Patents by Inventor Kevin L. McFarlin

Kevin L. McFarlin 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: 20250144407
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include a bio-electric stimulation probe assembly including a patch including a first aperture and also a guide socket including a grommet and a second aperture. The guide socket is positioned on the patch such that the first and second apertures are aligned. The assembly further includes a guide including a tip that is positioned within and rotatable within the grommet. A probe of the assembly having at least one electrode is interconnected with the guide and extends through the first and second apertures. The guide and guide socket are collectively arranged and configured so that the guide has three degrees of rotational freedom with respect to the grommet thus meaning the probe correspondingly has three degrees of rotational freedom with respect to the grommet. Methods of using stimulation probe assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Inventors: Anirudhan Narasimhan, David C. Hacker, Kevin L. McFarlin, Gabriela A. Guillen
  • Publication number: 20250143626
    Abstract: A nerve integrity monitoring device includes a control module and a physical layer module. The control module is configured to generate a payload request. The payload request (i) requests a data payload from a sensor in a wireless nerve integrity monitoring network, and (ii) indicates whether a stimulation probe device is to generate a stimulation pulse. The physical layer module is configured to (i) wirelessly transmit the payload request to the sensor and the stimulation probe device, or (ii) transmit the payload request to a console interface module. The physical layer module is also configured to, in response to the payload request, (i) receive the data payload from the sensor, and (ii) receive stimulation pulse information from the stimulation probe device. The data payload includes data corresponding to an evoked response of a patient. The evoked response is generated based on the stimulation pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Inventors: Richard L. Brown, John G. Pollock, Kevin L. McFarlin, Randal C. Schulhauser
  • Patent number: 12208257
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include a bio-electric stimulation probe assembly including a patch including a first aperture and also a guide socket including a grommet and a second aperture. The guide socket is positioned on the patch such that the first and second apertures are aligned. The assembly further includes a guide including a tip that is positioned within and rotatable within the grommet. A probe of the assembly having at least one electrode is interconnected with the guide and extends through the first and second apertures. The guide and guide socket are collectively arranged and configured so that the guide has three degrees of rotational freedom with respect to the grommet thus meaning the probe correspondingly has three degrees of rotational freedom with respect to the grommet. Methods of using stimulation probe assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC XOMED, INC.
    Inventors: Anirudhan Narasimhan, David C. Hacker, Kevin L. McFarlin, Gabriela A. Guillen
  • Patent number: 12201436
    Abstract: A nerve integrity monitoring device includes a control module and a physical layer module. The control module is configured to generate a payload request. The payload request (i) requests a data payload from a sensor in a wireless nerve integrity monitoring network, and (ii) indicates whether a stimulation probe device is to generate a stimulation pulse. The physical layer module is configured to (i) wirelessly transmit the payload request to the sensor and the stimulation probe device, or (ii) transmit the payload request to a console interface module. The physical layer module is also configured to, in response to the payload request, (i) receive the data payload from the sensor, and (ii) receive stimulation pulse information from the stimulation probe device. The data payload includes data corresponding to an evoked response of a patient. The evoked response is generated based on the stimulation pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Brown, John G. Pollock, Kevin L. McFarlin, Randal C. Schulhauser
  • Publication number: 20240424289
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface. Conductive electrodes are formed on the endotracheal tube. The conductive electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least wireless sensor is formed on the endotracheal tube, and is configured to wirelessly transmit information to a processing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Inventors: David C. Hacker, Maria-Charles Vijay Stanislaus, Wenjeng Li, Dwayne S. Yamasaki, William C. Brunnett, Kevin L. McFarlin, James Britton Hissong, Robert K. Vaccaro, John M. Murphy, Carla A. Pagotto, Tino Schuler
  • Publication number: 20240407692
    Abstract: A stimulation electrode assembly configured to be positioned relative to a patient for an operative procedure is disclosed. The stimulation electrode may be a connection or self-contained component to contact a portion of a nerve. The stimulation electrode may provide or receive a signal to and/or from the nerve to assist in testing integrity of the nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew L. Cantwell, Bryan L. Courtney, David C. Hacker, Kevin L. McFarlin
  • Publication number: 20240315627
