Patents by Inventor Roy L. Testerman

Roy L. Testerman 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: 20160184581
    Abstract: An electrode lead assembly is described. The lead assembly includes an expandable cuff electrode that includes a series of spaced apart electrode elements and a substantially re-closable opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Roy L. Testerman, Timothy P. Herbert, Mark A. Christopherson, Jesse D. Geroy
  • Patent number: 9259587
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Patent number: 9227053
    Abstract: An electrode lead assembly is described. The lead assembly includes an expandable cuff electrode that includes a series of spaced apart electrode elements and a substantially re-closable opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Roy L. Testerman, Timothy P. Herbert, Mark A. Christopherson, Jesse D. Geroy
  • Patent number: 8751007
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Patent number: 8738145
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Patent number: 8712539
    Abstract: Techniques that involve application of one or more rules to a “parent” program to generate a plurality of different “child” programs are described. Each of the rules may define a respective electrode configuration modification, and each child program may be a variation of the parent based on a modification of the electrode configuration of the parent according to one of the rules. The systems or devices may generate further generations of child programs from a previous generation child program using the same one or more rules. The child programs may be provided to a user, so that the user may test the efficacy of the new programs, assisting the user in identifying desirable programs. The child programs may be relatively minor variations of the parent program, and the user may “fine tune” a generally desirable parent program by testing the child programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Donald R. Johnson, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Theodore J. Stone, Kenneth T. Heruth, Gary W. King, Roy L. Testerman
  • Patent number: 8630715
    Abstract: Techniques that involve application of one or more rules to a “parent” program to generate a plurality of different “child” programs are described. Each of the rules may define a respective electrode configuration modification, and each child program may be a variation of the parent based on a modification of the electrode configuration of the parent according to one of the rules. The systems or devices may generate further generations of child programs from a previous generation child program using the same one or more rules. The child programs may be provided to a user, so that the user may test the efficacy of the new programs, assisting the user in identifying desirable programs. The child programs may be relatively minor variations of the parent program, and the user may “fine tune” a generally desirable parent program by testing the child programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Donald R. Johnson, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Theodore J. Stone, Kenneth T. Heruth, Gary W. King, Roy L. Testerman
  • Patent number: 8340785
    Abstract: An expandable electrode cuff of an implantable stimulation system that includes a base member, a first flange member extending from a proximal end along a first side wall of the base member to a first distal end, and a second flange member extending from a proximal end along a second side wall of the base member to a second distal end. The first flange member extends over both a top wall of the base member and the second flange member, and the second flange member extends over the top wall to form a lumen. The electrode cuff is capable of being advanced between a first position corresponding to both flange members extending over the top wall, a second position corresponding to the first flange member not extending over the top wall and the second flange member extending over the top wall, and a third position corresponding to both of the flange members not extending over the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Roy L. Testerman, Timothy P. Herbert, Mark A. Christopherson, Jesse D. Geroy
  • Publication number: 20120136409
    Abstract: Techniques that involve application of one or more rules to a “parent” program to generate a plurality of different “child” programs are described. Each of the rules may define a respective electrode configuration modification, and each child program may be a variation of the parent based on a modification of the electrode configuration of the parent according to one of the rules. The systems or devices may generate further generations of child programs from a previous generation child program using the same one or more rules. The child programs may be provided to a user, so that the user may test the efficacy of the new programs, assisting the user in identifying desirable programs. The child programs may be relatively minor variations of the parent program, and the user may “fine tune” a generally desirable parent program by testing the child programs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Donald R. Johnson, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Theodore J. Stone, Kenneth T. Heruth, Gary W. King, Roy L. Testerman
  • Publication number: 20120022615
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20120022614
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20110230940
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Patent number: 7974703
    Abstract: Techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Publication number: 20110160827
    Abstract: An electrode lead assembly includes a cuff electrode, a first lead portion and an anchor with the first lead portion having a length and a shape configured to provide strain relief on a nerve, on the cuff electrode, or on the first lead portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic. Inc.
    Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Roy L. Testerman, Timothy P. Herbert, Mark A. Christopherson
  • Publication number: 20110147046
    Abstract: An electrode lead assembly is described. The lead assembly includes an expandable cuff electrode that includes a series of spaced apart electrode elements and a substantially re-closable opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Roy L. Testerman, Timothy P. Herbert, Mark A. Christopherson, Jesse D. Geroy
  • Patent number: 7957814
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for shifting between two electrode combinations. An amplitude of a first electrode combination is incrementally decreased while an amplitude of a second, or subsequent, electrode combination is concurrently incrementally increased. Alternatively, an amplitude of the first electrode combination is maintained at a target amplitude level while the amplitude of the second electrode combination is incrementally increased. The stimulation pulses of the electrode combinations are delivered to the patient interleaved in time. In this manner, the invention provides for a smooth, gradual shift from a first electrode combination to a second electrode combination, allowing the patient to maintain a continual perception of stimulation. The shifting techniques described herein may be used during programming to shift between different electrode combinations to find an efficacious electrode combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Gary W. King, Kenneth T. Heruth, Roy L. Testerman, Michael T. Lee, Nathan A. Torgerson, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Patent number: 7890178
    Abstract: Artificially stimulated deglutition methods and systems including providing a portable system born by a user for controlling a component of a complete swallowing act without substantial aspiration. The system includes a controller, a signal generator, and a subcutaneously positioned electrode array with at least one electrode. The electrode array is subcutaneously positioned and is operated to stimulate a single deglutition muscle where the single deglutition muscle is the only deglutition muscle directly artificially stimulated via the electrode array during the complete swallowing act. Systems and methods of nerve stimulation and selective nerve stimulation are also provided to artificially stimulate deglutition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy L. Testerman, Jon P. Davis, Nathan Andrew Torgerson, Robyn Lee Jagler, James Britton Hissong
  • Publication number: 20100241191
    Abstract: Methods and systems for artificially stimulating user deglutition without substantial aspiration are provided. Methods and systems include artificially stimulating user deglutition according to various specialized programs, including passive user secretion maintenance programs, active feeding programs, proprioceptive feedback programs, and others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy L. Testerman, Jon P. Davis, Nathan Andrew Torgerson, Robyn Lee Jagler, James Britton Hissong, Christy Ludlow, Pamela Reed Kearney
  • Patent number: 7734351
    Abstract: Methods and systems for artificially stimulating user deglutition without substantial aspiration are provided. Methods and systems include artificially stimulating user deglutition according to various specialized programs, including passive user secretion maintenance programs, active feeding programs, proprioceptive feedback programs, and others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy L. Testerman, Jon P. Davis, Nathan Andrew Torgerson, Robyn Lee Jagler, James Britton Hissong, Christy Ludlow, Pamela Reed Kearney
  • Publication number: 20090276024
    Abstract: An expandable electrode cuff of an implantable stimulation system that includes a base member, a first flange member extending from a proximal end along a first side wall of the base member to a first distal end, and a second flange member extending from a proximal end along a second side wall of the base member to a second distal end. The first flange member extends over both a top wall of the base member and the second flange member, and the second flange member extends over the top wall to form a lumen. The electrode cuff is capable of being advanced between a first position corresponding to both flange members extending over the top wall, a second position corresponding to the first flange member not extending over the top wall and the second flange member extending over the top wall, and a third position corresponding to both of the flange members not extending over the top wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Roy L. Testerman, Timothy P. Herbert, Mark A. Christopherson, Jesse D. Geroy