Patents Issued in April 6, 2021
  • Patent number: 10967146
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a technology for a sensor network, machine to machine (M2M), machine type communication (MTC) and internet of things (IoT). The present disclosure can be utilized for intelligent services (smart homes, smart buildings, smart cities, smart cars or connected cars, health care, digital education, retail trading, security and safety-related services, etc.) based on the technology. A control method of a control device for managing a user's sleep environment according to the present invention may comprise the steps of: obtaining sleep-related information of the user on the basis of user sensing data sensed by a sensor; and controlling, on the basis of the sleep-related information, a first wavelength band output of at least one electronic device comprising a light source. The present invention may also include other embodiments, not limited to the above embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dusan Baek, Sooyoung Lee
  • Patent number: 10967147
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system for determining an error associated with an electrode disposed on a medical device. The system comprises a processor and a memory storing instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The instructions are executable by the processor to receive an electrode signal from the electrode disposed on the medical device. The instructions are further executable by the processor to receive a plurality of other electrode signals from a plurality of other electrodes disposed on the medical device. The instructions are further executable by the processor to determine that the electrode signal received from the electrode disposed on the medical device is an outlier in relation to the plurality of other electrode signals from the plurality of other electrodes disposed on the medical device, based on a comparison between the electrode signal and the plurality of other electrode signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical International Holding S.à r.l.
    Inventors: Eitan Oren, Oded Sudarsky, Adar Shlain, Stavit Cohen, Alexander Zaslavky, Silvina Rybnikov, Maxim Yoresh
  • Patent number: 10967148
    Abstract: A guide wire control device and methods of use are described herein. A novel method for optimizing a guide wire for a patient is described. The method includes steps of scanning a patient's anatomy and then fabricating, or selecting, a guide wire with optimal geometry for a particular patient and/or procedure. The guide wire may optionally be secured to a guide wire control device for improved control during transcatheter surgical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Ring
  • Patent number: 10967149
    Abstract: An everting balloon system is disclosed that can be used for biopsy within a body of a patient or animal. The everting balloon system can be used to access a bodily cavity or vessel for tissue specimen collection at specific bodily locations. The everting catheter system described simplifies the process of tissue biopsy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: CrossBay Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Bacich, Matthew Thomas Yurek, Piush Vidyarthi
  • Patent number: 10967150
    Abstract: A deflectable catheter shaft section is disclosed comprising an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis with a distal end and a proximal end. First and second pull wires can extend along the elongated body and can have a proximal end and a distal end. First and second pull wire liners can be disposed over a portion of one of the first and second pull wires, respectively. Each of the first and second pull wires can have a proximal end and a distal end. A first gap can exist between the proximal end of the first pull wire liner and the proximal end of the elongated body and a second gap can exist between the proximal end of the second pull wire liner and the proximal end of the elongated body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary L. Helgeson, Troy T. Tegg, Alexander C. Houck, Xuan Y. Khieu, Salome A. Gonzalez, Somally Mom, John Her
  • Patent number: 10967151
    Abstract: A steerable catheter comprises a mobile tube and an intermediate tube, coaxial with each other, which extend from a proximal end to a distal end of the catheter and are telescopically mounted into each other with possibility of mutual rotation and axial translation. The mobile tube comprises a central lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The intermediate tube comprises, along its whole length, a longitudinal notch radially offset in a direction of offset with respect to the axis of the steerable catheter and extending axially from the proximal end to the distal end. The longitudinal notch contains a cable adapted to undergo a traction exerted from the proximal end, the traction generating a bending of the steerable catheter directed towards the offset direction. The steerable catheter further comprises around the intermediate tube a sealed external sheath surrounding the intermediate tube over its periphery and covering the longitudinal notch over its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: CAIRDAC
    Inventors: Willy Regnier, Florian Leveque, Julien Dohin, Jean-Baptiste Pourchet, Perrine Chaffotte, An Nguyen-Dinh
  • Patent number: 10967152
