Patents Issued in October 15, 2019
  • Patent number: 10441776
    Abstract: Tumors in portions of a subject's body that have a longitudinal axis (e.g., the torso, head, and arm) can be treated with TTFields by affixing first and second sets of electrodes at respective positions that are longitudinally prior to and subsequent to a target region. An AC voltage with a frequency of 100-500 kHz is applied between these sets of electrodes. This imposes an AC electric field with field lines that run through the target region longitudinally. The field strength is at least 1 V/cm in at least a portion of the target region. In some embodiments, this approach is combined with the application of AC electric fields through the target region in a lateral direction (e.g., front to back and/or side to side) in order to apply AC electric fields with different orientations to the target region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Novocure GmbH
    Inventors: Eilon Kirson, Yoram Wasserman, Hadas Sara Hershkovich, Zeev Bomzon
  • Patent number: 10441777
    Abstract: A system for implanting an implantable medical device (IMD) within a patient may include an IMD including an attachment member, and a delivery catheter including at least one tethering device having at least a portion positioned within a restrainer. The tethering device(s) is configured to removably tether to the attachment member of the IMD. The restrainer is configured to maintain the tethering device(s) in alignment along a delivery path of the delivery catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Paspa, Joseph Ramon Callol, Thomas B. Eby
  • Patent number: 10441778
    Abstract: An implantable medical device for providing phototherapy to a patient's brain is disclosed. The device includes a housing containing a light source for providing phototherapy to a patient. A light path is attached to the housing. The implantable medical device is configured to be positioned between a patient's skull and scalp with the light path extending into the patient's brain, such that light from the light source can irradiate a target position within the patient's brain. The implantable medical device is powered and controlled by an implantable pulse generator (IPG) that may be implanted into a patient's tissue remotely from the device and connected to the device by wire leads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: William G. Orinski
  • Patent number: 10441779
    Abstract: The present disclosure discusses a system and methods for a deep brain stimulation lead. More particularly, the disclosure discusses a stimulation lead that includes one or more silicon based barrier layers within a MEMS film. The silicon based barrier layers can improve device reliability and durability. The silicon based barrier layers can also improve adhesion between the layers of the MEMS film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: ALEVA NEUROTHERAPEUTICS
    Inventors: Andre Mercanzini, Alain Jordan, Alexandre Michalis, Marc Boers, Alain Dransart
  • Patent number: 10441780
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve to treat or prevent disorders in a patient. The methods comprise transmitting impulses of energy to the vagus nerve according to a treatment paradigm that includes single doses of 30 seconds to 5 minutes of continuous stimulation. The treatment paradigm further comprises one or more daily treatment sessions that each include one or more doses for prophylactic or acute treatment of the patient's condition. Vagus nerve stimulation is used to modulate the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain, such as GABA, norepinephrine, and/or serotonin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Electrocore, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico
  • Patent number: 10441781
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for programming neuromodulation therapy to treat neurological or cardiovascular diseases. A system includes an input circuit that receives a modulation magnitude representing a level of stimulation intensity, a memory that stores a plurality of gain functions associated with a plurality of modulation parameters, and a electrostimulator that may generate and deliver an electrostimulation therapy. A controller may program the electrostimulator with the plurality of modulation parameters based on the received modulation magnitude and the plurality of gain functions, and control the electrostimulator to generate electrostimulation therapy according to the plurality of modulation parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Goran N. Marnfeldt, Michael A. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 10441782
