Patents Issued in August 1, 2017
  • Patent number: 9717868
    Abstract: A pressurized flow of breathable gas is delivered to the airway of a subject in accordance with a therapy regimen. The therapy regimen calls for maintenance of an average tidal volume. The therapy ensures that the subject breaths at a therapeutic breath rate. The breath rate may be determined dynamically based on breathing of the subject early on in a therapy session and/or based on a detected wakefulness of the subject. Inspiration for spontaneous and non-spontaneous breaths may be supported at different levels. The therapy regimen further maintains a beneficial positive end expiratory pressure, to reduce respiratory obstructions and/or for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: William A. Truschel, Christopher Anthony Procyk, Mark Christopher McDermott, Anandi Mahadevan
  • Patent number: 9717869
    Abstract: A modular compressor assembly comprises a common motor assembly, an impeller, a blower housing and an engagement mechanism. The common motor assembly includes a stator housing containing a stator assembly and having a rotor magnet rotatably disposed therewithin. The impeller is mounted to and rotatable with the rotor magnet. The blower housing is selectable from among a plurality of blower housings each having a different cross-sectional geometry. The engagement mechanism is formed on the stator housing and/or the blower housing and allows interchangeable mounting of different blower housing configurations to the common motor assembly in order to achieve varying flow characteristics of the compressor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 212, LLC
    Inventor: Leslie Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9717870
    Abstract: A washout vent formed of or treated with hydrophobic or hydrophilic material, or a vent coated with hydrophobic or hydrophilic material, reduces noise and/or minimizes or precludes the formation of blockage in the vent pathway due to outflow of gas from a respiratory mask. One or the other or combinations of hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials may be used to repel or wick moisture away to minimize or preclude moisture buildup on vent surfaces and/or clogging of vent pathways, particularly when using humidified air. Sintered porous plastic hydrophobic or hydrophilic materials are utilized and the porosity may be varied integrally within the vent membrane or by forming the vent from layers of materials having different porosities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventors: Philip Rodney Kwok, Lee James Veliss, Robert Edward Henry
  • Patent number: 9717871
    Abstract: A cushion member (12, 12?, 12?) for a patient interface device (4) that includes a main body portion (34) including a plurality of chambers (48) and a self-sealing cap portion (36) coupled to the main body portion. The cap portion covers each of the chambers and forms a plurality of membrane members (52), with each membrane member being positioned over and sealing a respective one of the chambers. The cap portion is made of a self-sealing material such that that each of the membrane members is structured to self-seal responsive to having a needle inserted through and pulled out of the membrane member. Also, an apparatus and a method for selectively adjusting the internal pressure of the chambers of such a cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Robert William Baiko, Daniel James Miller, Alicia Marie Zack
  • Patent number: 9717872
    Abstract: A patient interface device includes a headgear assembly (20) having at least two strap member (22). The strap members (22) each include a flexible body and a bladder assembly (50). In one embodiment, bladder assemblies (50) may be selectively inflated and deflated. In the inflated, or first, filled configuration, headgear assembly (20) defines a three-dimensional shape sized to fit about a patient's head. In the deflated, or second, collapsed configuration, the head gear assembly (20) may be placed in a flat or other compact configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Lauren Patricia Chodkowski
  • Patent number: 9717873
    Abstract: A connection assembly for rotateably and electrically coupling an accessory to a main device includes a housing portion, a rotatable port assembly, and a wire assembly. An end of the port assembly is coupled to the accessory. The port assembly includes an electrical connector member having a first connector end electrically coupled to the accessory. The wire assembly has an electrical wire member having a first end electrically coupled to a second connector end of the electrical connector member and a second end electrically coupled to a power supply. The wire member is spooled around the port assembly and encased in a chamber defined between the housing portion and the port assembly. Rotation of the port assembly in opposite directions causes the electrical wire member to spool more and less tightly around the port assembly without causing pinching or tangling of wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Mark William Dimatteo, Mark Barclay, Anthony Jon Bafile
  • Patent number: 9717874
    Abstract: A thin ribbon spirally wound polymer conduit and method of forming, wherein a helical reinforcing bead is interposed adjacent overlapping layers of ribbon. Further, a method of continuously forming spirally wound conduit wherein a sacrificial layer, preferably having a different base polymer to that of the conduit, is first applied to the former before the conduit is formed overtop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Daniel John Smith, Nathan Lee Gray, Blair Victor Skelton
  • Patent number: 9717875
