Patents by Inventor John H. Erickson

John H. Erickson 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: 20120271390
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a pulse generator for generating electrical stimulation for delivery to a patient, comprises: a hermetically sealed housing containing pulse generating circuitry; a header coupled to the housing for receiving one or more stimulation leads, wherein feedthrough wires are provided to conduct electrical pulses from the pulse generating circuitry to the header; the header comprising a plurality of connectors for electrically connecting to each terminal of the one or more stimulation leads, wherein an inductive winding is disposed around or adjacent to each of the connector structures and is electrically connected between the respective connector structure and a corresponding feedthrough wire to limit MRI induced heating of a respective electrode of the one or more stimulation leads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: John H. Erickson
  • Patent number: 8224456
    Abstract: A lead, method of manufacturing same, and system for stimulation is provided. The lead includes an insulative member or layer that masks a portion of the electrode(s) to effectively generate a directional lead that focuses or directs the stimulation to desired location(s). In another embodiment, the lead further includes a marking system to allow a clinician to orient the directional lead, as desired, while the lead is within a body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Daglow, Brian Franz, John H. Erickson, Sandy Hooper, Tim Jones
  • Patent number: 8214055
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a pulse generator for generating electrical stimulation for delivery to a patient, comprises: a hermetically sealed housing containing pulse generating circuitry; a header coupled to the housing for receiving one or more stimulation leads, wherein feedthrough wires are provided to conduct electrical pulses from the pulse generating circuitry to the header; the header comprising a plurality of connectors for electrically connecting to each terminal of the one or more stimulation leads, wherein an inductive winding is disposed around or adjacent to each of the connector structures and is electrically connected between the respective connector structure and a corresponding feedthrough wire to limit MRI induced heating of a respective electrode of the one or more stimulation leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Erickson
  • Patent number: 8209020
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stimulation device for creating complex or multi-purpose tissue stimulation. Many typical stimulation devices suffer from deficiencies in providing complex stimulation patterns. Using a circuitry operable or programmable to repeat and skip stimulation settings, a complex stimulation set may be created. The repeating and skipping functionality may be implemented in hardware or software. In this manner, complex stimulations may be derived from simple circuitries. Furthermore, these stimulations may be used to treat pain, stimulate bone growth, and control motor disorders, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20120123500
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a pulse generator for generating electrical stimulation for delivery to a patient, comprises: a hermetically sealed housing containing pulse generating circuitry; a header coupled to the housing for receiving one or more stimulation leads, wherein feedthrough wires are provided to conduct electrical pulses from the pulse generating circuitry to the header; the header comprising a plurality of connectors for electrically connecting to each terminal of the one or more stimulation leads, wherein an inductive winding is disposed around or adjacent to each of the connector structures and is electrically connected between the respective connector structure and a corresponding feedthrough wire to limit MRI induced heating of a respective electrode of the one or more stimulation leads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: John H. Erickson
  • Patent number: 8180451
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of programming an IPG comprises providing one or several GUI screens on the programmer device, the GUI screens comprising a master amplitude GUI control for controlling amplitudes for stimsets of a stimulation program and one or several balancing GUI controls for controlling amplitudes of each stimset of the stimulation program; communicating one or several commands from the programmer device to the IPG to change the amplitude of all stimsets of the stimulation program in response to manipulation of the master amplitude GUI control, wherein the amplitude of each stimulation set is automatically calculated by a level selected through the master amplitude GUI control and one or several calibration parameters for the respective stimulation set; and automatically recalculating the one or several calibration parameters for a respective stimulation set in response to manipulation of one of the balancing GUI controls and storing the recalculated calibration parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Hickman, Erik D. Engstrom, Matthew J. Brock, John H. Erickson
  • Patent number: 8179190
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide voltage conversion in increments less than integer multiples of a power supply (e.g., battery) voltage. A representative embodiment provides power supply voltage multipliers in a binary ladder distribution to provide a desired number of output voltage steps using a relatively uncomplicated circuit design. By using different sources in various combinations and/or by “stacking” different sources in various ways, the voltage multiplier circuit may be used to provide desired voltages. In order to minimize the number of components used in a voltage converter of an embodiment, a capacitive voltage converter circuit uses one or more storage capacitors in place of pump capacitors in a voltage generation cycle. Also, certain embodiments do not operate to generate an output voltage until the time that voltage is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A Tranchina, John H Erickson, Anthony J Varrichio