    Abstract: Devices and methods for blocking signal transmission through neural tissue. One step of a method includes placing a therapy delivery device into electrical communication with the neural tissue. The therapy delivery device includes an electrode contact having a high charge capacity material. A multi-phase direct current (DC) can be applied to the neural tissue without damaging the neural tissue. The multi-phase DC includes a cathodic DC phase and anodic DC phase that collectively produce a neural block and reduce the charge delivered by the therapy delivery device. The DC delivery can be combined with high frequency alternating current (HFAC) block to produce a system that provides effective, safe, long term block without inducing an onset response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Niloy Bhadra, Kevin L. Kilgore, Narendra Bhadra, Jesse Wainright, Tina Vrabec, Manfred Franke
  • Patent number: 10441783
    Abstract: A medical tool includes a rotation mechanism that further includes a warning feature. The warning feature provides an indication when the rotation mechanism has achieved a number of rotations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Nee, Bradley Knippel, Daniel Coyle, Jennifer Heisel, Bernhard Arnar, Brett Hillukka, Tracee Eidenschink, Thomas B. Eby, Paul Paspa, Joseph Ramon Callol, Thomas Robert Luhrs, Carl Lance Boling
  • Patent number: 10441784
    Abstract: A method for generating a signal shape (w1) for an electro-stimulation signal (w1) for healing wounds by electro-stimulation by way of an electrode (E1) which has an encoding member (6) with a code word (cw) which identifies therapeutic treatments, and is coupled to indicators (i1, i2) which indicate which treatments have to be activated. The signal shape (w1) is formed systematically from base signals capable of being parameterized such as a DC signal and two pulse trains, the parameters and the timing of which are formed systematically and applied where necessary, in accordance with the combined therapies. The generation of signal shapes for a plurality of electrodes is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Q Care Medical Services
    Inventors: Marc Bollen, Filip Ponsaerts
  • Patent number: 10441785
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the treatment of bladder conditions using direct electrical pacing are provided. The systems and methods generally apply high-frequency pacing stimuli directly to the bladder wall, from one or more of the inner and outer bladder surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Harrah, Ding He, Sandra Nagale, Bryan Clark
  • Patent number: 10441786
    Abstract: A stimulation electrode assembly configured to be positioned relative to a patient for an operative procedure is disclosed. An evoked stimulation response may be sensed by a sensor near a portion of a subject. The evoked response may be sensed by an electrode and determined with a monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Brandmeier
  • Patent number: 10441787
    Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods that can prevent or ameliorate bronchoconstriction. In particular, the invention provides devices and methods in which a signal is delivered to the vagus nerve or the pulmonary branches of the vagus nerves. The signal is able to treat bronchoconstriction and prevent and/or ameliorate bronchoconstriction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignees: GALVANI BIOELECTRONICS LIMITED, THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Brendan J. Canning, Michael John Carr, Marian Kollarik
  • Patent number: 10441788
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods for delivering therapy to an adrenal gland of a patient. The apparatuses, systems, and methods may include a lead body that attaches to a portion of the adrenal gland of the patient; and a plurality of electrodes arranged along the lead body. In addition, one or more of the plurality of electrodes may deliver stimulation energy to modulate catecholamine release from chromaffin cells within the adrenal gland.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Lynne E. Swanson, William C. Stoffregen, Bryan A. Clark, Michael X. Govea, Dennis B. Werner, Natalie A. Brill, Pramodsingh H. Thakur
  • Patent number: 10441789
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an interface means, especially an interface means for a medical device, comprising at least one or more lines, whereby the lines are configured such that each line has at least one specific functionality and/or is able to connect a first connection means with a second connection means, and at least one grouping and/or redistributing means, wherein the at least one grouping and/or redistributing means is configured such that the lines can be grouped and/or redistributed onto one or more lines and/or the functionality of lines can be grouped and/or redistributed onto one or more lines, preferably onto at least one single line. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for communicating a plurality of signals, in particular power and/or data signals and/or control signals, over a plurality of lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic Bakken Research Center, B.V.
