Patents Issued in March 31, 2015
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Patent number: 8996099Abstract: A catheter imaging probe for a patient. The probe includes a conduit through with energy is transmitted. The probe includes a first portion through which the conduit extends. The probe includes a second portion which rotates relative to the conduit to redirect the energy from the conduit. A method for imaging a patient. The method includes the steps of inserting a catheter into the patient. There is the step of rotating a second portion of the catheter relative to a conduit extending through a first portion of the catheter, which redirects the energy transmitted through the conduit to the patient and receives the energy reflected back to the second portion from the patient and redirects the reflected energy to the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Marc D. Feldman, Thomas E. Milner, Shaochen Chen, Jihoon Kim, Li-Hsin Han, Jung-hwan Oh, Lee Ho
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Patent number: 8996100Abstract: An electrode structure for use with a monitoring system. A thin flexible body of an electrode material comprising conductive rubber is provided with projections extending externally to a working surface. According to this construction of the working surface of the electrode only the projections make a contact to the recipient's skin. When the projections are provided with a small cross-section, the constant electrode-skin contact is ensured due to the resiliency of the electrode material.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Johannes Johanna Van Herk, Markus Cornelis Jakobus Lazeroms
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Patent number: 8996101Abstract: A method and device for detecting a cardiac event that includes sensing cardiac electrical signals representative of electrical activity of a heart of a patient, detecting the cardiac event in response to the sensed cardiac signals, determining an indication of signal reliability corresponding to the sensed cardiac signals as being one of a reliable signal and a not reliable signal, and switching operation of the device between a first mode of determining whether the sensed signal is one of treatable and not treatable and a second mode of determining whether the sensed signal is one of treatable and not treatable in response to the determined indication of signal reliability.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Xusheng Zhang, Teresa A. Whitman, Paul J. DeGroot, Mark L. Brown, Jeffrey M. Gillberg
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Patent number: 8996102Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for assessing a patients' myocardial electrical stability. Implanted electrodes are used to obtain an electrogram (EGM) signal, which is used to identify periods when the patient experiences T-wave alternans. Additionally, the EGM signal is used to determine whether premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) cause phase reversals of the T-wave alternans. The patient's myocardial electrical stability is assessed based on whether, and in a specific embodiment the extent to which, PVCs cause phase reversals of the T-wave alternans. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventor: Taraneh Ghaffari Farazi
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Patent number: 8996103Abstract: An apparatus for testing of electrical or physical properties of a material include a single coil sensor mounted adjacent to a sample of the material. Sheet conductance of a wide variety of materials may be measured using the single coil to determine if the material conforms to generally accepted standards for the use to which the material will be put. In some examples, the material is a semiconductor wafer or flat panel. In other examples, the material is the body tissue of a patient. A non-invasive technique using the apparatus is also disclosed for monitoring the health of patient tissue such as musculature, and/or to determine whether healthy circulation is present, by measuring the conductance of the patient tissue in response to a magnetic field applied by the single coil. The single coil may be hand held, or it may be movable using an automated positioning system under computer control.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Inventors: Austin Blew, Michael Bronko, Steven C. Murphy, Steve Bell
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Patent number: 8996104Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide patches for the transdermal delivery of iron-containing compositions to an individual suffering from an iron deficiency. Many embodiments provide an iontophoretic patch for the transdermal delivery of a therapeutically effective amount of iron. The patch comprises an electrode and a reservoir containing a composition comprising ionic iron for the delivery of the therapeutically effective amount of iron. Various embodiments provide methods of using embodiments of the iontophoretic patch for delivering a therapeutically effective amount of iron to an individual suffering from one more forms of iron deficiency including iron deficiency anemia. Such methods can be used for treating and/or preventing the iron deficiency. The amount of delivered iron can be adjusted depending upon various treatment parameters such as patient weight and type and amount of iron deficiency.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: FE3 Medical, Inc.Inventor: Ronald J. Berenson
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Patent number: 8996105Abstract: An active implantable medical device for vagal stimulation with optimization of ventricular filling is disclosed. The device delivers stimulation pulses to the vagal nerve of the patient with an adjustable energy level. The device includes a hemodynamic sensor for measuring hemodynamic parameters of the patient's cardiac cycles and delivering a timing parameter representative of the ventricular filling time. The energy level of the vagal stimulation pulses is adjusted dynamically and repeatedly over several cardiac cycles. The energy level is varied during successive cardiac correlative changes in the filling time (FT1, FT2) are assessed (46), and the energy level is set to a level that maximizes the ventricular filling time.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Sorin CRM SASInventor: Marcel Limousin
