Patents by Inventor Theresa Burnett

Theresa Burnett 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).

  • Methods and devices for intramuscular stimulation of upper airway and swallowing muscle groups
    Patent number: 7606623
    Abstract: Devices and methods were discovered that successfully provided patient autonomous control of both hyolaryngeal elevation, anterior hyoid motion and opening of the upper esophageal sphincter for swallowing by intramuscular stimulation of two muscles. The technology allows patient self stimulation of swallowing and can return oral feeding to dysphagia patients. Indwelling electrode stimulation of only two muscles generated as much as 80 % of normal synergistic movement leading to swallowing. The devices and methods also are useful for control of other upper respiratory muscle groups involved in speech and voice. Calibration techniques may be used in combination for greater freedom in setting and using electrodes over extended implantation time periods. These methods and devices can control complex movements of body solids such as bone and cartilage and tissues by electro stimulation of a minimum set of muscles simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Christy L. Ludlow, Eric Mann, Theresa Burnett, Steven Bielamowicz
  • Methods and devices for intramuscular stimulation of upper airway and swallowing muscle groups
    Publication number: 20070123950
    Abstract: Devices and methods were discovered that successfully provided patient autonomous control of both hyolaryngeal elevation, anterior hyoid motion and opening of the upper esophageal sphincter for swallowing by intramuscular stimulation of two muscles. The technology allows patient self stimulation of swallowing and can return oral feeding to dysphagia patients. Indwelling electrode stimulation of only two muscles generated as much as 80 % of normal synergistic movement leading to swallowing. The devices and methods also are useful for control of other upper respiratory muscle groups involved in speech and voice. Calibration techniques may be used in combination for greater freedom in setting and using electrodes over extended implantation time periods. These methods and devices can control complex movements of body solids such as bone and cartilage and tissues by electro stimulation of a minimum set of muscles simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Applicant: The Government of the United States of America, Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Christy Ludlow, Eric Mann, Theresa Burnett, Steven Bielamowicz