Patents by Inventor Jeffrey Balzer
Jeffrey Balzer 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).
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Patent number: 10674930Abstract: Single-unit EEG sensors contain multiple closely spaced dry electrodes that can hook onto skin and associated electronic circuitry such as amplifiers, A/D convertors, wireless transmitters, and a power source such as a battery. The electrodes can be separated by about 20 mm or less, and the associated circuitry can be situated within a volume defined by the multiple electrodes. The single-unit sensors hook onto the skin using a tooth surface so that a rotation of the sensor secures and electrically connects the sensor to the skin.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: University of Pittsburgh-Of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: Mingui Sun, Bo Luan, Parthasarathy Deenadayalan Thirumala, Wenyan Jia, Di Gao, Jeffrey Balzer
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Publication number: 20170095176Abstract: Single-unit EEG sensors contain multiple closely spaced dry electrodes that can hook onto skin and associated electronic circuitry such as amplifiers, A/D convertors, wireless transmitters, and a power source such as a battery. The electrodes can be separated by about 20 mm or less, and the associated circuitry can be situated within a volume defined by the multiple electrodes. The single-unit sensors hook onto the skin using a tooth surface so that a rotation of the sensor secures and electrically connects the sensor to the skin.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2016Publication date: April 6, 2017Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: Mingui Sun, Bo Luan, Parthasarathy Deenadayalan Thirumala, Wenyan Jia, Di Gao, Jeffrey Balzer
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Patent number: 8412335Abstract: System and method for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient, the system includes an electrode array having a support member configured to be implanted into the patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller that generates command signals that define the stimulus delivered by the pulse system, evaluates the response signals from the sensing device, and determines a desired configuration for the therapy electrodes and/or a desired stimulus to be delivered to the therapy electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew D. Firlik
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Publication number: 20120316630Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik
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Publication number: 20120253421Abstract: System and method for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient, the system includes an electrode array having a support member configured to be implanted into the patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller that generates command signals that define the stimulus delivered by the pulse system, evaluates the response signals from the sensing device, and determines a desired configuration for the therapy electrodes and/or a desired stimulus to be delivered to the therapy electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew D. Firlik
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Publication number: 20120253442Abstract: A device and method for intracranial electrical stimulation to effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient, by electrical stimulating the brain at a site where neuroplasticity is occurring or is expected to occur, where the stimulation site may be different than the region in the brain where neural activity is typically present to perform the particular neural function according to the functional organization of the brain. In one embodiment in which neuroplasticity is related to the neural-function occurs in the brain, identifying the location where such neuroplasticity is present or expected to occur. Where neuroplasticity is not occurring in the brain, an alternative aspect is to induce neuroplasticity at a stimulation site where it is expected to occur. The methods can use electrical pulses that increase the resting membrane potential of neurons at the stimulation site to a subthreshold level.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Brad Fowler, Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Alan J. Levy, Kent Leyde
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Patent number: 8195300Abstract: Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an electrode array having an implantable support member configured to be implanted into the patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller operatively coupled to the pulse system and to the sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2011Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew D. Firlik
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Patent number: 8121695Abstract: Test procedures for determining a neural stimulation threshold of a patient. In one embodiment, the procedure includes applying a test stimulation signal to the patient and monitoring the patient for a response to the test stimulation signal. The procedure can further include determining a first neural stimulation threshold and calculating a second neural stimulation threshold. The first neural stimulation threshold corresponds to the lowest intensity test stimulation signal that evokes a patient response. The second neural stimulation threshold corresponds to a treatment stimulation signal directed toward affecting a neural activity within the patient.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew D Firlik
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Publication number: 20120022611Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. The methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.), or to control sensory functions (e.g., pain).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik
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Patent number: 8065012Abstract: Disclosed are several apparatuses and methods for applying intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or enhance the neural function of the patient. In accordance with the invention, intracranial electrical stimulation can be administered to treat brain damage, brain disease, and/or brain disorders. Additionally the intracranial electrical stimulation can be applied to a normal healthy brain to enhance neural-function or control sensory functions. The electrical stimulation site(s) of the brain are located where neuroplasticity is occurring, expected to occur, or in a region where neuroplasticity is not occurring. The intracranial stimulation is expected to produce a lasting effect on the intended neural activity by applying subthreshold stimulation to the increasing the resting membrane potential of the neurons at the stimulation site.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Carlton B. Morgan, Katrina S. Firlik
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Patent number: 8019425Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating an impaired neural function in a brain of a patient. In one embodiment, a method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient includes determining a therapy period during which a plurality of therapy sessions are to be performed to recover functional ability corresponding to the neural function. The method continues by identifying a stimulation site in or on the brain of the patient associated with the neural function, and positioning an electrode at least proximate to the identified stimulation site. The patient is then treated by providing electrical stimulation treatments to the stimulation site. The treatment can comprise delivering electrical stimulation signals to the electrode during the therapy sessions. After expiration of the therapy period, the method includes preventing electrical stimulation signals from being delivered to the stimulation site.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Alan J. Levy, Bradford Evan Gliner, Katrina S. Firlik
