Patents by Inventor Marcy L. Freed
Marcy L. Freed 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: 8583240Abstract: An electrical stimulation device and non-invasive method for treating dysphagia and artificially promoting swallowing by simultaneous electrical stimulation of the pharyngeal and facial muscles. The device includes a plurality of electrodes selectively placed in electrical contact with pharyngeal and oral-facial regions of a patient and a series of electrical pulses in electrical contact with each of the plurality of electrodes with a generator. The generator includes a pulse rate modulator for generating electrical pulses having a frequency generally fixed at 80 hertz, a pulse width modulator for generating a series of electrical pulses each at a duration fixed at 300 microseconds, and a governor for regulating the electrical pulses such that at least one of current does not to exceed 4.4 milliamps RMS or power does not to exceed 9.6 MW RMS. The electrical pulses selectively stimulate muscles located proximate to the electrodes to close the mouth and initiate swallowing.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Inventor: Marcy L. Freed
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Publication number: 20130023952Abstract: A simple, electrical stimulation and non-invasive method for treating dysphagia and artificially promoting swallowing by simultaneous electrical stimulation of the pharyngeal and facial muscles. The device includes a plurality of electrodes selectively placed in electrical contact with tissue of a pharyngeal and oral-facial regions of a patient and a series of electrical pulses in contact with each of the plurality of electrodes with a generator. The generator includes a pulse rate modulator for generating the electrical pulses each having a frequency fixed at 80 hertz, a pulse width modulator for generating each pulse at a duration generally fixed at 300 microseconds, and a governor for regulating the electrical pulses such that at least one of current so as not to exceed 4.4 milliamps RMS or power so as not to exceed 9.6 MW RMS. The electrical pulses selectively stimulate muscles located proximate to the selectively placed electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventor: Marcy L. Freed
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Patent number: 7280873Abstract: A method for treating an oropharyngeal disorder in a patient by neuromuscular electrical stimulation includes selectively placing a plurality of electrodes in electrical contact with tissue of a pharyngeal region of the patient. The method also includes the steps of providing a pulse generator for generating a series of electrical pulses, each of which comprises a biphasic symmetrical waveform with an interval between the two phases, and attaching the plurality of electrodes to the pulse generator so that the series of electrical pulses may be provided to the patient through the plurality of electrodes. According to the method, a series of electrical pulses, each of which comprises a biphasic symmetrical waveform with an interval between the two phases, is generated, and said series of electrical pulses is provided to the patient through the plurality of electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: ESD, LLCInventors: Marcy L. Freed, Leonard A. Freed, Michael O. Christian, Howard Tucker, Bernard Kotton, Erol M. Beytas, Marie Asmar, Ed Dunlay, Tim Kretschmer
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Patent number: 7039468Abstract: A simple, non-invasive method and apparatus for treating oropharyngeal disorders provides electrical stimulation to the oropharyngeal region of a patient. The apparatus includes an electrical neuromuscular stimulator that includes a pulse generator for generating a series of electrical pulses and a processor coupled to the pulse generator for controlling its operation. The apparatus also includes a first electrode and a second electrode, each of which includes a snap eyelet having a connector to which a lead wire may be attached, a conductive film and an adhesive and conductive gel layer that is adapted to be attached to the skin of the patient. The apparatus also includes at least one lead wire for attachment of the electrodes to the pulse generator and at least one adhesively backed tape overlay for securing the first and second electrodes to the skin of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: ESD Limited Liability CompanyInventors: Marcy L. Freed, Leonard A. Freed, Michael O. Christian, Howard Tucker, Bernard Kotton, Erol M. Beytas, Ed Dunlay, Tim Kretschmer, Marie Asmar