    Inventor: Jeroen Jacob Arnold Tol
  • Patent number: 10441790
    Abstract: A closed loop control system automatically ensures that an output of a device is constant. The system can receive an input to set a fixed value for a variable (e.g., a current, a heart rate, a tissue perfusion, an ion level, etc.), and this variable can be delivered to a feedback component. The system can also include the device to deliver the variable to a load. The feedback component can be coupled to the delivery device to sample the output of the delivery device at different times. Based on the sampling, the feedback component can vary a property of the delivery device related to the delivery of the variable to the load to ensure that the variable remains constant at the fixed value. In some instances, the system can be implemented as a stimulator that delivers the constant current of a current source and has a low output impedance of a voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Dominique M. Durand
  • Patent number: 10441791
    Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in detecting and delivering neurochemical signals, electrophysiological signals, ions, or combinations thereof within a mammal. For example, systems that can include one or more implantable devices containing probes configured to detect neurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitter concentrations), electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof and one or more implantable devices containing electrodes and/or microfluidic delivery components configured to deliver neurochemical signals (e.g., neurotransmitters), electrical signals, ions, or combinations thereof to one or more locations within a mammal are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Kevin E. Bennet, Kendall H. Lee
  • Patent number: 10441792
    Abstract: A therapeutic window for at least one electrode of a medical system may be determined based on a volume of tissue expected to be activated (“VTA”) by electrical stimulation delivered by the at least one electrode. In some examples, a processor determines the therapeutic window for a particular electrode by at least determining an efficacy threshold based on the VTA expected to result from the delivery of electrical stimulation according to a set of electrical stimulation parameter values including the stimulation parameter at the efficacy threshold, and determining an adverse-effects threshold based on the VTA expected to result from the delivery of electrical stimulation according to a set of electrical stimulation parameter values including the stimulation parameter at the adverse-effects threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Kaemmerer
  • Patent number: 10441793
    Abstract: An implantable leadless pacemaker (iLP) for a human or animal heart, wherein the iLP includes a housing, at least two electrode poles for picking up electrical potentials and/or delivering electrical stimulation, a stimulation control unit in connection with the electrode poles, a sensing unit that is in connection with at least one electrode pole, a signal processing unit in connection with the sensing unit, a signal evaluation unit in connection with the signal processing unit and/or the sensing unit, and an energy source. The sensing unit is configured to sense a first signal associated with an activity of the first heart chamber, and the stimulation control unit is configured to deliver electrical stimulation in the first heart chamber via the at least two electrode poles. wherein the sensing unit is configured to sense a second signal associated with an activity of a second heart chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Biotronik SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Muessig, Andrew B. Kibler, Larry Stotts
  • Patent number: 10441794
    Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing ventricle filling volume are disclosed. In some embodiments, an electrical stimulator may be used to stimulate a patient's heart to reduce ventricle filling volume or even blood pressure. When the heart is stimulated in a consistent way to reduce blood pressure, the cardiovascular system may over time adapt to the stimulation and revert back to the higher blood pressure. In some embodiments, the stimulation pattern may be configured to be inconsistent such that the adaptation response of the heart is reduced or even prevented. In some embodiments, an electrical stimulator may be used to stimulate a patient's heart to cause at least a portion of an atrial contraction to occur while the atrioventricular valve is closed. Such an atrial contraction may deposit less blood into the corresponding ventricle than when the atrioventricular valve is opened throughout an atrial contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: BackBeat Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuval Mika, Darren Sherman, Robert S. Schwartz, Robert A. Van Tassel, Daniel Burkhoff
  • Patent number: 10441795
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing CRT therapy to a patient with an implanted multi-site pacing medical device. In one example, an intrinsic electrical delay associated with each of two or more left ventricle electrodes may be determined. The intrinsic electrical delay associated with each of the two or more left ventricle electrodes may be compared to an electrical delay threshold. If the electrical delay associated with one or fewer left ventricle electrodes is greater than the electrical delay threshold, a single left ventricle electrode may be selected for use during subsequent CRT therapy. If the electrical delay associated with more than one left ventricle electrode is greater than the electrical delay threshold, two or more of the left ventricle electrodes may be selected for use during subsequent CRT therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Yinghong Yu, Keith L. Herrmann, Holly E. Rockweiler, Sunipa Saha, Benjamin J Nyquist
  • Patent number: 10441796
    Abstract: The control module of a first pacemaker included in an implantable medical device system including the first pacemaker and a second pacemaker is configured to set a pacing escape interval in response to a far field pacing pulse sensed by the first pacemaker. The far field pacing pulse is a pacing pulse delivered by the second pacemaker. The pacing escape interval is allowed to continue without restarting the in response to a far field intrinsic event sensed by the first pacemaker during the pacing escape interval. The first pacemaker delivers a cardiac pacing pulse to the heart upon expiration of the pacing escape interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade M Demmer, Todd J Sheldon, Saul E Greenhut, James D Reinke