    Abstract: An expandable medical sheath can include a sheath body having a lumen that extends between proximal and distal ends of the sheath. The sheath can have first and second members where the first member has a different elastic modulus than the second member such that one provides elasticity to the sheath and the other provides column strength. The first and second members can be coupled together in alternating sections to form the tubular sheath or the stiffer members can be embedded in the elastic member along all or a portion of the longitudinal length of the sheath. The sheath can automatically move to an expanded state to allow a larger diameter medical device to pass through the lumen, and once through the sheath can automatically return to its initial diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Abiomed, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Nason Korkuch
  • Patent number: 10967153
    Abstract: A method of treating a patient includes providing a guidewire having an elongate body defining a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate body including a shapeable portion disposed proximate the proximal end, the shapeable portion being malleable so as to be shaped into a shape and remain in the shape until reshaped. The distal end of the elongate body is advanced into a vasculature of the patient. The shapeable portion of the elongate body is shaped into a first shape that prevents advancement of the guidewire further into the vasculature of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Bown, David M. Butts
  • Patent number: 10967154
    Abstract: Guidewires useful for cooperating with catheters may be actively steered and/or provide adjustable stiffness. Angle or curvature of a guidewire, and/or flexural modulus of a guidewire, may be adjusted at one or more locations between ends thereof. Variable stiffness segments may include electrically operated compressible and/or extensible materials. Multiple tensile elements may terminate at different body elements to adjust angle or curvature at multiple locations. Multiple circumferentially and/or radially contractible fiber regions may be provided and distributed over a length of a guidewire. Adjustable flexure elements arranged in or along a guidewire may be electrically operated. A flexible core member may be centrally arranged in a tubular body. A flexible guide wire or track may cooperate with electrically operable motor units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jeffrey LaBelle, Julio Morera, Marco Santello
  • Patent number: 10967155
    Abstract: An inflation device includes a syringe body containing a bore. The bore holds a fluid that is used to inflate a separate device such as a dilation balloon. A plunger assembly slides within the syringe bore and contains a sealing member that forms a fluid tight seal with the syringe body. A shut-off valve is disposed within the distal end of the syringe body. The distal end of the syringe body has a fluid bypass channel fluidically coupled to the aperture of a connector. The shut-off valve has a spring-biased moveable piston with a bypass lumen contained therein, wherein the bypass lumen forms a fluid path between the bore and the fluid bypass channel when the pressure of the fluid is below a threshold value. The fluid path between the bore and the fluid bypass channel is interrupted when the pressure of the fluid is above the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Entellus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Lesch, Jr., Paul A. Vajgrt, Timothy B. Petrick
  • Patent number: 10967156
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses a balloon catheter employing a reinforced, co-axial, duel lumen design. In certain embodiments, at least one of the lumens is formed of a multilayer, tubular element in which one of the layers functions, in part, to provide radial reinforcement to the tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: MicroVention, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Gulachenski, Cathy Lei, Nelson Peralta, Tadele Haile Wolde-Meskel
  • Patent number: 10967157
    Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a shaft, and a balloon provided outside the shaft. A drug is provided on an outer surface of the balloon, and the balloon has at least a straight tube part. A change ratio of an outer diameter of the straight tube part, (D28?D24)/D24, is 1.1% or less. D24 is the outer diameter of the straight tube part when an internal pressure of 2.43 MPa (24 atm) is applied, and D28 is the outer diameter of the straight tube part when an internal pressure of 2.84 MPa (28 atm) is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masao Sato, Soichiro Kita, Hitoshi Tahara, Ryoji Nakano, Motokazu Watanabe, Takuji Nishide
  • Patent number: 10967158
    Abstract: A bi-stable popper valve and a device for detecting blockage in a flow of a fluid are provided. The valve includes a membrane supporting two conformations: in a first conformation the membrane is convex in relation the upstream fluid, and in a second conformation the membrane can be concave in relation to the upstream fluid, such that in the first conformation the flow of the fluid through the membrane is prevented and in the second conformation the flow of the fluid through the membrane is permitted through an pore defined by the membrane in only the second conformation. The membrane changes from the first conformation to the second responsive to a pressure of the fluid meeting or exceeding an opening pressure value of the membrane. A sensor can detect a shift from the first conformation to the second conformation, indicating a flow, or absence of flow, of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: PopFlow, LLC