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Patent number: 8996106Abstract: In a method for the intermittent occlusion of a vein draining the organ system, in which the vein is occluded by an occlusion device, the fluid pressure in the occluded vein is continuously measured and stored, the behavior of the fluid pressure is determined as a function of time, and the occlusion of the vein is triggered and/or released as a function of at least one characteristic value derived from the pressure measurements, pressure is applied during the occlusion in a pulsating manner. The device for the intermittent occlusion of a vein, including an occlusion device, a pressure measuring device for continuously measuring the fluid pressure in the occluded vein, and a memory for storing the fluid pressure behavior as a function of time, means are provided for applying a pulsating pressure in the occluded vein.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Miracor Medical Systems GmbHInventor: Werner Mohl
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Patent number: 8996107Abstract: Various system embodiments comprise a stimulator adapted to deliver a stimulation signal for a heart failure therapy, a number of sensors adapted to provide at least a first measurement of a heart failure status and a second measurement of the heart failure status, and a controller. The controller is connected to the stimulator and to the number of sensors. The controller is adapted to use the first and second measurements to create a heart failure status index, and control the stimulator to modulate the signal using the index. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: Imad Libbus, Krzysztof Z. Siejko, Marina V. Brockway, Robert J. Sweeney
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Patent number: 8996108Abstract: An implantable cardiac device includes a sensor for sensing patient activity and detecting phrenic nerve activation. A first filter channel attenuates first frequencies of the sensor signal to produce a first filtered output. A second filter channel attenuates second frequencies of the accelerometer signal to produce a second filtered output. Patient activity is evaluated using the first filtered output and phrenic nerve activation caused by cardiac pacing is detected using the second filtered output.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: Aaron R. McCabe, Holly E. Rockweiler, Jacob I. Laughner
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Patent number: 8996109Abstract: A leadless intra-cardiac medical device senses cardiac activity from multiple chambers and applies cardiac stimulation to at least one cardiac chamber and/or generates a cardiac diagnostic indication. The leadless device may be implanted in a local cardiac chamber (e.g., the right ventricle) and detect near-field signals from that chamber as well as far-field signals from an adjacent chamber (e.g., the right atrium).Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Edward Karst, Richard Samade, Gene A. Bornzin, John W. Poore, Zoltan Somogyi, Didier Theret
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Patent number: 8996110Abstract: A method for determining the cause of an irregularity in physiologic data collected by a medical device may include monitoring a collected physiologic characteristic of a patient through the physiologic data, detecting an irregularity in the physiologic data, monitoring position data of the patient, correlating the physiologic data with the position data, and determining the cause of the irregularity in the physiologic data based on correlation of the physiologic data with the position data.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Shiloh Sison, Gabriel A. Mouchawar
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Patent number: 8996111Abstract: The disclosure describes implantable medical systems that respond to occurrence of a lead-related condition by utilizing an elongated coil electrode in defining an alternative pacing therapy vector to maintain optimal drain of an IMD power supply. An exemplary system includes a medical electrical lead having an elongated electrode and an improved sensing and therapy delivery circuitry to provide the alternative pacing therapy vector responsive to the lead-related conditions. The system includes circuitry for recognition of the lead type in order to respond to the occurrence of the lead-related condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Mark T Marshall, Gonzalo Martinez, Kevin R Seifert
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Patent number: 8996112Abstract: Approaches for characterizing a phrenic stimulation threshold, a cardiac capture threshold, a maximum device parameter, and a minimum device parameter are described. A plurality of cardiac pacing pulses can be delivered by using a cardiac pacing device, a pacing parameter of the plurality of cardiac pacing pulses being changed between delivery of at least some of the pulses. One or more sensor signals can be evaluated to detect stimulation of the phrenic nerve by one or more of the plurality of cardiac pacing pluses. The evaluation of the one or more sensor signals and the pacing parameter can be compared to determine if a phrenic stimulation threshold is at least one of higher than a maximum device parameter and lower than a minimum device parameter.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventor: M. Jason Brooke
