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).
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Patent number: 7338464Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable infusion pump having a refillable infusate reservoir in fluid communication with a delivery site via a flow path. This flow path includes a flow resistance. The infusion pump includes a sensing device(s), positioned relative to the flow path, to provide data regarding a flow rate along the flow path. The infusion pump effects a division of a total flow period into at least a plurality of unit dose periods, each unit dose period effecting delivery of a unit dose of infusate. The cumulative effect of delivering the total number of unit dose periods is the delivery of a desired dose over the total flow period. The present invention permits a reservoir pressure to vary over any portion of total flow period but effects a constant-pressure state over each unit dose cycle.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian Blischak, John H. Erickson, Terry Daglow, Sandra M. Hooper, Bruce D. Wigness
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Patent number: 7295876Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for interactively defining and calibrating a treatment protocol program for a stimulation device such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG). An IPG, whether it is a self-contained implantable pulse generator (SCIPG) or externally-powered implantable pulse generator (EPIPG), communicates with an external patient programmer (EPP) to receive treatment protocol programs. Using the EPP, treatment protocol programs are developed, executed, and tested while the patient provides real-time feedback, providing efficient and effective programming.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventor: John H. Erickson
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Patent number: 7254446Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for calibrating a stimulation device such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG). An IPG, whether it is a self-contained implantable pulse generator (SCIPG) or externally-powered implantable pulse generator (EPIPG), communicates with an external programmer to determine the characteristics of the stimuli delivered to the lead electrodes. An external programmer is used with patient feedback to determine initial threshold levels, and using the initial threshold levels, to determine threshold levels for combined electrode arrays.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: John H. Erickson, Thomas K. Hickman, Erik D. Engstrom
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Patent number: 7047084Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for making such apparatus for providing controlled and directional stimulation patterns for tissue stimulation. The apparatus may be useful in stimulation nervous tissue in the brain, about the spinal cord, on nerve roots, about peripheral nerves, and in muscles, among others. The apparatus includes a implantable pulse generator connected to a lead. The lead has electrodes placed about a perimeter. In addition, the lead may include electrodes placed longitudinally along the axis of the lead. By applying charge differences between circumferentially distributed electrodes, a smaller stimulation field may be established. In addition, by stimulating between electrodes distributed longitudinally on the same side, a directional flow field may be established. Such leads are especially useful in deep brain stimulation as the region in which a stimulation field is strong enough to produce tissue stimulation is directional and minimized.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: John H. Erickson, Terry D. Daglow
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Patent number: 6895283Abstract: The present invention relates to a percutaneous insertion-capable lead, wherein insertion is made through a percutaneous insertion structure. For one embodiment of such lead, the electrode-supporting stimulation portion of the lead includes at lease one waisted region, relative to a transverse dimension of the lead, to facilitate lead steerability.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: John H. Erickson, Scott F. Drees, Terry Daglow, John Connell Munson, Jr.
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Patent number: 6880564Abstract: The invention is directed to a dose control apparatus. The apparatus has two armatures pressed against a valve seat by at least one spring. A coil induces a magnetic field that motivates the armatures against the force of the spring, thereby opening the valve. The armatures may move along a common axis in opposite directions. The apparatus may also include a core located between the armatures and a casing about the coil. The core and casing act to guide the magnetic field, reducing the power requirements for creating the field. Current may be periodically reversed in the coil to provide a degaussing field. In addition, a signal may be produced by the coil in the presence an externally applied magnetic field such as an MRI. An opposing magnetic field may be produced by the coil or the current provided to the coil may be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventor: John H. Erickson
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Publication number: 20040210291Abstract: The present invention relates to an epidural stimulation lead having at least one electrode that substantially encircles another electrode. Operatively, the encircling electrode can be set as an anode and the encircled electrode can be set as a cathode to generate an electrical field therebetween. The encircling electrode functions in this capacity as an anode guard, which among other things, concentrates the electrical field about the designated cathode and limits the lateral range of a generated electrical field.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: John H. Erickson, Scott F. Drees
