Patents by Inventor Silvestro Micera

Silvestro Micera 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: 20230157578
    Abstract: An analysis method for analyzing pressure exerted by a body portion and/or of a human prosthesis includes: sampling data generated by the body portion and/or the prosthesis during a threshold calibration period at a sampling frequency in a condition of use thereby obtaining an array of sampled data of at least one sensing unit; providing at least one threshold value of the sampled data for the condition of use and storing the least one threshold value in a memory unit; comparing at the sampling frequency the sampled data with the at least one threshold value to obtain calibrated data, and storing the calibrated data in the memory unit and/or sending the calibrated data to a computing device if the calibrated data is greater than the at least one threshold value. A sensing device for sensing the pressure exerted by a body portion and/or the human prosthesis is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE EPFL-TTO
    Inventors: Andrea CREMA, Fiorenzo ARTONI, Silvestro MICERA
  • Patent number: 11497628
    Abstract: Provided is a wearable assisted-walking device including one lower attachment body to the foot defining a lower anchoring point at the heel of the foot of a leg of the user; an upper attachment body to an upper part of the leg proximal from the knee defining an upper ventral anchoring point and an upper dorsal anchoring point arranged on the opposite side of the coronal plane of the user; and an intermediate attachment body defining a first intermediate anchoring point, a second intermediate anchoring point and a third intermediate anchoring point, each anchoring point movable respect and connected by cables to the leg; the intermediate attachment body being adapted to store the energy by a relative motion between the anchoring points and then use it for assist walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignees: SCUOLA SUPERIORE SANTANNA, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVIERSITY OF COLORADO, A BODY CORPORATE
    Inventors: Ettore Etenzi, Alena Marie Grabowski, Vito Monaco, Silvestro Micera
  • Patent number: 11420062
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a neuromodulation and/or neurostimulation system comprising at least the following components: at least one sensing unit, at least control unit, at least one stimulation unit, at least one Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulation module, at least one Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) stimulation module, wherein at least one of the components of the neuromodulation and/or neurostimulation system is implantable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: Sophie Wurth, Grégoire Courtine, Silvestro Micera
  • Patent number: 11202911
    Abstract: The present invention provides a closed-loop system for real-time control of epidural and/or subdural electrical stimulation comprising: means for applying to a subject neuromodulation with adjustable stimulation parameters, said means being operatively connected with a real-time monitoring component comprising sensors continuously acquiring feedback signals from said subject, said signals being neural signals and/or signals providing features of motion of said subject, said system being operatively connected with a signal processing device receiving said feedback signals and operating real-time automatic control algorithms, said signal processing device being operatively connected with said means and providing said means with new stimulation parameters, with minimum delay. The system of the invention improves consistency of walking in a subject with a neuromotor impairment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: Gregoire Courtine, Nikolaus Wenger, Eduardo Martin Moraud, Silvestro Micera, Marco Bonizzato
  • Publication number: 20210247758
    Abstract: A method for remotely controlling an operated unmanned object, comprises defining of a set of control movements of an operator; selecting of minimal necessary signals to reliably acquire the operator's control movements; defining of a mapping of the control movements to commands for the operated unmanned object; sensing of operator's body movements; and transmitting of the minimal necessary signals corresponding to the operator's movements to the operated unmanned object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Jenifer MIEHLBRADT, Fabio Isidoro Tiberio DELL'AGNOLA, Alexandre CHERPILLOD, Martina COSCIA, Fiorenzo ARTONI, Stefano MINTCHEV, Dario FLOREANO, David ATIENZA ALONSO, Silvestro MICERA
  • Patent number: 10981004
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to systems for electrical neurostimulation of a spinal cord of a subject in need of nervous system function support. In one example, a system comprises a signal processing device configured to receive signals from the subject and operate signal-processing algorithms to elaborate stimulation parameter settings; one or more multi-electrode arrays suitable to cover a portion of the spinal cord of the subject; and an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) configured to receive the stimulation parameter settings from the signal processing device and simultaneously deliver independent current or voltage pulses to the one or more multiple electrode arrays, wherein the independent current or voltage pulses provide multipolar spatiotemporal stimulation of spinal circuits and/or dorsal roots. Such system advantageously enables effective control of nervous system functions in the subject by stimulating the spinal cord, such as the dorsal roots of the spinal cord, with spatiotemporal selectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Jocelyne Bloch, Grégoire Courtine, Nikolaus Wenger, Silvestro Micera, Marco Capogrosso
  • Patent number: 10974043
    Abstract: An implantable device for intrafascicular stimulation and/or sensing of a peripheral nerve, including a blocking element adapted for wrapping a nerve, comprising an access point and an exit point, and an electrode adapted to traverse the blocking element via the access point and the exit point having a distal end, a proximal end and an elongated body in between, the electrode being electrically isolated from the surrounding environment except that for an active site. In another aspect, the invention features a system comprising the implantable device of the invention operably coupled with an external device such an electrostimulator and/or a sensing device for sensing and recording electrical nerve signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE
    Inventors: Stanisa Raspopovic, Francesco Maria Petrini, Silvestro Micera
  • Publication number: 20200179217
    Abstract: The present invention refers to the field of wearable robotic devices, and in particular it concerns a wearable robotic device adapted to be connected with the lower limbs of a user subject, to detect a potentially dangerous balance loss, probably causing a fall, and consequently activate appropriate strategies to sustain the same user and recover the balance, avoiding the fall to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Applicant: SCUOLA SUPERIORE DI STUDI UNIVERSITARI E DI PERFEZIONAMENTO SANT'ANNA
    Inventors: Federica APRIGLIANO, Dario MARTELLI, Silvestro MICERA, Vito MONACO, Andrea PARRI, Peppino TROPEA, Nicola VITIELLO
  • Publication number: 20200170809
    Abstract: Provided is a wearable assisted-walking device including one lower attachment body to the foot defining a lower anchoring point at the heel of the foot of a leg of the user; an upper attachment body to an upper part of the leg proximal from the knee defining an upper ventral anchoring point and an upper dorsal anchoring point arranged on the opposite side of the coronal plane of the user; and an intermediate attachment body defining a first intermediate anchoring point, a second intermediate anchoring point and a third intermediate anchoring point, each anchoring point movable respect and connected by cables to the leg; the intermediate attachment body being adapted to store the energy by a relative motion between the anchoring points and then use it for assist walking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicants: SCUOLA SUPERIORE SANT'ANNA, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, A BODY CORPORATE
    Inventors: Ettore ETENZI, Alena Marie GRABOWSKI, Vito MONACO, Silvestro MICERA
  • Publication number: 20200086116
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a system for stimulation of the spinal cord for the rehabilitation of motor function in subjects with spinal cord injury or other motor disorders. Said system comprises a programmable implantable pulse generator (IPG), operatively connected to deliver current pulses to one or more multi-electrode arrays, wherein said IPG is adapted to deliver to said multi-electrode array a stimulation characterized by a frequency comprised between 20 and 1200 Hz and an amplitude comprised between 0.1 motor threshold amplitude and 1.5 motor threshold amplitude. The use of such system for facilitating locomotor functions or upper limb movements in a subject with neuromotor impairments is also within the scope of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Emanuele FORMENTO, Marco CAPOGROSSO, Silvestro MICERA, Grégoire COURTINE, Karen MINASSIAN
  • Publication number: 20190344075
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to systems for electrical neurostimulation of a spinal cord of a subject in need of nervous system function support. In one example, a system comprises a signal processing device configured to receive signals from the subject and operate signal-processing algorithms to elaborate stimulation parameter settings; one or more multi-electrode arrays suitable to cover a portion of the spinal cord of the subject; and an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) configured to receive the stimulation parameter settings from the signal processing device and simultaneously deliver independent current or voltage pulses to the one or more multiple electrode arrays, wherein the independent current or voltage pulses provide multipolar spatiotemporal stimulation of spinal circuits and/or dorsal roots. Such system advantageously enables effective control of nervous system functions in the subject by stimulating the spinal cord, such as the dorsal roots of the spinal cord, with spatiotemporal selectivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Jocelyne BLOCH, Grégoire COURTINE, Nikolaus WENGER, Silvestro MICERA, Marco CAPOGROSSO
  • Patent number: 10406056
    Abstract: It is disclosed an apparatus for restoring voluntary control of locomotion in a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment comprising a multidirectional trunk support system and a device for epidural electrical stimulation. The robotic interface is capable of evaluating, enabling and training motor pattern generation and balance across a variety of natural walking behaviors in subjects with neuromotor impairments. Optionally, pharmacological cocktails can be administered to enhance rehabilitation results. It is also disclosed a method for the evaluation, enablement and training of a subject suffering from neuromotor impairments by combining robotically assisted evaluation tools with sophisticated neurobiomechanical and statistical analyzes. A method for the rehabilitation (by this term also comprising restoring voluntary control of locomotion) of a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment in particular partial or total paralysis of limbs, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Grégoire Courtine, Silvestro Micera, Joachim Von Zitzewitz
  • Publication number: 20190269917
    Abstract: The present invention provides a closed-loop system for real-time control of epidural and/or subdural electrical stimulation comprising: means for applying to a subject neuromodulation with adjustable stimulation parameters, said means being operatively connected with a real-time monitoring component comprising sensors continuously acquiring feedback signals from said subject, said signals being neural signals and/or signals providing features of motion of said subject, said system being operatively connected with a signal processing device receiving said feedback signals and operating real-time automatic control algorithms, said signal processing device being operatively connected with said means and providing said means with new stimulation parameters, with minimum delay. The system of the invention improves consistency of walking in a subject with a neuromotor impairment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Gregoire Courtine, Nikolaus Wenger, Eduardo Martin Moraud, Silvestro Micera, Marco Bonizzato
  • Patent number: 10391015