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Publication number: 20110208263Abstract: Systems and methods for treating movement disorders using cortical stimulation. In one embodiment, a method for treating movement disorders comprises determining a site at the cortex of the brain of a patient related to a movement disorder of an afflicted body part. The site can be determined by obtaining a representation of neural activity occurring in the cortex of the patient and correlating an area of neural activity with the afflicted body part. The method can also include applying neural stimulation, such as electrical or magnetic waveforms, directly to the site.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Jeffrey Balzer, Allen Wyler
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Publication number: 20110208264Abstract: Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an electrode array having an implantable support member configured to be implanted into the patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller operatively coupled to the pulse system and to the sensing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew D. Firlik
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Patent number: 7962218Abstract: Systems and methods for treating movement disorders using cortical stimulation. In one embodiment, a method for treating movement disorders comprises determining a site at the cortex of the brain of a patient related to a movement disorder of an afflicted body part. The site can be determined by obtaining a representation of neural activity occurring in the cortex of the patient and correlating an area of neural activity with the afflicted body part. The method can also include applying neural stimulation, such as electrical or magnetic waveforms, directly to the site.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Balzer, Allen Wyler
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Patent number: 7945330Abstract: Methods and devices for automatically optimizing the stimulus parameters and/or the configuration of electrodes to provide neural stimulation to a patient. In one embodiment, a system includes an electrode array having an implantable support member configured to be implanted into a patient and a plurality of therapy electrodes carried by the support member. The system can also have a pulse system operatively coupled to the therapy electrodes to deliver a stimulus to the therapy electrodes, and a sensing device configured to be attached to a sensing location of the patient. The sensing device generates response signals in response to the stimulus. The system can also include a controller operatively, coupled to the pulse system and to the sensing device.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew D. Firlik
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Publication number: 20100274305Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for stimulating cells implanted in the regions of nervous system, such as the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves. Accordingly, the functionality of the cells can be improved, for example, by differentiating undifferentiated or partially undifferentiated cells into neurons or other cells having action potentials. The method can also include promoting directional growth and connectivity of fully differentiated neural cells implanted in a patient's nervous system through electrical enhancement, for example, electrical stimulation via an anode and cathode. Methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew D. Firlik, W. Doughlas Sheffield
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Publication number: 20100145427Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for intracranial electrical stimulation to treat or otherwise effectuate a change in neural-functions of a patient. Certain embodiments of methods in accordance with the invention electrically stimulate the brain at a stimulation site where neuroplasticity is occurring or is expected to occur. The stimulation site may be different than the region in the brain where neural activity is typically present to perform the particular neural function according to the functional organization of the brain. In one embodiment in which neuroplasticity related to the neural-function occurs in the brain, the method can include identifying the location where such neuroplasticity is present or expected to occur. In an alternative embodiment in which neuroplasticity is not occurring in the brain, an alternative aspect is to induce neuroplasticity at a stimulation site where it is expected to occur.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2010Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Brad Fowler, Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Alan J. Levy, Kent Leyde
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Publication number: 20100131034Abstract: Test procedures for determining a neural stimulation threshold of a patient. In one embodiment, the procedure includes applying a test stimulation signal to the patient and monitoring the patient for a response to the test stimulation signal. The procedure can further include determining a first neural stimulation threshold and calculating a second neural stimulation threshold. The first neural stimulation threshold corresponds to the lowest intensity test stimulation signal that evokes a patient response. The second neural stimulation threshold corresponds to a treatment stimulation signal directed toward affecting a neural activity within the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew D. Firlik
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Patent number: 7672730Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating an impaired neural function in a brain of a patient. In one embodiment, a method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient includes determining a therapy period during which a plurality of therapy sessions are to be performed to recover functional ability corresponding to the neural function. The method continues by identifying a stimulation site in or on the brain of the patient associated with the neural function, and positioning an electrode at least proximate to the identified stimulation site. The patient is then treated by providing electrical stimulation treatments to the stimulation site. The treatment can comprise delivering electrical stimulation signals to the electrode during the therapy sessions. After expiration of the therapy period, the method includes preventing electrical stimulation signals from being delivered to the stimulation site.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Firlik, Jeffrey Balzer, Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy
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Publication number: 20100004500Abstract: Systems and methods for varying electromagnetic and adjunctive neural therapies are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes applying electromagnetic signals to a target neural population of a patient over a first period of time in accordance with a first mode (e.g., including signal delivery to the central nervous system or peripheral nervous system, via implanted or non-implanted devices). The method can further include applying electromagnetic stimulation to the patient over a second period of time in accordance with a second mode different than the first mode. Varying the mode between the first period of time and second period of time can increase the efficacy and/or longevity of the stimulation. Systems in accordance with other embodiments can support multiple signal delivery devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Jeffrey Balzer, Brad Fowler, Leif R. Sloan