    Abstract: A reaction and distribution system may include a distributor securable near or in a path correspond to a breathing passage such as the nostrils or the mouth of a user for delivering nitric oxide therapy thereto. The distributor may contain an internal reactor for creating the nitric oxide from reactants. Alternative embodiments may rely on a line delivering nitric oxide to the distributor from a remote generator such as a canister carried in a pocket or placed/at the bedside of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SYK Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: J. W. Randolph Miller, Christie M. Jones
  • Patent number: 9717876
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an oxygen concentrator system that includes a home oxygen concentrator system couplable to a portable oxygen concentrator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Inova Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wilkinson, Dragan Nebrigic
  • Patent number: 9717877
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an electrolytic cell having an electrolytic chamber to which subject raw water is introduced, at least one membrane that separates inside and outside of the electrolytic chamber, and at least one pair of electrode plates provided in the inside and the outside of the electrolytic chamber so as to sandwich the membrane, the electrode plate in the outside of the electrolytic chamber being provided to be in contact with the membrane; a direct-current power source that applies a direct-current voltage to the pair of electrode plates; and a diluent gas supplier for diluting hydrogen gas generated from the electrode plate that is to be a cathode, wherein the apparatus blows diluent gas supplied from the diluent gas supplier to the cathode thereby to constantly maintain a hydrogen gas concentration in the vicinity of the cathode during electrolysis at lower than 18.3 vol % so that mixed gas comprising the hydrogen gas and the diluent gas and having a hydrogen gas concentration of 0.1 to 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: MIZ Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumitake Satoh, Ryousuke Kurokawa, Bunpei Satoh, Tomoki Seo
  • Patent number: 9717878
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating anaesthesia, particularly in Re-Breather anaesthetic circuits. A problem with Re-Breather circuits is that their dynamic response can be relatively slow. The dynamic response is the response of the circuit to delivering changes of anaesthetic concentration. In current circuits, Fresh Gas containing anaesthetic is delivered into the circuit and may be substantially diluted by the gas already present in the circuit. It is therefore difficult to achieve a rapid increase of anaesthetic concentration for delivery to the patient. In the present invention, an accumulator is placed in the Re-Breather circuit to accumulate Fresh Gas containing anaesthetic as it is introduced into the circuit, adjacent an inhalation conduit to the patient. Fresh Gas containing high concentrations of anaesthetic is therefore immediately available to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Colin Dunlop
  • Patent number: 9717879
    Abstract: Nebulizer systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed. The apparatus includes a body, a breathing gas inlet and outlet, and a barrier. The body is sized to be positioned within an adaptor of the nebulizer system. The breathing gas inlet and the breathing gas outlet are at opposite ends of the body. The barrier is coupled to the body. A plurality of holes are formed in the barrier. The plurality of holes open in a direction orthogonal to the breathing gas inlet. The system employs the apparatus in conjunction with a nebulizer and an adaptor. The method includes generating an aerosolized medicament, providing the aerosolized medicament to the adaptor, passing the aerosolized medicament through the barrier of the apparatus, providing a breathing gas to the apparatus, and flowing the aerosolized medicament and the breathing gas through the breathing gas outlet of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Vapotherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Felino V. Cortez, Jr., William F. Niland
  • Patent number: 9717880
    Abstract: A personal airway humidification apparatus includes means for generating a heated air laden with gaseous (molecular) water. The personal airway humidification apparatus further includes an accumulator coupled to the generating means for retaining a volume of the gaseous water-laden heated air prior to being delivered by natural breathing to a user and a delivery tube coupled to the accumulator. The delivery tube has a sufficiently large diameter bore to enable the user's natural breathing to draw the gaseous water-laden heated air from the accumulator and through the delivery tube. The personal airway humidification apparatus also includes a one-way valve coupled to the delivery tube for venting exhalations of the user to atmosphere and preventing the exhalations from being exhaled back into the delivery tube and an interface device by which the gaseous water-laden heated air enters the user's mouth from the delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: William Henry Ruff
  • Patent number: 9717881
    Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, stimuli are intermittently presented to the left or right side of a user. For example, this invention may comprise a method of presenting stimuli to a bilateral organism, which organism has a left side and a right side, wherein: (a) the stimuli are produced by at least one transducer, (b) the stimuli include an intermittent beat train, and (c) the beat train has a beat frequency that is substantially equal to 7.8×(1.618)n Hz, where n is an even integer, which even integer may be negative, zero or positive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: James Otis
  • Patent number: 9717882