    Abstract: A monitoring system may include a processor and display system for displaying results from the monitoring. A user may be in a sterile field away from the processor and display system and selected input devices. A controller may be physically connected to the monitoring system from the sterile field to allow the user to control the monitoring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew L. Cantwell, Wenjeng Li, Kevin L. McFarlin, Anirudhan Narasimhan
  • Publication number: 20240293041
    Abstract: A stimulation electrode assembly configured to be positioned relative to a patient for an operative procedure is disclosed. An evoked stimulation response may be sensed by a sensor near a portion of a subject. The evoked response may be sensed by an electrode and determined with a monitoring system. The evoked response may additionally and/or alternatively be sensed with a motion sensor. A position sensor may be provided to measure or determine whether the sensor has moved during a procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Dana Michael Inman, Kevin L. McFarlin, Wenjeng Li
  • Publication number: 20240293062
    Abstract: A bipolar stimulation probe includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a control module, and switches. The control module is configured to stimulate nerve tissue of a patient by generating (i) a first output signal indicative of a first pulse to be output from the first electrode, and (ii) a second output signal indicative of a second pulse to be output from the second electrode. The first pulse and the second pulse are monophasic. The switches are configured to output from the bipolar stimulation probe (i) the first pulse on the first electrode based on the first output signal, and (ii) the second pulse on the second electrode based on the second output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: Kevin L. McFarlin, Bryan L. Courtney, David C. Hacker
  • Patent number: 12064249
    Abstract: A stimulation electrode assembly configured to be positioned relative to a patient for an operative procedure is disclosed. The stimulation electrode may be a connection or self-contained component to contact a portion of a nerve. The stimulation electrode may provide or receive a signal to and/or from the nerve to assist in testing integrity of the nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew L. Cantwell, Bryan L Courtney, David C. Hacker, Kevin L McFarlin
  • Patent number: 11998337
    Abstract: A monitoring system may include a processor and display system for displaying results from the monitoring. A user may be in a sterile field away from the processor and display system and selected input devices. A controller may be physically connected to the monitoring system from the sterile field to allow the user to control the monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew L. Cantwell, Wenjeng Li, Kevin L. McFarlin, Anirudhan Narasimhan
  • Patent number: 11980465
    Abstract: A bipolar stimulation probe including a first electrode, a second electrode, a control module, and switches. The control module is configured to stimulate nerve tissue of a patient by generating (i) a first output signal indicative of a first pulse to be output from the first electrode, and (ii) a second output signal indicative of a second pulse to be output from the second electrode. The first pulse and the second pulse are monophasic. The switches are configured to output from the bipolar stimulation probe (i) the first pulse on the first electrode based on the first output signal, and (ii) the second pulse on the second electrode based on the second output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. McFarlin, Bryan L. Courtney, David C. Hacker
  • Patent number: 11980460
    Abstract: A stimulation electrode assembly configured to be positioned relative to a patient for an operative procedure is disclosed. An evoked stimulation response may be sensed by a sensor near a portion of a subject. The evoked response may be sensed by an electrode and determined with a monitoring system. The evoked response may additionally and/or alternatively be sensed with a motion sensor. A position sensor may be provided to measure or determine whether the sensor has moved during a procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana Michael Inman, Kevin L. McFarlin, Wenjeng Li
  • Patent number: 11980752
    Abstract: A surgical tool including first connecting elements, contacting elements, and conductive elements. The contacting elements are configured to contact nerve tissue of a patient. The conductive elements extend from the connecting elements to the contacting elements. The conductive elements have respective insulative outer layers. The insulative outer layers isolate the conductive elements from each other. The first connecting elements are configured to connect to and receive monophasic stimulation pulses from second connecting elements on a modular stimulation module. The modular stimulation module is configured to connect to the tool and other tools via the second connecting elements. The conductive elements are configured to transfer the monophasic stimulation pulses from the connecting elements to the contacting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. McFarlin, Bryan L. Courtney, Matthew L. Cantwell
  • Publication number: 20240057930