  • Patent number: 10441797
    Abstract: A medical device for stimulating the heart using biventricular stimulation. The device includes a sensor for detecting an endocardial acceleration parameter and a processing circuit configured to receive the endocardial acceleration parameter. The device further includes stimulation electronics coupled to the processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to use the EA parameter to evaluate the biventricular stimulation. The evaluation includes comparing the value of the EA parameter in biventricular mode to the value of the EA parameter in left only mode or right only mode, and using the comparison and an assessment of the variability of the EA parameter as a function of the AVD in the left or right mode to distinguish between cases comprising: (a) normal operation, (b) a loss of RV or LV capture, (c) possible anodal stimulation. The processing circuit is further configured to conduct at least one update to operational parameters of the device based on the determined case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Sorin CRM SAS
    Inventors: Filippo Ziglio, Fabrizio Renesto
  • Patent number: 10441798
    Abstract: Implantable medical systems enter an exposure mode of operation, either manually via a down linked programming instruction or by automatic detection by the implantable system of exposure to a magnetic disturbance. A controller then determines the appropriate exposure mode by considering various pieces of information including the device type including whether the device has defibrillation capability, pre-exposure mode of therapy including which chambers have been paced, and pre-exposure cardiac activity that is either intrinsic or paced rates. Additional considerations may include determining whether a sensed rate during the exposure mode is physiologic or artificially produced by the magnetic disturbance. When the sensed rate is physiologic, then the controller uses the sensed rate to trigger pacing and otherwise uses asynchronous pacing at a fixed rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun J. Yoon, Wade M. Demmer, Matthew J. Hoffman, Robert A. Betzold, Jonathan D. Edmonson, Michael L. Ellingson, Mark K. Erickson, Ben E. Herberg, Juliana E. Pronovici, James D. Reinke, Todd J. Sheldon, Paul R. Solheim
  • Patent number: 10441799
    Abstract: The set comprises a totally implantable device (1) for electroneuromodulation for the electric stimulation of the nervous tissue of the wall of the stomach and/or another neuroreceptive biological tissue and an implantation tool (2) of the device (1), the tool (2) comprising an axially hollow longitudinal containment body (6) for said device (1) and a needle (12) incorporated into said containment body (6) and having a tip (13) that projects forwards to a sharp front end (7) of the containment body (6), said needle (12) being connected to a supply conduit (15) of a fluid injectable from said needle (12) into the tissue for the creation of a localized tissue swelling (4) in which said device (1) can be positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Valerio Cigaina
    Inventor: Valerio Cigaina
  • Patent number: 10441800
    Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting stimulation parameters using targeting and steering techniques are presented. For example, a method or system (via actions performed by a processor) can include receiving a name of an anatomical or physiological target or a name of a disease or disorder; receiving a clinical goal; and using at least 1) the anatomical or physiological target or disease or disorder and 2) the clinical goal, selecting a set of stimulation parameters. Another method or system (via actions performed by its processor) can include receiving a first set of stimulation parameters; receiving a command to alter the first set of stimulation parameters that does not include, or is not composed exclusively of, a numerical value for any of the stimulation parameters; and modifying the first set of stimulation parameters to create a second set of stimulation parameters based on the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC NEUROMODULATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: G. Karl Steinke
  • Patent number: 10441801
    Abstract: A programming-device user interface may include multiple levels of abstraction for programming treatment settings. A stimulation zone-programming interface may be at a highest level of abstraction and may include idealized stimulation zones. A field strength-programming interface may be at a middle level of abstraction and may include electromagnetic field-strength patterns generated by the stimulation zones, and/or electrode settings, and a depiction of how the electromagnetic fields interact with each other. An electrode-programming interface may be at a lowest level of abstraction and may depict treatment settings at an electrodes-view level. These interfaces may include a display of a stimulatable area of the patient's body. The display may include a depiction of leads and/or the underlying physiology, such as a depiction of a portion of a spine. Algorithms map treatment settings from one level of abstraction to settings at one or more other levels of abstraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Goetz
  • Patent number: 10441802
    Abstract: A pass-through assembly including a first wall having oppositely-directed inner and outer sides, the first wall defining a first opening extending from the inner side to the outer side; an elongated structure extending into the opening from the outer side of the first wall; a first material contacting the first wall and the elongated structure so as to at least partially seal the opening, and a second material different from the first material, the second material overlying the first material on the outer side of the wall, the second material adhering to the elongated structure and the first wall, the second material having at least one physical property different than a corresponding physical property of the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: HeartWare, Inc.