    Abstract: A method of making a multi-lumen catheter may include disposing an outer surface of a mandrel against an outer surface of a first catheter; disposing a first heat shrink material around the first catheter and the mandrel; heating the first catheter and the mandrel to form a U-shaped channel along the outer surface of the first catheter; removing the first heat shrink material and the mandrel from the first catheter; placing a second catheter into the U-shaped channel; disposing a second heat shrink material around the first catheter and the second catheter such that the second catheter is retained within the U-shaped channel; and heating the first catheter and the second catheter to cause reflow between the first catheter and the second catheter to form the multi-lumen catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony F. Tassoni, Jr., Martin R. Willard, Patrick A. Haverkost
  • Patent number: 9717883
    Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter including an elliptical cross-sectional profile configuration that enhances fluid flow rate while minimizing the average diameter of the catheter body is disclosed. In one embodiment the catheter includes an elongate catheter tube defining a plurality of lumens. At least a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter tube may define an elliptical cross section, in turn defined by a major axis and a minor axis. In one embodiment, a ratio of the major axis to the minor axis of the elliptical cross section is between about 1.3 and about 1.4. The catheter body can define two, three, or more lumens. In one embodiment, a dual-lumen catheter tube includes an aspect ratio of about 1.1:1, and each lumen thereof includes an inner surface defined by a plurality of radii and an hourglass-shaped septum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin S. Gregersen, Ryan C. Patterson, Daniel H. Brittingham
  • Patent number: 9717884
    Abstract: A catheter that prevents excessive concentration of stress while providing sufficient flexibility to a distal end portion of the catheter, even when the catheter is inserted and curved in patient's a blood vessel. Thus, breakage of the catheter at a radiopaque marker is prevented/reduced. The catheter includes a catheter tube and the radiopaque marker, which is disposed in the catheter tube. The radiopaque marker is fixed in the catheter so that a gap is provided between the radiopaque marker and the catheter tube in a radial direction of the catheter tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: ASAHI INTECC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoru Matsumoto, Takayuki Hori
  • Patent number: 9717885
    Abstract: The invention refers to a stabilization device for attaching and securing a catheter to the skin of a patient in order to maintain the catheter correctly placed through a catheter insertion site. The stabilization device includes a catheter clipping element which is attached to an anti-allergic adhesive pad. The catheter clipping element includes a clipping body that ends in open arms for easy and convenient clipping and unclipping of a catheter, cannula, catheter or cannula terminal adapter, or the like. The clipping body is oriented outwards from the top surface of the pad in a transverse direction, a vertical direction, or both transversely and vertically, in order to facilitate clipping and unclipping. A longitudinal axis of the clipping body can be tilted towards the pad top surface in order to enhance stabilization and favor correct orientation of the catheter towards the insertion site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: Luis Alberto Narciso Martinez, Maura Spizzo de Narciso
  • Patent number: 9717886
    Abstract: A safety clip that securely and reversibly attaches to an assembly of a catheter and needle is disclosed. The safety clip securely enshrouding a needle tip of the needle following use of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TELEFLEX MEDICAL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Kuehn, Chris Korkuch
  • Patent number: 9717887
    Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter hub and an introducer needle. The introducer needle extends through the catheter hub and through a catheter tube so as to assist placement of the catheter tube into a patient's blood vessel. Blood flashback into the catheter tube and/or catheter hub can indicate when the catheter tube is properly positioned within the blood vessel. After proper catheter tube placement is confirmed through blood flashback, the introducer needle is withdrawn. A septum blocks flashback blood from flowing proximally out of the catheter hub. One or more air vents enable air within the hub to vent when flashback blood enters the catheter hub. A porous hydrophobic material covers the one or more air vents. The hydrophobic material allows the air to flow therethrough and through the vents, but repels blood, blocking blood from flowing through the air vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: B. Braun Melsungen AG
    Inventor: Soo Yong Tan
  • Patent number: 9717888
    Abstract: A guidewire for medical procedures can be maintained in a coiled configuration with a clamp. Multiple clamped and coiled guidewires may be stored in a fluid-filled, storage bowl concurrently. Different clamps may have different colors to differentiate the clamps and clamped guidewires. The clamps may be markable to provide additional differentiation. The clamps can further comprise a guidewire introduction funnel and/or a guidewire torquer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas A. Sos
  • Patent number: 9717889
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a device. The device may include a distal shaft defining a central lumen and an orienting element comprising at least one inflatable member. Wherein a first portion of the orienting element extending from the shaft in a first direction and a second portion of the orienting element extending from the shaft in a second direction. Further, wherein the second direction is substantially opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: BridgePoint Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad J. Kugler, Matthew J. Olson, Ross A. Olson, David B. Robinson
