Patents by Inventor W. Doughlas Sheffield

W. Doughlas Sheffield 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: 20100274305
    Abstract: The following disclosure describes several methods and apparatus for stimulating cells implanted in the regions of nervous system, such as the brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves. Accordingly, the functionality of the cells can be improved, for example, by differentiating undifferentiated or partially undifferentiated cells into neurons or other cells having action potentials. The method can also include promoting directional growth and connectivity of fully differentiated neural cells implanted in a patient's nervous system through electrical enhancement, for example, electrical stimulation via an anode and cathode. Methods in accordance with the invention can be used to treat brain damage (e.g., stroke, trauma, etc.), brain disease (e.g., Alzheimer's, Pick's, Parkinson's, etc.), and/or brain disorders (e.g., epilepsy, depression, etc.). The methods in accordance with the invention can also be used to enhance neural-function of normal, healthy brains (e.g., learning, memory, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Bradford Evan Gliner, Alan J. Levy, Jeffrey Balzer, Andrew D. Firlik, W. Doughlas Sheffield