    Inventors: Scott C. Mitchell, David Frederick Bauer, Gabriella L. Grangard, Waad Kahouli, Christopher C. Dalldorf
  • Patent number: 10967159
    Abstract: A catheter system and method of dilating first and second anatomies includes a guide catheter extending along a longitudinal axis that has a breakaway distal end portion with a conduit in communication with the lumen. The conduit is configured to guide a dilation catheter at a first predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis and a second predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis for respectively dilating the first and second anatomies. The breakaway distal end portion includes first and second guide segments at least partially defining the conduit and respectively extending the first and predetermined angles to first and second distal openings. The second guide segment is removably connected to the first guide segment for selectively guiding the dilation catheter along the second predetermined angle when connected and along the first predetermined angle when disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: George L. Matlock, Don Q. Ngo-Chu, Jetmir Palushi, Tuan Pham, Henry F. Salazar, David A. Smith, Jr., John H. Thinnes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10967160
    Abstract: There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention a method of treating a subject suffering from a nerve related disorder, the method comprising causing a damage region to one or both of a lumen wall or nearby surrounding tissues, the damage region encompassing a volume having dimensions of less than about 6.8 mm in a substantially radial direction, less than about 5.8 mm in a direction substantially tangential to the lumen, less than about 10 mm in a substantially axial direction, the damage region being located no closer than about 0.2 mm from an inner wall of the lumen, the damage region comprises of greater than about 60% of collagen denatured tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: CardioSonic Ltd.
    Inventors: Ariel Sverdlik, Iris Szwarcfiter, Or Shabtay
  • Patent number: 10967161
    Abstract: A device includes a container for accommodating a medicament, a pressure route and a valve. The pressure route, disposed in the container, includes an extending pathway, a pressure-route inlet connected with a connecting port, and a pressure-route outlet extending toward a container bottom. The valve includes a first through hole connecting spatially the pressure-route inlet and outlet, and a valve body dividing the extending pathway into a pressure-in pathway and a pressure-out pathway. The device can convey the medicament such as a hemostatic agent more stably and smoothly to effectively avoid blocking upon a field of vision of an endoscope by the disturbed medicament while hitting a target tissue. Thereupon, the medicament can be provided more precisely, continuity of an endoscopic surgery can be improved, efficiency of hemostasis can be enhanced, and also surgery time can be substantially shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG TANZHEN BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yu-Ming Yang, Yang Yang
  • Patent number: 10967162
    Abstract: Systems, instruments, and methods for minimally invasive procedures including one or more of fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, fractional scar revision, and/or fractional tattoo removal are described. Embodiments include instrumentation comprising a scalpet assembly coupled to a carrier, and the scalpet assembly includes a scalpet array. The scalpet array includes one or more scalpets configured for fractional resection, fractional lipectomy, fractional skin grafting, fractional scar revision, and/or fractional tattoo removal. The system includes a vacuum component coupled to the scalpet assembly and configured to evacuate tissue from the a site. The carrier is configured to control application of a rotational force and/or a vacuum force to the scalpet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SRGI HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Edward Knowlton
  • Patent number: 10967163
    Abstract: A soft tip applicator attaches to a syringe for spreading expressed liquid from the syringe onto a surface, such as skin. A detachable hollow microneedle assembly supports transdermal injection of syringe contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Esthetic Education LLC
    Inventors: Kristin Groop, Lawrence Groop
  • Patent number: 10967164
    Abstract: Discloses is a method of manufacturing a micro-needle. The method includes a step of preparing a medicinal solution, a step of forming a plurality of tips with the medicinal solution, and a step of forming a cavity in each of the tips. In accordance with such a configuration, a micro-needle in which cavities are formed is provided, whereby it is possible to administer a fixed amount of medicine in a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: GACHON UNIVERSITY OF INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jung Hwan Park, Ji Yeon Kim, Jee Hyun Park, Won Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 10967165
