Patents by Inventor Kenneth Frederick Cowan
Kenneth Frederick Cowan 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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Publication number: 20170368361Abstract: A wearable medical device includes a garment and a medical device. The medical device has a functionality that can transition between an operative state and an inoperative state. When the functionality is in the inoperative state, a protrusion extends so as to poke the patient, as an indication that steps need to be taken to make the device ready for use.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2017Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Joseph Leo Sullivan, Isabelle Banville, Blaine Krusor, Daniel Ralph Piha, Laura Marie Gustavson, David Peter Finch, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova
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Patent number: 9795782Abstract: RFID-based sensors, RFID readers and software sense a changed condition. In one embodiment, an RFID-based sensor includes a base that may be placed at a location where a condition may change. The sensor includes an RFID tag that is coupled to the base. The sensor also includes a detector that can be electrically coupled to the RFID tag. If the condition changes, an electrical property of the detector also changes, impacting an operation of the RFID tag. The impacted operation can be detected by an RFID reader/interrogator so as to provide a notification. An advantage over the prior art is that the condition change can be sensed wirelessly over a domain that can be laborious or hazardous to access otherwise. Moreover, RFID based sensors can be made by modifying common RFID tags.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Blaine Krusor, Isabelle Banville, Joseph Leo Sullivan, David Peter Finch, Daniel Ralph Piha, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Carmen Ann Chacon, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Publication number: 20170266456Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Inventors: Daniel Ralph Piha, Joseph Leo Sullivan, Phillip Dewey Foshee, JR., Daniel Peter Finch, Isabelle Banville, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Robert Reuben Buchanan, Krystyna Szul, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Patent number: 9757576Abstract: A portable medical device having a reliable readiness indicator. Embodiments provide a reliable readiness indicator with an active clasp that holds the garment in place. The clasp is enabled by the defibrillator when it is ready for use. If the clasp is not enabled the garment cannot be worn comfortably, and it becomes apparent to the patient that steps need to be taken to make the device ready for use.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Joseph Leo Sullivan, Isabelle Banville, Blaine Krusor, Daniel Ralph Piha, Laura Marie Gustavson, David Peter Finch, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C Nova
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Patent number: 9700733Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Daniel Ralph Piha, Joseph Leo Sullivan, Phillip Dewey Foshee, Jr., Daniel Peter Finch, Isabelle Banville, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Robert Reuben Buchanan, Krystyna Szul, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Publication number: 20170157416Abstract: Embodiments are directed to wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) systems that include patient parameter electrodes, such as ECG electrodes, that are at least substantially electrically isolated from other circuits of the WCD system. In embodiments, the WCD system includes a power source, an energy storage module, and a processor each connected to a first circuit ground. A patient parameter sense port, such as an ECG port, is coupled to the patient. A measurement circuit may render a physiological input from the sensed patient parameter received at the patient parameter sense port, and the measurement circuit includes an isolating circuit that electrically isolates the patient parameter sense port from the first circuit ground. The sensing of physiological inputs of the patient can be improved, resulting in fewer erroneous readings and false alarms.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2016Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventors: Douglas Keith Medema, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Zhong Qun Lu
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Publication number: 20170106198Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventors: Daniel Ralph Piha, Joseph Leo Sullivan, Phillip Dewey Foshee, JR., Daniel Peter Finch, Isabelle Banville, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Robert Reuben Buchanan, Krystyna Szul, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Patent number: 9445740Abstract: A device configured to detect a physiological signal of a patient includes a monitor portion and one or more electrode portions. At least one of the electrode portions is made as a non-contact electrode or a dry electrode, with further adjustments according to embodiments. The electrode portion includes a substrate that has a back side and a front side that is configured to be brought proximately to the patient. At the front side, a sensing electrode may detect a patient signal, and a guard electrode may protect this detection by having a suitable shape, such as a ring. At the back side, a circuit may generate an output signal from the detected signal, and couple it to an output conductor. Moreover, the adjustments may include that the circuit can couple a version of the output signal to the guard electrode.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: William Edward Crone, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Douglas Keith Medema, Dallas Eugene Meeker
