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).
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Publication number: 20160184581Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2015Publication date: June 30, 2016Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Roy L. Testerman, Timothy P. Herbert, Mark A. Christopherson, Jesse D. Geroy
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Patent number: 9259587Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 9227053Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Roy L. Testerman, Timothy P. Herbert, Mark A. Christopherson, Jesse D. Geroy
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Patent number: 8751007Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 3, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 8738145Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 3, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 8712539Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 8630715Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 8340785Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Roy L. Testerman, Timothy P. Herbert, Mark A. Christopherson, Jesse D. Geroy
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Publication number: 20120136409Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Donald R. Johnson, Andrew H. Houchins, Jeffrey T. Keacher, Theodore J. Stone, Kenneth T. Heruth, Gary W. King, Roy L. Testerman
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Publication number: 20120022615Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20120022614Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20110230940Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 7974703Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20110160827Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2009Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: Medtronic. Inc.Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Roy L. Testerman, Timothy P. Herbert, Mark A. Christopherson
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Publication number: 20110147046Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Roy L. Testerman, Timothy P. Herbert, Mark A. Christopherson, Jesse D. Geroy
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Patent number: 7957814Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 25, 2009Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 7890178Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.Inventors: Roy L. Testerman, Jon P. Davis, Nathan Andrew Torgerson, Robyn Lee Jagler, James Britton Hissong
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Publication number: 20100241191Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.Inventors: Roy L. Testerman, Jon P. Davis, Nathan Andrew Torgerson, Robyn Lee Jagler, James Britton Hissong, Christy Ludlow, Pamela Reed Kearney
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Patent number: 7734351Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.Inventors: Roy L. Testerman, Jon P. Davis, Nathan Andrew Torgerson, Robyn Lee Jagler, James Britton Hissong, Christy Ludlow, Pamela Reed Kearney
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Publication number: 20090276024Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2008Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventors: Eric H. Bonde, Roy L. Testerman, Timothy P. Herbert, Mark A. Christopherson, Jesse D. Geroy