Patents by Inventor Tim Bruns

Tim Bruns 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).

  • System and method of bladder and sphincter control
    Patent number: 9393411
    Abstract: A method and system for bladder control are disclosed. In embodiments, a method for bladder control is provided that comprises coupling an electrode to an afferent nerve that is related to the bladder. Applying a plurality of pulse burst stimulations via the electrode causes voiding of urine from the bladder. In embodiments, the plurality of pulse burst stimulations to the afferent nerve reduces external urethral sphincter (EUS) contractions and evokes bladder contractions to expel urine from the subject. In embodiments, the plurality of pulse burst stimulations to the afferent nerve evokes bladder contractions alone to expel urine from the subject. In embodiments, a system for bladder control is provided that comprises an electrode for applying a pulse burst stimulus to an afferent nerve or dermatome to reduce reflex contractions and a signal generator for generating the pulse burst stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Narendra Bhadra, Kenneth J. Gustafson, Tim Bruns, Timothy Y. Mariano
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD OF BLADDER AND SPHINCTER CONTROL
    Publication number: 20130289647
    Abstract: A method and system for bladder control are disclosed. In embodiments, a method for bladder control is provided that comprises coupling an electrode to an afferent nerve that is related to the bladder. Applying a plurality of pulse burst stimulations via the electrode causes voiding of urine from the bladder. In embodiments, the plurality of pulse burst stimulations to the afferent nerve reduces external urethral sphincter (EUS) contractions and evokes bladder contractions to expel urine from the subject. In embodiments, the plurality of pulse burst stimulations to the afferent nerve evokes bladder contractions alone to expel urine from the subject. In embodiments, a system for bladder control is provided that comprises an electrode for applying a pulse burst stimulus to an afferent nerve or dermatome to reduce reflex contractions and a signal generator for generating the pulse burst stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Narendra Bhadra, Kenneth J. Gustafson, Tim Bruns, Timothy Y. Mariano