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods of tissue/wound treatment and associated devices and systems, including devices for breaching bio-films contained in and around wounds, devices for maximizing moisture vapor transmission rate, and tissue dressings with added barrier features for permeable surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Oxyband Technologies Inc
    Inventor: Coni F Rosati
  • Patent number: 10967166
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a breast nipple areola complex tattoo stencil comprising first, second and third stencil sections. The first stencil section defines an areola area. The second stencil section defines a nipple area and tubercle areas. One or more registration elements on the first and/or second stencil sections enable registration of the second stencil section to the first stencil section. The third stencil section defines one or both of a nipple shading area and a nipple highlight area. One or more registration elements on the third and/or second stencil sections enable registration of the third stencil section to the second stencil section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Alanna M. Rebecca, Solomon M. Azouz
  • Patent number: 10967167
    Abstract: Certain substances (e.g., large molecules) that ordinarily cannot traverse the blood brain barrier can be introduced into the brain by applying an alternating electric field to the brain for a period of time, wherein the frequency of the alternating electric field is selected so that application of the alternating electric field increases permeability of the blood brain barrier. In some embodiments, the frequency of the alternating electric field is less than 190 kHz (e.g., 100 kHz). Once the permeability of the blood brain barrier has been increased, the substance is able to cross the blood brain barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventors: Carsten Hagemann, Mario Lohr, Almuth F. Kessler, Malgorzata Burek, Carola Forster, Catherine Brami, Hadas Sara Hershkovich, Tali Voloshin-Sela
  • Patent number: 10967168
    Abstract: A medical fluid control device with a fluid flow housing has at least one attachment port for attaching and removing an external medical fluid-guiding component and at least one connection port for connecting to a further functional component of the medical fluid conduction system, and with an adjustment member for controlling a flow of fluid relative to the at least one attachment port and/or the at least one connection port. A particulate filter with a pore width of between 2 ?m and 15 ?m is integrated in the attachment port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: B. BRAUN MELSUNGEN AG
    Inventor: Ralf Kunschak
  • Patent number: 10967169
    Abstract: A medical connector includes: a body member that partitions a flow path between a proximal side opening and a distal side opening; and a male connector connection portion including: a valve body facing the flow path, and a male connector connection port openable and closable by the valve body. The body member comprises a male connector housing portion configured to house a distal end portion of a male connector connected to the male connector connection portion. The male connector housing portion is configured to cause the male connector to communicate with the distal side opening and to prevent inflow of a fluid from the proximal side opening to the male connector housing portion by connection of the male connector to the male connector connection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiko Onozuka, Kazuya Akiyama
  • Patent number: 10967170
    Abstract: A patch for a therapeutic electrical stimulation device includes a shoe connected to the first side of the patch, the shoe including a body extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end, and having first and second surfaces, the first end of the shoe defining at least two ports, and the first surface of the shoe defining a connection member. The patch also includes at least one conductor positioned in the ports of the first end of the shoe. The shoe is configured for sliding insertion into a receptacle defined by a controller so that the conductor is connected to the controller to deliver electrical current from the controller, through the conductor, and to the electrodes, and the connection member is at least partially captured by a detent defined by the controller in the receptacle to retain the shoe within the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: DJO, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Jerome Bachinski, Richard Paul Shindley, Dennis Lutz
  • Patent number: 10967171
    Abstract: A transdermal delivery system (1) configured to deliver an active agent to human or animal tissue, comprising a penetrative electrode (2) of one polarity that provides an electrical contact (3) beneath the stratum corneum (20); a surface electrode (4) of the opposite polarisation to that of the penetrative electrode (2) that provides an electrical contact to the external surface of the skin (21) on the opposite side of the stratum corneum (20) to the electrical contact (3) of the penetrative electrode (2); a dispenser (5) configured to deliver of an active agent to the external surface of the skin (21) adjacent to an electrical contact of the surface electrode (4); a method of delivering the active agent to the tissue of a human or animal body using the transdermal delivery system (1) and an electrode assembly (10) for use in preparing the transdermal delivery system (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: SISAF LTD.