  • Patent number: 8103347
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a pulse generator for generating electrical stimulation for delivery to a patient, comprises: a hermetically sealed housing containing pulse generating circuitry; a header coupled to the housing for receiving one or more stimulation leads, wherein feedthrough wires are provided to conduct electrical pulses from the pulse generating circuitry to the header; the header comprising a plurality of connectors for electrically connecting to each terminal of the one or more stimulation leads, wherein an inductive winding is disposed around or adjacent to each of the connector structures and is electrically connected between the respective connector structure and a corresponding feedthrough wire to limit MRI induced heating of a respective electrode of the one or more stimulation leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20120016453
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-column paddle structure and its uses thereof to provide neuromodulation therapy to a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Claudio A. Feler, John H. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20110313489
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stimulation device for creating complex or multi-purpose tissue stimulation. Many typical stimulation devices suffer from deficiencies in providing complex stimulation patterns. Using a circuitry operable or programmable to repeat and skip stimulation settings, a complex stimulation set may be created. The repeating and skipping functionality may be implemented in hardware or software. In this manner, complex stimulations may be derived from simple circuitries. Furthermore, these stimulations may be used to treat pain, stimulate bone growth, and control motor disorders, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: John H. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20110273225
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide voltage conversion in increments less than integer multiples of a power supply (e.g., battery) voltage. A representative embodiment provides power supply voltage multipliers in a binary ladder distribution to provide a desired number of output voltage steps using a relatively uncomplicated circuit design. By using different sources in various combinations and/or by “stacking” different sources in various ways, the voltage multiplier circuit may be used to provide desired voltages. In order to minimize the number of components used in a voltage converter of an embodiment, a capacitive voltage converter circuit uses one or more storage capacitors in place of pump capacitors in a voltage generation cycle. Also, certain embodiments do not operate to generate an output voltage until the time that voltage is needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Tranchina, John H. Erickson, Anthony J. Varrichio
  • Publication number: 20110270350
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a paddle lead is implanted within a patient such that the electrodes are positioned within the cervical or thoracic spinal levels. An electrode combination on a first row of electrodes can be determined that is effective for a first pain location with minimal effects on other regions of the body. The first pain location can be addressed by stimulating a first dorsal column fiber due to the relatively fine electrical field resolution achievable by the multiple columns. Then, another electrode combination on a second row of electrodes can be determined for a second pain location with minimal effects on other regions. The second pain location could be addressed by stimulating a second dorsal column fiber. After the determination of the appropriate electrodes for stimulation, the patient's IPG can be programmed to deliver pulses using the first and second rows according to the determined electrode combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Claudio A. Feler, John H. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20110208265
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide trial stimulators suited for use interoperatively and during patient trial. Trial stimulator embodiments provide a patient interface and/or clinician interface which appears and functions substantially the same as an interface of a pulse generator controller which will be used after a trial period. A compliance monitor feature may be provided to facilitate verifying the proper use of the trial stimulator during a trial period. A diagnostic feature may be provided to facilitate verifying proper operation of various aspects of a trial stimulator, such as electrode impedance analysis. Trial stimulators of embodiments provide stimulation to a plurality of tissues and/or areas of the body, such as spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation, etcetera. Embodiments provide for multi-electrode stimulation and multi-stimulation programs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: John H. Erickson, George Van Campen, Patrick M. Cullen, Thomas K. Hickman
  • Patent number: 7982529