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Publication number: 20160235995Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2016Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Daniel Ralph Piha, Joseph Leo Sullivan, Phillip Dewey Foshee, JR., Daniel Peter Finch, Isabelle Banville, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Robert Reuben Buchanan, Krystyna Szul, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Publication number: 20160193462Abstract: RFID-based sensors, RFID readers and software sense a changed condition. In one embodiment, an RFID-based sensor includes a base that may be placed at a location where a condition may change. The sensor includes an RFID tag that is coupled to the base. The sensor also includes a detector that can be electrically coupled to the RFID tag. If the condition changes, an electrical property of the detector also changes, impacting an operation of the RFID tag. The impacted operation can be detected by an RFID reader/interrogator so as to provide a notification. An advantage over the prior art is that the condition change can be sensed wirelessly over a domain that can be laborious or hazardous to access otherwise. Moreover, RFID based sensors can be made by modifying common RFID tags.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2016Publication date: July 7, 2016Inventors: Blaine Krusor, Isabelle Banville, Joseph Leo Sullivan, David Peter Finch, Daniel Ralph Piha, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Carmen Ann Chacon, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Patent number: 9345898Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Daniel Ralph Piha, Joseph Leo Sullivan, Phillip Dewey Foshee, Jr., Daniel Peter Finch, Isabelle Banville, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Robert Reuben Buchanan, Krystyna Szul, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Patent number: 9317729Abstract: RFID-based sensors, RFID readers and software sense a changed condition. In one embodiment, an RFID-based sensor includes a base that may be placed at a location where a condition may change. The sensor includes an RFID tag that is coupled to the base. The sensor also includes a detector that can be electrically coupled to the RFID tag. If the condition changes, an electrical property of the detector also changes, impacting an operation of the RFID tag. The impacted operation can be detected by an RFID reader/interrogator so as to provide a notification. An advantage over the prior art is that the condition change can be sensed wirelessly over a domain that can be laborious or hazardous to access otherwise. Moreover, RFID based sensors can be made by modifying common RFID tags.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: WEST AFFUM HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Blaine Krusor, Isabelle Banville, Joseph Leo Sullivan, David Peter Finch, Daniel Ralph Piha, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Carmen Ann Chacon, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Publication number: 20160081574Abstract: Patient electrodes, patient monitors, defibrillators, wearable defibrillators, software and methods may warn when an electrode stops being fully attached to the patient's skin. A patient electrode includes a pad for attaching to the skin of a patient, a lead coupled to the pad, and a contact detector that can change state, when the pad does not contact fully the skin of the patient. When the detector changes state, an output device may emit an alert, for notifying a rescuer or even the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: Blaine Krusor, Isabelle Banville, Joseph Leo Sullivan, David Peter Finch, Daniel Ralph Piha, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Carmen Ann Chacon, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Patent number: 9237858Abstract: Patient electrodes, patient monitors, defibrillators, wearable defibrillators, software and methods may warn when an electrode stops being fully attached to the patient's skin. A patient electrode includes a pad for attaching to the skin of a patient, a lead coupled to the pad, and a contact detector that can change state, when the pad does not contact fully the skin of the patient. When the detector changes state, an output device may emit an alert, for notifying a rescuer or even the patient.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: West Affum Holdings Corp.Inventors: Blaine Krusor, Isabelle Banville, Joseph Leo Sullivan, David Peter Finch, Daniel Ralph Piha, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Carmen Ann Chacon, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Publication number: 20150321022Abstract: A portable medical device having a reliable readiness indicator. Embodiments provide a reliable readiness indicator with an active clasp that holds the garment in place. The clasp is enabled by the defibrillator when it is ready for use. If the clasp is not enabled the garment cannot be worn comfortably, and it becomes apparent to the patient that steps need to be taken to make the device ready for use.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2015Publication date: November 12, 2015Inventors: Joseph Leo Sullivan, Isabelle Banville, Blaine Krusor, Daniel Ralph Piha, Laura Marie Gustavson, David Peter Finch, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova
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Patent number: 9079045Abstract: A wearable defibrillation system can establish a local comlink with a mobile communication device, such as a smartphone, tablet-type computer and the like. The mobile communication device can in turn establish a remote comlink with other devices in a network such as the internet. Accordingly, communication tasks relating to the wearable defibrillation system can be performed via the local and the remote comlinks, with or without the participation of the patient, who is wearing the system. The wearer can thus use the familiar interface of a mobile communication device for interacting with his defibrillator system. Moreover, he can do so while keeping on his regular clothes, which could conceal completely the wearable defibrillator system. The patient can thus preserve his dignity and privacy.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Inventors: Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Isabelle Banville, Robert Reuben Buchanan, David Peter Finch, Joseph Leo Sullivan, Phillip D. Foshee, Jr., Laura Marie Gustavson, Daniel Ralph Piha, Carmen Ann Chacon, Blaine Krusor, Gary Debardi, Richard C. Nova, Krystyna Szul, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Publication number: 20150039040Abstract: A wearable defibrillation system can establish a local comlink with a mobile communication device, such as a smartphone, tablet-type computer and the like. The mobile communication device can in turn establish a remote comlink with other devices in a network such as the internet. Accordingly, communication tasks relating to the wearable defibrillation system can be performed via the local and the remote comlinks, with or without the participation of the patient, who is wearing the system. The wearer can thus use the familiar interface of a mobile communication device for interacting with his defibrillator system. Moreover, he can do so while keeping on his regular clothes, which could conceal completely the wearable defibrillator system. The patient can thus preserve his dignity and privacy.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Isabelle Banville, Robert Reuben Buchanan, David Peter Finch, Joseph Leo Sullivan, Phillip D. Foshee, JR., Laura Marie Gustavson, Daniel Ralph Piha, Carmen Ann Chacon, Blaine Krusor, Gary Debardi, Richard C. Nova, Krystyna Szul, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Patent number: 8838235Abstract: A wearable defibrillation system can establish a local comlink with a mobile communication device, such as a smartphone, tablet-type computer and the like. The mobile communication device can in turn establish a remote comlink with other devices in a network such as the internet. Accordingly, communication tasks relating to the wearable defibrillation system can be performed via the local and the remote comlinks, with or without the participation of the patient, who is wearing the system. The wearer can thus use the familiar interface of a mobile communication device for interacting with his defibrillator system. Moreover, he can do so while keeping on his regular clothes, which could conceal completely the wearable defibrillator system. The patient can thus preserve his dignity and privacy.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2013Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Physio-Control. Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Isabelle Banville, Robert Reuben Buchanan, David Peter Finch, Joseph Leo Sullivan, Phillip D. Foshee, Laura Marie Gustavson, Daniel Ralph Piha, Carmen Ann Chacon, Blaine Krusor, Gary Debardi, Richard C. Nova, Krystyna Szul, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Publication number: 20140207201Abstract: In embodiments, a wearable cardiac defibrillator system includes an energy storage module configured to store a charge. Two electrodes can be configured to be applied to respective locations of a patient. One or more reservoirs can store one or more conductive fluids. Respective fluid deploying mechanisms can be configured to cause the fluids to be released from one or more of the reservoirs, which decreases the impedance at the patient location, and decreases discomfort for the patient. In some embodiments an impedance is sensed between the two electrodes, and the stored charge is delivered when the sensed impedance meets a discharge condition. In some embodiments, different fluids are released for different patient treatments. In some embodiments, fluid release is controlled to be in at least two doses, with an intervening pause.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: Physio-Control, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Ralph Piha, Joseph Leo Sullivan, Phillip Dewey Foshee, JR., Daniel Peter Finch, Isabelle Banville, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Robert Reuben Buchanan, Krystyna Szul, Gregory T. Kavounas
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Publication number: 20140049377Abstract: RFID-based sensors, RFID readers and software sense a changed condition. In one embodiment, an RFID-based sensor includes a base that may be placed at a location where a condition may change. The sensor includes an RFID tag that is coupled to the base. The sensor also includes a detector that can be electrically coupled to the RFID tag. If the condition changes, an electrical property of the detector also changes, impacting an operation of the RFID tag. The impacted operation can be detected by an RFID reader/interrogator so as to provide a notification. An advantage over the prior art is that the condition change can be sensed wirelessly over a domain that can be laborious or hazardous to access otherwise. Moreover, RFID based sensors can be made by modifying common RFID tags.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: Physio-Control, Inc.Inventors: Blaine Krusor, Isabelle Banville, Joseph Leo Sullivan, David Peter Finch, Daniel Ralph Piha, Laura Marie Gustavson, Kenneth Frederick Cowan, Richard C. Nova, Carmen Ann Chacon, Gregory T. Kavounas