    Inventors: Roghieh Suzanne Saffie-Siebert, Christopher Burns
  • Patent number: 10967172
    Abstract: An apparatus for implanting electrodes in neural tissue to connect a neural modulator to the tissue to send and receive signals from the neural tissue and a method for implanting the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Bionic Eye Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B Shire, Lauren N Ayton, Patricia I Wong, Marcus D Gingerich
  • Patent number: 10967173
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin
  • Patent number: 10967174
    Abstract: A lead wire associated with a pacemaker, implantable cardiac defibrillator or other cardiac electric signal source is provided with a protector tube overlying at least a portion of the lead wire. In one embodiment, this protector tube is provided as a sheath tube portion of a sheath assembly along with a valve body. The valve body of the sheath assembly is fracturable and removable away from the sheath tube, leaving the sheath tube upon the lead wire as a protector tube. In other embodiments, a separate protector tube is provided and fed over the lead wire and through a sheath assembly until placed where desired. A grommet and/or plug can be provided at a proximal end of the protector tube for anchoring of the protector tube in a desired location and for plugging the protector tube, while also accommodating the lead wire passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Walter Kusumoto
  • Patent number: 10967175
    Abstract: An implantable therapy lead is disclosed herein. The lead includes an elongated lead body having a suture sleeve. The suture sleeve is supported on the lead body and has each of an outer surface and an inner surface radially inward of the outer surface. The inner surface defines a lumen through which the elongated lead body extends. The suture sleeve further includes a structure projecting radially inward and/or outward from the inner surface. The suture sleeve is compressible from a first state into a second state by applying a constrictive force to the outer surface of the suture sleeve such that, when in the second state, the structure contacts the elongated lead body, at least in part, to resist movement of the elongated lead body relative to the suture sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Tyler Smith, Matthew Malone
  • Patent number: 10967176
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for dynamically adjusting a user interface provided by an external unit of a hearing device. In an example method, the external unit determines whether a state of the external unit is one of (i) a coupled state when the external unit and the stimulation unit are coupled or (ii) a decoupled state when the external and the stimulation unit are decoupled. The external unit then provides one of (i) a first user interface when the determined state is the coupled state or (ii) a second user interface when the determined state is the decoupled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Jan Patrick Frieding, Ivana Popovac
  • Patent number: 10967177
    Abstract: A method for stimulating a human leg, a stimulation system, and a garment including the stimulation system are disclosed. The method comprises: measuring, by a measuring unit, an electrical characteristic indicative of a physiological condition in a portion of the leg via a subset of skin electrodes comprised in a plurality of skin electrodes integrated in a leg part of a garment arranged to be worn about at least a part of the human leg; determining, by evaluating the measured electrical characteristic, if the portion of the leg is to be stimulated; and if it is determined that the portion is to be stimulated, applying a stimulation via a subset of stimulation units, comprised in a plurality of stimulation units being arranged in the leg part of the garment, such that the portion of the leg is stimulated. A stimulation system and a garment comprising such as stimulation system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Stichting IMEC Nederland
    Inventor: Seulki Lee
  • Patent number: 10967178
    Abstract: An electrode lead comprises a lead body, connector contacts affixed to the proximal end of the lead body, and a cuff body affixed to the distal end of the lead body. The cuff body is pre-shaped to transition from an unfurled state to a furled state, wherein the cuff body, when in the furled state has an inner surface for contacting a nerve and an overlapping inner cuff region and an outer cuff region. The electrode lead further comprise electrode contacts circumferentially disposed along the cuff body when in the furled state, such that at least one of the electrode contacts is located on the inner surface of the cuff body, and at least another of the electrode contacts is located between the overlapping inner and outer cuff regions. The electrode lead further comprises electrical conductors extending through the lead body respectively between the connector contacts and the electrode contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: THE ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
    Inventors: Boon Khai Ng, Joseph L. Calderon
  • Patent number: 10967179