  • Patent number: 9717890
    Abstract: The object of providing a cerebrospinal fluid drainage system 1 which reacts precisely to changes in pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid, with ease of operation, is achieved by the present invention in that a pump 5 is used for draining the cerebrospinal fluid (liquor), wherein operating measured values supplied by sensors act as controlled variable for the operation of the pump. The pressure in the liquor line currently measured by a pressure sensor 10, the liquor pressure in the intracranial cavity being treated, measured intracorporeally by a pressure sensor, and/or the volume of liquor already pumped out, as operating measured value, can, for example, serve as the basis for operational control of the pump of the liquor drainage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Möller Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Holper, Christoph Traxler, Werner Schroter, Daniela Martens, Bernd M Holper
  • Patent number: 9717891
    Abstract: A skin dressing comprising first and second electrodes, an electrical power supply not electrically connected to either or both of the first and second electrodes, and further comprising a physiologically or antimicrobially active precursor substance, the dressing being operable, when placed on a skin site to be treated, to connect the electrical power supply to both the first and second electrodes, thereby to trigger the electrochemical oxidation or reduction of the precursor substance on one of the electrodes to produce a physiologically or antimicrobially active oxidized or reduced compound which is capable of diffusing towards the skin site for the treatment thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Microarray Limited
    Inventors: Paul Davis, Andrew Austin
  • Patent number: 9717892
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing applicator may include a liquid source for housing a liquid. An absorbent member may be adjacent to a proximal end of the liquid source, and may be configured to deliver the liquid to an external surface. An attachment member may secure the absorbent member to the liquid source, and may include a through passage to allow the liquid to flow from the liquid source into the absorbent member. A rigid member may extend outwardly from the attachment member into the absorbent member. A shield member may be positioned adjacent to the attachment member and may extend from the attachment member so as to be positioned within the absorbent member. A capillary tube may be configured to provide fluid communication between the liquid source and the liquid dispenser upon application of pressure to the liquid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: BIOMED PACKAGING SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Jack W. Kaufman, James Brown
  • Patent number: 9717893
    Abstract: A microneedle array in accordance with one embodiment comprises at least a first microneedle and a second microneedle that are inclined with respect to a support face. A tip of the first microneedle points in a first direction, and a tip of the second microneedle points in a second direction different from the first direction. The first microneedle in contact with skin is stuck into the skin while being moved along a surface of the skin in the first direction. The second microneedle in contact with the skin is stuck into the skin while being moved along the surface of the skin in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: HISAMITSU PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryusuke Fudoji, Makoto Ogura
  • Patent number: 9717894
    Abstract: Fixation and protective components for use with implantable medical devices, such as access ports and catheters, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a protective sleeve is employed about a catheter so as to distribute compressive loads and ensure patency of the catheter lumen, even in areas prone to pinch-off. A catheter assembly in one embodiment thus comprises an elongate catheter tube that defines at least one lumen. A protective mesh sleeve is disposed about an external portion of the catheter tube so as to cover at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter tube. The protective sleeve is configured to distribute a compressive load on the catheter tube so as to ensure patency of the at least one lumen of the catheter tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Sheetz
  • Patent number: 9717895
    Abstract: An access port for providing subcutaneous access to a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the port includes an internal body defining a fluid cavity that is accessible via a septum. A compliant outer cover including silicone is disposed about at least a portion of the body. A flange is included with the port body and is covered by the outer cover. The flange radially extends about a perimeter of the port body proximate the septum so as to impede penetration of a needle substantially into the outer cover in instances where the needle misses the septum. The flange can further include both an anchoring feature for securing the outer cover to the port body and an identification feature observable via x-ray imaging technology for conveying information indicative of at least one attribute of the access port. The outer cover provides a suitable surface for application of an antimicrobial/antithrombotic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Martha R. Wiley, Jodie L. Noyce, David M. Cise, William R. Barron, Kelly J. Christian, Amir Orome
  • Patent number: 9717896
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for implementing or deploying one or more capture components configured to accelerate a decrease in a local concentration of one or more therapeutic structures along a downstream portion of a vasculature and one or more dispensation components configured to release the one or more therapeutic structures into an upstream portion of the vasculature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GEARBOX, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J. Rivet, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 9717897