    Abstract: It is disclosed an apparatus for restoring voluntary control of locomotion in a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment comprising a multidirectional trunk support system and a device for epidural electrical stimulation. The robotic interface is capable of evaluating, enabling and training motor pattern generation and balance across a variety of natural walking behaviors in subjects with neuromotor impairments. Optionally, pharmacological cocktails can be administered to enhance rehabilitation results. It is also disclosed a method for the evaluation, enablement and training of a subject suffering from neuromotor impairments by combining robotically assisted evaluation tools with sophisticated neurobiomechanical and statistical analyzes. A method for the rehabilitation (by this term also comprising restoring voluntary control of locomotion) of a subject suffering from a neuromotor impairment in particular partial or total paralysis of limbs, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Grégoire Courtine, Silvestro Micera, Joachim Von Zitzewitz
  • Patent number: 10391309
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to systems for electrical neurostimulation of a spinal cord of a subject in need of nervous system function support. In one example, a system comprises a signal processing device configured to receive signals from the subject and operate signal-processing algorithms to elaborate stimulation parameter settings; one or more multi-electrode arrays suitable to cover a portion of the spinal cord of the subject; and an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) configured to receive the stimulation parameter settings from the signal processing device and simultaneously deliver independent current or voltage pulses to the one or more multiple electrode arrays, wherein the independent current or voltage pulses provide multipolar spatiotemporal stimulation of spinal circuits and/or dorsal roots. Such system advantageously enables effective control of nervous system functions in the subject by stimulating the spinal cord, such as the dorsal roots of the spinal cord, with spatiotemporal selectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Jocelyne Bloch, Grégoire Courtine, Nikolaus Wenger, Silvestro Micera, Marco Capogrosso
  • Publication number: 20190217083
    Abstract: An implantable device for intrafascicular stimulation and/or sensing of a peripheral nerve, including a blocking element adapted for wrapping a nerve, comprising an access point and an exit point, and an electrode adapted to traverse the blocking element via the access point and the exit point having a distal end, a proximal end and an elongated body in between, the electrode being electrically isolated from the surrounding environment except that for an active site. In another aspect, the invention features a system comprising the implantable device of the invention operably coupled with an external device such an electrostimulator and/or a sensing device for sensing and recording electrical nerve signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Stanisa RASPOPOVIC, Francesco Maria PETRINI, Silvestro MICERA
  • Patent number: 10279177
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to systems for electrical neurostimulation of a spinal cord of a subject in need of nervous system function support. In one example, a system comprises a signal processing device configured to receive signals from the subject and operate signal-processing algorithms to elaborate stimulation parameter settings; one or more multi-electrode arrays suitable to cover a portion of the spinal cord of the subject; and an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) configured to receive the stimulation parameter settings from the signal processing device and simultaneously deliver independent current or voltage pulses to the one or more multiple electrode arrays, wherein the independent current or voltage pulses provide multipolar spatiotemporal stimulation of spinal circuits and/or dorsal roots. Such system advantageously enables effective control of nervous system functions in the subject by stimulating the spinal cord, such as the dorsal roots of the spinal cord, with spatiotemporal selectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Jocelyne Bloch, Grégoire Courtine, Nikolaus Wenger, Silvestro Micera, Marco Capogrosso
  • Patent number: 10279167
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a closed-loop system for real-time control of epidural and/or subdural electrical stimulation comprising electrodes for applying to a subject neuromodulation with adjustable stimulation parameters, the electrodes being operatively connected with a real-time monitoring component comprising sensors continuously acquiring feedback signals from said subject, said signals being neural signals and/or signals providing features of motion of said subject, said system being operatively connected with a signal processing device receiving said feedback signals and operating real-time automatic control algorithms, said signal processing device being operatively connected with the electrodes said and providing the electrodes with new stimulation parameters, with minimum delay. The system of the disclosure improves consistency of walking in a subject with a neuromotor impairment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Ecole Polytechnique Federale De Lausanne (EPFL)
    Inventors: Grégoire Courtine, Nikolaus Wenger, Eduardo Martin Moraud, Silvestro Micera, Marco Bonizzato
  • Publication number: 20190117417
    Abstract: Integrated closed-loop real-time limb neuro-prosthetic system comprising an artificial limb, a microprocessor, sensors, a signal conditioner, a stimulator, at least one EMG electrode and at least one sensory feedback electrode, characterized by the fact that said sensory feedback electrode is all intraneural electrode which is adapted to be implanted in an intact and healthy portion of a nerve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Stanisa RASPOPOVIC, Francesco Maria PETRINI, Marco CAPOGROSSO, Marco BONIZZATO, Silvestro MICERA
  • Patent number: 10265525
    Abstract: The present invention provides a closed-loop system for real-time control of epidural and/or subdural electrical stimulation comprising: means for applying to a subject neuromodulation with adjustable stimulation parameters, said means being operatively connected with a real-time monitoring component comprising sensors continuously acquiring feedback signals from said subject, said signals being neural signals and/or signals providing features of motion of said subject, said system being operatively connected with a signal processing device receiving said feedback signals and operating real-time automatic control algorithms, said signal processing device being operatively connected with said means and providing said means with new stimulation parameters, with minimum delay. The system of the invention improves consistency of walking in a subject with a neuromotor impairment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: Gregoire Courtine, Nikolaus Wenger, Eduardo Martin Moraud, Silvestro Micera, Marco Bonizzato