Patents by Inventor Richard P. Dickerson
Richard P. Dickerson 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: 8666496Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue. A device is provided with an electrode positioned within the interior of an enclosure and a fluid passage coupled to the enclosure for delivery of an electrically conductive fluid such that the electrically conductive fluid. The conductive fluid allows for the passage of electrical energy from the electrode through the fluid and the outer wall of the enclosure for treatment of tissue on or in a patient. The electrode does not directly contact the tissue of the patient, which reduces the potential for collateral tissue damage or necrosis and/or excessive electric fields in the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Electrocore, LLCInventors: Bruce Simon, Steven Mendez, Hecheng Hu, Richard P. Dickerson, James R. Pastena, Puyun Guo
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Patent number: 8401650Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue. A device is provided having an enclosure within an outer wall formed from an electrically-permeable material to allow for electrical energy to pass from the interior of the enclosure through the outer wall. The device further includes an electrode positioned within the interior of the enclosure and a fluid passage coupled to the enclosure for delivery of an electrically conductive fluid into the interior of the enclosure such that the electrically conductive fluid couples the electrode with the electrically-permeable section of the outer wall. The conductive fluid allows for the passage of electrical energy from the electrode through the fluid and the outer wall of the enclosure for treatment of tissue on or in a patient.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: ElectroCore LLCInventors: Bruce Simon, Steven Mendez, Hecheng Hu, Richard P. Dickerson, James R. Pastena, Puyun Guo
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Patent number: 8209034Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating ailments provide for: inserting a balloon-electrode device into an esophagus of a mammal, the balloon-electrode device including: (i) a nasogastral (NG) having an internal passageway and an external surface, (ii) at least one electrode coupled to the external surface of the NG tube, (iii) a conductor extending through the internal passageway of the NG tube and electrically connecting to the electrode, and (iv) a balloon surrounding the electrode and a portion of the NG tube; inflating the balloon with fluid such that the electrode is substantially centrally located within an interior volume of the balloon; and applying at least one electrical signal to the electrode via the conductor such that an electro-magnetic field emanates from the electrode to at least one of nerves and muscles of the mammal.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: ElectroCore LLCInventors: Bruce Simon, Steven Mendez, Hecheng Hu, Richard P. Dickerson, James R. Pastena
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Publication number: 20100241188Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for applying electrical impulse(s) to one or more selected nerves in or around the carotid sheath are described. An electrode assembly is introduced through a percutaneous penetration in a patient to a target location adjacent to, or in close proximity with, the carotid sheath. Once in position, one or more electrical impulses are applied through the electrode assembly to one or more selected nerves to stimulate, block or otherwise modulate the nerve(s) and acutely treat the patient's condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: ElectroCore, Inc.Inventors: Joseph P. Errico, James R. Pastena, Steven Mendez, Hecheng Hu, Arthur Ross, Bruce Simon, Richard P. Dickerson
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Publication number: 20100160996Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating ailments provide for: inserting a balloon-electrode device into an esophagus of a mammal, the balloon-electrode device including: (i) a nasogastral (NG) having an internal passageway and an external surface, (ii) at least one electrode coupled to the external surface of the NG tube, (iii) a conductor extending through the internal passageway of the NG tube and electrically connecting to the electrode, and (iv) a balloon surrounding the electrode and a portion of the NG tube; inflating the balloon with fluid such that the electrode is substantially centrally located within an interior volume of the balloon; and applying at least one electrical signal to the electrode via the conductor such that an electromagnetic field emanates from the electrode to at least one of nerves and muscles of the mammal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: ElectroCore, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Simon, Steven Mendez, Hecheng Hu, Richard P. Dickerson, James R. Pastena
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Publication number: 20090259274Abstract: The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue. A device is provided having an enclosure within an outer wall formed from an electrically-permeable material to allow for electrical energy to pass from the interior of the enclosure through the outer wall. The device further includes an electrode positioned within the interior of the enclosure and a fluid passage coupled to the enclosure for delivery of an electrically conductive fluid into the interior of the enclosure such that the electrically conductive fluid couples the electrode with the electrically-permeable section of the outer wall. The conductive fluid allows for the passage of electrical energy from the electrode through the fluid and the outer wall of the enclosure for treatment of tissue on or in a patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2009Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: ElectroCore, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Simon, Steven Mendez, Hecheng Hu, Richard P. Dickerson, James R. Pastena, Puyun Guo
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Patent number: 6610062Abstract: A method and a system for a spinal fixation incorporate a plurality of polydirectional fixation screws and a plurality of linkages. The polydirectional fixation screws include an upper member and a lower member. The upper member is attached to the linkage. The upper member includes a first hemispherical portion. The lower member engages the bone and includes a second hemispherical portion which cooperates with the first hemispherical portion to define a sphere. The second hemispherical portion is coupled to the first hemispherical portion for relative pivotal movement about an axis. Relative movement between the first and second hemispherical portions readily permits sagittal plane adjustments. The polydirectional fixation screw further includes a biasing member for biasing the first member away from the second member in a direction substantially parallel to the axis. The linkages are provided with various vertical offsets to readily permit coronal plane adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: EBI, L.P.Inventors: Kirk J. Bailey, Richard P. Dickerson, Gretchen Dougherty Shah, Niles L. Noblitt
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Publication number: 20010034521Abstract: A method and a system for a spinal fixation incorporate a plurality of polydirectional fixation screws and a plurality of linkages. The polydirectional fixation screws include an upper member and a lower member. The upper member is attached to the linkage. The upper member includes a first hemispherical portion. The lower member engages the bone and includes a second hemispherical portion which cooperates with the first hemispherical portion to define a sphere. The second hemispherical portion is coupled to the first hemispherical portion for relative pivotal movement about an axis. Relative movement between the first and second hemispherical portions readily permits sagittal plane adjustments. The polydirectional fixation screw further includes a biasing member for biasing the first member away from the second member in a direction substantially parallel to the axis. The linkages are provided with various vertical offsets to readily permit coronal plane adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: Kirk J. Bailey, Richard P. Dickerson, Gretchen Dougherty Shah, Niles L. Noblitt
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Patent number: 5474469Abstract: An electrosurgical cord adapter assembly designed for use in conjunction with an electrosurgerical device includes an electrically connecting portion for receiving and electrically connecting an electrical pin of the electrosurgical device and an electrical cord, and an insulating boot with two opposing lateral sides integrally formed with the electrically connecting portion and having a closed back end and an open front end. The boot is designed to cover electrically conductive parts on a handle assembly or surgeon-manipulable portion of the electrosurgical device. Alternatively, the electrical cord can be integrally formed with the electrically connecting portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1993Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: American Cyanamid CompanyInventors: Charles Vassallo, Richard P. Dickerson