Patents by Inventor Scott A. Armstrong
Scott A. Armstrong 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: 20110106219Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for neural stimulation using a short-pulse stimulation are described. Using a waveform that generates a sufficiently large capacitive current density in the tissue surrounding a nerve allows neural stimulation at one hundredth the power of a charge injection stimulation. A capacitive discharge may be used to generate the short-pulse stimulation waveform. Short pulse stimulation may be used to generate parasthesia, particularly for treatment of chronic pain.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Lawrence J Cauller, Scott Armstrong
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Patent number: 7899540Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of an eating disorder includes electrically stimulating the vagus nerve of the lower esophagus, cardia, esophageal/cardia junction, cardia/fundus junction or upper stomach so as to induce afferent action potentials on the vagus nerve. A device comprising a gastric band including stimulation electrodes may be noninvasively adjusted after implantation to provide increased or decreased restriction on the patient's gastrointestinal tract. Each stimulus may be administered as a series of programmed pulses of defined amplitude, duration and period, to evoke a responsive signal to the brain by the target nerve, effective for producing a temporary feeling of satiety in the person. A programmable implantable stimulus generator may be operatively coupled to a nerve electrode. Methods are also provided to identify electrodes nearest to a branch of the vagus nerve to apply an electrical stimulation signal with improved efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.Inventors: Steven E. Maschino, Steven M. Parnis, Scott A. Armstrong
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Patent number: 7869867Abstract: In some embodiments, a method comprises providing an electrical signal to a nerve to evoke an action potential. The nerve thereby enters a refractory period in which the nerve is in a refractory state. The method further comprises, during the refractory period, providing an electrical signal to the nerve thereby altering the refractory period of the nerve or non-target tissues.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.Inventors: Scott A. Armstrong, Randolph K. Armstrong
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Patent number: 7835796Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of an eating disorder includes electrically, mechanically and/or pharmaceutically/chemically stimulating a of the vagus nerve of the lower esophagus, cardia, esophageal/cardia junction, cardia/fundus junction or upper stomach so as to induce afferent action potentials on the vagus nerve. The device may be noninvasively adjusted after implantation to provide increased or decreased restriction on the patient's gastrointestinal tract. Each stimulus may be administered as a series of programmed pulses of defined amplitude, duration and period, to evoke a responsive signal to the brain by the target nerve, effective for producing a temporary feeling of satiety in the person. An implantable stimulus generator may be operatively coupled to a nerve electrode, pressure device or chemical outlet to apply a defined signal to a selected nerve branch.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.Inventors: Steven E. Maschino, Steven M. Parnis, Scott A. Armstrong
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Publication number: 20100268495Abstract: A method and an apparatus for projecting an end of service (EOS) and/or an elective replacement indication (ERI) of a component in an implantable device is provided. The method comprises measuring the measured voltage of the energy storage device, and determining whether the measured voltage is less than a transition voltage. When the measured voltage is less than the transition voltage, determining a time period remaining until an end of service of the energy storage device is based upon a function of the measured voltage. When the measured voltage is greater than or equal to the transition voltage, determining a time period remaining until an end of service of the energy storage device is based upon a function of the total charge depleted. The transition voltage is a voltage associated with the transition point of non-linearity in the battery voltage depletion curve.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: CYBERONICS, INC.Inventors: Randolph K. ARMSTRONG, Scott A. ARMSTRONG, D. Michael INMAN, Timothy L. SCOTT
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Publication number: 20100198313Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining a time period remaining in a useful life of an energy storage device in an implantable medical device. The method may include measuring a voltage of the energy storage device to produce a measured voltage, and comparing the measured voltage to a transition voltage. While the measured voltage is greater than or equal to the transition voltage, the time period remaining in the energy storage device's useful life is approximated based upon a function of charge depleted. While the measured voltage is less than the transition voltage, the time period remaining in the energy storage device's useful life is approximated based upon a higher order polynomial function of the measured voltage. The transition voltage corresponds to a predetermined point on a energy storage device voltage depletion curve representing the voltage across the energy storage device over time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: CYBERONICS, INC.Inventors: Randolph K. ARMSTRONG, Scott A. ARMSTRONG, D. Michael INMAN, Timothy L. SCOTT
