Patents by Inventor John Thomas Mortimer

John Thomas Mortimer 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).

  • Systems and methods for reversibly blocking nerve activity
    Patent number: 7389145
    Abstract: Systems and methods for blocking nerve impulses use an implanted electrode located on or around a nerve. A specific waveform is used that causes the nerve membrane to become incapable of transmitting an action potential. The membrane is only affected underneath the electrode, and the effect is immediately and completely reversible. The waveform has a low amplitude and can be charge balanced, with a high likelihood of being safe to the nerve for chronic conditions. It is possible to selectively block larger (motor) nerve fibers within a mixed nerve, while allowing sensory information to travel through unaffected nerve fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Kevin L. Kilgore, Warren M. Grill, Cameron C. McIntyre, John Thomas Mortimer
  • Systems and methods for reversibly blocking nerve activity
    Publication number: 20040127953
    Abstract: Systems and methods for blocking nerve impulses use an implanted electrode located on or around a nerve. A specific waveform is used that causes the nerve membrane to become incapable of transmitting an action potential. The membrane is only affected underneath the electrode, and the effect is immediately and completely reversible. The waveform has a low amplitude and can be charge balanced, with a high likelihood of being safe to the nerve for chronic conditions. It is possible to selectively block larger (motor) nerve fibers within a mixed nerve, while allowing sensory information to travel through unaffected nerve fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin L. Kilgore, Warren M Grill, Cameron C McIntyre, John Thomas Mortimer