    Inventor: John Rudser
  • Patent number: 10441803
    Abstract: A system for providing neurostimulation includes an external device (“external exciter”) and an implanted device. The external exciter includes an energy source which inductively powers the implanted device. Examples of such external exciters include devices having at least one of: ultrasonic transducers, Radio Frequency (RF) transmitters, and solar cells. The implanted device includes circuitry that limits its maximum energy output to a predetermined saturation threshold such that excess stimulation from the external exciter does not raise the output of the implanted device beyond the saturation threshold. The output signal of the external exciter is then pulse-width modulated in order to produce a desired amount of output stimulation from the implanted device to stimulate the bioelectrically excitable tissue at a desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Bruce C. Towe, Daniel Gulick
  • Patent number: 10441804
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a wearable medical device capable of treating a patient presenting with syncope is provided. The wearable medical device includes a memory storing event profile information, a battery, at least one treatment electrode coupled to the battery, at least one processor coupled to the memory and the at least one treatment electrode, and an event manager executed by the at least one processor. The event manager is configured to detect an event associated with syncope; store, in the memory, data descriptive of the event in association with an indication that the data includes data descriptive of a syncopal event; and address the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Kaib, Shane S. Volpe, Jason T. Whiting, Gregory R. Frank, Rachel H. Carlson, Gary A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 10441805
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy that treats atrial arrhythmias within pain tolerance thresholds of a patient. An implantable therapy generator adapted to generate and selectively deliver a three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy and at least two leads, each having at least one electrode adapted to be positioned proximate the atrium of the patient. The device is programmed for delivering a three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy via both a far-field configuration and a near-field configuration of the electrodes upon detection of an atrial arrhythmia. The three-stage atrial cardioversion therapy includes a first stage for unpinning of one or more singularities associated with an atrial arrhythmia, a second stage for anti-repinning of the one or more singularities, both of which are delivered via the far-field configuration of the electrodes, and a third stage for extinguishing of the one or more singularities delivered via the near-field configuration of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: The Washington University
    Inventors: Igor R. Efimov, Wenwen Li, Ajit Janardhan
  • Patent number: 10441806
    Abstract: A system capable of self-adjusting both sound level and spectral content to improve audibility and intelligibility of medical device audible cues. Audible cues are stored as sound files. Ambient noise is detected, and the output of the audible cues is altered based on the ambient noise. Various embodiments include processed sound files that are more robust in noisy environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: PHYSIO-CONTROL, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Eugene Smith
  • Patent number: 10441807
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for treating diseases or conditions with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, where the disease or condition treated is one susceptible to modulation of gene expression by pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. The present disclosure generally relates to methods of modulating gene expression and biological regulatory pathways with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for treating diseases or conditions associated with such gene expression or regulatory pathways that are susceptible to modulation by pulsed electromagnetic therapy, including diseases or conditions associated with inflammation, nerve pain and wound repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Regenesis Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventor: John Moffett
  • Patent number: 10441808
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) with light. Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss and/or improved metabolic function. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by using light to stimulate nerves that activate the BAT and/or to stimulate brown adipocytes directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss and/or improved metabolic function through energy expenditure. The light can be configured to directly or indirectly stimulate the nerves and/or the brown adipocytes. The light can be configured to indirectly stimulate the nerves and/or the brown adipocytes by activating a light activatable medium administered to a patient and configured to respond to the light to cause activation of the brown adipose tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignees: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Jason L. Harris, Lee M. Kaplan, David N. Plescia, Taylor W. Aronhalt, James W. Voegele, Nicholas Stylopoulos