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Publication number: 20040220645Abstract: A method for treating an oropharyngeal disorder in a patient by neuromuscular electrical stimulation includes selectively placing a plurality of electrodes in electrical contact with tissue of a pharyngeal region of the patient. The method also includes the steps of providing a pulse generator for generating a series of electrical pulses, each of which comprises a biphasic symmetrical waveform with an interval between the two phases, and attaching the plurality of electrodes to the pulse generator so that the series of electrical pulses may be provided to the patient through the plurality of electrodes. According to the method, a series of electrical pulses, each of which comprises a biphasic symmetrical waveform with an interval between the two phases, is generated, and said series of electrical pulses is provided to the patient through the plurality of electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: Marcy L. Freed, Leonard A. Freed, Michael O. Christian, Howard Tucker, Bernard Kotton, Erol M. Beytas, Marie Asmar, Ed Dunlay, Tim Kretschmer
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Publication number: 20040034396Abstract: A simple, non-invasive method and apparatus for treating oropharyngeal disorders provides electrical stimulation to the oropharyngeal region of a patient. The apparatus includes an electrical neuromuscular stimulator that includes a pulse generator for generating a series of electrical pulses and a processor coupled to the pulse generator for controlling its operation. The apparatus also includes a first electrode and a second electrode, each of which includes a snap eyelet having a connector to which a lead wire may be attached, a conductive film and an adhesive and conductive gel layer that is adapted to be attached to the skin of the patient. The apparatus also includes at least one lead wire for attachment of the electrodes to the pulse generator and at least one adhesively backed tape overlay for securing the first and second electrodes to the skin of the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: February 19, 2004Inventors: Marcy L. Freed, Leonard A. Freed, Michael O. Christian, Howard Tucker, Bernard Kotton, Erol M. Beytas, Ed Dunlay, Tim Kretschmer, Marie Asmar
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Publication number: 20030093128Abstract: A simple, non-invasive device and method for treating oropharyngeal, respiratory, and oral motor neuromuscular disorders provides electrical stimulation to various regions of a patient. The method and device offer an effective and non-invasive treatment for these disorders. The device is an electrical neuromuscular stimulator that includes a pulse generator for generating a series of electrical pulses and a processor coupled to the pulse generator for controlling its operation. An electrode array of uni-directional or bi-directional electrodes is coupled to the pulse generator and provides electrical stimulation to the appropriate neck, chest, or facial region of the patient. Using bi-directional snap electrodes, for example, the electrode array may also generate electrical feedback signals in response to the neuromuscular stimulation of the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Marcy L. Freed, Howard Tucker
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Publication number: 20020010495Abstract: A simple, non-invasive device and method for treating oropharyngeal, respiratory, and oral motor neuromuscular disorders provides electrical stimulation to various regions of a patient. The method and device offer an effective and non-invasive treatment for these disorders. The device is an electrical neuromuscular stimulator that includes a pulse generator for generating a series of electrical pulses and a processor coupled to the pulse generator for controlling its operation. An electrode array of uni-directional or bi-directional electrodes is coupled to the pulse generator and provides electrical stimulation to the appropriate neck, chest, or facial region of the patient. Using bi-directional snap electrodes, for example, the electrode array may also generate electrical feedback signals in response to the neuromuscular stimulation of the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventors: Marcy L. Freed, Howard Tucker
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Patent number: 6198970Abstract: A simple, non-invasive device and method for treating oropharyngeal, respiratory, and oral motor neuromuscular disorders provides electrical stimulation to various regions of a patient. The method and device offer an effective and non-invasive treatment for these disorders. The device is an electrical neuromuscular stimulator that includes a pulse generator for generating a series of electrical pulses and a processor coupled to the pulse generator for controlling its operation. An electrode array of uni-directional or bi-directional electrodes is coupled to the pulse generator and provides electrical stimulation to the appropriate neck, chest, or facial region of the patient. Using bi-directional snap electrodes, for example, the electrode array may also generate electrical feedback signals in response to the neuromuscular stimulation of the patient.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: ESD Limited Liability CompanyInventors: Marcy L. Freed, Howard Tucker