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Publication number: 20040153029Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable infusion pump having a refillable infusate reservoir in fluid communication with a delivery site via a flow path. This flow path includes a flow resistance. The infusion pump includes a sensing device(s), positioned relative to the flow path, to provide data regarding a flow rate along the flow path. The infusion pump effects a division of a total flow period into at least a plurality of unit dose periods, each unit dose period effecting delivery of a unit dose of infusate. The cumulative effect of delivering the total number of unit dose periods is the delivery of a desired dose over the total flow period. The present invention permits a reservoir pressure to vary over any portion of total flow period but effects a constant-pressure state over each unit dose cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Applicant: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian Blischak, John H. Erickson, Terry Daglow, Sandra Marie Hooper, Bruce David Wigness
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Patent number: 6754539Abstract: The present invention relates to an epidural stimulation lead having at least one electrode that substantially encircles another electrode. Operatively, the encircling electrode can be set as an, anode and the encircled electrode can be set as a cathode to generate an electrical field therebetween. The encircling electrode functions in this capacity as an anode guard, which among other things, concentrates the electrical field about the designated cathode and limits the lateral range of a generated electrical field.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2000Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: John H. Erickson, Scott F. Drees
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Publication number: 20040098074Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for making such apparatus for providing controlled and directional stimulation patterns for tissue stimulation. The apparatus may be useful in stimulation nervous tissue in the brain, about the spinal cord, on nerve roots, about peripheral nerves, and in muscles, among others. The apparatus includes a implantable pulse generator connected to a lead. The lead has electrodes placed about a perimeter. In addition, the lead may include electrodes placed longitudinally along the axis of the lead. By applying charge differences between circumferentially distributed electrodes, a smaller stimulation field may be established. In addition, by stimulating between electrodes distributed longitudinally on the same side, a directional flow field may be established. Such leads are especially useful in deep brain stimulation as the region in which a stimulation field is strong enough to produce tissue stimulation is directional and minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2002Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventors: John H. Erickson, Terry D. Daglow
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Publication number: 20040088021Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating sexual dysfunction. The method includes stimulating sacral nerve roots, S2 and/or S3, with electromagnetic stimulation in or about the sacrum. The stimulation may be achieved with leads terminating in electrodes that extend with an emerging sacral nerve root or extend transverse the sacrum at or about the location of the nerve root to be stimulated. Alternately, spiraled electrodes and nerve cuffs may be used to stimulate the nerve root within the sacrum, as it emerges from the sacrum, or outside the sacrum. In this manner, the selected sacral nerve root may be stimulated to provide genital stimulation and thereby induce orgasm.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Tracy Cameron, John H. Erickson
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Patent number: 6620151Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable infusion pump having a refillable infusate reservoir in fluid communication with a delivery site via a flow path. This flow path includes a flow resistance. The infusion pump includes a sensing device(s), positioned relative to the flow path, to provide data regarding a flow rate along the flow path. The infusion pump effects a division of a total flow period into at least a plurality of unit dose periods, each unit dose period effecting delivery of a unit dose of infusate. The cumulative effect of delivering the total number of unit dose periods is the delivery of a desired dose over the total flow period. The present invention permits a reservoir pressure to vary over any portion of total flow period but effects a constant-pressure state over each unit dose cycle.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian Blischak, John H. Erickson, Terry Daglow, Sandra Marie Hooper, Bruce David Wigness
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Publication number: 20020156464Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable infusion pump having a refillable infusate reservoir in fluid communication with a delivery site via a flow path. This flow path includes a flow resistance. The infusion pump includes a sensing device(s), positioned relative to the flow path, to provide data regarding a flow rate along the flow path. The infusion pump effects a division of a total flow period into at least a plurality of unit dose periods, each unit dose period effecting delivery of a unit dose of infusate. The cumulative effect of delivering the total number of unit dose periods is the delivery of a desired dose over the total flow period. The present invention permits a reservoir pressure to vary over any portion of total flow period but effects a constant-pressure state over each unit dose cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: Brian Blischak, John H. Erickson, Terry Daglow, Sandra Marie Hooper, Bruce David Wigness