    Abstract: An electrical venous stimulation apparatus comprising a powered signal generator, the signal generator configured to generate a specified electrical output signal. The apparatus also includes a plurality of electrodes in electrical communication with the signal generator and configured, to be placed in electrical communication with a subject, The electrical output signal sent to the subject, includes an output voltage, electrical current, and waveform that changes with time in a preprogrammed repeating cycle. The output voltage, electrical current, and waveform are configured to elicit a physiological response that stimulates a plurality of peripheral nerves in the subject, activates a venous muscle pump mechanism in one or more limbs of the subject, and non-invasively alter the physiology of target vein(s), wherein the target vein(s) is caused to distend under the surface of the subject's skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Novintum Medical Technology GmbH
    Inventor: David Bruce Phillips
  • Patent number: 10967180
    Abstract: A method for providing electrical current treatment by an apparatus having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a processor is provided. The method includes delivering an electric current through an object in contact with the first electrode and the second electrode; controlling, by the processor, the electric current delivered by the first electrode and the second electrode to have a specific waveform; and providing a notification at a predetermined time to notify a user to move the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ZIIP, INC.
    Inventors: David Mason, Melanie Simon, Ron Lisiecki
  • Patent number: 10967181
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for predicting the stimulation effect of cortical neurons in response to extracellular electrical stimulation. The method comprising the steps of defining an electrode configuration, defining a reconstructed neuronal cell type, wherein the reconstructed neuronal cell is characteristic of the physical and electrical properties of a neuronal cell, computing an electric field potential at the reconstructed neuronal cell, computing an effective transmembrane current of an arborization of the reconstructed neuronal cell, and determining a probability of activation of the reconstructed neuronal cell. A method for inducing an electrical stimulation effect on a cortical column is also disclosed. In an embodiment, the predicted network response of a cortical column is used to configure one or more electrodes to induce cortical stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Maksim Bazhenov, Eric Halgren, Maxim Komarov, Paola Malerba
  • Patent number: 10967182
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing pulmonary inflammation and/or increasing bronchial compliance in a patient utilize transcutaneous stimulation of neural structures in a region of an ear of a patient delivered by an auricular stimulation device having an in-ear component with a first electrode disposed in a patient's ear and an earpiece component with a second electrode placed around the auricle. A pulse generator may control delivery of therapy by delivering both a first series of stimulation pulses to the first electrode for stimulating a first neural structure(s) and a second series of stimulation pulses to the second electrode for stimulating second neural structure(s). The first and second electrodes are in non-piercing contact with tissue on and/or surrounding the ear. The systems and methods may be used to treat viral or bacteria infections, such as SARS, MERS, or COVID-19.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Spark Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Navid Khodaparast, Alejandro Covalin
  • Patent number: 10967183
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for neurostimulation using a combination of implantable and external devices to treat pain are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Nalu Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Yakovlev, Daniel Pivonka, Logan Palmer
  • Patent number: 10967184
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering neurostimulation therapies to patients for treating chronic heart failure. A neural fulcrum zone is identified and ongoing neurostimulation therapy is delivered within the neural fulcrum zone. The implanted stimulation device includes a physiological sensor for recording the patient's response to the neurostimulation therapy on an ambulatory basis over extended periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignees: LivaNova USA, Inc., East Tennessee State University
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Badri Amurthur, Bruce H. KenKnight, Jeffrey L. Ardell
  • Patent number: 10967185
    Abstract: Systems and methods for customizable titration of an implantable neurostimulator are provided. A method of titrating a neurostimulation signal delivered to a patient from an implantable pulse generator includes delivering a first neurostimulation signal with a first set of parameters, increasing a first value of the first neurostimulation signal at a first rate for a first period of time while delivering the first neurostimulation signal, ceasing delivery of the first neurostimulation signal when the first value reaches a first target value, delivering a second neurostimulation signal with a second set of parameters, and increasing the second neurostimulation signal at a second rate for a second period of time while delivering the second neurostimulation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: LivaNova USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Stubbs, Imad Libbus, Scott Mazar, Bruce H. KenKnight, Badri Amurthur
