Patents by Inventor Matthew A. Howard

Matthew A. Howard 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).

  • Patent number: 12097022
    Abstract: A caliper type device is provided for identifying the cranial midline on a patient. The device includes a pair of arms have first ends for receipt in a patients ears, and opposite, pivotally connected second ends which allow the arms to open and close to fit to different sized heads of various patients. A housing at the second end of the arms holds a laser pointer or other tool for identifying the cranial midline after the device is positioned on the patients head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF IOWA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Michael J. Wardenburg, Oliver Elias Flouty, Marshall T. Holland, Yasunori Nagahama, Mario Zanaty, Aaron Boes, Nicholas Trapp
  • Patent number: 11980757
    Abstract: The spinal cord stimulation device of this invention is configured for implantation into a patient so as to traverse the dura mater that surrounds the spinal cord. Placing the device in this location provides direct contact between the electrode and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), in close proximity to the spinal cord. The device has an intradural portion and an extradural portion that compresses and seals the dural membrane between them, securing the device in position and preventing leakage of CSF. The position of the device may be stabilized in relation to the spinal cord by way of a laminoplasty plate, bridging between the device and a vertebra. The device is electronically powered by an implanted pulse generator that produces a spectrum of signals to interrupt or otherwise attenuate transmission of pain mediating neural signals through the spinal cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignees: University of Iowa Research Foundation, University Of Virginia Patent Foundation, Direct Spinal Therapeutics Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, George T. Gillies, Logan Helland, Royce Woodroffe, Charles Romans, Saul Wilson, Daryl R. Kipke, David J. Anderson, Daniel J. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20230149443
    Abstract: An improved customizable dosage form comprising a substrate, such as a tablet core, that has one or more distinct, discreet cavities on its exterior surface, wherein simethicone is deposited into at least one of the cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Peyton Hopson, Matthew A. Howard
  • Publication number: 20220362542
    Abstract: This invention provides an device for electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. The device has an electrode assembly with a sufficiently thin profile to be implanted between the pial surface of the spinal cord and the dura mater, and secured to the dura. Electrodes on the electrode assembly are directed towards the surface of the spinal cord, and connected through the dura to a signal generator located outside the dura. Following implantation, the subject is treated by transmitting electrical signals from the signal generator through the leads to the electrodes, stimulating the subject's spinal cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicants: University of Iowa Research Foundation, University of Virginia Patend Foundation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Timothy Brennan, Brian Dalm, Marcel Utz, George T. Gillies, Steven Scott, Randall S. Nelson, Robert Shurig
  • Patent number: 11413449
    Abstract: This invention provides an device for electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. The device has an electrode assembly with a sufficiently thin profile to be implanted between the pial surface of the spinal cord and the dura mater, and secured to the dura. Electrodes on the electrode assembly are directed towards the surface of the spinal cord, and connected through the dura to a signal generator located outside the dura. Following implantation, the subject is treated by transmitting electrical signals from the signal generator through the leads to the electrodes, stimulating the subject's spinal cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF IOWA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Timothy Brennan, Brian Dalm, Marcel Utz, George T. Gillies, Steven Scott, Randall S. Nelson, Robert Shurig
  • Publication number: 20210378968
    Abstract: An improved customizable dosage form comprising a substrate, such as a tablet core, that has two or more distinct, discrete cavities on opposing sides of its exterior surface; and/or two or more distinct, discrete cavities on a first side of its exterior surface and an identification feature on a second opposing side of its exterior surface. A process for making such a customizable dosage form wherein one or more active ingredients and inactive ingredients such as colors, flavors and/or sensates are deposited into at least one of the cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Peyton Hopson, Joshua Sinsel, Anthony Bean, Vipul Dave
  • Publication number: 20210338106
    Abstract: A caliper type device is provided for identifying the cranial midline on a patient. The device includes a pair of arms have first ends for receipt in a patients ears, and opposite, pivotally connected second ends which allow the arms to open and close to fit to different sized heads of various patients. A housing at the second end of the arms holds a laser pointer or other tool for identifying the cranial midline after the device is positioned on the patients head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Michael J. Wardenburg, Oliver Elias Flouty, Marshall T. Holland, Yasunori Nagahama, Mario Zanaty, Aaron Boes, Nicholas Trapp
  • Publication number: 20210101010
