Patents by Inventor Stephen H. Ober

Stephen H. Ober 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).

  • Apparatus and method for preventing bruxism
    Patent number: 4669477
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing an electrical stimulation signal adapted to be applied to a patient's jaw muscle, thereby causing the jaw to open and preventing bruxism. The apparatus includes electrodes positioned to sense an electromyographic (EMG) signal indicative of jaw muscle activity and jaw clenching. A control circuit produces a control signal when the EMG signal exceeds a threshold value indicative of a predetermined level of jaw muscle activity. Stimulator means produce the stimulation signal in the form of a pulse train when triggered by the control signal. The threshold value and intensity of the stimulation signal are adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Empi, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen H. Ober
  • Transcutaneous electrode device for cast-covered sites
    Patent number: 4535779
    Abstract: A transcutaneous electrode device permits an electrical signal to be transmitted to or received from an anatomical site of a human patient when that site is covered by an intervening plaster or synthetic cast. The device includes a flange assembly and a collar assembly (which cooperate to capture the cast and define an aperture through the cast) and an electrode tampon assembly (which is inserted through the aperture to provide electrical contact to the anatomical site). The electrode tampon assembly includes an external barrel or carrier which is insertable in the aperture, an electrically conductive medium (such as a sponge saturated with a conductive fluid) carried at the distal end of the barrel, and an electrical connector at the proximal end of the barrel. A coil spring urges the conductive medium into contact with the anatomical site and provides electrical connection between the conductive medium and the electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: EMPI, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen H. Ober
  • NMS aided continuous passive motion apparatus
    Patent number: 4520827
    Abstract: A continuous passive motion (CPM) apparatus mobilizes the knee joint of a patient's leg. In order to achieve total extension of the leg, the CPM apparatus pauses each time the extension end position is reached. A neuro-muscular stimulator (NMS) is enabled to provide stimulation to the patient's quadriceps muscle to effect a total extension of the leg. At the end of the pause interval, the NMS turns off, and the CPM resumes motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: EMPI, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Wright, Stephen H. Ober
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator
    Patent number: D297168
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Empi, Inc.
    Inventors: Zosim Ioffe, Stephen H. Ober, Donald D. Maurer