    Abstract: A male reflux valve comprising a distal body portion and a proximal body portion, the proximal body portion having a male connection for connection to a female connection of an access device, a valve element operatively positioned within the distal body portion, a core operatively positioned within the distal body portion to retain the valve element into sealing engagement with the distal body portion and an actuator reciprocably retained within a generally circular cylindrical longitudinal bore of the proximal body portion in engagement with the valve element to open the valve element when engaged by the female connection of the access device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Halkey-Roberts Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen J. Rogier
  • Patent number: 9717898
    Abstract: Implant tools and techniques for implantation of a medical lead, catheter or other implantable component are provided. The implant tools and techniques are particularly useful in implanting medical electrical leads in implant locations such as substernal spaces or subcutaneous locations. The implant tools include a sheath coupled to a sealing device. The sheath includes a continuous lumen that is in fluid communication with a passage of the sealing device. The lead is advanced through the passage and the lumen for placement of the distal end of the lead at the implant location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy E. Thompson-Nauman, Melissa G. T. Christie, Noah D. Barka
  • Patent number: 9717899
    Abstract: A method of making a stimulation lead is provided. The method of making a multi-contact stimulation lead comprises placing monofilament placed in the void spaces not occupied by the plurality of conductor wires and, in one embodiment, thermally fusing the monofilament to the like material spacer by applying heat just below the melting temperature of the monofilament and spacer material. Alternatively, the monofilament and spacer may be of different materials and heat is applied to cause at least one material to thermally reflow or melt. The conductive contacts may be located at either the distal end and/or proximal end of the lead. Oversized spacers may be used in order to provide extra material to fill voids during the thermal fusion/reflow process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Janusz A. Kuzma, Anne Margaret Pianca
  • Patent number: 9717900
    Abstract: A therapy assembly configured for at least partial insertion in a living body. At least one fixation structure is attached to the therapy delivery element proximate the electrodes. The fixation structure is configured to collapse radially inward and wrap circumferentially around the therapy delivery element to a collapsed configuration when inserted into a lumen of an introducer. The fixation structures deploy to a deployed configuration when the introducer is retracted. The fixation structure includes major surfaces generally parallel with, and extending radially outward from, a central axis of the therapy delivery element, proximal edge surface oriented toward the proximal end, and a distal edge surface oriented toward the distal end. The proximal and distal edge surfaces provide generally symmetrical resistance to displacement of the therapy delivery element within the living body in either a proximal direction or a distal direction along the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: NUVECTRA CORPORATION
    Inventors: John M. Swoyer, James Finley, Lawrence Kane
  • Patent number: 9717901
    Abstract: A cochlear implant includes electrodes and a processor for generating frequency-modulated electrical pulse trains in one or more of the electrodes responsive to dividing data representing audio spanning frequency-bands into bins associated with each frequency-band, each bin representing an energy level of the data within the frequency-band within a time-period; associating each frequency-band with a phase probability that starts at an initial phase probability value (PPV), resets to a minimum PPV after generating a pulse, and increases from the minimum PPV to a maximum PPV over a time-period; for each bin, assigning a power probability as a normalized intensity being a number between a minimum power probability and a maximum power probability representing the energy level of the bin, and generating a pulse in an electrode associated with the frequency-band associated with the bin when a random number generated is less than the power probability divided by the phase probability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, RESONANCE MEDICAL, LLC
    Inventors: Claus-Peter Richter, Reagan Roberts
  • Patent number: 9717902
    Abstract: A pacing lead for a left cavity of the heart, implanted in the coronary system. The lead includes a lead body with a hollow sheath of deformable material, having a central lumen open at both ends, and at least one telescopic microcable of conductive material. The microcable slides along the length of the lead body and extends beyond the distal end thereof. The part emerging beyond the distal end is an active free part comprising a plurality of distinct bare areas, intended to come into contact with the wall of a target vein of the coronary system, so as to form a network of stimulation electrodes electrically connected together in parallel. The microcable further comprises, proximally, a connector to a generator of active implantable medical device such as a pacemaker or a resynchronizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SORIN CRM SAS
    Inventor: Jean-François Ollivier
  • Patent number: 9717903