  • Patent number: 10967186
    Abstract: An electronic programmer is used to program a pulse generator to generate electrical stimulation to be delivered to a patient via an implantable lead. The electronic programmer simultaneously displays, via an user interface, a first control mechanism and a second control mechanism that is separate and different from the first control mechanism. A first user input is received via the first control mechanism, and a second user input is received via the second control mechanism. In response to the received first user input and the second user input, the electronic programmer sends instructions to the pulse generator to cause a migration of the electrical stimulation from a first set of electrodes on the implantable lead to a second set of electrodes on the implantable lead. The first user input defines a stimulation amplitude change for the migration, and the second user input defines a direction for the migration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: CIRTEC MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norbert Kaula, Paul Landers, Yohannes Iyassu
  • Patent number: 10967187
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for sensing cardiac events from electrodes located proximate to one or more atrial or ventricular sites, over a period of time that includes a detection period followed by an observation period. One or more processors declare a ventricular arrhythmia episode and a corresponding VT/VF therapy based on the cardiac events during at least the detection period. The processors delay delivery of the VT/VF therapy for a self-termination period within the observation period. The self-termination period represents a time period during which the ventricular arrhythmia episode may self-terminate. The processors analyze a stability characteristic of interest (COI) from the cardiac events sensed over at least a portion the observation period and determine an end point for the self-termination period, within the observation period, based on the stability COI. The VT/VF therapy is delivered when the VT/VF arrhythmia episode continues past the end point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventor: Xing Pei
  • Patent number: 10967188
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling blood pressure by controlling atrial pressure and atrial stretch are disclosed. In some embodiments, a stimulation circuit may be configured to deliver a stimulation pulse to at least one cardiac chamber of a heart of a patient, and at least one controller may be configured to execute delivery of one or more stimulation patterns of stimulation pulses to the at least one cardiac chamber, wherein at least one of the stimulation pulses stimulates the heart such that an atrial pressure resulting from atrial contraction of an atrium overlaps in time a passive pressure build-up of the atrium, such that an atrial pressure of the atrium resulting from the stimulation is a combination of the atrial pressure resulting from atrial contraction and the passive pressure build-up and is higher than an atrial pressure of the atrium would be without the stimulation, and such that the blood pressure of the patient is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: BackBeat Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Yuval Mika, Darren Sherman, Robert S. Schwartz, Robert A. Van Tassel, Daniel Burkhoff
  • Patent number: 10967189
    Abstract: Baseline BiV pacing is delivered and a corresponding baseline BiV efficacy score is determined. Intrinsic AV conduction is allowed and an intrinsic AV conduction interval is determined. BiV fusion pacing is delivered and a corresponding efficacy score is determined, for each of a plurality of different paced AV delays, each determined based on the intrinsic AV conduction interval and a different negative hysteresis delta. The baseline BiV pacing is selected for delivery during a period of time if the baseline BiV efficacy score is better than all of the efficacy scores. BiV fusion pacing is selected for delivery during the period of time, using one of the plurality of different paced AV delays for which a corresponding efficacy score was determined, if the efficacy score corresponding to at least one of the plurality of different paced AV delays is better than the baseline BiV efficacy score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Wisnoskey, Yelena Nabutovsky, Jennifer Rhude, Gary Cranke
  • Patent number: 10967190
