Patents by Inventor Yuping He
Yuping He 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: 20160287886Abstract: Battery management circuitry for an implantable medical device such as an implantable neurostimulator is described. The circuitry has a T-shape with respect to the battery terminal, with charging circuitry coupled between rectifier circuitry and the battery terminal on one side of the T, and load isolation circuitry coupled between the load and the battery terminal on the other side. The load isolation circuitry can comprise two switches wired in parallel. An undervoltage fault condition opens both switches to isolate the battery terminal from the load to prevent further dissipation of the battery. Other fault conditions will open only one the switches leaving the other closed to allow for reduced power to the load to continue implant operations albeit at safer low-power levels. The battery management circuitry can be fixed in a particular location on an integrated circuit which also includes for example the stimulation circuitry for the electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Jordi Parramon, Goran N. Marnfeldt, Robert Ozawa, Emanuel Feldman, Dave Peterson, Yuping He
-
Publication number: 20160213914Abstract: Disclosed herein are current output architectures for implantable stimulator devices. Current source and sink circuitry is divided into a plurality of stages, each of which is capable via an associated switch bank of sourcing or sinking an amount of current to or from any one of the electrodes of the device. The current source circuitry is distinct from the current sink circuitry, and the two share no common circuit nodes prior to connection to the electrodes. In other words, the current source circuitry and the current sink circuitry do not share a common node other than the electrodes. Each stage is preferably formed of a current mirror for receiving a reference current and outputting a scaled version of current to that stage's switch bank. The scalar at each stage can be set by wiring a desired number of output transistors in parallel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2016Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventors: Yuping He, David K.L. Peterson
-
Patent number: 9320899Abstract: An implantable stimulation device that includes output current sources and/or sinks configured to provide an output current for a load (i.e., tissue). The output path of the output current source or sink comprises a transistor which operates in a linear mode instead of a saturation mode. Because operation in a linear mode results in smaller drain-to-source voltage drops, power consumption in the output current source or sink (and hence in the implantable stimulator) is reduced, reducing battery or other power source requirements. Operation in the linear mode is facilitated by a load in an input path and a load in the output path (which bears the output current). The loads can be active transistors or passive resistors. A feedback circuit (e.g., an operational amplifier) receives voltages that build up across these loads, and sends a control signal to the gate of the transistor to ensure its linear operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jordi Parramon, Yuping He, Kiran Nimmagadda
-
Patent number: 9314617Abstract: Disclosed herein are current output architectures for implantable stimulator devices. Current source and sink circuitry is divided into a plurality of stages, each of which is capable via an associated switch bank of sourcing or sinking an amount of current to or from any one of the electrodes of the device. The current source circuitry is distinct from the current sink circuitry, and the two share no common circuit nodes prior to connection to the electrodes. In other words, the current source circuitry and the current sink circuitry do not share a common node other than the electrodes. Each stage is preferably formed of a current mirror for receiving a reference current and outputting a scaled version of current to that stage's switch bank. The scalar at each stage can be set by wiring a desired number of output transistors in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2013Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Yuping He, David K. L. Peterson
-
Publication number: 20150258340Abstract: Disclosed herein are circuits and methods for a multi-electrode implantable stimulator device incorporating one decoupling capacitor in the current path established via at least one cathode electrode and at least one anode electrode. In one embodiment, the decoupling capacitor may be hard-wired to a dedicated anode on the device. The cathodes are selectively activatable via stimulation switches. In another embodiment, any of the electrodes on the devices can be selectively activatable as an anode or cathode. In this embodiment, the decoupling capacitor is placed into the current path via selectable anode and cathode stimulation switches. Regardless of the implementation, the techniques allow for the benefits of capacitive decoupling without the need to associate decoupling capacitors with every electrode on the multi-electrode device, which saves space in the body of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2015Publication date: September 17, 2015Inventors: Jordi Parramon, Kiran Nimmagadda, Emanuel Feldman, Yuping He
-
Patent number: 9072904Abstract: Disclosed herein are circuits and methods for a multi-electrode implantable stimulator device incorporating one decoupling capacitor in the current path established via at least one cathode electrode and at least one anode electrode. In one embodiment, the decoupling capacitor may be hard-wired to a dedicated anode on the device. The cathodes are selectively activatable via stimulation switches. In another embodiment, any of the electrodes on the devices can be selectively activatable as an anode or cathode. In this embodiment, the decoupling capacitor is placed into the current path via selectable anode and cathode stimulation switches. Regardless of the implementation, the techniques allow for the benefits of capacitive decoupling without the need to associate decoupling capacitors with every electrode on the multi-electrode device, which saves space in the body of the device.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2013Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jordi Parramon, Kiran Nimmagadda, Emanuel Feldman, Yuping He
-
Patent number: 9061152Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2014Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jess W. Shi, Yuping He, Que T. Doan, David K. L. Peterson
-
Patent number: 9026211Abstract: An implantable device includes a stimulation electronic circuit, a battery, a receiver configured to receive energy from a source external to the implantable stimulation device, and a battery charger circuit configured to use the energy to charge the battery and power the stimulation electronic circuit, the battery charger circuit including a load switch for connecting/disconnecting the battery, the load switch being controlled by the stimulation electronic circuit.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2014Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jie Yan, Yuping He, David K. L. Peterson, Rankiri T. Karunasiri, Joey Chen
-