    Abstract: Methods to restore and/or improve the libido, the sex drive, in males and females, without introducing any external unnatural drugs. The process utilizes a TENS/EMS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation/Electronic Muscle Stimulation) machine to naturally generate the increased production by the human body's nerve fiber's neurotransmitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Gary Barrett
  • Patent number: 9717904
    Abstract: A non-invasive electrical stimulator shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in contact with the electrodes. The conducting medium is also in contact with an interface element that may conform to the contour of a target body surface of the patient when the interface element is applied to that surface. When the interface element is made of insulating (dielectric) material, and disclosed stimulation waveforms are used, the power source need not supply high voltage, in order to capacitively stimulate the target nerve. The stimulator produces a peak pulse that is sufficient to produce a physiologically effective electric field in the vicinity of a target nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: ElectroCore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 9717905
    Abstract: An exemplary backup sound processor maintains data representative of a first set of sound processing programs associated with a first memory slot and with a plurality of cochlear implants, maintains data representative of a second set of sound processing programs associated with the second memory slot and with the plurality of cochlear implants, and detects a communicative coupling of the sound processor to a cochlear implant included in the plurality of cochlear implants. In response, the backup sound processor 1) determines an identifier unique to the cochlear implant, 2) determines that a program switch associated with the sound processor is in a first program switch position, 3) queries the first set of sound processing programs to identify a sound processing program included in the first set of sound processing programs that is associated with the determined identifier, and 4) operates in accordance with the identified sound processing program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics AG
    Inventor: Anthony J. Spahr
  • Patent number: 9717906
    Abstract: An exemplary system may include a sound processor that is communicatively coupled to a cochlear implant implanted within a patient. The cochlear implant may include a current generation circuit (402) in series with a capacitor (418) and a voltage measurement circuit (422). The sound processor may 1) direct the cochlear implant to enable the current generation circuit for a time interval, causing a current to flow to the capacitor, 2) direct the cochlear implant to use the voltage measurement circuit to measure a voltage change across the capacitor that occurs during the time interval, and 3) determine a current level of the current that flows from the current generation circuit to the capacitor. A corresponding method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics AG
    Inventor: R. Tissa Karunasiri
  • Patent number: 9717907
    Abstract: An exemplary system may include a sound processor that provides radio frequency (RF) power and a cochlear implant that operates in accordance with the RF power. The cochlear implant may include a positive current source and a negative current source that may be electrically coupled to an electrode by way of a common node. The sound processor may 1) direct the cochlear implant to concurrently enable the positive and negative current sources in order to generate a current that has a first predetermined current level and that flows though the positive and negative current sources from a positive voltage supply to a negative voltage supply without providing stimulation to the electrode in a manner perceptible to the patient, and 2) determine a power level of the RF power that is required to generate the current having the first predetermined current level. Corresponding apparatuses and methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics AG
    Inventor: R. Tissa Karunasiri
  • Patent number: 9717908
    Abstract: An exemplary cochlear implant may include 1) a current source tied to a voltage supply and having an output that is electrically coupled to an electrode included in a plurality of electrodes, 2) a mirrored current source associated with the current source and that is commanded to output a commanded current, 3) a reference load coupled to an output of the mirrored current source and that forces the mirrored current source into an out-of-compliance state in which the mirrored current source outputs a reference current that is a predetermined percentage lower than the commanded current, the reference current resulting in a dynamic reference voltage at the output of the mirrored current source, and 4) a comparator that compares a voltage at the output of the current source with the dynamic reference voltage, and outputs a signal based on the comparison. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics AG
    Inventor: R. Tissa Karunasiri
  • Patent number: 9717909
    Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) an electro-acoustic stimulation (“EAS”) sound processor located external to a patient, 2) a cochlear implant communicatively coupled to the EAS sound processor and implanted within the patient, 3) an electrode array communicatively coupled to the cochlear implant and located within a cochlea of the patient, and 4) a receiver communicatively coupled to the EAS sound processor and configured to be in communication with an ear of the patient. The EAS sound processor operates in accordance with an acoustic-only mode during a post-implant time period and detects audio content presented to the patient, directs the receiver to apply acoustic stimulation, and prevents the cochlear implant from applying electrical stimulation representative of audio content presented to the patient during the post-implant time period. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics AG