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Patent number: 8996113Abstract: Systems and techniques that enable a user to selectively extend the time prior to providing an indication of power source depletion, e.g., allow an extended the recommended replacement time (RRT) prior to providing an elective replacement indication (ERI), are described. The user provides input, which may indicate an acceptable level of implantable medical device performance, e.g., that lesser performance for a period between a default RRT and an extended RRT is acceptable. In response to the input, the time until providing an RRT/ERI notification, or some other indication of depletion of the implantable medical device power source, may be extended.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Ries, Craig L. Schmidt
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Patent number: 8996114Abstract: A lead assembly for an implantable medical device includes a lead body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis that extends between the proximal end and distal end. The lead assembly also includes a strain relief tube that surrounds a portion of the lead body. The strain relief tube includes a flexible material configured to include contours such that the portion of the lead body surrounded by the strain relief tube maintains a formed shape that varies from the longitudinal axis of the lead body. The contours vary in response to forces on the lead body to prevent strain at the distal end of the lead body.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.Inventors: Brian D. Soltis, Bruce A. Tockman
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Patent number: 8996115Abstract: A method, device and/or system for generating arbitrary waveforms of a desired shape that can be used for generating a stimulation pulse for medical purposes such as for spinal cord stimulation therapy, where such arbitrary waveforms can also be used for charge balancing purposes.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Greatbatch, Ltd.Inventors: Stephen Trier, Jeffrey A. Weisgarber, Richard J. Polefko
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Patent number: 8996116Abstract: Methods and devices for the treatment of chronic pain by modulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. In particular, the methods and systems described herein may be used to enhance chronic pain therapies such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Thus, the present invention describes devices and methods for modulation of the cytokine pathway by stimulation of the neuronal cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (NCAP) to enhance the treatment of chronic pain by SCS. The use of NCAP in conjunction with SCS may potentiate the effects of SCS and/or prevent the desensitization of the patient to SCS.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: SetPoint Medical CorporationInventors: Michael A. Faltys, Jacob A. Levine
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Patent number: 8996117Abstract: A method, device and/or system for generating arbitrary scalable waveforms of a desired shape that can be used for generating a stimulation pulse for medical purposes such as for spinal cord stimulation therapy, where scaling function(s) can be used to scale arbitrary waveforms for increased flexibility and which can also be used for charge balancing purposes as well.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Greatbatch, Ltd.Inventors: Stephen Trier, Jeffrey A. Weisgarber, Richard J. Polefko
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Patent number: 8996118Abstract: An implantable device, including a first electrically non-conductive substrate with a plurality of electrically conductive vias. The device also includes a flip-chip multiplexer circuit attached to the electrically non-conductive substrate using conductive bumps, the circuit being electrically connected to at a subset of the plurality of electrically conductive vias. Another a flip-chip driver circuit is attached to the flip-chip multiplexer circuit using conductive bumps while a second electrically non-conductive substrate attached to the flip-chip driver circuit using conductive bumps. Discrete passives are attached to the second electrically non-conductive substrate and a cover is bonded to the first electrically non-conductive substrate. The cover, the first electrically non-conductive substrate and the electrically conductive vias form a hermetic package.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Second Sight Products, Inc.Inventors: Jerry Ok, Robert J Greenberg, Neil Hamilton Talbot, James S Little, Rongqing Dai, Jordan Matthew Neysmith, Kelly H McClure
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Patent number: 8996119Abstract: A prosthesis is provided comprising a substrate having a distal end and a proximal end; and a plurality of electrodes located at or adjacent the distal end of the substrate. The distal end of the substrate is configured for insertion, via an incision, between first and second tissue layers, such as the sclera and choroid in the eye. The prosthesis tapers in thickness towards the distal end and has a substantially curved profile at least on one surface so that the prosthesis can be inserted into position without needing a guide and without causing damage to the tissue or the prosthesis. The prosthesis can include an electrode interface unit located at or adjacent the proximal end of the substrate which locates between the tissue layers. An anchor portion can be provided that extends from the substrate into the incision.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: The Bionics Institute of AustraliaInventors: Christopher Edward Williams, Penelope Jayne Allen, Joel Villalobos Villa
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Patent number: 8996120Abstract: An exemplary method of adjusting one or more perceived attributes of an audio signal includes mapping each of the plurality of perceived attributes to one or more control parameters governing an operation of an implantable cochlear stimulator, receiving data representative of an input command to adjust one or more of the perceived attributes, adjusting at least one of the one or more control parameters in response to the received input command and in accordance with the mapping of the perceived attributes to the one or more control parameters, and directing the implantable cochlear stimulator to apply electrical stimulation to one or more stimulation sites within the patient in accordance with the at least one adjusted control parameter. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Advanced Bionics AGInventors: Guillermo A. Calle, Tracey L. Kruger