Publication number: 20140324131Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Jess W. Shi, Yuping He, Que T. Doan, David K.L. Peterson
-
Publication number: 20140277270Abstract: An implantable stimulation device that includes output current sources and/or sinks configured to provide an output current for a load (i.e., tissue). The output path of the output current source or sink comprises a transistor which operates in a linear mode instead of a saturation mode. Because operation in a linear mode results in smaller drain-to-source voltage drops, power consumption in the output current source or sink (and hence in the implantable stimulator) is reduced, reducing battery or other power source requirements. Operation in the linear mode is facilitated by a load in an input path and a load in the output path (which bears the output current). The loads can be active transistors or passive resistors. A feedback circuit (e.g., an operational amplifier) receives voltages that build up across these loads, and sends a control signal to the gate of the transistor to ensure its linear operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jordi Parramon, Yuping He, Kiran Nimmagadda
-
Publication number: 20140249603Abstract: An implantable device includes a stimulation electronic circuit, a battery, a receiver configured to receive energy from a source external to the implantable stimulation device, and a battery charger circuit configured to use the energy to charge the battery and power the stimulation electronic circuit, the battery charger circuit including a load switch for connecting/disconnecting the battery, the load switch being controlled by the stimulation electronic circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jie Yan, Yuping He, David K.L. Peterson, Rankiri T. Karunasiri, Joey Chen
-
Patent number: 8781598Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jess W. Shi, Yuping He, Que T. Doan, David K. L. Peterson
-
Patent number: 8750985Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides an implantable stimulation device that includes output current sources and/or sinks configured to provide an output current for a load (i.e., tissue). The output path of the output current source or sink comprises a transistor which operates in a linear mode instead of a saturation mode. Because operation in a linear mode results in smaller drain-to-source voltage drops, power consumption in the output current source or sink (and hence in the implantable stimulator) is reduced, reducing battery or other power source requirements. Operation in the linear mode is facilitated in useful embodiments by a load in an input path (into which a reference current is sent) and a load in the output path (which bears the output current). The loads can be active transistors or passive resistors. A feedback circuit (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jordi Parramon, Yuping He, Kiran Nimmagadda
-
Publication number: 20140100643Abstract: Disclosed herein are current output architectures for implantable stimulator devices. Current source and sink circuitry is divided into a plurality of stages, each of which is capable via an associated switch bank of sourcing or sinking an amount of current to or from any one of the electrodes of the device. The current source circuitry is distinct from the current sink circuitry, and the two share no common circuit nodes prior to connection to the electrodes. In other words, the current source circuitry and the current sink circuitry do not share a common node other than the electrodes. Each stage is preferably formed of a current mirror for receiving a reference current and outputting a scaled version of current to that stage's switch bank. The scalar at each stage can be set by wiring a desired number of output transistors in parallel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Yuping He, David K.L. Peterson
-
Publication number: 20140018883Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jess W. Shi, Yuping He, Que T. Doan, David K.L. Peterson
-
Patent number: 8606362Abstract: Disclosed herein are current output architectures for implantable stimulator devices. Current source and sink circuitry is divided into a plurality of stages, each of which is capable via an associated switch bank of sourcing or sinking an amount of current to or from any one of the electrodes of the device. The current source circuitry is distinct from the current sink circuitry, and the two share no common circuit nodes prior to connection to the electrodes. In other words, the current source circuitry and the current sink circuitry do not share a common node other than the electrodes. Each stage is preferably formed of a current mirror for receiving a reference current and outputting a scaled version of current to that stage's switch bank. The scalar at each stage can be set by wiring a desired number of output transistors in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Yuping He, David K. L. Peterson
-
Patent number: 8538548Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jess Weigian Shi, Yuping He, Que T. Doan, David K. L. Peterson
-
Patent number: 8369963Abstract: Disclosed herein are circuits and methods for a multi-electrode implantable stimulator device incorporating one decoupling capacitor in the current path established via at least one cathode electrode and at least one anode electrode. In one embodiment, the decoupling capacitor may be hard-wired to a dedicated anode on the device. The cathodes are selectively activatable via stimulation switches. In another embodiment, any of the electrodes on the devices can be selectively activatable as an anode or cathode. In this embodiment, the decoupling capacitor is placed into the current path via selectable anode and cathode stimulation switches. Regardless of the implementation, the techniques allow for the benefits of capacitive decoupling without the need to associate decoupling capacitors with every electrode on the multi-electrode device, which saves space in the body of the device.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jordi Parramon, Kiran Nimmagadda, Emanuel Feldman, Yuping He
-
Publication number: 20120197354Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jess Weigian Shi, Yuping He, Que T. Doan, David K.L. Peterson
-
Patent number: 8175719Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and circuitry for monitoring and adjusting a compliance voltage in an implantable stimulator devices to an optimal value that is sufficiently high to allow for proper circuit performance (i.e., sufficient current output), but low enough that power is not needlessly wasted via excessive voltage drops across the current output circuitry. The algorithm measures output voltages across the current source and sink circuitry during at least periods of actual stimulation when both the current sources and sinks are operable, and adjusts the compliance voltage so as to reduce these output voltages to within guard band values preferably indicative for operation in transistor saturation. The output voltages can additionally be monitored during periods between stimulation pulses to improve the accuracy of the measurement, and is further beneficial in that such additional measurements are not perceptible to the patient.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Jess W. Shi, Yuping He, Que Doan, David K. L. Peterson