    Inventors: Carol Murad, Mark B. Downing
  • Patent number: 9717910
    Abstract: A neurostimulation paddle lead, method of neurostimulation, and neurostimulation system are provided. The neurostimulation paddle lead carries a plurality of electrodes comprising at least four columns of electrodes having a spacing between two inner electrode columns less than a spacing between the inner electrode columns and adjacent outer electrode columns. The inner electrode columns may also be longitudinally offset from the outer electrode columns. The methods and neurostimulation systems steer current between the electrodes to modify a medial-lateral electrical field created adjacent spinal cord tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Moffitt, Dongchul Lee, Kerry Bradley, David K. L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9717911
    Abstract: An implantable pulse generator (IPG) that generates spinal cord stimulation signals for a human body has a programmable signal generator that can generate the signals based on stored signal parameters without any intervention from a processor that controls the overall operation of the IPG. While the signal generator is generating the signals the processor can be in a standby mode to substantially save battery power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Biele, Raghavendra Angara, Saif Khalil
  • Patent number: 9717912
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for determining a relation between stimulation settings for a brain stimulation probe and a corresponding V-field. The brain stimulation probe comprises multiple stimulation electrodes. The V-field is an electrical field in brain tissue surrounding the stimulation electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: MEDTRONIC BAKKEN RESEARCH CENTER B.V, NEURONEXUS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Emil Toader, Hubert Cécile François Martens, Michel Marcel Jose Decré, Franciscus Paulus Maria Budzelaar, Pieter Gerrit Blanken, David James Anderson
  • Patent number: 9717913
    Abstract: A system and method of providing therapy to a patient using a plurality of electrodes implanted within the patient. A virtual multipole configuration is defined relative to the plurality of electrodes. The distance between each of a group of the electrodes and a virtual pole of the virtual multipole configuration is determined. A stimulation amplitude distribution is determined for the electrode group based on the determined distances, thereby emulating the virtual multipole configuration. Electrical energy is conveyed from the electrode group in accordance with the computed stimulation amplitude distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Dongchul Lee
  • Patent number: 9717914
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes receiving a signal from an intrathoracic vibration sensor, analyzing the signal for vibration associated with deceleration of blood flow into the left ventricle, based at least in part on the analyzing, deciding whether to call for adjustment to one or more parameters of a bi-ventricular pacing therapy. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoyi Min, Gene A. Bornzin, Jay Snell, Josh Reiss
  • Patent number: 9717915
    Abstract: Pacing parameters may be adjusted to increase the cardiac output of a patient's heart while a patient is awake and/or active and the demand placed on the heart may be greatest, and to decrease or hemodynamic efficiency while a patient is at rest so that the heart itself has time to rest before the next period of higher demand for efficiency begins. This may aid in lessening the strain placed on the heart by making the heart work hard when needed such as when the patient is active, and by permitting the heart to “rest” when the patient is relatively inactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Barun Maskara, Qi An, Pramodsingh Thakur, Julie Thompson
  • Patent number: 9717916
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a system for determination and utilization of cardiac electrical asynchrony data. The system includes an analysis circuitry including a processor and a memory, the analysis circuitry configured to: obtain a plurality of sets of cardiac signals collected in at least two locations of a heart of a patient, the signals comprising at least one of surface electrocardiography signals and pseudo-surface ECG signals; detect one or more QRS complexes for each of the sets based on the cardiac signals for that set; obtain one or more cross-correlation signals, each of the cross-correlation signals being between at least two of the signal sets and being obtained using the detected QRS complexes from the signal sets; and calculate one or more asynchrony indices using one or more of the cross-correlation signals, each of the asynchrony indices being indicative of a level of asynchrony between the at least two locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: XSynchro, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Felipe Ortega, Julio César Spinelli, Maria Paula Bonomini, Luis Dante Barja
  • Patent number: 9717917
    Abstract: A system for transferring power to, and communicating with, at least one body-implantable active device includes an external power transfer system associated with an external device disposed outside of a body, operable to transfer power through a dermis layer to each body-implantable active device, and communicate data to and from each body-implantable active device, and also includes a power receiving system associated with each body-implantable active device, operable to receive power transferred from the external power transfer system, and communicate data to and from the external power transfer system. The body-implantable active device may include an implantable neurostimulation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: SYNTILLA MEDICAL LLC
    Inventors: Harry Dellamano, Paul Griffith, Francis M. Menezes