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Patent number: 7769455Abstract: A method and an apparatus for projecting an end of service (EOS) and/or an elective replacement indication (ERI) of a component in an implantable device is provided. The method comprises measuring the measured voltage of the energy storage device, and determining whether the measured voltage is less than a transition voltage. When the measured voltage is less than the transition voltage, determining a time period remaining until an end of service of the energy storage device is based upon a function of the measured voltage. When the measured voltage is greater than or equal to the transition voltage, determining a time period remaining until an end of service of the energy storage device is based upon a function of the total charge depleted. The transition voltage is a voltage associated with the transition point of non-linearity in the battery voltage depletion curve.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.Inventors: Randolph Armstrong, Scott A. Armstrong, Dana Michael Inman, Timothy Scott
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Patent number: 7711426Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining a time period remaining in a useful life of an energy storage device in an implantable medical device. The method may include measuring a voltage of the energy storage device to produce a measured voltage, and comparing the measured voltage to a transition voltage. While the measured voltage is greater than or equal to the transition voltage, the time period remaining in the energy storage device's useful life is approximated based upon a function of charge depleted. While the measured voltage is less than the transition voltage, the time period remaining in the energy storage device's useful life is approximated based upon a higher order polynomial function of the measured voltage. The transition voltage corresponds to a predetermined point on a energy storage device voltage depletion curve representing the voltage across the energy storage device over time.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.Inventors: Randolph K. Armstrong, Scott A. Armstrong, D. Michael Inman, Timothy L. Scott
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Patent number: 7711419Abstract: A method, system, and an apparatus for providing a therapy neurostimulation signal. The apparatus includes a sealed housing being of a total volume of less than about 14.5 cc and a power supply contained within the sealed housing. The power supply includes a charge capacity of at least about 100 milliAmpHours. The apparatus also includes a controller to control an operation of the power supply and to provide an electrical neurostimulation signal for stimulating a portion of a neural tissue. The apparatus also provides for implementing an interrupt-driven architecture into an implantable medical device.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.Inventors: Randolph K. Armstrong, Scott A. Armstrong
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Publication number: 20100078099Abstract: A carrying bag assembly comprises a bag assembly, a flap, and a first connection system. The bag assembly comprises a front panel, a rear panel, a left side panel, a right side panel, a bottom panel, and a cover panel. The bag assembly defines a bag opening and a connection pocket. The flap defines first and second flap surfaces. The flap may be in one of a first attached configuration, a second attached configuration, and a detached configuration. When in either of the first and second attached configurations, the flap may be moved between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When in one of the attached configurations, either the first or second flap surface is visible when the flap is in the closed configuration. When the flap is in either of the first or the second attached configurations, the first connection system is substantially located within the connection pocket.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: FAIRHAVEN GROUP, INC.Inventors: F. Scott Armstrong, Gary D. Hubbert
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Publication number: 20090324618Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and methods which are useful in molecular investigations of target genes, as well as their encoded RNAs and protein, belonging to signature self renewal programs in leukemia and/or cancer stem cells. Data herein shows that leukemia stem cells can be generated from committed progenitors without widespread reprogramming of gene expression, and wherein a leukemia self-renewal associated signature is activated in the process.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2007Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Scott A. Armstrong, Andrei V. Krivtsov
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Patent number: 7561918Abstract: A method (and associated apparatus) of providing electrical neurostimulation therapy to a patient using an implanted neurostimulator comprises (a) delivering an electrical stimulation to a nerve and (b) determining whether a predetermined condition has occurred as a result of the stimulation. The method further comprises (c) if the predetermined condition has not occurred, adjusting one or more stimulation parameters; and (d) repeating (a), (b), and (c) until the predetermined condition occurs.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.Inventors: Randolph K. Armstrong, Scott A. Armstrong
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Patent number: 7489561Abstract: A device comprises a stimulus generator comprising an instruction processor. The stimulus generator is configured to deliver stimuli to a biological tissue. The device also comprises a non-volatile memory for storing instructions directly executable by the instruction processor, the instructions controlling, at least in part, the operation of the device. The instruction processor generates an erase control signal to erase at least a segment of the non-volatile memory and a write control signal to write one or more new instructions to at least a segment of the non-volatile memory, thereby modifying the operation of the device.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.Inventors: Randolph K. Armstrong, Scott A. Armstrong
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Publication number: 20090036950Abstract: A method sensing at least two physiological parameters and, for each of the at least two physiological parameters, generating a first series of signals representative of the physiological parameter sensed over a first time period, storing each of said first series of signals as a time sequence data stream, and determining when a physiological event has occurred in a patient. The method further comprises analyzing each of said time sequence data streams for a predetermined time interval preceding the occurrence of a physiological event to determine at least one marker as a predictor of the event, and again sensing the physiological parameters. Furthermore, the method comprises generating a second series of signals representative of the physiological parameter sensed, analyzing each of the second series of signals to determine whether the marker is present, and stimulating a cranial nerve when the marker is present in the second series of signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Randolph K. Armstrong, Scott A. Armstrong
