanker, Scott Franklin Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 10799695
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, John Wardle, Janusz Kuzma
  • Publication number: 20200038238
    Abstract: Described here are systems, devices, and methods for delivering an implant to the orbit. In some instances, the systems may comprise a delivery device having a tongue member and a handle. The delivery device may further include an ejector configured to deliver an implant from the tongue member. The delivery device may also include a piercing member configured to create an opening in tissue. The systems may further comprise a piercing member for creating an opening in tissue. In some instances, the piercing member may have a first blade member rotatably connected to a second blade member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Janusz Kuzma, Douglas Michael Ackermann, Christopher William Stivers
  • Patent number: 10537469
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for delivering an implant to the orbit. In some instances, the systems may include a delivery device having a tongue member and a handle. The delivery device may further include an ejector configured to deliver an implant from the tongue member. The delivery device may also include a piercing member configured to create an opening in tissue. The systems may further include a piercing member for creating an opening in tissue. In some instances, the piercing member may have a first blade member rotatably connected to a second blade member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Janusz Kuzma, Douglas Michael Ackermann, Christopher William Stivers
  • Publication number: 20190344077
    Abstract: Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, Janusz Kuzma, Daniel Palanker, Scott Franklin Wetenkamp
  • Publication number: 20190217095
    Abstract: Described here are systems, devices, and methods for implanting a nasal stimulator into nasal tissue and electrically stimulating nasal tissue. In some variations, a nasal microstimulator implantation system may comprise an implantation tool and an implantable microstimulator. An implantation tool may comprise a shaft and features to releasably attach a microstimulator. A microstimulator may comprise a passive stimulation circuit and one or more electrodes. In other variations, a nasal implantation system may additionally comprise one or more additional devices, such as a controller, an electrical probe, and/or a dissection tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Manfred Franke, James Donald Loudin, Janusz Kuzma, Paul Taehyun Yu, Douglas Michael Ackermann
  • Patent number: 10328262
    Abstract: Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University, Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, Janusz Kuzma, Daniel Palanker, Scott Franklin Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 10207108
    Abstract: Described here are systems, devices, and methods for implanting a nasal stimulator into nasal tissue and electrically stimulating nasal tissue. In some variations, a nasal microstimulator implantation system may comprise an implantation tool and an implantable microstimulator. An implantation tool may comprise a shaft and features to releasably attach a microstimulator. A microstimulator may comprise a passive stimulation circuit and one or more electrodes. In other variations, a nasal implantation system may additionally comprise one or more additional devices, such as a controller, an electrical probe, and/or a dissection tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Franke, James Donald Loudin, Janusz Kuzma, Paul Taehyun Yun, Douglas Michael Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20180154137
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Douglas Michael ACKERMANN, James Donald LOUDIN, John WARDLE, Janusz KUZMA
  • Publication number: 20180064941
    Abstract: Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Douglas Michael ACKERMANN, James Donald LOUDIN, Janusz KUZMA, Daniel PALANKER, Scott Franklin WETENKAMP
  • Publication number: 20180064940
    Abstract: Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Douglas Michael ACKERMANN, James Donald LOUDIN, Janusz KUZMA, Daniel PALANKER, Scott Franklin WETENKAMP
  • Publication number: 20170368332
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Douglas Michael ACKERMANN, James Donald LOUDIN, John WARDLE, Janusz KUZMA
  • Publication number: 20170354536
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for delivering an implant to the orbit. In some instances, the systems may include a delivery device having a tongue member and a handle. The delivery device may further include an ejector configured to deliver an implant from the tongue member. The delivery device may also include a piercing member configured to create an opening in tissue. The systems may further include a piercing member for creating an opening in tissue. In some instances, the piercing member may have a first blade member rotatably connected to a second blade member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Janusz KUZMA, Douglas Michael ACKERMANN, Christopher William STIVERS
  • Patent number: 9821159
    Abstract: Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University, Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, Janusz Kuzma, Daniel Palanker, Scott Franklin Wetenkamp
  • Publication number: 20170291023
    Abstract: A lead assembly and a method of making a lead are provided. The method of making a multi-contact lead assembly comprises placing monofilament placed in the void spaces not occupied by the plurality of conductor wires and, in one embodiment, thermally fusing the monofilament to the like material spacer by applying heat just below the melting temperature of the monofilament and spacer material. Alternatively, the monofilament and spacer may be of different materials and heat is applied to cause at least one material to thermally reflow or melt. The conductive contacts may be located at either the distal end and/or proximal end of the lead. Oversized spacers may be used in order to provide extra material to fill voids during the thermal fusion/reflow process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Janusz A. Kuzma, Anne Margaret Pianca
  • Patent number: 9737702
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, John Wardle, Jarren Armond Baldwin, Daniel N. Hamilton, Janusz Kuzma
  • Patent number: 9717899
    Abstract: A method of making a stimulation lead is provided. The method of making a multi-contact stimulation lead comprises placing monofilament placed in the void spaces not occupied by the plurality of conductor wires and, in one embodiment, thermally fusing the monofilament to the like material spacer by applying heat just below the melting temperature of the monofilament and spacer material. Alternatively, the monofilament and spacer may be of different materials and heat is applied to cause at least one material to thermally reflow or melt. The conductive contacts may be located at either the distal end and/or proximal end of the lead. Oversized spacers may be used in order to provide extra material to fill voids during the thermal fusion/reflow process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Janusz A. Kuzma, Anne Margaret Pianca
  • Patent number: 9717627
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for delivering an implant to the orbit. In some instances, the systems may include a delivery device having a tongue member and a handle. The delivery device may further include an ejector configured to deliver an implant from the tongue member. The delivery device may also include a piercing member configured to create an opening in tissue. The systems may further include a piercing member for creating an opening in tissue. In some instances, the piercing member may have a first blade member rotatably connected to a second blade member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Janusz Kuzma, Douglas Michael Ackermann, Christopher William Stivers