  • Patent number: 10441809
    Abstract: The invention provides a lighting system (10) comprising a first light source (100), a second light source (200) and a control system (20) configured to control the first light source (100) and the second light source (200), wherein: —the first light source (100) is configured to provide first light source light (101) comprising: (i) a UV component; and (ii) (iia) a blue component or (iib) a blue component and a yellow component; —the second light source (200) is configured to provide white second light source light (201) having a second light source light correlated color temperature (Tc2); —the lighting system (10) is configured to provide lighting system light (11) comprising one or more of said first light source light (101) and said second light source light (201), with the lighting system light (11) having a controllable correlated color temperature (Tc).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Ties Van Bommel, Rifat Ata Mustafa Hikmet
  • Patent number: 10441810
    Abstract: A system for treating a diseased site in a human or animal body. The system includes a pharmaceutical carrier including one or more phosphors which are capable of emitting light into the diseased site upon interaction, a photoactivatable drug for intercalating into DNA of cells at the diseased site, one or more devices which infuse the diseased sited with the photoactivatable drug and the pharmaceutical carrier, an x-ray or high energy electron source, and a processor programmed to control a dose of x-rays or electrons to the diseased site for production of light inside the tumor to activate the photoactivatable drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignees: IMMUNOLIGHT, LLC, DUKE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Mark Oldham, Zakaryae Fathi, Wayne F. Beyer, Harold Walder, Frederic A. Bourke, Jr., Mark Dewhirst, Neil L. Spector, Paul Yoon, Justus Adamson, David Alcorta, Kim Lyerly, Leihua Liu, Takuya Osada
  • Patent number: 10441811
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiotherapy planning system (100) for determining a solution (101) corresponding to a fluence profile. The invention proposes to use a Pareto frontier navigator (140) to select the best plan from a set of various auto-planned solutions. An interactive graphical user interface (400) is provided to the planner to navigate among convex combinations of auto-planned solutions. This proposed Pareto plan navigation can be considered as a further optional refinement process, which can be applied to find the best plan in those cases where auto-generated solutions are not fully satisfying the planner's requirements. The navigation tool (400) moves locally through a set of auto-generated plans and can potentially simplify the planner's decision making process and reduce the whole planning time on complex clinical cases from several hours to minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Alfonso Agatino Isola, Christoph Neukirchen
  • Patent number: 10441812
    Abstract: An output radiation treatment plan for at least one target in a treatment volume is determined. Each target is associated with a prescribed radiation dose. An updated treatment plan causes the prescribed radiation dose to be delivered to the target when implemented by a radiation therapy machine. The updated treatment plan requires an updated delivery time to complete and is calculated by: [i] receiving a numerical value designating an upper bound on modulation efficiency of the updated treatment plan, [ii] receiving a current treatment plan, [iii] calculating a current delivery time for the current treatment plan, [iv] calculating an un-modulated delivery time for the current treatment plan, and [v] calculating the updated treatment plan by executing an optimization process while satisfying the upper bound on the modulation efficiency. Steps [ii] to [v] are traversed a predetermined number of times. Thereafter, the output radiation treatment plan is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: RaySearch Laboratories AB
    Inventors: Rasmus Bokrantz, Björn Hårdemark
  • Patent number: 10441813
    Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to cancer treatment with radiation sources. The present technology discloses techniques that can enable an automatic generation of radiotherapy trajectories using anatomical data of a patient. It can improve conformal dose distributions and target volume coverage by considering a radiation risk decided by an organs-at-risk (OAR)'s relative location to the target volume and the radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: R. Lee MacDonald, Christopher G. Thomas, James Leonard Robar
  • Patent number: 10441814
    Abstract: A control circuit administers a radiation treatment plan that specifies a planned total radiation dose for a radiation treatment session for a given patient by modulating a radiation beam with at least one high-resolution aperture that is formed using one of a plurality of linearly-sequential high-resolution aperture possibilities. By one approach the foregoing comprises modulating the radiation beam using at least substantially only high-resolution apertures that are formed using a plurality of the linearly-sequential high-resolution aperture possibilities. In some cases the foregoing can comprise administering the radiation treatment plan using at least two separate radiation exposures for only a single treatment field, in which case, by one approach, each of the separate radiation exposures for the single treatment field can comprise modulating the radiation beam using at least substantially only high-resolution apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventors: Janne I. Nord, Jarkko Y. Peltola, Esa Kuusela, Steven W. Prince