    Abstract: The spinal cord stimulation device of this invention is configured for implantation into a patient so as to traverse the dura mater that surrounds the spinal cord. Placing the device in this location provides direct contact between the electrode and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), in close proximity to the spinal cord. The device has an intradural portion and an extradural portion that compresses and seals the dural membrane between them, securing the device in position and preventing leakage of CSF. The position of the device may be stabilized in relation to the spinal cord by way of a laminoplasty plate, bridging between the device and a vertebra. The device is electronically powered by an implanted pulse generator that produces a spectrum of signals to interrupt or otherwise attenuate transmission of pain mediating neural signals through the spinal cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, George Gillies, Logan Helland, Charles Romans, Saul Wilson, Daryl R. Kipke, David J. Anderson, Daniel J. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 10893896
    Abstract: An adjustable cranioplasty plate assembly is provided for use following a craniectomy. The assembly includes a ring which is attached to the skull around the skull opening and a plate adjustably mounted to the ring. The plate is moveable between a raised position spaced above the ring and a lower position substantially flush with the ring. The plurality of extendable and retractable struts extends between the ring and the plate to provide the plate adjustability. The plurality of stay cables extending between the ring and the plate provide lateral stability in the raised position. The assembly replaces the native bone and eliminates the need for subsequent cranioplasty surgery. In one embodiment, the plate includes a rigid central portion, three rigid mounting tabs, and a plurality of malleable tapered perimeter petals which provide a smooth interface between the plate and the skull of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignees: University of Iowa Research Foundation, Karl Leibinger Medizintechnik GMBH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Axel Waizenegger
  • Publication number: 20200179684
    Abstract: This invention provides an device for electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. The device has an electrode assembly with a sufficiently thin profile to be implanted between the pial surface of the spinal cord and the dura mater, and secured to the dura. Electrodes on the electrode assembly are directed towards the surface of the spinal cord, and connected through the dura to a signal generator located outside the dura. Following implantation, the subject is treated by transmitting electrical signals from the signal generator through the leads to the electrodes, stimulating the subject's spinal cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Applicants: Universty of Iowa Research Foundation, University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Timothy Brennan, Brian Dalm, Marcel Utz, George T. Gillies, Steven Scott, Randall S. Nelson, Robert Shurig
  • Patent number: 10576272
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for implantation directly into the spinal cord for the purpose of treating back pain. Electrodes on a backing that conforms directly to the spinal cord are installed as a source of electrical stimulation and pain relief. The floating electrodes can be flexibly mounted to the substrate such that when the electrode array is implanted into the subject, individual electrodes float or move resiliently relative to the substrate to an extent sufficient to accommodate pulsations of the surface of the spinal cord within the dura.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventor: Matthew A. Howard
  • Publication number: 20190282282
    Abstract: An adjustable cranioplasty plate assembly is provided for use following a craniectomy. The assembly includes a ring which is attached to the skull around the skull opening and a plate adjustably mounted to the ring. The plate is moveable between a raised position spaced above the ring and a lower position substantially flush with the ring. The plurality of extendable and retractable struts extends between the ring and the plate to provide the plate adjustability. The plurality of stay cables extending between the ring and the plate provide lateral stability in the raised position. The assembly replaces the native bone and eliminates the need for subsequent cranioplasty surgery. In one embodiment, the plate includes a rigid central portion, three rigid mounting tabs, and a plurality of malleable tapered perimeter petals which provide a smooth interface between the plate and the skull of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Applicants: University of Iowa Research Foundation, Karl Leibinger Medizintechnik GMBH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Axel Waizenegger
  • Publication number: 20180369577
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for implantation directly into the spinal cord for the purpose of treating back pain. Electrodes on a backing that conforms directly to the spinal cord are installed as a source of electrical stimulation and pain relief. The floating electrodes can be flexibly mounted to the substrate such that when the electrode array is implanted into the subject, individual electrodes float or move resiliently relative to the substrate to an extent sufficient to accommodate pulsations of the surface of the spinal cord within the dura.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventor: Matthew A. Howard
  • Patent number: 10111752