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for operating a system for management of implantable medical devices (IMDs), comprises: conducting communications sessions with a plurality of clinician programmer devices, wherein some of the communication sessions occur while the plurality of clinician programmer devices are engaged in respective programming sessions with IMDs; conducting communications sessions with a plurality of patient controller devices, wherein the communication sessions with the patient controller devices include communication of data pertaining to offline programming of IMDs; reconciling programming session data received from the plurality of clinician programmer devices with programming session data received from patient controller devices to identify instances of unauthorized IMD programming; and distributing revocation data to patient controller devices to be downloaded to corresponding IMDs, wherein the revocation data identifies cryptographic keys that are no longer trusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher S. L. Crawford
  • Patent number: 10967192
    Abstract: A wearable article for receiving and retaining a charger for charging a medical device implanted into a patient includes a coil-assembly cavity and first and second controller cavities defined between first and second major surfaces of a body of the wearable article. The coil-assembly cavity is configured to retain a coil assembly of the charger, and the first and second controller cavities are each configured to receive at least a portion of a controller of the charger. A controller slit is defined along the first major surface and is open to both the first and second controller cavities. The first controller cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of the controller with a user interface of the controller extending or observable through the controller slit or disposed in the second controller cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Mun Pook Lui, Erin Suzanne Roper, Joey Chen, Gaurav Gupta, Daniel Aghassian
  • Patent number: 10967193
    Abstract: An external defibrillator system such as a WCD is also capable of providing transthoracic pacing and drug delivery (e.g., pain-reducing drugs and/or a sedatives) to a patient. The drug(s) may be included in the therapy electrode electrolyte and dispensed for defibrillation, cardioversion and/or pacing therapy. Alternatively, the drug(s) may be stored in a separate reservoir and dispensed during pacing therapy. The drug(s) may be dispensed to a patient after a successful defibrillation therapy. The pacing therapy may be delivered a set time-period after the drug(s) were dispensed. A relatively small electric current may be delivered to the area of the patient on which the drug(s) were dispensed to facilitate drug absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: West Affum Holdings Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph L. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10967194
    Abstract: A device for generating pulsed electromagnetic fields is described, along with methods of using the device to treat patients by exposure to the pulsed electromagnetic fields. The treatments utilize pulsed electromagnetic fields based on the fundamental Schumann resonance frequency and the first 6 harmonics of that frequency. Various embodiments of the treatment methods include frequency sweeps across or hops between one or more of the Schumann resonance frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventors: C. Norman Shealy, Sergey Sorin, Francis L. Cassady
  • Patent number: 10967195
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hyperthermia system for treating a patient, comprising an RF power unit, one or more RF antenna's connected to the RF power unit for generating a focused three-dimensional RF field, a controller for adjusting the RF power source and/or the one or more RF antenna's for steering the focused three-dimensional RF field; a sensor for sensing a parameter representative of the focused three-dimensional RF field; a communication environment for inputting data from the said sensor and/or additional information provided by the patient, said communication environment being capable of generating trigger signals to the controller for in use steering the focused three-dimensional RF filed in real time. The invention further relates to a method for generation a focused three-dimensional RF field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: ERASMUS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER ROTTERDAM
    Inventors: Gerard Cornelis van Rhoon, Margarethus Marius Paulides, Jurriaan Fokke Bakker, Roelf Albert Roskam
  • Patent number: 10967196
    Abstract: There is provided a therapeutic method and system for utilizing full spectrum of natural solar radiations with an optimum balance of ultra-violet (UV), visible and infrared (IR) radiations. The disclosed therapeutic method comprising collecting and concentrating the natural solar radiations using a natural solar radiations concentrator; transporting the concentrated natural solar radiations using a transporting medium to an indoor device; optimizing a spot size, an intensity and an ultra-violet range of the natural solar radiations; and directing the optimized natural solar radiations to a desired body part using the indoor device; wherein the full spectrum of natural solar radiations has an optimum balance of ultra-violet, visible and infrared radiations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ahmed Hassan, Kheira Anissa Tabet Aoul, Rashed Khalifa Al-Shaali