  • Patent number: 10441815
    Abstract: A neutron capture therapy system includes a neutron ray generating unit, an irradiated body placing unit on which a patient (irradiated body) is placed, and a gamma ray detecting unit that detects gamma rays emitted from the patient (irradiated body). The gamma ray detecting unit includes an emission part that emits light or electrons as the gamma rays are incident thereon, an amplification part that amplifies and outputs the light or the electrons emitted from the emission part, a first neutron ray shielding part formed of a substance containing 6-lithium, and a second neutron ray shielding part formed of a light element. The first neutron ray shielding part is provided so as to cover at least a surface opposite to an adjacent surface adjacent to the amplification part, among surfaces of the emission part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignees: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., KYOTO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Akabori, Hiroki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10441816
    Abstract: A radiation therapy medical apparatus is disclosed. The medical apparatus comprises: a base; a cylindrical gantry, peripherally and rotatably supported by the base; a radiation therapy assembly, comprising an arm and a radiation head, wherein one end of the arm is fixed to a first position on a first side of the gantry and the other end thereof is extended outwardly, and the radiation head is fixed to the other end of the arm; an imaging assembly, mounted to a second side of the gantry opposite to the first side, and configured to be a first balanced weight part for balancing the radiation therapy assembly; and a counterbalance, fixed to the second side of the gantry, and configured to cooperate with the imaging assembly to prevent the gantry from turnover under action of the radiation therapy assembly and configured to dynamically balance with the radiation therapy assembly with respect to a rotation axis of the gantry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jian Liu, Jian Zhang, Yuelin Shao, Xiaolong Liu, Jonathan S Maltz, Johannes N Stahl
  • Patent number: 10441817
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining information regarding the location of energy deposition of an ion beam, in particular a proton beam, in an absorptive medium, in particular in the tissue of a patient undergoing radiation therapy, comprising the following steps: generating an intensity modulated ion beam, wherein the intensity modulation comprises one or more modulation frequency components, detecting an acoustic signal attributable to the time dependent energy deposition in said absorptive medium by said intensity modulated ion beam using at least one detection apparatus, said detection apparatus being preferably configured for extracting at least one modulation frequency component of the acoustic signal corresponding to a respective one of the one or more modulation frequency components of said intensity modulation, or a harmonic thereof, and deriving information regarding the location of the energy deposition based, at least in part, on a time lag between the timing of the intensity modulation of sai
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignees: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Universität der Bundeswehr München
    Inventors: Günther Dollinger, Katia Parodi, Walter Assmann, Vasilis Ntziachristos, Stephan Kellnberger
  • Patent number: 10441818
    Abstract: A patient monitoring system for monitoring a patient undergoing radiotherapy comprising a projector operable to project a pattern of light onto a patient undergoing radiation treatment, a patient restraint operable to restrain the patient relative to a treatment apparatus, an image detector operable to obtain images of the patient, and a model generation module operable to process images of the patient obtained by the image detector to generate a model of the surface of a portion of the patient, wherein at least a portion of the patient restraint is colored and the model generation module is inhibited from generating a model of the colored portion of the patient restraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: VISION RT LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael James Tallhamer, Adrian Roger William Barrett, James Mathew Hughes, II, Edward William Mead, Ivan Daniel Meir
  • Patent number: 10441819
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide improved techniques for dosimetry in radiotherapy treatment. In a fractionated radiotherapy treatment, once the first fraction is complete and has been verified, data is generated which is representative of the dose development during delivery of the treatment for that patient and that treatment plan. This data can be used as a comparator for the instantaneous doses observed during subsequent fractions, allowing real-time dosimetry verification for the second and subsequent fractions after a successful first fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: ELEKTA LIMITED