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Patent number: 7454245Abstract: A method sensing at least two physiological parameters and, for each of the at least two physiological parameters, generating a first series of signals representative of the physiological parameter sensed over a first time period, storing each of said first series of signals as a time sequence data stream, and determining when a physiological event has occurred in a patient. The method further comprises analyzing each of said time sequence data streams for a predetermined time interval preceding the occurrence of a physiological event to determine at least one marker as a predictor of the event, and again sensing the physiological parameters. Furthermore, the method comprises generating a second series of signals representative of the physiological parameter sensed, analyzing each of the second series of signals to determine whether the marker is present, and stimulating a cranial nerve when the marker is present in the second series of signals.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Cyberonics, Inc.Inventors: Randolph K. Armstrong, Scott A. Armstrong
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Publication number: 20080103532Abstract: In some embodiments, a method comprises providing an electrical signal to a nerve to evoke an action potential. The nerve thereby enters a refractory period in which the nerve is in a refractory state. The method further comprises, during the refractory period, providing an electrical signal to the nerve thereby altering the refractory period of the nerve or non-target tissues.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Scott A. Armstrong, Randolph K. Armstrong
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Publication number: 20080015641Abstract: A method is provided including delivering at least one electrical signal to tissue of a patient through an electrode. The method further includes assessing whether a net charge remains on the electrode a predetermined period of time after the delivery of the electrical signal. Systems for delivering such a signal, and assessing whether a net charge remains on the electrode providing the signal, are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2006Publication date: January 17, 2008Applicant: CYBERONICS, INC.Inventors: Randolph K. Armstrong, Scott A. Armstrong
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Patent number: 7310557Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of an eating disorder includes electrically, mechanically and/or pharmaceutically/chemically stimulating a of the vagus nerve of the lower esophagus, cardia, esophageal/cardia junction, cardia/fundus junction or upper stomach so as to induce afferent action potentials on the vagus nerve. The device may be noninvasively adjusted after implantation to provide increased or decreased restriction on the patient's gastrointestinal tract. Each stimulus may be administered as a series of programmed pulses of defined amplitude, duration and period, to evoke a responsive signal to the brain by the target nerve, effective for producing a temporary feeling of satiety in the person. An implantable stimulus generator may be operatively coupled to a nerve electrode, pressure device or chemical outlet to apply a defined signal to a selected nerve branch.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Inventors: Steven E. Maschino, Steven M. Parnis, Scott A. Armstrong
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Publication number: 20070179548Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining a time period remaining in a useful life of an energy storage device in an implantable medical device. The method may include measuring a voltage of the energy storage device to produce a measured voltage, and comparing the measured voltage to a transition voltage. While the measured voltage is greater than or equal to the transition voltage, the time period remaining in the energy storage device's useful life is approximated based upon a function of charge depleted. While the measured voltage is less than the transition voltage, the time period remaining in the energy storage device's useful life is approximated based upon a higher order polynomial function of the measured voltage. The transition voltage corresponds to a predetermined point on a energy storage device voltage depletion curve representing the voltage across the energy storage device over time.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2006Publication date: August 2, 2007Inventors: Randolph K. Armstrong, Scott A. Armstrong, D. Michael Inman, Timothy L. Scott
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Publication number: 20070179547Abstract: A method and an apparatus for projecting an end of service (EOS) and/or an elective replacement indication (ERI) of a component in an implantable device is provided. The method comprises measuring the measured voltage of the energy storage device, and determining whether the measured voltage is less than a transition voltage. When the measured voltage is less than the transition voltage, determining a time period remaining until an end of service of the energy storage device is based upon a function of the measured voltage. When the measured voltage is greater than or equal to the transition voltage, determining a time period remaining until an end of service of the energy storage device is based upon a function of the total charge depleted. The transition voltage is a voltage associated with the transition point of non-linearity in the battery voltage depletion curve.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2006Publication date: August 2, 2007Applicant: Cyberonics, Inc.Inventors: Randolph Armstrong, Scott Armstrong, Dana Inman, Timothy Scott