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Patent number: 8996121Abstract: A prosthesis including an external device and an implantable component. The external device includes a first inductive communication component. The implantable component includes a second inductive communication component, wherein the implantable component is configured to be implanted under skin of a recipient. The external device is configured to transmit power via magnetic induction transcutaneously to the implantable component via the second inductive communication component. The internal component is configured to receive at least a portion of the power transmitted from the external device via the inductive communication component. At least one of the first and second inductive communication components comprise an inductive communication component configured to vary its effective coil area.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventor: Werner Meskens
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Patent number: 8996122Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) a storage facility configured to maintain data representative of a cochlear implant fitting software package comprising a plurality of cochlear implant fitting features and maintain data representative of a plurality of independent licensing heuristics corresponding to the plurality of cochlear implant fitting features, wherein each independent licensing heuristic within the plurality of independent licensing heuristics corresponds to a different cochlear implant fitting feature within the plurality of cochlear implant fitting features, and 2) a feature control facility configured to selectively enable or disable each cochlear implant fitting feature in accordance with the corresponding independent licensing heuristic. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Advanced Bionics AGInventors: Guillermo A. Calle, Fernando Chapa, Carlos O. Hernandez
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Patent number: 8996123Abstract: Various programming techniques are described for medical devices that deliver electrical stimulation therapy that may include mapping between discrete electrical stimulation parameters and a graphical view of the electrical stimulation representing a stimulation zone generated by the parameters. In one example, a method includes receiving, via a programmer for an electrical stimulator, user input that graphically manipulates at least one of size and a shape of a graphical representation of at least one electrical stimulation zone displayed on the programmer, and defining a program to control delivery of electrical stimulation therapy based on the user input.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Steven M. Goetz, Jon P. Davis, Nathan A. Torgerson, Shyam Gokaldas, Ashish Singal, Rajeev M. Sahasrabudhe, Brent A. Huhta
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Patent number: 8996124Abstract: A system and method involve transceiving successive first and second synchronization signals defining endpoints of a frame. A digital signal is transceived by a modulating time interval between portions of the first and second synchronization signals. A first data pulse is transceived during the frame. A relative position in the frame of the first data pulse represents a first analog signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Data Sciences International, Inc.Inventors: Reid Bornhoft, Brian P. Brockway, Matt Kunz, Gregg Lichtscheidl, Brock Lindstedt, Perry A. Mills
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Patent number: 8996125Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats cardiovascular disease through application of stimulation pulses applied at at least one of acupoints EX-HN1, BL14, HT7, HT5, PC6, ST36, LI11, LU7 and LU2. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4 is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Valencia Technologies CorporationInventors: Jeffrey H. Greiner, David K. L. Peterson, Chuladatta Thenuwara
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Patent number: 8996126Abstract: A composite RF current attenuator for a medical lead includes a conductor having a distal electrode contactable to biological cells, a bandstop filter in series with the lead conductor for attenuating RF currents flow through the lead conductor at a selected center frequency or across a range of frequencies about the center frequency, and a lowpass filter in series with the bandstop filter and forming a portion of the lead conductor. The bandstop filter has a capacitance in parallel with a first inductance. In a preferred form, the lowpass filter includes a second inductance in series with the bandstop filter, wherein the values of capacitance and inductances for the composite RF current attenuator are selected such that it attenuates MRI-induced RF current flow in an MRI environment.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.Inventors: Robert A. Stevenson, Robert Shawn Johnson, Kishore Kumar Kondabatni, Joseph Spaulding, Dominick J. Frustaci, Warren S. Dabney, Holly Noelle Moschiano
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Patent number: 8996127Abstract: Assessment of neuron excitation is implemented by quantifying the interaction between focused and unfocused stimulation applied to a cochlear array. By applying focused and unfocused stimulation to the electrode array and comparing the difference in the responses to the two types of stimulation the interaction may be determined. The magnitude of the interaction may be related to neural excitation and using this data a neural excitation profile may be determined.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Cochlear LimitedInventors: Christopher van den Honert, Zachary Smith, Christopher J. Long, Daniel M. Lisogurski, Robert P. Carlyon