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Patent number: 6104958Abstract: This invention is directed to a simple, non-invasive method and device for treating dysphagia and artificially promoting swallowing by electrical stimulus. In the present invention, a plurality of electrodes are selectively placed in electrical contact with tissue of a pharyngeal region of patient and a series of electrical pulses in electrical contact with each of the plurality of electrodes with a generator. The generator includes a pulse rate modulator for generating each of the electrical pulses having a frequency generally fixed at 80 hertz, a pulse width modulator for generating each pulse of the series of electrical pulses at a duration generally fixed at 300 microseconds, and a governor for regulating the electrical pulses such that at least one of current so as not to exceed 4.4 milliamps RMS or power so as not to exceed 9.6 MW RMS. The electrical pulses selectively stimulate muscles located proximate to the selectively placed electrodes to initiate swallowing.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: ESD Limited Liability CompanyInventors: Marcy L. Freed, Leonard A. Freed, Michael O. Christian, Howard Tucker, Bernard Kotton, Erol M. Beytas, Marie Asmar
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Patent number: 5987359Abstract: This invention is directed to a simple, non-invasive method and device for treating dysphagia and artificially promoting swallowing by electrical stimulus. In the present invention, a plurality of electrodes are selectively placed in electrical contact with tissue of a pharyngeal region of patient and a series of electrical pulses in electrical contact with each of the plurality of electrodes with a generator. The generator includes a pulse rate modulator for generating each of the electrical pulses having a frequency generally fixed at 80 hertz, a pulse width modulator for generating each pulse of the series of electrical pulses at a duration generally fixed at 300 microseconds, and a governor for regulating the electrical pulses such that at least one of current so as not to exceed 4.4 milliamps RMS or power so as not to exceed 9.6 MW RMS. The electrical pulses selectively stimulate muscles located proximate to the selectively placed electrodes to initiate swallowing.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: ESD Limited Liability Co.Inventors: Marcy L. Freed, Leonard A. Freed, Michael O. Christian, Howard Tucker, Bernard Kotton, Erol M. Beytas, Marie Asmar
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Patent number: 5891185Abstract: A simple, non-invasive device and method for treating oropharyngeal disorders provides electrical stimulation to the pharyngeal region of a patient. Oropharyngeal disorders may cause an inability to swallow or difficulty in swallowing. The method and device provide an effective and non-invasive treatment for these disorders which is substantially more effective than traditional treatment methods, such as thermal stimulation. The method and device also effectively treat worst-case dysphagia (the inability to swallow) resulting from neurodegeneration and strokes. The device, an electrical pharyngeal neuromuscular stimulator, includes one or more pulse generators for generating a series of electrical pulses and a processor coupled to the pulse generators for controlling their operation. A switching network is also coupled to the pulse generators.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1997Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: ESD Limited Liability CompanyInventors: Marcy L. Freed, Leonard A. Freed, Michael O. Christian, Howard Tucker, Bernard Kotton, Erol M. Beytas, Marie Asmar
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Patent number: 5725564Abstract: This invention is directed to a simple, non-invasive method and device for treating dysphagia and artificially promoting swallowing by electrical stimulus. In the present invention, a plurality of electrodes are selectively placed in electrical contact with tissue of a pharyngeal region of patient and a series of electrical pulses in electrical contact with each of the plurality of electrodes with a generator. The generator includes a pulse rate modulator for generating each of the electrical pulses having a frequency generally fixed at 80 hertz, a pulse width modulator for generating each pulse of the series of electrical pulses at a duration generally fixed at 300 microseconds, and a governor for regulating the electrical pulses such that at least one of current so as not to exceed 4.4 milliamps RMS or power so as not to exceed 9.6 MW RMS. The electrical pulses selectively stimulate muscles located proximate to the selectively placed electrodes to initiate swallowing.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1995Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: ESD Limited Liability CompanyInventors: Marcy L. Freed, Leonard A. Freed, Michael O. Christian, Howard Tucker, Bernard Kotton, Erol M. Beytas, Marie Asmar