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Publication number: 20020022873Abstract: The present invention relates to a percutaneous insertion-capable lead, wherein insertion made through a percutaneous insertion structure. For one embodiment of such lead, the electrode-supporting stimulation portion of the lead includes at least one waisted region, relative to a transverse dimension of the lead, to facilitate lead steerability.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventors: John H. Erickson, Scott F. Drees, Terry Daglow, John Comell Munson
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Patent number: 6027456Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in the placement of a spinal cord stimulation lead with respect to the dorsal column of a patient. The apparatus detects evoked potentials which result from the controlled stimulation of spinal nerves and provides information to an operator to allow a stimulation lead to be positioned relative to a physiological midline and/or positioned along the dorsal column in a longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Claudio A. Feler, John H. Erickson, Steven P. Rhines
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Patent number: 5766231Abstract: A hand-held programmer/monitor (500) for programming and monitoring an implantable tissue growth stimulator (10) is provided. The stimulator (10) includes circuitry (46) for implementing selected operations in response to a down-link signal transmitted by the programmer/monitor (500). The stimulator (10) also includes circuitry (14) for transmitting up-link signals to the programmer/monitor (500). The programmer/monitor (500) includes a control circuit (518) for generating the down-link signal. The control circuit (518) also processes the up-link signal to monitor the status of the implantable tissue growth stimulator (10). The programmer/monitor (500) also includes a transmit/receive circuit (514) for transmitting the down-link signal to and for receiving the up-link signal from the implantable tissue growth stimulator (10). The transmit/receive circuit (514) also couples the up-link signal to the control circuit (518).Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Neomedics, Inc.Inventors: John H. Erickson, John C. Tepper, Ike C. Thacker, Gregg Turi, Anthony J. Varrichio, Arthur A. Pilla, Mark A. Bettin, William C. Brosche
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Patent number: 5565005Abstract: A hand-held programmer/monitor (500) for programming and monitoring an implantable tissue growth stimulator (10) is provided. The stimulator (10) includes circuitry (46) for implementing selected operations in response to a down-link signal transmitted by the programmer/monitor (500). The stimulator (10) also includes circuitry (46) for transmitting up-link signals to the programmer/monitor (500). The programmer/monitor (500) includes a control circuit (518) for generating the down-link signal. The control circuit (518) also processes the up-link signal to monitor the status of the implantable tissue growth stimulator (10). The programmer/monitor (500) also includes a transmit/receive circuit (514) for transmitting the down-link signal to and for receiving the up-link signal from the implantable tissue growth stimulator (10). The transmit/receive circuit (514) also couples the up-link signal to the control circuit (518).Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1993Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: AMEI Technologies Inc.Inventors: John H. Erickson, John C. Tepper, Ike C. Thacker, Greg Turi, Anthony J. Varrichio, Arthur A. Pilla, Mark A. Bettin, William C. Brosche
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Patent number: 5441527Abstract: A method for the therapeutic stimulation of bone growth of a bone site is disclosed comprising the steps of implanting first and second electrodes into the tissue near the base site. The electrodes are coupled to a bone growth stimulator which generates an alternating current.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1994Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Assignee: AMEI Technologies Inc.Inventors: John H. Erickson, John C. Tepper, Ike C. Thacker, Gregg Turi, Anthony J. Varrichio, Arthur A. Pilla
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Patent number: 5401233Abstract: A PEMF contoured triangular transducer system (FIG. 1a-1b) used for PEMF therapy (such as after spinal fusion) uses a two-transducer configuration for generating flux-aided electromagnetic fields. The semi-rigid transducers (12, 14) are conformable to a selected anatomical contour, and incorporated with an adjustable belt (16) to provide bracing. The belt includes compartments for a drive electronics module (22), and a rechargeable battery pack (24), making the system portable. The drive electronics (FIG. 3) includes a PEMF processor (41) that executes a PEMF program for providing pulsing current to the front and back transducers at predetermined intervals, thereby activating the electromagnetic field according to a prescribed PEMF regimen.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1994Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: AMEI Technologies Inc.Inventors: John H. Erickson, John C. Tepper
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Patent number: D361555Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1993Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Assignee: AMEI Technologies Inc.Inventors: John H. Erickson, John C. Tepper, Mark A. Bettin, Robert W. Lee, Glenn Jacobs