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Patent number: 8996128Abstract: Couplings for implanted leads and external stimulators, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a cable assembly that in turn includes an electrical cable having a proximal end and a distal end. A first connector is attached to the cable toward the proximal end and has a plurality of first connector contacts positioned to releasably connect to an external patient device. A second connector is attached by the cable toward the distal end, and includes a first portion and a second portion pivotably connected to the first portion. The first portion has a slot elongated along a slot axis and positioned to receive an implantable patient signal delivery element axially along the slot axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Nevro CorporationInventors: Jon Parker, Andre B. Walker
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Patent number: 8996129Abstract: An implantable medical electrode includes a substrate and an iridium oxide surface, which is formed by an iridium oxide film applied over a roughened surface of the substrate. The film is preferably applied via direct current magnetron sputtering in a sputtering atmosphere comprising argon and oxygen. A sputtering target power may be between approximately 80 watts and approximately 300 watts, and a total sputtering pressure may be between approximately 9 millitorr and approximately 20 millitorr. The iridium oxide film may have a thickness greater than or equal to approximately 15,000 angstroms and have a microstructure exhibiting a columnar growth pattern.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventor: Lea A Nygren
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Patent number: 8996130Abstract: Temporary touch-proof connectors are disclosed that include an insulating body defining a passageway having an open leading end configured to receive a connector element of a medical lead and an enclosed trailing end shielding the connector element.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Antoine Camps, Markus Lazeroms, Jean Rutten, Paulus Van Venrooij, Bernard Cuisset
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Patent number: 8996131Abstract: Method and apparatus for infrared-light nerve stimulation-plus-therapeutic-heat (INS-plus-TH) that includes providing a plurality of light sources; providing a plurality of thermally conductive extensions configured to transfer heat generated by the plurality of light sources away from the plurality of light sources; emitting a plurality of infrared-light nerve-stimulation signals toward neural tissue of an animal from the plurality of light sources, wherein the emitted infrared-light nerve-stimulation signals are configured to generate action potentials in the neural tissue, and wherein the emitting of the plurality of infrared-light nerve-stimulation signals includes generating heat; controlling the emitting of the plurality of infrared-light nerve-stimulation signals to generate action potentials in the neural tissue; and transferring the heat generated by the plurality of light sources during the emitting of the plurality of infrared-light nerve-stimulation signals away from the plurality of light sourcesType: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: James M. Owen, Matthew D. Keller, Shuming Yuan
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Patent number: 8996132Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes a tip electrode disposed on a distal tip of the lead body. One tip electrode has a base and a separate plug attached to the base. The base defines an interior lumen closed at one end by the plug. Another tip electrode has an electrode body, a stem extending from the electrode body, and shaped retention features extending from the stem. Yet another tip electrode has an electrode body, a stem extending from the electrode body, and a flange disposed on the stem opposite the electrode body. A further tip electrode has an electrode body defining an interior lumen and a plurality of protrusions extending into the interior lumen. Another tip electrode has an electrode body and arms extending from the electrode body. The electrode body defines an interior lumen and the arms extend over an opening to the interior lumen.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Anne Margaret Pianca, Joshua Dale Howard, William George Orinski
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Patent number: 8996133Abstract: The methods and apparatus for lead placement on a surface of the heart are employed using an elongated body having proximal and distal end portions. The body defines a lead receiving passageway extending between a proximal inlet and a distal outlet for receiving a lead therethrough for contact with the heart surface. The elongated body is adapted for insertion between a pericardium and an epicardial surface. At least a portion of the body may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape adapted to retain the body orientation between the pericardium and the epicardial surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: SentreHEART, Inc.Inventors: Aaron V. Kaplan, Kevin F. Hahnen
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Patent number: 8996134Abstract: A highly flexible implantable lead that offers improved flexibility, fatigue life and fatigue and abrasion resistance improved reliability, effective electrode tissue contact with a small diameter and low risk of tissue damage during extraction. In one embodiment the lead is provided with both defibrillation electrodes and pacing/sensing electrodes. For defibrillation/pacing leads, the lead diameter may be as small as six French or smaller. The construction utilizes helically wound conductors. For leads incorporating multiple separate conductors, many of the helically wound conductors are arranged in a multi-filar relationship. Preferably, each conductor is a length of wire that is uninsulated at about the middle of its length to create an electrode, wherein the conductor is folded in half at about the middle of the length to create first and second length segments that constitute parallel conductors.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey B. Duncan, Aaron J. Hopkinson, Thomas R. McDaniel, Michael J. Vonesh, Jason M. Wiersdorf