    Abstract: A sensor including electrodes, a control module and a physical layer module. The electrodes are configured to (i) attach to a patient, and (ii) receive a first electromyographic signal from the patient. The control module is connected to the electrodes. The control module is configured to (i) detect the first electromyographic signal, and (ii) generate a first voltage signal. The physical layer module is configured to: receive a payload request from a console interface module or a nerve integrity monitoring device; and based on the payload request, (i) upconvert the first voltage signal to a first radio frequency signal, and (ii) wirelessly transmit the first radio frequency signal from the sensor to the console interface module or the nerve integrity monitoring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Richard L. BROWN, John G. POLLOCK, Jeff R. JUSTIS, Kevin L. McFARLIN, Randal C. SCHULHAUSER, Tyler S. STEVENSON
  • Patent number: 11801005
    Abstract: A sensor including electrodes, a control module and a physical layer module. The electrodes are configured to (i) attach to a patient, and (ii) receive a first electromyographic signal from the patient. The control module is connected to the electrodes. The control module is configured to (i) detect the first electromyographic signal, and (ii) generate a first voltage signal. The physical layer module is configured to: receive a payload request from a console interface module or a nerve integrity monitoring device; and based on the payload request, (i) upconvert the first voltage signal to a first radio frequency signal, and (ii) wirelessly transmit the first radio frequency signal from the sensor to the console interface module or the nerve integrity monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Brown, John G. Pollock, Jeff R. Justis, Kevin L. McFarlin, Randal C. Schulhauser, Tyler S. Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20230240587
    Abstract: A nerve integrity monitoring device includes a control module and a physical layer module. The control module is configured to generate a payload request. The payload request (i) requests a data payload from a sensor in a wireless nerve integrity monitoring network, and (ii) indicates whether a stimulation probe device is to generate a stimulation pulse. The physical layer module is configured to (i) wirelessly transmit the payload request to the sensor and the stimulation probe device, or (ii) transmit the payload request to a console interface module. The physical layer module is also configured to, in response to the payload request, (i) receive the data payload from the sensor, and (ii) receive stimulation pulse information from the stimulation probe device. The data payload includes data corresponding to an evoked response of a patient. The evoked response is generated based on the stimulation pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: RICHARD L. BROWN, John G. Pollock, Kevin L. McFarlin, Randal C. Schulhauser
  • Patent number: 11696719
    Abstract: A sensor including electrodes, a control module and a physical layer module. The electrodes are configured to (i) attach to a patient, and (ii) receive a first electromyographic signal from the patient. The control module is connected to the electrodes. The control module is configured to (i) detect the first electromyographic signal, and (ii) generate a first voltage signal. The physical layer module is configured to: receive a payload request from a console interface module or a nerve integrity monitoring device; and based on the payload request, (i) upconvert the first voltage signal to a first radio frequency signal, and (ii) wirelessly transmit the first radio frequency signal from the sensor to the console interface module or the nerve integrity monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Brown, John G. Pollock, Jeff R. Justis, Kevin L. McFarlin, Randal C. Schulhauser, Tyler S. Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20230181092
    Abstract: A stimulation probe device including a first electrode, a stimulation module, a control module and a physical layer module. The stimulation module is configured to (i) wirelessly receive a payload signal from a console interface module or a nerve integrity monitoring device, and (ii) supply a voltage or an amount of current to the first electrode to stimulate a nerve or a muscle in a patient. The control module is configured to generate a parameter signal indicating the voltage or the amount of current supplied to the electrode. The physical layer module is configured to (i) upconvert the parameter signal to a first radio frequency signal, and (ii) wirelessly transmit the first radio frequency signal from the stimulation probe to the console interface module or the nerve integrity monitoring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Richard L. BROWN, John G. Pollock, Kevin L. McFarlin, Randal C. Schulhauser
  • Patent number: 11638549
    Abstract: A nerve integrity monitoring device includes a control module and a physical layer module. The control module is configured to generate a payload request. The payload request (i) requests a data payload from a sensor in a wireless nerve integrity monitoring network, and (ii) indicates whether a stimulation probe device is to generate a stimulation pulse. The physical layer module is configured to (i) wirelessly transmit the payload request to the sensor and the stimulation probe device, or (ii) transmit the payload request to a console interface module. The physical layer module is also configured to, in response to the payload request, (i) receive the data payload from the sensor, and (ii) receive stimulation pulse information from the stimulation probe device. The data payload includes data corresponding to an evoked response of a patient. The evoked response is generated based on the stimulation pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Brown, John G. Pollock, Kevin L. McFarlin, Randal C. Schulhauser