    Abstract: A cranial plate is provided for use after a craniectomy. The plate is mounted to the skull and protects the brain exposed in the skull opening. A plate is initially spaced above the skull with gaskets or spacers so as to preclude pressure on the brain. The gaskets or spacers are resorptive, or otherwise dissolve or shrink over time, until the plate settles upon the skull. An elastic web extending over the plate provides a constant force to pull the plate towards the skull as the spacers shrink. The plate is secured to the skull using screws. The plate may include alignment posts residing adjacent the skull opening to maintain proper positioning of the plate as the spacers shrink. The plate eliminates the need for a second cranioplasty surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF IOWA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Nicole M. Grosland, Kingsley Adobe-Iyamah, Kirsten E. Stoner, Oliver Flouty, C. Allan Guymon, Brian James Green
  • Patent number: 10071240
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for implantation directly into the spinal cord for the purpose of treating back pain. Electrodes on a backing that conforms directly to the spinal cord are installed as a source of electrical stimulation and pain relief. The floating electrodes can be flexibly mounted to the substrate such that when the electrode array is implanted into the subject, individual electrodes float or move resiliently relative to the substrate to an extent sufficient to accommodate pulsations of the surface of the spinal cord within the dura.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignees: University of Iowa Research Foundation, University of Virgina Patent Foundation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Hiroyuki Oya, Steve Viljoen, Chandan G. Reddy, George T. Gillies
  • Patent number: 9950165
    Abstract: This invention provides a new technology for management of back pain by stimulating the spinal cord in a manner that renders it refractory to transmission of deleterious or undesirable sensory input. The electrical stimulus comprises high frequency pulses in a regular or complex pattern or that are stochastically produced under microprocessor control. The stimulus is applied directly to the surface of the spinal cord from within the spinal canal, which provides important benefits over previous technology. The stimulus alleviates symptoms and signs of back pain, while minimizing the risk of side effects such as paresthesia, and potentially minimizing the effects on motor neuron transmission and proprioception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventor: Matthew A. Howard
  • Publication number: 20170273794
    Abstract: A cranial plate is provided for use after a craniectomy. The plate is mounted to the skull and protects the brain exposed in the skull opening. A plate is initially spaced above the skull with gaskets or spacers so as to preclude pressure on the brain. The gaskets or spacers are resorptive, or otherwise dissolve or shrink over time, until the plate settles upon the skull. An elastic web extending over the plate provides a constant force to pull the plate towards the skull as the spacers shrink. The plate is secured to the skull using screws. The plate may include alignment posts residing adjacent the skull opening to maintain proper positioning of the plate as the spacers shrink. The plate eliminates the need for a second cranioplasty surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Nicole M. Grosland, Kingsley Adobe-lyamah, Kirsten E. Stoner, Oliver Flouty, C. Allan Guymon, Brian James Green
  • Publication number: 20170157390
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for implantation directly into the spinal cord for the purpose of treating back pain. Electrodes on a backing that conforms directly to the spinal cord are installed as a source of electrical stimulation and pain relief. The floating electrodes can be flexibly mounted to the substrate such that when the electrode array is implanted into the subject, individual electrodes float or move resiliently relative to the substrate to an extent sufficient to accommodate pulsations of the surface of the spinal cord within the dura.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Hiroyuki Oya, Steve Viljoen, Chandan G. Reddy, George T. Gillies
  • Patent number: 9572976
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for implantation directly into the spinal cord for the purpose of treating back pain. Electrodes on a backing that conforms directly to the spinal cord are installed as a source of electrical stimulation and pain relief. The electrode array is maintained on the spinal cord by way of a spring or support structure that is anchored to an anatomical structure outside the spinal cord but near the site of implantation. Suitable anchoring structures include the vertebrae and the dura. Secured in this fashion, the support structure maintains a gentle pressure of the electrode array against the spinal cord so as to stay in electrical contact but minimize injury or inflammation. The device may accommodate and buffer movement of the spinal cord both laterally and in a caudal-rostral fashion so that the electrode array remains in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Howard, Hiroyuki Oya, Steve Viljoen, Chandan G. Reddy
  • Publication number: 20170028201
    Abstract: This invention provides a new technology for management of back pain by stimulating the spinal cord in a manner that renders it refractory to transmission of deleterious or undesirable sensory input. The electrical stimulus comprises high frequency pulses in a regular or complex pattern or that are stochastically produced under microprocessor control. The stimulus is applied directly to the surface of the spinal cord from within the spinal canal, which provides important benefits over previous technology. The stimulus alleviates symptoms and signs of back pain, while minimizing the risk of side effects such as paresthesia, and potentially minimizing the effects on motor neuron transmission and proprioception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Inventor: Matthew A. Howard