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Patent number: 8996135Abstract: A device and method for implanting a catheter between the left atrium and/or left ventricle of the heart from a prepectoral region through a less invasive and lower-risk approach is provided that allows the implantation of the catheter in the left cardiac chambers through a femoral approach atrial transseptal puncture, and the removal of the catheter proximal end by a retrograde venous route. The device includes a transseptal sheath for slidably carrying the catheter, an elongate pulling element attached to a proximal end of the catheter, a runner slidable within the transseptal sheath and operable for biasing against the proximal end of the cardiac catheter, and a loop catheter having a loop formed at one end thereof, wherein the loop is dimensioned for receiving the transseptal sheath and for receiving the elongate pulling element therein when the loop and the elongate pulling element are separated from the transseptal sheath.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Inventor: Benjamin Daniel Elencwajg
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Patent number: 8996136Abstract: An implantable medical device, which is connected or is to be connected to at least two elongated electric function conductors for the transmission of treatment signals or diagnostic signals or both, and at least one electrode pole connected to at least one of the function conductors, via which electrode pole electric current can be delivered in the case of use to surrounding tissue of the body or with which electric potentials can be sensed in the surrounding tissue or both. Includes a wave transfer module connected to the function conductor and which is embodied to transform waves arriving via a function conductor and to switch them as transformed waves onto another function conductor or the same function conductor in such a controlled manner that the waves are destructively superimposed at the electrode pole.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Biotronik SE & Co. KGInventor: Ingo Weiss
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Patent number: 8996137Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, John Wardle, Jarren Armond Baldwin, Daniel N. Hamilton, Janusz Kuzma, Christopher William Stivers
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Patent number: 8996138Abstract: An electrode package for use with a defibrillator, the electrode package comprising an outer shell providing a vapor barrier between an interior space inside the outer shell and an exterior environment, a breakaway connection element positioned at the perimeter of the outer shell, one or more defibrillation electrodes positioned in the interior space inside the outer shell, a further electrical element positioned in the interior space inside the outer shell, electrical paths extending from the further electrical element through the breakaway element to the exterior environment, wherein the breakaway element and electrical paths are configured so that, when the outer shell is opened and the defibrillation electrodes are removed, the electrical paths are disconnected within the breakaway element.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: ZOLL Medical CorporationInventors: Michael R. Dupelle, Michael Parascandola, Marc Cordaro, George Reilly, David N. Craige, III
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Patent number: 8996139Abstract: A method for synchronizing a first control device and a second control device of a redundantly structured automation device that controls a technical process is provided. The first control device and the second control device are connected to each other. The first and second devices include functional components which implement the functions that control the technical process. The first control device performs the functions in the functional components for controlling the technical process in cycles, thus creating internal states of the functional components. During control of the technical process by the first control device, information about the internal states of the functional components is transferred, distributed over several cycles, to the second control device. The second control device assigns the transmitted information about the internal states to the functional components. In addition, a corresponding redundantly structured automation device is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Carsten Jordan, Michael Unkelbach
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Patent number: 8996140Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a multichannel power controller for limiting the number of channels with outputs therefrom simultaneously turned on and enabling power conditioning that makes the ratio of the “ON time” to the “ON+OFF time” for the output proportional to the input value, thus allowing the power capacity of the power plant to be set to the minimum required value, when a plurality of channels are subjected to time-sharing output control.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: RKC Instrument Inc.Inventors: Shigefumi Goto, Mitsugu Honda
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Patent number: 8996141Abstract: A controller device and a method for controlling a system that utilizes an adaptive mechanism to self-learn the system characteristics and incorporates this adaptive self-learning ability to predict a control parameter correctly to provide precise control of a system component.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: DunAn Microstaq, Inc.Inventors: Fadi Alsaleem, Arvind Rao