    Inventor: Abdul Sayeed
  • Patent number: 10441820
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cavitation-guided opening of a targeted region of tissue within a primate skull are provided. In one example, a method includes delivering one or more microbubbles to proximate the targeted region, applying an ultrasound beam, using a transducer, through the skull of the primate to the targeted region to open the tissue, transcranially acquiring acoustic emissions produced from an interaction between the one or more microbubbles and the tissue, and determining a cavitation spectrum from the acquired acoustic emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK
    Inventors: Elisa E. Konofagou, Fabrice Marquet, Yao-Sheng Tung
  • Patent number: 10441821
    Abstract: The first agent for hair modification is appliable on hair in a reduction step for a hair modification treatment method including a reduction step; and a heating step of bringing the hair obtainable after the reduction step into contact with a heating element set at a temperature of 70° C. or higher, the first agent including a reducing agent and N-acetylglucosamine. The hair modification treatment method includes a reduction step of applying, on hair, a first agent for hair modification including a reducing agent and N-acetylglucosamine; and a heating step of bringing the hair obtainable after the reduction step into contact with a heating element set at a temperature of 70° C. or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: MILBON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Len Ito, Yoshihide Okamoto
  • Patent number: 10441822
    Abstract: This invention relates to skincare compositions, in particular compositions effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris, and to methods of treatment of the skin that involve the application of such compositions, wherein the compositions comprise salicylic acid or a salt thereof in combination with at least two actives selected from the group consisting of lactic acid or a salt thereof; glycyrrhizinic acid or a salt or a derivative thereof; bisabolol; cetylhydroxyproline palmitamide; allantoin; niacinamide; and Epilobium angustifolium extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: RECKITT BENCKISER HEALTHCARE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Carolyn Buckley, Stuart Jackson, Neil Kilcullen, Diane Marie Pavis
  • Patent number: 10441823
    Abstract: The present invention provides an oxygen-providing material with the function of skin whitening, characterized in that said oxygen-providing material comprises a solid oxygen source, an activator, and a catalyst; wherein the solid oxygen source is selected from the group consisting of peroxide and percarbonate; wherein the oxygen-providing material with the function of skin whitening can be placed in household products, said household products comprising respirator, mask, facial mask, bra, chest paste, spill proof pad, sanitary napkin, diaper, panty liner, disposable hygiene product, band-aids, wrapping sponge, and box-shaped container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventors: Garry Tsaur, Frank Tsaur, Ting-Hua Wang
  • Patent number: 10441824
    Abstract: A descender device is disclosed for enabling a controlled descent of a load along a tether. The device comprises a frame having a front and rear side, and a first and second aperture disposed therein for receiving a tether. The first and second aperture extend between the front and rear side of the frame and the tether being arranged to pass between the first and second apertures substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame. The device further comprises a control bar disposed within the first aperture. The control bar extends across the first aperture and is constrained to move in a plane of the aperture, substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the bar. In use, the tether is arranged to loop around the control bar within the second aperture and the free ends of the tether are arranged to extend out from the first aperture, away from the front side of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: SWISSLOGO AG
    Inventor: Stephen Griffiths
  • Patent number: 10441825
    Abstract: Stabilizing devices and methods of use for stabilizing spreading tools are provided. The stabilizing device includes a base having a first surface and a second surface, a first tower extending from the first surface having a first aperture formed therein, a second tower extending from the first surface having a second aperture formed therein, wherein the second tower is separated from the first tower by a tower span configured to receive a portion of the spreading tool, an engagement pin removably receivable through the first and second apertures, extend across the tower span, and configured to engage with a portion of a spreading tool, and a rail extending from the first surface and configured to stop movement of a spreading tool that is engaged with the engagement pin between the first and second towers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: T&J RESCUE ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony R. Leca, John H. Winterberger, Jr., Randall S. McHugh