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide voltage conversion in increments less than integer multiples of a power supply (e.g., battery) voltage. A representative embodiment provides power supply voltage multipliers in a binary ladder distribution to provide a desired number of output voltage steps using a relatively uncomplicated circuit design. By using different sources in various combinations and/or by “stacking” different sources in various ways, the voltage multiplier circuit may be used to provide desired voltages. In order to minimize the number of components used in a voltage converter of an embodiment, a capacitive voltage converter circuit uses one or more storage capacitors in place of pump capacitors in a voltage generation cycle. Also, certain embodiments do not operate to generate an output voltage until the time that voltage is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A Tranchina, John H Erickson, Anthony J Varrichio
  • Patent number: 7981119
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus is provided for securing an electrical stimulation lead in position in a person's brain. The apparatus includes a flexible disc comprising a substantially radial slot adapted to secure the lead in position within the brain after implantation. The slot is adapted to elastically expand as the lead is inserted into the slot and is also adapted to elastically contract on the lead to secure the lead in position within the brain after implantation. The apparatus further includes a ring adapted to seat within a burr hole formed in the person's skull. The ring comprises a channel adapted to receive and secure the flexible disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Lando, Terry D. Daglow, John H. Erickson
  • Patent number: 7979131
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a paddle lead is implanted within a patient such that the electrodes are positioned within the cervical or thoracic spinal levels. An electrode combination on a first row of electrodes can be determined that is effective for a first pain location with minimal effects on other regions of the body. The first pain location can be addressed by stimulating a first dorsal column fiber due to the relatively fine electrical field resolution achievable by the multiple columns. Then, another electrode combination on a second row of electrodes can be determined for a second pain location with minimal effects on other regions. The second pain location could be addressed by stimulating a second dorsal column fiber. After the determination of the appropriate electrodes for stimulation, the patient's IPG can be programmed to deliver pulses using the first and second rows according to the determined electrode combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio A. Feler, John H. Erickson
  • Patent number: 7979133
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a paddle lead is implanted within a patient such that the electrodes are positioned within the cervical or thoracic spinal levels. An electrode combination on a first row of electrodes can be determined that is effective for a first pain location with minimal effects on other regions of the body. The first pain location can be addressed by stimulating a first dorsal column fiber due to the relatively fine electrical field resolution achievable by the multiple columns. Then, another electrode combination on a second row of electrodes can be determined for a second pain location with minimal effects on other regions. The second pain location could be addressed by stimulating a second dorsal column fiber. After the determination of the appropriate electrodes for stimulation, the patient's IPG can be programmed to deliver pulses using the first and second rows according to the determined electrode combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudio A. Feler, John H. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20110144721
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of programming an IPG comprises providing one or several GUI screens on the programmer device, the GUI screens comprising a master amplitude GUI control for controlling amplitudes for stimsets of a stimulation program and one or several balancing GUI controls for controlling amplitudes of each stimset of the stimulation program; communicating one or several commands from the programmer device to the IPG to change the amplitude of all stimsets of the stimulation program in response to manipulation of the master amplitude GUI control, wherein the amplitude of each stimulation set is automatically calculated by a level selected through the master amplitude GUI control and one or several calibration parameters for the respective stimulation set; and automatically recalculating the one or several calibration parameters for a respective stimulation set in response to manipulation of one of the balancing GUI controls and storing the recalculated calibration parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas K Hickman, Erick D. Engstrom, Matthew J. Brock, John H. Erickson
  • Patent number: 7937158
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide trial stimulators suited for use interoperatively and during patient trial. Trial stimulator embodiments provide a patient interface and/or clinician interface which appears and functions substantially the same as an interface of a pulse generator controller which will be used after a trial period. A compliance monitor feature may be provided to facilitate verifying the proper use of the trial stimulator during a trial period. A diagnostic feature may be provided to facilitate verifying proper operation of various aspects of a trial stimulator, such as electrode impedance analysis. Trial stimulators of embodiments provide stimulation to a plurality of tissues and/or areas of the body, such as spinal cord stimulation, deep brain stimulation, etcetera. Embodiments provide for multi-electrode stimulation and multi-stimulation programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John H Erickson, George Van Campen, Patrick M Cullen, Thomas K Hickman
  • Patent number: D638130
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Erickson, Jazzmyne Buckels, Claudio A. Feler, Tommy Cushing, Stephen L. Goldman