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Patent number: 8996142Abstract: A predictive alignment process for aligning coupled rotating shafts extending from a pair of adjacently located rotating machines. The process includes a step of monitoring the rotating machines to obtain physical characteristics that change during operation and could cause variance in alignment between a non-operating state and an operating state. The process would monitor changes in alignment and correlate the changes in physical characteristics and the operational alignment. The process can monitor and record environmental conditions proximate the rotating machinery and correlate the operational alignment and the environmental changes to provide predictive alignment directions used to guide an alignment engineer to align coupled shafts where the alignment is optimized when in operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKFInventor: Jan Willem Karl Vietsch
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Patent number: 8996143Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system comprising: an alignment pin to be positioned adjacent to the boss hole (BH) of an actuator arm (AA); an actuator coupled to the alignment pin to move the alignment pin; an imaging device; and a computing device that performs operations including: commanding the imaging device to produce an image of the position of the alignment pin relative to the BH of the AA; commanding the HGA to be positioned in the AA such that the boss of the HGA is adjacent to the BH of the AA; and, based on the image, commanding the actuator to move the alignment pin such that the alignment pin is concentric relative to the BH and to move the alignment pin through an opening of the boss of the HGA such that the boss of the HGA is concentric and aligned with the BH of the AA.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jambunathan Vangal-Ramamurthy, Omar C. Osorio
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Patent number: 8996144Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a remote disconnect switch assembly. In one embodiment, the remote disconnect switch assembly comprises: an actuator; a shuttle that is operably moved by the actuator; one or more disconnect switches that are opened or closed by movement of the shuttle; one or more sensors; a communication interface; and a processor, wherein the processor is operably connected with the actuator, the one or more sensors and the communication interface, and wherein the processor is configured to: communicate with one or more other computing devices over a network using the communication interface; receive signals from the one or more sensors; and cause the actuator to operate in accordance with the signals received from the one or more sensors or the communications with the one or more other computing devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ryan Marc LaFrance, Scott Michael Shill, Steven Lee Bietz, Subramanyam Satyasurya Chamarti
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Patent number: 8996145Abstract: An embodiment relates generally to a method of playback in a media player. The method includes retrieving at least one song from a media library in a random mode on a media player and playing the at least one song through the media player. The method also includes initiating an album mode on the media player and retrieving remaining songs on an album associated with the at least one song.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Red Hat, Inc.Inventors: David Malcolm, Judith L. Uffer
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Patent number: 8996146Abstract: A digital music library builder including a casing, a receiver socket on the casing through which analog audio is received, an analog-to-digital converter housed within the casing for converting analog audio into digital audio, a meta-data identifier housed within the casing for identifying meta-data for a song, and a database manager housed within the casing for associating the identified meta-data with the song, within a digital music library.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Catch Media, Inc.Inventors: Yaacov Ben-Yaacov, Boaz Ben-Yaacov
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Patent number: 8996147Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein are directed to an apparatus and method for providing a library of audio files. In one embodiment, a receiver records a number of music tracks or other audio files from broadcasts or other transmissions that are sent across a number of channels. The receiver may be operable to receive a number of audio and/or video channels. The audio tracks may be recorded from the audio channels and stored on the receiver, when the receiver is not otherwise being used. In this way, the receiver accumulates a number of audio tracks that may be played back by a user at a convenient time. The receiver may adapt to record certain tracks or channels based on choices made by a user. In certain embodiments, a user may enter one or more preferences that cause the receiver to record certain tracks or channels.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: Steve Casagrande
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Patent number: 8996148Abstract: Methods and systems for processing audio signals are disclosed herein. Aspects of the method may comprise controlling gain during multipath, multi-rate audio processing by generating a digital signal that is a product of an input digital signal and a gain coefficient derived from a lookup table, and coarse tuning the gain by bit-shifting the digital signal to generate a digital output signal. The gain may be fine-tuned utilizing a variable step size determined by interpolation. The gain coefficient may be partitioned into gain blocks, which may be twice a corresponding value in preceding gain blocks. The gain blocks may be partitioned into steps that represent particular gain values within a range associated with the gain block. The digital output signal may be ramped utilizing a linear interpolation of the gain coefficients over a number of samples of the input signal, where the number of samples is given as a power of two.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Hongwei Kong, Nelson Sollenberger, Li Fung Chang